Brian muttered as he carried his heavy backpack full of various items he needed for the trip, along with having a rolling suitcase in one hand.

“True, but then Apricot and I wouldn’t have had as much time to spend with you before you leave.”

Jay responded back with a chuckle, lifting the heavy backpack off of the husky and putting it on his shoulder instead.

“Besides, it’s not like you woulda been able to carry your bags all by yourself, anyway.”

Brian softly squinted.

“I suppose.”

Port Rivendell was the biggest and the main port on the island, mostly responsible for all the cruise ships and ferries that would sail off to nearby islands. Brian was on his way there to board the ferry that would take him, his friends, and his classmates on the trip. His tail wagged in a softly excited manner as they approached the entrance to the port.

Apricot lightly nudged him.

“Nervous?”

Brian nodded his head.

“A little, but, I’m sure that’ll go away. I promised myself that I’d enjoy every part of this trip, so that’s what I’m going to do and not worry about anything going wrong.”

“Or..well, that was the self pep talk I wanted to give myself in the mirror; but then Nova came in and gave me that pep talk.”

He looked at her with a confident smile.

“Besides, I know most of my classmates pretty well. We’ll be fine. Although, the Professor is new…to me, at least.”

Apricot smiled back.

“That’s good though! That only means you guys and the professor will be experiencing new things together.” 

Brian’s eyes would suddenly shift towards the ferry that stood in front of them as they surpassed the arch that would welcome them into the port; a sun bear stood near it, with streaks of black and yellow hair scrunched up and held in a bun. She also noticeably wore a bright yellow sundress that would match not only her eyes, but the hat she held in her hands along with her clipboard. 

“Speaking of, there she is. Professor Sugar.”

Apricot’s eyes immediately gazed at her outfit, and she let out a squeal of delight.

“I love her sundress! I should ask her where she bought it before we leave you alone.”

Jay softly nudged Brian.

“You think you got things handled from here, kiddo?”

Brian nodded his head. 

“Yeah, I-”

“He surely will, now that I’m here.”

Both him and Jay turned around to find the source of that familiar voice, only for them to realize it was Usui, accompanied by Tyler, Sam, and Jinx.

Jay laughed.

“It's excellent to know that these four will be in your gracious hands.”

Usui smiled at him, proudly, turning as they watched the 4 head to the ferry together to get checked in with their professor.

“Why, I’m the best guardian dragon there is, of course. So you best believe they will!”

Usui’s bright smile would turn to one that was more calm and content.

“Besides…they’re all grown up now. We did a pretty good job looking out for them up until now, don’t cha think?”

Jay nodded in agreement.

“Oh. Absolutely. Buut..now I think that’s your job more than it is mine, since, well..I gotta take care of this one while she’s in her pregnant stage.”

Apricot softly chuckled as Jay wrapped his arm around her.

“Yeah, that’s true. I’m sure we’ll be okay though.”

Usui sheepishly laughed.

“Wild to think I’ll be an uncle soon enough too, but I’m looking forward to it. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve taken care of a child. Heh heh. Promise me you guys will take care of yourselves?”

Jay and Apricot gave each other a look, soon looking at Usui and nodding their heads.

“Promise.”

Jay pointed towards the kids.

“Better go catch up before they leave ya’.”

Sammy looked up at the ferry as she and her friends stood right in front it, bags packed, and ready. 

“I’ve seen a lot of different boats come into port back home but not one that’s like..this big.”

Jinx smiled at her.

“That’s because this one’s primarily a ferry that also works as a hotel, so they gotta make it a bit bigger just to accommodate more people.” 

As they approached the steps to board the ship, they’d see Professor Sugar pacing around.

“Alright let’s see…There’s Aerie…Kira..Mitz..Pandora..Salem…Lance... They’re all here…which only leaves..”

Her eyes would glance towards them.

“Ah! Yes..You four. Brian, Sam, Jinx, and Tyler…and..”

She’d glance at Usui, who came forward and shook her hand.

“Usui, nice to meet you!”

“Lovely to meet you too!”

She responded back, with a soft friendly smile.

"Good thing we're already friends, then."

Usui spoke, his tone turning into that more of a lighthearted chuckle. The gang soon boarded the ferry, joining the rest of their classmates. Brian got up and quickly went over to the top of the staircase, and waved down at Jay and Apricot, both of which were forming a heart with their hands as they waved goodbye.

Professor Sugar figured it was best to pair each of the students together to occupy one of the many staterooms on the ferry, Brian and Tyler (and Usui technically), being paired together without any hesitation. Sammy and Jinx were in the room across the hall from them. To them, this was a chance for them to look forward to a new phase of their lives following their high school graduation. 

Usui sat on the upper deck, and watched as the boat pulled away from the dock.

"I guess our adventure has truly begun."