The day after the duel between Lancelot and Odette's father, Cobham. The Swan Princess quickly packed all of the things that she needed for her first journey! Last night, she was extremely ecstatic that she couldn't get any beauty sleep and stayed up until sunrise. Meanwhile, Lancelot got to sleep in another room peacefully, making Odette slightly disappointed that he wasn't beside her.

"My daughter, are you certain you want to start an exhausting adventure? It may not be good for your health..." Evelyn suddenly spoke out of the blue in a concerned tone, causing the young Swan Princess to slightly jump out of surprise.

Odette patted softly, her heart racing momentarily before returning back to its casual pace. She turned her head to look at her mother, a soft smile appearing on her face. "Ah, it's just you dear mother. Don't agonize too much, your beloved daughter will be in great health! I'll even buy souvenirs in every realm that I visit for you and father, and I even have the son of the famous Baroque family as my knight." She said happily with a large smile on her face. Odette felt like she was dreaming, to now be able to see the outside world that she was forbidden to visit in these past eighteen years. It truly felt like a gift from the Heavens!

"Before you go, my dear. I've prepared one-hundred large potions of healing. Delicious packs of different meat, fruits, and vegetables that will last over five years. Twenty sets of new undergarments, gowns, dresses, casual clothes, shoes, and accessories! Also, for the extras, I've neatly organized-"
"You have my utmost gratitude mother! Thank you very much for your unwavering concern for me, but I'll be very safe. I promise to come back in one piece." Odette smiled gently, hoping that her mother didn't waste a quarter of their family's fortune for her travels.

"I'm going to miss my little darling so much!" Evelyn smiled as she wrapped her arms around Odette, giving her a tight hug as if she's squeezing her like a large stuff toy. Her daughter struggled to breathe, unable to push her mother away. "M-Mom..! Ai...Air!" She managed to spit those two words out, her lovely face beginning to turn blue. Evelyn quickly realizes this and pulled herself away, gently patting the back of her daughter as she wheezed and coughed. "My apologies! It's just, I'll never hug my baby swan again..." She frowned, small tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

Odette slightly frowned, hugging her mother to comfort her. "Don't say that, mother. I made you a promise did I not?" She continued to hug her until she felt that her mother has finally put her worried thoughts to ease.

Evelyn formed a smile as she gently pinched one of her daughter's cheek. "I have such a wonderful daughter! Before you two go, let's have dinner, shall we? It won't be good to leave on an empty stomach!" She said, wrapping an arm around her daughter's. Before Odette could reply to her, she quickly got pulled out of the room and down the stairs. In a matter of no time, they've arrived inside the large dining hall.

The large windows' blue curtains flowed gracefully by the wind's soft breeze, the sun's light passing through the translucent glass to lighten up the room. The table made out of fine wood was long and wide with over thirty chairs! Five currently being used.

Lancelot and Cobham were already in their perspective seats, both happily chatting to one another. Thank goodness they're getting along just fine! Odette thought, her heart skipping a beat once Lancelot saw her, a handsome smile on his face.

He swiftly stood out of his sit and bowed down gracefully. "Good morning, m'lady. Did you sleep well?" He asked, maintaining his smile. Odette nodded, returning the smile with a gentle one. "I couldn't sleep last night, but I managed to gain some rest. Thank you, Lancelot. You don't need to be so formal and just call me Odette." She gently grabbed both of his hands, clasping them together as she slightly lifted them up. Evelyn couldn't help but snicker inside, she felt so happy for her daughter! "Make wonderful memories you two!" She said with a bright smile, nudging Odette on the arm, causing her cheeks to slightly turn red. She was currently trying not to look bashful in front of her knight. "If m'lady wishes, then I shall now forward call you Odette," Lancelot said, his voice this time like honey. It instantly made the Swan Princess' heart quicken its pace.

At this moment, she was unable to hide her red cheeks. "O-On second thought! Pri-Princess is better!" She stammered a couple of words, turning her head to look away as she quickly placed her hands behind her back. Mother of Ducks! Did you have to say it so sweetly?! Odette slightly angrily said inside her mind.

"Lancelot, that's very mischievous of you!" Cobham let out a laugh, making Odette and Evelyn look at him with confused faces. "Ah, pardon me, your Majesty." Lancelot's smile turned faint, turning himself to face the Swan King and then bowed swiftly. "What do you mean, father?" Odette asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Hm, should I tell her, boy?" Cobham tipped his chin as he grinned at Lancelot. "If you wish, your Majesty." The young knight replied plainly.

