"Oh my gods, I am beyond exhausted," the Corrin groaned, dropping into his bed face first and not even bothering to roll himself into a more comfortable position.
"Rough day huh?" He heard someone laugh next to him before they too dropped onto the bed with him.
"Training the new recruits is one thing. Training the new recruits with Takumi is another thing; but training the new recruits yourself, followed by more training with Takumi, AND THEN more training with Ryoma is just torture," the silver haired prince mumbled into his pillow, "I swear this family will be the end of me, they're all trying to drive me to the verge of madness."
"Everyone in this family?"
Despite himself, Corrin couldn't help but grin mischievously, "well not everyone; at least Sakura is nice and doesn't drive me crazy."
"Oh yeah?" Corrin suddenly felt his head being hit repeatedly with a pillow. Laughing he quickly turned around and tackled the assailant and started to wrestle them on the bed, only to find himself pinned down with his arms over his head. Looking up he saw a grinning face under a mop of messy, short, flaming red hair and the most beautiful auburn eyes he had ever seen.
"That's for being a jerk, saying nice things about Sakura and leaving me out," Hinoka stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Well I did say "in this family" and I try really hard not to include you in that description, otherwise this would get really weird. You know I didn't mean it like that."
"Yeah yeah, you're just saying that because I pinned you again."
"Oh please, I could get out of this if I wanted."
"Oh yeah? Then why don't you prove—mmmmph!" She was cut off when the young prince suddenly pressed his lips against hers, followed by her closing her eyes and returning the kiss. Suddenly he moved his arms from under her and flipped her around, causing her to let out a surprised yelp and she then pinned her in the same position he had been earlier while he loomed on top of her.
He grinned at her smugly, "told you."
"H-Hey, no fair!"
"All is fair in love and war; especially when one is in love with the most beautiful warrior in all the realm."
The red haired princess blushed profusely at that last comment, "gods, you're such a dork."
"And you are adorable when you get embarrassed," Corrin chuckled letting her go and lying next to her.
"What, that's it? Not going to gloat for a while or have me promise to do something embarrassing before letting me go?"
"Sorry, but I am WAY too tired for any of that. I just want to stay here in bed and just relax for...I don't know, the rest of my life time maybe? Sounds like a good start."
"So there's nothing you feel like doing?" She asked scooting closer and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Weeeeell..." Putting one arm around her waist and using the other one to gently lift her chin so that he could face her, "I can think of a few things we could do without leaving the bed."
"I knew it. Somehow you are never tired for those sort of things," she laughed without pulling away.
"I'm not hearing a nooooo," he inched his face closer to hers.
Suddenly the bedroom door burst open, "Papa! Mama! You're home!"
Giving her husband a quick peck and patting his cheek affectionately she pulled away, "looks like that's going to have to wait."
I really need to get a lock for that door..."UUF!" He suddenly felt all the air rush out of him when a small girl with bright red hair tied in a messy bun jumped on his stomach.
"Papa let's pay!" The girl laughed
"Sorry Kana, but papa can't even move his arms to push you off, despite the fact that you are cutting off his air supply," Corrin laughed weakly.
"Come on Kana, leave your father alone. He has had a long day and he needs some rest."
"But I haven't seen either of you all day!" The little girl pouted.
"You can stay here if you want with us, just get off your father before he passes out from the lack of oxygen."
"Yes please..."
"Yaaaay!" Kana dropped off of Corrin and laid down in between her parents, grabbing both of their arms and holding them close.
"Ever think we might be spoiling her silly?" Hinoka twirled the girl's hair affectionately.
"Think? No, I KNOW we are," Corrin laughed kissing the top of his daughter's head.
"Papa! Tell me a story please," Kana looked up at her father pleadingly.
"A story? Sure I don't see why not. Which one do you want to hear: the magical koi fish that turned into a dragon? Or maybe the story about the hunter and the injured wolf. Or—"
"I want to hear a story about you and mama!"
"What?"
The little girl nodded her head, "I want to know more about you and mama. I want to hear stories about you two; please tell me!"
Corrin smiled at her, "Well if that's what you want, I'll tell you a story about your mother and I. What kind of story do you want to hear?"
The little red head was pensive for a moment, "oh, I know! Tell me about how you and mama met!"
"Okay, no problem. I can still remember that day clearly..."
