Fe Frog: This one is kind of 2-in-1 chapter because the first part was too short for one chapter. Things start to get a little more serious now between the Princes and the countries. Also, sorry for the kind of lame chapter titles... After doing the first 2 with allusions to colours, I had to keep it going, but now I'm kind of grasping at straws... :P
Again, any feedback is greatly appreciated, so leave a review!
Without further ado, I give you Black and White...
Chapter 4: Winter Blues
The winter of Xander's 9th year, they returned to Hoshido. A new prince had been born to the Royal family, and yet another celebration was called for.
"It isn't necessary for Sumeragi to invite us to each one of these…" Garon grumbled. He was tired of these trips to Hoshido.
Xander looked back from the window. "Why don't you have a party for one of your children? Leo was born in June. You should have invited them up."
"Pah. If I were to celebrate one child, I would have to celebrate all of them. I don't have the patience for so many celebrations. The King of Nohr has better things to do."
Xander turned back to the window. Outside, the once lush green grass of Hoshido was covered in a sparkling layer of snow. The trees were barren, and yet still more beautiful than those of Nohr. Still, it looked more like home now. It made him feel oddly at ease.
Without the bright colours of the plants and trees, or the blue of the sky, Castle Shirasagi didn't look nearly as vibrant as it used to. And yet, even in the deep of winter, the air was so much lighter than Krakenburg's.
They were greeted at the castle steps once more by the whole family. Ryoma stood steadfast at his father's side, while little Hinoka wobbled about on her feet. The new Prince, Takumi, slept peacefully in his mother's arms.
"Congratulations on yet another son!" Garon said, embracing the Hoshidan King. Xander couldn't help but notice something stiff about the gesture, but he passed it off as them not seeing each other much.
"Thank you, King Garon." Sumeragi responded, releasing the Nohrian and stroking his baby's hair. "He is just another dream come true." He bowed to the Prince, then smiled, "How is little George doing?"
Xander chuckled lightly, thinking about the fish. "He's this big now," He held his hands up, about 5 inches apart. "He grows everyday. And he's gotten used to the cold. I had to put him up on the shelf so none of the cats could get to him, though."
"I told you our fish were resilient."
Xander nodded with a smile, then looked to Ryoma. "How about Oli? Is he still alive."
Ryoma frowned. "No… He died a week after you left." His face lit up again, "But we have a new pet! Wanna see her?"
Both boys looked to their fathers, who dismissed them. They ran off. Ryoma lead them to the throne room, where they were greeted by a few yips and then a small dog ran up to them, her fluffy fur white as the snow outside.
Ryoma lifted the dog into his arms and snuggled his face into her fur. "Her name's Kiki."
Xander reached out and pet her fur. It was even softer than it looked. Her tail wagged, like a poofy white pompom. "She reminds me of my cat at home."
"You have a cat?"
"Her name is Miel." Xander took the dog when it was offered to him, and Kiki licked his face. "Ick. She doesn't do that, though."
Ryoma laughed as the dog continued to wriggle happily in the Nohrian's arms, licking his cheeks and neck when he tried to turn away from her. "Miel, huh? What colour is she?"
Xander put Kiki on the ground and she ran off. "Black. She's pretty small, but has long ears with white tips. She's a special Nohrian breed. She was my birthday present."
"Kiki is actually Hinoka's dog, but I take care of her since she's too young." Ryoma said, running a hand through his hair, a worried expression taking over his face. Something was on his mind.
"What's wrong?" Xander asked quietly after a while, touching his friend's arm. "Something is bothering you."
Biting his lip, Ryoma looked around the room, then took Xander's hand and lead him to his room. There, he closed the door tight and took a deep breath. "It's… My father."
The crease came back to Xander's brow. Now even he worried it might become permanent. "What about your father? Is he ill?"
"No no, nothing like that," The Hoshidan Prince waved dismissively. He sat down on the edge of his bed and invited Xander to join him. "It has nothing to do with his health. It's about a woman."
