AN: Next chapter to this prologue. My health isn't the best at the moment so I don't necessarily know when the next chapter will be ready. Hopefully I'll be able to keep writing regardless as I have a lot planned for this series. In any case, hope you enjoy reading~!

Chapter 2:

The morning air of Lagaard was crisp, but still. The sky a perfect blue, not a cloud to be seen. In the opinion of Maginans, it was perfect weather to take flight.

So, after just a day of packing and preparing, those leaving for Maginia, it was the day for them to utter their final goodbyes and farewells to those who were to remain within High Lagaard. A crowd had gathered in the centre of town. Some helping deliver supplies to Maginia, others to watch out of a sense of duty to see off those who join with the expedition.

Seeing all the sombre faces of those Lynus had helped during his time in Lagaard was hard for him to take. Though it also brought him a sense of comfort. Though they appeared sadden to learn that he, his guild, and many others were to leave Lagaard and the mighty Yggdrasil tree; they did nothing to persuade them to stay.

They were there to support them, not guilt them. And that in itself was both comforting and reassuring.

Still, it was hard for Lynus to say farewell to those who chose to stay. One of them being his little sister, Binah.

It was a tough decision for Binah. Join them or stay with Hana and Quinoa. In the end, she chose to stay. She felt guilty about that to some extent, but Lynus was happy that she had come to that decision on her own.

"How long will you be gone?" Binah asked.

Lynus shook his head and answered honestly. "I don't know. But I do know that I, that we, will be back one day."

That did little to ease Binah of her sadness, but she nodded her head. Despite her eyes glistening with tears she held back, she managed a smile to her lips. "I guess that means I don't have anyone stopping me from playing matchmaker now," she said, a slight quiver in her voice.

Lynus smiled at her attempt to stay strong and nodded. "Do try to stay out of trouble. And if you can't; raise hell."

A half laugh, half sob escaped Binah's lips before she pushed herself forward and hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too," Lynus said as he returned the embracing, hugging her as tightly as he could when he felt her tremble from trying to suppress her tears. "But we will return one day, and we'll both have stories to tell each other, right?"

Binah finally pulled back and idly rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands. "Right," she sniffled.

She then took a step back, allowed for Hana to move forward quickly and abruptly gathered Lynus into her arms, hugging him tightly and exuberantly. Lynus had to laugh as he hugged the flamboyant woman as best as he could.

"Oh, love," Hana said as she finally pulled him back, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm going to be ever so lonely without all my boys."

"We'll be back before you know it," Lynus tried to comfort though his voice was also heavy with emotion. "All of us. And, maybe, a few new members for you to fatten up."

Hana nodded her head before she smiled broadly. "Speaking of fatten up, don't you dare undermine all my hard work."

Lynus had to laugh. "I'll miss your cooking."

Hana gave him another quick hug before she pulled back and moved to the side, allowing for her daughter to offer her farewells as well. And much like her mother, Quinoa immediately rushed forward to hug Lynus as tightly as her skinny arms could allow.

"Don't do anything dangerous, ok?" Quinoa said as she peered up at him.

"Don't worry about us," Lynus quickly reassured. "If we face anything dangerous, Axel will just punch them in the face."

That got a giggle from Quinoa and she nodded her head. She hugged him tightly once more before she finally allowed her arms to fall away and she took a step back.

"Now, Angie has your medicine should you ever need any," Lynus reminded. "Also, try to keep Binah there out of trouble. If not-"

"Join her?" Quinoa finished with a tilt of her head.

Lynus gave a light laugh. "And have fun."

"Lynus?"

Ah, looked like they were getting read to embark the flying city of Maginia.

"Coming!" Lynus called over his shoulder before he turned his attention back to the three ladies before him. "See you all again soon."

He then reached down to pick up his medical bag and placed it upon his shoulder. He turned and walked over to where Axel waited for him, along with those who were to join them on Maginia. Goodbyes and farewells had been offered. There was nothing else they could do now but to let themselves be on their way.