"HAH!" Corrin drove his sword into the towering creature's chest, ignoring its muffled howl of pain coming from behind the iron mask on its head. Putting all of his strength behind his blade he sliced sideways, causing it to crash onto the snow-covered ground before dissolving into a cloud of dark miasma.
The young prince was about the sheath his sword when he felt a tight grip on his shoulder; tensing up and gripping his blade tightly and swung around, ready to strike again, only to see a familiar face in bright red armor take a precautionary step back and raise his hand before him.
"Easy there brother," the man said in a calm yet still commanding tone.
"Prince Ryoma," realizing that he was still pointing his blade at him Corrin lowered it before addressing the high prince of Hoshido once more, "f-forgive me. I didn't know it was you; I was certain that I was about to be attacked by one of those...things."
Ryoma nodded, "I understand how you feel. Fighting faceless for the first time is by no means an easy feat; many who do are not so lucky to tell of their experience. Fortunately, it would seem that you have enough experience and fortitude to hold your own against them."
"I suppose," Corrin agreed half-heartedly, though his racing heart seemed to disagree.
The last 48 hours had been a hectic blur for Corrin to say the least. Upon having proved his worth to his father, King Garon of Nohr, as well as his siblings and members of the royal family Xander, Camilla, Leo and Elise, the young prince was finally allowed to leave the castle where he had spent most of his life confined and had been assigned leadership of a four-man scouting regiment for a mission to the Bottomless Canon, a ravine that acted as the official border with the neighboring kingdom of Hoshido. It was supposed to be a simple scouting mission to report on what they were told was an old abandoned fortress in order to gauge its usefulness for border patrols. Plus, he was accompanied by his mentor and season veteran Gunter as well as his loyal friend and castle maid Felicia. The only downside was that the other soldier he was ordered to bring along was a now pardoned ex-criminal named Hans; the young prince had his reserves about this, but the king himself had granted the pardon and vouched for the man's rehabilitation, so Corrin couldn't protest. Besides, everyone deserved a second chance, right?
It's just a simple scouting mission. As long as we do as father ordered, nothing should go wrong, Corrin thought to himself as they made their way out of the capital
Upon arriving at the canyon everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.
The fort was no so much "abandoned" as it was "swarming with hoshidian soldiers". Upon realizing their situation Corrin had ordered them to retreat, only for Hans to ignore him and charge head first and attack the soldiers, forcing them to engage in combat. They managed to hold their ground until reinforcements from Nohr arrived, allowing Corrin and Gunter to escape while Felicia stayed back to assist the wounded; however, they didn't get far when Hans suddenly ambushed them on a bridge, throwing the veteran knight into the infinite abyss below.
And then...Corrin could not remember. The moment he saw Gunter fall to his death, his mind simply went white with rage. Whenever he tried remembering what happened, all he could manage to remember was the look of fear on Han's face and the phrase, "just following orders: King Garron's orders!" When he finally came to he was falling into the chasm itself, plummetting into the dark abyss; it was only through quick thinking and sheer luck that he grabbed onto the the rocky wall next to him, bruising his hands but managing to stop his fall. After what seemed like hours of climbing he managed to get back to the surface, only to recieve a blow to the back of the head and be knocked out.
The next thing he knew he was waking up in a small hut deep into Hoshido territory, surrounded by soldiers with orders to bring him alive to the capital. He made no attempt to escape, he was outnumbered and his weapon had been confiscated, so was ready to accept his fate; after all, he was now a soldier in the nohrian army, he always knew that there was a chance that he wouldn't see his family again.
It turned out he was wrong, for he would be reunited with his family; but not in the way he thought. Everything he knew, everything he believed in, would be turned upside down when he was brought before the Queen of Hoshido, Mikoto.
"My son...you've finally returned," the queen whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She gently wrapped her arms around the stunned prince and held him close, "I cannot believe it is really you. Oh, my poor Corrin; all this time, I didn't know if I'd ever see you again!"
"Brother? Is everything all right?" Corrin snapped out of his thoughts, chiding himself for spacing out in what was technically a battlefield.
Big brother...Xander would have reprimanded me for that.
"Sorry, I am still...processing all of this," he mumbled weakly.
"Ha! What is there to process? Seems like everything is as bright day to me," someone growled behind him. Turning around he saw woman with white haired carrying a mace and a green haired man with light armor waiting on the two royals.
