Author's note: The poll is closed! And the winner is...Corrin/other girl! And that girl is...*drum roll* Flora! Some of you guessed it already. Heck I might support them in my new Conquest Lunatic file.

I might have more polls about pairings in the future, since some of them are not set in stone yet. Thanks for voting!

Review Time:

P.T Piranha - Your wish has been granted! Don't worry, you weren't the only with reservations.

Red Server - I certainly don't plan to chump over Nichol, since I'm glad I can use paralogue bosses in the actual story and not have to resort to cheap OCs.

Caellach Tiger Eye - All is well. :D

ThePizzaLovingTurtle - That actually wasn't intentional when I wrote it, so amazing job catching that. Once again you prove to be so insightful, man. :)

Random guy - Whoo! Another Mangs fan! I watch him everyday, and that is indeed me in the comments. I subbed last year after seeing his FE6 playthrough - I saw Awakening, all three Fates, the randomized runs, bits of PoR...he's awesome :D

OkayDokey33 - 1) Good point! I'll avoid doing that.

2) She is? Anna being a Corrinsexual is what limits her Fates presence, and unlike Awakening, she's disconnected from the main game because she's DLC. I suppose she's very similar to Stripes (a subtle nod to both of them being playable and voiced by Karen Straussman, whom I have officially dubbed the voice of Annas), so I could work better on distinguishing them. Although not being able to be distinguished is part of her arc, so...*shrug* :P

Chapter 21 – Herding Sheep

"Lord Leo! I have returned!"

Odin smirked as he walked towards his liege, finishing his dark walk by bowing and extending a hand for usual dramatic flair.

"Ah, Odin…apparently Camilla caught Father's assailant."

"Oh, is that so?" the dark mage looked disappointed. "I was hoping I could show off my detective skills and catch the suspect, sire!"

Leo smiled. "You never seem to fail at the missions I give, Odin. Truly, I'm grateful. Perhaps you could meet up with me at the capital's center….Father has called me there."

"Certainly!"

The prince stared at his retainer for a minute. Niles' words were putting some thoughts into his head that he hadn't considered before – what was Odin's past or story? Quite a lot thought it unusual that he entrusted his life to a former thief and someone he only met fairly recently. So he asked:

"Odin, you would have my back if Nohr goes to war, correct?"

"But of course, Lord Leo! My DARK powers will drown all of our foes! Normally I try to restraint my busting power, but if some rogue were to lay a hand on you-"

"I get it. I'm glad I can trust you."

"Any day of the week." Odin bowed, smiling earnestly. And it appeared to be genuine.

Tch….perhaps this is a matter for another time. "Shall we go off, then?"

"ODIN!"

Selena was running up the stairs, panting. She grabbed the blonde-haired youth, her twintails swinging with her motions.

"Selena?"

"Excuse me, Lord Leo! I need to borrow him for five minutes!"

XXXXX

"W-What's going on?!"

"Shut up! We need to get Laslow right now!"

"But Selena, you look panicked! What's happened?" Odin asked of his childhood friend.

"Odin, do you remember Anna?"

"Y-You mean…." The son of Lissa looked around. "The merchant? Why? She's here?"

Selena grimaced. "Her sister is. And she's going to be killed! I think the king just moved her and Lord Izana from the dungeons!"

"They're going to the capital's center!" Odin realized. "Gods, we do need to find Laslow!"

"Find me for what?" the mercenary asked, stepping out of a room. "Is there someth-"

"COME ON!" Selena and Odin shouted, dragging him with them.

High above the Nohrian sky, Yuugiri was speeding towards Windmire as fast as he possibly could. With Reina at the helm, Shura and Mozu were watching the sides.

"Faster, Yuugiri! Anna and Lord Izana's lives depend on it!"

"We're gonna have to ditch the kinshi if we're going to pull this off," Shura looked at the map. "A Hoshidan pet like this one will get the whole capital out for our blood."

Mozu gasped. "I see shadows! W-Wyverns!"

While Shura readied his bow, Reina passed her own to Mozu.

"Aim sharp, you two!"

"What? Are you sure I can do it? I'm used to naginatas!"

Shura took aim, eying one wyvern lord that was about to throw a tomahawk at the party. "It's a piece of cake, Mozu. Just ready….aim….FIRE!"

As the attacker went down, Mozu fumbled with her own. "But we're not k-killing them, right?"

"Nah, why have blood on our hands? Just aim at their wings! And hurry! I see malig knights on the trail!"

"What are m-malig-ACK!" A thunder spell nearly blew the three off of the mount, but the kinishi spun and curved downward. A rider with a skull goat mask came out, switching to something more heavy – his axe.

"That's them!"

Mozu squinted and quickly pulled the arrow back. "Guess what, Mr. Nohrian soldier?"

Her shot was dead on.

"You reap what you sow!"

The bird continued on, curving around the western sea, while Shura and Mozu fired from both sides. The former had more accurate shots, but there was no stopping the fire in the farmgirl's spirit.

She had to save Anna.

Back in Hoshido, Scarlet was getting on her own mount.

"So you're heading back to Cheve?" Ryoma asked. Soldiers of the Hoshidan army were training like usual, and Azura and Sakura couldn't help but listen in again on the two.

