Chapter 9

"Iago."

The advisor resisted the urge to look up at the ruler, instead choosing to keep his gaze fixed firmly upon the ground. It wouldn't do to give anything away after everything had gone so well, for the most part anyway. "My king. How may I be of service?"

"Reports are beginning to filter in from my spies. Reports about just how the queen of Hoshido met her end. Would you care to explain?" There was a dangerous edge to the king's voice, and for a second Iago almost felt as if the two of them were nowhere near as alone as he believed them to be. It was almost as though there was a presence in the room with them, watching and waiting from the shadows.

"Of course. Your grace, as I promised my soldier has annihilated all traces of the Hoshidan witch's barrier. Even now, Prince Xander leads our forces across the Bottomless Canyon in a glorious march to rain fire upon those filthy dogs who have carried out hit and run raids on our country for years. Soon, our people will finally have the vengeance they have wished for. Soon, we will take Hoshidan resources and finally be able to feed our people. Prosperity is near, and it is because of my soldier."

The King remained quiet. Though he still did not dare look up, Iago could almost feel his eyes boring into him. "Iago… Your rhetoric is… amusing."

He knew he shouldn't ask. Hell, it would probably be fatal to ask, but ask he did all the same. "Rhetoric your grace? I merely relay the will of the people-"

"You relay what you believe I wish to hear." Garon interrupted. "In addition you are continuing to doge the question we both know that I'm really interested in. Now tell me Iago, what question do you think that is?"

"…"

"Nothing? Well, perhaps this will help you find your tongue. My spies tell me that your soldier was no soldier. They say that that this 'soldier' was a monster, a demon some of them are even calling it. A leopard that walks like a man. A being that was all but impervious to steel or flame. A being that waded through Hoshidan soldiers as if they weren't there." The king rose from his throne and brought his ax down to meet the floor with a thunderous clash. "Do you have any explanation for this heresy? For this blasphemy against the buried dragon? Against Anankos?!"

Iago finally looked up, meeting the king's eyes. The purple orbs radiated power that the advisor was almost certain did not entirely belong to him. It was a certainty at this point, the pair were not alone. So this will be the turning point then? Iago thought with determination. It is at this moment I will either pave the way to my inevitable victory or I will dig my own grave. Please, give me strength. "Your grace. I beg you to please accept my most humble apologies. It was never my intention to commit such a grievous sin. I sought only to do the will of the forgotten god."

"Oh?" Garon asked as he began to descend the stairs preceding his throne. "And just how do you figure that? By all means Iago, explain."

"The demon was a means to an end. Its only purpose was to carry out the will of Anankos. To bring glory to his name was my only desire. I swear it."

The king chuckled and finally came to a stop in front of Iago. Crouching over so that he was right next to the advisor, Iago could feel the King's breath against the side of his ear. "You know, Iago? The demon I could forgive. If anything it's almost cute. Like a faceless with just a little more bite to it. Compared to the power I wield it's insignificant. Meaningless. However." The king leaned even closer until he was only a few centimeters away. "You failed to kill my son."

Garon stood up and walked back towards the throne, stopping on the first step and looking upwards at the statue of a dragon that adorned the ceiling of the throne room. "Corrin's usefulness died when he fell into the Bottomless Canyon. His only purpose was to bring the Ganglari to Hoshido and thus open the way. However." Garon turned back to Iago. "Even then he was not supposed to live passed this point. Did you not see what he was able to do? By all reports it was by his hand that your demon was repelled. And he is still but a child! If he should reach adulthood…"

The king let the sentence hang in the air as he continued to examine the advisor kneeling before him. The intent was obvious. So that is your game. You would keep me perpetually seeking redemption? Fine! I'll play your game, 'your grace'! But please, try not to be so disappointed when your master's plan comes crashing down… Though these thoughts blazed through Iago's skull, he kept them under strict wraps. Instead he responded with a desperate, quivering tone. "Your grace, I promise you that I will fix this atrocious mistake! Just say the word and I will have that brat assassinated. You can rest assured I will not fail you again!"

Garon chuckled yet again. "I appreciate your zeal, Iago. But it would seem that your offer may be too little too late."

"Your grace?"

"You don't know? Once again I am disappointed Iago, though I suppose you must have been busy attending to your demon."

"As you know your grace, Ose did suffer quite substantial damage from the assault. It took a very large amount of time and energy to stabilize it." In reality it had taken less than a minute to heal Ose, with a simple Diarama spell doing most of the work. Still, it didn't hurt to use such a convenient excuse, especially when the explanation for what Iago had actually been doing probably would have been rather poorly received.

