AN:
HEY FELLAS! I AM BACK! THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS AND LOVE YOU GUYS.
HERE COMES THE CHAPTER YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!
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Dreams are supposed to be just dreams. It should not be frequent. It should not feel as if it was real. It shouldn't be like this.
Ann heaved a sigh. Her sisters are fast asleep right beside her. The moon is still quite high but she knew that it is already nearing dusk. She stood from where she is and walked towards the window where she could fully see the bright moon.
The hues surrounding the moon itself reminded her of her previous dream. Why does she keep on dreaming of him? What does it mean? She does not have time for this!
The more she denies it, the more it keeps coming back to her as if haunting her to accept it. Those beautiful eyes keep haunting her, as if devouring her entire soul, enveloping her entire being and forcing her to succumb to the temptation.
She stepped out of the balcony, feeling the cold breeze of Raftel. There are a lot of things going on her mind and primary to that is their parents' situation. She looked back at Luffia, peacefully sleeping. She could not help but held back a tear coming out of her eyes.
She and Sab have decided to conceal the truth from Luffia. Would Luffia even believe it in the first place? Of course not. She might decide to storm out of Raftel if they were to tell her of what they discovered. She will find a way to get out of here, endangering herself outside of Raftel.
Ann shook her head for who knows how many times in this day. Her mind could almost collapse at any moment due to the heavy responsibility that she has to carry. If she were to choose an option, she would have to carry all of the responsibility herself, not letting her sisters suffer.
She has enough on her mind that adding this distraction is not necessary.
Once this is all done, we will go back to our home. We live in a different world anyways...
Ann was shocked herself in the words that transpired in her mind. Since when did she think these anyways?
Ann stepped back to the bedroom while looking at the direction of Ipraecia.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
"WAAHHH!"
Chopper's wild and scared voice bombarded their morning. The sisters looked at each other's eyes, questioning whatever is happening downstairs. They all left their shared bedroom with a haste as they ran downstairs worried of what might happen to Chopper.
They found him hugging tightly to one of his medical supplies as his eyes are about to burst from its widening as he looked at the direction in the open door.
"Chopper, what is happening? Are you alright?" Sab voiced out her concern. They all looked towards the open door and saw a creature lying there as if safeguarding the manor itself.
"Eeh, Wolfy!" Luffia instantly jumped towards the huge wolf, waking the beast. The action proved to be dangerous yet for the youngest human princess, it was anything but dangerous.
"Achilles. What are you doing here?" Sab asked curiously. She was not fazed at the sight of the huge beast in front of them. She was rather happy to see him especially after what happened last night.
Nothing. Just sleeping until his voice resonated like a wild drum and she jumped on me.
It is quite odd to speak to a beast. Sab never knew that he could converse like a human.
"Luffia, get off Achilles." Ann reprimanded. She heard what Achilles said. She too, finds it odd that a beast can speak their native language but since they are in Raftel, nothing could be stranger.
"Aww. He is so warm!" She whined, refusing to let the beast go.
The twins said nothing of it and instead diverted their attention towards Chopper.
"Lord Achilles scared me to death!" Chopper looked as if Achilles will snarl at him, bite him to death and cause a bloody murder in this manor.
"He will not kill you. He is just here for a visit, am I right, Achilles?" Sab asked in a good manner.
I will not be here if it were not for you. He growled dangerously and Chopper immediately hid behind Sab who's facial expression pertains not amused.
Achilles continued to sleep right in front of the main door. This prevented Chopper's patients to walk inside due to the huge beast hindering their way.
"Achilles, move out of the door. You are preventing the patients of their medicines!" Sab commanded. Achilles moved without a second thought and this time, he walked towards the forest near the manor, not too far - he lied on the ground and continued to sleep as if the environment is his territory.
The patients' eyes held respect and curiosity towards the human princesses. No one in Raftel can order a beast such as Lord Achilles except for the High Prince himself. How come, for all the wonders they have ever seen, can this human command such a mighty creature? How important are they for the pixies to show themselves in front of everyone in order to welcome them?
The three princesses noticed the curious glances originating from Chopper's patients. Sab though for a moment. Could they still be thinking of what happened last night? No one could blame them. How could anyone can? What happened was too sudden, too unusual and bizarre - shocking might be the right word for it.
"Would it be safe to come inside?"
"Ever since they came here, more interesting things happened. One after the other."
"I heard that the creatures who tried to attack the second princess were found dead in the dungeon."
"How horrible? Did Lord Achilles attacked them?"
"No. It was someone else. We heard His Higness, High Prince Kidd did it himself."
Whispers from the residents of Raftel were heard as they tried to get close inside the manor - as Chopper's patients. Despite being human, the princesses can hear their whispers. Sab is surprised to hear what they had whispered. Questions had emerged from her mind for the actions of the Red High Prince,
"OI! You can all come in! Hahaha!" Luffia waved her fragile looking had at the creatures in front of the manor as she signaled for them to come in. Her friendly actions have startled some of them and suspicious looks were released from their eyes directed towards the youngest princess.
Some of them, who had previously interacted with Luffia have stepped forward with no hesitation. some of them remained where they are, still afraid of the sleeping Achilles nearby.
"Princess Luffia, we need some medicine from Chopper. May we come in?" A woman with cat ears have asked politely. Her manners have drastically changed since the last time they had seen her.
Her manners made Luffia frown. Her eyebrows have almost joined together as she looked at the cat woman. The creatures in front of them have looked at Luffia with extreme alertness.
Have they said something that made the human princess mad? Would she ask Lord Achilles to attack them? These creatures, albeit supernatural creatures that surpassed humans, cannot fathom to defend an attack against the Lord of Wolves.
"You people..."
The creatures have all started to back away, afraid of Luffia's words.
"You don;t have to call me Princess! I swear! Just call me Luffia!" She loudly stated, proud of who she is as well as mad at the creatures who called her Princess.
