Chapter 5: The Throne of Truth

After about 30 minutes to an hour of flight later, we finally arrive in Hoshido's town square.

It's like an open market bazzarre, with a large dragon statue/fountain in the center. Waiting there for us is Ryoma, Azura, and a few others. I wave as we descend.
Once we touch ground, Hinoka hops off first, and then helps Sakura and I off her mount. But when I am the last on the pegasus. It neighs and throws me off, and I land on my back "Ow!"

"My goodness." Azura reacts.

"Syrene! Bad girl! No throwing passengers off." Hinoka berates. The Pegasus responds with a neigh.

Ryoma comes over to me. "Are you all right, Kamui-san?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Ryoma-onisan. This is usually what happens when I try to ride mounts. They don't like me much. Not sure why."

"Hahaha! I see. Here." He extends his arm.

"Thank you." I reply as he pulls me back on my two feet.

"No need to worry. It took me about a year to ride properly on horseback."

"Well, thanks for the reassurance, bi-I mean Ryoma-onisan." That was smoother than I thought it would be. It's like I'm already adjusted to this place. No, it's like I've been here before.

I look around at all the foreign shops and colors, and that golden sun shining brightly in the sky. This has to be the weirdest feeling of deja-vu ever.

"K-kamui-oneesan. You seem a bit dizzy, are you alright?"

"Huh? Uh, yeah! I'm alright Sakura-neesan. It's just been a long time since I was in Hoshido."

"Ah, still getting accustomed I see."

"Seriously? I bet Hinoka onee-san just flew them here too fast."

"Takumi-onisan,-" Sakura begins to say with a hint of anger in her eyes,

"It's alright Sakura. Guilty as charged. I was so excited about Kamui being home that I went full-speed without realizing it, my bad.

"I asked you to slow down didn't I?! I thought I was going to fall off."

"Yeah, you did, so I slowed down. Then you kind of went silent for a while and I guess the pace kicked up from there naturally, I guess."

"Heehee. I thought it was quite fun." Sakura says. These sisters are a different breed of crazy compared to Camilla and Elise.

"Alright, let's all calm down and make our way to the castle; mother is waiting for us."

"Right." The 3 Hoshidan siblings respond together. I can't help but laugh quietly a little att them. They seem like such a nice group of quirky people.

With that, we all began heading towards the giant, red castle together. I managed to change from my scale mail to my kimono without anyone else realizing with the classic "Need to use the bathroom" trick. On our way, we picked up the discussion of what happened between the attack this morning and me waking up in the forest.

"What happened back there?" I ask Ryoma and Azura. "My memories are a blur until I awoke somewhere in a forest in the mountains."

"Hhhm. That is quite difficult to explain as many things occurred around the same time."

"I think it's also strange how you managed to move within shouting distance of Sakura-san from the hot spring from that mere explosion alone when you were unconscious the whole time." Takumi says, and he is right. For some reason the dragon half of me is the one responsible for that. But even though I don't know why aside from pure survival instincts it would act this way, I can't reveal this information to them.

"That is also true. I suppose I should start with-"

"-After you passed out, we loaded you onto the wheel cart we used to travel back to the castle; placing you on the row before Ryoma and I. Suddenly, we were attacked by enemy assassins and their explosive trap. During the attack, the cart was destroyed, and you fell off a nearby cliff. Ryoma and I were too busy to save you. Our deepest regrets. Thankfully, Kaze, Kagero, and Saizo arrived in-time to save us. Kaze even went in-search after you. Though he couldn't find your body where it should have been. We ended up having little choice to return to Shirasagi Castle after Lord Ryoma, your servants, and I defeated the assailants. Then at about noon, a message arrived from Hinoka stating she found you and were on your way to the town square. We felt relieved and waited patiently for your return after arriving in Hoshido." Azura explains then inhales.

"Well, thank you for the quick explanation." Ryoma says.

"Your welcome." She replies. Did I detect a little bit of happiness from that emotionless doll? I guess my charm has finally began working its magic! You better prepare yourself Azura! If I can bust a nut-case as dense as Leo, you'll be singing more tunes than just your own songs soon enough! Hah! I bet Leo just sneezed! Wait, nothing I just thought made any sense…

"Though I don't think town square would be the safest place to land after today's events."

