===XXX====XXX====XXX===

"Do you know what consequences you will face by bringing these humans here?" a spiteful voice asked, an unamused expression evident on that creature's face.

"As a healer, I cannot let them die, much less leave them at the mercy of the harsh forest." The healer answered while tending to the wounds of the humans the other creature are referring to.

"You know that humans had never been accommodating to our kind for hundreds of years."

The healer stopped for a while, his mind reminiscing the past, reliving the harsh memories he thought he had forgotten over time, yet he did not. It is still as fresh as it was yesterday. He sighed and shook his head then continued to heal the wounds which are life-threatening to the humans.

"When I saw them leaning on each other for survival, my thoughts brought me back to the past. Family members who would choose to die so others could live. I wonder if my family feels the same? Or maybe not."

He said in a reminiscing tone while still treating the wounds.

"The youngest begged me to save the lives of her elder sisters, ignoring the fact that she has the worst injuries of them all." The healer argued, his resolve is set in stone, unchanging.

"I know I cannot change your mind but remember my words when you face the consequences for harboring these humans. The current Peace Keeper of Raftel might be forgiving but the High Princes might not. You do not want to cross either of the Three Beasts." The creature left the healer who remained silent. What could he possibly answer his friend? What was spoken are nothing but the truth.

"Guh… Mom… Dad…" The healer turned his head to the youngest who started to wince, tears flowing from her eyes, streaming down on her cheeks. The tears could either be from her wounds or the harsh memories before coming in the Dark Forest.

The healer does not know, but seeing the distressed looks coming from these women, his decision to help them survive became firmer. He will see to it that that they survive even at the expense of his own life.

===XXX===XXX===XXX===

"Daddy! Mommy! Please tell us stories!" Luffia demanded from her parents, running in the Throne Room in her sleeping clothes while being followed by her sisters.

"As princesses, you should know better than to be at public places while wearing something inappropriate!" One of the advisors yelled indignantly upon placing her eyes on the three young princesses of Cresta.

"Bleh!" The three as childish as what their ages spoke, stick out their tongues then continue to run at the throne chairs while the parents of the said princesses remained unperturbed by the disturbance caused by the three children, clearly indicating that this is expected.

"Daddy! Mommy! You promised stories!" The youngest demanded attention from the King and Queen of Cresta, standing in front of them.

"Yes, yes dear. We will follow you to your chamber." The king answered to the youngest. His smile turned as bright as the sun while looking at his children - his pride and joy.

"I want it now! Now! Now!"

"Calm down, Lu! They will follow us to our chamber." Princess Sabrina or Sab as she prefers to be called, tried her earnest to calm the youngest girl to prevent her from jumping around the throne room which should have been a modest area for Royalties - an attitude deemed inappropriate and should she be a non-royal born human, can earn a harsh punishment for such acts can be treated as insubordination and disrespect towards a respectful place.

"Luffia! Stop whining! Dad said they will be following along, so we should go. But you'll go as soon as possible, right?" Princess Andrea or Ann, as she was called by her parents, asked, eager as the youngest to hear stories from their parents, more so, since their father will be joining them tonight.

"Of course. We will just finish some matters with the advisors." Queen Rouge's voice is as soothing as the flower sceneries in the palace garden. Her beauty is befitting of the title Queen.

"Okay! Come on, Ann, Sab! The last one to get to the chamber is the rotten egg!" The youngest loudly announced what seems to be an unofficial contest between the sisters and dashed towards the huge double doors ignoring the warnings from the servants and some muttered disapproval from the advisors. The twins are no better than the youngest as they, too, speed their way to the huge double doors earning the same warnings.

As soon as the princesses left the throne room, the King and Queen were immediately greeted with looks of mixed reactions such as amusement, sighs of defeat, and roll of the eyes.

"Let us be finished with this. My daughters are waiting and need I remind you that if we are any late than we are now, they are going to come back here and demand our presence."

"Your Majesty! These matters are far more important than bedtime stories!" One councilman spoke with utter desperation as the matters they are discussing are his projects and his propositions.

"I advise you not to utter such words in front of the princesses." The councilman looked at the man who spoke to him in such manner, recognizing him as none other than Silvers Rayleigh, the King's right-hand man and one of Cresta's most trusted advisers.

