A/N: OKAY, GUYS! SEQUEL TIME! ARE YOU ALL PSYCHED?

Roy: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Eliwood: HOORAAAAAYYY!

Link: ...hoo-ah.

Eliwood: ...any progress on the personality switch machine or whatever?

It's coming along. :)

Link: ...(becomes very, VERY frightened)

Let's begin! Tis part 3 of the Dragon series! Hooray! Tis a long chapter... Oh, yeah, and I changed the scientific name for half-dragon, as you'll notice. I forgot magnus meant great. XD My bad! Thanks to Ri2 for the correction!

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Dragon Curse

Chapter 1: A Developed Half-Dragon

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Half-dragons are human beings infused with dragon blood (the usual type comes from the European dragon, Draco occidentalis magnus) at birth by the Dragon Gods. Their purpose is to protect the few dragons remaining in ways dragonologists and even ... wizards could never do...

Demetrius, Homo draconis, 1561

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One of these said half-dragons was lying in slumber in his room, resting his physically drain body in his soft bed, blankets cast aside and not needed. Just as he had fully recovered, the first thing he awoke to, before even opening his eyes, was heavy rocking.

"Come on, wake up, sleepyhead!"

"Link, cut it out! He'll wake up on his own!"

He felt himself smile at the familiar voices around him, groaning tiredly to announce his awakening. Yawning, he finally opened his eyes of fresh blue to look upon a blonde elf smirking proudly at a cobalt prince.

"See, Marth? I woke him up!"

"Whatever, total coincidence." The prince gave him a welcoming smile. "Welcome back, Roy."

"Mmm," Roy mumbled a greeting, heaving himself up into a sitting position, stretching and brushing some loose strands of his red hair out of his face. "How long this time?"

"Only a couple hours. You're adapting to this transformation stuff pretty well."

"Yes!" The redhead clenched a fist in triumph, then winced slightly and rubbed his wrist gingerly.

"...But then again, maybe your body needs a bit more."

"Hmmp, just an after-effect, nothing serious," Roy waved it off, cringing again at his wrist. "...But a bit more rest wouldn't hurt." And then a light grumble dragged his gaze down to his stomach. "...I'm hungry."

Marth chuckled as Link commented wily, "Ah, the Three Stages of Roy-dom: Denial, Realization, and Hunger."

Roy pouted inwardly. "Seriously, you guys, I'm starving."

"We know. We thought ahead," the Hylian grinned as the two presented a sub sandwich, still warm and fresh.

The Pherean blinked, then laughed. "Man, you guys know me too well." They gave him hearty smiles as he took the sandwich into his hands. "So, how is she?"

"She's nice and cozy," Marth replied. "As you know, she's only staying a couple days."

"That's fine." He took a vicious bite that reflected his appetite. "Whatever suits her best."

The Alteanian nodded. "Well, then, I think it's about time we got ourselves something to eat."

Roy paused in the middle of his second bite and eyed them dubiously. "...So, you went through the trouble to make me this, but you didn't think to grab your own grub?"

"Hey, we were trying to be a little selfless, alright?" Link snapped jokingly.

Marth pushed him off towards the door with slight protest, following. "It just didn't occur to us at the time, that's all. Get your rest, and we'll see you in a bit."

The half-dragon smiled at the obvious signs of compassion in that gesture, nodding. "Alright."

"See ya!" Link managed a tiny departing salute before they shoved themselves out into the hallways.

Left alone, Roy crunched into his meal, staring aimlessly at the ivory white walls. His gaze trailed the crevices between wall and ceiling until he reached the window, facing north and providing a perfect view of wilderness outside. A miniature mountain range of beige rock formations rose above a thicket of woodland trees, and if one looked closely enough, they could see the gaping mouth of a cave within the stony folds. However, it was an easy target for the standard greedy poacher, and it had become his sacred duty to watch over it, especially when it was occupied, which it currently was.

His eating pace slowed considerably as he reviewed his first wild encounter since he had been given this task, which only occurred hours before.

And it began at a large print in the dirt within the woods. Roy traced his finger along its shape, observing it closely with his two chums right beside him.

"Hmm... Three toes, wide, full heel... European, alright." He glanced up at the path cleared before them, splintered trees and flattened branches curving and seeming to form walls. "And a big one, too."

"Huh." Marth ran a hand through his blue locks thoughtfully, but also with well-concealed anxiety. "...Maybe it's be smart to clear out some of these trees for landing."

"Yeah, I thought it would just land at the cave," Roy grinned sheepishly. "Guess I have a lot to learn."

"So, we're really gonna see a wild dragon that time? Seriously?" Link could barely contain his excitement as he held a heavy burlap bag over his shoulder.