"Yep. I've got to tell everyone about the news! …and hopefully Kaze and Rinkah aren't in trouble. Glad you decided to help!"

"Our forces combined will be unstoppable. Especially with knights like you."

Scarlet grinned. "You're a swell guy, you know that, Ryoma? Part of me wishes I grew up here…..we'd be fast friends, wouldn't you say?"

"Indeed." The crown prince smiled.

"So when Kaze and Rinkah come back…..I'll get the Chevois involved with the rest of you. You guys can set up shop in Cheve, and we can push forward before Garon realizes it!"

Ryoma nodded.

"Be seeing you, lobster man!" Crimson took to the skies, and soon, the armored knight had disappeared into the clouds. Appropriately, the owner of Raijinto blushed again.

"L-Lobster man?"

"It's because you look like a lobster!" Orochi giggled. She was watching Kagero spar with Saizo, and that seemed to attract her attention. "They're all fired up, huh?"

"Kagero and Saizo never neglect their training, Orochi. Nor do I."

"I can take the hint, Lord Ryoma. Buuuuuttt….tell me. Did something happen between those two?"

Ryoma blinked. "Err…..well, they were talking last night, and it looked like they were arguing about something….then they…."

"Yes….."

"…"

"I know that silence! They totally indulged in each other! Kagero, you naughty girl…"

"NO!" Ryoma cleared his throat. "Don't be ridiculous, they only kissed! And from their recoil, it was clear they had a spur of the moment."

"You're so silly, Lord Ryoma! I know Kagero more than you do, she still has feelings for Saizo. Maybe the two of them can double date with you and that Nohrian girl!"

The diviner gave a wink and headed back into the castle.

"…."

"Look Sakura, Ryoma looks like a steamed lobster now."

"A-Azura!"

Anna, Izana, and Flora were being dragged by several guards through the streets of Windmire, and as they got farther, the merchant noticed more people were staring at them. But why? None of them recognized them.

They did recognize their king, a rarity for him to be outside. His terrifying grin spoke volumes: don't do anything rash.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Xander asked, riding behind the pack. "Is this supposed to be a public….execution?"

"Now now, Xander, I have other methods," Garon replied, expression not changing, which worried the crown prince. Lately he never saw his father smile, so this couldn't be good for anyone.

"Psst! Princey!" Anna whispered. "Help us!"

Xander ignored her.

"Princey! Please! I'm telling you, Zola's the real culprit! Don't you believe me?"

"Don't speak out of turn, prisoner," he warned. "Lord Izana has suffered enough."

"Thanks, Xander!"

"SILENCE! We're here," Garon announced.

XXXXXXX

The three prisoners were tied up and left dangling from a platform, while Windmire's citizens had gathered around to see the commotion. Everyone wasn't sure on what to think. What poor souls had enraged their king?

"Oooh, Xander, you're here too?" Camilla had landed nearby with her wyvern. Xander stood away from the platform, but he still had an eye on the three and their father.

"Yes. I can't make heads or tails of this."

"Why is the Archduke….so wounded?"

Xander grit his teeth. "The jailors were a little too rough, in my opinion. Prisoner or not, he himself hasn't attempted anything to Father, plus he's the leader of a country!"

The eldest princess grimaced. "Oh…poor dear."

Leo arrived next to the two as well. "What….is Father having a public execution or something?"

"Leo? Wait, where's Elise?"

"I haven't seen her since this morning. I suppose she's off with Arthur and Effie."

XXXXX

"Ladies and gentlemen…..what a pleasure it is….seeing all of you loyal subjects." Garon stepped across the platform, his gaze scanning the crowd. Every soldier was standing at attention for any possible attacks. "I've got some…unfortunate news."

Everyone knew this wasn't good.

"You see….not one, but two! people have made attempts on MY life…..me! The one who rules over the grand country of Nohr!"

He gestured, and the crowd applauded whether or not they really wanted to.

"Who are these renegades, you might be asking? One is but a simple maid….Flora, from the Ice Tribe. Is this how her people repay us? I give them protection, and they turn it against me!"

If Flora was from the opposite tribe, she would've burned through her binds already. That was NOT the truth, and she knew she wasn't alone in knowing so.

"But HE is the next culprit! The Archduke….of IZUMO!"

"Hi!" Izana waved at the crowd, causing him to get hit again. The people of Windmire were muttering to themselves, wondering why and how a neutral country got in the middle of this.

"The story goes deeper, everyone." Garon paced around the platform. "He employed these two girls to try to kill me, but THIS wench is the most guilty!"

Anna's eyes went wide when one armored knight pulled out her bag and lifted out her gold sack.

No! What the heck is he going to do?

Garon snatched the bag and reached the ledge of the platform. He snarled and revealed the contents to the people below.

"Anna has gold, citizens of Nohr! Now she certainly isn't of noble blood….how did she acquire such a large sum?"

The Nohrian siblings were silently wondering the same thing.

"P-Put that down!" Anna cried out in vain.

Garon promptly threw the sack into the streets, scoffing. Citizens were scrambling for their share, but in reality….gold was but a temporary solution to their troubles.

"I'll tell you how, people of Nohr! This girl – a weapon employed by Hoshido – was selling their crops to the country! She flaunts the harvest the Hoshidans deny us!"

