Hurricane and Whirlwind watched in one of the trees that seemed the least likely to hold any birds. Which meant looking for a dead tree. By the time they found one, they managed to see Honey Maple's egg hatch. Hurricane sighed with great annoyance. Whirlwind, who was perched on a thin branch, merely cooed at the sight of Honey Maple thanks to the far visions of a few Chimeras. "Awww! The dragon princess is really cute. Just look at those tiny wings."

"Focus!" Hurricane hissed. He smacked his tail hard in Whirlwind's face. "Remember...We're just here to follow them in case the egg hatches." His face soured. "Personally, I was hoping it wouldn't have come to that.I know a special route from the Golden Desert to the Hollow. We just have to observe them and make sure we're not spotted."

Whirlwind smirked at him. "Arrrrrrre you suuuuuuurrrrre that you're not doing this because you want to make googly eyes at your camel girlfriend?" As an answer, he received another thwack in the nose. Then, his branch finally broke under his weight. He landed with a loud OOOFF!

-(Morning)-

Pooh had never been so tired before. He was still in deep sleep as the sun was above the horizon. After Honey Maple was born, he watched as her parents gave her a rinse in a nearby river. Everyone celebrated more than ever before. The music was loud for all to hear. The dance floor was nearly crowded and food was nearly tossed around in sheer excitement. Pooh had so much food, he fell asleep on Moonsoul's claws as soft melodies began to play.

Snores filled the air as he slept. His breathing content and peaceful. Suddenly, a butterfly landed on his nose. It twitched but laid there. Golden wings laid out in the morning sun. A knock was heard. Slowly bringing him out of sleep. The drowsy bear lifted himself off his pillow. "Come in." He yawned.

With a soft creak, the door opened to reveal all of his friends already up and smiling. King Moonsoul and Queen Flamesong standing a few feet in the doorway. Lacy was in front. Suddenly, there was a squeal that caused everyone to quickly move away. It was none other than the little hatchling, Honey Maple.

The little dragon went on full speed. Her molten eyes bright with pure joy. She leaped onto Pooh with great grace. Pooh grunted slightly at the sudden weight on his tummy. A little pink tongue raced his face. He laughed. Her little wings stretched around Pooh in a tight hug.

"Good morning to you too, Honey Maple. I see you've learned how to walk and run all on the same day." Pooh hugged Honey Maple back. His smile beamed as brightly as his eyes. Then he turned his attention back to his friends. "What's going on? I thought all of you would be sleeping more today."

"We have big news." Piglet said. "King Moonsoul and Queen Flamesong announced that they decided to show Honey Maple the rest of the Kingdom!"

"Really? Why travel so soon? Aren't you worried about the Hollow residents now that your baby is born?"

"Don't worry." Queen Flamesong spoke. "We thought it would be fun and safe if we all travel. After all, Honey still needs to learn the home she'll rule over one day." She laughed as her little baby bounded over to her. The red dragon picked up her child. Once Honey Maple was nestled between her wings, she went away.

"I also thought it would make it harder for our enemies to get a hold of you." King Moonsoul said. Then he frowned. "Just be careful when we go. Especially the desert."

"I'm not afraid of some grains of sand!" Tigger exclaimed.

Rabbit facepalmed at this. "Tigger... He means that there are some places in the kingdom that are just as dangerous as the Hollow Realm."

"Right. Plus we'll be taking a vote on where to go first at breakfast. When the other rulers return to their part of the kingdom, listen to what they have to say."

Everyone nodded in agreement. With that, the group went to have breakfast.

-(Sometime later)-

Pooh was finished packing some of the things he needed for his expedition. His backpack filled with nothing but pillows, a blanket and a scarf. His heart thrummed with joy. He began to hum another tune. It didn't take him long to meet Piglet outside his room. "Ready to go, Piglet?"

"Yes!" The small animal giggled as Honey Maple nuzzled into his shoulder. He returned her affection with a hug. After being introduced to him, Piglet had started to become attached to the baby dragon. "I'm glad that we get to spend some of the fall with a new friend. We've haven't had anything like this since-" He stopped himself when memories of what happened before Honey Maple. "Well...best not to dwell on that."

Pooh tilted his head. "Dwell on what?"

"N-n-nn-never mind. Let's get going while the others are waiting. I can't wait to go to the Emerald Jungle!" Piglet scuttled away. His tiny feet carrying him throughout the hallway.

Honey Maple looked on confused. She then looked at Pooh.

Pooh simply smiled. "Don't worry Honey Maple. It can get confusing at times, but things get better in the end." He began to walk with Honey Maple, unaware of someone watching them from afar.

