[Ch.4] The Eastern Kingdom
Two small ships made their way down a flowing river eastward. A number of Hoshidans with all their strength moved their decorated oars in a simultaneous motion, as to make way down the river with all speed. Their vessels were some 15 feet long, 8 feet wide, possessing sails that were not raised for their was no wind present as they traveled east. A red and orange tessellated pattern was carved into both vessels, a beautiful array of shapes that from a distance formed the image of a long majestic dragon. Indeed the craftsmanship of this artistic work was unlike any found in the lands of the west. A deep fog had also surrounded the Hoshidans, a thick white coat that had the forests on the banks of the river just barely visible. Like tall silhouettes appearing as pillars of stone the trees loomed over the them silently.
Corrin was upon both her knees with her hands bound together tightly...
Saizo made sure of that himself.
As the Nohrian's mind was racing with all matter of thoughts the fog slowly began to become less thick. Quietly sitting she heard the Hoshidans utter phrases and speech she more or less understood. Knowing not if Jakob or Gunter were still alive, or if all had abandoned the assault in her unforeseen absence Corrin felt a deep sense of helplessness. Though despite the circumstances, Corrin tried to remain calm and sound of mind...
she HAD TO.
Father would surely command for her rescue, wouldn't he? Or is this the punishment for failure? No it couldn't be. Xander would surely want her to return HOME. Someone must already be planning her rescue. A Nohrian battalion must be waiting down river, or a party of wyvern riders coming to her rescue she thought to herself in desperation as she looked intensely towards the sky to she the clouds slowly departing. Now the sun's light seemed to shine vividly upon the water's surface creating a dazzling display of light that seemed to shimmer as though dancing of its own will.
Corrin was memorized by what light made its way through the still thick overcast. Looking towards the sky at the hovering ball of fire. She had never seen the full power of the sun. Never had she known such a world could be without darkness.
"I TOLD YOU TO KEEP STILL!" shouted Saizo as her violently grabbed onto Corrin's forehead.
Corrin did not shutter, her eyes wide open staring right into the Hoshidan's eyes with much rage and defiance.
"Unless you want me to slit your throat just like I did to the rest of your men you will remain still." Saizo claimed as he held a dagger right up to Corrin's neck.
"Saizo that is ENOUGH!" commanded Kagerou with much disdain.
Saizo looked back towards Kagerou with a displeased expression, his eyes shifting back and fourth between Corrin and his fellow Hoshidan.
"Very well... " answered Saizo in a disgruntled but calm tone.
Corrin continued to stare at Saizo with much aggression as he and Kagerou walked towards the opposite side of the ship. Never had she hated anyone before, even the Hoshidans she had slain before was not out of malice but out of fear. Now it seemed for the first time she knew what rage was, the hatred of your enemy.
Having now been lost the density of the fog Saizo and Kagerou stood quietly at the bow of the ship.
"You shouldn't have such empathy for that woman Kagerou." said Saizo as he looked into the dense fog before him.
"But if she is Kamui than... no... no she is Kamui. Saizo isn't it obvious? Who else could she be?" Kagerou proclaimed.
"We don't know that, for all we know she could be a Nohrian spy conscripted from the Mokushin. Besides... Kamui has been dead for many years now." Saizo claimed confidently.
"Your brother did not believe that..." answered Kagerou.
"Regardless he is probably dead as well... all to chase after a ghost." Saizo stated with regret.
"You don't know th- " Kagerou tried to explain.
"He was captured by the Nohrians Kagerou! They only take prisoners to torment them before sending them to their deaths. Wake up! He is dead!" lashed out Saizo in much pain.
Kagerou did not answer, displaying a disappointed expression upon her face before turning her back to Saizo. Her eye were fixated on her clenched fist, a torrent of emotions raged within her heart. Anger, sadness, regret...
"That was his crusade... not ours..." uttered Saizo with much sincerity.
"Saizo... he is your brother. I'd believe that you of all people would continue to hope that he is still alive." Kagerou reminded Saizo still facing away from him.
