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

"Teach has lived up to his promise. How long has it been since we have been out of this damnable place?" The voice was lecherous enough to hiss as the thought of living in this Blazing Inferno came to its mind. This Inferno is hell for them. Countless years of being a prisoner have made them feel as if their skin were on fire, their insides churning of how this place looked trash, morbid.

Unlike Raftel and Purgatory, this place is nothing but emptiness. It is made of fire, ice, sand and the weather changes too often for them to adjust. The essence of this place is keeping their magical powers restricted. Barren land for the fallen serving eternal punishment for them.

All the beasts and magical creatures living in this place were traitors of Raftel. They instigated the war of Raftel years ago. They conspired against the throne and they were eternally punished for it... But not anymore.

Marshall D. Teach promised them freedom and revenge against the Royal Beasts of Raftel.

"Beogia, Vaelon, and Ipraecia... Whitebeard... All of them will die! The three Magical Kingdoms were gone. Long gone and those three who remained in Raftel will be gone too! They will pay for sending us to this place!" The voice of the creature held venom in it upon thinking of the High Kings and High Queens and the wretched Peace Keeper.

"Oh, but the High Kings and Queens of the Beasts are long gone. What we have to deal with are their children - the High Princes." Another creature emerged from the barren and, eyes held dangerous glint that promises nothing but doom.

"Hahaha. Of course, those are no threat. We can deal with them once Teach frees us."

"And what of the creatures hiding in the Valley of Xavaria? Legends have passed down until now that they will emerge from their hiding once the Almighty Princess comes back." The silence engulfed the creatures around them. They realized that once the creatures hiding in the valley starts to emerge, it would be problematic and trouble for them because they knew full well the power of the Almighty Princess.

"We will not be concerning ourselves about such an impossible scenario. All we have to do is focus on getting out of this place!"

"It will not be easy as what you wanted it to be. Two escapees, a Jorogumo and a Gorgon encountered the High Princes. They can pose a threat to us if they are as powerful as their predecessors or even more powerful than them."

They all fell silent but the lingering hope is right in their minds. They will get out of this place - sooner or later and when they do, they will spread their pent up revenge and hate in Raftel. They will declare war and when they do, they will ensure that doom will set on the remaining residents of Raftel.

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

Their journey towards the gates of Purgatory has been eventful. The three humans immediately saw a couple of familiar faces.

Chopper is right there with Robin and the other Commanders of Ipraecia, Vaelon, and Beogia.

A relieved expression appeared right in Chopper's face upon seeing the three humans. He readied himself to examine them with injuries and he's right. There were visible injuries.

"You had us all worried!" Chopper exclaimed. Ann was the first one to sit on the ground near Chopper with Marco's assistance.

Sab got down from riding Achilles and was assisted by Chopper after he saw the injured leg.

"You can let go of me." Zoro reminded Luffia not to be too comfortable in her position. She reluctantly let him go. She is not badly injured as her sisters which is why Chopper decided to take a look at the twins first. Sab received most of the injuries.

"Gods and goddesses of Raftel! What were you three doing out there?" Izou flayed her hands in exasperation upon seeing the wounds of the Princesses. Like the others, she is worried about their welfare. If not for hearing that the High Princes personally seek the humans, she would have decided to enter the Purgatory.

"Luffia ran off without knowing the place and when we heard her scream, we just followed it." Ann answered for Izou. She might not have disclosed the whole details but at least what she told them were true.

"You could have died back there! If that were to happen, the Raftel will surely face its doom." Thatch muttered with a serious tone, not appreciating and even so not entertaining the mere thought of their deaths.

"And why is that? As far as we are concerned, we are merely humans with no correlation to the Raftel. Our deaths do not warrant Raftel's doom." Sab's reasoning is not far from the truth... At least the truth that the sisters know of but the others knew better.. They know what these Princesses represent. They don't want to openly say it to them, fearing for consequences that represent the truth.

"Take care of them. We have more pressing matters that we need to deal with, yoi." Marco said to Chopper. As much as he wanted to look personally for the welfare of the princesses, he needs to meet with the Peacekeeper. They have to deal with the security of Chinvat Bridge. The escape incident of the two monsters from the Blazing Inferno had made the High Princes wary of the possible causes. They fear that the old enemy will resurface itself to haunt them of the peace they established for years.

Needless to say, Chopper nodded with every bit of intention evident in his eyes of how he is dedicated to looking after the injuries of the human princesses.

The two High Princes immediately left with haste despite the reluctance. Achilles remained to watch over the princesses and so as Robin. They all helped the princesses to the carriage so they can leave this place as soon as possible. During their ride, Chopper had been concentrating on providing necessary treatment for their injuries albeit the lack of medicinal items needed. He did a good job patching their wounds - the clawed marks from the Jorogumo.

The three princesses' minds were adrift. Each has their own thoughts of what happened at the cave.

