See end of chapter for Notes .-.

Disclaimer: I own nothing regarding FE: Fates save for this story. All credit goes to the dev's. I don't have any intent to make money off of this.

Kamui stood protectively between Kana and the shimmering apparition that had tried to attack Kana. She fixed a death glare at the apparition a murderous intent in her demeanor. Aforementioned child looked up at his Mother exclaiming with surprise

"M-Mama?!"

Kamui didn't say anything as she held firm to her silver naginata with both hands. The silver blade at the end of the staff glinting in the light. Without her armor she knew that she was at an extreme disadvantage. She hadn't expected that Kana's deep realm would be attacked. A quiet exhale escaped her as she tried to take a deep breath calm her nerves.

"Kana. Go inside the house and don't come out till I say."

Even as she spoke she noticed two of the apparitions look past her towards the relatively small house behind her. Kamui shook her head not registering what Kana had said to her. She was too busy trying to ignore the truth that her inner demons taunted her with.

No one is coming.

He's going to die, and his blood will be on your hands.

Just go ahead and tell him now. At least he'll know the truth.

"J-JUST SHUT UP!"

The sudden outburst caused the young boy to jump in surprise and look up at his Mother. Tears started to spring to his eyes and he said in a fearful voice "But Mama, I can help you! I'm strong enough!" the statement prompted Kamui to turn and look at him with a stern but determined expression. In a firm voice she told Kana "No Kana. Do as I say and go inside. Now!"

The usually happy and outgoing child seemed visibly upset but complied when one of the invading apparitions attempted to attack his Mother from behind. With a quick side step and thrust the attempt failed with Kamui yelling to Kana "Go!"

Without waiting to see if she would follow him Kana scrambled off towards the house running as fast as he could. Tripping on a rock, the young Dragon Prince stumbled but kept running. Upon reaching the house he threw open the door revealing the dark interior. The sound of steel meeting steel reached his ears. Turning around he let out a gasp of surprise.

Before him was a large portal revealing a window into a lush green world. Tree's as far as the eye could see, lush and vibrant. The sound of fighting continued but soon his ears were greeted by the sounds of people screaming coming from the other side of the portal. Poking his head out from the side he was greeted with the sight of numerous men, clad in the trademark samurai armor of Hoshido, battling the apparitions. Excitement began to build within him as he noticed that the invading apparitions were being pushed back.

Lost in the moment he let out an overjoyed cheer as he watched them. The apparitions of mere Mercenaries, clad only in a padded jacket with the only armor to speak of being the shield mounted on their shoulder, were no match to trained Hoshidan Samurai and Sky Knights. Razor sharp steel naginata piercing the padded armor with ease felling them long before they could come close to raising their shadowy blade.

The sun was setting as the last of the apparitions were dispatched. Kana stood atop a large rock near the small house he lived in looking up at the brilliant pink and yellow sky. Searching for the familiar black Pegasus he knew his Mother would ride into battle. However, she was absent from the skies. Looking down at the field that was sparsely populated save for the few odd patrols of Samurai or lance men. Noticing a familiar flash of Teal hair, he hopped off the rock landing in a dash as he made his way towards his Mother. Upon reaching his target he slowed to a stop when he realized that before him was not his mother but a tall woman wearing the trademark armor of the Pegasus knight. She looked down at him smiling but Kana only said

"You're not my Mama."

She kneeled down saying with a soft chuckle "No I'm not, my name is Caeldori. I'm your Big Sister."

Kamui brushed past the messenger that ran up to greet her. His urgent words falling on deaf ears as she made her way through the courtyard of her fort. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Camilla walking towards her. Her lilac hair trailing lightly in the cool breeze, the black and purple armor she is always seen in somehow maintaining the glint as though it were brand new. Try as she might to lose the eldest Princess of Nohr, weaving through the gardens and the interior of the main building of the Fort, continued to follow her never losing nor gaining distance. Eventually Camilla called out to her in a loving tone "Darling, May I have a word with you?"

The question would seem innocent to most but to Kamui it was most certainly not. With an expression of annoyance that undermined just how she truly felt about her former adopted Older Sister, Kamui whirled around to stare at her. Once the eldest of the two was but a few feet away Kamui asked.

"What do you want?"

