Rose's POV

Headmaster Jackson takes a deep breath before starting. "Combat & Weaponry ... Level 1." I believe that everyone in the arena expected that because I don't hear any gasps or angry grumbles, just the applause. Headmaster waits for the clapping to die down before continuing. "Air ... Level 1, Advanced Manipulation Learning and Control." Now I hear some gasps, followed by applause. "Water ... Level 1, Advanced Manipulation Learning and Control." Even more people gasp, soon followed by very loud cheers. This is probably coming from people from my home village.

"Nature ... Level 1, Advanced Manipulation Learning and Control." More cheers, more intakes of breath. "Fire ... Level 1, Advanced Manipulation Learning and Control." The crowd cheers in an uproar, I see many excited faces, others in awe. I look towards my friends and beam widely.

"I KNOW HER!!!" I can hear Danny shout at the top of his lungs. I just laugh at his enthusiasm.

'You friend seems stupid.' Belvedere bluntly tells me, I guess he heard it too.

'Oh shut it you. That's just his personality.' I respond to him.

"Dragon Riding ... Level 1." Headmaster concludes with a huge smile. I stare in shock, as well as everyone else. I just received perfect placements as a year 1 in every single one of my placement tests and battles. I wouldn't be able to even hear my own voice, that's how loud the thundering applause is. I look around and see I have gotten a standing ovation from everyone in the arena, I smile my pearly whites and wave, walking out of the arena.

'I will be right back.' I tell my companion.

I am picked up and spun around by Ryder. I get hugs from the other 10 boys I was sitting with as well. The crowd finally settles down and Headmaster speaks once more.

"This concludes our placement testing period. At this time, please leave the arena and get ready for your classes tomorrow. Pick up your schedules at the main office when you have a chance." He demands. Everyone begins exiting the arena meanwhile I enter again to ask Marcus a question, bidding my friends goodbye.

"Where is Belvedere going to stay?" I ask.

"If you follow me, you and your dragon will be set up with a large area in the stables. And this is Trent, your other instructor." Marcus tells me. I smile and shake his hand, following Marcus's lead after putting my shirt back on and grabbing my weapons.

"I have never seen someone so able to tame a wild dragon as well as you have. I don't even believe Lucas would be capable of taming a feral dragon like you just did." Trent tells me.

"Thank you. Although respectfully, I would appreciate it if you do not compare me to Lucas or any of the other dragon riders." I politely thank. Others get compared to me a lot, and often times, they begin to resent me for it. I do not want any enemies early on.

"Why not?" Marcus asks in confusion. Isn't he like 36?

"Everyone learns and excels at different paces. I know you two are aware of this because of the different levels in place. So Trent, if you just said what you told me in front of Lucas, it would make him feel worse. I would rather not let anybody wallow in shame or disappointment due to their limitations and abilities, especially when being compared to me. But thank you for the compliment nonetheless." I voice my opinion. I hear Marcus mumble What did I tell you? to Trent, but I make no move to show that I heard.

'You are very wise and considerate little one. I am pleased to be able to form a bond with you.' Belvedere tells me.

'Belvedere, it is I who should be thanking you. You have made me very happy today, and your acceptance means the world to me.' I smile at him. He sends appreciative feelings through our bond. We arrive at the stables, and Marcus walks towards a more secluded, spacious area for larger dragons.

"This is it." Marcus says, pointing to the stable.

'This is alright no?' I ask my dragon, looking at the uncomfortable and bland stable. I cringe at the thought of my companion staying here. Belvedere deserves the best, so that is what he shall get. He has already brought me so much happiness and Belvedere has a right to be shown the good faith of humanity.

'It is fine.' My dragon gruffly says. I know it is bothering him, so bidding Marcus and Trent goodbye, telling Belvedere I will be back soon, I take leave for my dorm. Thirty minutes pass and I am back at Belvedere's stable, attempting to keep everything from falling. While at my dorm, I got some much needed supplies, took a shower, did my hair and changed my clothes. I gently set everything down, getting to work.