"Naturally." Garon continued. "Well in that case, allow me to enlighten you. Corrin is currently on his way to the front lines of the inevitable confrontation between the Nohrian and Hoshidan armies. He is accompanied by the Hoshidan royal family. Or what's left of it anyway."

Iago smiled for the first time since he entered the throne room. "So when Corrin arrives on the scene…"

"When the boy arrives with the Hoshidan royals, he will branded as a traitor and summarily executed by the very family that raised him. Ha, perhaps it would have been more merciful if your demon had killed him. Eh Iago?"

Corrin looked around the carriage for what must have been the fiftieth time that morning. Unsurprisingly, nothing had changed.

The wagon still only let in a fraction of the fading afternoon sunlight through the barred windows. The walls were still the color of cherry wood. It was still cluttered to the top with weapons and supplies, with only the barest amount of room left for the trio riding inside. And every time there was a bump it was a tossup whether or not some random sword would come crashing down and threaten to skewer one of the occupants. And the golden sword sitting in Corrin's lap still felt warm and soothing to the touch.

The Yato; that was what Ryoma had called the weapon that had flown out of the rubble of the statue to the Dawn Dragon. Becoming a spinning arc of light hurtling through the sky, the sword had come to a rest only upon Corrin's catching it, much to the awe and shock of his compatriots.

"That- that's not possible. The Yato!"

Corrin looked at Ryoma in confusion. "The Yato? You mean this sword? I have to say I'm a bit more confused by the fact that it can fly than its name..."

Ryoma shook his head and looked back at the golden sword. "You don't understand. This is not merely another sword. This is a divine blade, of the same type as my own Raijinto and Takumi's Fujin Yumi. I thought it was merely a legend. Its appearance must be fate-"

"Hold it." Corrin interrupted. "Are you telling me that this sword, a 'divine' weapon as you call it, chooses to appear only AFTER the fight with the demon is over? A demon, I may remind you, which for the first segment of the fight, was only vulnerable to divine weapons!"

"Are you serious?!" Takumi replied, eyes wide with anger. "You get chosen by a legendary weapon and the first thing you do is insult it?!"

"Well ya," Corrin deadpanned. "We almost died. The sword wouldn't have done much good for us if we had been killed. That being said… I'm not exactly one to hold a grudge." Corrin held up the sword to the light to examine it. Though it was unadorned, with only four empty inlets lining the blade and the claws that served as guard and pummel to serve as any form of decoration, there was still a strange allure to it. Its golden sheen seemed to give off an aura of warmth. It brought a sense of serenity, though it was the type of calm that always preceded a storm. The type of stillness that one forces on themselves out of the desperate fear that they might never feel it again. "If this blade wants to prove itself to me, then I do believe I'll give it that chance. Though I swear, if you run off the next time we fight a demon…"

The prince sighed and pushed the memories from his mind. As much a victory that defeating the demon had been, the loss they had suffered was still agonizingly greater. The Queen, Corrin's mother whom he had just remembered and been reunited with, was dead. Murdered at the hands of an inhuman monster. No matter what anyone said or did, he doubted that the pain from that, the feelings of shame and weakness, would ever truly go away.

"Corrin!" a voice yelled out, dragging Corrin back to reality.

"Hmm?"

Kaze sighed. "Milord, we were just discussing our position."

"We are going to battlefield after all," Lilith added. "Between our world's two superpowers no less. If we mess up… well it wouldn't be fun milord."

Corrin nodded. "Point taken. So where are we currently?"

The two vassals shared an exasperated glance before looking back at the prince. "That's the main issue Corrin," Kaze started "we can't start this without your decision. I know back at the castle we had spoken about trying to establish peace between our two separate countries…"

"But that's no longer possible." Lilith finished. "By the time we arrive on the scene battle will have probably already broken out. The Hoshidans will be enraged due to the death of your mother. Meanwhile the Nohrians are either out for blood due to your kidnapping or because of the anti-Hoshidan propaganda that's been circulating in Nohr for the past ten years. Nothing we can do will make any difference."

"I know but-"

"Milord- Corrin. I know how you feel about this. I know this must be tearing you apart inside. But you have to realize, you aren't alone in this! Lilith and I will support you no matter which path you choose, but if you can't make that choice, it won't just be your life that's forfeit."

