Dealing with Teach almost cost them their lives, and they thought their struggles would end with the man's disappearance. They were wrong. They had an aftermath to deal with.
After finding out that Teach was defeated, the Dark Army within Raftel went into a frenzy, scurrying to escape while the others made a last attempt to deal as much damage as possible. The Raftelians did not have time to celebrate the victory of the High Princes and High Princesses when they were swarmed with the Dark army's craziness.
Many fell into the frenzy, regretting that they would not live to see how Raftel would progress after the defeat of the enemies. Still, these warriors smiled as they met their end, knowing Raftel and their descendants would flourish.
Whitebeard and Rayleigh were out of breath keeping Linlin and Kaido from going berserk, not having time to celebrate the win of the High Prince and High Princesses. During the battle, they thought they would meet their end here. Should the High Princes and High Princesses die, all hope would be lost. They shuddered to think what the Raftelians' fates would have been like had that happened.
"Must you continue this futile struggle? Do you want to shed more blood?" Whitebeard roared as he raised his bisento to deflect Kaido's attack.
"Do not talk to me about shedding blood, Whitebeard! I have been battling for as long as I can remember! Shedding the blood of these worthless creatures is nothing to me!"
A hint of sadness crossed Whitebeard's eyes. He bore witness to how wars formed unnecessary hatred of Raftelians. It led to a mindless pursuit of power that they could not attain. Their ancestors paid so much attention to keeping the culture and tradition intact that it cast shadows on those who were deemed worthless. Akainu was the primary example of a man born into circumstances he could do nothing about. His influence bore a domino-like effect on others who dreamed of Al Draig.
They thought of Al Draig as a power to dominate. While it was true, these creatures forgot why the power existed. Its existence was to dominate the evil that threatened their home.
Their sense of home drifted. They thought of Raftel as an object to conquer. Whitebeard could not blame them for drifting apart from the values of their ancestors. Perhaps, these values which were structured to be traditions, emphasizing the power one possesses bore fruit to the mindless chase from people who lack it. Sometimes, he regretted being powerless at that time. He was just a Warrior Commander who stood at the side, witnessing the subtle changes from these Raftelians.
Now, he was in a position that could make a difference, but what could that do now? The sins these Raftelians committed were far from what he could bear to pardon. Not just him, even the High Princes and High Princesses, no matter how merciful they are, could not bear to leave these creatures unpunished.
Whitebeard hated seeing his fellow Raftelians die in front of him. They could have lived peacefully, yet these creatures chose a different path than he wanted. Even if killing them would pain him, to protect their home, he must do everything he can to protect Raftel.
Too much blood had been shed. Enough is enough. This cycle of hatred and unceasing desire for power must end.
Determined, he gathered all of his power to deflect the attacks from Kaido. The retaliation shocked Kaido a bit, but he persevered, releasing more attacks recklessly, without much thought about whether his allies would be affected. Each death added to the pain Whitebeard was feeling. He detested how power blinded them.
Seeing Whitebeard's efforts, Rayleigh did not hesitate to give everything he had. Even Dracule Mihawk took matters into his hands to save the injured Raftelians from the frenzied battle. Everyone was fighting with everything they had for their home, unified to relinquish those who came to conquer.
"For Raftel!" Everyone answered with the same chorus, raising the morale of their allies.
Not even a few minutes passed but the cheers of the Raftelians grew louder upon seeing the arrival of their High Princes and High Princesses alongside Achilles and Kiyone. The exhaustion was evident on their faces but the fire in their eyes burned hotter than ever.
Their arrival halted the battle which gave the High Princes and High Princesses a few seconds to survey how disastrous this war was. The sisters who participated in Cresta's battles before were not strangers to death, but this scale of battle proved to be far from what they saw.
This was hell. Sensing the distress from their mates, Marco took precedence, keeping his composure even when he wanted to explode from the sadness of seeing his people die.
"We will give you a chance to surrender, yoi," Marco spoke while looking at the army Teach and Akainu left behind. Some of them were prisoners who joined the fray after the promises of freedom.
"Cheeky brat. Who do you think you are?!"
Before the enemies' battle cry surrounds them, the sisters release their will, surrounding the battleground. Even their allies felt the tremendous pressure from them. As everyone calmed down, Luffia stepped up, frowning with sadness.
"Surrender now. Otherwise..." She looked at her sisters and then to everyone else. "Otherwise you will be imprisoned forever."
Some laughed, mocking her for speaking lies. The prison was destroyed when Teach and Akainu freed the prisoners. Should the enemies be apprehended, they will not have any prison cell to hold everyone.