"And why is that?" The councilman asked, too naïve of the real reason why. His question earned a smirk on Rayleigh's lips.

"The last man who dared to contradict the demands of the princesses has found himself in the midst of a… difficult circumstance and great misfortune should he visit the palace."

The councilman frowned, so confused about the vague meanings behind Rayleigh's words that he failed to notice that the King and Queen are already exiting the Throne room.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, when the princesses found out, they never stopped tormenting the poor man. They are devils as much of angels they are. Hmm, let me recall, they pulled a feat none had ever done. Putting slugs on the man's bath. There was a time with that poor man's 5th visit that he found himself in a manhole full of horse manure. Could you believe that? Bless his sanity for enduring so much, but alas, he vowed never to utter such offending words to the princesses."

The councilman looked horrified and disgusted.

"Of course, that is not the end of it all. Should I tell you the time when the sisters heard one councilwoman who offended the princesses for their lack of womanly gestures? She - "

"I've heard enough and I will now retire to my own chamber." The councilman was guided by the guard towards his own chamber. He is downright horrified to the she-devils. The entire situation makes for a good amusement for Rayleigh's rather boring day.

Meanwhile… the King and Queen made their way to the princesses' chamber. They shared the same bed for the three of them are used to sharing, unlike other royalties.

As soon as they were seen by the she-devils, they were greeted with much enthusiasm, asking for more stories.

"Yes dears, now lie on your bed as our story will fold." Roger and Rouge sat at the long bench near the bed, intended for bedtime stories.

The three young princesses stared at their parents, eager to hear stories about the magical world of Raftel. Luffia was in between the twins. As soon as all of them are comfortable, the story began.

"We want you to remember all the stories we told you, for it will be relevant when the time comes."

"Relevant? To what?" Sab asked with confusion.

Roger smiled and let Rouge answer the question for him.

"You will know soon, but that is not important for now. Shall we start?" The three princesses nodded with much more enthusiasm.

"Before the war between humans and the Otherworldly, the peaceful Raftel's seers released a prophecy. The seers told everyone:

'The world shall be at peace, for the existence of different creatures shall be granted. Raftel to prosper than it was before. The creatures with no mates shall find what they cannot here. Halfborns, the bridges between Raftel and Human Realm. Rejoice, everyone! Prosperity is yet to come!'

"This put the leaders at ease for they knew that the prophets of Raftel never failed them. Or so what was said…" Rouge looked at her husband and he continued the story.

"One of the three prophets saw something else that the other two have not. A glitch in their own prophecy. For she foresaw this:"

'The peace shall not last for the darkness shall grow. The might of Raftel cannot stop it. Power will hide… and hide and hide… until it is fully ready to counter the Dark. The Rareborn princess is not the solution… She could never be for she will be the cause of the destruction of the Peace.'

"The third prophet did not voice this out to the entire Raftel for she realized the glitch too late. Halfborns are already around, Otherworldly are already co-existing with humans. There is an evident peace in the world."

Rouge turned sadder. Her eyes appear to be looking at a distant memory. The three princesses kept the comments and insights to themselves as they took notice of how their parents became sad with the story –it's like retelling something they have experienced before. She took this time to tell the continuation by herself.

"The third prophet told the princess of such prophecy and not only did she told the princess of the Missed Prophecy, but another prophecy that will play a significant role to the darkness that is coming."

'Should the war be upon us, bring the battered to Xavaria and wait for them. They will come.'

'They? Who are they?'

'You will know, for they will carry the Soul and Power that you cannot. Let the war be upon us, for it cannot be prevented anymore.' The third prophet said to the princess.

'You bring this knowledge upon me, how can you ask me to let the war grace its harsh consequences to my people and all we can do is to hide in the valley of Xavaria?!' The princess is outraged, saddened that there is a war coming and she will cause it.

'There is a good reason why this must happen, Your Highness. Reasons I cannot tell you for it will endanger everyone.'

"The princess tried everything to prevent wars, either a civil war or intercontinental one, but just like what the prophet told her, the war cannot be prevented. All the princess did was to delay it. The inevitable came." Rouge's smile waivered, as she knew too well how it hurts to see anyone's death.

