Hello again guys. I had to think long and hard about where I was going to take things from here. After the revolution arc I wanted to be sure everything turns in the right direction; I had two or three ideas. In the end I decided to go with something I was planning for a while. That said, some of you can probably see by the title where I've decided to go.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Goodness knows it took me long enough to write.
Nyx
The day has been long, and you are exhausted.
Having recruited Charlotte earlier this evening, the two of you returned to Cheve and began preparations for the task ahead. You spent the afternoon drilling hand-picked soldiers of your choosing, keeping with an exhausting routine until dusk. Only the best warriors and mages at Camilla's beck and call have a prayer of besting the vile and utterly unforgiving Hans. He and those who serve him thrive on ungodly perversions; they make others suffer and grow fat on the spoils of war. Which is why you cannot afford to fail. The Butcher must pay for his awful crimes.
I can do it. I have to. No longer can I hold back.
With the men prepared for the task ahead, you've decided it's best to meet with Lady Camilla and inform her of your progress. As tired as you are, there will be time aplenty to cuddle up with Charlotte and rest once your duties are done. Your traversal of the Border Wall's sprawling and winding internals delivers you to set of mighty steel double doors. They're protected by a duo of hulking knights adorned in polished midnight-black platemail. Each of them brandishes a finely-finished silver war axe, barring entry to the point ahead.
"This is it." You come to a stop and catch your breath. If you hadn't been here once before (during Hoshido's initial conquest of the almighty structure) you wouldn't have found the central chamber on your own. The whole place is a citadel of secret passages and dead end corridors. There's no way Hana would've lost the recent clash if she'd garrisoned its halls instead of seeking honorable Hoshidan combat on open ground.
Yet another flaw of the Hoshidan ideal.
Unlike Hana, Camilla has made no such mistake. This place is locked down tightly; spearmen patrol the halls with mages in support. You also noticed in passing that plenty of the rooms have been furnished with makeshift beds; living spaces for those charged with keeping the wheels of the war effort turning. Morale is high - the men and women of the cause are ready and able to fight. In just a few short days Nohr's Light has gone from a dream to reality.
Garon can send as many men as he wants to retake this place. He will fail.
"Lord Keiji," one of the knights clanks on over. He sets aside his weapon, instructing his comrade to unseal the chamber with a gruff 'Open her up'. "Her majesty awaits your presence. Go on in. Wouldn't want to keep her waitin' now, would you?"
"Many thanks. Keep up the good work."
Hinges groan and squeal as the doors part before you.
As you step inside the Border Wall's central chamber you're met with sights that are so very Camilla-like in their aesthetics.
An iron chandelier hangs overhead, it's candles lit to provide illumination for the heart of the recently acquired stronghold.
No time has been wasted in converting the vast and spacious room with a high ceiling into a makeshift throne room. The windows on either side (which were open wide on your first visit here countless months prior) have been closed and bolted shut. Most are covered with drapes of purple velvet, blocking out the light. The emblem of Camilla's revolution (The Light of Nohr) hangs proudly from the rafters above for all to see - a perversion of her father's insignia with a white background and Black Nohrian motif. A decadent carpet of kitsune fur stretches from the doorway to the improvised throne of your mistress.
"Welcome, my darling Keiji," Camilla chuckles, raising a wine glass in greeting. She sits blissfully in her lavish chair of Nohrian Birchwood, finished with black varnish and golden trim. Selena stands guard - ever at her lady's side. "I hope you're pleased with the home touches I've added."
You smile in honor of her majesty's eagerness. It's much like her chambers in Krakenburg, but you'll not make mention in the company of Selena.
Nohr's Light sits upon her throne - adorned in an alluring gown of dark purple lace with a slit down the left-hand side. The sleeves are short and the bust is cut, revealing her ample cleavage without consideration of modesty. All in all, the garment hugs her every ample curve to luxurious perfection. Silky black gloves cover her long and slender fingers. She takes a second sip of her wine, her lips rising in appreciation of your arrival.
"I see you've made yourself comfortable, My Queen."
