Author's note:

published 4/3/16 updated 4/3/17 I DID NOT PLAN THAT HOLY COW

Review Time:

P.T Piranha - haha that's another mistake I tend to make. I always re-read my work, and it bugs me to see missing or wrong words. The only thing that sucks is when it comes time to edit, I always forget where the mistake is.

Fan of Fanfics21 - we'll see ;)

Guest - Usually! hehe.

Random guy - part of me did think I could've played it better, but ah well. You just know Ace's sisters would tease the heck out of Azura, hell I'm considering a one-shot about that.

I am s-t-o-k-e-d for Echoes; I've never played the original, and some people are bemoaning its cons returning, but it's impossible for me to think a FE game is unfun in some capacity, right? GBA supports, new art, cool stuff like magic-HP, it's gonna be a good time. I'm not gonna make a story like this for it, but once I play through the game, I can always start writing about them :)

CompletelyRossome - Such superior taste. *thumbs-up*

3-E Student - thank you! Reviewers like the lot of you make it worth it. And you'll get a look of what they're doing below.

Chapter 38 – All Colors Point to the Rainbow

"So yeah, baby sis is in this weird world with Vanilla goons. Sounds like fun…..if you know, fun was that sort of thing."

Stripes had joined the investigation back on the Mila Tree, having just explained to Tiki that Ace was aware of the missing Severa, Inigo, and Owain. The Oracle handed over the shuriken Cynthia found.

"Tell me, then. Upon observing your sister's adventure – before you lost the connection – you saw others with this same weapon? A Hoshidan one, you say?"

"Ding ding, your dragon-ness." Stripes looked past her and saw the tired looks of the others. Lucina, Laurent, Nah, Cynthia, Gerome, Yarne, Kjelle, Noire, and Morgan all had vowed to not leave until they solved the mystery. "Geez….they look like they're about to pass out."

"Can you blame them?" Tiki asked. "To have their friends disappear to some land they can't even get to….it's a horrible feeling. You can't take them through the Outrealms?"

"Not quite."

Stripes took a stick and drew a big circle in the dirt. Then she drew multiple smaller circles inside of it, to represent one world and its alternate realities.

"See this? It's Ylisse."

She threw another big circle right next to it – representing the continent baring Hoshido and Nohr.

"That is where Ace went. An Anna can only cross the boundary when the hero does his or her job and saves the world! Like, 85% of the time it's an evil dragon beast thing, but we've had a demon king and a goddess once."

Tiki blinked. "These smaller circles…why is only one marked with a star?"

"Hahaha….I guess you could call that the original one. It's all complicated world travel stuff, hehe…um anyways…Ace can't go home and we Annas can't go to her."

"Can you recap what you've seen from the crystal ball?"

"Sure! …well, except the time it was down. Weirdest thing too; it's not supposed to happen until the Anna finds the hero and they realize their purpose, but we lost contact before that."

"What? But why?"

"Beats me! Vanilla has some funky magic?"

Tiki shook her head. She needed more than guesses. So she took the stick and drew something in the dirt herself.

"Oooh, ohh! Are we playing Pictionary?"

"Anna, I've been alive for centuries, and I've seen lives come and go. But at least they were around. I refuse to let these young sprouts stay awake at night wondering if their friends will ever return to them."

"B-But Ace ran into Severa so they HAVE to be fine…"

"Nevertheless." With the stick, she guided the point from drawing to drawing. "We must combine everything we know so far, and I can only do that if you recap everything you know as well."

"Ok. Where should I start?"

"From the beginning, please. Even the smallest detail can prove to be useful."

"Got it! So the first thing I learned about business was to always keep the price margin at a good rate from the market average. Too high and they won't buy and too low? You might as well close up shop and become a goat farmer!"

The only response she got was a blank stare.

"Cat got your tongue, Lady Tiki?"

"Anna, that was neither detailed nor useful."

"Noted."

"What? Lord Izana, you're going with them?"

As the morning's rays peeked through the castle, our peppy Archduke was running through his plans with Senno in his private quarters.

"Yep! In fact….I hope all of the Izumites can understand this predicament. Vanilla threatens the entire world, and we're all caught of a greater conspiracy."

Senno adjusted his glasses. "You know our people have never lost faith in you, milord. If your magic is truly required to assist Lord Corrin and that Anna woman, then so it shall be."

"Aww, Senno, you're the best advisor a guy can ask for! I'd hug you but my fingernails are still wet."