'I will need you to step out for a while.' I tell him. He sends a mental image of him raising an eyebrow, but does not comment on it. I bring the blankets and other materials I brought, setting it up in his stable. I hang up some spare lights I found, originally put in the smaller closet when I was redecorating my dorm. I then bring out my paints and let my mind flow. Several hours later when I am all finished, I look towards Belvedere to see him in shock.

'Do you like it?' I ask nervously.

'I ... this is ... Thank you little one. I have a feeling I will be more comfortable now. Plus, I can brag to any other dragons I come across that my rider is better.' Belvedere replies honestly. A tear of joy slips out and I walk to my companion, giving him a big hug. I am so happy he liked it, I put a lot of effort into those murals. Belvedere lowers his chin and rests it on my head, wrapping his wings around me. When we depart, I look my dragon in the eye.

'The heavens have truly blessed me with the best companion in the world. Thank you Belvedere, for everything. I love you you stubborn dragon.' Another tear slips out of my eyes, my bright smile towards the dragon never faltering. Belvedere licks my tear away with his tongue and I laugh at the ticklish feeling.

'I have never felt so appreciated in my life. I love you too my feisty little one.' He truthfully tells me. At this reveal, a pain in my back sprouts. I fall into Belvedere's warmth, biting my lips when I feel as if something is being burned onto my spine, traveling up my neck. This feeling marking my skin, imprinting itself painfully onto my sensitive spinal cord. When the pain stops, I release a shaky breath, getting up from my fetal position.

'Little one..' My dragon trails off happily. I am slightly confused, so he shows me a mental image of what I think is my back. The only difference from what I am used to seeing is that now I have a black, bold, permanent tattoo showcasing itself. It looks like a bunch of small symbols that line up into a beautiful pattern. I recognize the moon, an infinity, even an unalome symbol among the ones there.

They are small, yet meaningful. Each one symbolizes my tie to my official companion, Belvedere, now that we have fully accepted each other. I send waves of love through our bond, him reciprocating it. When I notice that it is nearing 8 o'clock, I get Belvedere to lower his head to me. I kiss him goodnight on the forehead, walking out of his personalized stable.

I get my schedule from the office and let my feet guide themselves. I don't believe my smile could get any wider when I reach the dining area and see my friends and brothers waiting for me. I quickly get my food and ask Jake how long they have been waiting. He says that they have been here for almost ten minutes, I feel slightly bad and lead grace.

"I have a surprise to show all of you." I tell them, excitement seeping from my pores. They give me their attention and I take off my leather jacket. I embroidered roses onto the jacket myself, claiming the artistry as mine. When I turn around, showing them my tattoo with me wearing a white tank top, they gasp in surprise.

"When did you get that?" Tony asks in shock.

"I got it after Belvedere and I told each other I love you." I tell them, smiling at the memory.

"Did it hurt?" AJ asks.

"Badly, it felt like my spine was being burned, much like when I was hit with the fireball. But this time, the pain was so worth it." I honestly reply. Soon, the conversation goes to how the twins would like matching dragon tattoos. That shifts into the topic of what everyone would change to their bodies, tattoos, piercings, all accessorized stuff.

We all talk some more before heading off to our individual dorms. I had already compared my schedule with the 10 others and have classes with quite a few of them. I get ready for bed earlier than usual, knowing I will have to wake up earlier. I let sleep come to me, smiling about my companion as the abyss awaits.



^ Rose's companion tattoo



^ The lights on the pillars of Belvedere's stable gates



^ The painting on the left wall of Belvedere's stable



^ The painting on the right wall of Belvedere's stable



^ The main painting on the back wall of Belvedere's stable (you see it first when you walk in)



^ The blankets and pillows kept in the corner of Belvedere's stable (for when Rose visits him)



^ Rose's leather jacket

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