Here it is, finally!

Azura and the other OC will appear in tomorrow's extra, don't worry!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem, all characters and franchises depicted in this story belong to their respective owners.


Takayama wakes up on command, as if he were a machine. He rises even before the sun does. He looks outside in the sky to see dark clouds and lightning. He retreats back into his room to prepare his breakfast.

"Ah, I forgot to get some more food from the pantry" Takayama cursed while looking at the pathetically few pieces of fish and radish. "This will do for now."

Takayama quickly eats his small breakfast and sets outside to train, bringing his yari and katana. While heading to the garden, he sees the same carpenter from last time. The carpenter was humming to himself as he started building that wall. Takayama realizes that the man vaguely resembled the mystery person named Iesu. Takayama had to know about him. All his life, he had wondered only two things, where was his mother? And who was that mystery man who brought him to the monastery.

Takayama ignored these thoughts for now as he meditated in the garden.


Corrin wakes up, very groggy as she looked outside to see that it was raining. Judging from the darkness outside, it was likely mid-morning. She shambles over to the mirror to groom herself a bit. She tries to open the door but she sees all her siblings right outside with some hot food and drinks.

"Good morning!" they all said in unison.

Corrin was surprised to see her siblings with fresh food as she let them in.

"What's the occasion?"

Camilla sets down the food on the table while Xander got the pillows ready as Elise practically bounced into the room.

"Oh nothing!" Camilla dismissed. "We just thought that it would be nice if we could spend the rainy day together as a family!"

Camilla then hands Corrin a cup of hot chocolate, which Corrin relished as she felt the warm liquid fill her stomach. Elise then hands a bowl to Corrin.

"Do you want some vegetable chowder sis?"

"Sure, can I just get something from the maids?"

"Of course, but come back soon!" Elise said cheerily.


Corrin walked through the corridors, slightly shivering from the cold of the outside storm.

"Brr… It's getting cold, I wonder if the hot water's ready for a bath!"

Corrin passes by the garden, to only see a man sitting in the mud. He was shirtless and clearly not planning to move from his spot. Corrin sees to her shock that the man is Takayama.

"Takayama! What are you doing out there!? You'll catch a cold!"

Takayama kept his eyes closed but replied.

"Leave me be! I am training!"

"What kind of training makes you get sick!?" Corrin questioned in shock and worry. "I thought training was meant to make you stronger!"

"See, that's where our similarities end, Princess." Takayama said. "You find no strength in suffering and only topple before any trauma."

"But why would you do this to yourself!?"

"I find strength in suffering. People who suffer find the greatest strength. The ability to endure and bear pain. The ability to still walk or move after something so painful."

"But… what happens to those who couldn't bear the pain?" Corrin asked.

"They die."

Corrin looked out worriedly at Takayama, who still hadn't moved from his spot. Takayama noticed this and said.

"The fine line between you and me is that, you have lived under a roof, I haven't. You were protected, I wasn't. You have family, I don't."

Corrin stayed silent at this.

"But is suffering really necessary?"

"In order for you to earn glory, you must go through pain. In order for survival, one must struggle. This adage has been a motto not only for us, but for all the civilizations before us. Suffering and struggle is what awakens your true strength."

Corrin looked at Takayama worriedly, Takayama was wet from head to toe, and he was looking a bit pale.

"See you in the arena." Takayama replied coldly. "Don't hold back."


Corrin walked back, silent. She opens her room, trying to hide her dejection. She switches back to a smile as she sat down and enjoyed her family company. But Xander noticed her wistfully stare out the window. He gritted his teeth as he muttered.

"Damn that bastard Takayama!"


Takayama looks to see the carpenter still working, despite the rain pattering down hard on both of them. He decides to approach him. He puts his hand on the tall man's shoulder, but the tall man suddenly punches Takayama, with Takayama holding a palm to catch the punch. The tall man realizes who he is facing and grovels.

"I apologize greatly milord! I did not intend to hurt you!"

"The pain is bearable." Takayama said while turning back to him. "I want to ask you something."

"If it is within my ability, then I will gladly answer."

"You are Reuben, am I correct?"

"Reuben the Mason to be exact."

"Do you happen to know a man named Iesu?"

"P-Pardon?" Reuben asked while leaning forward.

"Do you know a man named Iesu, I met him a long time ago and you vaguely resemble him."

"No… I cannot say that I have met a man with that name, though that name does sound similar to another name in my culture. Yeshua, meaning "To rescue"."

Takayama was a bit disappointed but he had a little clue of where his rescuer came from. He notices the height and build of his body, seeing a very fit man.

"Tell me Reuben, what land do you hail from?"

"I am from the Land of Egypt, I was born there as a slave and escaped the cruelty of my captors."

