And we are back with chapter seven! Thank you all for the support, all of the amazing reviews, and even just reading. I hope that I'm properly, or at least decently portraying the characters. There are a few events that have happened, and will happen, that aren't part of the Revelations path but I'm adding them in and mixing them as well as I can. This chapter has one too, one I've done some research on and verified it wouldn't totally destroy the plot/character's backstory. So, enjoy!

Quick note: There was a discrepancy I made with Princess Jezebel/ Rosalynn. Her eye color is actually warm brown; My notes were mixed up and I accidentally gave her the wrong color. Long story short, her eyes are a warm brown. I did go back and fix it in the chapter it was mentioned in.

Chapter Seven: The Beginning of Many Things

[Ascalon- The Royal Villas]

It was an odd, yet familiar feeling hat greeted Ascalon; waking up in an unknown place with no memory of how he had arrived there. All he could recall was his confrontation with Sinistra, the kind lady that showed up to stop her, and that she asked him some questions. His rescuer had eyes like his though, a bright gold that seemed to reflect light some and how they reminded him of something. To his misery he could not remember what it was though.

Groaning he flopped against what he had originally thought was his bed, only to feel a much finer and softer fabric underneath him. That along with the sound of birds singing and a fire crackling, was enough for him to open his eyes so he could try and figure out where he was. Not too far away was the fire, dying slowly as the remaining embers glowed weakly. Outside were the birds, enjoying the slightly warmer weather as winter was ending soon and transitioning to spring. Draped over him was a cozy blanket, a beautiful watery design stitched into it, displaying what resembled the ocean. He held it close for a moment longer, savoring the warmth it had offered, before he pushed it aside and cautiously climbed to his feet.

Head spinning some he held onto the table for support, knocking a bowl of fruit over and startling himself with the noise, as well as someone he hadn't noticed there previously. Arete, who had been busy in the kitchen, snapped her eyes up at the living room upon hearing the clatter, finding the boy was awake and confusedly looking around. A smile graced her lips as she was glad to see him up. She took a small plate of fruit with her as she walked over, gently shaking her head as his stubbornness was exactly the way everyone had described it. The boy looked up at her when she approached him, gold eyes still a bit hazy and adjusting to being awake. Thankfully from the look of things his ear wound heal alright in most spots.

"Good morning young man. Let's sit down and have some breakfast, alright?" She said, motherly tone coming through.

"Oh, okay your majesty." He sleepily answered, giving an unsteady bow and then awaiting for her to sit down first, as his father taught him.

"You may call me ma'am or Arete; either one works Ascalon. You may sit now."

"Thank you, ma'am. How are you this morning?"

"I am doing well darling. How are you feeling?"

At this question he paused, thinking for a moment, and replied with a slightly hoarse voice, "I am doing alright. My throat hurts and my ear stings but, I should be back to normal in a couple of days."

Her lips created a thin line on her face as she was bothered at his attempt to brush off his well-being. Only frustrated a small bit Arete lightened her expression, asking again, "You do not need to put on your manners here. Please, how are you actually feeling? What do you remember from last night?"

"I feel sore and tired. My ear really hurts. Speaking hurts. I don't recall much. Everything with Lady Sinistra is clear…ish, but after that I'm not too sure what happened. I knew that I hurt and that my body felt really sleepy. Sorry ma'am."

"No, don't apologize. You did just as I asked, and I thank you. As for what happened, Sinistra used a form of dark magic on you, called Nosferatu. It takes the life out of one person and gives it to the person casting it. I tried to stop her before she took too much but I'm afraid you might have a permanent scar there. Please forgive me."

"Uh, I…it's okay. It's not that bad and I'll be-"

"It is bad and young man do not try and minimize your pain. It's okay to hurt and it's okay to be scared. I, a full-grown adult, did not get to you in time and am apologizing. You can accept the apology or not but, do not feel bad about me apologizing. None of this is your fault, even if you sassed her. Now, I am sorry Ascalon and hope you will forgive me." She stated with a stern but kind tone, clearly showing that there was no room to argue the point she had made.

He nodded and awkwardly said, "Yes ma'am. I'll accept your apology, even if it's not needed. May I have some water please?"

Peaceful smile returning to her face Arete nodded and smoothly rose from her seat, walking over to the kitchen and saying, "Have you met my daughter Azura yet? She plays with Camilla and the others on occasion, but she is a bit younger than them. For a five-year-old she's very intelligent, and she has such a lovely singing voice. Do you sing?"