"So, she hid her races in the Valley of Xavaria?" Sab asked.

"Yes."

"But why? I don't get it! That is a foolish move!" Ann's hot-tempered reaction took the attention of the King and Queen. "They should have fought with their brethren!"

The King smiled knowingly. At such a young age, Ann is quite hot-tempered, a trait she took from the Queen. Despite the calm, soothing demeanor and gestures the Queen possesses, she is quite hot-tempered when she has to be.

"Not all wars can be fought physically. The hardest decision a leader can make is the decision when to back down. When to regroup and fight at the right time. The princess did that." He explained making the eldest princess look down. The point was acknowledged but Ann's frown states that she is not satisfied.

"Then, the princess is wise then!" The youngest giggled, bringing smiles at each and every one of them.

"What made you say that, oh wise princess?" Rouge asked with a teasing demeanor making the youngest laugh heartily.

"Because, as a princess, she did what she thought the best for her people."

The twin princesses looked surprised at their youngest sister. The youngest princess of Cresta's mindset is never bright and even at her tender age, everyone can see how she seems to be a free spirit, with no qualms for consequences should she face it herself. And above all else, she is a girl full of whims. To utter such words surprised those people who knew her.

"Yes, my dear. You would do the same when the time comes. Fate will be upon you and you will face your own destiny." Roger said with full of pride and anticipation of what the future holds. The children just laughed at their father because of his silly words, but deep down, they knew that each and every one of them will have to walk a path and will face challenges in the future.

"Can we have another story? Please?" Luffia mustered her tremendous weapon against their parents and that is her most adorable big dark eyes.

It is known to people of the palace how to turn their heads away from those eyes. The eyes that hold power over to people. She might have been using it subconsciously but it is still downright dangerous as no one can deny her requests, whatever it may be.

"Yes, we supposed." Rouge answered, making the three princesses cheer in overjoy, hearing another story from their parents.

"Why don't we tell you of a story about a Halfborn Royal?" This earned a nod from the three princesses so the Queen continued.

"In the history of the Royal families, second children cannot become King or ruler for that title belongs to the eldest."

"Ohhh… So Ann will become Queen of Cresta someday!" Luffia beamed, proud of the fact that her sister will become something great.

"And I told you that I refused! Sab will have it since I am refusing the crown." Ann argued back, intent not to take the crown for herself.

"I must apologize for this, but I am also refusing it, dear sister. Like you, I have not every bit of intention to be Queen of Cresta. Luffia will have the crown."

"Eeehhh? Why are you refusing it? Then I refused as well!" Luffia sat up from her place to prove her point. The King and Queen sighed in defeat as all daughters are refusing the crown when many kingdoms are asking for it.

"Young ladies, please, the talk for your refusal of the crown will have to be halted as this is time for stories unless you would very much want to have our stories be postponed for the sake of arguments regarding the crown?" Rouge asked the daughters who immediately answered with conviction.

"No! Stories now! Crowns later!" Luffia laid down again and the three behaved like they are supposed to. The King and Queen laughed at the situation but the story went on.

"In the late 1400s, Alfonso, King of Daerene mated with the second princess of Huidel, Maylin Balmoira de Huidel. In their time as mates, they produced twin sons – Othorion, the eldest, and Ellisar, the youngest. Naturally, the eldest will be the next king of Daerene and no one doubted that since Othorion's latent magical capabilities are beyond his father's while Ellisar's is just as normal as what their brethren says."

"Does that mean that they are half-elves and half Cheshire Cats?" Ann asked, curious if she thought it correct.

"Yes. They are. Despite the constant comparison between the brothers, Ellisar did not hate his brother for getting all the attention he deserves. He accepted his fate and supported his brother as he became king. It is said that the king of Daerene holds unimaginable power that is being passed down to the rightful heirs. Every King of Daerene possesses Al Draig. It is a power passed down from generation to generation. Everyone expected that Othorion will possess this as his magical abilities are beyond the current king's."

