Fire Emblem Fates: The Dark Continent

by Elltiana

2 years after Anankos defeat and restored peace of the 3 kingdoms, but peace didn't last long. Anankos powers has yet to disappeared from the world. The 3 kingdoms united once again to stop the evil of Anankos powers. A existing kingdom that was been discovered but never been told. The prince and his retainers from the existing kingdom are desperately looking for help. ACCEPTING OC

10. Chapter 10

That last chapter was insane tiring. I think I am dying from that chapter.

I love the Heirs of Fate DLC. There is so many plot twist that story. I can't wait to hear Shigure sing in english. Wait, that is this week! HYPE! Man! Oh, wait. It is over. LOL. I have this for a long time since the DLC of Fates was still coming.

Don't blame me or the editor. We do have personal life. But we got it through.

Anyways, the retainers for Corrin and other characters will appear in this chapter. I think this will be an interesting chapter. Maybe, I hope.

Let's start the chapter.

---

The sun had risen up in the sky, indicating that it was morning. The animals had awakened from their slumber. The bright light shines through the window of the royal bedchamber. The King and Queen were sleeping peacefully until the sunlight disturbed Azura's eyes. She turned away from the window as she slept. Now, she needed something to make her comfortable and sleep longer. The songstress reached her arm to find her warm and comfortable dragon, but she found nothing on the other side of the bed. She opened her eyes as they were clouded with sleepiness to see if he is there. There was no sign of him beside her.

She slowly sat up to look around. He wasn't in the room either. So, she got out of the bed, rubbing her eyes then let out a yawn. The blue-haired queen was going to the bathroom to wash up and fix her messy bed hair. Suddenly, she tripped over something on the ground.

Azura rubbed her head. "Ow, What the-? Did someone left papers on the floor last night?" she stood up to see what caused it.

She slightly turned to look at the ground to see what cause her to trip. She saw a silvery white tail on the floor then followed it to the head of a dragon. It was her husband who was sleeping the floor in his dragon form. That was weird. Why would Corrin be sleeping on the floor? Why is he in his dragon form? Did he get exhausted from working then walk out of the room and pass out on the floor? Whatever it is, it was strange to see the half dragon sleeping on the floor alone. She went up to the head of the Vallite king and knelt before him then proceeded to call out to him.

"Corrin?"

No respond.

"Corrin?" she called out him again.

No respond. She starts to call him a little louder.

"CORRIN!"

"Huh?" The half-dragon woke up and turned his head on the floor to the source of that beautiful voice. "Oh, good... morning, Azura."

Azura noticed that Corrin's sounds very tired. She couldn't help but smile at his dedication. "What are you doing sleeping on the floor? You know that sleeping on the floor is bad for your health."

"I-I…" he muttered before yawning "….Don't know."

"Do you know what made you sleep on the floor?"

Corrin felt too tired to speak but he responded to her nonetheless. "Well, it started...when... it was getting... too hot sleep... on the bed... then..." he paused.

Azura tilted her head waiting for Corrin to finish his sentence. "Then what?"

"I don't... know. I don't... remember... the rest... of what happened... after that."

"Did you stay up all night working again?"

The silvery white dragon didn't answer. He felt like he was too weak to talk like there's a frog in his throat. He decided to go back to sleep as Azura was still waiting for him to speak.

"Corrin?"

It would seem he had passed out. Azura smiled then started to yawn. She decided to accompany him by sleeping on the floor with her warm and comfortable dragon at her side. The blue-haired singer cuddled up on the half-dragon from getting cold and wanted him to feel that she will be always with him. Corrin felt her warm body heat transferring to his own. Now, he feels even better with her by his side.

---

In the main hall, Alice was sitting and eating there alone. She rested her hand on her chin to support her head. The adventurer sighed deeply being bored and had no one to talk to. The twins walked into the main hall to eat breakfast when they see their mother's retainer was all alone and seemingly bored. The blue-haired dragonlings nodded at each other and went up to Alice.

"Miss Alice, why are you here alone?" Kamui asked.

Alice turned to the see the twins and smiled. "There's no one here beside you two and me. So what do you want to eat?"

"Rice balls! Fried Fish! And peach juice!" Kana clapped her hand cheerily.

Alice chuckled. "Alright. Sit down and your breakfast will be served."

The twins sat down on the bench with her while waiting for their food to come. A pink haired maid walked in the main room and sees the twins and Alice together talking. She walked up to them and bows.

"Good morning, Lady Kana, Lord Kaumi, and Lady Alice."

"Morning, Miss Felicia!"

"Good morning, Felicia."

"What can I give you for breakfast?" the maid asked the twins.

"May I have Rice balls, fried fish, and peach juice?" Kana answered smiling.

"Sure thing!"

"May I have the same?" Kamui answered.

"Of course. Alright, I'll have Jakob cook and serve it for you." Felicia head to the kitchen to tell the butler to make their order.

Kamui looked around the main hall and noticed that his parents aren't here. They are usually here at this time. "Where's mama and papa?"

"They're probably still sleeping. It is still early." Alice answered.

"Mama and papa isn't the type to sleep that long." Kana crooked her eyes.

"I heard that today is Lord Corrin's day off."

"Really?! Yay! Then papa can play with us!" the twins shouted in unison and excitement.

Alice giggled as the twins were excited to hear that their father has a day off today. Two malig knights walked in the main room. They saw Alice and the twins talking to each other and probably enjoying themselves. They walked to the other side of the table and sat down.

"Good morning, Lady Kana, Lord Kamui, and Alice." Kouta waved at them.

"Morning, Lord Kamui, Lady Kana, and Alice." Drachen greeted them with his metallic voice echoing through his helmet.

"Morning, Mister Drachen and Mister Kouta!" the twins greets the two Malig Knights.

Alices waved at them back. "Good morning, Kouta and to you, Commander."

Kouta looked around and noticed that their King and Queen weren't around. "Where's Lady Azura and Lord Corrin?"

As if on cue, the Vallite Queen entered the room. Kana glanced to the entrance and saw her mother. She immediately got off the bench and ran up to her mother.

"Mama!" she called.

Everyone looked at the entrance and saw the blue-haired queen walking in. Kamui jumped off to join his sister.

"Speak of the devil." Drachen crossed his arms.

The twins welcomed her by embracing their mother tightly.

Azura chuckled. "Good morning, you two. How are you doing today?"

"We're doing fine," Kana looked behind her mother and did not see her father, who usually came in together. "Where's papa?"

"He's still asleep. Your silly father overworked himself again." Azura responded in a cheerful tone.

Kana smiled widely. "Hehe Papa is silly." The twins let go of their hug and Kana grabbed her mother arms to sit with her retainers. "Mama, come and sit with us!"

"All right, dear."

As they reached to the table, the retainers quickly got up and greet their Queen with a bow. Azura nodded and sat down on the opposite of the two Malig Knights. Kana sat between Alice and her mother while Kamui sat on beside his mother. "Good morning, Lady Azura." her retainers greeted her before they sat down.

"Morning to you as well."

Jakob came out of the kitchen with the food that Kamui and Kana ordered. He placed the dishes and drinks in front of them. Kana grabbed the rice ball from the plate and happily took a bite. Kamui took the chopsticks on the table and used it to eat the fried fish.

"Lady Azura, how are you today?" Jakob asked.

"I'm doing well. And you?"

"I'm doing fine. So, do you want anything to eat for breakfast, milady?"

Azura put her index finger on her chin and answered. "Hm? Berry smoothies, bread, and some strawberries."

Jakob glanced at the malig knights. "And what about you two?"

"Beans and rice, mixed berries salad and tea!" Kouta answered.

"Beef Rice Bowl and tea," Drachen replied.

"Your breakfast will be served when it is done." Jakob turned around and left the main hall and headed to the kitchen.

"Oh? So you are eating here, Commander Drachen?" the malig knight General asked as he looked at him with surprise.

"Ah yes, that's rare but I have never seen your face, Commander!" Alice piped in, also curious on why suddenly he wanted to have breakfast together with them. Since he usually had his meals alone.

"Well… it's not for me. It's for Wurfel." Drachen nonchalantly responded it is true that no one, not even the King or Queen of Valla had ever seen his face since it was covered in armor all the time and the Commander did not intend to reveal it just like that.

"Oh, your wyvern…right," Kouta sighed in disappointment as he scratched his head. He then looked at his fellow retainer who responded with a shrug, maybe someday they'll know.

"The food is delicious!" Kamui announced with a smile.

Azura looked at her youngest son and saw that he had crumbs on his lips. She picked up a napkin on the table and gently wiped his mouth. "You have something on your lips. Be slow and careful on how you eat, dear."

Kamui let out a giggle. "That tickles, Mama."

Kana puffs her face. She was getting jealous of her twin brother getting the attention. "No fair, Kamui," Kana tugged on her mother's clothing. "Mama, what about me?"

Azura turned to her only daughter. "You have rice on your face," the queen proceeded to wipe her mouth as well. "There you go."

"Thanks, mama!" the young blue haired dragonling smiled happily.

Azura smiled and place the napkin on the table. "No problem, sweetie. Be careful on how you eat too."

"Oh okay." Kana nodded before continuing to eat the rice ball.

Alice was thinking about something her mind. She wanted to talk about it to Azura. Maybe now is the perfect time to ask her. "Lady Azura, may I ask something? It's been bothering me for a while."

Azura glanced at the blonde haired adventurer. "Sure. What is it?"

"I have been thinking about something for a long time and it involved Lord Corrin as well," Azura and the other two retainers were all ears to hear Alice question curiosity. "Does Lord Corrin have any retainers when the Commander, Kouta, and I became your retainers?"

Azura never thought of that. Does Corrin have any retainers? She closed her eyes placed her hand on her chin and started to think. "Hm? I really don't know if Corrin has any retainers. If he did then he would have told me about it."

"So, he doesn't have any retainers beside us to protect him," Drachen added.

Azura nodded. "Yes, I would assume he doesn't have any at all."

Kouta crossed his arms. "And if he does?"

"Then he is going to get punished really…hard," Azura answered with a smile but her eyes gave a little angry look.

Alice chuckled nervously and feeling her sweats dropped. "Well, I hope that Lord Corrin will be alright getting punished from you, Lady Azura."

"I'm sure pretty he is going to have a hard punishment and I'll make sure that he doesn't keep secrets from me ever again." Azura crossed her arms and turn her head away.

"Well, I think Lord Corrin will probably have something planned if you're going to do that, Lady Azura." Kouta put his arms on the table.

Azura frowned. "Nope! He doesn't, Kouta. I have my ways with the king."

"I mean you do enjoy playing with Lord Corrin and once the playing gets rough. You two start being all lovely dovey to each other and then things started to get more extreme." he teased.

Azura's cheeks start to blush lightly and look down on the table. "Kouta! The kids are here."

Kouta shrugged then chuckled lightly. "It's not my fault that the two of you are still like that 2 years ago and still going at it even with the kids are already here."

