Chapter 1: Awakening

(NOTE: The events depicted in this fic are not fully related with Heirs of Fate nor any other DLC of Fire Emblem Fates, enjoy!)

"Pain and agony…fear and hatred, my anger and sorrow can´t be heard, I´m trapped in this eternal darkness, suffering in silence, my torment started the day I dare to challenge my master, my creator…my father, but now I can´t feel his presence, in fact, I sense something else, something different, something warm. What is that? There is a light getting bigger and brighter…Could this mean the end of my suffering? Yes it must be, I can feel it, my prison is shattering, at last I will be free, I must hurry, I need to find them. I have to find mother and…my brother…"

Several months have passed since the defeat of Anankos, peace have returned to the kingdoms of Nohr, Hoshido and the new Valla, the remains of the war are fading away and the people are recovering from the horrors of the war. In Valla, the new king Corrin hopes to restore his long forgotten kingdom to its former glory, with his family and his loyal comrades, Gunter, Silas, Felicia, Jakob and Kaze, the veiled kingdom is slowly returning to normal, but inside him, Corrin still grieves the loss of all whose lives were taken by Anankos schemes, specially Azura.

One day, Corrin wake up earlier than usual, he putted on his armor and took the Yato then he left Castle Gyges without noticing anyone. He wandered through the grasslands, thinking and remembering Azura

-Why Azura, why can't I forget you? Why can't you be here...Why I wasn't able to save you?- He asked himself

Suddenly, as he was approaching a large lake, he heard something very, very familiar in the distance…

-You are the ocean´s gray waves destined to seek life beyond the shore just out of reach…-

A warm yet strange feeling invade Corrin´s body, he ran into the voice direction, the song sounded closer and closer, finally he reach the lake, and what he saw was a young boy standing before him, Corrin, disappointed but still curious approached the boy.

-Who are you?-asked Corrin interrupting the boy

The teen stopped his singing, surprised he turned to see, his hair was light blue and his eyes were yellow and bright just as…

-My name is Shigure-said the boy

-Where did you learned that song?-

-Huh? It is a song my mother taught me when I was little-he said closing his eyes

Corrin felt the same sadness he had when his mother, Queen Mikoto died back in Hoshido, the same pain this boy will feel, his hands were shaking and his forehead was sweating as he open his mouth to speak.

-Your mother´s name, is Azura right?-asked Corrin

The boy seem surprised and suspicious of Corrin

-Yes, she is, she left my Deeprealm promising me that she will come back soon, but she never did, I waited but eventually I grow impatient and decided to leave my realm and search her by myself-

-By singing the song she taught you, in a world you don't even know? That's dangerous Shigure-

-I know but I want to find her, who are you anyway?-

-My name is Corrin, you are in the kingdom of Valla-

-Valla? Wait you said your name is Corrin?! I know who you are! Mother told me everything about you and your quest to bring King Anankos evil reign to an end, if you are alive, that means you've won, am I wrong? Then you must know where my mother is!-he said with a big smile

Shigure´s words dug deep onto Corrin´s heart like an arrow, he knew what he must do, this boy who left his homeland in search of his mother. Azura will never hear his song again, she will never return and Corrin was the one who had to tell him

-"I must tell him"-he thought-"Shigure must learn his mother's fate"-

He took a big breath and with enough courage he spelled the truth

-Shigure, there's something you must know-

-What is it Corrin?-

-This may be hard for you, but your mother Azura…she will never come back-

-What?! What do you mean?!-

-In a final attempt to stop Anankos rampage, she sacrificed herself-

That was a devastating blow to the teenager whose expression of shock and sadness petrified Corrin who was unable to do anything but to hug the poor boy, trying to calm him down, after some time, Shigure finally stop and stood up, looking at Corrin's eyes

-So that's what happened huh? My mother died as a heroine-

-Yes, she fought with all her strength and heart, without her song, Anankos surely had killed us-

-I will miss her, I never had the chance to say how much I love her-

-I know it is hard, but you need carry on her memory, make her proud-said Corrin

-I suppose, you're right, Corrin-said Shigure-I beg you, please let me be join your forces-

