A shorter chapter this time. As you read this chapter you might notice a small detail about the Wolfskin is different, let's just say the role the Wolfskin play will be different when compared to canon.

All eyes were on him as he gave his report; Corrin didn't care for the hushed insults made to him, they were simple noblemen and women who didn't understand the harsh reality of war, but on the other hand he understood why such words were spoken, these people were of noble birth, children who have been groomed to be perfect, never to get their hands dirty. Yet among their ramblings Corrin could sense their fear; from their stuttered words when he met their gaze, to their shudders when his own voice became threatening; for some odd reason Corrin found joy in their terror, he didn't know what could have warranted such feelings but it certainly frightened him.

"Is that the end of your report Corrin?" the King asked.

"Yes it is" Corrin replied. The King turned to Iago who stood in his spot next to the throne, surprisingly he hasn't uttered a single word, but he did keep a watchful eye on Corrin.

"What is your opinion of this?" he questioned his advisor.

"My scouts have reported back to me and it is as the Prince says; however my concern lies with the Ice Tribe" Iago spoke with his usual poisonous voice, he looked at Corrin. "What exactly are you planning to do with them?" Corrin could tell he was doing his best to intimidate him, but unlucky for Iago, Corrin already had a response to such a question.

"I have used their fear for the enemy to recruit them to my army" he said. "Of course, I do not know what or where this new threat comes from but needless to say I do not believe them to be a real threat, our real enemy is still Hoshido. As a commander of the Nohrian army it is my duty to ensure that my troops are prepared to face the enemy, this includes bolstering my army; I believe the Ice Tribe will be a valuable asset to our cause" as much as Iago wanted to retort to his statement he found that he couldn't, he didn't have any evidence to prove Corrin wrong.

"Then tell me Prince Corrin" he tried to push for more answers, anything that could expose the Prince's incompetence or treachery. "Where are you taking them? There have been no reports of them or your army residing in any of our barracks"

"I have them scouting the border, stationing them at the edge of Wolfskin territory" at the mention of the beastmen everyone gasped and murmured their surprise and confusion. Lucky for Corrin it wasn't exactly a lie, he had instructed Flora to lead the troops and her tribe in a roundabout away to lose the spies, first towards Wolfskin territory then towards the Northern Fortress.

"Wolfskin territory?" Iago questioned, he stifled a laugh. "What foolishness, surely you know that would be suicide for your men. The Wolfskin are hunters, they will tear them apart the moment they get close" Corrin rolled his eyes.

"Your fear for the Wolfskins is pitiful" Iago spluttered.

"What! How dare you!" Corrin interrupted.

"The Wolfskins dislike us and I believe that Hoshido will take advantage of this, we must be ready for any chance that they could rebel against us" Corrin had a glint of disdain in his eyes while staring at Iago. "Or are you suggesting that we let a part of our territory be undefended?" Iago was lost for words. The King decided to add his own input to the conversation.

"The Wolfskin have always been hostile towards humans what makes you think they will treat the Hoshidans any different?"

"Because I believe Princess Kamui has the ability to make them their ally" Iago snorted.

"Your traitorous twin? You have that much confidence in a wretch like her?" his insult made Corrin clench his fist with anger but it was subtle enough that nobody noticed. He managed to respond in a calm and serene manner.

"It is not confidence, but rather concern. I have seen what Princess Kamui's influence is capable of" he responded. "In just a month of joining the Hoshidan army she was able to convince and unite multiple clans to their cause, I have little doubt that she is capable of doing the same with the Wolfskins"

"You knew the danger she posed to us and yet you failed to eliminate her?" King Garon spoke harshly, he glared down at Corrin. The young Prince was not intimidated, he looked the King square in the eye.

"I have no words for my failure your Majesty, but it is as I have stated before, I will never fail you again, I assure you I will ensure victory for Nohr" the King leaned back resting his cheek on his fist.

"I suppose I did agree to such terms, and I repeat, failure will be punishable by death"

"I understand father" Corrin answered. Garon waved him away.

"Then you are dismissed, I will call for you when I have another assignment for you" Corrin nodded before bowing and making his way out the throne room. "I look forward to your future endeavours" King Garon suddenly called catching everyone's attention, Corrin halted in his steps turning his head slightly. "I am sure you will be able to provide me with much needed entertainment" all the Nobles in the room burst into chatter, Corrin however turned away choosing not to respond and walk out the room.

