Edit: Changed how the end of 'the talk' went. Felicia's, Elise's, and Mikoto's responses should come out as more realistic.
A/N: Oh dear… this chapter never seemed to end. I didn't think that 'the talk' was going to last as long as it did. If y'all were craving some more information on Corrin's time in Nohr… you got it! Well, that and Tribe-related lore. Look, the point is: this chapter is going to be loaded with information. So, because of how this thing is packed to bursting, I had to push back the brother scene.
Also, the previous chapter has received a few edits: The bath scene now includes actual bathing. The final scene, which originally had Mikoto, has also been reworked. So, make sure you're all caught up.
*I can't take back how aggressively that came out, but I would like to take a step back and properly explain myself.*
Lastly, it's been a while since I've made any real comment on the last Dual-Blessed. So… I'll get a message out to a certain mischievous Diviner to help y'all out.
Clarification on the 'Spelling/Grammar Request: Looking back, I can understand that I wasn't clear on what I exactly meant. I will emphasize this: The spelling and grammar itself does NOT bother me. The problem comes when I cannot understand what I am reading. It greatly irritates me if I can't give a proper response. Remember, I want to reply, I want to respond to feedback/reviews, or whatever it is. If there's something I can reply to, then I want to, but I can't if I'm unable to understand what is being told. That is why I asked for the 'spelling/grammar' request. The majority of the reviews are fine, I can work them out pretty well, it's just I don't want yet another issue that came with trying to figure out Guest (Ch. 20, 4/19)'s review… or statement, or declaration, or whatever he/she's getting at.
Yes, there has been another one like it, it happened so much earlier in this fic, but the thing is… when I brought it up then, the guy took his time to explain what was typed, so then I was able to properly respond.
Curse of Whimsy/Epifanio Therion: Error. Both responses took too long to form. Please, proceed to the end of the chapter. This program apologizes for any inconvenience.
Guest (Ch. 20 4/19, 9:01 A.M.): 'Ello mon. Now, even though I like going through life with a sense of technicality, and I prefer to take subjects quite literally due to my near inability to know when someone is being sarcastic. It may make sense to you, but it could be nonsense to me. So, with that said:
I was getting confused starting on 'spoiler' and you completely lost me after 'AWESOME'.
Corrin walked through the hallways of Shirasagi, close to Orochi. His heart is beating a whole lot faster than it should be and it has nothing to do with anyone around him… it's racing due to two facts of what is going to happen. The first being that his mother is wanting to know it all… she wants to sit down and have a long discussion. The second is that he knew it… he knew this was coming sooner or later. He knows he can't forever avoid his… 'them'. No, not 'them', his… his… brothers. Crayon picture, young-Corrin, happy family, 'they' are good, they are nice.
"You're right, Lord Corrin." Orochi agrees… with whatever he just said. Was he talking out loud? "Even the cards agree."
"I mean no disrespect, but I believe you rely too much on those cards, Orochi." Felicia states.
"Perhaps a fortune will sway your opinion…?" In preparation, Orochi is already fanning out her cards.
"Again, I'll pass." She smiles.
She twirls her hair with her other hand, probably trying to think of a way to lure Felicia in. "Aw, c'mon. Just one won't hurt." Elise ends up goading her.
"Thank you, Elise." Orochi smiles, "Just…"
"You don't have to believe it though." She cuts her off, with a smile of her own.
The Diviner sighs, "I have yet to receive a false prophecy."
Felicia bites her lip, "Your fortunes… when you said you only receive glimpses… how far do those glimpses go? Uh, literal distance, like if I were to ask of someone's health back in Nohr?"
"Someone's well-being is easy, but if this person is truly in Nohr, the divination will take a larger toll on me." She pauses, "Buuut, if it means you'll take one…"
"I have a twin sister, Flora. I… I want to know how she's fairing. Uh, light-blue hair, trained as a Maid…"
She giggles, "A name is enough… usually. As long as there aren't dozens of Floras, I'll be fine." Orochi runs her fingers through the cards, before picking out not one, but two. "I'm going to need the extra 'oomph' for someone this far away." Her incantation goes on for longer, too… then she frowns as she puts them away. "Troubled, concerned for you, but as for her physical health? She's perfectly fine." A pause, "And… I didn't warrant it, but I did catch a nasty rumor. It happens."
"And that is?" Felicia, now interested, presses for information.
"...this will only spike your curiosity more. So let me tell you now, this is all I saw. Jail bars, restraint, chains, and pain. A powerful force is holding something of great importance captive."
"My father?!" She asks, with a sudden need.
Orochi shakes her head, "I-I'm sorry, Felicia. I don't know."
However, speaking the truth did nothing to calm Felicia's nerves, "C-can you try again? The Ice Tribe, are…?"
"Love, shh…" Corrin wraps his arms around her. Her body temperature has dropped again.
"I'm going to need rest before I try another long-distance divination again, but...even then, I might not even be able to extract that information. Again, I apologize, but I can't choose what I foresee."
"It's… no. I'm fine. He's fine. There's no way She would let something like that happen." She slowly takes a few deep breaths, puffs of cold air coming out with them. "Your fortunes can be wrong, magic isn't perfect." She mutters that part to herself.
Corrin looks her over, only slightly doubting her about her claiming 'she's fine'. But, he also doubts she'll talk about it right now. He stores the topic for a later time… maybe when they're alone again. "Alright, we're here for you. Don't forget that." He smiles at her.
She nods, a single crystalline tear going down her face. "Yeah! We all got each other!" Elise hops in with a hug.
Orochi gently clears her throat, "I don't mean to rush, but…" She fans out her cards, but just seems to look at them, rather than draw for a fortune. "My liege would very much like to talk with her son."
"I understand." Corrin nods as the double-embrace turns back into the normal double-hand-holding. "I'm ready." As ready as he'll ever be.
"Excellent!" Orochi resumes walking, whilst the others follow.
