"Dad I'll do it. I'm your oldest son and the last thing I want to do is to dissapoint you" said Haruto
"Son I know this is a chance that comes one time in life but you don't have to do it. I'll explain everything to the emperor and I think he'll understand the situation, he's a father to..."
"He was a father now he's not anymore" said Ryoko
"Ryoko please don't make it worst the point is that you are still sick and this competition is really dangerous. How will you go to all those haunted places when you can't even move properly?" said Haruto's father
Everybody in Hinodo house is really worried.
It's been one month since emperor's only son died and this isn't a good news for the kingdom especially for noble families, this is one of the reasons Hinodo family is worried.
Second after emperor's son died rumors say that it wasn't an accident because some noble kids were found dead to and they were the only sons of their families.
This morning Hinodo family received an invitation from the King which said that most powerful noble families must participate in this competition.
The worst part is that the participants will go to the most dangerous places in Astaroth empire where they must collect one gem from each place. Haruto is the first son of Hinodo family so he's the one who should participate in this competition.
Sadly ,Haruto is injured because one week ago a stranger attacked him while he was walking at the park so it's unlikely to participate in.
"Father i know it's hard but I can do it and logically in our family no one is able to participate there except me!" said Haruto
Ryoko smirked and started laughing sarcastically.
Her father watched her worried because he knew his daughter's temper ( a really bad one ).
She came closer to her brother and looked at him quietly.
"Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I'm not able to fight some spoiled brats in that competition"
Ryoko went to her dad and took the letter from his hand in a split of second.
Then she started reading it loudly and smiled proudly.
"So you see there doesn't say you should be a boy or a girl, the only criteria is that you should know how to fight and to be able to have your own team which will help you during the competition" said Ryoko
"But... you can't. You aren't the oldest child of the family..." said Haruto angry
"Chill bro as father said we'll explain it to the king tonight. All our family is invited because we'll show our candidat for the competition which will be me.
Now I have to go because I'll prepare so many things. Bye family" said Ryoko
She winked at her brother and hugged her dad.
This was her golden opportunity to show people that she wasn't just a usual noble lady, she's way more than that..
"Ryoko wait!"
Ryoko turned back and saw her sister Desdemona coming at her.
As always she was dressed elegantly with the best outfits you could find in empire.
She came closer at her and started yelling why she didn't tell her that she was going to participate in that competition.
"Please don't do that! It's really dangerous and you may get hurt.. I mean you are the best female warrior in our empire but still they are boys, they are stronger than you" said Desdemona with a worried tone of voice
" Pathetic" thought Ryoko.
"Plus if you get a scar while fighting you may lose your beauty and nobody will want you then" smirked shamelessly Desdemona
"Dear Desdemona unlike some other people I don't need a pretty face to be recognised by society" responded Ryoko at her. Her only intention was insulting her and that really pissed off Ryoko.
"Now I should go because I must prepare for the party" said Ryoko and left
"Party?! Oh my god how could I forget it! Elize come here ,find me the prettiest dress for the ball I should look glamorous!" said Desdemona panicked to her maid.
Ryoko went to the equestrian hall and there found her horse Drago.
Drago was a strong, black horse with shiny, soft hair.
He was Ryoko's best friend of course after..
"This big boy was really thirsty" smiled Axel while he was fondling it.
" I think this is my lucky day. I was looking for you" said Ryoko to him
Axel was Ryoko's best friend since they were little kids.
He was an orphan and his uncle gave to her father as a servant. But over time the more Alex grew the more his ambition grew so that after some time he not only won a scholarship but also became a very good fighter.
The emperor has often asked him to be under his service but Axel never left Hinodo family. This is why he is one of the most important people for the Hinodo family.
Alex was 22 ( the same age as Ryoko) and he had big, green eyes.
He has long black hair which he catches it like a messy Man-Bun.
He is really tall and has a charming smile but Ryoko thinks he looks more like a monkey when he grins.
