On a dark and stormy night, Corrin lost his duel to Xander. He was exiled, but little did he know the events set in motion by an even greater foe. Two mysterious forces hailed from the Dragon's Gate to escalate the rift between Nohr and Hoshido. Others, coming from another faraway land, were arriving, taking up mercenary work or dying in droves, fighting for Nohr or Hoshido without any prior affiliation. What could the catalyst for all of these events be, and could someone rise to the challenge to end them once and for all?

In a dark castle by the shore, an old man, called Old Hubba by some, the Rainbow Sage by others, awaited. He had been summoning new warriors from a land faraway to fulfill a prophecy, and so far none of them had managed to survive long enough to deliver. With one last sigh escaping his lips, he summoned three more, hoping these would be the ones.

Could these three young adventurers help Corrin turn the tide of destruction, or would the world fall into ruin?

Corrin-Prologue: Dragon's Rage-Shirasagi Castle

I never expected that Garon would throw me away for losing to Xander. What could I have done? He pulled a crit, and I couldn't survive. But to kick me out? To lock Jakob up so he couldn't follow me? For all my loyalty to him, he would just... toss me aside?

Naturally, my siblings argued with him, and so he optioned to not outright execute me. He handed me some sword, the Ganglari, and forced me on my way to the Forlorn forest. I was nearly killed, but Lilith saved me from a Faceless.

She lost her former form, but she turned into an adorable dragon, gave me an astral plane, and my own castle. I know it sounds crazy, and it was.

Eventually, just by wandering, I entered the Bottomless Canyon, where Gunter found me. He told me he had abandoned Nohr to join my side. Unfortunately for us, Hans followed him and struck him down into the depths.

Luckily for me, a ninja arrived to save me. A handsome young man named Kaze arrived and chased him off.

Kaze took me to Shirasagi Castle, and I was just wandering the castle now. I had no home to call my own. Ryoma, the High Prince, and Mikoto, the Queen, had talked to me about how I was truly their family, but I didn't remember.

It was only when I heard a heart-wrenchingly beautiful song reach my ears. I walked towards the lake in the central garden, and noticed some girl with long blue hair singing, dancing and manipulating the water around her, if ever slightly.

I just watched in awe. She was so graceful, and every motion she made was careful and well-rehearsed. She noticed that I was gazing upon her exotic dance, and stopped, "Oh. I didn't notice you there."

I introduced myself, "No worries. I was just watching. I'm Corrin," I much preferred my new white armor to the blacker ones worn in Nohr.

The girl smiled, "Ah, Mikoto told me of your arrival. I am Azura. In a way, I am like you," she explained, "I was taken from Nohr at a young age in retribution for your capture. So, I am also in a kingdom not my own."

"You were taken because of me? I'm sorry..." I apologized, bowing before her.

Azura placed a hand on my cheek, that gentle smile that reminded me of Camilla, "No need to worry. I was... not welcome in Nohr. My mother married Garon, and I was always the outsider. Hoshido hasn't been the kindest place to me, due to my background. Mikoto has gone out of her way to make me feel like her daughter, though. She's very kind."

I nervously laughed, "Guess Garon doesn't like any kid that isn't his..." I frowned after making that self-deprecating joke, "I want to like Mikoto. She could be my mother; but I just can't recall anything."

"Hey! Sister!" I turned to see Sakura run up to me, "I came to tell you! Kaze was sent on a recon mission, but once he gets back, he'll be willing to train you."

"Training?" Azura's interest was piqued, "For whatever reason would you be training for?"

I answered sternly, "I am joining the Hoshidan Army. During my exile, I was shown just how cruel my f-... How cruel Garon truly is." I clenched my fist in rage, mind going back to watching an entire village being burned down, Faceless slaughtering innocent civilians and even the mages that summoned them, "I will never forgive him. Nohr needs to be free of his rule."

"And if you must fight your former family?" Azura must also have known about my close relationship with the Nohrian royal family to have asked that, "Is it worth risking that?"

Sakura jumped in, "I know what Corrin is planning. She's going to try and recruit them!"