"Will you shush?"

Alice looked at her fellow retainers and her queen wondering why Kouta was teasing Azura until her cheeks turned red as strawberries. A metallic clang could be heard as Drachen placed his gauntlet on his helmet, face palming that he could not believe he was hearing this. Kana and Kamui look at their mother wondering what was going on.

"Um? Mama, What was Mister Kouta talking about?" Kamui asked.

"It is nothing, Kamui. Don't worry about it," she answered, sweetly.

Kamui tilts his head in confusion. "Okay?"

Alice looks at Kouta and said, "Oh yeah, you did tell us that you joined Lord Corrin's side two years when he had to choose which side to join the war."

Kouta nodded. "Yep. Not just me who joined Lord Corrin's side."

"And who would that be?" Drachen asked, his tone disinterested but curious.

"Ivan, Captain of the Nohrian Royal Guards," Kouta answered.

"I have heard of him. He is Lady Elise retainer and got his position back," Alice placed her index finger on her chin. "Where is he now?"

"He is in Hoshido where Lady Elise is, obviously."

"I thought he would be in Nohr."

"Well, Lady Elise married Lord Takumi. That's why she is in Hoshido."

"Oh really? So, most of the officers got married and had children?" Alice started to think about something that she is now eager to know. "Lady Azura?" she called her queen.

Azura turned to Alice curiously. "Yes? What is it?"

Alice started to play with her fingers nervously. "H-How does it f-feel?"

Azura gave her a puzzled look. "What do you mean, Alice? Is there something bothering you?"

"Well, um...when you and um... Lord Corrin have some…uhh, private time. Do you two umm... you know."

Azura cheeks turned bright red. "A-Alice, this isn't the time to talk about that. We can't say it here with them here."

Alice totally forgot that the twins and the other two malig knights are still here in the main hall with them. She felt her cheeks reddened and embarrassed saying it. "I-I'm sorry!"

Kouta face palmed on what Alice said. Drachen tilted his head, curious on why did Alice ask those question. Everyone was silent after that embarrassing question from the Adventurer. Jakob and Flora came out of the kitchen with the food they ordered. They walked up to the blue-haired songstress and her retainers. Then placed the food in front of them on what they ordered. The two servants bowed before leaving them and headed back to the kitchen.

The queen and her retainers stared at their food then Azura sighs deeply to break the silent.

"Anyway, we should eat the food get cold." she picked up a strawberry from the bowl and placed it in her mouth.

Kouta nodded as he started to eat his breakfast.

"If you will excuse me." Drachen bowed before leaving with the food, making his way to the stables.

---

In one of the castle's hall, Takaya was walking aimlessly for he was lost. He didn't know where to go or where to look at. The Prince of Zeno needed directions to the Main Hall. As he was lost in this unfamiliar castle, he suddenly heard a draconic voice at a door. Slowly walking to the door, he listened carefully to the draconic voice.

"Wh-What the hell?! I don't remember changing! What the hell is going on here?!"

Takaya was confused. That voice sounded like it was freaking out about something. Suddenly he heard stomping coming closer to the door. The Zenagi Prince quickly moved away and hides. The door burst open and a silvery white dragon appeared out of the room then quickly ran out.

Takaya didn't know who or what was leaving that room. He came out from his hiding spot and glanced to the opened room. The curious Prince of Zeno walked in to see the room that was huge. There were pictures on the shelves. He went up to the shelves to look at them. There was a picture of the white-haired Nohrian Prince with his whole siblings gathered around the songstress princess and the half dragon prince. Azura was lifted in the air by Corrin. They both were smiling and seems happy. Takaya never knew that the two are so happy to be together. Then he looked at the picture next to it and saw Azura holding a baby in her arms with Corrin at her side. They seem very happy to have a child together. The Zenagi Prince doesn't know who their first is and now he is curious to know who it is. Takaya looked at the next picture and saw Vallite Queen holding two infants on each arm. He tilted his head, wondering who were these two on Azura's arms. He felt that he saw them before, but where? Lastly, he examined the last picture and noticed the Vallite Royals with their children, now all grown up. The king had his arms around the queen's waist, the crown prince stood beside his father, and the royal twins were hugging their mother from each side. They looked like a happy family together.

"What are you doing here?"

The voice startled Takaya as he turned around to the entrance of the room and saw the blue-haired sky knight.

"Sorry. I-I was curious what was in this room."

"You shouldn't be in this room at all. This is my parent's study room." Shigure walked in and went up to Takaya, frowning that the visitor became too comfortable.

Takaya put his hand on his neck and rubs it nervously. "Seriously? I didn't know that."

The Vallite Prince looked at what Takaya was looking at. "I see. You were looking at those pictures."

Takaya nodded. "Yeah. I never thought that Corrin and Azura are so happy together."

Shigure smiled and looks back at his fellow prince. "Of course. They have been like this for 2 years."

"Really? I'm curious to know how the two of them met."

"You can ask them whenever you or they have time."

"I hope so." Takaya glanced back at the photos. "So, who are those people in these pictures?"

Shigure looked at the pictures once more. "Those are my father's step siblings."

"Step siblings? I didn't know that he has so many of them."

"It is a…long story."

"Now, I'm getting curious."

"Let's not tell it at this time. Like I said, it is a long story."

"Why did Corrin lift Azura in the air?"

"The war with Anankos had finally reached to an end. That's why everyone looked so happy as they were celebrating their victory and peace."

Takaya wished that he could do something for his kingdom like Corrin did. Shigure returned his gaze towards Takaya, wondering what he is currently thinking in his mind.

"What about that one beside that? Who is that child?"

"That would be me."

The Zenagi Prince's eyes widened at the Vallite Prince. "So, you're their first child?"

"That's right. I also love singing the song that mother taught me."

"Like mother, like son who loves to sing as a duet."

"Although, I'm not a dancer like her."

Takaya didn't know that Azura can dance. He heard her sing once during the lake back in the forest. There were a lot of things that Takaya wants to know about the Vallite Royals. "I see." Takaya looks at the photo of the twins. "Those must be the twins, right?"

"Indeed. Those two are my little brother and sister. You've seen them before."

Takaya tried to remember where he met the half dragon twins. "Hmm? Was it during when we came to Valla to heal the King and Queen's wounds yesterday?"

Shigure nodded. "Yes. My little brother and sister are always energized and childish, for they are quite young. They also have the ability to transform into a dragon."

"Wait," Takaya choked. "Your little siblings can turn into a dragon?"

"Of course, but you don't sound convinced."

"Yeah, I don't! There's no way anyone can transform into a dragon. It is not possible!"

"It is. My father is the first person who has such ability."

"I thought dragons were extinct from this world!"

"Well, my father is half dragon half human."

"I never knew that your father can transform into a one."

"Have you heard about the power of the Dragon Veins?"

"Dragon veins? No, never heard of it."

"Truly? You're father never told you anything about the power of Dragon Veins?"

Takaya shook his head. "Nope. My father didn't have time to tell me anything that he knew. Not even things like Hoshido or Nohr."

"I can tell you about it if you want to."

"I won't mind some history." Takaya chuckled.

"You see, the power of Dragon Veins is said to have been inherited from their dragon ancestors. Those who have the power of dragon veins can be used during the battle which can affect the surrounding area or weapons. Only the royals have Dragon Veins running through their blood." Shigure explained calmly.

"You said Dragon Veins is inherited from their dragon ancestors? So, which dragon ancestor runs through Nohr, Hoshido, and Valla?"

"Nohr has the Dusk Dragon. Hoshido has the Dawn Dragon. And Valla has the Silent Dragon. I am sure that you also have Dragon Vein running through your blood, Prince Takaya."

Takaya jumped when Shigure called his name. He has never introduced himself to the Vallite Prince before.

"Why do you know my name when I haven't introduced myself to you yet?"

"Ah, forgive me. My mentor told me who you are."

"Your mentor? Who is your mentor?"

The Sky Knight sighed lightly. "Master Drachen is my mentor."

"Oh, I see." Takaya scratched his head, remembering that this person he was talking about was the one who was encased in all that armor.

"Anyways, you think I can use Dragon Vein during battle?"

"Possibly, if you have dragon blood running in you. Did your father or mother told you what kind of dragon ancestor you have?"

The Zenagi Prince tried to remember, tapping his chin as he closed his eyes. "My mother told me that we have dragon blood running in through our veins, but what kind of dragon, I am not sure."

"Well, it is best if we leave this room before my parents come back." Shigure turns around and motioned Takaya out of his parent's room.

Takaya followed Shigure out of the room, who closed the door behind them when visitor walked out of the room.

"Thank you for everything, um..." Takaya doesn't know the Pegasus Knight Prince name.

"I'm Shigure, the eldest son of Corrin and Azura and the Crown Prince of Valla."

Takaya chuckled. "Thanks again, Shigure."

"It was my pleasure."

"Although, shouldn't you be still a baby as well as your little brother and sister?"

"Yes, we should be infants, but my little brother and sister wouldn't also be born that quickly."

"That is true. The twins look so young like they are nine years old."

Shigure nodded and smiled. "Yes, they are."

"So, how did you and the twins were able to grow up this fast?"

"Have you heard of another realm called the Deeprealms?"

"I don't think so."

"Nohr and Hoshido were still at war 2 years ago. It was hard for our parents by putting us in the Deeprealms and thus they were not able to partake in taking care of us. The purpose was to keep us safe from the war. So, they have to hire caretakers to us, young children. The time flow quite speedily in the Deeprealms and so the once infant child quickly mature into young adults in a matter of weeks. Our parents visit us from time to time if they can, but the Deeprealms weren't safe as we thought they would be. Our parents came to save us from the invaders that came to attack us. Most of the children joined their parents to protect their homeland and help to stop the war." Shigure explained with a calm tone, trying not to remember the horrors of his own deeprealm.

Takaya was surprised to hear the Deeprealms and how Shigure and other children went through with the absence of their parents to take care of them. At least, Corrin and the army were able to save the children from the invaders.

"Wow. All the children went through the same thing as you and the twins?"

The blue haired prince nods. "Yes, but we still love our parents even if they put us in the Deeprealms, their intentions were pure by keeping us safe from the war."

"I learned a lot day," Takaya stomach started to growl loudly. "Well, all of that talking is making me hungry."

Shigure smiled at his way. "We should go to the Main Hall and eat. Everyone probably has started their breakfast." He stated while he leads the way to the Main Hall.

The Zenagi nodded and followed the Vallite Prince to the Main Hall.

---

"Mama! I haven't seen papa!" Kana called out her mother. "Where is he?"

The songstress opened the door to the lounge room. "I don't know. We might have to search the entire castle to find him."

Kana gasped happily. "Like hide and seek?!"

Azura looked at her daughter and chuckled happily. "Something like that. Your father is the mouse and we are the cats. So, we have to find him from his hiding spot."

Kamui jumped cheerfully. "Ooooh, that would be fun. Playing with papa is going to be a great day today."