The woman, Rinkah, planted her gunk covered mace on the snow and continued, "we were told that the royal princesses of Hoshido were currently fending off an attack at a nearby village, so we agree to rush to their aid; we get here and, lo and behold, what do we find? Not a bunch of bandits or brigands, but those nohrian abominations that have plagued Hoshido for years. I think it's pretty obvious what going on here. It's another attempt from Nohr to sneak their monsters through the barrier and bring it down from the inside so they can attack with the full force of their army. Now the real question is this: is it a coincidence that this happened right after one of their own was brought inside the barrier?"
"Rinkah, watch your tone," the man clad in green, Kaze, warned her.
"If you are accusing me of planning this—" Corrin began.
"Oh I'm not accusing anyone. I'm just stating the facts, followed by a question we are all having," the warrior cut him off.
"Enough Rinkah. Corrin was brought in on the Queen's orders, therefore he could not have planned this attack," Ryoma said sternly.
"With all due respect, sir, that doesn't mean he's not in some way connect to all this; it seems unlikely that his "return" from Nohr and the largest attack of Faceless we have seen in a while are just a coincidence."
"But I didn't even—" Corrin started before being cut off again.
"Rinkah, stop it. Accusing Lord Corrin isn't going to help us or anyone for that matter," Kaze said patiently, "remember what we learned in Nohr; Lord Corrin has been confined behind the castle walls for a good part of his life. It's very possible that he simply doesn't know what's going on."
"Yeah? Well he's about to learn," Rinkah growled picking up her club and walking towards the young prince.
Corrin took a step back while Ryoma grabbed the hilt of his blade, but the young warrior didn't break her stride. Once she stood before Corrin eye to eye, she raised her weapon inches from his face, gesturing at the black and purple stains still fresh on the wood.
"See that? Know what that is?"
Corrin gulped nervously, "M-Miasma?"
"Where does miasma come from?"
"Dark magic?"
"And how much dark magic do you think is needed to make this many monsters?"
"A-A lot?"
"Good, very good. Now let's see if you can answer this last question: where can you find enough dark magic users in order to sustain that many magically created monstrosities?"
Corrin stayed silent.
"Exactly. Nohr knows that it can't send its soldiers through the barrier without them losing the will to fight; but they can send any number of these things to run wild and destroy everything in sight, including villages that have no way of defending themselves. They've been doing this for years, all while you've conveniently been kept in the dark."
"That's enough Rinkah," Kaze grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the visibly shocked prince, "you've made your point, now focus on the mission at hand. There still may be more of those things wandering the forest; we need to ensure that none of them reach the village."
"...you're wrong," Corrin said softly.
Everyone turned to him.
"My family...they would never do something like this."
"Hmph," Rinkah shook Kaze off of her and made her way into the forest. The man gave him an apologetic look before following.
"I...I just know they wouldn't..."
"Corrin why don't you go this way and circle around the forest?" Ryoma suggested.
"What? Why?"
"These creatures usually attack in packs, but every now and then one or two of them wander off on their own; of course, even one of these creatures can decimate an entire village if left alone. I would do it myself, but I think it would be best if I looked over Kaze and Rinkah, especially the latter."
"You would really trust me on my own?"
Ryoma smiled at him and clasped his shoulder tightly, "but of course. We are family after all."
"Right," Corrin muttered, refusing to meet his gaze. The crowned prince noticed and let him go, making his way after the other two.
"I'm counting on you Corrin," he called out one last time before disappearing into the woods.
Corrin stood alone near the entrance, the snow gently falling around him. He looked at the direction that Roma told him to take, a narrow passage that was probably used to safely herd sheep, before looking back at the main road they had travelled back.
I could make a run for it...there's no one here to stop me, and if I head north with only a few hours a sleep at night I might be able to reach the border in two or three days. I could be back with Xander, Camilla, and Elise, back with my family...
"My son...you've finally returned."
Corrin shook his head, No, it can't be true. My family is back in Nohr waiting for me. I...I remember growing up there. They raised me. They have to be my family...right?
Right?
His thoughts were cut off but the sound of someone screaming within the forest; but the voice was different, one that he didn't recognize, belonging to someone that wasn't from their party.
And that could only mean one thing.
