"You've grown so well." Uhshia said with a smile as Ryoga twisted in his outfit.
"But Okaa-san, why are do we have to wear this?" Asked a stubborn six year old Ryoga.
Uhshia chuckled as she brushed the loose strands of gray hair out of her face, "It's for a gathering of the kingdoms."
"So? Why do-"
"We're hosting this for the royal children of the kingdoms, Ryoga." Uhshia said as Ryoga's bored expression changed, "Like a hang out?" Uhshia nodded, "Let's go check on Rio huh?"
XXXX
"I don't remember that." Misael said. Aliha smiled as he walked next to her. "You were only one year old."
"Then why now?" Misael questioned.
"I want you to make friends with the royal children among the other kingdom." Aliha said simply. "Now, find Kaito so we can go."
XXXX
"Quattro! Give that back!" Kara squealed as she chased her brother around.
"Ms. Kara! Please do not run!" a maid called out as she ran after the two children.
"Quattro, give it back to her." Quinton sternly said as Quattro stopped and dropped the bracelet on the ground.
Kara quickly picked it up and ran off, but not before someone could scoop her up. "AHH!" she exclaimed but stopped as she saw the purple strands of hair in front of her face, "Okaa-san!"
Kotomi chuckled as she placed her down, "Now, what's going on sunshine? I can hear you all the way from the cloud gardens."
"Quattro took my bracelet!" Kara pouted.
Kotomi smiled, "It's alright now, now c'mon. Let's go change so we can meet the other-"
"I know! Otou-san told me earlier this morning!" Kara said with a grin.
Kotomi nodded, "Now, where's your sister?"
"Probably in our room… like usual." Kara said.
"If only all of you children could do that to, and maybe then will the castle will be a little quieter." Kotomi said with a chuckle.
"Hey!" Kara said as he mother ruffled her hair, "Let's get your sister and round up your brothers, then we can go." She said.
XXXX
A couple of days later…
"Soo… we're finally here." Misael said as he glanced around the castle, " It's Really… fancy?"
Aliha nodded, "It's a beautiful place, especially its wonderful view."
Kaito shrugged, "I guess…"
"Besides, I can guarantee that you'll make some new friends…" Aliha said as her eyes turned and saw the familiar carriage with… the Pegasus. "In fact, that's one of them now." Aliha said with a smile as she pointed at the carriages.
"Who?" Kaito and Misael asked at the same time.
"It's the Altaria kingdom." Aliha said with a smile when she saw the familiar golden dress. "There's Queen Kotomi right now." Aliha said as she walked up ahead dragging her sons with her. "Kotomi!"
Kotomi turned around and smiled when she saw the light blue haired queen, "Hello Aliha." Kotomi said with a smile.
Aliha walked up to Kotomi and they both curtsied, "Where are the boys?"
"They didn't want to come to the gathering." Kotomi said with a smile as she shook her head, "You know how stubborn they can get."
Aliha smiled, " And the girls?"
"They're still in the ca-"
"Aliha! Kotomi!"
The two ladies turned their heads and saw Cydial walking towards them, "Welcome! Where are the guys?" he asked.
"They stayed back to watch the kingdoms." Aliha said.
Cydial nodded, "Get the children, I'll escort you to your rooms for the next few days and I'll ask the workers to bring in the luggage." He said as he turned around, "C'mon now." He said as he walked away.
"Who's that?" Kaito asked as he followed his mother, "That's the King of Palatic."
"Oh…" Misael said as he turned his head and saw the other queen helping two children out of the carriage.
XXXX
"Ah, you came." Uhshia said with a grin as the Queens embraced each other. "It's been too long!"
"At least we kept in touch." Aliha said with a chuckle.
"Yes, or else, oh! Let's introduce the children eh?" Kotomi said.
"Sure." Aliha said. "Kaito! Misael!"
"Ryoga, Rio!"
"Kisuna and Kara! C'mon!"
The six children hurried towards their mothers.
"Yes Okaa-san?" Misael asked.
"Misael and Kaito, the Altaria girls and the Palatic twins." All the kids nodded.
"I'm Kara!" Kara said with a grin as she placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, "and this here is my sister Kisuna!" she said with a grin.