"On to the main point, sire. You found a way to get everyone to Notre Sagesse quickly?"

"It's in that little chest, right there."

The bookworm opened it up, and he nodded with the faintest sense of understanding, even if he didn't know exactly what the staff could do. "And the Bifrost?"

"You know the law of Izumo. No one-" Izana stood up. "-can know about it."

XXXXXX

The rest of the group had just enough time to eat a quick breakfast before setting off. Tokazawa's troops occupied the land of Izumo, and any slip-ups would only get Hoshido on their backs.

Anna was just staring out of the window, tapping the table with her fingers.

"Anna? Why aren't you eatin'?"

"Not hungry, Mozu."

Her stomach growling said otherwise, but the merchant was focused on something else – every so often, her eyes would drift and meet Azura's, and then the two would hastily turn away.

"Uhh….are you sure?" Mozu frowned. "Why are you looking at Lady Azura?"

"Well someone wants to dish." Anna turned around. "Remember what I said before about being so good-looking? Azura's the fish for the bait, hun. She…." she lowered her voice. "-k-i-s-s-e-d me!"

"Oh! That's terrible!"

"Huh? Mozu she's at least a 8 out of 10 and has a pretty slamming singing voice."

"That's….good?"

"It's not good!" Anna exclaimed. "What kind of friends kiss each other? That's where you stop swapping stories and start swapping spit."

"But Anna, you like to be all flirty like that. Remember, at the harbor town? When me and Miss Reina had to change clothes?"

On that note, Anna had finally ditched her borrowed wyvern wear for a Izumite-esque version of her signature outfit. At least she had her trusted bow.

"Yeah but…..Azura's more than just a cute face."

"So you like her?"

"Of course I like her."

Mozu blushed. "Like-like, you mean?"

"Ugh don't be so weird about it. That's a big no-no in the love world, Mozu. Besides, our quest, remember?"

Her partner gave a playful smile. "There's stuff to do after the quest, remember? You and Lady Azura can always get closer if you really want to."

Anna put a finger to her lip. "Mmmm. Do I want to?" she looked over at Azura. "And does…she…?"

"No I don't!"

As the saying goes, it is better to jump overboard and drown to death then have to endure the grilling from muscular, overly close men with large axes. Or at least, it should be; Layla couldn't get a wink of sleep on the high seas.

"Pffft sure! The king and queen promised us a good fortune to capture you and that Anna! She was in the operahouse with you, so you HAVE to know where she is!"

Currently, she was tied up, starving, and bruised but she refused to be scared by Lloyd and Llewelyn. "I don't know! I'm telling you, a Nohrian sorcerer tricked everyone!"

"Nohrian huh?" Lloyd looked to the (actually) scared Elise, who was locked in the same room with Layla. "You know her, princess?"

Unfortunately for Layla, Elise was a terrible liar and had about five different tells from expression alone.

"Uhhh…I know of her, sure….."

"Listen girl, we bros don't like messing around with little girls like you. But we can't get our money until we find Anna!"

"W-Well, so what?!" Elise pouted angrily. "I won't tell anything if I did know….which I totally don't! You hurt Arthur and Effie!"

"Aw calm down, they're fine!"

But sadly extremely stubborn. Arthur's "valiant justice charges" stopped being funny to the berserkers about an hour in their sea travel, and Effie was just as deadly with her bare limbs than a spear. And they weren't the only ones: Keaton wasn't about to go down without a fight and Charlotte was deceivingly good at breaking people's noses. Alas, the others had ran out of energy and zeal on the deck.

"Just let us go! Or….or you'll be sorry!"

"That's right! You think the Nohrian army won't try to hunt you lot down for the princess?" This earned Layla another punch.

"The army?" Elise wished she could heal the dancer, but her staff had been snapped in half hours ago. "Oh no, they're nothing compared to my big sis….."

"Big sis? She doesn't so tough," Lloyd mocked. "We're the strongest guys from Nestra!"

"Corrin too….."

"Huh?"

The princess lowered her head; her adventure to unite the family had gone absolutely nowhere. She didn't know where Corrin was, and she didn't know where Azura was.

"Hey, speak up, brat! Bro, should we throw her overboard?"

"NO!" Layla screamed.

"Nah nah," Llewelyn narrowed his eyes. "Let's just hurry to the sage! Shouldn't be too long before we get there. Those damn Nohrians won't be able to find us!"

Oh, you poor fools.

"Prince Takumi! We've got warships on the horizon!"

