Sorry for the long wait everyone. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. My memories have refreshed me about this story. I have returned to continue it.
In the Kingdom of Valla, the war council was over. Corrin was still in the war council with his knights along with Azura. They were discussing where the Zeno Army would counter them. They are aware of the area where the Zeno Army could use as their advantage.
"They could change tactics and shift in this area here," Sync pointed at the map where the Zeno Army go for their fall back plan. "That place has a lot of walls for cover. It's a good spot for a counterattack."
"We could counterattack back using the tunnels behind those walls." Azura suggested. "Although, it is a long walk to get there."
Corrin hummed. "I'll send Silas to counterattack. I think that should do."
"They won't strike until nigh after sunsets." Yuudai said.
"I'll let you handle that." The Vallite King turned to the assassin. "Before you take, Azura and kids. Be careful when you are guarding them."
Yuudai chuckled softly. "Don't worry. I will tell Sync. We should enjoy ourselves before they start attacking."
Corrin nodded. "Yes. You guys are dismissed." He ordered.
Sync and Yuudai leave the war council room. That leaves Corrin and Azura alone in the room. The room fell silent when the two knights left.
Azura suddenly has an urge to hug her husband. So, she walked to Corrin and hugged him. Corrin returned the hug. He knows why Azura is doing this. She might be worried about his safely fighting against the Zeno Army.
"Corrin," she said. Corrin was all ears to listen to her. "Be careful out there. Who knows what they have in store for us."
"I know. Well, we should spend the rest of our time before they launch an attack. Who knows what will happen afterwards." The Vallite King released the hug and smiled.
Azura smiled softly. "Of course, dear."
"So, you have to take Lady Azura to a secret hiding spot while protecting her along with the retainers guarding her." Sync folded his arms on the chest as he leaned on the wall. "You're going to miss the fun, Yuudai." he chuckled.
The assassin shrugged and said, "What can you say? There's nothing I can't do about it. Lord Corrin ordered me to protect Lady Azura in a safe place. As long the Queen is safe, the battlefield will be filled with blood. Just make sure you protect Lord Corrin when the others return."
"Of course, I will. Besides, I'm going to have all of the fun with the Zenagi Army. They won't expect a counterattack from the Elite Knights when they arrive here."
"Just be careful when you fight the Commanders. They won't run away from a fight, especially Astor. He will kill you in sight."
Sync smirked. "Don't worry. I will show no mercy to the Commanders if I even have to kill them."
The songstress was walking in the halls towards the balcony. She heard the conversation from the two knights as she arrived at the balcony. She was curious to know what they were talking about. Yuudai and Sync turn around when they hear her coming towards the balcony. Azura was surprised that the two knights noticed her coming. How were they able to notice her coming to the balcony?
"Lady Azura, why are you here?" Yuudai asked, softly.
"I came here to relax and cool off for a bit. I'm surprised that the two of you are here too. I didn't know that you guys were able to find this place." the bluenette replied. Azura wanted to know how they sensed her coming to the balcony. "How did you guys notice that I was heading here?"
The martial artist answered, "We are always on guard. We were trained to sense other people's presence near or far."
"Who trained you guys?"
Yuudai answered as he frowned, "Luka. He is the one who trained us. I don't know how Luka knows these things. I doubt he is a former mercenary if he knows these skills. His stats as a leader are highly skilled."
Sync crooked his eyebrows. "We can't say for sure, Yuudai. All of us are curious to know about Luka."
Azura walks up to the rail of the balcony and places her hands on it. She glanced at the city. "I have something for the two of you to do for me."
The two knights were all ears to listen to their queen. They were ready to hear her out to whatever she needed.
Yuudai crossed his arms and asked, "What would that be, Lady Azura?" He was curious to know.
The Vallite Queen turned to the two knights and frowns. "Can you keep it a secret from everyone, especially Corrin?"
"You know, Lady Azura. We can't defy Lord Corrin when someone asks us to keep secrets from him." Sync retorted. "We tell him everything even if you told us to keep any secret from him."