"What?!"

"What a witch!"

"Damn those Hoshidans!"

"My kids need to eat, King Garon!"

WHAT?! "That's a lie, your highness!" Anna squirmed in her bonds. "I wasn't selling any crops! I said it was cough drops!"

"Was it, girlie?"

Daniela had arrived on the scene, and she smiled rather smugly at the red-haired woman. "We met yesterday, didn't we? The Nohrian general your little farm friend paid off?"

Oh, double crap!

"You saw her, Daniela?" Garon asked, eying both cautiously.

"Indeed, King Garon! I couldn't help but see the commotion….anyways, she and a few others had a rather large cart. I wonder…was there where you hid the crops? While our poor country starves?"

Anna cringed when she caressed her face. And from the sounds of booing and yelling, the people were getting more and more cross.

"Bring them forward!" the king shouted. The prisoners were soon dangling right over the crowd, and a few of them had taken to throw garbage and rocks at three of them. Their aim was rather poor, so most of them missed Anna, but their rage was not contained.

"Wait! This is a big misunderstanding! G-Give me that back! That's MY gold, and I didn't get it from crops!"

"You're lying, Hoshidan scum!" A father shouted, hugging his children. "How could you EXTORT money from people begging for food?!"

Flora and Izana noticed most of the attention was firmly on the latter….including from the guards and Garon himself.

"So you see the problem, everyone? No longer will we be forced to have this disrespect from Hoshido! We must claim what it is OURS!"

"STOP!" Anna screamed. "You're the guilty one, Garon, not me!"

"You dare address me so casually? You would prefer I cut these binds and let the three of you fall? You probably won't die but the people won't give you any mercy!"

The crowd shouted in agreement, alarming Garon's three children. Their father wasn't trying to kill any of the prisoners at all – he was using them to fear monger and fan the flames of war.

"I am NOT from Hoshido! And none of us did anything wrong!" Anna barely dodged a rock aimed at her forehead. "LISTEN TO ME! I can explain!"

"It's too late for your excuses, merchant!" Garon sneered. "You are guilty!"

Flora was silent, unsure on what to do. She didn't even care when a few rocks had hit her, but there seemed to be no getting out of this. However, when she looked past Anna….Izana had his eyes closed in concentration.

Distract them, Anna….distract them! Maybe I can blast our way out of this! He thought.

Anna's side vision caught the Archduke's zen like state. "No! The king is the one lying to ALL of you! I got the gold from somewhere else!"

"Prove it!" someone shouted. "It's already forfeit, Hoshidan!"

"Let them fall!"

"Check her bag for more gold!"

"Izumo has to pay too!"

"Oh for the love…..SHUT UP!"

Anna's scream echoed across Windmire, silencing the crowd. She panted and glared up at Garon.

"You guys REALLY want to know where I got the gold from?! You really, honest to the Gods, want to know?! Let me tell you then!"

By this point everyone was staring firmly at Anna, not Flora or Izana.

Lilith had ran into the square, and her eyes went wide. "Oh no….Flora's tied up! What should I do…?!"

Selena, Odin, and Laslow reached a rooftop and their blood turned cold at what they saw.

"Anna!"

"Gods, she's going to die!"

Elise and her pack had exited the underbelly, the trail of Azura gone cold. But the youngest princess wasn't going to give up so easily. "Maybe we should search the castle library….hey, what's that, in the square?"

Effie gasped. "It looks like three prisoners….what? That can't be right…."

"What, Effie?"

"One of them is Flora! A-And Anna?!"

"GREAT GARON'S GHOST!" Arthur exclaimed.

"Let's check it out!" Elise called her horse over. "Wait, who's Anna?"

Garon smirked and held out his hand in a rather condescending matter. "Fine, Anna, explain yourself. Your story will just be a load of nonsense. The people have seen Hoshidan cruelty first hand now!"

Here goes nothing. I can't die now, but MAYBE somebody knows the truth?! Azura, wish me luck!

"I got the gold from…..a place in a different world."

The crowd already wasn't buying it, based on their expressions.

"Listen! At the border of Nohr and Hoshido, you have the Bottomless Canyon, right? Scary place, with lightning and that goober Omozu?"

"And what?" Daniela sneered, although Garon's smirk had mysteriously faded….something the three siblings noticed.

"And if you jump down, you end up in a different place! A place with floating islands, and invisible soldiers."

Flora was dumbstruck, while Izana looked intrigued.

"A lost kingdom, if you will. With shiny crystals."

What?! Lilith covered her mouth. She knows about that place!

What?! How does this human know of Valla?! That must mean she's in league with Azura and Lilith…..how much does she even know?!

Hydra's surprise was evidenced by the beat of sweat now running down his forehead. But the slime monster immediately realized he was trapped. Killing Anna right now would only serve as a detriment to his ruse. He needed her alive, to gain the people's trust by exploiting Hoshidan hatred!

"T-That's ridiculous…." Garon's voice muttered. "What is the NAME of such a place?"

Hahaha! She's doomed now! Lord Anankos's curse will end her pathetic life!

But Anna was always one to check for loopholes. "Easy! A little place called Va-"

Lilith and Hydra held their breath.

