This one took some time to put together. Part of it was going to be used in a previous chapter but I re-wrote a lot of it. A lot of you have been asking for a certain dragon princess for quite some time. Well, you're going to get her. Do enjoy! I'm really eager to hear what you think about this one. It's going to act as the lead up for plenty more awesome stuff in future.
Kana
It's been a few days since you and your men stumbled onto the remains of the Nohrian encampment. Time and again you've dwelled upon what caused such horrific destruction. You've not found a worthy answer as of yet. A force beyond your understanding is at work here; it makes you very nervous. Tonight you'll do your best to figure out the cause with a visit to Nyx. While the girl scares you, you can't fault her sage-like intelligence.
Inhaling and exhaling, you calm yourself.
Cheve is still and silent at this late hour. It's warm tonight, and many soldiers are sleeping beneath the stars. A great many more have laid claim to the abandoned houses of the townsfolk - much like Charlotte and yourself. And speaking of your lover, her strange aches and pains have subsided. You've not witnessed her being sick, and she's been especially kind and tender toward you since the night you cared for her.
You bid the slumbering lass farewell with a kiss to the cheek and head out of the door.
For the sake of your sanity you'll piece together what happened to the countless dozen Nohrians at the encampment. You've kept the letter you found there safely in your possession for days. For safety's sake you decided against showing it to Camilla upon your return. Strangely, you feel an omen attached to the thing. If her majesty reads it you fear she'll be in danger, though you can't entirely explain why. It's a hunch and little else.
The walk through Cheve helps calm your nerves, if only a little. The nice weather this evening heralded an intense night of celebration.
With each passing day you've seen plenty of Hoshidans and Nohrians getting closer. Several more of your former kinsmen have politely renounced Hana's command and joined Camilla's cause. People of both sides are coming together. A welcome change in light of all the spilled blood over recent years. Though a fleeting dream, it would be wonderful to see Hoshido and the Light of Nohr join as a complete whole. Two differing views unshaken by tides of war.
Even nicer, you've overheard stories among the common soldiers. Some of the Hoshidans and Nohrians are joining in courtship. You smile at the thought. It makes the walk in the direction Nyx's rundown house just a little less unsettling. Some of the Nohr-born lassies are rough around the edges, true - but they're far from unpleasant. Your most trusted subordinate is a solid example.
Twice now Elena has jokingly offered her womanly goods after combat drills.
You chuckle at the answer you gave last night, and her response. Nohrian lowborn view matters of passion very differently to Hoshidans.
"The day I kill a Faceless bare-handed is the day I'll delve beneath those robes of yours." An impossible task, but it was worth humouring her.
"Heh," Elena snorted. She bent down to tie her boots; you guessed the amount of skin she flashed in the process was intentional - a game of sorts. "Might conjure up a few and see how you fare, milord. I reckon it'd be a good laugh. I ain't about to die bored when there's such a fine piece of arse barkin' orders my way. It'd be a right old waste."
"Run your fine suggestion past Charlotte and see how you fare," you answered with a knowing chuckle. "Dismissed, Elena."
With a slap on the back you let her go for the night.
"Right you are, Lord Keiji," she said with a salute before she got on her way. "Sleep well."
You arrive before the splintered door of Nyx's house, returning to the task at hand.
"Here goes nothing..." You reach out - prepared to knock.
You're cut off by the shout of a soldier from across the sleepy township. At this hour anyone's voice would carry, but there's no mistaking the notable tinge of alarm to his voice. "Nohrians! Three of them! They're chasing someone!"
You double back. There's no time to lose! If there's an attack afoot you'd better rally the troops and sally forth with a vanguard. Not a single one of Hans' sadistic bastards is getting through the gates alive if you can help it. Determined, you make the return trip in double time.