"Where is this "Egypt"?"

"A land far from here and yours to be sure, a desert theocracy with great structures that touched the very fabric of the heavens."

"It sounds glorious…" Takayama expressed as he never even heard such amazing words.

"It may be for you, but those structures well built from the blood, sweat and tears of my enslaved people." Reuben spat, clearly expressing resentment at the nation. "We may live in Egypt, but our true ancestry lies in another land. A land flowing with milk and honey as Elohim himself had told our ancestors."

'TAKAYAMA, I SENSE A VERY POWERFUL AURA FROM THIS MAN.' Saiku-ron warned in Takayama's head.

"Tell me, is this Elohim your god?"

"He is not my god, he is the ONE true god, the god that separated the sea and sky, the god that overpowered the very gods of Egypt."

Takayama was surprised to hear this from a mere carpenter, even Takayama wasn't that learned of his own religion, be it Shinto or Zen Buddhism.

"How do you know of these things?"

"Elohim had shown me visions of his power, the power to bring down the greatest kingdoms, the power to destroy any false gods. He has shown me the Plagues that he set upon those who dare hurt us, his people."

Reuben wasn't even subtle about it, but Takayama felt curious about that.

"I want to see this vision." Takayama said.

"Only the favored may see what Elohim has planned."

Takayama's eyes glowed green as he put his hand on Reuben's shoulder, sucking him into the mind of Reuben.


He stood in the sand as he saw the great structures that were built by the slaves. But he then saw the river from far away, slowly blood red. The nature of the structures were strange, pure stone statues with a strange style of artistry. The environment was too hot for Takayama's liking and he could only see stretches of sand and a river over the horizon. Saiku-ron flies around to inspect the environment.

'WE SHOULDN'T HAVE ENTERED HERE, THERE IS AN UNSEEN POWER THAT LOOMS.'

"I must see this for myself, could a singular deity really hold power over sea and sky?"

Takayama saw the people in the land, shirtless, only wearing loincloth as they slaved away to the whips of their oppressors. He saw them carrying numerous items as they threw it into the pit.

Mud… Sand… Water… Straw, FASTER!

Takayama saw them creating a sort of clay as the slaves endlessly worked.

Mud, and lift! Sand, and pull! Water, and raise up! Straw…

Takayama saw one of the guards shout.

FASTER!

The tune resounded in Takayama's head as he heard the songs of the persecuted and the abused.

Feel the sting of the whip on my shoulder. With the salt of my sweat, on my brow. Elohim, God up high, can you hear your people cry. This dark hour…

Takayama saw the numerous slaves get whipped, abused as they tried to use their little remaining energy to complete their task.

Deliver us

Hear our call, deliver us!

Lord of all, remember us here in this burning sand!

Deliver us! There's a land you promised us!

Deliver us to the promised land!

Takayama grew interested at this, but he then saw another horrifying scene as he suddenly saw a large, clean and blue river. He saw numerous infants being thrown as strange reptilian creatures ascended and devoured them, causing the river to run red with the blood of the youth. It ended with the cry of a thousand mothers, Takayama could hear the grief over the death of their firstborns. Takayama himself couldn't handle the carnage and covered his eyes.

But then, Takayama heard a repeating whisper, he uncovers his eyes to see himself back in the city.

Thus saith the lord… Thus saith the lord… Thus saith the lord… Thus saith the lord…

Takayama heard the sounds of croaking as he saw in the distance, a horde of frogs hopped their way past him and into the great buildings.

SINCE YOU REFUSE TO FREE MY PEOPLE, ALL THROUGH THE LAND OF EGYPT

Takayama and Saiku-ron flinched at the sound of the voice. It seemed loud, powerful and overwhelming, but it sounded only like a whisper.

I SEND A PESTILENCE A PLAGUE, INTO YOUR HOUSE, INTO YOUR BED

Takayama sees many Egyptians screaming as they ran out of their houses.

INTO YOUR STREAMS, INTO YOUR STREETS, INTO YOUR DRINK, INTO YOUR BREAD

Many food stalls became engulfed in a multitude of insects as everyone tried to remove the bugs from their bodies. The scene then changed to the fields, where it seemed barren and lifeless. Takayama saw the corpses of multiple crops and livestock.

UPON YOUR CATTLE, UPON YOUR SHEEP, UPON YOUR OXEN IN YOUR FIELDS

Takayama then saw a bedroom with people being rudely awakened by insects in their bed.

INTO YOUR DREAMS INTO YOUR SLEEP, UNTIL YOU BREAK, UNTIL YOU YIELD

Takayama saw a swam of flying insects attack the palace guard, leaving their king vulnerable to the onslaught of insects.

