"It'll be Ok Corrin. Just relax." The Nohrian Prince mumbled to himself as he paced in front of the throne room. "Father's punishment can't be nearly as bad as the others said..."
It had been a day since Corrin had refused to kill Rinkah and Kaze and Garon had still not issued a punishment to his youngest son for the insubordination.
"Big Brother! What are you doing in front of the throne room?" Elise asked as she walked by.
"I'm here to see what my punishment will be from yesterday."
"Father will summon you when he's ready. Until then, let's play!"
"I'm sorry Elise, but I'm much too worried to play with you. I need to know my punishment."
"Then I'll help!" Elise declared, before stepping up to the throne room door. She knocked on it and said, "Father! Corrin and I have something we would like to discuss with you!"
"Elise! What are you doing!? I'm not ready yet!" Corrin whispered.
A minute passed and no answer came from King Garon.
"He is in there right?" Elise asked.
"Of course! I looked all over the castle, trying to look for a way to talk to him before he went to the throne room." Corrin admitted. "I thought it would be less stressful but he went in there first thing this morning and hasn't come out since."
"S-Should we peek inside?"
"I haven't seen anyone else enter besides Father so we wouldn't be interrupting anything.." Corrin reasoned before going to the door. "A little peek wouldn't hurt."
Opening the throne room door, Corrin found King Garon in the center of the room on bent knee mumbling to himself.
"Father?" Corrin called confused to see his father in such a state.
"Who goes there!?" Garon yelled, snapping out of his trance. After seeing Corrin and Elise, he added, "Who gave you permission to enter the throne room?"
"No one Father..." Elise answered meekly. "But we knocked and didn't receive an answer. We wanted to make sure you were all right."
"What were you doing Father?" Corrin asked.
"I was praying to the great God Anankos." Garon replied as he stood up and walked back to his throne. "I always seek his guidance when I am faced with a difficult decision. Now what is your business with me?"
"Father I wish to apologize about yesterday." Corrin said, "I realize now I should not have disobeyed your orders. It will not happen again. I ready to face any punishment you have for me."
"It pleases me to hear that." Garon replied. "As your punishment for disobeying me, I am sending you on a mission."
"Where to?" Corrin replied eagerly.
"There is an abandoned fort on the border of Hoshido and Nohr. I have received conflicting reports on its condition. Some say the fort remains abandoned while others state that Hoshidans have reoccupied the fort." Garon explained. "You will travel to the Bottomless Canyon and uncover the truth."
"Of course Father! When will I leave?"
"As soon as you are able. Say your good-byes to your siblings and gather your retainers. This is a pressing matter you have been tasked with. Do not disappoint me."
"I will do you proud!" Corrin replied confidently before he and Elise turned and left the room.
"See, that wasn't so bad!" Elise said cheerfully.
"You're right. Thank you Elise." The prince replied, patting his sister's head.
Returning the affection, Elise jumped on her brother and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad I was able to help you Big Brother! Just complete Father's mission and you'll be on the court in no time!"
"I certainly hope so. Now let's go tell the others, I know they'll want to know how I made out."
After some searching, Corrin and Elise we able to find their siblings gathered in the castle's main hall and explained to them Garon's mission.
"That seems unusually lenient of Father." Xander said, "He normally has very little tolerance for insubordination."
"The punishment makes sense to me." Leo chimed in. "Since the fort may be filled with Hoshidans, this will test Corrin's abilities yet again and if not, Father still receives valuable information about the state of our border with Hoshido."
"When do you leave darling?" Camilla asked.
"I just have to get Gunter and Felicia and then I'll be off."
"Then I'll start getting my wyvern ready." The purple haired princess replied, "I can't let you face nasty Hoshidans without your big sister around."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible."
From the opposite end of the hall, a dark haired sorcerer stepped into view, half of his face covered in armor.
"What are you talking about Iago?" Xander asked, addressing the sorcerer. "All of us intend to help Corrin on his mission."
"Yeah!" Elise added with a huff. "Why can't we?"
"King Garon intends this mission to be a test of sorts." Iago replied with a grin. "Interference from any one of you would muddy the results."
"While I can understand Father's reasoning, Corrin is still naive to the ways of the world." Leo said, "If he does face Hoshidans at that fort, he may not be able to handle that kind of battle."