"He was more than my brother... he was my best friend." Saizo claimed trying suppress his emotions.
Kagerou looked back at Saizo trying to utter something.
"But that does not change anything." Saizo hesitated to say.
"I don't take pride in any our actions Saizo... I just wish you would care more for those who loved you." explained Kagerou before walking away.
Saizo did not respond, he did not know how to. Clenching his right arm the Hoshidan's head slowly turned towards the sky. A familiar sound reverberated within the air.
"Look." uttered a Hoshidan as a pegasus rider was making its way towards their position with all speed.
The beast soared gracefully through the fog as if it was not present. Its coat was as white as snow, covered by decorated armor that covered the entirety of the creatures body. The momentous sound of its flight was only matched by its powerful wings stretching some 15 feet across cutting through the air with ease while the mounted Hoshidan stayed her course, ignoring the two ships below her.
"Just a messenger. Probably reporting a Nohrian retreat to prince Ryoma himself." claimed Saizo as the pegasus disappeared as soon as it came.
The river soon merged with another from the north as both flowed towards the east. The fog began to clear ever more as the ships approached a river bend. As the ship began to turn the fog cleared completely, revealing the true light of the great fire and hundreds of waterfowl flying across the river. The sound of the feathered beasts wings seemed like hundreds of heart beats rushing past the Hoshidans. Their cries echoed across the landscape the forest began to give way to open plains, a savannah covered by lush ferns, bushes and tall grass that seemed to sing as a breeze rushed passed them, bending to the will of the gentle winds. Groups of trees of both pruple and green leaves sparcelty populated the landscape, beautiful giants that were unlike anything west of the Great Chasm. Large gazelle and small deer hopped across the green landscape as others battled each other furiously in a display not unlike a human dual.
Corrin was at a loss for words as she laid witness to a land more beautiful than anything she had ever seen. The color green stretched as far as her eyes could see, a landscape teaming with life of the most bountiful. As the ships continued to make their way down river signs of human settlements began to scatter across the beautiful land. Small towns constructed of wood could be seen populating the lush plains on both sides of the wide river. Farmland stretched for miles seeming to never end, their water basins stretching across the flat earth from the banks of the river. Much of the savannah appeared to be of the Hoshidan's design, as numerous tree stumps also scattered the landscape adjacent to large swaths of cultivated land. Calling out towards the Hoshidan warriors upon their ships farmers cheered as if they were triumphant, proudly they chanting foreign phrases as they harvested numerous crops of the most fantastical varieties that Corrin had never seen.
Before long the two ships slowly made their way towards a massive wall some 60 feet tall at its height. Suzanoh was its name. CStretching from the White Mountains to the north across lands of the Hoshido, reaching as far south to edges of the Kitsune forests. The wall was constructed of mudbrick hardened to that of stone, displaying a light brown color across its edifice. The wall was heavily fortified. Dozens of battlements were stationed within the outer wall, impressive fortifications surrounded by deep moats. The sheer length and size of the wall was enough to make even the mightest armies retreat, having taken centuries to reach its still incomplete state. Stone barriers through a complex mechanization rose from the water's surface, clearing the way for the ships to continue with all haste beneath the architectural marvel as a number of Hoshidan's called out to those upon the two ships.
After another hour had passed the Hoshidan vessels at last docked upon the banks of the river. To the north were a series of dirt roads crossing small villages leading towards what looked like an enormous mound in the distance.
"Bring out the prisoner!" commanded Saizo as he jump out of his vessel.
"YES SIR!" replied several Hoshidan soldiers.
Corrin was led out the vessel with her arms bound and tied to a thick rope as a large Hoshidan pulled her violently. She was tempted to resist, wanting to rush the Hoshidan and use the rope to strangle him. Despite this Corrin remained calm, following the Hoshidans towards a massive earthen mound inhabited by fantastical wooden architecture. Shirasagi was before her. A city atop a man made hill. The capital city of Hoshido.