Alive with purpose, you climb the steps of the high stone wall which protects Cheve's western side from would-be attackers. From here there's a clear view of tonight's potential battlefield, illuminated by the moon's pale lunar glow. The place you clashed with the Hoshidans weeks prior. The earth is scarred. Deep craters dot the landscape, likely from the explosions of powerful magic. Many shattered swords and snapped spears are still strewn about. In the centre of it all, stabbed into the ground, stands a half-burned standard. The mark of King Garron's barbaric rule; the true cause of this conflict. A monument to Camilla.
A handful of Hoshidan samurai keep watch from the battlements. One in particular eyes you favourably as you approach in a hurry, lowering his head in your presence. He's an older man with a scarred face and a broad-build. "There's a lass out there! At first we thought her an enemy, until three brutes in black armor emerged from the trees. Look. Quickly!"
"A girl? At this hour?" you ask with surprise. "Surely you're joking!"
"I speak the truth," the samurai assures you. He jabs a finger at the darkness beyond the wall. "There!"
You snap your gaze in the direction he motions.
Another samurai joins the pair of you, drawn to the commotion.
A person gradually nears Cheve's wall. You're left astounded. The closer they come, the clearer you see. It's a girl. She's small of stature and petite of build; you'll wager no older than her early teenage years. Her white hair is held in a tight bun. A ripped and tatty cloak shields her thin frame from the elements. There's a limp to her step. Her expression is awash with pain. Assailed by a trio of armor clad knights, she shivers and shakes.
One of the Hoshidan samurai speaks up. "She's alone? How'd she make it this far? It's dark as Nohr's skies out."
"It matters not," you answer the guarding duo. "Stay here, both of you. And open the gate. She'll die if we do nothing."
Without so much as awaiting a response you retreat, rushing down the steps. As soon as Cheve's gates part you run headlong into the night.
You close the gap fast. A man possessed, you lunge at the trio of knights encircling the girl with wraithglass drawn.
They're caught off guard by your savagery, leaving you with an advantage. You sever the head of the closest attacker with an artful vertical slice. Lifeblood sprays from the hole in his neck, spattering your coat and face. The second falls just as quickly, leaving the third stunned and frightful.
"G-Gods no! I-It's like the scouts said..." He screams, dropping his spear and falling flat on his backside. "Y-You're one of Camilla's generals. The Hoshidan serf turned commander... P-Please- I surrender myself to you. Mercy!"
You snarl like a rabid beast through clenched teeth, aflame with fury. "I'll bet you weren't going to spare this innocent girl." You gaze toward the quaking little thing for a fragile second. At a glance she's battered and bruised. "You'll get no such mercy from me, animal."
The negotiation ends with the tip of your wraithglass pushed into his throat. You retract it soon after - a gurgle and a gush of red follow. You spare not a second thought for the Nohrian, just as he wouldn't have for the one he pursued.
Putting your weapon away, you offer the girl (stained by the slaughter) a hand. "Can you stand?"
She wobbles to her feet, only to collapse against you. She's limp and helpless like a ragdoll - dainty and fragile.
"P-Please," she speaks weakly, her voice is strained; exhausted. "I- I need help. I have to-" The young lady opens her eyes with what little strength she has left. A fleeting silver shine takes you by surprise. Her chapped lips lift into a tiny, agony-wrought smile. "I have to reach the Border Wall. I-I'm needed there."
You wrap an arm around the girl's small shoulders to keep her upright. "Hold onto me. Save your strength. I'll help you."
"O-Okay. I'm K-Kana," she speaks in a whisper. "M-My name's Kana."
Kana. A lovely name. One of neither Nohrian nor Hoshidan origin.
Providing the support she needs, you bring your other arm around Kana's back and lift her from the ground. She's as light as a feather within your protective embrace. A short rasp falls from her mouth - the likes of which sends an awful shiver crawling beneath your skin.
"E-Everything hurts..."
"Worry not, Kana. I've got you. I'll get you somewhere free of danger." Upon closer inspection you see deep lashes beneath the ragged remains of her cape. You dare not imagine the situation she found herself in before arriving here. No matter her pain, however, she keeps a glassy smile. It's as inspiring as it is terrifying. "But you must keep your eyes open, understand?"