Camilla stands from her seat of power, handing off her now empty glass to a nameless subordinate. She strolls (barefoot) over the velvet carpet to meet you. "A monarch must preside over those with the desire to follow her. This place will suffice... until my father is toppled from his seat of power."
Presented a hand by your mistress, you grace her flawless skin with a respectful kiss, a gesture she greatly enjoys.
"The troops are prepared, my lady," you inform with a bow of the head. "Charlotte and I drilled them with spirit. They're as ready as they'll ever be."
"Wonderful. I am pleased."
Camilla leans in, kissing your cheek in appreciation. "Though I would make one further request before you march. Will you oblige?"
There is seldom a request you'd refuse from Camilla - your savior. Done are your days of keeping distance between yourself and those you fight alongside. You promised Selena as much. "As ever, I'm prepared. Anything to aid our cause."
"Lovely." Camilla returns to her throne and rests her well-rounded behind against its cushion. You advance at her encouragement, kneeling before her feet. "A former retainer of my father, a skilled mage by name of 'Nyx' has escaped captivity in Fort Dragonfall and joined us here in Cheve. Though youthful in appearance she bares a curse of great tragedy, forever trapped in a body which betrays her true form. I would have you meet with her..."
You feel a shiver at the mention of curses. In your nightmares you've seen many a blackened vision; sights befitting the purest evil.
"Milady," you speak up. "If she's blighted should I not stray far from her path?"
Camilla chuckles a wicked chuckle. "Do I sense fear in your voice? Whatever is the matter, Lord Keiji? You seek power, do you not?"
"Power..." You whisper the sacred word - that which escaped you for such a long time. "I-I do."
"Then I believe it only right you should seek her out before your departure. She claims to wield magics beyond the understanding of our most skilled practitioners - the sorts of spells with which you may strengthen your mind and body..."
You raise your head, taking note of the particularly affectionate expression held by Camilla.
"Keiji," she continues with a seductive tinge. "I lay this offer before you as thanks for your loyalty. You embrace my dream of a better future with both hands, despite having substantial reason to abandon me. It is my deepest desire to repay you. What better than to give you that which you desire most?"
Your queen laughs with frightful tenderness, "I have granted you many blessings already, and there are many more to come. All I ask is that you devote yourself to me. Fight at my behest, be the beloved guardian which I did not have as a small child. Protect me."
You sense longing in Camilla's words - loneliness. For all the rumours surrounding her cruelty, you've found her to be different beneath her sadistic surface. It wouldn't be right to spit in her face after everything she's given you. Rank. A title. A real chance for change. During your Hoshidan days Corrin referred to her as a woman of monstrosity. The dragoness couldn't have been more wrong.
"I'll go to this 'Nyx' woman, milady. Where is she?"
Camilla snaps her fingers, "Selena," she speaks, casting her gaze upon the redhead. "Would you be so kind as to guide Keiji to Nyx's house?"
"Of course I will." She leaves Camilla's side with a bow, joining you as you rise to your feet. "May we be dismissed?"
"You certainly may."
Permission granted, the two of you depart.
The trip to Nyx's abode sees you leave the Border Wall and head out to Cheve. With Selena as your guide you're brought down side streets and pathways you hadn't even seen during the initial occupation. Far from sight, hidden beneath the towering fortress' shadow, you come across a hamlet of rundown homes. Their thatch roofs are collapsed and their stonework is cracked. The pathways leading to the seemingly forgotten corner of town are neglected; uneven and fraught with sprouting weeds.
Selena quickens her pace as you enter the area. You understand her reason well enough. Being here feels... wrong.
"Be careful," says your darling redhead, coming to a halt outside one of the rundown houses. The light of a candle flickers through its broken window shutter. A thin source of comfort amidst the murk of a towering wall's darkness. "I mean it, Keiji..." There's great fear in Selena's voice.
"What for? If this woman offers power I'll take it. The sooner we break Garon the sooner this ends."
