Chapter 7 - Inner Borders

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"Have there been any suspicious movements as of late?" Marco asked Thatch as he strolled in the palace garden. The weather is good and pleasing to the eyes. The blue sky illuminated the entire Raftel and brings forth good ambiance that every creature appreciated. All creatures loved the sight of the moon at night, but they also love the bright rays of the sun which is why some creatures are already roaming around to enjoy the good weather.

"Not that I can think of anything. Everything is normal. The residents from the outer skirts had been evacuated and we have secured the portals and the barriers even in the very outskirts of Raftel."

"I see. That is quite good, yoi." Marco's mind is still filled with the thoughts of what he felt yesterday. The sudden burst of flames when he did not will it, proves that he is reacting to something. He just can't figure what made him reacted in such a manner. He was hoping that there might be some sort of movement around that made him react that way, but as Thatch has mentioned, there is nothing.

"Chopper is already in his hut. We chanced upon him yesterday getting herbs traveling through the land."

"Is that so?" Marco paid it no mind at all as he knew Chopper loves to travel to different parts to get herbs and this matter often happens.

"Beogian Warriors are suspicious of him." Thatch said.

"Since when are they not?" Marco snorted. Beogian Warriors are always suspicious of every Halfborns living in Raftel. There aren't many halfborns in Raftel today as they all knew that almost all of the Halfborns together with the creatures from Verid, Huidel, and Daerene have disappeared centuries ago.

Beogians are not forgiving. They are vicious beings loyal to their own. All Beasts are vicious and loyal, but Beogians are different. They will never forget a tragedy. It will always be in their minds.

"Yes, but they are highly alert when it comes to Chopper, more than usual, that is." Thatch pointed out.

This made Marco think for a moment to reassess this matter.

"Aren't you just imagining things? They have been suspicious to everyone especially to the Halfborns, yoi. Chopper for his part has been granted with a title despite being Halfborn."

"I just can't help but think of a reason for their suspicions of Chopper. They might be suspicious of everyone, but focusing on Chopper more than usual should render a good reason for them to be in such a manner. They might not be trusting but they do have reasons for every action they take." Thatch reasoned out. Marco nodded only.

"Do you think we should have a reason to be suspicious of him?"

"Personally, I don't. He is a man dedicated to his work and a loyal man. I don't think he will do something that will intentionally put all of us in danger." Thatch answered.

Marco hummed in response. In truth, he is not bothered about this. Why should he? He knew well that Chopper is a good man and there are more pressing matters they need to attend rather than being suspicious against their own.

"How was the patrol? Any news so far?"

"The warriors have kept the borders secured. We have tightened the security around the portals. We observed a few humans staying north but there have been no movements so far. We are observing them as much as we could."

Marco is satisfied with the reports. They have been preparing for the worse to come. They are all confident that they could defeat any invaders, but it would be better to guard themselves against any misfortunes from lowering their guards.

"How are you and Izou doing so far?" Marco asked about Thatch's mate. They had been one of the closest friends Marco has for centuries.

"We are doing great so far. How about you? Any news about your mate?" Marco stopped and looked at Thatch with a deadly glare which was blatantly ignored. The effects had dissipated a long time ago.

"There is no use talking about something that does not exist at all." Marco said as he left Thatch in the gardens. The Warrior Commander guiltily shook his head. He felt sorry for pushing Marco too far but he also felt that Marco is running away from his hope.

Marco decided to transform and fly away. His human hands were now illuminated with blue and yellow fires as it turned into wings. Half of his body remained human. He soars through the sky, dancing under the light of the sun. It felt wonderful being one with the wind, kissing the clouds flying above ground and soaring through the skies. He felt free.

As he fully transformed himself, he glided above the clouds and continued to fly high in a calm breeze.

Looking below the ground, he could see the waterfalls behind the Ipraecia Palace. This is one of the places that invaded his dream. He was reminded of the woman in his dream. It happened a few nights ago…

Marco looked around. The place is familiar. It is the waterfalls behind the palace grounds. This is his private place. He wonders what he is doing here. In most cases, he is around a place with pure whiteness, but this time, it is right behind his palace.

