A/N (author's note):
The following story is a re-imagined version of Fire Emblem Fates - Conquest, using it as a frame work while changing various elements and taking the narrative in a different direction to create a more morally ambiguous story with no clear heroes or villains... hence the summery. There are a number of original characters within this fanfiction along with those from the game's canon, some of which are greatly changed, King Garon being the most obvious as you proceed to read. The story will also jump back in forth between various perspectives and locations around the continent post chapter 5 to create a more alive world to develop other major characters further. And as a brief side note, shipping is of the least concern. So don't expect fan service levels of romantic involvement between characters as that is not the focus of this story.
Any constructive criticism or comments in general about the story are much appreciated as this is a work in progress and my first attempt at creating any sort of large scale fictional narrative.
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE READING*
In this narrative the Hoshidans and Nohrians speak two completely different unrelated fictional languages. Hoshidan & Mokushin are two dialects of the same Eastern tongue, while the peoples such as the Nohrians, Nestrians, Chevois, and Ice tribe speak a language that is known as the Western tongue, with the exception of the Wanderers, who will be introduced in the second chapter. The two languages can be imagined how ever you so please as there is no real way they would sound since this is not a motion picture.
- When a character is speaking in a dialect of Eastern tongue, than the text will be in italics.
- When a character is speaking in Western tongue, than the text is simply plain.
[Ch.1] Awaken to Darkness
In the western lands of eternal darkness lies an isolated fortress. Black pillars of stone rise towards the heavily clouded sky that always appears as if a powerful storm is imminent. The heavens were that of a purple haze, while the earth was like that of a scorched landscape. Three tall towers surrounded a risen edifice of stone, a court yard some three stories above the earth. A number of small fires were lite across the face of the fortress, the only sources of light beyond the shine of the moon through the thick clouds upon the early morning before the rise of the sun. A sparsely populated forest surrounded the fortress, trees that were of an obsidian shade as to capture every last bit of the sun's rays, which even at high noon was only just enough for the plants to survive in these lands. Two small settlements were adjacent of the castle, villages on the frontier of Nohr's domain, where just beyond was the Great Chasm that split the continent in two. Upon a day of celebration the residence of the fortress could hear the festivities from the near by villages. The sounds of laughter and music ringing through the walls of stone as if cast by some magical spell. And high atop the second pillar, one such resident now awakens in her quarters.
"Hey, wake up, Princess Corrin! Up and at 'em!" said a feminine voice looking down upon a young woman no more than 16 emerging from her slumber.
There was a pause. A moment of silence. Her head rising from her pillow, the princess seemed to be departing from the land of dreams... and the impossible.
The princess awoke to see two women dressed in maid outfits looking over her, one with turquoise hair and the other a more defined blue. Their complexions were similar, their eyes almost mirroring the other, and their smiles nothing short of identical. Indeed twin sisters these two young women were.
"I-I'm awake Felicia don't you worry. It's just hard to tell when it is morning in this kingdom." answered Corrin rubbing both her eyes.
"Pardon me milady." said a middle aged man dressed in heavy Nohrian armor standing further behind the twin sisters.
Corrin looked past her doting maids towards the man she knew as Gunter, who had his arms behind his back. From a glance it could be seen that war and Gunter go way back. A scar ran across his aged and wrinkled face, for it seemed he was not younger than that of 55. Perhaps his time in service having caught up to him. Standing next to Gunter was a young man named Jakob, a butler who makes as good of tea as he can throw a dagger at a moving target. Indeed it was no surprise that such a combination proves most useful serving a princess of Nohr.
"Listen well princess it is indeed morning. Your brother's are waiting for you on the roof of the third tower, you have training today." Gunter explained with a calm demeanor.
"I'm well aware Gunter... and I have training everyday." replied Corrin with a gentle smirk.
For she was not wrong. While Corrn's siblings visited her every month or so she trained daily with Nohrian soldiers that guarded the fortress. Her skill was impeccable, for it has been many moons now since any soldier has even matched her graceful yet aggressive swordsmanship.
"Fetch my armor Jakob! I will not keep my brothers waiting." commanded Corrin as she still sat in her bed.
"Yes milady, I have already taken the liberty of readying your weapons for the session. And as for your armor, well I went through the trouble of, uh, pounding out the dents." answered Jakob awkwardly.
