"She never told me that I had another brother."
"I don't think she felt comfortable talking about it. She never did, even to help ease her grief. She had lost him, only to lose you to kidnappers shortly after. It seems reasonable that she would not mention it."
"He died here? In the castle?"
"He died in Hinokas arms. At the time he was very ill. He had contracted a scalding fever, the type that could topple the largest of men. Sister was always at his side helping nurse him back to health, but one morning...she arrived to find his body void of breath."
"That's terrible...of all the things I have forgotten...why this?"
"Do not beat yourself up over this. Come, let us go inside."
Corrin couldn't help but feel bad, despite Ryomas' words. What kind of sibling was he if he couldn't recall his brother, let alone the fact that he was deceased.
"Now, you are going to tell me what I want to know. NOW."
"Leo if you hurt him,"
"I'm past that. Now. SPEAK."
Leo's foot was pressed hard against the chest of his fleeing foe. Him and his sister had chased after the dragon all through the night. To give an idea of how long the pursuit had lasted, the sun was now shining in the sky. The mirror image chuckled after taking a deep breath, mocking his authority.
"Leo, he's not going to say anything."
"Yes, listen to your big sister. I'll be making my leave soon, anyhow."
"Sure you will."
Before any further objections or remarks could be made Leo struck him, knocking him out cold. Camilla flinched knowing that she would never have been able to do the same. As soon as Leo stepped back she stepped forward, sitting down and dragging the unconscious boy closer to her, placing his head on her lap. She then looked to Leo, who wore a face mixed with feelings of confusion and disgust.
"Must you hold him like that." he huffed dryly.
"You don't understand." she caressed the boys cheek with her left hand, to which Leo rolled his eyes.
"Then tell me, WHAT is it that I do not get?"
"Something about him is...otherworldly. And you heard what he said. Brother Xander speaks to him. I believe he saw something in him that you cannot."
"If he spoke to him at all. You believe that he did?"
"He and Elise have spoken to Corrin once before."
"And there it is. Your only belief in this cretin stems from his similarities to Corrin."
"Leo he became a DRAGON. I know only one other person who can do the same, and I doubt he wouldn't be able to do so unless he and Corrin shared the same blood."
"That's even more preposterous!"
"Preposterous yet possible."
"So is that what you want? For him to be one of us? He could've killed me, even you! He cannot-"
"I WILL NOT LOSE ANOTHER SIBLING!"
"..."
"..."
"F-Fine. Tie him up. We'll take him to Hoshido. See if Ryoma, or even Corrin, can make sense of...this mess."
"Are you almost finished?"
"Hand me that chisel. This one is getting dull. I only have three letters left."
Corrin knelt down, handing Hinoka the spare carving tool.
"Makoto...he was named after mother."
"Mhm."
"Did he look like her?"
"He had her shiny black hair...but I'd say that, at the time...he looked like you."
"Like me?"
"Like you."
"Were we close?"
"Hold these. I'm done. It looks nice, doesn't it?"
"Hinoka"
"Hm?"
"You avoided my question."
"Yes, yes I did."
"Please, he was my brother-"
"He was much more attached to Sakura and I than he was to you."
"He was..."
"I wanted to spare your feelings."
"It's okay. Maybe it was for the best. You said he died a few weeks before I was taken, right? If that's the case then I'm glad he wasn't so close to me. I didn't even know he existed before today. What right do I have to call him brother."
"Lord Corrin!"
The conversation had been abruptly derailed by the shouting of Felicia, Corrins loyal maid and retainer. The prince glanced over at his sister, then politely excused himself before walking towards Felicia. As he slowly passed through the garden, he could hear muffled shouts coming from the castle interior. Approaching his caller the frightened look plastered on her face had become more noticeable. As with her expression, drawing closer had also brought more clarity to the shouts inside. He heard the voices of three of his siblings, Ryoma, Takumi, and Leo.
"What's going on in there?"
"K-King Leo...and Lady Camilla. They arrived some time ago, with a prisoner. " as she explained the situation, he could sense that something was weighing heavy on her conscience. "We have been ordered to prevent you and Lady Hinoka from leaving the gardens."
At the mention of "we" the retainers of Ryoma, Saizo and Kagero appeared at her side. Corrin stepped forward only to be issued a threat.
"I have been permitted the use of force. Step back, or I will draw my blade." Saizos right hand hovered above the hilt of his weapon, ready to strike.
"What's happening inside? I hear a lot of shouting." drawn in by the commotion Hinoka now stood near the others.
"Whatever it is I am sure two kings are more than capable of handling it."
"So the three of you know nothing as well? Not even the identity of the prisoner?"
"Well," Felicia began."I did happen to catch a glimpse of them from afar."
"And?" Corrin prodded for more knowledge.
"Its just...I could have sworn...that it was you."
"Enough." Saizo cut in, silencing all. "The Kings word is law, and he has spoken."
Authors Note
Woo! Writing this story has been more fun than I would've thought! But before I continue, I would like to take this opportunity to hear any suggestions you may have on pairings or other things. Go ahead and send any suggestions through either the reviews or a pm. See you at the next chapter!
