His body trembled as he was held in his mother's arms.

"Shh, everything is going to be alright," She said in her melodic voice.

A soft whimper escaped the young boy's lips. She rocked him back and forth in her arms. The roar of the beast rang through the air, causing many who ran through the streets to cover their pain-filled ears.

"Mommy, it's coming." He cried as he nestled his head into her neck, only feeling safe from her closeness.

People screamed as it approached through the air, landing atop of buildings, destroying everything in its path with its fiery breath. The boy's mother set him down.

"I will be right back; I need to find your brother."

The boy looked at her with tear filled eyes. "Don't go! Please, I need you!"

She shook her head and smiled. "My little hero, I will be right back, safely with your brother. Everything will be alright little one."

Alone, he waited for her return. He hid his face in his knees and covered his ears, drowning out the horrid surroundings. Until everything was dark, nothingness was all he could feel. Was he dead? He wondered to himself, but of course he wasn't dead, he was the one who survived.

"Wake up Alfred!" A whisper came to the boy's ear. "There is a man here for you."

Alfred bolted awake. "What!?"

The orphan boy Danny called. "You slept in! A man from the palace is here. How could you forget? I thought you packed to leave for the palace last night."

"It's that late already?" Alfred jumped up; his legs were not prepared for the action and he fell back to the ground. "Ow." He moaned, standing up again this time more slowly.

"Well I hope living at the palace doesn't make them loose faith in your ability. I'm afraid they'll be disappointed after seeing you in a non-formal setting." Danny sighed and called to the men outside the door "He's coming in a moment!"

"Everything will be fine." Alfred said as he scratched the back of his head, "I guess, this is goodbye." He smiled at the other. "Wish me luck."

The boy sighed with a sad smile. "Good luck...I'm glad you're getting a better chance...you deserve it." He helped Alfred off the floor. "You're only twelve though, so don't get full of it. Come on, get dressed, I'll take your bag out there. He has two other guys with him. None of them seem scary...but one of them has red eyes!"

"Red eyes?" Alfred mulled over the thought. How unusual was that? He dressed, making sure to wear the nicest thing he owned, though that wasn't a huge step; orphans didn't have much.

He stepped outside with his bag slung over one shoulder. He bowed when he saw Francis. "Good morning master," He said bowing his head once more.

The man smiled at him. "Come now Alfred, don't act so formal." He reached out and messed up the orphan's hair. "Antonio, get his bag would you?"

Antonio smiled and nodded. "I'll take that." He took the bag from the boy.

"So, uhh, we are heading to the place..." Alfred said nervously, he'd never been to a large city before, let alone the capital.

"Yes. I hadn't considered it would be your first time in the capital. I wanted to take you once before but...well-"

"He was busy thinking about how you couldn't handle it." A white haired man interrupted in passing.

"Oh stop it Gilbert. I have every right to be worried about Alfred's well being..."He cleared his throat and looked back at the boy. "The journey will take a little over six hours I think. We'll have plenty of time to talk about regulations. But once you get to the palace you will be assigned a room and after my repots on your progress, the king has ordered to speak with you in person once you arrive." He grinned. "Look forward to this Alfred. You are definitely one of a kind."

"T-thank you." He smiled up at the captain. "I will defiantly make you proud."

Francis smiled and in a few minutes, the carriage was loaded and Alfred was sitting inside, a few other young knights around him who were picked up on the way. Antonio and Gilbert rode on either side of the coach on horses. All the boys could hear Francis ramble on about random subjects to the driver and his colleagues on either side from the front of the carriage. A boy with blonde hair and stern blue eyes looked at Alfred. "You were the last one huh?... You look like a country boy."

Alfred sat with his hands on his knees looking down at the ground. He had never been in a carriage; he felt sick to his stomach. "Ya, I was from Landel, before it was destroyed."

The carriage went silent until an amazed looking boy spoke up. "Landel? Really? Did you ever see the Dragon?!"

"I- no... I didn't see it..."

"Wow so you were really there during the attack?!" Another boy piped in. This one was a red head, and there was something more feminine about his voice, maybe he was younger?

The blonde who had spoken Earlier put a hand on the red head's shoulder. "We shouldn't ask him personal questions Feliciano." he mumbled.