Sab cannot help but think of the history of Raftel. So much betrayal happened in those years that no one can erase. So many deaths that no one can ever forget. She felt terribly guilty for the crimes of her race - even though she is not part of it. She felt like she was the one holding the daggers - stabbing the Raftelians during the war. The cave never failed to make her feel like that, especially when she looked at the Sigils of the Three Magical Kingdoms. Her mind would fall drifting to the sigil of Beogia and their High King and Queen.

She couldn't help but ask herself - what would have happened if the war did not happen? Would Kidd hate her kind?

She cannot be sure and there is nothing she could ever do to answer such inquiries.

Luffia noticed how Sab is in deep thought while Ann is also lost in her own thoughts. She kept observing her sisters, not saying anything. Robin is doing the same thing although her mind is full of wonder and thoughts that can be pointed as correct and accurate.

Their travel towards Chopper's manor has been quiet except for a couple of questions from Chopper regarding their injuries. As soon as they landed, they all were ushered to the manor to treat their wounds.

"You are all lucky the High Princes arrived on time. If you stayed there for longer than necessary, you could have died!" Chopper exclaimed as he is treating the wounds in Luffia's body.

Ann can only sigh, no words escaped her mouth. As much as she wanted to answer Chopper's argument, she couldn't. Her mind is fully occupied by what happened inside the cave.

The kiss...

What was she thinking delving into such action?

"You all must rest. I assume Chopper can take care of everything. I will have to report to the High Princes and the Peacekeeper." Robin bid her goodbye, deeming the situation taken care of.

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

The atmosphere is quite severe. Zoro and Marco's faces are grim. They all proceed to meet the Peacekeeper upon their return from the Purgatory, carrying matters that they need to look after.

"Escapees have been frequent from Chinvat Bridge. Slowly, the powerful ones are escaping. This is a threat to Raftel. An old enemy can be behind this, yoi."

"They bear the grudge from years ago. They meant to destroy Raftel once and for all!" Zoro said.

"We have to look closely on this matter. We have to make sure that none of the prisoners will escape and if we have to double the security around Raftel, more than we already did, then we will. We cannot take risks. If our enemy is really Teach, then we have to prepare for war." Whitebeard firmly stated, voice echoing in their meeting room, almost with sinister.

"Do you think Teach is responsible for attacking Cresta?" Marco wondered. If Teach is resurfacing after all these years, then it is likely that he attacked Cresta, the kingdom closest to Raftel.

"That is possible. What happened to the princesses? What were they doing in such a place?" Whitebeard asked.

"Luffia ran off due to some misunderstanding between the three of them. That is what they told us, yoi."

"Hmm, and what of their injuries?"

"Chopper is looking into it. The only thing I am wondering is why they were able to get past the barrier? We built the barrier years ago to prevent anyone from entering the barrier without permission. Doesn't that include humans?" Zoro asked, his mind pondering on the thought of why they were able to get past the barriers. They would have to rebuild the magical barrier so this incident will not happen again. He does not appreciate how that single mistake led to a life-threatening scenario.

"I will look into it." Izou stated. She is one of the best magicians available in Raftel. Her corps is composed of elites.

"Please do so, yoi." Marco nodded with appreciation towards Izou.

"Robin has arrived bringing news of the Princesses' welfare." One elite guard announced.

"Send her in." Whitebeard answered. Soon, the huge double doors swung open, letting the well-known historian into the meeting hall.

"Greetings everyone. I assume you have discussed important matters right now. Am I too late?" She flashed a smile towards the powerful creatures in the room. The atmosphere is solemn enough but that did not make her falter as she took her seat right next to Izou. "I do not see the High Prince of Beogia present." Her eyes landed on the Warrior Commanders of Beogia.

None of them uttered any response to Robin's inquiry and they are thankful that none of the creatures present asked anything anymore regarding the whereabouts of their High Prince.

"You were in time, dear. So how are the Hig- Princesses?" Izou asked, and corrected herself. Robin raised an eyebrow, amused at her question. The black-haired woman knew too well that the Elven Commander meant to call the three humans as High Princesses. The historian's eyes gleamed and as she locked eyes with Izou, she knew too well that both of them are thinking of the same thing all along.

"The princesses are under Chopper's care. They will be fine, besides the injuries are not severe or life-threatening. Thank the gods and goddesses the High Princes along with Achilles were on time to rescue them."

Everyone agreed with her words.

"We should all make a close watch on the events happening outside of Raftel. Internal affairs seem to be taken outside of this world. Human Realm emerged in wars that might involve us." Robin said again. Her voice is full of stern, firm on protecting this world she calls her home. Whilst that might be true, she is a half-human. Halfborns like her often longs to know what it is like to be in the Human Realm and also treat it like home.