"I'm Rio! And that guy is my brother, Ryoga!" She said with a cheerful smile as Ryoga waved and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You six chat while we go and talk about grown up business alright?" Uhshia said.
The children nodded as they walked off.
"So… what do you wanna do?" Misael asked.
"How old are you?" Ryoga asked.
Misael glanced at the boy with purple hair, "Seven, and you?"
"Six. And so is my sister."
"Hey! I'm six too." Kara said with a grin.
"Cool." Ryoga replied.
"Still, what should we do?" Kaito asked.
"Let's play… hide-and-go-seek! We can play in teams!" Kara suggested.
"Sure… I guess." Misael said with a shrug.
"Fine with me!" Rio said.
"Cool! Let's put our names into a hat and three of us will pull out a name of one of the other!" Kara said.
"Okay…" Kaito said with a shrug as Kara started to scribble down name onto a paper. She tore them out, threw them on the ground and bounced twice before landing.
"Okay, pick one!" Kara said as she pointed at Misael.
Misael stared at the girl and nodded as he picked one up, "K-K-Kisuna? How did you know how to read and write?"
"We learn at young ages." Kara simply said with a shrug.
"Or that's just the way life is." Ryoga said.
"That too." Kara said with a smile.
"Okay…" Misael said as he scratched his head.
Rio bent down to pick a piece up; she picked one up, "K-K-Ka…Kai… Kaito?" She asked.
Kaito waved as Ryoga narrowed his eyes, "Why-"
"So it looks like I'm with you!" Kara said with a grin as Ryoga nodded but still sent a glare at Kaito.
"I'll be it." Ryoga offered. "Do you want to be it with me?"
"Sure, everyone else! Hide!" Kara said as she closed her eyes as the remaining children scattered out of the room.
XXXX
"Are you sure this is a good spot?" Kisuna whispered to Misael as they hid behind some trees.
"Positive." Misael whispered.
XXXX
"In here." Rio whispered as she grabbed Kaito's hand and pulled him into the dark hallway as they hid behind a thick drape.
"Why here?"
"Because Ryoga knows I never go down here." She whispered under her breath.
"Why?"
"I'll tell you later…" she whispered.
XXXX
"Where can they be…" Ryoga muttered as he gazed around.
"Well, where would your sister hide?" Kara asked.
"Somewhere… where she knows I can't find her."
"That's the whole point Ryoga." Kara said.
"No, somewhere she thinks I can't find her… I know where she is!" Ryoga said as he grabbed her hand and ran off.
"Where-"
"The dark hallway, she never ever goes there. But, I caught her once and I think I know why…" he said as they turned a corner and saw a dark hallway. "Rio! I found you!" he called out.
"Do you think he found us?" Rio whispered as Kaito shook his head.
"Let's go." Kara said as she walked into the hallway and glanced around. She grinned when she saw the movement of the fabric. She slowly crept up towards the figure, "BOO!" she exclaimed as she pushed her hand through the drapes.
"Ahh!" Rio exclaimed as she bumped into Kaito when she felt the hand touch her shoulder. As Rio bumped into him, it caused him to fall backwards on to the ground with Rio on top of him.
"Rio!" Ryoga exclaimed as he ran towards his sister.
"You two alright?" Kara asked as she glanced at the two who were… laughing?
"You should have heard your scream!" Kaito pointed out with a chuckle.
"Well, you should have seen your face!" she countered as she burst into giggles.
"Rio. Get off of him!" Ryoga exclaimed.
"Oh stop fussing Ani!" she exclaimed once her fit of laughter began to die down.
"One group down, another to go!" Kara said with a confident smile.
"Yeah" Ryoga agreed.
"Where does your brother like to hide?" Kara asked.
"Outside." Kaito responded simply.
"Let's go!" Kara said as they all ran outside.
XXXX
"Boo!" Kara exclaimed as she stuck her head into some bushes. "No luck…" she muttered as she raised her head out of the bushes.
"Hmm… where are they…" Rio said as she placed a finger to her chin, "Let's check the ledge! There are tons of plants there! Maybe they're hiding somewhere over there!" Rio said.