"This is your family's secret but you decided to share it with me. Since it is private, I'll have to lock it." The Swan King said, not wanting the secret to spread like wildfire. Even though this place is isolated and the secret will most likely spread to every person in this castle, there's a chance it will manage to go to other places. Cobham seriously did not want to get entangled with the Baroque family's private affairs. "Aw, is it that important?" Odette frowned slightly, taking her seat next to Lancelot.

"Some things are best forgotten." A sudden voice said, making all of the Royal Family startled. In the other hand, Lancelot stood by idly with his expressionless, yet handsome face. "Winslow you scared us half to death! Haha, coming out of nowhere is such a helpful skill!" Cobham said jokingly as he gestured to the young knight to sit down next to his daughter. Lancelot thanked him then obeyed without hesitation.

Winslow raised an eyebrow as he walked over to his seat. His stern face taking a glance at Odette before looking at Cobham. "Your Majesty is in such a lively mood today, did something good happen?" He asked, a bit curious as he sat down on his chair. "Well, Odette and Lancelot will be leaving to take off into an adventure! I do hope they'll write everything about their journey." The Swan King answered, a soft smile on his face. "Ah, I see. Thank you for answering, your Majesty. But I've heard that the Abyss is currently on the move," Winslow said, a hint of worry in his grey eyes. Odette almost gulped in fear after hearing the word Abyss.

When she was young, her mother told her countless stories of the one who started it all. Such a sick and cruel person! She was told that if she didn't sleep early they would take her away into the depths of darkness full of nightmares.

Cobham's eyes shined interest and concern, wondering why he didn't get any of this information about the outside realms from his spies. "They've been attacking other realms and has destroyed a large amount of small and medium-sized realms. The only large realms they have managed to take damage is the Wasteland, the Elven Kingdom's Emerald Woodlands, and Eruditio's Scholar City. It is without a doubt that I expect them to invade the Alaghat Empire, the Korean Empire, and the Fable Realm." After finishing what Winslow has wanted to say, Evelyn couldn't help but choke for a moment. "They're now powerful?! I thought the Four Guardians of the Land of Dawn sealed them off?!" The Swan Queen said in a panicked condition, her eyes showing fear and doubt.

"I was informed by one of the Four Guardians via crystal communication ball. They said they currently need my help of making a plan in stopping the Abyss. I believe we can stop them, so do not fret your Majesty." Winslow said calmly. He grabbed a handle of a teapot and then poured down some rose tea to his cup, placing the teapot back down afterward. "Any more information?" Cobham asked, a serious expression on his face.

After finding out that the outside realm is in chaos, he now just couldn't let his daughter travel even if she has the Baroque's talented son protecting her!

"The rest of my information is very confidential, your Majesty. The Guardian that has told me forbids this one to not speak of it. My utmost apology, your Majesty." Winslow said with pure sincerity. He stood up to his seat and then bowed. Cobham quickly urged him to take his seat, not wanting the legendary mage to stand up and just enjoy the dinner. But this sudden news made the afternoon full of fear and despair. "It's all right! I fully understand. Now, let's end the conversation and enjoy this dinner." The Swan King forced a gentle smile. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement and began to eat their food.

After finishing eating, Cobham couldn't help but look slightly bothered. Then he finally stood up and sighed, looking at his daughter with apologetic eyes. "My sweet daughter, I'm sorry but you cannot go." He said, causing Odette to quickly sprung out of her seat. "Bu-But father! I swear I'll be safe and be in one piece! I won't go to the places that the Abyss is currently attacking and preparing to attack!" Disappointment all over her face, she truly was excited and now all of her hopes of going to an adventure went downhill. "Your safety is first priority! They've most likely upgraded and enhanced their power and abilities! No offense, Lancelot. But you may not be able to go up against the Abyss' troops. It is most likely they have made every comrade of theirs powerful." Cobham said, raising his voice at the beginning. He didn't mean to shout at his daughter nor destroy her excitement in finally taking a step outside. But a war is about to arise and he did not want Odette to go out there without him supervising her.

"Your Majesty, I am invited by one of the Guardians to visit them in the Land of Dawn. If his Majesty desire, I can take Odette and Lancelot with me. I will certainly look after them like a hawk!" Winslow suggested, causing Odette's eyes that were once full of disappointment into excitement and gratitude! "I will also teach her highness advance spells along the way, to help the Swan Princess to fight the enemy and defend herself." The legendary mage added, creating weight on Odette's chest.

