The Nine Dancing Princesses (TWICE FF)

10. Magical Flowers

Every moment the only thing that ran through their minds were those magical flowers. Mina had said that there were many flowers but only a certain patch was glowing. It all felt so exciting to them. Finally something magical happened in their life. All through the years they followed the boring Royal norms, even their parties were boring. They had been concerned over their provinces, their subjects.

And between all the pressure had been enormous. They had to grow up faster than others. They had to live without their parent's direct affection as they were busy looking after their rule. They had to be more understanding than the others. They could not run around and play recklessly with just anyone. It was hard for them since the childhood. There were times when the weight of the crown was too heavy and they weren't even allowed to complain. They needed to appear strong because they were royalties. Because they were a princess first and human second.

At some point they stopped dreaming, stopped believing about magic. Or the fairy tales. Earlier it all seemed so real and it made sense more than anything else. But as they got to know what the real world is like, the fantasies got burried deep inside a case which was never opened.

But deep inside their hearts, where the dreaming child was still alive... They wanted a twist in their lives too. And the situation now felt like the perfect magical twist. So they were determined to explore more pushing away their fears.

...

It was early morning the dawn just cracked and Mina was already awake. Her maid didn't come yet, which was perfect. She decided to get ready by herself. Back in Japan she didn't let anyone help her, she did all her chores on her own. She liked that feeling but it was her mother's biggest concern because according to her it wasn't very... Princess like. She hated the stereotype of the society that princess or females in general are supposed to be very delicate.

Every day she would be dolled up at her mother's instructions, wearing heavy dresses and accessories. The thing that pissed her the most was it was women who had to put up with heavy clothing, how in the world do you expect them to be fragile.

She was brushing her hair after getting ready when there was a knock on the door. Assuming it was her maid she ordered her to come inside. However she was a bit surprised to see Tzuyu.

"I couldn't wait." She said.

Mina let out a small laugh at that. "Me too."

So they were waiting inside the green house for everyone to come as decided yesterday. Soon after everyone came they left for the forest. Nayeon had brought a medical kit and everyone thought it was so thoughtful of her. Jihyo had informed her maid and asked her to keep this a secret, just in case they didn't return till lunch. Momo and Sana had packed something to eat for everyone. And Jungyeon couldn't thank them enough.

"Mina... How much longer do we have to walk?" Sana whined already tired from walking. They were in the middle of forest, had been walking for quite some time but still didn't reach there.

"Are you sure this is the right path?" Jihyo asked when everyone stopped for a break. Mina nodded she just went straight yesterday and somehow managed to spot the place.

They all shared a special connection with the forest, so deep inside they all knew that it won't hurt them. Yesterday also when Mina was scared the forest showed her the way out. Soon they began their journey again.

They jumped through the roots, felt the breeze, played with the twigs and skipped along happily. They weren't uncomfortable although they never traveled such rough paths before. They were happy as they were together, it was fun.

"Oh! Is that..." Jungyeon asked pointing at a distance. Everyone looked up to where she was pointing.

"Flowers!" Nayeon exclaimed.

"Flowers?" Momo asked.

Mina advanced towards it, yes this was it. She exhaled heavily. Finally, she was back here.

"Mina..." Chaeyoung put a hand on her shoulder asking for an answer.

She looked at her and smiled. "Yes... This is the place." She said as everyone came closer. Between so many flowers, there was this patch that stood out. Those purple flowers. Mina smiled and began advancing towards it.
Just like yesterday, the vibe changed when she went near the flowers. Everyone started looking around as they felt the sudden tranquility in the atmosphere.

Then there was it, the illuminating light from the flowers. Everyone saw that and they were all mesmerized. Lost for words they couldn't think of anything. The sudden gust of wind snapping everyone frm the daze as it created a path through the flowers. The path calling for them.

For some reason today the flowers were glowing more brightly, the path was clearly visible today and the force of wind was stronger. Maybe because today all nine of them came.

Mina's heart was racing with the excitement. She looked back at her friends and they nodded. "Mina I will be right behind you."Jihyo said as Mina stepped into the path. Just as promised Jihyo was right behind her as they kept moving forward. The others watched them from a distance an uneasiness creeping into their minds.

Mina was ahead by a few steps as the entered the unknown to where the path led and just like that she disappeared behind the trees. Jihyo stopped in her tracks as she couldn't see where Mina went. She tried calling her, everyone shouted her name but to no avail.

"Should we call someone for help?" Dahyun asked.

"But we can't just leave her here." Nayeon said.

"Let's" Jihyo began gaining everyone's attention. "Let's all of us go together, we won't be harmed much like that."

Everyone agreed to that as they all started together. Jihyo was the first one to enter there after Mina. It didn't felt any different than normal walking in the forest.

But what lied after that definately was different. A clean patch of grass without any trees. The trees surrounded the place making a big circular area.

Mina was standing a bit far almost at the centre staring at the cage which was supported by a stand. Making the cage almost at the eye level. The only thing that was there was the cage at the very middle.