"Good idea Rio." Kaito said as they started to run towards the 'cliff'.
XXXX
"You think they're going to be here?" Rio asked.
"Yup." Kaito said with a smirk, "Found you Misael!" he exclaimed as he ran over to the tuff of blonde hair poking out.
"Hey!" Misael exclaimed as Kaito poked him.
"C'mon let's head back to the castle." Ryoga said as they walked out of the 'cliff'.
Just then, they felt a rumble beneath their feet.
"ACK!" Rio exclaimed as they all fell to the ground.
"W-W-What's going on?!" Kara exclaimed as she slowly scooted backwards.
Then a dark shadowy ghost like figure formed. It had sharp dark claws and darky crimson ruby eyes flashing.
"What's that?!" Kara exclaimed.
"Ouch!"
"Who said that?" Ryoga asked as he turned his head as a murky dark raven black hand crept closer towards him.
"Ani!" Exclaimed Rio as a shadow claw approached her as well.
"Onee-chan!" Kisuna exclaimed when she noticed that everyone had a target slowly creeping towards them.
"Children!"
The children jerked their heads to see knights approaching them, as soon as the shadow figure caught a glimpse at the soldiers, it vanished.
"Are you alright?" A knight asked as he turned his head and saw the king and queens rushing towards them. The knights quickly bowed at their presence.
"Rio! Ryoga!" Uhshia exclaimed with wide arms as her children quickly stood up and bolted towards their mother and hugged her tightly. "What happened?!" She exclaimed as Rio sobbed in her shoulder as Ryoga bit his lip, but his lip still quivered.
"O-O-Okaa-san!" Kara exclaimed as she ran toward her mother.
"Kara! You're alright! Wait, where's your sister?" Kotomi asked as she glanced around and saw her other daughter lying on the ground. "Kisuna!" She exclaimed as she ran towards her daughter and lifted her onto her lap.
"O-O-Okaa-san…" she whimpered as she clutched her mother tightly.
"You're alright…" She said with a sigh of relief and widened her eyes when she noticed red liquid on her hand. "N-N-Nani…?" she wondered as her eyes trailed down to her daughter's leg and gasped when she saw the gash on her younger daughter's leg. "Nani?!" she exclaimed as Cydial appeared next to her, "Let's take her to the medic room. Ryoga! Stay with Kara." Cydial said as he scooped Rio into his arms.
Aliha bent down next to her two boys who hugged her neck, "You're safe… and you guys were so brave…" she said as her lip trembled as she placed a hand on both of the backs of their head. "D-Do you guys still want to stay… to make sure the other kids are… ok-kay?" She asked.
Kaito and Misael glanced at each other and nodded, "O-Okay…"
Aliha smiled and turned back to Ryoga and Kara, "C'mon you two, let's take you guys to your rooms, you'll all be sharing one, alright." Aliha said. Ryoga glanced at Kara who was still biting her lips, "Everything's going to be fine!" he said with a small smile trying to calm her down, she gazed up at him and nodded as he took her hand.
"Hey Ryoga, let's go call dibs on beds!" Misael suggested.
The three nodded as they ran ahead. Aliha sighed with relief as a thought still darkened her mind, 'What the hell was that?'
XXXX
Ryoga opened the door and widened his eyes, "Whoa! This is huge!" he exclaimed as he looked around the room and saw the three beds arranged touching each other on both sides of the wall , "We'll be fine huh?"
The three nodded, "Hey guys!"
The three turned around and saw Rio skipping towards them, "Where were you?" Ryoga asked.
"Otou-san took me to the medic for some reason." She said with a shrug. Apparently that response was enough for them, except for Kaito.
"Are you feeling better then?" he asked.
Rio smiled, "Yup! Are you okay?"
Kaito nodded, "Just a small scrape, but I'm fine." He said.
"Where?" She asked.
Kaito lifted his sleeve up to reveal a small pink area with small lifts of peeled skin. "Not a biggie." He said simply.
Rio ran to a shelf and returned with a handkerchief. She took his arm and slowly began to wrap his arm with the handkerchief and once she finished, she tied a knot, "There we go!" she said with a grin.
