Exploring the Dark Forest is forbidden in Cresta. The King and Queen made the proclamation even before their children were born. They deemed the forest too dangerous and the wild beings that live in the Dark Forest might stir up trouble for the citizens of Cresta.
Even with the proclamation, the three princesses never followed that law. In ways unknown to everyone, they skip lessons and sneak out of the palace to explore the forest nearby.
They built a treehouse in a spot that they knew no man would dare enter, assuring them that it won't be discovered.
"I am going to write in my journal somewhere. I can't find myself to concentrate on this due to the noisy people around." Sab complained, with a hint of annoyance evident on her face. Even if she stayed in the library, she won't find peace knowing that people are restless around her.
"Of course. They are preparing for the coming festival." Ann answered. Her tone speaks as if she is asking if her twin sister forgot about the annual festival held in the Capital City.
"I am fully aware of that fact but it doesn't mean I have to like all of it." She snarls a reply to her twin sister surprising the older brunette princess.
"Why don't you like it? There are tons of foods to eat and we can explore as people are busy in those days." Luffia, who was sitting on the chair at the balcony reasoned, her innocent eyes blinking at her blonde sister with so much confusion.
Her simplicity cannot get hold of Sab's point.
"I can't concentrate with all the rustles around. I just want to write in my journal, be at peace but all the people here are noisy!"
The two brunettes looked at each other with confusion. Neither of them gets what riled their sister up.
"If you cannot concentrate here in the quietest place in the Palace, then how about in the forest? We can sneak around and visit our hideout." Luffia said with a shrug making Sab look at her sister with interest.
"Why didn't I think of that? I am stupid! The best place to write and concentrate is in the forest! Alright, let's go!"
"Go, as in now? In the middle of the morning clearly a few minutes before lunch?" Ann asked with confusion and bafflement. It seems that their sister's rational thinking has been blocked today as she is not getting their situation at hand.
"Does it matter? We sneak anytime we want, don't we?"
Ann huffed with annoyance while Luffia remained smiling earnestly – enjoying the banters of her older sisters.
"Need I remind you sister, that if we don't show up at lunch, there would be a massive search around the Palace and knowing our dear father, he would halt all the activities for the festival and have everyone in the shouting distance look for us."
Sab thought for a moment and fought the urge to smack herself on the head. Of course, how could she forget? It is customary for them to show up at lunch. Knowing how much they love to eat, they won't let the lunch period pass by without getting any food, and if they won't show themselves in time that would lead to unnecessary conclusions from the King.
"You're right. How did you get so smart?"
"That's rude! I am smart!" Ann defended herself from the question. "Just not as smart as you." She grumbled because she knew all too well that Sab is the smartest out of the three.
"Why are you so stupid today, Sab?" Luffia asked with innocence. Her expression is curious about the answer. Ann ended up laughing so hard at Sab's annoyed expression.
"Yeah, tell us Sab, why are you so stupid today?" Ann is sporting a smirk on her face that clearly states mockery for the blonde. Then again, her ideas became irrational, and yes – she would dare say it is stupid, even for her. Even so, this does not earn her sisters the right to be smug at her unique mindset for the day.
"I am not stupid today! Clean off that smirk on your faces!"
"Uh-huh. Then why did you not think of that simple fact?" Ann challenged. A smirk clearly shows that she is enjoying the show.
"I am not in my right mindset as of the moment. I just need to clear my mind off." Sab explained. It would not do well to be riled up more than she already is.
"Clearing your mind… Means being stupid for the day?" Luffia asked with a grin on her face.
A tick mark appeared on Sab's face as she tried to be calm but seeing Ann's laughing form and the grin on Luffia's face, calmness can be forgotten.
With a shout, she launched herself at her sisters ready for an all-out brawl.
After their brawl, the three sisters went to the dining area to get their lunch. They immediately earned a look from their parents and servants.
"All three of you looked like you've been in a tornado!" Rouge exclaimed as she looked at her daughters' state of dress. Their dresses were torn and there are some feathers glued to their hairs. The Queen is thinking those feathers might have come from the pillows in their chambers.
"We just had a brawl, that's all." Luffia merrily replied while she sat on her usual seat. The twins followed suit as they all sat waiting for the food to arrive.
Despite the brawl they all did, they looked happy and having fun which is enough for the King and Queen.
"What are you up to this afternoon, girls?" King Roger asked while the second course is being served on their table.
"Nothing." Ann answered. She is busy eating that a coherent response can't be formed properly.
"Nothing?" Roger asked again, amusement in his voice is clearly showing.
"Yes. Just a little exploration." Sab shrugged as well. They could not tell their parents that they will be visiting their hideout in the forest for they know the King and Queen won't let them.
"Yes, a little exploration, and we will have fun!" The youngest almost jumped from where she is sitting while still eating the chicken leg.
"Exploration, huh? Does that involve trouble along the way? The last festival we had, you three did your so-called explorations which involved eat and run in restaurants while dressed in robes that disguised you as a man." Rouge reminded. That had not been a good incident, further worsening the children's reputation across the Kingdom. The residents of the Capital city might be fond of them, but their mischiefs can rile up even the most patient people in the kingdom.
"Hahaha. That was a good move if you ask me!"
"Roger!" Rouge reprimanded her husband. He has been too considerate of their daughters' behaviors that spoiled them so much. Not that Rouge is any better as well.