Grabbing his sword, he charged ahead into the pathway, hoping that he was heading the right way and that he could still make it on time. He heard the person scream again, followed by the sound of inhuman groans and trees crashing. Following the noise, he reached a clearing where one of the faceless was tearing through forest trying to reach what appeared to be a young girl. She had pink hair, white and red robes, and was clutching what appeared to be a healing staff; she was currently lying on the ground, trying to get away from the monster but unable to stand up.
"Get away from me!" She yelled as the monster got closer.
Damn it, I'm not going to make it!
Suddenly a large shadow flew over him, causing him to look up at the sky; above him was a flying unit, more specifically a pegasus, that then dived at full speed towards the faceless. The rider grabbed their weapon—a long spear with a curved blade at the end—and hurled it towards the monster, tearing through its chest and impaling it against the ground. Jumping off the flying steed the rider dropped onto the creature's shoulder knee first, dislocating it before pulling out the spear and slicing it's head off in a clean blow.
Stunned by how fast everything had just happened, Corrin finally got a good look at the rider in question. It was a woman, with flaming red hair and a fierce look on her face. She got off of the dissolving creature and ran towards the other girl, having not taken notice of Corrin, before kneeling before her.
"Sakura! Are you all right?!"
"Y-Yes...just a l-little shaken," the pink haired girl stuttered wiping her eyes, "thank goodness you came when you did big sister."
"As if I would let anything happen to you. These stupid beasts are all muscle and no brains; they don't stand a chance against me," she responded confidently, "now let's get you back to the villa—"
She was suddenly cut off by an inhuman roar, followed by another faceless charging through the woods towards them. Not wasting any time, she grabbed her weapon and took her stance as the creature got closer and closer. Once it was upon them she raised her weapon to strike, only for a black and purple blade to suddenly burst from its chest, stopping it dead in its tracks. With a swift motion the blade shot upward and tore through the creature's flesh, causing it to collapse on its back. Once it dissolved into a puddle of miasma she saw Corrin standing before here, blade in hand and panting.
"Hey...are you...two all right?" The prince managed to choke out.
"Y-Yeah, we're fine," Hinoka said slightly surprised.
"Good...that's good," stopping for a while to catch his breath he stood straight and continued, "I'm here with Prince Ryoma, and I'm assuming that you two are the princess that we've been charged with looking for."
"Sorry but, who are you? I thought I knew most of my brother's troops."
"Heh, I guess you could say I'm new," Corrin chuckled.
"I see. In that case, I believe introductions are in order," standing straight she clasped her fist across her chest and slammed the butt of her spear on the ground, "Hinoka, first lieutenant of Hoshido's sky knight devision."
"O-Oh.. nice to meet you," Corrin awkwardly tried copying her gesture and pose.
"Uuummm what are you doing?" Hinoka asked confused.
"I was...I just...isn't this how you greet people?"
Despite herself the princess couldn't help but let out a small laugh, "yeah if you are a member of the sky knights; and I'm guessing that's not the case with you."
Corrin suddenly felt very foolish, the tip of his ears getting very hot.
"Anyway, I appreciate the help, but it's really not necessary. It takes more than a few dozen 800-pound monsters to bring me down!" she said proudly.
"Well, I'm glad you're feeling confident. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe your brother requires my assistance. Just know that we got your back," Corrin began making his way towards the forest.
"Hey, wait a second!"
"Hmmm?" He turned around and saw her running up to him.
"I didn't mean to be dismissive, or laugh at you before; I should have realized that you weren't from around here. Thank you for coming all the way out here. I owe you one, so take this," she handed him a vulnerary, "you can use it in a pinch to heal your wounds."
"Oh, thank you; but shouldn't you keep it in case another one of those things tries to ambush you?"
"Don't worry about me; I'm at my best in situations like this!"
Smiling Corrin took the vulnerary from her, "well, if you insist. I'll use it wisely," the sound of lighting striking in the distance turned his attention back towards the forest, "I have to go."
"You never told me your name."
"Oh, sorry. My name is Corrin; nice to meet you," with a quick nod the prince ran into the woods.
"Corrin? Corrin?! Wait!" He heard her calling after him.
"I believe that's all of them," Corrin panted as the last faceless began to dissolve.
"Indeed brother, and I believe congratulations are in order," Ryoma slapped him in the back lightly, "that was quite the display of swordsmanship you demonstrated today. With a little more training you might make a fine warrior of Hoshido."
"Hmph, I suppose he did adequately enough, all things considered," Rinkah agreed reluctantly looking away.