The youngest prince of Hoshido had been traveling with a loyal squadron of soldiers to take Nohr on from its sea ports, and he had been anticipating the battle. Readying his bow, he called Oboro and Hinata to starboard.

"You guys ready?"

"Yes milord!" they shouted in unison; Hinata had his most confident smirk while Oboro readied her "hate Nohr" face. They spotted a few wyverns attempting to fly past them, but Takumi pulled the string back.

And downed the unlucky rider with the first shot.

"TO BATTLE!" shouted the spear fighter steering the ship.

XXXXX

"Hoshidan ships ahead, General!"

Daniela awoke from her beauty sleep, obviously in a foul mood. "What?! Don't tell me you idiots lost Kilma!"

"H-He seems to have gotten away, ma'am….all of the ice is going to inhibit our progress…"

The part of the ocean leading towards Notre Sagesse had frozen over. For a wiser general, spending reasons just to capture one man in the middle of war was not rise, but Daniela was more impatient than she was tactful.

"Idiot! King Garon will have my head if I let an enemy of the country escape! I want ships manned in all directions! Towards that island, towards samurai hick land, and one bringing up the rear to secure Dia! UNDERSTAND?!"

Soon the air would be filled with the sounds of cannonfire and wyverns/pegasi fighting….

Back in Izumo, Saizo found the strength to get out of bed. His working eye was still a little damaged, but thanks to the efforts of Sakura and Izana, he wouldn't spend his life blind. He staggered a bit, but Shura caught his fall.

"Morning."

"…..morning." Saizo cleared his throat. "We're about to leave?"

"Yep." Shura himself was a little bandaged, but after killing Kotaro, he felt like a new man, ready to take on the world. "You good, Saizo?"

"I'll be fine."

Curiously, he ripped off the crest on his arm.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because by joining up with you, I'm technically betraying Hoshido. But there's more important matters to deal with. At least I can protect Lady Sakura and Lady Hinoka…"

Shura shrugged. "Don't feel so down on yourself, man. Sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet."

Saizo didn't reply to the euphemism. He just bowed at Shura's feet once before getting back up to leave the room. "I owe you for….what you did. Thanks."

The two shared a smirk.

XXXXX

"Alright, guys and gals! We should leave quickly, before that mean ol' Hoshidan general comes sniffing around here."

In Izana's hand was an odd-shaped staff: it was green and the center jewel had a number in its center, currently a 0. This perplexed most of the magically uninclined in the room.

"This baby I REALLY had to dig around for. How many of you folks know what a Warp staff is?"

"Ha! Those are child's play!" Zola boasted.

Everyone ignored him, mainly because he couldn't cast anything in his state.

"Great! This is a special type of Warp, but only the truly skilled can use it. It has a cooldown time of one…carry the two…1.278 years! Or millennia! I couldn't make out the last word in the book."

"How does it work?" Reina asked.

"Wwwwwwelll…..it takes you anywhere the user knows of, but only if they've actually been to it. The last time I was in Notre Sagesse, I was a young lad traveling with my Pops!"

"Wait, the wise one didn't bless you or anything like that?" Hayato still wished Izana was a lot more professional, but what can ya do?

"Bless?" Corrin scratched his head. "He gives you power?"

"Hey! We can save the boring expositional speeches for LATER!" Izana pouted. "Anyways, make sure everyone has what they need, because once I use this staff, it'll be a long time before we come back." He looked to Hinoka. "Somethin' on your mind, Princess?"

"I…was just thinking about Takumi and Ryoma, but if we really can't afford to waste any time, then we should see the Sage first."

"S-Sister's right," said Sakura. "He knows all. He'll know where our brothers are!"

"They're right," Azura added. "I think we're all ready….."

Gunter, however, was *too* ready. His Anankos-controlled mind kept pestering him to destroy the pendant around Azura's neck, so much so that he could not sleep a wink. However, there was another problem.

"Okay, then let's go! Bye bye, Izumo!" Izana tapped the floor with the Traverse staff, and in a brilliant flash of light – while the number counter increased again – Team Anna vanished.

Anankos would know exactly where they would go. Which meant Hydra would.

"Iago! Get in here right NOW!"

The tactician bowed quickly when he got to his king's throne room. "Yes sire? The party I sent to the Ice Tribe village should be returning very shortly…"

"They're going to Notre Sagesse."

"…..excuse me?"