"Don't worry Leo. I'll be fine." Corrin said. "Besides, I'll have Gunter and Felicia to watch my back."
"That will not be all." Garon said, stepping into the room. Behind him stood a menacing Berserker who glared intently at Corrin. "This is Hans. A highly capable soldier in my employ. Should you become soft-hearted during your mission, he will ensure my will is done."
"Thank you Father. That is very generous!" The youngest prince replied.
Leaning in, Xander whispered, "I'd be wary of Hans if I were you. He was a murderer and a thief until I arrested him a few years back. Father believes he is rehabilitated but I'm not convinced. That said, he is a capable soldier."
"Thanks for the warning." Corrin whispered back.
"Come on now. We don't have time to waste!" Hans said, forcefully grabbing Corrin away from his siblings. "Get your retainers and let's get going. I'm eager to spill some Hoshidan blood."
The Nohrian Prince quickly waved good-bye to his siblings before finding Gunter and Felicia and heading off to battle.
It was a long and awkward three weeks to the border. While Corrin made every effort to be hospitable toward Hans, the Berserker simply shrugged him off or scowled with each attempt. The only thing Corrin and Hans could seem to agree on was that the mission had to be completed successfully.
"So this is the Bottomless Canyon!" Corrin said with amazement as lightning crackled overhead. "This place is amazing!"
"I'm not quite sure we all share your sentiments milord." Gunter replied from atop his horse. "This place unnerves me. They say that whoever falls into the Bottomless Canyon never returns and instead live the rest of their days in eternal torment."
"And the lightning is really scary..." Felicia added to accentuation Gunter's point.
"That just makes it more exciting! Compared to the Northern Fortress this place is simply brimming with excitement."
"I never thought of it that way..." Gunter replied. "You may have a point there milord."
"Quit your yappin' you three!" Hans interrupted. "We're almost there!"
As the four Nohrians crossed the bridge over the Bottomless Canyon, the Hosidian base cam into view and was bustling with activity.
"Nohrians!" A samurai yelled, brandishing his katana. "Turn back now or you will be in violation of the peace agreement between our two kingdoms!"
"I'm sorry." Corrin said, slowly backing away. "We'll turn back imm-"
"Show us what you got!" Hans yelled as he rushed the Hoshidian. Catching the young soldier off guard, a killing blow was landed in two swings of his Iron Axe.
"Hans! What are you doing!?" Corrin exclaimed. "Father only wanted information on the base. We didn't have to kill anyone!"
"Garon wouldn't ask for information about a base if he didn't want it for himself!" Hans replied charging headlong toward a Hoshidan stronghold.
"It appears we don't have a choice now milord." Gunter said. "We'll have to fight as well."
"B-But charging into their stronghold is suicide." Felicia chimed in.
"That's why we'll have to make use of a defensive stance during this battle."
"What's defensive stance?" Corrin asked.
"In battle, units can either fight on their own and provide assistance to others when necessary-"
"Like we've been doing?" Corrin interrupted.
"Correct." Gunter replied. "That is offensive stance. Defensive stance is when two units travel the battlefield together and focus solely on protecting one another."
"Ok. I think I've got it. Now how should we attack this base Gunter?" Corrin asked. "Felicia is right about Hans' route being filled with too many enemies."
"We should try to find another way across. Perhaps there is a Dragon Vein in the area."
"Good thinking." The young prince replied. "Gunter, pair up with me. Felicia will follow from behind to provide healing when necessary."
"Right!" Both the Maid and the Great Knight replied before the three of them went off into battle.
While Hans had gone due east toward the base, Corrin and his forces traveled south to try and find another way to attack the base, but were left with a dead end.
"It appears there isn't another way across milord..." Gunter said. "We should retreat and regroup with Hans-"
"No there is a way across!" Corrin exclaimed and activated a Dragon Vein.
In a flash of magical power, a stone bridge formed across the canyon, just large enough for Corrin, Gunter and Felicia to cross.
"Good work milord." Gunter exclaimed.
"Don't look now but we've got trouble!" Felicia yelled, pointing at Hoshidian Sky Knights closing in on them from the south.
"They must have called reinforcements." Corrin reasoned. "Disrupt their flight path with your dagger Felicia! Once they get close, Gunter and I will take them out."
