A/N: Alright yeah, I was really antsy on getting this chapter out. The groundwork for this arc has been set, and it is now in progress… enjoy!
Canon Name = Nickname: Corrin = Lupus. Velouria = Vella. Keaton = Keaty. Setsuna = Seta. Hinoka = Hina. Sakura = Saku. Subaki = Superman. Ryoma = Red. Selkie = Silky. Kaden = Ka-da. Orochi = Viper. Takumi = Tako. Lastly, only Selkie/Silky refers to Corrin/Lupus as Lu-pu.
ZygardeFusion: Ah-ha! I've confirmed nothing and… ah, forget it. Yes, this will have Leo/Sakura. Happy?
Hm? Zola ain't torturing Sakura, he's just gonna ask a few questions and leave. Iago is the one holding toxins and burning brands here.
Half-beastdragonsoul2013: Ah yes, the holy trinity for Leo: Books, Tomatoes, and Tomato Tomes. But wait! Now there's a rising interest that is overcoming all of these… Princess Sakura.
Dadaan is using dominance to calm down Lupus… this time. Next time? Heh, well, we'll see.
Izuna is too much of a happy, go-lucky person for someone like Zola to imitate.
J-Dawg: Aw, give Leo a break, he isn't completely hardened… now if Iago changed through emotions… And another person being moved by emotions, Ryoma. Jeez, the next thing you know is that Xander is going to crack into a huge smile.
I dunno, is she? I'd ask her, but all communication lines have been cut. Iago is so vile that he breaks through the fourth wall and stops things from happening.
Naaaaah, Dadaan just wants a chance at mating… *shifty eyes*
That is correct. Again, the only deaths I'm assuring are Hans, Iago, and Garon. Everyone else is fair game… not that I'm going on a killing spree, mind you. And oh, Odin will be fine, Leo is just on edge right now.
Leo thinks the answer lies in Zola. The author knows that Zola is going to have a large part to play soon.
Consort: And you would be correct in that assumption. Dadaan only has goodwill towards Lupus, he wants to make her happy, like say for a completely hypothetical reason... a husband, but c'mon, let's face it. Wolfskin don't 'marry'. Anyhoo, I agree. Another close bond for Lupus! So, 'A' Support between Lupus and Dadaan?
Ryoma is... kinda doing what Hana did. He's letting himself being guided by emotions rather than rationality. Jeez, classing as a Samurai must include like a high boost to stubbornness.
True, and Leo isn't a slimy snake like Iago is. Leo still has his morals about him... and torturing is surely below him. If Leo did play the 'bad cop' with Sakura, I doubt he would have actually tortured her.
Princess Hinoka rides her Pegasus with a sort of solemn pride as she heads towards the Hoshidan base camp. A brief errand… get in and get out. Big brother will definitely want to talk to her, but… she can't stay long. She can only imagine the happiness to see her return… only to grab some things and leave again.
Was Ryoma really aware of what could happen if he lost the duel?
Well, at least Keaty is trying to grasp why he should not force her down and mate. Keaty is willing to change, now if only the same could be said about Vella. And gods, Corrin… or Lupus, rather. It's clear that 'Corrin' is gone, as Hinoka is the only one who refers to her as such, so… maybe it's better if she just drops 'Corrin' for 'Lupus'?
What would the others say to that? What would they think if Hinoka acknowledged that Corrin, the missing Hoshidan Princess, is now Lupus, the Wolfskin-raised half-dragon? As even in her human form, Cor… Lupus fights with her draconic powers.
Hinoka still remembers how Lupus originally sought how to wield a sword, but she left with not wanting anything to do with that… all that mattered was her Dragonstone. She so quickly discarded 'human' weapons for something that resembled 'beast' weapons.
Was she ashamed of being human?
No, that can't be it. Sure, Lupus may act more like the pack, but it's clear when she acts a human. Like when she started screaming in the middle of the pack.
Dadaan better be taking the absolute best care he can for her, and it better be more than just 'listen to the male'.
Hinoka grips her Pegasus's reigns tighter as the thought crosses her mind. She can understand the Wolfskin, but that doesn't mean she approves of it… gods, females having no say in things. "Tch." She scoffs. Still… Dadaan told her to sit and she sat. Hinoka can't just… But, Lupus isn't fully human, is she? She's half-dragon, raised by Wolfskin. She was raised differently, a fact that showed itself time and time again, but one that Hinoka can't seem to get through to herself. "Woah, girl…" Hinoka coos as her Pegasus lands.