The songstress didn't know this would happen. The Elite Knights aren't easy to deal with. It seems that Corrin did some work on them 2 years ago. She doesn't know if they are testing her or not.
"That doesn't matter to me. I want him to be safe. I won't let him die on my watch. That's why I want to tell you two something I want only the two of you to do."
The two knights looked at each other then chuckled. They never thought their queen would say that.
"So, what do you want us to do, Lady Azura?" Yuudai asked, twitching his eyes.
"Well," Azura starts to speak to them.
Corrin walks into the main room to find someone, but he couldn't find them. He sees Kouta and Alice sitting at the table relaxing and waiting for the Zeno Army to appear. He walks towards the retainers. Alice turns around to the entrance of the main room and sees her king coming towards them. Kouta also sees Corrin heading towards them. They look at each other wondering what their king needs.
"Lord Corrin, why are you here?" Kouta asked.
"Have you guys seen Sync and Yuudai," the Vallite King asked back. Both of the retainers shook their heads. "I see. Where are they? I need to speak to them about something."
"Should we go and find them for you, Lord Corrin?" Alice asked, willing to help Corrin to look for the Elite Knights.
Corrin shook his head and answered, "I think I'm fine. They will appear when I call them."
"Are you sure?" Alice was making sure Corrin didn't need any help.
Corrin went to the table to sit down on the bench where Kouta and Alice are. "Yes. Don't worry about it, Alice. They are probably waiting for the Zeno Army to attack the castle." he frowns.
"If you said so, Lord Corrin."
The general crooked his eyebrows. "Isn't everyone waiting for the army to come here? They don't need to do everything to themselves."
"You seem worried about Yuudai and Sync, Kouta. That's rare for you to say that to them." the half-dragon chuckled.
Kouta rubbed the back of his head. "What can you say? Doing this alone isn't what we are. We can help them with anything. After all, we have to support each other all the time."
"You're right about that, Kouta. It is our job to help each other either way." Alice agreed with her fellow retainer. "Fighting against the Zeno Army will be the first."
"Lord Corrin, is the war council supposed to be going on?" Kouta raised his eyebrow.
"Don't worry about it. We already discussed our strategy." Corrin stood up from the bench. Both retainers stare at their king waiting for him to speak. "Make sure you guys get some rest before they arrive here. Keep an eye out for any spies here as well. We need to be careful with any Zeno soldiers here." he frowns as he leaves the main room.
Kouta and Alice were ready to go to fight off the Zeno Army. They watch as their king leaves the main room.
"What kind of plan do the Elite Knights have for the Zeno Army?"
"What do you mean?" Alice asked confusingly.
"Remember what Sync said. He said they are setting up a plan for them. Then that means they are close by and waiting for the army to reach the kingdom."
"Maybe, but we don't know what they are going to set up for them. Everything is full of surprises."
"I guess you're right. We just have to wait until the Zeno Army strikes at us to get Lady Azura."
"Everyone is getting ready for this fight. To protect the Queen and the kingdom."
Kouta stood up and walked out of the main room. "We need to get ready ourselves as well."
Alice watches as Kouta leaves, then she also leaves the room to warm up herself for the fight that is coming tonight. "I have to take Lady Azura to her hidden place with the other retainers and Yuudai."
Everyone was getting set up against the Zeno Army. They don't know when the Zeno Army will start attacking.
Corrin was walking by the barracks. Trailing behind are his two knights, Yuudai and Sync.
The soldiers in the barracks watched as their King and his knights walked by the barracks.
"Who are they?" One of the soldiers asked curiously as he looked at the two knights.
"They are King Corrin's personal knights, the Elite Knights. They are the strongest warriors in Valla. They were chosen by his highness. If you get lucky, you might get chosen by his highness." The other soldier answered.
"Are they that strong to protect Valla?"
The soldier 2 shrugged as he continued his job. "Who knows. On the battlefield, time will tell. Anyway, we need to finish this before the Zeno Army attacks us."
