Goodness me this chapter ended up large. iIt was originally going to be half the size but in the end I had so many good ideas. I hope you're in for a good read because there's plenty to unpack here. The Kana fans should be happy, too. Lets get started shall we?
Royalty
The sun has barely risen, and you've been roused from your unsteady slumber by raised voices outside. Mustering bells are also ringing throughout Cheve's township. Where there was peace and stillness moments ago, there is now yelling and the familiar of clanking Armor. You rise from your chair by the cooking stove, having given the bed to Charlotte last night so she could enjoy a relaxing night's rest.
Your lover is dead to the world - even the commotion in the streets doesn't budge her. She's been much the same for a while now: training even harder and sleeping the evenings away. She's also wearing her loose fitting kitsune fur coat far more frequently, and spending what must be a solid hour each day in the company of a shrine maiden when visiting the bathhouse.
Most confusing of all is her recent temperament. She's been descending into frightful bouts of rage at the blink of an eye; worse than usual. Yesterday she broke the arm of one of your soldiers during a training exercise. She was totally different upon returning to the house, however; holding you with great tenderness beside the fire last night. She flat out refused to relinquish the bond you shared.
Whatever is amiss, you'll speak with her once your duties are finished. The bells outside are chiming for a reason. And you have a strong notion as to why.
You collect for your freshly cleaned warrior's coat, snapping toward a small charcoal tally you made on the wall by the door. Five lines have been marked into the stone. A warning of sorts - an omen. One you hope isn't coming to pass in the way Nyx foretold. "Five days..."
Unlocking the door of your home, you step out into the morning light. No sooner than you emerge do you see Elena off in the distance.
"Lord Keiji!" She rushes headlong through the bustling streets to reach you. "Got an important message for you!" She skids to a stop next to you, wheezing for breath. "You're needed..." She sucks in a mouthful of air and breathes out through her nose. "...in the throne room. Her Majesty wants you there."
You pat Elena on the back. "Alright, steady yourself and we'll be on her way." You focus on the commotion while your trusted second regains her composure. "What's going on? Is it Hans' army? Are we being attacked?"
"No, Milord. It ain't no Nohrians. It's Hoshido; the Hoshidans are here. They've brought an army."
You've faced with a flashback to the previous day - of Nyx's foretelling of the Hoshidan arrival. She sat and calmly sipped her tea as she spoke of what would come to pass; a canvas of the future you quietly hoped would not reach completion. "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."
Shaken by anxiousness and frustration, you lock the memory away. "We must to go Her Majesty."
"Understood, Milord," Elena answers, following your lead.
You are the master of your own destiny, whatever awaits.
You're stunned to silence as you enter Camilla's makeshift throne room.
Flora is bowed before your queen. A pair of Hoshidan swordsman stand behind her for the purpose of protection.
There's an air of tension - an obvious one. Selena remains at the ready, a hand rested upon the hilt of her sword. You hear whispers among Camilla's knights within the chamber, too. Whispers of confusion. Whispers relating to a Hoshidan force waiting beyond the walls.
You perch beside the heavy iron doors, arms folded. Elena falls in next to you.
Being mere feet from cherished Flora has your heart racing. The promise you made to her countless months ago is the very reason you fight - a key factor behind your pledge of service. You would do anything for her, and doubly so if it kept her safe.
Elena leans into your ear and whispers, "Who's the maid? Word has it she was allowed inside on Camilla's graces."
"A retainer of Corrin. And a dear friend of mine."
Your reply peaks Elena's interest. "You know her? From where?"
"She saved my life once when I was a child. Twice, now that I think about it."
If it weren't for her you wouldn't have awoken from the illusion of Hoshidan "justice". Her betrayal was a guiding force behind your awakening to many truths of this fractured and war-torn world. Where she has naught but regret for her actions, you feel naught but compassion and gratitude.
Elena's lips lift into a smirk. "Explains why your eyes are quivering."