"We should send someone to investigate the affairs of Cresta and who was behind the war instigated. I don't believe Roger is as weak as this to let a usurper take his home and forced his children to take refuge." Whitebeard never believed his findings when he did not feel the trace of Roger. He knew too well that Roger is a human who is powerful enough to withstand this attack. They sparred often before and Whitebeard himself knew Roger's strength.

"Should we inform the princesses? For sure, this news will bring immense morale to them that we are also helping." Thatch suggested. If they were to tell them of their plans to investigate the war on their kingdom, that will at least help them feel at ease with everyone in Raftel.

"That will just make them agitated and should there be a requirement for battle, don't you think they will insist on joining us no matter how little relevance it is to their kingdom? I don't want them to feel like they all owe us." Zoro harshly said. His resolution on keeping this a secret is evident.

Everyone in the room understood his point. They cannot risk their lives after all. If there will be a battle in the future, it is a battle only with creatures like them. Creatures with supernatural powers.

"Alright. Haruta, coordinate with Robin and Wire. Send people out to investigate this matter." Marco looked at Haruta and she nodded with enthusiasm. Wire remained silent but he will sure to follow the command.

"If only they are all here. Verid, Huidel, and Daerene. This wouldn't happen." Whitebeard's voice sounded solemn, looking at the past when Raftel is whole and in prosperity. Raftel is still standing strong even without the three Magical Kingdoms, but it is never the same thing.

Everyone dispersed as soon as they reached an agreement on what to do next. As Marco and his Commanders left, he suddenly remembers something.

"Isn't your Centennial Anniversary coming soon, yoi?" He asked Thatch and Izou. They had been together for so long that Marco was reminded of the dread fact that he never had the chance to meet his mate for that long...

Until now... He whispered to himself. But any union concerning himself seems to be far off. He cannot rush things. He waited for so long, and waiting for a shorter time will not matter.

"Yes, we have been planning to celebrate it in Central Palace but we have to think of the planning at a later time. I still need to attend to matters concerning Raftel." Izou made it clear to investigate the barriers of Purgatory - and not just the Purgatory, but as well as their borders and concealing magics surrounding Raftel. She is responsible for looking after their defenses and if need be, she will have to go herself and fix it.

"Of course. It will be a celebration that everyone will look forward to, yoi." Marco answered. He is happy knowing his Commanders whom he treated as his siblings are happy.

"When will you make your move on Ann? You have been waiting for her all your life ever since you came of age. It is high time you make your intentions clear." Haruta commented.

"I cannot rush things. I have to wait for her to slowly warm up to me, yoi."

"She does have trust issues, that I noticed. Let us hope that she will warm up to you soon enough. It will do Raftel a great benefit to have a High King and High Queen." Izou's words held great importance. For all the creatures in Raftel with supernatural abilities and powers, mating with someone will boost their capabilities and potential. This applies to everyone.

In the Human Realm, once the King of the kingdom dies, the heir apparent will automatically take the throne and be crowned as the new king - but this is not true to the High Princes. Despite lacking the High Kings and High Queens, the titles High Kings are not bestowed for one important reason: their lack of mates.

Only someone who mated with their fated ones can assume the position of High King and naturally, the position of High Queen will go to the fated ones.

Mating for all of them does not only equate companionship and someone who can bore them heirs and heiresses - but it is to complete themselves. Them as a single entity is powerful - yes, but something is lacking in them, a void that no one can fill except for their fated ones.

Marco was in the middle of that emptiness until he saw her. His dreams made him feel nothing but longing were filled. It is as if his world brightened and his pulse blazing with a desire to mark her, to claim her, and be with her.

A desire, so strong that sometimes, he finds himself uncontrollable. Ever since Ann came to Raftel, Marco found himself in countless nights longing for her touch.

The single kiss they shared in the cave had brought Marco new hopes in accomplishing her trust and love. He was beyond delighted upon tasting her savory lips on his. He had been forced to prevent himself from claiming her right there and then. If it weren't for their situation, he would have thought that she indeed wants him.

"This will be settled once and for all - sooner or later, yoi. Let's give her some time." Marco finalized and off they go to Ipraecia.

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

No type of alcohol can soothe his burning feelings. No type of Sake can quell the burning desire to kill someone and to claim her.

Kidd hated this feeling of helplessness. He hated how one woman - a human can make him feel helpless. He hated to have such weakness, a vulnerable one.

When will you accept the fact that she is your mate?

A sharp glare shot to Achilles but the Wolf Lord did not waiver in his resolution to confront the High Prince of this matter. This has been long overdue and the more Achilles kept his silence on Kidd's denial, the more the High Prince will suffer between his hatred towards humans and his growing feelings towards a human as a mate.

It is quite a headache for Achilles to see Kidd suffering like this.

"She is human! She cannot be - she just can't be!" Kidd refused to utter an important word.

Mate.

He could never accept it. Never but the more he refuses and forces himself to believe so - the more his feelings for her grow. How can he ever accept this?

