AN: And so begins an incredible quest!

People wanted fantasy epic so here we go. I'm super excited about doing this, but my outline for this is stupid, stupid long. So in order to avoid losing motivation, I wrote nearly 8 chapters before I start posting so I can't lose motivation. We'll see if it works.

I won't reveal pairings in this quite yet, as this is more of an ensemble piece generally speaking.

Anyway, enjoy


The traveler stared at the diverging path before him. The fallen leaves caught fire in the late afternoon sun, the dull colors dazzling in bursts of rust and gold. The breeze picked up, a few leaves flying up to catch in his white hair. He scowled, raising a hand to shake the debris out from his hair before narrowing his eyes, trying to read the worn, wooden signs.

The weather had rendered the brittle wood unreadable, the former markers nothing more than rotting wood. He shifted his satchel higher, his brows furrowed as he tried to recall the path from here. He knew he wasn't too far from the village, but memory was a tricky creature. What felt that like the journey home often led him into danger.

Ryou huffed, stepping forward as he took the path on the right. If he was wrong, all he had to do was tread back. It had been several years since he had made his way towards this end of the kingdom, but he thought a visit was in order. After a brief meeting with a mutual friend, Ryou had thought it prudent to make his way back to Kyador.

Ryou passed the decrepit sign, his eyes focused beyond the grove. He held his cloak a bit tighter, the wind picking up as he left the heavy undergrowth behind and the clearing came into view. His exposed fingertips brushed against his gloves, Ryou relaxing slightly at the gesture. The further he ventured down the path, the most he started to recognize the familiar landmarks he had all but forgotten.

Ryou ignored the familiar ache on his feet, a side effect of his many travels. For years, he had been trekking across the land, always journeying and never resting. A consequence of his birth, Ryou was fated to live as a nomad in his own country. Still, there were those who had opened their homes to him, accepting him as one of their own. It was those few that Ryou considered as his true family.

Ryou smiled as he finally reached the peak the hill, looking down at the path. He spotted a familiar cottage. That small cottage had been home for several months during a particularly brutal winter. He had stumbled upon the village, a much younger man who was inexperienced and broke. That's when Solomon found him and invited him home, sheltering the sickly traveler.

Ryou could never thank the elderly gentleman for saving him that day. He and his grandson had welcomed him when no else would, and that was a debt that Ryou could never repay. As Ryou approached the humble abode, he noticed a darkness inside the house. This didn't worry him. He glanced beyond the cottage to the meadows beyond, noticing the open fence.

Ryou smirked, nodding his head. Of course, his friend would be out right now. With the harvest season past and winter nearly upon them, Yugi had his work cut out tending to his herd animals. Ryou passed the house, walking along the fence until he reached the open gate. He dropped his bag in front of him before propping himself up onto the fence.

He knew his old childhood friend would be making his way back here before dusk. Ryou figured there was no better place to wait than here, giving him a moment to catch his breath. The late-autumn sun baked his wind-chilled skin, the radiant warmth spreading through his body. Ryou didn't mind waiting. He dug out a small notebook in his satchel, occupying himself until his friend returned.


Yugi sat on top of a small boulder, the gray stone warmed by the sun all day. He took a bite of the dried meat he had pocketed this morning before heading out. His eyes gazed over the small herd of sheep grazing on the sparse grass. Winter was always a tricky season, Yugi often travelling further and farther to find fields upon which his animals could feed.

The less Yugi had to rely on the bales, the easier the season would be. He could only hope there wouldn't be as much snow this year. He knew it was a futile wish, but as he thought of years past, he shuddered as he thought of the meager rations and bitter cold that ate away at both man and animal.

Of course, Yugi realized this was not a concern that would occupy his thoughts this season.

A sharp bark caught Yugi's attention, magenta eyes shifting down to the sandy dog that had joined him out today. Yugi chuckled, ripping off a piece of the jerky before tossing it down. The dog caught it easily, a paw lowering off the boulder as she focused on gnawing on the piece of meat. Yugi watched for a moment longer, before glancing back at the herd.

Deciding that it was late enough, Yugi stood up, stretching as he surveyed their surroundings. Despite traveling so close to the mountainside, no predators had tried approaching. He raised his arms above his head, feeling the bones along his spine crack and realign. Yugi stepped forward, sliding down the stone he had rested for a short while.

"Juno!" Yugi called sharply. His herd dog snapped to attention, eagerly racing forward. She stood in front of him, an eager grin on her face. Yugi whistled sharply, watching as she took off. Like water carving into a canyon, he watched Juno raced around, gradually gathering the herd to form a tight pack. The sheep drew closer together, pacing forward together as a group in no certain direction.

