Chapter 22 Hoshido
Day 295
When Silas first joined the Knights of Nohr, an audience with the Queen of Hoshido was one of the last things he ever thought would happen.
Mikoto was a woman with long black hair, wearing a white priestess outfit, and a kind smile adorn her face as she faced the man in front of her, regardless of where he was from.
"Your name is Silas, is it not?" Mikoto asked
"That's right." Silas nodded trying his best to keep his cool.
"You can relax. You are not in trouble." Mikoto assured
"Sorry…" Silas mumbled. "But it is quite strange how you can act so relaxed around me."
"Is it really? With the barrier, it is much easier to get a read on people. I can sense that it hasn't affected you at all. That means you are not here to bring ill will." Mikoto explained
'So that's what the barrier does. I was right.' Silas thought. There were several rumors around Nohr as to what exactly the barrier of Hoshido did.
"Everyone, please leave us be for a moment." Mikoto ordered as Ryoma and his retainers looked shocked
"Are you sure that is wise mother?" Ryoma asked
"I am fine Ryoma. I can take care of myself. Go and wait for Kaze and Rinkah to return." Mikoto said and Ryoma, a bit reluctantly complied as he left with his retainers.
"Now then, there is somethings I need to know." Mikoto said a bit more serious once they were alone.
"What's that?" Silas asked
"It is not commonly known, but I do get visions of the future from time to time. I've seen a boy that looks so much like my missing daughter and feels so familiar to me along with another boy that wields the Keyblade." Mikoto said
"Wait…WHAT?!" Silas gasped "How do you know about the Keyblade?"
"From my husband. Years ago, before myself, or even Queen Ikona met him, he got into a bit of a skirmish with some. Sumeragi would have been killed that day, if not a Keyblade wielder in training named Eraqus arrived to save him. The two became fast friends after that, even though their time together was short. Sumeragi made a promise that he would keep what Eraqus said to him a secret, unless it was absolutely required. And he did. He didn't tell his parents, his first wife Ikona, or even Ryoma." Mikoto said
"Yet he told you?" Silas asked
Mikoto nodded. "Because I can sometimes see the future, he felt it would be safe that I be told, incase a situation presented itself."
"I see…" Silas said "Well, you were right, the kid you saw dose wield a Keyblade, and that person traveling with you is suppose to be your son." Silas said
Mikoto's eyes widened. "I knew there was something familiar about him…But why can't I remember my own son?"
"It's a complicated story. Me and a friend of mine are working on it." Silas sighed. "But his name is…"
"No. Don't tell me. I want to remember that name on my own please." Mikoto pleaded.
Silas nodded. "Well, can I at least drop a hint?"
Mikoto nodded.
"It starts with a C." Silas smiled
In another location:
Kamui groans as she wakes up to a lovely smell. Looking to her left, she sees Rinkah stirring some soup.
"Oh good. You're awake." Rinkah said "Sorry about that bump on your head."
"You're from the Flame Tribe…Where are we?" Kamui asked
"I'm Rinkah and we are in a village of the Flame Tribe located in Hoshido." Rinkah explained as she poured a bowl of soup and handed it to Kamui. "Better eat up. It's a long walk ahead of us."
"To where?" Kamui asked taking the bowl.
"To the capital. I'm handing you into the Hoshidan authorities." Rinkah explained
"I see…I suppose they will want an explanation for the unexplained attack. Then execute me." Kamui muttered
"I don't think so." Rinkah laughed as the two ate.
Once they were done eating, a knock came at the door.
"Perfect timing." Rinkah commented
The two headed outside to see Kaze waiting for them.
"You're Kaze, right?" Kamui asked
"Yes. I am so glad that you are safe Princess Kamui." Kaze said with a smile and bow
"You are? Am I missing something?" Kamui asked confused
"All will be explained when we reach Shirasagi. Let's go." Kaze said as the three headed off.
As Kamui entered the halls of the Hoshidan castle, she couldn't help but notice how much different this place was to Windmire. This place gave a more peaceful vibe, where Windmire gave a creepier vibe.
Before her was a man with long brown hair, covered in red armor and a white vest.
"Welcome back Kaze. Good work." Ryoma smiled
"Thank you Lord Ryoma." Kaze bowed
"Wait…did he just say Lord Ryoma?" Kamui asked
"That's right. This is the High Prince Ryoma." Rinkah explained
The High Prince. This was Hoshidans equivalent to Xander.
"I understand." Kamui said bitterly. "If you are going to execute me, just get it over with already."
Ryoma, along with Kaze and Rinkah just glanced to the side, causing Kamui to look on curiously as Mikoto approached the four.
"I cannot believe it…Is it really you?" Mikoto asked hopefully
"I'm sorry, have we met?" Kamui asked confused
Mikoto instead of answering, just embraced Kamui in a big hug.