Corrin grit his teeth while clenching his fist, everything, the imposter knew everything, or rather it was Anankos who knew everything and he was challenging him, should he even continue to put on such a façade in front of the imposter? Either way, this changed nothing, he would continue with the plan, he only needed to be more careful from now on.

"Big Brother!" a blonde blur tackled him causing him to stumble back.

"Elise!" he cried out, he was surprised to see the young Princess, in fact he had thought all his siblings would be away. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on an assignment" Elise smiled widely tightening her hug around Corrin's waist.

"I completed it a few days ago" she hopped back grinning at him. "But enough of me how was your mission?" while he held back some details when speaking to the King he couldn't lie to Elise, but yet he wasn't sure what to say, should he tell her about the threat that loomed over the horizon? Or should he tell her of the near death experience that he and his forces almost faced.

"Surprisingly well" he said while making his way to the servant quarters, Elise following closely behind. "Fought an army of possessed people and took the Ice Tribe under my wing" he summarized. Elise wasn't sure if she should be horrified or happy; horrified at the thought of her brother fighting off an army, or happy that Corrin made it out alive.

"What!" She screamed, her voice echoing through the halls, she jumped in front of Corrin and crossed her arms. "Tell me everything!" Corrin chuckled walking past her.

"I will tell you at a later time" he told her.

"Not allowed-" Corrin silenced her by placing a finger over her lips.

"Like I said, I'll tell you later" he told her again. "The walls have ears" at that Elise understood, she nodded moving her hands in a zipping motion over her lips. Corrin smiled before continuing towards his destination.

"So where are you going now?" Elise asked tagging along.

"To see Lilith" was his curt reply. Elise raised a brow.

"Why?"

"Just have a few questions for her".

Corrin never would have thought sitting in a room could be so nerve wrecking. Looking over at Lilith who was busy preparing tea, he was now realizing how difficult it was to form the questions he had and it didn't help with Elise sitting restless next to him, it made things difficult for him.

"Lord Corrin, I heard from Felicia that your mission was successful. I am glad you made it back safe" Lilith said placing a cup of tea in front of both Corrin and Elise. "May I ask if there is a new assignment you have for me?" Corrin took a sip, the smoothness and taste of the tea didn't compare to Flora's but it was good regardless.

"I don't currently have anything for you" he told her.

"Oh" Lilith was surprised.

"The reason why I'm here now is because I have a few questions for you" Lilith looked frightened and Corrin noticed this, which only added to his suspicion.

"Please take a seat Lilith" Elise hopped up pulling and guiding Lilith down. Sitting across from Corrin, she glanced between the two.

"So…." She dragged out. "What did you want to talk to me about milord?" Corrin stared at Lilith, this time taking a really good look at the girl, he never realized this before but Lilith looked strangely similar to Kamui, maybe it was the eyes.

"I would first like to once again thank you for saving me, without you I wouldn't have been able to make it back" he said.

"Oh think nothing of it" she waved of his praise.

"Which brings me to the question, where did you learn such magic, from what I understand not even the most experienced mage knows what you know" just as he expected, Lilith was struggling to answer.

"Umm… well the magic I use is quite normal where I come from" she started saying.

"And where do you come from?" Corrin pressed. Lilith paused trying to find the right words.

"Far away…" she muttered. Her answer raised many brows.

"If I may. I think I know exactly where you're from" Corrin said leaning back while taking a sip of tea; Lilith was sweating, she was fidgeting. "I believe you come from Valla"

"Valla?" Elise was the one to exclaim out loud, she jumped up looking between Corrin and Lilith, she wasn't sure what Corrin was implying but it certainly surprised her. Corrin remained passive watching Lilith's facial movements. Suddenly the door slammed open.

"Lilith! We need to talk!" Selena yelled walking in with both Odin and Laslow in tow. She stopped when she spotted both Corrin and Elise.

"Oh…" backing away Selena started walking out the door. "We'll come back later" Corrin stopped them.

"No. This concerns you three as well, please sit" he told them. The three sat down awkwardly, neither one wanted to say anything, they all had a feeling something big was about to be discussed. Corrin turned back to Lilith. "As I was saying Lilith you come from Valla, in fact I think I know exactly who sent you" narrowing his eyes Corrin leaned forward. "Now tell me what is your relation to Anankos"

"Anankos?" Lilith spluttered she shook her head. "I'm sorry milord I don't know what you're implying" from the corner of his eye Corrin saw the other three shift.