Gunter raised his eyebrows in surprise, almost smiling from Jakob's remark.
"Your brother is a fearsome opponent is he not?" asked Jakob as he walked up beside Corrin.
"Huh! We will see today. I am not losing to him this time!" Corrin stated with much confidence clenching her fists.
Flora despite this confidence emanating from Corrin looked at her master with much concern, like a mother spotting something is wrong with their child.
"How can you beat him when you are still half asleep?" asked Flora with a smile.
"What? No I can assure you Flora that I am wide awake." replied Corrin dumbfounded by Flora doubting her.
Flora and Felicia turned towards each other and paused for a moment. Corrin could see it in their eyes, that they had... THAT look.
"Is that so?" said Flora with a malicious expression.
Felicia and Flora without hesitation reached their right hands out and grasped Corrin's soft cheeks.
"Waauugh! Cold cold cold! I'm awake! Totally awake now!" shouted a chilled Corrin standing up from her bed.
"It can't be helped lady Corrin, for we are of the Ice Clan after all." said Flora while smiling.
"Trust me I know." replied Corrin to herself as she looked away from Flora.
"Pardon me my lady?" a confused Flora asked, for she knew not what Corrin spoke.
"Oh! oh! That was Eastern tongue wasn't it Corrin?" asked Felicia with much anticipation.
"Yes, it was. I've been given lessons since childhood, father thought it would be essential for all his children to learn." replied Corrin.
The language of the Mokushin was what the Nohrian royals were taught, a dialect of the Eastern tongue. Corrin understood the Mokushin were a small kingdom east of the Great Chasm along the south west coast of the continent near the edge of the Nohrian Sea. This kingdom was an ally of Nohr, a trading partner for the past few generations. Corrin heard rumors of an even smaller kingdom that once existed called Kohga, which was destroyed by the Mokushin... or so she been told.
"Wow, you should teach me sometime my lady!" shouted Felicia.
"Maybe... " uttered Corrin as she walked towards her circular window.
It was strange Corrin thought as she looked out towards one of the villages off in the distance. She knew of another land's tongue that she has never visited. While Felicia only knowing her own has seen more of the world than she ever has. The thought of leaving this fortress was always on Corrin's mind. Her father has never let her leave, for she has been told that this is all part of his plan for her. A plan he assured her was all as Anankos ordained.
"Oh! I know! Corrin how do you say 'I'm sorry' in Eastern tongue?" asked Felicia suddenly.
"I'm sorry. Why you ask?" a curious Corrin answered as she turned back towards Felicia.
"Oh no reason..." said Felicia with her eyes looking away.
"You'll probably say it next time you spill my tea on me." said Corrin with a grin.
"Pardon milady?" asked Gunter still with his arms still behind his back.
"You seem like a natural speaking Eastern tongue Corrin! It just... suits you!" shouted Felicia joyfully.
"Heh I guess." uttered Corrin as she slowly walked up to her mirror.
Corrin gazed upon her reflection. She saw a beautiful woman of fair skin with blonde hair like that of her siblings, deep brown eyes and a smile she could not mistake.
Her eyes were deceiving her...
"You need me to do your hair milday?" asked Flora as she walked up behind her.
"No need Flora." answered Corrin with a smile.
"Oh earlier that reminded me, I wish I could have finished that dream I was having." said Corrin as she stroke her hair with a brush.
"Interesting. Do tell- what sort of dream was it?" asked a curious Jakob as he quickly took a seat on a small wooden stool.
Jakob was always keen on getting to know Corrin, as he had always been fond of her. Gunter knew this and loved to mess with his attempts to talk to Corrin. Perhaps it was his protective nature of Corrin, after all he was the closest thing to a father lady Corrin has had all these years locked away in this fortress... or perhaps he simply liked to mess with Jakob.
"Well ... some people who looked like Hoshidans kept calling me their sister, and called me by some odd foreign name. It was rather strange, it almost felt real." explained Corrin as she continued to brush her hair.
"Hmmm... well I- " uttered Jakob.
"Ah, I too have strange dreams. I recall it was perhaps a memory of my first battle, where it seemed that time had slowed down yes it did." said Gunter interrupting Jakob.