You're grabbed sharply by the hand; Selena squeezes your wrist. "I'm serious," she continues with urgency. "I once knew a black mage in my homeland. 'Tharja', she was called. Her magic did all sorts of strange things. It blotted out the sun; gave the feeble new life; healed the sick - but it always came with a cost. Always. In the end she went mad. Not even my father could save her soul..."
Selena's warning bares some thought. You give her a short hug. "I'll keep my wits about me." You motion toward the scabbard at your hip upon separating. "A sword is swifter than the musings of a spell flinger. She can't cast fireballs without hands."
And Light Dragon knows, you've killed plenty a Nohrian-born mage before.
Regardless of your attempts to calm her, Selena squeezes you one more time - even harder.
Upon parting from her you give the rickety, cobweb-covered door a gentle knock. Even that much strains the aged wood. "Hello?" you call out. "Is anybody home? My name is Keiji. Lady Camilla proposed we meet. Is it true you can help us?"
As if possessing its own mind, the door squeaks open. Nobody stands in the doorway.
The youthful voice of woman follows, "You may enter, young one."
Selena grabs you once more (by the shoulder) preventing your departure. "Be careful," she warns with quivering eyes. "I'll wait right outside. I-If anything happens... call my name. I won't so much as blink before cutting the witch down; I don't give a damn if she's Lady Camilla's guest."
"Thank you, dear lady." Pulling free, you enter the crumbling home. A deep breath in and out helps with remaining steady.
The abode is fairly well-maintained within, despite the outside. One thing you notice however is a lack of furnishings.
You pass a small straw bed upon entering. A cooking stove sits off in the furthest corner from the crude sleeping spot, beside an empty pantry. Across from it sits half collapsed table. Resting upon its top are what appears to be a trio of cards; they're placed face down. The backs of these cards display some sort of swirled fire marking. You've seen it before in the tomes of Nohrian spell casters - the body of a flame with violently roaring outer-edges. These flames radiate a warm orange aura; like they're alive. It's these three unusual articles which provide light in the place of candles.
You spare the whole house a sweeping glance from where you stand. Indeed, there's not a candle to be found.
"Choose one," The womanly voice echoes again; this time it's right behind you. "Reveal the path that awaits you..."
Alarmed, you flinch. A hand touches your shoulder. You draw your wraithglass and swing around.
Where you expect to find an ungodly monster, there is nothing of the sort. The sight before you betrays all expectations.
You're met with a girl sporting a trailing cape; she's short in stature and small of frame. Her slim and curveless form is just barely covered by thin black undergarments, a bustier of matching color, and patchwork silk leggings. Wavy hair of darkest midnight cascades past her small shoulders, reaching down her back and touching her behind. A translucent tattoo befitting a magic seal trails across her forehead and down to her button nose.
"Greetings, child." She welcomes you with an expression of vague interest. "You must be the one of whom Camilla speaks." Her lips rise into a smirk. "She regards you as one of her champions... but you are much like all the rest." There's an aloofness to her words - aloofness and wisdom joined as one.
Lady Camilla said this 'Nyx' lass was young, but nothing could've prepared you for this.
"Child? Me?! How old are you girl?" you ask. She can't be a day older than twelve. You'd swear it on your father's grave.
"Wise enough in years to know the fires of naive optimism when I see them."
The girl holds out her palm with outstretched fingers. Soundless whispers crawl through your skull. Guided by forces beyond your wildest imagination, you toss your wraithglass sword to the dusty floor. You regain control when the mysterious women shuts her palm, bringing it to rest at her side.
"I am Nyx - the one you seek. And I would thank you for not cutting off my hands, as you so boldly proclaimed outside."
You're left astounded. "What manner of magic-"
"Spellcraft older than you and I - even the sacred dragons."
The mage nudges your sword away with an uncaring foot. She steps by you, perching against the table with the three face-down cards. A short clap of her hands makes their burning light ever brighter and hotter. Your head spins in violent protest. Too warm.
The middle card of the three flips over of its own accord. On its face is a weeping maiden dressed in rags. She's collapsed to her knees, praying for what you think might be desperate salvation. Her skin is grubby and lashed with savage markings. Her tears stain the muddy ground in a puddle.
