A/N: I will say this now. This is a T rated story and will contain many suggested ideas ranging from some violence, character death, and implied matters. I have no ownership of Fire Emblem whatsoever. This is a retelling of Fire Emblem Revelations, in which Corrin is made a more established character than just the avatar. Pairings have yet to be decided.
It was not noticeable initially. The signs were easy enough to overlook. However, year by year it was more obvious. As everyone looked to be growing around me, it was as if I was left behind. Come next year or two, my younger sister may very well surpass me in height. "Corrin?" I was snapped from my thoughts. "Are you there?"
"Oh, I am. I'm just still amazed, to think father finally allowed for me to go on a mission." I spoke aloud, to which garnered the attention of my company. It was not a shock entirely, especially considering my younger brother's active role in the military already. It was only a matter of time. However, the excuse can be made for my stature. I was not exactly built like one of Nohr's finest.
"You need not give such an incredulous expression, young prince," elder brother was quick to ease my qualms, "You have earned your keep after our last spar and with your display against the prisoners." The pride in his voice became more than evident.
Childishly, I puffed my cheeks in retort to his point. "You went easy on me!" To which, everyone around gave a collective chuckle. The softness the senior held was more than evident.
"Possibly, but I have crossed blades with many of recruits and instructors. Regardless of if you could best me," he gave a small snicker to his own words, "I know already you are worthy to venture outside of that dreary fortress. Younger brother, you have the opportunity to become a great swordsman if you so choose."
A click of the tongue sounded beside me. "Blades and strength are not the only determining factor for one's worth on the battlefield." The youngest of the males spoke up. My little brother was not one to keep quiet on such a subject. Wherein we all had our insecurities, his came on the subject of magic's usefulness. For a paragon knight such as the our eldest, one's mastery of the sword still made us look second rate. "Besides, you should remember to use your head, brother. It is both a matter of fighting and strategy."
"I understand, Leo. I would not wish to fail this chance. I'm sick of that stuffy fort air. Not to mention, it's always so cold!" I retracted myself after the impulsive comment. Much to my chagrin, keeping composure was not an easy task. Again, a chorus of chuckles at my expense sounded. The frown on my face creased further. "You know I can barely handle cold temperatures."
"Peace, little brother," it was my elder sister now to join the conversation, "I will be sure to bring you another scarf the next time I visit."
"What is that supposed to mean?" I blurted out in response, my eyes flared at the possible insinuation.
"Corrin, you know I want more than anything for you to be happy. However, it is troubling for me to know your life is on the line. I was much the same for Leo."
"Lady Camilla, I will stop at nothing to keep the prince safe," the great knight, Gunter, added, his gruff voice a sheer contrast from the rest of us.
"Gosh, I'm not helpless, you two. It's as Xander said I can handle myself."
The crown prince himself was the first to speak up, "Just because I believe that, it does not change the fact that we are all worried for you. You are still mortal after all, even the slightest amount of carelessness could spell a premature end. As both infantry and close quarters fighter, your situation is especially precarious." His horse grumbled, the mount came to stop with the master's command. "While the mission to take a lesser Hoshidan fortification is not as threatening, I have faced hardship from less." Leo and Camilla too ceased their rides.
"Thanks for the advice, Xander," I shot him a glance.
"Darling, do not get yourself hurt," the violet-haired female said then. From her wyvern, she was quick to approach. As per goodbyes, she always took to long and drawn-out embrace. Her gauntlets and armor made the experience rather unpleasant.
"I'll try my best!" Despite the rather embarrassing display and the babying, excitement seemed to rush through my body with their departure. Xander and Camilla both visibly looked calm with my words. For the first time in my life, they looked to me as an equal.
Leo followed suite, "You have the devil's luck. I have no worry that you will return alive and well."
"Always about luck, why not mention how I'm a better with a sword than you?" The cheeky grin seemingly caused Leo's blood to boil.
"And I'm better at magic. And before you say it, my collar is not on backwards. Both my retainers checked."
"Oh really? It looks like they were lying." I teased, trying to tempt him into looking.