The soldiers continued on their work.
At the Bottomless Canyon, the Hoshido arrived. They look around to see any ambush or the Zeno Army. The canyon is empty besides the wind howling through the abyss. Ryoma walked toward to see if the ghost was clear. Takumi and the retainers have their weapons ready. Ryoma signals his hand that it was clear to come out.
The Hoshidan King walked to the bridge then looked down at the abyss. Takumi trailed behind mirroring the same thing. The retainers were confused about what their King and Prince was doing.
Ivan knew where they were going. "Are we going to Valla?" He asked.
Elise smiled as she nodded. "Yep! We're going to see Brother and Sister. I'm so happy!"
"I wonder how they are doing in Valla. I hope things in Valla are at peace."
Zin put his hands behind his back. He is curious why his King is toward Valla instead of searching for Camila. "Lord Ryoma, should you be looking for Lady Camila? Lord Corrin wouldn't know where she is."
Ryoma faced toward the retainers as he bit his lips. "You're right. We don't know where to start searching, but we received a letter from Valla." He showed the letter.
"A letter? From Lord Corrin?" Shizuka responded.
Takumi shrugged in disbelief. "We don't know. That's why we're going to Valla."
"So, you have that same letter as well." A voice from the opposite side of the bridge.
The Hoshidans turned around to the other side of the bridge. They were welcomed by Nohrian allies. The retainers from both sides were shocked to see the two Kingdoms face to face. They don't know what is going to happen next.
Elise gasped in excitement. "Big Brother Xander! Big Brother Leo! And Sakura! I didn't think you guys would be here either!"
Sakura blushed in embarrassment. "Oh! I guess you were right, Leo. Brother Ryoma, Brother Takumi, and Elise did come as well."
Elise suddenly runs to the bridge to the other side. She gives her sister in law a big hug. She misses seeing Sakura. Sakura hugged Elise back.
Leo sighed. "Elise, you need to be careful when you run on the bridge. You could have fallen and gotten yourself hurt."
The young Hoshidan Princess looked at Leo and pouts. "I'm not a child anymore."
Xander let out a chuckle. "You're still the same. You haven't changed, Elise."
"Not you too, Big Brother Xander!"
Ryoma chuckled. Takumi just smiled. It was a reunion for Elise that she was able to see her family again.
Although, they were not here for a reunion. Both Kings from each kingdom looked at each other with a serious face. There were more pressing matters.
"You mentioned the letter. I supposed it's the same as us." Ryoma said.
Xander nodded. "Yes. We don't know if this letter is telling the truth or not. Regardless, we are willing to see with our own eyes."
The Hoshido King let out a hum, thinking the same thing. "Do you know who sent the letter?" He mentioned.
"Unfortunately, no." Leo responded as he put his hand on his chin. He thought of the possible ways from the letter that was sent to them. "This could be a trap. We are unaware of who or what they want from us."
"You're suggesting that we should be on high alert once we arrive to Valla?" Takumi said. Leo nodded. "I have to agree."
Sakura was able to follow her brother's conversation. "So, we're not going to Valla to see Big Brother Corrin and Big Sister Azura?"
"Aww! We're not! I thought we came here to see Brother Corrin and Sister Azura!" The young blond princess let out a sad face.
"We're not going to Valla just for the letter. We're going to see them as well if they have been sending this letter. They are the only three kingdoms that exist in this continent." The Second Prince of Nohr reassured. "Unless, they are other kingdoms we don't know."
The Hoshido King glared at his brother-in-law, confusedly. "Other kingdoms? They exist?"
"I'm not sure if they exist or not. I was at the library with my retainers. I found some books that were old that my father probably knew. It mentions other kingdoms outside of this continent. I don't know how many are there, but we can guarantee that it could be from them." Leo explained what he found and read.
Takumi was confused. "But if it was from the other kingdoms, how did it arrive here in this continent? That makes no sense. It would take 5 or more days to arrive in our kingdom."