"Yes especially when one "considers" how close they were to being ambushed by one of those monsters before Lord Corrin stepped in," Kaze said calmly.
"I told you, I knew that that thing was coming; I had it under control," she scowled.
The sound of something large landing nearby interrupted their bickering. Turning around they saw the two princesses from earlier dismounting from the pegasus.
"Big brother!" The pink haired girl squealed running up to Ryoma and jumping into his arms for a hug that he returned heartily. The woman—Hinoka if Corrin remembered correctly—didn't move, instead simply staring at the young prince, as if making sure that he was really there.
Pulling away from her hug the young girl turned her attention to Corrin, "Thank you so much for coming to our aid. Those monsters would have caused more damage if you hadn't come. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Sakura, and I am grateful for your assistance," she finished clasping her hands together and giving him a small bow.
Corrin was about to return the gesture, but then remembered what had happened earlier with the other princess. Settling for a simple nod he smiled at her, "thank you, princess Sakura. I am glad I was able to help."
"I have to ask, though: Who are you?"
"Oh, right. We haven't been properly introduced yet. My name is—"
"His name is Corrin."
The red haired princess spoke suddenly, surprising everyone.
"Er yes. Nice to meet you properly."
She didn't answer, instead making her way towards the silver haired prince.
"Hinoka? Are you all right?" Sakura asked worriedly.
Eventually she reached Corrin and stood face to face with him. Up close he could see that she was slightly shorter than him and that her eyes were a deep shade of auburn.
"Uuuum...h-hi?"
She gently reached out and placed her hand gently on his cheek, "it's...really you...right? You're...Corrin?"
"Y-Yeah," he responded slightly confused but not pulling away.
Upon saying that her eyes began to water and her lower lip began to tremble.
"Ah, s-sorry!" The prince panicked, unsure of what he just did to upset her, "I-I didn't mean...w-whatever I did I—"
She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head against his chest, causing him to stop talking in shock.
"Finally...after all these years...I...I..." Corrin felt her shake softly as she began sobbing into his chest. Unsure of what to do he looked around at the others, hoping for some sort of guidance. Everyone looked as surprised as he did, except for Ryoma, who simply smiled at him.
"I've missed you so much."
"H-Hey! Why did you tell that part?!" Hinoka scowled at him.
"What? It's part of the story."
"Awwww mama cried when she met papa!" Kana giggled.
"Don't listen to your father Kana; I did not cry...that much," Hinoka mumbled, her face turning red.
"Come on, there's no need to be embarrassed. It happened years ago, and you were overwhelmed with emotions; also, in hindsight, it was actually pretty adorable."
The princess glared at her husband.
"Are you angry mama?"
"Don't worry Kana, your mother is not really angry. She just doesn't want people to see her more emotional side, especially when she's around me," her father assured her while giving his wife a sly wink, "and that moment is extra embarrassing for your mother because it's the only time she cried in front of so many people; and it was all because of me."
"Why you!" Hinoka could feel her face getting even hotter as Corrin laughed, "you know what? Why don't I tell Kana about the actual first time we met?"
"What are you talking about? I just told her."
This time it was Hinoka's turn to grin wickedly with a mischievous glint in her eye, "nope. It was waaaay back when we were little. You may not remember it, but I sure do..."
"We're getting another mother?" Hinoka cocked her head confused.
"Yes my dear."
The little girl looked at her older brother to see what he thought, but his face was as stoic as ever. Despite being only ten, Ryoma at times had the air of a full grown adult, aided by the fact that he was excellent at masking his emotions when the situation needed it. Right now he was simply looking at their father Sumeragi, patiently waiting to see if there was anything else he would say to them.
"Her name is Mikoto, and she hails from...a far away kingdom. She came seeking refuge to Hoshido, her home no longer safe for her to stay, and she's been helping our healers improve their craft. Most of our recent advancements in healing magic are all thanks to her. We...we realized that we share...feelings for each other, so I asked her to be my queen; and she accepted."
We're getting a new mother! Hinoka cheered internally. It had been two years since her own mother died after giving birth to her little sister Sakura; worse of all she had only been six when it happened, and she sadly didn't have that many memories of her real mother. She always wanted someone to do things like picking flowers and play dress up, and now it looked like she would finally get what she wanted.
"There's more. In addition to having a new mother, you will also be getting a new brother," Sumeragi smiled at them.
