Boom! Chapter three! So, just a preface, there will be a couple of time skips unless you guys do not want them, or you do. Idk. But I'm still going to cover the development and growth of the relationships in this story. I hope so far you all enjoy this story, I enjoy writing it. To the chapter~!

Warning: This chapter will contain some battle scenes. Nothing too intense but I thought I;;d let you know.

Chapter Three: Settling In

It had only been two weeks and already Ascalon was the talk of Castle Krakenburg, gaining favor with many people as he had a sweet and polite demeanor, leading a helping hand wherever he went and telling everyone how honored he was to be here. The only ones that had a sour taste for the optimistic child were several of the concubines, concerned that he would take favor away from their children. Yet even as they were nasty to him, he continued to be the spitting image of calm and kind. Little did those women know, he was panicking somewhat on the inside, concerned they would lash out at him. Camilla was always there to help him calm down and to reassure him he was doing just fine, until her mother or brothers called for her of course. It was the start of week three that he took a breather.

He was walking through one of the many halls, glancing down at his map, when a voice called for him. It was familiar and the best one in the castle, save for Arcturus, so he turned to face the cheery princess. Camilla stopped once she caught up and, after catching her breath, gave him a warm hug. Still getting use to those he returned it after a second, noticing how nice she smelled today.

"So, how are you doing? A lot of people like you from what I've heard." She told him, her violet eyes bright and full of excitement.

"Well, I guess. I've just been trying to do my best. The ladies with the other kids…they don't like me. Not one bit. Especially the blonde lady with the green streaks in her hair." He replied, shifting nervously as he worried about her.

"She doesn't like anyone except her daughter and my father. However, I figured since you've been working so hard, we could hang out for the day. Please? You did say we would."

"Oh yeah. What if I get in trouble though?"

"I'll take the blame. They can't be upset at you if I ordered you to spend the day with me."

"Are you ordering me to?" He asked in confusion.

"You know what, yes! Ascalon, I order you to hang out with me for the day. I am a princess." She said, adding the last part with a mocking voice and glare.

Laughing he nodded and answered, "Of course your majesty. I can't say no; I really can't. So, what shall we do for the day?"

"This is so exciting! Oh, you can introduce me to George first. Then we can play in the gardens, and then you can meet Azura! Let's go!"

Taking a hold of his hand she sped off towards the wyvern stalls, drawing the attention of many people as they ran by, even Arcturus who watched in bewilderment as his now son was dragged away.

"Was that your boy and Princess Camilla?" Simon asked, confused at what just happened.

"From the trail of apologies that followed and the, 'I'll see you at dinner', yeah that's him. I knew he'd make friends." Arcturus said with a chuckle.

"Doesn't he have chores to do?"

"Don't you have duties to do?"

"Yes sir." Simon replied, seeing that was the end of that.

Down the maze of halls and past the baffled staff were the breathless pair of kids, neither one use to running so much so suddenly. They took a shortcut through the kitchen, snagging some apples as they went, and ducked into the area that all the animals were kept. Several horses stood tall and gazed at the duo that passed by, neighing happily when the little girl reached into her pockets and pulled out sugar cubes. Handing a few to Ascalon the two fed the treats to the horses and made their way to the wyverns, still breathing heavily from rushing over here. As they came to a stop outside of George's pen the pair finally were able to breath properly.

The pair carefully stepped inside, trying to be quiet so as not to wake him just yet. Ascalon went closer, telling Camilla to hold on a moment, which she did, and he approached his best friend. The indigo dragon snoozed away until a familiar and gentle face rested against his small snout, rousing him in a way only one person knew how to. Large pearlescent green eyes opened slowly, finding a friend there with an apple in one hand and a grin on his small face. The boy whispered a sweet greeting, telling the dragon of how his days had been, the new people he had met. Finally, after George yawned and stretched his front legs in a similar fashion to cats, Ascalon asked if one of his friends could meet him. Debating it, and then seeing the pleading expression his precious companion gave him, he rolled his eyes and gave an affirming snuff.