I SEND THE SWARM, I SEND THE HORDE, THUS SAYETH THE LORD

Takayama saw it all. The death of their crops, the spread of diseases that terrorized the population. He saw fire rain down from the sky and destroy those structures that supposedly touched the heavens. The insects, the storms, the darkness, these came down endlessly. And Egypt looked soon to fall.


Takayama exits the mind of Reuben, with Reuben wearing a face of shock over what Takayama did.

"You weren't… supposed to see that!" Reuben shouted as he drew a strange, sickle-like sword, and slashed at Takayama.

Takayama quickly drew his katana and blocked the attack, wrestling with Reuben. Reuben's eyes suddenly glowed white as his voice became more haunting.

"Hear my words you defiant man. You have crossed the boundary that Elohim himself demanded to be set. And for that, the long weapon that you wield will crumble into dust."

Takayama watched helplessly as his yari spear withered away. Takayama struggled to keep up the wrestle. Takayama tried to summon the Divine Wind, but couldn't for some reason.

"Your connection with the divine shall be severed, you will no longer be able to wield such power until you have redeemed yourself."

Takayama felt his connection with Saiku-ron get weaker as he no longer felt the dragon's presence in him.

"You will learn your place." Reuben said before kneeing Takayama and smashing him down.

Takayama lied there, lifeless, with all his powers and abilities taken from him. Reuben calmly walks back to his wall and continued building it.


Takayama's world went black, but it is replaced with an extremely cold sensation. Takayama wakes up to see cold water splashed to his face. He looks around to see himself in a dark cellar, with a gate right in front of him. He wipes his face, still feeling the numbness of the cold water, which seemed to come from the ceiling. He frantically tries to find his jingasa. He notices an eye peek in through the slits and asks.

"Where am I?"

"You are in the Nohrian arena, you didn't show up for the duel against Princess Corrin, so the king demanded for your presence. We found you unconscious in the palace gardens."

"And what of my weapons?"

"We only found that katana of yours, nothing else was there."

Takayama realized that his ordeal with Reuben wasn't a dream. He tries to summon the Divine Wind but to no avail.

"Kamikaze ga, watashi ni chikara o ataemasu!" he shouted, but the wind did not respond.

He tries again.

"Kamikaze ga, watashi ni chikara o ataemasu!"

And again.

"Kamikaze ga, watashi ni chikara o ataemasu!"

But no response.

Takayama felt devastated by his sudden loss of powers, he would have to try his hardest to win. He needed his revenge against the Hoshidans, and he needed to prove to himself that he could do it. He holds firmly onto his scabbard as he went towards the light of the tunnel.

"Just a warning, King Garon is in quite a bad mood right now, so he won't be generous."

Takayama walks out, to see a large crowd cheering his entry. He sees Garon on his throne, clearly displeased. Takayama notices smoke creep into the arena, he rips off a cloth from his sleeve and wears it as a mask. King Garon then declares.

"Ah! The warrior arrives late to his duel!"

Takayama was still not afraid.

"It does not matter! Bring me the princess, and we will settle it."

"Oh! You clearly have not heard the Nohrian tradition!" King Garon mocked with snark. "You see, when a dueler fails to honor his scheduled duel against another, he is obliged to face a number of warriors equal to twice the number of hours he was late."

Takayama froze at that.

"When was this duel supposed to take place?"

King Garon grinned wickedly as he then announced.

"You were supposed to be here five hours ago."

Takayama was perplexed by this, he was unconscious for nearly five hours. He saw Corrin sit in the stands as he realized that he wouldn't be fighting her just yet.

"Or, we can drop this duel and forget about everything…"

"No, I did not surrender. I will take your challenge. " Takayama said defiantly.

"Now here are the rules, you cannot use your Divine Magic and you cannot spare your opponents."

"Simple enough."

"Then let the preliminaries begin!"

Takayama saw a familiar soldier walk out, bearing the clan banner of the nation that he hated so.

"Hoshido…" Takayama thought with gritted teeth.

Takayama draws his katana and points it at him

The soldier looked absolutely desperate and rabid.

"I don't care who I'm fighting anymore! I just want to get away from this gods-forsaken place.

The soldier drew his katana and ran at Takayama to duck under his swing and stab his stomach. The soldier fell to his knees, to only see for a brief moment, Takayama swinging his katana at his head.

The crowd gasped at this, Takayama beheaded his opponent. Some were shocked, some were angry that they lost the bet. But everyone was certainly not expecting something so brutal. Takayama wiped the blood of his sword as he got ready for his next opponents.

He sees a few Nohrian soldiers with swords walking out. He sees them gang up on him from all sides. He gets ready for an attack at any moment. One soldier charges ahead and Takayama has a plan.