"I'll do my best," she answers.
Upon returning to Cheve with Kana, you are given some most peculiar looks by the two samurai whom kept watch over the gate. They don't stick around long. The two of them hurry off to deliver word of the unexpected visitor in your arms.
A room is prepared within one of the spare homes. Before long a shrine maiden is summoned.
You've been called to Kana's bedside.
She's been dressed in some warm clothes and given an intensive round of magical treatment.
Soundly the young lady sleeps. She's peaceful.
"It's a miracle," the shrine maiden rises to her feet and wipes the sweat from her brow. She props her staff at the foot of the wide straw bed in which Kana rests. "Her injuries... They were severe when you brought her to me. A cracked rib. A broken foot. A strike to her head... Several cuts along her sides, and a stab wound to the hip. The Light Dragon protects her, Sir Keiji. I've seen adults twice her size collapse from less."
With your duty done, you prepare to leave. "Ensure she's safe. I've done my part."
"Wait!" the Hoshidan woman brings you to a halt with her raised voice. She looks (and sounds) afraid beyond compare. "There's more. I found this in the pocket of the girl's trousers." She produces a spherical crystal from the inside of her robe and places the item beside Kana. It pulses in a heartbeat of rainbow-hued light.
You've seen one such crystal before, many moons ago. "A Dragonstone?! How...?"
The shrine maiden backs off from Kana's bedside. She's flustered; her cheeks are flushed a dark shade of red. "It is not my place to say anything, Sir Keiji... But I kindly ask you remain in Kana's company until I've spoken with Miss Hana. A small favour - if you would oblige. I won't keep you long."
Something is amiss here. Your oftentimes rife sense of unrest has returned. "You want me to stay with her? Can you not ask one of the samurai do it? I merely brought her here for treatment. I must go - I've matters to attend to. She's Hoshidan... the responsibility falls to you."
Kana stirs. Her grip on your fingers becomes stronger. She whimpers faintly, slowly but surely coming to. It's now, by the light of a candle, that you're able to see her features at their fullest. Her button nose. Her uniquely sharp, almost knife-like ears. Her round face and full cheeks. Long white locks cascade past her shoulders when not restrained by a bun. Most strikingly of all are her eyes. They're wide like saucers with the purest sparkle.
All in all, there's a sense of innocence about her. You feel strangely compelled to keep her safe from harm all of the sudden.
"Very well," you relent, addressing the shrine maiden. "Be on your way if you like. I'll keep an eye until you return."
"Thank you," she bows. "I'll be in the nearest house across the road if either of you need my support."
Without another word the Hoshidan brings open the door and steps out.
You watch Kana intently, as per your word. She's slowly coming around. "How are you feeling?
She blinks. Once. Twice. A third time. "Where am I?" and sluggishly sits upright, pulling the linens to her chest. You take a pillow from the bedside cupboard and rest it behind her neck for support. She fixates attention upon you. Her smile returns; this time it's even wider. "Thank you so very much for helping me." She reaches out and squeezes your hand kindly. "I thought I was a goner..."
"You're safe; we're in Cheve. What happened to you, Miss? For little girl like you to be wandering around out there-"
"Little?!" Kana raises her voice. She pouts with irritation, wincing painfully as she does so. "I'll have you know that I'm fifteen years old; a grown woman..."
Fifteen? Despite her claim, she doesn't look it. You bow your head. "My apologies."
"It's okay!" Kana chimes - cheerful again despite her noticeable discomfort. "You wanna know why I was out there?" Her expression drops. Stuffy silence overtakes the small bedroom for what seems eternal. "I'm Hoshidan - part of the army. We were marching," she pauses stiffly. "Word reached us that a bunch of rebels attacked the Border Wall. We set off to face them, but didn't get very far. I was captured by Hans' soldiers. I didn't escape until recently."