Axel was her "right arm" because he would help her always no matter what she would ask for but this time it was a huge favour...
"So what is the reason you wanted to talk to me? I bet is something ridiculous as always" grined Axel
"Oh gosh, he's really annoying when he acts like this I'm not a kid anymore" thought Ryoko
"No this time is really serious Axel it's about... the famous competition emperor has opened to chose the new heir of the front.." said Ryoko
Axel stopped fondling Drago and watched Ryoko with a worried face.
"Haruto can't participate because he's injured so why are you talking about it?"
"Look Axel I now that Haruto can't participate but someone from our family should so it's my responsibility.."
"No Ryoko don't you can't do that it's pretty dangerous. People have died trying to win that stupid title so please don't" begged Axel to Ryoko
"Really? All of you guys are telling me that I can't make it meanwhile I'm really educated in martial arts and I know a hundred things about fighting. So Axel tell me are you going to be part of my team or you won't" said Ryoko angry
Axel didn't say a word for a few second but then agreed. He knew that Ryoko was a very obstinate girl and if she really wants to do something none can stop her.
"Thank you! Now please call Suho" said Ryoko ( Suho is a noble boy, Axel best friend)
"Okay but you should find and 2 more people to be part of your team.." said Axel
"Don't worry I'll ask Bellatrix " said Ryoko ( her best friend) and Amaris ( her other friend to)
"Do you think is a good idea to take Amaris , last time you know.."
"Axel don't worry! I know she can't fully control her powers but she's really powerful and will be a big help for us. Now I think you should get ready for the ball as I'm going to do"
"Seriously Ryoko? Now I should go to this damn ball?!" said Axel bored
He really hated balls and he had three reasons why:
1. Almost every girl would stick at him begging for a dance or even to talk a little bit.
2. He don't know how to dance.
3. He's a very picky person so he can't even eat a little piece of food there because he will complain all the time about it.
"Hey don't worry it'll be fun! Plus, I'll stick around you all the time" said Ryoko
Axel smiled and calmed down. Then he got a beautiful, white horse and said:
"Sadly you know madame, I have a lot of things to do. See you later!" he winked at her and then he disappeared in a few seconds.
" As usually show off" thought Ryoko while laughing.
Everything was going as she wished, the only thing she was hoping was that her step mother wouldn't run anything.
She has hated her since she was a little girl and the only ones she would take care were Desdemona because she was her real daughter ( from her first marriage) and Haruto.
Even Haruto isn't her son she really would take care for him because her husband really loved him and he was the heir of Hinodo family.
If she would find out that Ryoko could participate in the contest Belladonna ( her step mother name) she would go insane.
She knew Ryoko's abilities to catch everybody's attention and to be easily the main character in any event.
" Hey Ryoko relax, you won't let her ruin this golden opportunity for you now you should worry about other things" thought Ryoko in her mind trying to calm herself down.
All day all she did was finding an armature, sword, preparing Drago's stuff and preparing her personal stuff to.
At 6:30 she finally finished! She was preparing things for hours with none help ( she likes to do importat things alone) and now she could relax a little bit.
Suddenly she hears some noises and when opened the door she saw two girls dressed glamorous with a lot of make-up on their faces.
"Bellatrix, Amaris what are you two doing here?" said Ryoko shocked.
This was the first time her friends were at her house and why were they dressed so fancy?
"Guys why are you dressed like this? Is happening something I don't know..." said Ryoko
Bellatrix and Amaris made an eye contact and started laughing lauder than ever
"This is a joke right? You were the one who told Axel that you we are going to be part of your team for the competition and that you should get ready for the ball" said Bellatrix
Ryoko's face turned white. How could she forget it? At 7:30 they must be ready and she haven't chosed the outfit yet.
"Omg she forgot! Girl don't worry we'll make you look like a fairy in a few minutes! Right Amaris?" said Bellatrix
Amaris said yes to Bellatrix and then they opened Ryoko's wardrobe.