"Uh - but Princess - "
"I said no Princess!"
"It will be disrespectful of your titles if we were not to properly call you of it. It will be treated as impertinence if we were to not pay our respects for the honored guests of the Peace Keeper and the High princes."
"I do not care! I don't want to be called Princess! Just call me Luffia."
"We beg your pardon, your highness, but we don't have the confidence to do so." One creature stated. He is an old creature, who looked too weak. These creatures in front of them might be the commoners of Raftel. Those who are living a peaceful life, with no interest in combats.
In Raftel, being a combatant is considered noble. those who has the power will also attain respect and noble status. It might not be a Dukedom or titles just like in Human Realm, but the respect and manners are all given to those who are strong.
"What?! No! I - "
"Luffia, enough! don't put them in a difficult position. Let them do what pleases them." Ann have taken the initiative to cover Luffia's mouth as she was about to utter words of dissatisfaction.
"But Ann!"
"Please, ignore our sister. You can proceed inside. Chopper should be receiving all of you." Sab said as she opened the huge door widely, letting the creatures enter the manor. Luffia was dragged upstairs. Ann whispered to her that they should be ready to visit the other palaces with Robin for today,
As the patients have lined up to be attended by Chopper, the sisters are inside their shared bedroom, preparing to go out with Robin to visit the palaces.
"I can't wait to see Zoro's palace! I know it will be huge and his chamber is huge too like a cave!" Luffia's excitement cannot be contained. Ann ever wondered how she assumed his chamber will be huge like a cave.
Their wait did not last long as several minutes have passed, Robin arrived with the same carriage as they used when they visited the Ipraecia's Palace. Luffia immediately ran outside, followed by the twins. They had stated their goodbyes to Chopper who remained busy at the moment due to the surge of patients' numbers.
"Are you coming?" Sab asked Achilles.
I will see you at Beogia. It is a place you must visit.
Achilles said as he he suddenly disappeared in the forest. Was that meant for Sab alone?
"Come on! We have to visit Beogia first!" Luffia decided as she conveyed that message to Robin.
"Alright, Luffia. Your wish is my command." Robin urged them to ride on the carriage. As they did, they began to travel up in the sky, taking a route opposite of Ipraecia. Sab's heart began to race faster as her eyes were now focused on the Iron Palace of Beogia. She could still remember his eyes, those reddish brown eyes that seems to held her soul. what happened last night is still as fresh as wind breezing in Raftel.
"Are you worried of visiting Beogia, Sab?" Robin's voice resonated and woke Sab in her personal musings. She looked at the woman sitting beside her. Her eyes held mysterious glint in it. Sometimes, Sab ever wonders if she was on their side or not, or were she entertained by what is happening to them.
"Why would she worry in visiting Beogia? It's Kidd's kingdom. No one can harm her in Beogia." Sab looked at Luffia as she voiced out such huge claims.
"How can you be so sure that no one will harm her in Beogia?" Ann asked in curiosity. For Ann, she does not trust Beogians. They have proven themselves as vile and cruel creatures and one wrong move from them can cause them their lives. what makes Luffia think that no harm will come to them should they visit Beogia?
Luffia looked at Ann as if she uttered blasphemy. "Achilles will be there." Luffia stated.
That is right. Achilles had mentioned that he will be waiting for them.
They looked at the sight in front of them, Beogia is not too far away. Unlike Ipraecia, Beogia consists mostly of thick and huge trees which covers the Iron Palace itself. They knew why this kingdom looks like a huge forest. This is because most of the creatures living in Beogia are all land creatures.
The carriage have started to descend, landing on the clearing in front of the entrance. They saw several number of creatures, awaiting for their arrival. they saw familiar faces. Killer, Wire and Achilles. the others seems to be of lower ranks compared to the first three they saw.
Deep in Sab's mind, she wondered where Kidd is.
I shouldn't be thinking of him. Marco did not welcome us when we visited his palace. Why should Kidd welcome them?
"We welcome you to Beogia, Princesses." Killer spoke. His voice held authority, almost like High Prince Kidd does. His baritone voice speaks more than just the words uttered. Anyone can immediately tell how formidable this man is.
"Hello there! I like your mask. It looks amazing. Where can I get such mask?" Luffia immediately spoke with no manners. She never speak with manners anyways.
"Fufufu. Luffia, it will not look good on you, should you decide to wear such mask." Robin spoke with amusement but the twins are glad that she prevented Luffia from furthering her crazy ideas.
"Eeh? Really? Such a shame." Disappointing words and tone came from the youngest princess but no one dared to console her as she will be able to find a way not to be depressed of such trivial matters.
"We will be guiding you to visit the palace." Wire spoke out.
"Will there be banquet? Marco gave us a banquet. Kidd should too!" Luffia once again spoke with no consideration at all.
"Luffia! You can't ask for a banquet here!" Ann reprimanded. She scowled at Luffia for asking such stupid requests without thinking of the consequences.
"Then Sab can! Sab, you ask them for a banquet."
"What?" Sab asked with confusion. Why is Luffia asking her of such things? "You know I couldn't just ask them to prepare - "
Of course you can. Should we prepare one for you? Achilles spoke. His voice spoke as if he is daring Sab to make a request that no one should have the confidence to do so.
"See! See! You can ask them!" Luffia pointed out. She was a little disappointed that Sab would not believe her. Sab felt confused. What rights does she have to place a request?
"There is no harm is asking for a banquet. The Ipraecians have prepared one for you. Why shouldn't they?" Robin spoke out. They ever wonder how she can be confident amidst the presence of Beogian warriors?
Sab frowned, a little irritated of all these pressures they gave to her. She sighed.
"Very well, - "
"Alright! Banquet! Banquet!" Luffia began cheering in a loud voice before Sab could even coherent a good response.