-You don't have to ask, you will always be welcome in Valla, after all, you are a vallite prince-

-Thank you-

Suddenly, a big explosion came from the distance and a big column of smoke rose up into the skies

-That came from a near town, Shigure, we must help these people!-

-Of course, but we won't make it on time if we run-he said using a whistle to call his pegasus-Come on Corrin!-he shouted extending his hand

Corrin grabbed Shigure´s hand and hop on the pegasus, then the two race to the village, the winged horse was fast, in less than five minutes, they arrived to the town, it was not as damaged as they expect but still there were people running and screaming in fear everywhere

-Why is everybody so scared?-asked Corrin, seeing how the people flew the town square

-I think it's because of that-answered Shigure, pointing at the town's hall

There it was, the presumed orchestrator of all this mess, a very tall being, thin and with black armor wielding a massive sword that glowed in purple surrounded by what appeared to be lightings, most of his face was covered by some kind of mask or helmet that seemed as a metallic jaw, but what they could see perfectly were his eyes, they were purple and they shone like the stars

-"Who is this guy, he is enormous and yet something is wrong about him, he seems kind of…familiar"-Corrin thought

The tall warrior didn't notice them and continued walking, but then, Shigure stood up in front of the juggernaut

-¡Stop right there! ¡You will hurt no one today!-he shouted pointing his naginata at the black knight

-…Get…out…of my way…I...must find them!-he shouted, taking Shigure by surprise and grabbing him by the neck

-¡Gah!-Shigure struggled to freed himself

-¡Stop there!-Corrin shouted, arriving with the Yato ready in his hands

The tall guy released Shigure and then he turned to confront Corrin

-If you two dare to stand against me and my goal, you will die!-he said lifting his sword

-¡Wait!-Corrin tried to argue with his enemy but it was in bane, the black knight landed a heavy hit on Corrin, who fortunately blocked it just in time with the Yato, but still wasn't able to prevent the enemy from punching him to the ground.

The enemy grabbed Corrin and prepared to deliver another blow, but then something happened, when the mysterious warrior eyes met Corrin's, he stopped and released him leaving Corrin confused

-What happened, didn't you said you will kill me?-said Corrin

-…You…-answered the knight

-Huh?-

-…I can't believe it is you…Corrin-he said at last

-What? How do you know me? Who are you?-

-You can call me Markus, I am…your brother-

Corrin was shocked again, this man, this black knight who appeared out of nowhere claimed to be his own brother, doubt and confusion made Corrin´s mind went nuts.

-What?! What are you talking about?! I don't even know you!-

-You're right, I know it's difficult to process but I swear to you I'm your older brother-

At the same time, Vallite troops arrived and with them Gunter, Silas and Kaze

-King Corrin, are you alright?-said Kaze after running to his liege side

-Where have you been Corrin, we've been looking for you!-said Silas

-Kaze, Silas, I'm fine-

-It's comforting hearing your fine Lord Corrin, now could you please tell us who this fiend might be?-said Gunter pointing his lance at Markus

-That's what I have to find out-Corrin said as his troops surrounded his so called brother

-It will be easier if I told you everything-commented Markus

-You will, and you will atone for attacking this town-said Silas

-What, attacking? You re mistaken boy, it was an accident…a big one, some wizard guy was trying a dangerous spell, but the it went wrong and caused a big explosion-

-What do we do with him my liege?-asked Gunter

-He is coming with us-said Corrin

The group returned to Corrin´s Castle with his mysterious prisoner, at the throne room, Corrin stood in front of Markus

-I can't believe how strong you have become Corrin-said Markus

-Please, start explaining, how is it possible for us to be brothers, my mother, Queen Mikoto arrived in Hoshido with me after escaping Anankos madness, but she never told me who my real father was, all my life I grew up thinking that either King Garon and later King Sumeragi were my fathers, then you can answer me that. Who is my father?-

-Queen Mikoto, dead!?-asked Markus, surprised

-…Yes…yes she is-said Corrin with sadness in his voice

-…I see…I'm sorry Corrin…mother…-

-Please answer me-said Corrin

-Yes of course. It may be difficult to hear this but your father, our father is no other but King Anankos-

-What?! Anankos my father?!