A sigh escaped his lips. What should he expect from this dream? Should he expect something new?

A light coming from behind him stole his thoughts.

As he looked at where the light is coming from, he saw the woman in his dreams slowly stepping into the light. Half of her body is already being swallowed by the light.

"Wait!" he called out. The woman stopped. Did she hear his plea?

As she slowly turns around, Marco could see how she looked like – vaguely that is.

Her hair is dark almond; her eyes are full of life – dark grey that almost turns silver in the luminous of light. Marco froze after seeing her eyes. It held fire in it that mesmerized his entire being. Could she be his mate?

Before any questions were answered, the light engulfed her, leaving Marco in that place.

That dream has been different.

This is the first time he saw her face. In his previous dreams, he can only see her hair and her smile, but now, he saw her face no matter how vague it may seem, Marco could never forget those eyes.

He wished he will be able to see those eyes again but after that dream, he was not able to see it again. What happened to the woman? Where is she now? Who is she?

A soft sigh was released from his lips once more. He looked down and he noticed how he is flying near Vaelon. Dragons are flying, feeling the breeze of the good weather as much as what Marco is doing.

The blond High Prince decided to land to greet Zoro who was in the middle of sparring with Kidd. The Dragon Prince does not rely on his powers as a Dragon. He also relies on his skills as a swordsman. As for Kidd, he is prospering in close combat which Marco also specializes in.

The two High Princes' faces are now decorated with maniac grins of beasts that enjoy battles. Their movements and clashes serve as music for the warriors of the Raftel.

As he landed on the ground, the two High Princes stopped their sparring and turned their attention towards the eldest High Prince.

"Would you like to spar as well?" Kidd asked.

"I would love to if both of you are in your best condition. It would be a shame to have your energies depleted while you go against me." Marco answered. The blond High Prince knew how strong these two are. They are battle maniacs after all and despite their energies depleted, Marco knew that they can still fight well.

"Hmph! I can still fight against you in my current condition." Kidd issued a challenge to Marco. For the Beogian High Prince, any challenge to improve himself, to be the strongest possible is acceptable and any methods should be accommodated.

But for Marco whose thoughts are out of this world, sparring with Kidd will doom him as his focus is not to its full extent.

"I have to decline that for the moment, Kidd. Next time, perhaps."

Kidd sensed the uneasiness in Marco's mind and let the topic regarding sparring meet its end. As he looked at Zoro, he seems to be out of thoughts as well.

"Today is a good day for a flight." Zoro uttered as he looked at the blue sky. The weather is good for everyone else to enjoy.

Flying will not constitute being seen by humans as they have protected barriers around the Raftel. They will not be seen unless they willed to do so. In this world, they are free. This is their home, their kingdom.

"Aye." Kidd agreed to Zoro before he looked up to the peaceful sky. It is quite disturbing how peaceful it is. It is unnerving how peaceful and quiet it is today.

Agreeing, he began to will his body to transform. His back muscles are starting to quiver upon the appearance of his red wings which outstretched in an incredible size.

As he flapped his wings, it creates a gust of wind strong enough to make a horse falter. He tested his wings further and without further ado, he flapped it strong enough to lift himself above ground.

Seeing Kidd transform half of his body, Zoro dreaded to do the same. Unlike Kidd who ripped his own clothes upon the transformation, Zoro chose to be careful in transformation.

He opened his shirt, slid it off his shoulders until it remained hanging at his waist. His whole upper body was exposed – presenting the scars he has for everyone's view. Slowly, his wings started to grow. Scales of dark green glittered under the sun. His form emits an aura of dominance and might. He braced himself as he willed his wings to flap to lift him to the sky.

Marco followed the two High Princes. The three of them encircled each other above the sky – showcasing their forms of half-human and half-beast.

Eyes met each other in the trance, and as if the wind willed them, the three of them flew together to a fast pace flight. Everyone below ground saw the three High Princes flying through the peaceful sky and all they could muster is the acknowledgment of their forms.

The three High Princes continued to fly in the sky. Zoro for his part broadened his senses – broad enough that he can sense even the slightest movements around Raftel. Not too far from where he is, he felt Chopper's presence. It's been so long since he had visited Chopper. This seems to be a good day to visit him.

