So, I got this idea in my head while replaying Breath of Fire, and I've finally got it all outlined and stuff. I was going to post this earlier, but I just got the time (and courage) to do it now.

Consider this an experimental chapter. I'm a little apprehensive about posting my first multi-chapter Tutu fic, so please bare with me while I venture into unknown territory. Also, it is an AU, so I'm not sure how this will be received. Hopefully this won't turn out as bad as I think it will. )

Happy reading!

Curse of the Dragon Chapter 1
Nocturne: An instrumental composition of a pensive, dreamy mood.

Ahiru was shaken out of her slumber when a swift wind blew into the carriage.

Raising a hand to cover her mouth as she yawned, she looked across to her two friends dressed in modest maid uniforms and aprons. The girl with blonde pigtails and another with a pink ponytail kept right on sleeping.

Ahiru rubbed her bright blue eyes and lifted the curtain over the window. The view was breathtaking; the skies were clear, with puffy clouds and vast green fields stretching on for miles beneath the flying, pegasus-driven coach. She had been asleep since the night before.

Leaning out the window carefully, Ahiru reveled at the caress of the wind on her face as a red pendant around her neck glinted in the morning sun. Her salmon-colored braid whipped about behind her. She called out over the gusts, "Mr. Cobbe! Mr. Cobbe, sir!"

A man on the driver's seat glanced back when he heard Ahiru's youthful voice. "Oh, g'mornin' milady!" He turned back to the pegasus' reigns. "How was yer sleep?"

"It was fine! Do you know how much longer?"

"Ah, 'bout an hour or two till we get to Vineta. That okay?"

"Mm! Perfect! Thank you so much!"

Ahiru let out a small shaky sigh and ducked back into the carriage. She blinked when she saw one of her friends awake and grinning at her. "So, are you excited to meet him or what?"

Ahiru gave a forced smile. "I'm not sure yet, Pique."

"Well, you know, he is kind of the prince that people associate with utter perfection. Extremely gentle and loving; patient with everyone; not judgmental or patronizing; genuine kindness to his subjects; face of an angel. He pretty much unconditionally loves everyone…"

The snoozing blonde seemed to leap out of dormancy to exclaim, "Exactly! Poor little Miss Ahiru! Destined to love a Prince that can never truly entrust her with his entire heart! Oh! Such pain! Such agony! Miss Ahiru, I want you to know, you always have us to cry to, because we know your eventual tears will be unbearable to deal with!"

Ahiru shook her head with a small smile. "Oh, Lilie…"

"Really, Miss," Pique stated seriously, "You're engaged to every girl's ideal man! You should be absolutely exuberant!"

Fiddling with her red pendant and biting her lip nervously, Ahiru mumbled, "I know I should be, but I haven't even met him before. What if he doesn't like me?"

Pique sighed, "He likes everyone. And I'm pretty sure he's everyone's true love, Miss Ahiru."

"Oh! How beautifully tragic it would be if she were to be married to someone who does not love her! An arranged marriage created at infancy! Only to end in adultery and sorrow!"

Ahiru clutched her pendant tighter. "I know it was my parents' last wish, and that's why, no matter what, I hope to marry Prince Mytho if he will accept me as his bride," she said firmly.

With sad, sincere smiles, the two friends took Ahiru's hands. "We do want you to be happy, dear," muttered Pique, "We honestly haven't seen your true smile since they died."

"Maybe," continued Lilie, "Just maybe this will bring you back to being your old, happy, clumsy, naïve self that can't dance!"

Ahiru forced the corners of her lips upward once more. "Well, thank you both for coming with me anyway. I know I'll need the support."

"Oh, my!"

"It's magnificent!"

Ahiru was speechless as the carriage sailed toward its destination. The entire capital was an impressive display of architecture, using perfect circles inside one another.

Just below, the extensive capital city of the country of Vineta was surrounded by a round wall. Small homes and markets littered the streets, and the citizens busied themselves with their day-to-day duties.

In the heart of the city, there was a large round lake.