Throwing a dagger, Felicia was able to disrupt the flight path of the Sky Knights as Corrin and Gunter rushed in to deliver the finishing blow. Taking the lead, Corrin rushed forward with the Ganglari in hand and slashed at one of the Hoshidans who dodged and counterattacked with a lance. The counterattack landed successfully and knocked the young prince backwards. Luckily Gunter was able to step forward and protect the young lord from further attacks.
"Be careful milord!" Gunter said as Hoshidan naginatas bounced off his shield. "Remember the weapon triangle. Your sword is weak against lances and daggers but strong against bows and axes."
"Right." Corrin affirmed as he returned to his feet. "Gunter, let's separate here. Protect Felicia while we deal with these enemies."
"Thank you Master!" Felicia said, before falling in behind Gunter.
Utilizing their superior mobility and weapon advantage over Corrin, the trio of Sky Knights focused their attacks on the young prince who was only able to land an occasional hit on each of them.
I don't know how much longer I can hold out. Corrin thought as he parried yet another blow from one of the Sky Knights. Out of the original three that had attacked, Gunter had managed to defeat one while the other two continued to fight, despite their obvious fatigue. Hoping to end the battle, the final two Sky Knights entered formation and began to charge, leaving Corrin with no place to dodge.
I can't dodge and I won't be able to parry in time! What am I going to do!?
As a flurry of desperate tactics began to fly through Corrin's head, he heard a cry from his right.
"Stay away from my Master!"
Dagger in hand, Felicia charged headfirst into action, digging her dagger into one of the pegasi, killing the mount and sending its rider crashing to the ground.
Caught off guard by the death of her comrade, the second Sky Knight hesitated in her attack, leaving an opening just large enough for Corrin to deliver a fatal blow.
"Thanks... Felicia." The Prince said as he tried to catch his breath.
"Just doing my job! Heh heh." Felicia replied, happy to be useful. "Let's finish this shall we? Heal!"
As the restorative magic washed over him, Corrin brandished his sword and replied confidently. "Yes we shall. Onward!"
Ignoring the small outpost to the north the small squad of Nohrians charged toward the main base slightly to the south. Evidently, the bulk of the Hoshidan forces were stationed in the north and preoccupied with Hans, leaving only a single archer and a ninja guarding the main outpost.
"Commander Omozu, Nohrians are approaching!" The Archer yelled as he fired arrows fervently toward the fast approaching enemy.
"Reinforcements are already on their way." Omozu replied, taking out his shuriken. "We only need to hold our position and victory can still be ours."
Under the cover of Gunter's shield, Corrin and his retainers rushed toward Omozu, hoping to end the battle quickly. Once they were in close, Corrin rushed toward the Archer and, taking advantage of his weapon advantage, easily cut him down. The only foe left standing in the way of victory was Omozu himself. Unfortunately, the ninja proved to be a wily foe, dodging attacks and countering with strikes from his shuriken.
"Surrender now Hoshidan and your life will be spared." Corrin yelled as attacked and missed the ninja once again.
"Why should I trust the words of a filthy Nohrian?" Omozu asked as a shuriken landed at Corrin's feet. "Your kind aren't exactly known for showing mercy. I'd sooner die than surrender."
"If that is how it must be, we'll be happy to fulfill your wish!" Gunter yelled as he charged in with his lance. While the Hoshidan commander was able to dodge the Great Knight's attack, he was forced into the attacking range of Felicia. The maid and ninja locked weapons as Corrin charged in to make a strike of his own.
They're hoping to wear me down with relentless attacks. Omozu realized. I can't let that happen. I need to make sure they don't encircle me.
Disengaging with Felicia, Omozu ducked low under a horizontal slash from Corrin and countered with a couple shuriken strikes of his own before jumping backwards. Taking the initiative, Gunter charged toward where he predicted the ninja would land and prepared to attack.
Expecting another piercing attack from Gunter, Omozu began dodging right as soon as he hit the ground, only to be met with Gunter's pole-arm as he swung the lance. Omozu fell to the ground, barely able to move as Corrin, Felicia and Gunter surrounded him.
"It's over." Corrin said standing over the beaten ninja. "This fort now belongs to Nohr."