"I have missed you so much my sweet child!" Mikoto cried
"Your sweet child? Wait, WHAT?!" Kamui cried. She wanted to break free, but for some reason, she didn't want to.
Once Mikoto released Kamui, she explained things.
"It is a sad story. When you were little, you were kidnapped by Nohr. I am your real mother Mikoto." Mikoto said
"But, Garon is my real father! None of what you are saying makes any sense." Kamui retorted
"I understand if this comes as a shock to you, but she speaks the truth. I am your older brother Ryoma." Ryoma said with a small smile
"That can't be…Xander is my older brother, and Leo, Camilla, and Elise are my siblings." Kamui retorted
"Those are the names of the Nohrian Royal Family? They are not your real siblings. I still remember that dark day. There was quite a lot of tension between Hoshido and Nohr, but not a full-blown war yet. Our father King Sumeragi was led into a trap by King Garon in Chives. He called for negotiations to peace but instead he killed our father in cold blood and took you away from us." Ryoma said
"I was told King Sumeragi tried top trap King Garon, but he failed and was killed." Kamui said
"Is that what King Garon told you? I assure you he is lying. I know. I was there." Ryoma said
"That's not possible…" Kamui said in denial
"Do you not remember what happened? You were there." Ryoma asked
"No. Most of my childhood memories are a blur to me. I have these vague images, but nothing more than that." Kamui said
"I doubt the Nohrian Royals would tell you the truth." Ryoma muttered. "Ether way, I know this is a lot to take in but…"
Ryoma was interrupted when a Hoshidan solider ran into the room.
"Lord Ryoma! I have an urgent warning! We are being attacked from the north!" The solider said
"No! Hinoka and Sakura are up there now!" Ryoma cried
"I was told they were busy trying to evacuate the village up north." The solider said
"I see. We best provide support. Kaze, Rinkah, I will need your help. Kamui, you come to. Let me show you what Nohr does." Ryoma said
Kamui decided to go out of sheer curiosity over anything else. The four ran out of the palace and headed to the North leaving Mikoto all alone.
"She has a twin brother…it starts with a C. Why can't I remember my own son's name?" Mikoto asked herself frustrated.
In the cold mountains up north, two girls were planning their next moves against a bunch of monsters. They were green in skin with big muscles and chains all around their bodies. They all also wore a mask.
As for the girls, the older one had red hair and wore a red and white tunic, and was riding on top of a Pegasus
The younger girl had more pink hair color and wore a red and white shrine maiden outfit with a red skirt and a staff in her hands. She was currently on her knees rubbing her leg in pain.
"Of all the times to sprain my leg. I'm sorry for slowing us down Hinoka." The younger girl cried
"Don't worry about it, Sakura. We'll be okay. Those stupid beasts are no match for me!" Hinoka boasted
"I hope you're right." Sakura said
Ryoma, Kamui, Kaze, and Rinkah arrived further to the south.
"There are Faceless all over the mountains." Kaze said
"Indeed. I'm heading to where my sisters are. Can you three deal with these?" Ryoma asked
"No problem!" Rinkah declared as she readied her club.
Ryoma ran off to his sister's aid as the other three got to work with the faceless.
"Anything I should know about these things?" Kamui asked
"They are incredibly strong. Try to avoid a hit by them." Kaze said as they got to work.
"Try to be careful. Some of them have this toxin on their bodies that can really screw with your senses a bit." Rinkah called out.
Kamui ran up to one of these faceless creatures. The creature gave a mighty roar as it raised its fist and slammed it down on Kamui who dodge rolled out of the way.
Kamui gave an upward slash, injuring the monster's arm as it recoiled back in pain. With the monster left wide open, Kamui gave one final attack and the monster was dead.
"Wow. This blade father gave me is quite powerful." Kamui commented but then stopped as her thoughts drifted to her father.
"There is no way father would do that…would he?" Kamui asked herself. On one hand, she didn't really know him all too well as he barely made any visits to the fortress, and even then, it was more of a check up on the fort than anything else. Xander would tell her that father was just stressed from the war going on. He would also tell stories to him and even Elise of what a great guy he was.
Still, on the other hand, Garon was rather ruthless to his prisoners, and Hans said he attacked her on the king's orders, though based on what Xander told her about Hans, maybe Hans was lying. Yes. That must be it.
Another faceless roared as it charged at Kamui.
"I can think about it later. For now, I have to deal with these things." Kamui said as she readied her blade.
Ryoma had arrived to where his sisters were. He ran up to Hinoka for a status update.