Yugi jogged forward, whistling loud twice as Juno changed her pattern. Yugi took to one side, hanging back to the side as Juno set the pace. She raced forward, guiding the herd back towards the pen. Yugi kept an eye on some of the elderly rams that tended to trail off. The younger ones had (for the most part) learned to keep stride with the flock.

Yugi made the trek back home, his eyes flicking up towards the sky. There was still some time before the sun fell – perhaps he could get his paperwork in order. He still had matters to sort out at home while there was still light. Yugi tuned out the world around as his he became preoccupied with his future, his mind wandering as he led the herd away from the mountainside and back towards the low-lying meadows.

So often Yugi had made this trek with his grandfather, often opting to take the fields so that he could explore and venture out. Even as he traveled so far from his home, he realized these fields were simply another pen, another gated fence in the form of trees and rocks. He would always forced to return, safely back to his small home that always felt too empty and too cold for his liking.

So why did Yugi miss these simple confines already?

Yugi blinked when the sheep suddenly started braying. He noticed Juno barking, though it was not at the animals they were guiding back. Yugi called out, trying to gather their attention, but his herd wouldn't go forward. It was almost as if they were spooked. "That's odd," Yugi muttered to himself, going over to get Juno's attention. "What's gotten into you?"

A light laugh caught his ear. "Sorry, Yugi. I think this might be my fault."

Yugi blinked, head snapping around as he searched for the voice. As his eyes settled on a pale male with snow-white hair, a large grin broke across his face. "Ryou? Is that really you?"

The pale traveler chuckled, a shy smile on his face. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"

"Only if you consider three years a long time." Yugi jested, watching as Ryou slid down off of the fence. Ryou stepped away, an apologetic look on his face.

"Sorry I haven't visited sooner. Time seemed to get away from me."

Yugi rolled his eyes. He would hardly blame his friend for being distant – their paths were quite different after all. It was simply the way things were.

Yugi frowned when he noticed Ryou walking away back towards the cottage. Before he could assuage his friend's worries, Ryou turned back a smile on his face. "I think you'll find your sheep will go inside if I'm not around."

Yugi chuckled. It wasn't shame or embarrassment – Ryou was just trying to help him out on the job. He would apologize, but there was nothing to apologize for. As Ryou had explained before, most animals did not like his scent. Most of them feared the scent of the grave.

Yugi turned back to find that Juno had calmed down, watching Ryou curiously from afar. He whistled to catch her attention, her eyes lighting up. The pen wasn't too far from here, the two working together to get the rest of the herd back inside. Juno followed Yugi along as he secured the pen, following him back to the small barn for the night.

Yugi ran back to the cottage once Juno was settled for the evening, unable to keep the smile from his face. It had been so long since he had company and Ryou was certainly welcomed at a time like this. Despite the rough year, Ryou's arrival was a needed distraction from the darker things in his life.

Ryou stood by the door, satchel hanging over one shoulder as he watched Yugi catch up to him. Yugi was quick to unlock the door as he let him and his guest in. He felt himself flush as he saw the cluttered mess around him, an array of bobbles and memories that he had yet to sort out. He decided to deal with his embarrassment later as he ran to get the fire going.

"Not much has changed since I was last here." Yugi heard Ryou mutter softly, more to himself than his host. As Yugi fanned the flames, he decided it would be proper to get a kettle of tea going for them.

"I suppose not much has changed. It certainly feels as if it's been decades since we last saw each other." Yugi smiled turning back as he picked up to clear a spot for his guest to sit.

Ryou chuckled, setting his bag down as he relaxed into an open chair he had found. "Fair enough. A lot has happened in the past three years that has aged me beyond that."

Yugi nodded, glancing over Ryou. He didn't seem any worse for the wear during his travels, but he knew that Ryou was guarded. Despite how close they had become as friends, Ryou was always a bit on edge. Always polite, of course, but with a hint of wariness with him.

Yugi decided he would do what he could to ease away his friend's tension. "So what brings you back to Kyador? There's little here worth visiting unless you plan on leaving the kingdom."

Ryou chuckled shaking his head to deny such accusations. "I have no intentions of leaving my country yet, despite what the common folk try to drive me out. And I hardly consider a trip to visit an old friend to be of little worth."

Despite the kind words, Yugi was hesitant to embrace them. He smiled, appreciating the gesture, but was aware that Ryou wouldn't make such a venture so far away unless he had reason. He certainly was glad to see his friend, but Yugi wasn't so naïve to take everything at face value.

There were ways of getting answers though.

"If I'm so valued, why haven't you come and seen me sooner, Ryou?" Yugi teased, chuckling as Ryou seemed to flush at that accusation.

Ryou sighed, as if realizing such pretty assuagement wouldn't benefit. "Well, truth be told, I wanted to check on you. I was in the capital at the beginning of summer and ran into Tea."

