-The Lost Kingdom-

Heeled boots clicked lightly against the top of the intricately carved alabaster, balcony railing while large wings covered in gold, copper, and black feathers ruffled in the cool breeze. Long silky blonde locks wisped across a smooth feminine face as dark violet eyes narrowed in the direction of the setting sun.

"Lady Mai?"

Dark violet eyes blinked at the aged voice before turning and offering a small smile to the petit elder that stood in the entry way. "Your Majesty," Mai stated with a tight lipped smile as she offered the other a small bow before gracefully jumping to the balcony floor and folding her majestic wings neatly behind her.

"By the look on your face, I doubt the news is good."

"You are always the Wise, Solomon," Mai sighed while idly running a hand through her hair. "Something is definitely amiss. My scouts have spotted many Wyvern Guards patrolling the Southern skies."

Stroking his beard, Solomon shook his head. "It could be nothing to worry about… but then again the South is his rein and I do not trust that man." Turning to look up into the dark violet eyes of the Rapterian, he frowned lightly. "Have you ever met the Southern King, Mai?"

Shaking her head, Mai crossed her arms. "No, but I've heard of him. He doesn't seem to be very popular among the other Kingdoms. I've even heard some say that he is untouchable because of the dark creature that protects him."

"The Leviathan," Solomon murmured quietly as he walked over to the edge of the balcony and leaned against the railing.

Getting ready to reply, Mai blinked before turning just in time to see one of her scouts transform from a large snowy owl to a speckled winged woman with pale icy blue hair. "Salahia?"

Flapping her wings, Salahia let out a staggering breath. "Milady, they're… attacking the… border of… Adri!" she panted while nervously rubbing her hands over one another.

Aged amethyst eyes widened at the news as Solomon stared up at the panicking scout. "Who are attacking?"

"The Wyvern Guards!"

Unfolding her large wings, Mai hissed before transforming herself into a large Golden Eagle. Turning to look back at the worried figure of Solomon, she ruffled her wings. "I will return swiftly Solomon, but I think you know what this means…"

Nodding sadly, Solomon let out a regretful sigh. "Yes, it seems War has come to the peaceful shores of Adrialle."

Flapping her wings, Mai quickly joined Salahia as she transformed back into a snowy owl. "I'm afraid so, and if that is the case--"

"I'm aware Lady Mai," Solomon interrupted. "Please be careful and return as soon as you can with any news. I'll await your return before I take that means of action."

Bowing lightly, Mai let out a screeching call before flapping her wings and flying away with Salahia soaring behind her to leave Solomon standing all alone on the balcony. However, none of them were aware of the tawny, white tipped ears that had unconsciously eavesdropped on the conversation.

Crimson eyes narrowed lightly at the ugly smudge that marred the silvery, reflective surface of the beautifully designed sword. "This is the last time I let Jou talk me into letting him help clean."

"ATEMU!"

'Speak of the Wolf,' Atemu sighed while turning just in time to watch the lanky figure of Jou barrel into the room to only trip over a misplaced Poleax and fall face first on the cobblestone floor. Chuckling lightly at the other's grand entrance, he fought off the urge to laugh as the other's tawny, white, and rust colored tail twitched behind him. "You know it's always good to watch where you're going, Jou."

Letting out a muffled growl, Jou pushed himself off the floor and glared up into amused crimson. "Ya could've put it up in it's place," he grumbled while reaching over to toss the accursed weapon across the room.

"And you could've just handed me that instead of hurtling it across the room," Atemu sighed while walking past the other to pick up the abused weapon. "I happen to like this one anyways, it's light and with enough strength it can cleave the--"

"Enough already, I don't want ta hear anymore of ya gory details," Jou cringed while scrunching his face up in disgust as his ears bent back as well. "Besides, I got something ta tell ya."

Arching a curious brow, Atemu placed the Poleax back into its designated slot before giving his full attention to the energetic Lupian. "Alright, so what is it? It doesn't involve the Cook does it? Because I'm not sure I can handle another one of your--"

"It ain't got anything to do with da Cook! Though I still think dat she's…" Seeing the frown on the other's face, Jou growled while folding his ears back. "Mai was talking to Gramps and--"

"Jou, I think it would be wise to address him as The King instead of Gram--"

"Dammit Atemu, shut up and let me finish!" Jou howled, glaring at the crimson eyed male before taking in a deep breath. "I heard them talking and I found out that Wyvern Guards from the South attacked the Border of Ardi!"

