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The Hoshidan's were finally back within their homeland; Kamui still unfamiliar with the geography of Hoshido was unsure of what part of Hoshido they have stepped into. The land before them was beautiful, brilliant green mountains that touched the sky, sparkling blue rivers that flowed with grace; having spent a good month in Nohrian territory, the wonderful landscape was a breath of fresh air; maybe she was getting used to the more pleasant scenery, but she honestly didn't want to leave Hoshido anymore. Looking back at her forces they were all worn out from traveling, resting for the day would be ideal.
"Why don't we set up camp? The men are all worn out" she told Hinoka, but the elder Princess didn't look happy, in fact she looked incredibly wary, her eyes constantly darting around the trees; Kamui frowned. "Is something wrong?"
"We can't stay here, we press forth" Hinoka told her pulling on the lead of her pegasus, the elder princess was in a panic and Kamui could only wonder why, she tried to reason with her sister.
"But the men are all exhausted surely we can let them rest, and besides, it's not like we're in enemy territory" Hinoka however shook her head.
"It's not that, it's something far more complicated than that" she muttered. Takumi noticing the commotion between the two approached them.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"We are in Akita territory" that was all Hinoka needed to say to cause Takumi to tense up, his expression darkened, Kamui noted that it was the same dirty look he used to give her.
"I see…." he mumbled. "I'll make sure the troops are up and running, we'll march out as soon as possible" Kamui watched her brother's retreating figure before facing Hinoka.
"I don't understand, what's wrong with this place?" Kamui asked.
"Nothing is wrong, rather it is the Lord of this land that is the problem" Kamui continued to stare at her sister wondering what she meant. "This land belongs to the Akita clan, former ninja's that served the royal family, but something happened between the clan head and our father that caused them to turn their backs on us" she explained. A cold wind brushed past as an ominous feeling washed over them, they were being watched.
"We did not turn our backs on you" a voice suddenly said, Kamui shuddered at the voice, it was cold and almost threatening, she never thought someone could speak with such malice "It was the royal family that betrayed us" as the person spoke, Hinoka and Kamui turned to the source, a woman stood before them accompanied by two samurai. Kamui found the woman intimidating, her gaze was empty, void of any emotion, it was a look she saw in many Hoshidan ninja's, but hers was particularly frightening.
"Ayami…" Hinoka hissed the name.
"Princess Hinoka" the woman greeted her eyes quickly switching to Kamui. "You know the agreement our families had, do you intend to break it just because your father is dead?" Hinoka narrowed her eyes not exactly happy with the woman's rude tone.
"No, we were just leaving" Hinoka muttered, but Kamui had other ideas.
"Hey wait a minute" she called for their attention. "I don't know what agreement our fathers made, but please, our soldiers are exhausted from traveling, let us rest for one night and we'll be on our way in the morning" Ayami remaining silent stared Kamui down, and for a moment Kamui thought the woman would consider it.
"No, none of you are welcome here, you either leave peacefully, or you will be escorted out by force" her response made Kamui heart drop, but she wasn't backing down, she step forward causing Ayami's samurai to draw their weapons. Seeing their liege being threatened Kaze and Jacob were quick to move to Kamui's defense, at this point the young Princess was worried that a fight would break out; luckily Ayami told her men to stand down, Kamui gestured at Kaze and Jacob to do the same, her two retainers stepped back, choosing to stand close by her side.
"Princess Kamui the last I saw you, you were only a baby, look at how much you have grown now; I assume the time in Nohr has treated you well?" Kamui narrowed her eyes not sure how to make of the woman's implications, but she decided to play it safe.
"It has, but my loyalties are with Hoshido now" however much to Kamui's surprise the woman disapproved.
"A pity, it would have been better if you'd remain in Nohr" she told her.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kamui questioned, taken back by the rejection, Kamui would have thought she'd proven her loyalty to Hoshido by now, but then again she shouldn't be surprised that there were still some people that still didn't trust her. Hinoka interrupted before either one could make a comment.
"You are stepping out of line Ayami" she yelled. "Need I remind you that you are speaking to a princess of Hoshido" the woman was not amused by the elder princess' outburst, in fact her expression twisted into hate.
"You stand in Akita territory Princess Hinoka" she spat. "Don't you dare come here sporting your authority, my clan has cut all ties to Hoshido, you are no Princess of ours" the woman's glare was enough to send a chill through Kamui's spine, she didn't know why but she was feeling a lot of the woman's hate directed at her. "Now, will you leave peacefully or do you have to be forced out?" Hinoka angrily complied with the woman's request.
"Kamui, let's go" she said with more force in her tone; Kamui bit her lip, with the way things were it would only cause more trouble than it was worth. Hastily, Hinoka, Kamui and her retainers left to rejoin the rest of the departing army.