Yugi perked up at the mention of his old childhood friend. After she left for the capital three years prior, Yugi hadn't received so much as a word from her. He had to rely on his other friends who had left Kyador behind for information on her well-being. "How is Tea? Is she alright?"

Ryou nodded, his eyes glancing away to look out the window at the fields beyond. "She's doing well. She seems to be flourishing in a much larger city… She mentioned that Solomon was not doing well though."

Yugi blinked, realizing that Tea must have gotten word from Joey regarding his grandfather. Joey had left near the end of spring, when Yugi's grandfather's health had taken a turn for the worst. Yugi had done everything to lift his burden, taking responsibility over the farm and the livestock that his grandfather could focus on recovering.

That had been the plan.

"He passed at the beginning of harvest," Yugi murmured softly, the wound still fresh in his heart. A heavy silence was left between the two friends, both in quiet mourning. Though harvest was long over and winter was quickly approaching, Yugi found he couldn't shake the heartache of losing the last of his family. He truly felt alone.

"Yugi, I'm so sorry."

Ryou's voice sounded small, like the wind whistling through the empty cottage. Yugi raised his eyes, watching Ryou who stared at the floor ahead of him, his expression miserable. The fact that his friend would ache and miss his grandfather made Yugi feel less alone. He let out a shaky breath, not attempting to put on a smile.

"It's okay. He had a long life and I think he was happy in the end. It hurts that he's gone, but I like to think that he's no longer in pain and finally at peace in the life beyond." Yugi started, eyes snapping up to Ryou as if realizing something. "I mean, it is peaceful there, isn't it? Is it wrong for me to assume such a thing?"

Ryou, despite the heavy air, couldn't help but laugh. Though the shadows under his eyes indicated his exhaustion, his eyes were bright and warm. "No, no, that's perfectly fine. My… gift allows me only a little insight into life beyond, but it's safe to say that Solomon is not suffering. Only peace."

Yugi nodded, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. A weak smile grew on his face, his mind a bit more settled than it had been previously. "Thank you… that makes me feel better."

Ryou nodded and didn't speak, though Yugi saw his lips pinched. Yugi's smile widened, unable to bite back his amusement. "Something else on your mind Ryou?"

Ryou glanced away, his pale features yet again flamed in red. "I… I was wondering if you had your grandfather's ashes near by."

Yugi blinked before jumping, realizing what Ryou was offering. "Of course! Let me grab them for you!"

"Are you sure? If you rather leave him unperturbed, I would underst-"

"No, no! I'd rather you take a look and put all of our worries to rest!" Yugi left the small living area to go back to his grandfather's old bedroom. He had seldom come into the room since his parting. Aside from coming to place his urn by his old bed, Yugi found himself incapable of passing the old room. It was difficult when he couldn't hear his grandfather's whistling or humming to himself. The silence in the cottage often felt deafening without him here.

Yugi let his eyes glaze over as he focused on the urn, picking it up before running back out. He handed it to Ryou, he carefully handled the jar as his expression became sharply focused. Yugi watched for a minute as Ryou took off his gloves, carefully angling his wrists away so his host wouldn't see his mark. Yugi glanced away, ashamed for his voyeurism as he turned his attention to the kettle, throwing in a few leaves now that the water was hot.

Yugi stepped back into the kitchen, pulling out a hard loaf of bread as he prepared a simple supper for the two of them. His eyes flicked up, unable to bite back his curiosity as he watched Ryou. His white-haired companion had a hazy look in his eyes, unfocused as he stared at the jar. Yugi couldn't hear what Ryou was muttering, but he knew it was an incantation. He shivered as he felt the air grew a touch colder.

Yugi knew he should be afraid, an instinct that seemed to be built into his blood. When he was younger, he had been afraid when he had learned what Ryou was. He had pleaded with his grandfather to not bring doom on their home. Yugi hadn't understood initially when his grandfather just laughed, telling him that he had nothing to be afraid of with the little white-haired boy.

At the time, Yugi couldn't see how a necromancer could be anything but dangerous.

Solomon had always been an odd, quirky man. He had many secrets and was tight-lipped about his past, yet his compassion was boundless. Where others were quick to lock their doors to keep out the death sorcerer, his grandfather just saw a child hungry for a meal. He didn't see any reason for fear, but rather welcomed Ryou into their home, letting him stay through the brutal winter.

That winter was one that redefined Yugi's perspective. His fear melted away into caution and then into curiosity. Ryou had been shy and afraid, worried that the rug would be pulled from under his feet and he would be back outside in the cold. The two had awkwardly spent many days inside with the howling winds and blinding snow outside. The small proximity of the cottage forced the two to spend time.

That's when Yugi and Ryou grew to be friends.