"I'm fine right now, but Sakura is injured." Hinoka said
"It's just a small sprain. I'll be fine." Sakura assured
"Good. The others should be able to finish off the others soon. I'll give them a hand. Hinoka, keep looking after Sakura." Ryoma ordered. Hinoka nodded and Ryoma took off slicing another faceless with his sacred sword easily.
Once the battle was over, Kamui, Rinkah, and Kaze went to meet up with Ryoma, Hinoka, and Sakura. The moment Hinoka laid eyes on Kamui, her eyes went wide with shock.
"Thank you so much for coming to our aid." Sakura bowed. "Those monsters would have caused a lot of damage if you didn't get involved."
"It was no problem at all." Kamui said
"If I may ask, what is your name?" Sakura asked
"Kamui…" Hinoka said stepping forward with her eyes watering.
"Uh yes…that's right." Kamui said still unsure of the whole ordeal.
"Hinoka? Are you okay?" Sakura asked concerned seeing Hinoka looking like she was about to cry.
Hinoka didn't respond. Instead, she embraced Kamui in a big hug.
"Finally! After all those years, I can finally see you again!" Hinoka cried.
"I'm sorry?" Kamui asked confused
"Hinoka was quite attached to you when you were little. When you were taken, she cried for weeks. She only stopped when she picked up her naginata. She vowed to one day bring you home, and now you are here." Ryoma informed with a smile.
"I see…" Kamui said
"Hinoka. I know you are excited, but Kamui is rather confused at the moment." Ryoma said causing Hinoka to let go.
"Sorry…" Hinoka muttered
"It's fine…" Kamui said
"I'm not usually this emotional, but I am just so happy to have you back." Hinoka smiled as she turned to the distance. "HA! TAKE THAT NOHRIAN SCUM! WE WIN AND YOU LOSE!" She shouted
"Is this really our missing sister?" Sakura asked in awe.
Ryoma nodded. "Sakura was rather young when you were taken." He then turned to his other sisters. "I know you two have a lot of questions, but we should head back before Nohr sends more of those creatures." The two nodded.
"What were those things exactly?" Kamui asked
"They are called Faceless." Ryoma said. "They are mindless monsters with no will created by Nohrian mages."
"I call them dead meat!" Hinoka said "But they are the only things Nohr can throw at us. After you were taken, our mother put up a magic barrier around Hoshido. Any solider that crosses it losses their will to fight."
"As a result, Nohr hasn't been able to invade, putting this war at a bit of a standstill. They have to send these creatures at us since they posses to will of their own to terrorize the boarders." Ryoma said
"But…Nohr would never send monsters to attack innocent people!" Kamui retorted
"Of course, they would. They're pure evil!" Hinoka spat. "Those monsters can sometimes even turn o the mages that summon them, but Nohr doesn't care. They'll sacrifice even their own lives to get what they want."
"I can't believe it…" Kamui muttered
Silas sat in the guest room that he was given, thinking over his recent conversation with Queen Mikoto.
"I can't believe that Queen Mikoto knows of the Keyblade…King Mickey would flip if he found out." Silas chuckled.
"Are you doing well?" Mikoto asked
"I am fine. Though I do need to leave soon." Silas said
"I see." Mikoto said a bit sad. This person was her only clue to remembering her lost son. It was a bit selfish, but she didn't want him to leave yet.
"If I may ask, do you know of the plight in Nohr?" Silas asked
"Are you talking about the shortage of food?" Mikoto asked much to Silas's surprise.
"You know?" Silas asked
"Yes. That was the reason why my husband went to Chives that dreaded day. Though my children don't know about it, though I doubt it would do any good at the moment with Nohr's actions." Mikoto said sadly
"True…" Silas muttered. 'Smooth move Garon.'
"Though, there is another reason why we stopped trading with them." Mikoto added getting Silas's attention. "Around the same time, a well-known family of traders was murdered by Nohr on one of their business trips. As a result, many traders are too afraid to go directly there." Mikoto explained
'I wonder why that happened?' Silas thought.
"Now, if you don't mind, may I ask a question myself?" Mikoto asked
"Sure." Silas said
"That boy with my son…What is he like?" Mikoto asked
"Sora? I really can't say for sure since I never met him personally, but my friend Riku was a childhood friend to both. From what he told me, he's a kind pure-hearted boy that's really helpful, but a bit of a scatterbrain." Silas said
"Interesting…" Mikoto muttered. "Well, my daughter should be returning soon, so I must go. Please, I ask that you stay for a little longer. There is a festival coming up soon."
"I guess I can, but after that, I have to leave. I apologies, but I have a mission I need to do." Silas said
"Right. This Organization that apparently took my son from Nohr." Mikoto said. Silas nodded in response.
Shortly after Kamui returned home, Mikoto showed her, her own room.
"Why does this look like it was built for two?" Kamui asked seeing two beds.
