AN:
THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE REVIEWS AND LIKING THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. I LOVED IT WHEN YOU GUYS POSTS YOUR THOUGHTS.
TO WHATNAMESHALLITAKE: THANKS FOR THE GREETING. THOUGH, UNFORTUNATELY, I DID NOT TRAVEL. FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I JUST SPENT TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND A LITTLE SHOPPING FOR MYSELF. ANYWAYS, ZORO AND LU'S ENCOUNTER IS ALSO MY FAVORITE. IT WAS SO LIKE THEM BECAUSE ZORO USUALLY GETS CAUGHT UP IN LUFFIA'S SHENANNIGANS.
TO GUEST1: THANK YOU FOR THE GREETING! HAHAHA. I JUST GOT THE IDEA OF LUFFIA SWINGING LIKE A TARZAN BECAUSE IN ANIME, ZORO DID THE SAME WHEN THEY WERE IN SKYPIEA. I JUST ADDED A FEW DETAILS BUT I AM GLAD YOU LIKED THEM.
TO LUNAPOK: THANK YOU FOR LOVING THEM!
TO BABAYAGA89: HEY THERE, NEW REVIEWER! THANKS FOR LOVING THEM. YEAH, I KIND OF WANT TO CREATE A WORLD OUTSIDE OF ONE PIECE BECAUSE I WANT IT TO BE DIFFERENT. SAME CHARACTERS, THOUGH THERE MIGHT BE OOC.
TO CANDYPRINCE3408: A NEW REVIEWER! THANK YOU FOR LOVING THIS STORY. I BELIEVED I ALREADY PROVIDED YOU THE ANSWER YOU SEEKED. HERE COMES THE CHAPTER YOU ARE WAITING FOR.
BY THE WAY, I JUST RECENTLY READ THE ENDING OF BLEACH AND I WANTED TO CRY, FOR GOODNESS' SAKE! I AM THINKING OF WRITING A HITSUKARIN STORY, MAYBE A SHORT STORY OR A ONE SHOT. DEPENDS IF I CAN GATHER ALL THE IDEAS.
OK, I WON'T RAMBLE TOO MUCH.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
The throne room filled with heavy atmosphere. The High Princes are seated accordingly to their throne chairs. The peacekeeper calmly observed the Healer. The creatures present are the High Princes, the peacekeeper, the Healer and some of the Warrior Commanders from Ipraecia, Beogia and Vaelon.
Chopper remained silent as he is too nervous to make a noise.
"Eherm." The peacekeeper cleared his throat to gather everyone's attention. The healer, standing in the middle of throne room almost shiver at the action. It signals the start of interrogation.
"You do not need to be nervous, Chopper. We will only ask a few questions regarding the humans." Whitebeard assured Chopper in a calm voice, soothing the nervousness creeping inside Chopper's mind.
The Healer nodded.
"Can you provide us the exact details of how you found them?" Whitebeard asked. Chopper nodded once more as he braced himself for the whole story.
"I was staying in my hut Outside the Inner Borders. That night, I came from searching a certain plant that only blooms at night when I heard voices of human soldiers from a distance. I paid it no mind as I know they will not dare go further in the forest, but, the unthinkable happened. As I was going back to my hut, I found them, l found them not too far from my hut, lying on the ground, battered and at death's door."
No one said a word. The silence even grew at what Chopper said. The peacekeeper nodded grimly. The three High Princes did not utter any words, but their facial expressions just indicated that what they heard is not pleasing to their ears. Rage building in their mind at the mention of being at death's door.
"Luffia, the youngest of the three begged me to save her sisters even though she has the worst injuries out of the three. Even at the verge of dying, she wanted to have her sisters saved. That action alone urged me to help them. I nursed them back to health until they woke up. It was never my intention to bring them here, but the situation required me to do so. A few days after they woke up, they are still healing; human soldiers have gathered searching for them. I heard of their intentions. The invader of Cresta wanted to keep them alive as per his orders to the soldiers. That is what I have heard but the soldiers' minds have something different. They… They planned to…" Chopper could not say it aloud. He can't bring himself to say the word as he felt disgusted and enraged at the mere thought of the human princesses falling in the hands of those soldiers.
"They planned to what?" Zoro asked impatiently.
"To rape them before turning them to their leader."
The words that left hung in the air made the atmosphere even more sinister.
Kidd gripped his Iron chair almost breaking it. After hearing those words, rage started to creep in his mind as he is ready to go berserk anytime. His instincts are about to urge him to search for every human soldiers in sight and slaughter all of them.
Marco is not faring any better than Kidd does. His facial expression might look unfazed and calm, but deep inside he is raging. Hate for human greed is starting to consume his mind. He could never understand the humans who do not value morality at all and more so, they dared to do such a thing to these women.
Zoro on the other hand remained silent but his powers proved it otherwise. Green dragon scales are starting to cover his skin. Dark aura is emanating from him, making the atmosphere more sinister than it already is.