"I want to give papa a big hug!"

"Yeah! We all can, Kana!"

Azura couldn't help, but to smile and giggle at her dragon children. Shigure was right that they have a lot of spirit in them. Azura had noticed that her eldest son hasn't been in the Main Hall for a while. He's probably still asleep or painting somewhere. The blue haired Queen sat on the sofa to relax and the twins both sat beside their mother. The half dragons were waiting for their father to appear in the lounge room.

"I really want to play with papa," Kana whined looking up to her mother.

Azura patted her only daughter head. "I know you want to play with your father, Kana, but whining won't do anything for him to appear."

Kamui heard something coming to the lounge room. He glanced to the entrance to the door and stared at it. "Something is coming."

This got Azura's attention. She turned her head to the door wondering who is coming. Kana know that presence from anywhere. She smiled widely after figuring who it was.

"Papa is here!"

The door opened and a silvery white dragon walked into the room and closed the door from behind. Azura was surprised that Kana was able to sense him and Kamui was able to hear their father was coming. The twins have unknown powers in them. She was wandering where they unlock their powers at. Is the heart? Feelings? Or their Draconic Nature has heightened their senses? Something is amidst behind the twins powers.

Corrin sighed in relief. "It is a good thing that I have the day off today."

Kana and Kamui jumped off from their seat and runs up to their father and hugs him. The half dragon jumped a little when the twins hugged him.

"Good morning, Papa!" the twins said smiling and giggling.

Corrin chuckles. "Good morning, kiddos. How are you doing today?"

"Good! And we ate breakfast with Mama and her retainers! And they were talking about something strange." Kamui answered.

Azura blushed lightly. "Kamui, please don't talk about it."

The Vallite King looks up and see his wife sitting on the couch still blushing. He chuckles and walks up to her and nuzzled her cheeks with his. "You're so cute when you blush, my sweet queen." he said teasingly.

"Corrin, the kids are here."

"Yes, yes, I know." Corrin lied down on the floor. The twins start to get on their father back and start playing around on top of it. "What are the two of you doing?" he turned his head to his back.

"We wanted to play with you, Papa," Kamui answered.

Corrin chuckled. "Alright, you two. So, what do you two want to play?"

"Tag!" Kana shouted.

"We can go and play tag outside."

"YAY!" the twins shouted in joy.

Azura looked at Corrin wondering why he is still in his dragon form. Why hasn't he changed back? She was getting worried about her husband.

"Umm? Corrin... dear?" Corrin tilted his head sideways, wondering about a question that she is going to ask. "How come you haven't changed back?"

"I don't know. I tried to change back, but for some reason, I can't. Something is preventing me to revert back."

"Do remember when you changed?"

"When I was sleeping, I suddenly felt hot. So, I got off the bed and tried to sleep on the floor to cool off. And I guess that was the time when I change into my dragon form."

The blue haired maiden stood up and walked up to Corrin and put her hands on his draconic face. The half dragon waited for her to do something. Azura nuzzled her nose on his draconic face and smiled sweetly.

"We can figure out how we can change you back to normal later."

Corrin chuckled slightly. "I hope so." he looked back at the twins and stood up. "Alright, let's go outside and play."

The twins were still on the dragon back laughing in joy. The family leave the lounge room and head outside to play.

---

Takaya walked out of the Main Hall and whistled. "I have never seen food in Valla before. This kind of food never exists in Zeno. It would be nice to see something different kind of culture from a different kingdom."

"My lord." a voice was called.

Takaya turned to the voice and sees Helios with his hands behind his back. He crossed his arms and sighs lightly. "What is it, Helios?"

"How long are we going to stay here?" he asked.

"Who knows. We need to get all the help we can get to save our kingdom. You did hear Corrin that he is going to help us." The prince shrugged while making his way.

"Yes, but how are we going to start the journey back to Zeno?"

Takaya didn't say anything for a couple of minutes then sighs annoyingly. "You know, Helios. Why can't you be patient? It's not like we are in a rush. It's not like the Kingdom of Valla is going to get attacked soon. Plus, that traitor probably has a big army that we can't cut through. So, it is best we get as much help as possible."

"You are right, my lord. I'm sorry for bothering you." the Paladin apologized.

Takaya chuckled. "It is alright. Besides, I like to know more about the other kingdoms. It would be a good chance to know each of them."

The retainers came into Main Hall with Shigure and saw Takaya and Helios talking with each other. The Zenagi Prince and the Paladin turn to the Vallite Queen's retainers and her son together. Shigure walked up to them and smiled.

"How was the meal? I hope the food was alright here in Valla."

Takaya shook his head. "The food is great! I never ate any of them before."

"May I ask who are you?" Helios asked.

"Oh, my name is Shigure. The Crown Prince of Valla and the eldest son of the Vallite King and Queen." The prince introduced himself politely to the puzzled Paladin. "And you?"

"I am Helios. I'm Prince Takaya's retainer and advisor of the Kingdom of Zeno." he bowed to Shigure.

It was Shigure's turn to be puzzled. "Kingdom of Zeno? I have never heard of that before."

Takaya and Helios looked at each other in confusion. Why doesn't anyone know anything about their kingdom? The Zenagi Prince rubbed his head and sighed sadly.

"I guess Zeno is nothing but an empty land to everyone."

Drachen crossed his arms and frowned beneath his helmet. "Did you not hear what the King and Queen had said? That they didn't know anything about your kingdom. And it is the same to you as well. You know nothing about Hoshido and Nohr."

On the tree branch, a shadowy figure was sitting on it and watched at the group from the window. The person smirked and chuckled. "This is going to be fun." then the shadowy figure turns to the retainers and grinned. "I wonder how strong her retainers are? It is our job to test their strength and their courage to protect Valla. Although, they do look weak in my point of view. Why would the Queen of Valla choose them as her retainers? They're nothing but worthless trash."

Kouta glanced to the window and looked at the tree through the window. He had a feeling that someone was watching, but there was nothing on the tree branch. The malig knight glanced at the tree constantly, this earned Alice to look at him and was wondering what he was looking at.

"Hey Kouta?" she whispered.

Kouta's eyes met with Alice's as he crossed his arms. "Hmm? What is it?" he whispered back.

Alice looked back at the tree he was staring at and tilted her head then turned back to Kouta. "What are you looking at?"

The malig knight glanced away from Alice and sighed. "Nothing. I thought I saw something. That is all."

The adventurer felt something isn't right. She looked at the window and thought of what Kouta might have seen.

"Well then, we should give you a tour of the castle, if that's your wish." Shigure offered, he wouldn't mind showing them some parts of the castle.

"This castle is big and it would be nice for us to see around it," Takaya said, stretching his arms.

Helios agreed with his prince. "Yes, it would also kill some time as well."

"I'll have Felicia give you a tour of the Valla Castle." the Sky Knight turned around to search for Felicia. Takaya and Helios followed the Vallite Prince to find the clumsy maid.

The retainers watched them leave for a while then went separate ways. Alice went to Valla Garden to see Akahana if she is there. Kouta headed towards to the training room to train more. And Drachen walked to the barracks to check any reports from the army once again.

---

A pink-haired maid was carrying a pot of plant and was walking carefully from dropping it. She was hoping that she can be a better maid than before, without being clumsy and occasionally breaking things. She took a deep breath and give a determined look on her face.

"Alright, Felicia! You got this!"

Felicia took a step forward slowly as a sweat drop came sliding down from her cheek. She could feel her nervousness crawling on her skin. "Okay! I just need to walk forward slowly."

The maiden took each step forward carefully. She smiled that she had progressed quite well thus far. Everything was going well in Felicia's part until Shigure, Takaya, and Helios saw Felicia up ahead. They were confused on what the pink-haired maid will do with a plant pot on her hands. She wasn't looking where she was going and suddenly, she tripped causing the plant pot to fall off of her hands, resulting with both of them landed on the floor with a loud crash.

Felicia sat up and looks at the broken plant pot and give an upset look on her face. "Oooh, I messed up again. There's no way I'm going to be a good maid like my sister," she sighed and gave another look at the broken pieces of the pot. "I can't believe I broke another one. Lord Corrin and Lady Azura are going to be mad at me."

Shigure knelt down and called the maid's name. "Felicia?" Said maid looked up and saw the Vallite Prince with the Zenagi Prince and his retainer together. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine, my prince. It's just that I dropped the plant pot...again, that's all," she answered, laughing nervously.

"Practicing again, I presume?" Shigure spoke with concerned.

Felicia noticed that her prince didn't sound happy that all. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "Yes. I'm sorry, Milord."

The Vallite Prince smiled. "It's fine. Make sure you clean it up."

"Y-yes, of course." Felicia opened her eyes and starts picking up the pieces of the broken pot.

"I do have something else for you to do after you're done."

The pink-haired maid gave the Vallite Prince a puzzled look. "What would that be, Milord?"

"I want you to give a tour to these visitors here if you don't mind and bring Flora as well."

"No problem! I can do that!" she quickly picked up the broken pieces throw them away.

Takaya and Helios were confused and dumbfounded as they saw the clumsy maid quickly leave. They never thought that a maid would be excited to show visitors around the castle. Shigure stood up and chuckled softly.

"Sorry about that. She is a bit energetic on her work."

Takaya waved his hand. "No, it is fine. Although, should you be punishing her?"

"Hm? Why would I do that?"

Helios put his hands behind his back and sighed. "My lord, you shouldn't be asking questions like that to Prince Shigure."

"It's alright. We never punish our workers, because we want to understand and bond with them. That's what my father wants. He wanted to see everyone be happy with a smile on their faces and get along with the other kingdoms."

Takaya was actually surprised that Corrin was doing all of this to keep and enjoy the peace that he created. That is something he couldn't do. Helios watched as his prince is upset about the one thing he failed to do in the past.

"Your father is amazing. He wanted the three kingdoms to be at peace together and succeeded in making everyone happy."

Shigure frowned. "There are some Nohrians and Hoshidans that didn't want to get along with each other."

"It is because to war between the two of them 2 years ago?" Helios asked, with a concerned voice.

The sky knight shook his head. "Possibly. My father wanted to do something about it, but he doesn't know what to do to stop them from hating each other."

Suddenly a voice echoed in the halls. "I got Flora, Milord!" Felicia was running in with her twin sister behind her. The group turned around and saw the two maids coming to them. Felicia stopped in front of them, breathing heavily as she was tired from running. Flora bowed to the prince and the two visitors.

"Milord, you want us to give a tour to these two visitors around the castle?" Flora asked.

"Yes. And make sure you make them comfortable as well."

"Of course." Flora turned to Takaya and Helios. "Well then, we should get going." she motion them to follow her before she turned around and led the way. The Zenagi Prince and the Paladin followed the cyan blue-haired maid. Felicia also followed them from behind with a smile on her face, seemingly happy to do something different.

Shigure watched them as they were getting further and further away from him. He then made his way to find his mentor.