"Milord," Lilith whispered, placing a hand on shoulder. "Remember as well, your choice will have a definitive impact on the morale of both sides as well, especially for the Hoshidans. It was largely your actions that managed to save them from Ose. If you were to choose Nohr-"

The trio were interrupted by the feeling of their cart coming to a stop. Getting to his feet and preparing for the worst, Corrin opened up the back of the carriage. Taking a step outside, the prince found not the Hoshidan army preparing for war, but instead their caravan beginning to prepare their camp for nightfall.

"Looks like we have a bit of a reprieve," Corrin muttered. "Hey guys, let's try to find a spot off to the side. I think we'll have a lot to discuss tonight."

Kaze nodded before leaving to survey the surrounding area, leaving Lilith and Corrin to begin unpacking their supplies from the carriage. They had almost finished, when they were approached by a familiar, blue-haired songstress.

"Hmm? Oh, hello Azura. How are you?"

"Good evening, Corrin. Might you spare a second? I'd like to speak to you in private."

Corrin glanced over at Lilith. "Would you mind finishing up here?"

"Of course milord! You can count on me!"

Chuckling before turning back to Azura, Corrin continued. "All right, I guess we're all set. Shall we find somewhere quiet?"

"Yes lets."

"You have any ideas?

"Hmm, I might."

"Then by all means lead the way."

After a brief walk in silence, the two royals came to a small pond, isolated from the camp by the surrounding forest. Save for the songs of the birds and the croaks of the frogs the two were completely alone.

"You certainly have a fondness for water."

Azura nodded. "I've always found it soothing."

"Aren't you worried though? Water could serve as a portal for, shall we say, uninvited guests?"

"No, not really."

Corrin waited a moment for her to continue, but it became rapidly clear that the princess was lost in her own thoughts. Deciding it would be best to give her the time she needed, Corrin instead looked out across the water, admiring the way the ripples and waves washed over each other in an endless dance upon the surface.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" the princess asked, noticing Corrin's gaze. "No matter how many waves or ripples are formed, eventually the surface calms and settles down again. It's oddly reassuring."

Nodding in silence, Corrin continued to gaze out across the water before responding. "Azura, I know I already said this back at the capital, but I-"

The prince was interrupted midsentence by Azura sighing. "Corrin, I understand that you feel bad, but now really isn't the time. We are on the cusp of a war. As much as you and I might want time to come to terms with the feelings about… about mom, we just can't afford to right now. Fate had played its cards, all we can do now is weather that storm as best we can."

"I- you're right. As usual. Thanks."

The princess smiled again, a flair of mischief sliding across her face for the smallest instant. "You know Corrin… I'm beginning to see a pattern. That time at the plaza was the second time you forced me to the ground after all. If you're not careful someone might get the wrong idea."

"Wh-what?! I- I- That was just-" A jumbled mass of words and half formed excuses flowed unbidden from the prince's mouth much to the blue haired princess's delight.

"Ha ha ha, Corrin, I'm only teasing you. I thought you might need a little pick me up after all you've been through. Though, you certainly did react a little more strongly than I thought you would. Could it be? No, of course not! I mean we are all alone around such a beautiful lake though..."

"Azura, not that I can't appreciate the teasing, and believe me I've done my share so I can tell a master when I see one, but you did have a reason for dragging me out here didn't you?"

"Oh? A little annoyed are we?"

"If we're done here I'm heading back."

"No Corrin, Wait!" Azura said, forcing herself to stop laughing. "Please, wait. There was a very good reason that I asked you to come out here. I'm sorry for teasing you."

"No, no it's I who should apologize; I guess I'm just not used to being on the other side of the teasing. In fact I should probably apologize to Flora when I get back… Anyways what is it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, yes. One second please." The princess reached into a leather pouch attached to the back of her white dancer's dress. When she was finished, the princess held out her hand and revealed what she had been hiding. It was a brilliant green stone. Not quite the constant, deep, vibrant hue of an emerald, instead there were golden veins crisscrossing throughout. There was a sense of power surrounding it, as though the very air around it was electric. Yet, there was also an odd weight emitting from it as well, tendrils of power pressing upon the prince from all sides. It was paradoxical. It was beautiful.

"This is a dragon stone." Azura explained to the awed prince. "Legend says that at the beginning of time, the first dragons themselves used these stones to keep their powers from going rampant. With this, I believe you will be able to finally control your powers."

"Azura, this, this is a priceless artifact. Where did you even get this?"

The princess motioned towards the pond and Corrin began to understand. Valla. She had somehow found the ancient artifact in that hell hole. "Azura… You really shouldn't go in there alone. If they were to find you-"

"Corrin, if all you do is worry and apologize we won't get anything done."