Teacher! Why can't you give me one day without studying?! Odette silently thought, a frown appearing on her face. Winslow looked at her, smiling faintly at the princess who thought she could escape her studies. "How many days will you three arrive at the destination? Is a portal not sufficient?" Cobham asked, a frown appearing on his face. He still didn't want to let go of his daughter. "It will take us a year and a few months to get there from here, your Majesty. I've received news that there has been recent disruption and errors in some of the portals. Most people are theorizing that someone is messing with time or is using time, thus causing some of the portals to go haywire. I'm afraid a portal will take us somewhere else that we do not know, your Majesty." Winslow said, looking at the Swan King whose face turned into shock than a frown.

A year and a few months?! Maybe it will take them a couple of years, or even three years! Cobham couldn't believe the distance between here to the Land of Dawn, but sadly the harsh terrains of the Land of Dawn made it hard for every being to travel by foot and other land transport.

"Winslow, can you contact someone that has air transport of some sort?" Cobham asked, deciding that it is best if they travel by air instead of by foot. That way, they can decrease wasting their time in traveling. "Ah, I do, your Majesty. She has the finest and fastest transport, but she's extremely pricey!" Winslow answered, a slight frown appearing on his face. He certainly did not ever want to contact that woman again! "It is all right, I will afford it!" Cobham said, watching as the legendary mage let out a sigh. "Yes, your Majesty. Please pardon me for I must now contact them." Winslow said before leaving the dining room, leaving an aura of some sort.

Odette silently contained her happiness at the moment, she's really going to go see the outside world! Even though it didn't go as she planned, at least she'll finally be able to see the glorious Land of Dawn.

"Your Majesty, is it all right if I may visit my family? They are most likely searching for me at this very moment. I would like to inform them that I am all right and is now serving your Royal Family." Lancelot requested calmly.

The Swan King accepted as he expected, allowing himself to finally sit down on his seat. He looked tired and troubled. "Young lad, may I ask about the Great War?" Cobham's question made Lancelot's eyes widened, curious about why he suddenly got interested in that hellish war that has fortunately ended. "What about it, your Majesty?" The young knight replied.

Odette wanted to hear more, her curiosity filling her head. But as they were about to discuss, Evelyn lead her daughter out of the dining room. "It's best if my pure daughter doesn't know that war..." The Swan Queen said with a soft smile, fueling her daughter's interest even more. "Why? Is it that bad?" Odette frowned slightly. "Yes, and I don't want my little darling to get nightmares for weeks! Now, let's go wait outside the gardens." Evelyn said, making her smile, even more, lovelier as she tried to persuade her daughter to stop thinking about that topic.

"Ah, all right, mother dear. Please go on ahead without me. I forgot to pack something!" Odette smiled as she quickly ran towards to the flight of stairs. The Swan Princess ran as fast as she can to her room. She prepared her sword into its steel case that looked like a longer and wider version of a briefcase. Odette then dashed back to the dining hall to eavesdrop.

She was going to lie about packing something to her mother, so she decided to do something that will ease her guilt.

"The Heart of the Abyss?" A deep male voice questioned. Odette can instantly tell that the owner of the deep voice belongs to her beloved father. "Yes, your Majesty. It is the most powerful and priceless ancient artifact to date." A male voice that sounded gentle and soft said. The Swan Princess' cheeks reddened slightly after listening closely to Lancelot's voice.

"It's very rude to eavesdrop, your Highness." Winslow suddenly said from behind Odette, instantly startling her. "Gah! Teacher, it is just you!" Her eyes widened as she softly panted, calming down after a couple of minutes. "Interested in the Abyss, I see? Well, it is good to study about your enemy before fighting them." The legendary mage replied.

"Um, teacher...do you know the Heart of the Abyss?" Odette curiously asked, unexpectedly causing Winslow to look at her coldly. He didn't answer her and just walked forward, opening the door with one hand. The Swan Princess quickly stepped back and watched as the legendary mage interrupt Lancelot and Cobham's conversation.

She let out a sigh, giving up on continuing her eavesdrop. Odette decided to walk towards to the garden to talk to her mother instead.

"Hello, mother!" Odette said with a warm smile, going over to Evelyn's side. The Swan Queen returned the smile with a softer one, quickly hugging her daughter. "Must you go? The world right now is even more dangerous than I had expected!" Evelyn worryingly said, her smile turning into a frown. Her face hinting anguish as she pulled herself away to break the hug. "I'll be fine, mother! We have Winslow to look after us. He can emit out an intimidating aura so that those villainous beings from the Abyss won't dare come close!" Odette replied, giving the legendary mage all of her trust.

