Chapter 37 Why We Fight
Hoshido Castle:
Ryoma just slumped into his room in utter depression. He didn't even notice that he dropped Rajinto to the floor like it was some coat.
He had failed. He failed to get Kamui to return home with him, the Chieve rebellion was a failure, and even worse, Scarlet was now dead. Her forces were completely massacred and not one of her troops were spared. The Nohrian troops executed her in a gruesome manner according to Orochi, who along with Reina managed to return heavily injured but alive.
"That sister of yours. I think it's clear where her love is now." The hooded man said appearing in Ryoma's quarters. "Your little sister cared more for the princess than she did you."
Ryoma said nothing.
"And then your forces were attacked by the Heartless." The man continued.
"The Heartless?" Ryoma slowly asked.
"Those dark creatures. Gotta have a name, right?" The man asked.
"I…suppose so." Ryoma muttered.
"And then she went and killed your girlfriend. Oh, but not just her, she killed her army, and slaughtered the citizens of Chieve. The Nohrian's that were sympathetic to your cause." The man said.
"It wasn't her. It was that Hans guy!" Ryoma argued remembering the report he received upon his return.
"Does it matter? She did nothing to stop it. She chose to side with people like him over you." The man said.
Ryoma tried to open his mouth to retort, but all words died.
"You know, I do wonder how did you know that Kamui was going to be taking that path?" The man asked.
"We intercepted some Intel that Kamui's group was passing towards Macarath." Ryoma said.
"Interesting. If you ask me. It seems like it was a set up. Like King Garon is rubbing it in that Kamui chose him over you." The man said.
Ryoma thought for a moment, and the more he thought, the more that it made sense with how the timing matched up to when he received the Intel, just the right amount of time to arrive and counter, and with how little Nohrian forces his troops dealt with in order to get to a place where King Garon keeps a personal Villa.
"Damn him!" Ryoma growled.
"Why are you so persistent on bring Kamui back home?" The man had to ask.
"…I was there the day that Corrin and Kamui were taken. I saw it all. I saw my father be betrayed and murdered by Garon. I saw him take two of my siblings from me. I…I was powerless. The soldiers of Hoshido pulled me away to safety. I was able to escape but they weren't. It was my failure that caused them to be taken. For Takumi to shut himself out. For Hinoka to change her personality and grow as a warrior at such a young age. For Sakura to be subjected to rumors and for her to grow anxiety as a result. And for our Mother to lose some of the light in her eyes that she once had. I am their older brother and I am nothing but a failure!" Ryoma cried out.
He didn't know why he was telling some stranger all this stuff, but words came out without even thinking.
"And because of that promise, it has brought you nothing but pain. Kamui's twin Corrin is gone, your youngest brother and sister are gone, and even that blue-haired girl is gone. Now Scarlet is gone and soon, so will your last sister." The man said.
"No! I-I won't let that happen!" Ryoma cried out. His voice becoming more and more desperate. "I will use every bit of my power to save my family and Hoshido!"
"With your current power? As if. You are strong Prince Ryoma, but there is only so much you can do. Even with that old man's 'blessings.' But perhaps I can help." The man said.
"How?" Ryoma asked.
"I can help you awaken power that exist within you." The man said.
"Power that exists within me? Like what the Rainbow Sage did?" Ryoma asked.
"As if. I'm talking about actually power. Power that can truly make a difference." The man said.
"And what power is that?" Ryoma asked.
"The Heartless. They weren't created by Nohr, but they were summoned by Nohr. They are attracted to darkness in people's hearts and target the weak. Because of your faltering, your heart is weak which is why the Heartless target you instead of Nohr. But if you open your heart to darkness, you can change that." Xigbar said.
"Open my heart…tell me. Who are you?" Ryoma asked.
"Me? I'm just a friend. But if you need a name…Xigbar." The man smirked under his hood.
In another section of the Castle:
Hinoka was sitting in a large meeting room with not only her retainers, but the retainers of her siblings as well as Yukimura.
Setsuna was a young woman in green and white around Hinoka's age. Her green hair even covered one of her eyes.
Azama was a priest around Hinoka's age wearing blue and white robes with brown spiky hair that pointed back.
Hana was a young girl around Sakura'a age that had long brown hair and a white headband. She wore pink clothing under her white armor with blue underneath it.
Subaki was a young man around Takumi's age with Marron hair. He wore white and blue clothing with black armor on his shoulders.
Hinata was a young man around Takumi's age with brown spiky hair that was tied into a ponytail. He wore a purple sleeveless shirt under some black armor and white pants.