Her tone spoke volumes dripping with acid and hatred. The question almost coming off as a statement, but the mere question it-self delivered its point well enough alone. Camilla could tell just by her stance that talking with her was the last thing she wanted to do. Slowly crossing her arms across her stomach shifting her weight to her left leg and tilting her head ever so slightly downward to meet her younger sisters gaze Camilla replied "I just wanted to see how you are doing Darling. It's been weeks since we last spoke. Given everything that's happened I know that we aren't exactly on the best of terms but just know that you will always be my Darling little sister. If you ever need anything just ask Sweetie, ok?"

It came suddenly, unexpected, a flash within Kamui's mind. Red hair tied into two pony tails flowing in the wind. She stood beside two people that the Dragon Princess couldn't recognize in a place between worlds. Shifting and ever changing never keeping the same form twice. Remnants of an ancient world long forgotten, it's dull hues of green and blue slowly shifting despite the battle that was previously raging. Before the trio stood a hooded figure, she couldn't recognize the person but somehow seemed…. familiar. He spoke but try as she might she couldn't hear what he said. The one in red replied but just like the hooded fellow she couldn't make out what they said. It seemed like the one with grey hair agreed. He seemed familiar as well, as though she had met him or at least seen him before, but she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

"Are you sure? There's no way that you would know that I granted you're request"

She heard ever so faintly from the hooded figure. The one in red just nodded in agreement with her fellows. It seemed like more was said but by now the scenery changed. Darkness was slowly falling as the sun was setting. The girl with red hair seems more familiar now. Wearing the all too familiar outfit of a mercenary. Her dull red shoulder plate covering nearly her whole left arm. She shifted uncomfortably while sitting in one of many private studies within Castle Krakenburg. A door opens and in walks a clearly younger version of Camilla accompanied by a maid and…..

A dark aura consumes Kamui's mind before the vision faded. Shivering slightly at the uncomfortable yet familiar dark aura she shakes her head ignoring the concerned look of her present company. Camilla took a step forward reaching out to try and comfort Kamui but the object of her obsession drew back as if they had just touched white hot iron.

"Don't ever touch me!"

Kamui almost yelled glaring at the doting older sibling. Sadness and confusion briefly flashed across Camilla's face but was quickly replaced by concern. It was clear to Camilla that Kamui was very disturbed about something. That much was obvious. She knew that Kamui's view of her was almost certainly destroyed due to her actions that day at sea, but Camilla couldn't resist her urge to want to draw Kamui into loving hug and whisper that everything was going to be ok. The one thing she was certain that Kamui needed was a loving Older Sister who would take care of her. Camilla was about to ask her what's wrong, but the other party was quick to follow up their previous statement

"If you do care, which you don't, about me then you can start proving it by doing something for me. Tomorrow night you are going to send that red-haired Retainer of yours to my study. Alone."

Kamui's cold glare made Camilla's heart break but, knowing better than to give her more reason to be angry, she gave a loving smile as she replied "Of course Sweetie. Anything for you." Before the axe wielding princess could make another attempt to give her younger sister a hug. The object of her affection turned on her heel quickly walking away before any more words could be said.

Within the dimly lit study, later that day, attached to Kamui's room. The teal haired Dragon Princess squinted at the report on the status of the Port Town of Dia. It revealed that a Nohrian Cavalry unit had occupied the Port Town. If that was the case, she knew that it would be an unavoidable fight. One that she was just not ready to have. Morale was low and many of her men were in no condition to fight. If anything, an attack on her fort within the Deeprealm would most certainly end in disaster. It wouldn't be a matter of how quickly they were defeated but how spitefully they could end it all. With no known Dragon Veins near the Port Town that could be used to quietly slip by the forces the only way was through them. Attacking at range from a ship was out of the question. Not with so many innocent people living there.

Kamui frowned as a grim thought crossed her mind

The civilians would only have themselves to blame by choosing to stay in a Nohrian occupied town.

She shook her head to dispel the thought. With a sigh of exasperation, she tossed the report onto her table leaning back in her rather uncomfortable chair staring at the ceiling. The black silk robe she wore didn't offer much in the way of comfort given the stifling heat inside the room. Despite having all the windows open to let what little air that was blowing outside into the study. A subtle clack of the door to the study filled the air as its brass handle was turned followed by the low creak of the wood as it granted access to her visitor. With an annoyed sigh she lowered her head to look at her visitor.