Soundly thrashed by the mage's sense for people, you focus on Flora and Camilla's conversation.
"Lady Camilla..." Flora gets to her feet and spares a somewhat stiff curtesy. "I'm here at the behest of Lord Ryoma. He requests you please return Miss Kana to her Hoshidan allies. We bare no hostile intent, and the army outside means no threat. All we wish to collect Kana, and any of Miss Hana's forces - should they be allowed safe passage."
A reasonable and predictable Hoshidan request. Their ilk are the first to use a peaceful approach where possible.
"Hmmm..." Camilla ponders, standing from her throne. "The girl - the one Lord Keiji rescued." She looks around the audience chamber until catching sight of you. "There you are, my dear." She smiles her usual welcoming but somewhat disjointed smile. "Would you be so kind as to come over here, please? There is something about this situation which I find... puzzling."
You bow your head, pushing off the wall, "As you wish, My Queen."
Flora twitches uncomfortably at the sound of your voice. Her hands jitter until she clamps them shut.
You fall in next to Camilla. She offers her hand for a kiss. You oblige gladly, and Flora winces at the sight.
"What do you need, Lady Camilla?"
"You are no stranger to the Hoshidan ways. Enrich me with knowledge of your kin, if you would be so kind," Camilla begins, folding her arms behind her back and leaning nearer to you. Her rosy perfume burns your throat. "Kana has been in our care for a mere handful of days. Five at the very most. How is Hoshido's firstborn prince aware her location? We received no messengers prior to her arrival."
You have a feeling in your gut.
For some time you've had a sensation not unlike being followed. It wasn't malicious - more a slight twinge of discontent. It became prominent enough by yesterday night that you spoke with Charlotte and Selena. They'd both recounted the same. Flora's sudden arrival provides all of the clarification you need. "My guess is they have a ninja watching this place - it's a common tactic used by Ryoma."
Flora twitches nervously in light of your assumption and looks away.
You can read her guilt like an open book after your capture at the Ice Tribe Village "I'm right, aren't I?" you ask the maid calmly; warmly. The last thing you want is to hurt her. "Who is it? Saizo? Or Kagero?" The mere mention of latter of the two has you seething, though you don't let it show.
Flora doesn't answer. She takes a nervous backward step from yourself and Camilla. Her protectors do the same.
The air in the room thickens amidst your suggestion of an enemy agent skulking about.
Selena moves from her spot beside the throne and draws her sword. "Arm yourselves, men. Queen Camilla's safety is our top priority."
Several knights follow the redhead's example, readying their axes and sharpened spears. You notice Elena sparking up a fireball from the corner of your eye. It roars within her palm. Unlike the other soldiers, she's looking directly to you for the order.
The Hoshidans guarding Flora also ready for battle. The room falls horribly quiet. Weapons are pointed in all directions.
You're placed in an impossible situation.
You cannot harm Flora, but to brandish your wraithglass in her defence would be an act of treason. An act you cannot abide. Her Majesty has given you everything. Just as Selena is her devoted shield, you are her noble blade. Your stomach turns at the very idea of doing battle with anyone here.
What do I do?
The audience chamber's iron doors begin to groan; they're widening inch by inch. All of the soldiers in the room stop and look. In the entranceway is Kana. She's alone and fearless, adorned in robes of Nohrian royal purple. Her white hair is worn loose and cascades down her back in a sea of beautiful waves. Sheathed at her hip armament unlike any other. A long golden blade with the glow of the morning sun.
A weapon you've seen many times previous. "Corrin's Yato..." The words lodge in your throat. "How-?"
Camilla grins pridefully at the girl in the doorway.
In the days since Kana's arrival you were told she'd been visited by the queen, but you were left unaware as to what they spoke about.