Kamui was left wondering what had just happened, she didn't imagine that she would meet people with such hostility within Hoshidan territory, especially towards the royal family.
"What sort of disagreement did our father have that would warrant such a reaction" Kamui asked. Hinoka didn't say anything at first, still feeling very bitter about their encounter.
"Kamui whatever you do, avoid coming here. I don't know what would have happened had I not been present" the elder Princess said.
"I don't understand"
"The Lord of this land harbors a deep hatred for our mother" she answered quickly obviously trying to avoid speaking further on the matter.
"What! Why?" Kamui couldn't imagine anyone disliking her mother, she was so kind and understanding, and from what she's seen, beloved by everyone in Hoshido. Hinoka shook her head, her feet stomping on the ground as if her heavy footsteps would be able to send a message to the Akita clan. Calming herself, she sucked in the air before letting it all out in one heavy sigh.
"I don't know, Ryoma knows but chooses not to say anything. All I know is that a dispute between them was what caused the Akita clan to leave" she explained to Kamui. "A pity too" she couldn't help add.
"What do you mean?" Kamui asked, Kaze was the one who answered.
"The Akita clan was one of the most powerful ninja clans in Hoshido, their skill and strength were revered to be so amazing that none dared oppose them" he told his liege; Kamui raised a brow at this.
"They didn't seem that threatening" Kamui commented. Hinoka spoke with reassurance.
"Just take our word for it Kamui, it has been many years since they last held a blade but do not underestimate them; I've seen them in action, and not even the Saizo clan can do what they can do" Hinoka turned to Kaze looking apologetic. "No offence". Kaze shook his head.
"No need to apologies milady". Kamui still perplexed about the whole situation continued pressing for answers.
"You said that they once served the Royal Family, were you and the woman close?" she questioned. Hinoka let out a sigh.
"I guess I once considered Ayami a friend" she murmured, reminiscing the past, a faint smile brought upon her lips.
"Doesn't Lord Ryoma have a close relationship with her as well?" Kaze mentioned, Hinoka lost her smile and looked sternly at Kaze, silencing the ninja's slip of tongue. This piqued Kamui's curiosity.
"Close relationship? Were they really good friends?" Hinoka rubbed her temples, a headache forming at the bombardment of questions.
"I guess you're bound to find out sooner or later" she muttered. "Ayami used to be Ryoma's betrothed"
"Betrothed?" Kamui repeated, the way the word sounded, it was unusual, almost foreign, maybe because she never imagined marriage to be in the foreseeable future for any of her family, but then again she shouldn't be surprised, Ryoma was the crown prince of Hoshido, sooner or later he would have needed to marry and produce a heir.
"Yes, it was an arranged marriage but even then the two used to be quite smitten with each other" now this confused Kamui.
"But then why did she feel so hostile, you would think she would be a little sympathetic to our cause" though Kamui was quite sure she knew the answer to her question; the situation was quite like with her Nohrian siblings, the anger, the hostility, the sadness they held for her, for her betrayal. Hinoka's answer was pretty much how she expected it to be.
"I'm afraid time changes people, now she bares the same grudge as her father" she told her. "But that doesn't matter, as long as we leave them alone, they will do the same to us" Kamui looked back; she wasn't sure if she would accept that, whatever grudge they had for her mother had to be something that could be settled if they just talked it out.
It was chaos, Corrin and his forces were being pushed back against the walls, the enemy numbers were overwhelming to the point that the soldiers were forced to maintain a defensive formation, never getting the chance to strike back; with their shields held high, the enemy struck with great force, causing the soldiers to flinch and stumble with each blow. Corrin was at the front, being the only one who was able to fight back, he relieved the pressure from his soldiers.
Very quickly Corrin signaled the Ice Tribe, their mages supporting them with powerful spells from high above their wall, some even seeing the Nohrian soldiers bravery jumped into the fray to assist them. The Fallen fought like wild beasts, albeit trained beasts; with as much ferocity they showed, they backed with ample precision and skill.
Silas was glad that he didn't have his horse, with the way these monsters were attacking he was certain his steed would have run off in panic; the purple hue the enemy was emitting was both suffocating and distracting hindering Silas' combat ability. He was barely able to hold off three of the Fallen soldiers, one even punctured his armor; quickly checking, Silas was stunned by how close to death he was, their rusted weapons penetrated both the outer plating and the chainmail he wore underneath, his skin luckily was left untouched.
A bombardment of fireballs rained onto the Fallen incinerating their bodies, the stench of ash filled the soldiers nostrils while enemy bodies dropped continuously. What was most terrifying about the scene was the lack of screaming, the Fallen allowed the flames to scorch their armor and burn their skin, their faces melted and deformed without even a single reaction.
