The Enchanted Isles. A land filled to the brim with magic and wonders! It is a place where all can live in harmony. For thousands of millennia, this world has known only peace and prosperity between all that inhabit it. But in more recent times, new power has caused change and imbalance, bringing harm to those unworthy of such pain and punishment. And as such, it threatens to tear the world asunder. 

Under the new rulership of Lord Fotia, he has separated the two main species of the Enchanted Isles, humans and Demi-Humans, giving humans lavish and luxurious lives within his kingdom, and banishing the demi-humans out of his kingdom to fend for themselves. However, the safe haven of Lord Fotia's kingdom wasn't large enough of an empire for him to control. He craved more, and soon spanned his reach on the isles further. Believing Demi-humans to be a valuable resource, he ordered the capture of many Demi-human nations and sentenced them to lives of slavery. 

This revolution sparked a fury in the hearts of the Demi-human race, and battle lines were drawn. The Isles now hang in the balance as both sides will soon clash. But the looming evil behind Lord Fotia grows ever more, and soon, he will unleash it, unless someone, or something, can stop him.....

-Present Day, Year X5267-

"At last, I've arrived." A young woman, no older than the age of twenty, spoke as she came to the destination of her journey. At first glance, she appeared to be a knight, given her attire consisted of silver, gold and blue armor that resembled a knights ensemble. But in fact, she was none other than the Enchanted Isles' royal princess, Hestia Fotia, daughter of Lord Fotia. 

While it is ordinary for people to believe that all members of a royal bloodline share a common ambition, that was not the case when it came to Hestia. She hated her father, and everything he stood for. While he seeks to rid of the Demi-Humans, Hestia wishes to stand up for and protect them. And so, she abandoned her father and set out on a journey in search of a way to stop him once and for all. 

She'd been on this journey for well over four months now, and yet, not a single human or demi-human would aid her. It wasn't her fault though. Human's wouldn't assist because they feared it meant betraying their lord, which meant being given the death sentence; and no demi-human would help her because it meant facing the entirety of the human race. So Hestia was on her own. 

But along her travels, she'd heard rumors of an individual known as a 'Draconoid.' This species of demi-human were said to be the strongest to ever live, being the only beings which are naturally born with the ability to wield magic, while all others must wield magical weapons and spend years learning the craft. 

If she could find this Draconoid, and convince them to join her, this could be the turning point she needed in her journey. A being strong enough to aid her in completing her quest, and ultimately defeating her father. And, after using all the information she'd gathered on this individual, she'd finally come to where they supposedly resided, but it wasn't quite what she expected. It was a jewel mine. Hestia could hear screams coming from within before even entering, which meant slaves were inside, being punished for not doing their jobs. 

"Okay, okay.... be strong, Hestia. This Draconoid better be here." Hestia said to herself as she entered the mine. Jewels of all different sizes and colours were everywhere along the walls, and if she wasn't on a mission, she might've actually stopped to take some. But she was focused, she had a duty to uphold. 

"Halt! State your business here!" The warden of the mine demanded to Hestia after she'd found him. 

"I am princess, Hestia Fotia, heiress to the throne of the kingdom of the Isles. I have come because I heard rumors that you have a Draconoid here in captivity. I wish to see him." Hestia spoke with a calm and stern tone as the warden seemed to be sizing her up. She didn't think he believed she was actually the princess. So, to sway him a bit, Hestia pulled out a small sack from a pouch she wore around her waist. She gave it to to the warden and he opened it up to see it was filled with gold coins, worth a fortune in the Isles. "Consider this a starting payment. Now, the Draconoid?"

"Payment accepted. Now follow me." The warden replied as Hestia walked behind him as the two went deeper into the mine. Hestia walked past dozens, maybe even a hundred Demi-Human slaves before reaching a wooden elevator system. They descended into the lowest depths, where molten magma was leaking from the ground in some spots, forming new jewels. And only one slave was down here, the only one that could bare the heat of the magma. Hestia locked eyes with the individual, noticing his messy brown hair which had two red horns sticking out the top. On his back were two small red wings, and along his arms and cheeks were red scales. This was no doubt the one she was looking for. 

"At last, I've found you." Hestia said with relief as the warden approached the Draconoid and yanked on a chain which was attached to a metal collar around the Draconoid's neck. The young Demi-Human was dragged over, and fell to his knees before Hestia. The two locked eyes again, but Hestia didn't see the look of pain and suffering like she did with the slaves she had passed earlier. Instead, she saw fear. 