The Grand Chateau perched atop a small isle in the middle of it, a stone moat leading to the grand doorway. The pure white castle reflected on the surface of the crystal clear water beneath. Ahiru was astounded by the towering pillars and rising rooftops. Flags depicting the Royal Seal hung from every window and every door.

In the middle of the vast palace was a superb and colorful garden with a large hedge maze and a grand fountain in the center.

The carriage flew over the city, the inhabitants gazing at it in excitement as it passed overhead. The pegasus' settled on the earth before the stone moat. Mr. Cobbe announced their arrival, opened the door, and assisted the maids out of the coach.

Ahiru trembled in apprehension and almost tripped on the train of her frothy light blue tea-gown when she stepped down with Mr. Cobbe's help. After regaining her footing, she straightened out her flowing sleeves and took a deep breath.

The Grand Chateau of Vineta seemed much larger from this new angle. Ahiru bit her lip. This would be her home from now on and she found herself yearning for her smaller, cozier manor back in the city of Hedeby. She clutched her red pendant once more.

As Mr. Cobbe flew the carriage to the nearby stables, five knights bowed to them in greeting, the metal of their armor clanking noisily. Ahiru curtsied politely and Pique and Lilie followed suit.

The knight in the middle stepped forward and spoke with a deep, clear voice, "Welcome, my lady. Allow us to escort you to the Grand Hall."

The moat was longer than she had expected. Her legs began to feel tired half way across the lake, especially with Pique and Lilie each clinging on one of her arms with enthusiasm. And the metallic clatter from the knights only served to heighten her anticipation about finally meeting the Prince. With that thought, she almost tripped over her train once more.

Finally arriving at the large wooden doorway, Ahiru held her breath as they ever so slowly inched open.

The knights led her inside with her maids. The entrance hall was enormous and the first thing Ahiru saw was the exquisite chandelier riddled with candles and crystals in the center of the room. Arches and halls that led to other parts of the house were to the sides. Straight ahead was a majestic marble staircase that led to a large set of white double doors detailed with engravings of roses and swans.

The knights took their leave, and the doors at the end of the stairs before them opened. Pique and Lilie clutched her arms tighter.

Ahiru was convinced that Prince Siegfried was, indeed, the Prince that all fairytale princes were modeled after. Silky white hair framed his flawless, beautiful face, and his amber eyes were soft and friendly. A gold crown graced his head and he was dressed in a deep blue tunic with gold trimming and white leggings. Feathers were attached to the cloth starting from his chest to loop around his shoulders, giving him the appearance of a winged angel. A pure white cape fluttered behind him.

His eyes met hers, and he smiled brightly.

Ahiru found herself blushing furiously before remembering to curtsy. Her maids let go of her arms to do the same.

Prince Siegfried glided down the stairs to her. As Ahiru rose from her curtsy, the Prince gave her a deep, graceful bow in return before taking her hand. Her face heated even more as he lay a soft kiss on her knuckles.

He looked right into her eyes, and with a sweet voice, spoke, "Welcome to the Grand Chateau. I apologize for not being there for your parents' funeral, my lady. I was a bit preoccupied with difficult dealings with the country of Rungholt. I very much regret it, as they were wonderful people, and best friends of my own parents. Such good friends, in fact, that they created this arrangement."

Ahiru fumbled for words. "Ah, oh, um, it's no trouble at all, your majesty."

The Prince's smile grew. "I must say, I have heard stories of your kindness and your beauty. It is quite a pleasure to finally be able to get to know you."

A small giggle escaped from one of her friends behind her, and Ahiru was driven to speechlessness.

The double doors opened once more. This time a man with gray hair and kind eyes dressed in a white tunic entered, followed by a beautiful woman with flowing brown hair. She wore a white and cream maid uniform.

"Ah," began the Prince, "Allow me to introduce you to my personal assistant, Karon, and the head maid, Rachel."

Ahiru curtsied and they returned the gesture. Finding the courage to speak, Ahiru motioned to her two friends. "This is Pique and Lilie," she spoke shyly, "They are my maids, and my best friends."