Garon's face twitched with sadistic glee. "The blessing of the great Anankos has spoken to me, Iago. Corrin, Anna, and a bunch of Hoshidan miscreants are traveling to the island as we speak! This is perfect!"

"There's only one problem, my king. Our troops won't be able to get there in time. Perhaps if I contact Daniela…"

"No, no, don't you remember? There's a hoard of invisible soldiers at our beck and call, and they don't NEED to travel long distances!"

"Ahh…I understand."

"Iago…." Garon/Hydra leaned back, sipping some wine. "….would you be aghast if I suggested the Sage's demise?"

"I'd say it might be your most ambitious plan ever, my king. But why? I'm curious to know. Notre Sagesse has always been a neutral, secluded area."

"Indeed, it has. But if our dreams for a new Nohrian empire to encase the globe to come true, then he must be eliminated. That old fool knows too much."

Iago narrowed his eyes. "Does he know…..of the Unseeable Domain?"

Hydra only trusted Iago to assist in his plans, and while the sorcerer's ambition lended itself to being a giddy part of this war, certain….things had to be phrased in a particular way. Iago craved status and the rise to the very top. He craved the chance to show the world how cunning he truly was.

Would he follow if he knew Garon was not truly Garon? Hydra wondered, but his rationale was simple – at a certain point, the question wouldn't matter anymore. Knowing of a "higher power" lending aid to Nohr was ambiguous enough to keep going.

For one day, there would only be the kingdom of Valla.

"Honestly? I'm certain of it. The Rainbow Sage has blessed both myself and that corpse Sumeragi, and even my eldest son! Some even think he's just a myth."

"About Prince Xander…." Iago scoffed. "I know for a fact that if he turns on the crown, he will be the biggest threat to this whole affair. Hopefully his allegiance can be secured until he is no longer useful."

Hydra flashed a toothy grin. "You take the words straight from my mouth, Iago."

Somewhere between Windmire and Dia, Selena had finished her hunt for food, and she sat alone near the fire, cooking a bear.

"Severa."

At least, she thought she was alone.

"…..Lady Camilla. We're heading off again?"

"In a minute. I sent Beruka to get some water." Camilla sat down next to her, which made the mercenary flinch. "Darling, what's wrong? You've been so quiet these past few hours."

"Just….thinkin', I guess."

"Oh, you don't mind that I call you Severa, yes?"

"…I guess not."

"I'd like to pick your brain for a little bit, if that's alright?" Camilla gave her a warm smile. "Look at you, so skilled….you hunted that by yourself?"

"Milady, stop. I know what you're doing." Selena sighed. "I'd rather think about finding Lady Elise than….the other stuff."

The other stuff being a) Selena's homeworld b) her past c) the kingdom through the canyon d) her friends and e) the feeling of Camilla's hand on her shoulder.

"We shouldn't neglect the elephant in the room, dear. …is there even a way for you to go home?"

"I don't know," she whispered.

"That man you spoke of, would he able to-?"

"Don't you want me to stay?" Selena choked out.

Camilla was silent for a few seconds. "…..yes, I do. But you say you had a family of our own…..I would dislike you leaving, but If that's not a valid reason, then what is? Family…..is the most important thing."

"And I left them," came the bitter reply. "Mother and Father and….even the other me…." she whispered that last part under her breath.

"There's always a way, dear. And as your lady, I command you to turn that frown upside down and find it!" Camilla exclaimed with some cheer.

Selena's smile returned, if for a bit. "You're just putting up a brave front, aren't you?"

"…"

"Lady Camilla!" Beruka and her wyvern swooped down. "I've spotted Sebastian's hoofprints. They go for a ways on."

"Sebastian?"

"Ohhh, that's Elise's horse!"

Notre Sagesse was indeed the "secluded island".

It sported a very small population, less than that of Izumo. However, the people were friendly, humble folk that would do anything to make sure it was tranquil. Four towns had been established for each compass direction – Rouge, Bleu, Gris, and Bordeaux – and in the center, at the top of the mountain….was…the Sage's home.

"Howdy Jiro! You traveled all the way from Hoshido?"

"Hahaha, yeah…." the youth was getting food from the market. He had tipped off his family that the Nohrians might be chasing after him, but they had agreed to keep Kilma safe for the time being.

He paid for the goods and headed home….until he saw a flash of light in a secluded alley.

"Whoo! We made it! ….oh it IS millennia!"

Jiro almost dropped his groceries. "L-Lord Izana?!"