It went silent between the royals. The raging howling from the abyss was getting violent. Maybe it's just the wind getting stronger or it's calling them.
Akihiro walked up to his king. "Lord Xander, we need to hurry and find Lady Hinako. The enemy are probably leaving by ship. We're wasting time being here." He was very eager to save his Master.
Xander sighed lightly as he turned to Akihiro. "I understand how you feel, but we can't rush to save the Queens. We don't know where the enemy is located. How do we know if they are traveling by water or land? We don't know the first thing about the enemy. We will be blinded if they go in just to save Hinoka and Camilla."
The young Diviner was about to speak but Leo raised his arm to stop Akihiro from further conversation.
"If you're so desperate to save Queen Hinoka, how about you go find her byself? Maybe you can locate the enemy. Once you find them, you can go save her and risk yourself dying. Your rescue mission will be a failure as you die in battle." Leo resorted.
"Do you think that was a little harsh, Leo?" Sakura felt sorry for Akihiro for being scolded.
"Yeah. That's not how you treat Big Sister Hinoka's retainer." Elise agreed.
Leo sighed annoyingly. "He's being too damn careless if he wants to die so desperately. I'm shocked that Hinako made him her retainer. Of all of the people she chose, Akihiro has to be the one."
Akihiro didn't know how to respond back. He closed his mouth as he was being scolded by Leo.
"Now, now, let's not bicker here. We have a mission to do and it's in Valla." Ryoma reminded them.
Xander nodded. He turned to the retainers. "Right. Let's go to Valla! Everyone get ready!"
Ryoma did the same. "It's time! Ready!?"
Every retainer nodded to their king's response. They were ready to go to see what lies ahead of them. It would be some retainers first time in Valla. And some that have already seen the Kingdom of Valla.
Outside of the kingdom, the Zeno Army was camping out until night to strike. The Commanders were having their time alone to clear their mind to focus their mission. This mission is important to them. They will complete their mission if they capture the Queen of Valla then return back to Zeno. The King of Zeno will begin the ritual to sacrifice the 3 queens to bring back Anankos the Silent Dragon.
The sun is dying down for the night to come out. The Commanders return back to the camp to round out the soldiers to get ready for their assault in the Kingdom of Valla. The soldiers were ready to march forward to the new plan that Aira came up with. Aria stood on top of the rock and watched the soldiers facing towards the castle. Haruna appears beside her and stares at the castle.
"I never thought Castle Valla would be this large. A whole army of our soldiers could fit in there."
"The outside is large but the inside will probably be a maze for all of us," Aria said. "Are the others ready to go?"
"With your new plan. They won't see it coming."
Aria almost feels bad for using this plan of hers. "I don't know if it is going to work against them. They might see it coming, after all, Haruna."
Yuri walks up to the girls and notices that Aria looks upset. "Are you afraid of your own skills, Aria?"
The 2 commanders turn around to Yuri. He looks confident. "Who knows, Yuri. Anyone can be afraid of their skills because it doesn't succeed as they wanted. That's why I don't believe in my own skill."
Yuri sighs lightly. "Stop talking like that. You need more confidence in yourself. Everyone here believes your skills. No one wasn't able to find Valla. If we didn't find Valla, we would be still searching for it from the surface."
"Yuri is right. We believe the plan will work. We trust you. You're our best strategist from Zeno. No one can beat your strategy." Haruna tries to cheer up Aira.
Aria still feels uneasy. "Alright, if you guys think this plan works then I'll believe it. But I have a feeling that something is waiting for us to come closer to the castle."
"What do you mean?" Sylvia asked as she appeared on her raptor.
The Iron Wall shook her head. "We have to be careful. Valla might have something planned. Keep an eye out in battle. We don't know what they have for us."
The Commanders nodded.
"To think humans will be scared over some plan." Astor said.
Felix turned to his leader. "Even humans can be afraid, Astor. Everyone has feelings, but that doesn't work on us."
The Grizzinsaber smirked. "Of course not. We'll kill every single human."