The Prince smiled warmly at them. "Friends of Lady Ahiru? I welcome you to take residence here. Rachel, please escort them to the servants' quarters."

"Right away, your majesty," she replied with a smile and a curtsy. Pique and Lilie sent Ahiru subtle winks and nudges before they were led through one of the halls.

Karon smiled amiably at the apprehensive girl before him. "Your highness? Would you excuse me? I do believe you gave me the order to look over the reports from Rungholt."

Inside, Ahiru panicked. With the Prince's dismissal, Karon bowed and entered another hall. She was alone with Prince Siegfried.

He gazed at her for a moment, and Ahiru wanted to hide under a rock. When his smile grew even larger, she relaxed.

"Your possessions have already been moved to your room," he began, "And your residence is settled. Please pardon my forwardness, but would you like to accompany me on a walk in the gardens?"

Oh, Ahiru was ready to hyperventilate. "Of-of course, your majesty."

She delicately allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the set of double doors above the staircase, praying that she wouldn't trip over and completely embarrass herself.

They opened to reveal the beautiful landscape. It was more spectacular up close, and the details of each and every flower took her breath away. The well-grown bush maze rose high above her head.

Ahiru gazed up in awe at the top of the large fountain, which she assumed was located at the center of the maze. The very top of the stone structure was visible over the green hedge walls. There was a figure of a beautiful woman posed in an en pointe arabesque.

"Who is that lady, your majesty?"

The Prince looked at Ahiru for a moment, then smiled wistfully. "Ah, it's a statue of my mother. She was a wonderful dancer."

Ahiru forced a smile. "I wish I could dance."

He began again, "I could teach you. And, please, considering the circumstances, my lady, will you refer to me as simply 'Mytho'?"

Ahiru blushed and looked up at him curiously. "Is Siegfried not you true name, your majesty?"

He smiled brightly once more with more warmth in his eyes. Ahiru almost melted. "Ah, well, my name is indeed Siegfried, but the people particularly close to me call me Mytho. It's a nickname, if you will. And," he paused, "if we are indeed to be married, you would be considered quite close to me."

Ahiru blushed. "Mytho," she said with a small smile. "Then, please call me Ahiru."

Mytho smiled at her for another moment. "Ah, that's right. Your name is Ahiru. It's quite a unique name, isn't it?" Ahiru smiled in reply.

He took a deep breath. "Ahiru. I have a question, and you must forgive me for my rashness today. I assure you that I am not always this forward, you see, and it seems as if only your presence affects me in this way."

Her hand clutched her red pendant and her heart hammered in her chest. "Mytho? What is it that you need to ask me?"

"Do you," he hesitated, "…do you believe in love at first sight?"

She gazed at him in wonder, and he returned it with his own serious look. "Huh?" was all she could say.

"I have no inkling of what it is about you, but I feel drawn to you in many ways that I cannot explain." He held her hand in his and leaned closer to her.

Ahiru's eyes widened. He was going to kiss her? After just meeting? And was she going to let him?

The double doors slammed open and Mytho quickly pulled away just before his lips touched hers. Ahiru couldn't tell if she was irritated or relieved.

Mytho saw the panicked look on his assistant's face. "What is it, Karon? What's wrong?" he asked sincerely.

Karon took a deep breath. "Your majesty, pardon the interruption, but there is a message from the Prince of Rungholt that you must see immediately."

Mytho's posture straightened and his eyes hardened. Taking Ahiru's hand and kissing it, he gave her a quick apologetic look. "Forgive me. Wait here, and I'll be back soon." He rushed after Karon.

Ahiru sighed, seating herself on one of the white benches nearby, trying to steady her heartbeat. Mytho was about to kiss her right after they met? Was he truly in love with her already? Her face heated and she smiled to herself.

"Do I," she whispered to herself, "love him as well? It's so soon…I know I have to marry him anyway, but…"

She stopped whispering when she heard faint tune. Was that music? Ahiru looked around. She was certain she was alone in this garden.