Uhhh, no. Well, I'm not sure. I don't think I do."

"Hm, Garon did mention you had memory troubles. You know, I could teach you today? Then you and Azura could sing together too. What do you think Ascalon?"

"But I have chores and duties, wyverns to attend to and stalls to clean. I'll be in so much trouble if I don't show up and do them."

"Unless the Queen gave you permission to not do them. I do not believe you to be fit enough for your chores and duties today young man and order you to take the day off to rest and recover. Understood?"

Ascalon paused, dumbstruck and caught light a surprised deer, trying to process what happened as his mind was still running a bit slowly. He looked up to the queen, puzzled as to why she had ordered such a thing. Slowly her serious expression melted into a friendly and coy smile, something that felt so familiar but so dauntingly far away. Unable to help himself he smiled too, knowing then that he liked this lady almost as much as Phier, who he was fond of and enjoyed being around.

Once that was settled Arete lent made sure he ate and drank what he wanted, asking about his home and what he remembered if anything. He, sadly, could not tell her much as most of his past was still a dark black pit, but he did mention that certain things were recognizable. The way certain people made faces, speaking dragon, the lance he had. Almost as if it hurt, he brought up how sometimes at night when he was wandering the halls here, he would pick up on someone singing a song that he felt he knew or understood what it meant slightly. A certain verse always seemed to come back to him and he wished he knew who the singer was, so he could ask what the song was, where it came from. Upon him telling her this Arete felt a cold hand clamp down on her throat as she looked at the lost child, a deadly cold chill running down her spine.

"What are the words darling? Maybe I've heard the song too. I do live here." She asked, covering her rising anxiety. "You could try singing it if that'll help?"

"Uh, but I'm no good and my voice sounds like a frog." He told her, fumbling for an excuse as he felt put on the spot.

"Please? We might be able to figure it out? Find the singer?"

Giving in, due to his own want of the truth, he nodded and in a small but fairly steady voice sang,

"A burdened heart sinks into the ground, a veil falls away without a sound.

Not day nor night, wrong nor right, for truth and peace you fight.

Sing with me a song of silence and blood; the rain falls, but can't wash away the mud.

Within my ancient heart dwells madness and pride, can no one hear my cry.

When he finished singing a cough wracked his small frame, throat burning some and body feeling odd. Arete sat in front of him, helping him drink some water as she worriedly brushed the hair from his face and gazing at him with such concern one would think he was her own. Neither one noticed that from the stairs not too far away Azura crouched, watching the pair, fascinated by them. She wanted to know why he knew the song her mother sang at night, the one she believed no one ever heard. Silently the little girl observed what went on, not knowing how important this would be later in life.

"That song is from my homeland. It is a powerful song, one you can not sing again…not until you are older. How do you recognize it?" Arete asked Ascalon, once he had come down from the fit and was breathing properly again.

He gazed at the queen, finding her worry etched deeply on her face and the seriousness of her voice discomforting. Clearing his throat, he croaked out, "I don't fully know how I recognize it. It just feels…familiar. Like how I'm able to speak with George in his language. How I knew that I wanted the name on the lance. It felt right. It felt like I found a piece of me. Why is it dangerous?"

"I can't tell you; not now at least. When you're ready I will though. I'll explain everything and then things might make more sense. Between us though, we are from the same land though, and if you ever need anything, ever, please come to me." She explained, shaking slightly from the worry that threatened to consume her. Afterwards she took off an earring she had always had, one that was dear, and held it out to the boy.

"That…that's made from a dragon claw. Or a horn. Did you know a dragon?"

"Yes, I loved them dearly and lost them when I fled home. I want you to have this. This way, everyone will know that you have my favor and they will be less likely to hurt you. It's the best protection I can give you for now."

"I will gladly accept this ma'am. Thank you…how do I wear it?"

Giggling and relaxing some she explained, "You put it through a hole in your ear. Some of the ones Sinistra left will not fully close, as the skin and tissue are missing, so this can go there instead. Just like me. I hurt my ear when I was young too and covered the scar with an earring."

"Will you be okay?" he asked in a hurry, not wanting her to be inconvenienced by his own issue. Her smile, radiating warmth and care, was answer enough and he smiled in return. With a nod he said, "Okay. We can match now. One for me and one for you."