However, as they gathered the last of their belongings, the crowds around them suddenly began to chatter amongst themselves. As the murmuring increased, a portion of the mass parted, revealing a small troop of guards as they escorted two regal figures. Familiar figures.

Lynus was mildly surprised. It was the Duke and his daughter, Lady Gadriel. Minister Dubois accompanied them, also.

"This is a surprise," Hamza said as he turned to regard their regal visitors.

Gadriel smiled softly and shook her head. "We couldn't possibly miss our chance to bid you farewell and good luck on your journey, now can we?"

"That is right," the Duke said. He suddenly squared his shoulders and clear his throat. "Guardian Guild, you have done more for High Lagaard than anyone could possibly understand. Though, it breaks our hearts to see you leave, we know that one day you will return to us. And it would be selfish of us to keep you all to ourselves. Your skills, your abilities are needed elsewhere. And we know, deep within our hearts, that you will make so many others happy."

Next to her father, Lady Gadriel nodded her head once more. "May you bring peace to others and may you return to us safely."

Lynus had to hold onto Axel's hand, tears springing to his eyes when the residents of Lagaard broke out into supportive and encouraging cheers. And it was under those yells of supports that they travelled through the gates of High Lagaard and to the awaiting flying city of Maginia.

One day, they will return to Lagaard.

For now, though, they had an adventure to look forward to.

… … … … …

Despite the massive mechanical structure that sheltered the city of Maginia, the stone and wooden buildings presented a simple and humble city. Streets of stone, horse and carts as transport, even a park with a water feature within the city's centre. Saved for the nearly empty streets, their new place of residence felt similar to that of Lagaard.

Though the city was indeed as large as Lagaard was, it didn't house as nearly as many residents. Could that also be a reason why Maginia were visiting cities around the world? Picking up enough explorers and perhaps new residents to fill in the roles that a city needed to truly prosper?

Villard was thrilled to find that everyone he had spoke to and invited to join him had agreed to do so. He greeted them enthusiastically when they boarded Maginia.

"Welcome to you all," Villard said. "And welcome to Maginia. I assure you, your stay will be a worthwhile one indeed. And a luxurious one. Now, please follow me. I already have had your belongings moved to your new living space."

With a rather enthusiastic turn, Villard began to led them through the streets of Maginia. As he did so, he idly pointed out buildings that could be of interest to them. A museum, a library, even a church.

"I had acquired quite the residence for you all to stay in," Villard said as he led them toward a gated community. "I suspect that you would prefer to stay together and in comfort? Rest assured, that the entirety of this gated community is yours to wander freely."

Everyone immediately began to chatter amongst themselves as Villard continued to lead them through the large metal gates.

It was oh-so curious and surprising that Villard had somehow 'acquired' an entire apartment complex to house everyone he requested assistance from. Made sense that he would have everyone in one place, so that they could help one another with any task that were given to them. Still impressive nevertheless as the buildings he led them through were big enough to house an entire town of its own. Was he that influential?

No matter. No need to question something that was of great benefit for them.

"I heard rumours that Maginia will be visited the ports of other cities. Is that true?" Hamza questioned as Villard stopped at the entrance of a three story building, one of four that made up the gated community.

"Ah, yes, that is true. We're already visited Etria," Villard explained. "The apprentice of an acquaintance of mine has agreed to offer his aide. He didn't come alone either. They also reside here within The Sanctuary. I'm sure you will all get along well." He suddenly turned and grinned in Lynus' direction. "I daresay especially you, Lynus."

Lynus tilted his head in curiosity at Villard, but the war magus simply gave him a knowing grin before he turned to face forward once more, continuing with his speech. Axel took this moment to rest his hand against the small of Lynus' back and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"Probably heard rumours about you adopting random explorers," he teased.

Lynus elbowed him lightly in the ribs. But didn't stay anything to dispute it. Though, he did find it hypocritical that Axel sniggered when he was just as likely to adopt vulnerable strays, too.

"I believe the next city that Maginia will be mooring is the island city of Armoroad," Villard continued. "We'll be getting ready to depart soon. You may feel some rumbling, and honestly it is disconcerting and alarming, but I assure you it's completely natural."