Realizing the enemy forces were slowly weakening Silas rushed to the front to assist his comrades. He was surprised by Corrin's strategy; by positioning themselves as compact as possible the soldiers were able to use each other as support to maintain a solid stance against the enemy, and as Corrin had predicted, the enemy had no formation, choosing only to pile on top of them grouping together in one large pile, giving way for easy picking for magic; the Ice Tribe mages rained fire and ice onto the enemy thinning their horde allowing the Nohrian soldiers and Ice Tribe warriors to push back; once again, exactly how Corrin planned.
They advanced, but with each step the soldiers found it became increasingly more difficult to fight. Felicia and Flora stuck together in the back line using their healing staffs to maintain the soldiers strength, however even they could feel the heat of the battle, the bloodlust was suffocating. The twins not physically in the battle was able to see what the Nohrian soldiers could not, and it was horrifying; the Fallen having their flimsy weapons break resorted to clawing with their hands, their finger nails cracking against steel while blood splurged everywhere; yet it didn't slow the enemy down, with every blade plunged into them it would enrage them further.
The twins tried to spot Corrin among the chaos but was unsuccessful, they were only able to spot some of their fellow Ice Tribe warriors fight alongside the Nohrian soldiers. Flora spotting an abandoned bow and arrow was quick to grab it, though she was unfamiliar with the weapon she found it surprisingly easy to handle; pulling the bow string, she aimed at a Fallen soldier harassing one of the Ice Tribe warriors; releasing the string Flora launched the arrow hitting the Fallen straight in the head killing him. Flora was quite surprised not expecting to hit her target but was equally glad that she was able to help her fellow tribesman. Grabbing another arrow she shot it at an axe wielder ready to cleave away at a Nohrian soldier, the Fallen tumbled to the ground dead with an arrow through the head. Flora was incredibly surprised, the way the bow handled in her hands, it was almost like she had wielded it for years; hands tightening and loosening she lowered the bow eyes now scanning the front.
The enemy threw Baxter onto the ground, surrounded, four Fallen soldiers loomed over him ready to deliver the final blow; everyone else was too occupied to help and he realized that this was the end for him; shutting his eyes he waited for his imminent death. But it never came; cracking open his eyes he saw Corrin standing over him, with all four enemy soldiers decapitated.
"You alright?" Corrin asked. Baxter dumbfounded by his Commanders brutality nodded. "Then get up, we're not done yet" extending out his hand Corrin pulled Baxter up. "Be sure to go straight for lethal kills, all other attacks will be shrugged off" without another word Corrin ran off back into the horde of enemies. Everyone else found it odd that the enemy was laying off their attack, following the enemies movements, they were filled with both awe and horror, the Fallen enemies had gathered around their commander, attracted to his blood; however Corrin was holding his own despite the odds; he fought with great aggression cleaving away enemy limbs before piercing their hearts and decapitating their heads; Corrin moved fast and it was like his blade attacked twice with each strike; for those who watched closely they could see the apparition of a white figure fight alongside the commander, but only for a moment.
His fight went on for a while but very soon Corrin was able to strike down the last remaining Fallen soldier. Looking over at the armored knight Corrin found him in the exact same spot having not moved a muscle, the knight continued to watch from a distance. Corrin didn't know how to react but met the knight's gaze. At that moment the knight roared, it sounded distorted, inhuman, but something about it was familiar to Corrin, almost like he's heard it somewhere before. The snow kicked up, blinding everyone's vision; Corrin felt a chill run down his spine, something big was coming, moving back towards his troops, Corrin prepared for what was to come.
The snow dissipated abruptly revealing what was hidden beneath.
"What in god's name!" Kilma gasped. Charging at them was an army of Fallen, numbers going up into the hundreds, a force far larger than anything they have faced.
"Chief!" One of the dark mages asked. "What do we do now?"
"Maintain a defensive line" Kilma yelled before turning to one of the mages next to him. "Take our people into the inner sanctum and barricade the door" he told him, the man nodded rushing down the wall dragging a few others to help him. Kilma spotted his two daughters, he was worried, frightened for them; he knew they had a duty to uphold but he truly wished the two of them would abandon the battlefield and retreat to safety. He observed the soldiers below, they were trembling with fear; they were clearly outnumbered, more so than before, and this time no strategy would be able to save them.
The armored knight led the charge, his army advancing like stampeding beasts; Corrin needed a clear plan of action, but with the numbers he was dealing with, he needed time, time he didn't have. He was running out of options, the only thing he could think of was using himself as bait while allowing the others to make their escape; but even then they could only make it so far before the Fallen would catch up to them.