Evelyn was about to reply back, but her eyes suddenly widened upon seeing a massive creature with two feathery wings flying towards them. "A-Ah! What is is that?!" The Swan Queen shouted in horror, immediately taking her daughter inside the castle so that she could be safe and out of harm's way.

"Forgive me, your Majesty. That is the most expensive, finest, and fastest air transport throughout the world. It is known to be exclusively used by the Four Guardians of the Land of Dawn as their mount, but my friend here is leading her mount today. I hope you can forgive me for not informing you quickly, causing you to get surprised by this mythical beast's appearance." Winslow suddenly spoke behind the two ladies. Evelyn let out a sigh before nodding her head to tell him that's it's alright and that she understood.

"Great Swan! What kind of beast is that?!" Cobham asked Winslow in particular. His eyes widening and showing interest as the flying beast whose size is a bit bigger than the castle land down on a suitable, flat platform. "That, your Majesty, is the famous and most rare Ladon Draconica. It is known to be related to the now clarified extinct Buteo Jamaicensis." Winslow answered. The large creature created fear and curiosity to the people who were nearby, gazing at its majestic existence.

A sharp, red beak and green, beady eyes that could stare into your soul. It sat obediently on the ground, its white fur brushing against the soft, green grass that's surrounded them. Their large, beautiful wings resting beside their sides.

"You better not put my baby in danger, you old mage! It took my blood, sweat, and tears to properly take care of him!" A woman's voice suddenly said. Winslow let out a sigh, a headache about to form inside his head. The servants and maids who were nearby watched as a young woman with dazzling pinkish hair falls off the large creature.

She wore a cape and an elegant black dress with matching boots. The woman also wore a witch hat, indicating that she is a witch class. It didn't catch their attention that she is a witch, but her folded, white cat ears and that fluffy cat tail! "Nanevereen, I can assure you that I will take care of him perfectly," Winslow replied back icily to the woman.

Nanevereen couldn't help but cross her arms as she glanced angrily at the legendary mage with blue eyes. "You better! Now, give me those ores worth of ten million gold!" She demanded, stomping one of her feet to the ground rather ignorantly. Ores? Cobham frowned faintly, he didn't know that the price that she wanted were ores that are worth a fortune! "Yes, here you go. Spirit ores like you demanded." Winslow grumbled, silently chanting out a spell to make a large sack full of spiritual ores appear. He made it fly towards to the now smiling witch. "Thank you for the cooperation. Now, Harvey, be a good boy for mommy! Torment that lowly mage if he dares hurt you, okay?" Nanevereen petted the large creature before giving it a kiss on its fur.

The large beast let out a small noise that made the surrounding areas shake for a moment, causing everyone on the premises to panic momentarily.

The witch made her broomstick appear and then stood on top of it, making everyone baffled. They all thought that she would sit on it, not stand on top of it like a skateboard. "Well, I'll be off then! Once you arrive at your destination, Harvey will return to me." Nanevereen informed before she quickly took off into the air, not falling off her broomstick as she disappeared into the endless sky.

"I'm sorry for my friend's rude behavior, your Majesty. Even though she is a Legend with great powers, she has the mentality of a little child." Winslow apologized, swiftly bowing down to Cobham. The Swan King helped the legendary mage stood up, a faint smile on his face. "It's fine, she must be very kind to lend her precious mount for us," Cobham said, patting the legendary mage's back. Winslow's face almost twitched after hearing the Swan King complimenting the witch woman.

After preparing a small cabin on top of the large beast's back along with their supplies. Odette and Lancelot quickly went inside the cabin to check everything, when in truth they're both silently excited to ride on this mystical creature. "Teacher, how did you became friends with that beautiful witch!" The Swan Princess asked, making the legendary mage's eye twitch. "Beautiful?! That woman is a hag!" After saying that, Harvey suddenly let out a loud, angry roar. It shook the earth and nearly made the castle crumble.

"Sir Winslow, you made the mystical creature mad!" Odette said, an anxious expression on her face. "Pah! So what?" Winslow angrily replied back, stepping out of the cabin that stood perfectly still on top of Harvey's back. "Oi, get going. We don't have all day! If you want to return to your owner, then take us to Aivel's location as quickly as you can!" He ordered the large creature before walking back inside the cabin.