"How did you-" Sakura cut me off.

"Come now, Sis. We all know your kindness," Sakura giggled at my incredulous face, "You hope to end this war with peace."

Azura nodded, as if that confirmed something for her, "If that is what you wish, consider me your loyal ally. I, too, wish to free both people of this unwholesome war."

I was surprised by her offer, but I wouldn't say no to someone willing to help, "Thank you, Azura. That means a lot."

"Faceless!" A villager screamed out. Surely enough, a horde of Faceless marched towards us, though their leader was not in Nohrian armor.

His purple collar and black cloak covered his upper half, along with a plain grey shirt. The purple tome in his hands matched his purple pants, and he laughed, "This is fun! Gangrel was right; I can summon dead guys!"

Unable to allow this mysterious mage to run amok, I grabbed my sword, Ganglari, and rushed to meet with him. Sakura and Azura raced behind me, to which I called out, "No, it's too dangerous!"

Azura pulled a naginata from a nearby weapons rack, "The villagers need us!"

Sakura nodded, staff at the ready, "I can heal you!"

"Sakura, there is no way I'd allow you on the battlefield!" I shot back, trying to dissuade her.

Sakura yelled out, "And lose you again!? Cry myself to sleep over failing again!? No! I'm coming with you!"

Sakura's insistence filled me with determination, and I nodded, "Alright. Let's go."

The mage took notice of our forward march, "Sup, girls. I don't like killing people that look as friendly as you, but it's my job, okay? Your blood will not be wasted! Haha!" He wiped his bangs out of his eyes, but they remained closed. The smile on his face remained, despite how much destruction he was causing.

"Who are you?" I demanded to know what new enemy we were facing.

"Oh, right. Introductions! I'm Henry, the Black Feathered Mage of Plegia!" He giggled a bit, "I like crows, you know? They like me 'cause I fight for a good CAW-s!"

Azura readied her naginata while Sakura prepared to dodge any incoming magic, "What land is Plegia?"

Henry just laughed at our confusion, "We came from this gate with dragons and stuff. Our journey here was really dragging on, you know? But now..." Henry used a wind tome spell to slice through a Hoshidan guard next to us, splattering us in blood, "It's going to be a bloody good time!"

With a wave of his wrist, four more Faceless appeared. Then he cast another spell, raising the man he just killed. His skin turned purple, and he lunged for me, blade outstretched. I easily dodged and sliced through him.

Henry laughed, "Good reflexes! I love a good fight!" He began raising the other deceased villagers up, "Let's shake things up! Don't want this party to die out, right?" He sent out a fireball at Sakura, knocking her back into the ruins of a broken stone house.

As Sakura slammed hard to the ground, I felt my rage boiling over.

Azura stepped back, as I... As I...

Azura-Field Near Castle Shirasagi

Sakura slammed down to the hard ground. Corrin, who at first looked enraged, began clutching her own head, as if she was overtaken by a dark force. A white light enveloped her as she slowly exploded into a vibrant glow, turning into a... A dragon!? A slim, wily dragon, she launched towards Henry's minions, his Risen victims. The dragon clawed through them, making mincemeat of them.

Henry just laughed even harder and rose even more. If we were to survive, I had to stop him myself.

Naginata in hand, I ran forward. One of the Faceless lunged at me, but I stabbed through him. Disgusting purple blood covered me, but I couldn't stop. I struck at the second, cutting off its head. It nearly fell on me, and I fell back to dodge it.

Henry, not wasting any time, struck me with thunder. I dropped the naginata and screamed out in pain. He just laughed, "Are you shocked? Better stay grounded, or it might be light's out!"

Luckily enough, this distracted him long enough for Corrin to swipe him away, sending him flying to the ground. Corrin snarled and jumped after him. I tried to get to my feet, but a warm glow enveloped my body.

Sakura, clutching her burned shoulder, was healing me, "Azura, I've got you."

Behind her, Ryoma ran up, Raijinto drawn, "What in the Gods!?" He cleaved a Faceless in two before observing Corrin strike violently at Henry, who was dodging and weaving several different spells to slow her down.

