Shirasagi Castle

Corrin

"Azura...I think I heard Sakura mention that name at some point. Who are you exactly?"

"A fair question, with a sadly complicated answer," she spoke evenly and calmly, Corrin would even call her stoic, "I understand you are under fairly similar circumstances."

"Were you kidnapped as a child and raised in the country of your family's enemy?"

"Yes, roughly that. Though I suppose nobody ever lied to me about it. That's the only significant difference I can think of at the moment."

"...Is this just a common occurrence? Is every Friday just 'kidnap the child of your enemy' day? The odds of something like this happening twice seem very low."

"It is not as odd as it seems at first glance; Nohr kidnapped you, Hoshido kidnapped me in revenge. When it was clear that Garon would not agree to a hostage trade, the Hoshidans weren't sure what to do with me...so, Queen Mikoto decided to adopt."

Corrin hadn't seen it before it was pointed out to her, but Azura definitely looked a bit on the pale side in contrast to other Hoshidans she had seen who ranged from a peachy pink to a crisp tan. She wasn't nearly to the degree of her own gray texture, but a lifetime of sunburns probably would probably have an effect like that.

"That sounded kind of rehearsed. Were you planning for this? Practice in front of a mirror or something?"

Azura paused before speaking, "...Several times. I wasn't sure how to react to you. All I know is what my step-siblings told me, and now here you are...different than what they described."

"How did they describe me as a kid?"

"Calm, serene, joyful, generous. A child without care for the world's darker side, without any maliciousness in her being or pride in her step."

"Going to be honest, the kid you're describing sounds like a real tool. What did she do for fun when she wasn't being a saint?"

"I believe she would typically draw, and...I'm not certain what else. Details are vague."

"You don't think they might have been idealizing a bit? This kid sounds way too boring to actually exist."

Azura shrugged, "I only know what I've been told."

"What have they said about me now?"

"Crass, rude, violent...inappropriate. They believe Nohr had a negative influence on you."

"Sounds to me like I just got better with age," Corrin smirked, "Anyway, I think I got sidetracked. Do you mind explaining the whole 'kidnapped by Hoshido in revenge' thing in a bit more detail?"

"It's not as complicated as you might think. Mikoto hoped that with me she would be able to do a hostage exchange with King Garon to get you back. Garon refused; I believe his envoy said 'If you care for your child, then send steel and not words.' Mikoto decided to create the barrier instead. They assumed you had died, and didn't quite know what to do with me. Most of the court wanted me executed, but Mikoto instead decided to adopt me in place of you."

"So you're a prisoner?"

"No, I...it is rather complicated. I suppose to the rest of the kingdom I am. I dare not leave for fear of the populace, but at the same time the family has always been kind to me. They could never publicly claim me as their own, but I care for them as family. Those outside the family have been...challenging, but my siblings keep the more dangerous dissenters at bay. I am curious, is it much different from your captors in Nohr? I understand they told you nothing of your origins, pretending to be your true family."

"They are my true family," Corrin scowled

"But...surely you know by now that you share no blood."

"Look little girl, I've seen enough blood to know that it all looks the same. It's all red, and you only ever see it when things have gone horribly wrong for the person holding it. It keeps the body pumping and makes a big mess when it gets spilled, and beyond that I don't see any reason to attach any sentimental value to it. True family is the people who have been there with you through thick and thin. They're the ones who make you feel warm when the world seems cold; the people you grow with, train with, eat with, you fight with and laugh with over the stupidest little things. That's family to me."

"Even with your memories of your original family restored?"

"Those memories are barely even mine. I have them, but I don't see myself in them. I see...that kid that we were talking about, a kid that I don't know. She's a complete stranger to me. Who she considered family has no impact on me. Tell me, you consider all these people here family, right? Would that change if you suddenly were dropped back in Nohr with the people you supposedly share blood with?"

"...I suppose I see your point."

"Though, I'm still not sure how you could be happy here with how Nohrians are treated. Sure most of the family seems alright, but isn't Takumia kind of a dick? Not to mention you probably couldn't go outside without being hanged or something."

"It's true that Hoshido is fairly...intolerable to outsiders, but I've never feared for my life. I must keep my time outside the castle walls limited, and I suffered many cruelties in the early times, but Mikoto and my siblings always stood for me. I would never say the inhabitants of Hoshido have accepted me as one of theirs, but they at least understand that Mikoto considers me to be one of theirs..."