"Hoshido... will never stand for this." Omozu said weakly. "You've just started a war... and soon you will be it's first victims..."
"Wh-"
Corrin was interrupted as a battalion of Hoshidan soldiers burst out of the woods, weapons draw and ready to strike. Overwhelmed at the sheer number of foes before him, the young Nohrian prince froze. There are too many to defeat! What do I do?
Just as the first attacks were about to strike, lightning crackled to life and vaporized the Hoshidan front line.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on my Darling!"
Flying high above the battlefield, the magic caster was revealed to be none other than Camilla who, with an angry sneer on her face, drew her axe and descended to the battlefield. Enemy upon enemy soon began to fall at the hands of Camilla's protective rage.
Shocked at his sister's destructive power, Corrin mumbled, "Wh-Who is this person?"
"Brother!"
A call from behind was just enough to snap Corrin out of his stupor. Xander, Elise and Leo rode over and began to watch Camilla tear into the Hoshidan battle force. As Corrin looked over the faces of his siblings, none of them showed a hint of shock at Camilla's destruction, not even the kind-hearted Elise.
"You've survived your first mission. Well done!" Xander commented.
"Things seem to have gotten a little messy but I guess you did a passable job." Leo added.
"I'm just glad you're safe." Elise said with a smile.
"Wh-What's happening? How are you all here?"
"We were watching your battle from afar." Xander replied. "Even if this was a test, none of us would forgive ourselves if something happened to you. When Camilla saw you were about to be attacked, she jumped into action."
"That's really Camilla?"
"I guess you've never seen her on the battlefield before..." Leo said. "Despite how much she dotes on you, Camilla is a fearsome warrior. You would do well to learn a bit from her."
"How can I learn from that? She's basically slaughtering them!"
"It was them or you, Brother." Leo explained, "Camilla did what she had to to protect you."
"But she didn't even ask for them to surrender!" Corrin countered before pointing out at the battlefield once again, where Camilla was picking off the final few soldiers with ease. "Heck, she looks like she's enjoying it!"
"That's because those nasty Hoshidans deserved it!" Elise said, shocking Corrin. "Anyone who tries to hurt my big Brother deserves to die!"
The surprisingly dark statement from Elise shook Corrin deeply. How could his siblings believe such things? How could Camilla find such pleasure in slaughter? And how had he lived with these people his entire life?
Finished with the battle, Camilla got off her wyvern and began walking back toward her siblings, her armor covered in blood. Sensing something was wrong, Camilla asked, "What's wrong darling? Those nasty Hoshidans are gone now. It's Ok."
His sister approaching him covered in the blood of enemy soldiers was the last straw for Corrin. Rather than accepting his sister's embrace, the young prince turned and ran, terrified of the new sides of his siblings.
"Where are you going Darling!?" Camilla called.
"Master, wait!" Felicia called.
"The shock of battle must have gotten to him." Xander reasoned. "Gunter, head after him! There will probably be more reinforcements on the way."
"Yes sir!" Gunter replied. "I'll bring him back safe and sound." Before riding off in pursuit of his young lord.
All those people... are dead because of me... Was all Corrin could think about as he ran frantically away from the battle. They didn't deserve to die.
"Milord, wait!"
Gunter finally caught up to Corrin on one of the rope bridges that ran across the canyon.
"All those people are dead because of me Gunter." Corrin said, "And none of them even bat an eye..."
"That is how they have to be." Gunter replied. "Our kingdom is constantly at war with your siblings at the helm. If they were to break down at the sight of blood during each battle, Nohr would be doomed."
"But how can you justify that kind of killing?" Corrin asked, desperately trying to understand what seemed to come so naturally to his other siblings. "How can they live with that blood on their hands?"
"Everyone copes in different ways. Prince Xander tells himself it's for the good of the kingdom, Leo sees each battle as a test of his skill and Camilla and Elise justify themselves by saying they kill to protect the ones they love, like you. That is why Camilla fought so viciously today and what I believe Leo wanted you to learn from her."
"He wanted me to find a way to kill?"
"No. He wanted you to find a reason to fight." Gunter explained. "Once you find what your fighting for, nothing will be able to stop you."
With that, Corrin embraced the Great Knight who had been more like a father to him than anyone else in the world. "Thank you Gunter. I needed to hear that."
