-The Lost Kingdom-

Aged violet eyes studied the large carved map of Illashira that decorated one of the walls of the royal study. Detailed with the finest paints, one could identify all the rivers and lakes as well as the majestic mountain ranges that were scattered throughout all the kingdoms.

"I'm sure that the young Prince is fine, Sire."

"Please no formalities Arthur," Solomon sighed while glancing over his shoulder at the taller robed man that was standing behind his desk.

Arthur nodded while taking a few steps forward to look over the large map as well. "Yuugi is in good hands, Solomon. Atemu has proven himself to be one of the best knights around theses parts. A well deserved Paladin."

"I know. I think I'm just starting to feel guilty about not telling Yuugi the truth," Solomon frowned as he glanced over at his companion. "To think that if something terrible was to happen and the last thing my grandson is going to remember is that I lied to him."

Shaking his head, Arthur put a reassuring hand on Solomon's shoulder. "You mustn't think such things. Yuugi would never think of you that way and besides nothing will happen to you," he stated before removing his hand and crossing his arms. "You must think positively in such dire times, Solomon."

Getting ready to reply, Solomon was interrupted as a figure crashed through his window in a mess of feathers and glass. Startled at the intrusion, he instinctively jumped back as Arthur on impulse moved his staff into an attacking position as he moved to protect his king. However, the surprise died as he noticed the scouting armor of the Rapterians and rushed toward the battered figure, "Are you alright."

The Rapterian scout hissed as his right wing moved causing the flesh to pull as singed feathers littered the once clean marble floor. "Your… Highness, the Wyvern… Guard are outside… the Gates," he rasped.

"I'll get help," Arthur stated as he quickly left the room in search of a healer.

"They're here already…" Solomon's voice trailed off as he studied the singed feathers that were slowly falling out of the scout's right wing. "What happened to you?"

"They are better prepared this time. The Wyverns are decorated in Zilarian armor and each one is encrusted with a Brimia Stone."

Solomon closed his eyes at the scout's words. Brimia Stones were enchanted gems that empowered creatures with the ability to breathe fire. "Have the Winged Knights been warned?"

"Yes, I warned them before I was attacked… but Your Majesty there is even more Guard now than what attacked before."

Frowning, Solomon glanced out his shattered window to watch as his Winged Knights flew above the palace before heading toward the City Gates were smoke could be seen as well as the Horde of Wyvern Guards. "Can you stand?" earning a nod, he pulled the other to his feet. "If the Wyvern Guard thinks they're going to destroy Adrialle, they have another thing coming."

Arching a brow, the scout's eyes soon widened as a beautifully designed staff made of gold and encrusted with a series of sapphires appeared in Solomon's hands. "Are you to fight them then?" he asked softly.

"This is my kingdom and I will protect it… with my life."

MEANWHILE…

Deep in the dense forests at the base of Mount Valinior a small campfire was started as the journeying convoy started to retrieve a few items from the large supply wagon. A shrill call caught all their attention as everyone turned just in time to see a Gold eagle swoop down for a landing before transforming into the graceful Rapterian Monarch.

Folding her wings neatly behind her, Mai offered the small crew a slim smile before spotting the petit figure of the small Adriallian Prince. Frowning lightly, she took a deep breath before walking over to the young Prince. "How do you fare, Prince?"

Turning at the sound of the familiar voice, Yuugi offered the other a bow of his head before catching sight of the nearly transparent colored gem that was attached to one of the belts around Mai's left thigh. He'd always found the Beastarian Races interesting, especially since each clan was known for their mysterious stones. "I'm alright I guess… though I have this feeling that something is wrong," he sighed, earning a comforting nudge on the shoulder from Artemis.

Mai shook her head at the Prince's words. The young Royal was more observant than others realized. "I'm sure everything is fine, Prince," she replied while masking her uncertainty.

Running his fingers through Artemis' silky white and silver streaked mane, Yuugi turned his attention to the small lake where water fairies could be seen dancing across the surface. "I hope so Mai."

Stepping away from the prince, Mai quickly made her way through the resting travelers before coming to a stop as she spotted Atemu sitting on top of a rock with a map in his hands and Aries grazing just across from him. "Sir Atemu… we have a problem."