"Not falling for it, brother."
With the banter over, I remembered the task at hand. "I will make all of you proud," a wide grin manifested itself on my face jittery waiting for the battle to begin. In hindsight, the first test given was not my finest moment. Shamed would be the first word to come to mind in my active defiance against the king. Garon, father, did not adhere to upstarts. Had I not Xander's guiding eye, I might have shared the fate of a number of the prisoners. Leo's courtesy to spare the lives of the fighter and ninja put me at ease. How would I handle myself on the battlefield? Within the palace against those captives, it was no question that they could not do much damage. However out here, I will have to end lives in order ensure survival. A nervous glance toward Gunter and Felicia. Both of which were to be in my command.
"Milord, it's not too much further I think," the maid spoke up once she noticed my glances. Her finger extended toward the crack in the earth. A rickety bridge was all that connected us to Hoshido.
"Farewell, don't miss me too much, and be sure to tell Elise that big brother will be back in no time."
"Will do," Xander smirked, "remember everything I taught you. You should also be sure to listen to Gunter." With that advice, his horse rode off back toward Windmire. The other royals too followed his lead.
Once out of sight, my attention turned to the old knight. "Do you… think I'm ready for this?" The man's expression turned from complacent to perplexed. It did not help that the wrinkles and resting scowl hid his true emotions.
"Are you worried, Lord Corrin?"
"Not at all. I mean, not necessarily. Rather, this will be far different from the scuffle with the prisoners."
"An astute point to be made. You handled yourself well there, proving your potential martial prowess and tactical considerations. Many of men would have overlooked fortifications, instead opting for direct confrontation. With my abilities, that plan of attack is feasible. However, you accounted for variables by placing Felicia in a position that does not compromise her and makes the most of her healing. For a skirmish like this one, the task will not be too difficult. Above all else, it is your psyche that determines how this battle may end. Your display gained the ire of both Garon and, frankly, myself." The truth hit like an arrow.
"You're mad at me?" Taken aback by his honesty, I found myself stumbling. Felicia too looked visibly shocked by the elder's words.
The old man shook his head solemnly. "Not at all, but that sort of behavior may very well get you killed. An unarmed opponent still has the intent to kill. I have seen many of samurai and ninja alike give their lives to even plant a scar on my body. I would hate to see your mercy be your undoing, my liege."
Both of Felicia and I breathed out a sigh of relief at the justification. "Don't scare me like that, Gunter. I don't think my heart can take that." The old knight chortled to my plea, clearly not taking my words seriously.
"Oh please, I would never do you any wrong. Though, you do deserve some punishment for your behavior." He tapped his finger against his chin, "Hmmm, how does Felicia and Flora's waking you up without warning for the next week sound?" A devious grin showed itself on his face. Much to my dismay, the years supplied the veteran with a list of my weaknesses. The cold being a prime one. For two women of the Ice Tribe, Flora and Felicia possessed unique affinity for a certain element. I was always quick to arise to the first call, lest I be awoken with frostbite on both cheeks.
"Now, Gunter, I would not simply torture my lord so," the maid was quick to protest, not one for enjoying in my suffering like Gunter or Flora to some extent.
"At ease, I was only joking. Besides, this mission can decide if we return to the Northern Fortress. At best, we will have a more comfortable place outside of Castle Krakenberg. Speaking of, the other help will eventually join with us in no time." I could not help but allow a grin to creep on my face at the mention of the other help.
In my time at that sullen place, I came to appreciate the regulars. Jakob, my butler and closest friend. Flora, before Jakob mellowed, her and her sister were my only friends. Lilith, despite her position as stable girl, her inviting attitude and kind demeanor made the days more bearable. "It will be a momentous day when we all can live freely outside of that place. So much of Nohr to see. I'm glad that I will have everyone with me," my mentor gave a wary stare it seemed like. It was to be expected. By nature, I was always naïve. Xander always chided me on my overt optimism and aloofness. Yet, he in the same breath complimented Elise's blissfulness.