He also felt curious as to the weird presence in Chopper's house. Who could be inside his hut that his primal instincts are stirring?

He slowed down and turned to the other High Prince.

"I will be going on my own. I have someone I wish to visit." Zoro said. The two High Princes stopped as they looked at Zoro.

"Where would you go?" Marco asked.

"I will visit Chopper. It has been long since I last saw him in Raftel. He seems to have arrived not too long ago."

Kidd frowns as he broadened his senses and detected the presence of Chopper. It is suspicious how he could sense other presences aside from the Royal Doctor. The odd thing is that he could not recognize it.

"I'll go with you." Kidd said. This surprised Zoro. Kidd does not have the best relationship with Chopper. He is civil towards the Royal Healer. What prompted Kidd to come with Zoro in visiting Chopper?

"I also would like to go, yoi." Marco voiced out. Like the other two, he sensed something out there. He can't figure it out and that itself is odd.

Zoro is beyond confused about their actions. Why would they want to seek the Royal Healer when it is clear as daylight that they don't share the same friendship with Chopper as what Zoro has?

"If you all wished it, then so be it." Zoro uttered. He started to fly to Chopper's house with the other two High Princes behind him.

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A good wind breezes in the hillside where Chopper's hut is located. Chopper does not have neighbors as this area is not a residential area. Besides, this place is for plants to grow. He was given the privilege to use this area to grow his medicines which is why the land is quite huge. It serves to be a good place to hide the three princesses.

Morning came. They had arrived last night in Raftel. Chopper asked the three sisters to stay inside the house, and under any circumstances, they shouldn't go outside as the moon is high and the senses of the creatures are high as well. It is risky for them to go out and until Chopper figures how to properly hide their scents as humans, they cannot reveal themselves.

He needs to ask Robin regarding this matter. Until he can see the Peace Keeper to discuss the princesses' current situation, he needs to keep them safe.

"There would be visitors coming. I want the three of you to hide yourselves in the basement. I would be meeting patients starting 10 in the morning." Chopper instructed. It is still early in the morning, around 7 am. There shouldn't be visitors at this hour.

"Can't we meet your patients as well?" Luffia asked. She wanted to meet other creatures aside from Chopper. She wanted to see what they look like.

"I'm sorry, Luffia, but you can't. It is still not safe yet." Luffia nodded with a sad expression. She understood their situation well, but she still hopes to meet the creatures of Raftel.

Last night, they all agreed to lay low for the moment. Any suspicious movements and the Beogian warriors will be at their throats. They all suspected that they are already on their tracks and any further provocation will lead to misfortunes.

"Luffia, we have to listen to Chopper." Sab reprimanded her. Ann remained quiet and only nods whenever she agrees on something.

"It would not be a good idea to draw attention to ourselves by exposing who we are or the fact that we are here. This could endanger Chopper as well. Would you want that to happen as well?" Luffia could only shake her head at what Ann said. Despite the desire of seeing more of this world, being subtle comes first but knowing Luffia, for sure, she can get into trouble even before realizing it and it is up to the twins to make sure it does not come to that.

"Okay. I hope we can meet some creatures." Luffia wished. The twins are just silent as to what the youngest wished for. They smiled at how Luffia is still hopeful in this situation but they are worried as there are times that Luffia's wishes come true and it would turn out disastrous. They are worried about how Luffia's wishes got them in trouble in the past. She once wished to meet a huge snake she could cook, and a few hours after she uttered such nonsense, the sisters found themselves running for their lives due to the king python in the forest.

Aside from that incident, she once wished for a fire in the sky and the next thing they saw are enemies throwing fireballs through catapults. They were just children back then and even as they grew, there were times that Luffia's wishes would come true.

It seems today is not different from those times.

Without detecting anything at all, Chopper could not sense the three coming presences. A knock in the door startled all of them.

"Chopper, are you in there?"

Chopper almost fainted from shock. He knew that voice. He knew the person in front of his house, but why, of all the creatures in Raftel would he be here?