Arete laughed more, pushing her panic down and looping the bone earring through a part of his scarred earlobe. Once it was done, she gazed at him for a moment, bittersweetly happy at the sight and what she now knew. This child was one brought by fate, like many including herself, and she couldn't stop herself from hugging him. He returned it without hesitation, telling the queen she could come visit George anytime she liked and how sorry he was that she lost her dragon. His blissful ignorance helped her smile and calm down, reminding her that now she had two children to teach and guide, to ready so that they might change destiny and fate.

[Four days later with Phier and Ascalon- Barracks]

When Ascalon returned late in the day, with scars, a terrifying story, and an earring, Arcturus had to keep Phier from storming off and tearing Sinistra to shreds while the captain held in his own anger and panic. It was the first time Ascalon was grounded, and while it wouldn't be the last it definitely got the point across. For the next few days he wasn't allowed to be out of sight of either adult, as they did not want to risk him being hurt so badly again. They naturally both thanked Queen Arete, who humbly accepted their thanks and told them it was nothing, only that she was sorry that she hadn't arrived sooner. When it was revealed that he sassed Sinistra, however, that was truly when he was scolded. It came to a halt when he retaliated at the two, claiming that they did the same and he was doing what they did, watching as the pair of captains slowly closed their mouths and thought for a minute.

"I'll try not to do it again, especially around her, but I can't stop being me. Sorry, you guys made me sassy. Tough luck." He said before coughing harshly again. The fit ended the argument completely and the pair spent the next few days watching him closely, shooing away company and telling them that when he was better, he could hangout. It was on the day he was better that his friends bull-rushed his guardians and ran over, their plan of attack quiet brilliant for children. Xander, being the tallest and strongest, had shoved Arcturus into Phier, who had been carrying a stack of crates, while Leo made a barrier of plant growth. Camilla dashed to her friend and tried to scoop up the surprised child, saying that this was a rescue mission. When Ascalon started laughing so hard it turned into coughing she set him down, calling her brothers over.

Xander grabbed a waterskin one of the captains had set down and helped his friend while Leo attempted to keep the wall of branches and vines strong. Ascalon eventually spoke, as Phier tore the vines apart, saying, "It's okay guys. I'm alright. Please don't ground them Phier."

Huffing from the activity she gave a sharp glare at the royal kids and Rosalynn, pausing before going to the troublemaker in the making and asking, "How's your throat? Let me see."

He showed it to her, knowing she was worried that it might become infected or something, adding, "It's okay. I just laughed too much."

"Alright. Well, as for you four, I am disappointed but, I'll let it slide this once. Arcturus and I are almost done with our preparations, so I want the five of you to hang tight. Ascalon can't talk much due to an injury so don't make him speak. I'll explain when we're back. Also, say goodbye to Rosalynn; we're taking her today."

With that the wyvern lord left and helped her friend get back up. Together they set about preparing everything while the children chatted anxiously. Xander asked Rosalynn, "Do you think you'll like it over there? I hear it's very beautiful and there are a lot of colorful plants."

"I'm sure I will but, I'm going to miss you all. We haven't been friends long but, you have all done so much for me. You won't forget me, right?" Rosalynn said, eyes watering as it dawned on her what was happening.

Camilla smiled and held her new friend's hand, stating, "We would never forget you! You're one of us now and we'll always keep you close. One day we'll all be together again; I know we will."

"Yeah, and I'll be really good at magic, Ascalon and Camilla will be in the Wyvern Troop, Xander will learn how to ride a horse, hopefully. It'll be okay." Leo added, earning a laugh and a 'hey' from his brother.

Together they giggled and joked with one another, praying that things would be alright and that their future was as bright as they made it out to be. The two captains watched from afar, letting the children enjoy this small peace, knowing the importance of happy memories and how they could pull someone out of the darkest places. Too soon the time came for them to all say goodbye though, earning a sad resounding no from most of them. Xander got everyone back together, reminding them that this wasn't really the end; just a new beginning to many things. Each child had a gift for the one leaving, Camilla and Leo giving her a book of blank paper, paint, and paintbrushes. Ascalon gave her a small silly looking plush of George, apologizing for his poor craftsmanship. Xander had a special gift for her though, one she would always remember.

"This is something I found in the forest near the border one time, and it's saved my life three times. It's a shuriken of some kind; it has barbs on it. I want you to have it though, so that it can keep you safe just as it did for me. Be careful with it and always remember that no matter where you are, you have a home with us." He stated, presenting the gift in its holder, surprising everyone with his sweet smile and gesture.

Rosalynn took it and, not even bothering to hide her tears, said, "Thank you all. I'll keep you with me no matter what. And I will see you one day. I promise."