"Ah." Xander knew about Kings and their women all too well. His own father kept a whole harem of them. He couldn't help it. Once he loved a woman, he could never un-love her, so he kept them all at the palace, as well as their many children. It was completely normal.
But Ryoma was far too distressed about it for it to be normal in Hoshido. He glared at the floor, fists clenched and mouth set in a grim line. "There's a woman who recently came to the palace with a baby… I'd seen her before, when Mother was about to give birth to Hinoka. I didn't think much of it then, didn't know what to think…" He took a deep, shaky breath.
"Mm." Xander wanted to show some kind of sympathy, but he found it very difficult. Despite how many women Garon kept at the castle, and how open he was about his love, he knew it hurt his mother. Katerina was the Queen, and all complimented her on her beauty. She was kind and just, and such a good mother. Yet, Garon only gave her one son. He saw the look she got every time Garon announced that he had yet another child on the way with one of his concumbines, or when he instructed the servants to take care of yet another woman.
Ryoma's shoulders began to shake. "I remember… Father would take her down into the village, or have private tea with her… I even saw them go into his personal chambers a few times. And now she's back with his child…" He looked up at his friend, "He's the King! He's supposed to be the role-model for the country, not some… some…"
"Ryoma…" Xander murmured when he saw the tears form in his eyes, "He's just a man, ruler or not." He put an arm around the Hoshidan's shoulders. "As a King, he will do as he pleases."
"But it's not fair!" Ryoma shouted angrily, standing up. "His wife, the mother of his children, was pregnant! And when she needed him most, he was off with some other woman!"
Xander sighed, "It's normal for a King to seek mistresses, Ryoma."
"Maybe for King Garon it is, but not my Father!"
Something snapped in Xander then. Maybe it was the accusatory tone in Ryoma's voice, or the accusation itself, no matter how true. He stood up as well, pointing a finger at him, "Don't you DARE talk about my Father like that!"
"Isn't it true, though? I've heard about all of Garon's children. You're the only son of the Queen, but he was dozens more with the whores of the castle!"
With a loud yell, Xander charged at the Hoshidan Prince, knocking him back onto the bed. He wasn't going to let anyone, not even a Prince, talk about his Father like that. He threw the first punch, but Ryoma easily caught it in his hand and pushed the Nohrian off. Xander had finally caught up in height, but Ryoma was still far superior in strength. He pinned Xander down before pulling back a fist and taking a shot. Xander felt it connect with his nose and cried out in pain, and then again. And again. Somehow, Ryoma was pulled off of him, and Xander wiped his nose with his sleeve. It came away red.
"What do you think you're doing, child?" A man shouted, holding Ryoma back.
Xander sat up in the bed, holding his sleeve to his bloody nose. The man was skinny, with grey hair pulled back in a ponytail, but he was strong enough to hold Ryoma away. Although, at this point, not much strength was needed. The Hoshidan Prince hung limply in the man's arms, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand as he sobbed. Finally, the sympathy Xander had been searching for appeared. "Ryoma, I—"
"What happened?" Gunter was there now, his eyes widening when he saw his liege's nose, "My Lord!" He helped him up and pulled out a kerchief to clean up the mess, "Did Prince Ryoma do this to you?"
Xander didn't even hear him, he was still staring at Ryoma. He felt tears spring in his own eyes at the sight. "Ryoma, I'm sorry. I didn't—"
The Hoshidan looked up, with a fire in his eyes that could scare even the strongest of Nohr's warriors. "Get out!" He screamed. "I hate you! GET OUT!"
Quickly, Gunter ushered the little Nohrian Prince out of the room against his will, and brought him to his own to clean away the blood. The tears in Xander's eyes dried almost instantly as he hardened himself to Ryoma's words. The Hoshidan had no right to yell at him like that… Not after what he said about Garon and his women.
Even if it was true.
The rest of the visit, the Princes were kept away from each other, never allowed in the same room. Their Fathers has been disappointed in the news, but neither boy told them what the fight had been about.