XXXXXX

"The Sage? You folks came a long way…..Nohr's been sniffing around the high seas."

"Can you get us in?" Anna asked, draping her arm around the "Jake". "Before Nohrian ships start shooting at us, preferably. We're not exactly on their good side now."

They were on their way to his small abode. "W-Well, getting to the Sage isn't hard. Just travel to the center of the island, to the Sevenfold Sanctuary."

"Hahaha! Piece of cake!"

"Of course, letting him see you is another matter….what's wrong with that wyvern?"

Crimson did not like being suddenly teleported. The poor thing was a little queasy, even though Scarlet kept rubbing her back. "She just needs to take it easy…"

"She can stay at my uncle's house if you want. It's morning, so if you folks set off, you could probably reach the Sanctuary in a few hours." Jiro looked to the side, and something was…familiar with Flora's haircolor. "Pardon me, miss, but….are you Flora?"

"Huh? You know me?"

"A-And you're Felicia?"

"Yeah!" exclaimed the younger twin. "Have we met before, Jiro?"

"By the Dawn Dragon's will…."

XXXXXX

KNOCK KNOCK

"H-Huh…?" Kilma opened his eyes. "Is someone there?"

"Mister Kilma, it's me! I'm back from the market! And I have a surprise for you…."

"Jiro, I'm not hungry. Please, I just need to sleep…."

But before he could close his eyes, the door opened up, revealing a sight that made the chief sit up immediately.

"F-Father….."

Kilma rubbed his eyes. Was this a dream? Would he turn around to see his dead wife, Fatima, as well, and then the snowy background of his home, with his tribalists, only to wake up into the cold (pun intended) reality?

"G-Girls…."

But no. It was Felicia and Flora, the two daughters and the only Ice Tribe members he had left. Shaking, he got up, approaching the both of them.

"You're….you're alive….."

"By the Frost God's hand…." the chief was terribly exhausted and still had wounds, but he didn't care. He hugged them both as tightly as he could. "please…..tell me, my daughters. Is this a dream?"

"No…." Felicia's eyes teared up. "No, it's not! Father! Ohhh, what happened to you?! I haven't seen you in-"

"Sssh! Don't speak." the chief couldn't help it. The last time he saw Flora, she had been plotting an assassination attempt, a risky endeavor on its own. The last time he saw Felicia…..Nohr had seized the village. As such, he began to cry as hard as he did the day it happened. "Don't speak, please."

"Father…." Flora was so relieved. "…I was so worried…..our home, it's….empty….I thought the king killed you…."

"I thought he killed you," Kilma whispered back. "Every day I prayed for your safety. But seeing the two of you alive, and in my arms….there is no greater joy."

The waterworks weren't stopping for Felicia, who was just babbling incoherently, savoring the embrace of her father. This being an emotional moment for all three…..well, one knows what happens when a tribalist gets too emotional….

"M-Mister Kilma, my uncle doesn't want a frozen house!"

"LAND HO, BOYS!"

Benny groaned in pain. "K-Kaden. Are you alright?"

"Me?" the kitsune's scarf was ripped and he had a black eye. "I look hideous! ….otherwise okay, though. You think these freaks are gonna kill us?"

"Ungh….maybe if I make a distraction…..the rest of you can escape…."

"In the middle of the oce….oh, oh….yep, your friend Charlotte's doing it again."

The blonde fighter growled and tackled Tom to the ground, but this was her fifth try – and so she was smashed into the floorboards. Again. Then Effie tried the same tactic, and it too failed. Did I mentioned these women are tied up?

The gentle giant sighed. "Well…..maybe the locals can help us….." he looked ahead, spotting the sign written plain out:

WELCOME TO ROUGE

"Hey bro? Should we blast this town like the last one?"

"No!" Silas's voice shouted. "Please, it's a smaller land than Nohr. It has nothing to offer to you! You j-just want to find Anna, right?"

"Yeah, he's right….."

However, in the corner of Benny's eye, he saw a blip of purple flames, but when he turned his head…they had vanished. Elise and Layla were thrown out of the galley.

"Huddle up, bros!"

The 12 gathered in a circle. "So we just need to see this sage guy, right? He's really powerful, or some crud like that. He could put some kind of crazy curse on us!"

"Yeah, magic sucks like that!"

"Hmph, like you all suck each other's-" Charlotte was knocked out cold. Instead, the brothers turned to Nyx, who had her books ripped to shreds.

"What? You think the Sage would help you degenerates?" she huffed. "Greedy, heartless brothers that kidnap and terrorize people?"