"-nilla! Vanilla the Unseeable Domain!"

The crowd went silent.

(At approximately the same time)

"Here we are!"

With quite a few downed wyverns in their wake, Yuugiri and the others had reached the wall separating Windmire from the rest of Nohr. The kinshi made a sharp turn – and Mozu and Shura landed on the wall.

"Go you two! I'll be around!"

Reina quickly zoomed back into the clouds, and the two quickly jumped down, into the streets.

"Which way, Mr. Shura?"

"Trust me, I know the capital like the back of my hand. Come on!"

"HEY!" A guard shouted. "Who are you?! Intruders!"

"RUN!"

"Vanilla the….what?" Xander narrowed his eyes. "What ridiculous game is this?"

Leo put a hand to his chin. Why did it seem like she wasn't trying to say kingdom….or invisible? Father seems….taken aback….but why?

XXXXX

"Vanilla?! What kind of stupid story is that?!"

"Throw her to the wolves, King Garon!"

"She's just lying to save her hide! Hoshido probably planted that excuse on her!"

You…..can't be serious. YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! Am I supposed to tell my king the curse doesn't work if you change Valla's name and use synonyms?!

"Kill her! Kill her!" The enraged crowd chanted. But Hydra gulped silently and stepped closer to where Anna was hanging.

"Stop….these games…."

"It's not a game! If anyone wants to check it out, head to the canyon! Heck, I'll take you there myself!"

"BOOOOO!"

"DEATH TO THE HOSHIDAN SCUM!"

She knows of that place! Lilith was pushing her way through the crowd. She knows of the Silent Dragon! I can't let her die! But a few people had knocked her back. NO! I will NOT have their blood on my hands!

Oooh, so you're on our side?

W-What?! Lilith looked up. You're the Archduke! You're…..communicating to me?!

Yep! I can do crazy things if I have my mojo flowing! King Garon, these guards…I looked for someone with a magical aura, and it's you!

Lord Izana! The three of you are in grave danger! I can take you away if I had more power….!

Can you?! That's great, but don't take us too far!

W-What? But milord….how can you….

Izana's form – still with closed eyes – smiled. Rule #1 about restraining someone like me….always use a Silence staff!

Suddenly, Lilith's pupils dilated, and she felt as if a rushing waterfall was coursing through her veins. She closed her own eyes, and focused.

Hydra, you monster…..you're broadening the gulf between these countries on purpose! I swear, on my life….I'll expose you for the fraud you really are!

Lilith blocked everything else out in her mind.

DRAGONS, GIVE ME STRENGTH!

XXXXXX

"KILL HER! KILL HER! KILL HER!"

Garon stood frozen over Anna. He had raised his signature axe, but Hydra wasn't sure on what to do. Killing her would only benefit him – she knew too much – but there was no telling who she knew, what she knew, and now she had attracted attention to Valla!

Izana opened his eyes and let out a small exhale. "Geez, my head is starting to hurt….hey, Garon!"

The Nohrian king turned to the Archduke. Oh no….this idiot could know about Valla as well! "What, Izana?! Argh…."

"This is the best part!"

"What….best par-"

A massive burst of light shined through the city, nearly blinding Garon and the nearby guards – one of which dropped Anna's bag.

"Guoo!"

Yuugiri staggered from the light down below, but Reina steered him right. "It's alright, Yuugiri! Goodness…"

"What the-?!"

Almost to the underbelly, Mozu and Shura stopped in their tracks when they caught the light.

"What was that?!"

Kaze's sharp ninja eyes saw the light in the far distance, but it was a mere blip.

"What…?"

"Huh, you saw something?"

"Well, well…..a couple of Hoshidan rats, boys!"

Spinning around, Kaze saw the source of the voice – Hans was there with a wicked grin on his face, along with all of his men. Silas was the only one not doing so.

"Shit!" Rinkah and her onis jumped forward, clubs in hand. "Do your worst, Nohrians!"

"Oh believe me….." Hans readied his axe. "I intend to."

"….!"

"GET THEM!"

"My eyes…..geez, what the hell was that?!" Selena rubbed her eyes. "You guys okay?"

"Yes, but…." Laslow trailed off.

"What?!"

The dancer pointed.

XXXXX

"Heeeey! They're gone!" Elise exclaimed, still blinking her eyes. "How did they escape?!"

"Oh boy….Lady Elise, perhaps we should leave….this crowd's getting antsy…."

"Good idea! Let's go tell Cassie!"

XXXXXX

"She's gone!"

"The Archduke too!"

"But how?!"

The crowd was livid, and to make matters worse, Garon had no idea where they went. His eyes quickly scanned the square, but there was no sign of any of them.

HOW?! Neither the girl or Izana have this kind of power!

"King Garon! Anna's bag is missing as well!"

"Where did she go?!" Daniela screeched.

The Nohrian king shook his head, holding one hand to block a sudden headache he was having. "Urgh…..find her! FIND THEM ALL! SCOUT THE CITY!"

XXXXXX

"…Xander, your thoughts?"

The crown prince got on his horse. "Do what he says."

Camilla and Leo obeyed and quickly left, but Xander wasn't in such a hurry to leave. He was definitely unnerved by what he had just witnessed: Anna seemed to be more powerful than realized.