She is your mate regardless of how many times you will deny it. You will never escape that fact.

"Do you think the Beogians will accept her as their High Queen? She is a human and you knew too well how my people hate her kind! Some of them are out there, whispering nothing but insults and hatred towards her! Tell me, how do you want me to accept it?! Her race killed my parents!"

You said it yourself, her race, not her. you can't hold her accountable for the crimes of her race! If you do so, don't you think you should also be held accountable for the crimes of the traitors - your own people?

Once again, Kidd fell silent. No arguments came from him and as he looked at Achilles' eyes, he found out how resolute he is to make this point of argument. What can Kidd come up with this time? Nothing. He has nothing to say for this matter because deep down, he already knew this truth.

You have to accept it and start making a move on her or lest she will be gone before you knew it.

With that, Achilles left Kidd on his own.

That argument left too much in Kidd's mind. It has been days since the last time he saw the princesses. Right now, he kept himself hidden in his forest, looking at the solemn trees. He sat on his throne all alone and there were countless times where he would find himself looking at the throne right beside him. This place is for his future mate, his High Queen. Often, his mind would imagine Sab right beside him, sitting on this throne chair with regal and grace.

The wolves love her, Achilles is dead set to start a campaign for her but the rest of his people, Kidd cannot be too sure.

Noticeable steps came close in and Kidd knew who it was. It is Killer, his right-hand man, and his best friend. Like him, he too hates humans. His whole family has been part of the casualties of war.

"It must be hard for you to contemplate the matter regarding your mate." Killer voiced out. The High Prince did not answer him. He continued his solemn thought with a frown on his face. Regardless if he answers or not, Killer knew too well. The answers are all visible with nothing to bar.

"Wouldn't you want to visit her?" Killer asked. even if he does not like the idea of having his High Prince mate with a human, he cannot do anything.

No one can escape the tragic fate of mating with someone regardless of how they look or who they are and what they are. Kidd is just delaying time on his end, delaying by constantly denying it.

"Why should I?" Kidd asked.

"Alright, if that is what you want."

"Why are you here? I don't recall asking for your presence."

"There have been constant reports of human sightings near the ocean. Currently, Izou managed to strengthen the barriers of Raftel along with our people."

Kidd nodded in understanding.

"What of the matters concerning Chinvat Bridge?"

"So far, it has been quiet. We stationed a couple of guardians in the Chinvat Bridge which includes Zoro's Velocidragons and Marco's Hippogriffs. There have been no sightings of unusual behavior from the prisoners." Kidd nodded with an appreciation of the matter. Despite hearing it, his thought lingers around a certain woman. Slowly, he drifted to a distant memory of his parents when they were alive.

A young High Prince started to run towards his prey, claws, and wings ready to strike the monster. He was tasked to chase down the chimera they purposely sent out in the wild to hone the skills of the young High Prince. At a fair distance, two authoritative figures carefully watch their young High Prince with a glint of pride in their eyes.

This young High Prince right in front of them is the symbol and the fruit of their love. All they wished is for their son to grow strong and faithful to his people and someday, he will rule this kingdom as their High King. They knew too well that he will fit as a great ruler.

The young High Prince sat still, like an animal, and at a second notice, he ran like in a lightning speed towards the chimera, claws are sharper than ever as he pounded like the beast he is. The second the Chimera noticed the young High Prince's presence, it was too late. The murderous aura illuminated Kidd as his claws descended on the chimera's neck.

The chimera was not able to react on time. The last thing it saw is the smirk of the Berserker as it descended to the afterlife.

Kidd stood triumphant beside his prey as he looked with satisfaction towards his parents. The High King and High Queen all smiled at their son, praising him for being quick despite being young.

The King looked regal wearing his Fur Cape indicating his status as High King. His eyes were mesmerizing red whilst his hair stood in a spiky manner with all its brown color and atop his hair is the Silver Steel Crown with Red Diamond at the center. The Queen is also wearing matching Fur Cape, a small matching crown almost the same as the High King's sat atop her bright red hair.

The Royal Majesties walked towards Kidd.

"You have done well son. Even when I was your age, I was not able to kill a chimera as fast as you." The High King laughed, proud, and carefree how his son already surpassed him when it comes to hunting chimeras.

"Of course he is. He took after my speed after all." The High Queen teased her husband, boasting her speed to be the fastest in Beogia.

"That, I cannot argue, my love." The High King and High Queen lovingly looked at each other. Being together for decades did not hinder nor decrease their love for one another.

Seeing the loving look from his parents, Kidd looked at them with a bored look as he crossed his hands in front of his chest and his other feet repeatedly stomped the ground.

"You can get a room." He muttered loud enough for them to hear. "You act like new lovers. Yikes!" As the Royal couple looked at their son with amusement. Every time they act 'too in love' their son will scrutinize them for acting not their age. Altogether, the couple will only laugh at their son.