"That's why you can help us, little girl. You know this magic stuff better than anyone!"

"So what?" Nyx glared at them. "I do not help petty children."

"So want your friends to be fed to sharks?"

"Don't do it, Miss Nyx!" Arthur wheezed out. "Lady Elise has a decidedly shark-less future ahead of her!"

"….tch. Tell you what. You're to stop hurting these people right now, and take them with you. Do not harm any innocents on the island. Without me, your chances of speaking to the Sage are nil."

"And if we refuse?"

Nyx didn't miss a beat. "Then I shall bite my tongue off and die from blood loss. And I bet none of you idiots can even work a mend staff, aside from the one you probably use to stimulate each other's nether regions whilst engaging in the same lude and lascivious behavior your parents hailed from!"

Benny, Silas, Arthur, Keaton, Kaden, and Layla all blushed. As for the brothers…

"…"

"….."

"…"

"Did you guys understand a word of that?"

Nyx's nostrils flared. "Just do it!"

Across the Hoshidan plains, news of war had spread far and wide, with every village and town offering their finest to fight. And in the capital, Yukimura and his team was absorbing the updates.

"General Tokazawa has reported that Princesses Hinoka and Sakura are still missing, and so is Saizo. But for now, she'll keep looking while she keeps Izumo secure." The messenger folded his paper up.

"….of course," Yukimura realized. "Nohr retreated to build a stronghold in Mokushu. We must fortify the south."

"And of the west? We've gotten some reports of Faceless sightings."

"Yes, there'll be increased dramatically. Fortunately, Rallyman is in charge of the western front, and if Lord Ryoma is successful, we can undermine Nohr from the inside. However…."

"Yes, Yukimura?"

The master tactician pushed his glasses up. "What are the odds of both princesses not being found? Lady Hinoka would rush to her sister's aid if she knew Sakura was missing. I have reason to believe that Lord Corrin and Lady Azura intervened."

"You think so?"

"I'm sure of it. Our scouters saw them leave in the direction of Izumo, and there's a very strong chance they were intercepted from both sides."

One of the mechanists furrowed his brow. "Mokushu, what about them? They'll have to face penalties for joining up with Nohr in the first place."

"It's too great of a risk to leave alone." Yukimura scribbled on a piece of a paper and handed it to the messenger. "Tell Tokazawa to cut off all trading routes with Mokushu. We have to fortify things from the outside in."

"Yes sir."

"I'm sorry, but I disagree," said one of the mechanists (Hachiman). "Or is the implication that they're all guilty by association?"

"Yes," came the serious reply. "Mokushu had a choice."

"Our priority is not them and you know it."

"I do. But I refuse to take any chances with our country's safety!"

Sensing the unease of the others, this one decided to take a stand. "Yukimura….you've been on edge recently. We all know you have a tough job to do, but….perhaps you're being a little too vindictive."

"On what grounds?" he demanded. "Our Queen was murdered! If anything, I'm not being vindictive enough. Do you know how hard she worked to keep this country afloat when Lord Sumeragi perished? Now, the task is float with me. I cannot let Hoshido crumble."

"What about the others? Should we inform Lord Ryoma and Lord Takumi their other sister might be going rogue too?"

"No! They must not face any distractions in their squads!" another mechanist argued. "Saizo's usually sharp with his assignments. It's very possible Orochi and Reina made him defect!"

"His brother too?"

"No word of him."

"You see? The Hoshidan army is being undermined at every turn…." Yukimura paced the floor. "I think we should activate Code 5."

"Absolutely not!" Hachiman exclaimed. "Yukimura, haven't you forgotten how much Lady Mikoto disliked the creation of our Dread Fighter unit?"

"So what, Nohr is allowed to use Faceless on us? I'm evening the score. We need the best, and we need the brightest. Don't you get it?" Yukimura asked, tightening his fist. "Who knows what other tricks they have? They already made a secret alliance!"

"….q-question," piped up the quiet mechanist on the team, Ishibara. "What about the canyon?"

"Cany….you believe that ridiculous story?"

"N-No! I mean…well, not at first. But even Orochi was so sure of it….her predictions usually come true!"

"No they don't!" someone else snapped.

"You're willing to believe it just because a diviner said so?"

"Yukimura…." Hachiman shook his head. "I….I can't be a part of this." He removed his hat. "I'm going back home to my wife and daughter."