But not only was his father driving the country closer to war – when the merchant kept insisting he was guilty – but he seemed odd when the story of the "unseeable domain" was spun.

What did it all mean? What in the name of the Dusk Dragon was going on anymore?

"Urgh….."

Anna opened her eyes and sat up. A quick spin of her head saw that she was alright, as was Flora and Izana (well not dead at least). She stood up, and her eyes widened. Before the group was a plain field surrounded by a massive wall, adorned with several cherry blossom trees. The area had an almost...serene feeling.

"What the heck is this place?"

"The Astral Plane."

Anna turned around, and she shrieked. "Dragon?!"

"Yes, I was the one that brought you here…..urgh….." Lilith was panting, clad in her natural form. "I'm afraid….I can't keep you here for long…."

"Geez, you look like a mess….hey! My bag!" The merchant ran over and checked it. "Damn, only the crappy shirt is here!"

"Yes, I….." Lilith's head was getting lighter. "….grabbed it for you….."

"Hun, are you going to be okay….?"

"I…..my power….taking you three….at once…."

Anna smiled cheekily. "That's what she said."

"….."

"….."

"….."

"…..what?"

"Honey, just take us back! But somewhere secret, okay? By the way, my name's Anna! Thanks for saving us!"

"Yes….my name is….Lilith…."

The dragon collapsed, and the light shined through again.

"Oh not again!"

"Oh not again!"

Keaton scowled at the sight before him. He had followed Nyx's directions, but instead of being in Mt. Garou – where Wolfskin Peak was – he had stumbled upon a rather luxurious looking city.

"Darn it! The boys back home are never going to let this go! Maybe someone can point me in the right direction….north is…..that way!"

He was pointing south, but regardless he had headed towards the Nestran capital.

"Urgh…."

Anna woke up again, but this time, so had Flora and Izana. The group seemed to be underground, and the unconscious Lilith was by their feet.

"Lilith!"

"You two…..s-saved me…." Flora whispered. "Lord Izana….your face…."

"Aww, it was nothing!"

But the ice maid whimpered and hugged the Archduke. "Thank you! Oh gods….what was I thinking?!"

"Flora, right?" Anna lifted Lilith up. "Looks like you're on Team Anna, kiddo! You worked for the royal family?"

"I did, but not anymore." Flora rubbed her hair, which was still missing the piece. "We need to hide until the heat dies down! M-Maybe the Fortress?"

"Flora, you have burns on your face, Izana looks like he was jumped by several large men, and I'm holding a dragon maid! We can't take cross-country trips! We need to find Reina!"

"Who?"

"What on earth….?! You folks shouldn't be out here!"

The three turned and saw Cassita, who had dropped her bags to examine Izana's black eye.

"You need treatment!"

XXXXXX

Soon the group was inside the nanny's domicile, and she was bandaging up Izana. Lilith was resting in a bed. "Goodness, you all escaped King Garon's wrath?"

"Yeah, we were framed!" Anna pouted. "Don't ask how we got away or what we did, by the way."

"I won't….you folks look like you've been through a lot! I can't hold you all out forever, especially if Windmire's soldiers are hunting you down, but you can rest here for now."

"Thanks!" Izana exclaimed, wincing at some of his bruises.

"But….." Cassita narrowed her eyes. "You haven't done anything….nefarious, right?"

"No!" Anna insisted. "We were set up! Honest!"

"That's all right miss, I believe you. Feel free to rest for a bit. I'll make some tea for you!" And with that, she stepped out of the room.

"A-Anna….L-Lord Izana…"

"Hmm?" The merchant looked away from Lilith's unconscious form to Flora. "What's up, Flora? I know we almost died back there, but-"

"I…can't thank either of you enough," the maid whispered. "Even when you didn't know me, you still defended me. Even when….my plan failed."

Izana clicked his tongue. "So you were trying to kill the king."

"Please understand, milord. I hail from the Ice Tribe, one of the four elemental tribes across the continent. Once we were free, but I remember the day when Nohr annexed our village….and if my sister and I didn't become maids….everyone, including my father, would've perished."

"Geez…"

Flora narrowed her eyes. "You might not want to see Garon go down, but I….I promised everyone I would handle it. As long as his tyranny exists, the Ice Tribe will always live in fear."

"Hmph!" Anna set her bag down. "Even people in Nohr can't stand the king. He totally lied about everything up there! Zola framed me, I'm not from Hoshido, and I didn't even know Nohr was hungry!"

Flora nodded. "I believe you. People have only resented Hoshido more and more as the years pass on."

"He's lying about more stuff, honey. You know King Sumeragi?"

"…..?"

"King Garon killed him. And everyone has been brainwashed into thinking differently."

Surprisingly, the maid let out a bitter chuckle. "If the boot fits…it seems you folks have discovered a lot during your travels across the continent."

"And how….ooh. Hun, you've got a little scar on your face now…."

"Hahaha….I know, but at least I'm alive. It'll be the reminder….to not give up on my goal. So then, if I might ask….shall I join up with you?"

Anna smiled. "You got it! But this quest is a LOT more than simple gold now!"

"Ohh…..your story about Vanilla….."