At the news, Atemu's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" he asked, not believing his own ears at the news. "This is bad," he stated while crossing the floor and walking by the blond haired Lupian to unconsciously start pacing.

Watching the other pace, Jou let out a displeased snort. "If I knew ya was going to start pacing, I'd never told ya," he grumbled while crossing his arms and twitching his tail behind him. "Mai left with one of her scouts to check out the damage, but Gram—I mean His Highness didn't seem very happy about the news."

Continuing to pace, Atemu vaguely heard the blond Lupian. His thoughts were focused on the young heir that would be devastated at the news of learning that his homeland was under attack. More than that, he knew that if the attacks were to come to the palace that the young Prince would be forced to flee. 'Yuugi...'

"… and you're not even listening ta me!" Jou groused as he noticed Atemu's far-a-way look. Scratching behind his left ear, he blew away a few bangs that were obscuring his vision. "I don't think we have anything ta worry about with da Royal Knights, me, and you protecting da palace though."

Stopping in mid pace, Atemu frowned. "It's not that simple Jou. If the palace were to be attacked the King would send the Prince away to one of the neighboring Kingdoms in hopes that their allies will lend their assistance and help fight."

"Dat means dat Yuugi would have ta leave!" Jou yelled as his tail and ears drooped at the thought. "But why can't we all stay and fight?"

"It's the way things are," Atemu frowned.

"Are what?"

Jou yelped at the sudden soft voice before whirling around to the sound of cheerful laughter. "Yuugi, don't sneak up on me like dat!" he cried, mock glaring down at the petit figure.

"Sorry, but what were you two talking about?"

Tearing his crimson eyes away from the soft amethyst, Atemu focused his gaze on the various weapons that were hanging on the wall of the armory. "It's nothing little one," he stated softly. "Jou was just telling me another of his wild tales about the cook trying to kill him."

Jou snorted while crossing his arms and turning away with a pout.

Chuckling at the blond haired Lupian, Yuugi turned his attention to the regal figure of Adrielle's most revered knight, known to all as the Black Paladin, and as for Yuugi his own secret crush. Pushing away the blush at the affectionate little nickname being said by the baritone voice, he idly twiddled his fingers behind his back and looked around the armory.

Casting a small glance in Yuugi's direction, Atemu mentally smiled at the look on the other's face. "Is there anything you need?" he asked, deciding to change the earlier topic since the young royal was better off not knowing about the creeping danger.

"Well… umm… I was wondering if you'd be my escort and join me for a ride," Yuugi flushed, while nervously scuffing the toe of his boot across the polished floor. "I understand if you're busy… but I've had lessons over lessons all week and I'm sure Arti would love to get out and spread her wings for a bit."

"Now dat ya mention it, I could go for a run myself," Jou smiled while wagging his tail.

Turning hopeful amethyst eyes to the Paladin, Yuugi smiled as Atemu sighed and shook his head.

"I can see that I'm clearly out numbered in this," Atemu sighed dramatically while looking back at Yuugi and enjoying the way the other's eyes lit up at his words. "Besides I'm sure Aries would enjoy it as well."

Watching the others, Jou smiled. "Den what are we waiting for?" he asked while walking past the two humans and heading in the direction of the stables.

Shaking his head, Atemu smirked before looking over at Yuugi and with regal grace bowed lightly while moving a hand for the Prince to lead the way. "After you, little one."

Flushing lightly, Yuugi offered a small bow and quickly started after his Lupian companion while all the while thinking about the handsome paladin that was following behind him.

Three Hours Later…

Solomon frowned as he looked up from his paperwork to notice the elegant figure of Mai landing on the balcony railing. Putting away his quill, he interlaced his fingers and tapped his index fingers lightly against each other. "Lady Mai," he addressed, bowing his head lightly in greeting, though his voice was tinted with his unease.

Entering the room, Mai bowed her head in return. "Solomon… the news is not good," she replied while looking at the elder.

"What of the Adri?" Solomon asked.

Ruffling her wings, Mai shook her head. "The attack was so sudden. Many of the villagers were able to escape… but the city closest to the border defense now lays in ruin."

Closing his eyes, Solomon shook his head. "Where do the Wyvern Guards fly now?" he questioned while opening his eyes to look back up at female Rapterian monarch.