---

In the castle garden, Akahana was under a tree relaxing by listening to the birds singing. Alice was walking in the garden looking for Akahana, but she couldn't find the samurai anywhere. The adventurer began to worry as she looked everywhere for the girl.

"Where is Akahana? She is usually here." she moved her hands to her waist as continue to search for the samurai.

Akahana sat up and stretches her arms. "Man! This is boring! I want some action!" she complained.

Suddenly, she heard something snapped not too far away. She stood up quickly and moved her hand to the hilt of her sword ready for whoever is coming. The sound of footsteps were coming closer and louder towards her. The samurai slowly moved her hand on her sword for the footsteps to come closer. She smiled and moved her sword out of her sheath to attack then suddenly a bow blocked her sword.

"Oh, it is just you, Alice." Akahana sighed in disappointment as she sheathed her katana back.

Alice put her bow on her back and narrowed her eyes. "Well, that was rude of you to welcome me."

"So, why are you here? Does Lady Azura need us again?" the samurai asked as she crossed her arms.

"No, I'm not here to get you. I'm here because I thought you need some company, that's all." Alice replied, moving her hands on waist. The adventurer sighed, knowing that when Akahana is bored, trouble sure to follow.

Akahana leaned on the tree and closed her eyes. "There is nothing to do around here. I wish that someone would come. So, I can fight them."

"Stop complaining, Akahana. I know that you're bored, but whining won't do a thing. It's not like someone will appear out of nowhere and suddenly attack us." She stated with a shake of her head.

Suddenly, an arrow appeared out of the woods and went flying straight at them. Both of them sensed something coming for them and immediately saw the incoming arrow. They quickly dodged away and watched as it as it chopped through the tree bark. They were shocked that one simple arrow was able to break down a large tree.

Soon a voice called to them. "Wow! I'm surprised that you two were able to dodge that easily."

The adventurer and the samurai turned behind them and saw two women who came out of the woods. A young woman who has long dark blue hair tied into a ponytail. Her chest is moderately-sized and she is about average height, who wore a dark green womanly tunic with a black shirt underneath and a pair of tight dark blue long pants with brown shoes, followed by a dark brown half-cloak that covers the area from her left shoulder to the right side of her hips. And another woman standing about 5'9 with an average-sized body. She has shoulder-length, charcoal hair, with a few blood red streaks, fair skin, her left eye is red while her right eye is brown, wears a dark gray armor with a belt that seems to hold throwing knives under her cream belted sash, boots have a short heel. Her face has a scar that runs across her nose possibly from a battle with a wyvern. Complete with a helmet with a pair of forward-facing horns.

Alice took out her bow and Akahana took out her sword, preparing to attack. They were wondering how did they get into the castle garden. And why hadn't the guards caught these trespassers? Were they not able to see the trespassers? Or were they all dead? Was that why there were no alarms? Something felt strange with those two. Alice moved her hand to grab an arrow before pulling it along with the bowstring, waiting for the trespassers to make their move. Akahana smirked and grinned that someone finally appeared out of nowhere to give her some actions, she silently thanked Alice for jinxing it.

"Who are you people? And why are you here?" Alice asked, with a demanding tone.

The sniper smiled and clasped her hands together. "We are here to play with you, simple," she replied, chuckling softly.

Alice narrowed her eyes with a confused look her face. "Huh? Play with us? You mean fight us?"

The dark blue-haired sniper nodded her head as she smiled. "Yep! That's right!" her tone suddenly changed into a serious one. "Now then, let's get on with the fighting," she said as she took out an arrow from her quiver and placed it on her bow.

Akahana just recklessly charged into attack the what seems to be a wyvern lord. The blonde-haired adventurer gasped as she saw her friend's recklessness before shouting,

"Wait Akahana don't! We don't know what they can do!"

The raven-haired samurai ignored Alice's warning and swung her sword but the charcoal-haired wyvern lord blocked the attack with her lance. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed with each other. Akahana was struggling to push back the wyvern lord.

"Seriously? You're weak." she pushed Akahana back using her lance and struck back.

Akahana tried to get her balance back, but it was too late as the wyvern lord retorted by using the hilt of her lance to knock the samurai off balance. Alice quickly aimed her arrow at the wyvern lord, but an arrow interrupted her. She immediately aimed at the arrow that was coming to her and shot her own, which resulted in the two knocked each other from the air and sending both arrows stumbling to the ground.

"Oh. Nice reflex there. I can see why you're known as the best marksman in Valla and the Queen's retainer." the sniper stated, amazed on Alice's marksmanship.

How does she know that I'm Lady Azura's retainer? Alice thought in surprise. "You never told me your name," she spoke with a serious look on her face.

"Huh? Me?" the sniper giggled. "My. You are a feisty one. All right, since you ask nicely I will introduce myself," she moved her hand on her chest and grins. "My name is Isuca." she turned her head to the wyvern lord. "And that is Nerina. Are you satisfied now, Alice?"

Alice flinched and asked, "And...how do you know me?"

"That is for you to find out and for me to know." Alice narrowed her eyes and grunted lowly.

Akahana is still on the ground struggling as she was pinned down by Nerina's her lance. Nerina moved her lance closer to Akahana's neck and narrowed her eyes. Akahana gritted her teeth and growled slowly.

"Is that how you fight?" Akahana said with a smug look as she started one of her taunts in the middle of battle. "Show me what you are made of. I know you won't kill me."

The wyvern lord pulled her lance away from Akahana's neck. "Very well, your wish has been granted." she threw her lance away and moved her hand behind her back to grab her axe then lifted it before swinging her axe to attack the Samurai.

---

Kouta walked in the training room, sighing lightly. "Now what could I do? Should I do some swordplay?" he placed his hand on his swords and looked at them on his waist. "Nah, maybe I shouldn't. After all, no one doesn't know that I used to be a Dark Knight back then."

"Maybe I should help you with your swordplay." a feminine voice suddenly called out.

Kouta quickly turned around to find the source of the voice. "That voice. I feel like I've heard that voice and accent before, but where?"

Kouta felt something was leaning on his back and someone was whispering in his ear. The voice sounded flirtatious and sultry. "Well then, should I tell you, Kouta?" he moved away from the voice and quickly turned around to see a figure standing at 5'10" and a blonde long ponytail with bangs waving to the right side, her eyes has the same color of the ocean with an eyepatch on her left eye. She donned a black paladin armor and a pair of long boots with sword holster on her waist and a silver ring on her left finger. "You don't remember the last time we met? Aw, that breaks my heart," she said teasingly.

Now he remembered who she was. "I remember now. You were the one who defeated me in the Colosseum two years ago after the peace was made by Lord Corrin." the malig knight narrowed his eyes. "Am I correct?"

The dark knight nodded, "Oh, you remember. How nice. Well, I should introduce myself. My name is Macha Moreau, a dark knight just like you."

Kouta blinked a couple of times, surprised that she knew. "W-What are you talking about? I'm not a dark knight. You must be hearing things, woman." he shook his head as he crossed his arms.

"Then why did you say that you used to be a dark knight?" she grinned.

The malig knight sighed. "All right. Whatever."

"So, should we do some swordplay together?" Macha rested her right hand on her waist. "It would be a lot of fun." she giggled softly.

"Before we start," Macha gave a curious look towards her opponent "Remember our battle in the Colosseum?" he grinned as he narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah. What about it?"

"I was figuring out your swordsmanship and magic during that match. So, I lost on purpose and finally figured out your fighting style."

"That's a lie," the dark knight scoffed at his comment "I won that fair and square. That battle was not a fluke. You're just saying that so you can feel higher than me, Kouta."

"Huh? You're just saying that to make yourself look bad. Some people would have done the same thing as I did."

Macha unsheathed her sword and pointed the tip at Kouta. "Let us see if that match was a fluke or not."

The malig knight sighed deeply and took his twin sword out. "Fine but I'll make this quick."

They both stared at each other, waiting on who will make a move first. Kouta sidestepped while Macha took a step forward. Still waiting for one of them to make a move to strike. The dark knight dashed in to attack the malig knight by swinging her sword with great force. The malig knight managed to block her sword with his twin swords. Macha jumped back to cast fire magic from a distance. Kouta waited for Macha to finish casting her magic and looked around to find an opening. The dark knight finished and cast her fire magic at Kouta. Who stood still and waited for the fireball to come closer to him. When the fireball got closer, he cut it in half causing it to explode and quickly dashed forward to sweep her legs, causing her to fall down backward. Macha's eyes widened in shock that she was knocked down. Kouta pointed his sword at Macha, the tip of the sword was inches to her nose.

"Surrender!"

Macha smirked. "I don't think so. I won't lose to you that easily just because you used to be a dark knight in the past." she grabbed the malig knight's blade and cast thunder magic on it.

Kouta immediately lets go of his sword before it electrocuted him and jumped away from the blonde-haired dark knight, he shook his head and sighed at her actions. "That was a really cheap thing to do. You could have done something better than that."

"That was the only way I could get out of that situation. Plus, that was rude for you to do that to a girl," Macha stood up and wiped the dust off her. "A true man will never attack a girl like that."

"Huh? Are you stupid?" Kouta narrowed his eyes. "You were the one who attacked me and now you're blaming me that I attacked you first. What the hell is wrong with you women?"

The dark knight scoffed at his statement "And why are men such fools?"

Kouta closed eyes as he crossed his arms before mumbling "I guess there are some people who don't know how fighting works."

"What did you say?"

"It's nothing. You're just listening things," Macha tilts her head. "By the way, how did you know my name?"

"What are you talking about? I already know your name and that you are the Vallite Queen's retainer."

How does she know that I'm Lady Azura's retainer? There's no way that some dark knight would know my position other than a general in the Valla's army. Hmm... Someone probably told her but who. he thought as he narrowed his eyes.

The dark knight smiled and giggled at his expression. "Now then, shall we continue our fun?" Kouta groaned in annoyance before getting ready for the next fight. Macha threw Kouta's sword back to him but the sword landed on the ground. Kouta walked up and grabbed his sword from the floor and ready for round two.

---

Drachen was walking in the barracks seeing that most of the soldiers were taking a break from their training. As he was walking, he saw Silas talking to his wife, Oboro. It seems they were enjoying their time with each other.

"Where is Sophie?" Oboro asked as she looked around.

Silas tried to remember where did his daughter go. "Hmm? I think she is with Avel, trying to stop him from causing trouble," he said in a worried tone.

"Again?" Oboro sighed lightly. "That is going to be troublesome for her to control him." she crossed her arms.

The Paladin Commander rubbed the back his neck. "Yeah, even after two years that horse still invites disaster around." he continued. "I wish I could do something about it but Avel is different from the other horses."

"Commander Silas, Lady Oboro, it is nice to see you two here." A black armored man greeted them as he bowed. Silas and Oboro turned to see who it was and smiled.

"Oh, Commander Drachen, good morning to you as well." Silas greeted him back.