"Really?!" Hinoka asked excitedly.
The king nodded, "yes. His name is Corrin."
Hinoka was practically bursting with excitement. A new brother! Maybe this one would play with her more. She loved her brothers dearly but Ryoma was a too serious at times and Takumi was kind of cranky all the time.
"...how old is this brother of ours?" Ryoma asked.
"Six."
Another little brother! Hinoka thought happily. However, when she looked at her brother he did not seem to share her joy; in fact, he was frowning and his brow was furrowed.
"Father...did you have an affair with this woman?"
A...ffair?
She didn't know what that word meant, but it was clearly something bad. The moment Ryoma asked that their father's smile disappeared almost instantly.
"Ryoma I would never do that to your mother."
"But you said that Corrin was our brother, and he's six years old," the boy pressed on.
"It's...it's complicated..."
"It's true! You did betray mother!" He accused him.
What?!
Sumeragi sighed, running his hand through his long brown hair. Eventually he walked up to his children and knelt down until he was at eye level with his son, "listen to me Ryoma. I know that this may look bad, but I believe me when I tell you this: I would never do anything to hurt your mother. I love her now just as much as I loved her when she was still with us. Mikoto will never change that, I simply love her in a way that is similar but different."
"But you said—"
"I know what I said, and I know it looks bad, but I promise you it's not what it looks like. I would never do that to your mother. Like I said, it's more complicated than what it seems."
"Then explain it to me, please!" The boy said desperately.
Letting out another sigh the king placed his hand on his son's shoulder, "I can't, son; at least not yet. You are still much too young, and this is a very sensitive issue that you are not ready for."
"But—"
"But nothing," the king said firmly, "I promise you that when you are older, as you get closer to taking over as the next ruler of Hoshido, I will explain everything that I know to you. Trust me."
"...you promise?"
"You have my word as king, warrior, and father."
For a while Ryoma didn't say anything, unsure whether or not to believe his father. Eventually his shoulder dropped and he nodded slowly, "all right...I trust you."
Sumeragi smiled and squeezed his shoulder, "thank you, my son."
Hinoka was still confused at what they were talking, but he trusted her older brother enough to not push the topic further.
"So, would you two like to meet her?"
"Right now?"
"If you feel you are ready."
"Yes!" Hinoka said excitedly. Ryoma simply nodded.
"Mikoto, they're ready," Sumeragi called over his shoulder.
Soon the room was filled with the sound of wooden sandals gently clicking against the floor as a woman made her way towards the throne.
She's very pretty, Hinoka thought. With her fair skin, shiny black hair and gentle amber eyes she looked almost otherworldly compared to other woman Hinoka had seen; even the small black mark by the corner of her chin did more to accentuate her beauty than deter from it.
Smiling gently, she gave the children a bow, " Ryoma, Hinoka, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Mikoto."
"Nice to meet you too," Hinoka responded politely while she and her brother returned the gesture.
"Oh my, what well behave children you two are; your father must be very proud of you."
"Did you know out mother?" Ryoma asked suddenly.
Mikoto nodded, "indeed I did. When I came to Hoshido seeking refuge, I managed to reach to one of shrines in the outskirts of the city before collapsing. You mother happened to be there, and she was the one who ordered the attendees to take care of me; once I recovered, she brought me before your father and even spoke on my behalf, ensuring that I would be able to stay in Hoshido. Since that day I worked endlessly with her, doing everything in my power to help the queen and her kingdom as a thank you for everything they have done for me."
"But now you want to replace her."
"Ryoma," Sumeragi warned.
Mikoto shook her head, sadness spreading across her face, "no Ryoma, I would never do that. Your mother was a wonderful person, and a dear friend of mine. I know that she meant a lot to your father, as well as yourself; I know that I can never take her place, and I won't try to. You don't have to call me mother if you do not wish to, but I hope that one day you can at least see me as someone that cares for you and will always be there for you."
Woooaaah.
"...okay."
"Wonderful! I know that we will get along splendidly; and now I think it's time for you to meet one last person. Hopefully you will be as kind to him as you have been with me. Corrin?" She looked over her shoulder.
Nothing happened.
"Come now Corrin, don't you want to meet your new family?"
Suddenly the lower part of her robes began shaking slightly. Hinoka frowned and walked around Mikoto to see what was that all about. Once she got behind her she saw a little boy with silver clutching her leg tightly.