Corrin takes a deep breath… preparing himself for the impending talk…
Orochi guides the group to a grand door. It isn't as intricately detailed as the throne room, but it still relatively costs so much more. White-gold and ocean-blue are the primary colors here. The left door sports a design that is none other than Mizuchi, even His name is engraved above Him. What's even more amazing, however, is that His engraved name seems to be flowing with water… like it's made of water. The right door, then, obviously has Ushas. Her form is no less detailed, and as with His name, Her engraved name seems to be radiating its own light.
However, there is one more detail that catches his eye. Between both Dragon Gods, a long, thin engraved blade seems to connect both sides, akin to a latching mechanism… except that it isn't and that it is on the outside. This blade has electric-style spark designs wrapping around it. There is also not a single fragment of Mizuchi's design even near it, and that the hilt is on His side, as well.
"That, Lord Corrin, is the Rajinto." Orochi supplies. "One of the Divine Weapons made by the Dragon Gods."
"Divine Weapons…" Casting his mind back, he recalls both Siegfried and Brynhildr. "Wait. Are all weapons from any Dragon God a Divine Weapon?"
"That is correct!" Orochi openly smiles, "That's why they're considered 'Divine'. The only true attribute they share is that they won't break. Ever."
A sudden chill fills the air as Felicia pulls out Khione's Scale. "My Tribe's Dragon gave me one of Her scales."
Orochi tilts her head as she looks at it, "Well, as long as the Ice Tribe isn't hiding any others, I believe that's the first Ice Divine Weapon." A pause, "Before this, the Ice, Water, and Fire Dragon Gods all didn't forge a weapon."
"...I can understand my Dragon not making one, and even the Ice Dragon, but not the Fire Dragon." Corrin states, "He values strength far too much to not make one."
"Or… perhaps He believes His people don't need one?" Felicia gently counters.
That's… actually a good possibility. "So, the Rajinto…" Corrin trails off.
"Despite it being passed down exclusively in the Hoshidan Royal Family, and by extension the Dawn Dragon… it was actually gifted from the Wind Dragon, Enlil." Once more, the power of simply speaking one of the Dragon Gods' names shows as a gust of wind rushes by the entire hallway… enough to effectively blow off Felicia's headband and ruin her hair. Elise had to hold her dress down and Orochi tightened her grip on her cards. Corrin remains the least affected. Orochi clears her throat, "Yes, well then. As I was saying, He forged the Rajinto from his… horn, I believe, to which the Wind Tribe gifted it to the previous King of Hoshido as a show of good faith. That does make the Wind Tribe the only one to give off a Divine Weapon."
"The Wind Tribe must be really close to the Hoshidan Royals if they did something big like that!" Elise exclaims… as Felicia does her best to smooth out her hair.
"... I just washed, too." She mutters.
"This happened relatively recent then, right?" Corrin asked.
"The gifting of the Rajinto, yes. As I understand, the blade itself has been forged a number of decades ago."
"You seem to know a fair amount of details on Dragon Gods and Divine Weapons, Orochi." Felicia states, once her hair has been straightened out, and her hairband back on… she didn't bother putting it back up in a ponytail, however. So, now her hair flows down well past her back, enough to reach slightly below her waist. She...actually looks more captivating this way. He wonders for a moment how Elise would look, if she let both of her pigtails down.
He then shakes his head, there are other things to focus on. "It's only natural. As one of the retainers for none other than Queen Mikoto, I need knowledge on matters outside of the immediate area. I actually specialize in Tribal knowledge." She twirls her hair.
"Who is mother's other retainer?" Corrin asks.
"A Kinshi Knight by the name of Reina." Orochi supplies, "She's battle-hardened and… well, I'm going to be quite blunt. She can be rather overwhelming to be around. She's no stranger to fights and killing."
Corrin hesitates, and Felicia picks up on what he's thinking, "But does she actually enjoy killing?"
Her initial reluctance to immediately answer was enough, but she manages to reply anyway, "Yes, actually. Don't get me wrong, she's very nice and compassionate to be around, I don't think my liege would have chosen her otherwise. If you're simply talking to her, like in Castle Shirasagi, then she makes wonderful company. If you see her in battle, she's a terror to behold."
"Loving and compassionate around friends and family, but a vicious killer when fighting…?" Elise asks, "Sounds a lot like big sister Camilla."
"Ah, yes. Princess Camilla." Orochi starts off, "She has quite the reputation, especially amongst Pegasus Knights. I'm more than certain Reina would triumph, should they ever cross each other."
Corrin frowns, "I'd rather not consider the possibility."
"Of course. My apologies." Orochi gives a gentle smile, "Now then, I believe I've delayed a mother her son for far too long."
Taking a breath, Corrin nods. "Alright, I'm as ready as I'm going to be. Thank you for all that you told us, Orochi."
"It was my pleasure. Enjoy yourselves, okay?" As a last bit of courtesy, she opens the doors for them.
...It's a bedroom. A massive bed stands in the back, large thin-veiled curtains along its edges. A multitude of feminine products line one side of the room, while the other is… actually quite empty. There are a few things like some armor polish and other weapon-related items. That side must have held his father's things.
Mother sat on a chair in front of a mirror, currently applying some makeup. However… if he were to really focus, he'd notice that parts of the desk have been damaged. "Mother?" He asks and she startles enough to drop whatever item she was using. "Oh… sorry." He didn't realize she was so focused.
When she did turn around to face him, her face was anguished, if just for the smallest amount of time… some of her makeup seemed stained. "Please, pardon my current appearance I… was held up for a time." Even her tone has a dark tinge to it. "I'm actually quite thankful Orochi took a while." What happened? "I needed a short meeting with my strategist, Yukimari. Your… your big sister Hinoka also was there." By now, mother has cleared up any remaining negative vibes.
"Mother…?" He reaches out, "What happened?"
She smiles, "I'm very thankful I lead a wonderful nation with endless amounts of goodwill and understanding." She deftly avoids his question. "Everything will be fine, dear. I have the support of many."
He wanted to pry more, he wanted to know what is bothering her so much, but… "You wanted to talk to me?" He would also very much like to get over this hurdle that is his past.