In a matter of minutes, everyone was outside. Owl and Kessy ready for take off. Honey Maple immediately jumped onto her father's back as Pooh and Piglet slowly climbed up Moonsoul's leg. Eeyore simple sat on Echowing's back. Flamesong was kind enough to allow Rabbit, Tigger, Lumpy and Roo a chance to be on her back while Kanga and Gopher both nestled on Gypsy's. Lumpy looked confused. "Why's Frost not coming?"

Flamesong looked at the young Heffalump. "He's been through so much guilt, I decided to let him have a few weeks off. He needs to be with his wife now. Especially since the foal might be here soon. I've assured him what happened wasn't his fault. He just needs a moment to calm down." She arched her neck and spread out her wings. Every flap gave a sense of energy that has been packed for so long.

Suddenly, Icarus flew at them at a frantic pace. The firebird was not thrilled. "Queen Flamesong you can't seriously go now! You've just recovered! What if the poison comes back?!"

Lacy who was also on Flamesong groaned. "Here we go." She looked at Tigger who gave a confused look. "I hate when Icarus gets like this. He becomes a major buzzkill when his paranoia kicks in."

"Wow." Tigger said. His face turned sour. "Talk about being a real downer. He seems worse than Eeyore." He guilty looked at the donkey. "Sorry about that, Donkey Boy."

"Thanks, but it didn't bother me much. Not that anyone cared." Eeyore glumly set his head down between the giant wings.

Lacy yipped when Icarus was in her face. She nearly slid off if not for Tigger and Rabbit. She gave a sheepish grin.

"And YOU!" Icarus hissed. "You shouldn't be here! Doesn't your mother supposed to stay with you?! Better yet, AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO STAY HERE?!"

Queen Flamesong gently got between them. "Her mother and I agreed that it would be time for her to go. Plus, she's the top of her pack. She's more than capable of fighting off opponents her size."

At that Lacy beamed. She stuck her tongue out at Icarus. Then, smugly leaned next to Tigger. "You should've seen how I took on a raven the size of Piglet." She whispered. She giggled as she recalled her pouncing skills.

"I'll be fine Icarus." Queen Flamesong said. More firmly that permanently ended the conversation.

"Everyone ready?" King Moonsoul asked. He laughed as everyone cheered. "Alright then. Here we go." He spread his wings wide. The silver webbing sparkling in the sun. He crouched. Moonsoul then sprinted toward the brush. His wife close behind him. He could hear the thundering footsteps of Gaidon. He smiled at the thought at flying close to his friend again.

Pooh leaned forward as he heard something. Piglet and Honey Maple did the same. Suddenly, a stream of water came out of nowhere. Though a bear of very little brain, Pooh instinctively ducked. "Water incoming, Moonsoul!" He ducked again as another stream came at him.

The white dragon simply laughed. He continued running. Not missing a step. Then, lifted his wings. He flapped them in firm strokes. His claws lifted from the ground. In a matter of minutes, he was already above the trees of his forest. The wind gave off a comforting chill that he hadn't felt for so long. He found his air current and looked at his lovely queen.

Flamesong was a little shaky flying but soon regained her form. She careened smoothly. Rabbit smiled while Flamesong's other passengers just simply cried out with joy. Her scales turned ruby in the light of the sun while orange peaked out like secret lava viens. She opened her mouth and began to sing. Her voice no longer sickly but joyful at all that had happened to her. She soon flew next to her husband along with Gypsy and Echowing.

Below, Hurricane soon sees the group leaving. He quickly looked for Whirlwind only to find him sleepily munch on rainbow honey. "Whirlwind! Wake up!" The black chimera smacked him with his tail. "They're on the move. Hurry! We can't lose sight of them!" He unfurled his wings and took to the sky. Whirlwind following behind them, yawning.

-(Emerald Jungle)-

Pooh stared in wonder. He's only seen jungles in Christopher Robin's books, but nothing like this. Everything was green. A few red, orange and blue flowers peeked out. Trees smelled of fruit. Below him, he could see the colorful dinosaurs that Giadon had described. Rhinos and Elephants moving plants and logs around. "Amazing!" Pooh breathed. He saw Honey Maple getting dangerously close to the edge. He gently placed his paws around her shoulders. "Careful Honey Maple. You can't fly yet."

King Moonsoul looked over to them. "I'll see if we can find a spot for her to fly. However, it may take a while for her to learn. In the meantime, best to be careful when we play Seeker." He landed gently down on the ground.

"Why?" Piglet asked. "Won't her coloring make her stand out?"

Giadon lowered his head to talk to them. "Yes dear Piglet, but she is still small enough to hide in a bush and get lost." He rumbled a laugh. "You wouldn't believe how many times I got lost playing that game when I was young."

"I...better keep that in mind." Piglet said.

Overall everyone had a grand time in the jungle. Pooh, Piglet and Honey Maple looked around the small market. Rabbit admired the vegetation that grew there. Roo, Tigger, Lacy and Lumpy played Seeker with a few young dinosaurs and rhinos. Eeyore watched a waterfall. Owl and Kessy eagerly flew by plants and observed the tree huts. Gopher joined as well. Kanga was going over some recipes for a banana pastry for a few monkeys. Whirlwind and Hurricane merely observed while stealing a meal to pass the time.