"It's okay." He smiled at the other. "Yes, I was there."

Alfred leaned back against his seat, closing his eyes and hoping to rid himself of the sick feeling he had in his stomach.

The last boy looked at him. He looked strong, but had a sweet look about his face, like he couldn't hurt a fly. And for some reason he was wearing a scarf in mid- summer. "Are you feeling sick? Have you never ridden in a carriage before?"

Alfred shook his head, drawing his knees to his chest as he did.

The four boys looked at him with almost pity in their eyes, but sympathy as well. The blonde spoke up. "Well maybe this will be good training. A knight can't get motion sickness easily, otherwise how would he ride a horse?" The red head smiled at him. "You're so positive Ludwig!"

Alfred raised his head. "You're right. I have to be strong." He looked at the boys, "Thanks."

The redhead grinned at him and held out his hand. "I'm Feliciano! What's your name?!"

The blonde looked at the redhead perplexed. "Don't be so forward."

"Alfred F. Jones. Good to meet ya." He held out his own with a cheery smile.

Feliciano took it and shook it quickly. "I think we should all get to be friends if we're going to train together! So come to me for anything okay?!"

The fourth boy was short, he also had a sweet face, but his expression seemed almost condescending. He looked at the redhead with an amused grin. "That sounds like something a girl would say," He snickered.

Ludwig chewed on the inside of his cheek but said nothing. Feliciano smiled as he pulled away from the handshake. "A lot of people tease me about that. But I guess I'm just friendly."

Antonio spoke from next to the carriage, peering through the window from the top of his horse. "Don't let knighthood beat that enthusiasm out of you and you'll make it far!"

Alfred chuckled. "He's right you know." He looked to the other boys. "So what are your guy's names?" There was a small grin plastered on his lips.

The one with the scarf smiled shyly. "My name is Ivan." He said.

"I'M FELICIANO BUT YOU CAN CALL ME FELI!"

"You already introduced yourself."

"And this stick in the mud is Ludwig!" He grunted.

The shorter one looked away. "Yao." He said shortly

"Well we are all going to be training together for a while, hope we get along." His smile never left his face, even when the carriage it a bump in the road causing his stomach to turn.

Feliciano patted his knee. "You'll be fine, you get used to it after awhile."

"I hope so." He sighed and gave a thankful smile. He expected to be made fun of for his show of weakness.

Luckily, the rest of the trip went semi-smooth and Alfred realized that enthusiasm was present in the trio that led them to the palace as well. Gilbert's advice was "Don't let them beat the kid out of you, and find a reason to succeed." Alfred thought that was good advice. The five boys passed the time and arrived at the palace before he knew it. When they stepped out into the courtyard, Alfred looked up, amazed.

Feliciano spoke up next to him. "I have seen some big buildings, but that is a giant!"

Alfred stared wide eyed at the building. "How can something be so- so big?!" He motioned to the entirety of the building. "Wow."

Ivan smiled from behind his scarf. "Have you never seen a mountain up close then? It is quite big, but where I am from the hills tower over it."

Feliciano laughed. "I'm worried about getting lost!"

Ludwig cleared his throat. "Is there a...map of sorts for us?" He asked Gilbert.

"Landel is near smaller hills, but it was mainly in the valley. It was so small; not one building could compare the scale of this!" Alfred looked to the three men who were with them. "Are we allowed to explore at all?" He hoped they would receive maps, his sense of direction was in no way reliable, maybe as he grew up, it would become more so. "A map would be nice." He mumbled. He didn't want to admit to another weakness.

"Oh you'll get the hang of it. You can explore, but for now we'll just show you all the paths you need to know. Like from your quarters to the throne room, dining hall, ballroom, training grounds, basic things… Oh, also the toilet."

Alfred nodded his head. It was defiantly going to take him a few times to get the hang of the palace.

Each of the boys picked up their bags. "We'll show you to your quarters. Usually beginners share quarters with one other young knight. But we have an odd number so one of you will have to be alone for now."

"Uhh..." Alfred looked away; he didn't want to be the odd one out. But of course he would, if no one else wanted the position, he was a hero like that.