"One day, Daerene's seer, Alamir, approached Ellisar and said: 'You do not have the Al Draig, but your descendants will.' He said. Of course, Ellisar disregarded this as nothing because those who will become ruler can only pass down the Al Draig to the next ruler. Ellisar continued to support his brother. Unlike Othorion who holds great physical and magical abilities, the second prince holds intellect and wisdom."

"As a pure-blooded Otherworldly, Ellisar wanted to explore more of the Human Realm. Being the second prince, he can freely roam the world without many responsibilities unlike what his brother has. In his explorations in the Human Realm, he met a certain princess of Crusia named Katarina. She is one of the most beautiful maiden princesses there is and both immediately fell in love as what humans call it, but as for the prince, she is his mate."

"Princess Katarina's father agreed almost immediately the moment Prince Ellisar announced his intention of marrying the princess. After all, not many Rareborns such as Prince Ellisar would want to mate with a human. The entire kingdom of Daerene celebrated the union of Ellisar and Katarina. Through the first year of their marriage, Katarina gave birth to their first child, and instantly, the seer, Alamir approached Ellisar once more and announced: 'Your Halfborn child's descendants will carry the Al Draig.'"

"With so much confusion, Ellisar asked Alamir: 'Why should they be the one to carry it? I am not the ruler of Daerene! Othorion is!' The seer shook his head and told Ellisar of the circumstance that Daerene is facing. 'The moment you and your twin were born, Al Draig – the power of a next ruler was lost. It was predicted that once twins shall be born in this Royal family, Al Draig cannot be passed down. It will be awakened and those who possess the true heart of the leader shall have it. No more succession of Al Draig for it will have a mind of its own, choosing the wielder and this time, it will not be your brother.'"

"Ellisar kept the information all to himself, fearing how it will affect his family and because of his child's safety. Even at the succession of Othorion, he never uttered anything to his family. He let Othorion believed that he possesses Al Draig when in fact, he does not. Ellisar asked Alamir not to utter a single word of it to the Royal Family."

"Years passed, Ellisar and Katarina's son, Kailu took over the kingdom of Crusia. He married a human and they've had a daughter, her name is Xavaria."

"Isn't that the hidden valley where the Rareborn princess and her races hid away?" Sab asked.

"Yes. It was named after her. At Kailu's rule, his cousin, Vulmas is still the Heir presumptive for Othorion is still the king. As Xavaria started maturing through the years, her magical abilities grew stronger, much stronger than anyone in the Daerene royal family. She inherited the elves' latent magic and Cheshire Cat's Al Draig. Since she is a quarter human, her life is not as long as the pure-blooded ones. During her time as the now Reigning Queen of Crusia. Due to his parents' early death, Vulmas became the ruler of Daerene."

"Some of the creatures in Daerene took notice of how vile and weak Vulmas' magic is. Vulmas asked the seer, Alamir for advice and he was told of the truth, Al Draig was never passed down to him. It was passed down not in Othorion's line but in Ellisar's. During a war in Daerene, Xavaria, who carry the Al Draig appeared to Vulmas' aid as the carrier of Al Draig. At first, High King Vulmas is grateful but he turned bitter. So, he hid the truth from the creatures of Daerene and imprisoned Xavaria in the dungeon of the palace as a secret weapon."

"Vulmas does not want Xavaria to have children so he kept her hidden from the world, leaving the kingdom of Crusia with no heirs to assume the throne. Xavaria's human lover learned of her imprisonment. He did what he must do - he rescued Xavaria from Vulmas' cruelty."

"They barely escaped from the clutches of the entire army of Daerene. Every exit of the Kingdom was sealed by Daerene's army so Xavaria and her lover hid away in the valley. For they cannot go beyond, no one shall get passed the walls of the valley as well. Xavaria sealed the valley, with every intention of hiding from Vulmas and his army. She placed a protective spell around it and enchant it away from the prying magic of anyone who dares to enter their safe haven."

"Vulmas searched for her but to no avail. Years and decades passed, they searched for her but alas, Vulmas gave up. They cannot find her at all. In those times, Xavaria gave birth to a baby boy. As a loving mother, she did everything in her power to let his lover and their son escape to the Human Realm. She does not have long to live for her magical capabilities were exhausted and her lifespan cut short during her imprisonment. Her last words: 'Let this Valley be known to anyone who possesses Al Draig. Pass this knowledge to our child for he will pass this on to his future children.'