"Indeed, tell me something I'm not already aware off," Atemu groaned, unaware of the curious look on Mai's face. "We've just begun our journey and we've already lost Jou…"

Rolling her eyes, Mai fought off the urge to run a hand down her face in frustration. "Forget the Lupian… the news I have is of far more importance," she sighed, quickly glancing over her shoulder to make sure that no one else was around before turning back to Atemu.

"I'm listening," Atemu countered, giving the Rapterian his full attention.

"I found this near the cross roads that leads into Sacreia," Mai stated as she retrieved a curved blade from her belt and carefully handed it to Atemu.

"Necromancers…" Atemu hissed looking over the blade carefully to notice the ancient runes of foul magic etched across the blade's surface. "Just what we needed… and here we have Jou missing."

"Have no fear, Jou is here."

Narrowing his eyes at the familiar voice, Atemu shot a glare over his shoulder as a large tawny, rust and white colored wolf emerged from the bushes with a rabbit held firmly between its teeth. "You couldn't wait could you?" he groused, earning a snort from the fully transformed Lupian.

"Hey, it was your fault I missed out on breakfast-- sending the COOK in on me like dat!"

"It was the only thing I knew that would get you up in time!" Atemu snapped back, earning a growl as Jou's jaws clamped down tighter around the rabbit.

"It was still a dirty way to wake--" Jou started to bark back but stopped as a large wing blocked his vision of Atemu. Blinking, he turned his head and for the first time actually noticed Mai standing there giving him a rather stern look. Pinning his ears back nervously, he sat back on his haunches as the Rapterian Monarch rolled her eyes while folding her outstretched wing back in place.

"We don't have time for you two to argue over such foolishness," Mai chided while crossing her arms. "And I don't think its Necromancers you have to worry about. I found that dagger on a corpse—meaning that Bandits are prowling around the vicinity."

Running a hand through his hair, Atemu groaned lightly. "I'm guessing it was too much to ask for a safe journey, wasn't it?" he sighed, earning a small smile from Mai.

"It's just a few bandits. Hmph, they should be easy to take care of."

"As much as I'd hate to agree with Jou, he does have a point," Mai stated. "However, I think from this point on that we shouldn't be so formal with each other."

Atemu sighed as he looked at the two before him. Both of them had a point, but he was still worried about Yuugi. The young prince had never witnessed any violence and he really wasn't keen on the thought of the little one getting involved so soon in a fight. "I agree. Though, I might find it a bit hard to address the prince so informally."

"It's not that hard. I always call Yuugi by his name. He seems to like it better anyways," Jou clarified as he started to chew on the rabbit, causing Atemu to cringe lightly at the sound of splintering bones.

"Maybe you should talk to Yuugi and explain a few things to him. You are his appointed bodyguard after all," Mai teased, watching as Atemu glanced over in the direction she had left the Prince in. "Go on and don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Jou so that he won't venture off again."

Snorting at the Rapterian, Jou rolled his eyes before digging into his hard earned breakfast. He'd forgotten just how fast rabbits were and this one had given him pure hell. "Don't worry I don't plan on going anywhere else, I'm already exhausted."

"That's because Palace life has made you lazy," Mai retorted, earning a chuckle from Atemu as well as whine from Jou.

"Don't be too hard on him Mai, he earns his keep… most of the time anyways," Atemu taunted causing Jou to whine once again.

"Leave me alone, and go talk to Yuugi!" Jou snapped, no longer wanting to be the center of their amusement.

Handing his scroll over to Mai, Atemu chuckled before walking over to Aries and picking up the winged, black unicorn's reins. "See if you can find a safer route Mai and I'll go and see how Yuugi is doing," he smiled as Mai nodded in return before pulling Aries behind him toward the lake where he could see Artemis grazing.

Perched atop a demolished watchtower a large copper and white wyvern bellowed out a screeching cry, causing many of the fleeing villagers below to quiver in fear. Seated upon his fearful mount, Raphael surveyed the damage. The once prosperous plaza was now demolished and torched in flames as bodies of fallen Winged Knights painted the white marble and turquoise stones with crimson trails and the scent of burnt Pegasus feathers tainted the air.