Oboro was a young woman around Takumi's age with long dark blue hair tied in a ponytail. She wore blue clothing underneath an orange outer layer along with some chest armor like many of the others.
"So…according to Orochi, the battle at Chieve ended horribly?" Hinoka asked upset.
"It would appear so my lady. The entire Chieve rebellion was slaughtered by the Nohrian army along with its commander Scarlet." Yukimura said.
"How are Orochi and Reina holding up?" Hinata asked.
"Both have sustained massive injuries. They are alive for now, but their recovery is still unsure." Kagero answered.
"Lord Ryoma hasn't been looking all that well ether." Yukimura pointed out.
"I know. I'll check on him after the meeting." Hinoka said.
"Well, according to Intel, King Garon is nearly ready to begin his invasion." Yukimura said gravely.
"Great. With the loss of most of the royal family, morality is at an all time low." Hinoka said bitterly before turning to the retainers of Sakura and Takumi. "Speaking of, was there any luck in finding their whereabouts?"
"Sadly, no. The four of us searched everywhere but have found no sign of Lady Sakura, Lord Takumi, Kaze, or even Lady Azura." Subaki said.
"Perhaps if we waited a bit more before executing those people that took Lady Azura, we might have had a lead." Azama pointed out.
"It matters not. They're dead now and that is all there is to it." Saizo said as a matter of fact. "And, as much as it pains me to say this, it is very certain that the four of them are dead as well."
"I COULD YOU SAY THAT SAIZO?!" Hana shouted standing up and slamming her hands on the table as she glared at the red headed ninja.
"Sorry to say, that it is a likely possibility." Kagero said sadly.
"What do you mean?" Hinoka demanded.
"After Lady Kamui evaded our forces, we were ambushed by those creatures. Strangely enough, they never seemed to target Lady Kamui's troops that couldn't have been too far away. They only attacked us. It's why we couldn't regroup with the Chieve rebels and was forced to withdraw." Kagero explained.
"Then that can definitely confirm that those creatures came from Nohr." Yukimura said.
"Great." Saizo growled.
"No…Lady Sakura." Hana muttered trying her best not to cry.
"If only we never got separated from Lord Takumi after the failed invasion at Dia." Oboro muttered sadly as she clenched her fist in anger.
"Dwelling on the past won't change anything. We need to come up with a plan or Hoshido is finished." Saizo said sternly.
"HOW CAN YOU BE SO HEARTLESS?!" Hana shouted.
"I'M NOT! You aren't the only one that lost someone dear! Did you forget my twin brother is gone as well? I am devastated, but there is no time to morn when the enemy is ready to begin an invasion right this very moment!" Saizo shouted.
"Saizo." Kagero muttered in concern to her coworker and former lover.
"That's enough!" Yukimura shouted getting everyone's attention. "Tensions are already bad enough as is, the last thing we need is to be fighting among ourselves." That got the two retainers to settle down.
"Do you think we should just surrender? Maybe King Garon will spare us?" Setsuna offered.
"Out of the question. Regardless if that 'I only want peace' crap Lady Kamui says is even remotely true, King Garon had made it obvious that he wants us all dead. Further proof lies with the fate of the Chieve Rebels and citizens." Saizo said.
"I think we should at least evacuate the citizens so they aren't caught in the crossfire. What do you think Lady Hinoka?" Kagero offered.
Hinoka nodded. "That's a good idea. We'll evacuate those that will be caught in the crossfire, then we need to fortify our defenses." Hinoka said.
The Hoshidans then began to further plan their defense for the inevitable invasion. It was likely a loss cause, but if they were going down, they were going down fighting.
Kingdom of Nohr:
Kamui stood before King Garon who sat on his throne as usual with Iago to his side. Leo was also in the room as well off to the side.
"You have done well in quelling the Chieve Rebellion. Kamui. I am very pleased." King Garon said.
"Father I have to ask. Was it really necessary to kill all those people? Not only did Hans murder the solders, but most of the citizens of Chieve as well." Kamui argued.
"It seems you still reek of naivety." Garon sighed.
"Naivety?" Kamui asked shocked.
"Do you think of yourself as a saint or something? There is no such thing. If we didn't kill them, they would have returned to kill us." Garon said.
"I-I can't accept that father! Why do we need to kill everyone? I'm sure if we talk things out, we can reach a compromise." Kamui pleaded.
"FOOLISH GIRL! Are you trying to anger me?" Garon roared.
"Father please! Forgive Kamui. It was an exhausting ride for her and the upcoming invasion has a lot of us on edge." Leo said making his presents known to Kamui who didn't realize he was in the room the whole time.