"We're out of options Corrin" Garon said, Corrin didn't respond, he wasn't about to give up, he would make sure to save as many people as he could. He touched the Fire emblem, twisting the ring on his finger, magic energy jolted the air, causing it to simmer and warp.
"Use my power" a woman's voice echoed, the sound was faint, brushing over his ear, he recognized it, it was the Ice Dragon.
"I might have the solution to our problem" he told Garon, the Fire Emblem glowed and once again Corrin was looking at the magic trails surrounding him. One in particular called out to him.
"Reach forth and grasp onto my strength" the Ice Dragon echoed; Corrin did as he was told, his ring hand reaching out to an ice blue string, letting it wrap around his hand, powerful cold magic rushed through his body.
"Fall back!" Corrin screamed running towards his soldiers, they didn't need to be told twice as they all rushed back towards the village gates.
The sky darkened, an ominous snow filled the air. Nobody knew what was happening but could only pray it would be merciful. And then it happened, hundreds and hundreds of icicles rained down upon the Fallen army, impaling many with their sharpened tips.
"By the Gods…." Kilma gasped out, this was magic far beyond his imagination, in fact he wasn't even sure if this was magic, could this have been the power of a dragon vein? No, even this goes beyond that.
"The Great Dragon is watching over us" the Chieftain heard one of his mages cry out. Was it? Could it really be the power of the Ice Dragon? Kilma wanted to believe but was skeptical; for thousands of years worshiping the great Dragon nothing like this has ever happened. Locking eyes onto Corrin, there was powerful magic emanating from the boy, it could very well have been the young prince that called forth such power.
"Chief Kilma!" he heard Corrin scream. Looking down he saw the Prince pointing at the enemy army. "Create a snow storm around the enemy!" Kilma acknowledged the order proceeding to command five other mages to his lead, channeling magic they whipped up the snow around the Fallen encasing them within. Corrin with renewed confidence charged into the storm.
"Their numbers have thinned! Move forth and circle around the storm, surround the enemy!" he screamed. The Nohrian soldiers were reluctant but upon seeing Silas along with other Ice Tribe warriors charge with their commander they were quick to follow suit not wanting to be shown up.
Used to fighting blind, Corrin moved on instinct, reacting to any of movement, sound or smell that graced his senses; dragging the enemy to the eye of the storm, he was able to maintain the enemies focus on himself. Basing on the enemy footsteps he guessed there were approximately fifty Fallen remaining; however what worried him was the Armored Knight, he wasn't among the casualties of the Icicle storm nor has he taken advantage of the snow storm to strike him down, it was as if he was waiting for something.
All of a sudden, silence, the enemy stopped attacking, the snow faded revealing everything, the enemy had retracted their weapons and was stepping away.
"Grave Walker!" he heard, the Armored Knight stood behind him sword in hand; unlike all the warriors he's faced before, Corrin knew this foe would be powerful; purple hue licked the surface of the plating and a bloody red glow leaked through the cracks of his armor; he carried an equally deadly greatsword, its edge serrated, each teeth sharp enough to slice through metal. The Knight advanced, with each step melting away snow; Corrin quickly raised his sword but shuddered as the Knight's sword struck with incredible force, he found that he was unable to push back, the Knight's strength was overwhelming. From the corner of his eye he saw the allied forces surround the remnants of Fallen; they needed to act fast, he wasn't sure if he could handle this monstrous foe alone.
"Attack!" he screamed; the soldiers moved in, their swords and spears stabbing into the flesh of the Fallen, the enemy didn't fight back, letting steel and iron sink into them while they all dropped dead, the soldiers and warriors closed in steadily.
Corrin allowed the Armored Knight to continue his onslaught, each strike becoming stronger and stronger; gritting his teeth Corrin timed the Knight's attack jumping back when he attempted to attack again. Choosing to keep a distance away Corrin observed the Knight's movements, he was relentless, his sword smashing onto the ground, snow splashing into the sky. Rolling to the side Corrin was just able to avoid being cleaved in two; nobody had chosen to interfere, or rather nobody was brave enough to get close; the Knight was overbearing, it was like fighting against an impenetrable fortress, there were no openings to his defenses.