"Yes Gunter we know you told us this bef-" said Jakob with his hand on his forehead.
"I was with my old battalion in what could only be describe as momentousness conflict. Why I remember there were Hoshi-" Gunter continued to say.
"Oh shut up you are so annoying!" shouted Jakob.
There was a moment of awkward silence until Gunter looked a Jakob with a grin on his face.
"Well then I suppose you won't be able to hear the best part young man." said Gunter to Jakob.
"Trust me we all know you senile old man." replied Jakob in annoyance.
"An-Anyway Corrin, what was this foreign name the Hoshidans called you?" asked Flora as she sat down a top Corrin's bed.
"Yes! Do tell us!" said Felicia with much anticipation hopping up and down a couple times.
"I believe it was Kamui, or maybe Kamui. I'm not sure to be honest." answered Corrin turning back at Felicia.
Gunter's expression suddenly sifted, as his grin from earlier entirely vanished.
Once again the room was still. Everyone had a concerned expression with the exception of Felicia, who seemed oblivious to everyone's sudden tonal shift.
"Ah, lord Corrin, perhaps we could take about your dream another time?" suggested Gunter as everyone still remained silent.
"It's time for you to get going my lord, Prince Xander is waiting for you!" said Felicia suddenly to end the awkward silence.
"Yes. I must not keep my brother's waiting!Today Xander will be at the mercy of my blade." claimed Corrin confidently as she set her brush down suddenly.
"I will go and fetch your armor milady! Flora, Felicia. Would you take Corrin behind the dressing chambers and asset her?" asked Jakob politely.
"Yes of course! Come Corrin." said Felicia as she grabbed onto Corrin's right arm and led her towards the dressing chamber.
Gunter simply stared at Corrin as she walked across the room. A saddened expression was upon his scared face, almost as if he wanted to cry.
"What's wrong Gunter?" asked Corrin with much concern as she turned towards him still being tugged by Felicia.
"Oh- It's nothing your highness." uttered Gunter.
Gunter continued to observed Corrin as she was led out of the room. He saw a young woman with black hair and the face of a Hoshidan, not the face Corrin saw with her cursed eyes. He and the others could she the truth...
Atop the highest pillar Corrin faced off against her brother Xander in single combat by way of the sword. Several soldiers stood at attention on each corner of the platform as if commanded not to move a muscle. Prince Leo watched from some considerable distance away ever watchful of his sister's every move. His eyes shifting left to right, up and down keeping note of every single strike and counter strike. Leo always was keen on the finer details.
"Stop using these standard attacks sister! Use the unorthodoxed!"shouted Xander has he blocked Corrin's every attack.
"YES BROTHER!" answered Corrin with much aggression.
Corrin shouted with each strike. She was countering quickly after every blow, not holding back in trying to best her brother.
"How often must I tell you little princess!? Control yourself! Keep your central line balanced!" commanded Xander fighting defensively.
"Yes BROTHER!" shouted Corrin pushing forward struggling to move slightly with the weight of her armor.
"You think you have proper technique? You wish to destroy your progress!? Strike at me as if you intend to kill me sister! You are holding back!" commanded Xander breathing heavily.
Corrin shouted ever more, becoming even more aggressive with every attack. She was determined to best her brother, for having defeated countless ordinary soldiers that were thrown at her for many moons she must now defeat Xander.
"You're holding the sword to tight!" Xander exclaimed.
Corrin rushed Xander towards the edge of the platform, hoping for an opening as he would attempt stay clear of the edge. Xander turned the tables and had Corrin's back now to the end of the roof, but Corrin showed no sign of conceding. With one final push Corrin overwhelmed Xander as she made him go on the defensive. Xander's attempts of going on the offensive were quashed as Corrin clashed blades with his with much force. Xander fell backwards from Corrin's onslaught and within a mere second Corrin's blade was at Xander's neck.
Corrin stood over Xander breathing heavily, staring right into his eyes with much intent.
"Sooooooo brother, what was that about destroying my progress?" Corrin said breathing heavily in much exhaustion.
The two of them stared at one another for a few moments. Xander still breathing heavily saw Corrin's enraged expression. Her eyes fixated on his neck as her hand was grasping on to her sword as if she was trying to crush it. Her left arm holding the Norhian blade was shaking oh so slightly as her body seemed more tense than usual.