With her hands still bound Corrin was led through the streets of Shirasagi as onlookers whispered. Numerous faces watched Corrin with much curiosity as her eyes met with theirs. There was no out cry, no shouting or mocking of the Nohrian princess, simply silence as more Hoshidans stopped what they were doing to gaze upon her. Beautiful kites soured high in the in blue sky as children ran upon the paved road passing Corrin with joyful expressions upon their faces. Cherry blossoms seeming to fall from the sky gently fell towards the earth like snow. A magnificent wooden castle appeared to be rising towards the heavens in the distance, with cherry blossoms in bloom around its outer walls. The castle rose 80 feet high, decorated with the most fantastical array of bronze dragons upon the corners of the structure built of trees long deceased. Corrin was brought into its throne room, a bright chamber displaying an array of colors as the sun's light seemed to magically passed through its walls. As Corrin observed her surroundings a dignified Hoshidan of long brown hair covered in heavy armor was in conversation with another Hoshidan of green hair and appeared to be middle aged.
"Bow before the high prince of Hoshido!" commanded a Hoshian soldier as he pushed Corrin to the ground.
Corrin kept her head to the floor out of both fear and respect. A prince of the enemy is still a prince, Xander has taught her that much.
"Welcome my friends." said the Hoshidan prince confidently as the green haired man stepped aside.
"Prince Ryoma." answered Kagerou as she and Saizo bowed her head.
Ryoma was pleased to see his friends have returned. A gentle smile was upon his face as he walked towards Corrin.
"Who is this woman you have brought before me?" asked Ryoma in confusion pointing at the Nohrian princess.
"We have captured... a Nohrian royal alive my prince, she was armed with this weapon." explained a Hoshidan warrior as he gently handed Ganglari to the prince.
Ryoma tightly held onto the weapon, as if its texture and aura was familiar.
"She claims to be the second daughter of their king." answered Saizo keeping an eye on Corrin with her head still to the floor.
Ryoma displayed quite the confused expression as Kagerou quickly approved him. A Nohiran? She looks nothing like their people.
"We believe that she may be princess Kamui my prince." Kagerou whispered in Ryoma's left ear.
"What?" uttered a dumbfounded Ryoma in disbelief.
Corrin kept her head to the floor as the Hosidan prince towered over her.
"You speak our tongue... or do you not Nohrian?" asked Ryoma closely observing Corrin.
"Yes your highness." answered Corrin still bowing in fear.
"What is your name Nohrian?" asked Ryoma.
"Corrin... I am princess Corrin of Nohr." answered Corrin trying to keep calm.
Corrin was extremely nervous. Her body slightly shaking as her hands began to grow numb, for she knew not what they were going to do to her, what sort of torture they may put her through. Perhaps they will send her to fight as her kind forced the Hoshidan prisoners. Regardless what ever happens that she had to stay alive. She made a promise to Lilith that she would return home safe and sound. More than anything she simply wanted to see her family again.
Ryoma without a word nodded his head towards a fellow Hoshidan warrior, who upon his princes action began to approach Corrin while reaching for a long dagger.
"D-Don't kill me! Please have mercy! I beg of you!" cried out Corrin in desperation as she grabbed onto Ryoma's legs.
Ryoma in confusion stretched out his hand, giving pause to the armed Hoshidan.
"I-I'm sorry for all the Hoshidan's I have slain! I... I was just trying to prove myself to father... " claimed Corrin holding back her tears.
The Hoshidan prince was heart broken by what was before him.
"Kamui?" uttered a feminine voice from across the room.
Suddenly everyone turned their heads towards the direction of the A beautiful woman of long black hair stood before them. Wearing a white dress covering her entire body decorated by both blue and gold textiles. A golden crest in the shape of an eight sided star was atop her head displayed in a most elegant fashion, while a golden flower weaved from the most fine fibers rested just above her left breast. entered the room. Her chest
"I can not believe it... it's really you." uttered the woman staring at Corrin.
"I-I'm sorry do we know each other?" Corrin asked as she began to stand back up.