"I did, and I know this is going to be extremely difficult, but I need to know. Not just so I can understand what is haunting you so badly, but so situations like the panic attack won't happen again. We all want the best for your health, but we can't do that if we accidentally end up crossing tripwires we can't see."
"I… understand." He steps forward, to which she gestures at the bed. Nodding, he takes a seat on it.
She turns towards his fiances. "Please, sit beside him. I'll pull up a chair."
"I would love to." Felicia performs a short bow, as she takes his right side.
"Don't need to tell me twice!" Elise gets the left.
Mikoto brings the chair she was just using for her makeup. "Alright, my son." Perhaps she would have wanted to hold one of his hands to comfort, but Felicia and Elise already 'claimed' both of them. The fact that they were so ready to calm him puts a smile on her own face. "We're here for you…"
Corrin looks from one to the other. Then, once he takes a deep breath, gives both of his fiances hands' a quick squeeze, nods and readies himself. "Even the earliest memories I have are mostly filled with pain." He looks away from the others, "At the very start, it seemed I had no-one on my side. Even the servants seemed to be against me. Th-there was a man that the K-king assigned to the Northern Castle. He had complete control on whatever went on and… his name is G-Gunter." Already, his voice is cracking, to which Felicia and Elise leaned towards his sides and , "He was a war v-veteran. From the day I could barely lift a blade, he was drilling me. He'd have me do reps on attacks hundreds of time, and at first… I'd speak out about how much it hurts, if I could have a short break." He pauses, his body trembles.
Then he felt a gentle hand on his face. "It hurts that I ask you do to this, son." Mother starts, "But, I want you to heal, I want to see the Corrin that was here all of those years ago. A Corrin that loved to be around everyone… even if he was a bit reserved. You always did love to help others."
Tears run down his cheeks as he nods…
Corrin stumbled backwards, the sheer recoil from that side-strike on a piece of metal was enough to cause him to lose his balance. His legs ached, his arms were crying out for a break, his breathing was ragged, he just… "Gunter? Can I please rest for a moment?" He can't keep going! It's too much.
The form of the elder soldier walks up to him, his shadow almost engulfing the young Prince. "A break?" The question starts off innocent enough, "Perhaps you should ask a bandit if they won't be-head you."
Corrin fell to the ground as a metallic sting slammed into his cheek. The man backhanded him with his gauntlet on, "B-but… this is… a training session. I…"
"Excuses! Stand!" The man roars. "I'm to train you, and that is what will happen!" Corrin seemed to take too long to get up, as he yanked him up by one of his arms. The Prince recoiled again, "Coward!" He tosses Corrin aside, though he manages to keep his balance this time.
"G-Gunter…?" Corrin starts, wearily lifting his blade, "I c-can't train if my b-body gives out…"
"Do you think I got this far by pampering every time I trained?!" He turns away, directing his gaze towards one of the few servants, "You! Get the whip!"
...Whip? "People train with…"
"Silence!" Corrin gasps for air as he lands a punch on his stomach. "Stop asking questions. Now! Do you see that table?"
"With the lances?" Another strike.
"Make room on it. Push the lances aside." Quickly nodding, Corrin almost rushes over, lest he get hit again, "Took you long enough…" He hears him mutter to a servant. "There, don't move." Corrin stiffened as Gunter approached him. "You wish to complain about 'pain'? Soreness? Boy, you haven't experienced anything yet!" The man rips Corrin's shirt off, before pushing his upper half onto the table.
A crack soon echoed as the leather bits slammed onto Corrin's back. "Ah!" He cries out.
"Pathetic!" Another crack, then again and again and again and…
Cold… so cold. Corrin cried out all of his tears again, his throat is so dry. He feels a cloth near his face… Elise. A hand pulls away from his cheek, and the cold fades… Felicia. Some light and water dances around in front of him as a hand touches his chin… Mother.
Memories, it's just memories. Gunter can't hurt him anymore… nothing bad in Nohr can hurt him anymore. He isn't in Nohr, he isn't in Nohr. He's in Hoshido, he has a real, loving family. He's admitting his past so he can heal. He wants to be that younger Corrin. He wants those old crayon drawings to be true. He wants to love his whole family… even the… his… his… brothers. "I loooove you~!" Elise nearly sings.
"You are our everything, love." Felicia adds.
"You're doing well, son." Mikoto smiles… though there are tear stains on her face as well. "Take a deep breath, and continue when you're ready.
"Just memories…" He mutters loud enough for the three to hear, "They aren't here, I'm admitting what has already happened. I'm safe here." He takes a breath and nods...
Several months after Corrin started the clearly unreasonably demanding training sessions, a new face showed. At this point, Corrin felt he was at his breaking point. Nobody wanted him. He has so many scars… so many beatings. He has learned not to speak out, not to ask questions. If Gunter tells him to do something, he does it. That's it.
"Good morning, Lord Corrin." The new face… a fresh Butler named Jakob. His hair is ever so slightly out of place, as a number of strands refused to join the rest in his otherwise perfect ponytail. "I have your morning tea ready." He carried a steaming hot pot, alongside a cup, some sugar cubes and a few snacks. Then… he did something no-one else does, "Did you sleep well?"
"No." He admits in a small voice. "It hurts."
"Well, I do hope this tea…" Jakob was new, he is still in training and as such… the man ended up losing his one-handed balance on the tray, as the tea kettle was too off-center.
Crash, clang, steam, burn… A generous amount of steaming tea made its way onto Corrin's skin, the rest stained into the carpet, including the sugar cubes and the snacks. Corrin hissed, but otherwise managed to keep himself from crying out in pain…
Steaming hot tea had absolutely nothing on a metal shard-tipped leather whip.
"G-gods… my apologies!" He grabs the 'emergency' handkerchief from his coat pocket, and rubs as much of the tea as he can off of Corrin. "Uh, I mean. Milord, I'm so sorry."
"...But, you didn't mean to, right?"
He almost seemed offended, "I'd never dream of causing you pain!" That's… that's more than what others would have said. Corrin reaches with a hand and touches Jakob on his shoulder. "Milord?"