"What is your name, Draconoid?" She asked as the Draconoid was lifted up onto his feet by the warden. 

"You deaf, boy? Answer her!" The warden roared, but Hestia raised a hand to silence him. 

"Ignore the warden. I mean you no harm. I'm not like other humans, Draconoid. I have no hatred towards Demi-Humankind. Now please, your name?" Hestia asked again as the warden started looking unsure. A human who didn't hate Demi-Humans, it sounded preposterous. 

"M-My name is..... N-N-Nev......" The Draconoid spoke as he lowered his head to avert his eyes away from her. 

"Nev.... a very intriguing name, indeed. Warden, how much to purchase him?" Hestia asked as the wardens eyes shot open with surprise. 

"You want to purchase this little runt? I know slavery of Demi's is legal and all, but this one here's important in this here mine. He's the only one who can withstand being in the magma itself, he's invaluable, despite being a Demi." The warden protested as Hestia sighed and handed him an even larger sack of gold coins than before. 

"There's enough gold in this to buy yourself a small castle and then some. Relinquish Nev here to me, and it's yours." Hestia offered as the warden thought over it for a moment. But he soon came to and swiped the sack from Hestia's hands, giving her a key in return. 

"Even if I tried to sell this little shit, I wouldn't come close to gaining this much gold. Take him. Never liked him anyway." The warden said as he stepped aside and allowed Hestia to use her key to unlock the collar around Nev's neck, and the cuffs around his wrists and ankles. 

"Thank you. Now then, shall we get going?" Hestia said as she reached her hand out to Nev. He slowly reached out, but Hestia gave a quick lunge and took his hand. She pulled him along to the elevator and the warden sent them up. All the slaves in the mine had stopped working and watched as Nev was taken away. Some even clapped for him, as they believed he was finally free. To them, being purchased, despite still being a slave, was the only hope of escaping the literal hell they worked in. 

"W-Wait, what about all them?" Nev asked. 

"I'm sorry, but right now, you're the only one I came here for. However, should all go well, they will be joining you in the outside world soon enough." Hestia assured him as they exited the mine. The bright sunlight was blinding to Nev at first, as he hadn't seen it in..... well, he wasn't sure at this point. But his eyes soon adjusted and he could see green grass as far as the eye could see. It was breathtaking. 

"I'm sure you must be starved. Come. I'll take you to the nearest village, and we can acquire you some proper food, and clothing as well." Hestia told him as she let go of Nev and began making her way towards the nearest village she knew of. Nev didn't follow at first, seeing this as an opportunity to flee. However, this woman wasn't like other humans. She was acting rather kind, at least, for now. And if she's offering him food and fresh clothes, then he wouldn't refuse. So Nev followed. 

"Why are you doing all this? I thought all humans hated Demi-humans?" Nev asked as Hestia let out a heavy sigh. 

"Not all humans are the same. There are but few who do not share the ideology that Demi-humans are untrustworthy scum. I am one such human. No matter how hard my father may have tried to sway me to his beliefs...." Hestia explained.

"Your father must be a wealthy man if you were able to pay the warden with so much gold." Nev replied as Hestia sighed once again. 

"My father is the ruler of the Enchanted Isles, and I am its crown princess. He's the most powerful man in this land, in more ways than one. Whatever he desires, he will receive and obtain. Except for my beliefs. He wishes to eradicate all Demi-humankind. And I wish to protect it." Hestia told him as Nev's eyes went wide with shock. 

"That's..... a lot of information to take in. Why exactly don't you follow your father's beliefs?" Nev questioned. 

"All will be explained in due time. For now, just enjoy your freedom. Yes, I may have purchased you as a slave, but I promise you this, Nev, I will not treat you like one. I wish for you to be my partner, so i'll treat you as if you are my equal, with respect and care. And I hope you will do the same to me." Hestia spoke as Nev started to look unsure. He'd only just met Hestia, so it's natural that he wasn't fully trusting her. Still, he kept on following, all the way till they reached a human village. 

"For now, don't say a word, keep your head down, and follow me. Demi-humans are forbidden from entering this village unless one is a slave to a human. Ignore all the glares you're about to receive." Hestia warned Nev as he did as told. He only took quick glances, but already he saw nearly everyone was looking at him. 

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Hestia?" Nev asked. 