"In any case, girls, please don't cause too much trouble." Rouge reminded them. She knew too well they will cause trouble but at least they can lessen the damage if necessary.
"We will!" the three agreed. They are done eating and went upstairs to get dressed. They can't go out in their dresses. They have to wear something comfortable.
After getting dressed, they went outside to explore the city first. It would not do them any good to go straight to the forest. They will be discovered so they have to set their trails around the city then they can sneak around and go to the forest.
After showing up in the Capital city, they decided that they should go to their secret entrance to the forest. While they are crawling to get to their secret entrance which will lead them to the Dark Forest, the King and Queen are looking at them from the balcony.
"They must have thought that we are not aware of their activities." Roger stated with amusement about what his children are doing.
"Of course. After all, they inherited that character from you." Rouge said with a hint of amusement and teasing which made the King laugh.
"Hahaha! Damn right!" As the children disappeared to their secret entrance, the Royal couple decided to attend to matters at hand for the coming festival.
The three princesses walked side by side, Luffia in between of her sisters. They brought their pipes which served as their weapons if there are wild animals around.
They walked for 20 minutes, as their hideout is a bit far from the entrance to the forest. They have to go through bushes, edgy rocks, and even cliffs just to get to their hideout. Just walking in this forest is dangerous enough as there might be animals wandering that could kill them, yet that did not change their minds - instead, it fueled their adventurous spirits.
As soon as they arrived at their destination, they all smiled as if they went home. Aside from the palace, this has been their second home.
The hideout cannot be considered hideout to everyone as it is easily noticeable for those who pass by this area and since no human except for the three dared to go in this forest, this place is exclusive for them.
This is the largest tree within a 10-kilometer radius and it fits their hideout well. It took them a week before they were able to assemble this house.
Luffia immediately climbed to their ladder to settle down their belongings and Ann followed suit. Sab wanted to but she remembered the main reason why she went to this forest.
"I am going to find a suitable place for me to write in my journal." She shouted at her sisters. Ann and Lu peaked at the top of the treehouse.
"Are you going to be alright? Don't go too far and shout if you face any danger." Ann reprimanded. The oldest princess is overprotective of her sisters, especially to Luffia.
Sab nodded as a response to her warning, acknowledging it.
"Don't worry. I will be at a shouting distance."
"Bye Sab. Take care!" Luffia waved at her and she waved back before she started to walk down the path where she usually writes her journal.
Sab's favorite spot is a site to hold. It is a good clearing with flowers around, an overlooking view of the forest which she finds breathtaking especially during sunrise.
She settled in the nearby tree so she could lean her back on its trunk. She started writing in her journal. It is not just her journal but also her family's. She sighed with contentment as the world is peaceful around her, nothing can disturb her peace.
A rustle in the bushes broke Sab's concentration. She looked at where the noise came from while frowning, annoyed at being disturbed.
She had all the intention to ignore whatever the rustle is but it became frequent and annoying. A whimpered cry was heard during that rustle which made the blonde princess curious.
She knew at the back of her mind that she should not be trusting her surroundings as what she heard might endanger her but curiosity won over her rational reasons. She found herself neglecting her journal and started walking to where the noises came from.
Moving the bushes out of the way, she tried to find where the sounds are coming from. As she continued to walk down to the deeper parts of the forest, the whimpers grew louder. She tried to heighten her senses in search of where the cries are.
As she walked near a clearing in the forest, she found something unbelievable.
A wolf pup stuck in a boulder.
Sab hurried to the side to help the pup who squealed in surprise and fear at her.
"Hush, little one. Let me help you." She tried to make the poor creature calm. She knew she should not be helping this vile creature for even though it is a pup, it can still hurt her, but deep down her heart, she could not find the will to leave this baby wolf. Not when it requires her help.
The wolf seemed to calm down but looked at her as if she would do anything to harm it.
Sab tried to move the boulder, but it is too heavy even for her but she did not give up. She needs to move the boulder, just enough to set this pup's left hind leg free.
As soon as the boulder rolled enough to set the pup free, the little wolf immediately moved out of the way to free itself.
Sab gasped for breath. The boulder took almost all of her strength. Sab ignored her heavy breathing as she searched for the wolf. Her eyes landed on the little wolf, limping and bleeding too much.
She tried to get close to it but it snarled at her making her jump in surprise. It should not be a surprise at all as wolves are not known for their friendliness. Nevertheless, Sab has to do something to help this young injured wolf.
"I won't hurt you, little one. Let me heal your wounds." She tried to sound calm to encourage the creature to trust her. It is giving her a look that clearly states it would never trust a human but she has to look at the wounds or else it won't heal properly or will cause a blood loss.
Sab slowly approached the still snarling animal. Sab tried to communicate with it through her eyes, informing the wolf that she has no intention of harming him.
It flinched when she touched its injured leg.
"Hush, little one." She soothed. Looking at the leg, Sab winced. Just from looking at the bruised leg, it reminded her of the days when her youngest sister gets an injury such as this. Luffia always complains about it, whining endlessly.
"Hold still. We need to clean the wound first. I am going to bring you to the water bank to clean your wounds, okay?" Sab looked like a fool talking to a baby wolf, but she does not care. She feels like the baby wolf can understand her. Call her foolish or crazy, but her instincts are telling her to do so.