"Wow… That was amazing but sad. Why are all stories end up in deaths?" Luffia asked, saddened that Xavaria died.

"She died protecting her beloved ones. She is already happy to spend time with them. Life is unpredictable but if there is something I am sure of, everyone experiences pain and happiness." Roger answered earning a nod from the princesses. Satisfied that they acknowledged this fact, he said: "Now, off to sleep. Tomorrow is another day and before you sleep, another story to unfold."

"But Dad, I am curious. Did Xavaria's baby make it? How about Crusia?"

Roger looked at Rouge then back to her daughters.

"They made it. And who knows, their descendants might still live up to this day."

===XXX===XXX===XXX===

The healer named Chopper continued to address the needs of his human patients. He too feared humans but something made him drawn to them.

It has been a full day since he found them near his hut. They have not regained consciousness – that is to be expected considering that they are nearly dead due to blood loss and injuries. Should they have not been treated by magic healing as well as his medicinal plants, they would have died. For reasons unknown and beyond Chopper's knowledge, he cannot accept either of these humans dying.

Perhaps because he is a healer.

Perhaps because the youngest begged him to save her sisters.

Or possibly because he is half-human, and the human part of him refuses to leave them be.

A fitting cough woke Chopper out of his thoughts as he immediately attended to the blonde woman who was having a hard time breathing. He brought the medicinal liquid to her mouth so she could sip some to ease the pain. The blonde woman he rescued seems to have relaxed quite a bit after gulping some liquid medicine.

Chopper checked the bandaged that decorated her body. He applied another paste of medicine to the wounds that are now slowly closing.

As soon as he was done checking every wound of the three women, Chopper took the liberty of time to make medicinal liquids for next days' use for he is sure to himself that they would stay unconscious for days to come…

===XXX===XXX===XXX===

A heavy gust of the wind can be heard from different parts of Raftel. Ipraecia, Beogia, and Vaelon are the only kingdoms remaining in the Raftel. What used to be divided has now become one since the Great War between humans and otherworldly broke out and since the disappearance of the Three Magical Rulers.

Ipraecia is still ruled by the Phoenix, Beogia with their Winged Berserker as the High Prince, and Vaelon still has the Dragon ruler. If there is a difference with Raftel right now compared to in the past, that is the presence of the Peace Keeper. He oversees the peace of the entire Raftel like what a father should do.

"Hurry! The High Princes have arrived! Prepare for the meeting!" someone shouted to everyone on-premise.

As if on cue, a warm glowing blue aura appeared above the Raftel Palace. The blue flying creature encircled above the palace, observing the calm night, whilst the creatures remained frozen to their own volition, admiring the beautiful and breathtaking beast – the Phoenix.

Their amazement was soon gone as another winged creature appeared above the palace. Unlike the Phoenix, this creature spoke of dominance, fear, cavalry, and monstrosity. Every bit of its body spoke of such features, from Red fur covering its body, the wings that stretched to expose its girth while alit with Red flames – the Winged Berserker.

Soon, the largest of the three beasts emerged from its hiding. Scales so bright, jaws that could tear mountains, talons that can slice at everything, a creature feared by everyone, the Dragon.

Together, the three beasts circled around the palace as if performing a ritual. The residents of Raftel remained where they stand, admiring the beauty in front of them. Seeing them for countless of times during Council proved that this magnificent sight will forever enchant them. There is nothing more admirable than seeing the three High Princes in their true forms.

After circling above the palace, the three beasts transformed into their human forms and entered the throne room. The throne room consists of seven seats for the Royalties. They all form a semi-circle. Three seats are intended for the Three Beast Kings. One seat is slightly bigger than the rest for it was intended for the Current Peace Keeper of Raftel.

"The High Princes have arrived!" Captain of the Royal Guard shouted, announcing the arrival of the High Princes. Everyone rose from their seats and bowed before the mighty creatures in front of them, not daring to lift their heads until the three High Princes are seated in their thrones.

The presence of the rulers brought purpose to the throne room fit for mighty beasts. Walls are full of intricate designs, clad in gold and diamonds with symbols from the Three Beast Kingdoms.