She was scared... Xander thought.
"Perhaps father will allow me to leave this fortress now." Corrin said jokingly as she slowly relieved her tight grasp of her sword handle.
"Huh. A-Actually sister, fathe-" Xander tried to say holding his hands in front of him.
A slow clapping interrupted Xander.
"Well done sister." uttered Leo walking towards them as he continued to clap.
"Heh. Can you get that sword away from my neck?" Xander asked breathing heavily with an awkward smile.
"Oh, er, yes brother!" said Corrin almost blushing in embarrassment.
Corrin without hesitation helped Xander back up.
"Don't let this victory go to your head little princess. Remember what I taught you sister. If you are to succeed against the best of the Hoshidans you must have them mentally out matched. You must defeat your enemy before you ever clash blades with them." said Xander standing beside his sister.
"Understood brother." replied Corrin still recovering from the fight.
"I must say sister you have done well. You're getting stronger everyday." said Xander.
"Thanks Xander, I couldn't have done it without your, uh, tough love." said Corrin while still trying to catch her breath.
"I disagree. I believe you have a natural talent. Someday you could be the greatest warrior in all of Nohr." claim Xander with a smile.
"Yeah and someday the sun will shine brightly over this kingdom." Corrin said sarcastically.
"You know me, Corrin. I never joke about serious matters. I mean what I say." replied Xander confidently.
"Heh, well if Anankos wills it than it shall be." replied Corrin snarlingly while finally catching her breath.
"Typical. You do know true strength is more than simply sword play right?" said Leo.
"Leo he didn't mean- " said Corrin surprised.
"Calm yourself little brother. You really are competitive to a fault. It would seem some Iago's temperament has rubbed off on you." said Xander chuckling.
Leo simply rolled his eyes at Xander's comment. It was true that Iago has had a larger part in Leo's life than he has had with the rest of the royals siblings. Iago was Leo's magical teacher for many years and the head advisory to the king of Nohr.
"As I've always said, you're a talented mage with formidable magical abilities." said Xander with a smile.
"Hmm. Well just rememeber that pointy metal sticks are not the only path to power." answered Leo.
As the three continued to discuss such intriguing topics two women were seen walking towards them after having walked up the flight of stairs. One was Camilla, the eldest princess. The other was Elise, the youngest.
"Are you all right dear? Did Xander hurt you? If he did I-" said Camilla with much concern.
"N-no Camilla I am fine I assure you. But thanks for your concern." replied Corrin with a smile.
Camilla wore black armor that covered every inch of her body except past her ankles and above her breasts. After all, armor that does not cover a woman's breast would be counter productive.
"I was worried about you to sister!" said Elise with a smile.
"I know Elise. You wouldn't visit me all the time if you didn't care so much, right?" said Corrin with a smile.
"Heehee... do you like it when I visit?" asked Elise jumping in place a single time.
"Of course! I'm not allowed to leave this fortress, so visits are all I look forward to!" Corrin assured Elise.
"Yaay! I'm glad to hear that. Spending time with my sister makes me so happy! I love you more than anything in the whole wide world!" shouted Elise joyfully as she gave Corrin a bear hug.
"Elise when do you intend to behave like the adult you technically are?" asked an irritated Leo as Elise continued to hug Corrin.
"Well I for one think her cheer is a good complement to this gloomy kingdom." Camilla responded.
"There are a lot of things that would 'compliment' this kingdom my dear sister, perhaps if our land was not so barren and the sky was not always covered in darkness then maybe our kingdom would have time for being cheerful. It's almost as if the gods have cursed this land and our people." said Leo with much seriousness.
"Leo don't be such a downer! This was supposed to be an important day for Corrin." said Elise pouting.
"An important day?" asked a surprised Corrin.
"Yes Corrin, you have father has-" said Xander
"I'll tell her brother." insisted Camilla.
"What is you are trying to tell me Camilla?" asked Corrin curiously.
"Father has commanded that you are to leave this fortress." said Camilla with a big smile as she close her eyes.
"No way! You guys are just pulling my leg! It can't be!" said Corrin.
"Yes sister. It means you can finally leave this drafty fortress. You must have been so lonely here. Today marks the day of your freedom." said Camilla.