When there were no snarls, she gently lifted the animal and clutches it to her arms, avoiding the wound. The animal silently let Sab carry him to the riverbank nearby.
As soon as they are near the water, Sab gently laid the animal on the flat rock before taking her handkerchief off and soaked it with water. She cleaned the wound using the handkerchief who stayed like a good puppy and let her clean the wound.
As soon as it is cleaned, Sab examined the injury. It looks like the cut is not too deep. It should heal as long as it is not strained. She might not be a doctor, but she knows a decent knowledge in treating shallow wounds especially if she has rash and troublesome sisters to take care of.
Sab took the red ribbon from her hair and wrapped it around the wolf.
"This will do for now, but you can't walk properly and it is dangerous for you to be in the forest on your own. We have to find someplace safe for you to stay until you are well enough." With no qualms, Sab carried the wolf again. She could only think of one place where the baby wolf can stay.
They reached the clearing where Sab was writing her journal. Nearby, there is a small cave, large enough for the baby wolf to stay safe.
"I think this should do for a moment unless you would prefer to stay at our hideout but I know you won't be comfortable with so many humans around." Sab is talking to the wolf as if it would understand what she is trying to convey.
"Do you have a name?" It would be quite surprising if the wolf will answer her. "I supposed you don't. Then, I'll give you one. I could see that you are a male, so Louis sounds right, hm?"
The baby wolf looked like it just snorted at her. It must not like the name. For a young wolf, it seems to be arrogant.
"Okay, not Louis, How about Achilles? You have a bad foot, so I think it suits you well." The baby wolf looks like he likes the name. "That's all set then. I will call you Achilles." Sab scratched him under his ear which he seems to like it as he started to react well to her touch.
"Sab!" A shout from the distance startled both Sab and Achilles. The young wolf started to growl threateningly.
"Don't worry. Those are my sisters looking for me. I should go. I'm sorry, I cannot bring you to our house since there are lots of humans living there. I'll see you tomorrow."
The young wolf drifted to sleep and let Sab go. The blonde princess smiled as she left the wolf and decided to go back to her sisters.
Ann immediately turned suspicious as she looked over her sister.
"Why are your clothes dirty?" she asked.
Sab looked down her shirt and it is indeed dirty with furs and grasses.
Sab just shrugged the question. Ann did not pursue an answer as there are more matters they have to turn their attention into.
"Why did you call?" Sab asked.
"We're going to hunt wild boars in the forest. Lu's hungry."
"Food! Food! Meat! Meat!" The youngest demanded while getting excited at the prospect of meat.
"When was she not hungry?" Sab asked a rhetorical question. "Alright. Let's go hunting then we can go home before they try to send a search party after us."
With that, off they go to hunting.
The next day came. Sab is excited to go back to the forest to check the little wolf and she was beyond happy that she found Achilles in the small cave, looking well.
"Here. I know you are hungry." Sab gave Achilles the chicken leg that she smuggled out of the kitchen. The wolf happily ate what he was offered. He tried to stand up, the injury he got yesterday seems to be healing properly which surprised Sab as the injury should not be healing this quickly.
"Good for you to have your wounds heal properly." She said. She went to sit at her favorite spot to write on her journal once again. Achilles observed her and she let the baby wolf be.
Time passed by. The wolf which is bigger than a normal dog puppy must have been bored out of his mind as he tried to walk near Sab and peaked at what she is doing. Sab let the wolf do whatever it pleases but Achilles is not amused by being ignored as he placed his other foot on Sab's journal.
"What?" The wolf gave her an annoyed look before he decided to lay down next to Sab. Sab is confused about Achilles' actions but shrugged it and continued to work on her journal.
Once she is done writing, she started caressing Achilles under jaw which the wolf approved. A smile started to show on the princess' face.
For the next few days, Sab continued to nurse Achilles back to health. Right now, he is able to run without limping. Her recent actions and activities raised suspicions and curiosity from her sisters.
"She must be hiding something." Ann muttered to Lu as they planned to follow their sister.
This is the Fifth Day that they noticed their sister's behavior especially if they are in their hideout. She would immediately bid goodbye with the reason of going to write her journal in somewhere quiet.
"Come on, let's follow her." Ann and Lu crawled their way to the bushes to hide. They've disguised themselves with bushes they found on their way in hopes of camouflaging.
They stopped when they reached a clearing which they knew as Sab's favorite place to write her journal.
"Achilles!" Sab called out. Ann and Lu looked at each other with mixed confusion. They don't know anyone with the name of Achilles.
They looked at their sister, shocked to see a small black wolf. It might not be a fully grown animal but it can still tear their sister apart.
They were about to take actions and battle the wolf, but they stopped dead on their tracks after seeing what the wolf did. Instead of attacking Sab, the wolf rubbed its head on their sister's leg.
"Hello, there. I see you got yourself a meal."
Sab scratched the wolf's ear.
The two princesses stared, shocked at the sight in front of them.
Their shocked states were broken by the growl coming from the wolf. It seemed to have sensed their presence.
"Who goes there?" Sab questioned, readying her weapons. Ann decided to reveal herself first.
"It's us, sister." Luffia followed her example. Sab stared at them and the wolf still growled, positioning itself in front of Sab as if it is trying to protect her.