"Hmm, seems all of these events lead you to your decision to let them enter Raftel, but why didn't you informed all of us of this? Permission would have been granted had we found the real reason for your actions, but instead, you have smuggled them inside of our haven." The inquiry of the peacekeeper sunk in Chopper's mind. The situation crossed his mind but he feared for one thing.
"If I have told any of the warriors situated for patrol, I don't have any proof that they will let us through and what is more, they might decide to kill all of us at the first sight before we could begin any explanation. Residents of Raftel are not known to be forgiving of humans entering this haven. We are all wary of humans discovering that this place exists. I cannot risk it."
The reason provided is justifiable. Whitebeard cannot be sure that their warriors will indeed let them pass through. The scenario played inside the peacekeeper's mind and one of those scenarios involved deaths of these humans. Just the mere thought of the three human princesses' death sent shivers down his spine – only because of what he discovered. What would happen if that were to occur? Whitebeard could only see how blood will be spilled and possibly an uncontrollable rage.
"Your reasons are acceptable for me; I just cannot be sure for the High Princes." As Whitebeard turned to the High Princes behind him, he saw the lack of disagreement in their parts. An amused smile appeared on his lips as he digest every expressions emitted from the High Princes.
Silence ensured the entire throne room. No one dared to move as they waited for any verdicts from the High Princes; after all, the last decision will come from them. Whitebeard as a peacekeeper only keep things calm and at bay, pointing out the situation and provide advises for any consequences they might face as decisions such as this involves the whole Raftel.
For a long time, not a word were uttered signaling no disagreement whatsoever to this issue. A smile secretly graced Whitebeard's lips as he once more, took the initiative to speak.
"Since no words of disagreement were spoken, I assume that we are to let them stay here."
Once again, everyone is silent. Their mouths might have been sealed, but their minds have more thoughts than what their silence portrays. The Beogian Warrior Commanders are looking expectantly at their High Prince, expecting him to retaliate, to disagree, to burst out how humans can never be part of their haven and yet, they heard none. Were his minds clouded at this moment? What were the thoughts currently runs through his mind?
Beogia have suffered too much loss at the hands of these humans, especially Kidd. He has suffered severe loss that a mere apology and petty reasons cannot mend. In these times, the High Prince of Beogia should stand his ground and punish these law breakers.
Killer, Kidd's most trusted Warrior Commander looked closely at his High Prince. His mind is surrounded with questions far from what his other fellow Warrior Commanders have. For the longest period he has known Kidd, he had never revealed such expressions and reactions. There is so much hesitation and confusion from the prince's mind. Killer could only think of one reason but he refused to acknowledge such thoughts as the idea alone made him cringe.
"Thatch, would you be so kind to ring them here?" Whitebeard asked Thatch, Warrior Commander of Ipraecia.
The tall brown haired Warrior Commander saluted to the peacekeeper with a wide smile as he started to head towards the huge double doors of the throne room.
As soon as the door closed down, it initiated the start of something inevitable… fate.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
The silence filled the room, almost a sinister silence that they all want to break. Izou had wanted to break it, but seeing the looks of mistrust and glares coming from the humans seem to make her hesitate.
Ann continued to glare at almost anything her eyes laid upon. She does not like the situation; more so, they are left alone with a certain creature – a beautiful creature – whilst Chopper is currently attending interrogation with the three High Princes and several Warrior Commanders. She is worried at how Chopper will fare.
After the dismissal of the residents, they were brought inside the Raftel Central Palace. Chopper was brought to the throne room while they were left with a Warrior Commander from Ipraecia named Izou.
The three sisters sat next to each other, with Luffia in between the twins. Ann just can't stop her glares while Sab continued to try to remain calm and collected despite being nervous. There are a lot of mixed emotions as to how everything turned out. Trust issues are the primary concern as well as their survival. Questions lingered in their minds as how to proceed from here on out.
The silence could have continued if it were not for Luffia's friendly personality. Her naivety knows no bounds.
"Hi! I'm Luffia. What's your name?" Luffia broke the silence with her carefree question towards Izou. The broken silence made Ann even more wary of the Warrior Commander in front of them. They lack the knowledge about this creature. Who knows, they were put under a spell? What protection do they have should that situation arise?
Sab cannot fathom how Luffia can be so relaxed under this situation, but given the fact that this is Luffia they are referring to. Regardless of their sister's actions, as the older ones, she and Ann are tasked to take responsibility to protect their younger sister no matter what happens. Should the situation require Sab to choose between her life and her sisters'; no hesitation is needed, no second thoughts as she will gladly lay her life to protect theirs.
Izou smiled at their reactions. She finds it fascinating how these humans came in Raftel and brought uproar. What this beautiful creature finds amusing is how these three human princesses caused disturbance in the peaceful Raftel. It is amusing how the High Princes reacted.
"I am called Izou. Thank you for asking." The Warrior Commander answered the youngest out of the three. Izou highly thinks of her as a friendly human.
Ann glared at Izou for talking to her sister. It might seem childish to be acting this way yet they are not in a situation where friendly gestures are welcome.