You heard her. Prepare the banquet. It should be prepared before we are done in sightseeing around the palace! Achilles spoke to the lower ranking creatures behind them.
"At once, Lord!" In a blink of an eye, they all disappeared from their sight.
"Follow us. We will guide you inside the Beogia." Killer spoke. At once, huge wolves appeared right before them, although it is not as huge as Achiles. "Please ride on the backs of these wolves. Horses are mostly not used in Beogia. They will be served as food should they happen to cross our borders."
So that is why the pegasi are restless when they landed on the ground. No one should be using a horse in the vicinity of Beogia without permission. It is like a mouse walking in cat's lair.
Luffia was the first one to ride the Red Wolf as she jumped on its back. Ann looked at the White and Black wolf with a frown before getting on tis back. robin did the same with the other wolf.
You will ride with me. Achilles spoke to Sab. She smiled with much pleasure.
"I never imagined I would get to ride on your back especially with how small you looked several years back. " Sab voiced out as she positioned herself on his back.
"He looked so fragile and cute back then." Ann also spoke, teasing Achilles.
"Hahaha. He was so warm and fluffy!" Luffia added, making the sisters a laughed a little as Achilles growled at them for teasing him.
That was before! The sisters just laughed.
Seeing such interaction, the Beogian Warriors did not utter any words and opted to remain silent. They proceed inside Beogia. they saw huge tree houses, oddly enough, it was made of irons and steels despite being situated atop a huge tree. Some of the paths contain irons on it, as if it were natural to mix nature and metals. Such a wonder that they could not find in Human Realm.
There are still places you have yet to see, far more beautiful than these.
"Are you guiding us to that place as well?" Sab asked with building excitement. She could not wait to see the entire Beogia itself. It gives her warmth and a comfortable feeling that she could not explain well. Why would the other creatures think that Beogia is a scary place? Its beauty cannot be defined with mere words.
Of course. All you have to do is tell us. When will you learn to remember this?
"And since when did you learn to be such a rude wolf?" Sab asked in coherence. Achilles did not answer. They continued their pace as the commanders are right behind them, running as easy as walking.
"So, are we going straight to the palace?" Ann asked. The question was directed to the warriors. Killer took the initiative to answer the query.
"We will let you see some of the places along the way to the palace."
"Ohh, what are those places? Do you have the waterfall like in Ipraecia? They also have training grounds. Do you happen to have them as well?" Luffia asked with excitement and anticipation of the places she is yet to see.
"Yes. We will lead you to those places after we visit one place nearby." Killer stated. they took a right turn and after a couple of strides, they stopped in the middle of the clearing, almost like a throne room in a palace, but as for this, it is situated in the middle of the forest, with throne chairs for a king and queen.
Sab's heart began to beat faster. Her hands have started to shake as her eyes were focused on the throne chairs right before them.
"This is where most of the gatherings happen in Beogia. Quite a sight, isn't it?" Robin explained. The three sisters all nodded. This is quite similar to the Central Palace's gathering grounds, but at the same time, it is quite different as well.
Sab get off Achilles' back. She observed the surroundings The more she tries to look around, the more her heart beats faster, as if she is beginning to remember something of importance. At last, her eyes graced the sight of the throne chairs. Why does she have the feeling that it has been calling on her?
"We should go. Time is running." Wire stated. Sab felt disappointment but she said nothing as she once again, placed herself on Achilles' back.
Do you like the sight? He asked silently in her head.
"Yes. Quite a sight, it is." She also answered through her mind.
On their way to the Iron Palace, they saw the training grounds, with many creatures present, training, so it seems. They all stopped dead on their tracks as they curiously stared at the human princesses, on the wolves' backs. Especially Sab, who was on Achilles' back.
They welcomed the princesses with better manners than the previous encounters. It might have something to do with their relation to Achilles. Their stay in the training grounds did not last long as they have to continue their travel. This time, they took the route where they traveled passed the residential areas of Beogia. The residents held curious glances as they walked their way to the Iron Palace.
Families of different races have gathered to witness how the human princesses ride on the backs of the wolves of Beogia, much less the Lord of Wolves.
Everyone, men, women, elderly and children looked at Sab as if they had seen a ghost. They all looked at her as if a goddess has descended in their haven.
They continued their journey on their way to the palace. It did not take too long. they have arrived at the huge metal gates of the Iron Palace. They felt overwhelmed at how huge and intimidating the palace is.
"Let's go! Adventure! Adventure!"
"Hold it, young lady! You are not going anywhere without us!" Ann held Luffia's collar even before she could walk somewhere.
Surprisingly, the High Prince of the Iron Palace is not present.
They proceed inside, where they were able to see the beauty of iron palace. Everywhere consists of heavy metals, almost like a museum of metals and irons itself. Its beauty is totally different from Ipraecia's Palace.
"Beogia's history is quite broad, just like Ipraecia. The previous kings and queens were born noble, powerful. in the entire history of Beogia, High Prince Kidd is entitled to be the most noble High Prince born." Robin stated as they walked the halls where portraits of Beogia's kings and queens were placed.
"Why is that?" Sab asked. She could not take her eyes off the portraits of the Ancient Kings and Queens. They all wore the same fur capes, as it it was made of Bear furs.
"His parents were born nobles. His father was the previous High Prince whilst her mother was a commanding warriors of the previous Raftel, back in the day when Huidel, Daerene and Verid still exist. It was said that she can wield magic of Huidel." Robin continued. They all stopped in front of the portrait of Kidd's parents. The High King looked regal in his own right, baring his muscled chest, full of battle scars.
The red haired woman looked beautiful. Her eyes are full of expression and warmth that anyone could find in a loving mother. The fur cape looked majestic in her.
"Huidel? The Elves' kingdom?" Ann asked. She could still remember all the stories, they all could and Huidel was mentioned for more than one occasion.