The woman slowly walked towards Corrin. Every step seeming echo across the now silent room. Her eyes fixated onto Corrin with a most peculiar expression.
"I am... so happy. I've missed you so much. Come here Kamui, my sweet child." said woman with much sincerity as she walked up to Corrin and tried to give her a hug.
"Stay back Hoshidan! Don't touch me!" cried out Corrin in fear pushing the woman away with her hands still bound.
Feint images clouded Corrin's mind as she pushed back the Hoshidan woman. A clawed figure with a single eye reached slowly for her face within a dark room. His eye was blood red while another unidentifiable man stood beside him.
"You CAN'T do this to her! Her mind CAN'T take it!" cried out one of the men.
"She WILL LIVE and that's all that matters! IT MUST BE DONE!" claimed the other as his image seemed to become distorted within Corrin's mind before coming back to reality.
"I- I'm sorry. You don't remember?" the woman asked with much sadness in her eyes.
Corrin did not answer, still confused as to what she had just witnessed.
"Oh my poor Kamui it's a sad story. When you were very young you were abducted by forces of Nohr." claimed the woman holding back her emotions.
Corrin shuttered. What did she just say?
"I am your mother Mikoto. All this time... I-I didn't know if I'd ever see you again!" cried out the woman.
"Y-You fool. King Garon is my father. You are mistaken." answered Corrin confused to why this Hoshidan was being so foolish.
"I assure you she speaks the truth. I am your older brother, Ryoma. And this woman is our mother Queen Mikoto." claimed the Hoshidan prince as he walked up beside the queen.
"No, no, no... Xander is my older brother. Elise, Leo, and Camilla are my siblings. This... this is all a cruel sick joke to torment me." Corrin attempted to reason.
"They're not your real family. Don't be fooled. I still remember the day you were taken." Ryoma claimed with contempt and regret.
"You're eyes... my child what did they do to your eyes!?" asked Mikoto with much concern grabbing onto Corrin's forehead.
"M-My eyes?" asked a confused Corrin.
"Oh no... oh gods no... they couldn't..." uttered Mikoto as she began to shed a single tear.
Corrin knew not of this woman, however she could not help but feel a great sense of pity and empathy for what seemed to be her suffering.
"W-Why are you telling me this? Why are you crying? What is the meaning of this!?" Corrin asked in desperation and in concern of Mikoto's emotional state.
"Nohrian spies had you kidnapped in the dead of night. I still remember our mother's screams of pain." said Ryoma reminiscing upon tortuous memories.
"No, that's just not possible." uttered Corrin.
"You don't remember any of this? Not even a single memory?" asked Ryoma in desperation.
"No! This nonsense! I am of Nohr! Why are you tormenting me like this!? " answered Corrin in both anger and fear.
"This is all a farce my lord!" shouted Saizo suddenly.
Mikoto and Ryoma turned towards Saizo with much dismay to his sudden outburst.
"How can you be certain that this woman is Kamui? This woman is likely nothing more than a Nohrian spy, she should be-" Saizo tried to explain.
"Saizo! Watch you tongue!" shouted Ryoma in anger.
"She still has the same eyes she had when I first held her in my arms. T-This is my precious child Saizo." claimed Mikoto in much pain holding back her tears.
"My lord this is madness!" shouted Saizo in protest.
"Enough of this! You and your subordinates are dismissed!" commanded Ryoma.
"Y-Yes my prince." answered Saizo.
Saizo, Kagerou and his subordinates bowed their heads as they walked backwards for a few steps and then turned around to walk out of the room.
"Kamui, know that you are safe within the castle grounds. You are our honored guest." assured Ryoma holding onto both her shoulders.
"You're honored guest?" asked Corrin in confusion.
"Guards! Release her!" commanded Ryoma.
With one strike Corrin's hands were released to her surprise. Shaking her writs she glared at Ryoma with both suspicion and curiosity.
But that name. The name she had heard being cried out in her dreams. It called out to her, something that had been lost had now returned. Memories long gone seeming to cloud Corrin's vision. The room began to seem familiar, so many sounds from her slumber now reverberated through her head that name would not cease to repeat itself within her mind.