Feliciano grabbed Ludwig's arm. "Got mine!" He proclaimed with a solute. The other three boys only stood there, unsure of what to do. Francis looked at them. "Want me to decide for you? I know you don't know each other very well yet, but it's a good opportunity to learn trust. In fact we may start a rotation cycle so you are all each other's roommate at some point."

"If you want... I will have my own room." Alfred raised his hand shyly.

"Well I was going to say that anyhow, since your beginning curriculum will be a little different." He said with a smile. A few of the other nights gave Alfred a curious look.

"Off we go!" Gilbert called. "Follow me boys!" He jumped alongside Antonio and Francis, marching toward the doors.

Alfred nodded. So he was going to be alone for now, he wondered about how his curriculum would be different. When the other boys looked at him, Alfred blushed and wrapped his arms around himself. He trailed close behind Francis as they entered the palace.

It was huge; he couldn't help but wonder how the three men knew their way around the palace so easily. After taking the boys to their quarters to get settled, Francis broke away from the group. And soon, Antonio helped Alfred get settled and began guiding him to the throne room.

The fifteen-year-old Prince, Arthur watched the new arrivals enter from his window seat. "Hmm." he mumbled, displeased with the fact his father had set up an appointment with one of them. That meant he would have to waste his precious time away from lessons learning about some kid. That didn't appeal to him at all. A boy with honey-Blonde hair and blue eyes got out of the carriage, he looked more nervous then the others. That must be him then, Alfred F...what was it? Oh well. He let out a long sigh and looked back at his bed where he had draped his cloak; it was too hot to be wearing such a royal garment so he sat barefoot on his window seat, wearing nothing but his trousers and the golden locket around his neck in the shape of a crown. There was a knock on the door and he groaned. "Who is it?"

"It's Francis, may I come in?" Came the voice from the other side.

Arthur sighed. "Yes. But be aware that I'm not decent."

Francis chuckled. "That's alright; I have known you since you were a baby." He opened the door.

Arthur looked toward him, his feet propped up on the wall opposite him, and laying his head flat on the window seat. "Let me guess, I have to come greet the new knights...and one in particular?"

"Well I cannot make you; you out rank me, but it is recommended that you be prepared."

"Right, and if I don't go Father will kill me...'That's no way for a future king to act.'" Arthur waved his index finger in the air, imitating his father's gruff voice. "Oliver is there already I assume?"

"Yes, he is." Francis nodded. "Now will you be coming, or are you going to have me tell your father otherwise?"

Arthur sighed and swung his legs down to the floor. "I'm coming, just give me a moment." He pulled on his socks and boots. "I need to get dressed. What's with you today? You seem awful serious."

"I just feel this boy is going to do good by this kingdom, and I want things to go well..."

Arthur nodded but rolled his eyes as he put on the rest of his princely ensemble. "I suppose I should be interested in that case...but I'm not for some reason...ugh...I'm going to be a God- Awful king." He mumbled as he straightened the golden band on his head, recognizing his prince status. "It's not that I mean to...but honestly...Oliver is older and smarter, why can't he just do it?"

Arthur straightened his coat and walked out the door and down the hallway

"Because he is the king's illegitimate son, you are your mother's boy, it is your right. I have told you this many times before."

"So?!" Arthur spat back then felt bad. Francis was a good friend. "I'm sorry...I just...ugh...why does it matter whom my mother is? It's not like I was made any differently then Oliver was. She's dead anyways."

"If you don't mind me saying..." He paused, waiting for the okay. "I think you would make a fine king, Oliver on the other hand... He- there is something off about him..."

"Nonsense, Oliver would make a better king than me any day. He's one of my best friends and I have complete trust in him."

"If you say so..." Francis shook his head,

"I do." They arrived at the throne room just as Antonio guided the boy Arthur had seen earlier around the corner. Arthur looked at him for a few moments. His curiosity was piqued by the long scar on the boy's neck. "Is that him?" He questioned Francis.

"Yes, that's Alfred." Francis smiled at the boy and waved

Alfred smiled back at him, nervously.

Arthur just looked at him. The child looked much older than twelve. It seemed he should be at least fourteen. He was maybe only an inch shorter than Arthur himself. Without speaking, he entered the throne room. "Sorry I'm late Father. I had to...oh...excuse me." He bowed to his father before taking a seat next to Oliver in a smaller throne.