Yugi would never fully understand how necromancy works. He had no idea how Ryou learned the craft and why he was travelling by himself when he was only twelve years of age. But Yugi didn't care as a child. Slowly, they let down their guards, letting each other in. Yugi found a new companion to help him take care of the animals. He had a friend to read books with and play games to waste away time on days with brutal weather. Through his grandfather's compassion, Solomon opened two hearts that winter.

Yugi went back into the living room, two mugs in hand as he pulled the kettle away from the fire. He poured two cups of tea before turning back to Ryou. He waited patiently as Ryou sat still for a bit longer, almost frozen. Suddenly, Ryou blinked, shifting to sit upright as he placed the urn down. The chill in the air seemed to disappear as the subtle magic dissipated. Yugi found himself sighing, releasing a breath that he had been holding.

Ryou turned back, a small smile on his face. "Is that for me?"

Yugi nodded as he handed the mug to Ryou. "Any malevolent spirits hanging about?"

Ryou brought the mug up close to his face, inhaling the warm scent of herbs and spices. Yugi noticed that Ryou had already slipped his gloves back on when Yugi wasn't looking. "None at all. Your grandfather seems to have accepted his death. I don't see any lingering sentiments or demons that might exploit this longing. He's quite settled."

Ryou turned back to Yugi, his eyes studying Yugi. "Are you okay with his passing?"

Yugi furrowed his brow, somewhat confused by this question. "I mean… as okay as I can be given the situation. I miss him dearly, but knowing that his spirit is at rest makes me feel better. And I know better than to hold onto our loved ones after they depart too closely. My grandfather taught me that."

"Solomon was always wise in that way. His knowledge about necromancy did surpass that of any common man." Ryou chuckled as he glanced away, a wry smile. "As well as his knowledge on magic in general. Curious really."

Yugi chuckled. Despite the ache in his chest, it was cathartic talking to someone about his grandfather. "Indeed. He did have many secrets. And many answers that I never got."

Ryou pursed his lips, as if contemplating something. "You mean, from before you move to Kyador?"

Yugi nodded, deciding to express these questions to his friend. "Yeah. I don't remember anything of my life before moving to Kyador as a young child. I don't even remember my parents – it's only been my grandfather who has been there for me. I guess… I can't help but wonder if I still I have family out there that we left. And for that matter, I wonder why my grandfather decided to leave in the first place."

Ryou hummed, thinking over these questions but having no answers. "Solomon never told you anything on the matter?"

Yugi shook his head. "Nothing. But I did find something when I was cleaning through his stuff. In an old letter to a friend and neighbor. I guess before moving here, we lived in the capital."

Ryou perked up at that, a curious expression. "Really? I wonder why he would leave the city for a such a small village?"

Yugi shrugged. "He didn't say. My grandpa did like a bit of mystery, after all."

Ryou laughed at that, his amusement showing through. Yugi smiled at that, chuckling along with his friend. The light noise brightened his spirits. Yugi shook his head as he remembered his tea, taking a sip before it grew too cold. Ryou's next question came like a soft whisper. "So you're returning to the capital then for answers?"

Yugi blinked, snapping his head up in surprise. Ryou glanced away, a blush on his face. "I saw the deed to the ranch on the table there. You're selling it, aren't you?"

Yugi shook his head, lowering his gaze to the grounds. Apparently his friend was nosier than he thought. He supposed there was no harm in telling him. "I am. I love this place. It's home. But it's not home without him here." Yugi didn't need to say who 'him' was.

Ryou nodded, glancing away. "I understand. I'll miss this place too. I'm a wanderer, so I don't really have a home, per say, but I suppose this place was the closest thing I had to a home… Er, if it's not too presumptuous for me to say!" Ryou clarified, the blush that had disappeared flaring up again his cheeks.

Yugi smiled warmly, reaching a hand out to hold Ryou's in a comforting gesture. Ryou blinked at the contact, staring in shock at their connected hands. "Not at all. You're family, Ryou. It'll be awhile before I find a new place in the capital, but you'll always be welcomed to come and stay with me."

Ryou stared at their hands for a moment before a watery smile grew on his face. "Th-thank you. That means a lot." Yugi squeezed Ryou's hand before letting go, as if to transfer some warmth into the albino's ice-cold hand. Regardless of where life would take him, Yugi would always treasure his friendship to Ryou and all of his friends. Ryou would always be a brother to him.

Yugi stood up, finishing off his tea before turning back to Ryou. "I think that's enough chatter for now. I imagine you're starved from your travels today. What say I get us some food?"

Ryou smiled, standing up to follow Yugi. "That sounds fantastic. Mind if I help?"

Yugi shook his head. "Not at all. So long as you don't smoke us out of the house."

"That was nearly a decade ago! I'm a much better cook now."

Yugi giggled, teasing his friend. "Well, let's put your skills to the test then. Show me what you've learned on the road."