"Oh, well, that explains why you weren't at dinner, with the rest of your family."

Azura's face scrunched up like she'd just been slapped, "I...suppose it may be hard to understand from an outside point of view."

"Well, do you mind explaining it then? Because from an outside point of view it seems like you're just a very well treated and cared for political prisoner."

Azura turned sharply away from her, "If that's how you feel then perhaps it would be best for you to leave!"

Corrin was a bit stunned. Had she gone a bit too far? "Look...shit, I guess I was a bit impulsive there...I can't exactly judge your life, I only just met you."

Azura didn't turn back around, "I had hoped you would understand, given our similar circumstances."

She really knows how to make you feel like a bastard… Corrin thought to herself, "You'll have to be a bit patient with me. But hey, maybe it's just cause you don't look like a peach-faced freak like everyone else here, but I'd rather we get along. Nohrians oughta stick together."

"Except I'm not Nohrian."

"Greyskins then! They haven't peeled your skin off, though it looks like the sun tried its hardest," Corrin scratched her head in frustration, "I know I can be a bit of a bitch, I'm aware of it. I like to have fun with it. But I'll make an effort if you will. I don't know about you, but I don't like being the only Nohrian in a place filled with peachy faced snobs. I'd really rather not be on my own over here."

"...If that's how you feel," Azura hesitated for a moment but ultimately turned back to face her, a smile on her face for the first time since they'd begun talking, "Then I'll make an effort too."

Shirasagi Castle

Sakura

"But...there must be something you can do!"

Sakura couldn't remember the last time she'd actually been angry at someone. Anger went against the moral codes that her mother had instilled in them since childhood. Self control and patience always came easier to her than shouting, at least that's how she saw it.

Though right now, she was more convinced that she'd just never had anything to be angry about before.

She always knew that her life was easier than others, but had always assumed everyone else still had reasonable lives mainly because she couldn't envision an unhappy one. The only reference point she had was her own so trying to imagine suffering was completely impossible for her. But seeing those slums, the desperation, the hatred...the bloodshed, woke something up in her. A fire that she didn't know was there. It scared her...but she couldn't let go of it. To do so would be an insult.

"Five Hoshidans are dead, Sakura, sons of noble families. Murder is a capital crime, that can't be changed." Yukimura had explained the situation to her. After the guards had arrived, they began arresting every Nohrian within sight and accusing them all of cold-blooded murder. The three of them had been safely escorted to the castle, while the rest were captured and locked away, pending trial. A trial that, as Yukimura explained, would likely end in execution hours after they began.

"But they were just defending themselves! They were defending me and Kamui! Surely that counts for something!"

"Not in the eyes of the noble houses," Yukimura sighed

"Then pardon them! Do we rule Hoshido or not?"

"It's not as simple as that. We are not totalitarian. The queen cannot act without the consent of the houses. Granting pardons for a crime such as this one would require the approval of all the noble houses who were victims in the affair, and it is extremely difficult for a mother to forgive the killer of her son, no matter the circumstances."

Everytime he spoke Sakura felt her confidence lowering, "Then...surely there is some way to give them a lighter sentence...do we not have that authority?"

"I suppose it is possible...you would have to convince the magistrate in charge of the trial, which could take time, time that the Nohrians may not have…"

"Postpone the trial then." A third voice entered the conversation that Sakura recognized immediately

"Subaki! I thought I had given you and Hana time off, what are you doing here?"

"We came back as soon as we heard you had been in a scuffle. Hana is beside herself with worry. I am too, if we're being honest, but I figure you would appreciate my assistance more than my worry."

"I am curious what you mean by postponing the trial," said Yukimura

"Well, a trial can't legally go forward until all evidence has been accounted for, and witnesses count as evidence," explained Subaki, "So if we inform the magistrate that we have two witnesses right here, they wouldn't be able to lawfully go to trial until those two have given their statements. From there it would be simple to contrive reasons for why either of them can't leave the castle or receive visitors."

Sakura looked to Yukimura hopefully, "Could that work?"

"Hmm, it would be a temporary measure to be sure, but…" Yukimura smiled and nodded, "It should get us the time we need!"

For the first time that morning, Sakura felt like things might actually end up alright.

Shirasagi Castle

Corrin

Corrin and Azura had spent about an hour by the lake. Even after all that time, she still wouldn't say she knew Azura well.