"Speaking of the invasion, are things going as planned?" Garon asked turning his attention to Leo.
"Yes father. The invasion should proceed on schedule. I have made sure of it myself." Leo bowed.
"Excellent. You are both excused." Garon ordered.
"Understood." Leo bowed.
"Wait father! I'm not done yet! Is this really the legacy you want to leave behind? Is this really the Nohrian way? I beg of you to reconsider!" Kamui pleaded. Garon's face twisted to more anger.
"My goal is to conquer Hoshido for the benefit of Nohr. Everyone in Nohr is aware of the situation, their position, and their role. Those that get in the way will be crushed. It matters not what they think of me. Talk of treason will be dealt with severally." Garon growled.
"But father..." Kamui began.
"Enough Kamui! Father has spoken. It's time to go!" Leo ordered grabbing her arm and dragging her out the door despite her protest.
"King Garon I must ask. Is it wise to keep her alive? While watching her squirm is amusing, her questioning is getting rather jarring." Iago said.
"The Great Dragon as spoken and she is to be sparred. For now. Besides, killing her would just be an easy out." Garon said.
"As you wish." Iago said.
Outside the Throne Room:
"What were you thinking in there Kamui? Do you have a death wish or something?" Leo demanded.
"Leo, you can't possibly be okay with all this mass murder, are you?" Kamui asked.
"Of course, I don't! Why do you think I spared Kaze and Rinkah on the day of your first test? But that doesn't mean you can openly disagree with father. You've been lucky so far, but eventually father will run out of patients and have you will be killed on the spot. Trust me on this. It is best that you keep silent and just follow orders. For your own safety." Leo said.
"Camilla said the same thing back in Chieve." Kamui muttered as she remembered her talk with Camilla after seeing Hans kill all those soldiers and citizens on the King's orders.
"All four of us have lived under King Garon's rule for our whole lives. Xander and Elise would tell you the same thing." Leo said.
"I see…I know that's how you all have lived all these years and I understand your perspective. However, I cannot carry out these orders father has been giving recently. I refuse to raise my sword to the innocents. I want to protect them." Kamui said as she started to walk away.
"Kamui wait! Think of who you're talking to. You know me better than that. We have to follow fathers' orders yes, but in truth we only have to make it appear to follow orders." Leo called out.
Kamui stopped and turned back to face Leo. "What do you mean?"
"Do you remember what I did to save Kaze and Rinkah?" Leo asked and Kamui nodded. "That wasn't the only time we have done something like that. We give the appearance of good little solders, but we have made it a certain art of manipulating things behind the scenes. How do you think the four of us have kept our souls intact and survived all this time?"
"You…You've been deceiving father? But you said it was dangerous." Kamui stated.
"It is. But sometimes the most righteous path is the one most dangerous to walk. The Hoshidans claim that they are the path of justice, but they are hypocrites. They have more than enough resources to spare, but they cut trade with us and left us all to die. That is why we have this war in the first place. Still, that doesn't mean I want them all to die." Leo said.
"I'm still confused on what happened that day. I've heard different stories from Hoshido and you guys, and there are my nightmares that seem to point more towards Hoshido's story. But that can't be right. I know you guys would never lie to me like that." Kamui said.
"I'm glad to have that trust. As for what happened, Hoshido suddenly cut off trade with Nohr one day with no explanation. Father arranged a meeting with went to Chieve with King Sumeragi to negotiate the reopening of trades, but it didn't work. King Sumeragi held no care for the suffering of our people since he thought of us as useless with nothing to offer them. Angered by this, Father lashed out at him, and King Sumeragi attacked as a result. His attack failed and he was killed in the process. That resulted in an uproar and you and your brother were taken during the chaos." Leo said.
"Father...Did he really say that?" Kamui asked shocked.
Leo nodded. "In all honesty, that might not have been the wisest choice to take you both, but the tension was getting to him. The plights of Nohr has never been good for father's health. I still remember when I was little where he was such a kind and caring man. But around the time Elise was born, that seemed to have disappeared. Xander would tell me in the past that Garon did try to do things your way in fixing the problems with Nohr, but it never worked and sometimes blew up in his face. It has hardened his heart as a result. Xander believes though that once this war is finished and Nohr has the resources it needs to survive and thrive once again, that father would return to his old self. And I believe that too." Leo said.
"I-I never knew." Kamui muttered.
"I suppose that is our fault as well. We prepared you to fight, but we never got a chance to show you how to work here in Nohr. I'm sorry Kamui." Leo said.