Ann looked warily at the wolf, in her mind, she is estimating that it is about 1 meter tall. Luffia on the other looked at the creature with utmost interest, her eyes shining brightly like the sun due to her excitement.
"That's a wolf, Sab." Ann pointed out, hostile towards the wolf. For reasons unknown, the wolf seems to have understood what Ann's words mean as it continued to growl at her.
"I am fully aware of that fact. This is Achilles. He's harmless, so you don't have to worry. Achilles, stay down, these are my sisters." Sab commanded and the wolf calmed down a bit but still looked wary at Ann.
"So this is the reason why you've been acting differently in the last few days. Why did you not tell us about it? Why keep it a secret?"
Sab sighed. She should have told them about Achilles from the start, but the wolf does not like humans except for her.
"He does not like the presence of humans. Besides, he is injured. I nursed him back to health." Sab answered Ann. The eldest nodded at the explanation. The twins have been busy with their conversation that they failed to notice how Luffia, with eyes gleaming with excitement, walked towards the wolf.
"Wolfy!" She squealed in excitement before she threw herself at the wolf, so fast that even the animal was not able to dodge. She embraced the wolf with an unbelievable force for a 7-year-old girl as she screamed in delight. "Wolfy!"
Achilles made a whimpering sound as if he was being crushed to death. That might be well true as Luffia embraced the wolf tightly, not caring for the strength she is using.
Ann and Sab looked at the situation with wide eyes that put a plate to shame.
"Luffia!" they all screamed.
Ann screamed as she thought of how dangerous the wolf is. Luffia is hugging it with no qualms, carelessly without heed to possible danger.
Sab screamed for a different reason. Achilles is about to die.
"Luffia, let go!" The twins tried their earnest to untangle Luffia from Achilles.
As soon as they were successful, Achilles, with his tail between his legs, hid behind Sab, his eyes are fearfully looking at Luffia. afraid she might kill him anytime.
Ann looked at the situation and felt the sentiments of the wolf. No one would be appreciative of having someone like Luffia hug them to death.
"Wolfy! Wolfy!" She screamed, trying to get close to the wolf.
"Luffia, his name is Achilles, not Wolfy." Sab corrected. She scratched Achilles' ears to calm him down.
"Aww! But I like calling him Wolfy! Let's play!" The youngest smiled at the wolf but all Achilles can see is death flashing before its eyes.
"Lu, calm down. You almost choked the poor creature to death!" Ann pointed out. She pity Achilles now.
Hearing this, Luffia felt guilty.
"Sorry, Wolfy. I did not mean it." She apologized at Achilles who seems to have caught its breath. "I just want to be friends with you and play. I did not mean to hurt you." Luffia's eyes turned sad as she looked at Achilles. Her dark eyes, watering with tears of guilt and sadness. She looked like she carried the weight of the world.
The twins tried to look away. This look is dangerous.
No one can refuse Luffia once she pulled that sad eyes, brimming with tears while she is asking for something she wanted.
Apparently, Achilles is not an exemption as he walked towards Luffia and rubbed his head at her arms.
Luffia's face brightened with excitement.
"Wolfy wants to play with me!" she screamed as she once again hugged Achilles to death. Once again, the twins tried to pull her away from Achilles.
Days passed and the three sisters all nursed Achilles back to his health. They all formed a bond, strong enough even for a wolf whose nature is to be untrusting, territorial, and a hunter.
Nevertheless, they kept Achilles in their hideout but they knew that he has to go back to where he should be. Day by day, the forest is being explored by different groups. It would be best to have Achilles at the deepest part of the forest where no human can hunt him down.
An animal like him must roam free. This is not an environment suitable for a hunter like Achilles. Sab is aware that once he is well enough, he must leave.
"Are you sure we should let him go? One word from you, and he will stay." Ann voiced out. The eldest princess knew that the bond between Achilles and Sab is strong and she is the witness as to how Achilles will follow Sab everywhere as if she has become its master.
"No. This would be best for him. It would not well for him to stay in these parts any longer. He also needs to have a pack of his own, a family. He has to be where he should be and that is not here." Sab is hurting deep down her heart as she is saying this. She wants Achilles to stay but she should not be selfish as to follow what she wants to ignore what has to be done.
"Wolfy won't stay? But I will miss him!" Luffia is on the verge of crying. She was so happy during their visits to the hideout because she was able to play with Achilles who she still calls Wolfy up to this day.
"Lu, please understand. He has to go back to his pack. His parents must be worried about him. It is not in his nature to be exposed to the hunters of this forest. He is the hunter, Lu. Human hunters have been increasing as of late and we cannot let Achilles be killed just because we wanted to keep him." Sab pointed out. As of late, the guards have been talking about the increase of hunters and explorers in the forest.
She is not worried about that but what she made her mind unsettled is the rumors around town about the howls of wolves nearby. The howls are loud enough to be heard by the entire city. The people of Cresta were afraid of any sudden attacks from wild animals from the Dark Forest.
"I will still miss him." Luffia said, understanding the whole situation.
"We all will, Lu. Achilles is a great wolf. I don't doubt he will become an Alpha someday." Ann added. She might have been wary of Achilles at first, but the wolf has been a good companion for them during their hunting.
"That's settled then. Tomorrow, we shall bid farewell to Achilles."
After the conversation was settled, they all lied down on the bed to get their sleep.