It seems Hana's earlier mention of allied support was true after all. "Ah, you came to help... I'd been told you were heading this way."
"Corrin-" Kana stalls. "Lady Corrin, I mean- She sent me ahead with a vanguard when the fighting got too bad. I was... the only one who made it this far. All the others?" She brings her eyes shut, sighing in recollection. "A band of Faceless tore them up. They're all gone now. I ran for miles. It was my job to reach the Border Wall. I swore to Her Ladyship I'd come to the rescue."
This small lass serves the dragoness? Strange. You've never seen nor heard of her before. Not once.
"Mind if I ask how you know Corrin? You'll forgive the question, but consider me curious."
"It's simple," Kana perks up - her cheerful demeanour again on show. "I'm her bodyguard. I keep her safe from all the bad people out there. Corrin's last guard... was taken away. It's kinda sad. I hear she cherished him. She told me plenty of stories; he sounded like such a lovely man."
The weight of an anvil hangs in your chest. You're made to remember the days you spent at Corrin's side. They seem so far away. Now? A little girl has taken your place as her protector. A girl who looks too innocent for this world ravaged by war. Why Corrin chose her is beyond you, but you're sure she has a good reason.
Instead of dwelling on the sad state of affairs, you force your frown away - no matter how much it aches to do so.
"Then it would seem you're my replacement, Miss Kana." You spare a chuckle; the irony of it all. " I was the one tasked with looking after Corrin before you."
"Really?!" Kana stares with amazement. She's shaking in light of your admission. "Y-You're my- You're Keiji? Are you really? No word of a lie?" Uncaring of your response, Kana grabs your bicep. There's adoration; you daresay love in the way she's holding you. "It's so nice to meet you..."
Taken aback, you nod cautiously. Whatever her reasons for being so cheery, you'll tread lightly. "Err... Yes. That's right. I'm Keiji, born of Izami."
"This is great, really it is." Kana's gaze is one of absolute devotion. Confusion takes hold. You're left quieted - without the means to speak. Part of you wants to push away; to ease off. You find yourself unable to muster the means, however. "Lady Corrin said you were a hero. You look like one," Kana grins an unusually fanged grin. "You're tall with strong shoulders, and you wear a warrior's coat. You're like something out of a folktale."
Is this what Corrin's been telling people? Forgive me, Kana. You're sadly mistaken.
"Me? A hero?" And yet, you have not the will to shatter her idealism. It's very rare to see somebody of an innocent persona in these bleak times. "I wouldn't go that far... But I appreciate it all the same."
"But you are," responds Kana diligently. "You sacrificed yourself to save Miss Flora's life. Then there's the time you and Miss Felicia protected Lord Takumi from a Nohrian assassin when he was sick. Only a good guy puts himself in harm's way for the wellbeing of others."
"I'm not-" You'll allow her to think what she pleases. Such a positive mindset might work wonders in aiding her quick recovery. "If that's how you feel, my dearest thanks, Miss Kana. My life as a soldier hasn't been easy... but I continue fighting regardless. It's my only way forward."
You're presented with plenty more questions. Every answer you provide sees Kana increasingly excited. Her fascination with your deeds is unprecedented. She asks about the battles you've fought as well as the time you spent in Hoshido.
The shrine maiden returns soon after, though she doesn't intrude upon the chatter. She remains by the door, listening eagerly.
You notice a strangely motherly smile gracing her lips at the sight of you both.
Kana's next question catches you off guard. "Is it true you were Corrin's lover?"
It's at that point that you notice a shift in the shrine maiden's body language. Her posture stiffens. On edge all of the sudden, she clears her throat abruptly, "Oh my... I'd say that's enough for today, Miss Kana. I'm sure Sir Keiji is busy with his duties." She strolls past, checking her charge's temperature with a swift hand upon the forehead. "Yes, you're still warm. It's best you rest until sunrise."