"No Leo. Thank you for telling me this." Kamui smiled. "I'm sorry that my father refused to help."
"It's not your fault. People don't always take after their parents and sometimes, that can be a good thing." Leo said.
"How so?" Kamui asked.
Leo's thoughts drifted to his own mother, causing him to grow some anger. "I'll...tell you another time."
"Okay." Kamui said though still concerned for her step brother.
"I can't guarantee that we will be able to save everyone, but we will do what we can." Leo assured.
"Thank you, Leo. I'm sorry I ever doubted you." Kamui smiled.
Suddenly, Leo's tomb Byrnhildr, and Kamui's sword Yato started to glow. Both took out their relics in surprise.
"Wh-What the heck? This has never happened before." Leo asked in shock looking at his sacred relic.
A light from Byrnhildr shot towards the Yato causing the Yato to glow brighter in a purple light. The hilt opened up wider and the blade was now glowing in a purple light. The bottom hole in the blade closest to the hilt was also purple.
"This…This must be the Grim Yato the sage was talking about." Kamui gasped.
"Sage? What are you talking about?" Leo asked confused.
"When I went to Norte Sagesse, I met the Rainbow Sage like Xander recommended. When I did, the sage said that I would join forces with a hero of Nohr and the Yato would grow into the Grim Yato." Kamui said.
"The sage said that? Wow." Leo muttered in awe. "Does that mean I'm the hero he mentioned?"
"It would appear so. He said our weapons were otherworldly and my sword would become the True Seal of Flames. Sadly though that's all he told me before he died." Kamui said sadly.
"The Seal of Flames…I wish I had more time to research it, but with the invasion coming I don't." Leo said putting his tomb away.
"Impressive Kamui." Xander said.
The two turned to see Xander, Camilla, and Elise approach them.
"How long have you three been there?" Kamui asked.
"Since you left the throne room." Xander said before approaching Kamui. "I should also apologies to you. I wasn't expecting Father to send you on missions so fast I never got a chance to teach you how we operate behind the scenes."
"No, I'm sorry I started to doubt you guys." Kamui said.
"Well don't you worry Kamui. The five of us will be together in the invasion." Camilla smiled.
"Hey cool sword Kamui. That's what the sage was talking about right?" Elise asked.
"I believe so." Kamui smiled.
"Cool! I wonder if it will change with Xander's sword as well?" Elise asked.
Deciding to try it, both Kamui and Xander drew their swords, but nothing happened.
"Well, it did just transform. Maybe it's not ready yet?" Leo suggested.
"That's not a bad guess. We can try again another time when we get the chance." Xander said putting his sword away. Kamui did the same as well. "Still, we do have some time to ourselves before the invasion starts, so let's use this moment to start educating you on how to manipulate father's order's behind his back." He offered.
"Thank you Xander. Everyone." Kamui smiled as the five headed off.
The invasion was coming. The final days of the war were seemingly in sight. And Kamui could only hope that things wouldn't go too bad.
And that's a wrap!
So let's start with Hoshido. Ryoma isn't looking good isn't he?
As for Nohr, I felt it was time to give more of an explanation of the lie Garon told that I brought up with Silas in Chain of Memories and Kamui in 358/2 Days. I was originally going to do a flashback, but I was never able to settle on something that was satisfying. I can be pretty indecisive sadly. There was only so much that I could do with Garon with the current state he is in, that I stopped going for too sympathetic at that day, but with Xander idolizing his father, and his siblings looking up to him so much, I didn't need to go too far with it. Plus desperation can make you do some crazy things. So now Silas is the only Nohrian left that knows the truth, and he isn't even in Nohr.
And before people ask, he will show up and I already have planned when that is.
Now I know what you also might be thinking. Shouldn't they be going to/at the Opera House? Technically yes, but there really isn't a point in this fanfiction. As you already know, Azura isn't with Kamui, so there really isn't a reason to do the Opera House stuff. And yes I know that it is suppose to lead to Kamui stumbling into Valla, and finding out the truth about Garon. Clearly that isn't happening right now. I can assure you that it is intentional, and I do have plans for that when we get to the Fates arc. For now, Kamui is going on the trust she has for her siblings, the the belief that this invasion is to save Nohr.
Anyway, this double upload will be my last upload of the year. Not only do I need a break, but the holidays are approaching so my free time to write isn't going to be the best. So I will see you guys in 2021.
Happy Holidays to you all, stay safe, be sure to follow and review and I will see you guys next time when we tackle the Pirates world.