Takayama first parries the first strike and steps behind his opponent and slashes his back. He then blocks a strike coming from another soldier. He then wraps his arm around his opponent's arm and spins to slice the stomach of another charging soldier. He then stabs the person behind him, before parrying another strike before forcing it down and trying a free strike.

"Whoa…" Corrin expressed while watching the fight, Takayama fought five Nohrian soldiers without even getting hit once.

"Are you worried dear Corrin?" Camilla asked. "Do not fret, it's not like that dreadful man will win. He's nothing without his magic, right Xander?

Camilla turned to Xander to only gain silence. He shakes his head.

"Wait, don't tell me…"

"I have seen what this man can do without his powers, he shouldn't be underestimated."

The royal family turns its attention back to Takayama, who was fighting against the swordsman. He blocks a strike and then another strike as he staggers from the force of the impact. He briefly kicks back his opponent to deal with two nosy bystanders whom had their necks slice by a single stroke of Takayama's sword. Takayama tries another slash, but his enemy ducks and tries another strike, with Takayama blocking it. Takayama tries another slash, but his opponent parries it and leaves Takayama's back open, with Takayama getting slashed in the back as he screamed in pain. Corrin gasped at this as she thought Takayama was finished. But Takayama carried on, parrying and striking against the swordsman before catching the man's blade and plunging his sword into his stomach.

Takayama kicks the body away and looks at his hand. It bled profusely since Takayama caught the blade with his bare hands. He wipes it on his uniform and sees his next opponent, a heavily armored swordsman. He gets into stance as he ran at him. Takayama tries a slash at the man, but realizes that the armor was too tough to fall against his attacks. The armored man laughed as he headbutted Takayama, causing him to stagger.

Corrin feared for Takayama's life. She felt it wrong that Takayama had to fight such a taxing battle for his own freedom. She didn't want to see him die trying to earn what was rightfully his.

Takayama then gets kneed in the stomach, causing the younger viewers like Elise to look away. Takayama tries another strike, but the armored man catches his arm, and breaks it. Takayama screamed in pain as he tried to get up, using his katana as support. Corrin couldn't hold back the horror in her face as she realized that Takayama was getting brutally pummeled.

Before Takayama could fully stand up, the armored man rams him, slamming Takayama against a wall. After Takayama was dazed by the slam, the armored man kneed his face. Corrin watched as Takayama bled on his face and his eyes began to roll back into his head. She watched with emerging tears in her eyes as she saw the armored man repeatedly punch Takayama's face, causing so much bleeding as the red puddle beneath Takayama only grew in size.

"STOP IT!" Corrin cried out loud.

The armored man picks up Takayama and bear hugs him until an audible crack can be heard. He then drops him. Takayama nearly lost all the life in is eyes, with one last cough of blood, he falls forward, face planted into his own pool of blood. The crowd cheered at Takayama's supposed death. But Corrin, she was holding herself back. This man had brutally murdered a man who had lost his family and friends, she felt the anger inside her grow as she felt more power rise.

But that rage is interrupted when the armored man suddenly falls to his knees. The crows look in shock to see a very bloody Takayama stabbing the armored man in the neck, causing him to bleed profusely as he fell to his knees. The crowd looks in absolute awe as Takayama hobbled over to the center. He looks at King Garon, who was very pleased with the show, but Takayama knew the king wanted one last fight. He points his sword at the faraway throne.

"My battle has yet to finish! I have defeated your soldiers! Now bring me your princess!"

Corrin was taken aback by this. Takayama was in no condition to fight yet here he stood, goading the king to make him fight her.

"No! I refuse!" Corrin screamed.

The crowd booed at her, before the king silenced them.

"So you forfeit?" the king asked.

"I can't find it in me to fight him!" Corrin retorted. "Look at him!"

Takayama began to quake, not from fear, but from weakness. He was already losing so much blood, he staggered as he tried to support himself with his sword. Corrin saw this and said.

"Healer! He needs a healer!"

The crowd booed once again, but were silenced by Prince Xander and Prince Leo.

"SILENCE! Unless any of you wish to get acquainted with our blades!"

"I'm afraid we cannot do that." Iago added. "A healer will only arrive once the duel is over."

Corrin looked at Takayama, who was already coughing up so much blood, trying to even stay on his feet.

"Fine. But he gets a healer when we're done."

"Whatever you say." Iago replied snarkily.

Corrin drew Ganglari as she entered the arena, Elise tugged on her arm with pleading eyes.

"Be careful!"

Corrin gave her a reassuring smile as she jumped into the arena. She gets into stance as Takayama shakily returned to form. Takayama's eyes were full of focus and determination, Corrin felt a little intimidated.

"He's getting weaker, why am I getting scared?"