Happily, the child went to the side and walked over a girl his age, lavender hair curly and long, violet eyes shimmering with admiration, and an awe-struck smile on her lips. She had the magical item with her: an apple. Wanting the food George shimmied forward carefully, not wanting to frighten the girl, and was pleased when she seemed ecstatic at the gesture. Walking forward she came right up to him, three feet away, and gave a bow before offering the food. Her giggles filled the space as he scooped it up with his tongue and munched on it with much joy. George decided she was sweet and innocent enough and, whilst resting his head on the ground nearby, let the young girl pet him and give a couple of pleasant scratches behind his ears. As he fell back asleep, she said thank you in her human tongue and sat in the corner with Ascalon, whose smile shinned brighter than the sun.

"Wow, he's really beautiful. Even asleep. Do you think he'll get big, like a mountain?" She asked, holding her friend's hands in anticipation.

"I don't know, but he might. Or he might stay small, like he is now. He told me that some dragons can be as small as a bird even." Ascalon explained, blushing when she spoke again.

"You can talk with him? Do you know how amazing that is? I'm so glad you're here! That you're my friend. It's hard to make friends here. Most of the other kids don't like me much and well…you're like my first friend besides my brothers. We are friends, right?"

"Of course! You're the first person that wasn't scared of me. Most people just pushed me away and left me in the cold. I've always just been left behind and forgotten by all. Well, except Arcturus."

At that Camilla, whose eyes were already watering, shed a few tears and held her friend close, burying her face into his shoulder as they fell back into a pile of hay. "Those people that left you and were scared and were just cowards! I promise from this day on, I will never leave you or abandon you. We'll be together, and you'll never be alone again. Okay?"

"Okay. And I promise I'll always be with you, so that neither of us have to be alone and feel that again. We'll have each other, no matter what. Pinky promise!" He said, wiping away a stray tear as he held out his pinky.

She laughed and took it with her own without hesitation, resting her forehead on his. Muttering, "Pinky promise." She yawned and flopped on top of her friend, relaxing in the warm hay and drifting to sleep. It was after Ascalon fell asleep as well that one of the caretakers found them. She paused, smiling softly at the two and their entwined fingers, and then decided it was best to let them be. Sweet moments like this were rare to come by and she wanted them to have it while it lasted.

[Two Days Later]

"A mission your Majesty?" Ascalon asked, curious and a little afraid of what was to happen.

"Yes child. See, our land is in constant terror near the border. Raids happen, and fighting does occur. The Wyvern Troop, your troop, are being sent out to check these lands and I wish for you to accompany them. You dragon is already larger than most of our wyverns and you are able to navigate well with him." King Garon explained to the young boy before him, glad that he was not fighting or arguing the order. Standing up he walked over and continued with, "Your job will be to rescue any troops that are hurt should a battle happen. Many men die because they cannot get out of the line of fire quick enough. Do this and you will save families and lives, for Nohr. You want that, correct Ascalon?"

"Yes, your Majesty. I will be brave for my home and do my best. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. I have learned that you have made friends with some of the children here. Is this true?"

"Yes, it is true your Majesty. Should I have not?" He questioned, afraid of the answer.

"No, it is good to make friends and allies. Choose them carefully though. As you know, the world can be a dark and cruel place. We herein Nohr are strong because we were able to survive it while growing up. You are dismissed and leave for the border at sunset." Garon told him with a firm nod.

Rising to his feet Ascalon gave one more bow and then, back straight and eyes forward just like Arcturus, he left the throne room. Outside waiting for him was a small group of people, one being his new father. Camilla, Leo, and Xander stood and awaited him anxiously as well, the siblings nervous and concerned as to what his meeting was about. He gave them all his best smile and went over, bowing to the royal children when near.

"Nothing bad happened. I was just told what my first mission is. I'm the rescue unit for the group going out tonight. I'll be alright." He explained, trying to make it seem like it was nothing of consequence. Leo barking out a harsh laugh, one that was bitter and sarcastic to its core, negated his attempt.

Elbowing his brother Xander gave Ascalon a steady gaze and told him, "My friend this is bad. Not many people survive and come back from those kinds of missions, especially the rescue unit. You need to be careful and if things become too risky then fly back here. You're no good to the country if you're dead and you're how old?"

"Eight, but I'll be nine soon…I think. I will be safe, and I'll keep the troops safe too. I've been taught some first aid and how to stitch a wound so I'm ready."