"You didn't mean to." Corrin echoed. "You'll… you'll get better. Um… let me help you, okay?"
"I-I-I couldn't possibly ask you to perform such a mundane task! I'm the one who made the mess, so I shall clean it!"
"Jakob… I'm asking because I want to help. You've…"
The door slams open and Gunter barges in. "What is taking…" He notices how Jakob is drying Corrin, and how there is a large mess. "Jakob!" He yells, before stomping over, breaking more of the ceramic, and yanking him up, "Out! You worthless Butler!" Gunter throws him out, "Another day of training the basics! You! Maid! There's a mess in here, so do your job!" His spiteful gaze turns to Corrin, "Because of him, you're late for your training. So, get up! Grab your gear! And get out there!"
"Jakob, Jakob, Jakob…" Corrin repeated. "He was so nice to me. He tried so hard. I helped him clean messes, I help covered up his mistakes. I didn't want to lose him, he meant so much. Someone who truly cared for me, who helped me. I… I had to help him."
"So… there were good men out there for you…" Mother softly speaks.
Corrin slowly nodded, "Only two. Well, there's Arthur, but I haven't ever seen him until we traveled to the Bottomless Canyon."
"I see."
"Yeah, I've met Jakob!" Elise exclaims. "He's suuuper nice!"
"I've… seen him only once." Felicia frowns, "He… he was fired after my sister and I were brought in."
"By Her light…" Mikoto closes her eyes and takes a breath. "You… said there were two men that were good?"
For a moment, Corrin's breath sharpened, "Laslow. He's a dancer. But… to talk about him is to also talk about…" He stops.
"Crown Prince Xander." Elise supplies, to which Corrin nods.
Corrin shifted around in this formal outfit. It was made with the highest quality clothing he could get… but it felt so constricting, like they got the measurements wrong. "Jakob? Someone important is coming today?"
"Crown Prince Xander, milo… my friend." He adds in a lower tone.
A friend. His friend. More than a Butler, more than anything else… a friend. Corrin smiles at that. He has grown to rely on Jakob daily, and he does him. "I'm ready… I hope." This is the first time he's ever met his 'big brother'. He honestly has no idea what to expect. He's met Elise, his little sister, and she's a ball of sunshine. The second person ever to show him care… so, if she's family, and Xander's family… surely he'd be nice too, right?
The grand bells ring, and he hears distant sounds of trumpets. Nodding to Jakob, he and his friend make their way out. Down through the large hallways, many steps, and all of the twisting turns. And when he finally made it to the entrance? When he finally saw Xander?
Any positive expectation was shattered. He… he simply looked far more intimidating than Gunter ever could. Standing tall in black armor, he has a blade at his side. This blade… even though it is in a sheathe, it pulses this black and dark-red mist. Corrin gets chills from simply looking at it.
Then he meets eyes with his big brother.
A scowl… anger. No signs of love, there is nothing like Elise to him. Xander looks at him like he isn't even worth his time. "Laslow!" He calls out, "Go and pester my little brother for some time, there are things that need to be prepared." ...pester?
"As you command, Crown Prince." From Xander's initial appearance, Corrin was now expecting someone horrid… but now his negative expectations were shattered. A smooth-face man walks up to him… his hair is pink. He has a rather large smile on his face… kinda like Elise. However, there was only one thing that set him on edge… Laslow's eyes shined with… recognition? "My name is Laslow, retainer to Crown Prince Xander. While I am trained in the arts of the sword, my most defining trait is my dancing." So nice, so soon. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Corrin."
"I'm… glad to meet you, too." Corrin smiles. "What are we going to do?"
"If I may be so bold to suggest. I'd like to have one of my favorite pastimes… would you care for some tea and snacks?"
"That sounds nice, Laslow." He turns to Jakob, "Would…"
"With all due respect, Lord Corrin." Laslow smoothly intervenes. "I would rather brew and pick them out myself… it's nothing against you, my good sir." He smiles at Jakob, "Of course, if you'd rather me not…?"
"Jakob?" Corrin asks, "Since you usually make it, I'll let you decide."
Laslow raises an eyebrow, perhaps not expecting a Prince let their Butler have a say in anything. "May I attend, then? I can point you towards the tea leaves that Lord Corrin prefers." It seems an instant bond was formed between the two.
"Of course!" Laslow chuckles, "Well, while we're at it… would you like to come too, Lord Corrin?"
Corrin has taken a liking to Laslow. He is like… the opposite of Xander. He seems like someone who would be a retainer to Elise. "I'd like that." Corrin nods. "Let's go and have some tea and snacks."
As they started walking, Laslow added one more thing, "I also have a dance I'd like to show you. It's one very dear to me. My mother taught me all that I know about dancing, and the one I want to show you is very important… steeped in my family and tradition."
"Does it have a name?"
"'Prelude to the Waves'. It is very calming… I do believe you'll enjoy it." Laslow offers with a smile.
"Then yes… I'd be happy if you were to share such a treasured dance to me." With that out of the way, the three men go towards their next destination… the kitchen.
"'Prelude to the Waves'?" Mother echoes, "Laslow? Son… I do believe I know why he recognized you."
"Really!?" He eagerly asks.
She gently nods. "Well, let me start off with this: The dance he showed you is of Water Tribe origin. It is part of the grand ceremony for the Water Dragon. If I remember correctly, that portion happens slowly, you keep expecting it to speed up, but it never does."
He nods, "Yes, that's exactly what happened. But… you said that you think…?"
She clears her throat, "This was a few years after I gave birth to Sakura. Being the last child I would have, your father and I decided to take our entire family out to Cyrkensia, as they have a massive yearly performance… it ismeant to be the largest tribute to the Water Dragon, but it also is used to make sure the city has enough money to thrive."
"Yeah… I remember hearing about it," Elise starts, slightly downcast, "Garon took Xander and Leo, but both of my big sisters and me were 'too sick' to come along."
"By His waves…" Mikoto furrows her eyebrows… then smiles. "Elise… when next it is possible… would you like to join us? And you too, Felicia."