"You have a visitor. Shishishi." Luffia whispered in a low tone. Sab and Ann immediately covered her mouth. The twins' hearts beat so loud due to their nervousness. Would these creatures find out about them? What shall they do? As they were, resistance will never be successful much less fight. If it comes to fighting, the sisters are not confident they can defend themselves.

Chopper signaled them to follow him. The three sisters followed Chopper and he led them to the latch door underneath the dinner table.

Chopper mouthed the word 'go'. The three of them proceed downstairs.

"Chopper! It's Zoro!"

"Yes, I am coming!" Chopper shouted. Zoro is a friend. Despite shouting at a High Prince, Chopper is confident that he will not be offended no matter what.

He carefully closed the door and arranged the mantel. The healer prays to deities that their smell will not be detected. Zoro's senses are sharp even in his human form.

Chopper hastily runs to the main door and on his way, he accidentally spills some medicines.

"Ack! Wah-!"

On the other side of the door, Zoro could only sigh. He knew Chopper can be careless but he did not think he would be this clumsy.

"Chopper, I am going in." he announced. He leisurely opened the door and as he opened it, he witnessed how his friend is struggling with balancing the flasks and tubes for medicines in his hands.

"Zoro!" He called out. Zoro stepped in to help Chopper and as soon as he stepped inside the house, the other two High Princes followed suit – shocking Chopper out of his current state.

"Your Highnesses!" Chopper was beyond shocked upon seeing the other two High Princes. He could understand Zoro's visit as he often comes to Chopper's place to sleep in the hillside, but for Marco and especially Kidd to have come with Zoro, Chopper never expected this.

"No need for so much formalities Chopper. It seems you have been gone for long, yoi." Marco's tone made Chopper relaxed even for a single moment but as he looks straight in Kidd's eyes, he could instantly feel how the Beogian Prince hostility affects the atmosphere.

"Your house is strange." Kidd muttered. He walked inside the small house, observing every detail as if he is trying to find something.

Zoro is silent while helping Chopper set his medicines in the cabinets. He can agree with Kidd. This house seems to be strange not because of its structure but because of something unexplainable. He has been here for countless times yet today is different. He could feel a presence but why couldn't he point it out well?

"You must find this strange since it is full of herbs that are not pleasing to your eyes, Your Highness." Chopper tried to muster good confidence as he uttered those words. The three High Princes' presences are making him nervous. There are so many questions that flooded his mind as of the moment.

Could it be that Wire and Heat have told Kidd of something and he is here now?

Could Thatch have fooled him with a friendly demeanor and is actually suspicious?

Those are the primary questions flooding his mind. What could he do once they all find out about the three human princesses?

"It seems to me that the lands provided to you to grow your medicinal herbs are not enough as you are keeping some inside your house." Kidd uttered in a slight frown as he smelled something disgusting. The receiving area of the house is still full of plants. No matter where you look, you are surrounded by herbs.

"Apologies, Your Highness. Some plants are better grown inside the house because they are sensitive to too much sunlight. I would also like to apologize for the mess of my house as I just arrived last night and I am not aware of this visit." Chopper took the small plant away from Kidd's sight and moved it somewhere else. He also tried to clear the receiving area with the plants he brought over last night.

Marco only listened to them. His focus was stolen by the plants at his feet. He recognized this plant.

"Isn't these mashtrim plants, yoi? The plants called 'deception'?" (AN: Mashtrim is the Albanian term for Deception)

Chopper tensed. Those are the plants he used to cover the princesses' scents and tracks. He was careless as to leave those lying on the ground.

"Ah, yes Your Highness. I used it when I stayed at my house in the outer borders. Some humans brought sniffing animals, so I used it to hide my presence."

That is not a lie because he used those plants to hide his smell from any tracking animals the humans brought whenever they tried to exploit the Dark Forest, but he rarely uses it.

"I see. Quite dangerous for you to live outside the borders. It is a good decision to come back here, yoi."

Chopper only nodded in response.

"Do Your Highnesses need any refreshments? Water - "

"Chopper, I took your Sake here!" Zoro shouted from the kitchen. Chopper almost fainted. He did not notice how Zoro walked away from the receiving area to the kitchen.