"It is time, Luffia," Sab said, encouraging her sister to do what they agreed on their way here.
After defeating Teach, the exhaustion almost made them lose consciousness. They fought so hard to keep themselves awake for they knew the war was far from over. Even when they were in the middle of the ocean, they knew battles were still happening everywhere. Let it be in Raftel or Cresta.
Should they lose their consciousness, who knows how the war will unfold? They might have won the battle, but they have not won the war.
"We should head back to Raftel," said Kidd while assisting Sab on Kiyone's back.
"The prisoners Teach and Akainu freed will not stop. They might escape. Their powers may be insignificant, but we could never know if they raise their banners again," Zoro voiced out. Marco and Kidd nodded, afraid of the consequences they would face should they let them escape.
"They will not surrender, yoi,"
"We can imprison them again," Ann said, still panting from the exhaustion.
"But it was destroyed. I doubt the Purgatory can hold them," argued Sab.
'There is a way, Your Highnesses,' the voice lurking below spoke. Everyone's attention turned to the Sea Kings below them. Their heads poked out of the water, then looked at Luffia. 'Noah.'
"Noah?" Luffia asked.
'It was a ship that carried Raftelians in Ancient times. The vast ship can only be used by the Royalties.'
"What does that have to do with the prisoners?" Luffia asked again.
'It might be a ship, but it also served as a prison cell for those who betrayed the Royalties of Raftel. It has been millennium years, and it was forgotten beneath the ocean.'
"I fail to understand how that will be their prison cell. Ships were used for traveling unless you plan to sink all of them." Kidd muttered.
'The ship will carry them to Florian Triangle,' one of the Sea Kings answered. 'And will be guarded by the Krakens'
The High Princes shuddered upon hearing the Florian Triangle. It was the most treacherous sea. Even the Sea Warriors avoided the area for fear of getting sucked into the ocean of death. From the stories they knew, their Ancestors placed the strongest barrier surrounding the Florian Triangle, forming a sphere, a reclused space within space.
No one lived to tell the tale of what it was like within that ocean. Sending the prisoners there meant death.
'They will drift in the Florian Triangle for eternity,'
"Isn't that a torture?" Luffia asked, frowning at the thought of sending people to their deaths. While she was aware that deaths were part of a war, she could not bring it to herself to torture them till they cursed for being alive. She would rather they be executed immediately.
'Should they prove to have repented their sins, you can bring them back whenever you wish, Your Majesty. We, the Sea Kings and the Krakens are at your service. One word, and we can bring back the ship,'
Luffia looked at her sisters, then at their mates, silently asking for their word.
"We have no choice," Ann sighed. Sending these creatures to the most treacherous prison was equivalent to a death sentence. And Luffia must make that decision.
Their mother always told them that being a ruler was a responsibility. Luffia might have experienced the facade of what those responsibilities were yet it could not compare to a decision she must make. Being a ruler means the lives of their people are in their hands. This was no longer about the people of Cresta but also the Raftelians.
Raftel may look like a fairytale to many, but their situation was not. They live in a lifetime where death can happen at any given moment.
"Alright," Luffia finally said. With the decision in place, they returned to Raftel.
Sab and Ann formed a marking spell for the enemies while Luffia called for the Krakens and the Sea Kings. The rumbles beneath the ocean alarmed everyone. The splashes of the water formed a huge wall till it revealed the biggest ship they had ever seen, pulled by the Sea Kings.
"Take them to Florian Triangle," Luffia said, her voice penetrating the ears of their enemies. Some enemies, like Kaido and Big Mom, were old enough to know the legends of the Florian Triangle. Some of them panicked and attempted to escape, but the marking spell placed by the twins prevented them from doing so.
Kaido and Big Mom made a last-second effort to ward off the spell, but Rayleigh and Whitebeard keeping them occupied made it impossible.
"Impossible! You will not take me anywhere!" Big Mom shouted, swinging her sword against Rayleigh.
"You were given a chance to surrender."
"What difference would that make?! You will take us all to hell even if we surrender. Might as well kill more of you before that happens!" Her words encouraged the enemies to launch more attacks. The High Princes had no choice but to join the battle, saving their keens from the madness while the twins kept casting the marking spell.
The resistance was tremendous, but this would help Luffia execute their agreed plan.
Luffia released her will once more, signaling the Krakens to make their moves. The Sea Warriors also helped by barricading the battlefield to ensure no one would escape.