"You can all say such things now since you are still young. You will know how it will feel once you get yourself a mate." High Queen Kierra crouched down a little to look Kidd in his eyes. He might have her hair but he had his father's eyes.

"Who needs a mate when you only need strength?" Kidd huffed in a boasting manner. He contains power and still growing with it. At the young age of 12, he is already as powerful as the adults of Beogia.

"I used to think like that as well. As a High Prince myself, I used to think that strength matters especially if you are going to take the throne someday... That changed when I met your mother."

Kidd raised an eyebrow at his parents, specifically to his father. Growing up as an only child, he looked up to his mother's fierceness and at the same time gentleness whilst his father is an authority no one dares to defy. His strength is legendary to all Beogia's history and he vowed someday, he will surpass that.

"Why is that?"

The High King crouched a little.

"Beogia is the fiercest and the most brutal amongst the Beast Kingdoms - I assume you know it. We are known for containing strength that represents what a beast should be."

"Of course! But Ipraecia and Vaelon are also the same, are they not?"

"Yes. They are but in a different way. Ipraecia represents gentle beasts, caring, and approachable but deadly when provoked. Vaelon is mostly neutral. There is a reason why there is the term 'Sleeping Dragons' and as for us, Beogians, we represent brutish strength. In ruling this kingdom, brute strength is required to gain respect and submission from your people, but it will never complete you." High King Jildaz firmly stated.

Kidd looked in confusion towards his father. How can someone strong be incomplete? He does not understand.

"What do you mean? Mates are required to bore me an heir to take the throne after myself, is it not?" The couple laughed at their son. He is still a child, it seems.

"We are strongest when we have someone to protect." High King said again.

"But won't they be my weakness as well? My enemy will try to kill and harm my mate so I have to choose a very strong mate so she can protect herself. I hate weaklings."

The High King and High Queen shook their heads at their son's response.

"You cannot predict who you will end up with. For all we know, it could be a human and we knew too well, humans are weaker when it comes to physical strength." High Queen Kierra smiled at her son, teasing him about finding a mate.

"Of course not! Why would I choose a human as a mate? I will choose someone from Raftel. Someone strong that fits to be my High Queen." Kidd is sure that he will choose someone worthy of this title. It will be his pride.

"Alright, young man. We cannot change your mind. But know this, you can't predict who will be chosen."

That conversation stuck in Kidd's mind for years, plaguing him. And when he came of age, the age of 21, he was disappointed when he did not feel any connection towards anyone in Raftel, as if his mate is not here.

His parents had been present at that time. They encouraged him that it is possible, his mate is still unborn. He will feel her once they are close. The scent will engulf him with unexplainable senses. He was hoping it will be sooner so he can concentrate on getting stronger. For years, his mindset still did not change despite the encouragement of his parents. He continued to believe that he will find someone in Raftel, someone of Royalty perhaps.

When he reached the age of 30, he stopped physically aging, and even at this time, there is no mate to be found. He is deeply disappointed and once more, one thought crossed his mind.

"You cannot predict who you will end up with. For all we know, it could be a human and we knew too well, humans are weaker when it comes to physical strength." His mother's words echoed his mind for so long and he was even tempted to ask permission to go to Human Realm in hopes of finding his mate - but that thought soon vanished when the war started.

The war caused by the traitors and humans alike caused Kidd to hate humans. The mere thought of interacting with them makes him cringe and disgusted. And even after decades passed, that mindset did not change...

It struck him hard the moment he saw her. The human princess. And he wished that he could have prevented this from happening...

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

It's been days since the incident happened in the Purgatory. The sisters are healed and doing well. When Robin visited them that morning, she suggested that they must thank the two High Princes as well as Achilles for saving them.

"Do we have to go now?" Ann asked. She is not concerned about the healing wounds, as it is almost healed, rather, she is concerned about meeting the High Prince again.

"Why not? I am sure they will make time if you decided to visit them." Robin sipped her tea in a calm manner while her eyes gave away a glint that tells Ann she meant something more than just a visit.

"That is quite a good idea. I am sure the High Princes will be delighted that you are appreciative of their help."

Ann cannot openly deny this suggestion. She does not have a valid reason in doing so which is why she kept herself silent while Sab is contemplating if she should go to Beogia.

"Achilles often comes by. I believe there is no need for me to go to Beogia." This is true. Achilles often drop by to see how they are doing. Sab thanked him several times already which is why there is no need for her to go to Beogia. Despite her curiosity towards the kingdom, she is adamant about visiting it.

"Ok, I'll go see Zoro!" Luffia raised her hand, volunteering while smiling happily. It's been days since she had seen Zoro and any chance to see him is an opportunity that she won't miss.

"Beogia is the only kingdom you have not visited. Are you sure you don't want to go there?" Robin asks Sab. Sometimes, Sab hates how she feels that Robin is trying to tell her something as if stirring thoughts inside Sab's head.