Everyone was shocked, after that, a silence invade the throne room

-I know it must be hard for you all, the very same being you defeated is the same who granted you the gift of life-

-That's…impossible, I mean, how?-

-Let me explain, Anankos was once a peaceful being who loved humans and was a good friend of the first King of Valla, Cadros-

-Anankos…Azura told me once that King Anankos was peaceful and fair ruler…it was hard to believe-

-I understand, after all, you only met the Corrupted Anankos-

-Now what are you talking of?-

-You see, as time passed, fear and hatred took over Anankos mind, but before losing his goodness he was able to split a portion of his soul which took human form and escaped the now mad Anankos rage. Human Anankos created the song Azura used to confront him, then he meet eventually he meet Lady Arete and Lady Mikoto, he fell in love with the last, swearing eternal love to her, they ended up having a baby…that child was you Corrin-said Markus leaving Corrin even more surprised

-But that's when things went worse, Dragon Anankos wanted nothing more but the destruction of humanity, so he amassed an enormous army to take down the entire world, he began by slaying the King of Valla-

-That was Azura´s father!-exclaimed Corrin

Shigure made an angry gesture while continuing listening

-Yes, once he assassinated the former King, he auto proclaimed himself as the King of All and then he swear to spread his corruption over all the other kingdoms and to destroy them, knowing this, Human Anankos sent you and mother to Hoshido where he thought you will be safe-

-And then?! What happened with father?!-

-*sigh* Dragon Anankos knew of your existence, he saw you as a potential treat, so he created a diabolic plan to end the conflict before it even begin, he thought on repaying the Human Anankos with the very same coin. That is how in secret, Dragon Anankos approached Lady Mikoto and by using his vile powers he stole a little of her essence, then he fussed it with a piece of his own corrupted soul…and that is…how I was born-

The room fell in silence, now everyone was wary of Markus, with their hands in their respective weapons they listened carefully.

-Markus…-

-I was created with the sole purpose of destroying mankind, so Anankos gave me a powerful weapon, one that can destroy whatever stands on its way, my cursed blade Hades. Then he commanded me to do his bidding, I crushed entire villages, I murdered innocent people…all because of his blood thirst. And then, before Lady Arete and Lady Mikoto´s departure to Hoshido, Dragon Anankos sent me…to kill you all-

-Enough!-shouted Gunter raising his lance-You have confessed, you are here to kill Lord Markus!-

-What?! No!-answered Markus

-I will not allow you to harm our King!-continued Gunter

-Wait Gunter!-exclaimed Corrin

-My lord, don't you see? This fiend has come to end you-

-Please Gunter, I need to hear all he has to say-

-As I was saying, I was entrusted with the task of ending your life as well the life of both Arete and Mikoto, I crushed Human Anankos defenses with ease, then I reached the place where he was keeping you both, I entered the room, but Human Anankos confronted me in single combat while he ordered Lady Arete and Lady Mikoto to leave with their respective kids, he managed to hold me for some instants but eventually the power that Dragon Anankos invested in me was too much for him, so I launched him against the wall. I was ready to finish him off when he talked to me. I will always remember his words: "You don't have to do this, you are not a mindless monster, you are whatever you like to be…but most important…you are my son". Then I finally awoke, Dragon Anankos control over me was obliterated by that single gesture of fatherhood, my mind was clear and my wrath was now pointed at Dragon Anankos, it was payback time. I left Human Anankos and ran to Castle Gyges throne room where my former creator was waiting.-said Markus closing his eyes as he was remembering his past.