Oboro waved at Drachen. "Morning Drachen. How are you today?"

"I'm doing well," Drachen replied. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here, Lady Oboro?"

Oboro rested her hand on her waist and frowned. "Well, I'm looking for Sophie, my daughter but I can't find her anywhere."

The malig knight crossed his arms in deep thought. "Hrm...Did you check the stables?" The spear master shook her head. "That is strange. Where could she be?"

"Avel is probably causing trouble now. So, she is probably trying to stop him somewhere," Silas sighed while massaging the bridge of his nose."I hope Avel doesn't appear here to cause more trouble for us like last time."

Oboro felt something behind her. It was coming to her and felt something wet as it started to chomp on her left ear. "Ow! What the-?" the two commanders turned to Oboro and saw a horse biting her ear. Silas gasped and immediately rushed up to the spear master and grabbed the horse away from his wife while Oboro covered her left ear in pain.

"Avel!" Silas turned to his wife with a worried look. "Are you alright, dear?"

"Yeah. I'm fine," she responded like nothing happened.

"AVVVVEEELL!" a voice suddenly echoed in the barracks. They glanced to the source of the voice behind them. A young female cavalier with a dark blue hair and a black headband appeared then immediately gasped to see what happened. "Mo-Mother?" she said surprisingly.

Oboro placed her hands on her waist and frowned at her daughter. "Avel knows how to bite off people and like you, who is being stubborn all the time."

"W-why are you here, mother?" Sophie asked nervously.

"I'm here to get you."

"M-Me? For what?"

"You're going to help me with something at the shop."

"Again?"

"Yes and no complaining," the spear master turned to her husband and smiled. "You too, dear."

"Huh? Me?" Silas was confused as she pointed at him.

"Of course! Lord Corrin said that you have the day off today."

"He did?" Oboro nodded. "He never to- mmhmff." his wife covered his mouth with her hand, grinned and closed her eyes. The malig knight commander was somehow confused, wondering what is going on.

"Well, we should get going now," she stated as she pushed the paladin then turned to Drachen. "Have a nice day, Drachen." the family left the barracks to go to the tailor shop. Drachen watched them as they left the barracks.

The barracks was empty and Drachen was now alone with Avel. He looked at Avel and sighed. "Now, I can't just let you loose around the castle," he said, as he grabs the lead from the halter to take Avel back to the stables.

As Drachen left the barracks, a mysterious shadow came down from the ceiling and smirked. "So, that is the commander of Valla. He seems strong. Strong enough for me to crush him. I guess he was right about him," he licked his lips and his eyes started to glow red. "Let's start the fun then, Drachen Schneider."

---

At the stables, Drachen put back Avel in his stable before moving to his wyvern, Wurfel. Wurfel looked at his master and leaned his head forward that he wanted to be petted. Drachen petted his wyvern on the soft spot that he loved so much, like being scratched on the top of his head. "Hope you like that royal food, my little dragon," he said affectionately at the wyvern, who nodded his head. Suddenly, Wurfel's eyes became akin to a predator who detected something. The malig knight commander noticed that Wurfel was looking at something from the distance.

"Wurfel, is there something wrong?" he asked. His wyvern kept staring straight and growled. Drachen turned around and felt something or someone was watching him. "I suggest you should come out of hiding."

The mysterious person did as he ordered. The figure was wearing a long black jacket with red trims, long black pants with red trims, white tank top under the jacket, black boots, black fingerless gloves, red eyes, purple spiky hair, and twin daggers seemingly hidden in his jacket. Drachen never saw a short kid in battle attire before. He thought it was some kind of a joke.

"Who are you? Little kids like you shouldn't be here." Drachen scolded while examining this person.

"I am not a kid and my name is Yuudai." he answered.

"Why are you here?"

Yuudai smirked. "What do you think, Drachen?"

Drachen flinched at the mention of his name. How does he know my name? Was he part of the army?...Unlikely. "You didn't answer my question."

"Who knows. Maybe I am here to assassinate the Queen and King of Valla or maybe I am here for something else. An assassin never tells their secrets to other people." Yuudai answered, crossing his arms and chuckling.

"If you are going to assassinate the King and Queen then...you are welcome to try." the commander chuckled in return as he took out his axe, ready to fight the assassin. He knew this type of fighter, who talked a lot so he would lower his guard or play with his emotions.

The assassin laughed. "You think you can stop me," he took out his twin daggers inside his jacket. "Just because you are the commander of Valla doesn't mean you're strong. It takes skills to beat others, not ranks." Yuudai rubbed his dagger with another dagger like a whetstone.

"So how do you think I achieved my rank. Hmm? Of course, a pathetic kid like you wouldn't understand." Drachen retorted as he spun his axe in a mocking manner. Fight fire with fire as they said.

"Sizes doesn't matter. As long I can fight then you can complain about age, not size." Yuudai said coldly as he charged to armored man, who threw his axe immediately at him. Yuudai dodged it and vanished out of the stables. The malig knight picked up his axe and left the stables before motioning his wyvern to stay and followed the assassin to the woods. He stopped in an open area while looking for the assassin in the trees and bushes. Small knives came out of nowhere and headed straight towards Armored figure from behind. He quickly turned around and blocked them easily with his axe. The assassin rubbed something on the blade of his dagger then appeared out of the woods to attack Drachen's left upper arm and give him a small cut. Drachen grunted from the cut as the assassin disappear once again in the woods.

"Damn! He knew what he was doing." Drachen turned around to look for Yuudai. Who suddenly appeared behind him.

"Having trouble finding me," he said frowning. "The Queen of Valla choose poor retainers to protect her. You can't even dodge my attack. I thought you would be interesting to battle against but it seems it was a letdown."

"Sorry to disappoint you, kid. But I don't fight like a coward." he stated as the malig knight cast thunder magic and send it to the assassin. Yuudai moved his daggers close together in front of him and waited for the magic to come closer to him. Then he put hilt of his twin daggers together to change into twin spears. He cuts the thunder magic in half causing it to explode. "What the? There's no way you can cut through magic."

Yuudai sighed deeply as he closed his eyes before boasting. "Like I said, it takes skills to-" his speech was interrupted when a metallic gauntlet met his face, sending him flying forward. "Ugh..what in the-tsk...or maybe he didn't tell you guys yet," he said as the blood appeared out from his mouth. The assassin smirked as he looks at the hit on his face. "I guess I'll keep this hit as a reminder of me being stubborn."

"What are you talking about?" the commander spoke, looking at the assassin while fixing his gauntlet. "And who is this he you're referring to?"

Yuudai stares at the commander and frowns, "I think you already know who he is."

Drachen went to attack again but he couldn't move. He felt like a statue. "What? I can't move."

"Oh, it seems the effect worked." the purple-haired assassin said as he walks up to Drachen.

"What effect?"

"Hmm, you don't remember how you got into that state."

Then it clicked Drachen as he remembered. It was the cut he got from Yuudai's sneak attack. "The cut. You used a paralyzing liquid on your dagger." he painfully said.

"Hmph. Well, I guess you are not stupid but you haven't shown me your skills as a commander of this kingdom." Yuudai smirked as he plays with his twin spears.

"Heh, I would if you fight like a true man and not a pathetic cowardly kid who used ambushes and poisons in battle." he scoffed at the assassin's comment.

"Tsk what did-. Oh I forgot that you're paralyzed. I wondered how the other retainers are doing. For they are getting... You know."

"Hrm...I wonder if they are all cowards like you. I'm sure my fellow retainers are having a bad time." the assassin's red eyes stared that the malig knight commander able to figured it out, and trying hard to ignore his comment. Yuudai already knew what the commander is saying but pretends to go along with it.

"Haha yes, they have been attacked for a while. Of course, you guys separated when the Prince of Valla left with the Prince of Zeno. So, it made us easier to attack you one by one." Drachen sighed as he tried to move his fingers, to no avail.

"Struggle all you want. You can't break free from it. The more you struggle. The more exhausted you'll become and it'll be easier for me to kill you." Yuudai chuckled.

"Why just you come over here and kill me instead? I'm tired anyway, to be beaten by a coward like you...pathetic."

"Hey, I am not going to waste my energy trying to kill you as you are struggling." the assassin sat down in front Drachen.

The malig knight commander chuckled as he moved his axe to attack the assassin then suddenly Kouta appeared out of the woods being flown back and hit Drachen as they flew back and landed on the ground. The dark knight appeared out of the woods walking toward Yuudai as he watched the two malig knights on the ground.

Macha smiled as she noticed the assassin and said, "Oh, Yuudai, you are here!"

He broke out a sigh and stood up. "You destroyed the effect that I give to the commander of Valla." he said coldly.

"Oooh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean too." Macha said with a hint of sadness in her voice then she smiled once again and giggled. "So, where are the others? They should be here."

Kouta got off of his fellow retainer as he massaged his temple. "Ow! Damn!" Kouta looked at Drachen and stands up on his feet. "Oh, Commander, where are you here?"

The commander stands up on his feet and dusted off his armor. "Oh, you know the usual sparring with a 'friend' who was trying to assassinate Lord Corrin and Lady Azura or so he said."

"What!? We can't let that happen!" Kouta exclaimed. He looked at the dark knight then at the assassin. "Is that him?"

Drachen nodded his head. "That's right. Be careful, though, he fights like a pathetic cowardly kid who used poisons and paralysis."

Kouta shook his head "No wonder you're having a hard time." the malig knight chuckled.

"Really? How can you tell?" he asked as he narrowed his eyes beneath his helmet.

"Well he is not dead yet." Kouta stated, looking over at his commander.

"Haha good point."

"Oh man, you're getting famous, Yuudai. I'm sooo jealous of you." Macha teased.

Yuudai crossed his arms and looks at the dark knight coldly. "Shut up, Macha." The dark knight puffed her face at his comment.

"Now, shall we attack them, Commander?" Kouta asked.

"Nah, you go do it, General. I am exhausted." the commander said as he sits down and stretched his legs while playing with his axe.

"WHAT?!" the malig knight and the dark knight shouted in unison, confused on the Vallite's Commander's action. Yuudai didn't flinch at all. He stared at the commander then shook his head.

And he calls himself commander of Valla. That is more pathetic I have ever seen. Luckily, he got chosen as Queen of Valla's retainer if he didn't then it would be a different story if he chosen by the King of Valla. Yuudai thought, frowning.

"I thought you said the effect was gone?" the dark knight asked at the assassin.

"Yeah, you saw him moved!" the assassin responded.

"W-what happened Commander?" Kouta pondered, looking over the lazy state of the malig knight.

"You can blame Avel on that. Now you have two swords and two targets. Go make me proud!" he ordered with little care on his tone as he lied on the ground, his head resting on his hand.

"Two against one. Hardly seems fair, but I welcome the challenge!" he said as he pulled out his swords.

"Alright, it'll be fun to play with you, I guess," Yuudai said as he readied his own weapons.