Camilla spoke this time, doing what she could to be optimistic, and said, "Yeah. You're very smart, and brave. Besides, if you get hurt, I know George will keep you safe and bring you home." Hugging him tightly she whispered, "You made a promise too. You'll come back right?"

"Always. Never alone again, remember?" He whispered back, his smile coming back as his friend encouraged him.

"Of course." Pulling away she looked to her brothers and told them, "You guys worry too much. He'll be fine and when he's back we can all play Hide & Seek again. Now let's say bye and do our chores before we're in trouble."

At her order her brothers said farewell, Xander giving him a hug and Leo giving a fist bump. The trio walked away, chatting about what they wanted for dinner and how they didn't wish to study. Ascalon watched them a moment longer and looked to Arcturus, who hid his worry well and gave him a smirk. Taking his son's hand, the two went back to their shared quarters where they had an early meal, going over things they could do when he returned. Unfortunately, Arcturus was a foot soldier and not part of the group his son was in. Still, he trusted the boy and knew that if he could make it through everything he had before here, he would make it through this. Scarred maybe, but that was a normal thing for the residents of this dark land.

Sunset came all to fast and, as Arcturus helped the young boy climb atop his dragon, he gave a wane smile and reached down to his belt, pulling something off and handing it to him. "This was my first weapon when I was young. My family and I lived in the cold north and we needed to hunt for our food. I hope that you do not need to harm anyone with this, as it is sharp and deadly, but if you must then you must. I'd rather you be safe than not. Don't try and fight though. If you can avoid it then please, please stay far from it." He told Ascalon, his voice shaking only at the end.

"I'll do my best. I don't want anyone to die though. Is that Princess Camilla? Ascalon replied, peering over his father's shoulder.

To both of their surprise it was indeed her, mud splattered across her fine dress and breathing heavily, as though she had run the whole way here. "This…This is for you. Here." She breathlessly stated as she held something out that shimmered and caught the light of the descending sun.

Leaning down he took it, marveling at the beautiful beads and jewels that made the lengthy bracelet. Touched by the gift he smiled brightly, wrapping it around his left wrist a couple of times until it was secure. "Thank you, Camilla. It's amazing. I don't think I deserve it." He answered with a small laugh.

"Ugh, don't say that. It's special to me and you must bring it back, along with you and George. Don't forget that we're here, alright?" She explained, hands on her hips as she angrily pouted for a moment. Her expression softened, and she reached up, giving the dragon a loving pat and then squeezing her friends hand tightly.

"I will bring it and everything else back. I swear."

"Good. Be safe." She told him. To that he nodded and went to join the other troops, all of them keeping a bright attitude the child's sake. They, as well as Arcturus and Princess Camilla, knew what was out there and had settled in with the knowledge that he wouldn't be the same when he came back. As they troop took flight, quickly fading away into the coming night, she spoke to the captain saying, "He'll come back. You don't need to worry."

[Four days later w/Ascalon and troop]

The soldiers took fantastic care of their youngest member, telling him of their various adventures and teaching him how to fight with the dagger he had, always letting him have food before themselves. When he slept though, all they could do was try and figure out why the king had sent him along. True he was good with his dragon and decently smart, but there was bound to be a fight and if he was hit once by the wrong person, he'd be dead. Some believed it was a test of a sort, to weed out the weak from the strong. Others thought that perhaps he was a kid of importance that this king wanted dead. No one had a solid answer, but they could all agreed that if anyone had to make it back alive, it was him. There was a plot brewing and he had something to do with it.

Upon reaching their destination, a wyvern lord named Phier stuck close to the child, javelin ready to down anyone that came to close, and a steel lance to keep them down. She had lost her sister to a similar fight and wasn't about to lose more. Red eyes watching the grim horizon she spoke with the child, asking, "So, you can talk with him? That's rare. How'd you learn that?"

"Oh, uh…I don't know. It always came naturally to me. I'm able to speak his language better than yours to be honest. Sorry ma'am." Ascalon answered, hoping he didn't offend her. Her cackle that followed his statement relaxed him some and put his worries to rest.