Watching worriedly was Flora, the maid was certain that if the fight against the monstrous Knight lasted any longer her liege was going to die and the rest of them with him; coiling her fingers around her bow she scanned the area, the enemy had all been slain with only the Knight remaining; they had him surrounded but it was still not looking good. Flora drew an arrow pointing it at the Knight, she waited for her opening, the knight's movements glazed past her eyes, she held her breath and released, her arrow soared hitting the Knight in the eye. Stunned, the Knight stumbled back allowing Corrin to strike, he thrusted his blade into the warriors neck. Corrin stepped away leaving his sword stuck in the Knight; he wasn't exactly sure what would happen next, the Knight didn't seem to be dead, yet he had a shaking feeling the Knight never was to begin with. The Knight stood up straight pulling Corrin's sword out in the process; he released an earth shattering roar, everyone covered their ears feeling great discomfort at the sound, and before they could get their bearings again the Knight launched his attack, smashing both his and Corrin's sword at the Prince, they wounded him but didn't do enough to consider lethal; Corrin felt immense pain, two gashes on his arm. Pulling out a dagger Corrin prepared for the Knight's next assault. But something unexpected happened, the Knight simply warped away leaving nothing in his tracks.
It was odd to consider the battle to be over, it was so abrupt and it took everyone a moment to digest what had just happened; they had essentially all just escaped death. Everyone dropped their weapons crying out for joy, they survived the onslaught. Both Flora and Felicia rushed to Corrin's side; Felicia quickly pulled out her healing staff to close Corrin's wound.
"That Knight…." Garon mumbled, Corrin nodded.
"Yeah, he was a monster" looking at his hands Corrin realized they were shaking, clenching them into fists he grit his teeth; he realized something, all that time in the caves he was fighting simple foot soldiers, fodder to be slaughtered; the elites of the Fallen army were on a whole different level, he would even wager that they were stronger than Xander. This was a troubling revelation, he needed to get much stronger, otherwise there would be no hope in defeating the corruption.
"Lord Corrin, we should head back" Flora suggested; Corrin nodded. Felicia had already rounded up the forces, leading them back to the village. Corrin along with Flora lagged behind the rest, choosing to stare and observe at the remnants of the battlefield, there were bodies, all of them Fallen; but despite them defeating the enemy, it certainly didn't feel like a victory, this battle was a powerful blow to their mentality, Corrin could feel the fear of his men, and he understood one thing from this experience, none of them were prepared for the upcoming battles.
"Thank you by the way" he suddenly said. Flora was confused by the gesture, which Corrin noticed. "The arrow, it really saved me back there".
"Oh!" Flora was quick to wave off the praise. "It was nothing, like you said Lord Corrin, I will be watching your back" Corrin chuckled.
"Of course" he then glanced down at her hands, they were trembling. "Was that your first time using a bow?" Flora looked almost ashamed, which Corrin found quite odd.
"It was…" she muttered.
"In that case, I'm impressed" Flora shook her head.
"No, I got lucky, but I'm glad it was able to protect you" Corrin placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't sell yourself short Flora. You have many strengths that I count on. Remember that" Flora let his words sink in, great joy building up.
"Understood!" while Flora was smiling to herself very shyly Corrin was having his own concerns; he didn't feel at first but now, now his soul felt heavy, like something was weighing on his shoulders; Corrin looked to his ring, it wasn't reacting, he hoped this feeling was only temporary.
Everyone was currently being tended by healers. Corrin was back within Kilma's study sipping on tea.
"You have my gratitude Lord Corrin" the Chieftain said breaking the silence. "I don't think we would have survived had you not been here"
"I can't take all the credit chieftain, we wouldn't have survived without the support of your warriors, you and your people really saved us there" Corrin replied taking sips in between, the warm liquid calmed his nerves and allowed him to take his mind off certain things.
"You sell yourself short Lord Corrin, I speak for all of my people when I say you have done a great service for us; should it be within our power the Ice Tribe will be happy to offer you our service" Corrin didn't expect the chieftain to make such an offer, but it certainly made things easier for him.
"I will certainly keep your offer in mind chieftain" Corrin spoke with sincerity and was genuinely grateful but now he could only wonder if bringing them into this war was the right thing to do. His eyes wandered down to the Fire Emblem, it was trembling, a thought popped into his mind, a connection that he should have realized ever since he heard the Ice Dragon's voice. "By the way Chief Kilma, this village worships the Ice Dragon correct?" he questioned, Kilma nodded. "Do you by any chance have a place of worship?" Kilma crossed his arms.
"We do, but why do you ask?"
"I'm sure you saw the magic that aided us against the enemy. I think it is connected to the Ice Dragon" Corrin explained.
"Yes that certainly was unexpected, however I suspect you had something to do with it"
"With me?" Corrin laughed at the accusation. "I assure you I am unable to cast such a powerful spell, in fact I am still learning the basics" Kilma shook his head clearly seeing through Corrin's farce.
"Do not lie Lord Corrin, a highly trained mage can tell when such a powerful spell is being cast and who the caster is" he told him. Corrin could only chuckle before sighing.