"Awwww... Ooookay," the young lady whines with dissapointment at her carer. "If you really think so."
"I do. Rest is essential to aid the healing process. Do you not agree, Sir Keiji?"
You'll tow the line out of gratitude - for being spared from having to answer a complicated question. "Yes, awfully so, the body won't heal if pushed too hard," you answer. You look past the shrine maiden to Kana. "Get well soon. There will be time aplenty for chatter once you are properly recovered."
"I will. Thank you again, Keiji... for rescuing me. You really are a hero."
"The pleasure was all mine."
No time wasted, you excuse yourself and walk into the night.
The scar upon your arm shines faintly, but without the pain of the last time. You hadn't noticed indoors, likely because of the candle's flicker granting a similar amount of light. You wonder if it's connected to Kana somehow. There's a sense of familiarity about her, even though the pair of you have never met before today. "It's those fangs," you recall. "And her eyes..."
Silver eyes. Draconic teeth. And knife-like ears. Each is a trait shared with the woman whom Kana supposedly protects.
"Who is she?"
A question which nags at your thoughts throughout the long walk across Cheve.
Nyx will have answers, somehow. You're sure of it.
The return to her house comes with an unexpected surprise. You step through the open doors to find she's already sitting at the table with a pot of tea boiled and candles lit. An arrangement of fortune cards are laid out in the middle of the table. They're turned face up.
"Welcome, young one," she greets you with her usual hint of interest. "The cards foretold of your return this eve. Come." She gestures toward the empty chair. "Seat yourself - I'm sure you have many questions. And as fate would have it, I am willing to answer... within reason."
"Y-You knew I was coming?"
"Yes, of course." At a snap of Nyx's fingers the door creaks closed. "Just as I know your path and mine will cross several times more before this journey's end. Now... seat yourself, Keiji of Izami. There is much you intend to ask me, is there not?"
You do as asked and sit across from Nyx, tying your fingers into a tight clasp to mask your rising worry.
The mage pours a steaming serving of tea into one of the chipped porcelain cups sitting atop a saucer at the table's centre.
"... Kana. You met her tonight, didn't you?"
Your stomach ties into knots. Nyx's question makes you queasy. "How do you-"
"The cards, sweet child. The cards show me all there is in the world."
Nyx carefully pushes the cup and saucer across to you. "Sometimes I am granted seldom more than hazy glimpses. Other times... the whole truth is laid bare. Your truth..." she continues "... is one of in which many agonizing battles yet await. And Miss Kana will play a vital role in one soon to come."
You squeeze your clasped fingers, cracking your knuckles. Nervy frustration is bringing you closer to the edge. "I didn't visit for cryptic ramblings," you warn with a narrowed stare. The urge to present your wraithglass rears its ugly head. "Kana... You know who she is, correct? I wish-"
"No, you wish nothing." Nyx shakes her head sternly. "You are wrought with terror at the notion of 'truth'. You came for comfort - for empty assurances."
You unlink your fingers, resting your hands upon the table top. Whatever game of chess Nyx is playing, you won't fall for it. You feel a sense of hostility emanating from the corners of the room all of the sudden. The candle flames become blue in a mind-numbing scream. The shadows cast on the walls bend into the shape of gnarled fingers with jagged claw-like talons. They're inching closer to you with every passing second.
Nyx smiles with cold intrigue. "You and I are not destined to become enemies, young man. Far from it, in fact. That said, I merely ask you refrain from raising a weapon in my presence. I can hardly aid you if I am dead, now can I?"
Swallowing a lump in your throat, you abandon the foolish idea of arming yourself.
"Fine, since you're beholden to my every move..."
Aware your (reluctant) withdrawal of hostilities, the shadows bend back into their original shapes. The light around you returns to its warm orange shade.
Safe again, you breathe out with great relief. The pressure lifts from your stomach.