Haruna crossed her arms. "You better follow the plan, Astor. The King doesn't want any mistakes. He will have our heads if we fail."
"Blame our strategist instead of us. Afterall, this is her plan." Astor growled.
Haruna frowned. "You're lucky that I can't kill you myself."
"Same to you."
The sunset took over the daylight. Night was nigh. The silence of the sky glooms over into dusk. The sound of the cricket chirping, wind blowing quietly, owls hooting echo with the crickets.
The Zeno Army were outside of the kingdom getting in position for the plan. The Zeno Commanders were in position to ready themselves. Waiting for the sun to set down into dusk.
Yuudai sensed the Zeno Army had arrived in the kingdom. He signaled the information to Sync's mind. Sync got the message and quickly relayed the message to his king.
Corrin, Takuya, and Helios were in the Throne Room waiting for the Zeno Army to strike. Sync arrived as he was kneeling down on his knee.
"Lord Corrin."
Corrin knew that the army was already here. He raised his arm. "You may return."
"Yes, Milord." The material artist vanished from the Throne Room.
The half dragon stood up from the throne. "Everyone! The Zeno Army has arrived! We will fight them off to protect our kingdom! I pray for your safely for a better tomorrow! Let's show our strength to protect what we love!" He boasted to his soldiers to wash away the fear.
"For the future of the Kingdom of Valla!" The soldiers shouted.
Takaya was impressed. He never thought Corrin would be able to boast his soldiers in war. The Zengani Prince watches from afar as the soldiers ready themselves to battle.
The Vallite steady themselves as they wait for howls of the Zeno soldiers raging in. The retainers were in positions.
Yuudai, Azura and the kids have already left Castle Valla. Azura turned to the Castle one last time.
"Lady Azura… we can't waste any time." Yuudai whispered.
The bluenette sighed lightly. She turned back around and trailed behind Yuudai.
"Our plan is to capture the Queen of Valla ALIVE! Kill anything that stands in our way! Show no mercy to the Kingdom of Valla!" Aria shouted. The Zeno Army roared from outside of the kingdom. "Commence the attack!"
The Zeno Army started to charge into Castle Valla like a wall closing every direction. The Vallite Army hears the Zeno Army coming inside. Both sides clashed and the war started.
Astor already killed most of his side. Lots of dead bodies of the Vallite soldiers. He enjoyed killing humans. A wild beast within him is surging through. He wants to kill someone who is worthy to toy with.
A shadow of an axe appeared in his sight. He was able to block with the palm of his paws. The Grizzinsaber Leader traced the axe to its owner.
Nerina was impressed. The strength of the Grizzin was harder than most fighters she fought. Astor knocked back her axe causing her to lose balance. The wyvern lord tried to get her balance back, but Astor was too fast and hit her with his paws. She was sent flying to the wall.
Astor walked towards her slowly. "Is that the best you can do, you damn human?"
Nerina groaned from the pain. She stood up as it was nothing to her. "This is nothing."
The Grizzinsaber smirked. "Let's have some more fun!" He charged at her.
The Wyvern Lord steady herself as she waits for the Grizzinsaber to come in closer. Astor jumped as he bare his fangs out. Nerina noticed something and shifted her position quickly. Astor bit blade of the axe.
"Damn! Too strong!" Nerina was struggling with her footing.
Astor lifted the axe up along with Nerina holding it. He throws her axe then lets go of it. Nerina slammed her axe on the ground to slow her down.
A claw appeared in front of her. She blocked it with her arms. Blood appeared from her arms as it was trailing down to the ground, dripping.
"Impressive, but you started to bore me." Astor lifted his other paw. "It's time to say goodbye." He swings his paw.
This isn't how this ends for her. She was depressed, hoping someone will save her. Suddenly, a tail smacked Astor away from Nerina. The Wyvern Lord glanced at who it was. It was her wyvern, Bahamut, who saved her. He goes to his master and purrs at her. She smiled and petted him for saving her.