Takayama lunges at Corrin. Corrin sidesteps, a maneuver taught to her by Takayama, she slams down the butt of her sword on Takayama's back, causing him to fall over. Corrin breathed in relief, but she feels a bash behind as she staggered forward. She saw that Takayama was still standing, his posture was already displaying weakness as Takayama breathed heavily.

"What are you doing!? Stay down! You need a healer!"

"I don't think I see it that way Princess. You see, I cannot lose under any circumstance. I'm going to fight until the bitter end."

"You would rather die than lose!?"

"I would die to get my revenge on Hoshido, to avenge my clan and to finally get some closure."

Corrin's eyes widened, Hoshido had killed Takayama's clan and people, that's why he spoke of them with so much hatred. But she didn't understand, Takayama could have found another method to attack Hoshido, instead of this really elaborate plan that nearly cost him his life and had broken him.

"But why choose this way? Why couldn't you have chosen a way that couldn't have gotten you injured!?"

"This is a test for me."

"A test?" Corrin wondered.

"A test, to truly see if I am worthy of avenging my clan. If I am strong enough, then I will live, but if I am weak…"

"You'll die… You're willing to die just because you weren't strong?"

"Glad you caught on." Takayama said before shambling towards Corrin.

Takayama steps forward, with Corrin taking a step back in uncertainty.

"Please Takayama, for your sake! Just stay down!" Corrin begged before trying a threat. "I'll use the techniques you've taught me to make sure you stay down.

Takayama paused, he then cracked a smile, then laughed. Corrin felt confused at Takayama's laughing. The older siblings were thinking that Takayama was mocking her as they felt angry that Takayama was making Corrin feel so guilty.

"You think… that those measly techniques of mine… will stop me?"

"But is this how far you're willing to go? Until you die or until every bone in your body breaks?"

"I don't think you get it. I am not willing to die, I will die for my clan."

Takayama takes another step forward.

"I am willing to sweat blood for my clan."

Takayama then points his sword at Corrin.

"But you won't take me down."

Takayama lunges again at Corrin, who tries to slam him down with the butt of her sword, but Takayama knees her stomach, knocking Ganglari off her hands. Takayama then grabs Ganglari with his free hand and pushes Corrin to the ground. Everyone watched in horror as it looked like Takayama was about to finish off Corrin. The royal siblings were ready to save Corrin as they readied their weapons. Corrin closes her eyes and waits for her impending doom. But shockingly, Takayama plunges the two swords into her cape, effectively keeping her pinned. Corrin tried to get out of his lock, but Takayama's remaining strength kept her pinned.

Corrin saw Takayama's face, staring at her as he kept her pinned down. Blood dripped down from his head and landed on Corrin's armor. Takayama was breathing heavily, he seemed ready to give out any moment. Corrin saw Takayama's arms shaking, his strength beginning to leave him. Takayama's face did not show his normal calm, cold demeanor, it showed desperation, distress and even worry. Then it hit Corrin, Takayama needed this win more than she did, he had sacrificed every inch of his life just to win.

"And the winner of this duel is TAKAYAMA!"

The moment these words were spoken, Takayama collapses, his body falling on top of Corrin's. Corrin, feeling flustered, tries to get his body off her. She sees the healers come in, with King Garon barking.

"Bring him to the infirmary! This man is a valuable asset and anyone who touches him will answer to me!"

Corrin looked across the arena to see the multiple puddles of blood. Takayama had won but at what cost? He was severely beaten, close to death and had undergone so much pain. Corrin felt incredibly disturbed by what he said.

"I am willing to sweat blood for my clan."

Corrin had never seen such devotion in her life, it made her wonder.

"Just how far down is he willing to go?"


Takayama woke up to find himself restrained on his bed. He looks around the room, to see emptiness until he saw someone right in front of him. It was Elise, the younger sister of Corrin.

"What are you doing here?" Takayama asked.

"Sssssssh!" Elise hushed. "Don't let anyone know that I'm here! My brother's gonna get mad if he finds out!"

"So why are you here then?"

"I have a question."

"What?"

"Why are you so reckless? You always just charge without caring about death. That also seems to bother older sister."

"Because I am willing to die for my clan."

"Ohhhh, so you're like a retainer."

"Except my masters are dead." Takayama added grimly.

The atmosphere turned a bit colder as Takayama's aura made Elise shiver.

"I don't understand why people like you offer your lives." Elise commented. "I don't want Effie and Arthur to die, so I don't want them to offer their lives to me!"

"Naive child." Takayama said coldly. "Sometimes people have nothing better to give."

"Then why give at all?" Elise asked.

"Because I would be doing my masters a dishonor. Tell me, what would you do to return a favor if you have nothing to give?"

"I'd wait until I could pay them back!"

Elise's naivety made Takayama chuckle a bit, hearing such innocent words made him crack a smile.