"My Lord will be pleased," he mused, turning his view skyward at the sound of something rapidly approaching him. His blue eyes widened as a large hawk swooped down at him, barely leaving him enough time to escape its fury as his wyvern flapped its wings. However, he didn't manage to move fast enough as the hawk's sharp talons pierced through his mount's left wing.

"Blasted Rapterians!" Raphael cursed, pulling back the reins of his wyvern as it wailed painfully while trying to keep itself in the air. Following the large hawk with his eyes, he frowned as it hovered in place before noticing the pale stone that was attached to the hawk's right leg. "You're one of the Alpha's, aren't you?"

"No, I am not of the Alpha. My allegiance is to My Lady and her dearest allies."

"Hmm, then you're one of the Royal Guard for your Monarch," Raphael assumed as he glowered at the large raptor. The Rapterian before him was covered in an almost translucent looking silver armor that had pieces of their sacred stones embedded within various places.

"You serve a wicked King, Wyvern Lord."

Raphael chuckled darkly at the hawk's words. "The other Kingdoms only deem him Wicked because they are afraid of his power," he stated while pointing the end of his arrow-tipped spear at the Rapterian. "Even the Mighty Beastarians will fall to my King and we of the Wyvern Guard will rule the skies."

"That will never happen!"

At the aged voice, Raphael glanced over his shoulder to find a fleet of Armored Winged Knights at his flank led by a rather short figure wielding an elegantly made staff. "Well, well the King of Adrialle has come to greet me," he chuckled darkly. "Save me the trouble of having to find you."

"On the contrary, I've come to send you along with rest of your squadron back to the Southern Kingdom with your wyverns' tails between their legs!" Solomon stated coldly as he pinned Raphael with a lethal stare.

Mildly shocked at the threat from the usually docile ruler, Raphael shook his head before letting out a roar of laughter that gave all those around him the chills. Tugging the reins back then over to the side, he turned the large wyvern to face the fleet of Winged Knights. "I beg to differ, King Solomon."

"You dare turn your back to an enemy?"

Glancing over his shoulder, he smirked darkly at the battle ready Rapterian. "You're no longer worth my time," he taunted, earning a seething hiss in return. "However, I don't like having my back unguarded," he stated digging the studded spurs of his boots into his wyvern's sides causing the creature to let out a screeching wail that shattered the remaining windows of the nearly destroyed homes below.

The wyvern's wail was so loud that Solomon was sure that his ears were bleeding. Closing his eyes to block out the horrid sound, he flinched at the sudden silence before quickly grabbing hold of his mount's saddle as something barreled into his side. Opening his eyes, he cursed at the scene before him.

Raphael was no longer alone but had two guards with him and hovering protectively in front of him was the lone Rapterian guard. "Kasim…" he breathed sadly as the faint scent of blood caught his attention causing him to look down and notice the splotches of blood that marred his mount's white body that had come from the large gash on the Rapterian's side. "Pull back my friend, I can handle this."

"As you wish."

Watching the injured Rapterian fly away, Raphael smiled in satisfaction. There was no way he'd be outdone by those measly birds again. "Are you sure you can handle everything, King Solomon?" he asked tauntingly as he waved a hand to indicate his wingmen. "Valon and Alister are two of my finest guards."

Snorting at the taunting words, Solomon inclined his head to show his own fleet of at least a dozen elite trained knights. "Let me give you a final warning, Wyvern Rider. GO BACK TO YOUR OWN KINGDOM!!" Solomon yelled while bringing up his staff as the fleet of knights surrounding him brought up their swords.

"Brave words," Raphael mocked at the display before him before raising his own spear just as his wingmen did the same. Letting a cruel smile cross his face, he swiftly pulled back on his wyvern's reins before spurring its sides.

Catching the swift movement, Solomon quickly muttered a few words causing the jewels on his staff to give off a faint glow as he started to wave it slowly back and forth before gaining more speed.

"It won't save you, old man!" Valon yelled just as all three of the wyverns reared their heads back before breathing out bursts of flames straight at Solomon and his Winged Knights.

Undaunted by the words, Solomon continued to wave his staff around before seizing his movements just as the fire surrounded them. Feeling the heat swarm around him, he grit his teeth as he watched the flames recede before pulling together to form into a large sphere at the tip of his staff. Concentrating harder on the forming sphere, he spared a quick glance at the wyvern riders and smiled in satisfaction at their worried glances.