"No. There is no need." Sab mustered the courage to finalize her decision.

After finalizing their visit to different kingdoms, Ann is hesitating in riding the Pegasus towards Ipraecia.

"Why are you hesitating Ann?" Robin stepped beside Ann and asked her a question with deadly accuracy.

"No! I am not hesitating! Why should I?" Ann said it out loud, louder than she initially thought. Her answer only caused Robin to think of her suspicions as quite accurate. However, she did not answer and only smiled at Ann. That smile makes Ann quite uncomfortable. Each of them took a Pegasus to ride for their destination. Ann is not sure how she should thank Marco.

"Bye Ann! Bye Sab! I'll be visiting Zoro!" Without waiting for their response, Luffia commanded her Pegasus to fly her towards Vaelon.

"She must really like spending time with Zoro." Ann said. As someone who often hesitates when trusting others, she seems confident that Zoro will not harm Luffia. There's this unexplainable feeling Ann gets - that she can trust Zoro in looking after Luffia.

"Or she must really like pestering him. Either way, you have to go now. At least, this should be proper."

"I supposed. Why don't you visit Beogia as well? I think you will be more than welcome in their palace." Ann's lips quirked a little when she saw how her twin sister lost her composure upon mentioning Beogia. She half expected her sister to exaggerate in denying a visit to that place but instead, she looked solemn.

"I will not be welcomed in that place. Not now, not ever." Sab left after saying that. Ann decided not to dwell on what her sister told her. There is no reason to do so. It will only bring more curiosity towards her and more questions that will be left unanswered.

She mounts her Pegasus and willed it to take the route to Ipraecia. The ride is quite smooth and in a matter of a few minutes, she crossed the borders and arrived in front of the Ipraecian Palace. As she dismounted, she felt a heavy feeling of nervousness upon looking at the huge Palace. She trembled slightly. The passing resident noticed her presence immediately.

"Your Highness! It is good to be graced with your presence!" The beast, a man with falcon feathers bowed to Ann, startling her.

"Uh, yes. I am here to request an audience with your High Prince."

"There is no need for you to request in such formality. Please, allow me to lead you inside." Ann nodded at the creature. They went inside the palace. She can still remember the time she and her sisters came to visit this place. It is still as beautiful as she remembers.

The servants of the palace graciously bowed to Ann in greetings. She is not used to this treatment. As they enter the palace, they chanced upon three well-known commanders. Haruta, Izou, and Thatch. The three of them brightened upon seeing her.

"Ann! Good to see you paid us a visit!" Thatch exclaimed. His voice is loud enough for all the servants to hear. "Oh, and thank you for bringing the Princess here." He turned to the resident and his appreciation opted for dismissal as well.

"Uhm, I am just here to personally thank the High Prince for his help." She almost choked on her words.

"Oh, you're here to see Marco! That's understandable." Haruta beamed at her as if her visit is a friendly one - closely friendly.

"I'd like to request an audience if that is alright." Ann kept her tone formal but the Commanders right in front of her seem to follow a different route. They are determined to label her visit as something quite personal.

"Marco will see you. He will not miss it for the world. He will make time for you dear." Izou said with a smile that closely reminds Ann of Robin's. "He is currently painting in his Mystique Falls."

"Oh. Maybe I will go back once he is not busy."

"No, no! Did you not hear what I told you? He will make time for you, anytime but for now, you will have to make time for me. I still have a lot to show you. Come on!" Izou said and grabbed Ann's hand, dragging her inside the palace before she could even utter any response.

"W-wait, where are you taking me?!"

"Come on, you need something suitable to wear. You are a princess and should wear at least something that suits you." Izou kept dragging her with Haruta pushing her towards Izou. Thatch departed while stating he will go and inform Marco of her arrival.

"I've been told that all my life and as far as I am concerned, I am never good at following the proper way of dressing myself as a Princess."

They started to climb the huge staircase, walking towards a certain room. Haruta opened the door and revealed a huge room, as huge as hers back in their Palace. The decoration is by far more beautiful. It contains Orange hues that blend in with black and light brown colors.

There's a huge bed at the center, a resting area for visitors and two doors. She is under the assumption that one of them leads to the washroom and the other must be to the dressing room. It is beautiful, and someone with status as high as a Commander can have this.

"Is this your room?" She asked Izou. The Commander smiled at her and shook her head.

"No. My room is at the end of the left hall. I share it with Thatch, unfortunately."

"And mine's below!" Haruta answered. This Commander vaguely reminds Ann of Luffia.

"So, what am I doing here?" She asked.

"You're going to change to something suitable." Izou led her to one of the doors that led her to a dressing room and it is bigger than Ann's back in their Palace. It is full of dresses, clothes that will suit a royalty in Raftel - not something she deserves.