"Aw, shut it Takumi, I was over-emotional and stuff and couldn't think straight."

"That is why I requested mother to vacate the town square around your arrival, before we moved as a group towards the castle as we are now."

"Again, thank you Azura-san for your quick-thinking. Though, it is still difficult to figure out how you got from the hot-springs at the outskirts of the Isogashi Clan's boundaries to the mountains in a single morning. It would take the average person about over half a day to go go that distance on foot. I should know, I learnt that from experience."

Damn, didn't know he liked to hike. Or was it part of his secret, samurai training? "I don't know either. I was completely lost until I heard her scream in the forest and went in pursuit."

"Y-yes. Kamui-oneesan saved me from Faceless while I was collecting my herbs."

"Faceless? How did they get this far into Hoshido? Saizo!"

The tone of Ryoma's voice instantly changed from a kind brother, to a fierce general at lightning speeds. Moments later, Saizo appears. He is wearing the same blue robes and black face mask as before. Along with his signature red hair eye scar. I still remember our battle.

"What is your request, Ryoma-sama?"

"I want you to investigate the sudden appearance of Faceless this far into Hoshido's territory, as well as the ambush earlier this morning."

"Understood Ryoma-sama."

As he leaves, I feel his stare etching into my skin.

Saizo stops briefly, with his back to all of us.

"Ryoma-sama, be careful around Kamui-sama. She can become a very dangerous foe under the right circumstances. I have left you a full-written report of our encounter at the Bottomless Canyon at your desk."

"I shall heed your warning. Now go."

"Understood."

Saizo vanishes like lightning.

"Kamui-san, do you have any idea of what Saizo was referring to?" Ryoma asks.

"Well-"

-Ahem. The other young man here interrupts me. I had almost forgot he was here. He is wearing blue robes, with white furs coming out of boots, gauntlets, as well as a full fur jacket. His blonde hair is in a ponytail that is tied at both the top, and middle with red string, which is also seen on other sections of his attire. He has an archer gauntlet on his right arm, a Kodachi in a blue sheath on his hip, and a milky blue bow with a wind design, and a string of cyan energy.

I have a feeling I know who he is.

"My apologies, Takumi-san, we were busy trying to figure out what happened this morning." Ryoma says.

Takumi... In a familiar flash, the parts of the dream with Takumi flash before me, with his face unmasked. Now everyone's face is cleared. I wonder what will happen from here.

"No, it's...fine. I was just, fed up with everyone ignoring me. I should've been more considerate."

"I-t's okay Takumi-onisan. we were neglecting your presence." Sakura coaxes.

"I suppose you're right." He responds.

He turns to me.

"You must be Kamui-oneesan, right?"

Gotta get used to the "oneesan" thing. At least I got my Hoshidan fluently.

"Yes, I am Kamui, it's nice to meet you, or see you again." That sounded so awkward.

"Let me be honest with you. I don't trust you. You could be a Nohrian spy for all I know. Even though I had my retainer make that kimono for you, don't believe for a second that I won't keep my eyes off you. The moment you try anything in my family, I'll pierce your chest with my arrow."

Takumi turns around and leaves. I think back to the vision I had today. Did he fire the arrow?

"Takumi!" Hinoka yells in anger.

"It's fine Hinoka-oneesan." I say. "Takumi is just worried about you guys, and this is his way expressing emotion."

"That is quite astute, Kamui-san." Azura says. She is holding a sleeping Lilith in her arms. This answer where she was.

"I thought so. But now his obnoxious attitude makes sense."

"See, I told you Takumi-onisan isn't a bad person."

"Indeed, he was always adamant about protecting both Hoshido and us. Though he has much to learn, his heart is in the right place. How did you figure this out Kamui-san?" Ryoma asks.

"I don't know. I am just very good at judging how a person is feeling and why."

"That is an amazing talent to possess. Come, Mother has been waiting patiently for us."

We all enter the palace. The rooms are even brighter with the sun up. The maze of hallways and stairwells still make navigation just as confusing as before. But thankfully, have many guides with me.

While walking on one of the said stairs, Azura pulls me a few spaces behind the others and whispers in to my ear "Did you transform? It's the only explanation as to how you survived and moved such a far distance."