Turning back to the task at hand, he gave his staff a quick wave to watch as the newly formed sphere of fire moved along with it. "I think this belonged to you," he breathed heavily before giving the staff a harsh wave to send the sphere of fire hurtling back at Raphael and his riders.

Raphael frowned at the approaching fireball. There was no way they would be able to avoid the impact and there was no doubt that Solomon had added a touch of his magick to the fireball. Growling at his ill luck and the thought of being out done by Siegfried, he clenched his fists tightly around the leather reins.

"Well done, Solomon. However, I can't allow you to defeat my trusted Guards."

Tensing at the disembodied voice, Solomon quickly glanced around him before something violently brushed against him, nearly knocking him out of the saddle. Hearing the frightened neighs of the other Pegasus, his eyes widened at the large shadowy beast that slowly formed before them to wrap protectively around the Wyvern Guards just as the large fireball made contact against its wavering form. "It can't be…"

Coiled protectively around the Wyvern Guard, the shadowy form of a mighty dragon-like serpent stared down at the fleet of winged knights with haunting ruby eyes that seemed more sinister than anything they had ever faced before.

"Impressed as I may be, I'm afraid this is the end for you, Solomon!"

Haunted by the words, Solomon quickly raised his staff and muttered another chant as the shadowy beast opened its mouth to unleash a vibrant beam of green light. "I will not let you win, Dartz!" he yelled valiantly as the beam engulfed him as well as his fleet.

Even with the protection of his barrier, Solomon was unable to ward off the attack as he along with his knights crashed down into the already decimated part of the city. The barrier had fortunately saved his life but he wasn't unscathed, as he grinded his teeth together to quench the need to scream at the agonizing pain that raced across his body. Groaning at the pain, he turned his head to look at his knights to find some relief that all had survived but still suffering injuries. Wincing at a sudden flash of pain running up his spine, his vision swirled as he looked up to watch the Wyvern Guard disappear along with their shadowy beast before the darkness claimed him.

Raphael growled lightly as he watched the scene below. He didn't see why they were retreating, especially with the King at their mercy as he narrowed his eyes at the shadow of his king's beast that was still coiled around them, making them invisible to any that looked skyward. "Why are we leaving? We could have taken that Kingdom!"

A faint, familiar chuckle was his reply as a tiny figure of his King appeared before him to rest on the back of his wyvern's head. Surprised at the sudden appearance of his ruler, Raphael quickly bowed his head. "Your Majesty, forgive--"

"Solomon no longer has the seal to his kingdom. It would have been pointless to try and overtake the palace since it's protected by the magic of that seal."

Registering the King's words, Raphael's eyes widened. "That means—"

The miniature image of his king nodded as it folded its arms within the lengthy folds of the midnight blue robe. "Indeed. Solomon has been prepared for this attack and has given the ring to that young whelp of his."

Tightening his grip on the reins, a small tick worked its way into Raphael's jaw before his attention was diverted as the large shadow of the leviathan started to disappear. "So I'm to go after the Prince?"

"Exactly, and as for the rest of the Guard they will remain in Adrialle until you return," the image stated before slowly starting to flicker out of existence. "And remember Raphael I do not tolerate failure."

As the image disappeared completely, Raphael swallowed the lump in his throat. His quest had just become all the more troublesome, especially if they didn't reach the Prince before he was safely in Sacreia. All though his wyvern was powerful in its own right, he really didn't feel like tangling with any more birds—or Gryphons for that matter. Turning to his two wingmen, he gave them an eerie smile. "It seems we've been given a new task. I hope the two of you are ready for the hunt because we're out to find ourselves a little Prince."

Laughing at his general's words, Alister shared a cruel smile with Valon before pulling back on the reins to his pale red and silver wyvern, eliciting a terrifying cry from the battle ready creature. "Then let the hunt begin!"

Atemu swallowed nervously around the lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat as he caught sight of the young Prince sitting quietly by the lake watching fairies dance across the water. 'There's no reason to be nervous. I've talked with Yuugi plenty of times… of course I'm only informal with him in my thoughts. Surely I can handle calling him by his given name.'