Corrin wasn't booksmart by any means. She had a good head on her shoulders, but just enough to know that she was better off leaving the hard thinking to others. Despite that, she knew people and how they worked. She knew how to read a person, figure their likes and loathes, she knew how to drive a person crazy with rage, how to incite their passions, and how to bring someone around to her easygoing way of thinking. She knew people, yet she couldn't for the life of her get a read on Azura.

The girl was quiet, reserved, melancholy. In truth, she reminded Corrin a lot of Jakob, yet she could at least get him to crack a grin every now and then. Every smile she got from Azura seemed forced, the kind you give someone to make them feel better rather than to express any joy of your own. It was unsettling.

Still, Azura interested her. Maybe Corrin was more simple than she gave herself credit for and it was just the familiar skin tone that put Corrin at ease, but despite the girl's distant personality she couldn't help but find herself trusting her. She would have been happy to while away the hours chatting with her and continuously trying to get a genuine grin out of her if they hadn't been interrupted by Hinoka, with a summons from 'mother dearest.'

"She heard from Sakura and Kagero what happened this morning, and decided to go through with her plan for all of us to go into town together," she said enthusiastically, "I want you to see the best of Hoshido!"

"That's nice," said Corrin deadpan, "Though, just one question, why are you holding my sword?"

As painfully interesting as everything Hinoka said was, the only thing Corrin could look at the entire time was the blade she had been holding in her hands. It was impossible for her to not recognize it. The dark pattern, the dim purple glow, and twisted shape were all distinctively Ganglari.

Hinoka held it out to her, obviously eager to get it out of her hands, "It's, uhm...well, when we heard about what happened, Ryoma said it would probably be best if you were armed, so he decided to give you back the sword you came here with. We'll protect you in town but...just in case," she said uncomfortably, "Are you sure you want it, though? It's...really creepy."

"It has sentimental value," Corrin said, taking it from her hands and latching it onto her belt. She couldn't exactly say it was a gift from her father, or they would be likely to confiscate it again.

"What kind of magic is that? I've never seen it before," said Azura

"Dark magic...do you guys not have that here either?"

Hinoka grimaced, "Dark magic is outlawed in Hoshido, it's unnatural."

"That's stupid," said Corrin, "You're cutting yourself off from an entire tree of magic. Why, because it looks scary? Clothes are pretty unnatural too but people seem just fine with those, outside the bedroom."

"I've seen dark magic at work, sister. Have you ever seen what it does to people?"

"Have you ever seen what a person looks like after they've been burned to a crisp? Or cut up by a sword? Or impaled on a halberd? Death ain't pretty, 'sister,' no matter how it's delivered."

"This really seems more like a debate for the scholars," said Azura, "Are the others not waiting for us?"

"Fine, whatever. Just take us there, Hinoka."

Hinoka coughed awkwardly, "Uhm, Azura...mother thought it would be best if you stayed here."

"What?" Corrin said while Azura just nodded understandingly

"It makes sense. The general population would likely not welcome the sight of me alongside the true royal family. My presence could cause trouble."

"Horseshit, I'm grayer than you are! If they can't handle anything outside their comfort zone then they should just stay home, or put on a blindfold and live in a cave!"

"Corrin, it is not a big deal. Please, just enjoy time with your family."

"They're more your family than they are mine!"

What frustrated her more was that Azura was perfectly willing to just go along with it and not call them out on the horseshit, "My presence would just cause trouble with the population. It's better this way…"

"Screw that! You deserve to be there more than I do! Anyone who says otherwise can go bugger themselves! Either both of us are going, or neither of us!"

Azura had a stunned look on her face. She wasn't entirely certain why, it seemed like she was just spouting common sense. Azura was more Hoshidan than she was ever going to be so it was only right that she come along to 'mother dearests' little trip through her happy little town.

"...I'll go tell mother."

Shirasagi Town

Azura

Corrin was an enigma.

Azura had been raised on tales of the princess she had replaced. She knew her adopted mother had not meant it, and would be mortified if she knew, but Azura had always felt inadequate as a result of those tales. Everything she did had been compared to the hypothetical accomplishments the original may have done had she not been taken. The kind, sweet child of boundless imagination and generosity had been the centerpiece of her life without ever even being physically there.