"Of course, it will!" Macha spoke as she did the same.

"Now...Come!" The malig knight was ready to attack but suddenly Alice flew out of the woods and landed on the ground. Kouta immediately went up to Alice and help her up. She looked injured as she grunted in pain from the hit from before she came in flying from the woods.

"Alice! Are you alright?" Kouta asked worriedly.

"I'm fine." she replied weakly.

Drachen walked up to Alice and asks, "What happened?"

"Akahana and I were attacked by two women. We couldn't do anything to fight them. They are too strong for us." she answered.

"What the hell is going on? Should we tell Lord Corrin and Lady Azura?" Kouta asked as he looks at Drachen.

Drachen looked at the attackers. "I don't think so. The assassin will follow you and will try to assassinate them."

A voice was heard from the woods. "It seems that the Queen's retainers are weak." The three retainers turned to the woods and see Nerina holding an injured Akahana on her left arm and Isuca smiling at her side. Nerina threw Akahana to the retainers and sighed in annoyance. "I thought you guys will be strong to fight against but I guess he was wrong."

"Nerina! Isuca!" Macha shouted as she waves at them.

"Who send you guys here to kill the King and Queen of Valla?" Kouta demanded.

Yuudai smirked. "Seriously, why should we tell you? You will figure out who send us to do this."

The retainers were having trouble dealing with the invaders.

---

Corrin was lying down, tired from playing tag with his children. Azura was leaning on him watching the lake as her feet played with the water. The twins were still playing with each other, by chasing down butterflies or each other then they were interrupted by loud footsteps coming to them and they ran back to their parents.

"Hm? What's wrong?" Azura asked softly.

"Someone is coming, Mama, Papa. I'm scared." Kamui replied timidly. Kana shakily nodded to his brother's statement.

The half dragon and the songstress stood up and turned around waiting for the 'stranger' to appear. The dragon twins were behind their parents to be protected by them. The footsteps were coming closer and closer. All worries seemed to disappear when it appears to be Shigure who was exhausted from running. Corrin and Azura looked at each other wondering what their eldest was running for.

"Is there something wrong, Shigure?" Corrin asked.

Shigure asked, "Mother, Father, have you seen Master Drachen?"

Azura tilted her head and answered, "No, we haven't. He usually is in the barracks."

"He wasn't in the barracks. It was empty. So, I came to look for you two if you know where he went. Mister Kouta and Miss Alice also aren't around the castle."

"What? Where did they go?"

"I thought you knew, Mother."

"We should go and find them." The Queen turned to her husband. "Come, dear, let's go and find them."

"You should go first, Azura. I'm…still tired from all that playing with Kana and Kamui. I'm going to rest for a while. I'll catch with you later." the Vallite King's said with his tone a little different like he was lying or something. Azura was wondering why Corrin stayed behind when her retainers were gone. It's almost looked like that he was hiding something from her.

"Alright. Don't stay here too long, my love." The songstress turned to the twins. "You two stay here with your father and protect him from any bad guys."

"Okay mama!"

"We'll protect papa from big bad guys."

Azura smiled and Shigure nodded before leaving to look for her retainers. The Vallite King watched them as they leave, and looked at the twins. The twins smiled at their father.

"It seems it has started. Come on you two. We better go stop them before they do anything harsh." Corrin bent down as the twins get on their father back then he stood back up.

Kana smiled cheerfully. "Yay. We're going to meet them again."

Kamui nodded. "Yeah. It's been a while since we saw them."

"That was yesterday, Kamui." the half dragon chuckled. "Anyways, let's go." He stated as he walked in opposite way from the woods.

"Papa, Mama is going to be angry with you again," Kana said as she held her father's neck. Corrin knew that he was going to be punished by his wife again should she found out. He needed to think of something before he reaches there.

"Maybe, you two can help me."

"Of course! We love helping you, papa," Kamui said cheerfully.

The white-haired king chuckled once again as the twins were devised some kind of plan with their father all cheerfully and smiling along the way.

---

Azura's retainers were still fighting against these unknown invaders. Nerina jumped in the air to attack Drachen with her axe. Drachen quickly blocked it and pushed her away. The wyvern lord dashed in to attack the commander once again. Drachen blocked it once more and the two looked at each other face to helmet.

"So, you're the Commander of Valla." Nerina frowned.

The commander frowned back beneath his helmet. "So, what about it?"

"I thought it would be fun to fight against you, Drachen."

"It's not? And are we that popular that you knew our names?"

Nerina didn't respond Drachen's question and kept attacking him in his place. Kouta and Macha were still doing swordplay with each other. Alice and Isuca were having a ranged battle to see who has the better marksmanship. Yuudai was sitting down while staring at injured Akahana lying on the ground.

Yuudai glanced back to the fighting and watched them. He sighed in disappointment knowing that he wasn't fighting then he turned around and heard someone coming, sounds like two people. He narrowed his eyes and left to go in the woods, but Kouta saw him leaving and quickly cast a fire magic to prevent Yuudai from leaving. Yuudai sidestepped the fire magic and turned to his attacker.

"You're going nowhere, you fiend." Kouta narrowed his eyes.

In a blink of an eye, Yuudai dashed towards Kouta and knocked him off causing him to fall backward, he placed his left boot on his chest, preventing Kouta from standing up and put his twin spears on the malig knight general's neck. Alice and Drachen saw Kouta was in trouble but they can't do anything to save him because the invaders were blocking their way.

"You're the one who can't escape from me, General Kouta." he stated with a frown.

Macha took a deep breath and watched Akahana if she moved. Kouta struggled to get out of the assassin grip but the assassin stepped on his chest, hard. He grunted in pain as he tried to move Yuudai's boot.

"What's the matter, General Kouta? No one can save you." Yuudai said, as he moved his twin spears at Kouta's cheek and cut his cheek slowly. The malig knight could feel the blood running through his cheeks. Suddenly, Shigure appeared out the woods and attacked Yuudai. The assassin saw this and quickly moved from Kouta to dodge the Vallite Prince's attack. Drachen took this chance to push Nerina away and swung his axe, giving a cut on Nerina right upper arm. Nerina jumped away from Drachen and growled lowly. Alice also took this chance and jumped then shot her arrow at Isuca, giving a slash at her cheek. Isuca moved away from Alice and went back to the group.

"Prince Shigure, why are you here?" Drachen asked.

Shigure turned to his mentor and replied, "I thought you guys disappeared from the castle. So, I went to find you along with mother."

"Wait? Lady Azura is coming?" Alice said with a shocked tone.

"That's not good. We have to protect Lady Azura." Kouta said also panicked.

Shigure was confused. "What are you talking about?"

Said lady came out of the woods, panting as she was out of breath from running. Yuudai turned his attention to Azura and immediately ran towards her. Drachen quickly placed himself in front of the songstress to stop Yuudai and swung his axe. The assassin dodged it and moved back to his group.

"Lady Azura, are you alright?" Drachen asked.

Azura nods and replied, "Yes, I am fine. Thank you, Drachen."

"It is my duty to protect you," Drachen stated while giving a bow.

Azura nodded and walked past the malig knight and looked at the four strangers. "Who are you? Why are you here? And who sent you here?" she demanded, knowing that one of them was after her life.

"Sorry, we can't answer that to you yet, Queen Azura. He hasn't appeared yet." Yuudai replied.

"Who is this 'he' you're referring too?" Shigure asked.

Yuudai didn't respond and just stood there.

"Answer to Lady Azura's question!" Alice shouted, her bow aiming at each of them.

"I guess we have no choice." the queen looked at her retainers and shook her head. "You have to capture them to give us the answers we wanted." her retainers nodded and charged at the attackers.

Suddenly a flash of a silver white dragon jumped out of the woods and placed himself in the middle between Azura's retainers and the invaders, preventing them from attacking the invaders. Azura, Shigure, and her retainers gasped, shocked at what happened.

"Lord Corrin!?" Alice said surprisingly.

"Why are you blocking us?" Kouta asked.

"Put your weapons down!" Corrin ordered.

Azura's retainers obeyed and moved back while putting their weapons down. They were waiting for their king on why he suddenly stopped them. Akahana finally woke up from the commotion and slowly sat up to see everyone gathered around.

"So Commander Drachen, how well did they do?" the dragon asked the malig knight, tilting his head.

"Hehe, I'd say they did well, even though some methods are…questionable." said malig knight replied with a chuckle and a nod.

"It seems you were having trouble before." The Vallite King stated, looking over at the injured Akahana.

"Well, you did say to 'hold back' and test their battle prowess, so…I did." the commander said as he played with his axe before putting it back

Everyone excluding the King of Valla and the Malig Knight Commander stood there dumbfounded.

"Lord Corrin, who are they?" Alice asked breaking the silence as she also wanted to know more from her king.

The half dragon turned his head slightly to the invaders. "Them? They are my retainers." Kana and Kamui appeared out of the woods running to Corrin's retainers with a smile on their faces. Azura and Shigure were also confused on what is going on.

"They are your retainers and Commander, you knew about this all along and you didn't tell us?" Kouta corrected himself, making sure he is right. Said commander just shrugged in response.

"No wonder he was so relaxed during that battle…" the malig knight general whispered to his fellow retainer, Alice nodded in response.

Corrin nodded slightly. "That is right. Sorry for causing trouble for you guys."

Azura went up to Corrin and she didn't look happy. "You have a lot of explaining to do, dear."

"No worries. I'll explain everything to all of you later. For now, we should go back and head to the Throne Room." Corrin turned around to his retainers and nodded at them. "Good work you guys."

The three girls were flustered and bowed in gratefulness.

"Just doing our job, Lord Corrin."

"I'm glad to be at your service, My Lord."

"We're just following orders, Lord Corrin."

"Welcome back, Miss Isuca, Miss Macha, Miss Nerina, and Mister Yuudai." Kamui greeted them as he waved one by one at them. Kana did the same thing as her twin.

Isuca couldn't resist the twins' cuteness. "ARGH! I can't help it. You two are the cutest thing in the world." she gave them a little pinch on their cheeks.

Azura felt a little jealous from Corrin's retainers. They were all girls who were praising him. She walked to her husband and narrowed her eyes at him. Corrin looked at Azura and chuckled nervously, he knew this is going to happen.

"Let's go back to the Castle." the half dragon turned around and left the forests while leading the way back to the castle.

The Queen was beside her husband walking back home. The twins and Shigure followed their parents from behind. The retainers then followed the royals back to the castle.

---

It was evening when the Vallite royals and the retainers were in the throne room together for Corrin to explain on recent events. Corrin was lying down on the floor with Azura sitting beside him. The twins started to fall asleep on their mother. Kamui was sleeping on Azura's lap while Kana was sleeping on Azura's shoulder. Then Felicia and Flora came in the throne room to show Takaya and Helios the last room of the castle, but they saw the royals and the retainers. Oboro and Silas soon walked in the throne room along with Sophie. Takaya and Helios were confused to see the royals and the retainers together then the Zenagi Prince saw someone familiar in the group.