Lowering his head in mild defeat, Atemu smiled as he felt Aries nudge his shoulder as a means of comfort. "Yeah, I know I'm over reacting," he chuckled, watching as Aries nodded in agreement. Shaking his head at the sacred beast, he took a deep breath before regaining his composure and walking up to the petit prince. "Prince Yuugi."

Startled by the sudden voice, Yuugi flushed as he whirled around to find Atemu looking down at him with those warm, caring crimson eyes. "S-sir Atemu," he stuttered, feeling his cheeks get even warmer at the endearing smile that etched its way across the paladin's face.

Bowing at being addressed, Atemu couldn't help but smile at the young prince. Yuugi was just the type of person that could melt the iciest of hearts by just a single smile. "Enjoying the scenery, I see," he chuckled, indicating the dancing fairies with a tilt of his head.

Biting his bottom lip, Yuugi felt his cheeks grow even warmer. "Um… I was just curious about them. Ayzel used to tell me that fairies were known to bring good luck to anyone that catches them," he mumbled, lowering his head. "But I don't see how anyone could catch them though, they seem pretty skittish to me."

"I've never known Ayzel to lie, so how about we try and find out?" Atemu asked while dropping Aries' reins and walking over to the water's edge to slowly kneel down.

"Sir Atemu… it's really not necessary," Yuugi stammered. "I mean what if it makes them angry and they put some kind of spell on you or--"

"Easy my Prince," Atemu chuckled while looking over his shoulder at the rambling royal. "I'm not going to make them angry. There's a trick to catching fairies," he winked before turning his attention back to the dancing creatures.

Watching the proud knight kneel on the water's edge, Yuugi grew even more flustered. It was uncalled for such a knight of Atemu's caliber to do something as trivial as attempting to catch fairies, but there the proud knight was leaning over the water before dipping his hands into the cool surface.

Skimming the water with his cupped hands, Atemu started to hum a small tune that he remembered from his childhood. Narrowing his eyes lightly in concentration, he ceased his movements as one of the fairies with silvery iridescent wings pranced over his cupped hands.

Amethyst eyes widened at the small fairy dancing inside his Paladin's hands. Stepping carefully to the waters edge, he crouched down beside the proud knight and heard the alluring hum. It was a melody he'd never heard before, but with Atemu humming it, it made the tune seem exotic somehow as if from a distant land. "I-I can't believe it," he whispered scared to raise his voice since he didn't want the fairy to fly away.

"Cup your hands under the water and lean closer to me and you can hold her," Atemu whispered back while smiling as the Prince did as instructed. Feeling the royal brush against him, he went back to his humming before moving his hands and scooting the fairy into the Prince's cupped hands.

It was an odd sensation to hold a fairy. The quick beat of its glittery wings scattered sparkling dust across the water while it continued to dance to a tune all its own. Smiling at the tiny creature, Yuugi looked over the odd, sparkling designs that covered the fairy's light blue skin. Ayzel had never mentioned anything about fairies being covered in ancient runes, but then again his teacher tended to leave out a lot of details. "They're amazing."

"You two are alone and all you're talking about is fairies?"

Startled, Yuugi jumped at the sound of Jou's voice causing the fairy in his hands to dive into the water. "Jou!" he scolded, pouting at the other from over his shoulder.

"Oops, sorry," Jou replied apologetically.

Getting to his feet, Atemu dusted off his pants before looking at Jou. "What's the matter?" he asked, noticing the way the blonde Lupian seemed to fidget with the end of his shirt.

"I think we might have a problem," Jou muttered, kicking a rock with his boot.

Blinking, Yuugi looked worriedly between his friend and knight. "What sort of problem?" he asked cautiously, giving them both a curious look.

"Not that big of one, Yuugi. You don't have to worry about it," Jou countered, waving a hand dismissively before letting out a small yelp as Atemu brushed by him before grabbing him by the tail and dragging him. "Hey, that hurts!" he whined, growling as Atemu continued to drag him.