The Krakens' tentacles squirmed within the battlefield, swooping the enemies marked by the twins. Everyone struggled, but they eventually lost their willpower once the Krakens placed them on Noah. It was as if their magics were sealed and no matter how loud they shouted for mercy, they could not get off the boat.
It was as if they were cursed to stay in that boat for eternity.
Kaido even transformed into his dragon form to fly but all of that became useless when faced with the joint effort of the High Princes and High Princesses.
In the end, the Krakens managed to put them on Noah.
The Raftelians still could not recover from what they witnessed. While they were relieved to see their enemies gone one after another, they still could not process the events that happened before that. What they witness is a glimpse of the power their rules hold, their rulers for the years to come.
Luffia looked at the massive ship, regretful in sending these creatures to an unknown ocean.
'The Krakens will guard them, Your Majesty.'
"Should any of them be deemed worthy of freedom, we will grant them. But for now, to ensure the safety of this world, you are all banished from Raftel for an indefinite time," With the judgment passed, the Sea Kings started pulling the ship away from Raftel.
With Noah disappearing into the horizon signaled the end of war.
"For Raftel!"
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
War may have been over but they could not bring themselves to celebrate. The High Princes and High Princesses managed to rest for a few hours before they helped clean the battlefield. If anyone thought winning the war was glorious, they would argue it was not.
They felt hollow upon seeing the deaths of many Raftelians. It was a horror to see loved ones crying on the ground for the people they lost.
"It is alright to mourn for the deaths of our people, but think about the people that you saved," Whitebeard told them. They looked around, seeing young ones helping out. The light in their eyes dimmed when they saw the dead bodies lying around, but what they noticed was how those eyes shone when they looked at their rulers. "You are their hope,"
An understanding dawned on the sisters. They could not bathe unto the glorious war they won, but move forward with dignity and respect to those who died.
This is not the time to wallow in sadness. They need to be steadfast in bringing forth a new dawn.
"Your Highnesses," Killer approached them, still injured from his battles.
"What is it, Killer?" Kidd asked.
"We still have the prisoners." A frown appeared on Zoro and Marco's faces, but Killer was quick to ease them. "They helped us fight the Dark Army. On behalf of the High Princesses, especially Luffia."
"Oh. It must be the group that Kebby brought!" She smiled, relieved to know most of the former prisoners were alive.
"Pardoning them now is..." Marco hesitated.
"We should talk about their pardons once this is over," Sab commented. "Their service and efforts in this war will not be left unrewarded."
"As you wish. Uhm, may I know when do you plan to visit Cresta? The damage was not as bad in Raftel, but they fought with witches. If you plan to go, may I come with you?"
A smile drew on Sab's lips knowing what Killer wanted.
"Are you worried about Koala?" It was no secret to them that Killer found his mate. With the war ongoing, Sab doubted there was a chance for both of them to be acquainted.
"Yes, Your Highness,"
"She should be fine. Don't underestimate her resourcefulness," Sab's guarantee removed Killer's worries. With his connection sensing her aura, he knew she was still alive. Still, he worries if she is injured.
"We will visit tomorrow," Zoro said. "Johnny and Yosaku informed me they sent reinforcements to chase the nearby country's armies."
That was another point they had to deal with. Now that Teach and Akainu exposed the existence of Raftel, the once believed to be mere stories will be brought back to life. They would no longer be myths. They could not guarantee a co-existence between humans and Raftelians would not be the same as it was centuries back.
Many humans may find the idea of co-existence a blasphemy. And it would not be far-fetched to be on guard should the nearby countries decide to ally to end Raftel, once and for all. The same could be said with Raftelians. Would harmony be possible between worlds?
"The six of you should rest. This could be discussed tomorrow." With Whitebeard's assurance that all Warrior Commanders would deal with cleaning the battlefield, the six of them decided to go back to Central Raftel.
"You all did well," Rayleigh smiled, calling for the three sisters. "Your parents would be proud," The three of them smiled, then left with their mates.
Central Raftel's grounds became an emergency medical bay for the injured ones. Sab ordered the pixies and fairies to assist Chopper in healing the injuries of the Raftelians. Marco also did the same to the creatures with healing properties. While it may not completely heal all of their injuries, it was better than nothing.
Izou took charge of managing the emergency medical bay alongside Thatch and Heat.
"Go ahead and rest. You six were injured too. It would be best if you heal yourselves." Izou said, pushing Marco out of the Central Raftel's grounds when she saw that he planned to stay and help. "And don't you say you are all fine? You need to rest now. There will be a lot to deal with tomorrow onwards."