"How dare you. Leaving your position, so soon?" he asked, glaring at him. "You have must more pride in your country than this!"

"You're not listening to me or the others! Lord Sumeragi would kill us if he knew that ballista tried to shoot down his youngest daughter! And now, you suspect Lady Hinoka of treachery as well? It's not some massive conspiracy against Hoshido! Not everyone is a foe in disguise!"

Yukimura shook his head. "My words won't sway you, it seems. Very well. I won't let this petty argument take up my time, so I'll give you the choice to leave."

"Then I will."

And so he did, taking his books with him. Yukimura turned to the others. "Any other objections?"

"You're….just going to let him leave?"

"That's not an objection. I meant what I said, and I've got more important things to focus on. We need to win this war, gentlemen. The Dread Fighters have been training for this day to arrive. Are you all in….or not?"

All of the others looked at each other. They all seemed to be *in*, but Ishibara had one final comment.

"Just….tell us if it's true, Yukimura. Are you letting….some personal feelings for our queen get in the way of some decisions?"

"…."

XXXXX

Yukimura was an anxious late 20-something when he was appointed to be the tactician to the King of Hoshido. Sure he had published a few books on the subject, but in real time? Advising him?

"Hahaha! You must be Yukimura!" Sumeragi greeted him, in the throne room. "Welcome to Castle Shirasagi, my friend."

"T-Thank you, my king. I must say….this place is marvelous!"

"Oh, thank you! You'll be allowed to see it everyday! My wife has read one of your books, you know. She seemed excited at the idea of hiring you."

"I-I'll do my best, sire." he bowed. "Which one did she read?"

"Huh. I think it was called…"

And then, she had walked into the room. A beautiful, stunning woman with black hair and bright brown eyes greeted Yukimura's line of vision. Her smile seemed to exhume radiance.

"The Mantis and the Falcon," Mikoto quoted. "Hello. You are Yukimura, yes?"

"Y-Yes….I am." the tactician was speechless. "It…it's an honor to meet you, Lady Mikoto."

"Same to you. I must thank you for taking this position in the first place, and on such short notice!"

"Well, I'd say I have achieved half of my book's title, then."

Then she did, the madwoman. She actually giggled, a sound that would enrapture Yukimura so. In his youth he didn't have any girls to pine for because he was immersed in his studies. But now….no. No, she was not a girl, but a woman. And she was married!

"Isn't he witty, Sumeragi? What say we have some tea to celebrate?"

"Excellent idea, my love…"

So when he saw them lock lips, he shook those thoughts out of his mind. But they would always be there.

XXXXXX

"…no," the present Yukimura said. "And I would appreciate it if we don't keep revisiting this topic."

"Yes sir."

Camilla's and Beruka's wyverns continued to follow the prints, but the hunt grew cold once they reached the town of Venor. Naturally, members of the Nohrian army were afoot.

"Hmm….should we ask around?"

"Wait." Beruka stopped Selena. "It's not a good idea to draw attention to ourselves. Some might blindly listen to Lady Camilla but I'm certain the king has alerted the army of our departure."

"Beruka is right. We simply stand out too much." Camilla noticed something, coming in from the edge of town. "What's this….?"

It was Tarba and his men, eager to claim a piece of the territory that was once Gazak's.

"….!"

"Milady, is that….?"

"Huh? Looks like bandits to me."

"That's Tarba…." Camilla frowned. "Why is he out and about? He was apprehended last year. Does Xander know about this?"

"What should we do?" asked Selena, readying her sword. "Like hell I'm letting bandits attack people."

"….hopefully there's enough soldiers….come on, ladies. We don't have time to get involved now."

They were off once more, carefully flying over and around the squad's range of detection. But now, things were starting to make even less sense.

"L-Lord Xander! It's horrible!" a lone cavalier panted as he galloped through the formation. "Really bad! We've gotten a message from the east!"

Peri and Laslow watched in wide-eyed fascination. But Xander was stone-faced as he came out of his tent to speak to the man. A piece of other news had just reached him prior….

"Speak, soldier."

"C-Cheve has apparently been seized by the crown prince of Hoshido!" This put the camp in an uproar, but Xander silenced them with a wave of his hand.

"The post Hans was in charge of? What's his status?"

"U-Unsure, my prince. They're bound to come this way."

"No, they won't take another step through this land." Xander picked up his sword. "We were assigned specifically for this purpose, and we will not fail. Also….." his eyes looked to his retainers. "…..the king has revealed something else. The princesses of Nohr have defected, and if we are to find them…..they must be captured."