"Welcome, my darling girl." Camilla greets Kana, stepping out from behind you. "Weapons down now, all of you," she demands with absolute authority. "Our situation has changed as of today. You stand in the presence of a girl most pure and innocent. She is my honored guest, as are Flora and the Hoshidans waiting by the walls. Until our common enemy is vanquished there will be a continued truce."
Her announcement has most of her followers baffled and confused. Regardless, they do as ordered and stand down - as do you.
The Hoshidans lower their weapons as well.
Flora exhales and clamps her hands over her chest. "Thank goodness," you hear her whisper. "Lady Kana, you're safe."
Kana enters the chamber with a short bow of the head. "Sorry I'm late," she chuckles a fanged chuckle.
The young miss is joined by Camilla in the middle of the wide room. "Go on, my dear," Her Majesty speaks encouragingly, ruffling Kana's wavy locks in a strangely loving way. "So long as I am here, no harm will come to you. I promise with all my heart. Tell them what you told me. "
"Uh-huh," nods Kana. "Got it!" She takes a deep breath and clears her throat. "Hoshidans, Nohrians, everybody," she starts. "My name is Lady Kana - Maiden of Shirasagi. I'm a noble warrior of Hoshido - bodyguard to Princess Corrin. I come to you requesting aid. My lady has been captured by Hans; I've gotta rescue her before it's too late. You're the only ones I can depend upon, so I'll be joining forces with you for a little while."
Kana's revelation shakes your very reality it its core. The whole room is talking in raised voices - from soldiers to servants to a couple of Camilla's newly appointed generals. You too are struck dumb. How in the world has she curried favour with the queen?
There's rising panic to Flora's expression. "Please Milady," she begs, prostrating herself at Kana's feet. "Reconsider! Do not side with these people - we cannot trust them. Return to Hoshido... where it's safe. Do not have us fight alongside these... these-"
"Please let me make up my own mind, Flora," says Kana. "Lord Ryoma won't listen, and my daddy is missing. There's no one else I can ask for help."
Curiosity emanates from Camilla all the while. She snaps her gaze between Kana and yourself for many moments. Her eyes burn with realization.
"Tell me... Miss Kana. Are you truly who you say you are?" the Nohrian royal narrows her stare; her lips curve into a manic arrangement. "I feel you may be hiding something from me. After all, a warrior as steadfast as Ryoma wouldn't go to this much trouble for a single soldier. I wonder... Why are you so special where another of your countrymen was left to my mercy?"
You feel a resentful shiver beneath your skin.
Her Ladyship is right. You were spared no such concern or fanfare upon your capture. Aside a small search party led by Hana, you were left to die.
Kana gasps - caught in a spider's web of Camilla's making. "I'm- I'm not hiding anything."
"Milady," Flora again pleads with Kana, lifting her head from the cold stone floor. There are tears in her eyes. "Leave this place... Turn from Camilla while you can; do not fall victim to her tricks. You must not make the same mistakes that cost your father his life."
"No, Flora. I won't! My papa isn't dead. He can't be. I've never believed it to be true. Camilla will help me. She'll help us all. Me, you, Momma." Kana glances over her shoulder and toward you; she flashes a wink and looks away again. "It's time I stop lying. You always told me it was bad to lie."
"But this is different..."
"My mind's made up." Kana turns from the maid and bows for Camilla. "I'm very sorry I didn't tell the truth."
"It's quite alright, young lady. All I ask is you be honest with me, and all will be forgiven."
"Okay! I'll do my best." Kana rises, ready to address the whole room by the looks of things.
"My full name is Kana - First Holy Maiden of Shirasagi. I'm really the daughter of Princess Corrin."
Camilla's cries with emotion in response to the truth; she's uncaring of the presence of her subjects. "Welcome, my precious niece." Wearing the face of a doting mother, she sweeps Kana into a protective embrace and laughs with hearty joy. "To think that you would seek my help above all others. Oh how grateful I am. I will cherish this day, always. I love you, with all of my heart."