"What creature are you? You really are so pretty." Luffia continued the conversation despite the elbows she received from her sisters to silence her. Her curiosity and amusement is building up inside her ever since they set foot in Raftel. Ever since they were a child, they have heard of stories of Raftel - stories of war, cavalry, epic battles which Luffia thinks as magical and beyond amazing.
"Why, thank you dear. I am an elf." Izou answered with an earnest smile. She sensed how the youngest of the three are sincere and pure at heart when she mentioned such complement. How long has it been since she spoke to a human? Beyond years she could ever count and after all those years, she was able to meet this gorgeous girl. This only proves that despite the evolution of human's thinking capacity, there seems to be a few of them who still holds a heart pure enough to make Izou smile.
"Oh. I thought they were gone hiding in Xavaria?" Luffia asked innocently. She is asking based on the stories she have heard since she was a child. Those stories were planted well inside her head. She can still remember Xavaria as a special valley hidden from this world and only those who are meant to pass the doors can enter this haven.
Izou fell silent to Luffia's response making the older humans became wary. There will be no guarantee of what will happen should this Otherworldly named Izou be offended.
"Silence, Luffia!" Sab reprimanded.
A slip of a tongue can cost them their lives. Carefulness is a must for all three of them but Luffia might have not realized she needed those qualities judging from the lack of doubts in her words.
Ann, whilst siting on a comfortable couch, assumed a position that could easily make her leap at any danger that might come their way. Her eyes reflect hostility towards the person sitting in front of them.
"Oh, you don't have to be so wary of me. I mean no harm. I am just surprised that you are knowledgeable of Xavaria. It is true that most of my brethren have disappeared, but some of us stayed here in Raftel." Izou's voice has no traces of offense but it does not make the other humans relaxed in her presence, except for Luffia who took the answer positively.
"Is that so? We used to hear stories of Raftel when we were young. Our parents used to tell us stories about it yet people around us often do not believe it existed." People around them always think of them as delusional for thinking of such fantasy. In the world they live in, people always believed of what their eyes can see. The past is nothing more than a memory. Stories with no proofs are just hearsay, rumors, legends or myths.
Izou smiled towards Luffia. Her heart is that of a child. Seeing Raftel existed when people around her said otherwise – this scenario must have been a dream comes true for her.
Izou opened her mouth to form a cohesive response but before she could utter any word, her focus drifts off as she sensed a certain Warrior Commander approaching. Footsteps were heard coming towards their direction. Humans might not be able to hear it, but Izou's keen senses can.
As soon as the footsteps are within earshot for the human princesses to hear, they became even more wary, afraid to whoever is approaching them. The knock on the doors announced the arrival of someone.
"Please come in!"Izou answered to the knock. The door swung opened, revealing the brown haired Warrior Commander of Ipraecia. As soon as Izou locked eyes with Thatch, the familiar warmth engulfed her heart. The smile was reciprocated by Thatch. They could have stayed there, staring at each other but there are more pressing matters need to be discussed.
"They are requiring your presences. I am here to guide you to the throne room." Thatch announced in a friendly manner. He has always been friendly to anyone. Welcoming and easy going but despite those characteristics, the twins never felt at ease in his presence, instead they felt agitated, tensed and wary. Why wouldn't they? Another Warrior Commander had graced them his presence after all.
"They?"
Thatch nodded at the blond human princess with utmost respect.
"The High Princes and the Peacekeeper." He said.
Luffia's excitement boomed as the thought of meeting more creatures swarmed her mind.
"Can we go now? Chopper is in the throne room as well, isn't he?" Luffia knows how worried her sisters are about their situation but deep inside her, her primal instincts are telling her that everything is okay and there is nothing to worry about. Ever since she was a child, her instincts were right to the point as if something is telling her what a person's heart is made of.
As soon as she saw the High Princes and the peacekeeper, she could immediately tell that they meant no harm at all. She trusted her instinct which is why she never felt bothered that Chopper is alone with them in the throne room. She stood up from where she is sitting despite the heavy protests of her sisters. She did not listen as she decided to walk to where this funny man is.
Thatch could only stare at those round dark eyes. Her smile is so innocent and almost seems to be naïve, but when he looked closely at those eyes, it held intelligence, deep understanding of a situation. Her eyes reflect aura that Thatch could not explain at all.
"I shall lead you to the throne room. Shall we?"
"Wait! Not so fast! What happened to Chopper?" Ann asked loudly as she stood in front of the tall Warrior Commander. This man might be taking a human form but they cannot be sure what creature he is.
"He is waiting in the throne room."
"There is no need to be worried, Ann. He is telling the truth." Luffia locked eyes with her eldest sister as she uttered those words. Her words served as an assurance to her sisters that they will not be led into a trap.
Ann should believe it, but sometimes, her instincts are clouded by survival thoughts. Her mind has been scarred because of their experience. It felt like death itself is chasing them to the end of the world. As she looked at her youngest sister, she tried to voice out how she does not have their full trust, but what Luffia wanted to convey is to trust her.
Ann is of no match to Luffia. She tried to seek help to Sab, but the blond twin is already convinced. No words are needed now.