What?! thought Laslow. He had to settle this.

XXXXX

"Milord, why would your sisters defect?" he asked once inside the tent. "I'm….curious."

"The message did not delve into details, Laslow. If I had to guess, it was because they both went after Corrin. Not the wisest of choices."

"But even then….capture? They're your family."

Xander gave a glare. "That is what makes it all the more troubling. They made….an unfortunate choice at this time. Right now…..I have to follow my orders to preserve some stability to the crown."

Olivia's son looked to the wound Garon gave him (Xander) earlier. It had been bandaged up, but it was clear the looming threat of the king still remained.

Defy me again, any of you…..and you will pay the price.

"I don't think you're believing your own words," he whispered. At that, Peri sharply poked him her lance, hinting at him to disclose the little secret he still didn't share. "What….what would their punishments even be?"

"..."

"Milord, this is getting out of control. May I say something to you?"

"Another time, Laslow, we're to set foot for Cheve."

"Towards the Bottomless Canyon, yes? Capital idea. In fact, it will make more sense there. Perhaps you can be shown."

"Are…..are you implying you know more of those invisible soldiers, Laslow?"

"Oh, call him Inigo!"

"Peri!"

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Yeah yeah!" she grabbed his arm, smiling wide. "He comes from some land named Ylisse, and he was a real lady's man back home! His mom is this dancer named Olivia, and he actually fought an evilll dragon named Grima! Cool, huh?!"

"….."

"Ah ha, what she means is-"

"-Let me get this straight. You…..have been lying about your origin this entire time?"

"W-Well, it was more of a lie of omission really! Hahaha, but you see-"

"I see a foreigner that shouldn't be allowed in sensitive wartime matters," Xander replied, glaring at him. Laslow was almost sure he would've taken a swing with Siegfried. "-And I see someone who thinks he can casually play the crown prince of Nohr to be a fool."

"N-No! You're getting the wrong idea!"

"Peri, are your statements false, then?"

"No way!" the cavalier replied. Of course, this only made her more determined to prove the right idea. "Don't get mad at him, Lord Xander! He's been helping me a ton! We shared stories about our mommies!"

"So you were withholding information as well?"

"Uhhhh…..pass!"

Laslow facepalmed. Unfortunately for him, Xander was not in the mood to give him just a slap on the wrist. "How much do you two really know?"

"A lot. We've….we've been through a lot, Father."

Luckily the three didn't freeze the house over, but since securing the support of another elemental chief was a must, Flora and Felicia quickly recapped the story to him.

"Your face….your failed plan led to such a journey, Flora?"

"Yes."

He looked to Scarlet. "Miss Scarlet, I..I must apologize for what has happened. Your fine men suffered a gruesome fate that day. I can't imagine what they must be going through."

"Same to your tribalists, Kilma. But hey….we can't give up hope now, right?"

Kilma turned to Corrin. "Nohrian prince…..you're the one that leads this pack?"

"Uh….t-technically?"

"Mm-hmm. On one hand, I sympathize with your plight, and I am grateful you've been kind to both of my daughters. On the other…..I won't accept such a tale blindly. Prove your mettle to me."

"Oh Father, Lord Corrin doesn't need this!" Flora huffed. "Do you know how many people either want to capture him or otherwise? He's come this way, and not alone might I add. Nohrians AND Hoshidans are together on this!"

"Easy, my daughter, I'm not trying to be malicious about this. After all…..it was a miracle I lived to see you and your sister again. Go to the Sage, Corrin, and see if he can validate your claims."

"Yes sir."

"I'll be here waiting to recover my strength. Be careful."

The group was off, but not before Rinkah stopped to give him a lingering glance. He gave one back, but the aura said it all: this means more than our petty tribe squabbles.

And truly, it would. So many questions, so little time. What makes the Yato so special? Would Nyx's curse be able to be reversed? Did he know about Va(nil)la? And most importantly….

Does he know about….me? Anna wondered, looking towards Mt. Sagesse. The answer she had been craving…

FIN

Ending notes: No I didn't forget about Kagero. You'll see her next chapter. And yes, I pulled a writing shortcut with that staff...but much like the escape from Castle Krackenburg, I specifically wrote it so I can't rely on it later. And hey, it's Izana. Staves are his thang.

You are also 100% correct if you think I'm going to have Xander and Ryoma do a rematch later on.

Now go preorder Echoes, friends ;)