"No need to lie Lilith. Your magic emits an aura far too similar to Anankos. Now I can only come to the conclusion you've been sent here to either observe me or kill me" his accusations caused Elise to move closer towards Corrin, she was feeling both protective and fearful.

"No!" Lilith yelled shooting up from her seat. "That's not it".

"Then tell me the truth. I know you come from Valla, you possess magic not of this world, magic I can only assume that comes from Dragons. The only Dragon who resides in Valla is Anankos, someone who intends to destroy this world, yet you say you aren't here on his orders? So tell me why are you here?" Lilith glanced around, she really wanted to just close her eyes and pray this was all just a dream.

"Alright…" she spoke slowly. "I'll tell you everything" she took a few deep breaths. "I was created by Anankos" Corrin and Elise were stunned.

"Say again?" Corrin spoke with disbelief. Lilith didn't wait for them to recover and continued talking.

"I was a pawn to his schemes, I followed his orders without questions hoping to one day be acknowledged by him; but that never happened" she said with great sadness, sitting down Lilith let out a pitiful laugh. "I've killed hundreds of Vallites, but still nothing. That was until I met the other Anankos" she looked up tears welling up. "He was so gentle and caring, he treated me as his own daughter. So I swore at his dying breath that I would watch over you and Kamui; I had intended to do so in secret, but things happened and I was forced to show my hand" Corrin was of course left speechless which didn't surprise Lilith, she sighed. "I understand if you do not believe me Lord Corrin and I understand if you wish to imprison me; I have no other excuse" Corrin silenced her before she continued.

"No, I won't be doing those things, however you have left me with much to think about" he told her.

"Wait doesn't that mean you and Corrin are siblings?" Elise asked. Corrin chuckled, of course that is what she would ask, always paying attention to the important details.

"Elise let us put that detail to the side for now" he told her, the young Princess looked like he just suggested something incredibly idiotic.

"What!" She screamed. "We can't do that! Lilith just revealed herself as your long lost sister, this is big news!"

"Calm yourself Elise, I understand what you are saying, but my concern lies with Anankos" Elise puffed up her cheeks.

"Stop being a stuck in the mud Corrin, you're acting like Leo" she said.

"Well I did spend a lot of time with him" Corrin answered laughing to himself. Elise playfully punched his arm. Corrin turned to the three retainers. "Then what is your relation in all this?" The trio looked among each other, Laslow and Odin gesturing towards Selena who glared at both of them, the two shrugged so Selena pointed at Laslow and then pointed to Corrin. The man sighed.

"We are not from this world" Laslow started to explain.

"Another world, as in an Outrealm?" Corrin reconfirmed, the three nodded.

"We are from the Kingdom of Ylisse. The three of us traveled to this world at the request of Anankos" Corrin could tell that the three were uncomfortable speaking to him about this but he maintained his silence waiting for Laslow to continue. "Our mission is to protect you and your sister"

"From my corrupted Father I assume" Corrin said, they nodded. "But why you three? What makes you three special?" they shifted again, even Lilith was feeling uneasy, doing her best to avoid Corrin's gaze.

"The three of us are simple mercenaries, Anankos chose us because we were the best at what we did" Selena answered.

"Try again" Corrin wasn't convinced at the least. Odin stood up startling both Corrin and Elise. He cleared his throat.

"We are legendary heroes from the distant land of Ylisse!" the Dark Mage spoke dramatically. "We defeated the Fell Dragon that threatened our home with death and destruction! Seeing our skills in slaying villainous evildoers, Anankos chose us; I Odin Dark! Laslow of the Azure Skies! And Selena…." he faced the girl, his tone void from the dramatics "We never decided on a title for you did we" Selena could only groan into her hands.

"That's amazing!" Elise shouted, she jumped in front of Odin. "Is that why you always go-" mimicking Odin's signature pose, she even attempted to mimic his voice. "My aching blood!" back to her usual bubbly self she continued. "Is it actually a casualty of your battle?" Odin seeing the stars of admiration in the Princess' eyes didn't have the heart to tell her it was all an act, lucky for him Corrin came to the rescue by interjecting.

"Very well then, your story checks out with me" his response prompted an angry response from Selena.

"Are you kidding me? You believe this oafs story over mine?" Odin looked offended by her insult while Corrin shrugged it off.

"What can I say, I have a thing for theatrics" he chuckled at Selena's displeased face. "In truth, I've already suspected that the three of you were not ordinary soldiers; so… being just competent mercenaries didn't cut it for me" Selena continued to look flabbergasted.