"Yes. Strange, isn't it? A resident of Beogia, a Berserker, who can wield magic of Huidel. Such a strange combination."
"No, not strange at all..." Sab whispered to herself. As for why she uttered such words, she does not know.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
That smell again...
It lurked around his palace.
It engulfs his sanity, making him unable to move, making him shiver with anticipation.
He hated it yet he longed for it.
Why now, of all times?
Why is she here? What is she doing here?
Ah, as far as he could remember, he agreed to let the human princesses visit his palace. What he did not prepare is his resolve to control his senses, his instincts and the feelings that kept on crawling in his mind.
His keen senses have been active. His awareness of her presence had left him aware of where she is. the moment she stepped in his territory, his instincts went insane.
"Blast the gods and goddesses! Why have you given me a human mate?!" He shouted as he punched a hole right on the wall of his chamber. As soon as the hole appeared, it instantly repaired itself - a magic of the Iron Palace.
He could not take her out of his mind. Neither could he take the disappointment of what happened last night.
"Argh!" Another hole graced itself on the wall.
"Y-You're Highness!"
Kidd glared at whoever is speaking outside of his chamber. Who dares to interrupt his privacy?!
"Your Highness! The banquet has been prepared!" The statement is something new to Kidd's ears. He did not state to prepare a banquet.
"What banquet?" He growled as he opened the doors to his chamber. The servant almost fainted in fear as he came face to face with the highest authority in Beogia.
"I-It was apparently requested by Princess Sab, Your Highness. And Lord Achilles has asked us to prepare it."
"Achilles..." Kidd growled as he dismissed the servant. "What are you up to now?"
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Their exploration have continued, as it continues deeper to the Iron Palace, the more Sab felt something that is calling her. A voice? No, she could not hear anything. She could not explain it.
"They also have a library. This was further developed by the High Prince's mother. We can also visit the gardens." Robin and the other Commanding warriors led them towards the library. Ann andf Luffia have followed them thoroughly but Sab stopped dead on her tracks as her eyes caught the movement outside. As if on a trance, she stopped and started to walk subconsciously towards the door leading outside.
She was not able to register in her mind the fact that she had led herself away from the rest. She continued towards the movement that she saw outside. It was a small creature, fast in his movements that led Sab towards the forest of Beogia. She continued as her curiosity barks at her to follow the creature.
She stopped in front of different caves. There were a lot of caves in this part, as if there were residents - and yes, there were residents.
Wolves have started to emerge from the caves, staring at her. Surprisingly their stares do not contain animosity but curiosity. She wonders why? But that is ridiculous. She could never openly ask why as she knew the answer.
She stopped her line of thoughts when she caught the sight of a wolf pup, emerging from one of the caves. She remembered back in the day when Achilles was just as small as the wolf in front of her.
The wolf pup hid behind her mother and Sab smiled as she kneels down the ground and encouraged the wolf pup to walk towards her.
"Come, don't be afraid." She said. The wolf pup started to walk towards her, staring with its childlike eyes. It stopped in front of Sab, smelling her hand and rubbed its head on it. Such a sweet gesture from a sweet little creature. Sab continued to rub the wolf pup's head.
She raised her head and saw that more wolf pups have emerged from the caves, approaching her with delight. She laughed as dozens of them running as if they saw their own mother. She welcomed them with open arms as they swarmed her with playfulness that no one would expect. Some of them were on her shoulders, tickling her with their tongues.
"How adorable of you." She uttered. She was surprised as the adult wolves have stayed where they are, as if they were comfortable enough to let their children play with a human. Sab sat on the ground to accommodate the wolf pups, embracing them with so much love.
"You are not supposed to be here." A growl sent shivers to her spine. Her heart started to beat loudly, as much as she wanted to control it, she can't. How can this man produce such effects towards her?
Sab looked at the man right behind her, standing in all his glorious self, proud and authoritative as he glared at her. Surprisingly, his glare does not scare at all.
"You are scaring them." She glared back, as she noticed how tense the wolves are. Considering this is their High Prince in front of them that should be normal.
"That's not an answer to my query, human."
"Did you even ask a question? I don't think you did." Sab answered with sarcasm. She is not supposed to answer that way to a High Prince, considering her current circumstances. It is quite a wonder where her confidence is coming from.
A growl escaped Kidd's throat. Once more, the wolves have retreated far back, away from the arguments of the two of them. Sab stood from her comfortable sitting arrangement and faced the High Prince.
"Your sarcasm is out of place, human."
"Maybe it is in the right place, your Highness."
"Your insolence knows no bounds, human. You are in my territory, if you haven't forget." Kidd growled with irritation. The human shows no fear towards him, no qualms of directing an answer that were deemed insolent for her position.
"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten where I am but that does not mean I should keep my mouth shut wherein I know I could give a coherent response." Sab answered bravely.
"A response that does not answer my question." He looked far irritated and Sab discovered she felt amused by his irritated look.
"And again, I did not hear you utter a question. What were you asking anyways?" Sab provided a good challenge to him, verbally since she cannot match him in strength, that she could be sure.
Kidd, once again, growled at her, as she looked down at the woman in front of him. He stood almost a foot taller than her yet she did not feel pressured at all. She held a ground that no human were able to do so against him.
"You do realize I could snap your neck right here, right now, and no one will be able to help you." Kidd stepped closer to her, towering over her small figure. His eyes held dangerous glint to threaten her to back away, to fear him, for her to hate him, despise him and if possible avoid him.
"No one is stopping you from doing so. Just like you have said, there will be no one to help me if you decided to snap my neck. I am no match for your strength. You have the means in doing it, then why not do so?" Sab directly looked at him with an amused glint in her eyes. It is quite surprising how she does not feel fear towards him. Would it be strange if she were to admit that she felt exhilarated seeing him try to scare her away? She finds joy in seeing his dangerous eyes that seems to be a lull tone of dusk.