I turned to Ryoma, "This mage attacked Sakura, and Corrin just... Transformed!"

Ryoma sighed, looking around. His reinforcements, led by Hinoka, were making short work of the Faceless and the Risen, "We had heard of a new, large army patrolling our lands. Led by some madman named Gangrel," Ryoma looked pained, "They slaughter villages and then raise them back as a horde. Nohrian or Hoshidan, they don't care."

Meanwhile, Henry jumped back once more, narrowly dodging a claw to his face. The sharp talons still managed to slice into his upper shoulder, sending blood spraying, "I'm not used to seeing this much of my own blood anymore! What excitement!"

Another swift strike sent Henry falling to the ground. He laid there, crumpled like a broken doll, and Corrin just roared over its prey.

"How do we calm her down!?" Sakura had taken a vulnerary to heal herself, but the fear in her voice was clear. What could we do?

Seeing only one way to do that, I walked towards the dragon, singing my song in the hopes of calming the beast. Ryoma naturally tried to stop me, but a small whirlwind of water kept him at bay. Corrin turned to me, hearing my song, before moving towards me.

Corrin-Castle Barracks

I was in the castle barracks, collapsed on a bed. According to Ryoma, I had attacked Azura, but she had managed to calm me down. Now I was here, healing up. Henry had hurt me with his spells, causing burns all over. They were healed, but the ache was still there.

After Azura helped me revert, Ryoma went to arrest Henry. Only, he was already gone, a trail of blood leading off into the forest. Ryoma sent soldiers to investigate, but it seemed likely he was already out of our reach.

In my hand I clutched a little stone, the dragonstone Azura gave me. She said I could control my draconic form with this. Ryoma had agreed to allow me to work as a smaller unit to do important emergency missions. Azura and Sakura both volunteered to join me, and tomorrow, I would meet her retainers.

There was so many unknowns. An army led by a madman called Gangrel, a man named Walhart seeking to force us all to bow to his reign. They came from the Dragon's Gate, and thus, that was our first objective. Tomorrow, we would march to explore it and try to find answers to where these mysterious invaders came from.

At least I didn't have to fight my own family yet, I thought to myself. Today was so melancholic. I even remembered... My father, Sumeragi. His death. Garon kidnapping me.

What did it all mean? Unable to find any answers, I curled up and fell asleep, my heart heavy.

Gangrel-Prologue: The Mad King-Nohrian Cemetery

Ahahahaha! What a wonderful discovery Tharja had! First, we found that gate to this world, one where the Grimleal could flourish. They didn't matter to me, though. I was finally rid of that nuisance, Chrom! He was so upset about Emmeryn's death, his despair was delicious! And then I get away scot free!

A shame his tactician died in the battle. Validar lamented that setback, but I couldn't care less. Now he was searching for a new vessel, whatever that meant.

Tharja was raising the dead, creating for us a huge Risen army. With this, we could keep that petty lobster off of our back. Chalard went running off to some haunted mountain, and Aversa was likely coddling Validar right now. Whatever.

Oh, what's this? Henry has teleported back? Interesting.

"Hey, boss," Henry laughed, despite the fact he was coated in blood, "They were not happy about my attack at all! The castle will be a tough nut to crack!"

I should have known as much, "Still a worthy job anyways. I am glad you returned safely. It is rare I have a man loyal to me, and not that damned code."

Henry nodded, "Sure thing. I'm gonna go and get healed now, hahaha!" Henry walked off, still bleeding profusely. He was an odd sort, wasn't he? Fit right in with us throwaways!

I laughed to myself once more, just considering all of the possibilities of this ripe new land, untouched by true war. It would be a grand time.

Walhart-Prologue: The Sword or the Knee-Woods of the Forlorn

Pheros saluted to me, "Commander Walhart! The Nohrian army has been expunged from the forest. Our soldiers are inspecting their creations as we speak!"