"Over yonder," Gunter pointed, "Hoshidan forces. We have arrived. Are you two prepared for what's to come?" Both of us gave a nod of approval in return. "Lord Corrin, have you resolved yourself? You may very well have to take lives in this altercation."
"I have, Gunter. Wait," I stared curiously around our soon to be battlefield. "Dragon vein!" To the south of us, a glow emanated from the ground. "Avoid the bridge and the Hoshidan archers, our target shall be the soldiers creating the defensive line by the hold. If we rush them, we can minimize both casualties and draw the battle to a close sooner."
The veteran chuckled. "Your eye for tactics has grown. Simplistic, but effective. Just don't get conceited." Even when he compliments me, there is always some sort of lecture to be had. To be honest though, I had allowed my pride to swell to such an easy observation.
Once in position, my hand planted down onto the ground. The rock was cold, far from a pleasant temperature, but much preferred to the frigid weather that characterized the fort.
"Now!"
Light encapsulated us in an instant. The formation around us reformed to resemble a makeshift bridge. In the instant it shaped up, Gunter's horse carried him across the pass and into Hoshidan forces. All confidence faded once the man's steel lance plunged itself into the man's chest. As if a pin dropped, I watched the first of the men wither away. A shaking sensation channeled through my body. Had it not been for a sobering touch of the maid, the sight of the dying man might have lingered longer.
"T-thanks, Felicia," I sheepishly muttered, after I finally garnered the strength to join the great knight. "Gunter!" The elder was alerted to my voice. "I need you to keep an eye on the forces to the north. Us two can deal with the commander." Much to our fortune, the enemy leader was most certainly not expecting a breach in defenses. Even still, a flurry of shuriken was sent in our direction.
Making the most of my agility, evasion worked best in my favor. And to her credit, Felicia was equally able to dodge the first barrage. Had we not the element of surprise, the assault might have turned fatal. "Who the hell are you! Do you even realize what you've done here today? Hoshido won't stand for unprovoked attacks like this!"
I bit down on my lip and paid no mind to his words. The bronze sword in my hand plunged itself into his flesh. Red liquid sprayed out, yet the combatant did not yield. It was a foolish mistake to have made such a shallow cut. The iron shuriken embedded itself into my side. Before I had the chance to wince, Felicia's stave was quick to close the wound. His attention quickly shifted to my support. Out of pure instinct, the bronze sword once more made a laceration along the man's torso. This time, he collapsed forward. "How could I be defeated by some brat…"
Rather than get irritated by the remark, I was more so plagued by the grim reality. I had killed a man. It was bittersweet. On one hand, I ended another's life for a reason not known to me. Was what he said true? But at the same time, I have earned my freedom. Am I willing to sacrifice my ideals in order to remain this way? Everything around me felt dizzying.
"Reinforcements!" Gunter announced frantically.
What? Now? For a small and obscure outpost, how was it that we gained the attention of their forces?
"What could it have been… We have their base. Possibly, was it Tenma Knights overhead? Gods, we need to retreat." Just as those words left my mouth, the bulk of the northern forces began to move toward our location, as well as a detachment to close off the other side of the bridge.
"Lord Corrin, what should we do?" Felicia stared nervously at the ensnarement.
"I… I don't have a clue. Gunter, can you secure an escape path?" I shouted.
"It should be possible. We just need to act quick."
The armored horseman charged then, pushing his way through the enemy forces. It was clear now. Hope was alive. That was until a sharp pain was felt on the backside of my head. My eyes lazily stared to my companions. Gunter was none the wiser of my state. Felicia looked ready to cry out. My vision slowly began to fade.
When I came to, both my arms and legs were bound. Relief came in the form of my unconscious maid. The weak breaths that left her lips was reassurance she had not been killed. Being a prisoner of war was a step in the wrong direction, but seeing my retainer in good health was comforting. Hoshidan barbarism was often a tale spun around the Nohrian territories. I too would have believed had it not been for the stories that my mentor recalled. A proud and honorable people. Ignorant and stuck in their customs. There was nothing of cruelty in his tales, barring the so called 'Blue Sky Knight'. "What… in… the…" I slurred out weakly. My eyes widened as my vision began to focus on my surrounding. Unlike the bleak borderland, it was a countryside. Plentiful green fields. It filled me with both wonder and rage. A beautiful sight, but a vast contrast from Nohr's situation. Food scarcity made such a bountiful harvest look selfish.