"I see… then please let me see this place of worship and I'm sure all your questions will be answered" Kilma eyed him not sensing any lies from the boy.
"Very well" standing up he gestured to the door "This way then".
It was a small building located in the center of the village, compared to the other buildings this place was much colder, in fact approaching it would give anybody an intense chill. Walking inside only made the cold worse, Corrin could hardly handle it. The inside was empty with only a shrine sitting in the back of the room, nothing too extravagant. Making his way deeper into the room Corrin glanced back at Kilma, the Chieftain stood a ways back by the entrance observing his every move. Turning his attention back to the shrine Corrin noticed the small golden statue of a woman surrounded by dimly lit candles; reaching out to touch the figure the Fire Emblem started humming and before anyone could react, light engulfed both Corrin and Kilma. A woman stood before them; she was quite beautiful with a mysterious flare surrounding her, long white hair gleamed gently in the dim lit room, Corrin felt at ease bathing under the soft glow, but very much like the other First Dragons she also emanated power and authority.
"So we finally meet, son of the Silent Dragon" she said.
"You know of me?" Corrin asked.
"Yes, I have been contacted by my counterpart from the other world; she has told me everything" Corrin didn't seem to completely understand but went along with it regardless.
"So it was you who spoke to me" he said, the woman nodded.
"Indeed it was, I am however surprised, you managed to control the output of the spell flawlessly" Corrin didn't say anything, even he was surprised that things turned out so well.
"Are you truly the Great One?" They heard Kilma speak, his voice trembling with disbelief; Corrin couldn't blame him, back then even he never believed he would be able to meet the First Dragon's in the flesh, yet they graced them with their presence; it certainly was something they would never forget.
"Greetings" the Ice Dragon approached the Chieftain. "I am the Dragon of Ice, one of the twelve Ancient Dragons, it is a pleasure to meet a child of the ice" Kilma was speechless, but at the same time he had no reason to not believe the woman, her presence, it was enchanting almost hypnotizing; he got on his knees bowing.
"To be in the presence of the Great one is truly an honor" he said. The Ice Dragon giggled into her sleeve.
"No need for such formalities child, the honor is mine, to see such remarkable people you all have become, it brings me great joy to witness your growth" to hear such praise from the Dragon brought Kilma great pride, for all that has happened he almost felt unworthy. "But sadly my business is not with you" the woman turned back to Corrin. "It is with the son of the Silent Dragon" Kilma looked between Corrin and the Ice Dragon, he backed away choosing not to comment, knowing that any questions he had would be answered by their conversation. The Ice Dragon spoke first.
"I am sure the other Silent Dragon has left you with many questions" Corrin shrugged his shoulders.
"Not as many as you would think" he said, raising his hand he showed the dragon the ring. "But tell me more about the Fire Emblem, what sort of power does it give me?" smiling mischievously the woman grasped onto Corrin's hand, her touch was icy cold and Corrin wasn't sure if it was from her being a spirit or if she was just naturally chilling, he was going to assume it was a bit of both. The Ice Dragon traced her finger over the ring.
"The Fire Emblem contains the power of all twelve Ancient Dragons, once you have learnt to control it you will be able to create and manipulate reality at your leisure, you will become the incarnation of our power" Corrin lowered his eyes, choosing to stare cautiously at the etchings on his ring.
"So I will be able to freely use magic on the same scale as the one I casted back then?" the Ice Dragon nodded; this changed a lot of things, he needed to learn how to use this power fast, the advantages would be limitless, it would certainly tip the scales in their favour.
"However" the Ice Dragon warned. "Be wary, as powerful our magic is, it alone is not enough, as the Silent Dragon said, only when you complete the Fire Emblem will you be able to utilize it to defeat the corruption". Corrin nodded; yes the mystery that he had no answer to, but something the Ice Dragon might have.
"Ice Dragon, I still do not understand what it means to complete the Fire Emblem" he asked.
"I am afraid even I cannot answer that, just know that once you do you will be able to vanquish the corruption" Corrin face faulted, her answer wasn't anything he didn't know already; he supposed he would just have to do as his father says, let the Fire Emblem guide him. He then looked at the woman oddly. "By the way I thought the First Dragons have left the mortal realm, how are you here?" the woman stepped back watching both Corrin and Kilma.
"We First Dragons are capable of traveling between worlds this includes the mortal and spirit world; due to the nature of the problem we have deemed it necessary to come assist your journey"
"Assist? In what way?" Corrin asked. "Will you fight with us?" the Ice Dragon giggled shaking her head.