Kana rests her head against Camilla's bosom and smiles with glee. "It's nice to finally meet you, Auntie Camilla. I love you too!"
Despite the beauty of their meeting, you can't help feeling sorrowful. Kana is a child raised in the Deeprealm - a land within the Astral Plane where the currents of time flow differently. There is simply no other way to explain her age. Worse, her father is dead.
Like you, Corrin likely took another lover in the time you were apart. The grief she felt having first lost you must have been bad enough, only to then lose the father of her child as well. This war indeed causes nothing but misery - all the more reason to fight harder. "Dammit all..."
You crunch your hand into a balled fist and turn from Kana and Camilla's heartfelt cuddle. The weight of an anvil hangs in your of your stomach; you feel sick. Not wanting to interrupt Her Highness, you retreat to your place next to Elena, beside the door. "I'm leaving," you utter near-silently in her ear.
You depart in a hurry, without another word.
What starts as a slow walk quickly builds to a sprint; anything to be out of the throne room.
"Wait up, Milord," shouts Elena - giving chase. She catches up halfway down the outer hall. "What's got your panties bunched up?"
You slow until reaching a stop. Shrinking away from Elena, you breathe stiffly. "It's nothing." Between agony and fury, the weight in your in your chest is too much to bare. The thought of Corrin suffering pulls your composure apart. Your vision mists and your eyes become damp. "...I'll be fine."
"Doesn't sound like nothing." Elena steps in front of you. A rasp falls from her chapped lips when she sees your face. "Lord Keiji..." She steps closer and holds a hand to your face. An act of surprising tenderness compared with how she usually treats you "Lord Keiji... Are you crying?"
You retreat from her touch in a hurry, "A moment of weakness. Nothing more." A moment of weakness you will not allow to prevail. You dry your tears and steady your breathing. "I'll be okay. I was merely caught off guard by what Miss Kana said, about losing her father." A pain you relate with all too well.
Much to your surprise, Elena sweeps in for hug. "Easy there. Don't let it get ya down. It's war, ya know?" Far differently to her usual laddish self, she holds you tightly to her chest. A welcome gesture. "No sense in getting all twisted up about it."
You sigh sadly, "If only it were so simple."
Elena's backs off. Her concern is quickly replaced with her usual smirk - teasing but heartfelt. "This right here? It's why I'm happy serving under you. Guys like you give a shit about how folks feel. It ain't just about fighting. It's about the bigger picture." She snags you by the hand and leads you through the Border Wall's winding corridors. You're soon face-to-face with main portcullis entryway. "C'mon. Let's get outta here."
"Hold on." You stall, dragging your heels. Elena is forced to halt as well. "Where are we going, exactly?"
"Where'd you think? I reckon now's as good a time as any to get blind drunk. Don't worry," Elena chuckles. "I won't jump yer bones or nothing. Not unless you really want it, Boss. What do you say? I've got a nice jug of hooch waiting in my room; cheap and strong."
"You want to drink... at this time in the morning?"
"Has it stopped you before, Lord Keiji?"
"...Point taken." The first part of Nyx's foretelling has come to pass. "Fine with me." That in itself is reason enough for a drink. "Lead on, My Second."
"Loud and clear, Milord." Elena links her arm with yours. She escorts you outside into the cloudy morning sunlight. "We'll have a right old laugh, promise."
For the sake of your exhausted mind, you certainly hope so.
You're spirited away to the rundown district of Cheve Township by Elena. She leads you to a shack across the street from where Nyx has taken up residence. Swallowing a lump in your throat as you pass, you decide against visiting and enter Elena's house.
Your drinking escapades lasts until sundown. One bottle of cheap wine becomes a second, which becomes a third. And unlike you? Elena is a sloppy drunkard. A short time ago she collapsed into your arms and fell asleep. She's snores like a bear. A long fleck of drool leakings from the corner of her mouth.
"A good lass at heart," you reflect with fondness. The more time you spend in her company, the more you see her as a fast friend.