"Hi!"
The boy yelped as his eyes shot open. Slowly he turned to face her, his ruby red eyes staring at her worriedly.
"I'm Hinoka!"
The boy didn't say anything.
"Say hi to your new sister Corrin."
Corrin simply turned his head around and buried it in his mother's robe.
"Sorry about that, he's quite shy; and, unfortunately, he hasn't been around children his age and is not used to being around so many people so he gets nervous easily," the queen explained sadly.
"Hmmm."
The princess reached out and gently began stroking his hair, causing him to stiffen before turning around to face her again.
"Your hair is really soft."
He didn't respond, but he made no attempt to stop her.
"Wanna to go play with me outside?"
"That's sound like a lovely idea," Mikoto agreed.
"Let's go," grabbed Corrin's hand, who tensed slightly but didn't pull away. He looked up at his mother, who nodded encourage. Slowly he let go of his mother's robe, allowing Hinoka to pull him away towards the garden.
"Okay no, I do NOT remember any of that."
"Hee hee, you were really shy papa!"
"Yeah he was," Hinoka grinned, "for a while it was almost impossible to get him to say anything, which was a problem anytime Mikoto wasn't around to explain what he wanted. It lead to some VERY awkward situations, especially when he had to use the bathroom."
"That's not true!" Corrin felt his face growing hot.
"Like this one time when he had drunk too much peach juice for breakfast—"
"STOP!" Corrin yelled lunging at his laughing wife, causing them to fall off the bed and roll around the floor.
"I wanna play too!" Kara squealed before jumping into the fray.
Author's note: another year, another terrible decision from my part.
I mean why on Earth would I start another fanfic? Why would I do that after cancelling one of my old ones? Why would I do that even though I still have three ongoing stories? Why would I do that even though my free time is still as limited as ever? Why am I so stupid?
I'll tell you why: because it's been almost three years since Fates came out (Jesus has it really been 3 years?) AND YET FOR SOME REASON THERE ARE BARELY ANY CORRINXHINOKA FANFICS OUT THERE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?! I've seen like maybe 3 fanfics (not counting drabbles) and the one that actually showed promise has been on hiatus for a while. I'm not faulting the author for that—trust me, I know all too well how hard it can be to keep a writing schedule when real life just wants to constantly punch you in the gut—but come ooooooon, why do you torment me like this? So one day I said, "You know what? Fuck it. If no one else is going to do it, then I'll just have to do it myself."
Enter this story: a CorrinxHinoka fanfic in which they tell their daughter Kana about their life in a series of short stories about their time together. And before you ask, yes that is almost exactly the same as The Erudite's RobinxAnna story "Tokens". I didn't realize that until I was done writing the outline and half way done with this chapter. I know I have no way of proving it, but I did not consciously set out to just re-write his story with my main OTP in Fates (though I can't say the same subconsciously). Anyway I did message The Erudite about the whole thing and they were nice and understanding about it and said that there was no problem with me writing this. So, that's that.
A couple of things I want to point out about the story:
1) The main story takes place about 15 years after the end of the Birthright storyline, which is also how long Corrin and Hinoka have been married
2) Corrin and Hinoka are in their mid 30's while Kana is 10
3) There is a two year difference between all the Hoshido royals (so when Mikoto and Sumeragi got married Ryoma was 10, Hinoka was 8, Corrin was 6, Takumi was 4, and Sakura was 2)
4) The "My Castle" realm in between missions does not exist (in this case everything up to Lilith saving Corrin from falling into the chasm occured as in the game. Here Corrin managed to stop himself from falling into the Bottemless Chasm after attacking Gunther and going on a rampage on the bridge)
5) And finally, and most importantly, THE BABY REALMS DO NOT EXIST. Kana, as well as the other Hoshido children that will make an appearance, grew up with their parents present in their lives because they were smart enough to wait until the war was over before starting a family; and also because fuck the baby realms.
So what do you thing? Do you like it? Do you think this was a terrible idea? Leave any comments and critiques below and I wil see you next time. Bye!
P.S: oh and the other fic I was taking about is called "Split Destiny" by Lighting Lord Kaji (awesome name by the way). Please go show it some love!
Edit: made a small change to the chapter. As explained in point 4 of the author's note, Corrin did fall into the Bottemless Chasm but managed to save himself without Lilith's help.