Then, it was time to go. "Come along everyone." King Moonsoul said. "It's time to head over to the Sapphire Ocean." He laughed as everyone cheered. He took the time to say goodbye to Gaidon and Sandwisher, who had to return home so she could prepare for their arrival. They quickly gathered. He dodged more water that shot toward his direction as Oceanus gathered his water for travel.

"Curse it all!" Oceanus shouted. His subjects chuckle at his dismay. Then, he turned his head toward the brush. The large whale was silent for a moment. "Did anyone hear that?" He shrugged after a few heads shook. "Well...That was odd. Thought I heard a scream." His water legs were already set. Then, he moved forward with his troops.

Farther away, Whirlwind shook water out of his ears. "Ugh! I can't believe we have to go to the ocean. I hate salt-" His mouth was clamped shut by firm claws. His heart sunk. Whirlwind knew Hurricane well enough to know that when he doesn't have enough sleep, he would get angry. He stopped and just simply followed him to the next location.

-(Sapphire Ocean)-

It was dusk by the time they arrived at the beach. The sun nearly vanished on the horizon. The sky turned orange, pink and dark blue. The sand turned dark yellow. Queen Flamesong and King Moonsoul found themselves too tired. By then, King Oceanus decided to head back under the water so he can prepare for the tour of his kingdom.

"Thank you for understanding, Oceanus." Moonsoul said. He laid down against the sand along with his wife.

"Just helping an old friend." He looked at Pooh and his friends. "Now, get some rest everyone. You have a busy day tomorrow." With that, he did one more flip into the air along with his subjects and vanished into the waves.

"Show off." Flamesong muttered. Her face glowed with a smile. She nestled her face into her mate's neck. "Well...At least we have a nice sunset to watch while having dinner." Her smile grew wider as Moonsoul laughed.

"Ok then." He looked at Pooh and Piglet. "Would you be so kind as to pull out the packages Giadon gave us?"

"Sure." Pooh soon went over his backpack and pulled out several food items that were wrapped in leaves. Gypsy began arranging some firewood that she kept in her special pouch while Echowing started the fire. Pooh soon began to hum a tune as he placed the fruit in some wooden bowls. "Oh how the ocean gives us happy waves. The way they move for days. I'm so happy my friends are here. Enjoying everything we hold so dear." What he didn't notice was that a small light glowed on the sand. It grew into a small bluebell that bobbed in the wind.

Whirlwind and Hurricane land in the grass that bordered the jungle and the beach. Hurricane ate a lizard that wasn't lucky enough to escape him. Whirlwind simply flopped on the ground. Wings spread out. Tails twitched in irritation. Whirlwind lifted his head to see Pooh and friends gathered around the fire. He got onto his eagle talons. "Hurricane! Let's steal the baby tonight."

"What?!"

"Think about it. Everyone's tired. They are left out in the open. Plus, the other chimeras are too busy stealing fish from the currents to care. We can prove to everyone that we're the real deal."

"NO." Hurricane growled. "The baby is too closely guarded by General Echowing and Gypsy. We must rest here. I'll report what we know and find out what to do next."

Whirlwind huffed in disbelief. He didn't want to wait anymore. The thought of being tossed around by sandy winds angered him. What bothered him most was that he's ignored. He laid down and went to sleep. He began to dream of flying in the clouds. Whirlwind breezed by the trees with ease. His wings barely shake a leaf. Then, he saw Honey Maple and picked her up. Suddenly, he was surrounded by all the chimeras. All of them cheering. Hurricane going up to him and apologizing for his selfishness and calling him an idiot. The voices chanted his name louder. "Whirlwind! Whirlwind! Whirlwind!" He slowly opened his eyes. The chimera took note of the night sky and dark green grass surrounding them. Then, looked over his shoulder to Hurricane. His comrade was fast asleep. A giant blob of ink in the night landscape. He glanced over to the beach.

Pooh and friends were fast asleep. Moonsoul and Flamesong formed a ring around Pooh, Piglet and Honey Maple. Honey Maple nestled between her two new friends. The small pink animal is no bigger than she. Soft snores barely heard over the waves. The water turned into a pure sapphire under the light of the moon. Stars giving soft glow to the sky. Eeyore asleep on Echowing's back. Owl softly hooted away with Lacy at his feet. Kessy curled up to Rabbit. Gypsy cuddled next to Gopher. Kanga, Roo and Lumpy clustered together.