If he is inside the kitchen, there are high chances that they will detect something below the table.

"Hmm, that seems to be a good idea." Kidd started to walk to where Zoro is. Like the Vaelon's High Prince, he too loves Sake.

"I might as well join them myself, yoi." Marco also said. Chopper could not tell them to stop and it is already too late as Zoro is already sitting at one of the chairs at the dining table. The other two High Princes joined him and sat at the chairs.

"Chopper's Sake are one of the best there is."

"We'll be the judge of that." Kidd smugly snorted as he took a cup for himself and drank. Marco hummed as he tasted the Sake and indeed, it seems to be a great one.

While the three of them are enjoying their Sake, Chopper is worried. For sure, the three princesses could definitely hear them. He just wished that they will not make any sound at all.

Meanwhile, inside the latch door, Luffia is trying to hold her sneeze. The place is so full of dust that the three princesses are trying not to cough from it.

They could hear the four voices. One belongs to Chopper who is keeping the situation manageable and the other three seem to be from the Three High Princes that Chopper spoke of. Even without seeing them firsthand, the three princesses could feel their enormous aura and commanding authority.

Their voices are rough, full of life, and soothing at the same time.

The three princesses tried their best not to make any noise for one noise and a mistake can cost them their lives. They are even controlling the way they breathe as that might be heard as well. According to Chopper, everyone in Raftel has a keen sense. The only thing that is protecting them from being discovered is the latch door and the necklace enchantment that Chopper provided.

The conversation above lasted for several minutes. Those minutes are crucial.

After a while, the three princes decided to leave.

"We'll leave you to take a rest. You seem to have much to do." They heard one prince said. As soon as that was announced, the other guests started to stand up. The three princesses are about to be relieved as the guests are already leaving when all of a sudden Luffia's stomach made a rather loud noise indicating that it needs food.

The twins' eyes turned as large as it could. The noise is loud enough for all of them to hear it.

Even Chopper heard it and he immediately tensed as the three High Princes stopped on their tracks, wondering about the noise.

"What was that, yoi?" Marco asked.

Sweats started to form in Chopper's head.

"Is there someone here in your house aside from you?" Kidd suspiciously asked. They are all sure they heard some noise and judging from that noise, it seems to be the stomach asking for food.

"That's uh - " Chopper nervously glanced at the dinner table then back to Kidd and Marco. Zoro remained neutral.

"Uh, that's - " Chopper swallowed the remaining water inside his mouth.

What should he do?

What can he do?

"It's uhm… It's"

"Me." All of them turned their attention towards the direction of the kitchen where the voice came from.

"Nico Robin." Kidd called out.

The dark-haired woman smiled at ease in front of the three High Princes.

"Your Highnesses, it is a pleasure to see all of you. My apologies. It seems that my stomach is requiring me to intake food now."

Marco raised an eyebrow in a slight suspicion. He knew Robin and such actions are not like her at all. She is a graceful woman.

"Is that so?" Kidd heightened his senses to see if this woman is lying or not and the results just made him disappointed as he sensed nothing from this woman.

"Well then, we will leave you and Chopper be. There are far more important things we need to attend, yoi." Marco stated. Despite the lingering questions about Robin and Chopper's actions, he would like to avoid a confrontation for now, especially for Kidd. He is not the type of person to rationally think of peaceful ways to deal with matters.

Worse comes to worst, he would decide to execute Chopper and Robin should he find anything that will give him a reason to do so. Marco values Chopper as a Royal Healer and he alone can provide the sustenance of medicine for the Peacekeeper and other Raftelians.

As for Robin, she is a valuable historian and scribe. Such talents will be of waste.

Aside from those reasons, Zoro has a close relationship with these two. He would not sit idly and watch if something were to happen to them.

"Hmph!" Kidd let out an unsatisfied grunt before walking outside. It clearly states that he will not let this slide.

Marco followed Kidd outside, leaving Zoro with Chopper and Robin.

"You two be careful." Those were the last words they heard from Zoro as he followed the other princes. The next thing Chopper noticed is how the three High Princes left by flying to the sky.