Morning came and the three princesses decided to go to their hideout earlier so as to spend time with Achilles before letting him go.
As they were telling their parents that they will explore the city once again, the King and Queen shook their heads.
"It is dangerous outside. There have been hunters everywhere. Who knows, these hunters might not only be after the animals of the forest but also kidnap children? We can't know for sure. You are to stay here in the palace until these matters have been settled." Roger firmly stated and dismissed the three children and told them to be at the palace grounds only.
The three princesses went to their chamber after their father's refusal. Sab walked with no calmness at all. Foot stomping at the concrete floor of the chamber while biting her lips, frowning madly.
"They must be hunting down every animal nearby. We have to warn Achilles. He has to leave towards the deeper parts of the Dark Forest!"
"We can't get outside. There are guards everywhere. Knowing our father, he must have issued a warning towards them to never let us out. We can't use the secret entrance to the gardens since for sure, there would be guards stationed there." Ann pointed out. They are running out of options.
They know their hideout cannot be found easily, but they cannot be sure. If they, as children found that place, then most likely, the adults who have better experience in explorations will most likely find it.
They also knew that there are tracks everywhere that can lead those hunters to where Achilles is. He can defend himself, that is for sure, but if there are too many opponents carrying guns and weapons, then even Achilles can't win.
"Entrance in the gardens? If we cannot use that, how about the other entrance?" Luffia asked thoughtfully.
"What other entrance? There are several entrances to the forest but those ways were outside of the palace grounds. We have to go through the gate before making our way to the forest." Sab hissed. She is trying to be as calm as possible but their situation is difficult.
"Nuh-uh. I am talking about the way at the back of the kitchen. There is a small tunnel that leads to the pathway where we usually take in exploring the dark forest. Although it is not as easy as what we have in the gardens."
Luffia discovered this while she was out stealing food from the kitchen. She was eating the apples from the food storage room when she happened to notice a small gap on the floor underneath one table. Her curiosity leads her to discover the tunnel. At first, she thought it will lead her to another storage room, but it did not. Soon, she found her way in the middle of the forest where they usually do their adventures.
The pathway is an underground passageway. It must have been there in case of emergencies. That was what Luffia thought after she discovered it.
The twins looked at each other, then to their sister.
"Lu, are you sure this way you are referring to will lead us to the forest?" Ann asked to make sure that they heard it correctly.
"Yes. I used it sometimes. We can use it to get to the forest to meet with Wolfy."
"Lu, lead us to that tunnel."
They tried to be calm and unsuspicious. Many servants passed them by asking as to where they would be going and all the sisters answered is to the kitchen which is not a lie and definitely not suspicious.
They still have an hour before the servants will start to prepare for lunch.
Luffia led them to the storage room and to the latch she found.
"Come on. We have a long way to walk." She was the first one to climb downstairs without any light at all. Sab lit the torch she carried and followed her sister. Ann was the last one to follow them.
The twins looked at the tunnel with curiosity. This looked like it has not been used for years.
"Luffia, how far are we from the exit?" Ann asked. There is something about this tunnel that makes her uncomfortable. It is not malice or anything that they have to fear, just something.
"We should keep going and then we can reach the first exit."
"First exit? What do you mean?" Sab asked with curiosity and suspicion.
"There was another exit at the farthest of the tunnel. I tried using it once but it is so dark and creepy so I did not use it again."
The twins did not ask for more questions. They should just focus on getting to Achilles.
They reached the end of the tunnel, and as Luffia opened the latched door, they came in contact with the familiar forest.
They were astonished at how they were able to travel this far. There are questions in their minds regarding the tunnel but that is not important right now. All they have to focus on is the fact that they have to reach Achilles and release him to the deeper parts of the forest.
The three children began to travel to their hideout. Along the way, they heard some gunshots and shouts from the distance.
"Hurry!" They all tried to run as fast they what their little legs could provide.
Running frantically, they reached the hideout but they stopped dead on their tracks as they heard footsteps and voices from nearby.
"Boss! Check this out! Someone build a treehouse in these parts!" All three froze. They were too late. They discovered the treehouse sooner than expected.
"Fool! We are not here for the treehouse! We are here to track this down!" The three peeked from their hiding spot only to see that the huge man is holding furs that no doubt came from Achilles.
Sab counted how many men are present. There are 10 of them, heavily armed with hunting tools and weapons. They also have weapons for trapping animals. This won't be good for them. They can't handle all 10 of them. They might be able to handle at most, three men if they cooperate, but not these numbers.
"We should find Achilles. He should be somewhere - " Ann trailed off as they heard a howl not far from where they are. "Shit! We have to get to Achilles - "
"Hoh… Look what do we have here? Children playing hide and seek?" The three children froze on their tracks as the voice they heard is full of malice. They slowly turned towards whoever spoke and that is a decision they should not have taken for what they saw were four men, dressed like the other men, heavily armed and smiles full of twisted thoughts.
Their arrival took the attention of the men surveying their hideout. "Boss, look at these children!" The men gathered around the three princesses. The children took out their pipes in defense. Their situation is hopeless as they don't have enough fighting experience against bandits and hunters like these men. They might have been fighting animals for quite some time, but these people are different. They have weapons the three princesses cannot fathom to defeat.
"Heh…Do you think sneaking around is a good idea, do you?" The leader of the group has a crooked nose, teeth looked as if it has not met any brushing for quite some time.