"I'm pretty sure, but not 100% sure. Let's talk more about this later. "I whisper back.

Azura nods, and we keep moving behind the others.

After some more walking, we finally arrive in the throne room. The entrance is barred by two guards. Of course. They are more "Hoshidan" guards than the ones in Nohr. I've wondered why Hoshido doesn't opt for more armor like Nohr does.

Upon seeing us, they bow. One says "Ryoma-sama, the Empress, Mikoto-sama, has been waiting for you. Is Kamui-sama with you?"

"Indeed. She is here." Ryoma replies.

The other guard starts staring at me. He starts to get in close when Hinoka snaps in front of him "What do you think you're doing, soldier?"

"My apologies, Hinoka-sama. We'll open the door right away. I'm sorry, Kamui-sama."

I feel weird, until Hinoka puts her hand on my shoulder, then gives me a look saying "Pay them no mind."

I obey.

The doors of the room are open, and I examine everything as we walk in. It's real bright, with many gold decorations on the red and white walls. But it's the throne that really catch my eyes. It must be made of solid gold. I even feel a strange aura coming from it.

The woman sitting upon it is in an extravagant white and gold kimono, and her long black hair is tied into a bun and held by a unique looking, gold hair comb, with some sort of gold sun, thing, coming off her back and behind her head. Reminds me a bit of Iago's, but not repulsive in the slightest.

On her side there is a man around her age with green hair, glasses, and a kimono. Suppose these things are used by both genders.

"Mother, we have arrived." Ryoma says.

Empress Mikoto opens her eyes. Everyone gets on their knees and bows, except for me. I am entranced by this woman. The vibes I get from her feel similar to that man who saved me from when I fell. Could the two be connected? Could she not be just the mother of Ryoma, Hinoka, Sakura, and Takumi, but mine as well?

"You may all rise. Do not fret, my child. There is nothing to fear. You have done nothing wrong. Now then, please, come to me." She says. Her voice is both calming, and powerful. I never heard such a tone.

I realize I'm shaking. I turn around to see my siblings from Hoshido, and Azura. They are calm. Ryoma is trying to signal me something but failing. Though based on Azura's follow-up, they're saying "it's safe" and "good luck."

Here goes nothing. I take a single step forward. Suddenly, I am thrown into a flurry of visions of darkness. I breathe in and step forward, the darkness changes form to memories of Nohr. Will I lose all of them? NO! They will always be with me. They promised. And I saw them.

The darkness dispels from before me and find myself right in front of the Empress herself. Her warm smile melts away more negative feelings.

"Please, look me in the eye." I follow her requests. I feel a strange connection between us. This isn't just awkward silence, it's like she's reading my soul.

"Hmph!" I pout.

"Oh dear, the damage Nohr has done to your soul is much greater than I thought."

"See? I knew those Nohrian bastards were no good."

"Silence Takumi!"

"Boys! Please behave yourselves." Mikoto says. Her tone was gentle, yet carrying the same amount of weight I felt when Garon spoke to me in his throne room.

"Understood, mother." Takumi and Ryoma say in unison.

"Now, Kamui, please sit down on this throne."

I gaze upon the golden throne. It's even bigger up close.

"You want me to sit on it?'

"Yes. This is a magical artifact called the Throne of Truth. Merely by sitting upon it will bring out all repressed memories from within you."

Well, Here I go. I take my seat on the throne, slowly. Once I sit back and get comfortable, A massive migraine overtakes me in an instant. I scream loudly in pain, but I can't hear anything. Instead, I get an influx of information injecting straight into my head.

I first see that old man and the Empress in front of me. Talking about me while I stare up at the ceiling. Was that a memory of me as an infant? I hear the man say "Please, look after her Mikoto. I cannot control the other me for much longer." And I am taken in the Empress's arms, and she replies "I understand," I reply as tears flow from her eyes.

Next, I cut to my memories of growing up in Shirasagi Castle. All the times I played with them, including the memories I used to convince Ryoma and Hinoka of my identity.

But these memories are short-lived, as the Garon and the former emperor, is killed by a barrage of arrows. Garon stands there laughing. He casually walks over to the dying Emperor of Hoshino and beheads him with his axe. His head fals to the ground as blood spilled before ur horrorrified eyes.