Elise's mouth gapes open, her eyes wide, "R-r-r-really?! That would be awesome! Oh my gosh… thank you soooo much!"
"I would love to attend. Since, what two elements are…" Felicia starts.
"As close and Ice and Water?" Mikoto finishes with a smile, before turning back to Corrin, "Now then. The reason why I brought up that Laslow did meet you before is that… during that specific performance, Cyrneksia's lead dancer, she was one of the few performers that has at least a decent connection to the Water Tribe… she…" A pause, "They were at the tail end of the performance, and she… she passed out. I could see it as she danced, that she was weary. Shortly after, a young man walked from the sidelines, then he had her taken off stage. He continued the performance as if she never stopped. He is as talented as her." A pause as she takes a breath, "After it ended, we all met the performers face-to-face. The lead dancer was being supported by the young man who took center stage."
"And, this young man is… Laslow?" Corrin assumes.
"That is correct. He wasn't much older than you… it would be generous to consider him even a teenager. Anyway, this man is actually the son of the lead dancer… and her name is Olivia."
"So… then that's where he first met me? I… don't remember that." He frowns.
She actually starts giggling, "Well, I didn't mention that you were also hiding behind my dress the whole time."
"He hid?" Elise echoes.
"As I mentioned earlier, Corrin was always fairly reserved. He poked his head out just long enough to praise them." A pause, "Now… if you want to hear something truly shocking. This is about the youngest, Sakura."
"What about her?" Elise's interest has been caught, it seems.
"Well, let me put it like this. If you all think that Elise here is social and excitable now… then you haven't seen Sakura when she was young."
"Sakura was vocal? I… can't imagine that." Felicia states, clearly disbelieving… as is Corrin. He can't imagine his little sister, the one that turned into a flustering and stuttering mess, being so social.
"Oh yes, she talked, she ran, she asked everyone about everything." Mikoto smiles, "Later on, when she became more silent, the rest of us teased that she used up all of her social skills when she was young."
Smiling, Corrin nods… she must be intentionally side-tracking the conversation so he doesn't get overwhelmed, and that was confirmed when he said, "Okay, I'm ready to go on." He takes a breath, "Let me actually start with Elise…"
Jakob had recently finished giving Corrin a bath, being extra gentle with all the scars he accumulated. "I can do this…" The abused Prince said to himself, "I can do good… I will do good in training today." He looked up to Jakob for support…
Who, surprisingly shook his head… but with a smile, "There's no training today, my friend." Corrin was left stunned, he… he rarely gets a day off. His Butler, his friend then offers some clothes… fancy Royal clothes. "As I understand it, young Princess Elise is making a visit."
"She's… my little sister, right?" Corrin has heard very little about his family. A name and if they're a sister or brother is about all he got. "I wonder what she's like?" He is frankly thankful to not be training again. He puts the clothing on… it isn't fitted right, like normal. When the clothes on, he walks out into the hallway, with Jakob close behind.
Down long hallways, staircases, and all those turns, he arrives at the entrance of the Northern Castle. The first thing that he noted was that there was an intense giggling echoing. A relatively short woman literally hopped to him. "Woooow!" Her eyes are wide, and her smile bright, "Biiiiig Broooother!" The first thing she does is jump on him, whilst wrapping her arms around him, then giving him a big hug. "It's been soooo long!"
While he did return the hug, he was confused, "I… don't remember meeting you."
"Whaaaat?!" Her mouth gapes open, "How could you forget me? My name is Elise, I'm your little sister!" She giggles, "Aaaand we have an awesome big sister named Camilla! Do you remember her?"
"I'm… sorry. I don't." He frowns.
She tuts, "Oh no, don't you do that." Her good mood has yet to fade, "I don't wanna see anything but a nice smile!" Then, of all possible things she could have done… she tickles him.
He laughs uncontrollably, "Th-that… Little… s-s-sister!" She keeps going into he actually ends up slipping and falling, but the smile stays, and the laughter tones down to giggles.
"That's better!" She offers an arm to help him up, then Jakob starts dusting off his back. "So… what's your name?" She glances over at the Butler.
"My name is Jakob, Princess Elise. I must admit, I am truly honored you wanted know my name."
"Pfft. Of course I wanna know your name, silly." She rolls her eyes, all in a good-mannered attitude. Once more, her attention turns to Corrin. "Now, I have this great plan for today! But first…" She pokes his chest, "We gotta get you some better clothes! That looks waaaay too tight!"
"..where are we going?" He asks as he starts following the bouncing ball of sunshine known as Elise.
"Where do you think we're going… the market, silly." She turns and flashes that huge smile, "Now c'mon, I saw this really awesome set of clothes that would so totally look super awesome on you!"
Everyone is smiling in the room, while Elise is the only one giggling, "Oh yeah! I remember that." She looks at Mikoto, "There was this cute shirt that had these little, cute, and tiny dragons imprinted on it. It wasn't of the Dusk Dragon, but just tiny little dragons in different colors that had these suuuuper tiny claws and it was so cuuute!" A pause, "Except… it didn't actually fit him. So, I didn't buy it."
His mother starts laughing, "Well, it sounds like you two had a wonderful time that day."
"Aw yeah! I always made his days so great! Isn't that right?!"
"She really did, mother." Corrin nods. "Even… even if I only saw her four times a year." A short somber moment passes. Still, after crossing that first hurdle, Corrin notes that talking is becoming easier… "Leo…" He starts off.
"Lord Corrin?" Jakob asks as he steps out of the bath… those formal clothes in hand. Corrin never gets to wear the ones Elise bought him… well, unless she is actually visiting. Other than that, it's right back to the one that doesn't exactly fit. "You have a visitor today… Lord Leo."
Leo… his other big brother. Unlike Xander, apparently Leo is versed in the magical arts. However, due to Xander's first impression, he is already unsure about Leo at the least. He slowly nods, "Alright." With that, he dons the too tight clothes once more. "I'm… as ready as I will be." He and Jakob travel, once more, through the pathway that Corrin can now probably take with his eyes closed.