"Whoah… I've never seen you smile!" Elise expressed as she pointed to Takayama's face.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Takayama said, immediately changing expression.

"Heeey! No fair!" Elise pouted. "You hid it!"

"Hid what?" Takayama asked innocently.

"Your smile!"

"What smile?"

Elise turned red out of annoyance. Takayama's teasing sure was making her mad.

"Heh." Takayama said with a half-smirk.

"You did it again!"

"Did what?"

"No fair, you hid it again!"

Takayama went into full laughter as Elise looked ready to pop. Elise suddenly broke from her bad mood the moment Takayama went into full laughter. Elise smiled and then laughed together with Takayama, who grew confused at her sudden laughter.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Heeheehee! I don't know! Your laughter is so infectious!" Elise replied cheerily. "I didn't think that someone as super serious as you could laugh!"

Takayama smiled at Elise, Elise was innocent and young, traits that Takayama once had before everything was taken from him. He could see a bit of his old self inside her. But his thought process is interrupted by a creak of a door, with Takayama spying Corrin through the door.

"Elise?" Corrin called out.

Elise immediately panicked and ran to Corrin and hugged her saying.

"Please! Don't tell on me! Brother Xander might get mad!"

"But what were you doing here Elise?" Corrin asked.

"I was just chatting with him, I swear! Nothing else!"

Takayama stayed silent as he watched the exchange between the two sisters, he looks out to see the moon at its height as he felt a bit drowsy.


Juliette was pouting as she stood by the doorway.

"Father! Do I have to?"

"No protests Juliette, you insulted Ryoma in front of his subjects, you apologize to him personally." Marek said sternly.

Juliette groaned as she dejectedly exited the guest room. She looked left and right as she looked for the crown prince. She sees a red-haired girl and sees Hinoka, training outside. She decides to approach her.

"Princess Hinoka?"

"Ah, Madam Juliette! What can I do for you?"

"Uhh, I just wanted to apologize for insulting your brother, I didn't mean any of the things I've said."

"Bah, it's fine! I think Ryoma is the one who should be apologizing, challenging a one-armed man like your father. He's usually not like this, I don't know what's gotten into him."

"Actually, do you know where he is right now?"

"He should be having his relaxation time right now in his room."

Before Juliette left, Hinoka called out to her.

"Madam Juliette, I have a question?"

"Mmm?" Juliette expressed.

"You seem to have a hard time breathing, I can hear a bit of panting under your breath. Are you okay?"

"She could hear that?" Juliette thought with much surprise. "I was just wearing a new breastplate, it seems a bit tighter than my old one."

"Why? Your breastplate seems rather fitting."

"But it doesn't have the extension of my old one. My old armor had a special bump for accommodating my chest size, this one is squeezing my chest a little too hard."

The atmosphere got a little colder.

"I see." Hinoka said blankly. "How large is the extension?"

"Well, I think it's about this…" Juliette said while making a fairly large curve around her chest. "Big."

Hinoka looked a little embarrassed from seeing Juliette make a large curve.

"Y-yes, and why did you stop wearing that chestplate?"

It was Juliette's turn to feel a bit flustered.

"S-someone recommended it to me."

With the awkward atmosphere, Juliette had to leave quickly. Juliette immediately started walking around the castle, looking for a room. She then asks a servant.

"Where is Prince Ryoma's room?"

"Oh, it is over there." the servant replied.

Juliette walked over and stood outside the door.

"Okay… I just need to apologize…"

"Prince Ryoma?"

Ryoma opens the sliding door, wearing his armor already.

"Ah, Madam Juliette, may I help you?"

"Oh, I just wanted to apologize for insulting you in front of your subjects." Juliette said while bowing. "It was rash of me to be so rude."

"I should be the one apologizing. I challenged your handicapped father into a duel and nearly hurt him."

An awkward silence loomed over the both of them.

"Would you like to come inside for some tea?" Ryoma offered.

"I accept your offer." Juliette replied while coming inside.

Ryoma's room was fairly familiar to Julia, with the interior resembling the Chon'sin bedrooms back at home. She sits down across Ryoma's table as he brewed her some tea. Ryoma hands her a cup and both peacefully drink tea. Ryoma then said.

"You know, I know what it's like to idolize my father."

"Oh really now?" Juliette expressed curiously.

"When I was young, I heard of my father's exploits and I grew to admire him. I was so excited to be like him, to inherit the royal sword, Raijinto, a treasure of our country."

Juliette smiled at the pleasant little story, but she frowned a bit.

"Actually, I've only come to idolize him when I grew older. When I was young, I thought him to be a coward."

Ryoma raised an eyebrow at that.

"Why would you say such a thing about your father?"