When the Nohrian group was preparing the royal carriage to leave, Ryoma was finally allowed out to see his friend off. As the Kings said their goodbyes, Ryoma made his way over to where Xander stood next to the carriage.
"I'm sorry." He said, head down in shame.
Xander looked up from whatever he had been pretending to do and smiled. "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to say what I said."
"Me either. I was mean."
It felt like a weight had been lifted from both of their shoulders. Ryoma held out the hands that had been hiding behind his back, a string of multi-coloured paper swans hanging from his fingers. Xander raised a brow, "Are those for me?"
"Yeah. I made them yesterday. Mother was teaching me origami…" He looked down again, cheeks turning slightly red.
Xander smiled, taking the string of swans, "Thank you. I'll hang them over George's fish bowl." He admired the patterned paper. Each swan was a different colour. It was then that he realized he now had several things from Hoshido—the fish, the bowl, the kimono, the swans—but had never offered something from Nohr in return. He went to his trunk, which was still conveniently accessible, and rummaged through for something. Anything. There was nothing but clothes and necessities. He turned sadly, "I'm sorry. I really want to give you something from Nohr, but I don't have anything."
Ryoma laughed, "Oh, don't worry. I don't need anything." He got a mischievous look in his eyes, "How about you send me some letters? When you're in Nohr. Mr. Yukimura always says that I need to practice my composition. We can be pen pals!"
The first thing Xander did upon returning to Krakenburg was to write a letter and have it sent with his father's bi-weekly messages to the Hoshidan King. And Ryoma wrote back, talking about anything from the weather in Hoshido, to his training, to how big his siblings were getting.
A year since his last visit to Hoshido, Xander was participating in more and more diplomatic meetings with the nobles of Nohr. He was bored, and often brought his cat to keep him company. Soon, the meetings became more interesting, and not in a good way. Tensions were running high at the border of the two countries, as starving Nohrians would go across to ransack villages for food. Nohr had never been a fertile country, and their many trade agreements assured a constant stream of food from Hoshido. However, the weather was getting worse and worse, and even Hoshido was having drought in some areas, reducing their own food supplies. Xander and Ryoma shared their concerns through their letters, as well as personal matters. Apparently, Hinoka had accidentally let Kiki out of the palace and the dog ran away. And the woman that had returned with Sumeragi's child was getting closer to the King once more. But the most painful part, according to Ryoma, was how dismissive Queen Ikona was on the matter.
Skirmishes began at the borders, and the messages Garon sent to Hoshido became more scarcely spread-out. Xander worried that he wouldn't be able to send his letters anymore and would take any opportunity to send one when he could.
Early spring after his 12th birthday, he was sent to Hoshido. This time, Garon did not accompany him. The King's reasoning was that Xander was an adult now, and this was an opportunity to learn diplomacy first hand. Not to mention, the famine and border fights kept the King back in Windmire. The drought in Hoshido had subsided this year, and it was time to strike a new trade deal, so that the people of Nohr would not hunger any longer.
As soon as he arrived in Hoshido, he was brought straight to the conference room he knew all too well.
"You have got to be kidding me." Sumeragi muttered as Xander sat down to begin the negotiations. "Where is your father, boy? Where are your delegates?"
Xander kept a calm composure, like he was taught in the Nohrian courts. "The situation is delicate in Nohr. He could not spare the time to travel all the way—"
"Could not spare the time?" Sumeragi asked incredulously, "Pray tell why I should spare my time when he cannot!"
"King Sumeragi, my Father sent me to negotiate these deals. This is a part of my training to be the King of Nohr. I have been to many delegations back home, and have successfully negotiated with the city-states that surround my country."
Sumeragi stood up, "I have never seen such blatant disrespect from another monarch! Garon's men are pillaging my borders, and he sends his son to negotiate the peace between our countries? Future King or not, I will not discuss these matters with a child."
Xander had to bite his tongue to keep from saying anything he may regret. "Sir, I am old enough to hold my own accounts and estates. I am nearly thirteen, I am an adult."