Ahiru stood and followed the source of the sound. It was coming from the entrance to the hedge maze. She bit her lip. How did anyone get in there without her knowing? Did Mytho know about this?

As she navigated her way through, the music became louder. It sounded like a flute, but with an ocarina-like lack of harmonic overtones. It seemed to have a very limited range, perhaps only one octave, but the musician was very skilled with it.

The song was charming.

It was a wistful tune, laced with a touch of melancholy, and it called to her. Was this person sad?

She arrived at the end of the maze with the help of the music and the direction of Mytho's mother's statue. Ahiru turned the last corner to see the grand fountain and a man sitting on the edge of it, music continuing.

His back was to her, his dark hair pulled into a low ponytail at the base of his neck and shined a dark green under certain lighting. He wore a tight blue shirt of low-quality fabric with uneven sleeves and a rip in one of them, revealing tanned skin beneath. Black pants hugged his long legs.

"Who are you?" Ahiru murmured, more in wonder than fear. How did he get out here in the first place?

The music stopped and the man stood. In his hand, there was a strange instrument she had never seen before. It was a hollow animal horn of some sort, with tone holes down the front, like a recorder, or a clarinet. A leather strap was attached to it.

He turned to look at her.

Ahiru's breath caught in her throat.

The young man had the deepest, piercing eyes she had ever seen. They blazed a green emerald and seemed to gaze directly into her soul. He was handsome; not in the same way as Mytho's warm, sweet face, but in a mysterious dark manner.

Ahiru watched as he lifted the leather strap over his head, never breaking eye contact with her. When the horn instrument hung over around his neck and by his hip, he was next to her in three long strides. She barely blinked when he was already less than a foot away.

She seemed to just notice how tall he really was when he towered a whole foot over her, still looking deep into her eyes.

In a startling instant, his eyes dropped lower. Ahiru blushed when she assumed that his gaze lingered on her chest and cursed herself for wearing the v-neck tea-dress.

"Uh, um…who…?" She couldn't even find it in herself to step back and run.

Slowly, he brought his hand to her neck. Right as she was about to scream, she realized what he was truly looking at.

Her pendant.

His hand started on the left side of her neck, tracing the silver chain of her necklace all the way down below her collarbone until it rested on the circular jewel. Gently, he lifted it in his hand, his fingers brushing over the skin on her chest in a way that propriety didn't allow. Shivers ran up and down her spine and she was sure he could feel her heart racing.

She couldn't move. She couldn't speak. She couldn't even think.

Those emerald eyes flicked back to hers. He dropped the pendant and it thumped against her chest. Firmly but not painfully, he took her chin in his hand and turned her head from side to side, almost inspecting her with a critical eye.

She wondered to herself why she wasn't running for help. Why she wasn't demanding him to stop touching her. Why she wasn't screaming.

He stepped closer, covering her with his shadow. His lips curved into a smirk and she quivered.

Ahiru gasped when she heard a snarl come from his throat.

Right before her eyes, the man's body…changed. It throbbed, shook, twisted, and grew, and all the while, he was growling, letting out animalistic, horrible sounds that she hadn't even imagined in her nightmares.

Dark scales grew out of his skin, shining a deep green in the light and his arms and legs grew and bent into black, terrifying claws. His neck elongated and his face morphed into what she remembered a lizard looked like. With a pained howl, dorsal spines sprouted out his back, followed by two imposing, massive leathery bat-like wings.

It was a dragon. A ten-foot dragon.

And it was only when she was clutched firmly in its claws, the ground getting farther and farther away from her, that she screamed.

--

I know they may seem way OOC, but this is just the beginning, people! They'll get more into character soon, okay? I have this story all planned out, so please review! Let me know what you think.

Fun facts:

-Vineta, Hedeby, and Rungholt are all lost cities supposedly destroyed in or near Germany.
-Fakir's instrument is called a Gemshorn, and it originated from Germany and Italy.