"It's true, I swear it! As soon as we finish up our task in Windmire, I'm taking everyone there to prove it! Right, Izana?"

The Archduke grinned, despite the wounds. "Your story enthralls my heart so….this adventure is getting so exciting!"

"Cassie! Are you in here?!"

The three looked up, just in time to have Elise, Arthur, and Effie enter the room.

"Anna! Flora! How did….why did….wasn't the king going to kill you?!" Effie was incredulous.

"Yes, how did you escape?" Arthur asked.

Elise gasped. "And why is Lilith with you?"

"Oh!" Cassita reentered the room. "Milady, you're back…." But the trio were still wondering about the truth of the matter. So Anna sighed loudly and jumped on the other bed.

"Got any popcorn? It's a doozy…."

Elsewhere, Rinkah and Kaze were losing the numbers game…badly. The former was more aggressive in her attacks, but she got pinned and beat for it. The latter dodged the best he could, but a few arrows had already pierced him.

"Urgh….!"

"Damn it! Not now!"

Silas gulped, not willing to actually attack these Hoshidans. Especially since Hans was so brutal. His delight in wounding them was far too evident.

"Come on….is that it, you wimps?!"

The two double-teamed the berserker, but he smacked both of them to the ground. Before they could get up, cavaliers pinned them down.

"Kill us yourself, you coward!" Rinkah shouted. "We're not afraid of you!"

"Rinkah, stop! General, I implore you….we have no ill intentions!"

"I'll bet," Hans growled. He raised his axe. "Why shouldn't I lob off both of your heads?! It's my duty as a Nohrian soldier to take down threats to my king!"

"But it doesn't have to be this way!" Kaze exclaimed. "Hoshido, Nohr….why do we have to constantly be fighting?!"

"Because! You guys think you're so much better than us. You think, just because you have better land, better soil….that you're the prime on the continent! None of you bastards….have ever known Nohrian suffering."

"Because your king is fooling all of you!" Rinkah insisted, but someone smacked her face with a lance.

"You're right! I wasn't raised here, but….b-but….Hoshido has suffered as well!"

Hans laughed. "Good joke, ninja. I'll be sure to keep your weapon as a trophy! Now DIE!" Silas instinctively shielded his eyes from the blow.

"Hey! That's not nice, stupid Hans!"

That didn't come. Instead, Peri and her squad came galloping over, and the sight of the cotton-candy haired cavalier was making both oni and ninja panic.

"What's it to you, Peri? Buzz off! This is my kill!"

Peri giggled. "But Lord Xander told me to find the ninja, and he only wants him alive! So hand him over!"

"What?! You got to be kidding me….what about the white-haired bitch?"

"I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THE FIRE TRIB-" Rinkah was cut off by Hans slamming his boot into her face. Silas winced.

"I guess she can come along too! And their soldiers. Lord Xander will be more proud of me that way!"

"Bullshit! I'll give you the ninja, and we're killing the rest!"

"Nope. I said you're giving me all of them, silly~"

Peri's very-Peri-like smile said that she meant business. Or else Hans would be the one dead. Surprisingly, the berserker backed off.

"Tch. Let them rot for all I care. It's not like Lord Xander will spare you whelps!"

Silas watched as the Hoshidans were dragged away – Rinkah screaming and kicking madly, but Kaze caught his eyes….and silently pleaded for help.

They….they weren't even doing anything wrong! Hans and his men would've slayed all of them if Peri didn't come….errr, is that better or worse?

"W-What is this place, Mr. Shura?"

The two had managed to slip into the underbelly of Windmire, and it seemed they were safe from the guards from the time being.

"It's what I like to call the REAL Nohr….you need proof it's a craphole, you come here. This is where the really shady stuff goes down."

The farmgirl followed the rogue, but she noticed a scantily clad woman holding a price sign.

"What's she selling? Looks like some good deals…"

Shura took a look and blushed. "Mozu, I'm pretty sure Hoshido has their share of brothels."

"A what?"

"You know….happy endings?"

Mozu cocked her head. "You mean….."

"Okay, I'm NOT doing this now. Shut up and follow me!"

"But you're sure this will take us to the castle?"

"As sure as I am that Anna's in that window over there….wait, what?!"

XXXXXX

"And THEN they hit Izana a few times with a really big stick….and then…Mozu! Shura!"

The merchant got up and hugged the two, as they entered Cassita's home.

"Miss Anna! You're alive!"

"Damn, what happened to you?" Shura looked Izana over. "And who's the maid?"

"Wow, Anna, you have a lot of friends!"

Shura noticed the youngest princess, and his blood turned cold. "Oh crap…."

"It's okay!" Elise exclaimed. "I'm not gonna tell Father your friend got away. You were just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, right?"

"It's the truth! Right guys?" Anna asked, winking.

"Yeah…."

"Yep. So uh….how did you guys escape the king?" Shura asked.

"That reminds me!" Anna grabbed Flora and put an arm around her shoulder. The maid shrunk under the stares from Mozu and Shura, but they seemed relieved. "She's Flora, and she's from the Ice Tribe! Now we have her….Mozu….Shura…Izana…and, wait guys, where's Reina?"

Reina had finally landed to give Yuugiri another break, but she was a little off from the capital. Rather, she had landed on a snow covered region in the mountains.