That bastard! He murdered Sumeragi, the father of the Hoshidan Royal Family in cold blood, and the man who took my mother and me in when we had no place to go! My rage begins boiling.

He then comes over to me and says "You're my child now." as he extends his arm out to grab me.

But then my vision goes red, I hear a roar, a crash against a cage, and a wave of more pain pulses through my head, and Garon screams with his thigh gushing blood. I remember now that I twas the one who crippled Garon; as a dragon.

I scream again as another wave of pain floods through me, my pain, while my body continues getting hotter and hotter. My blood is bubbling, and feelings of buried malice ae rising up.

I then flash trough meeting Camilla and Xander for the first time. I remember walking through the doorway and they were there, as kids. My early life in Nohr is glazed by until I meet Gunter's squire; a silver haired boy named Silas. We were best friends? Then why don't I have any memory of him nor heard his name?

I quickly find out why. He snuck me out of my own request to see the rare dawn that only comes once a year in Nohr. But day-break hits, and it all goes black with the same roar, bang, and wave of pain as Silas screams in fear.

My body aches, burns, and my head kills. At least we are getting to my more recent memories. Things don't go too bad. But then Gunter dies, and Hans-
I feel someone poke me between the eyes. All the muscles in my body grow tired, then I black-out.

Chapter 5: The Throne of Truth (Azura)

Corrin's pain was one of the most difficult things I have ever witnessed. She must have had a lot of repressed memories.
But for a mere moment, at the end of her scream, there's no doubt about it; she was turning into a dragon. That's why Mother Mikoto used her magic to soothe her to sleep. The beast was only an extension of raw emotion after all. At least, in this moment. I do hope her situation doesn't get worse.

"Oka-sama! Why did you do that to Kamui-san?"

"Relax, Takumi. I merely used a soothe spell to help her sleep. She was in a lot of pain, after all. Now then, I believe both you, Ryoma, Hinoka, and Sakura have important things to do right now. I will answer your questions during or after dinner. Is that clear?"

"Yes Mother." Takumi replies.

"Wait Azura. You stay here, I will need your help."

"Alright mother-"

Mother Mikoto signals all the servants to leave the room. She then looks around to check for spies.

"It's just as dear. You don't have to call me "mother" right now. I know you loved my sister a great deal."

"Thank you very much, Aunt Mikoto. Now, I believe the Throne of Truth was forcing Co-Kamui into her dragon form."

"Very astute of you Azura. But maybe not the kind of dragon we're used to."

"Whatever do you mean, Aunt Mikoto?"

"Please look at her waist."

Aunt Mikoto turns Kamui's body on her back. I have never seen anything like it. It's some kind of gold belt with a sword grip handle, and a draconic face.

"This was something my husband was working on obtaining before his passing. It's an extremely dangerous device that is supposed to help her control her dragon powers. But it manifesting like this...something must have gone wrong while her dragon-half was developing inside her dragon-half. Lilith! I know you're in there. Please come out?"

A blue ball of light floats out of Kamui's body and forms into Lilith.

"Hello Azura! Who called me-Mother!"

The little dragon happily floats holding her ball into Aunt Mikoto's embrace. I'll save the why for later. I am more concerned about Kamui.

"It's so good to see you again, Lilith."

"But mother, Corrin isn't in good shape right now. The Throne of Truth awoke horrible memories of her past. The already damaged cage was almost torn off its hinges"

"I figured that much, that is why I put her to sleep. Now we need to get Kamui to her room."

"Isn't she "Corrin?"

"Since we're in Hoshido, she will go by "Kamui." It is one of the compromises I made with Emperor Sumeragi for being allowed to enter this family."

"So, Kamui, to me, is truly related by blood." I think aloud.

"Yes, you are correct Azura."

I get flustered "I-I didn't mean to say that aloud."

"Well then, we should bring Kamui to her room. That place shall not be a tomb anymore. Azura I need you to be ready to sing in-case she begins to transform."

"I understand, Aunt Mikoto. But there is one problem. How are we to move Kamui to her room."

"Oh my, I guess I did not account for that in my plan." Aunt Mikoto begins to laugh.