Flashback

-"Anankos!"-shouted Markus entering Anankos tomb

-"So the creation turns against its creator"-said Anankos waiting him in his mighty dragon form

-"You used me as a pawn in your insane game, you monster, you made me a genocidal and you even dare to try to force me to kill our own blood!"-

-Everything in this world is flawless, nothing deserves the right of existing…just as you!-

-You have no right to choose everyone's fate! Your madness ends now!-

End of the Flashback

-Our battle was intense, Castle Gyges own foundations crumble as we fought, our roars echoed in the walls and our souls burned inside our bodies, the heat caused a big column of smoke, I was holding my ground but in the end I wasn't able to destroy Anankos, he defeated me and sealed me away in a special Deeprealm, a magical prison of pure darkness. An endless torture that finished after you defeated Anankos-

-Markus…-

-Listen, I know what my sins are, I will carry them forever within my soul and I will understand if you want to punish me for my all my crimes against Valla, against our mother and against you-said Markus on his knee-I will atone for them-

Corrin walked to Markus side, extending his hand

-It wasn't your fault, Anankos was just using you as his pawn, I will not punish you, I can never harm my…brother-he said giving Markus a big hug

Markus embraced Corrin too, emotions collide as both of them began dropping tears. Brothers that were separated by a twisted fate were now united by destiny, a new yet familiar bond was formed.

-Now come brother, I need to introduce you to the family-said Corrin with a smile as everyone approached them

After that, Markus was granted the title of Supreme Commander of the Vallite army because of his previous experience, he will be Corrin's second in command and military leader in charge of aiding the King to maintain peace. Then Corrin arranged a big celebration, all of his Hoshido and Nhor siblings were invited as well as all the people from the New Valla. The day came and Corrin´s Castle was full of vallites, nohrians and hoshidians.

In the enormous hall, Corrin met with his dear friends and siblings, introducing Shigure to them.

-You are just like your mother-said Ryoma, now the King of Hoshido

-Thank you my lord-answered Shigure

-Azura was a great and noble woman, you shall be proud of her-said Xander, now King of Nohr

-I am sir, but still I miss her-

-Oh poor thing! Come on sweetheart everything will be fine-said Camila, hugging the boy and choking him with her breasts

Shigure went full red faced as he separated from Camila's grip, causing everyone to laugh

-I am sure your mother looks after you from the skies-said Hinoka putting her hand on Shigure´s shoulder

-Thank you all, I am grateful you can share your memories with me-

Big steps rumble in the distance, eventually getting louder, everyone looked as Markus appeared, the gang felt in silence, surprised and somehow scared, Xander and Ryoma with their respective retainers, unsheathed their weapons.

-Stop right there!-shouted Xander lifting Siegfried

Markus folded his arms as Corrin ran into the scene

Wait! Everyone, keep your weapons down! He is no enemy…he is my brother-

Everyone was surprised to hear that, the silence grew and lasted until Xander spoke

-Your brother?! How!?-

-Yes Corrin, you need to explain this-said Ryoma

-I know, please listen…-

Corrin explained Markus backstory, as he was doing so, the look on their faces change, they were still surprised but there was no longer fear on their eyes but rather compassion

-So that's it-said Ryoma calmed

-I had no idea-answered Xander

-Neither I-said Corrin with a smile-You better introduce yourself properly now-he said speaking to Markus who just answered with a little gesture

-Wait, you two don't look alike-said Elise

-She's right, common big guy, remove the helmet thing-said Hinoka

Markus pressed his mask side parts and, with a clicking sound the helmet folded back and disappeared revealing his face: he was very pale, had a pointed and thin nose, brilliant magenta eyes with dark eye bags around them, black hair with a white lock of hair on his right side, he also had two scars on both of his eyes that made him look even more intimidating.

-Umm, my best regards to all of you, as Corrin said, my name is Markus, Supreme Commander of the Vallite army, at your service-said Markus as he bowed to them

-I have another big brother! Yay!-said Elise jumping and instantly hugging Markus, making the last a little bit embarrassed

-Please spare her dear, she's very enthusiastic-said Camila

-So I noticed-said Markus

After that, King Xander and King Ryoma approached Markus.

-It´s a pleasure to meet you Lord Markus-said Xander

-Indeed, it's an honor to meet another prince-added Ryoma

-I appreciate your kind words dear Kings Ryoma and Xander, but I prefer not to be referred as a "lord"-

-Excuse me?-said Xander, confused

- Listen, I'm not like you nor Corrin and I will never be, please, it'll be better if you just call me Commander-

Ryoma and Xander were even more confused by this, looking at each other in order to give an answer.