"Though the battle was fierce my scouts were able to drive the Wyvern Guards back beyond the borders of the Chanee Islands. However, I feel that this peace won't last Solomon… the next attack will be brutal and it could very well be at the gates of the Imperial City," Mai sighed while rubbing her left arm tenderly. "It may be wise to send the Prince to Sacreia for his safety as well as receiving the aid of their army."

Running a hand through his gray hair, Solomon sighed. "I can not believe this is happening. For the past hundred years all the Kingdoms of Illashira have lived in peace and now my kingdom has been attacked by the Kingdom of Zilaria."

"It seems as though the Southern King no longer wants peace," Mai stated while crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. "He wants power and to get it he'll take each kingdom down one by one… and apparently he's targeted your kingdom first."

"So it seems," Solomon whispered while looking down at the papers that cluttered his desk. "I will have Yuugi escorted to Sacreia at once."

"And who will be his escort?" Mai asked while arching a curious brow.

"Atemu will be his escort, and not only him but Jou will go as well and so will you," Solomon stated while smiling as Mai's eyes widened.

"Me?"

"Yes, you are the fastest flier I know and although they both have winged mounts, I want them to travel by land as much as they can. That way they won't be noticed right away. With you with them I know that you can soar the skies while keeping watch," Solomon explained before running a hand through his hair sadly. "And I also request that Yuugi not know the real reason for his leave."

"You can't protect him forever, Solomon," Mai sighed while shaking her head. "The Prince needs to know what's happening—but for your sake I won't tell him."

Offering the Rapterian monarch a bow, Solomon smiled. "I thank you, Lady Mai."

"No need for thanks, Solomon," Mai smiled while waving a hand in dismissal.

Nodding, Solomon let out a regretful sigh while turning to look out the window. "Tonight I will tell Yuugi that he is to go and visit Prince Ryou and then I'll inform Atemu and Jou."

"Very well and when you are ready for them to leave, you know how to reach me," Mai stated while bowing her head before unfurling her wings and instantly transforming into the large golden eagle from earlier. Ruffling her feathers, she gave her wings a few powerful flaps before jumping into flight and soaring out the window.

Watching the eagle soon drift out of sight, aged amethyst eyes looked down at the elegantly carved flute that was made from the finest silver and decorated with beautiful runes that were only known to the Rapterian clans. Picking up the small instrument, he ran his finger over one of the mysterious designs. "Indeed, I do know how to reach you."

At the sound of the large ornate stable doors opening, black ears twitched before a noble head rose up while continuing to munch on a clump of fairy thistle. Protruding from the middle of the black steed's head was a spiraling gold horn that glowed under the dim lighting of the magical torches that lined the stable walls. Ruffling his gold dusted obsidian wings, the black unicorn caused the robed figure to jump as he kicked the back of his stall.

"Aries, what in the world is the matter wi--" Atemu started as he barreled around the corner before skidding to a stop in front of Aries' stall just as the robed figure removed their hood. "Your Majesty," he greeted, bowing quickly at the Royal while giving Aries a side glare as the winged unicorn let out a rather amused sounding knicker.

"As you were," Solomon waved, watching as Atemu straightened himself back up. Sighing lightly, he looked around the large stable before looking back at the Paladin. "Atemu, are you aware of what has happened today?"

Not wanting to get Jou in trouble for eavesdropping, Atemu shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. I've been in the barracks all afternoon training and taking care of a few other things."

"I see, then I'm afraid the news I bring you is of ill omen," Solomon stated solemnly. "Today the border city of Adri was attacked and much of the city now lay in ruin. Lady Mai informed me that it was the work of the Wyvern Guard from Zilaria."

Even though he already knew of the attack, Atemu still felt his stomach tighten. He knew what was going to be requested of him now. Taking a deep breath, he locked eyes with the king and could see the underlying worry and concern threaded within the aged amethyst depths. "It would be my honor to escort the Prince to--"

"Sacreia, that is where you will be escorting Yuugi." Solomon interjected.

"Your Majesty… does the Prince know what happening?" Atemu asked, watching as Solomon tensed before shaking his head.

"No, and I would prefer it that he doesn't know until you are safely within the walls of Sacreia." Solomon stated while searching through the folds of his cloak before pulling out a tightly rolled up scroll with his royal seal stamped to the side of it. "This scroll must be protected as well. If anything happens to me… these documents show Yuugi to be the heir to this Kingdom."

Hesitantly taking the scroll, Yami arched his brow at the odd weight that was sealed inside the scroll. "Your Majest--"

"Inside that scroll is also the Ring of Adrialle," Solomon explained, answering Yami's unasked question. Looking at the Paladin, he softened his gaze. "Yuugi will need it if anything goes wrong. The one I wear now is but a mere copy."