The Peace Keeper of Raftel is already present in the throne room. His large figure intimidates the other creatures present, his face grim with worry and rightly so as the situation is graver than they thought.

"Humans have once again initiated wars against each other." The Peace Keeper, Edward Newgate's voice echoed in the four corners of the throne room, earning mutters and whispers which soon became cries of worries and each of the creatures. Leaders of small factions in Raftel began to worry about what the wars in the Human Realm could mean for them. Their voices soon filled the throne room, firing questions, and suggesting precautions. Some have even shouted for war against the Human Realm.

"SILENCE!" Edward 'Whitebeard' Newgate's voice once again echoed in the room, unlike before, this time it resonated as a growl, displaying his true half-giant beast self. The effect was evident as the creatures in the Throne Room closed their mouths, voices soon were gone and what remains are the frightened stares.

"Human wars are already on the verge of its darkest. They have started to usurp thrones which belonged to the others and unfortunately, Cresta is one of them." Gasps once again echoed the room but this time, no voice or words were followed. They were extremely shocked by the news.

Whitebeard continued.

"Cresta has been peaceful for generations. I must admit that they have been leaving us alone for generations and have stopped kingdoms from further exploring the Dark Forest. For humans, they have done well and kept the peace. For that, I am thankful to them. Their king, Gol D. Roger has been one of the few humans to ever pay respects to our territory."

"Should we be worried now that Cresta has fallen and whoever did it will do the same to our territory?" One voice was heard from the crowd. The creature who spoke was a leader of the centaur factions in the North of Raftel.

"Yes. We have to stay alert. Despite Raftel being enchanted and protected with barriers, it would not do us any good should the humans decide to burn down the entire Dark Forest and bring sorcerers and witches at our clutches." Edward Newgate spoke with utter worry about their situation. He fears that the reason why Cresta has fallen was because of its intention to protect the Dark Forest.

Usurpers might have every bit of intention in exploring the Dark Forest and gods forbid – Whitebeard feared that Marshall Teach – the Black Army leader has come back to stir the peace they have established for years.

"No humans shall be allowed to trespass our territory. Have some of the best soldiers patrol the borders. Make sure no humans or witches or sorcerers be allowed inside Raftel!" High Prince Kidd of Beogia spoke with conviction, his gruff voice echoed around the throne room. The creatures all nodded with acknowledgment at the command from the ruler of the Winged Berserkers.

"Some of Cresta's residents are innocent and are desperate to get into safety. Who knows, right about now, they might have chosen to dwell in the Dark Forest. Should we turn those innocents down as well when all they ask is a shelter away from the usurpers?" High Prince Marco of Ipraecia spoke with calmness but with a firm point to get across to everyone.

Raftel might have secluded themselves from humans for centuries but that does not mean they are to ignore the innocents especially if they are residents of Cresta who have – in a way – left them alone in their respective territories.

"Do you suggest we welcome them with open arms should they cross our borders? Do you openly suggest to trust them even after the Great War where they betrayed us?" High Prince Kidd spoke loudly. He, above all else, hated humans for the tragedy they have caused to Raftel and many agreed to his hatred. After all, his grandparents were killed by the trickeries of humans during the Great War. Many of his brethren were killed as well, including the previous High King and High Queen.

"No, I don't." High Prince Marco spoke out. "But some residents of Cresta have paid respects to our territories. Helping them should they crossed the borders and so long as they are innocents is the least we can do."

Kidd snorted the idea but nevertheless acknowledged it.

"Humans cannot be trusted." Another voice was heard and it undoubtedly belonged to one of the Three High Princes, High Prince Zoro of Vaelon. The attention turned to the usually silent dragon. "But, should we deem them innocent, worthy of our help and will bring no harm to our territories, then we can proceed with helping them, but not so much as to bring them to our inner territories. As I mentioned, they cannot be fully trusted."

Kidd and Marco looked satisfied enough. The entire creatures present in the room muttered in agreement.

"And what if we deem them harmful?" A Fishman spoke. The three High Princes and Whitebeard looked towards the creatures living in Raftel. There is only one answer in that question and they spoke with unity.

"Kill them all."