Kamui...
KAMUI...
Corrin's head was in great pain. That name would not cease being repeated by a series of distant yet familiar voices.
KAMUI!
KAMUI!
"Kamui." called out Ryoma as Corrin regained her focus.
"Y-Yes broth- Ryoma." uttered Corrin confused at to what she had just said.
"Come with me. I wish for you to meet your sisters." Ryoma explained as he looked back at Corrin with a smile.
"My sisters?" asked Corrin as she followed almost instinctively.
As Corrin and Ryoma made their way out of the throne room the green haired Hoshidan watched her intently pass by him. A both curious and concerned expression was upon his aging face.
"Do you believe she will alright Yukimura? I'm deeply worried now knowing what the Nohrians have done to her." Mikoto asked the green haired Hoshidan with much concern as her children left the chamber.
"I don't know, but her return will prove to be either our salvation... or our downfall." claimed Yukimura as he contemplated on what was to come.
Prince Ryoma, Corrin and a several Hoshidan guards made their way through Shirasagi atop a number of horses as the sun shined ever brighter in its continuing rise. The guards were mounted soldiers wearing white armor as pale as the full moon. Their horses forehead covered by a decorative armor tessellated in a pattern of intricate circles, where two formidable horns protruded from their foreheads just above their eyes. It was a frightening display indeed, despite the horses being smaller than those Corrin knew west of the Great chasm. The warrior's long spears were of a dense metal that displayed a deep black color, a curved blade capable of piercing the thickest of hide, even that of the Kitsune.
Before long the Hoshidans found themselves outside the Hoshidan capital, following a dirt road with all speed as they galloped south towards Suzanoh. Once again she found herself beneath the momentous architectural marvel, in awe of its sheer size.
It had come to Corrin's mind that now was perhaps the chance to escape.
But something stopped her. A lingering feeling... one of curiosity and doubt. One powerful enough to make press on, to follow this Hoshidan where ever he may take her. Indeed that name... that damn name would now not leave her mind.
After an hour of galloping across the lush landscape Corrin saw what looked to be a small town in the distance. It was of wooden houses that occupied the fertile land as dirt roads connected the Hoshidan town. Both men and women were tilling the soil, their children both playing together and aiding the oldest whenever they could. Corrin watched as a flock of chickens passed by their horses without a care in the world, their clucking sounds putting a smile on Corrin's face. Many goats being led by middle aged shepherds returned from grazing upon the lush grasses to the north, as small birds sat atop the beasts catching a ride.
The towns folk were intrigued by the prince's arrival. Cheering as their future king passed by them atop his majestic brown stallion.
"HAIL THE FUTURE KING! HAIL THE FUTURE KING!"
Making their way though the quaint town Corrin noticed a number of young Hoshidan men with all their strength work to construct even more wooden homes. Before Corrin assumed that they were simply expanding their domain she laid witness to a land that seemed to have been scared by a demonic being. The earth was as black as the soil west of the Great Chasm, covered in ashes that scattered atop a number of now deceased and desecrated vegetation.
"A fire?" asked Corrin atop her horse.
"Yes... " answered Ryoma holding back what seemed to be an internal rage.
Before Corrin could respond to his answer something caught her eye. A young girl no more than 13 sat beside an injured soldier. Tending to his wounds with another woman she seemed to be of a gentle nature. She possessed pink hair and was of a fair complexion.
The girl noticed Corrin staring at her, only for her to hear a familiar voice.
"Sakura!" called out Ryoma atop his stallion galloping towards the girl.
"Huh? Big brother!?" shouted the girl in surprise.
Sakura with much haste began to stand up, ever eager to greet the high prince. However she paused to look back at the other woman, as if to ask if she was able to leave the soldier in her care for now.
"Go on. He will be fine." answered the woman with a smile.
Upon hearing her words the Sakura raced towards Ryoma only now dismounting from his horse as one of the Hoshidan guards took hold of the beasts from its reins.
