"I suggest that you shackle him immediately." Leo tossed the mirror man onto the hard wooden floor. Ryoma had held his usual stern gaze eyeing the strange prisoner, while off to the side Takumi seemed to be wrestling with many thoughts and emotions. On the ground, the body double stared down the both of them rather than saying anything.
"R-Ryoma..."
"Where did you find this person, Leo?" the Hoshidan King moves past Takumi before he had the chance to say anything. He approaches the prisoner, kneeling before him for some further examination.
"Don't touch me, get away!" the doppelgänger panics, wriggling his body away from Ryoma. Hearing Corrins' voice as his own the Hoshidan royals are only more thirsty for an explanation of this illusion.
"Takumi, what are Corrins' whereabouts."
"He and Hinoka are in the garden. Visiting the graves."
"Saizo!" Ryoma calls out the name of his retainer. Appearing in what was almost an instant, the man bows to his liege before glancing to the prisoner lying upon the floor. "Take Kagero, and ensure that my brother and sister stay confined to the gardens. Before you go, seek out Felicia to accompany you both. Let her do most of the talking. Opposition may be less likely if she were to speak to them. Now, go."
The ninja bowed once more before disappearing into thin air. Looking back to the new arrival, Ryoma could see the calmness in his expression. Before continuing, he looks over to Camilla.
"Princess Camilla?" he called for her attention.
"Yes, dear?"
"Do you recall where Sakura's chambers are?" she nods. "Could you go and fetch her for us?"
"Of course."
The Nohrian royal briefly takes her leave to find Sakura as to Ryomas request. As she exits, Leo looks at his fellow King, trying to piece his thoughts together. During the time that Camilla is gone, Leo explains the known history of their prisoner. How he organized a militia, and constantly challenged him to steal possession of the legendary dark blade. Even the finer details, for example, his as well as his militias despising view on Prince Corrin. As he spoke ill of the boy, Ryoma watched as the accused boiled with anger. He took that knowledge into account, thinking of how it would factor in to the plan he was conjuring within his mind.
"You've grown since I last saw you." the red clad king knelt down before the boy and spoke softly. Around him, Takumi and Leo both flinched, yet remained silent. The same could be said for the boy, shocked at his words. Ryoma curved his lips into a light smile as he heard the sound of approaching footsteps from the outside halls. "Welcome home...Makoto."
"W-What?" Ryoma stood up and stepped off to the side so he could give "Makoto" full view of Sakura. They both look quietly at one another in a heavy silence while everyone around watched with baited breath.
"Brother, help me lift him to the throne." Ryoma tugged at Takumi's kimono as he gestured at the boy below. Upon his request Takumi understood completely. The two stood at his hands and feet while they undid the knots restraining his limbs. Still shocked and unmoving he does not resist as he is lifted and brought towards the kingdoms throne. As they drew closer with each pair of steps, Makoto's body had slowly began to twitch. As he lightly thrashed about a very low, loud, inhuman growl left his lips. His body now shook almost violently, and the growls had escalated into screams.
Tossing him limply onto the seat the two brothers slowly step back as a blinding light begins to illuminate the room. The pain filled screams only grow in volume as time goes on. The sound only grew, loud enough to be heard from miles away.
"Ryoma! Brother, what's happening!?" Corrin had burst onto the scene along with Hinoka and the others. His question was however ignored as the light had began to dim and be replaced by something they had rarely seen before. A purple flame had now danced through the air above Makoto, floating briskly before disappearing into the air. Upon the throne was the pale body of Makoto, limp and almost lifeless.
"Possession?" Leo questioned. "Of all possible things, this was the last thing I would think of."
"His body remained. It really is him."
"Really is who?" Hinoka stepped forward, demanding answers.
"Go and see for yourself. I have something that needs doing. Leo, you found him, so will you come with me. I could use your assistance."
"Y-Yeah. Sure..." Leo was as shaken as anyone else. He left with Ryoma, wanting to take some time to try and make sense of things.
Those left in the throne room had gathered around the still form of Makoto. Having already seen his face Sakura rushes to his side. Brandishing her stave she quickly recites her words of healing. Hinoka is the next to move forward. And as she steps close enough view of his shiny black hair comes into sight. She gasps, and her palms start to shake. She moves closer as Sakura does the same. Turning his body ever so slightly, she sheds a single tear, seeing someone whom she had long thought to be dead.
"You're digging up a grave? Why?" Leo asked as he watched Ryoma take a spade to the ground. At first he said nothing while he turned soil, sinking into the earth. His work was quick and easy, digging into the shallow dug grave in a matter of minutes. Kneeling down, he brings a wooden coffin up from the pit, tossing it off to the right.
"I have to be certain." he said. Flipping the cover off of the tomb, his eyes widen at the sight before him. It was empty, save for dirt, rocks, and a sliver of folded parchment. Taking it it hand, he opens it, finding a simple message.
"What does it say?"
"Great tragedy shall befall...those whom cannot distinguish those who are living...from the dead."