"That was dangerous." Robin said. Chopper could only nod. If it weren't for Robin, they would have met their doom.

"Where are the princesses?" Robin asked.

"I'll ask them to come out." Chopper answered. He closed the door and checked if there would be anyone. As soon as he checked that there are none, Chopper proceeds to open the latch door to ask them to come out.

He saw how the twin princesses are trying to strangle the youngest princess. The twins stopped and looked up to see Chopper looking down at them.

"Come out now. They are all gone." The twins let go of their little sister who was so excited to come out. She hated cramped places and staying still for more than 10 minutes is a miracle itself.

"Are they the Princes you spoke of, Chopper?" Luffia asked enthusiastically.

"Yes. They are. Zoro, the Prince of Vaelon often visits me but the other two rarely do, and they don't have a reason to."

The twins have come out and they immediately notice the dark-haired woman behind Chopper. Ann immediately became suspicious of this woman who was downright smiling at them.

Chopper sensed the animosity from Ann towards Robin and it dawned to him that he forgot to introduce Robin.

"I'd like you to meet Robin, she is a historian in Raftel. Robin, these are the princesses of Cresta. This is Ann, Sab, and Luffia."

"Oh, you're Robin! Nice to meet you! I'm Luffia!" Luffia immediately jumped at the first chance to greet Robin with much enthusiasm that forever annoys Ann to no end. Sab just sighed and shook her head, far too used to Luffia's lack of initiative in sensing dangers.

"Pleased to meet you, Your Highness."

"No need for such title. Just call me Luffia." Luffia smiled at Robin. She loves meeting people and befriending them. In her instincts, she knew that this person can be trusted.

"If you wish, then I shall call you by your name."

"Are you a Halfborn? What type of creature are you? Do you live nearby? Are you going to visit us often?"

"Luffia! Try to ask one at a time, not all at once." Sab reprimanded. She turned to Robin and she saw the amusement in her blue eyes. This woman in front of her is smart and intelligent. "I apologize for the behavior of my sister. She is quite excited about meeting people such as yourself." Sab said.

"No apologies are needed, Your Highness."

"Please, call me Sab. No need for such formalities."

Robin nodded and smiled at Sab. Ann is still silent as she looked suspiciously at Robin. Ann was never a trusting person. She was always suspicious of everyone who dares to get close to Luffia. Sab can also be suspicious but not as much as Ann.

"Introductions aside, how do we proceed from now on? The High Princes are now suspicious of you, Chopper." Ann asked. They are all gathered in the kitchen dining table, discussing the current situation.

"I am going to see the Peace Keeper. I am going to ask for assistance regarding this matter. He is a wise man and once he knows your identity, he might try to bend the rules and convince the High Princes to let you stay for the meantime."

"I will help Chopper in convincing the Peace Keeper. It would be best to have Zoro's approval ahead of time as well. His opinion matters as a High Prince. As for Marco, we cannot be too sure for his side. More or less, he would be neutral but for Kidd, he will downright oppose having them stay here." Robin suggested.

"I will see Zoro tomorrow. I hope that he will be alone so I can ask him a favor. After that, we will proceed with meeting with the Peace Keeper." Chopper said.

"Do you think they will agree?" Sab asked.

"We hope so." Chopper could only say that much. He can't tell what will happen, but he could only hope for the best.

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

Kidd called Marco for a brief conversation. Kidd knew that Marco also knows that something is not right. He did not include Zoro for the Dragon Prince is heavily attached to the Healer.

"He is hiding something."

Despite having different opinions regarding some matters, Marco is still an honorable man and High authority in Raftel. For Marco's side, he cannot deny the strange behaviors Chopper displayed. He is quite curious as to what Chopper is hiding.

"What are you going to do, then?"

Kidd turned to Marco.

"What are you going to do?" he questioned back. In normal circumstances, Kidd would have not minded the Healer's business, but these times are crucial. They are at the risk of facing enemies from the Human Realm and every suspicious action counts. Marco knew this as well and as High Princes of the three remaining kingdoms in Raftel, they have a responsibility to uphold peace and punishment to anyone who defies the order.