"It's great to see you big brother! It feels like it had been forever." claimed Sakura with a smile on her face.
"Haha it's great to see you to dear sister, everything appears to be going well it seems." said Ryoma with a cheerful expression.
Sakura was flustered. Her face blushing as she looked to be almost embarrassed from her brother's encouraging attitude.
"E-Everything is going great brother. The town has really bounced back!" Sakura answered.
"Bounced back?" asked Corrin bringing her horse beside Ryoma.
"Yes. This village was almost entirely destroyed by the Mokushin." explained Ryoma reminiscing upon unpleasant memories.
"I see... " uttered Corrin unsure of how to express her genuine sympathy.
"We have done our best to heal the wounds they have caused, but it has not been easy." Ryoma continued.
Only just realizing Corrin's presence Sakura tilted her head in both confusion and curiosity.
"Say, I don't believe we have met. What's your name stranger?" asked a curious Sakura clasping her hands together.
Corrin looked down upon Sakura with a perplexed expression, unsure if she should dismount her horse, unsure of how to answer.
"Oh my name is- " uttered Corrin before the sound of a distance horn interrupted her.
"The horn of Hoshido." uttered Ryoma as looked towards the sky.
Corrin's eyes gazed out towards the horizon as she dismounted her horse, where dozens of flying beasts seemed to be racing towards them. Closer and closer they came, their wings carrying them through the sky with ease. More and more it had seemed began to appear from nothing, as white silhouettes closing moving together to the sound of the powerful horn.
"The warriors are here!" called out a Hoshidan villager pointing southward towards the sky.
Many of the towns people ceased their work upon hearing the permeating sound of the horn. Men, women, and children looked up to the sky to the winged beasts revealing themselves to be white pegasus. Hoshidan warriors rid atop the armored and powerful creatures, soaring through air with tremendous speed as the horn continued to sound. Leading the formation of flying beasts was a young woman, princess Hinoka of Hoshido.
"Hehe, Hinoka! Down here!" cried out Sakura waving her arms as the Hinoka swiftly landed.
The pegasus touched down upon the earth with immense power, its hooves digging deeply into the soft soil. Hinoka slowly removed a white helmet from her head, revealing her short red hair like that of a mans.
"I see you return from battle sister, did the Mokushin prove to be a challenge?" asked Ryoma approaching his sister.
"Hah! The Mokushin's were no match for my battalion! Just another day making them pay for what they have done to our people." cheered Hinoka with confidence atop her white armored pegasus agitated by Hinoka's sudden outburst.
"I am certain Kotoro will be brought to justice. It is only a matter of time." claimed Ryoma pondering their next move.
"Kotoro runs and hides as he does, he IS a COWARD. I'd take great pleasure in ending that vile creature's life myself." Hinoka declared confidently before being puzzled by Corrin's presence.
"Who is this woman of black hair before me brother?" Hinoka asked in a most commanding manner as she had her pegasus circle Corrin.
"Black hair? What is she?-" uttered a puzzled Corrin to herself.
"So keen on wanting to greet a STRANGER I see sister?" asked Ryoma teasingly.
"Hah! You know me brother. I'm always keen on properly being introduced to people." Hinoka claimed with a confident smile dismounting her pegasus.
The Hoshidan princess slowly approached Corrin. Fixated upon her eyes Hinoka paused to simply look upon this peculiar woman.
"What is your name stranger?" asked Hinoka.
"I am princess Corrin of Nohr." answered Corrin bowing her head respect.
"Corrin? That's... an unusual name." Hinoka said in confusion looking towards her brother as if looking for an answer.
Sakura was intrigued by Corrin's words.
"A Nohrian princesss here? But she looks so... " uttered the Hoshidan princess to herself.
"Wait of Nohr!? But you... " Hinoka said in even greater confusion.
"It is because she was been away from her family for many years now sister, and now she has finally returned to us." explained Ryoma with a smile.
Hinoka's heart skipped a beat from the words her brother had just said. A moment of absolute silence resonated throughout all those surrounding Corrin.