-We don't understand…-said Ryoma

-I expected that, the reason is simple, I was created with the sole purpose of killing those of my own kind, I will never forgive myself for allowing that kind of manipulation, that's why I can't call myself by any royal title, because no noble soul would do such atrocities-

-But Markus, that wasn't your fault-responded Xander

-I beg you, do not let my grim backstory ruin this festivity, please enjoy it and just forget the matter-said Markus-Now, if you excuse me, I will like some fresh air-he added leaving King Xander and King Ryoma behind.

Markus left the hall, reaching the enormous royal garden where he started walking, he was happy to have encountered his brother but still very deep inside him was a nostalgic and melancholic feeling, he remember Queen Mikoto and how he will never be able to see her again, he never talked to her. She, who was supposed to be his mother yet he didn't know her at all, only her name. He eventually arrive to the center of the garden where a big statue of Queen Arete and Queen Mikoto were carved from stone.

-I don't know how to feel about you-he said at the statue of Mikoto-The only time I saw you, I was about to kill both Corrin and you, I remember your expression, the horror in your eyes-he said as tears began falling from his eyes-I know I'm a monster for what I did, I will always be-

-Please don't say that-said the voice who belonged to Shigure, who was standing at Markus right

Markus was surprised that he wasn't able to feel his presence until Shigure spoke, he dried up his tears and looked at the boy.

-You are Azura´s child, Shigure isn't it?-

-Yes my lord, we met in town-

-I remember, but what are you doing out here alone? Why aren't you back there at the party?-

-I could ask you the same my liege-

Markus felt in silence

-I'm just not in good mood, please forget me sir, I know you just returned to the world but…-said Shigure

-You don't have to apologize lad, I know how you feel-

-So I heard, but milord, you are not a monster-

-Yes I am, and please stop calling me "lord"-

-Oh, well then Commander-answered Shigure making a mocking gesture

-Heh clever boy-

-Please spare me Markus but I know you are not the monster you think you are, my mother told me once that those who regret the evil they've done cannot be classified as monsters, because deep inside them shines a light of goodness-

-Your mother was a kind person Shigure just as you-

-Thank you Markus, you too-

-Hmmp-grunted Markus

-Well, I know Corrin believes in you just as I do, it's a matter of time before everyone else do so-he said putting his hand on Markus's back

-Maybe you're right, maybe you're not, only time will say-

They laid down on the grass near the statues and contemplated the stars above them.

-You think my mother is there?-

-I'm sure she watches over you-

-I wish she could be here-

-You really miss her don't you?-

-*sigh* Yes I do, I will do anything if she could only return-

Markus saw the sadness in Shigure´s face and felt somehow guilty, if he only had defeated Anankos none of this should have happened, then he remember something.

-You want your mother back no matter what right?-he said standing up seeing Shigure

-What do you mean?-

-What if I tell you that there's a way of bringing Azura back to the living realm?-

-How is that even possible?!-

-Leave it to me kid, I promise you will reunite with your mother, just give me a little time and I will bring her back to you-

-Markus…thank you-answered the boy, he didn't know what Markus was planning to do but it didn't matter, he trusted him and with almost tears on his eyes he hugged Markus

-Ok boy, it is not the time to get sentimental, not yet, I have much to do now, but a promise is a promise-

Someone approached them from behind, it was Corrin with Kaze

-Hey Markus, everyone is asking for you and Shigure, why don't you both go back inside?-

-Sorry lil brother, we just needed some fresh air- said Markus blinking at Shigure

-Yes, we were just heading inside now milord-answered Shigure

The two of them returned inside while Kaze and Corrin stopped for a moment

-What troubles you milord?-said Kaze

-Isn't it awesome how life can change in a matter of time? Last week I had no blood family, and now I have a brother-said Corrin

-It makes me happy to hear you said that milord, life is full of surprises-

-Indeed-Corrin answered looking at the stars-I hope you are proud mother-he said before returning inside with Kaze

End of Chapter 1

I hope you enjoyed it, please feel free to leave a review and continue following this little story, see ya!