"We can sell these children as slaves in the nearby kingdom. I am sure we will get astounding prices, given a few years, the two oldest would be a beauty to hold. Many men would pay for such beauties" One man uttered, readying their weapons for their assault.
"Hmph, these would be fun. The Cimore Kingdom will pay well for children with these qualities." Ann's face twisted with disgust at what these men are initiating. They would not be captured and turn to slaves. They would rather die than be treated like livestock.
Sab took note of the name of the kingdom. Cimore is just four days travel from Cresta's borders. If they survive this predicament, she would make sure that Cimore's slavery trade will be halted at any cost.
"You evil men! Not only you stink like drainage, but your hearts are also so evil that it should grant you entrance to hell!" Luffia shouted at them, covering her nose in disgust.
"Why, you, little brat!" Ann and Sab immediately put themselves in front of Luffia, pipes ready to defend. The leader swung his fist to hit Sab since she is the nearest out of the three. Sab readied herself for a crucial pain contact but the fist did not make it as it was snatched by sharp fangs of Achilles.
"Boss!" The men panicked upon seeing the wolf that almost tore the leader's arm off.
Achilles stood in front of the three children, snarling at the men with threats to tear any available limbs apart should they try to harm the princesses.
"Achilles! You're alright!" Sab hugged the wolf with relief.
"We should get going, now!" Ann shouted at them. She is right. They don't have time for this as they have to get away as far as possible.
"Get the bloody wolf! Make sure it is dead!" The men started to turn their attention towards the children and the wolf. They have to get away now!
"Go!" Ann grabbed Luffia's hand as they started to run for their lives while the men are shouting curses at them. They started to shoot using their guns. The reason the three were not hit is due to the fact that the shots that are intended for them hit the trees.
"Let's go to the deeper side of the forest!" Sab said, panting while running. Achilles is beside her running for dear life as well.
"You brats! You will be a slave for the rest of your lives once we catch you! And that wolf will be at the market!" Achilles growled angrily, ready to stop any moment to rip the limbs of whoever uttered such words.
"Let's keep running for now. We can't face them." Sab told Achilles. The wolf seems to understand as they traveled the path that should not be dwelled by humans such as them.
"Let's go here!" Luffia, for some reason, led them to a darker part of the forest. Without a doubt, this is already beyond what humans should be dwelling on.
All of them followed Luffia. They did not question her for they don't have time to dwell on questions. What they all need is to get away from their pursuers.
The more they run, the more they see that the way they are traveling is dangerous. Sab thought for a moment. They have to let Achilles go now.
"Wait." She stopped. Luffia and Ann looked at her with questions in their eyes. Even Achilles is the same. As Sab conveyed her answer, the other two princesses knew why their sister stopped. As the realization hit them, they all started to be sad
Sab turned to Achilles with the sad eyes.
"Achilles, this is where we bid our farewell." The wolf looked sad as he looked directly to Sab's eyes which are already brimming with tears. "Please, don't think wrongly of this. You should be with your pack, where you belong, and where you should be. If you stay here any longer, they would hunt you down for the rest of your life and we are afraid that we can't save you."
Achilles looked down and Sab hugged his neck tighter. She loved this wolf so much but she has to let him go.
"Remember this, you are a strong wolf. Someday, I want you to be the strongest of them all and when we see each other, I would be the happiest to see you for what you have become. You will never be forgotten." Achilles rubbed his head against Sab's hand.
The blonde girl took out the red ribbon with Achilles' name on it, sewn in an intricate blue yarn. She tied it around his head. "You will carry this name with pride." She finally said.
Ann kneeled down beside Sab and scratched Achilles under his ear.
"We will miss you. I will miss our hunting together. Be safe and strong."
Lastly, Luffia who was crying since the beginning gave a big hug to Achilles. She would deeply miss how much he snuggles to her during sleep at their hideout or how much he plays with her.
"I will miss you, Wolfy." Is all Luffia could utter.
Sab stood from her position. Ann followed her as she tried to hide the tears brimming at her eyes. Luffia does not want to let Achilles go, but they don't have much time.
"Be well and strong, little one." After their farewells, Achilles went to further where even in the middle of the afternoon, it is dark as midnight. The trees in that area are thicker than a regular forest and the ambiance is making them shiver in fear.
No human would dare hunt in that forest, and they knew, Achilles will find his way to where he should be.
As soon as Achilles were out of their sight, the three children traveled to where they came from and hopefully get into the latch without getting caught by the bandits but the thought seems to be unrealistic as before they could get close to the latch, the bandits surrounded them with weapons at their disposal.
"So, the brats have shown themselves. Where is that wolf? His fur alone will sell for a hefty sum. Now, spill the truth before we decide to hurt you." To set an example, the leader smashed his club in the nearby tree, smashing it to bits.
The three princesses winced at the thought of having that big club on their bodies. What could they do to escape? They cannot escape, not when they have these men at their hills. That would just lead them to the latch and they would not give them any ideas of invading the palace.
"Boss, look at their accessories." One man pointed out. As the leader looked, he noticed how their accessories can be sold with a hefty sum of money.
The leader examined their clothing and took notice of the mark in their clothes. The mark of Cresta.