"You... you have her eyes." uttered Hinoka in disbelief as she approached Corrin ever closer.
"My eyes?" asked Corrin.
"Oh by the gods our sister has risen from the dead!" shouted Hinoka with great joy as she suddenly lifted Corrin up with all her strength.
Hinoka was a woman of immense strength, her muscles growing tense from her tremendous embrace of her long lost sister.
"Finally after all these years... I-I've missed you so much." Hinoka continued trying not to cry.
"Oh, well I uh, you are... crushing me." Corrin struggled to utter.
"O-Oh I uh... S-sorry." said Hinoka begining to blush before quickly setting Corrin down.
"Hinoka was so attached to you when you were little Kamui. When you were taken away from us she cried for months, she vowed to bring you back someday... and here you are now."explained Ryoma with both joy and regret.
"I do apologize Kamui. I'm just so happy you are alive, and have come back to us at last." said Hinoka embarrassed of herself blushing before her.
It was strange. Corrin could not help but feel empathetic for these people, glad even that she has brought so much happiness for these Hoshidans. Perhaps they truly believe her to be their long lost sibling, for before long Corrin began to feel another emotion... pity.
"Hah! Take that Nohrian scumbags, we win you lose!" Hinoka shouted suddenly in great happiness.
Despite the obvious insult towards the people of Nohr Corrin could not help but chuckle a little from Hinoka's remark. Indeed Corrin could not help but smile from this Hoshidan's display.
"Wait... is this really Kamui?" asked Sakura confused as to what had just happened, for she was to young to remember.
"It is Sakura, our family is now reunited." Ryoma assured Sakura.
"Yah! And now she will be able to aid us in our struggle against the Mokushin." proclaimed Hinoka with much joy.
"These people... these Mokushin... why have they done this to your land? Have they wronged you somehow?" asked Corrin cautiously.
Hinoka's eyed widened in disbelief, as if Corrin's question was the most absurd conglomeration of words she had ever heard.
"The Mokushin are PURE EVIL that's why! They savage beasts no better than the Nohrians and their MALEVOLENT king!" cried out Hinoka in anger.
"M-my father is a good man. Watch your tongue Hoshidan!" shouted Corrin in protest.
"Your so called father is responsible for taking you away from us. For robbing you of your freedom. How can you possibly defend such as man?" asked Hinoka desperately seeking an answer for her sister's delusion.
"Why do you repeat this? I feel great sympathy for your people, truly." Corrin claimed with much sincerity.
There was a pause. No one, not even the Hoshidan guards still atop their horses remaining outside the conversation uttered a word.
"But, I am not a Hoshidan, and I am not your sister. Please stop this... " Corrin continued.
Hinoka stepped backed from Corrin almost shuttered by what she had just heard. Unable to utter anymore words she could not believe it, her sister was truly gone...
"Kamui please... " Ryoma tried assure Corrin of their claims.
"Please... don't call me by that name... " Corrin answered with much hesitation and regret as her face slowly looked towards the ground.
"Corrin... why would we tell you this if it was not the truth? Ryoma asked.
"I don't know... " answered Corrin with her head down.
"Are you certain what you see is how you truly are?" asked Ryoma.
"W-What? Of course I am sure." Corrin proclaimed dumbfounded by Ryoma's question.
"Are you SURE?" asked Ryoma more pressingly.
"Well I... " Corrin tried to answer beginning to doubt herself.
"Our mother will need to find a way to reverse it. Until then you should return to Shirasagi with Sakura. Hinoka and I have pressing matters to attend to up north." explained Ryoma.
A conflicted Corrin looked up at Ryoma. She was felt great pity for these Hoshidans and their plight. However... the Nohrian princess understood that no matter their hospitality, no matter the kindness they showed her... she was still their prisoner.
Upon returning to Shirasagi with Sakura, Corrin contemplated on what was transpiring back in Nohr. Were her siblings planning a rescue? Were they ever coming? Did they even care for her at all? All matter of thoughts raged through her mind.