"Excellent," I replied, my tone overbearing as ever, "Return to your quarters and I shall consider your next objective," she saluted me once more, before a small smile formed on her face.

Gangrel had ran here to this new world, and to defeat the Grimleal, I had followed suit. Now I was trying to force the ancient, mythical countries of Nohr and Hoshido to bow to my knee or fall to the sword. Naturally, it wasn't going too well. I had been defeated by a prince, Xander. He humiliated me, but I managed to escape thanks to a last minute move by Excellus.

The man, if I could call him that, sickened me, but he would prove surprisingly useful in the coming days. Cervantes was out surveying the land and Nelson was procuring artifacts of the magical kind for study.

Pheros was loyally obeying me as always, and I wondered if it was out of duty or something more. Normally, I'd never consider that kind of thing in my life, but if I did make the Valmese Empire great again, I would need a sire eventually.

Farber and Dalton were scouting out the Nohrian capital, and I felt wary of invading so soon. Something felt off about that place, just as Plegia always did. I was glad that Yen'fay and Say'ri had accepted my rule, if only for now.

They were training our recruits, mostly bounty hunters who sought to take advantage of our arrival. Zhara and Candace seemed worthy of becoming commanders, though that would come later.

Looking over a map, I planned my next move carefully. Plegia was occupying lands in both countries, so I had to be strategic. The Valmese Empire could not inhabit this forest forever.

Robert-Prologue: The Path Less Taken-Unknown Jail

Birthright or Conquest; a question every Fire Emblem fan would have to ask themselves to get into the newest game, Fates. As per my opinion...well...

I was on my way to meet two of my good friends, Chester and Magnus. Magnus is a total fanboy name, right? Ah, just joking. Mostly.

Naturally, as fans of the series we were set to discuss the games; which we'd gotten, or what was better. I'd gotten all three routes, and at the end of the day, found them all lacking in their own way.

What I wouldn't give to live in that world myself.

At least, that's what I used to think. That kind of thought had ended up with the three of us locked in a lonely jail cell, completely unaware of our location, or what had happened. The last thing I remember, we were talking shit to each other about our poor taste, but now...

I suppose context and a little backstory would benefit.

My friends, Magnus and Chester, and I were hanging out when a sudden change in the atmosphere around us occurred. We all felt woozy and ill to our stomachs, and before long, we had all passed out.

And when we awoke, we were no longer home.

We had been locked up by some Vallites... According to Chester, even saying that name should kill me, but I didn't care. When purple, nearly invisible soldiers kidnap you, you tend to not care about that kind of thing.

That being said, it wasn't long before the door to our cell opened, and we were dragged out by one of those soldiers, lance at the ready. Chester readjusted his dark, black glasses, before taking them off and putting them in his pocket, presumably to keep them from getting smashed.

One by one, the three of us were marched into a larger room with a wooden round table. None of us spoke; we felt it was pointless to try and beg for our lives. Magnus naturally expected they had some use for us, since they hadn't cut us down yet.

What I never expected was to be greeted by a gently smiling old man with a large beard and a matching white mustache. He had many wrinkles, and he looked over each of us. He didn't say anything when we walked in, just nodding to us as if we were understanding what he meant.

Finally, we were roughly shoved into seats, where the three of us looked over at him. Chester was glaring at him, annoyed, and Magnus just sighed and shrugged. I... didn't know what to do.

"So, we have finally acquired some intrepid youngsters," the old man spoke, "They call me Old Hubba, but you may all call me Old Man. The game would."

Chester spoke up first, trying to sound fierce, "What even happened? Where are we?"

"In time, young one," the Old Man waved his hand, trying to assuage our worries. "Now, we don't have much time. History is being rewritten by a dark force. Hence, my reason for summoning you here. There were others, and many others have taken the journey, only to fall."

Magnus asked, "Others?"

The man nodded, "Many young ones seeking the land of Nohr or Hoshido, or neither. Most died on their way out. Foolishly, they ran headlong into death." He seemed depressed when he said that, as if he had seen so much in such a short time, "I want you to be different. First, I must ask what path you will take."