"I'm serious here. You're not alone in this. Not anymore. Promise me that next time you'll at least ask for my help."

The princess looked taken aback before raising a hand to hide a small laugh.

"Azura! This isn't funny!"

"No it's… it's just a little odd. I've never really had anyone worry about me before. Thank you Corrin. I'll try to be more careful in the future. Oh and you're blushing again."

Corrin turned away from the princess again in an attempt to hide his tomato colored face. "Ya, ya, I'm glad you're happy. Now we were talking about the ancient magic artifact?"

"Of course," Azura responded, making a mental note about how to tease the prince as she did. "Legends say that the stones have the ability to partially bind the powers of a dragon to the point where they can be controlled."

"So they're a type of suppressant?"

"Essentially."

"Doesn't that mean I'll be inherently weaker?" Corrin said with a frown.

"At first, yes," the princess admitted. "But remember, this way you'll remain in control while you're transformed. Whatever power you'll lose because of the stone you'll more than make up for with cunning."

"Perhaps you're right," the prince admitted, still unsure.

"Also, the more experience you gain with the stone, the more power you'll be able to release. With enough training, there'll barely be any difference between you're natural ability and your constricted strength. Here, hold it for a second, you'll see."

Warily, Corrin reached out and took the verdant stone from Azura. As his fingers brushed the surface he felt a sharp, intense pain shoot through his left eye, only for it to disappear an instant later as though it had never existed. Taking it as a sign to continue, Corrin lifted the dragon stone up to eye level to get a better look. It was even more beautiful close up. The crisscrossing veins of gold seemed almost alive in the way that they moved and shimmered in the light. As it did, the prince felt a wave of cooling power flow across his being, enhancing his senses. It was only after the power had gone that Corrin realized just how distracting it had been. Like a fog lifted, the ambient traces of draconic power faded and left the world sharper and focused. Smiling at the apple sized rock, Corrin looked back to Azura.

"How does it feel?"

"Like nothing I've ever experienced."

The princess smiled. "So is it safe to assume that the stone works?"

"I'd say so, but we won't know for sure until we test it out in combat." Corrin replied. Speaking of which, even with the stone it might be a good idea to keep my powers on standby for the time being. I'm still not sure about just what happened during my battle with Ose. It could be that the Demifiend's powers react negatively with my draconic abilities. At least that's what appears to be the case anyway. If that's true I'll need to test the stone out later in a safe place, not next to a lake with only a princess to go get help if something goes wrong.

"I agree. But you should wait until after the coming battle to test it." Azura warned, her expression dark. "More likely than not this confrontation will devolve into conflict. And when it does, we'll need your help to even the odds."

"Azura… if war does break out. What would you do if I didn't join you?"

"W-what?"

The prince sighed and turned away from the shocked expression that had taken over Azura's face. "I mean that I'm not sure I'd be able to fight against the people who raised me. Sure, I know that I'm not related to them by blood. Hell, I was even kidnapped into their family, but I still lived with them for twelve years. That time won't go away just because of some chair. Surely you must feel the same way about the Hoshidan royals."

"I… I understand. For me the only goodness I ever saw in Nohr came in the form of young boy I met as a child who took a punishment meant for me. But here in Hoshido? Though I may be seen as spy or worse, the royals have always cared for me. Even Takumi in his own special way. I love my adopted family as much as anyone possibly could. I want to keep them safe. Is that how you feel about the Nohrian royals?"

Seeing Corrin nod the princess sighed before continuing, "Then for the sake of that family I hope I'm wrong about tomorrow. Now then, we've been gone a little long don't you think? We'd better get back before we're missed."

And as the princess turned to make her way back to camp, Corrin took one final glance across the water. "I hope you're wrong as well Azura. I'd like nothing more for us all too happily live together. But for some reason, I get the feeling that will never come to pass."

Kaze returned to the campsite to find Lilith working on the site by herself. "Hello Lilith, is everything going well? Hmm? Where is Lord Corrin?"

"Oh hello Kaze, I'm fine thanks. He left a little while ago with Princess Azura. She wanted to speak in private with him."

"Really? Did she mention what she wanted to talk about?

"No, only that she wanted to talk to him in private."

The ninja ran a hand through his green hair as he contemplated the serving girl's words. "Do you know where they went?"

"No idea. They both kind of just walked off into the woods together. Why? What are you expecting to find?"

"Nothing in particular. I just wanted to make sure that they were both safe. Two royals shouldn't be out alone without any bodyguards."

Lilith nodded solemnly. "Good point. But our boss CAN turn into a dragon."