"To be fair, he made no attempt of telling me of his exploits as a military leader. He wasn't a soldier when I was growing up, he was just a mere bartender in a small town south of our country, Ylisse."

"Oh?"

"Surprising, I know. He hasn't told me why he hid it from me. I honestly don't know how he endured all my insults of calling him a coward, a weakling, a passive mouse, even if he didn't deserve any of it."

"You idolize him because you want to make up for all those times you've wrongly insulted him?"

"Bingo." Juliette returned with a smile.

"You have a very interesting story milady, care to tell more?"

"Where do I start?"


Marek puts on his gambesson, then his chainmail, and then his plate armor. He tightens the straps and jumps up and down. He equips his bastard sword and shield, attaching them to his armor. He gets ready as he goes down to the training area and does his exercises. He swings his sword, practicing his speed and strength, hacking the training dummies until they were nothing but pieces of wood.

From afar, Kazahana and Subaki were watching. Hana seemed awfully distressed by how Marek was training there.

"I'm not sure what to make of this man, he beat Ryoma with such ease."

"Are you freaking kidding me!? You're treating his victory like it was something trivial! He beat Ryoma! The crown prince of Hoshido and wielder of Raijinto!"

"I know, but it's the fact that his techniques are so foreign to us, even the Nohrians don't fight like him."

"Yo! Marek!" a voice called out.

Marek turns to see the retainer of Takumi, Hinata approach him, panting from his sprint.

"Yes?"

"Spar with me!"

"What?"

"You heard me! Fight me! You beat Ryoma, so I want to see how strong you are!"

"Uh, sure." Marek said while getting into stance.

Kazahana and Subaki just sighed inwardly, knowing full well who would be losing this fight.


A large, muscular man with a dirty shave walked through the streets of Hoshido, wielding a very large axe that had a hammer end. He wore a leather vest over his chainmail, which covered his tunic. He wore a helmet that had horns on it, making him look like a demon as he walked towards the palace. Even the patrols seemed to intimidated to apprehend him as he reached the palace gate. The palace guard shakily asked.

"S-state your business!"

"My name is Rurik Daalggard. I am looking for Sir Marek."

"W-we'll see if he is inside.


Marek blocks a strike from Hana and then kicks back Subaki. He ducks under a thrust by Oboro and then strikes at Hinata. Hinata blocks the attack, giving Hana an oppurtunity to strike him. Marek parries the blow and knees Hinata, bringing him down. Oboro then tries a swipe but Marek catches it with his metal arm and throws it away. Oboro then gets slammed down by Marek. He then kicks Oboro and then kicks Subaki's shins causing Subaki to stagger. Marek then decides to overpower Hana with his strong strikes with his sword. He then bashes his shield against Subaki, causing him to stagger again before Marek knees Subaki. Hana tries one last strike but she gets parried and Marek knocks her down.

"So, are we done sparring?" Marek asked, clearly exasperated.

The others nodded as they groaned while standing up. Hinata then declared.

"I will challenge you again soon! And then I will prove my skill as a swordsman to you!"

Marek decides to take a breather before a guard approached him.

"Sir Marek? There is a man named Rurik Daalgard, he says he's looking for you."

Sir Marek just smiled and replied.

"Let him in, he and I have some business together."


As Juliette and Ryoma talked, they seemed to be enjoying their conversation.

"Ah, so you are part of this Nascentian Legion as well?"

"Yes, but my main dream is to earn a seat in the Inquisition."

"What is that?" Ryoma asked.

"Well—" Juliette tried to explain before being cut off.

Juliette was interrupted by the sound of the door opening as a servant said.

"Prince Ryoma! Your presence is required in the throne room!"

"Why?" Ryoma asked.

"We have a new guest, a companion of Sir Marek!"

After hearing this, Juliette immediately ran out.

"Milady! Why are you in such a hurry!" Ryoma asked while running to the throne room.

"If I'm correct, this visitor should be one of my friends!" Juliette added before sprinting towards the throne room.


Mikoto stood in front of her throne while the royal siblings stood by the side. They open the doors to welcome in Marek's guest. The large man wearing leather armor walked into the room. He looked very tall, in fact, he looked a foot taller than Marek himself. Marek stood by patiently as he walked next to the large, muscular man. Ryoma saw the man's clear strength and respected him for that. Hinoka was shocked to see someone so tall and built, while Takumi felt a little insecure about his body as he saw how well-built the man was. Meanwhile, Sakura was cowering behind Ryoma, frightened by the man's size. Juliette just stood in the background.

The large man bows before Mikoto, introducing himself humbly.

"My name is Rurik Daalgard and I am retainer to Sir Marek who is the Grandmaster of the Inquisition and the general of the Nascentian Legion." he said in a deep, manly voice.