That hypothetical child had inspired her and diminished her. Some days she would feel as though she had a responsibility to be all that child could have been, and this responsibility gave her purpose. Other times she would lash out through her thoughts against this entity that ruled her life through its mere existence.

And now, that hypothetical child was no longer hypothetical nor a child. She was a grown woman standing right in front of her. She was now a person in her mind, not just an ideal. She was a person who was a contradiction in so many ways. She was loud and boisterous, yet concealed her thoughts under impenetrable layers. She cared for those beneath her, yet was vengeful and violent. She was confrontational and hateful, yet treated her with more intimacy and kindness than her family had in all the years she had known them.

She had been given everything Azura had been longing for her entire life, and was willing to give it all up so she wouldn't be left behind.

Corrin...just what kind of person are you?

When they reached the front gate, they learned from a servant left behind that Mikoto and the others had already gone into the town, so as to pave a way through the crowd so that they would not be interrupted. This had meant that as they entered the town, a crowd had already formed around the castle center to gaze at the royal family and worship their peacekeepers. It also meant there were an abundance of people to watch her, the outsider, walking around with their divine guardians, likely poisoning their minds and plotting against them because that was all outsiders did. Especially those whose skin was as pale and lifeless as the moon. Nohrians had the blood of demons in them, which was why they had always opposed their peaceful kingdom and no reason other than bloodlust, everyone knew it. It was they way of life that no one dared question because to do so would mean there was something at fault with Hoshido. And Hoshido had to be perfect, because they lived in it.

She had grown used to their stares of distrust. She had long accepted that no matter how long she lived among them, she would never be one of them. She was alright with that, because even if she were never accepted as a Hoshidan, her family still accepted her as a loved one. Mikoto, who had welcomed her as her own child no matter the political consequences. Ryoma, who showed his love with his sword, defending her against every accusation. Hinoko, who loudly praised her and treated her as a friend. Sweet and gentle Sakura, who comforted her when the world proved too heavy for her shoulders alone. Even Takumi, who stood at her back subtly pushing her, every criticism and accusation guiding her to who she was meant to be.

These were her family. Even if she would never be Hoshidon, she would always be one of them.

So the calmly went on her way toward the town center, turning her head from the stares and letting their silent bigotry slide off her back. She could endure it for her family, just as she had done all her life.

Yet as she walked, she heard gasps of shock from the audience. When the turned, her own eyes widened as Corrin met their glares head on, making...rather obscene gestures with her hands. She had learned to adapt to her world by keeping her head low and accepting the situation, but Corrin...as the world hit her, she hit back harder.

It was...almost difficult to comprehend. She couldn't help but feel herself envious at how confidently she could play the aggressor and stand her ground against the world.

Azura reached back and pulled Corrin along before she got too distracted with provoking the masses, "How could you do something like that?" She whispered harshly to her

Corrin simply looked at her with a dumb look on her face, "What? They were bugging you so I bugged them back. Seemed like the right thing to do."

"But...it's just so…" She couldn't really think of the right word for how she felt at the moment. Most of her emotions were contradictory to each other, so no singular word could really describe it

"Look, when someone tries to piss on you, you get two options. You can either open your mouth like a little bitch and take it, or you can punch them in the cock. Between the two options, I'll pick option B every day of the week." Corrin said with an absolutely serious look on her face, "Now, where's 'mother dearest' and the rest of them? I'd rather get this walk down sunshine road over with quickly."

Azura had always lived by the code instilled in her by the family that took her in and the world she'd been forced to accept. But Corrin rejected the code forced upon her and chose to create her own. She couldn't hope to fully understand what went through her mind, but what she could understand was both inspiring and terrifying.

Finally they came upon the town center, and her family was in sight. Mikoto smiled at Corrin like she was the most precious thing in her world.

Suddenly, that expression turned to one of fear and she heard gasps spreading throughout the crowd.

"What the hell…" Corrin exclaimed as the sword at her belt began glowing violently with a dark, magical energy so strong she could feel it across the distance. The sword released itself from Corrin's scabbard, seemingly of its own will, and flew across the paved roads.

By the time anyone realized its final destination, Mikoto was already lying on the ground.

And from there, any semblance of peace was lost.

Screams echoed throughout the city as the citizens panicked. Even the guards could not keep order as they themselves were overwhelmed with shock as their queen fell. Accusations, curses, and cries of despair reigned throughout and she felt numb as her reality came crashing down around her. Mother...is dead...how?