"To think you are nobilities. Maybe we could ask for ransom money from your parents? Then we could deceive them, thinking we would give you back but, no! You will be sold as slaves! Hahaha." All of them laughed so hard at the prospect of money that they failed to notice an ominous aura behind them.
"And exactly who do you think of selling as slaves, huh?" A low growl can be heard from behind. The three children knew that voice very well.
"These children, who else do you think - " the leader trailed off as he looked at the person standing behind him, his aura is as dark as the Dark Forest. His eyes are dangerously gleaming with killing intent against the bandits.
"You… You're the King of Cresta!" All bandits scrambled from their position, stepping back to avoid the King who, for some reason, is grinning madly.
"Oh, you've heard of me? You flattered me with your knowledge of what I look, but it saddens me how you failed to notice that the children you are threatening happens to be my children." Roger held his sword tightly as one slash sent several nearby trees tumbling down.
The bandits stepped back further away from the King. The knights and Royal Guards have surrounded the bandits and the princesses took this opportunity to run at their father's side.
"Send them to the dungeons! I don't want them anywhere near my daughters!" Roger firmly shouted an order to the royal guards. They immediately captured the bandits who tried their hardest to escape, but to no avail.
"Daddy! That is so cool! How did you do that?" Luffia asked, her excitement cannot be measured as she looked at the damage that was done just by the swing of the sword.
"I've never seen an attack as powerful as this. Astounding." Ann is beyond amazed as this is the first time she saw her father like this.
Sab is in the same state. The three of them knew of stories about how their father is a powerful warrior during the wars that Cresta has been with and every fight he fought, he won with gallant and might. They knew of such stories from the guards and the Royal Household, but seeing it first hand is a different matter.
"Hahahaha. I am glad all of you seem to be amazed at what I displayed, but I am not happy to know that you placed yourselves in danger by being here in the forest." Roger frowned at the three princesses as the girls looked down with guilt.
"We know." Sab answered.
"But we're not sorry." Ann said. The king looked at his eldest with curiosity. He did not question anything as he is waiting for either of them to speak their minds. It seems that the youngest volunteered for that.
"We just want to save a friend. They want to hunt Wolfy and we don't want that. He is our friend." Luffia firmly stated.
"Wolfy? And may I ask who this Wolfy is?" The twins tensed at the question. Should Luffia reveal who Wolfy is, then they would have to reveal all their past adventures in the forest.
"He's Sab's friend, but he became our friend too!" Luffia happily stated. It is not a lie, but her answer is too vague that there should be questions following but Roger did not do that. He smiled at his daughters instead while keeping his silence.
"Alright then. So you saved a friend, but next time, please try not to put yourselves in danger, got it?"
All three nodded. As Roger kneeled to spread his arms to invite them into a hug, all three of them willingly accepted the invitation.
"So, let's go home. Your mother is worried about you three."
The three winced at the thought of their angry mother waiting for their arrival. They are not keen on facing the wrath of the Queen.
Luffia walked behind her father and climbed to sit on his shoulders. Roger then carried the twins on each arm before leaving the forest.
As they travel towards the castle, the three princesses looked back at the direction of the Dark Forest where their friend now resides.
"See you again, little one." Sab silently said.
====XXX===XXX===XXX====
The moonlight was bright tonight as it always was. The creatures of the Raftel decorated the sky by their magnificent forms.
In the dread of the night, the howls of the wolves and werewolves can be heard. Dragons roared freely, scaring the other beasts nearby.
On his throne sat the ever-powerful High Prince of Beogia and on his feet lays a wolf known to all of Beogia.
The wolf woke up, looking around as if it is searching for something. They sat at the open grounds at the Beogia Palace, where they can see everyone.
Wolves of the different packs are together with their Alphas leading them, howling to the sky as if they chanting a spell.
"Is something wrong?" High Prince Kidd's voice is directed towards the wolf at his feet.
The wolf grunted as an answer before standing up to stretch its muscles. It stood proud and tall in front of all other wolves.
His body is built for combat, a warrior amongst the warriors.
He howled to the sky, loud enough to be heard all over the Raftel. All wolves followed him and howled with the same might.
This wolf is the Alpha Wolf amongst the Alpha of all packs - the Wolf Lord of Beogia.
His name is as mighty as his role.
His name is Achilles.
====XXX===XXX===XXX====
Chopper's hurried steps echoed in the forest. His breathing is getting heavier. His mind is processing all information he acquired and how it could affect the safety of the princesses staying at his hut.
If what the Beogian Warrior Commander told him is true, that Raftel is expecting an invasion any time, then it would mean that their current location would be discovered, the area where they are would most likely become a battlefield.
As a Royal Healer, he should not worry about himself. He knew he is safe in the inner borders of Raftel and retain his status as the Royal Healer of Raftel. What bothers him is the safety of the human princesses. They cannot be discovered by the human soldiers for what awaits them is a death sentence – a fate they don't deserve.
Chopper reached his hut and he was greeted by the sight of the princesses talking to each other.
"Hello, Chopper! We are glad you are back. Did you bring food for us?" Luffia, the youngest of the three has always been a straightforward type of person. She never had any hesitation in approaching Chopper. A very trusting young woman unlike her sisters but once Luffia said it is okay to trust Chopper, the twin princesses began to open up to Chopper.