However, this time Jakob leads him to the library and gently knocks on the door. "Enter." A stern voice echoes. Jakob, his friend, opens the door for him and Corrin enters… alone. Once he is in, Corrin sees a man reading a book, "Hello… little brother." He doesn't even bother sparing a glance.
Still, he doesn't have that same presence as Xander, so… "Hello, big brother." A silence follows. "Um…"
"Sh." Corrin stiffens at the sudden harshness, "Sit." He points at a chair near him. Stiffening, Corrin quickly complies, suddenly fearing the worst. "As I understand, your magical potential is… pathetic, at best."
"Magic is tied to the physical well-being of a person," Corrin repeats what that one instructor said, "And I always have my magic classes after the physical training."
"...are you assuming I don't know this?" The book lowers, and Corrin receives a death stare. "There are few things I don't know, boy." He sneers and raises the book once more. "Second tome from the top, it's 'Wind', one of the most simply combat spells there are. Use it."
"...in the library?"
"There are these things called 'magical wards', fool. Anything that would be otherwise blown away, will not be. So, do as I say, and cast Wind."
Recoiling, Corrin nods. He opens the tome, then focuses on his magic, then he takes a breath and… "Wind!" A blast of wind follows.
Leo scoffs. "A gentle breeze at best." He is still more concerned about that book. "Bring it over here." Quickly complying, Corrin almost rushes over. "Now, watch as I'm mostly focused on this book… Wind!" Corrin is literally sent flying back, his back slams onto a table… which doesn't budge at all. Corrin whimpers in pain. "Simple. Easy. Quick to cast. A child could do better than what you did." He tosses the tome towards Corrin.
Then he rises, finally placing that book aside. Corrin has since gotten up, though his back is aching. "I understand." He nods.
"Do you?" he asks. "What do you think that you know?" He steps forward, "Let me inform you of something…" He pulls out another book… no, a tome. The design of a tree is on there and… and it is practically overflowing with power. "Both Xander and I have better things to do than spend our time training someone like you. It is only by the will of our father that we even bother. Corrin, you are worthless, pathetic. Those who give their pity for you are as weak. And Nohr… Nohr has no place for the weak, the defenseless. If you want anything done…" He raises a hand, and the tome violently opens up, "You will need to do so by force… Brynhildr!" Corrin felt the rush of magical energy speed past him and a tree sprouted from nowhere… its branches just barely grazed his flesh and it burns! He instinctively recoiled… and came into contact with another branch. He hisses in extreme pain, but manages to keep himself from bumping into any more of them. Leo lowers his hand and the tree fades, then closes the tome. "You can say that, at the very least, you understand that. A pause, "Now! Pick up that Wind tome, and put some actual effort into it!"
Corrin rubbed his arm, where those magical branches had once hit him… that one might not have left physical scars, but the mental damage from it is just as bad. "That's… that's the day I got this… my fear of…" He breathes as both Felicia and Elise squeeze his hands, "My fear of brothers. Xander physically broke me down. Leo assaulted me mentally and magically. Alongside them and Gunter, I… I became wary of men. To me, the only good ones were Laslow and Jakob." He would cry, but there's nothing left.
"Gods…" Mother breathes. "I can't believe that…" She shakes her head, "You're safe now. You're with us." She instead chooses to comfort him.
"I know and… gods. I'm so grateful. It's like… it's like everyone is like Elise or Camilla or Jakob or Laslow. Everyone cares, everyone loves." He smiles.
"Speaking of Camilla…" She gently prods.
"I've only seen her once in Nohr… well, excluding when I went to the Bottomless Canyon. But, apparently she's held me when I was much younger, I just don't remember it." Bolstered by the fact he's about to talk about Camilla, he quickly resumes with a smile, "Big sister Camilla filled in a role that I desperately needed. A motherly figure…"
Camilla's presence was intense… but it was a nice kind of intense. She stood tall in her armor, an enormous battle axe on her back. Honestly, if she were a male, then Corrin would have cowered… but she wasn't. She is his big sister. "Oohhh, my darling wittle brother!" The two were out in the market, when she spontaneously decided to give him a hug. "You are soooo cute! And look at you, growing into a fine young man! Oh, I remember when you were still so young, when I held you and little Elise in my arms."
Corrin eagerly returned the hug, "I wish I could remember that."
"Hm… well, I wouldn't worry about that." The embrace breaks, and she gives him that wonderful motherly smile, "Because we are going to make so much more good memories today… won't we?"
"I would love that, big sister!" She offers her hand, and he takes it. She resumes guiding him through the market.
"Now, what shall we do next? Some more shopping? Maybe some food? How about some knick-knacks? Oh! Maybe a surprise?!" She lists off with a huge amount of enthusiasm, "Actually no… don't choose. I'm going to make it a surprise!"
"Big sister… I'm sure whatever you'll choose is something I'll enjoy…"
"It's because of Elise and Camilla that I have such a good view on sisters." Corrin smiles, feeling far better than he has in a while. "That's why I took to Sakura and Hinoka so quickly."
Mikoto looked at Felicia, then back to Corrin, "You haven't mentioned Felicia yet. When did she arrive?"
"I arrived with alongside my twin sister, Flora… and I have to admit. I wasn't trained all the way as a Maid. Queen Mikoto… you have to know. While both Flora and I were taken from the Ice Tribe as nothing more than bargaining chips. Flora was trained as a Maid, but I was forced into concubine training… all of it. When I first arrived, there was not much more on my mind then how 'my master' would use me…"
"They…" Mikoto stops herself, then shakes her head.
"Felicia was stuck with that mentality for most of my time there, while Flora held some… spite towards everyone else…" Corrin starts.
"Rise and shine, 'Lord' Corrin." Flora lets herself into his room, before giving his face a rather excessive dose of cold magic. "Bath's ready, go."