'I'm still trying to figure that out myself.' Mikoto thought sadly. "It's a long story."
Kamui picked up a drawing. "What's this?"
"Oh, that. You drew it when you were little. That's you, me, Hinoka, and Sakura. You drew us girls." Mikoto laughed remembering when little Kamui first showed her that picture. "I can't believe how much you've grown since I last saw you."
"I still don't remember a thing…" Kamui muttered
"Pardon?" Mikoto asked
"Well, I have this feeling of familiarity with you, that I honestly can believe that your my mother…but everyone else feels like a stranger. I don't know how to react to these stories." Kamui admitted
"I understand. Don't worry about it." Mikoto assured
"I am so sorry. You could be my real mother, but I don't feel anything." Kamui apologized sadly.
"Don't. It's understandable. You lived your whole childhood in Nohr, and I am sure that you were sheltered. Though I hope one day we can be a family again." Mikoto assured
Kamui didn't respond.
"If you need a place to think, perhaps take a stroll to the nearby lake. Tha's where I go to think." Mikoto suggested
"I can go outside on my own?" Kamui asked excited
"Of course. But don't go too far." Mikoto smiled as Kamui ran off happy.
"Well, at least I got her to smile." Mikoto laughed before she thought about what Kamui said. "I wonder if she will feel anything if she met Takumi. He is her half brother after all…Then again, if she didn't remember me, she probably won't remember him, and that would not do well for Takumi." She then gasped. "How am I going to explain this to Takumi?
Takumi. Her son with Sumeragi. Kamui and…what's his name's half little brother. After they were taken, Takumi didn't take it well. He grew an even larger hatred for Nohr than the others did, and started to close himself off. While he has opened up to his siblings more or less…especially Sakura, he is very distrustful. How would he react to his half sister returning? Maybe she should scoop him out before they meet.
Kamui sat by the lake her mother told her about in deep thought.
"I can't stop thinking about Xander and the others. I wonder if they are worried about me." Kamui muttered
"You are the ocean's grey waves! Destine to seek life beyond the shores, just out of reach!" A female voice sang out
"What is that beautiful song?" Kamui asked looking around following the sound to find a woman about her age with long blue hair and a white dress singing on the docks.
"Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time; The path is yours to climb!" The girl sang, though upon hearing Kamui's footsteps, she stopped singing and turned to face her.
"Can I help you?" She asked
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just captivated by your song." Kamui said
"It is all right. You are Princess Kamui, are you not?" The girl asked
"Yes. Who are you?" Kamui asked
"I am Azura. A former princess of Nohr." The girl named Azura introduced
"Former Princess? I grew up in Nohr with the Royal Family. How is this the first time I've heard of you?" Kamui asked
"I have been gone a long time. After you were taken, Hoshidan forces retaliated. They tried desperately to get you back, but they failed time and time again. I however was not as well guarded. Mikoto's retainer Yukimura issued me to be kidnapped for an exchange. I'm afraid that we've both been hostages for most of our lives." Azura explained
"That's terrible. I am so sorry." Kamui said
"Don't be. I actually enjoy my life her in Hoshido, hostage or not. The people accept me and Mikoto treats me like her own daughter." Azura smiled
"I see…" Kamui muttered
"Did something happen between you two?" Azura asked
"No, but she really loves me, as does my other blood siblings, but I still feel nothing. It's all confusing." Kamui admitted
"I see. If I were to return to Nohr, I would likely feel the same." Azura said
"Would you go back if you had the option?" Kamui asked
"No. If I were to choose, I would pick Hoshido. Queen Mikoto is a peaceful ruler. King Garon is not." Azura said
"What about Xander and the others? I'm sure they miss you." Kamui asked
'Doubt it.' Azura spat in her head. "But enough about me, what about you Kamui?"
"I don't know. I came out here to think." Kamui admitted
"I see. Well, this is definitely a great spot to think. But I'm going to head back. I hope to speak with you again." Azura said
"Same here." Kamui said with a smile as Azura left. "She never did answer my statement about Xander and the others…maybe next time."
And that's a wrap!
So, before anyone gets confused by the dates, I screwed up with the dates in chapters 20 and 21. I fixed them though so they should be correct now.
So, that was the Fates world for now. Sorry to say, but next chapter we are going back to the Super Ice Cream Buddies! Though I will drop back to Fates every now and then to check in with them. It will be a little while before we get to chapters 5 and 6 of Fates. I'd like to believe that Corrin spent some time in Hoshido in-between chapters 4 and 5.
Anyway, I guess I will tell you guys this now since I got a BOATLOAD of requests asking if this will be Revelations, the answer is, yes and no. It will end in Revelations, but it won't start that way.
So, next chapter, the promised Day off is upon them and Roxas and Axel go out to look for Xion. Stay tuned