Kidd looked quite surprised at her words. He looked puzzled, as ponder in her words. He could quite get the gasp of it. He hesitated upon looking at her wonderful gray eyes. Kidd lots the chance to form a response upon hearing a sound coming from his Palace.
"The banquet is ready. You should be there." he said as he turned his back on her. He started to walk towards the Palace's direction whilst she followed him.
She can't help but stare at his broad and muscled back. Sab wondered if she could see him in his beast form just like in Feat of Fortune.
"Quit staring!" He shouted. Sab was startled as he shouted at her but still kept his back turned on her.
"How do you know I am staring? Do you happen to have an eye at your back? But that sounds ridiculous." Sab laughed a little upon thinking of the possibility of this man having an eye at his back.
"I don't have an eye at my back!" he shouted with an angry tone. His baritone voice plays like a melody in Sab's ears. She liked how he growls like a beast he is, how his eyes shine brightly as he glares at anyone, particularly her. Does it fall as an odd thing for her to like seeing him riled up, glaring and growling at her? She supposed it does.
"Why do you always have to yell? You should have realized I am not deaf." Sab frowned at his back. She just wished he could witness how she is unimpressed by his attitude in yelling often.
"I have the right to yell whenever and wherever I want and you have nothing to say in the matter!"
"Oh, but I do, especially if I am the one you are yelling at! Honestly, can't you hold a normal conversation? Lower down your voice if possible!" Her annoyed tone matches her frown. She continued to glare at his broad back as they continued to walk towards the palace. Along the way, they chanced upon some servants that would occasionally stare at them as they continued to argue without considering their voices can be heard loud and clear.
"That will be impossible and blame your sharp tongue, human!" He sneered loudly. He stopped on his tracks to glare at the woman behind him. She stopped as well and glared back at him, irritated, annoyed beyond words how this brute of a beast can't stop yelling. Whilst she enjoyed how she can rile him up, she also does not appreciate that he won't back down even for a second. It is as if his wall is too high for her to reach.
"I've been born with a sharp tongue and I don't think that will change anytime soon."
"Same as myself, and I don't think that will also change anytime soon." Kidd smirked at her as the situation has been reversed. He was the one annoying her now.
"You're incorrigible and impossible!"
"And I don't intend to be one!" Kidd continued to walk towards the palace and she straightly followed him while glaring at his back.
Along the way, they remained silent. The only noise that hung in between them is the breeze of the wind and a rustles of creatures around. No one dared to break that silence after their conversation - but looking back at the words uttered, that can hardly be classified as conversation as those words were filled with sarcasm that it should be considered an argument.
Sab still continued to follow him towards the palace. Along their way, Kidd was greeted by the servants in the palace, bowing to him as a form of respect. The actions are to be expected considering his status, but what Sab did not expect is also their politeness towards her. Was it because she was seen with their High Prince?
"The banquet is all set, Your Highness, as you have requested." One servant bowed towards Sab. Her cheeks flared at the words directed to her. What the servant said meant as if she requested the banquet herself wherein it was Luffia and Achilles who initially pushed such request.
"Oh, I see." That was all she could muster as a response to the servant. Kidd remained silent.
"If you could allow me to escort you to the hall, Your Highnesses..." The servant gestured them towards the hall. Kidd did not reply as he resumed walking.
"That is alright. You do not have to be so polite to me. I will just follow your rude High Prince." Sab said to the servant in a low tone.
"I can hear you..." Kidd growled. His hearing senses must be so sharp that he can hear even though she lowered her voice. The servant shivered at the growl but Sab did not respond to the almost threatening words from the High Prince. He growled, glared and even yelled at her earlier that the current threat he is mustering does not pose any importance to her.
"How about my sisters and Robin? Are they in the hall as well?" Sab asked, ignoring the High Prince.
"Yes, your Highness. They -"
"Ok, thank you." Sab walked towards the direction where Kidd walked into. He stopped right in front of the huge double doors. He could still feel her presence at his back. the more she stayed close to him, the more she felt his resolve crumbling down as if the wall is about to reach an endpoint. As much as he wanted to keep on denying how she is not his mate, the more the fact kept on knocking on his walls.
"This is the hall. You can have your banquet and afterwards, make yourself comfortable in getting out of palace! I can't stand your presence anymore!" Kidd walked out before she could respond, leaving her staring at his retreating form with a deep frown.
Sab was a bit shocked by his choice of words. He must really hate humans. A sigh escaped her lips as she continued inside the hall. Inside, she witnessed how her sisters have started to eat even before her.
"Where have you been? We've been looking for you and you are nowhere to be found!" Ann exclaimed, voicing her worry about her twin sister.
"I just got lost." She answered. "Where is Achilles?"
"He was just outside. Maybe he will join us later." Robin answered and Sab just nodded.
"Will Kidd join us?" Luffia asked curiously.
"He will not. He wants us out of the palace as soon as possible so we better get out of here before he goes sulking in his territory due to our presences!" Sab's words came out of spite. Her tone held venom in her words as she lost her composure. This surprised the sisters. She rarely gets her composure undone. This is quite the rare times.
The commanding warriors that are present stared at the blond princess. They have heard the conversation outside and they concluded that the meeting of the High Prince and the human princess did not end well. The tension from last night have ignited the fire between them, and that fire will not be extinguished anytime soon. The real question here is if that fire is something to keep them apart or pull them closer... That question is yet to be answered.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Their journey to Vaelon had been quiet. Sab's sour mood has affected the atmosphere. Ann and Luffia sensed the tense in Sab's mood. They could not openly ask their sister of what exactly happened and they doubt that she will openly state it as well. Robin have continued to try to explain to the sisters the traditions of Vaelon but none of them have the capacity to listen well as the sisters are pre-occupied.