"Thank you, Bahamut." She picked up her axe. Nerina faced Astor. "We're not done!"
Astor growled. "You bastards don't know when to quit! Fine! If that's your wish then I shall grant it."
Nerina and Astor started to charge each other and clashed.
Yuri marched forward into a spacious area in the castle. He looked around to see if there's anyone in the area. It was empty. He heard footsteps echoing in the hall on the opposite side.
Kouta arrived at the same area and saw Yuri. "I didn't think someone would reach here already. You guys put in some work out there."
Yuri chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment." He ready his sword out and pointed his sword to Kouta. "Show me what you're made of."
"Why do you want to capture the Queen of Valla? Are you guys depressed to revive the dead that was gone 2 years ago? What is the purpose of that?" Kouta questioned the Commander.
"Sorry. I don't tell any enemies anything." Yuri dashed in front of Kouta and swung his sword.
The General quickly dodge the attack. Yuri lowers his sword and smirks. Kouta's right cheek got cut from the swing.
Kouta wiped the blood from his cheek. "So fast. This won't be easy."
"Now then, show me your powers." Yuri ready his sword in position to strike.
"You put words in my mouth." The General took out his axe. "Ready when you are."
Yuri and Kouta charged at each other. The two weapons clashed with one another. They swung as the two weapons clanked each other. Kouta swings his ax. Yuri dodge upwards in the air. The General glanced up, waiting for Yuri's next attack. Yuri used his boot and knocked Kouta down. His boot was on Kouta's hand where he was holding his weapon. Kouta groaned.
The 11th Commander was disappointed. "Is that all?" Kouta was struggling to move his hand. Yuri raised his sword. "What a waste of effort." He lunged his sword to finish Kouta.
Kouta tried to use his free arm to reach for his sword, but it was pinned down. 'He's so strong. I can't move my hands.'
Yuri sensed something coming. A ball of fire was coming towards him. He cuts the fireball in half. Suddenly, Macha swung her sword to Yuri. The 11th Commander dodge swiftly away from them.
"Are you okay, General?" She asked.
Kouta stood up slowly. "Yeah. I'm fine." He cleaned off the dust.
"You got beaten up." Macha crossed her arms. "How are you fine?"
Kouta sighed. "We don't have time to worry. We have an enemy to deal with."
"So, you're a General in this kingdom. It's quite a disappointing display of fighting." Yuri frowned.
Kouta shrugged. "You're the one to talk coming from the enemy side. Who are you?"
"My name is Yuri, the 11th Commander from the Kingdom of Zeno. Please meet you." The Commander Swordmaster raised his sword. "Enough talk. The battle is still going on."
Kouta and Macha stood their ground, ready for Yuri to attack.
The horde of raptors and the rider was flooding through the halls. Sylvia was leading the charge. Drachen and his troops were waiting for the Zeno Army to arrive. On cue, the Raptor Riders arrived. The raptors jumped up into the air.
Drachen threw his ax and landed its mark. He went to grab his ax then charged towards the Raptor Riders. The Vallite soldiers charged as they trailed behind their commander.
Sylvia jumped off of her raptor then swung her scythe at Drachen. He blocked the attack with his ax.
"You're the Commander of this army?" Drachen asked.
"What if I am?" Sylvia questioned.
"You are the one who is leading them. That means you are the Commander. Who are you? What do you want from Lady Azura?"
Sylvia casted magic from her hand. "Icicle Rain!"
Drachen dodge the magic. "What kind of magic is that?"
"The name is Sylvia, the 8th Commander of the Kingdom of Zeno. And to answer your question, that's no of your concern." Sylvia responded with no emotion. She cast another spell. This time it's with a magic circle.
The Malig Knight Commander waited for her to cast her spell. The Commander Raptor Slayer finished her spell, but she didn't call it off. Drachen was confused why she didn't cast her spell. Sylvia runs towards Drachen.
The blonde Commander swings her scythe. Drachen blocked it again, but something was different. He was being pushed back.
"What the?" He tried to push back, but Sylvia was too strong.