Now that he mentioned, experiencing Maginia taking to the air for the first time was likely to be highly unnerving. Although, they had trekked through Heavenly Keeper during terrible stormy weather before. Would it be as unsettling as that? They would have to see.

"For now, I'll leave you all to settling in. The second floor is all yours to do as you wish," Villard said. "However, Derek? Would you be interested in visiting the hospital? Renovations are still in process, but I'm sure you'll be interested to see the progress."

"Ah, yes," Derek immediately replied in an agreeable tone. "I am definitely most interested to see what you've done so far."

"I'll be sure to visit later, then," Lynus couldn't help but muse aloud.

Derek peered at him from over the rim of his glasses, a half smile on his lips. "Yes, do. I'm sure I won't be able to keep you out of the place once it's operating and functional, will I?"

Lynus shrugged. Old habits die hard, as they say.

"Perhaps you'd like to visit your office first," Villard suddenly suggested.

Lynus blinked. "Office?"

Villard smiled broadly. "Indeed. I had figured that someone of your stature would like to have a clinic close to those who you would no doubt be fussing over, yes?"

Lynus sighed and elbowed Axel lightly in the ribs once more when he heard him sniggering yet again. "…Honestly, am I that notorious?"

Villard laughed and folded his arms within the sleeves of his robes. "Yes and no. I had figured that a dedicated medic like yourself would be better suited to be as close to those who you will be working closely with. The hospital is likely to deal with true emergency conditions."

Hmm, made perfect sense really. He was also thrilled with the thought of a personal office. It would be the perfect place for him to store his books, after all.

"Ah, more than reasonable," Lynus said, his tone agreeable.

That seemed to satisfy Villard also as he nodded his head before he turned his attention to another. "Now, Cass; your new tavern comes with a personal quarter of its own, though you are welcome to board here. There's going to be a lot more explorers roaming about in the future, however."

Lynus left Cass and Villard to talk and turned his attention to his apprentice who had been sticking closely beside him ever since they stepped foot within the boundaries of Maginia. "Azure?"

Seemingly pulled from his thoughts, Azure jumped slightly before he turned his attention to Lynus and tilted his head questioningly.

"It looks as though we have an office all of our own," Lynus explained. "Let's leave the medical supplies and documents there for now, yes?"

Azure immediately nodded his head. "Y-yes."

"Let's get ourselves settled into our rooms first, though," Lynus continued. "We'll have plenty of time to get the office to the way we want."

"Everyone, go ahead and choose your rooms," Hamza ordered, taking the role of leader despite his previous insistence that he wasn't guild leader. "Cedric and I will take the one at the top of the stairs. No matter what it is."

Lynus and everyone simply nodded their heads in agreement before they turned to venture beyond a set of large oak doors. They stepped into the foyer and the sight of a grand staircase that spiralled to the second and third floor. They continued to chatter amongst themselves as they ascended the stairs.

"Well take the middle room," Axel stated as they gathered before the stairs of the second floor. "Azure can have the room to the right. You guys fight amongst yourselves for the other rooms, alright?"

"Sounds good," Jhon replied, voicing everyone's agreement.

He, along with everyone else, understood that Lynus and Axel preferred the centre room, to be in the middle of them all. It was sheer protectiveness, really. Lynus liked to feel their auras around him, knowing where they were. Having them close to ensure that if anything should happen, he and Axel could leap into action as quickly as possible.

They also wanted Azure right next door to keep him in the centre of the guild, as well. That way he could feel as safe as possible. And be as safe as possible.

As the others paired off, moving to claim a room of their own, Axel and Lynus walked to the room that appeared to be the centre of the floor. Azure skittered over to the room that was right to theirs.

The keys to their new room were located within the lock. There appeared to be three of them, likely for them to have one each and a spare in case they lost one.

"You'll be all right on your own, Azure?" Lynus asked.

"Y-yes, I'll be fine," Azure insisted as he opened the door to his room. "Should…I give you a spare key to me room?"

"If that would make you feel better," Lynus replied. "Perhaps we should give you the spare to ours in return?"