"Don't worry everyone, Jakob and Felicia are here to help." Lilith announces. She seems a lot more... energetic than before.

A bright light shines forward from her ball. When it dims, Jakob and Felicia appear; along with a large cart with a small mattress on.

Jakob bows. "Good day, Mikoto-sama, I am the butler of Kamui-sama, Jakob."

"And I'm-"

Jakob grabs Felicia and pulls her down to a bowing position. They exchange banter that makes me laugh. I can only imagine the relationship they have.'

"I'm sorry. I am her maid, Felicia." she says quickly. Maybe too quickly-I barely understood what she said.

Aunt Mikoto chuckles. "You must be Kamui's servants that I have heard about."

"A pleasure to be of service, my Empress."

"Thank you for looking after my daughter for all those years."

"No, it is us who should be thanking you, my Empress. Serving her is the greatest joys of our lives."

"Yeah, we love supporting her. Corrin, I mean Kamui is like my best friend. We spend time together when I'm not working, and laughs whenever I fail at my duties as a maid."

"Surely you cannot be as bad at your duties as you claim."

Jakon interjects "She is. If you ask her to do the laundry, the clothing will end up torn. If you ask her to carry anything fragile, or filled with tea, she will trip and drop whatever she is carrying before she leaves the room. If you ask her to cook, the food would be inedible and almost half the time she'll end up damaging whatever she used to cook it. I cannot tell you how many times I would have new items ordered because she destroyed them through her clumsiness and inaptitude."

"Jakob! You don't have to tell her majesty all that. I'll get really embarrassed."

"Mikoto merely laughs "I'm glad you were able to serve my daughter, as well as provide her entertainment. But now I would like to know why you were assigned as a servant of my daughter with such difficulty at performing routine chores."

"She is incredibly skilled in combat. Though we are each highly skilled at fending of anyone attempts to harm your daughter, Felicia is the superior fighter. She has fended off numerous assassins by herself and my mistress never even knew they attacked."

"Awww. So you are nice after all Jakob."

"That is literally all she is good for."

"Hey!"

"Now now you two. I was merely assessing your capabilities. I shall expect you will continue your service of her from here on."

"Understood. Thank you my Empress," the two servants say and bow in unsion.

I imagine Jakob and Felicia celebrating in their heads that they aren't going to lose the job they care for.

"You two may rise. And you may address me as "Lady Mikoto" in closed-quarters if you wish. Now please help me transport Kamui to her room.

"As you command. "Jakob says. He and Felicia take Corrin and place her onto the roller bed contraption."

"Azura, you seem to be oddly enjoying yourself."

"Oh it's just."

"Just what?"

"Seeing them...interact with each other like this. It makes me feel happy inside. I wish I had similar relationships like them."

"But these people already seem to like you a great deal. Hhhhm. Azura, I hereby order you to remain with Kamui and her group. Your official business is to watch the dragon, but I really want you to learn about how to make relationships with others, instead of sitting alone in your room all day. They also seem like an entertaining group. I have to admit that I am a bit jealous of you."

In the past, there would be no way I would agree to something like that. But after spending time with Corrin and her servants, I feel my heart beat for the first time in years. Thus, leaving me with only one response.

"Yes, Aunt Mikoto."

Suddenly, I find myself in my aunt's embrace.

"I am so proud of you Azura. A week ago, you were ready to die, yet now you are willing to go out and make friends. It makes me so happy."

"I'm alright, Aunt Mikoto. Please release me."

Aunt Mikoto releases me "Sorry sweetie."

"Lady Mikoto! We have Kamui safely and securely atop the cart."

"What he said!"

Corrin is strapped to the top of the cart. I think the bindings are a tad too tight.

"Follow me, everyone, I'll guide you to Kamui's room. Make sure to come as well, Azura."

As we all leave the Throne Room, I feel different. It's as if my heart is no longer completely shrouded in the darkness of my past. I feel...hope. I used to think like a foolish girl that a young, attractive man would whisk me off my feet, and take me to a land where all my negative feelings would simply disappear. Perhaps, if I stay around my cousin, or sister at this point(who cares about blood) and her friends a bit longer, maybe that hope can finally heal my damaged heart.
To be continued...