"I'm afraid not, as much as I want to, I am incapable of fighting in my state, I will however be assisting from the shadows" the obscure words of a Dragon, Corrin should have expected this, maybe it was because in the back of his mind he hoped he would get a straight answer that he asked such a question. "However" she spoke carefully, her expression darkening. "Your soul has become heavy hasn't it" Corrin was surprised.
"How did you know?" the Ice Dragon looked at him with sorrow.
"What you are feeling is the weight of the corruption" her answer caused Corrin's heart to race.
"Are you saying it has started to possess me?"
"No. As you know when you kill a Fallen the darkness within them seeks another host; the Fire Emblem has the power to absorb that darkness. That weight you are feeling is that stored darkness" Corrin swallowed, this new information was concerning, he could sort of understand why it would want to absorb the corruption but at the same time he didn't like the idea of having the darkness so close. Corrin faced Kilma who was silent the whole time.
"What do you make of all this?" he asked him. Kilma stroked his chin deep in thought, he was still unsure of many things that was spoken between them but he had little reason to doubt them; for now he decided to maintain an open mind and tackle the problem at hand.
"What you've said is troubling" he started saying. "Were those enemy soldiers also of the so called corruption?" the Ice Dragon nodded.
"Indeed and Corrin here has been entrusted by the First Dragons to stop this evil" she told him, Corrin noticed a hint of disgust in her voice; it was directed at herself, was she ashamed of this whole predicament? It was possible, he remembered the anguish that the First Dragons had, it was sad.
"Chieftain Kilma, join me" he exclaimed. Corrin needed to be convincing, if not he highly doubt the Chieftain would agree to help, the battle ahead would be dangerous which meant putting his tribesmen in dangers beyond normal means.
"Okay" Kilma replied, Corrin paused.
"Wait…. Seriously?" The Prince spoke unbelievably.
"Yes, is something the matter" Kilma questioned a little glad that he was able to make the young Prince stutter.
"Well no, it's just I had this long speech ready to convince you to join our cause, I wasn't ready for you to agree so easily" Kilma laughed.
"You underestimate me Lord Corrin, I am much more perceptive than you are led to believe. I know it has always been your intent to recruit us" embarrassed Corrin scratched his cheek forming a cheeky grin.
"Then I must apologies, I overestimated my own abilities…."
"Do not apologies, I was only able to see through your guise because I've had experience, and even then, I was only just barely able to grasp onto your intent" Corrin wasn't sure but it sounded like the Chieftain was praising him. "Either way, we of the Ice Tribe will be honored to follow you into battle" he extended out his hand, smiling Corrin reached out and shook it, solidifying their alliance.
"But why agree so easily?" Corrin couldn't help ask.
"This is no more your battle than it is ours. Those corrupted soldiers attacked my people, I refuse to sit idly and let them do as they please. And besides" Kilma faced the Ice Dragon. "You have the blessing of the Great One that only strengthens my resolve to assist you" Corrin smiled.
"Thank you, Chief Kilma" crossing his arms Corrin now moved onto more pressing matters. "Speaking of which, I do not think you and your people should stay here. It is not safe" Kilma looked on grimly.
"I understand what you mean, but my people have nowhere else to go. This has and always will be our home" he told the Prince.
"Then a temporary sanctuary, until we have stopped the corruption" Kilma raised a brow.
"Do you have a place in mind?" Corrin smirked.
"The Northern Fortress, my former home, it's an abandoned fortress and is big enough to house an entire city let alone a village of people" Kilma deep in thought could see Corrin's intent; a base of operations, a place where they can rejuvenate and prepare for the oncoming war. Normally Kilma would disagree choosing to remain but at times like these, he needed to let go of old traditions and relocate. He nodded.
"Very well; but we'll need a guide, I do not know the way" Corrin smiled.
"I have someone who can guide you"
"Then we are at an agreement" Kilma announced, both nodding. Their attention turned to the Ice Dragon at the sound of her laughing.
"To think I would see the day where a child of Ice and a child of Silent would work hand in hand; I'm glad"
"What will you do now?" Corrin asked.
"As I said I will aid you from the shadows, for me to do that I must first go to that place" she smiled walking towards the door. "The world is a small place, I'm sure our paths will cross again" with that the Ice Dragon was gone, vanishing with a gust of cold wind.
Looking over the village, Corrin sat collecting his thoughts; the recent battle was an eye opener, the enemy was more terrifying than he had imagined, had he not used the power of the Fire Emblem the Nohrian and Ice Tribe soldiers would have been slaughtered by their numbers; they got lucky that was the defining factor of the battle, a factor Corrin would never let happen again. Casualties were kept to a minimum, with many injured but no deaths. Garon appeared next to him.
"I didn't think Kilma would join you so easily; he was always a stubborn one, always sticking to traditions" Corrin looked at him unusually.