Sylvia pushed Drachen causing him to lose balance. Drachen loses his balance. He tries to regain his balance. Sylvia swiftly attacks with her scythe. The Commander was able to dodge her attack then moved back. She was surprised to see someone was able to dodge the attack.
"I'm actually shocked to see someone was able to dodge that while losing balance. You're not as normal as the soldiers here."
"You could say that. I can see why you're a Commander. You're strong. I'll give you that." Drachen lifted his axe in his hand. "Let's see who's skills are better. Yours or mine."
The Raptor Slayer Commander smirked. "I agree. Let's put our skills to the test."
In the Throne Room, where Corrin, Takaya and Helios were waiting for any Zeno Army that would come. Corrin has his Omega Yato next to his throne chair. He stood up and grabbed his sword.
"Are you ready to fight, Takaya?" Corrin asked as he turned to the Zenagi Prince.
Takaya was hesitant to answer. He clenched his fist. "I don't know. It's hard to answer. I don't want to kill my own people."
"You don't have to kill them. The rest is on you to decide."
"You think they will listen to me, if I am a traitor to my own kingdom?"
Corrin shook his head. "I doubt they probably won't listen to you, because they are under command of a new king. There's no point in convincing them."
"I agree with King Corrin. The Commanders are the new army of the kingdom. Some will recognize you as a prince." Helios said.
Takaya sighed deeply. "You're right. There's nothing I can do to stop them."
Before Corrin was about to speak, a sudden interruption by a Vallite soldier was sent flying into the Throne Room. The three faced towards the hall. The sound of heels echoed into the halls. It was getting louder and closer to them. The figure walked out of the shadows.
Haruna appeared in the Throne Room. She looked around only to see the Vallite King, Zenagi Prince, and the former commander of Zeno. There was no sign of the Vallite Queen.
"Where's the Queen?" Haruka asked as she eyed them.
"The Queen is of no concern to you." Corrin response. "Who are you? Are you one of the Commanders?"
Haruna chuckled. "I am. My name is Haruna, the 5th Commander of the Kingdom of Zeno."
Takaya had no words to say to Haruna. "What's so important to take the Queen of Valla here?"
The Fencer Sorcerer turned to Takaya. She was surprised to see someone familiar. "Oh!? You must be Takaya Val Atomos the Prince of Zeno. I didn't think you would be a traitor to your own people. Why are you siding with the enemy?"
The Prince of Zeno shook his head. "You're wrong. You're the one who is siding with the wrong enemy."
"I don't know what you are talking about. You're betraying your own kingdom, throwing away your people to ashes, and the land is slowly dying." Haruna walked forward to them.
"Chronos doesn't care about the kingdom. He only cares about death and war."
Haruna started to cast. They stood their guard and waited.
"Thunder Blade!" A lightning blade falls down from the skies above them and crashes.
They were able to dodge it, but the lightning from the Thunder Blade scattered out in the Throne Room. The room was electrified for a few seconds until it vanished.
"What was that magic? I have never seen magic that dangerous." Corrin was shocked.
The 5th Commander attacked the half dragon as she swung her rapier. Corrin blocked the attack. She casted something on her hand to grab Corrin. The white-haired dragon noticed something was wrong with her hand and quickly moved back.
"You must be Corrin, the Vallite King of Valla." Haruna analyzed him. "I'm surprised to see someone so young to be king of one kingdom. It must be a heavy weight to carry." She scolds Corrin age and the burden he needs to carry for Valla.
The Vallite King closed his eyes as he bit his lips. "That's maybe true," Corrin faced Haruna with a serious face. "But it won't stop me from trying my best for this kingdom. Even if I fail, I'll keep going to face my mistakes."
The 5th Commander laughed. "Making mistakes is a reward of being weak. You cannot fix the mistakes you made. You will regret it in the future."
"I'm sure you make some mistakes too. No one isn't perfect. So, don't blame anyone but yourself."
Takaya started to dig through the conversation. He didn't think that making mistakes is okay. Maybe he was too drawn on himself.