Nyx sighs. "The Mark of Tribulation. I had thought as much for one such as you, young man."
Drawn to you by forces unknown, the card falls at your feet. You reach out to touch it, only for its flames to coil up one of your arms in a spiral. A yell leaves your mouth soundlessly. Flashes of memory, images yet unseen burst through your thoughts - a torrent without mercy. A dragon roars in agony; its right-side wing split and leaking lifeblood. Bodies surround the creature - Hoshidan bodies.
Samurai and shrine maidens litter the earth, ripped, flayed and desecrated.
The beast roars in anguish. You feel its pain as though it were your own. You understand the meaning of its senseless cries. They form a voice - one you know better than anyone else in the world. Corrin... Corrin!
"Help me," she whimpers hopelessly, surrounded by the corpses of her slaughtered comrades. "Please... help! It hurts... It hurts!"
Your former mistress fades from sight. And unable to take the heat any longer, you buckle. Your sight blackens and vanishes.
The last thing you hear is Selena scream your name.
Your eyes open wide. Fear and anxiety fill your heart to bursting as you sit bolt upright. Cold sweat mists your face. You check yourself, touching your shirtless chest. You're still in one piece, thankfully. Gone is the dilapidated house, and the cards are nowhere to be seen. You find yourself in the bed of an all too familiar place - the farm house in which you stayed with Selena just the other night.
There's a presence beside you - a comforting sense of warmth. You glance sideward.
Charlotte, groggy-eyed but gorgeous, holds you by the arm. "Keiji," she yawns, rubbing her eyes with her free hand. "The hell's wrong? You were thrashing in your sleep. She leans close, laying her head of messy golden curls against your shoulder. Leaning upward a fraction, she pecks you lovingly on the cheek. "Bad dream again?"
"Dream?" you repeat with confusion. Finally it all clicks into place. "A dream? I was asleep? Thank the Light Dragon." You inhale and exhale stiffly, ridding yourself of needless worry. "Shit. Forget about it dearest. I'll be fine come morning."
"I don't buy it. Not with the way you cried out for help. You sure you're okay? You hit the hay as soon as you got done visiting Camilla."
You remember a little clearer now. After finishing your training you decided it best to furnish Camilla with news of your progress. Upon arriving she showed you around the throne room, wished you all of the best and asked you to speak with Nyx. No... wait. She didn't. You must have dreamed that part. She wished you all the best and bade you farewell. You were going to remain in her company a while longer, but she specifically ordered you to sleep.
You returned here, shared some soup with Charlotte and went to bed. You see the greyed iron soup pot atop the dinner table from where you're laying.
"I'm fine," you answer. "Though the dream I had was... strange."
"Whaddya mean, darling?"
"I met a girl - a mage. She showed me a card and... I saw Corrin. I felt her. She was in pain... suffering."
It felt too real to be an illusion. You've seldom had dreams so vivid before, not unless they involved your father's demise.
"Must be your Hoshidan side comin' out," giggles Charlotte teasingly. "You're ain't gonna kill it off entirely. You were born there 'n all."
"Perhaps you're right." You shake your head. Hoshido isn't your home anymore, as much as your mind plays tricks.
You wrap an arm around Charlotte's middle, drawing her into a cuddle. The two of you join for an empowered lover's kiss, snuggling beneath the linens. You'll embark on a mission tomorrow evening - Hans and his disgusting ilk await. You'd better scrub Corrin from your thoughts before then. She can't be calling out to you. No spellcraft the world over is capable of such things. Though you can't dismiss the whole ordeal entirely, despite your best intentions.
The whole affair was lifelike - moreso than any game of the imagination. And Corrin is far from ordinary - being of dragon's blood and all.
Once Charlotte goes to sleep you carefully dislodge your face from her beyond-sizable breasts. Untangling yourself from her strong grip, you slip out of bed. Your clothes are right where you left them, beside the wash basin. If these visions connect with reality I'll find the card.