She looked at Corrin, who looked as shocked at the situation as she was, "But...Ganglari...father, what did you give me…"

Suddenly Azura felt a stone land on her head, knocking her to the ground as her vision became blurred and she felt her blood dripping down her face. Crying in pain, she could barely hear or see as Corrin crouched down to her side, "Azura?! Which one of you bitches threw that?!" She shouted at the crowd, and Azura was almost convinced she would charge into the crowd to claim the perpetrator's head before Ryoma came into her vision, grabbing Corrin by the arm.

"We need to go! Guardsmen, get everyone back to the castle!"

"Get the hell off me! Azura's hurt!"

As if the gods felt the need to sow further chaos, Mikoto's body began disintegrating in a bright flash that blinded her. As she slowly dissipated, the sky above them began to shift.

The barrier… Azura realized with horror. Without its source...the barrier is collapsing…

The image of the sky on fire was the last thing she saw before passing out.

Castle Krakenburg

Garon

"My lord! Reports from the eastern front!" Iago came rushing into the throne room, "They say that the barrier has finally collapsed! Our passage into Hoshido is clear!"

Garon sighed with relief, as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, "So...she succeeded after all…"

Iago nodded, "Yes, my lord. I regret ever having doubted you...the child did what our mages could not do in 15 years."

Garon nodded, "Resume all military campaigns. Attack while they are confused and weakened, gain as much land as possible before establishing a front. Before we consider our strategy for conquest, we must acquisition resources to turn toward sustaining the army."

Iago bowed, "At once, my lord."

Laying his head back, Garon felt he could rest for the first time in 15 years. Now...it finally begins.

Castle Krakenburg

Flora

The daughter of the Ice Tribe had begun making her preparations for departure as soon as they had arrived in Krakenburg.

Whatever their promises, and however much she despised her charge, Flora knew that Corrin was the only one who ever had any intention of protecting her. With her gone, her timetable was sped up considerably.

Then, as if by providence, the entire castle seemed to come alive. She didn't know what was going on, but all she saw was a staff in chaos. The perfect opportunity to slip out without notice. So, grabbing her bag, she headed straight for the door.

"Sister, where are you going?" Felicia asked innocently from her place over the cooking fire, delicately stirring the pot with absolute concentration.

Flora turned away, "I'm just...going out for a walk. I won't be long."

Felicia nodded, her eyes never straying for the cooking pot.

Felicia, sister...I'm sorry, I wish I could have told you. But when they discover I'm missing, it will be easier for you if there is no information for them to find. Please...forgive me…

Castle Krakenburg

Xander

The four siblings stood around the candle-lit table. They had made an oath, together, to charge Hoshido the moment Corrin succeeded in her unwilling mission and bring her home. Now as they stood together, with determination in their hearts and fire in their eyes, they knew it was time to make good on that oath.

"Our sister is alone in a country that seeks to claim her as their own," he said, "It is time we show our enemy that family is more than blood and water. Family is a promise, to be there when the entire world turns against you, to always be by your side against whatever the wickedness of the world has to throw at you, to share in your joys and comfort your pains, and above all to never give up hope."

Camilla nodded, "Taking our sister's enemies as our own. Showing the world that an attack on one is an attack on all. Protecting each other no matter the cost."

"No matter how much must be sacrificed," said Leo

"Never giving up on each other," said Elise

"Family is a promise we made when we first welcomed her as our sister," said Xander, placing his sword on the table, "We will find her again. And woe to anyone who would stand in our way."

"For family!"


Fun Fact: In actual feudal Japan, there was not actually much of a legal system. Jury trials, defense attorneys and prosecutors were not a thing at the time, evidence was not a requirement and the verdict was entirely based on how the magistrate on the area felt. Typically when one was accused, there would not even be a trial, just the magistrate choosing a punishment. The more you know.


Note: The company does acknowledge that this edition of Fun Fact runs contrary to the above story. To which, a statement from our PR department

PR: It's only based on feudal Japan, because actual feudal Japan sucked for everyone, so don't be feudal Japan.

And there you have it. This story is, in fact, historically inaccurate.


Our chief writer (myself) would like to inform you that no employee in DeathDealer Inc. have ever played the Hoshido path or the Revelation path. While Hoshido will still be represented though the point of view of their characters, we ask our readers to forgive some misrepresentation as most of our information comes from TV Tropes.


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