"It'll be okay. I've dealt with these kinds of people my whole life. I can handle them. Now then, let's get you some food." Hestia replied as she lead him into a guild hall. The whole place went quiet once they entered, all eyes on Nev just like outside. 

"I'm sorry ma'am, but this disgusting Demi-human will have to wait outside. But i'll be happy to show you to whatever you need!" The hall's receptionist said as Hestia rolled her eyes. 

"He's my slave. And I require him to be by me at all times. Now then, would you be so kind as to find us a table, please? As well as bring us some food? The chef's choice platter, please." Hestia said as she slipped the receptionist a gold coin. The receptionist happily took the bribe and guided them to an empty table in the corner of the room. 

"Your food will be on its way soon, ma'am. As for your Demi-human, he'll receive nothing." The receptionist gleefully said. 

"In that case, i'll take two of those platters for myself then." Hestia replied as the receptionist just gave her a confused look. 

"I'm a heavy eater, alright." Hestia told her as the receptionist gave her some nods before walking away. Nev however, wasn't focused on any of this. Instead, he was looking past Hestia at a wall full of Wanted posters. He saw a familiar face on the wall, it was Hestia's. 

"You're not really a princess, are you?" Nev asked as Hestia was the now the one who looked confused. 

"Why would you think that?" She asked him. 

"Because if you were one, you wouldn't be on a wanted poster." Nev explained, pointing so Hestia could get a look at it. 

"Wanted alive, a hundred thousand gold coin reward. Jeez..... Look, I get why you'd think i'm not the actual princess, but I speak the truth when I tell you I am. The situation itself is just..... complicated." Hestia told Nev who became curious. 

"Complicated how?" Nev questioned. 

"My father.... remember how I told you he wants to eradicate Demi-humankind? Well he's found a way. He plans to release a great evil that, whoever should free it, will be granted a wish. He plans to use that wish to erase Demi-humans from the realm." Hestia explained as Nev started to sweat a bit. 

"Is that actually possible? Does he have the means to unlock this evil you speak of?" He asked her but she shook her head. 

"No. The ritual to release the evil can only be done on a Blood Moon. Luckily, my father discovered this process just after the previous one, so he's having to wait for the next one. And even luckier, I found a way to prevent him from casting the spell that frees the great evil." She told him as she reached into one of her pouches and pulled out a scroll with ancient looking writing on it. 

"When thy moon of red wakes the dead, thy world will be ripped asunder. Queen of the dead will rise, and will create a world of wonder. Great stones of sealing, four you must collect. To stop thy queen and prevent resurrect." Hestia read. 

"So these..... sealing stones? That's what you're after?" Nev questioned as Hestia gave him a nod. 

"That's what we're after, yes. With them, they can recast the spell that originally sealed this evil in the first place. This is why you see my face on that wanted poster over there. My father has realized what i'm doing and he's trying to stop me by having the realm turn against me. But for the near four months I've been searching for the stones, not a single bounty hunter has managed to catch me." Hestia spoke. 

"Wait, four months? You've been searching for that long? Have you managed to find any of the stones?" Nev asked as Hestia gave a bit of an awkward look as a reply. 

"Unfortunately, I have not. The stones are either well hidden or well protected. And without a map of their locations, it is near impossible to find them. However, during my searches, I heard tales of a map that does reveal their supposed locations. The map itself hasn't stayed in the same place though. It's been handed off over time, but I know where it is currently." Hestia explained. 

"And where is this map?" Nev asked her. 

"The monastery of the all-foreseeing monks." She told him as the same receptionist brought her the food she ordered. 

"Here you are, ma'am. Enjoy." The receptionist said as Hestia thanked her, but then slid one of the platters over to Nev. The receptionists face suddenly dropped and became disgusted. 

"Sorry, did I say I was a heavy eater before? My mistake, I meant to say a light one. I'll just give this second one to my slave though." Hestia spoke in a rather smug tone as the receptionist suddenly grabbed her arm. 

"Ma'am, i'll have you know I am forbidden from serving any kind of Demi-human in this establishment. They don't deserve such service from humans like myself." The receptionist snarled as Hestia rolled her eyes. 

"But you're not serving him. You served me these two platters, and then I served him one. So I don't see the problem. Now, are you going to continue bickering, or are you done? The food is getting cold." Hestia said whilst glaring daggers at the receptionist. 

"I see. Very well, ma'am. I hope you choke, Demi-human." The receptionist said with venom in her voice as she left them. 