"Well then, you are definitely something else boy. No one in Nohr or Hoshido speak dragon first and common second. I don't know where you came from but I'm glad I met you. Stay sharp okay." She instructed his with a tight smile.

Before he could agree to that a cry rang out through the troops and several flashes of metal streaked the air between them, raising their alarm. The burnet wyvern lord immediately went into action, shouting for the kid to keep out of range and hang back, rushing forward herself with her lance ready. He did as she said, telling George to loop back and fly higher so they were harder to hit. Together they rose and listened to the terrifying sounds of conflict, weaving about to avoid projectiles. Once at a decent height they watched the field, both anxious and worried as to what would occur, how this would end.

The enemies were like shadows, hiding in the trees and flitting from one dark patch to another, leaping across the branches and throwing sharp metal objects that closely resembled daggers. Other held something he did know: bows. It wasn't long until the first wail of pain from one of the wyverns sounded, echoing in the forest and the skies about. Wincing in sympathy the pair scanned for the injured one, keeping an eye on them until another cry erupted, followed by two more and a man falling through the air.

"George, let's go!" Ascalon shouted over the growing wind, leaning low as they bolted through the sky. Faster than any other being on the field the reached the falling soldier and, claws outstretched, snatched him out of the plunge. The man, breathless and in shock, gazed up at the pair, shouting a thanks as his mount came back around for him.

Proud of their accomplishment the two ducked and weaved, shoving troops out of the line of fire and snaking through the battle zone with their eyes sharp. They did well and lasted this way for a good amount of time, helping their team gain the upper hand and push back the enemy forces. Of course, that was until a cry from one of the opposing archers redirected the attention.

"Aim at the large one! They're their defense!" they practically screamed, firing an arrow at the evasive pair.

"Oh no. George, this way!" the boy shouted, dreading what was starting.

Soaring to the side and up they spun to avoid the many arrows trailing after them, some flying wide while other came dangerously close, two of them scraping his cheek and leaving stinging cuts in their wake. George, who was not use to this much flying and dodging, breathed laboriously and made a quick decision, for him and his friend. He shot upwards, wind and cold burning his eyes as he ignored Ascalon's cries to stop. Many of the archers and other unknown enemy soldiers had to peek out of the tops of the trees to continue their barrage, none of them expecting what came next.

Nohrian and Hoshidan alike were awe-struck as the massive indigo beast revealed to all it was not a wyvern, but indeed a creature of myth, as its large form dropped suddenly mid-rise, and plummeted back down at a ridiculous speed. Too quickly for the enemies to respond it righted itself at the tree line and released it unnatural gold flames, incinerating foliage and humans in its fire. Ninja, archer, and many others howled and yelled to one another, the word 'Dragon' being bellowed loudly for all to hear. Like an angry serpent awakened from its slumber George scuttled the canopies and swatted at the hastily retreating figures, enraged that they harmed his child. It was only when a young pair had been trapped that the kid's words broke through that anger.

"George stop! This isn't you! They don't deserve to die! Please stop! Please!" He cried, burying his face into his friend's neck and begging him to cease his rampage.

Slowly the red curtain that had covered his eyes lifted and he stared down at the two young boys, neither one much older than his Ascalon, both terrified and gazing in shock at the beast he was. The red-haired child, who was hurt and had one of his eyes closed and coated in blood, was held tightly in the green-haired boy's arms. After a moment it finally clicked what they were, and the dragon knelt his head down low to them, his emerald gaze meeting the nervous lavender one.

"Please. Please let us go. My brother and I don't want to die. We were just doing as we were ordered! Please!" Tears in his eyes the brother pleaded, shaking and scared.

Ascalon, who gently patted George on the head, slid down from his saddle and walked to the pair, watching their gaze widen as they found a child commanded this creature. He went to the pair and spoke to them, almost not as himself, asking, "Are you scared? Are you fearing for your life?"

"…Yes. We are. He'll never admit it, but we are. It's our first mission."

"Go back home then. Go and question if the fighting is worth it. If it's not, then look for peace, and remember what mercy is. Maybe if we find it, peace, we can be friends one day." The odd blue haired child told them.