I spoke up, "So if we choose differently...?"

The old man answered me with a decisive answer, "You may have to fight to the death. But that all depends on your motives for choosing your side. Only those with a strong will may get anywhere."

"Are we really okay fighting each other?" Magnus asked us.

Chester rolled his eyes, "Like you're not wanting an excuse to fight us? Or Hans? Spare the friendly talk already. Whatever's going on, we have to figure it out. Staying here and worrying won't accomplish anything."

"Chester-" I tried to argue.

"Who cares!? We're... here. We can make a difference, or meet some people we care about, that I..." Chester trailed off, "Not like I want to fight you guys, though."

The old man nodded towards Magnus, "What side will you pick?"

Magnus sighed, "What, like the team we chose? I sided with neither."

"Ah, Revelations," he nodded, "Through the door to your left."

Reluctantly, Magnus stood up and walked forward, "What'll happen?"

He merely shook his head, "Go with conviction in your heart. Or fall into despair."

Magnus shuddered when he heard that last word, for good reason. Sighing, he stepped on through to the other side and closed the door behind him.

Chester smirked, "Well, I, the Marvelous Chester, will side with Nohr exclusively! I must protect the purity of our cinnamon roll goddess! And save everyone, I guess," he acted as if the last part wasn't all that important, but that was his main argument for choosing Nohr; to limit deaths. Chester was deep down a good guy, just occasionally blunt. Or so sarcastic we took him seriously.

The old man rolled his eyes, "As you wish, boy. Maybe you will grow on this journey somewhat."

"Hey, hey, hey," Chester stopped him right there, "I'm committed, alright? Don't judge." He walked over to the doors, "Which one, gramps?"

"The right," he answered in a hushed tone. Chester quickly swung the door open and lunged forward into the darkness on the other side.

With my two comrades having just abandoned me, I slowly looked over to Hubba, whose name I remembered simply because I chose to, "Why? What are you getting us involved for?"

Hubba smiled, "Is participating in making history not enough for you?"

"No, it's not. I know enough about Fire Emblem to be aware of being used," I was acutely aware of the amounts of sheer predictable betrayal that was due me, "And dark force? Working with Vallites? Who are you, really?"

He finally showed some other emotion, one of surprise, "So you know of my comrades. A new force has entered our world through the Outrealm, and it seeks to revive itself," he was very serious when he mentioned this, "They must have followed a few other guests. This is something Corrin may not be able to handle."

That answered a lot, "Corrin's here, too? What side did they choose?"

"Hoshido," Hubba answered after a pause, "Corrin was exiled by Garon for losing to Xander in their trial match. Once they walked right into Hoshido, the royal family recruited them."

So this is before Mikoto has died, huh? That means Chester will have an even harder time winning this war, and Magnus will have to deal with beating Corrin and Chester from recruiting the others. I could side with Corrin, and capitalize, but...

"I can't choose Nohr," I started, "The way they wage war is...too cruel. Hoshido... causes too many losses for me to agree. And Revelations just sets us on the path for other, countless conflicts." What to do, what to do...

Hubba didn't comment, watching me deliberate, "Tell me, what is your name?"

I didn't want to answer that. I didn't like my real name, "Does it matter? I probably won't last long anyways."

"Come now, no need to be so negative," Hubba replied, trying to ease me into telling him.

I groaned, as if suffering greatly by saying it, "Call me Robert, then."

Hubba nodded as I revealed my preferred name, "As you wish. Now, your path?"

"Neither," I confirmed, "I choose neither Nohr, nor Hoshido."

"Ah, another fan of Revelations, I see," Hubba perked up, "If that is the case-"

I interrupted, "I don't want to go that route. I choose the fourth path, my own," I was surprisingly certain of this choice, "I have my own ideas on what to do."

This made Hubba laugh a moment before nodding, "If that is how you wish to proceed, then come with me."

He led me down a dark corridor into another room, with a small, wooden door at the end. He motioned me forwards, so I went ahead, swallowing some saliva before opening the door and praying to Naga that I didn't die instantly.