"Your highness, we don't have time to dwell at the moment. If we don't do anything, the Kingdom of Valla will fall. The Zeno Army will search for Queen Azura." Helios reminded him.
The Swordmaster prince sighed deeply. He doesn't want to hurt his own people. "You're right. I'll do my best." Takaya readied his sword. "You ready to go, Helios?"
"I'm ready, your Highness."
Takaya and Helios charged towards Haruna. The Frencer turned to them as they were running to her. She ready her position and waits for them to get closer. Helios started his attack as he lunged his lance. Haruna sighed lightly then stopped reflecting the lance with her rapier. Takaya countered back with his sword. The 5th Commander casted her magic from her hand quickly.
"Too slow!" Takaya swung his sword to her. Haruna grabbed the sword with her bare hand. "What the?!"
"You're the one who is slow." She frowned as she pushed Takaya's sword back. She lunged her rapier at Takaya.
Takaya blocked the attack with his sword. He landed beside Corrin and Helios.
"She's fast." Corrin said.
"I can see why she is the 5th Commander. The King of Zenos knows how to choose his commander wisely." Helios hesitated.
"Hmph! Say the former Commander in his shell. You still haven't cracked out." Haruna said. "When are you going to tell your little prince?"
"Kaede said the same thing." Takaya looked at Helios. "What are you hiding, Helios?"
Helios sighed. "I don't know what you are talking about. The King probably filled you with lies."
Haruna shrugged. "I don't know. He keeps saying that the former king is a fool, hiding behind that mask of his. You're the same as the over zealous former king. Sooner or later he will break away from you."
"You should keep that mouth shut! Disgrace to our king's death!" Helios growled.
"That King is nothing more than a failure. You can keep those secrets, but it won't last."
Corrin turned to Takaya. "Like Helios said. You can worry about that after this is over."
The Zengani Prince just responded with a nod.
Outside of the Valla Castle, Aria was with her squad. She hears the battle cries into the castle. She waited for any information on the queen's whereabouts.
A soldier walked to Aria and saluted her. "Commander Aria, we searched the entire castle! There was no sight of the queen!"
"Oh? They really did take her before the attack." Aria smirked.
The soldier nodded. "Your planning is splendid, Commander Aira. They won't know what is coming."
"The predator always knows its prey. We win this game of cat and mouse."
As on cue, Kaede, Azura, and the kids were surrounded by Zeno soldiers. The kids were behind Azura and Kaede for protection.
"How did they get here?" Azura asked.
"It looks like Aira predicted this. I'm impressed." Kaede answered. "Getting everyone in the castle busy while her squad goes out of the kingdom to search for us."
"There's too many for us to fend off." Azura hesitated.
"No, Mama. We are here too. We can fight." Kamui said.
The kids nodded their heads in sync.
"But-"
"Trust us, Mother. We can fend ourselves too. It's not like we never experienced war before. As long as we can fight, we can win." Shigure assured.
"I have to agree with Shigure. I don't like the idea either, but we need them to fight too." Kaede looked around the area.
Azura bit her lips. "I hope you are right, Kaede."
"Don't worry. You haven't gotten that. Haven't you?" He whispered.
"Of course I haven't. I know it will work." She whispered back.
The Zeno soldiers charged in to attack them. Kaede quickly strikes down a few soldiers with a blink of an eye. A soldier strike Azura from behind.
"Mama! Behind you!" Kamui shouted.
Azura turned around, but the sword got close enough to attack her. She gritted her teeth, thinking it was the end for her.
Yes! This is a short chapter. I lost some ideas for this chapter, but it think this should be fine when I return back to my long writing. I wanted to write more, but I have to save it for the next chapter like I promise.
The OC applications are still open for Zeno Commander. 2nd, 4th, 6th, and the 12th position open. And still looking for OC application for the Elite Knights. The application is in chapter 11.
Feel free to dm to me or review in this chapter.
Thanks for hanging on fams! :3