"We could delay the visit to Vaelon. After all, there should be no rush for the visit. The three of you have the necessary time to visit at a later date..." Robin suggested.
The three sisters looked at her.
Time...
Necessary time in the world...
That triggered unnecessary thoughts in the sisters' minds. Time is essential and the more they indulged in this activity, the more they are wasting instead of getting stronger to get back to Human Realm. Their people need them badly and they don't have much time left if they wanted to save their people... At least what's left of them.
"Luffia, would you still want to visit Vaelon?" Sab asked. She considered how her sister is eager to visit that place. Apparently, she liked the High Prince and she is currently trying acquaint herself to him.
"Hmm, we can go back now. We can still visit at a later time." Luffia tried to sound ok, but she dreaded the day to visit Vaelon. After all, she wanted to see Zoro's territory. Added to that eagerness is the unknown feeling that something is calling to her to go to that place.
"Let's go back for now, Robin. If you could please..." Ann said. Robin only nodded at the three of them as she commanded the pegasi to turn around and go back to Chopper's manor. Chopper, upon seeing them had asked why they arrived too soon.
"We will continue training for now." Chopper nodded and continued to ten to his patients. The sisters continued at the back of the manor where they usually train. Heavy footsteps echoed as they walked towards the back of the manor.
"We can't stay here for too long. We can't get attached to this place." Sab broke the silence engulfing them upon their arrival in the training field.
"Why not? We've made friends here. There should be no problem, is there?" Luffia innocently asked the eldest. She could not understand the deep reason why she has been adamant in getting attached to this place. This place has been a dream that they wished they could not forget.
"No problem? We have a problem! A kingdom waiting for our return and as the only members of Royal family left, what do you think are we doing now? Sightseeing?! They don't even want us here!" Sab shouted angrily at Luffia.
"What do you mean we are the only members left? How about our Mom and Dad? " Luffia's voice held a deadly tone, as if condemning the words that left Sab's mouth. The blond realized the heavy mistake she uttered. Ann looked at her with a sad expression. She said something she shouldn't have.
"Ann, what does she mean we are the only ones left?" Luffia, upon the silence of Sab turned to the eldest. Ann could not bear to watch how her usual bright and glowing eyes turned sad - a grave darkness engulfing them as if trying to swallow her.
"Luffia, listen well... We - " Ann held back a sob herself. She could not even say it herself.
"Why couldn't you answer me? Why not tell me? I am sure, your words are not just mere words uttered out of mistake!"
"The day we visited Ipraecia, we left to see the Peace Keeper. We asked if he could track down where our parents are." Sab uttered the words carefully.
"And what happened?" Luffia asked.
"H-He... He found nothing." Ann answered, looking away, afraid of what she might see in Luffia's eyes.
"Nothing? What does that mean?"
"He could not trace their presence."
"Are you telling me that they are dead?" Luffia's voice became firm, as if another personality took over her. Silence was the only answer she received from the twins. "They are not dead!" She is resolute as she shouted.
"Luffia..." Sab called out.
"They are not dead! I can feel it. Dad is strong and so is Mom. Until I see their dead bodies lying in front of me, I will not believe of their rumored death. We will get them back from Akainu!" Luffia walked away from the twins, leaving them behind the manor.
Silence once more engulfed the twins upon Luffia's departure.
"What happened to you?!" Ann chose to direct her frustration to her twin. Her sour mood has instigated this current situation.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. This wouldn't have happened if I did not lost control of myself." Sab reflected on her fatal mistake. What has gotten into her?
"That's okay, I think. Sooner or later, we would have to tell her. We can't hide it forever. Why did you snap? That is so unlike you. Does it have something to do with the High Prince of Beogia? Did he do something to you?" Ann began to worry about Sab's welfare. She thought that the High Prince of Beogia might have threatened Sab.
"No, he did not do anything." Sab wondered to herself why she lied. He threatened to snap her neck, not only once but twice.
"Did he say anything then?"
"I supposed he just hated humans. We can't blame him though. It should be understandable." Sab's voice sounded sad. She is indeed sad by how things are.
"And...?" Ann inquired for even more details. She knew her twin sister. They shared the same womb for months and she knew better when Sab's thoughts run deeper that she has to help her sister from drowning in such thoughts.
"I wished our circumstances were different." Ann can't help but feel the same. "I felt drawn to him." The revelation shocked Ann but at the same time, it does not. Considering of what happened during the Feast of Fortune, Sab being drawn to Kidd is not highly impossible.
"He hates humans." Sab uttered with a sigh. Why this does seems to be a huge deal to her now?
"And you hated the fact that he does hate our kind." Ann said.
Sab kept herself quiet. She really does hate their circumstances. If they met under different circumstances, would things be different?
"It is quite odd to be drawn to him. He hated me, my presence. He hates my kind, he threatened to snap my neck - "
"Wait, he threatened to snap your neck?!" Ann almost burst out in rage upon hearing the threat to her twin sister.
"Yes he did, but he did not do it despite all my effort of taunting him to do it." Sab laughed as she remembered what happened earlier. Ann could only glare at her sister. She knew Sab too well. She knew how she loved to taunt anyone to ride her pace. She loved to get an upper hand in a battle of who will yield first.
"That is not a good habit. You should stop taunting everyone."
"Have you ever felt so drawn to something? Or someone?" The blond twin asks the brunette, ignoring her comment. The question took Ann off her guard. The first thought that came to her mind is Marco and her dreams consisting of him.
"I do, but like you have mentioned, our circumstances are different. We can't be attached to this placer more than we already have."
"Marco does not seem to hate our kind. He seems to be welcoming you."
"Even so, it shouldn't be that way. It can't be that way."
Sab was about to utter something to contradict Ann's words, but she stopped midway upon seeing Ann's expression. Yes, their circumstances are difficult enough for her to push thoughts that will further contradict them. Once more, silence wrapped them.