They didn't insist and left. Marco and Ann went to his designated bedroom in the Central Palace. Kidd did the same till the hallway was empty except for Luffia and Zoro.
"Come on." Zoro dragged her to his bedroom.
"I want to take a bath," Luffia said as soon as they stepped inside. The room was beautiful and she would have admired it had it not been for the exhaustion overtaking her body. The bed looked so enticing to her. As much as she wanted to lie down and sleep, the grime, dirt, and blood all over her body needed to be washed off.
"You can go now. I'll prepare clothes for you," The Vaelon's High Prince answered, weary and exhausted.
"You will not join me?"
Zoro shuddered upon hearing that question. He went rigged for a second, unable to form a coherent response.
"Let's go," not waiting for his answer, she dragged him to the bathroom. She was quick to shed her clothes while Zoro was looking at the ceiling, muttering nonsense and curses. "What is wrong with you? Let's take a bath now. I am tired. My body is aching. I know you are injured too."
"Yes, but - " Zoro sighed heavily, keeping his eyes closed and internally cursing himself. He needed to control his instincts. Now is not the time to think about mating.
"Zoro..." She called out, voice so low that it made Zoro shudder.
"Yes?" He looked at his feet, refusing to look at her naked body, lest his desires would render him uncontrollable. With all the thoughts swimming in his head, he failed to notice the way Luffia's eyes changed. Without warning, she embraced him. "Luffia - "
"T-Thank you." Her voice quivered, startling Zoro awake from his internal battle.
"What for?"
"For being alive. I thought you would die. You, my sisters, everyone," Luffia might look carefree, strong, and confident, but deep inside, she also fears like everyone else. For her to bear her vulnerability to him meant an unyielding trust to Zoro.
Disregarding his earlier distractions, he hugged her naked body and kissed her hair. His hand rubbed her back, feeling the warmth emitted from the mark he left when she was born.
"For a moment, I thought dying would not be bad if we went together. I could not bear the thought of surviving without you. I'd die sooner or later." He confessed. "But dying meant giving up everything. I could not face my parents who sacrificed their lives so I could live. I could not bear to face your parents either for letting you die. So, I had to live. We all had to live."
She was his silver lining in that nightmare. His connection made him persevere to live and win.
"We still have forever ahead of us," she chuckled, feeling better.
"That is true. Now, why don't we take a bath? I hate to say this, but we need to rest and recuperate. We have a lot to deal with tomorrow."
"Hmm, can we stay like this and not deal with what is going on outside?" Zoro would have loved to stay within her embrace yet their positions will not allow them such luxury. Their responsibilities were waiting for them.
"Come on, Luffia. Let's take a bath. You're about to fall asleep."
"Fine... But you're not naked." She lightly pushed him to look up and once more, Zoro found himself in a predicament he set aside earlier. "Do you want me to help you undress?" He sighed, cursing profanities in his head.
"N-no..." He muttered, feeling lost in hesitation.
"No?" She smirked. With their connection, despite not officially mated, she knew what he was going through. Her traits as a Cheshire Cat proved to be hellish for Zoro.
Resist... Resist... The mantra was in an endless loop but every second that passed by while staring at her eyes made him lose the will to resist.
"Luffia..." He groaned his name as if a prayer to the gods and goddesses to grant him sanity. "Please. We have to wait." It had been more than a week since he discovered she was his mate and Zoro would have wanted to seclude themselves and claim her. Only the looming war did not allow them to do so. Even if the war was over, it didn't mean that their battles were. They had to deal with the aftermath.
The world was changing. As rulers of Raftel, it is within their hands to take the wheel of this change for the sake of their people and the generations to come. Besides, their injuries would not allow them to bond. Both their powers were unstable and while they would never harm each other during the process, Zoro could not risk their lives to this instability, not when Luffia was far from mastery of hers.
"When everything has stabilized... Then..." His eyes flashed red at the thought of finally mating with her. He managed to wait for decades, what more several days could compare to that?
"Okay," she conceded before dragging Zoro to the bath where she snuggled into his naked body, seeking the comfort of his warmth. It was comforting for her, but hell for him. He welcomed the intimacy of being close to her, but with his patience growing thin, he could not fully submerge himself into the ecstasy.
This devilish angel was more than happy to exploit Zoro's pitiful state to worsen it. The High Prince of Vaelon could only groan in frustration. His injuries might hurt but his battle against himself was more taxing than all the injuries he endured in life.
This will be a long night...