Looking down at the scroll, Atemu shook his head. "I understand, but do you really think the Southern King will launch a full assault on Adrialle?"

Looking back at the loyal paladin, Solomon sighed. "Lady Mai and I had a conversation similar to this. At her first warning I though it was merely the Southern Guard out hunting or escorting a convoy of some sort… but after this attack I would rather have Yuugi safe away from here in case of the palace being attacked."

"Understood, I'll get all the supplies ready for the journey," Atemu stated, giving the other a respective bow before turning to leave. However, he stopped as Solomon placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Jou is accompanying you, so it would be wise to take plenty of food," Solomon smiled before reaching into his robes to pull out two silver amulets, each one displaying a magical symbol. "Take these as well."

Taking the offered amulets, Atemu ran a finger over the cool surface. "Binding and concealing amulets… what are they for?"

"The Wyvern Guards know that Adrialle is known for its Winged Knights and they know that Yuugi and you both have the legendary winged unicorns. I want you two to use those amulets to conceal Aries and Artemis' true identity and the binding will keep them from moving their wings."

"Sire, I don't think they are going to like being constricted," Atemu replied while shaking his head.

"I know, but I think it would be safer to use the roads. The journey may take longer, but should an attack befall the palace the guard will be searching the skies for you and Yuugi."

Hearing Aries snort, Atemu offered the stallion a small smile. The winged unicorn was willing to wear the amulet, no matter how much he disliked the thought of being restrained. "So we'll be leaving in the morning?"

"Yes, you'll be leaving at day break. Lady Mai will also be going with you." Solomon smiled while reaching up to pull his hood back in place. "I advise you to rest before the journey."

Nodding, Atemu watched as Solomon walked over to the large stable door and left before turning to look at his trusted steed. Gazing into intelligent amber colored eyes, he offered the stallion a warm smile before reaching over and rubbing its head. "Are you ready, Aries?"

Perking his ears at the call of his name, Aries neighed lightly before stepping up closer to his chosen and tenderly nipping at his jagged gold bangs, causing Atemu to laugh lightly.

"I take that as a yes," Atemu chuckled as he ran his fingers through the silky forelock that draped around the golden horn in the middle of the stallion's forehead. "Let's just hope the Gods go with us on our journey."

Elsewhere…

Bicolor eyes of ember and turquoise watched as wyverns of red to gray swooped down to land in the large black stoned courtyard. Narrowing his eyes, his attention was diverted at the shrill roar, causing him to look up just as a large copper and white striped wyvern started its descent from the thick fog that surrounded the large black citadel.

"The Wyvern Guard has returned!"

Dismounting from the large copper and white wyvern, the armor clad knight pulled off his ornate helmet to reveal dusky blond hair and cloudy blue eyes. Looking over to the entranceway to the large black castle, he bowed at the robed figure that was coming from the shadows of the castle. "Your Majesty."

"Back so soon, General Raphael?" the monarch's voice was deep and clipped.

Cringing slightly under the tone, Raphael shook his head. "We were outnumbered, Your Grace. The Rapterians came to their aid."

Walking toward his wyvern riders, the monarch crossed his arms while staring at his general. "So you mean to tell me that my Wyvern Guards were drove away by a mere flock of birds."

"Maybe the General is loosing his touch, My Lord."

Clenching his fists at the familiar mocking voice, Raphael narrowed his eyes at the robed figure that had entered the courtyard, but his glare faltered as he arched a brow at the petit figure bound in chains slumped across the back of the robed man's steed.

"You have no room to mock, Siegfried."

"My sincere apologizes, Lord Dartz." Siegfried countered, bowing lightly while offering Raphael a small glare. "I brought you a gift."

Walking over to the other male, Dartz watched as he pulled away his hood to reveal his trademark pink tresses as well as the sneaky smile displayed on his face. Turning to look at the bundle across the horse's back, he smiled as Siegfried pulled away the blanket covering the petit figure's body to reveal a young boy with long black tresses.

"You brought our King a mere child," Raphael stated, cocking his head lightly.

"Not a mere child--" Siegfried countered while lifting up the youth's bound hands to reveal a fingerless glove around his right hand baring a pale blue jewel that had an engraved symbol across its surface which caused both the king's and the general's eyes to widen. "-but a Draikian one."