"Should we go after Luffia?" Ann wonder if that will be a good move.
"No, let just leave her be for now. She will come back at a later time and we can try to talk to her." Both of them agreed to it for the meantime. A time for herself might be what Luffia needed right now.
The twins continued their usual training routine. all their frustrations are being pulled out through their punches and kicks. They hardly ever noticed how darkness overtook the morning sky of Raftel. They were indulged in their training that they forgot that about 4 hours has passed since Luffia left. It is about dinner time.
"Are you done with your training?" Chopper asked them. They did not notice him standing the doorway to manor.
"Yes, we are about to clean ourselves to prepare for dinner." Sab answered as she wiped the sweat off her face. Ann is doing the same thing.
"Has Luffia come back?" Ann asked Chopper. Dinner time is almost upon them and Luffia hated missing meal time.
"Luffia? Wasn't she with you? I did not see her in the manor." This alarmed the twins.
"She stormed off a couple of hours ago. Where has she gone off to?" Sab began to worry. It would not be safe for either of them to roam around Raftel alone with no one with them.
"We will try to search for her. She might still be around Central Raftel." Ann suggested.
"I will also help. I might be able to sense her smell." The twins nodded in appreciation as they stormed off in search for Luffia.
Chopper can smell the traces of her scent nearby, but he stopped as the smell is getting faint. They were in the Central Forest, looking for her.
"The smell is faint. I could not smell her properly due to the conflicting mixtures of scents around." Chopper said.
"This is troublesome. We have to split in order to find her. I will go to the left. Ann, you go to the right. Chopper, how about you try searching in the middle?" Sab suggested. She can;t help but feel guilty. Luffia wouldn't have stormed off if she had not lost her composure. She blamed her conflicting thought about Kidd. Why do their circumstances keep on getting messier?
"Alright. We just hope to see her as soon as possible. Let us meet after half an hour." All three of them ran to different directions.
Ann continued far right, as she shouted her name, but there is no answer. The Central Forest does not have residence in it. Ann ran in search of her youngest sister.
"LUFFIA!" Still no answer. All she got is nothing but the deafening silence of the forest. It is already getting darker and the only light she relies into is the bright rays of the rising moon. She went farther right, to cover more grounds and she shouted her name once again. Nothing...
Her heart keeps on beating wildly. Countless of scenarios have played in her mind. What if she got eaten by a monster? What if she fell off a cliff and died? That usually happened to her since they are young and she is lucky that the twins were always with her upon the greatest dangers she faced.
Ann did not realized how far she ran or how long. She just kept on shouting her name as if uttering a prayer for her safety.
"LUFFIA! WHERE ARE YOU?" Still nothing. Her breath became rugged by constant running, but that did not stop her from running at a very far off direction, looking for her youngest sister.
Sab is not faring well. Her shouts echoed in the thick forest yet no sign of Luffia.
"LUFFIA! PLEASE ANSWER ME! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Sab shouted, her lungs are almost giving up. Her rough breathing continued as she shouted once more. Nothing... all that answered her is the eerie silence of the forest.
She kept running and running and running... she shouted for her name, yet there is nothing.
She never realized how she went too far from their meeting point but she still continued.
Half an hour later, the twins were back at their meeting point, looking rugged and almost out of breath.
"Where could she be? Fuck this!" Ann cursed.
"Where is Chopper? Maybe he found her!" Sab sounded hopeful, but she really is praying to any deities she know of for Luffia's safety.
The eerie silence of the Central Forest was broken by a shout that seems to have belonged to their youngest sister. Without any words from the sisters, they run off to a direction where they thought the shout came from.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Chopper shouted as she run forward - shouting for Luffia's name. As he continued to run forward, he heard voices nearby until he run across Zoro. He can't help but think that he might have gotten lost, again.
"Oh, Chopper. What are you doing here?"
"Zoro! Have you seen Luffia?"
The green haired High Prince frowned at the mention of such familiar name.
"The annoying human?" He asked. Chopper did not comment on such description, but he nodded.
"No, I haven't. Did she get lost?"
"Apparently not. Her sisters told me she ran off somewhere several hours ago and until now, she has not come back. We are worried she might have been attacked by the residents that are not pleased with their presence."
Zoro scowled. Whilst that is a possibility, but he knew that no one will dare to lift a finger against the human princesses especially everyone witnessed how the Wolf Lord protected them.
"So, where are her sisters?"
"We agreed to meet after half an hour. They should be on their way to our meeting point." Zoro nodded as he followed Chopper to their meeting point. Upon arrival, there is no sign of the human princesses. "I could smell that they have been here not too long ago." Chopper said and he continued to sniff out the scents of the twins. He continued for about 15 minutes, following the scent but he stopped when he senses the familiarity of the way they are taking in. Even Zoro frowned. This way does not look good...
"Their scent is far ahead..." Chopper voiced out a concerned look upon seeing the relatively black pathway. This is a dangerous path because this is a path towards the Purgatory - Raftel's dangerous prison cell.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Approximately 5 hours ago...
Luffia stormed off away from her sisters. She could not believe how her sisters could utter such nonsense. She will never believe such preposterous thoughts! Never!
She ran at a random direction, leaving the Manor in such a sour mood. She did not know how long she ran away but all she could remember is how she ran away.
It took her almost half an hour of running away from her sisters until she decided to take a walk while muttering words under her breath.
"They are not dead! They could never be dead! Stupid Sab! Stupid Ann! Stupid! Stupid!" She kicked a crystal stone as she walked the path she never has been familiar with. Her head is currently facing the ground as she kicked anything that might be in her way.
Tired of walking and kicking, she chose to sit in a random stone as she ponders on her thoughts.
"There is no way they are dead." She sighed as she firmed her resolution. As soon as she calmed down, she looked at where she is and discovered how the place looks so unfamiliar to her but her senses are telling her that she should know this place.