Satisfied by their response, Luffia looked back to Thatch as she said: "Please lead the way."
…
On their way to the throne room, they can't help but look around. The hallway is full of marbles, gold and intricate designs that they are not aware exist. Everything seems to glow like a firefly. Dusts decorated the area as if faeries just passed by. They passed through an open hallway where they could see outside. The beautiful scenery cannot be compared to what they dreamed it to be.
Dragons flying everywhere, wisps glitter the area, pack of wolves can be seen nearby, centaurs running in the field, flower beds near the hill, floating houses, pegasi flying around… It is basically a fantasy.
They were beyond amazed at how beautiful the scenery is.
"We will let you see around Raftel after this. There are sceneries more beautiful than what you are seeing right now." Izou voiced out. She saw their expressions that reflect how much they see this place as beautiful as it is. Embarrassed, Ann and Sab tried to look away to hide their blushing faces while Luffia smiled as wide as she could.
They continued to walk until the two Warrior Commanders stopped in front huge double doors. Like all other details in the hallways, the door consists of intricate designs, almost glowing.
Sab started to get nervous, not for her life, but for something she could not explain. The mere thought of being in the presence of the leaders of this place makes her knees buckle and shake. Her mind keeps on remembering those reddish brown eyes that belonged to a certain Red Haired High Prince. The way he stares at her makes her shiver. Can she face him with full of confidence?
Ann on the other hand forces herself to looks confident. She tried to drive the blond High Prince out of his mind. Even though he is the man she dreamed a few days ago, it should not mean anything. It should not make her nervous and there is nothing she should be worried about. She does not have the leisure to think of how the man invaded her dreams, rather she should focus on the important matters at hand.
Luffia is beyond excited. Her back is itching about something, almost as if her back is on fire but she paid no mind to it. As soon as she felt the tingling hot feeling at her back, her mind would immediately bring her to the moment where she saw the Green Haired man that she accidentally smacked. There is something familiar with him that she could not point out.
"Are you ready?" Izou asked in consideration. She must have noticed how the three are getting nervous. "There is nothing to worry about. They will not harm you." Rather, they will protect you. Izou wanted to add that but she forced herself not to utter any more words than she already have. It is not her place to say anything. Only if these three humans would have realized why there is nothing to worry about, then they can understand everything.
Luffia nodded at Izou. As soon as the signal was given, Thatch opened the door. As soon as it was open widely, the sight greeted them were beyond what they expected. The throne room is thrice the size of their ballroom. It is massive that it can accommodate ten thousand people in an event. It almost felt like it is a stadium itself.
This should be expected as the creatures are larger than humans and if they are to use this ball, the size should suffice. The ceiling is so high and in the center, there is a huge circle class that lets them see the sky outside. The chandelier glitters like a diamond. It must have diamonds on it. The carpet is as red as they could imagine, but there are glitters around. The marble walls and pillars even added elegance to the place. This is the most beautiful throne room they have ever seen in their life Everything is magical.
They continued to walk until they are in front of the High Princes and the peacekeeper. The Warrior Commanders are standing on the side, almost like a knights standing on guard. Chopper was standing in the middle anticipating their arrival. His face lit up as he saw that the three of them are safe and sound.
Luffia smiled at Chopper. She knew he will be safe. Sab wanted to hug Chopper, but that needs to wait for there are matters they need to face and that includes the creatures in front of them.
Ann bravely looked at the men in front of them. She tried avoiding his gaze. The blue eyes that seem to pierce her soul and instead she tried to focus on the giant man. The giant man – or Whitebeard as they call him is smiling down at them. His smile is pure of honesty and sincerity that makes Ann hesitate about his doubts and mistrusts.
"Ahem." Whitebeard cleared his throat to gather everyone's attention. If Sab were to compare his position as peacekeeper to a normal village, he would most likely be a village elder. "The greetings have been delayed due to the circumstances we faced, but despite such things happening, I extend my greetings to you, Princesses of Cresta."
Not one of the three sisters uttered a word. They all just stared at Whitebeard, waiting for any more words that he will say.
"It has been so long since we have seen guests such as yourselves."
"Guests? More like trespassers that need to be eliminated. " Words were spat like an acid. Those words came from Ann's mouth and it was uttered before she could prevent herself.
"Ann…" Sab muttered in a warning tone to her twin sister. They are not in a position to act high and mighty. They are indeed trespassers which is more of a reason for them to be careful of not offending these creatures. They might be walking in a death before they realized.
Ann sighed as she tried to calm herself. It would be better for Sab to converse with them. She, out of the three of them is known for her eloquence while Ann harbors bad temper known in Cresta.
"There is no need for formal greetings, my lord." Sab answered for Ann. The eldest rolled her eyes out for such formal words that she never liked. The action did not escape the eyes of the people in the throne room. Some of the Warrior Commanders frowned at the action.
"Oof!" Ann felt how Sab lightly punched her arm. Luffia snickered at Ann's expense.
Whitebeard felt the amusement growing as he watches the scenario in front of him.