Within the entrance stood Jakob carrying a pot of tea and a plate rather delicious looking snacks. He greeted her with a warm smile "My apologies, Milady, but I have brought the prisoner that you requested." The butler stepped into the room and looked behind with a frown. She heard the jingle of chains followed by the unwelcoming tone of a guard saying "Don't keep Lady Kamui waiting. Move it." Moments later Flora slowly shuffled through the threshold her eyes down cast. She wore a ragged dull brown tunic that all Nohrian prisoners wore and the skin on her arms and hands was smudged with dirt. Nohrian iron shackles were locked around her wrists preventing her from attempting to try anything. It was obvious that if she wanted to break free she could simply use her ice magic to free everyone and run but judging by her demeanor it was clear that the Ice Tribe woman had given up hope resigning to her fate.

Once the door was closed giving the three occupants in the room privacy. Jakob walked up to Kamui's desk and set the tray down. As he poured her a cup of tea Jakob announced

"I felt that you might be feeling a bit famished; So, I prepared some tea and a snack for you just to be safe."

Kamui's senses were delighted with a pleasant yet savory taste as she took a delicate sip of her tea. The beverage tasted of peppermint with a hint of thyme that she had grown to love during her time at the Northern Fortress. She could feel the tension and stress of the day slowly melt away. The Butler smiled inwardly at Kamui's subtle approval of the custom blend of tea he had created especially for her. With a murmured "Thank you" from his Liege he asked, "Will there be anything else you might need, Milady?"

Kamui set the tea cup down wordlessly and replied with her eyes closed "No there isn't. Thank you, Jakob." The Butler partially bowed and retreated to stand next to the door silently. Uncomfortable silence hung in the air while Kamui fixed her criticizing gaze. Flora could already guess that this was when she would be told that she would be executed. Even though she was acting under orders to kill Kamui she still failed and was taken prisoner. Despite never having given her pledge of service to the former Nohrian Princess she still felt a small measure of shame. Shame that served to slowly grow as she was left to contemplate on her actions while in her unforgiving cell. That same shame was what kept her from meeting her former Liege's gaze that seemed to cut deep into her being. Judging her every action from when they met till now.

Flora knew that trying to justify her attempt to kill Kamui by claiming it was to protect her people would only serve to incite more anger within the seemingly cold and calculating woman. The few moments spent contemplating this seemed to drag on for eternity. Serving to only make it more unbearable. Mustering up what courage she could find, Flora slowly raised her ice blue eyes to meet her potential executioners gaze. The woman's expression was cold. Unforgiving. Hateful.

"Lady-"

"Do not say a word."

Kamui ordered in a cold voice. The response seemed to completely shut down Flora's ability speak. She closed her mouth and stood in silence. Watching as Kamui took another sip of her tea never taking her eyes of Flora. The Maid wished she could tell what her former Liege was thinking. If this was just a small part of her punishment for her attempt on Kamui's life it was working all too well. The unbearable silence shredding what little remained of Flora's nerve.

'I'm sorry Lady Kamui, I had no choice! King Garon threatened to kill everyone in my tribe if I didn't do as he ordered. Please understand!'

Flora wanted to plead, to try and make her understand. But it was obvious that latter would be having none of it. The former Maid could only watch as Kamui stood in one smooth motion. Tightening the delicate knot that held her silk robe in place Kamui said in a calm but cold tone "Jakob. You may wait outside." Choosing to not upset her the Butler replied, "Of course Milady." Once the clack of the door died out as it was closed behind Jakob. Kamui slowly withdrew an elegantly designed yet wickedly sharp dagger from a drawer in her desk. The sight of the dagger caused fear to coil within Flora and her throat to tighten. It grew ever so steadily as Kamui approached her with an unwavering gaze kept locked on the Ice Tribe twin.

"P-Please understand, I had no choice!"

Flora begged with pleading eyes when Kamui came to stop mere inches away. With a quick hand, far too quick for Flora to track, she raised the dagger to Flora's neck. The tip ever so slightly pressing into her white as snow skin drawing a small bead of blood. Flora let out a small frightened gasp quickly falling silent as Kamui stated

"I said, do not say a word."

