A/N: Hey y'all! It's Mura-kun here. So, I tried writing this a year more or less ago. I thought we should do a re-write. Why? Um, well, I lost my previous document of it. So, we'll be starting from scratch. Hehes
This first one is going off the path of Conquest. There will be a separate story for the path of Birthright and the path of Revelations. If y'all want me to include any of the paralogues then please let me know.
I hope you all enjoy what happens in this first chappie. I'm excited because Fates is my absolute favorite game to play. Writing pics for it is freaking awesome. Please favorite, follow, etc. along with leaving some nice reviews. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem or any of its characters.
Pact
Chapter 1: Nohr
"You are the ocean's great waves…destined to seek life beyond the shore just out of reach… Yet, the waters ever change…flowing like time… The path is for you to climb…"
()
Within the Kingdom of Nohr, Northern Fortress, is where the royal family dwells. Inside one of the rooms at the top of a tower is where the youngest of the five children of King Garon is kept. Unable to have left her inspirsonment, Corrin wishes for the day that she could leave to join the fray. Maybe today would be the day. It's what she hoped deep inside of her heart. Having been asleep, she could've sworn she heard something within her dream. It had been such a strange one too.
"Time to wake up, Lady Corrin," called a feminine voice, causing the princess to flutter her eyes open.
Another feminine voice piped up, "Hey, wake up! Up and at 'em!"
Soon enoug she wakes up, still feeling mostly sleepy, "h,Huh? What are you talking about? It's still dark outside."
"Listen well, Princess. It may be dark, but it is indeed in morning. You have practice today," stated Gunter, knowing that the crown prince would be waiting for her.
"I have taken the liberty of readying your armor, and, er, pounding out the dents. Your brother is a fearsome opponent, is he not?" Asked the butler known as Jakbo, shedding a soft smile, knowing it's rather early except it's necessary to ensure that she awoke at the proper time.
"Ugh, fine," she sighed, rubbing the last dregs of sleep out of her cobalt eyes. "I'm still not completely awake though…"
"Oh, we can help you with that! Felicia, would you please assist me?" Asked flora, mischief apparent between them for the method they would be using.
The said other woman smirked before responding, "Sure thing."
The two women touched Corrin's face. With ease, the two used some ice magic. It immediately perked the brunette haired woman right away. Normally, they either used this or dumped a bucket of water on her. At least this time it had been using their own magical abilities. It's a more….natural way of going about it.
"Cold cold cold! I'm awake! Totally awake now," shivered Corrin, going to get ready, knowing it's best not to keep Xander waiting too long.
"That's how we deal with slugabeds in the Ice Tribe," giggled Flora, pleased that she and Felicia could be of assistance.
"Trust me, I know," sighed Corrin. "I wish I could have finished the dream I was having though."
Raising a brow, Jakob inquired, "Interesting. Do tell, milday. What kind of dream was it?"
"It was...strange. Some people who look like Hoshidans kept calling me their sister. But all of my brothers and sisters are here in Nohr," explained Corrin, washing up quickly before getting dressed along with donning her armor that has the crest of Nohr emblazoned upon it.
"Ah, perhaps we should talk about your dream another time" suggested Flora, knowing it must be exciting for Corrin to go out for practice training.
"It's time for you to get going, milady. Prince Xander is waiting for you!
()()()()()
Having left the room, Corrin walked through the corridors until finding the right door to lead out into the training grounds. Finding the right path, she hummed softly to herself while on this bit of a ways to get there. Having her sparring sword strapped to her left hip, she looked forward to this, appreciating that her older brother helped teach her how to use weapons. Her other brother, Leo, and her sister, Camilla, taught her how to use magic. What Corrin looks like is a female at the age of a few months past eighteen. Having long wavy brunette hair, she has it in a ponytail majority of the time. It falls nicely down to the middle of her back. Cobalt eyes and fair skin, she felt more than comfortable in her own skin. The complexion she has is fair. There's an ample amount of muscle on her as well. The clothing on her person underneath the armor isn't the traditional type. Instead of a dress, Corrin has a tunic and leggings along with a pair of leather boots.
After a while, she finally reached the correct spot atop the roof. This is where she has come to before when it's time to spar with Xander. It's not the usual type of training grounds anyone expected. There's a clash of metal hitting metal when the practice match begins. Unfortunately, Corrin is beaten by Xander)
"That's our brother for you. You won't beat the strongest knight in Nohr by sleeping all day," noted Leo, hiding a small smile, knowing she tries her hardest to keep up with the rest of them.
"Giving up so soon, Corrin?" Teased Xander at seeing how it seemed she still needed some more time for improvement as they all do from time to time. "I expect more of you. You are a princess of Nohr! Pick up your sword and try again."
Biting her lower lip, she rose to her feet, hesitant on picking up her blade again, "But, Xander, I-"
Being cut off, her brother assured her with, "We train like this so that we can defend ourselves from our enemies. Father has been tracking your progress. If you can't land a hit on me today...he may never permit you to leave the Northern Fortress anytime soon."