"Such politeness from you, princess. Such politeness sure did not come from Roger, as he is such a man with no hint of formalities whatsoever."
"Yes, it – wait. You know our father?" Sab asked boldly as she realized that this man mentioned the name of their father. This caught the attention of Luffia and Ann. They paid attention to the conversation.
"Why, of course. Tall man, dark hair, moustache and smiles as wide as he could."
"That is right. Though his moustache is not as huge as yours." Luffia answered with a big smile.
"How do you know our father?" Ann asked. She could not think of any reason why this man knows their father.
"We fought in a friendly battle a long time ago. He is strong for a human. His bravery and honesty is commendable that I haven't seen for centuries."
What Whitebeard said shocked everyone present in the throne room. The Warrior Commanders and the High Princes alike wondered of such absurdity as they are all aware of the battle prowess of Whitebeard. For a human to survive a battle against him is something they cannot fathom.
"You fought our father? Why?" Sab asked.
"He is an adventurous man. He was wondering in the forest. Our meeting is nothing but a chance. He battled me not with the intention to kill, but for the sake of battle only. After every battle, we would exchange Sake cups. That brings me to the good old days. Gurarara."
The revelation is a shock itself. The High Princes is not aware that the peacekeeper had a contact to a human years ago. More so, for Whitebeard to speak highly of the king of Cresta is not something they see in everday basis.
"If you know each other, does that mean that our father knows this place exist?" Sab deducted the thought as she tried to put one piece at a time. The mere thought that their father knows about Raftel even raised questions in her head.
"Yes, he does."
The answer explains why Cresta never made a move to explore the Dark Forest. If their father knows of this place, then he most likely to protect it that destroy it. It could explain why their father instructed them to run to the Dark Forest during the invasion.
"For years, Cresta made no move in exploring the forest. Everyone in Raftel knows of that. The news of the invasion shocked everyone. It brought me to a huge question. The invasion of Cresta is quick, as if there is no resistance at all."
"What do you mean?" Ann's voice turned sour at Whitebeard.
The others in the room continued to listen despite the questions lingering in their minds. They are observing the situation more so than ever. Whitebeard just revealed that he had been an acquaintance to a human, nevertheless, the king of Cresta himself. And in front of them are the princesses of Cresta, daughters of Whitebeard's human acquaintance. Does this mean that Whitebeard is helping these human princesses due to his connection to their father?
"Your father is a strong man. I have never seen a human as strong as him yet he made no move at all against the invaders. The action itself is a surprise to me. Would you like to explain why your father did not fight the invaders and instead, let himself and his queen be captured?"
The question is directed towards the princesses. The more they think about it, the more they can't think of a proper answer. They are trying to put piece and piece together. The invasion did not last for days, rather, it only lasted for a day. It looked as if the invasion was welcomed itself.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Army is approaching at front! There are thousands of soldiers marching their way!" the shout echoed the room.
"Prepare the soldiers. Evacuate the residents from the Capital city. Make sure you evacuate them in safe areas. We will be greeting them." Ann is anticipating a battle to start and as a Battle Commander, she is looking forward for strong opponents. She might be a princess, but she is not a damsel in distress.
"No." the voice stopped Ann's excitement. She looked back at the man behind her.
"No? Dad, what do you mean?"
Sab who is also preparing her weapon for a battle stopped. Her hand is clutching Luffia's shirt to prevent her from springing into action in the midst of the battleground without a plan.
"You and your sisters are not going to battle. Prepare all soldiers. Do as what Ann says." Roger has never been more serious than he is now. The soldier only nodded as he excused himself. The room was left with the Royal family,
"Dad! You will need us in the battlefield! We can fight!" Ann argued. She will not be going just for the sake of the battle she has been anticipating. She will go to protect her kingdom, her people. Rouge could only sigh at this argument,
It seems the time has come…
"You and your sisters will be staying here in the palace. There is a little information we have about the enemy."
"Shouldn't we send a word to our allies nearby? Our soldiers are not enough to fight them off since most battalions have been dispatched to the small villages to protect the citizen." Sab knew of this information as she handles some of the logistics in their kingdom. Cresta does not have many soldiers because unlike the other kingdoms, they are not forcing young men to join the army.
"Do you want them to face this danger? This is our war. They are waging a war against us." Roger said in a serious manner. The way he said us made Sab question if he is referring to the kingdom itself or to their family specifically. There are a lot of kingdoms they have offended for the rejection of political marriages or political advances that involves exploration in the Dark Forest.
Those offenses lead some kingdoms to hold a grudge against them but they are confident that those kingdoms will not easily make a move against them for they know that as much as there are a lot of kingdoms that held grudges against them, there are more kingdoms tied to theirs for allies and friendship.
"Are you saying we should face this alone? I understand that you do not want our allies to face the same danger as we do, but Dad, we cannot win this even with our battle prowess. There are more than thousands of soldiers outside marching to invade our home. Let us fight and let us call upon our allies." Sab reasoned out. She could not fathom her father's reasoning at all.
"This is inevitable." He muttered as he stood from his sit and looked outside, Lights from the torches of the army are approaching the main gate of the Capital City.