"You didn't have to add the thing at the end..." Marek added with sweat dropping at the back of his head. "And you are not my retainer, you are my second-in-command. I do not have any retainers."

"Sir Rurik! What brings you here to Hoshido?" Mikoto asked kindly.

"I came to deliver Sir Marek a message that is important to Hoshido as well."

"Wait, has Aili already discovered information in Nohr?" Marek asked while bringing Rurik closer to hear.

"Yes sire, she has found much useful information working as a palace maid." Rurik added.

"How about Eira? Has she already scouted the forest?"

"She has, but nothing of interest yet."

Mikoto and the royal siblings were getting curious of what they were whispering.

"What is this news?" Mikoto asked with much curiosity. "If it is important to Hoshido, then I must hear it."

"The one that goes by the name of Corrin will be arriving at the border within a few days." Rurik said plainly.

The throne room grew quite. Mikoto and the royal siblings seemed shocked at this information.

"Y-you mean Kamui is…" Hinoka muttered.

"I'm sorry, who is Kamui?"

"Uh, never mind. It is a sensitive topic we'd rather not share." Ryoma quickly corrected.

"Ah okay, so with the news finally disclosed, I will formally dismiss Rurik."

"Thank you sire." Rurik bowed before heading to the exit.

Rurik walks to the exit, but not before being stopped by Juliette. He smiled as he said.

"Juliette! I didn't know you were here!"

"H-Hi…" Juliette greeted shyly while turning red.

"You seemed to have followed my advice!" Rurik said while scanning Juliette up and down. "How's the new breastplate?"

"Pretty tight, no thanks to your poor forging skills!" Juliette said while lashing out a bit.

"Ah, there's that sharp tongue!" Rurik said with a grin. "Still hasn't dulled since we first met!"

Juliette thought back to the time when she first met Rurik, about two years ago.


"Greetings Madam Julia! My name is Rurik!" the large man extended his hand.

"Why are you approaching me?" Julia asked coldly.

"Er, it's just that you seemed so lonely and…"

"Oh, so you think that I'm a loner?" Julia asked with a raised eyebrow. "Are you that presumptuous?"

"No! No! No! I meant to say that you seemed a bit sad."

"What, is my normal face that sad?"

"No! No! No!" Rurik stopped again to correct before thinking. "You just sort of stood out."

"So I am weird?"

"No! I meant… Uh… Um… Excuse me!"

Rurik suddenly runs off, seemingly in a hurry. Julia sighed, as her cold and tactless demeanor scared him off. She just sids idly, alone and bored.

Time flies, and Julia is once again sitting on a bench. She sees Rurik approach her again.

"Hello Julia!"

"Hi Rurik." Julia greeted passively.

"Why do you seem so downtrodden?"

"Well, I feel bad for always being so cold and tacless." Julia said with a sigh. "It's a problem I have that tends to push people away. I always seem to have a talent for scaring off people with my bad attitude. Especially you, I felt really bad for putting you in that position. I just seem to have a problem."

"Well I don't think it's a problem." Rurik added.

"Huh?"

"I like your sharp tongue and cold demeanor, that's what I like about you" Rurik said with a reassuring smile.

Julia felt the blood rush to her face as she tried to hide her flustered face. She tries to express her heart but it still comes out wrong.

"Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross. Gross."

"Um… How many times will you be saying that?" Rurik expressed dejectedly.

Juliette tried so hard to hide her flustered expression, but for the first time in her life, she couldn't keep it to herself.

"You want to… grab some drinks?" Julia offered, with a blush growing on her face. "I know a place in town."

"I'll take you up on that offer." Rurik returned with a smile.


Juliette remembered why she was crushing on Rurik, because he still approached her when no other boy did. He accepted her sharp tongue and cold attitude, something that she had appreciated so much from him. He was the man who truly got into her.

"So anyway, I'll be going now, the camp still needs me!" Rurik said before exiting.

As Rurik went down the stairs, Juliette called out.

"Rurik!"

Rurik turns to Juliette, who was on top of the stairs.

"It was nice seeing you!" Juliette said with a blush on her face.

"Likewise." Rurik smiled while giving an informal salute.

Juliette held onto her chest, feeling her strong heart pulse as she turned back to the palace, where she saw her father peeking on her.

"Father! Did you see all that!?"

"Uh, no?" Marek said while trying to hide the emotion on his face.

"Don't lie to me! Why do you look so pleased!? Are you thinking of anything inappropriate!?"

"Does a possible wedding count?" Marek asked.

"Grrrrr! I'm going to get you for this!" Juliette growled while running after her father, who ran fast for man in armor.


And that's it! Finally, A Stray Ashigaru is finally back! Do forgive if this chapter seems a bit half-baked!