The two of you talked all day about your time before joining the army. It seems the common-born of Nohr and Hoshido have plenty in common, aside the lives of former being somewhat rougher than those of the latter. Like she promised, you've been able to forget your troubles for a time. A small mercy.
With the final embers of sunlight almost gone, you shuffle free of the sleeping Nohrian.
You collect a couple of ragged blankets, wrapping Elena up warm. Convinced she'll sleep well, you take your leave.
You're caught off guard while walking the street to your house. Flora and Miss Kana are travelling side-by-side in the other direction. They're being escorted by a duo of Hoshidan samurai. You don't recognize either one of them, and it's probably for the better.
Upon seeing you Kana breaks from her guards and rushes over. "Sir Keiji!" she clings to you in a hug, flashing you her signature toothy grin. "You're just who I was looking for- Wait..." She leans closer and sniffs at your coat. "You've been drinking." she says disappointedly. "You smell of wine and perfume!"
"Afraid so, Miss Kana." You look past her to Flora. The maid hides her eyes from yours ashamedly. You return the fullness of your focus to the princess. Having heard what you did today, you're more than willing to entertain her in conversation. "Do you see now what I mean? We heroes aren't perfect."
"So you do like wine; just like Momma told me." Kana pouts a grumpy pout. "You should take better care of yourself."
The two guards fall in behind Kana. You notice one of them eying you particularly violently.
For now you'll cut the chatter short. "I should be on my way." You bow like a gentleman for the young lady. "Farewell for now, Miss. I'll see you again soon."
Just as you're about to leave Flora finally speaks up. "Keiji... May we talk for a while?" She raises her head high. Though fearful, she walks on over. "Please, leave us" she petitions the guards kindly. "Take Miss Kana to the house. I'll join her there shortly."
"But Flora," Kana protests. "I'd rather stay with you."
"I know you would. But Keiji and I must catch up, in private." Flora forces a glassy smile. "...It's been a long time."
"Awwww..." Kana huffs. "Okay..."
The two Hoshidans respond with looks of extreme hesitation. "Are you certain?" one of them asks Flora. "We're to ensure your safety as well as Miss Kana's."
"I'm sure." Flora replies. Her smile widens, becoming heartfelt and genuine. "Sir Keiji would never harm me - not in a hundred years."
"As you wish, then. We'll be on our way. Come, Miss Kana."
The two Samurai depart with their princess in tow. She waves goodbye as she turns the corner.
Alone now with Flora, you fall silent. She too cannot say a word. Seconds slip by. Minutes fade away.
The maid's pale cheeks wash pink. "Keiji..."
The barriers created by lost time crumble.
The two of you meet in an embrace. You sweep Flora into your arms and lift her from the ground. She clings to you - a sobbing and teary-eyed mess. Upon returning her to the ground she lays her head upon your shoulder, pressing her nails into the fabric of your swordsman's coat.
"I prayed I'd see you again one day..." Flora sniffles. "But with each passing month my hopes dwindled. I thought I'd lost you..."
"No, never." You bring your lips to her forehead. "I made a promise, remember? I swore I'd survive until this war's end."
"But- This is all my fault. You wouldn't be here like this if I hadn't betrayed you."
"Freed me," you correct Flora. "If you hadn't freed me, you mean. You saved my life in more ways than you realize. You have my eternal gratitude."
"But you might never see Hoshido again."
"A small price to pay for lasting peace."
"Lord Ryoma is furious-" You shush the maid with a finger upon her lips.
"Let him be angry... I made my choice. Don't bare the guilt of my decisions. You've suffered enough."
Flora shudders amidst your touch, inching nearer as you remove your digit from her mouth. The two of you join as one, your lips locked with hers. Flora slips her arms over your shoulders and leans into you; she quakes with longing. One kiss turns to two. Two turns to three. You treasure this reunion for all it's worth. You've missed her more than words could ever describe. And you've grown so much since parting ways.