"Isn't that wonderful sister!?" said Elise with much joy.
"It... it really is. Thanks Elise. Wow ... I'm finally leaving this place." said Corrin with much happiness.
"There will plenty of time to discuss the details with father. Come let us prepare for our journey back to Caste Krakenburg! Soldiers! Have our horses readied for our departure! " commanded Xander as he wrapped his arms around Leo and Corrin.
"It will be done my lord!" answered the soldiers.
"Hehe! Yah! Let's go!" shouted Elise with great joy.
As Corrin and her siblings entered the stables of the lower fortress a yellow eyed women of braided blue hair was assisting three soldiers with readying the horses.
"Well well I figured we'd find you done here. Always wanting to be with the animals." uttered Leo with a smile as Elise ran past him.
"Lilith!" cried out Elise with much joy as she embraced her.
"O-Oh my. It's good to see you to Elise." said Lilith as she also embraced Elise.
"She is always glad to see you Lilith." said Camilla with a smile.
"I'm so happy for you my lady. I hear you can finally leave this fortress." said Lilith as Corrin approached her.
"It is indeed true my friend. I can't believe this day is finally here." answered Corrin.
"Gunter has asked me to go with you to the capital so I can look after your horses." explained Lilith.
"Glad to hear it! This shall be our finest hour!" Corrin said jokingly as she embraced Lilith.
"W-Well I suppose so. I been meaning t-" uttered Lilith.
"Pardon my interruption ladies, but are the horses ready Lilith?" asked Xander as he walked up beside Corrin.
"Yes my lord! They are as ready as they will ever be." answered one of the soldiers as he brought Xander's horse towards them.
"Indeed. The horses seem excited for the trip to! They are all very fond of lord Corrin. Probably from all her time in the stables. " said Lilith joyfully.
"Sister has always had a soft spot for animals. Why she was the one that nursed you back to health when we first found you." said Camilla with a smile.
"Yes... " uttered Lilith looking towards the floor.
"Lilith is something wrong?" asked Corrin.
"Oh... no. It's nothing." replied Lilith as Leo raised his left eyebrow in suspicion.
"As gripping as all this is, we should be on our way. We must not keep father waiting." explained Xander as he grabbed on to his horses reins.
"Yaay! Corrin gets to see father again!" shouted Elise as another soldier presented Elise's white pony.
"Ha ha, yes. I look forward to seeing him once again dear sister." said Corrin with a smile.
As Elise was lifted by one of the soldiers atop her pony four familiar faces entered the stables together.
"Ah Gunter, have Flora and Felicia remain here and watch over the fortress." commanded Xander.
"Understood my lord. Flora, Felicia, I'll leave the rest to you two. Remain hear and watch over the fortress. Jakob and I will accompany lady Corrin and her companions. We may be gone for some time." replied Gunter attentively.
"Of course! You may rely on us Gunter. I wish you safe travels my lady." said Flora.
"Good luck out there my lady! We will hold down the fort don't you worry!" said Felicia.
"Let us be on our way then, we can't keep father waiting." said Leo with a genuine smile as he looked upon his family.
"Yes brother. I can't wait to see the city of Windmire." said Corrin as she mounted her black horse.
Escorted by Gunter and a dozen soldiers Corrin and her party made their way out of the fortress and proceeded westward.
The party of 20 made their way across the sparsely treed landscape, passing several villages along the way. Two soldiers atop their horses held tall banners that reached some 7 feet in the air with the royal insignia behind Xander, who led the way.
As Xander turned towards his left side, Leo's horse slowly approached his.
"Are you certain nothing will become of her as we proceed to enter the city?" Leo whispered to Xander with much concern.
"Nothing will happen to her brother. After all she is of Nohrian royalty." answered Xander.
"Yeah. That's what we always told her... and made her see." uttered Leo in a conflicted tone as he made his horse pick up speed and leave Xander.
Xander frowned slightly, almost wanting to go and force his brother apologize in front of him.
"Don't worry brother. She will be fine." assured Camilla as her horse approached Xander's.
"Let us hope so sister." answered Xander as he looked towards the horizon, where he could see the sun rising, just before it was to be covered by thickly clouded sky.
End of Chapter