"Yeah, but you guys seriously have to take extreme caution," Roy warned sternly. "This is a wild dragon we're dealing with, so we don't know what'll happen."

Marth made a small grimace of terror, whereas, in great contrast, Link grinned widely in anticipation. Despite these contradicting viewpoints, they both nodded.

"Alright." He motioned for them to get moving with a finger. "Stick close behind me and keep quiet."

They moved through the obvious pathway, stepping over fallen trees and ratted branches and reeds with the utmost of care. The other two gazed around, either excitedly or warily, whereas Roy's eyes were fixed ahead, determined to at last carry out his destined mission.

At last, they came to the head of the cave, and Roy quickly gestured for them to stop and conceal themselves behind a group of rocks not too far away. An utter, natural silence filled the air, undisturbed and just as it was meant to be. Link stared at the gaping hole, almost spellbound, while Marth was near trembling, the silence working a number on his nerves.

Wordlessly, Roy pointed to the bag, keeping his gaze on the cave. Getting no response, he turned to Link's wavering attention span, snapped his fingers until the elf turned his away, and urgently gestured towards the bag. Link jumped, then reached in and produced a large lamp chop, thick and tender with meat juice. Roy took it and motioned for them to stay put, then bravely stepped out into the open.

The mamkute moved to the mouth of the cave, holding the meat before him as he spoke in Dragon Tongue, "Dragon, we mean no harm. My friends and I are here to protect you. We only ask for your trust."

A heavy silence followed in response, the observers' eyes glued to Roy, waiting for whatever came next. At last, there was a leathery sound, scraping against rock, then a slight rumble from within, announcing a great creature's presence. Roy slowly looked up and gawked in absolute awe as a grand dragon stepped out into the sun, the light reflecting off its blue scales and making it shine silver. Its bat-like wings were folded along its stomach, spinities lining its spine and recessing down to its arrowhead tail. Its gargantuan clawed talons grinded into the rock almost tentatively, its earflaps extended and golden eyes narrowed in cautious suspicion. The small horns, as well as the shape of the lean snout, indicated the dragon's gender as female. This was it. The real deal. An actual European dragon. A true Draco occidentalis magnus

Roy focused all his concentration in keeping his shaky knees from collapsing. As a result, the most dumb gape was left on his face, eyes wide as saucers. He barely flinched when the dragon leaned forward to sniff the meat in his hands, then snapped it into her mouth with her serpentine tongue. After chomping on it and swallowing, she continued the stare at the measly little human before her, curious as to why he hadn't head for the hills yet.

She lowered her head until her and the human were at eye level, then asked, in perfect English, "...Who are you?"

For a second, Roy's mouth refused to work properly, his lips clearly moving to form words, but no sound came out.

The dragon arched a nonexistent brow.

"Um, uh..." Finally, Roy sighed, getting himself under control. "Okay... My name is Roy. I'm a half-dragon, so... I'm here to watch over you."

The dragon grew more interested. "Roy, is it? Hmm... How do I know whether to believe you or not?"

Roy blinked, not expecting that. "Um... you just have to trust me."

The dragon snorted. "I don't believe you."

Roy winced, not knowing what to do to convince her. Before he could defend himself, the bolder of his two friends leaped up to do the defending for him.

"Hey, you can't say that!" Link bellowed, shaking a fist. "He's the real deal!"

"LINK! Get DOWN, NOW!" Roy hollered, but the dragon had already released her flame breath in his direction. The elf ducked, and the fires blasted the protective rock away, revealing his and Marth's hiding spot. The two cried out in terror as the dragon advanced towards them, ready to cook them for sure this time, but Roy would not allow it. Not during his first time, anyways.

Just before the dragon released its second attack, the half-dragon rushed in front of them, holding out his hand. The blaze halted just before the hand, being pushed away by an unseen force. Controlling it took much of Roy's power, as his arm began to tremble and he began to sweat with effort, not to mention from the intense ball of heat inches before him. At last, he took his other hand, with his own fireball at ready, and swiped it across, canceling out the dragon's flame with his own.

The dragon was slightly surprised, staring down at this odd boy, who breathed in and out heavily, yet his determined gaze fixed on her. She then noticed the other two and scowled. "And who exactly are they?"

"They're my friends," he wheezed. "They're not gonna hurt you, I promise."

"Hmmp. A half-dragon with human friends? That's...!" She paused, hesitant, then pressed forward, "I still don't believe you."

"Oh, come ON!" Link exclaimed. "He just controlled your flame! What more proof do you friggen' need?"

"Link, shut up already!" Marth hissed. "You got us into enough trouble!"