"Five days, Keiji of Izami," says Nyx, lifting her teacup to her lips. She sips the piping liquid and sets the cup down upon the table again. "In five days the Border Wall will be visited by Hoshidan forces. Among them will be one whom you cherish. It is she who will tell you the truth of Kana's life, and she who will plead with you to return to your homeland."
Yet more mysterious prattle. You expected far greater from this meeting. "Is there nothing else?"
"Why, yes. There is more... but you will learn for yourself soon enough." There's sternness to her tone. "Impatiance," she groans. "The folly of youth."
Nyx wants you to leave matters well enough alone. You push ahead regardless. "I'm not content. Speak, Nyx. I'll not leave until you do."
Your insistence earns a raised brow of warning from the mage. "Turn back, child. Anymore and you face great danger..."
"I refuse."
"Fine then..." Nyx raises from the table and moves to stand at your side. She reaches out, clasping her outstretched palms around your face. She leans nearer, nearer... and nearer still. "Seven days more will pass," she reveals. "A battle will rage, and you will suffer a great pain."
Your stomach again churns at the news. You want to speak out in protest. You're stopped by what Nyx reveals next.
"Blinded by violence, you will seek comfort where you once despised it. Blood will stain your hands; you will kill and kill and kill again... until you face him."
The agony of a stabbing knife plunges into the back of your skull. You're met with an image - a vision. You see the inner halls of a foreign fortress; one you've never entered before. You're face to face with Hans, your writhglass clutched tightly. Your swordsman's coat is drenched in blood. Swathes of dismembered dead litter your feet. The stink of iron is seeping into your pores. You smell it like you're actually there.
"After all you've done," you snarl, "after all you've cost me... It's time we finish this. There's nowhere to run, Demon."
"Ha!" Hans bellows in the face of your threat. "Who said I'm running?" He pulls a mounted axe from the wall at his back. "Bout time I hack off your head!"
Gripped by bloodlust, you rush into the fray with a mindless roar.
You're left dizzy and disoriented. More questions surge through your mind than when you began.
A bright white flash clears your vision. You return to the moment at hand to find Nyx has eased away. "That is all I am willing to give." She wheezes, apparently very tired from the glimpse she's provided. She's about ready to fall over. "I must rest now. Leave me to sleep."
"Alright..." You feel a pang of guilt. If you'd known these instances of divinity were so tasking you wouldn't have asked in the first place. "But at least allow me to aid you before I go." You stand up, offering your seat to Nyx with a gentlemanly bow of the head. "Please, sit."
Nyx spares a tiny and exhausted smile, "T-Thank you... How awfully kind for one who's just glimpsed the wills of fate." Grateful, she sits down.
"I asked, did I not? I'll live with it."
"I do hope you'll say the same in twelve days, young man. Now you have bore witness... there is little chance it will not become your future."
"...I'll know soon enough. Goodnight, Miss Nyx."
With yet another bow you go on your way.
You are the master of your own destiny, a fact you tell yourself with intensity on the walk back to the house you share with Charlotte.
She's sleeping soundly when you arrive inside. Naked and devoid of modesty, she snores face-first into a grubby pillow. The sight of her eases your stress.
"Twelve days... We'll see about that..."
You're the one in command here. Choice brought you to where you're standing here and now. You could've died when Camilla took you captive such a long time ago. Instead, you stand tall as one of her chosen. You decided to pledge your life for Flora. You likewise chose to stand as a beacon of revolution.
Your life is yours to shape.
Dressing down, you lay next Charlotte, slinking an arm around her middle.
She lets out sleepy a mumble, wriggling into your embrace "...There ya are..."
"Go back to sleep, Love," you whisper, planting a clumsy kiss against her collarbone.
"-smells like blood," she mutters - doubtless between awake and dreaming.
You caress her smooth blonde locks in a gentle fashion. It isn't long until she's snoring again - fast asleep.
You too close your eyes.
Whatever the cards say, you'll defy them. It's as simple as that.
With Charlotte by your side you can't be stopped.
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. As always, keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next part. Thanks again!