"Yuudai…is that you?" Takaya asked. Said person turned around to Takaya. "Why are you here?"

Corrin looks at Yuudai and asked. "You two know each other?"

Yuudai turned back to his king and replied, "You could say that, Lord Corrin. Anyways, we should start to explain some things to Lady Azura and the other retainers."

"If you say so." Corrin continues. "Alright. Where should I begin?"

"How about we start from last night, Lord Corrin," Oboro answered.

"Alright. It begins when my retainers returned back from their mission last night. Oboro, Flora, Kamui, Kana, and I were in the woods waiting for them to come back. When they arrived, I give them another mission for them. It was to test Azura's retainers to see if they are strong enough to protect Valla and don't hurt them. I also asked Drachen to test my retainers in battle."

"So, you made your retainers test us to see if we can protect Valla from enemies while the commander was also testing them at the same time." Kouta narrowed his eyes to his king than to the commander. "Well, this is plain old rude, Lord Corrin and you too Commander."

"That's why Lady Oboro was acting strangely, you didn't tell me 'when' my lord." the Commander pointed out.

"There must be a reason why you made them attack us." Alice remarked while crossing her arms.

The Vallite king frowned. "Yuudai told us something important that is going to happen in Valla soon."

"What would that be?" Azura asked, worried.

"Well..." Corrin's voice sounded sad as he started to talk. "The Queen of Nohr and the Queen of Hoshido has been captured by the army from Zeno."

Everyone in the room was shocked. They never thought that the Queen of Nohr and Hoshido would get kidnapped from these unknown armies. How did they get captured in the first place?

"There's no way that Queen Hinoka and Queen Camilla were captured like that!" Kouta commented with a frown.

Yuudai crossed his arms and sighed. "They did. Queen Hinoka was captured by the Grizzins and Queen Camilla was captured by the Raptor Riders."

"Raptor Riders?" Alice asked as she squinted her eyes then crossed her arms. "There is no way raptors existed here. They are from the past!"

"Yeah, I thought the same thing but there must be why they were sent here in our era." Oboro closed her eyes and yawns.

Azura leaned on Corrin and played with Kamui's hair. "I see. That's why you ordered your retainers to attack mine so they can prepare for the assault from the Zeno Army."

Corrin shook his head. "That's right but not only that. They will come and capture you, Azura. Since you are their last target to capture. They are going to use you as a sacrifice with Hinoka and Camilla."

"A sacrifice? Mother is going to be a sacrificed." Shigure suddenly piped in as he was getting worried for his mother. "What for?"

"I don't know. I didn't hear them clearly when I was spying on them." Yuudai said as he leaned on the wall.

"It seems the Kingdom of Zeno has gotten worse when I left. Damn it!" Takaya exclaimed loudly, mad at himself that he wasn't able to stop his kingdom's invasion. "This would never happen if I know how to control the kingdom."

Everyone looks at the Prince of Zeno. Corrin noticed that Takaya was self-loathing. He knew that feeling all too well when he lost his mother.

"I understand how you feel, Takaya. And you should start thinking how you should be a better leader to them."

"And how should I do that? It is impossible for me to do that!"

"I don't know. That is something you must find out for yourself. Think of something for your people so that they can rely on you and what you can do for them."

Takaya stared at the floor trying to think of why and how for his people to trust and see him as a leader.

"So, you don't mind telling your retainers names, dear," Azura asked, wanting to know her husband retainers.

The half dragon turns to his wife and said, "Alright. Let's start from the left side." he turned to his retainers and looked at the person on the far left. "That is Isuca, a sniper. Kana find her injured in a nearby forest and Flora treated her wounds. When she woke up, I asked her if she had any family and answered no. So, after seeing what she could do I asked her if she wanted to be my retainer and to be with a new family. She is…flirtatious and playful with other people but overall she is a good person to be with. Next up is Macha, a dark knight. She was once part of Nohr Army but when Anankos was defeated. I recruited her to be my retainer and she became the Vallite's Strategist and Planner. But I heard that she had defeated Kouta before, but I'm not sure if that was true. Kouta knows what he was doing." Macha looked at Kouta with a straight face. The malig knight general sighed deeply and ignored her.

But the dark knight's attention was taken by the Commander as she approached him and offered a shake of her hand, "Commander Drachen, it's an honor to finally meet you. Did you know I was part of your magic squad back in Nohr?"

Drachen took her hand and shook it firmly. "Ah yes, the prodigy and the new strategist I was told about."

Corrin nodded at the display, glad that someone was recognizable among his wife's retainer. "Lastly, that is Nerina, a wyvern lord, and my first retainer. She was on a journey and it brought her here in Valla. Some of the leftover invaders were coming to assassinate me in retaliation then Nerina came and defeated them all. That's when I recruited her to be my retainer. I think that's all of them."

"Not only that, they are all women," Azura said, a hint of jealousy can be heard behind her voice.

Corrin chuckled. "You sound jealous, Azura."

"Shush, you!"

Kouta sighed annoyingly. "You two, please stop it."

"Come on, Kouta. I'm sure it is going to happen to you too someday." the half dragon looked at Kouta with a smirk.

Drachen looked at the assassin then looked back at his king. "What about Yuudai? I was told there were three, so I did not expect a fourth member."

"Oh. Yuudai is a member of the Elite Knights that I created two years ago. Although, I'm surprised you didn't see Yuudai when he was there the entire time." Corrin smiled.

The commander never noticed the assassin presences during his talk with his king when he was told about Corrin's retainers to obverse them. "I didn't felt or see anything during our conversation last night. It was dark to see anyone in the dark."

Yuudai scoffed. "Wow. How sad. I thought he sensed me there when I was sitting on the tree branch watching you." Drachen stared at Yuudai and growls lowly.

"Elite Knights? How many members are there? And what are they?" Alice asked eagerly.

"There are 8 members of the Elite Knights. They are known as the strongest warriors of Valla that I choose to protect Valla and its people. Yuudai is a highly skilled warrior and has a higher rank than Drachen and Kouta. But I won't go anymore details about Yuudai. We will have to discuss that later. And also the other members of the Elite Knights are still busy with their mission. But there is one more spot left in vacancy."

Akahana got excited when she heard there was one spot left in the Elite Knights. "Lord Corrin, is it possible for me to be part of these Elite Knights?"

"To be part of the Elite Knights isn't going be easy, Akahana. It takes more than skills and talent and also being able to take the mission seriously."

Akahana sighed in disappointment. "Man. I got excited to be part of the Elite Knights."

Alice placed a hand on Samurai's shoulder, "Don't worry Akahana, I am sure that someday you will make it." Akahana crossed her arms with a pout, "I hope so…"

Silas then looked at his wife and said, "So, that's why you lied to me that I have the day off. One of Corrin's knight was in the barracks waiting to fight Commander Drachen."

Oboro smiled. "That's right and Sophie came just in time too." she turned to her daughter and chuckled. "Thanks, Sophie."

"N-No problem, Mother," Sophie smiles nervously.

Helios looked at Corrin and asked, "King Corrin, may I ask you something?"

Corrin turned to Helios and answered, "Sure. What would that be?"

"How did you became the king of Valla?"

"Well, it was during the war, that I was able to get allies to join and stop the real enemy that was Anankos and bring peace to both Hoshido and Nohr. My siblings told me about my leadership in leading the army against Anankos and suggested that I become the next king of Valla. Although, Azura was supposed to be the heir to the throne and be Queen but she told me that she doesn't have a strong leadership like I do."

"But I was able to become Queen because of you, my love. But I'm not fond doing leadership stuff." Azura added with a soft smile.

Corrin chuckled softly. "Yes, and you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met." he nudged the songstress' head affectionately.

Takaya looked at the couple and wondered what they were talking about. "Wait, Azura was supposed to be the next Queen of Valla?"

"Both of my parents are actually Vallite Royals. My grandmother was the Queen of Valla and my mother was the Princess of Valla. Then grandmother died before telling my mother about Valla and dissolved into water. When the war was over, my mother was supposed to be the next Queen of Valla. And of course Father became the King of Valla but my mother still became one of the most amazing Queen thanks to Father." Shigure explained.

That caught Takaya attention. "The only two Vallite royals survived and then married each other during the war."

"Maybe you should do the same as King Corrin, Lord Takaya," Helios said as he put his hand on his chin.

"How should I do that?" Takaya asked.

"Try to do it, albeit in a different way as King Corrin did." Takaya was slightly confused as he crossed his arms.

The assassin sighed and said, "Helios is saying that you should watch Lord Corrin on how he was able to get the people trust on his side before and after he became king. As well as his leadership and strong desire to protect his kingdom and the world." Yuudai made it easier for Takaya to understand what Helios was trying to say to him.

Takaya then looked at Yuudai and looked away. Corrin started to yawn as the skies became dark.

"Well, I think it time to sleep. Everyone is exhausted from the fighting today. Get enough rest and prepare for any enemy assault in Castle Valla." Everyone nodded and left the throne room to go and get some much-needed rest. Silas and his family left and head back home. Flora and Felicia returned back to their quarters before they went to sleep.

The bluenette turned to her eldest son and called him. "Shigure, if you don't mind, please help me take your brother and sister back to their rooms." Shigure nodded and went to his mother and picked up Kamui. Azura carried Kana on her back and left her room together.

Yuudai, Corrin, Takaya, and Helios were left alone in the throne room together. Corrin wanted to know how Yuudai and Takaya know each other and what does Zeno looks like.

"I was wondering something." the white-haired king tilted his head.

"What would that be, Lord Corrin?" Yuudai asked, looking at his king.

"How did you and Takaya knew each other?"

"It's a long story. I will tell you if you want me too."

"No, if it is a long story then you don't need to tell me. You should go and get some rest, Yuudai."

"Whatever you say, Lord Corrin. Although, why are you still in your dragon form?"

"I don't know. For some reason, I was burning when I tried to sleep then that's when I unknowingly changed into my dragon form."

"It's probably the Dark Matter that is inside of you."

"Dark Matter? What is that?"

"I will tell you when we have the time, my lord." Yuudai yawned as he turned and left the room. "Well, I'm going to bed now. Later."

Takaya watched as Yuudai leaves then he glanced back to Corrin and asked, "Do you think I can do it?"

"Of course, you can. You just have to believe yourself. Like Yuudai said, you need to have a strong desire for your leadership and have many people trust you." Corrin answered. "Anyways, we should go and get some rest, Takaya." the half dragon soon left the throne room and headed to his room to sleep.

Takaya sighed deeply then turned around and stepped out of the throne room. Helios followed his prince from behind.

I don't know if I can. I don't if I have the kind of leadership like my father, the king. I wonder where Myra is. She is taking a while to get here. Takaya looked through the window and watched the stars flutter in the night skies as he walked back to his quarters.