Whirlwind looked at Hurricane once more. "I don't care what you say anymore." He whispered. "I'm going to do this mission and take the baby whether you like it or not." Silently, Whirlwind got up. His eagle talons and raptor legs lightly touched the ground. His orange eyes focused on Honey Maple and Pooh. He crouched down. The sand tickled his belly. Little by little. He inched closer to his target. His heart hammered hard over the waves. Finally, he saw his prize.

He opened his jaw to take the baby. Slowly reaching for her wings. Then, to his surprise, Honey Maple woke up. She didn't hiss at him or growl. Just merely looked up at him with sleepy eyes. Probably because she doesn't know I'm a threat yet, Whirlwind thought. But wait, didn't our teachers tell us that baby dragons can hold grudges against those who disturbed the egg? He remembered about the fight he had with Hurricane and dropping her egg. His ears lowered at that. He shook himself and moved his head back to snatch the hatchling.

Honey Maple got onto her hind legs and put her front paws against his face. She let out a thrumming. Her eyes are a little more awake now. She sniffed him. Her head tilted to one side. A sense of curiosity hung in the air. Then, she licked his nose.

Whirlwind backed away quickly. He rubbed his nose. What was that?! He mentally screamed. Why would she do that? I've never seen anything like it. Whirlwind used to be made fun of. Being called a "puzzle". Goofball. Even getting trampled and kicked, but getting this weird feeling for such a little baby. He even felt that way before Hurricane could stop him from continuing further. His heart hammered now. He looked at the baby one last time before making a beeline to their hiding place.

The chimera breathed heavily. His body shakily laid down. These feelings. They keep throbbing in his heart. His eyes began to shine with tears. Honey Maple didn't show any hatred towards him. What was up? Why did she act that way? Sleep soon took over him as his mind slipped from the thoughts of those tiny, warm claws.

The next morning, everyone got up just in time to see Oceanus jump out of the water with a glorious leap. A large wave came at them, giving everyone a cold shower of sea water. Pooh and Piglet tumbled from the push of the wave while little Honey Maple just squealed with glee, running toward the waters. Rabbit wrung out his ears. Tigger and Lumpy shook themselves. Gopher squirted water out of his mouth. "Heeeyy!" He said. "A little warning next time."

It wasn't long until two dolphins showed up with breakfast. Most of it was simply rolled up kelp and fish. Despite that, everyone took the time to eat before they went into the ocean. "Alright everyone," King Oceanus said. "Here's a spell that should help you see the rest of my kingdom better." He cleared his throat. "Under the sea we go. Where mystery and beauty lie below. The sky may go away but create a bubble that'll make us stay." He took a deep breath. Then, a stream of pure bubbles rose out of his blowhole. The pearl-like spheres twirled and danced in the air. Then, they nestled on to everyone's head like a helmet.

"Wow!" Roo yelled. "We're like divers!"

"HOOOO! This is marvelous!" Owl cried.

"What spell is that?" Pooh asked.

"Air bubble spell." Oceanus replied. "Should give you enough air to explore my kingdom. It'll only wear off when you reach the surface. Now you'll be paired with a swimming buddy to make sure that none of you get hurt. My kingdom has very strong currents. If you get swept up by them, you could crash into an iceberg or down. So, no matter what happens: STAY CLOSE TO MY SUBJECTS!" With that, he dived down.

One by one, everyone was paired up. Honey Maple will stay close to her mom. King Moonsoul will have Pooh and Piglet. Eeyore would go with Echowing. Gypsy would go with Tigger. Lumpy and Roo would have dolphins with them. Kessy, Rabbit, Gopher and Owl have manta rays as their escorts. They all dived down to a spectacular sight before them.

The sand bar opened to a coral reef. Colorful fish swimming from one place to another. Eels slithered out of their holes. Octopus waved hello. Kelp forests hide some houses for seals, otters and sea turtles. Sharks patrolling the stone structures that they made their home along with the dolphins. They journeyed further to find the lower half of icebergs. Their clear surface showed penguins and polar bears doing work of scroll keeping and shells. Pooh waved hello to them. The light of the sun never left them. Gave comfort that the fears have left behind them.

Finally, it was time to surface. They broke free of the water's clear surface in one burst. The bubbles that kept them breathing underwater broke. It felt strange being back on the surface after what was witnessed below. They climbed out onto a large iceberg that resembled a bit of a pirate ship. Given by King Oceanus. Sitting at a weird helm was a penguin with spectacles. "All aboard!" He cried. He waved a flipper at them. "Ahoy, everyone! Name's Glaic. I'm here to bring you to the Golden Desert. I know my way there. Don't worry about the ice. I made a special spell on it."

"Nice to meet you, Glaic." Pooh said. He shivered only to find himself wrapped up in Honey Maple's embrace. "N-not to be rude but do you have any blankets for us."

"Sure! Then I want ya to hang tight because once this baby moves, there's no stopping it!" With that, Glaic vanished below deck to fetch a few blankets to give them warmth before dealing with the desert heat.