"True, but aren't you a dragon too? It didn't do us that much good during our battle with Ose."

"It's complicated," Lilith deadpanned. "By the way, what took you so long? I thought you were just looking for firewood."

"Uhh. About that." The ninja looked very uncomfortable. "For some reason a bunch of women in the camp cornered me. They kept trying to make small talk with me for some reason or another. It was maddening."

"Are you serious? You don't know why they were talking to you?"

"Not in the slightest, why?"

"Ugh. You're almost as bad as Jacob."

Realizing she wasn't about to elaborate, Kaze merely sighed and leaned against a nearby tree. The camp was all but complete and the sun had begun to set over the forest. Lilith was right, between the two of them Corrin and Azura would be fine against anything short of a demon. All that was left was to wait for the pair to get back.

"Lord Corrin, welcome back."

"Hey Kaze. What I miss?" Corrin asked with a smile as he and Azura came out of the trees and stepped into the fading twilight light. "Thanks for finishing up Lilith, everything looks great."

"Thank you milord."

"Corrin, I should return to my tent. It was nice talking to you. Please make sure to get a goodnight's sleep. We'll all need our strength for tomorrow." After bidding the prince farewell she departed.

Kaze moved to help his two compatriots as they started to make a fire for dinner. By the time they had finished the sun had finally finished sinking below the horizon, leaving only the soft glow of a thousand campfires flickering throughout the countryside.

"So, Corrin," Lilith began, "I think it's finally time to tackle that issue."

Kaze nodded his acquiescence while Corrin merely sighed. "I suppose now is as good a time as any."

"You have a plan?"

"Actually Kaze, I think I do. I think I know what I'm going to do. But before I cross that bridge, remember that you two are still free to make your own choices. You can still get out."

Lilith and Kaze's eyes met and they both knew where they stood. There wasn't even a choice as far as they were concerned. "Milord, Lilith and I are with you, no matter what choice you make."

Shaking his head and failing to hold back a smile, Corrin responded. "Well in that case come in close and listen up, we have a lot to go over and not too much time to do so. After all Azura is right, we are going to need all the rest we can get."

She threw it into the fire.

It was the only option. If anyone else had seen that letter not only would she have been executed, but her entire tribe would have been as well, including her family.

Flora watched as the yellow paper curled up as the fire devoured the evidence. Though the blue haired maid hated the heat of the flames, the relief brought on by the notes destruction gave her the strength to endure it.

Ever since Corrin had disappeared there had been a strange sense of anxiety covering the Northern Fortress as one by one all of the servants had been transferred to different locations. First the gardener, then the cook, then the steward. Jacob had left a few days earlier much to Flora's dismay. Even Felicia had struck out after hearing rumors of Corrin's survival and reappearance in Hoshido, leaving only a few days before the letter had arrived. Now as one of the few remaining staff, Flora felt a startling sense of loneliness.

Without a word, the blue haired maid pursed her lips and got out from her chair. An hour later she had finished packing her portly collection of possessions and left the Northern Fortress for what she suspected would be the last time. Making sure to close the gates behind her, the words of the note continued to burn themselves into her mind.

Dearest Flora and Felicia,

I hope that this letter finds the two of you in good health. Truly it has been an eternity since we last sat around a table and shared a meal together like we used to. It seems only yesterday that the two of you were giggling in my arms. However I did not send this letter to remember days long past. No this is of a far more urgent message.

Both of you must return to our village at once. It doesn't matter how, make any excuses that you can, just find a way to get home. We have recently received word that the Nohrian army is making its way to Hoshido. This can only mean that they intend to make war upon them.

I doubt the Hoshidians can defeat them on their own, but perhaps that doesn't matter for us. Our overlords shall be weakened regardless. We may never again have a chance like this.

Because of this, I am leading the ice tribe in a rebellion against the crown. With a bit of luck the army will be too caught up in the war to suppress us and we can regain our independence.

Now is the time for us regain our freedom, now is the time for us to avenge the humiliation of losing our sons and daughters to Nohrian servitude. So I ask you, please my daughters, please come home.

Your loving father,

Kilma

PS Burn this

Author's Note-

Thank you very much for reading! If you have questions, critiques, or predictions, please leave a review and I'll do my best to get back to you!

Otaku-Nation666- Probably a good idea, x). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

vampireharry the 2- Thank you! I'll do my best!

Kalakauai- We'll find out next time...

RealmOfEmptiness- What?! No... (Maybe)

Disclaimer- This is a nonprofit, fan-based work. All characters and settings belong to their respective owners.

Next Time- The crossroads of fate.