---

Oh gosh! I think is this the longest one I wrote. 16k. That is the goal there. There will probably longer chapters. I don't know. And sorry for the long wait guys. But I hope you like the chapter.

Finally, we got Sophie to appear in this chapter. Yuudai is an assassin and part of the Elite Knights. Takaya and Yuudai know each other for a long time. We will have their backstory soon. The battle scene was a pain. I don't know which one I like. Still no Dwyer yet. Maybe he will appear in the next chapter. More Jakob and Kaze too. Maybe the Elite Knights will return back to Valla for the next chapter.

Which battle scene do you guys like? Alice and Akahana? Kouta? or Drachen?

The Elite Knights are under Corrin commands. He created the Elite Knights two years ago. There is one more spot left to be part of the Elite Knights. Akahana did get excited that she wanted to be part of the Elite Knights. Although, she doesn't have skills, talent, and probably won't able take mission seriously. The other five are still on their mission.

I'll see you guys in the next chapter. :D

Oh, I should a profile on my OC's. There are more OC's will shown later and will be posted later. :)

Name: Takaya
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Description: Takaya wears a long black coat with yellow trims on the end of the coat, gray pants, black boots, and brown fingerless gloves. He has white spiky hair and green eyes. He keep his sword on his waist.
Personality: Takaya doesn't like people who is soft, because people will take an advantage of them. Although, he doesn't know that he is soft himself. He tries to act serious and tough, because he thinks that people will fall for it. The prince is nice to his people and his friends but sometimes he does get annoyed easily to someone who act rude to him. He sometimes gets desperate to know some things that he is curious about.
History: He's the Prince and the next heir to the Kingdom of Zeno. He looks up to his father since he was young, but when the battle of Anankos was over, his father was suddenly killed by an unknown power. He left his kingdom with his retainer, Helios. The prince is an old friend of Yuudai since they were kids, but then Yuudai and his family disappeared from the Zeno. He started to question his father about what happened to his friend. His father lied to him that they betrayed the kingdom for their own selfish reasons. Although, Takaya didn't believe his father, but he started to go along with his father lies. What he doesn't know that his father was being used to by his advisor. When his father got murdered, he leaves to find help to save his kingdom with his retainers.
Class: Swordmaster

Name: Helios
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Description: He wears red armor with yellow trims on the end of each parts, black pants, brown boots, and black gloves. He has orange short hair and grey eyes.
Personality: He is loyal to his prince and king, but he does tease his prince often. He gets serious when it comes to protect his prince from danger. He doesn't trust people that easily. He usually gives his prince advise when he doesn't know what to do. He can be rude to his prince and other people, but it is too protect his prince so he will not be reckless at all times.
History: He was once a commander of the Zeno Army before the former king was killed. During his days in Zeno, Takaya's father asked him to be Takaya advisor and retainer when he was part of the accepted the request from the former king of Zeno and vowed to always protect the prince from everything that comes in his way. Since Takaya first met Yuudai, the paladin hated the assassin and his family for they did not accept the king request to join the army. He and the former king of Zeno has been hiding secrets from Takaya so he won't hate his father and Helios himself. They just want him to be safe from anything that can hurt him. Helios always watches over Tayaka like his own son.
Class: Paladin
Master: Takaya

Name: Yuudai
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Description: Yuudai is wearing a long black jacket with red trims, long black pants with red trims, white tank top under the jacket, black boots, black fingerless gloves, red eyes, purple spiky hair, and twin daggers seemingly hidden in his jacket
Personality: Yuudai takes his job seriously when he was ordered, sometimes he has a soft side and can be cold to some people, and usually taunts his opponents. He doesn't like Helios at all, because the paladin has treated him like a dog. Although, Takaya doesn't know anything about Helios and Yuudai's hateful relationship. He barely smiles but when Corrin give him something to encourage him. It makes him smile even more and increased his desire to protect his king.
History: Yuudai was from the Kingdom of Zeno but he and his family were exiled from the kingdom by the former king. He and his family left Zeno and head out to the sea to find somewhere to then a terrible storm appeared and they were washed away and they appeared in Valla. They continued their search to find a home but no sign of hope until invaders appeared and attacked them. Yuudai was not able to protect his family and his parents could not protect themselves. The invaders charged at them, but then someone blocked the attack. Yuudai and his family were saved from Corrin and the leader of the Elite Knights. They were able to clean up all the other invaders with help of Yuudai's skills. When the invaders were done, Corrin asked Yuudai and his family if they are alright and why are they traveling in a dangerous area. Yuudai told Corrin that he and his family had nowhere to go. That's when Corrin told them that they can stay in Valla and have a better life there. Yuudai and his family were happy that Corrin asked them for a place to stay. The Leader of the Elite Knights agreed with Corrin but he was curious about something on Yuudai. They returned back to Valla, Yuudai and his family were shocked to see another kingdom that they didn't know. Corrin led them to a house that was vacant and located near the Castle of Valla. Yuudai and his family were happy and wanted to repay the King. Although, they didn't have anything to repay him. Corrin told them that it was fine and they can stay in Valla as long as they like. Yuudai asked that he wanted to repay Corrin with his highly assassin skills. Corrin and the Leader of the Elite Knights discussed about this. The Leader of the Elite Knights agreed with Yuudai and trained him to be a part of the Elite Knights. Corrin was surprised that the Leader of the Elite Knights said that. Corrin said that Yuudai needed to be tested to be part of the Elite Knights. Yuudai overheard them and determined that he would do it. Corrin didn't want to cause Yuudai any trouble but Yuudai still wanted to do it. Corrin didn't stop him. Yuudai joined as he wanted to repay Corrin for helping him and his family.
Class: Assassin
Rank: Elite Knights

Name: Astor
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Description: He has a short yellow hair, purple eyes, small white ears and tail. He wears short black sleeved shirt, black pants and brown boots.
Personality: Astor is a cold hearted person, but loves playing around with his opponents to make them angry. He is blood thirsty to kill many humans as he can. He has no feelings nor emotions for any killing humans even elders and kids. He doesn't hesitate to kill them. He enjoying make the human suffer the same as when his family and other Grizzins did in the past. Astor doesn't like working with the other Commanders and never nice to them, but he show some respect with the Commanders if they have a good reason to have respect with them. He is only kind and caring to his fellow Grizzins.
History: The Leader of the Grizzin in the forest with his second command, Felix. It was peace in the forest until the soldiers of Zeon came to hunt down Grizzins for their skins. Astor is still young when this event happened. His family and siblings will kill in front of him then he was hiding from the soldiers. When the hunting was over, he starts to hate the humans for killing his kin. He wants to revenge them, but he couldn't it, because he was still young. 20 years past, he became a great Leader of the Grizzin from his father. He starts to ravage towns and villages as revenge and also eating the townspeople. Then the new King of Zeno asked him to join him and he would grant his wish in return. Astor didn't trust the new King, because he is human and he would kill him in the process if he step foot in his territory again. But the new King convinced him that he can grant his wish. This stir Astor's mind. The next day, Astor went to find the new King of Zeno and told him that he will join him. The new King welcomed him as his subordinate and became 7th commander of the Zeno Army.
Class: Grizzinsaber

Name: Felix
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Description: He wear long dark purple sleeved shirt, long black pants, gray boots and long black spiky hair. He has small black ears and tail.
Personality: Felix is cold and rude towards any humans he sees. He'll follow any order given from his leader, Astor. He will be serious at anything that comes to harm his leader. Felix doesn't hesitate to kill everyone even if it is his only kind. He shows no empathy towards the humans, because of the incident 20 years ago. He will never trust any humans and believe them.
History: An old friend of Astor, a brotherly figure to Astor and second in command of the Grizzins. He and Astor were best friends when they are young. They promised that they will be the strongest Grizzins and become a leader and sub-leader when they get older. During the night, soldiers of Zeno appeared in the Grizzins territory and burned the woods to lure out the Grizzins from their hide place to take their skins. He and Astor was hiding from the soldiers when they hunting down other Grizzins. Astor's parents were fighting off the soldier to get out of their territory, but they were killed in front them when they were hiding. 20 years past, and Felix became Second in Command of the Grizzins from Astor. He vows that he will kill any humans in sight and follow any orders from Astor. When the new King of Zeno appeared before them, Felix didn't trust him then he came into the territory. The new King Zeno convinced Astor to join him and he will grant his wish. The next day, Astor and Felix went to find the new King to welcome him as his subordinate. Felix agreed to follow Astor and became the new King of Zeno subordinate and a sub-commander under Astor's squad.
Class: Grizzin

Name: Haruna
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Description: She wears white and blue short sleeveless dress, long white hair with a black bow tied on the back of her head, black boots, and purple eyes
Personality: Haruna is a serious and show no empathy to anyone that are weaker. She doesn't like people are weak and show no threat to her. She will kill anyone from orders or any missions from her new King. Haruna will never decline a fight from her opponents if they show her any threat or any sign of killing. She doesn't know what love is or how it is done, because she never experience one in person.
History: At a young age, Haruna always wanted to be a fencer when she grows up. She was taught at a young age from one of the master of fencing. Her master also taught her magic along with it. Haruna was able to master them as she got older. Haruna starts to compete in fencing and became well known as the best fencer. During her fencing match, her powers went out of control and cause the whole arena to get destroyed and killed everyone that was in the arena. After that, everyone started to call her a monster, because they think it is a curse. She closed herself up and became a cold and ruthless fencer. The new King of Zeno appeared to her and asked her to join him to wash away her emotions and became a true warrior. She agreed with the terms and became the 5th commander of the Zeno Army and a subordinate to the new king when he saw her battle prowess.
Class: Fencer Sorcerer

Name: Sylvia
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Description: She wears a long white sleeveless coat with yellow trims, black shirt under the white coat, blue shorts, long black boots that reached her thighs, long white fingerless gloves, blonde hair that went to her chest, blue eyes, and has a heart shaped necklace with a small white diamond in the center on the heart.
Personality: She's a serious woman when in battle. She hides her emotions a lot and doesn't want to talk about it. Sylvia doesn't hate anyone but those who oppose her then she will show no empathy to them. She won't kill unless ordered by the king. Sylvia is mostly emotionless to everyone besides Haruna.
History: Sylvia was an orphan child when she was young. She dreamed of riding a raptor when she was a kid. When she got older, she went to Kingdom of Zeno Castle to learn magic to became a soldier in the castle. She was able to master the art of magic and learn new magic that was never discovered before. She was noticed by the new King of Zeno with her new magic. He wanted her to join him to for his cause. She didn't believe his cause and decline him. He showed her a raptor to her and Sylvia was surprised to see a raptor in front her. She was happy on the inside to see a real raptor in person. The new King asked her again to join him, if she joined him she would keep the raptor and grant her wish to ride a raptor. She decided to join up with him to ride the raptor that she dreamed for so long. She became the leader of the Raptors Riders and the 8th commander of the Zeno Army as well as a subordinate to the new king of Zeno.
Class: Raptor Slayer