"Apologies for having to call you my slave. And for that woman's rudeness." Hestia said as Nev began eating his food. It'd been over a week since he last ate, and everything here was a million times better than what he was fed in the mine. 

"Apology accep-" Nev attempted to say as he was suddenly struck in the back of the head by someone's fist. Nev didn't actually flinch much from the hit, but his head was still grabbed afterwards and forced down into his food. 

"Hey, Demi-human, in case you haven't noticed, you're not wanted here." An adventurer of the guild said as Hestia stood up and glared at the rather muscular man before her. 

"I will only say this once. Remove your hand from him, and get the hell out of here. Now." Hestia said as the adventurer only pushed down harder on Nev's head. 

"And what're you gonna do to stop me, girl? You think no one in this place doesn't recognize you? You're the daughter of Lord Fotia, and you've got the biggest bounty in the entire realm. After we kill this Demi-human, we're gonna take you back to your kingdom and cash in on all that gold coin. Do the smart thing and don't resist. Wouldn't want to get hurt now, right?" The adventurer said as Hestia glanced around, realizing all the other guild members were surrounding the table she and Nev were sitting at, just staring at them. Some of them were even brandishing their weapons. 

"Then it would appear we have reached an impasse..." Hestia sighed as she reached behind her and drew her great sword from her back. She held it firm in both hands as the blade ignited into flames. Everyone was shocked for a moment to see a princess both wielding a mighty weapon, and being able to channel so much magic energy into it. "If you will not let him go, then you leave me no choice but to remove your hand from your body."

"That will not be necessary." A new voice spoke as everyone turned their heads. There stood the guild master, an older, muscular man, who walked over to assess the situation. "I will not condone violence here in my guild hall. That goes for both humans and demi-humans. Princess Hestia Fotia, your majesty, I ask that you relinquish your weapon. And as for you, sir, let go of the demi-human or I shall have your guild member's license revoked immediately. And the same is said for all of you." 

"Very well..." Hestia said as the flames around her blade extinguished. She withdrew it, and, only after she did, did the adventurer take his hand away from Nev. Nev slowly raised his head and wiped the food from his face. Everyone sat back down at their tables, but continued to watch. 

"Now then, your majesty, I wish to have a word with you." The guild master requested as Hestia and Nev went to get up. But the Guild master quickly stopped Nev in his tracks. "Sorry, my boy, but I wish to speak with the princess in private. It's nothing against you, I promise. And it shall take no more than five minutes." 

"Nev, will you be alright if I leave you here?" Hestia asked as Nev sat back down. 

"Yes..." He said as Hestia gave him a nod and a smile before sliding over her plate of food so he could eat it. 

"I'll be back shortly." Hestia told him as she and the guild master walked over to another room, the master's office. The guild master locked the door behind them so they wouldn't be bothered. 

"You've become quite the hot topic these days, princess. Walking around aimlessly so recklessly is very unwise of you." The guild master said to her. 

"I can take care of myself. And who said it was 'aimlessly,' hm?" Hestia replied. 

"Yes, I'd heard you were chasing myths and legends. Looking for some stones that can stop a certain catastrophe, is that right?" The Guild Master spoke as Hestia clenched her fists. 

"And who told you that?" She asked as the guild master simply chuckled at her. 

"Who do you think?" He answered. 

"My father." She replied as the guild master gave her a nod. 

"Of course. He and I used to adventure back in his youth. That is, until the day your mother-"

"That's enough!" Hestia cut off the guild master. "What my father believes happened to my mother is false. I am the one who knows the truth. He is simply too blind to listen. And because of that, he now turns against me. And, I assume, you do as well?" 

"Naturally..." The guild master answered her as he walked over to a wall where a large metal hammer was mounted. He removed it, gripping it firmly in his hands. "You see, I don't care what happened in the past. It doesn't change what is happening now. The only thing that matters is whose side we're on. And I side with your father, my friend, my ally. And you, well, you do not, so that makes you my enemy. And it will bring me great pleasure to defeat you here and now and claim your bounty by bringing you before him."

"I would like to see you try." Hestia replied as she brought out her great sword once more. 

"Little girl, you have a lot to learn. First and foremost, don't trifle with your elders." The guild master spoke as the end of his hammer erupted with lightning. Hestia's sword did the same, only, like before, it ignited inti flames. 

