Author's notes: We know Corrin was raised in the Nohrian military, so I thought this would be a neat bit of intelligence he should probably have: The timetables. Spoilers for Birthright, right up to the endgame.
Also, sorry that is chapter is long and took long. I got a tad carried away writing...
Sonic 401: The awakening characters are certainly going to be my top priority when it comes to alternative options with characters other than Corrin. However, I still have a couple of ideas floating about for Corrin, and this story is about Corrin. Oh, BTW, should I add the other-character alternative options in another story, or should I add to this one and change the summary? Please PM me to share your thoughts, as my ideas for Corrin are running thin enough for me to consider swapping to other characters in the near future.
Disclaimer: I don't own Nintendo, Fire Emblem Fates, or the characters.
Corrin, Ryoma and Azura all enter the training facility. Oops. The trainees are sparring with each-other.
Corrin: This doesn't look like the throne room! Where are we?
Ryoma: It looks like a training facility. These soldiers sure are being put through their paces.
Corrin: Well, at least we ARE in the castle...
Ryoma: Yes, but of all the places this tunnel could have led... We're surrounded by Nohr's most elite soldiers!
Corrin: Gods. Maybe they haven't noticed us yet. We'd better keep quiet.
Ryoma: Look, someone's coming.
Hans: What are you idiots doing?! This is a full contact exercise! I want to see real blood! Get after it.
Trainee 1: Yes, sir.
Corrin: That's Hans. It seems like Garon must have given him a promotion...
Ryoma: Yes. If I had to guess, he's in charge of the entire group.
Corrin: I'm not a vengeful person, but he killed Gunter right in front of me. I'd sure like to avenge his death.
Trainee 2: Well, well. What do we have here? Captain Hans, some intruders are hiding behind the statue!
Hans: Great. Bring 'em out here. We'll use 'em for target practice. Wait... That's Corrin!
Corrin: (Oh, great. Busted. What to do?)
Avenge Gunter!
Retreat
Get the army to surrender without a fight
Corrin: Hans, you are evidently breaking protocol. Now is supposed to be the mid-afternoon break, not full on sparring time!
Trainee 3: Yeah. I said that, but he wouldn't listen. If we don't rest, we'll never get stronger.
Hans: How the hell did you get in here?! Also, it's MY orders round here! I have no "protocol" to break.
Corrin: Well, if you're going to be like that, your regiment may not like the idea of following your evil orders, and may prefer to stick to the old protocol.
Trainee 4: I like 'im. I think we can take our own breaks.
Trainee 3: Yeah. Let's be rebels just this once.
Hans: Not cool, soldiers! I'll relay this message beck to King Garon. He will NOT be happy.
Messanger: (whistles innocently)
Hans: Fine. I'll execute all you slackers myself once we're done with the intruders. If you like living, kill these intruders.
Corrin: Hans, all you're doing is giving them an ulterior motive to make sure you lose.
Hans: I have HAD IT with these stupid ulterior motives, in these slacking soldiers! HYAAH!
Trainee 5: S-slacking? H-hans, you've hurt my feelings... Boo hoo hoo.
Hans: I'll kill you myself if I have to! GRAA– (trips) ARGH!
Trainee 2: (sarcastic) Sorry for putting my lance there. That was careless of me.
Hans: ARGH! You will be the first one to be executed!
Trainee 4: You'll need a weapon for that, right?
Hans: Of course I have a– wait.
Rinkah: Hm. This axe should be a nice upgrade from my old club.
Trainee 2: Haha. You dropped it! Well, finders keepers, losers weepers, as they say.
Hans: FFFFFFF...
Corrin: Or–
Orochi: Fine, fine. I'll capture him. (casually throws a net over Hans, and unceremoniously drags him away)
Corrin: That promotion lasted a really long time, didn't it?
Hans: Grr...
Trainee 3: So... What do we do now?