"Oh….where are we, Yuugiri? Shura has the map…"

"Guooo…." The kinishi collapsed.

"I understand. Please take a rest. I'll fetch you some water." Reina rubbed his head playfully and walked onward.

XXXXX

Soon she reached what appeared to be a village, but it seemed like it had been abandoned. Doors were hanging open, clothes were hastily thrown…..what had happened?

"Hmmm….this doesn't look good."

Reina's ears suddenly caught the sounds of paladins galloping.

"Hey! What the hell is this?!"

"The Ice Tribe's gone!"

"Check their homes! We were ordered to attack them by the king! …wait, who the hell is that?!"

Before she realized it, Nohrian soldiers surrounded Reina. And despite only being armed with a naginata….she looked rather excited.

"Oh, dear me….are you Nohrians…going to attack me?"

"You! Tell us what happened to the Ice Tribe!"

"I'm afraid I don't know. Perhaps….you could beat the answer out of me."

Reina knew she would lose, but she would make sure to make the most of it. At blinding speed, she quickly stabbed a bow knight, before the soldiers dogpiled her.

Forgive me Anna…

She blocked one sword strike.

…Mozu….

She was smacked by a hero's axe.

…Izana…

She ducked under an arrow shot, and swung her naginata fiercely.

..Shura…

She slashed one foe, and got slashed by another.

…Orochi….

She was knocked down, but she came up with vigor.

And Lady Mikoto….

XXXXXX

"No! I forbid it!"

A teenage Reina recoiled. She had just told her parents her intentions to join the Hoshidan army, but it seemed that neither of them would have it. The fact that her father was a feudal lord did not help matters.

"But Father…"

"Why, Reina?" her mother asked. "What kind of noblewoman enlists in the army? Do you really care that little about us?"

"No, mother," Reina replied, rather peeved. "Every day, the Hoshidan army protects our great land from murderers and rogues. I want to give back! I want…to be a knight!"

"Reina, this is a mistake. Think about what the others would say!"

"I'm sorry, but I don't care about that." The future kinshi knight bowed. "Please understand. I'll be heading to the capital at sunrise tomorrow."

"Reina…."

"Daughter, I implore you….you're young. You shouldn't rush into such a profession."

"All the more reason to serve, Father." Reina's cheeky smile showed that she had made up her mind, and no coating was going to change it.

Instead, her mother stepped over to her and held up an apron, the same she would wear over 20 years later.

"Please, Reina, you're our only child. There's another choice. There's nothing wrong with being a simple housewife. Please, think this over."

Reina reluctantly took the apron, but her decision was set. "I will."

But she didn't chose such a path. She climbed the ranks of the Hoshidan army, got a kinishi, and even became one of the queen's trusted vassals. And despite her parents severing ties with her for her prowess….she always wore the apron in their honor.

Life and death, Reina would always be a warrior first.

"She said she'd be around," Mozu replied.

"Is she another friend?" Elise asked, with Anna remembering that Camilla was technically her sister.

Arthur hit his palm with his fist. "We met her at Dia! Remember, Anna?"

"Uhhh….yeah. You're not gonna tattle on us, right Lady Elise?"

The youngest princess gave a sympathetic look. "I heard what you said in the square, Anna. About Vanilla? I could see it in your eyes! You remind me of my brother, Corrin! You had to be telling the truth!"

Mozu, Shura, and Izana all looked at Anna expectantly.

"C-Corrin? Right…the prince…."

"Lady Elise, if the city is looking for them, then we'd better get back to the castle! Cassita and the rest of us might get into trouble…." Effie had closed the curtains.

"You're right! Sorry, Cassie…"

"It's okay, dear. I'll let them stay here for the time being. I forgot to get some stuff at the market anyways!"

Elise winked at the party. "You guys must be pretty strong, just vanishing like that! How did you do it?"

"Oh, we have our ways," Izana replied. "Ultra magical ways!"

"Exactly! Elise, do you know who Zola is?"

"Leo doesn't like him. He's always hanging around with Iago and always scheming!" Elise looked annoyed. "Xander and Camilla don't trust him, and neither do I!"

"He framed us! Okay? You don't have to tell your siblings, and I can prove it!"

"You got it! Good luck out there, guys! Oh, keep an eye on Lilith!"

Elise and her retainers quickly left, with Cassita heading to the door.

"Don't do anything rash while I'm out, all."

XXXXXX

"So let me get this straight….that maid saved you by taking you to another dimension?" Shura pointed at the unconscious Lilith.

"Yep!"

"Okaaay….geez, what happened to you?"

Flora blinked. "Hot tea burns. All the same, it's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm going to be a part of this little ratpack, so please, if you need anything…."

"You know your way around the castle, no?"

"What for?"

Shura balked. "Anna, I think you're getting a little too cocky. The king knows who you are now, and if he catches you again – you're dead."

"I didn't say we had to leave right now! Besides, we can't go home until Reina comes back."

"I'm afraid I don't understand….why would you want to go to the castle?"

Anna sighed. "Flora, I'm on a secret mission, and I REALLY need to find a certain prince. Namely….Corrin?"

"Oh! But he's at the….waaait, why do you want to find my lord?" the maid asked, suspicious.