"You please me, Siegfried," Dartz smirked as he closed the distance to look over the restrained youth. "However, I'm surprised that you were able to pull off such a task unscathed."

Raphael smirked at the King's words as he noticed the smug smile on Siegfried's face melt away to an indignant frown. "Our Lord has a point. Draikian children are well protected… so how were you able to capture one?"

Glaring at his rival, Siegfried crossed his arms. "This child was unprotected and with a simple illusion, I lured him out into the open and placed a sleep spell on him."

"I see," Dartz stated while lifting up the youth's gloved hand to idly skim his fingers against the pale jewel. "You were very lucky, Siegfried, considering this child is one of the White Draikians. They are by far the most powerful and vicious of the Draikian Clans."

"Dumb luck," Raphael snorted, earning another pointed glare from Siegfried.

"Your Majesty honors me with his praise," Siegfried bowed while still giving Raphael an icy glare.

Waving his hand, Dartz turned back to his general. "As for you, General, I think its time that the Wyvern Guard take to the skies once more. Go back to Adrialle and destroy anything in your path. If King Solomon does not bow down to me, then kill him and bring me back his royal seal."

Bowing, Raphael gave a respectful salute before turning on his heel and walking back toward his large wyvern. Clearing his throat, he placed his helmet back on his head before climbing onto his wyvern's back and turning to face all his troops. "All Guard turn to me!" he yelled, gaining everyone's attention. "Prepare all you need as quickly as possible, for we fly back to Adrialle!"

"Adrialle? But sir, we've just come back from there… and the Rapterians are there as well!"

"Scared of a bunch of birds, Mate?"

"Enough, Valon," Raphael barked before turning to look at one of his smallest troops. "Bonz, I think you should stay here. Your wyvern was injured in the last attack wasn't it?" he asked, watching as the other nodded. "Then stay here and tend to those wounds or join us on another wyvern. The choice is yours."

"Yes sir," Bonz replied, bowing his head as he quickly dismounted from his pale gray wyvern to drive his lance in the ground as a show that he was staying behind.

"Valon, you and Alister are going to be my two wingmen. I want the two of you to gather the others and make sure that everyone is ready to flyat dawn," Raphael stated, watching as Valon nodded before dismounting his bronze and silver wyvern and running out of the courtyard.

"Yuugi, I don't have time to argue with you--"

"But Grandpa--"

"Not now my boy," Solomon sighed while waving a hand to the maids, causing them to surround Yuugi in order to get him ready for the journey. "I told you already that I think it would be a good idea for you to go and visit Prince Ryou for a few days."

Biting back a yawn, Yuugi stood still as the maids wrapped the snowy white traveling cloak around his shoulders before fastening all the buckles and wraps that kept it in place. "It's not that I'm not happy… to go… go and see Ryou but why so early in the morning? It's just a few hours before dawn."

Turning to look at his grandson, Solomon chuckled at the half-lidded, sleepy amethyst eyes that looked back at him. "I'm well aware of the hour my boy, it's just that the journey will be long and it would be best to get an early start."

"I doubt Jou is even up at this hour," Yuugi mumbled while holding back another yawn.

"You'd be surprised how easy it was to get him up this morning," Solomon chuckled, watching as the maids skittered around the room to gather all the prince's supplies. "Sir Atemu advised me to send in the cook to wake him and it worked like a charm."

Imagining the look on the blond Lupian's face at having the infamous cook waking him, Yuugi chuckled lightly. However, at the mention of his hidden desire, he felt his cheeks redden. "Um… does this mean that Sir Atemu is going with me as well?"

"Of course, he's going to be your royal bodyguard."

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Yuugi groaned as he caught a glimpse of his blushing face in one of the large mirrors across the hall. Sucking in a deep breath, he tried to think of something as he looked toward his window just in time to see a large golden eagle descending toward the courtyard. "Lady Mai… is she going as well."

Walking over to the window and looking down into the courtyard just as Mai transformed into her human form, Solomon nodded. "I asked her to go along so that she could be your scout."

Standing beside his grandfather, Yuugi looked out the window to find the courtyard full of servants that were rushing to fill up a large wagon with food and other supplies. Having his eyes fall onto the familiar figure of Atemu, he chewed on his bottom lip to keep from blushing. "How long will I have to stay at Sacreia?"

Looking over at his grandson, Solomon managed a small smile. "You've not even left yet and you're already worried about when you're to return. Just go and enjoy the trip."