"O-ok, I'll like that," Azure replied shyly.

Lynus smiled in return. "We'll give you the spare once we've all settled in, all right?"

Azure simply nodded and slipped into his room quietly.

As Axel opened the door to their own room, Lynus noticed that there was a place to hang up a name plaque in order to identify who resided in what room. That would make things easier for them to find and locate each other should they need to. Lynus didn't really need to rely on such thing as he was able to locate any one he was familiar with anyway. But with new explorers and guilds also joining Villard for his expedition, the name tags would become useful for him then.

Stepping into their new room, they were greeted with the sight of a surprisingly spacious area. A double bed sectioned off by a dividing curtain, a table and chair setting in one corner, and a comfortable reading chair with bookcase in another corner.

"Not a bad room," Axel commented as he looked around, finding a small bathroom and walk-in closet for them to use. "Kinda reminds me when we were living at Flauss Inn. Thought this room is a lot bigger."

"It does," Lynus immediately agreed. "It won't take us long to get settled in at all. It's actually pretty exhilarating, isn't it? It's been a while since we're encountered something new and exciting."

Axel nodded his head. "Yeah, it is. Anyway, gonna head back down to pick up the rest of our belongings."

"Sounds good," Lynus replied. "I'll start getting the room ready, shall I?"

"Right," Axel simply set as he placed a chaste kiss to Lynus' lips before he turned to leave the room.

Lynus sat his bag down onto the table located near the window. He busied himself by sorting through his bag, taking out what could be left in his room, and what needed to be placed in his new office. Ah, that was right, he needed Villard to show him to his new office.

He was relieved to learn that Maginia had already visited Etria. Even after all these years, Lynus wasn't ready to return to that place. It brought back too many memories. He was sure that Shiki and Ryker felt the same.

However, he was…curious to say the least. Who Villard had asked to join him on this expedition. Lynus was fairly confident that it wouldn't be anyone connected to Taksony. Still, there was a sense of unease due to little "what ifs" floating in his head.

…He shouldn't be too worried, should he? Not with Axel and the rest of his family with him. And he wasn't the scared child anymore.

Besides, he was very curious as to who else had agreed to help Villard with his request and expedition. He wondered if they would also visit the city of Tharsis. It would be brilliant to finally meet his penpal, Isiah, in person.

Oh, Armoroad, too! Flavio and Bertrand had travelled there a year ago in search of Fafnir. From what Lynus knew through letters with Flavio, they had finally found him. They had chosen to stay a little longer in Armoroad, for Fafnir's sake it seemed. It would be nice to see how they were fairing as well.

"I'm back," Axel called out, pulling Lynus from his thoughts. "I got what I could, but I'm not sure what you want in your office and whatnot."

"I'll sort that out later," Lynus said as he immediately moved to help Axel with some of their belongings.

They then fell into a relaxed silence as they set about getting their new room cosy and comfortable. Clothes in their walk-in closet, personal items in the bathroom, little trinkets and keepsakes on the bedside table. Lynus added his reference and research books to the pile he would add to his office. It would be best to have all his research materials in once place, after all.

After they got the room to their likening, Lynus felt the need to check in on the others.

"I'm going to check on the others to see how they're settling in," Lynus said as he walked over to Axel.

Axel slipped his arm around his waist and pulled him toward him. "I thought you would. Hamza wants to have a word with me, too," he said before he moved forward and kissed him softly on the lips. "Don't get lost now."

"I'm sure you'll find me," Lynus responded with a smile.

They shared another quick kiss before they parted and exited the room. With Hamza's room, which he shared with Cedric of course, was located at the beginning of the hall. Lynus decided to check in on Azure's room first, since his apprentice was boarding alone. He was sure to be skittish of his new surroundings.

Hmm, maybe he could get Chi-hung to move in with him to keep him company. Though, if there was a sitting room with a fireplace, he likely already claimed that.

Lynus couldn't help but chuckle to himself. It was just like old times, honestly. The future promised to be interesting, to say the least. He was looking forward to it.