"I will have someone look at it, yoi. We will have it investigated and we will judge his actions, should he have done something he shouldn't, fairly." Marco pointed out. Kidd only nodded as an acknowledgment. Marco then flew back to his palace, leaving Kidd alone.

"You called?" Killer appeared in front of Kidd as he sat in his throne chair in the palace grounds. Wire and Heat appeared as well with their wolf companions.

"Watch the Royal Healer's actions as well as Robin's. They are hiding something. Report back to me. Any acts of treason must be punishable."

All the Warrior Commanders nodded and immediately left. As soon as they left, Achilles appeared behind the forest trees. Kidd stared at Achilles. The Wolf Lord's eyes held something in it.

"What is it?" Kidd asked.

"You have to watch your actions." That is all he said and he decided to leave Kidd.

The High Prince could only stare at the retreating form of Achilles. There are times that the Wolf Lord is so hard to understand but this time, Kidd chose to ignore it. There are far more pressing matters than to understand the riddles Achilles provided.

With that as his conclusion, he left the palace grounds and decided to explore his kingdom.

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

Marco followed his words. Like Kidd, he is suspicious of Chopper's actions. He prompted to ask guidance from the Peace Keeper, but in the end, he decided against it. It would not do well to have the Peace Keeper be involved in this until they can figure everything out.

As soon as he left Kidd's palace, he asked for Thatch and Izou's presence to investigate this matter.

"Are you sure, Marco? Chopper has been a good Royal Healer for years and he hadn't done anything that will make us render investigation against him." Thatch personally finds the idea ridiculous. He had seen Chopper's abilities as well as his loyalty. There shouldn't be any reason for him to commit treason against Raftel.

"Kidd is suspecting something, yoi. Even Zoro seems to be neutral in this matter. We did not press too many questions due to his presence."

"Marco, what exactly are you suspecting from Chopper?" Izou asked. The explanation is quite vague and they cannot form a cohesive conclusion due to this.

"I cannot point it out, but I want the two of you to investigate it and observe him further. - his actions and everything."

"Do you think he brought a human in Raftel?" Thatch boldly asked. This is the only conclusion they could attain judging from the previous actions and suspicions from the Beogian Warrior Commanders.

"I don't know. He did have a mashtrim plant inside his house. It is a plant of deception and if he brought a human inside Raftel without permission from all of us – then he will be brought for trial. Although, we did not detect anything when he got past the portal."

"Alright. We will look into it. Let's see what he is up to."

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

Raging fires surrounded the palace of Cresta. Cries of dying men filled the night and everyone can imagine the devastation of what it meant. The King and Queen of Cresta remained calm, ready for what is to come. They are calm as they know that their daughters have escaped. That thought alone brings them calmness for they know that from here on out, fate will act upon what is coming.

The doors to the throne room were forcefully opened, revealing the man behind the suffering of the once peaceful Cresta.

His aura is domineering, asking for anyone to bow before him. He will look down at anyone who dares to go against him. Such a cruel and ambitious man.

Roger could only smile. He pities this man for being clueless and ambitious. He would be asking for his doom.

"Gol D. Roger."

"Akainu." Roger said. Both men continued to stare at each other. One is smiling with calmness and the other one is glaring with all his might.

"So the King and Queen of Cresta decided to stay behind. Are you planning to resist until the end?"

"What is there to resist, Akainu? You seem to be confident of threatening us, but in all truth, we held what threatens you and your wretched accomplice!" Rouge hissed, directing her anger to Marshall Teach who is standing beside Akainu.

"Zehahaha. What a feisty woman! As much as we would love to enjoy every entertainment you will provide, I am afraid we lack the time for that. So, why don't you start telling us everything you know!" Teach's eyes started to turn into a murderous psycho. He is desperate to know everything from the King and Queen of Cresta, but they will not give in – even at the expense of their own lives.

"Hahahaha! What empty threats! Do you think we will just give you all the information? You must be delusional to think of such things! Even if you kill us here and now, you will not get anything from us!"

What Roger announced made Akainu mad.

"If you don't start telling us what we want to know, then your daughters will suffer the consequences!"