"Of course milord." Gunter replied, smiling as he placed his arm around Corrin and pat him on the back. "Glad to be of service."
"Well isn't this sweet?!"
The tender moment between master and retainer was interrupted as Hans began walking toward them.
"What do you want Hans?" Gunter asked curtly. "We were about to go rejoin the battle."
"That's just it." The Berserker said with a grin, "I can't let that happen." Pulling out his axe, Hans charged the unsuspecting duo.
"Get back milord!" Gunter cried as he pushed Corrin out of his arms and raised his shield to defend against Hans' surprise attack.
The boards of the old rope bridge bent with every strike as Hans tried to get through Gunter's heavy armor. On the defensive, Gunter was forced backwards until the weight of his armor and the strength of his foe's strikes were enough to break the bridge's creaky boards.
"Corrin!" Gunter cried as he fell into the abyss below.
"Gunter, NO!" Corrin yelled as his faithful retainer was swallowed up by the Bottomless Canyon. Lightning crackled as Corrin asked, "Why Hans!? Why would you do this?"
"Let's call it job protection." Hans replied with a sneer. "But that old relic wasn't my target!"
Taking out his axe, Hans rushed the young prince who barely parried the attack. Hans pushed the offensive just as he had in his fight with Gunter, pushing Corrin backwards with each power-packed swing of his weapon.
Just be patient. Corrin thought. He's probably fatigued from the battle just like you. Wait for an opening and strike.
As Hans' relentless assault continued, the Berserker began to slow as the injuries sustained from the battle caught up to him. Once his enemy slowed to a sufficient rate, Corrin began his counterattack. Pressing his weapon advantage, Corrin slashed furiously at the man who had killed one of his closest friends, not letting up for a single instant.
He can't even counter against me. The young prince thought as he continued his rage filled assault. Finish this! He KILLED Gunter! As these thoughts filled his head, Corrin began slashing harder and moving erratically, breaking through Hans' guard. He deserves to die!
"RAGHHRRR!"
"What the hell?"
Corrin unleashed a Dragon-like roar as parts of his body transformed to continue the assault on a now bewildered Hans. A transformed limb pierced the Berserker's right shoulder, before clamping down like a mouth with Corrin's other limb to tear off what little armor Hans had left.
"There he is! Retrieve Prince Corrin!"
Corrin was snapped out of his enraged state by Kaze, who was rushing across the bridge with Rinkah to attack him.
"This is perfect." Hans said, clutching his bloody shoulder as he turned and ran. "I might not have been able to kill you, but those Hoshidans sure will. HAHAHA!"
"You won't take me without a fight!" Corrin declared as he rushed into battle once again.
While he had easily defeated Rinkah and Kaze back in Windmere, Corrin was now powerless against their attacks. Physically and emotionally drained from his battles and the death of Gunter, not a single one of his blows landed against either target. It wasn't long before a solid blow to the head from Rinkah sent the young prince to the ground unconscious.
AN: Hello everyone and welcome back! Hopefully you enjoyed the new chapter, it was quite a brute a times to write but I think it turned out pretty well. A lot happened this chapter so let's go over the changes made.
Garon doesn't try to hide Anankos when Corrin and Elise eavesdrop on him. I think this was originally supposed to build a little mystery in the original story but Garon talks frankly about Anankos in front of Corrin as soon as he returns to Nohr, killing what little mystery they had built. Perhaps this was better utilized in one of the other routes but it seemed unnecessary for Conquest.
Corrin has a greater negative reaction to his sibling's warrior sides. This shows Corrin is still somewhat innocent and disgusted at war, gives a plausible excuse as to why only he and Gunter are present when Hans attacks, and should increase the tension when the time comes to choose a side (hopefully).
Finally, even though I mentioned this before, there is no My Castle aspect, meaning Kaze and Rinkah are the ones to come and interrupt the battle between Hans and Corrin. I don't believe the Ganglari magically tossing Corrin into the canyon was explained in any of the games and with Hoshidan reinforcements already on their way, Rinkah and Kaze interrupting the fight just seemed to make the most sense.
There you have it! Hopefully you enjoyed the changes and my reasoning behind them. Feel free to leave a review with your thoughts and comments! All I ask is that you leave no spoilers for Birthright or Revelations. Thanks and I'll see you next time!