The guild master lunged at Hestia, raising his hammer up high before swinging it down with all his might as her. But, before he could blink, Hestia quickly jumped to the side. Despite her enormous and heavy blade, Hestia could move around like it was of a feather's weight. The guild master's attack missed as his hammer slammed into the floor, and Hestia capitalized by bringing her weapon down and severing the head of his hammer from its grip. But she did not stop there. She now swung her blade again, aiming for his neck, but stopped mere inches from slashing him. The heat from the flames was burning his skin a bit. 

"It would seem you are the one who has much to learn. Don't mess with me." Hestia told him as she extinguished her blade. The guild master collapsed and crawled backwards in fear. Hestia withdrew her sword and then bid the guild master farewell before kicking down the door to his office. She left the room and was quickly met with a surprising sight. Nev still sat at his table, eating away at his food, but all around him, every single guild member in the room, even the receptionist, looked as if they'd been knocked unconscious. She immediately connected the dots and sat down across from Nev who finished his food. 

"How did your talks with the guild master go?" He asked her. 

"About as well as things went out here, it would seem. I assume as soon as I left, they attacked you?" Hestia questioned as Nev gave her a nod. 

"More or less..." He replied. 

"Amazing..... How did you-"

"Defeat everyone? Draconoids like myself aren't just born with the ability to use magic. We are also born with natural strength. I could barely feel any hits they landed on me." Nev explained to her. 

"Your kind really is incredible." Hestia told him. 

"Thank you. It.... It is a shame that I am the last of my kind...." Nev replied as he put his head down.

"Oh, I-I didn't know you were.... Oh, i'm so sorry, Nev, for your great loss. For everything... May I.... May I ask what happened?" Hestia questioned him with great curiosity.

"A tale..... for another day." Nev said as he raised his head back up and wiped away a tear. 

"Very well. Then I do believe it is time we take our leave from this wretched place. We shall acquire you some new clothing, then be on our way to the monastery." Hestia said as she stood up. Nev got up too, and the two of them left the guild hall. Their next stop was the local tailor. When they arrived, there was more of the same from what they received at the guild hall. Although, with some convincing, they were able to get Nev fitted and outfitted with some new clothes. 

"How does it feel?" Hestia asked as the two exited the tailor shop and began making their way out of the village. 

"It's a little tight.... But I guess I can get used to it." Nev replied as Hestia seemed glad. But that quickly changed when he let out a heavy sigh. "Hestia, there's something you need to know."

"What is it?" She asked. 

"Back in the mine where you found me, I.... I wasn't one of the demi-humans who was captured and put to work in there." Nev told her as Hestia looked confused now. 

"What do you mean?" She questioned further.

"I gave myself up. I requested I be put to work in that mine because.... because I wanted to hide myself." Nev revealed as Hestia looked even more confused now. 

"To hide yourself? But why?" She continued to question him. 

"Over a decade ago, I watched my people be slaughtered. My family was massacred right before my eyes. Not even my father, our greatest warrior, stood a chance. Out of fear, I ran. I ran as far as I could. Hoping it would be far enough where whatever slayed my people couldn't reach me. I'm a shame to my species. I didn't even have the courage to face what killed them all. And to be honest, I hope I never encounter whatever it was. Because if I did, I don't know what i'd do to stop it...." Nev explained as he began to cry. Hestia comforted him as she held one of his hands. 

"So you came to the Isles and hid yourself away in the mine, hoping to never be found by what killed your family? But.... if that's the case, then why leave with me?" She couldn't help but ask him. 

"Because you were asking for help. My father, he was a man of honor. He taught me to stand up for those in need of help, no matter how dire. And I realized that staying in that mine, I wasn't helping anyone. So when you arrived, in search of me, I accepted your request. Maybe now, i'll stop being a coward and make a change in my life. For better or worse..." Nev said as Hestia now hugged him. 

"Thank you, Nev. Your people would be very proud of you." Hestia told him as he thanked her. "And should we face what took away your people from you, I give you my word that I shall protect you." 

"Thank you, Hestia..." Nev replied as the two set off. 

Hestia's mission to stop her father, after four months, was finally going her way for once. After finally discovering Nev and gaining his trust, she's made a powerful ally who will surely help her with whatever endeavors come their way. However....

"So, the princess has acquired a Draconoid. This will be interesting...." Said a mysterious figure observing the pair from a nearby forest. It would seem, despite Hestia acquiring Nev, trouble remains around every corner....