"Yes. I brought food for all three of you." Chopper laid the food on the table which only consists of fruits from the forest itself. He was planning to go hunt wild boars but the news from Wire made changed his plans.
"You look distressed. Did something happen?" Ann, as she preferred to be called, frowned suspiciously at Chopper. She does not trust easily and Chopper's instincts are telling him that one mistake might break the small trust she placed on him.
"You should eat first, then we will talk afterward." The three princesses looked at Chopper with a worried expression. The healer must have been emitting a strong negative vibe that even these humans can sense. He does not know and does not care. All he could think of is his next actions.
Sab looked at Ann, an understanding forming between them. They are weighing the situation and several situations they might encounter are playing in their mind.
The possibility of Chopper driving them out of the hut is high. The Halfborn healer might be considering them as a burden. Their injuries have healed enough for them to fend for themselves. They can travel through the night, but where, that remains to be answered.
The twins ate in silence while their youngest sister is happily eating the food that was provided by Chopper although she mutters how she wanted meat instead of just fruits.
Ann and Sab smiled. Seeing their youngest sister smile made the twins at ease. As long as they keep her well and happy, that is all that matters. They will not hesitate to give up everything they have for her.
Luffia stopped eating and frowned for a moment. She looks at Chopper who is currently deep in his thoughts, anxieties running in his mind as well as the next necessary precautions they have to take.
"Chopper…" she called out.
Chopper was startled but looked at her nonetheless.
"It will be alright. You don't have to worry so much." Then she smiled at him, encouraging him to be at ease, and it worked. Ann and Sab just looked at their sister. There are times that they wonder how can she be so intuitive and intelligent but at the same time innocent and naïve.
"Yes. It will be alright." Chopper nodded, smiling at Luffia who continued to eat the rest of the food. If the situation were not serious, Chopper would have said a coherent comment regarding how much these three could eat considering the food he brought should have lasted for 3 days for all four of them.
As soon as every food (not a single one left) were all gone, the three princesses turned their attention towards Chopper. They all knew that he must have news for them.
"On my way from the forest where I was harvesting the fruits, I came across warrior soldiers from Beogia." He started. Sab tensed.
"Berserkers?" She asked.
"Not all residents of Beogia are Berserkers or Winged Berserkers. The creatures I came across are one of the Warrior Commanders of Beogia and his brethren."
"Did they hurt you?" Ann asked with concern.
Chopper shook his head.
"No, of course not. I don't think they would ever do that." He said with confidence but at the back of his mind, he knew that Beogian creatures won't be forgiving of him if they were to know that he let humans enter the borders of Raftel. He did not dare say that mere fact for he knows they will worry and feel guilty.
"They brought me the news that might endanger the three of you. There might be an invasion in Raftel. It is possible that the invaders of your land are all set to invade and explore the Dark Forest and I fear that this very area will become a battlefield if that were to happen." All of them fell silent, dreading the information that Chopper revealed.
"So, Akainu is after Raftel too. His first move is to get the biggest thorn that will hinder that." Sab muttered loud enough to be heard by all of them. She was in deep thoughts since their waking. She thought at first, that Akainu wanted them dead in fear that they will take back Cresta. Since they staged their death and the soldiers have decreased, it is possible Akainu took the staged death and moved on with his next plan - that is to explore the Dark Forest and expose Raftel.
"Akainu has a lot of manpower and that includes witches and sorcerers. If he were to explore the Dark Forest, then the veil that is hiding the Raftel will be revealed. War will break out." Ann said as she looked at Chopper. In her mind, she doesn't want that to happen. She is thankful that she met one of the creatures from her parents' bedtime stories, but she would not want them to be in danger.
"You don't need to worry. Raftel might have gone silent for centuries, but rest assured that the defenses and the might of the beasts can defeat whatever this Akainu person has. What I fear, for now, is your safety. The three of you cannot stay here any longer."
"We have to travel out of here. Somewhere safe for the meantime while we plan on what to do next." Ann thought of their options but those are dreading matters. It almost weighs to none.
"We have to find Uncle Rayleigh. He knows what to do." Luffia looked up to their Uncle as much as she looked up to Shanks. After all, Rayleigh taught her so much.
"We could, but where would we find him? There has been no news of him for years already! He could still be traveling somewhere in the seas or somewhere far. If the news of the invasion of Cresta has reached his ears by this moment, it would still take him days or weeks before his arrival in Cresta." Sab answered. The blonde princess does not want to crush the hopes of their youngest sister, but what could she say? They have to face the options and finding Uncle Rayleigh is not one of them.
"Shanks is out of option too. We cannot risk the lives of his soldiers and the residents of his kingdom. As much as I want to ask for his help, I don't want to endanger him." Luffia felt sad. She missed Shanks and it has been years since she last saw him. Makino, Shanks' wife is currently pregnant, and involving Shanks will endanger their unborn child.
Chopper remained silent while they are busy arguing where to go. Could he let them go like this? They are innocents. They are his human friends albeit the fact that it was only a few days ago since they met.
One decision appeared in Chopper's mind. One decision deemed unwise for it might bring him to the execution grounds. Even while knowing that his decision might bring him to great danger, he cannot find himself to regret it nor he thinks he ever will.
"There is one option for all of you, and I am putting this as a conclusion judging from your conversation. This is the only option left."
"What is it?" Luffia asked.
"I can bring you to my house in the inner borders of Raftel."