When you last saw the maid you were flawed, broken. You still clung to the fragments of Hoshidan belief. Your faith was hollow.
Everything is different today. The revolution has begun. Camilla's dream will soon be realized, and with each passing day you come closer to ending this war.
Flora parts her lips from yours. Her eyes are red and sore, but she appears happy despite that. "Come now, Keiji." She knots her fingers with yours. "Let us go somewhere quiet; peaceful. I yearn to hear all that has happened since you were taken us."
Allowing the maid to lead, you begin on your way.
There is plenty to talk about. Hopefully you have all of the answers Flora is looking for.
The two of you depart for the Border Wall. Once there you climb countless dozen flights of stairs until you reach the highest point - the fortress wall. Stepping out into the open, you link hands with Flora again and enjoy the youthful evening moon.
The cool breeze is refreshing. You're filled with contentment just by being here. Away from those who might pry into personal matters.
Flora lays her head against the nape of your beck and squeezes your fingers. "Keiji..." Her voice is sad, withdrawn. "...Why do you fight for Camilla now?"
A question that requires little thought. Unlike many times in your life, you're free of almost all doubts.
"Out of respect. Out of loyalty, too. Beyond her unsteady surface are the makings of a fine queen. She'll guide us to final victory. I believe it to be true."
Your answer causes Flora to grip your hand even harder. "And you'll lead from the front, won't you? Like Cheve."
"A commander of men doesn't wait in the rear. We inspire those around us; we're the will of those we fight for."
"I expected you would say that, but I wanted to hear it for myself." Flora sighs hopelessly at you. "Now I know why Lord Ryoma sees you as dangerous."
"'Dangerous'?" you repeat the word the maid used, largely out of surprise. "Me? I'm no threat to Hoshido..."
"Yes you are." the blue-haired lass disagrees with a stern shake of the head. "The speech you made before the battle for Cheve was... like magic. You and Camilla both are icons of charisma; your words are alluring. If I hadn't come to my senses..." Flora's cheeks heat to a strawberry glow. "...I would've ran into your arms like the other Hoshidans. Together, you and your new mistress are... entrancing."
This is the first time you've heard as such. For you it isn't a matter of charisma. You laugh gently at the simplicity of Flora's viewpoint.
"What is so funny?" she raises her brow. "D-Did I say something amusing?"
"You're most adorable, Flora. But like Hana, you don't see why I follow Her Majesty."
Freeing yourself from Flora, you move to the Border Wall's edge. Cheve is a mere walled square - a speck beneath you. With a sweeping gesture of the arm you pay appreciation to the size and scope of the world. "Beneath us is Cheve Township. Far north is Windmire. Eastward beyond the sea is Hoshido. What do they all have in common? What binds them in unity?"
Flora is puzzled by your question. "I erm... Forgive me. I'm unsure what you mean."
"People, Flora."
"People? I don't understand."
"Camilla makes battle to build a new Nohr - one free of bloodlust. A country where folks live peacefully."
Flora gaps at the very idea. "A land of peace?"
"That's right. All Camilla has done has been for one goal. From trying to capture Lord Takumi, to attempting to bring Corrin under her wing. She wanted a route to open talks with Hoshido - a ceasefire so that she might challenge her real enemy. Garon - her father."
Flora's eyes widen. "My orders in the Ice Tribe Village... My mission to capture Corrin..."
"Correct. It was all in preparation for where we are today. Camilla aimed for the princess with good reason, twice. I merely got in her way, and thankfully so. We are all pieces on Her Majesty's board, and I am her trusted knight. Her Lord."
While you are being nothing but honest about your feelings, Flora appears scared. "She used us... every single one of us. Nohrian... and Hoshidan. Both sides waltzed to her tune, and we didn't as much as notice. Now even poor Kana is enthralled by her." The maid steps closer to you one shaky step at a time until she grabs your shoulders. Her face is rife with anguish. "Aren't you afraid of someone with so much power?"