Despite searching your trouser pockets you find no trace. It's the same for your swordsman's coat, too.
Grateful beyond reason, you push aside your pointless unrest. "You're imagining it, Keiji... no matter how real it felt."
Content to forget for now, you get dressed and set your sights upon the exit. Some fresh air will clear your head. Of that much you can be sure.
Or so you thought.
No sooner than you leave the house are you face to face with Nyx. She waits for you just shy of the doorstep. You shut the door behind you as to not awaken Charlotte. The young mage extends a hand. Betwixt her fingers is a card. The Mark of Tribulation. Yours.
"Though we have not met, I feel I must present this to you, young man. My name is Nyx. Fortune dictates you will someday require my wisdom."
She puts the cursed item into your hand, carefully closing your digits around it. Its burning magic ignites, shining through the gaps in your fingers. A sizzling coil of embers winds up your arm, burning away the left-hand arm of your coat. The sensation of stabbing knives wracks your limb. Through sudden panic you feel the card crumble in your grasp. You spread your palm outward, watching through foggy sight as its ashes fall to the dirt.
Your heart beats quicker. And quicker. And quicker. You hear Corrin's draconic roar; you're struck by her agony.
And in an instant, the pain subsides. The flames cool. Your sight comes back. But all is not right. A circular emblem with a star at its core scars your bicep. It pulsates a silver shine in a pattern matching your beating heart. You've never seen it before. It's the mark of neither Hoshido nor Nohr - but something different,
Again you hear Corrin's voice.
"Help me... Please... It hurts. Help me!"
It gets louder.
And Louder.
Until her dragon's roar nearly splits your skull in two.
You drop to your knees, nursing your aching head. It's almost impossible to breathe.
Nyx kneels beside you, "That marking..." She traces her fingers over your skin; it tingles at her touch.
"Get off," you growl, twisting to one side and drawing your arm from reach. "Touch me again and I'll kill you, Witch."
You clamber upright. Corrin's woeful pleas subside, and the pain with them.
Nyx turns away from you, "Fine," she snaps. "Though I would not act so coldly in the future, young one. The scar you bare is both a blessing and a curse."
Driven to the point of rage, you draw your wraithglass from its place at your hip, aiming its razor point toward the mage. "Who in the hell are you?!"
"A mere fortune teller," answers Nyx. "A reader of the cards, beholden to knowledge beyond most." She glances back, eying your blade in spiteful warning. "Put it down, young man. Or would you rather I hex you? All I need do is click my fingers, and your arms will fall off..."
There's seriousness in her voice. Squashing your frustration, you reluctantly lower your blade. "Fine, but I'd like an answer, if you would."
Freed of danger, Nyx starts walking away from the house. You give chase, keeping in step with her.
"They say when one of pure dragon's blood is in mortal danger, they are assigned a protector - a guardian. It's a myth lost to time, something I stumbled onto while absorbing knowledge from olden tomes. The insignia seared into your flesh is proof enough. A child of Valla weeps, and you have been given the honor of rescuing them, of ending their suffering before it is too late."
Valla? I've never heard of such a place before. Though something Nyx said makes sense, if nothing else. The "one of pure dragon's blood" can only mean one person. Your former mistress - your beloved Corrin. The dream you had is telling; it fits perfectly with the news delivered by Camilla's scouts recently. Hoshido's fearsome princess is in desperate need of help, and she's calling out to the one person she believes in above all others - you.
Nyx reaches the top of the street and heads right - out of sight.
You come to an abrupt stop - lost in thoughts all alone.
Here's hoping you're able to find Corrin when you storm Hans' camp. If you don't - Light Dragon knows what awful fate might befall her. You are not worthy of her love; you're content with that. But you can help her, at the very least. For today you've learned the truth.
Even in the darkest of hours, you are still her most precious person.
To be continued...
There you have it. Another chapter comes to a close. Did you like it? Would you like to see more in future? Feel free to leave some feedback and share your thoughts. I still can't believe just how many of you guys and girls enjoy this series.
As always, keep on supprting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next part. Thanks again!