Gawking in astonishment of this, she asked, "What?! D-did he really say that? That's insane!"
Chuckling lightly, he hoped those words would help her, now teasing her instead, "Motivated, are we? Then use that fire to best me in battle. If you would see the outside world beyond the view from your window, defeat me. Prove that all of the time I've devoted to training you has not been in vain."
Shortly after, the second match began. What Corrin hoped is that she would be able to show her progress to him. This would only be with blades. Nothing else would be used for this. Having already picked back up her weapon, she parried his uppercut, blocking it before backing away to attempt a hit of her own. The clang of metal hitting against metal could be heard resounding across the rooftop once again between the two siblings.
"You swing timidly, without resolve. You must genuinely try to kill me," said Xander sternly, knowing this is a test for her.
A quick succession of moves passed. To his pleased surprise, Corrin had accomplished the objective with flying colors. It had taken a good amount of time of course. Wiping the sweat off her brow, she sheathed her sword, hoping that had been sufficient enough. It did worry her what the others and father would think, hoping she would be able to join them in the battle to defend their homeland now that she's proven herself.
"Hmm, looks like that wound needs attention. In that case..," mused the older male, using a special ability only those of royal blood are capable to use that's called the Dragon Vein.
"Ah! There was a Dragon Vein here?" Asked Corrin, not knowing there would be any in their own home.
"Yes, you should have sensed it as well," answered Xander calmly, not minding explaining these things along with others. "The blood of dragons flows in your veins, as it does in all royals. You must learn to harness this draconic power wherever you may find it. Heal your wounds, Corrin, then find the courage to come at me again."
After she had recovered her health, Corrin inwardly sighed, guessing the first victory hadn't been enough to sway him. Hopefully this second excursion would work. The clamor of sparring spurred up again between the two siblings.
This time, Xander seemed even more so pleased by this display, "Good. Now that you've recovered some of your strength, try again."
After a while, Corrin finally defeated him for a second time. It made her pant a bit from the exertion of it all. Though she enjoyed spending time with her siblings, knowing that this is how they improve their skills. At least it helped to ensure that she would be able to join them. That's what she yearned for, not wanting to fall behind. Plus, when she's approved to leave then she can have her dark pegasus. One thing she knows is that she's destined to become a knight.
"Well done," praised Xander, getting back up to his feet, dusting himself off. "You're getting stronger everyday."
"Thanks, I couldn't have done it without your, uh, tough love," admitted Corrin, blushing a little.
"I disagree," countered Xander, sheathing his blade. "I believe you have natural talent. Some day, you could be the greatest warrior in all of Nohr."
"Now you're just teasing me," pouted Corrin, unsure if he's being serious or not.
Laughing lightly at this, he replied with, "You know me all too well, little sister. I never joke about serious matters. I mean what I say. You could be the one to bring light to our kingdom so long shrouded in darkness."
"Wow," is all she could think to say in response of this, blinking a few times, smiling softly at how much faith he has in her.
"Typical," huffed Leo, having witnessed the entire sparring match. "You know that true strength is more than simple swordplay, right? It takes more than brawn to accomplish anything in this world."
Sighing, Corrin shook her head at his remark, "Leo, he didn't mean-"
"Calm yourself, little brother. You really are competitive to a fault. As I've always said, you're a talented mage with formidable magical abilities," murmured Xander softly, knowing while he is stern there's a soft side of the hardened warrior that only his loved ones get to see."Hmm. Well, just remember that pointy metal sticks are not the only path to power," muttered Leo, blushing a bit, though tried to hide it.
"Oh, that reminds me of something I've been meaning to tell you, Leo," piped up Corrin, grabbing his attention.
Raising a brow, he looked over at her, "Something important enough to derail this conversation?"
"Um, well, your collar is inside out," sweatdropped Corrin, figuring she should bring it up if no one else would.
Blinking a few times, he blurted out, "What?!"
Shaking his head, Xander can't help except to give a small smile, amused by this, "It would appear someone got dressed while still half-asleep.."
Running away, he went to go fix it, frustrated that he would let such a thing pass him by. Instead of the garb of the warriors, he has the robes of a highly skilled mage. This includes gloves on his hands that are inscribed with various runes.
"Ugh! Wh-why didn't you say something earlier?" Scowled the blonde haired male.
"Haha, sorry, Leo. But that sort of thing is what makes you so lovable," replied Xander to him, having trouble not laughing a bit.
"Absolutely," agreed Corrin.
"Hmph..," grumbled Leo, coming back after fixing his collar to be the right side up.
From the entryway to the roof, comes out Camilla and Elise. Xander is the oldest at twenty-six years old. Leo is twenty-three while Camilla is twenty-one. Elise is a year or two older than Corrin. The Nohrian princes and princesses are all blonde haired and blue-eyed except for Corrin. It made her wonder at times if she really belonged here.