"Not much further, Nohrians," the jailor irately proclaimed. The carriage continued to shake along the uneven road. After an hour of silence, Felicia stirred awake. Another hour, a mountain came into view. Rather than continue onward into Hoshido's capital, where one would assume the prison would be, the carriage neared the castle instead. If the green fields were worthy of my elongated stares, Shirasagi was deserving of so much more. I nearly forgot my place. Considering this was to be the place of my judgement, someone must have identified my status as a prince. A pit formed in my stomach. Was I to be executed by Hoshido's queen? "Get out."
It was a harsh kick, but enough to evict us from the mobile cell. Felicia and I found ourselves standing at the mouth of the great citadel. "L-lord Corrin, I'm… sorry that I failed you. I wasn't able to be much help in the end."
"You did not do anything wrong. It was my lack of foresight that got us into this mess. I failed to secure the escape route."
"I'm glad at least to still be with you." She confessed, her expression showing genuine ease when directed toward me. Amongst the retainers, she was easily the warmest of the lot. Her emotions always on her sleeve, I could not deny she had made even the grim reality of being captured slightly easier to digest.
"T-thank you." I turned my head not willing to show my foolish grin. As soon as my vision shifted, I recognized the other escorts. Outside of the jailor, there was the former prisoners. Kaze. Rinkah. So, it was them who made aware my identity. "Rinkah?" I curiously asked, in an attempt to confirm my suspicions.
"What?" Her tone was neither hostile or pleasant. She looked to be curious above all else. "Hm, I suppose I should thank you for sparing my life."
"You don't have to- it was the right thing to do."
My answer caused for her to stifle a laugh.
"You truly are the sheltered prince," I gave a confused glance at her words. "During a time of war, it is only natural for prisoners to be at the mercy of their captors. By allowing for someone like Kaze to be free, it's providing us with a competent assassin. To be kept as a prisoner in Nohr, it is a death sentence in and of itself." It was as if Xander continued his lecture from earlier. The frown on his face creased.
"Fortunately for you, fate is favorable. By allowing us to be freed, we managed to speak on your behalf. Had you killed us, you either would be locked away or executed outright for attacking unprovoked," her nonchalant tone did not match the subject matter. His rash nature placed him in a state of life and death.
"You will be in the audience of the crown prince to decide your fate. As both a prince and your act of saving our lives, the judgement falls on the royals to decide," Kaze interjected into the conversation.
My head lowered. Not knowing the sort of character that prince was, it was frightening to continue to march onward. Felicia too seemed to quiver under the anticipation. My knees began to buckle as we approached it. A large doorway stood in front of us. The two remaining escorts took hold of the two brass knobs. With a heave, the room came into view. For the most part, it was barren. No windows. No furniture. Upon a better look, figures lined the shadows. Ninja. Scores of them. "This is as far as we go." Rinkah confided as she pivoted her body back toward from which they came.
"Thank you, Kaze, Rinkah." A voice bellowed across the space. He was a tall figure. The striking red armor and long brown hair stood out right away. "So, you must be the prince, I have heard…" The man paused, his eyes transfixed on me. Such a gaze left me feeling vulnerable. It was unexplainable what kind of look he gave me, "I am grateful for the mercy you extended our war prisoners."
"You're… Prince Ryoma I presume…" I muttered, reluctance kept me from raising above a whisper.
"Ah, where are my manners?" He chuckled to himself, "I am crown prince of Hoshido, Ryoma. My entourage is here to make sure nothing sinister happens when in your company. I felt it a bit much, but the queen is very insistent on our safety."
"Well met, prince of Hoshido. I'm… my name is Corrin, second prince of Nohr. And this…" my gaze turned to my maid. "My retainer, Felicia."
