Once upon a dream.. (ARTGUM)

Let us begin..

Dawn overcame the reserved kingdom of Tokture. In the forest surrounding the kingdom, birds chirped their greetings to their fellow feathury neighbors. While on the forest floor, other woodland creatures slowly woke to the new day. Usually the residents of the Tokture wouldn't rise for a few hours but, like with most things, there was one exception. On the border of the kingdom and the forest, on the southernmost edge, was a secluded manor. What was once one of the most lively and powerful houses the kingdom had to offer, was now one surrounded by darkness and irrelevancy. Only few knew if its existence nowadays, much to the head of the house's displeasure. However, our heroine could care less about the world outside her home. She had bigger things to worry about.

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I can't help but sigh at the reality I wake up to once again. The stone walls surround me, the bed creeks as I get up, the wooden roof filtering in light from the lack of shingles, it screams prison. I know. But I can't help but smile when I realize what day it is.

I burst out from under the covers and pad over to the old, wooden wardrobe that stood in the corner of my otherwise barren room. It creaked when the wind blew through my room and it smelled musky, but it's mine. I pull out a white blouse, brown skirt from their respective hangers. I put them on and smile at my craftsmanship. I draw all my clothes myself and use my quirk to make them real. I can only do this once a year though- at stepmother's request- but it's worth it.

I run a hand through my ever growing hair and sigh. "I need to cut you soon.." I note and grab something I wouldn't hear the end of if my sibling's found out I had. Oh what hell would await me if they knew I had that orange ribbon. It was my mothers you see..

After my father died, Stepmother got rid of everything that was once my mother. She told me that "There was room for only one mother in this house." What a wonderful mother she has been.

A sound coming from my window takes me away from my thoughts. "Whomst the fuck the up this early?" I mumble. I tie up my hair into a ponytail and cover the ribbon with a light blue scarf. A smile makes its way to my face when I see my boys. Perched on the window sill is a small raven with bright, yellow eyes, accompanied by a hawk with gorgeous red wings. For some reason they fly together even though they're supposed to be enemies. I like to think Ruby found Shadow outside of his nest and... took him under her wing! AHa-! Im sorry.

But that's just me. And yes- I did name them myself thank you.

I open the window for them. "Shadow! Ruby! Good to see you both." I open the window for them. They don't hesitate to fly in. "Look guys, I'd love to stick around but I got to get my chores done. You can hang out here if you want but please don't make too much noise?" I slightly begged. Shadow gave what resembled a nod while Ruby cawed in what I hoped to be understanding. "Good." I said while glancing around the room. "Don't mess with anything, and please- I'm begging you guys- don't poop on the bed. I can't afford another." I plead before making my way out of my room and into the quiet of the manor.

While walking through dusty halls and airy staircases, I can't help but smile as I open all the blinds to the windows. Call me cheesy but sunshine always gave me hope. Eventually I get to the most untouched room in the house, the kitchen. It seems only I am allowed in here. My siblings call it repulsive and not suitable for them. Strange since everyone should have at least some idea of how to cook. I digress, someone has to cook for the house, might as well be me.

As I cook eggs, bacon, and some pancakes, I hum a tune of one of the songs I heard while on one of my visits to town. There was a festival going on but I sadly couldn't take part in it. Things to do, groceries to get. Stepmother isn't one for tardiness. Now that I think about it, Stepmother isn't one for a lot of things. She isn't one for light, or bright colors. Not for dancing either. At least, I've never seen her dance. I wonder if she can.

I look up from the stove to the door leading outside. I have a second to feed the chickens right? I glance back to the ever so crispy bacon. My mouth waters just by looking at it. "No. No- you can eat later." I mumble before plating the finished breakfast on three trays, plates for the main course and condiments respectively. I place one in one arm and two in the other with a sigh at the smell at the delicious food I made. Alas, there is always later.

Making my way upstairs, I walk a little faster than usual. Probably out of hunger. I slowly open the door to my eldest step-sibling's room. "Hey.. Two time? It's me..your favorite artist?" I try with a hopeful smile. Jin is two years older than me but he acts half his age sometimes. He's also very indecisive mood- wise. One minute he could be so happy and relaxed, the next minute he could be raging like all hell for no reason. But I know he doesn't mean it most of the time. He's a good guy under all that confliction. "Hina..? You should be in bed little sis. Oh! Do you have breakfast? Please tell me it's waffles!" He says with a smile. His blonde hair still a victim to bed head. "It's good to see you in a good mood Jin, sorry to crush it though.." I slowly set down the tray on his vanity, conveniently next to the door. "But today is pancakes!" I then close the door quickly, inadvertently slamming it. Not even a moment passes and something makes contact with the door, resulting in said something shattering. "I hate pancakes!" He yells. I sigh and rush to the next room, this one also belonging to one of my step- siblings.

I creak open the door to see she's already awake. "You love pancakes Jin! You told me yesterday!" She shouted, causing me to wince. Stepmother doesn't like waking up early. "Himiko, can you please be quiet? You know that I'm going to get blamed for this." I beg. Even though she is over a decade younger than me and her brother, Toga is a master at getting what she wants. One time, when we were all much younger, she saw that I was interested in a dress. She told me she would get it for her since she had a much easier time talking to step mother than I did. And she did, but the dress was her size. For some reason she still has it in her wardrobe to this day.

"I can.. But SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET OUT OF MY ROOM!" She shouts. I take her hint with a smile and leave her tray by the door. I don't even make it to Stepmother's room. She's already out in the hallway. "Hina-" Beyond my better judgement, I speak over her. "Stepmother please, I didn't mean to make Jin mad-" She raises a hand, stopping me dead in my tracks at her frown. "We will talk about this after you finish your chores." She states. I only nod and hand her her tray. "Is there syrup Hina?" She asks. I nod. "Yes ma'am." I see a satisfied smile ghost her lips. "Good." She turns on her heel to her room. Once she's back in her room I deflate a little. "Close one Hina." I note. "Now let's get going.."