Nodding, Yuugi sighed as he turned his attention back to the crowd below. There was definitely something going on that he didn't know about… and it worried him. Was whatever it is really that bad? Shaking the thought from his mind, he chuckled as he noticed a rather haggard looking Jou walking out of his quarters with a large basket filled with various foods in his arms.

"I hope we packed enough food for your journey," Solomon stated, also catching a glimpse of the Lupian. "Try to keep him from eating everything—if you can that is."

Chuckling, Yuugi nodded. "I'll try Grandpa," he smiled before looking back down to only have his amethyst lock onto burning crimson. Fighting off the blush, he waved shyly at his escort to receive a delicate nod of the other's head.

"I think it's time for you to join the others," Solomon smiled while placing his hands on Yuugi's shoulders and giving them a comforting squeeze. "Be careful, Yuugi."

"Always Grandpa," Yuugi smiled while reaching up to squeeze one of the hands on his shoulder.

Nodding, Solomon steered Yuugi toward the large doors and gave him a gentle push. "Be on your way then."

Giving his grandfather a small wave, Yuugi quickly turned and ran toward the stairs. Avoiding a few servants on his way down the spiraling staircase, he skipped the last few steps before rushing out into the courtyard to find Artemis waiting for him.

Walking up to the pristine white mare, he blinked as he noticed that her gossamer white wings were missing. Looking up at the mare's forehead, Yuugi smiled as the pearl and silver horn glistened in the morning light, causing the delicately made silver and pale blue face guard to glimmer as well in its reflection.

"Her wings are hidden by a special amulet. I'm sure you're grandfather has told you that you're to be traveling by foot while I take to the skies."

Startled at the sudden voice, Yuugi whirled around to find Mai giving him an odd look. "You always have the habit of sneaking up on me, Lady Mai," he breathed while unclenching his fists around Artemis' reins.

"My apologies, but I noticed the look on your face. Sir Atemu's horse also had to have an amulet as well," Mai stated, watching as Yuugi turned to the mentioned paladin to notice the other's black winged unicorn missing its own impressive set of wings.

"I still don't understand why we can't fly, the journey would be so much faster," Yuugi sighed.

"Maybe, but your grandfather feels that you will be safer on ground," Mai replied while twitching her left wing. "I'll fly over you and warn you if I see a threat.

Nodding, Yuugi offered the other a smile before tugging on Artemis' reins, causing the mare to follow him as he started toward the large wagon where he had spotted Jou earlier. "Thanks for coming with us Mai."

Watching him go, Mai sighed before heading in the direction she had last spotted Atemu. Within a few feet of the said paladin, she hesitated as wild ember eyes locked onto her. Bowing lightly to the large black winged unicorn, she ruffled her feathers as the stallion snorted before lowering its head and gently nipping at Atemu's hair.

"Not now, Aries," Atemu sighed as he gently swatted away the stallion's muzzle. "Can't you see that I'm bus—Oh, Lady Mai," he said while turning around to spot the approaching Rapterian Monarch.

"Sir Atemu," she stated, offering the other a small bow of the head. "Are you ready to leave?"

Sliding a hand across the hilt of his sword, Atemu nodded lightly. "I believe so… though I still don't like the thought of leaving."

"I know, but I've stationed a few of my scouts around the border, so hopefully they can give the palace some protection."

"I hope so," Atemu sighed before turning and quickly mounting onto Aries' back. Turning the mighty steed in the direction of the small gathering, he offered a warm smile in Yuugi's direction as he watched the young royal mount his own mystical steed. "On this morning we set eastward to our neighboring kingdom. My friends, I hope our way is safe for the Journey to Sacreia now begins!"

Smiling, Yuugi watched as Atemu turned his horse around to lead the way before he turned to look over his shoulder and up at his grandfather. Seeing the other wave, he waved in return before gently nudging Artemis' sides causing the mare to canter off to catch up with the black steed up front. However, the thought of something wrong was still there as he turned away just in time to watch Mai transform into a large Gold Eagle before flapping her wings and soaring across the skies.

'Grandpa, take care of yourself…' Yuugi thought as he stole one last glance over his shoulder to find his only living relative still waving. 'I love you...'

Making their way up the large hill leading out of the palace, Jou was the first one to utter a sound as he looked up at Atemu and Yuugi just as his stomach rumbled. "Um…Can we take a break for breakfast?"

Amethyst and Crimson eyes both rolled at the question. "JOU…"

TBC…

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