For a brief moment, the royal looked perplexed as if not believing the introduction. "To business, you should know that your affront is not something we can overlook. Even if you are of Nohr's royal family, we cannot simply forget the deaths of our fellow countrymen. You will most likely be a…" once again, he stared me down. Only this time, he did not stay stationary. Step by step, he circled me. "You… will be a bargaining chip."
"So, I'm not going to die?"
"No." His answer was quick. The bluntness was more than off putting. "For over ten years, Nohr has been keeping a hostage. A royal of Hoshido. If he is still alive, we can see if your king is willing to make a trade."
"You lost… a brother?" casual conversation still was difficult, even if the worst fears were gone. Ryoma's martial success and sheer build made it difficult to formulate my words. With my comment, the entire room seemed to drop a degree. The guards seemingly scorned me for touching on a sore subject.
"Indeed, I miss him dearly. I was not the best older brother to him. So, I find myself plagued with guilt. However, it is something to be expected. The weight of the crown, I am grateful for my mother's willingness to rule in my steed till I consider myself ready," it was very reminiscent. I could find peace in just how similar it all felt.
"I can understand that. My own brother expresses such sentiments," to be compared to the rival prince, the bitter expression on Ryoma's face told it all.
"Please, I don't need to hear how much I am like my Nohrian counterpart. Though, I do find it a curious comparison. While I have heard my fair share of stories on this crown prince, the subject of Nohr is not something Hoshidans like to bring up," I could not help but pick up on his awkwardness.
"I understand… you truly hate Nohr, don't you?" I cursed my frankness, even Felicia's eyes widened to such an accusation.
"Not necessarily… well, I don't hate Nohrians. The grudge I bear against the king has always been in my head. You would not understand the amount of contempt in my heart after I heard news of both my brother's kidnapping and my father's death." My eyebrow arched, not sure why he was so willing to share his sentiments.
"I am his progeny; do you hate me as well?"
"…No, you… I can tell you are a good soul," the man's attention lingered on me, before they shot out to one of the guards. In an instant, the figure vanished. "You should know… one of Garon's children was taken captive in Hoshido in order to retrieve my brother back. Since the king did not meet our demands, we have kept her here. Have you ever heard the name Azura?" The sound of the cool spring breeze was all that could be heard as I stared numbly at the prince. Seeing as how the king valued me, such a fate was to be expected.
"And what of her condition?" The question came out very meekly. "I don't know her well, but she is still blood."
Ryoma merely chuckled in response, "Rest assured, prince of Nohr, she is in good health and is treated as a member of our family. The queen," the prince held his tongue, "is truly benevolent. While she is not my biological mother, I still consider her all the same."
The revelation did not carry much impact. However, it did spark another inquiry to churn in me. "That seems very personally information."
"That it is. Though, there is a method to my madness. It is not my place to make judgements. Granted, I was going to initially be the one to deliver your sentence. I was merely not expecting the prisoner to be so… young." The reference to the condition did not sit well.
"I am eighteen years old."
"Oh, my mistake. I had just assumed…" Even with such a regal appearance, the crown prince was visibly red at his mistake.
I paused, almost wishing to ease the royal. Even if he is an enemy, the man has yet to show any hostility, "It's… fine. I've just had this disorder since I was young."
"I see," the prince's smile returned. His exterior attitude seemed to change quite a bit. "Anyways, that is not the reason why I am not the one to decide your fate. That comment, I meant to say your circumstances are unique. I do not trust myself enough to make the necessary choice. So instead, Queen Mikoto was more than willing to do this task for me. I was told to confirm or deny any rumors."
"Rumors? I'm not sure I understand what you are thinking. What else is there to know? Under orders, I attacked Hoshido unprovoked, right? I'm not sure what my father was thinking in his mission for me. However, that is what I guess is my crime." It could not be more clear cut than this. I know not to trust my adversaries, but they have shown me such kindness. Or, is this just some ploy?
"She has arrived, Lord Ryoma." A ninja appeared from obscurity.