Trainee 1: I think we join them, knowing as we just betrayed our general.
Corrin: Well, I have no objections to that idea.
Takumi: I, however, do have an objection to getting a hundred Zolas.
Corrin: Overruled. They have no motive to go back to a King who will execute them. Also, strength in numbers is usually a good thing.
Takumi: Fine.
The now much larger party goes upstairs to the Iago fight.
The party approached one of the last stairways before Iago.
Trainee 2: Wait up! Someone's on the stairs ahead.
Elise: OH!
Iago: Well, well. Look who's still ali– wait, what?! Why is the Nohrian army on your side?
Trainee 2: He defeated Hans, so we're tagging along with the winning team.
Iago: TRAITORS! Fine, I'll get a load of faceless to stop you. (summons 1001 faceless) You can't take me and my over one thousand faceless down. Especially with a traitor on board.
Azura: ACK!
Takumi: die die die die die die die...
Azura: He's possessed! Let me sing him out of it.
Trainee 1: On it! (Hits Takumi's hand, breaking the stranglehold)
Azura: Thanks. You are the ocean's gray waves...
Iago: Shut up!
Takumi: Nnngh...
Corrin: Come on, snap out of it. Takumi!
Takumi: Nngh... Brother... I will break free!
Iago: What the-? Right, nothing summoning more faceless can't solve.
Mozu: You... You are the one who summoned the faceless... I'll never forgive you...
A purple haze surrounds Mozu as she grabs Fujin Yumi from the recovering Takumi. Her possessed rage forms a powerful dark arrow on the light bowstring, which she lets loose. It hits Iago square in the chest, and the power causes his exhausted body to collapse.
Iago: Argh! H-how could such an arrow be so powerful... I must be spent summoning all those faceless... Ugh... (dies)
Mozu: (the purple haze dissipates) That sure felt good, finishing off the one responsible for the deaths of so many.
Takumi: Hey! No-one but me is allowed to use Fujin Yumi. Let alone get better at using it than me!
Mozu: Tee hee. You can have it back, then.
Leo enters from the top of the stairs
Leo: Urgh, what is that stench. Oh, it's Iago. Bleeding out all over the stairway. Well, good riddance anyway. Try not to slip, will you?
Corrin: Leo!
Leo: What are you doing? Trying to take over Nohr? Just letting you know: I won't stop you or join you. I've had a moment of enlightenment and believe you are on the side of justice. However, I will not try to defeat my brother or father.
Corrin: Understood. Now, let's get rid of this faceless infestation.
All: On it!
The faceless are all defeated.
Corrin: That's the last of them. Goodbye, Leo.
Leo: Well, what are you waiting for? Move along already.
Elise: Just letting you know, I'll try to get them to listen to reason.
Leo: Make sure to stay safe. Also, be prepared for disappointment.
Elise: Disappointment? Not on my watch!
Corrin: Also, your collar is inside out.
Leo: Damn it! Go away!
Corrin: Haha. Fine.
The party continues going upwards to chapter 26. The new recruits used re-alliance. Elise's diplomatic power increased by 20!
The party reaches Xander's quarters.
Corrin: (panting) Are we nearly there yet?
Elise: Yes. Father's room is at the top of this tower.
Corrin: Thanks, Elise. We should get some rest before we ascend. After all, it is important.
Trainee 2: Yeah! At least this commander gives us breaks. I love this side swap!
Azura: That is an excellent idea, but, sadly, it doesn't appear we will get the chance.
Corrin: Why...?
Azura: Look who's waiting for us.
Corrin: Xander...
Xnader: You're here, at last. (unsheathes Siegfried) Now, once and for all!
Siegfried emits a dense purple fog
Xander: Hello, Corrin. You have done well to make it this far.
Corrin: I don't want to fight you. Please listen to reason.