"Oh, we're just here to be acquainted with you. You will join us for dinner. I am sure, every commander in Ipraecia would love to officially meet with you." Izou led her to the couch. She served tea for the three of them. Ann took it and unlike before, there is no hesitation in her. She grew to be accustomed to their welcoming gestures and they had been good towards her and her sisters.

"Why would they want to meet me?"

"And why wouldn't they? You are special after all. We would like to extend our utmost welcome to you." Haruta answered her question. Ann fell silent, processing her answer. As she looked at the two Commanders in front of her, she formed a question in her head.

"Why are you so welcoming?" She asked - no almost commanded for them to answer and Izou did.

"I believed Haruta answered your inquiry, did she not? You are special more than you could ever imagine and someone such as yourself is more than welcome here. Is that enough of an answer?" Ann is not sure if it is. The answer is too broad and vague, with no specifics at all.

"What is so special about me? As far as I am concerned, I am just human, or was it because I am human?"

For a moment, silence stilled within the room. Haruta and Izou looked at each other then thoughtfully smiled as if they exchanged an idea through their own minds. Ann looked confused at them, inquiring more about their shared thought.

"It is not because you are human but because of who you are and what you are meant to be." Izou answered her - once again with vagueness. It is not quite a satisfactory answer, but Ann accepted it. Izou's answer only raised questions in her. Who she is meant to be? What does that mean?

As she asked herself questions, for an unknown reason, her mind drifted to Marco. She came to a small realization but this realization is by far impossible - at least in her mind. She shook her thoughts inwardly and tried to focus herself.

"So, what is it like to be a human Princess?" Haruta's question is a curious one. Ann smiled for a moment, relinquishing the thoughts that came to her mind.

"We are not your usual prim and proper human princesses. Despite being born with such title, we never really lived up to that."

"How so?" Izou inquired.

"We are wild when we are children. We usually venture in the wilds, Dark Forest - despite the firm command of our King father that no one should venture in that forest. We never listened. We always find our way to the Dark Forest, hunting for wild animals." Ann laughed a little remembering how they escape from their palace and took a journey to something as dangerous as the Dark Forest.

"Well, that is quite interesting. We heard human Princesses are spending their time with teas, parties, and social events."

Ann's face showed a little discomfort at the thought of herself and her sisters sitting with royalties wearing uncomfortable dresses.

"We always find ways to escape such social events. We would rather eat at a restaurant - as normal people would."

"Seems like something you all would usually do. What about your sisters?" Izou is curious to know more about the three of them. She loved to ask various questions but decided to take it slow to avoid overwhelming Ann.

"Well, Sab is the smartest one."

"Why is that not a surprise?" Haruta snickered a teasing tone...

"Hey! I heard that! Anyways, she is smart and usually composed. Whenever we get into trouble, we always let her do the explanations. As for Luffia, well, she is such a bad liar. She cannot lie. You will always know when she is lying."

"We noticed that! She is really carefree." Haruta said.

Ann continued to answer questions from them and from time to time, she also answers their inquiries. It was such a comfortable conversation especially when Haruta started to tell her stories of them pulling stunts to annoy other Commanders and especially Marco. The human princess is quite surprised that the stunts they pulled did not give the High Prince a breaking headache.

From their conversation, she could conclude that aside from their magical powers and strength, they are also quite - normal if she could put it in words. As their conversation continued, she did not notice that it has been an hour already.

"I think that should be enough for now. Would you like to see Marco?" Izou asked. Ann nodded as an answer. She just remembered the main reason she came to this palace. She was guided towards Marco's Mystique falls.

It is still the same since the last time she came here...

And the last time she saw this in her dream...

She found Marco, sitting there busy with his painting. She finds it odd how a beast like him can be so calm. She hesitated in approaching him and dreaded to go back when he called out to her.

"How're your injuries?" Marco stopped painting and turned to Ann, his eyes scanned her for any possible injuries.

"Ah, it's alright. Chopper took care of it. I just came here to personally give you our sincere appreciation for helping the three of us." Ann straightly said. She vaguely tried to hide the fact that she is eager to thank him for finding her in that dark cave.

"You know I will help you when you need it, yoi." There it is again, his utmost sincerity and that concern he is showing to her. She berated herself for almost falling for that deep blue eyes that seem to calm Ann's nerves.

She was known for having a bad temper and trust issues, but whenever she looks at Marco's eyes, her nerves calm down and she started to feel at ease. Sometimes, she seeks that comfortable feeling whenever she is alone and the mere thought of her wanting and looking for that warmth scares her.

"T-Thank you. I-I will take my leave, then." She turned her back but stopped as she heard him call out to her. She looked back at him to inquire of his reason.

"Would you like to accompany me for a moment, yoi?" That surprised Ann for a moment.