The King and Queen should be worried because this man is threatening the lives of their daughters, but instead, both laugh as if Akainu just said something funny.

"You – threatening our daughters? Ha! You don't know anything Akainu. You just don't." Rouge said in mockery.

"You will not get our daughters. You never will be because if you do, then you will be meeting your doom, which we could assure you!"

Akainu was hit with a realization. His eyes turned as wide as it could while clenching his fist in anger. He knew and realized what the King and Queen meant.

"You let them escaped!"

The King and Queen held their silence which Akainu interpreted as a Yes to his question. He turned to one of his soldiers and shouted an order.

"Search the forest! Find the three princesses! Bring them alive!"

The soldier needs not to be told twice as he immediately left the throne room. As Akainu directed his focus again to the king and queen, his eyes are filled with murderous intent.

"Where is it? I knew you have been keeping that information! Where is it?!"

"Kill us if you must, but we will never tell you what you wanted to know."

Akainu's patience is growing thin. He wanted to kill Roger and Rouge but he knew that if he did, the information he needed will not be given. Unless he finds a way for them to speak of it freely or find the information himself which is unlikely seeing as no one knows about it aside from Roger and Rouge.

Well, some knew about it, but if he will assault and march to invade Raftel without a strong army, then he will be marching for his doom.

For now, he must keep his cards until the time for him to use it.

"Seize them! Put them in the dungeon!" Akainu ordered. The soldiers grabbed the King and Queen and led them to the dungeon.

As soon as they left, Teach spoke.

"It is a wonder why the King did not resist at all as if he wanted him to be captured."

Akainu looked at Teach with a thoughtful glare. Indeed. For the years that Akainu knows of Roger, he knew that he is a strong man capable of fighting and he knew Cresta has a lot of resources. Their victory seems to be so easy but why would Roger and Rouge chose to let themselves be captured? For what reason and purpose?

Akainu cannot think of anything. He weighs down all the possibilities, but those are too impossible. With Roger's love for this kingdom, he will not choose something that will risk the freedom of his men.

"No, impossible. He did not put up a fight because he knew that we have his men at our mercy."

"Hmm, I think you are right. Zehahahaha. The victory must have clouded my mind."

"Hmph! Don't dare to lower your guard. We might have seized the palace, but Roger's influence is wide. We need to know Rayleigh's location."

"Lafitte will be handling it with some of my men. We will also be monitoring Shank's movements."

Akainu nodded in satisfaction. The only thing he needs right now is the princesses. They might know something but even if they don't, then he can use them as hostages against the King and Queen.

A day has passed and the soldiers came empty-handed. Despite that, Akainu persists in finding the princesses until one day, the soldiers returned with proofs of the princesses' deaths. This does not bode well for Akainu's plans, but he still can find a way.

On that same day, he decided to visit the king and queen in the dungeon.

They look pitiful in their chains, sitting in that dirty place. Akainu could only muster disgust in his face.

Rouge and Roger looked up as they recognize his presence.

"You're daughters are dead." Akainu said as he threw the bracelets full of blood inside the dungeon cell. He saw the shock and grieved feelings in the faces of the King and Queen. Deep inside himself, Akainu is celebrating as he knows he managed to break their resolves.

"They were eaten by beasts in the Dark Forest. Wolves, as what my men have reported."

"And do you think that telling us this will make us tell you something? Dream on!" Rouge's face is full of hate towards Akainu. In Akainu's mind, she must be suffering for the loss of her three daughters all at once.

"No. I supposed not. Even without your information, we will still find it. We will march in the Dark Forest and destroy every beast living inside."

"You will be marching to your doom, Akainu. Dark Forest still has wonders you will never imagine exists." Roger said but Akainu just smiled at him as he decided to leave the two alone.

For now, he is satisfied that he managed to inflict pain on his enemies…

Or so he thought…

Alone, the King and Queen of Cresta looked at the bracelets of their daughters. Rouge knew that the blood that tainted the bracelets belongs to their daughters.

"They will make it. I know deep inside my heart they are still alive." Roger said as he smiled towards his wife.

"Yes. We need to pray for their safety. From now on, fate will make everything happen. Their journey will not be easy…"

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