"Because he was stolen from Queen Mikoto!" Mozu exclaimed. "Years ago, at Cheve? When the king was killed, his son was taken!"

"So you're telling me that Lord Corrin hails from Hoshido?"

"Yep!"

"Yes!"

"Definitely!"

"I can vouch for it…."

Flora blinked, before chuckling again. "That doesn't seem very shocking, actually. Like a pet, the king has kept Lord Corrin at the Northern Fortress for training. My sister and I do chores there."

"….."

"…."

"Well that's convenient!"

"I'm imploring you, go check!"

"Please Gunter!"

"What's going on?" Corrin had stumbled upon his maid and butler putting the metaphorical heat on the Nohrian legend.

"Oh, milord! Flora has been gone for hours! Someone should check, right?" Felicia looked very anxious.

"Yes, milord, and I think it should be Gunter! That old man needs to start pulling his weight around here!"

"You little punk…." Gunter cleared his throat. "I'm not here to play babysitter! We still need to train! Flora will be back by nightfall."

"Well Felicia and Jakob want her back now, Gunter. Could you please take a look? For my sake, at the very least?"

Gunter looked at the prince, and sighed deeply. "Fine."

"Oh thank you milord!"

"Capital idea, as usual!"

Yes, GREAT idea. I have no interest in seeing that tyrant of a king, and something tells me Flora follied of her own accord. But…..I suppose I don't have a choice…..

Back at Castle Krackenberg, Garon/Hydra was sitting in the throne, tapping the arm of the chair impatiently. His men had been scouting the whole city, but no one saw Anna, Izana, and Flora!

"Trust me, sire, she couldn't have gotten far," Iago assured. "The Archduke must've used some type of spell."

There's only one person that saved him….that sow Lilith!

"I want them dead before my feet, Iago. I've never seen such disrespect, and if I let them run wild, Nohr's control will fall apart!"

Iago grinned. "Perhaps we should begin your wartime plan?"

"Father!"

Xander, Leo, and Camilla all had entered the room, but the crown prince was at the forefront, looking NOT amused in the slightest.

"Xander….have any of you caught Anna and her pals?"

"Not yet," Leo replied. "Our men are on it."

"Then why have you all decided to pay me a visit? I want progress, not stalling!" Garon scowled.

"Father….Anna, Izana, and Flora have definitely committed crimes against you, but what on earth was that display? You…..played up the situation to get the people riled up for war."

"Huh? Of course I did, Anna is Hoshido's weapon! You've heard Zola's account."

Was Anna telling the truth? If he really could shapeshift…

"Yes, but….."

"With all due respect…" Camilla paused. "Father, maybe a war right now isn't the best plan."

"Are you three questioning my leadership?"

Leo, as he usually did, did damage control. "Not in the slightest. But perhaps we need to make sense of what's going on inside our own soil. Anna spun a tale about another kingdom….at the bottom of the canyon? Doesn't that seem alarming?"

Curses! I can't have these brats suspicious of Valla!

"It was a false story. You can't believe her ridiculous stories! Anna will make a mockery of our kingdom if she's allowed to do as she pleased."

Xander shook his head. "Has anyone ever attempted to sell Hoshidan crops to us before? Aren't they usually out of our reach?"

"Because Hoshido wills it so, my son. That's why we need to go to war! One merchant selling one cart will not fix anything!"

"But…."

"But what?!"

Leo and Camilla looked to their older brother.

"….why would someone that wants to destroy Nohr attempt to benefit its citizens by selling crops? It doesn't make any sense."

"Because! It was a ruse!"

"But why would Anna go to such lengths? Perhaps she truly wished to help?" Camilla inquired.

"My children, do not tell me you've turned your back on your own father! On your own country! She tried to KILL ME!"

Urgh…..

Garon put a hand to his head. More memories from the monster's occupancy were flooding back.

Oh I wish the land dispute went more peacefully, my dear. Nohr shouldn't be known for attacking Hoshido!

Get away! Stop it!

Honey, look! Our son is taking his first steps! Ohhh, he's an angel….

This is my body now, you bastard!

Garon…..I don't have much time left….

IT BELONGS TO ANANKOS!

I…..love you…..

"F-Father?" Xander blinked. "Are you alright?" He stepped forward, but Garon waved his hand.

"I'm…..fine…Xander, all is well! Tomorrow….at dawn….I need you to do something. Test your brother one more time."

"What?"

Garon nodded. "Yes….I think we need him to be with his….family….if he beats you….bring him here….okay?"

"….."

"Xander?" Camilla pressed.

"…..as you command," the crown prince replied, somewhat reluctantly. He didn't know WHAT was going on anymore. And now his brother was going to face a war-torn Nohr?

Iago simply grinned again. Things were about to get more interesting…

FIN

Ending notes: Yeah no, I'm not doing MyCastle, but there's nothing wrong with showing Lilith's power. I prefer her to be active and not just floating as a dragon fish, and because it drains her - the Astral Plane is not going to be used for deus ex machinas.

One more chapter, then we'll FINALLY start the actual events of the game! But I wonder, what will happen?

Also I'm gonna try to focus on putting out a new chapter for my other stories, so chapter 22 will be a longer wait. Remember, I do have schoolwork again!