"Good," he took a step back from me, "Prince Corrin, could you face the opposite direction?" My eyes turned to Felicia for how she was handling events. To my surprise, the maid was completely transfixed on the doorway. Following through with the crown prince's request, my eyes traced Felicia's to the newly arrived party. She stood a head shorter than the other Hoshidan royal. From her long, black hair to the gold accessories, there was no doubt the lady was Hoshido's queen. Her delicate hand pushed aside a strand of hair that obscured her eye as to get a better look in our direction. Disbelief was the only emotional I could recognize in her stare. Once doing so, her arm instead reached out toward me. Unable to find the strength to move, I watched helplessly as she slowly neared me. To my surprise, she stopped a few paces shy of me. Her brown eyes inspected every single detail of me over.
A sense of dismay manifested itself as tears unknowingly began to drop from the royal. Just as the droplets fell, so too did she crumble. The prince immediately darted across the room to ease the woman. Before he reached her, the queen quickly raised her hand for him to stop. "Ryoma, I will be fine. I simply need a moment."
My attention returned back to Felicia. "What do suppose is happening?" I said in a whisper.
"I'm not too sure, Lord Corrin. I'm just as confused as you are."
"Corrin," my head snapped to face the queen. My heart was beating rapidly to the call of her voice. "Is that your name?"
Unsure what she meant by her question, I could not help but sound awkward. "Y-yes." Although I gave an honest answer, she began to wilt to such knowledge.
"Have you lived in Nohr for your entire life?" Another odd question.
"I guess so," I hesitantly responded, not even sure myself.
"It must have been hard," It caught me off guard. My mind was barely able to process what she was saying now. Without context, her words had no meaning.
I gave an artificial laugh, an attempt to show my attention was still on her. "I'm sorry, I don't follow."
Queen Mikoto seemed to continue, as if my words did not reach her. "I have no understanding what life would like be under a man such as Garon. However, I have an inkling that you were grew up in harsh conditions with unrelenting pressures. I'm sorry, I was not there for you."
"Please, tell me what you mean."
"I… It was my failure. I beg for your forgiveness," she continued to mutter, not listening to my words. "I thought you would be safe." The queen inched herself closer to me.
"Hold on-" I begged for her to stop.
"Kamui…" Her voice was a mere murmur now.
"I SAID HOLD ON!" I lashed out, not sure what to say. A defensive urge poured through me. Unconsciously, I allowed for my teeth to be bared. "You're making no sense!" Immediately, the guards surrounded me. Shuriken all aimed on my position.
"STOP!" The queen uncharacteristically shouted, to which caused both sentries and Ryoma himself to tense. "Do not harm him. If you do so, you will be disgraced and locked away." The anger seething from the woman outmatched even my own frustrations. Closing the distance, the queen was at my side now. The lady took a knee, her face not far from my own. Our gazes locked for the brief moment. Her hand neared me. I still was poised to defend myself by whatever means. Her proximity only caused for more fear to embellish in me. To my surprise, her fingers merely ran themselves through my hair. "Even if not by much, you have grown. Those years, I will never get them back."
"What are you doing?!" Not able to reason her intentions yet, I could not help but create distance between us.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I… love you so much." My whole body froze. "Kamui, it's been so long. I missed you so much." Once again, she began to cry. In one small motion, she brought me into her arms.
"S-stop!" I could barely protest. "I want answers!" It was all so suffocating.
Mikoto stared weakly. "It makes sense you would forget me, but it does not make the pain any easier."
"Forget?!" What could she be implying? I held no recollection of ever meeting such a woman. Was this what Ryoma had been hinting toward before she arrived? I had not the chance to process the new information as she continued to speak.
"It's not easy for me. Such a burden always weighs heavy on one's memories. A mother can never forget her son." The incredulous look on my face faded as I noticed the collective shock of the room. My mouth remained agape, broken by the new knowledge. It all sounded so genuine. So real. It felt so inconceivable, yet her emotions felt true.
The odd externalities vanished as the pieces came together. "You're… my mother?"
"I thought I may never see you again. I'm glad. Welcome home, my sweet Kamui."