Xander: You're as naïve as ev–
Elise: Oh, look. It's Mr. Deluded. The only one who hasn't figured out that Father is a bit messed up in the head. Well, I've figured it out, Camilla's figured it out, Leo's figured it out. Even the whole Nohrian army in on our side. Corrin gets a gold star for realizing it so early.
Azura: …
Elise: Oh, and Azura gets the super awesome first place for beating us by about a decade. Anyway, I don't know what misinformation you have, but you aren't on the right team.
Xander: The fact you're backed by all the new recruits does make you very convincing... However, I must stay defending my homeland! I will not let anyone kill father right in front of me.
Elise: You jerk. Fine, I'll just beat the sense into your head. (slaps Xander in the face)
Xander: Ow! Have you no shame?
Elise: No, I don't have any shame in keeping you in line. As for "defending your homeland", that's some pretty high talk for someone who is trying to attack all that is right in Nohr.
Xander: …
Elise: No more fooling around, brother. Join us NOW!
Xander: I will surrender. Nothing more.
Elise: Hmph. I guess I'll forgive you, but don't think I won't let Corrin inherit Nohr. That can be your penalty for realizing too late.
Xander: No. WHY?!
Elise: Punishment. That's why. I would sentence you to death, but we all know how good Corrin is at following execution orders.
Xander: So instead, I am forced to live my life in solemn regret, without the kingdom I have every right to.
Elise: Yes. Orochi, do the thing.
Orochi: Yes, I'll collect him like an herb. Just get a rope here, and a net here and... Stop moving! There we go. Xander is captured.
Xander: MMPH! Mm-mm-mmph mmrph! Mmph mmph mmph.
Corrin: Well, let's go to King Garon anyway.
Xander: (Such an anti-climax...)
Laslow: Since when was that "single combat", Hoshidan scum?
Peri: Exactly, I knew you would stab him in the back. Now I'll stab you in the front. I'm feeling stabby!
Corrin: He never requested single combat. He actually surrendered to us when he realized that Garon is doing nothing but attack Nohr.
Xander: Mm-mm-mmph!
Laslow: That doesn't sound very convincing that he "surrendered"...
Peri: About as unconvincing as your flirting, haha!
Laslow: You are as savage with words as you are with swords.
Peri: I know. I'm awesome, right?
Elise: On behalf of Nohr, I order you to stand down now. Please allow our anti-corruption operation to go ahead.
Laslow: Fine. Orders are orders, I guess.
Peri: But I was looking forward to a battle...
Elise: You're not getting one. Let us move on...
Corrin: Alright. We'll have our next break when we're just outside the throne room.
Trainee 4: To the throne room! I'm not too sure killing the king is within protocol, but who cares? Other than Garon himself, of course.
The party walk up to the throne room.
The party takes one last break before entering...
Corrin: This will be our last break before conquering Nohr. Everyone, be ready. If you do not wish do join the final battle, say so now.
All: …
Corrin: (Kana, this is the point where you were supposed to raise an objection!) Good. We will proceed in one hour. Prepare with that in mind. Also, someone will have to go on watch and sit out the main event, just in case we missed some guards.
Dwyer: Fine, I will. It's easier than battling Garon anyway.
Corrin: Good. Everyone else, prepare for battle.
An hour later...
Corrin: Everyone, we are about to enter the throne room. I will attempt to reason with Garon, but it will likely fail. If that is the case, attack with full force.
Trainees: Sir yes sir! (they enter the throne room)
Corrin: At last. King Garon.
Garon: (cliché evil laugh) I'm so glad you made it home.
Garon steps down from his throne.
Garon: Heh heh. Young prince Corrin, it's been a while, has it not. For someone who's spent much of his life as a pampered shut-in, you've achieved something approaching confidence.
Corrin: (sigh) Thanks for the compliment. As I'm sure you're aware, we're here to dethrone you. You have sparked a needless war that has ended thousands of lives. Even your own army has turned on your savage ways! And all of your children.