They both stopped at Roy's outstretched arm, his face calm. "Stand back. I know how to convince her."

Baffled, they did as they were told. The dragon herself grew puzzled as to what he would do, and then he collapsed to the ground before her, grunting in severe pain. His form began to grow and snake, his clothing stretching and melding into his skin, hardening into his own set of blue scales. His clenched hands snapped open with mighty claws, his shoes melting into fierce talons. A great tail curved its way out, violet-and-red wings erupting from his back, stretching to their full, majestic length. As the transformation ended, they folded at the sides of the new dragon, one with a rounder, cuter snout and an unruly mop of chestnut red hair. Its reptilian eyes, still bright cerulean, locked with the other's, golden orbs wide with shock.

"...Is this proof enough?" he asked softly.

The female dragon now had no more doubts, and her harsh exterior slowly faded. Strangely, she had suddenly become quite a gorgeous creature. "...I see. So... you truly are... him? The one who defeated Jasper?"

Roy smiled. "That's me."

She glanced down at the other two, who flinched upon reflex. "Yes, that's right, the only half-dragon with human companions, and I suppose that would be you two." Guessing, she pointed to each one with her tail. "...Marth... and Link, am I right?"

"Actually, Link and Marth," the Hylian corrected accordingly, grinning widely. Marth sighed, relaxing as trust was established and the danger was over.

"Of course. I call myself Silverwing," she introduced herself, turning back to Roy. "I apologize for my caution. I've been... tricked before." She lifted her wing, revealing a tearing scar in her side.

Roy grimaced, then sighed regrettably. "...I'm sorry."

She lowered it and continued. "So... Am I your first dragon?"

Roy chuckled nervously. "Yeah, first non-domestic one, anyways."

"I figured as much. You have much to learn."

The mamkute lowered his gaze. "...I know."

"Don't worry, you know much already," Silverwing encouraged. "You had a decent approach, and you knew how to confront me when was agitated. Though I'd suggest teaching your friends to stay hidden."

"Tell that to him!" Marth replied irritably, smacking Link upside the head hard.

"OW!"

"And besides, we aren't defenseless." She bore her gaze into his. "What is your reason for needing to protect a dragon you don't even know?"

Roy paused. Another question he did not expect. But here he had a confident answer. "Because, this area could be a hot spot for poachers, with all the attention from the Jasper incident, so I don't wanna take any chances with any dragons that settle here."

Silverwing beamed. "Good answer. Compassion and foresight work well together. Anything else?"

"Well, uh... oh, we should trim the damaged trees and wipe out your prints to remove any clues of your presence, while also...!"

"Okay, alright, yes," Silverwing interrupted, obviously satisfied. "You can hold that off until I'm gone. I'm only staying for a few days."

"Really? Are you being chased?"

"No, but my destination is southwest, and I lost precious time in a sea storm crossing the Atlantic. I only need some rest, then I'll be on my way."

"Ah, okay... Well, we should be getting back to Mansion nearby. Call out if you need anything."

"Of course."

And as he triggered his transformation again, he had run out of energy and passed out the second he was human again...

By now it was dusk, so it seemed like more time had passed since then. Finished with his meal, Roy shakily got to his feet and approached the window, gazing out almost... sadly. He remembered what she said, before their trust was shaped: "A half-dragon with human friends? That's..." He was almost afraid of how she was intending to end that bitter statement.

Was there really so much distrust between humans and dragons? If so, could anything be done to heal those old wounds? Maybe that was his other purpose: to bring those of his mixed blood together and soothe the anger between the two species.

...Or maybe that was just an idealistic dream way too far out of his reach.

"Hey, you." Roy was snapped from his thoughts and turned towards the door, where Link poked in from the side. "Marth told me to remind you to get your rest and that a new Smasher's coming in tomorrow."

Roy gawked. "...You can't be serious."

"I'm-a dead serious."

"MAN! No one tells me ANYTHING ANYMORE!"

"Sucks to be you!" Link laughed, dodging a thrown pillow and rushing back into the hallway.

Roy growled in frustration, plopping back into his bed and sulking for no particular reason. He stared at the ceiling for a while until his body demanded more rest, and he shut his eyes and went into his blissful, dreamy sleep.

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A/N: W00t! First chapter!

Roy: Hooray! (does a dance)

Eliwood: Hey... where's the new guy?

Link: Here's not here yet. This is the intro chapter to catch everyone up.

Right on. The new guy will be coming in next chapter! Though it's pretty obvious who it is.

Link: No duh. (points at the story summary)

...D'oh! Oh well, you sharp reviewers saw it coming. Please review some more! XD