Ann looked at their mother for a plea.
"Mom." She called out. As Rouge looked up, she – like their father – shows an expression they could not understand. As if they are expecting this to happen. There must be something they are not telling them.
"Dad… Is everything going to be okay?" Luffia voiced out. She keeps looking at their father's back as he gazes outside the terrace. Her eyes reflect worries that she could not utter on. She might not fully understand everything but what she needs to do now is to have faith with their father.
Roger slowly looked towards his youngest daughter. He smiles towards her as he said:
"It might be difficult, but everything will be fine." That is all what Luffia needed. She nodded at her father.
"Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, the enemies have invaded the main gate. The citizens are already evacuated. The soldiers are holding them off as much as we could. The enemy seems to have brought a dark magician on their side." The report shocked the princesses. How come the enemy was able to easily invade the main gate? That should not be possible.
But it seems that it is.
The cries of men being slaughtered in the battlefield echoed the entire Capital City. Many more cries were heard as the enemy advances towards the palace grounds.
Ann clenched her fist. She could not take this anymore.
"Dad, let me out to the battlefield. Let me fight them!" Her plea were not answered as Roger only directed his focus to the soldier reporting.
"The black magician you spoke of, did you see him?" Roger asked.
"No, sire. But as what the other soldiers reported, the enemy general is a huge man garbed in white robe and red clothes. The other notable enemy is a man garbed in black robe, and a few missing teeth."
Roger's face grew grim at the mention of the appearances of the enemies. Does he know of them?
"Dad?" Luffia asked in a worried tone. She does not like to see her father with such expressions. It felt like a sinister scenario is about to happen.
"Do you remember the tunnel you discovered when you were a child, Luffia?" Roger asked. The twins looked at their father. They all remember the ways they used that tunnel. It served as a gateway to their mischiefs to explore the Dark Forest when it was forbidden.
"Yes, but how did you know I discovered it?" Roger laughed a little to what her daughter asked.
"Take that tunnel and go. You three must escape. We will be waiting for the enemy here." The three princesses could only stare in shock at their father. Even their mother is as resolute as the king.
"Let us escape when you are risking your live? No! We will not leave you here! There are ways to fight them off!" Ann shouted. She could not believe how their father can easily say this.
"Ann…" Rouge called out. "We cannot win today which is why you three must escape and regroup. The faith of kingdom lies in your hands."
Those words put more questions in their heads – questions they could say in words.
"What are you saying?" Sab asked their mother in disbelief. She could understand what their mother meant but it does not mean that she can easily accept it,
"Take the tunnel now. We have no time. You must escape. To the Dark Forest. You will be safer there, safer than here in Human Realm. You must not let them catch you. Be strong."
The words rang in their heads. The words their father told them before he ordered them to escape to the Dark Forest.
"We honestly don't know." Sab answered. This revelation even generated more questions in her mind but despite the questions, there is no use pondering about it as the situation is already escalated this far. They only need to do what is required of them. Stay alive and come back to take back the kingdom.
"We should have fought during the invasion." Ann muttered. She is beyond frustrated. She hated running away more than anyone else in their family. She can't accept how powerless they are when their people needed them the most. Worse, they left their parents in the hands of the enemy.
"If we stayed and fought the enemy, we would have been dead. We would not be standing here and instead lying in a coffin, buried to the ground." Ann snapped her head towards Luffia's direction. Gone are the carefree smiles she usually wears – replaced by the serious eyes they rarely see. This only proves how dire their situation is.
Ann can only sigh in frustration. What Luffia said left a heavy gash in the atmosphere in the throne room. The High Princes can only stare at them. No words were uttered because they don't know what to say in this time.
"You all can stay here for as long as you want to. As you are now, you cannot expose yourselves to the dangers in the Human Realm, yoi. If what Chopper said are all accurate, then those men might still be looking for you." The voice surprised Ann for a moment. She turned to where the voice originated, she was met with the familiar blue eyes that she has been dead set in avoiding. Their eyes met again and it is lethal for Ann because as soon as her eyes landed on his, something is pulling her not to pull away.
"You are now guests of Raftel. We will prepare rooms for all three of you in this palace - "
"No! We will stay with Chopper, if that is alright." Sab was quick to answer. She knew that her sisters will not be comfortable living in this huge palace. Besides, they are not familiar with Raftel. Even if they are declared as guests, she could not fully trust them.
"Are you sure? There are a lot of comfortable chambers here than in my house." Chopper finally voiced out an opinion. Now that they have been declared as guests of Raftel, they can be treated as such and that should include privileges such as accommodations to the palace chambers itself. Considering their original status, such treatment is just.
"We don't mind the bedroom, Chopper." Ann spoke. Though her focus is drifting to a certain blue eyed High Prince.
"I love the chamber you provided to us, Chopper. It is comfortable." Luffia happily told the Healer.
"Let them stay wherever they want." Kidd's gruff voice resonate the throne room. The voice is full of command and authority. The words surprised the Warrior Commanders of Beogia present in the throne room.