Garon: Hmm. I am surprised to hear that. How did you convince Xander?
Corrin: OK. All bar one of your children. We have imprisoned him for his own crimes in the war.
Garon: Camilla? Leo?
Corrin: Both are on our side, but they decided to sit out killing their own father because they have a grip on the sanctity of life.
Garon: And yet Elise is no coward.
Elise: You know it! When it comes to saving lives, I'm the best of the best. And what better way to secure that title than by stopping a war?
Corrin: (Uh oh. It looks like Elise has inherited more from her father than ideal...) Anyway, you are about to pay for your crimes, unless you wish to surrender now.
Garon: NEVER! I don't surrender to weak fools like you! You are all mere pawns in my schemes! Now I'll demonstrate how powerful I am by defeating you all.
Corrin: I gave you the chance. Now I must end your reign, and your life. Charge!
Corrin swings at Garon, but to no avail.
Garon: Bwahahahahahuh?
Selkie: Quit fooling around, dum dum! (pounces on Garon)
Garon: Insolent fool. You're going down, fox!
Selkie was a very "slippy" target, and she dodged all of King Garon's pathetic swipes. Miss miss miss miss miss.
Selkie: Aw, come on. It's no fun if the opponent isn't even trying. Put some effort into it! (more playful bites)
Corrin: (Well, I suppose I did tell her to charge...) Everyone, assist Selkie in taking out Garon!
Azura: On it! Ahem, You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek life beyond the shore, just out of reach...
Selkie: Whee!
Trainee 1: I'll pin him down, hyah!
Trainee 2: I wonder what mess I can make out of this...
Garon: Get off! I can't multi-task!
Selkie: Watch out, I'm playing rough! (crits Garon. Garon is defeated)
Corrin: Alright! That was almost too easy! Next up, forging a peace treaty.
Garon: (revived in his dragon form) Peace treaty? Bwahahahaha. Yes, it was too easy.
Corrin: No!
Garon: Are you really surprised?...
Corrin: Not exactly. I've been in your position before. Monarch dying, dragon transformation...
Ryoma: …
Garon: Hmph. Your power pales in comparison to mine, though. The blood of the dragons runs through my veins, as it does yours. Now, witness my true power unleashed! (strikes Corrin down, destroying Noble Yato)
Elsie: Oh wow... Does that mean I can transform into a dragon too? Gimme that spare dragonstone!
Corrin: (This is only going to go wrong...) Cough, cough.
Elise increases in size rapidly to become a dragon, causing her clothes to rip apart.
Corrin: (Definitely only going to go wrong! I did not want to see that!)
Elise: Now witness MY cliché final form unleashed!
Selkie: Oooh... I finally get to play with the big beasts! This should be really fun!
Elise: Ehehe yay! A new playmate.
Corrin: (covering his eyes) Girls, concentrate! We need to defeat Garon, not each-other!
Kana: Oh! I want in! (transforms) Try to face three beasts at once, evil monster! You won't stop me.
Garon: You are no match for me. Die. (misses completely)
Selkie: You'll have to try harder than that. Except you won't be able to. Hahaha! (crits Garon)
Garon: ARGH! You'll pay for that, you stupid furball!
Kana: It's not over yet! RAWR! (dragon fang misses Garon)
Elise: Bullying isn't fun when you're on the receiving end. Right, father? Now get stomped! (critical draconic slap!)
Garon: NOOOOOO! I cannot... Die...
Elise: You can. I grant permission.
Trainee 4: Let me take the finishing blow! Hyaah! (Kills Garon)
Corrin: That is it. Soldiers of Nohr, your king is actually defeated this time. Let us get on with the peace negotiations.
Well, that escalated quickly. Can you guess which unit I found absolutely OP in Birthright? NB: In the original chapter 24, Trainee 3 does actually bring up a reason why they shouldn't be attacking (only to be threatened by Hans). I think this may well have been it.