Fear became quite prominent in Flora's eyes as she stared fearfully at her potential executioner. Said fear staying any other thought in her mind. Moments slowly passed before Kamui whispered as she leaned forward her breath grazing Flora's ear causing the former Maid to tremble slightly at the Dragon Princesses eerily calm presence and commanding demeanor

"Tell me why I should allow you to leave this room alive."

Kamui stepped back to see what effect that had on the poor woman and was pleased to see that she had the desired result. Her actions forcing the former Maid to tremble as she looked at the hardwood floor of the study. Flora had begun to realize that not only was her life in danger but so was Felicia's. It was plain as day that Kamui would punish her in the Nohrian way or worse just for trying to kill her. What other explanation was there? It was a death sentence for Felicia just for being related to her. Felicia didn't deserve to die because of her own actions. Just as Kamui was beginning to wonder if she would ever get an answer, Flora begged "King Garon told me that if I didn't help Lady C-Camilla kill you. He would execute me then everyone in the Ice Tribe. He gave me no choice, I don't deserve it but please Milady I beg your forgiveness!"

The silence that followed was almost unbearable to Flora. She said everything she could think would possibly sway her Former Liege. Hoping that somewhere deep inside her, the innocent Kamui she knew back in the Northern Fortress would take control and let her and Felicia live.

"Jakob"

Flora heard her Former Liege call out. In response the door opened, and she heard the Butler reply "Yes, Milady?" there was a pause and Kamui ordered "Have the chains taken off Flora and help her get set up to resume her normal duties but make no mistake. She will still be punished for her failures. Work her hard. Make her life hell." She walked past Flora but paused to add, ensuring that Flora heard "A lot of people died because of what she did."

It was only after Flora was sure that Kamui was no longer nearby did she slowly stand and follow Jakob to the servant's quarters. No word was spoken from her as she listened to Jakob as he gave her a thorough scolding for failing in her duties as Retainer to Kamui. After she was shown to the servant's bath house she finally managed a "I'm sorry" the tone in her apology sounded heavy. As though the whole ordeal was finally beginning to weigh on her. This prompted Jakob to say before he left

"You are very lucky that Lady Kamui allowed you to remain in her service. Once you have bathed you may retire for the night. Your duties start first thing tomorrow morning."

Well there it is Peeps, this is probably where I will start to give some love to the other Characters and build up some background. This Chapter seemed as good as any to start with. Honestly though I never really liked Kana's paralogue, not sure why.

Ooook now on to the reviews.

To Nicole: Thanks! I'm glad that you are liking the story :D If you haven't already, why not hit up my Birthright version that I'm working on as well? It follows the same idea I'm using for this fanfic as well :)

To WarriorofLight12: Well I mean from a realistic standpoint I have to agree. My definitive opinion about her as a person, character, etc is that she a near perfect example of being a product of her environment. It's only natural that someone like her would be extremely protective of her loved ones.

To Guest: As I have said before, if that is your opinion of the game then ok. Though I would like to note that my opinion of Fates is that it is a pretty decent game. Again I re-iterate what I said in Chapter 6: I think the game and it's writing is fine but could have been done better in some regards. Note that I said 'Could have done better in some regards'. In other words I am saying it had some things it could have been improved upon in some areas.

No monarchy is perfect. Look anywhere you like in the history of any monarchy and you will see evidence of people defying a monarch. If memory serves there is always some ulterior motive when Garon allows something to slide. Am I wrong? Did I say that Garon ran a perfect monarchy?

Ultimately my point being is that you should take a step back and think for moment. Why am I writing this fanfic? To do exactly what you pretty much just said. I'm improving on what I felt they should have improved on and adding my own flavor to the mix. Now I'm afraid you are going to have to elaborate on what you said about Xander. You aren't exactly making much sense, at least to me, when you say 'Most of Xander's action weren't, yeah no.'

Alright now I want to address why I kinda did Flora as I did in the story...….If that makes sense...anyway I really really didn't like her actions in Revelations when she left after, ya know, trying to kill Kamui but we all know how that turned out and how she comes back later in revelations as an extra unit if you upgrade the magic orb tower to L3. So yep.

Anyway be sure to review and tell me what you think about this chapter :)

- 9E

"Though I am your Elder, who's to say you're not the more mature of us?"

- Nyx, A Support conversation with Corrin/Kamui