The covers were removed as he got up… with Felicia's bare body by him. Flora glares, "Of course." He nods, then quickly goes into the bathroom… alone. At least he did, until Felicia was in there within the same minute. Slightly asleep, but ready to go. He grits his teeth as his feet meet icy-cold water, but he pushes through the discomfort and sinks the rest of his body in…
Felicia gets in, too. She smiles as she starts scrubbing his body for him. "Would you care for anything… extra?" Her eyes light up, practically sparkling with anticipation. He knew what she wanted to do, and while he would rather not…
Her tribe will suffer if she doesn't do her job. Not wanting to cause them harm, he nods, "Go ahead."
That was all the permission she needed, as her body was pressed on his the next moment, her lips on his, her hands traveling his body. One quickly dropping to touch and stroke. Experienced fingers finds the rhythm that his body enjoys the most, as he is bucking his hips in seconds and…
Elise coughs, her face flushed. Mother too, has developed a fair amount of red. Corrin and Felicia are the least affected. "Sorry…" Corrin sheepishly says. "But, over time, I managed to get through to her and Flora. So, by the time we left for the Bottomless Canyon, they were my friends. And now… well, I'm wanting to marry her and Elise." He takes a breath, "Other than that?" He pauses, "Well, there were more… even the guards and servants seemed to want to break me down, too."
Corrin had his armor on as he wearily walked from Gunter's training to his first class. Jakob was currently in his 'training' class… something else Gunter forced on him for seemingly no reason. Which meant Corrin was alone.
He hated be alone here.
"Scum…" One of the patrolling guards steps in front of him, "I'm more surprised you haven't died yet. Look at you!"
"...Sir please. I need to get to my tutor."
"Ha!" He laughs, pushing a finger on his chest, "What kind of pathetic Royal are you? Where's your authority? Your power? Perhaps you should've been born a commoner."
Corrin looks at him, and he returns the look, "If I'm late…" He was going to point out how the tutor would certainly get upset, beat him, then assign even more work, but…
"Or else what?" The guard took it the wrong way. "What's a boy like you going to do to me?" That's when he grabbed him by the arm, and swung him towards a wall, "Well?!"
"Wh-why?" The only response Corrin received this time was a slap. He fell to the floor, his already weary body giving in. "Sir… please…" He gasps on air as the man takes him by the neck.
"Beg more. I want to hear you grovel."
"Pl...please sir. I beg of you… pl-please let me go…" Tears streamed down his face as his vision starts to blur, "S-s-s-sir…" Then he gasps for air as the man drops him to the ground.
"That felt pretty good, you know? Having one of the Royal Family members beg like that." He smiles at him, "Keep an eye out, 'Prince', I know a few others who would kill for that kind of opportunity…"
The room is silent as Corrin finishes that specific memory. "I… never seen any of the guards or servants assault him…" Felicia admits.
"And… Gunter allowed that?" Mikoto asked, mortified.
"He didn't care. Anything could happen. Held up to the wall with a dagger against my neck, kicked off the stairs, arms twisted, I even had some slam doors closed on me." Another, much longer silence follows. The color seemed to drain from the others' faces, perhaps imagining what led to those events… but at the very least...
He's done it… it's off his chest. He finally shared it… most of it. Despite how much easier it has gotten over time, how much it that weight is finally lifted off… he couldn't bring himself to speak of Niles. Despite how much the Archer damaged him in one encounter, despite how much trauma he wrought… he couldn't.
"Thank you for sharing, my son. I know I can never undo what was done, but I promise nothing like that will ever happen again. And.. I will also make sure we're taking the correct steps to prevent any sudden pains." She places her hands on his cheeks once more, and gives him a gentle smile, "Now, I'm sure you'd want to rest. This was obviously a huge step, one I'm happy you took."
He nods, "I would like to, I feel… better. It feels good to finally say something. To speak up and be held, loved."
...Felicia squeezed his hand, then slowly nodded. When they met eyes, she had a concerned look. "Love…?" Why is she so serious all of the sudden. "It needs to be brought up." Corrin stills, "You talk in your sleep… you might have kept it quiet while you were awake, I might not have been there…"
"Son?" Mikoto asks, "No, if you don't want to say it now, you don't have to. You've done a lot, and…"
"I was forced to fight Rinkah and Kaze, but I also refused to kill them. Garon ordered Leo to have his 'perverse retainer' deal with me." His eyes sting, only a few tears made it out before he was dried up again. His teeth gritted and his grip on their hands tightened. Mother removed her hands from his cheeks and gave him a gentle look. "Leo… he… he has a retainer. An archer. White hair, an eyepatch, he… Garon and Leo let him take me into a torture chamber. He… it was only a few hours, but…" He stops and begins trembling.
Felicia applies her natural cold to him. "Love… you aren't there. You're here, with us." Elise reminds him.
"Whips, daggers, even paper… he was so creative with the way he hurt me, but… that wasn't enough. He kept saying that if I didn't stop making those 'little sounds' that… that he wouldn't be able to 'control himself'."
"Son...?" Mother's hands started glowing with light and water as she touched his face again, "Ushas… please keep him from going too far."
Corrin breathes, he isn't there. He is with family. The ones that hurt him are far far away, all the way back in Nohr. He is in Hoshido. He has a loving family and… he wants to heal. He wants to recover. "He undressed me." The final hurdle, one more… just one more. "It felt wrong, dirty. The way he looked at me, the way he licked his lips. It was nothing like Felicia, everything he was doing was wrong. He… he touched and touched, acting like I was the concubine. He kept going and going, stroking and touching and kissing and biting and… he forced me to climax. He had this sick look as he cleaned up the mess, and all he said from all that is 'whoops, I warned you'." There… it's out.
Silence reigned for several moments, with the only real changes being that mother's hands started trembling, her eyes were stinging with tears… but her face betrayed an anger. Elise had completely stilled, whatever reassurance she was going to give was killed off. Felicia seemed to forget how to breath, though her aura has chilled more.
"He… what?!" Mikoto all but screamed, it was sudden enough that Corrin flinched, her eyes turned apologetic, but her face remained twisted in anger, all the while her light and water-infused hands attempted to calm him. "He… he…?" Words seem to fail her.