"Uh… Arigato…?" He said as he gazed at the light blue handkerchief with tiny white snowflakes on it. "Who's is this?" he asked.
"Mine, but I don't need it." She said with a grin.
Kaito nodded as he dug in his shirt pocket and offered her a black handkerchief with white swirls on it, "Since you gave me yours… here's mine." He said.
Rio smiled and accepted it, "Arigato!"
Kaito nodded, "Let's call beds!"
Rio nodded, "I call the one closest to the door!" Rio said as she hopped on top of a bed.
Kaito joined her on the on the next bed as Ryoga jumped on the last one of the row. Kara smiled and slept on the one across from Ryoga as Misael took the middle one, "I guessing we're saving that one for your sister?" he asked.
"Guess so." Kara said, "What do-" she began but the door slowly opened.
"Here's where you guys are." Kotomi said with a smile as she placed Kisuna on the open bed. "Okay I'm going to go change, you guys will be yourselves for now. But if you need us, just pull on that gold rope right there and we'll be running alright?"
The six kids nodded as Kotomi nodded and walked out of the room.
"Sooo… as I was saying" Kara said as she cleared her throat, "What do you guys wanna do?"
"We can play some board games until dinner…" Ryoga said as he glanced at the book shelf. "Cool." Kara said as she glanced at her sister who smiled cheerfully at her.
XXXX
"What do you guys think that was?" Cydial asked.
Kotomi shook her head, "I have the slightest idea…" she said.
Uhshia sighed, "At least the kids are safe…" she said quietly.
"Yes… although I fear… a new power is going to come…" Aliha muttered as the parents nodded agreeing.
"Whatever happens, even if one of us dies, we must vow to always be there for one another. We should also limit the visitations just for the sake of the kids ever having to encounter this again…" Cydial whispered.
The ladies turned away, but knew it was for the best, "We'll set out tomorrow… get-togethers shall be limited." Kotomi said solemnly.
"We shall prep another get together in let's say… eight years." Cydial suggested.
"I'm not so sure if I agree on that one…" Aliha said calmly.
"Yes, that doesn't seem quite fair to the children…" Kotomi said.
"I know… but it's for the safety of the children…" Cydial said with a sad smile.
"We understand…" Aliha said with a sad sigh.
"They will meet on the same coronation day though. Let's host their coronation on the same day hm? Maybe by then, we'll find the evil and destroy it. Then will they be able to be friends and maybe-"
"Oh Cydial!" Uhshia said as she playfully slapped her husband's arm.
"Well… I think it'd be best if we sleep. Then we can say our goodbyes… and then…" Aliha managed to say.
"I… guess." Kotomi said with a sigh as she stood up, "Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow morning eh?"
"Yes… goodnight everyone!" Uhshia said with a smile.
XXXX
"C'mon children, get to bed." A maid said as she rushed some of the kids back to bed.
"Aww! Lydia, can't we stay up for just… ten more minutes?" Ryoga asked.
Lydia chuckled, "The definition of 'ten minutes' to you are more like 'ten hours' Ryoga. Besides, it's your daddy's order." She said as she lifted Ryoga onto the bed.
"Aww fine…" he muttered, "Night everyone…"
"Night Ryoga!" Kara said with a grin as she climbed into bed and placed her head on the pillow. She quickly fell asleep.
"Night ani… Kaito…" Rio mumbled as she shut her eyes.
"Night Rio-chan… night Misael." Kaito said as he laid his head down on the pillow and allowed the sleepiness to overcome him.
"Night Kaito…" Misael replied and fell asleep as the maids walked out of the room.
XXXX
Misael was soon stirred awake from the noises of something muffled. Misael slowly blinked as he looked around the dark room, "N-Nani?" he mumbled as he looked around. He slowly saw a figure sitting up on the next bed. "K-Kisuna?" he asked as he slowly hopped off the bed and sat next to her and felt some wet droplets on his hand. He rubbed his eyes to get rid of the drowsiness in his eyes. He then placed a hand on her shoulder, "What's wrong?" he asked with a small yawn.
"N-N-Nothing…" she stuttered as she quickly dried her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked again as he pushed her bangs back.