"I've no reason to be." You sweep Flora into your arms and provide her with comfort. "Especially since all I've fought for is in honor of our parting oath."
"Y-You truly didn't forget our promise..."
"No, Flora. Not so long as I live. There has seldom been a day where you and Felicia haven't crossed my mind." You hold the maid as though your world depends upon it. "You are one of the dearest friends I've ever had. I would never abandon you."
Again Flora is wrought by an expression of guilt. "I can't do this anymore..." She leans upon you and buries her face into you coat.
"What's the matter?" you ask. "You've no need to be sad. We're together again."
"I do, Keiji... Because I've been made to lie to Kana. And you."
Kana's mere mention causes unrest and changes in topics of discussion. The shrine maiden who attended her when she first came to Cheve did the same. Just this morning Flora was equally desperate to keep her true identity as a royal child secret. Even Nyx talked in riddles about her.
It's enough to rouse your curiosity all over again. "The girl... Who is she?"
Your question has Flora raise her guard again. "Are you sure you want to know?" she asks defensively, breaking eye contact.
"Tell me, if you would be so kind."
"Kana is Corrin's child; that much is true. But her father... didn't die. He was taken by Camilla."
In but a second your chest tightens. Every breath proves an ungodly struggle. Your thoughts return to the lonesome night of romance you shared with your dragoness - a memory which refuses to fade with the passage of time. You remember every kiss. Every lustful whimper. Every laboured sigh. And most of all, you remember Corrin's delight when she awoke the following morning. She held her stomach when she stood in front of the mirror.
It was as though she knew the truth then and there.
Now you finally understand what she meant on the day of Camilla's failed prisoner exchange.
"Bind me. It's a fair trade. Two lives for two. I'll go."
"Her father..." Your heart skips a beat.
Flora nods; there's great pain behind her snowy gaze.
"Kana shares your blood, but does not know it. She only emerged from the Deeprealm recently, you see. It was around the time of the attack on Cheve. Enraged, Ryoma ordered us to hide the truth from all but a rare few. Kana's father is dead, as are you in the minds of Hoshido's royalty."
A distorted tale spun by an angered ruler. The punishment for your decision. You bare no malice for such judgement. Regardless of your reasoning, betrayal is still betrayal to those who carry weighty ideals. The person you feel for is your once-beloved dragoness. "I'm shocked Corrin didn't object."
"She did, Keiji, alongside Sakura and her retainers. It wasn't enough. Takumi and Hinoka sided their elder brother. Not out of rage, but for Kana's safety."
"And what does Ryoma's ruling make me? An enemy of Hoshido?"
"No more an enemy than Camilla's recent uprising. You're idolized by lots of common soldiers for saving me... and hated by the rest."
That explains why Hana's men were surprised to see you in Cheve.
Your name bares the markings of a true revolutionary - the sort whom bards tell tall tales about. Knowing as such invigorates you for the battles ahead. "Fine by me. Now I need only stay the course. With every clash our numbers swell. Our victories will justify Camilla's claim."
What Flora says next cools your eager blood. "What of Kana...? Will you reveal what I've told you?"
"I won't - not yet. But I will take her under my wing to train her. This way she'll be safe from harm."
Flora joins you at the Wall's edge, coiling her arms around your middle. "You'll play Hero for her." She giggles and pecks your cheek, gazing up at the moon.
"Whatever it takes... for Corrin's sake."
"And once Lady Corrin is rescued? What then? You might be forced to confront Ryoma and the rest of her siblings."
You don't have the heart to tell Flora of your plans to remain at Camilla's side. You'll fight any who block her path "...I'll deal with it when I get there."
Flora again sighs like a disappointed parent. "In some ways you never change."
That may be the case, but your reason to fight is now stronger than ever.
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 chapter. Thanks again!