On the brink of sobbing in relief the green haired brother watched the Nohrian kid and, much to his humility, lowered his head to the ground in gratitude as he bowed, lifting his brother after and vanishing. On the edge of the shadows he turned and said, "I will never forget your kindness or words. I will hope for the best. Goodbye." Then the brothers disappeared from sight.

"You let them go?" Phier asked as she landed near the kid.

"They were like me, I could see it. If we want peace, we can't gain it by fighting and hurting everyone. That doesn't work; it only scares people. George and I don't want to be scary. Not now and not ever again, isn't that right buddy?" Ascalon explained, looking to his now exhausted friend who had fully laid down on the forest floor.

"I…I don't have anything to say to that. You're not wrong and I guess it stands to reason that fear on breeds contempt and hate." She replied, lost at the unexpected answer and surprised even more by who it came from. Nodding she looked to her injured men, watching them struggle to round up the hurt Hoshidans and, with a sigh, made an order she never expected. "Patch them up and let them go!"

All eyes turned to her, their leader of unquestionable skill and thought, now unsure as to what they heard. It was when she repeated it that the message went through fully and both parties obeyed, wanting nothing more than to get home to their loved ones. Many from both countries would remember this day, the strange help that came from the enemy, and the apology from the blue haired boy and his dragon.

[Five days later at Castle Krakenburg]

Phier had instructed her troops that none of them were to mention this event and that, as far as anyone knew, the captive escaped due to the damage from the fire and the injuries they had sustained. She also made it crystal clear that no one was to speak of what George had been able to do, so as they could keep the dragon and Ascalon safe and hopefully not make them a more valuable target to molded into a soulless soldier or war machine. Everyone agreed without argument, all of them afraid of what would happen if the pair were turned into fighting drones. Her last order before they reached the castle was to learn as much about Hoshido and its people, so that perhaps there would be a way to find a bridge to peace with the other kingdom, quoting the boy and his words so that her men would know them too.

When they arrived the Wyvern Troop was greeted by Captain Arcturus and the trio of siblings that had grown fond of Ascalon. It was the early morning and they were welcomed back with coffee and breakfast, a pleasant surprise that all graciously accepted. Arcturus went to speak with Phier while the three others dashed over tot their friend, Camilla tackling him when he was off George.

"So, how did he do?" He asked as they watched the happy bunch laugh and talk with one another excitedly.

"He did well, and while the injuries definitely had an effect on him, he's mostly stayed normal." She replied, adding the next part in a lower tone. "We need to meet privately and discuss this further. There are some things I'm unsure of."

He gave only a nod and continued in idle chat, keeping her secret to himself, and telling her, "Well, once you are ready, King Garon would like to see you. He's anxious to know how things went. I'll see you later for sparing, 11pm?"

"That'll do. Have a nice day Captain."

Over with the children a much different conversation was had as Ascalon told them about how well George flew, how almost no one died, and that the Wyvern troops thought he was cool. Xander had been nodding in approval, keeping his stoic face on even though he wanted nothing more than to ask for a reenactment, while Leo scoffed at half of the ludacris claims, unable to believe what he was saying. Camilla was happily sitting on a crate and swinging her feet as her friend spoke with energy, making sound effects and trying to use his hands to better describe the events. It was when Arcturus approached that Ascalon quieted down.

"Captain Phier told me what happened. You did well, and everyone for once came home. I'm proud of you and, I'm glad you are safe." He said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Are you serious!? Captain Phier is saying he did all of that? Ugh, you're all crazy." Leo huffed as he threw his arms in the air and stormed off.

"I have business to attend to for most of the night so, I was going to ask if you wanted to spend it with your friends?" Arcturus asked, amused at the sight of the bunch.

"Really? No chores or work?" Ascalon questioned, overjoyed when his father nodded in reply. Yipping he answered, "Yes! Whoooo! We can play games and hide in the gardens!"

Princess Camilla, who was equally excited, ran off with her friend, the pair swooping in behind Leo and dragging the pouty one along while Xander gave the captain a quick bow and chased after them. The eldest boy shouted for them to wait up, losing his cool and racing to join them all when they didn't stop or slow. Laughing the four of them disappeared as they turned a corner, leaving behind their worries and cares.

That is it for this one. Didn't want to drag it on too long. Oh the suspense though! Stay tuned!