"So where does that leave us?" Laslow asked.

"That depends, what did your lieges instruct you to do?" Corrin asked them.

"And what makes you think we were ordered to do anything?" Selena questioned rudely still a little miffed. Corrin chuckled sipping on his tea.

"Well the fact that you three are here when I know my siblings are away on assignment is something to be suspicious of. So either you three abandoned them to come here, which I highly doubt. Or they sent you back here for something, which is the more likely option" Laslow smiled, slightly shaking his head.

"Nothing gets past you does it" he had to admit, the young Prince was quite perceptive; though now he had to wonder what else did the Prince suspect of them, he could only hope not much. "It is indeed true; the three us were sent here because your siblings were worried about you, they wanted us to support you" Laslow told him.

"Hmm, in that case why did you come here first, it seemed like you had some business with Lilith" Laslow struggled to find a reasonable answer. However it was Selena who spoke, slamming her hand on the table she got everyone's attention.

"Alright fine! Gods! I'll tell you everything!" she pointed at Lilith. "The three of us had a messy encounter with this girl, on our way here to this world she attacked us; though we have come to a truce, we came here first to keep tabs on her" Lilith stood up.

"But I told you, I am not a threat to Corrin" she argued,

"Hey!" Elise yelled at Selena puffing her cheeks with anger. "That's not nice; Lilith has always been kind and respectful to both Corrin and Kamui during their stay in the Northern Fortress. I believe her story and think she can be trusted!" Corrin peered at Lilith, she looked desperate, a look of someone who was desperate for someone to believe them; he certainly could relate.

"Enough" Corrin yelled silencing everyone. "I appreciate the three of you looking out for me, but I trust Lilith, I believe her story and her motive. Now I am not telling the three of you to stop being suspicious of her but please don't be so overbearing. I want her to be comfortable when she is under my service" Selena sighed scratching the back of her head.

"Very well" Lilith looked at Corrin incredibly grateful.

"Now onto other matters, since the three of you have been assigned to me, I'll take up on my siblings offer to take you in under my service" Corrin said

"Oh this is so exciting!" Elise was feeling giddy, jumping up and down with joy. Then out of nowhere the back door slammed open.

"Be Quite!" a voice shouted, Azura stomped into the room, bags under her old eyes. "Can't a person have any decent sleep here!" Corrin smiled devilishly.

"Ah perfect, I was wondering where you were" he said, of course Azura glared at the Prince.

"What do you want boy?" Corrin didn't answer immediately.

"Who is this big Brother?" Elise asked.

"This is Azura, the woman I told you I met in the other world" Corrin introduced. Elise walked towards the old woman.

"It's nice to meet you" she greeted cheerfully "I heard you were the one who helped my brother, I wanted to thank you" Azura still in a cranky mood responded rudely.

"And who are you girl" Elise frowned.

"Hey! I don't like that tone of yours" Azura almost looked amused, she raised a brow challenging the young Princess.

"Oh and what are you going to do about it girl?" rising up to the challenge Elise huffed and puffed up her chest.

"I may be small but I can throw a mean punch" they stared at each other, nobody else wanted to say anything choosing to watch the two stare each other off. Then Azura laughed.

"Oh I like this one" she said surprising Elise who blinked blankly.

"Glad you're awake Azura because you're coming with us" Corrin said

"To where Milord?" Lilith asked.

"To find a potential comrade" was all Corrin would say. "Azura, I'll have Felicia drop by later to help you prepare".

"I can look after myself boy" Corrin shrugged a shoulder.

"I know, I'm sending her anyways"

"Oh, oh! I'm coming too!" Elise announced jumping up and down. Corrin raised a brow, he had no problem with Elise coming along, in fact he was glad she was coming along.

"The journey is going to be long and tiresome, are you up for it Elise?" he told her, Elise wasn't backing down.

"Don't worry about me, I won't hold you back" Corrin grinned.

"Very well" he looked to the three royal retainers who were still sitting watching them. "Well come on we don't have all day" they jumped up from their seats rushing out the room. Corrin laughed to himself.

"What's so funny brother?" Elise asked. Corrin looked at her with a very wide smile.

"It's nothing" He never would have thought his father would go to such extents to look out for him, it was nice. With a last chuckle he beckoned Elise and Lilith to follow him.

"Come on sisters let's go"

"Sister?" Lilith repeated. Corrin nodded while Elise smiled grabbing Lilith's hand clasping it tightly.

"That's right!" Elise told her. "You're family now!"