As the sunset became to draw near Corrin began to take a stroll along side castles tranquil pond. The water was still, covered by little lilly pads now in bloom, bearing flowers of both violet and magenta. The sky was a shade of red not unlike the Hoshidan blood she had spilled. The darkness was to return, perhaps the only thing that would remind Corrin of HOME. Her black hair swaying gently with the calm wind from the west. Her bare feet walked atop the soft soil along the banks of the body of water, sinking deep into the mud as she looked out towards the now setting sun.
"What have I gotten myself into now Lilith?" Corrin asked herself before hearing a most beautiful melody.
"You are an ocean of waves, weaving a dream, life beyond the shore just out of reach..."
"Hm? What a beautiful song..." uttered Corrin with a smile.
"Yet may the tide ever change, flowing like time, to the path, yours to climb..."
A blue haired woman stood at the end of a dock clasping her hands together, hear eyes closed shut as she appeared to perhaps be praying. She remained still for a few more moments before turning around to see Corrin simply looking at her with a puzzled expression, her face unlike of the other Hoshidans.
"Yes?" asked the woman as her eyes seemed to glare at Corrin in menacingly for just a brief moment.
"Er, hello. I'm sorry to bother you, I just got lost in your singing." Corrin explained.
"You have quite the beautiful voice. There's something about that song that captivated me."
"You must be princess Corrin of Nohr." asked the woman.
"Yes... and you are?" asked Corrin cautiously.
"I am Azura. A former princess of Nohr." the woman claimed.
"Former? I don't understand..." answered Corrin in confusion.
"I'm afraid I've been here a long time. I was kidnapped by the Hoshidans after you were taken by the Nohrians." claimed Azura.
"I... I'm so sorry." said Corrin not knowing what else to say.
"I may technically be a hostage, but I've lived a happy life." said Azura. "The people of Hoshido have accepted me as one of their own."
"You are content with your imprisonment?" asked Corrin.
"Well, I have lived amongst their kind for so long. They are my family." claimed Azura with a smile.
"I see... " uttered Corrin.
"That song you sang. It was in Western tongue." Corrin pointed out.
"Yes... It is one of the few things I have held on to from my past in Nohr." said Azura.
"Can you understand me in this speech?"asked Corrin.
"Er, I'm sorry... I-I don't believe I understand." asked Azura in confusion.
"I'm afraid not." answered Corrin.
"I have lost almost all knowledge of my mother tongue after spending all these years in Hoshido." assured Azura.
"Why? Have not my siblings been taught Western tongue?" asked Corrin.
Azura seemed puzzled by the question, almost as if she expected Corrin to already know the answer.
"The Hoshidans... don't think kindly of Nohr Corrin. Very few know of their speech. And those that do use it few and far between, even Ryoma who does have some knowledge in it detests ever having to use it." Azura claimed regretfully.
Corrin thought back to her conversation with Mikoto. Perhaps the Queen's words were true, or perhaps she simply wanted to give Corrin the answer she wanted.
"What of my other siblings? asked Corrin.
"Yukimura has never given them lessons because they all refuse to, especially Takumi." answered Azura.
"Takumi?" asked Corrin.
"He is your younger brother. The second Hoshidan prince." said Azura.
"I see. I suppose I will meet him before long." Corrin assumed.
"He is currently on a campaign against the Mokushin I believe. He should return in another few days if they are victorious." explained Azura.
"I see... " answered Corrin lost in her thoughts... all alone.
"Kamui. That's your real name... isn't it?" asked Azura.
Corrin nearly shuttered upon hearing THAT NAME once again. The name that would not escape her mind... the name that would not stop HAUNTING her.
"I don't know... " answered Corrin not knowing what to believe anymore.
"I don't understand." Azura uttered just load enough for Corrin to hear.
"This place, this is not my home... it can't be." said Corrin unsure of her feelings.
"What will you do?" asked Azura titling her head puzzled by Corrin's statement.
"I don't know... " answered the Nohrian princess.
End of Chapter