They expected Kidd to voice out his stand in this issue. They expected him to go against the humans staying in Raftel. They did not expect him to openly agree to this.
"Announce to everyone that they6 are to stay here in Raftel as guests." Zoro finalized as he locked eyes with Luffia. She smiled widely at him as if she is remembering what transpired earlier. Her mind asks her if his head is hurting when she smacked it earlier.
"If this is all, then I will take my leave." Kidd growled, almost irritated as he stood up from his throne chair. No one said a word at his actions. Two Warrior Commanders followed their High Prince as he walked towards the door. Sab could only stare at them as they walked, approaching her way. As the High Prince of Beogia walked towards her direction, their eyes met. Sab can only gasp as she realized how domineering his aura is.
Kidd stopped right in front of her, staring down at her. Sab had never felt so small before. Sab's height could not even reach his neck. The man in front of him stares down at her, excavating the deepest of her souls and she can only stare back at him. She should be afraid but it is surprising how she could not feel any fear towards this man. The feelings growing inside her is different.
Kidd growled at her but said none. Staying in front of her longer is dangerous, not for him, but for this human as he cannot guarantee how far he could control himself. Her scent is driving him crazy. His deepened his frown as he decided to take his leave, exiting the throne room.
As soon as the eye contact was broken, Sab felt how out of breath she is. She lightly gasped for air.
"Sab, are you okay?" Ann asked. The elder twin looked towards the direction where the Beogian Warrior took. She glared at their back especially towards the High Prince.
"Yes, I'm okay." Sab could not explain what exactly happened. She could only calm herself and think this through later.
"This whole circumstance must have tired you out, yoi. A rest is a must seeing how your injuries are holding. I can escort you back to Chopper's house." Ann did not realize how this blond man took the steps to approach them from where he is sitting. He stood before them, in a friendly manner. Ann glared at him.
She does not like how he acts so friendly towards them. She does not like how she feels nervous towards him. Her nervousness is not due to fear but due to something else that she will not openly admit.
"We don't need you escorting us back." She spat at him. Her animosity surprised Marco and rendered him speechless.
"Hi, my name is Luffia. Who are you?" Luffia's lack of manners in her language earned her a smack from Sab. Marco did not take offense and instead smiled towards the youngest.
"I am Marco. It is a pleasure meeting you, Luffia, or do you prefer me to call you Princess Luffia?" Marco asked politely. It brought amusement to him how this girl is carefree and friendly even towards strangers. Her manners are not synonymous to a princess.
Luffia made a dissatisfied face towards Marco at the mention of her original title.
"No! Don't call me that. Just call me Luffia, Pineapple Head."
The silence in the throne room cannot be compared. The atmosphere turned heavy. The Warrior Commanders of Ipraecia forced themselves not to laugh so hard that they might be punished for it. Chopper was beyond shocked at Luffia's language. She even said it in an innocent tone.
Sab stared wide eyed at her Luffia. Her mouth does the thinking before her mind does.
Ann on the other hand chuckled openly as if there is nothing to fear, as if the man in front of them is not a High Prince. Sab smacked Ann in the head to stop her from further laughing.
"I apologize for my sister's language. She is just an…" Idiot would be the right term in Sab's mind but she will not use such a term. "She is not thinking clearly."
"Eh? But his hair reminds me of Pineapple!" Luffia reasoned out. "And his hair is like a Green Algae." Luffia went as far as point her finger towards Zoro who is still sitting comfortably in his throne chair.
Silence engulfed the throne room once again. The Warrior Commanders of Vaelon looked nervously at their High Prince who is currently looking down – probably to hide his annoyed expressions.
Whitebeard can only grin at how innocent the youngest princess is. She reminds him of Roger. It is as if Whitebeard is looking at a girl version of Roger himself.
"Luffia!" Sab reprimanded. "Watch your tongue!"
"But I am just telling the truth. Old Moustache Man has a moustache that is shaped like a banana."
Luffia said too much. Her words struck like a knife. Even Whitebeard fell silent. His grin that was present a few second ago is gone as she looked down with a blank expression towards the young girl.
"Princess Luffia…" Marco called out.
"Don't call me that. Just call me Luffia." She frowned at him for calling her princess. "People in our kingdom calls us that always."
"Then, call me Marco instead, yoi. If you do, I will call you by your names."
Luffia thought for a while. The trade is not bad in her mind but she felt bad for not calling him the way she wanted to.
"Okay, Marco! Shishishi."
"That goes the same for me, brat." Whitebeard said.
"Ok, Old man!" Ann and Sab can only slap their foreheads due to Luffia's shenanigans.
"Luffia… He is the High Prince of Vaelon. His name is Zoro." Chopper whispered to Luffia. She stared at Zoro who is least likely to be amused by her words. Instead of backing down from his glare, she smiled sweetly at him which surprised Zoro.
"We would like to excuse ourselves. We have taken your time and we don't want to be a bother." Sab bowed a little towards them as she signaled Ann to follow her example.
"Are you sure you don't need an escort back? We can escort you." Thatch offered.