Sumeragi sat back down with a grunt, "Until you are King, you will still be a child to me."
"My Father sent me, as I still hold a good relationship with Hoshido."
"Bah! Sending letters to my son does not constitute a 'good relationship'!" The Hoshidan King crossed his arms proudly over his chest, "If that's what your father thinks, maybe I should send Ryoma to negotiate with you! Pay Garon the same respect he so kindly shows me."
"If that's what it takes to make peace, then I will gladly discuss these matters with him." Xander replied pointedly.
Sumeragi narrowed his eyes, "Don't get fresh with me, boy." He stood up again and went to the door, "We will continue this tomorrow."
If that was what the King wished, Xander would comply. Afterall, in Hoshido he was at Sumeragi's mercy, and he had already overstepped.
To avoid contact with the now resentful Hoshidans, he stayed in his room and read Iago's tactical books. He knew how to handle a few angry stares—he saw them everyday in court as his Father became more and more unforgiving. However, if he could avoid them, he would.
A knock on the door made him go stiff. He knew who it most likely would be, but he would need to be cautious regardless. He was in enemy territory, after all. He slid the door open just a sliver, then sighed when he saw who it was.
Ryoma stood on the other side, much bigger than he remembered. He almost looked like a man now, his hair pulled back in a loose bun, and his outfit more reminiscent of Sumeragi's casual Samurai dress than the kimono he used to wear. He even had an arm resting on the hilt of a katana secured around his waist.
He pushed the door open and bowed his head politely to the Hoshidan Prince. "Hello."
"Does the Prince of Nohr truly wish to stay inside reading?" Ryoma asked, the corner of his mouth turning up into a knowing smirk.
Xander looked back on the room he used to call a second home—but now called a prison—and sighed.
"Come with me," Ryoma chuckled lightly, "Let's spar. I want to see how strong you've become."
Happy to get out of the room, Xander fetched his sword and followed the Prince out to the training yard. He ignored the scowls the servants and soldiers sent him, instead wearing them like armour.
They found a spot in the shade of a cherry blossom tree. Xander took off his vest and loosened his cravat, while Ryoma took off the outer layer of his wrap, letting it hang around his waist. They carried blunted iron weapons, feeling more comfortable now with the weight of them over the wooden sticks they used to spar with.
"Your form has changed much." Ryoma remarked, hand on the hilt of his katana still tucked into his obi.
"I train everyday with the best swordsmen in Nohr." Xander replied coolly, already en garde.
Ryoma simply nodded and drew his katana. His form was also different from when they were children. Now, it exuded a kind of power only the best Samurai of Hoshido possessed.
They began slow, judging each other's movements, seeing what kind of reactions they might get. Soon, Ryoma became impatient and lunged forward with a shout, but Xander parried it easily and riposted, only to be blocked. He felt the action in his arms—Ryoma was still physically stronger. However, the Nohrian Prince may now have the better technique.
Xander made a move, feigning for a simple lunge, which Ryoma fell for. His parry was too strong, and he lost his balance slightly, regaining it just in time to deflect Xander's real attack.
"Clever." Ryoma smirked, then lunged forward again. He didn't put as much power into it, instead relying on his honed reflexes to counter Xander's quick response. He tried to catch the blade on his own, and force it away. However, Xander's blade had the better guard, and he ended up with the advantage until Ryoma gave up and stepped away.
"I told you my Nohrian sword is better." Xander quipped, holding his en garde steady. When it came to their chosen weapons, his sword was heavier and had more power, which countered Ryoma's physical strength and weaker weapon. However, he was slower because of it. One of the Samurai's greatest strengths were their speed. In that respect, Ryoma had some work to do if he wanted to prove himself a worthy Samurai.
They continued to spar, no one achieving the upper-hand save for a brief moment before it was ripped away from them again. Neither noticed the training field empty as the afternoon stretched on, or the sky beginning to darken and change colour. No matter how tired either was getting, they didn't want to admit it before the other did so first.