"I…" Elise starts, caught between crying without actually making any sounds, and horrified to a standstill. "I heard about his attitude, but…"
Felicia, while distraught with what happened, somehow managed to retain being the most calm… even if she did look ready to 'pop', "That… would explain your nightmares about him." Another, more foreboding cold enters the room as she pulls out none other than Khione's Scale, "I swear, when I see him again…"
"...Hey!" Elise calls her out, "D-don't think you're gonna do that by yourself! I… I'm gonna smack him with the biggest, baddest spell I can cast!" She is trying, yet failing to bring her own mood up.
"And I'd drown his body in the deepest of waters for you…" Mother finishes off the list of threats. "So far, that even the Water Dragon won't even detect his corpse." She takes a breath, still angered, but… "Son, there's still something you can take from all of this."
Corrin tilts his head, "I… what?" Felicia and Elise seem equally confused, the former has sheathed the Divine Weapon once more, whilst the latter is drying the tear trails on her face.
"You're still standing, my dear son. You didn't break under the pressure. Even after all that's happened, I can still see the son I have known all of those years ago." At last, her face breaks free from the grip of anger, and she looks so loving, so caring. "Both of our Dragons were right to choose you. You proved stronger than even the most vile of acts."
Understanding her intention, Corrin slowly nods, "I.. you're right." Then he looks to the others, "But, that wasn't done on my own. If I hadn't had Jakob, or Elise, or any of the others who cared, I… don't think I would have made it."
The light and water faded from her hands and they shared a hug. Despite her reassurance, she began crying and trembling… as did Corrin. Though for him, it was because of that burden was lifted, he no longer has to keep it inside. "Now…" Mother breaks the hug, her compassionate face begins returning to the earlier angered position, "I need to… talk to my council." She slowly rises, "Feel free to stay here, should you have the need."
Elise and Felicia share a look, before nodding, then went to the much more urgent task of calming Corrin down. His trembles slowly died down, though his body was heavy. The Prince was completely drained from the entire confession. "We'll be here, Queen Mikoto." Felicia replies as she leaves. "Elise… shall we?" She offers the best smile she can.
Elise attempts to top the once-concubine's smile, but comes up a bit short, "You betcha! It's… snuggle time~!" Corrin let them guide him on the plush bed… his eyes were glazed as they bundled up next to him. He isn't there, he's here, with family… his fiances.
"I love you both so much." He mutters as his eyes close.
"I loooove you, too!" Elise kisses his cheek.
A pause, "Are… you two actually sleepy?" He asks as his breathing evens out.
Felicia giggles, but it still sounds a bit… empty, "Well no, but… I'd love to help you fall asleepm and… I love you with my all." Felicia kisses his other cheek. Corrin falls asleep as such, all clothed and above the blankets, and while both Felicia and Elise remain awake, they also stay close, to make sure he sleeps with the embrace of the two women he loves… and wakes up to them, as well.
The biggest step was taken. Now, now he can start healing… but, that doesn't mean his fears are dispelled just like that, no. He still has two brothers to meet, but now that he did confess it all, he feels like maybe… just maybe he can do this. He can be that younger Corrin.
He can love his brothers.
A/N: "Let's see…" Orochi fans out her divination cards, her slim fingers slowly sliding along them, a knowing smile on her face. "A wandering, uh… 'Pandaren' gave me a little nudge. Told me something about divining a specific unnamed character. Well, as you all should know, I can only give glimpses, so…" She plucks a single card from the many, traces her thumb on it, mutters an incantation, smiles, then puts it back. The fan of cards closes and she tucks them away once more. "Let's see, I can't say I understand the meaning of some of these words, but maybe you can…"
She clears her throat, "If you were to follow 'this route', then you'll be able to 'recruit her' on this 'pathway'." She twirls her hair, then giggles, "Sorry, that's all. I'm going to need some rest before the next one. I hope that helps!"
Curse of Whimsy: Ominous indeed. Though, it's a shame Orochi was unable to predict how well… or poorly, it will go. True. Corrin won't be able to truly heal until he puts in the effort to stand against his own trauma. It's gonna hurt.
For Justice!
Why, thank you so much. I get that a portion of individuals don't like the idea of Dragon Gods, but I'm glad for the people that do also see that I'm not trying to make it overly dramatic. Poor Mizuchi indeed, I can only imagine how bad it must be to look nothing more than a blob of your former self. Here's to Azura and Corrin gathering enough support so He doesn't end up fading completely.
I needed names for these Gods, something besides like canon does with 'Dusk Dragon' or 'Dawn Dragon'. So, one of the ideas was to just pull something from another language… and I did my best to make sure that the chosen god lined up with the corresponding Dragon God. Like with Gugurang, while yes, he is a god of fire, he also happens to be the god of volcanoes, and he lives inside one.
So… that just might mean the Dragon God Gugurang just might make an actual in-world appearance, yeah? Nah. Dragon Gods have Their own realms to live in.
Epifanio Therion: I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying all of the little and large additions to this interpretation of Fates. Is there a specific set of details that is standing out the most?
Ah yes, Valla… I played Revelations once, and I ain't touching it again, yeah? They all could have had a fair amount of lore and customs put into it, but there wasn't. But, to be fair, I personally think that a game world with high potential that is also lacking lore and content is a perfect place for people looking to start in fanfiction. You get the benefit of having pre-made characters, and there are enough spaces to fill in your own details. But again, that's just my opinion.
It makes them seem like they are… y'know, an actual nation. I'm hoping that I can also make those characters flow well with the changes applied, without going too OoC. There's also extra work going into the retainers. Oh, speaking of retainers… yes, Azura will be getting a pair of retainers later down the road. She is a Royal, after all.
It's all good. I know you're enjoying it, and that's enough for me. Feel free to PM, too, if you'd rather not openly state things.
He's not dead. That's all I'm saying.
Izana? Uh, alright then. Weird indeed, my expectation for him appearing is as low as Mozu. Buuuuut. Nope. As for Nyx? Huh, that's the second time she's popped up. Wonder what's made her gather enough assumptions for that…