Come... Seek us...
Suddenly, she heard a voice.
"What? Who's there?!"
She asked loudly but only the breeze of the wind provided an answer.
She walked farther and farther, looking for the source of that voice.
Come...
The voice sounded almost like it is begging for her to come.
"Where are you?!" She shouted as she ran forward, in search for the source of the voice.
Seek us...
"Damn it! Just where in the world are you? What do you want?" She shouted as she walked towards a path that she does not know. Why is she hearing this voice?
She did not give up in running in search for the particular voice until she found herself right in front of a huge gate. It contains a heavy aura that no normal human could dare to face. Luffia looked innocently and curiously at the gate right in front of her.
Come... the voice once more echoed in Luffia's ears.
She frowned, determined to know who is behind the voice.
"Let us see who you are..." She smiled as she took a step in front of the gate, walking towards an unknown place...
===XXX===XXXX===XXX===
"LUFFIA!" The twins shouted.
"Aahhhh!" A shout came from afar. The twins did not hesitate in taking a route they don't have knowledge about until they found themselves in front of a dark gate. They can smell danger just from the aura itself.
They felt a shiver down their spine upon looking at the huge gate in front of them.
"This cannot be good." Sab muttered as another shout came from inside the gate and they knew that voice well. It was Luffia's.
With no hesitation, they moved forward, running for their youngest sister, praying for her safety and praying they are not too late to save her to whatever dilemma and danger she might be facing. They run, ignoring the danger that they might also be facing...
===XXX===XXXX===XXX===
"This is not good. This is a forbidden place." Chopper voiced out a relative concern. He knew too well that the Purgatory is not a place anyone can just dwell on. Not even the residents would dare to go to this place.
Zoro gripped on his swords as he scowled at the path towards the Purgatory.
"The barrier should have kept them from taking this path. And I knew that the barrier is not the least broken. Only the Royalties of Raftel and the Peace Keeper can pass through this barrier." Zoro uttered as he held out his hand, touching an invisible barrier. It caused a spark to his hand just as expected. This means that the barrier is not broken.
"We have to save them!" Chopper almost pleaded to Zoro but pleading is not needed. Judging on Zoro's determined eyes, he already set the decision of entering this place. He could not let something happen to them.
Suddenly, an image of the annoying, smiling human princess flashed before his mind. He can't help but worry of the possibilities of danger that the human princesses might have encountered.
"We should let the Peace Keeper know."
"Very well." Zoro would like to go himself, but letting the others know of the situation might be a good idea. He thinks the other High Princes might appreciate such information.
Zoro waved his hand and immediately, a misty cloud appeared right in front of them, granting them the communication towards the Peace Keeper.
"Hmm? It is rare for you to contact me, brat." The Peace Keeper is seen drinking in a gourd, enjoying a Sake.
"There is a problem. The princesses are missing." This took the attention of the Peace Keeper Chopper is currently hiding behind Zoro's legs as he is slightly guilty of their disappearance as they are under his care. He could not imagine how dangerous the Purgatory is and the dangers for them as humans might pose as life threatening. Should something happen to them, Chopper might find himself dead sooner.
"That is indeed a problem. That place is dangerous for them. How did they get in?"
"The barrier seems to be useless for them. It is not broken. They are humans; they must have passed through the barrier with no issues."
That is the only logical reason why the human princesses passed through the barrier.
"I will enter the Purgatory myself and find them." Zoro stated. "But I figured it would be good idea to let the others know, seeming they are concern with their welfare."
Whitebeard nodded. He waved his hand and after a couple of seconds, it connected to the other High Princes who were shocked for the immediate audience from the Peace Keeper. They also noticed Zoro's presence.
"This is rare. To what do I owe this rare audience?" Kidd asked with a scowl. It rarely happens that the Peace Keeper will contact the three High Princes all at once unless it concerns the entirety of Raftel.
"The human princesses are missing. They seem to have entered a forbidden area." Zoro did not dare delay this news. Base on the reactions of the two High Princes, it is a good choice to let them know as their expressions have turned serious at the mention of the princesses.
"What forbidden area, yoi?" Marco asked. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by a serious one. He is a man known for his calm and calculated demeanor, but those instantly changed the moment Zoro mentioned the princesses.
"The Purgatory." It is as if Zoro dropped a huge blast upon letting them know of the news. A very grave news.
"Wait for me, I will come with you." Marco instantly disappeared from the communication before they could even utter a response.
"Fuck in hell!" That was all Kidd uttered as he, too disappeared from the communication. Zoro could now guess where they are headed to.
"There seems to be no need for me to lift a finger for now, seeing that the three High Princes are heading to find the missing princesses." Whitebeard said. Zoro only nodded as he bid his goodbye to the Peace Keeper.
It did not take several minutes before the two High Princes arrived in haste. The presence of the other two agitated High Princes is too much for Chopper to handle. He kept himself quiet while standing behind Zoro's legs.
"How come they can enter the barrier? They shouldn't be able to do so!" Kidd yelled as soon as he arrived in front of Zoro,
"Barriers must have let them through because they are humans." Zoro stated.
"Damn it to hell!" Kidd cursed once more as he, with no hesitation stepped into the barrier and walked towards the huge gate of Purgatory. He was soon followed by Marco who was clearly on edge in controlling his powers from bursting. His flames can set the whole Central forest ablaze and that is quite dangerous.
"As much as I want to come with you, my powers are not enough. But I will wait here, in case you need a healer." Chopper stated to Zoro. He nodded and started to walk towards the gate. His hand firmly gripped his swords as he proceeds to Raftel's infamous Purgatory...
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
AN:
HEY GUYS! DAMN, THIS REALLY TOOK LONGER TO WRITE. SERIOUSLY. ANYWAYS, DROP A REVIEW IF YOU CAN!