"Oh girl we have a lot of work to do!" said Bellatrix worried
Ryoko's style was usually tomboylish so it would be hard to find a girly outfit.
"You know what? Screw the rules I'll dress whatever I want" said Ryoko and picked fast a outfit from wardrobe.
"I think she looks great. It really suits her looks and style!" said Amaris optimistic
"Girl no you should look like a swan not like a man why would you dress like this?"said Bellatrix sad
"Girl don't worry important is how emperor will look our team and Amaris remember we'll always be by your side" said Rykoko
Amaris smiled at her and then the group of girls hugged warmly.
Girls went to the garden while they were waiting for the others.
Now I think is time to describe a little our girls.
Bellatrix was a very beautiful, young wizard at her 24.
She was a old friend of Hinodo family since she was a kid because her father was best friend with Ryoko's father.
She has big, hazel eyes and her eyelashes were so pretty to.
Her lips are thin but soft just like her red, curly hair.
Sometimes people would think she's a vampire because of her fair skin.
Bellatrix didn't have just a pretty face but she had a pretty body to.
For the ball she had dressed a elegant, long, black dress and for jewellery she had worn some pearl earrings and a diamond necklace.
She had let her hair down so she looked like a dark fairy.
Amaris was a short, cute girl with a beautiful, tan skin.
She had green eyes and freckles around her small nose.
Her hair was short and black but it was really messy though because it was so curly.
Her outfit was a big, red velvet dress and for accessories she had a beautiful, butterfly hairpin made from ruby gem.
And the last one but the most important is Ryoko.
Her outfit was the most special among others because she chosed to dress a black military suit.
She hadn't done any make-up but she still looked amazing because her elegant noise, fair, smooth skin, her big purpule eyes and her plump heart shaped lips made her face look better than ever.
She hadn't done any special hairstyle because she had grabbed her black, long hair like a ponytail as usualy.
So while they were waiting for the others unlucky the first one that arrived there were Desdemona and her mother Belladonna.
Desdemona maybe wasn't the best person but she always looked like a magical swan.
She had dressed a long white dress and for jewellery she had worn a beautiful necklase, diamond earrings and a gold bracelet.
She looked like a youth full kid ( she was 17) because she had a elegant noise, fair skin, blonde hair, blu- doll eyes, and she was skinny.
Belladonna was her older version and she had dressed a fancy, black dress.
"Oh my god what have you dressed Ryoko?! Are you trying to shame our family or what?" said Belladonna while she was looking Ryoko with a disgusted face.
"Mum she knows no matter what she does she'll never be a beautiful Swan like me" said Desdemona proud for herself.
"Yeah you really look like Swan today but sadly you have a fish brain and nothing can change it sadly" said Ryoko with a sarcastic voice.
Bellatrix and Amaris started laughing like crazy hyenas while Desdemona was dying inside from angrinnes.
"Girls please don't fight again it's not the time!
Mr Hinodo told me that he can't come because he's really busy tonight" said Axel
He was dressed really elegantly in a black suit and for accessories he had worn a expensive watch and black magnetic earrings.
"Oh Axel I'm so happy you'll come with us so you can protect me from that stupid girl" said Desdemona while she grabbed his arm and pointed her finger at Ryoko
"First show respect for her because she's your sister ( even if they aren't related).
Second please don't grab my arm I don't like it" responded Axel cold to her
With a sad face Desdemona let him go ant everybody entered in their horse- drawn carriage.
There were three carriages the first one was a golden carriage ( Desdemonas and Belladonnas carriage), a white carriage ( Bellatrix and Amaris carriage) and the last one the largest of all was a black carriage ( Ryoko's and Axels carriage)
After she entered in their carriage Ryoko felt a little bit insecure but she didn't want to show it.
Ryoko brought her head to the window and as she looked at the landscape she slowly fell asleep....