"I didn't know you two were close" Garon shrugged his shoulders.
"We were friends once upon a time, but we drifted apart when I became King and you know the rest" Garon's words intrigued him, and Corrin realized there was still much he didn't know about the late King.
"You know, I don't know much about your past; what is your story?" Garon chuckled to himself.
"It's a long story, maybe I'll tell it to you another time" Corrin shrugged his shoulders.
"Fair enough" the two returned to observing the activities of the villagers; Kilma had told his people the plan for relocation, many were reluctant but understood the need for it; they were now preparing their resources for the long journey. Corrin had ordered his soldiers to assist the villagers and much to his relief they complied instantly, though he was certain they would be asking questions soon.
"What is your plan?" Garon asked. Corrin gave him an immediate answer.
"We need to build an army; one fully prepared to face the horrors of the darkness" Garon looked thoughtful. He certainly spoke the truth and it was a step in the right direction but there many things that needed to be considered.
"The Nohrian army alone won't be able to withstand their might" he told Corrin, lucky for Garon, Corrin had already thought ahead.
"I know, which is why it is imperative that we recruit other factions to our cause, not just to defeat the false King but to fight the corruption as well" he faced Garon. "We don't have much time and I don't know when we will see another attack from the corruption, not to mention where they will strike"
"Then we'll need a symbol, someone people will want to rally behind" Corrin noticed the glint in the King's eyes, he was onto something.
"Who do you have in mind?"
"My former retainer, Merak" Corrin widened his eyes, he recognized the name, in fact it would be rare to find anyone in Nohr to not recognize it. Merak was King Garon's first retainer and would also be considered his closest friend; the man was called the Might of Nohr, one of if not the most skilled warrior in Nohr's history, as the Grand General of the Nohrian army he held full authority over it's troops including Nohrian nobles and Royalty. Merak was looked up as the kingdoms beacon of victory, a symbol to rally behind; but sadly that all changed when he was exiled and never to be seen again. But if they could recruit him, he could easily rally the other factions.
"You know where he is?" Corrin asked.
"I do, he lives in the south, far out in the countryside" while Garon was telling him this, Corrin was already planning his next course of action.
"Well…." the Prince muttered. "I know what my next objective is".
Making his way down, Corrin felt determined, with a new fresh set of goals to accomplish he was very eager to set out as soon as possible.
"Silas, how are the preparations?" Corrin asked making his presence known. Silas was helping some villagers load supplies onto a wagon before facing his commander.
"Almost complete, but will it be okay to send them to the Northern Fortress?" he asked.
"It's the only place that is isolated from all watchful eyes, even from the King himself. It will serve as a safe place for the Ice Tribe" Silas was still doubtful.
"I find it hard to believe that King Garon would have a place in Nohr where he didn't have eyes watching, I mean when you were living in the Fortress didn't the King keep tabs on you?" Corrin shrugged while lazily leaning against the wagon.
"My siblings were his eyes, granted they were biased eyes, they were still his eyes. Now that I have left the fortress and am able to fight alongside my siblings, the fortress has basically been abandoned" stepping away he peered back at Flora and Felicia who were approaching them, both were carrying large packs.
"Milord, what is our next course of action?" Flora asked.
"Flora, Felicia, you along with the rest of the troops will lead the Ice Tribe to the Northern Fortress, help them settle in. I alone will go back to the capital and deliver my report" Corrin ordered, this received different reactions from the three; Silas merely nodded and bowed, Flora disapproved and Felicia was hysterical.
"What! But that will leave you unprotected" Felicia cried out. Corrin laughed out.
"I'm not that helpless, I'm sure my performance on the battlefield has proven that" Felicia opened and closed her mouth hesitating on her words.
"But…" she finally mumbled out. Luckily Flora interjected.
"If I may interrupt Milord. But I agree with Felicia, I am uncomfortable with the idea of you traveling alone" she said. "I can lead the troop to the Northern Fortress myself, please let Felicia accompany you to the capital" sighing and scratching the back of his head, Corrin caved, in all honesty he wanted to travel alone because he believed it would be safer that way, but if this would put his retainers mind at ease, he's willing to make the proper accommodations.
"Very well, we will meet you at the fortress as soon as we can" he told her; Flora smiled bowing.
A few hours went by and the Nohrian troops escorted the Ice Tribe to the Northern Fortress with Flora leading the way; Corrin and Felicia were all that remained of the empty village. Felicia looked around with deep sadness, it was somber to see her home so empty, she allowed this image to be etched into her mind, she would do everything she could to prevent this emptiness. Corrin placed a hand on her shoulder, it was enough to reassure her making Felicia smile a bit. And very soon they made haste for Windmire.