Accompanying him will mean an awkward feeling surfacing itself, her fear of seeking for his warmth will increase and she might grow afraid of being unable to stop herself from wanting it. She must remind herself that she must not fully trust these creatures. She is here to thank him, not to be friendly with him and as much as she can, Ann must severe any ties with him.

"S-Sure. If you'd let me."

All those reasons, yet she answered the opposite. Marco urged her to approach him and she did and as she did so, she saw the canvass Marco is busy painting a moment ago.

The canvas consists of pictures of her and her sisters. The picture is quite beautiful. An image of true art.

"I started it the moment I saw you and your sisters." Marco said while resuming his work while standing there in front of the canvass with Ann by his side.

"It's amazing. The details are quite accurate." Ann is never a fan of art - it is Sab's cup of tea, but for this one, she is beyond speechless.

"I also painted a separate one for each of you and your sisters." Ann looked at Marco with a surprised expression as if she cannot believe if his words held truth behind it. Sending her question, Marco smiled and nodded at her. "I did, yoi."

"Why would you paint us?"

Marco is not sure if he should answer it or not. The main reason why Marco painted the three of them separately is that he plans to give it to the other High Princes. He would like to see what Kidd will do once he sees the painting himself. That will be a sight he is willing to see. As for Luffia's painting, Marco is still not sure if Zoro will take it or not. He is not showing signs for Luffia after all.

"Is it a crime of doing so, yoi?"

Ann frowned a little at his question, not appreciating the vague answer. Marco elicited small laughter seeing her reaction and Ann can't help but be influenced by his laughter. They continued to walk down the river enjoying the view of the blue sky.

"I'd like to ask you something. " Ann muttered. This irked Marco's curiosity. What could she be wondering about?

"What is it?"

"Why High Prince? Why not High King? Pardon the question but I have been wondering that."

Marco smiled at her question making Ann's heart flutter a little when she saw how his blue eyes lit.

"Only those who are mated can take High King as a title and naturally, his mate will be High Queen, yoi." He looked at her as he uttered the word mate and High Queen. His eyes gave Ann something to ponder. Her heart started to beat faster. She slightly regretted asking such a question.

"I see. That's quite different than what we have in the Human Realm." She answered. They continued walking down the river, enjoying the scenery.

"So I heard, yoi."

"Yes. Humans usually treated marriage as a political move. They will send their own sons and daughters to other kingdoms to be married off." Ann laughed a little at the indication of being married off to some unknown prince or noble.

"I can't imagine how horrible it will be should you be married to someone you don't love or you don't want to be with."

"Exactly. I am quite thankful that my King father did not send me off for political marriage. He was so adamant about letting us meet our suitors in the first place! There was this time when someone asked for Sab's hand. I think he is a crowned prince of some country and he chose to ask for Sab's hand because she is the second princess and she can be married off to their country. I remember how my father almost asked for his sword to cleave the man in two."

"Wouldn't that cause war from both kingdoms?"

"It almost did. If it were not for my mother speaking to the king of that kingdom, then there would have been a war."

"Quite amusing, yoi."

"Of course not! Well, quite. Sab, on the other hand, urged our father to war and she even volunteered to lead our forces so she can slice the crowned prince into two."

"Really? Why is that, yoi?" Marco finds it peculiar how the sisters are different.

"He tried to force himself on her. Of course, Sab almost threw him off the balcony for trying so." Marco wondered what will happen if this kind of news were to reach Kidd's ears. Of course, he will be mad and it will be amusing to see that especially he is still in denial about his own mate. Marco thought of conspiring with Zoro to rile the High Prince of Beogia.

Sensing his amusement, Ann frowned at him. "Why are you smirking?"

"Oh, I just thought of something entertaining to do, yoi." Ann did not answer that. They continued their walk with silence this time, enjoying the scenery.

Then Ann stopped on her tracks, reminding herself that she does not have the luxury to enjoy being here. She was reminded again by the betrayal that their people did to their family. Just like Marco, they gained their trust by extending a helping hand. What if he's the same? What if he will turn his back on them someday?

Ann could not bear to see that happen. Just thinking about that idea feels like a knife cutting through her heart.

Sensing her distress, Marco can't help but worry.

"Ann, are you alright?"

"I-I have to go now. I've expressed my gratefulness, Your Highness."

Her sudden change in attitude baffled Marco. When he stepped forward to approach her, she stepped back, avoiding him and it is painful to see it like this, but he persevered. He cannot force her. She's been through so much that Marco must understand it will not be easy to approach her.

"You do not have to be formal to me, yoi."

"Farewell, Your Highness." She ran away after saying that. Marco wants to go after her, but he decided not to. She bears a scar from what she has to go through in the Human Realm. This made Marco mad at whoever the usurper is.

As much as he wants to kill whoever that person is, he can't help but be grateful. After all, had it not been for the incident that happened in Cresta, who knows when will he meet Ann?

A disaster paved a way for them to meet. All he must do is to convince her to trust him.

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