Chucking at Jou's whine, Yuugi shook his head before watching as Aries turned and walked after his master. Getting to his feet, he brushed the dirt from his breeches and walked over to Artemis, who greeted him with a gentle bump of her nose to his cheek. Rubbing her muzzle, he sighed as he thought back to what Jou had said and how Atemu had reacted. "Arti, I think they're not telling me about something…"

Satisfied that he had drug the Lupian far enough away from the camp, Atemu let Jou go. "What did you find?" he asked, turning to find Jou with a pout on his face while rubbing his tail.

"That was really uncalled for y'know," Jou whined, glaring lightly at Atemu before inwardly cringing at the way the knight was looking at him. "Ok, so I know you're probably sore about my timing," he flustered, waving his hands lightly. "But I couldn't help it!"

"Just tell me, Jou!"

Bending his ears back at the tone, Jou retrieved a familiar dagger from the fold of his shirt. "Mai showed this to me and well… when I sniffed it I caught a whiff of a Dyre," he stated, feeling the hair on the back of his neck stand up at the mention of the dreaded creature.

Atemu paled at the thought of a pack of Dyres tracking them, but then again he had completely forgotten that a few bandits had started to gain control of the nasty creatures somehow. Running a hand through his hair, he cursed at all the ill news. "This is not good," he sighed, looking back at Jou. "Are you certain it was a Dyre?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Jou growled, offended at having his sense of smell questioned.

Offering the Lupian a small smile, Atemu walked over to Jou and took the dagger from his hands. "I'm only asking to be certain," he apologized. "With this news we'd best be on our guards, especially if a pack of Dyres are around."

Perking his ears back up, Jou gave Atemu a rather teasing smirk. "So what were you and Yuugi doing besides playing with Fairies?"

Arching a regal brow at the question, Atemu shoved Jou aside. "That is none of your concern," he stated while walking over to Aries and getting on the winged, black unicorn's back. "I want you to go and tell Mai to do some more scouting."

Rubbing his shoulder at the shove, Jou looked curiously up at the mounted Paladin. "And what are you going to do?"

"My own scouting," Atemu replied while pulling Aries' reins to the side and giving him a firm nudge, causing the mighty steed to canter off deeper into the foliage of the dense forest.

Watching him go, Jou placed the dagger on a small boulder before his form shifted and changed back to that of a large wolf. Snatching the dagger up with his teeth, he gave the direction Atemu went in a final glance before turning and running away to find Mai.

MEANWHILE…

Deeper within the forests of Valinior a group of bandits cheered in a drunken stupor of their recent spoils. It was a rare thing to encounter a group of Necromancers and even rarer to defeat them, but it was all worth it since Necromancers for all their dabbling in Dark arts was also collectors of precious items.

"D'ose Necros never knew what him 'em!"

"They didn't stand a chance!"

"Aye, wit' those beasts at our control, nothin' stands in our way!"

Listening to the chatter among his men, the leader of the bandits growled at the mention of the beasts that were currently prowling around the borders of their camp. Feeling as though his fantastic leadership was being questioned, he jumped to his feet while throwing a blade at one of the men closest to him and fortunately for that man missing him by mere inches.

"So you think the only reason we succeeded was because a pack of beasts?" he sneered, glaring at the quickly sobering men, before stomping his way toward his blade and yanking it from the tree it had embedded itself in.

"No, that's not what me mean!" another bandit shouted, cringing lightly as the leader turned to him with an icy glare.

"Are you saying that I'm deaf?" the leader snapped. "From all that I've heard it sounds like the lot of you are claiming that I, Bandit Keith need the help from a pack of mangy beasts!"

"We meant nothing of the sort!"

Turning away from his men, Keith narrowed his eyes as he retrieved a small pipe-like instrument that was wrapped around his neck by a leather cord. Engraved around the small instrument was a series of dark runes that were said to come from another branch of Dark arts that were once used by Summoners.

"Hmph, see that you don't forget who is the real leader is here," Keith barked, glaring at his henchmen from over his shoulder before walking away and stuffing the strange pipe back into his shirt. It was a valuable trinket, even though he disliked the Dyres the pipe was the only thing that gave him control over them and he still needed their help… especially if he wanted to become the Thief King.

"Soon Bakura… I'll find you and when I do, I'll be the winner," he vowed, laughing maniacally as he disappeared into the darkness of his tent. "I just can't wait to be King…"

TBC…