"N-Nothing!" she said as she turned away.
"Something's wrong… you can talk to me." Misael said with a soft smile as he looked her in the eyes. But, she remained silent. "Did you have a nightmare?" he asked.
She blinked at him, "H-How did you know?"
Misael shrugged, "Lucky guess. Now, what did you have a bad dream about?" he asked.
"A-About the monster thingy we saw earlier…" She said quietly.
"What about it?"
"I… can't sleep… it keeps popping up in my head and…" she slowly removed her legs from under the blanket. She gently touched the bandages wrapped around it, "I… I keep think that it gave m-me this…" she said. Misael touched the bandages, "You probably got cut with a rock, not that thingy… Besides, it was just a ghost thingy…" he said simply.
"I… guess… but that doesn't make it any better…" Kisuna said as tears streamed down her face. "People… keep fading away… they're dying…" she said quietly as more tears poured down.
"Uh… hey, I'll go get your Okaa-san okay?" Misael said as he was about to hop off, but stopped when something grabbed his arm. He turned back and saw the girl holding his arm, "What?"
"P-Please don't tell Okaa-san… she has too much to worry about already… I don't need her to get more anxious." Kisuna said quietly as she wiped her eyes.
"I can wake up your sister-"
"No! J-Just… let her sleep… please… She needs her rest… You, go back to sleep too…" she said as she released his arm.
"I can't sleep knowing someone isn't at peace with themselves." Misael said as he crossed his arms.
Kisuna laid down, "I… I'll be fine… thank you though… for worrying…" she said quietly. Misael sighed and lifted the covers up onto her shoulder. "Goodnight then…" he whispered as he went to his bed and collapsed and quickly fell back asleep.
Kisuna slowly got up and glanced at everyone and sighed as she placed her head in-between her knees.
XXXX
"Good morning!" Rio exclaimed as she jumped on Ryoga's bed. "Ah! Rio!" Ryoga exclaimed in shock as he was suddenly jolted by her movements.
"Gooooood morning everyone!" Kara exclaimed causing the rest of the children to jolt awake.
"Ugh… what time is it?" Kaito muttered.
"Why is it so early?" Misael muttered.
"Oh you lazy bums! Get up!" Kara said as the door opened.
"My, it looks like you guys are awake!" Kotomi said with a grin as she walked in.
"Good morning Okaa-san!" Kara and Kisuna said with a grin.
"Good morning you two, now did everyone have a good night's sleep?" She asked.
Misael glanced at Kisuna who shook her head but remained smiling. Misael sighed, "Everyone had a goodnight, but we're still tired. Well… me at least."
Kotomi chuckled, "Alright then… come on girls it's time to go."
"Already?!" Kara asked.
Kotomi smiled, "C'mon Kara"
Kara nodded, "Bye Ryoga!" "Bye Kara"
"Oh, Kaito and Misael, your mother is waiting for you guys at the gates." Kotomi said as she glanced at the two boys.
"Okay…" Misael said as he glanced at his brother who nodded.
"Bye Kaito-kun!" Rio said with a smile.
"Bye Rio-chan…" Kaito said with a small smile and wave as he followed his brother out of the room.
Afterwards…
"Otou-san! Otou-san!"
Cydial turned around and saw Rio skipping towards him, "Yes Rio?"
"When is everyone coming again?" She asked anxiously.
"I… I don't know Rio." Cydial said with a shrug.
"Otou-san… did they leave because they thought it wasn't… safe here?" Rio asked.
Cydial shook his head, "Why ever would you think that Rio?"
"Well, because yeste-"
"You'll all see each other on coronation day. We already agreed to have a coronation day so we could hold it on the same day." He said with a soft smile as Rio nodded. "When's coronation day?" Rio asked.
"In… eight years Rio."
Rio began to count her fingers and blinked, "Eight years?! Won't we be able to see each-"
"Rio, it's dangerous to have all the royal kiddies together. We just wanted you guys to meet each other, that's all." Cydial said with a smile as Rio sighed, "Okay Otou-san… so you're just doing this so we're all safe?"
"Correct Rio… so everyone will be safe…" Cydial said with a small smile.
XXXX