"No need. We can manage." Ann answered before Sab could. They excused themselves and even though Luffia wanted to stay to continue her conversation with everyone, she was forcefully dragged by her sisters away from everyone. For now, they are safe and from here on, they can clearly think of their next steps.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Raging hear beats almost made Kidd deaf as he took heavy and hurried steps away from the Central Palace. His shaking hands can't be controlled as he tried to calm himself from the euphoria of her scent. His Warrior Commanders silently followed him but their gazes tell otherwise.
As soon as they stepped in their territory, Kidd almost collapsed as he tries to gasp for a breath. Sweats started to decorate his forehead. He stopped in the middle of the forest; his hand is holding a tree for support.
The Warrior Commanders stood silent behind Kidd, watching him with concern and deep thoughts.
"I want to be alone." Kidd muttered loud enough for his Warrior Commanders to hear it. He does not need to repeat himself as they all started to walk away from him. Killer can only watch his High Prince in concern as he obeyed his wish to be left alone.
Kidd was left alone. He cannot accept this fully.
Humans have killed his parents, his brethren and caused the major families of Verid, Huidel and Daerene into seclusion. They have caused Raftel a great loss that he could not easily forgive.
Deep down in his heart, he hates humans. He could not forgive them and yet, here he is, facing a dilemma he never imagined. Never, in his wildest dreams did he ever think of being in this situation.
A human dared to show herself in front of him and turn him into this mess!
A mere human as a mate is highly unthinkable! The more he thinks about it, the more his heart clenches at the thought of those greedy murderers but as his mind drifted to the sense of her smell, to her beautiful face, his entire body calms down. The more he embraces her scent in his mind the more he wanted to possess her.
When they stood face to face, Kidd is almost at his limit. He is almost to a breaking point where he wanted to snatch her away from everyone's eyes and have her all to himself.
Her eyes, her lips, her scent, her everything drives him crazy. How could a mere human drive him this crazy? She resembles a drug that he could not get tired of.
Kidd tried to relax himself. He tried to clear his mind off of her and that proves to be one of the hardest things he have ever done. The mere thought of her sent shivers down his spine. All he could hope now is to prevent this feelings to grow more than it already did.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Marco can only stare at the retreating form of Ann. He could still remember how her eyes shined so bright and it is one of the most beautiful things he has ever seen. Despite the glares and animosity towards him, he will not give up. He knew that she will not trust him easily but is does not mean that he will not do anything for her to open her heart towards him.
Looks like someone found what they are looking for." Izou voiced out to Marco. She smiled towards him with full understanding as to the current circumstances. "And it seems you are not the only one. I'd like to think of this as fate. Three humans in Raftel; three High Princes of Raftel destined to meet each other."
Marco did not answer right away because like Izou, he too, thinks of this as fate- destiny perhaps. For years, the three of them have seen how creatures of Raftel started to spend time with their mates and yet, they have none.
"It will not be easy taming her, Marco. She seemed to hate you." Thatch pointed out, small laugh can be heard from his voice. Marco gave him glares as sharp as daggers for what he said. Even though he speaks like this is an amusement, he spoke of the truth. It will be hard for her to open herself up to him, or to anyone else here in Raftel.
"Giving up is not an option, yoi." Marco said with determination. He will not give up now, not now when he already found the woman who keeps on invading his dreams. Years of longing will finally be answered upon. The path might not be easy, but Marco will persevere even at the expense of defying their tradition.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Zoro stared at the mark at his back through a reflection. The mark was present for more than a decade already. The mark contains of a dragon embracing a woman. It has red colors around the woman while the dragon contains green and black markings that symbolize Zoro. Every dragon has different marks in their body but those marks only appear when they have marked their mates. The moment a mate is born, the dragon will immediately go to where the newborn is and marked her. As soon as the mate of the dragon is of the right age, they will meet once again to complete the mating.
Zoro's mark on his back symbolizes that he already marked someone as his mate but for years, since discovering the mark on his back, he could not remember how he got the mark or who did he marked it with. No memories at all. He tried to ask their spell masters to look into his mind for any memories about how he got the mark or who was the other one with the same mark but none of them could found anything.
The symbol throbbed the moment he laid eyes on a certain human girl. The girl with the most innocent smile he had ever seen in his life, the girl confident enough to speak her mind in front of the High Princes. Zoro's instincts almost went wild the moment he saw her beauty. His mark heated.
For a moment, he thought that she could be the one who bears the same mark as Zoro's yet he saw no sign of marks or reaction from her. She did not react at all.
It brought a huge question in Zoro's mind. How could the mark on his back heat up in her presence when she felt nothing at all? As the reaction started, Zoro expected for his memories when he obtained the mark surface itself yet nothing happened. His memories are as intact as it is. He tried so hard to remember anything about the mark, yet nothing happened.
Her presence only brought reactions to surface itself, but not his memories where he could gather all proofs about his mysterious mark. Deep inside his mind, he is secretly wishing for answers and hopes that she is the answer itself.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
AN:
SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER. NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE LONGER…
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