Harvey let out a grumbled noise before flapping his wings, immediately taking off into the air without a doubt. His sudden soar made the nearby trees' lose half of its leaves and branches and left some flowers to fly away into the harsh wind that he created.

In a matter of minutes, the Swan Castle could no longer be seen in the distance. Odette walked over to the balcony of the cabin, a frown appearing on her face. She already misses her loving family. "Sir Winslow, how many days will it takes us to get there?" She asked the still grumpy, legendary mage. "Four months or so, it depends on Harvey's speed and stamina. We'll most likely rest every week and then continue our travel." Winslow answered, returning back to reading a book that is in his hand.

"Princess, is it all right if I may visit my family? I need to inform them that I am safe and sound." Lancelot requested, a faint smile on his face that made Odette's heart beat a tad rapidly. "Of course! It's best to tell them that you're okay!" She accepted, the corners of her lips lifting up to form a smile.

Then she turned her head towards to the blue sky, the sun still shining with all its glory. The cold breeze kissing her fair skin as it passes by. "Is the Land of Dawn beautiful?" Odette asked Lancelot as she hung her head to look at the forest. "It is very beautiful, but your stunning beauty would intimidate the realm's magnificent scenes," Lancelot answered honestly, causing the Swan Princess' cheeks to turn tomato red.

Silence filled the between the two, but also a comforting warmth. This sadly didn't last long for Lancelot saw someone laying on the edge of a stream. "Sir Winslow, I see a person!" The young knight quickly alerted the legendary mage, causing him to quickly drop his book and dash towards to them to look. Once Winslow saw what seems to be an injured person, he immediately commanded Harvey to fly close towards to the being.

They saw a poor, female child laying on the edge of the waters, multiple streams of blood falling down to her bruised face. Her head most likely smashed into a few rocks when she was getting pulled by the stream's harsh current earlier.

Winslow quickly walked out of the cabin without a doubt, sensing dark aura around the injured child. He theorized that this poor girl got chased by dark monsters and thus fell into this stream. He casually walked over to her, instantly making the dark aura that surrounded the child disperse into nothingness.

The legendary mage then crouched down, casting a healing spell that made the little girl's wounds visibly heal itself. Odette ran over to Winslow's side, Lancelot following right behind her. The Swan Princess frowned, wondering what happened to this poor child to be in such a sorry state.

The child slowly opened her eyes, looking at the three with instant fear. "Wh-Who are you...?" She whimpered, quickly curling up into a ball. Her fluffy, brown and white tail wrapping around her tiny body. Odette smiled softly, handing her head towards the little girl. "It's all right now, don't be afraid. No one is going to hurt you now." The Swan Princess cooed that successfully made the child calm down, her fear becoming at ease.

"What's your name, little one? Mine is Odette Regina, the Swan Princess." Odette introduced herself with a soft and soothing voice, it sounded like a beautiful lullaby to the child's ears. "I...I'm so sorry, miss...I don't know my name. I can't remember..." The little girl frowned, her head slightly beginning to pound as she tried to remember what she has forgotten.

Winslow frowned as well, feeling great sympathy for the child. "This is terrible, something has happened to this child that has caused her amnesia..." He whispered to the Swan Princess and her young knight. "Is there a spell or way to return back her memories?" Lancelot asked, concern in his eyes. "Unfortunately, there is not. She'll just have to live with her amnesia." The legendary mage answered, slighting hanging his head in disappointment for not being able to help the little girl in returning back her memories.

Odette quickly hugged the little girl, quite startling her. "Oh, you poor little thing! Don't worry, we'll absolutely take care of you!" She said softly like a mother.

The corner of the child's eyes began to form little tears that eventually dropped down to her cheeks. "Tha-Thank you so much, kind people!" She sobbed, unable to hold back her waterfalls. The Swan Princess smiled softly, wiping away the little girl's face. "Now, now, do not cry! It ruins your adorable, pretty face. Is it all right if we call you Claire?" She asked, feeling like this pretty name suited this little one that gave off a spring vibe. "Yes! Of course, kind miss. Thank you all for saving me and giving me a name, I will forever be in debt!" Claire said with sincere words, bowing down to her saviors. "It's fine! You don't need to, just being here is enough." Odette said, gently patting the little girl's face, curious about her adorable, cat ears.

"Time is ticking, let's go continue our journey." Winslow said, returning back to the cabin with Lancelot behind him. The Swan Princess carefully scooped Claire into her arms, carrying her towards to the cabin. They didn't expect that this little child would one day fight in the arena, her hidden powers finally being revealed to the world.