Their swords clashed once more, but this time Ryoma won. However, his victory only came as a result of Xander's foot catching on a stray stone. They tumbled to the ground, landing one atop the other.
Xander grunted as he felt the Hoshidan's full weight crush him. "Ryo…ma…"
Ryoma pushed himself up slightly, a hand planted on the ground on either side of Xander's head. It helped the Nohrian breathe. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you fall."
Xander could finally breathe. "It's fine. It wasn't your fault. I tripped." He sighed and looked up, meeting Ryoma's obsidian eyes. "If you don't mind…"
With a huff, Ryoma pushed himself off the ground and offered a hand to help Xander up. "I think it's time we take a break."
Xander grinned, "You said it, not me."
Ryoma snorted in amusement, then looked up at the Nohrian and raised a hand to compare the tops of their heads. "Look at that. You're taller than me now."
"Hm." Xander hadn't noticed having to turn his eyes down, even if it was only slight. Both of them had grown much since they last saw each other three years ago.
The disinterest in Xander's voice made Ryoma frown. "What's wrong with you? Is it my Father?" He didn't like seeing his friend so distant. He had heard why the Nohrian Prince was in Hoshido, and he also knew how his Father felt about the meaning of the visit. Hoshidans in general had been growing wary of Nohr, what with the border skirmishes happening every other day now.
"He won't even give me a chance to try and negotiate peace." Xander sighed in exasperation, his shoulders drooping. "He pretty much said that he won't talk to anyone but my Father on the matter."
"I've heard that Garon is extremely busy trying to keep the peace between the city-states around Nohr." Ryoma said, his arm resting on his katana once more.
Xander nodded, "Exactly. Hoshido isn't our only problem, but it is our biggest. Especially with the famine right now. We need food, and we need it now. Part of my job was to make a new trade deal with Hoshido, to get a hold of some of your food."
"If I was King, I would give it to you right away. Everyone knows we have more food than we could ever know what to do with."
Right then, Xander wished Ryoma was King, not the stubborn Sumeragi. If the two of them ruled their countries, there would be an everlasting peace between Hoshido and Nohr. They understood each other. For the most part, anyways.
Ryoma squeezed his shoulder comfortingly, "Come on. After that match, I think we both need a bath. The bathhouses shouldn't be too busy now. The hot water will help relax you." However, after getting to his room, Xander never left again for the rest of the night.
The next day, Sumeragi and Xander sat down once again to discuss the situation. Only this time, Sumeragi brought Ryoma in. It was supposed to be training, much like how they used to sit through discussions in the past. Quickly, it became more of a debate between the two Princes, and Sumeragi sat on the sidelines to see what kind of solutions they would come up with.
After several hours, they came to an agreement that would keep the borders safe and the Nohrian people fed. Sumeragi gladly signed off on it, congratulating the Princes for their work.
The feast they held that night was reminiscent of the old, peaceful days when Garon and Xander would visit. Everyone was in good cheer, and even the servants treated Xander civilly. Hinoka, now 4, would come up to him and pull at his curls with a giggle. Takumi, even at 2, would glare at him across the table from his mother's lap. The newly-accepted daughter, Corrin, joined Hinoka in her fun.
"They like you," Ryoma remarked with a chuckle.
"I don't know about liking me. They like my hair, apparently."
Ryoma smirked, "Better than them messing with mine!"
Xander sighed, but let the girls do as they pleased. He would be off again tomorrow, and only the Gods knew when he would return or see any of the Hoshidans again. If the peace lasted, it wouldn't be long.
For now, Hoshido had its peace, and Nohr had its food. It was a job well done in all respects, or so Sumeragi and Ikona assured him. Garon would be sure to sign off on the new agreement, if he cared anything for his own people. Xander assured them that his Father cared very much, he was merely stressed out from all the disputes of late, as well as some personal matters. His Father was fine and would soon be back to his good-old happy self.
When he left the next morning to deliver the good news to his Father, he assured Ryoma that he would return soon, and that they would spar again. The peace would last, especially if the Princes had anything to do with it.
Unfortunately, it didn't.