"Are you alright, Corrin? Did you get hurt at all during practice? If you did, let me know right away so I can take extra-special care of you," asked Camilla in worry, being somewhat of a mother figure to her two younger siblings.
"I'm perfectly fine. As always, thanks for your concern," reassured the other woman, giving a gentle smile to her in appreciation of the offer.
"I was worried about you too," pouted Elise, crossing her arms over her chest, being kind of childish though it's natural.
"I know, Elise. You wouldn't visit me all the time if you didn't care so much, right?" Asked corrin, knowing she means well.
"Heehee, do you like it when I visit?" Giggled the younger woman, eyes shining with glee of knowing Corrin enjoyed her company.
"Of course! I'm not allowed to leave this fortress, so visits are all I look forward to," this is said with a look in Corrin's eyes that appeared sad though she put on a smile to make sure Elise didn't feel bad about it.
Hugging her sister making them spin, the two giggled. Corrin liked to make Elise happy when she's able to. She's seen as the healer of the group, capable of using staffs and such. Corrin tried her best to ensure Elise felt good about what she does, knowing it helps having reinforcement about things.
"I love you so much! I love you more than anything in the whole, wide world," gushed out Elise happily.
Sighing, Leo doesn't know how to react to how she is majority of the time, "Elise, when do you intend to behave like the adult that you technically are?"
Camilla glared lightly at him, "Well, I for one think her cheer is a good complement to this gloomy kingdom, Leo. Don't make her feel bad for being herself."
Nodding in agreement, Corrin murmured, "Well said, Camilla. Every one of you is so dear to me. You've all been so patient and kind since I lost my memory... I don't even mind being quarantined when I'm with you. I'm so grateful to have you all."
Giving a nod, Xander obliged in responding with, "We are grateful to have you as well. But I have some-"
"Let me tell her, Xander! We have wonderful news! Father asked us to take you back to the capital. Isn't that exciting?" Explained Camilla to their younger sibling, knowing this is an imperative moment for her.
Gasping in shock, she hoped for this moment for such a long time, "Really?! Does that means-"
"Yes, it means that you can finally leave this drafty fortress. You must have been so lonely all this time, separated from the rest of the world... But now you'll be free," beamed Camilla, pleased that this has finally happened for her after such a long time.
"Maybe now I can join you all on the battlefield," pondered Corrin in wonder, excited to be a part of the rest of the world.
"There will be plenty of time to discuss the details with Father. Let us depart."
()()()()()
Inside of the fortress, Corrin spots the individual who takes care of the stables. Perhaps she could have a time to speak to her, knowing that she also takes care of her own stead. Hopefully nothing bad has happened in the time she's been kept cooped away from everyone else. Sure, she had the two maids along with the butler and tutor.
"I hear you can finally leave the fortress. You must be very happy. Gunter has asked me to go with you to the capital so I can look after the horses," said a woman with bleach colored hair with some black underneath, dressed in simple clothes that felt comfortable for her.
"Glad to hear it! I'd miss you if you weren't coming along too," admitted Corrin, feeling at ease knowing she would be coming along with the rest of them.
"Lilith, are the horses ready?" Questioned Xander, breaking up the idle chitchat between the two women for the moment.
"Yes, milord. Everything is ready, and the horses seem excited for the trip. They are all very fond of Lady Corrin. Probably from all her time in the stables..," confirmed Lilith to the crown prince, reassuring him all is well within her upkeep.
"Our sister does love animals. Such a kindhearted soul... Why, she even nursed an injured baby bird back to health one time," explained camilla to the stables woman.
"Ah, I see," mused Lilith, having heard the story before maybe or perhaps not, unsure of when she had heard mention of this.
"Lilith, is something wrong?" Corrin placed a hand on the other woman's shoulder, bringing her out of her thoughts.
"Oh...no. It's nothing," reassured Lilith, not wanting her to worry about it.
"As gripping as all this is, we should be on our way. We mustn't keep Father waiting," interjected Xander.
"Yes, let's go," chirped Corrin, having trouble containing her excitement of finally leaving here for the outside world.
"Flora, you and Felicia will remain here to watch over the fortress. Jakob and I will accompany Lady Corrin. We may be gone for some time. Take good care of this place in our absence," Gunter explained to the two women.
Bowing in response, Flora said, "Of course! You may rely on us. We'll ensure everything is secure here while you're gone."
"Safe travels," waved Felicia.
"Thank you. I hope to see both of you again soon; just not here."
A/N: Eep, done with chappie one! I had planned on making it a longer chappie, but nah. I think this is a good length for the first one. Hopefully you all enjoyed it. As for the pairings I'm unsure of what it should be. Let me know in your comments please. Thanks loves!
I hope you all enjoyed what happened this time. Hopefully I did a decent enough job with this. The next chappie will be out shortly whenever it's finished up. Until then, please remember to review, darlings!