The king nodded but didn't say anything.

Arthur glanced at Oliver. His older brother smiled back at him. Arthur let out a sigh before smiling back. Alfred entered.

He bowed before the king and the two princes, not entirely sure what he should be doing. Antonio gave him some information on how he should act, but other than that he was lost.

Francis stepped to the front of the courtroom. "Your highness, may we present Alfred F. Jones; the only survivor from Landel during the attacks on the west."

"Welcome to my palace. You have been through a great sorrow, and I apologize for that, but we welcome you into our home with open arms Alfred F. Jones. I pray your training go well." The king spoke; his voice was loud, but also very gentle and kind.

"You may rise."

Alfred nodded and did as the king said, standing to his full height. He took a deep breath.

Arthur looked at him skeptically. Was that all that made this boy special? He survived the Dragon's rampage? That could have been anyone...he just got lucky. Francis cleared his throat. "Alfred has shown great promise in his training. And he has shown impressive skills that exceed other boys of his age. First of all, he is extremely strong. Would your highness like a demonstration?"

The king looked to the two of his sons then nodded. "Yes, let us see."

Arthur cocked an eyebrow. Strong for his age huh?

Francis looked at Alfred. "Are you feeling well enough? What do you think you can handle right now?"

Arthur couldn't help holding back a snicker.

"I'm fine," Alfred nodded, blushing at the look the younger prince gave him. "Anything is fine..."

Francis shrugged. "Alright then, to start, Prince Arthur, you seem to find this amusing." Francis said with a cocked eyebrow. "Would you mind volunteering?"

Arthur straightened. "Volunteering? For what?"

The king rolled his eyes. "Do it Arthur."

Arthur held still for a moment before giving in and standing, walking toward Francis. "What?"

"Now Alfred when you're ready, show them what you can do."

Alfred nodded. "Are you sure this is alright?" He glanced at Francis, his face uneasy.

"Go ahead; you have the king's permission."

"Okay... Excuse me Prince..."

Arthur blinked. "Erm." Before he could speak, Alfred leaned to the side, grabbing Arthur by his lower back and the other just below his back side. He yelped and blushed and he was suddenly being held in the air over Alfred's head. "BLOODY HELL!" He gasped and looked around, kicking his legs. "Wh...What just... Put me down!"

The king and Francis both laughed. Antonio only stared amazed. "Whoa...one strong kid..." The king smiled. "That is amazing! And you are only twelve years old child?"

He set the prince down. "Sorry about that." He looked to the king "Yes."

Francis smiled, "That is only brushing the top of what he can do; if you don't mind me showing you."

The king nodded giving him permission.

Francis led the boy to Arthur's thrown. Alfred leaned down and took on the weight of the large chair, lifting it above his head, he took a deep breath.

Arthur stared wide eyed. Okay yes... This kid was special. After a moment though, Alfred gulped and looked at Francis shaking his head with a shaky breath. Francis helped him put it down. "His strength varies from time to time..."

Alfred rubbed his arms and had to lean against Francis for support.

Francis sighed. "I'm afraid he is weary after the long trip...but I believe you get the idea...he is also very skilled in aim and his skin is very hard to cut."

Alfred took another shaky breath, cursing to himself; he didn't want to feel so weak.

The king stood and clapped his hands together. "Amazing!" He proclaimed.

"Thank you, sire." Francis said, bowing his head to the king. "Prince Arthur, you may sit now. We have finished our demonstration."

Arthur didn't move for a long time but quickly sat down once he snapped out of it. "That's...interesting...you're definitely something, I'll tell you that." He said to Alfred.

Alfred nodded. "Thank you."

Francis placed a hand on Alfred's shoulder. "We shall be leaving now." He bowed to the king before he led Alfred out of the throne room.

Hello this is Through the Loop aka theotherhappyone and Iseal.

Thank you for reading this, we will try to have the next chapter up in a timely manner.

Hope you enjoyed reading this. Please R&R

We would like to know how we are doing, and how we could improve.

Thanks again

P.S. In this story's RP theotherhappyone is Arthur and Iseal is Alfred

-Through the Loop