The five came together for one last group hugs, all of them sad that she had to go but glad she would be safe. They had done their job well and now she would live, free of the fear that her mother and sister would hurt her. No matter what they all silently vowed to never tell where the princess was fleeing to, each one prepared to deal with the consequences. Ascalon mounted George and, after telling the siblings he would be back soon, he took of with his dragon and the disguised crate that held his friend. Phier snuck Arcturus a kiss and said she'd bring everyone home safely before taking off as well, leaving a goofy faced man behind.

Days passed as the small group of five flew through the cold, rain, and wind. Phier had explained to her troops what they were doing, letting all of them know what the risks of this job was and what would happen if this was ever discovered. Brave like their leader, they accepted, beginning to see the world through new eyes after everything that had occurred since that strange blue-haired child joined them. Nonstop they carried on and pushed through the harsh, unforgiving weather, only slowing when they spotted the border and an odd group waiting for them.

To their surprise, it was Hoshidans, some of them familiar including a pair of brothers and a regal looking man with deep brown hair and eyes that gave off heat like a fire. In the front of the bunch was a young girl with lavender hair, smiling and waving at them as they began to descend. Once on the ground the Nohrian troops were further surprised as the Hoshidan soldiers calmly walked forward and greeted them politely, no weapons drawn and ready with food for their mounts. Phier climbed down and, after thanking the one taking care of her wyvern, went to the man that stood out from the rest, motioning for Ascalon to follow.

Bowing to show respect with Ascalon mimicking her, Phier spoke, saying, "My name is Captain Phier Eildweiss sir, this is Ascalon Avenstar, and it is an honor to meet you. Who are you and what is this all for, if I may ask."

"My name is Hiro Kurayami and the royal seer came to me and told me that when the storm paused, and the sun rose on this day, the Dragon Boy would bring a special child to me, one that I should welcome warmly and with gratitude. Is she wrong? Do you not have a child in need of shelter?" He told them, the girl with purple hair walking over and joining them with a smile and bow.

"I-I…wow that's impressive. We do have a girl and she is in desperate need of a new home and life. Her mother and sister are wicked and would kill her if they found her. If you could, could you find her a home?"

"I will do what I can, as I was destined to meet this girl. Let me meet her please."

Ascalon, who was in awe of this seer's talent, went to the crate and lifted the lid. The brothers rushed over to help him, as they saw him struggling some, and together the three removed the top of the container. Inside sat Rosalynn, who looked up at the boys and gave a shy smile and wave. Two of them returned the gesture and assisted her as she climbed out, walking with her over to the two leaders and the seer. Her arms held tightly to her gifts as she approached, squeezing them a little bit more as her eyes settled on the intimidating figure that was next to the purple haired girl. A second later she relaxed as he softly turned the corners of his lips up, kneeling down as well so he did not loom and give the wrong impression.

"Hello there. My name is Hiro Kurayami. Captain Phier told me that you need a new home, a safe one to protect you from your mother and sister. Is this correct?" He asked, kind and less tense as he knew she would be nervous.

"Yes sir, that is correct. Anywhere works, I just want a new life. I won't cause any issue and can work too." She answered, trying to sell herself well so she wasn't taken back home.

"I am certain you can. You know, I have a son at home that looks just like you."

"Really? That's very nice. Is he friendly?"

"Very friendly, and he understands much more than most his age, He has also always wanted a younger sister. Now, if you're okay changing your name so you'll fit in, you could be that sister. My wife, son, and I could be your new home. Does that sound good?" He asked, smirking at the end as her eyes lit up and shinned.

Sniffling she asked, "Can I keep my gifts? My friends who helped me gave them to me. They're important."

"Of course. It isn't everyday fate brings a child to someone and all I care about is your happiness and health."

"Okay. I would be very happy to have a brother too."

Phier chuckled at the happy sight, watching the young girl reach for her new father. Beaming at the answer, Hiro gave the captain a bow and called his men back, watching as the two brothers gave Ascalon a quick hug before joining the others. Then, scooping the special girl up in his arms he smiled to the wyvern troops and leisurely left, the seer handing Ascalon a note before skipping off after them. The wyvern lord watched, heart burning in pride as they had accomplished something many had failed to do, and faintly listened to the man's last word before vanishing entirely.

"From this day on, my precious daughter, you will be known as Kagero, and no longer will anyone be able to destroy you or tear you down. You have a home and many that will love you."

And that is it for this one my friends! Hope you all enjoyed and sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Until next time!