"Lady Hinoka?" Kagero.
"Hina!" Setsuna. "...You aren't here to stay, are you?"
"I came to get some more armor and weapons, then return to the pack." She internally flinches as she makes that announcement. "So no, I'm not here to stay."
"...we need to share a few words, first, Lady Hinoka." Kagero again. "Need."
"I can get another set of Sky Knight armor in the meantime~" Setsuna walks.
"I'll pick out a few naginatas, then." Subaki.
"Alright… whaddya need, Kagero?" She asks.
"It's about our current situation. Lord Ryoma sent a request to Nohr for an exchange… Princess Camilla for Princess Sakura."
"Wait, wait… Camilla is here?!" Hinoka shouted.
"Yes, she is. We assume it was a purposely failed assault." Kagero calmly nods.
She scowls, "I… no." She takes a breath, "I can't get distracted… I need to hurry and get back." She shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can really do."
"...of course, I just thought it would only be fair to inform you." Kagero nods. "Still… Lord Ryoma is… not himself. He's making decisions without proper information. Nohr practically gave us one of their Princesses, and their response for the exchange happened far too fast. Please, if there's anything you can get the pack to do."
She shrugs, "Like what? Kagero, this will be an unnecessary conflict for them. It won't happen."
"Hina~." Setsuna returns with a crate. "Three sets of Sky Knight armor…" She lazily smiles.
"Thank you…" Hinoka nods. "Now, Kagero. Believe me, as much as I want to help, I really can't."
The Ninja looks pained. "...understood." She bows. "Thank you for your time, Lady Hinoka… give Lady Lupus my regards."
"...You mean Lady Corrin?"
She nods, "Yes, but we've come to terms with her decision. If Lady Corrin wishes to be referred to as Lupus, then we will call her Lady Lupus."
What is taking Subaki so long? "How's Hana?" Well, she has some time, at least.
"She's learning the struggles of controlling her temper. She's already made some rash decisions, and recently got into an argument with Subaki, but this happened before Lady Camilla's assault."
"Really? I mean, I know Hana can get really focused on a task, and she does tend to get on the defensive a bit too quickly, but… arguing with Subaki?"
"...It's about the duties of a retainer." Kagero breathes, "She simply views her duties as Saizo does… which is her oath above everything else. Lady Hinoka, if she was there, she wouldn't have left Lady Sakura even with Lady Sakura ordering her."
"Oh…" Well that, and Hinoka doesn't have any authority over Hana, since she's a Samurai and not a Sky Knight. "Gods, where is Subaki?"
…
"Hina?" That's… Ka-da? "If you don't mind, would you take something to the pack for me… it's a peace offering, of sorts, I guess?" He hands her a small bag. "I understand Lupus's desire to bring Wolfskin and Kitsune together, and I really do want to help, but I also know this is going to take a lot of time. So… from one alpha to the other."
"I can do that." She nods as she accepts the bag.
"Thank you, Hina." Ka-da bows.
"Alright, I'm back." Subaki… conveniently returns... and she didn't miss him nodding to Ka-da. "Four naginatas, forged from steel. One of them is Dual, one is a Guard." He hands her a rather large bag.
Hinoka looks at her Pegasus, "You gonna be okay carrying all of this and me?" The majestic mount whinnies and steps back. "Oh, great…"
"I can go with you." Subaki offers, yet Hinoka falters.
"You'll just be landing and leaving." She warns him.
"I understand… besides I have some materials of my own to give." He brings out yet another bag, "Herbs, some Festals for you, a fair number of Vulneraries and Concoctions… and a shipment of anti-Beast Killer tonics." He smiles.
"Jeez, bringing the whole medicine cabinet, aren't you?" Hinoka laughs, "C'mon, let's get going."
"Only the best." He nods, the both of them readying their Pegasi and soon taking off.
Dadaan sighs as he rubs his eyes with one hand, as the entire other half of his body is being held by Lupus, who is fast asleep. After her breakdown in their last training session, and after he managed to get her to calm down, she fell asleep. She looks so peaceful like this. "Hmph." He huffs as he gives up the idea of just leaving. He meant what he said to Hina, even if he doesn't realize what all of that actually includes.
He will soon, though.
"Dadaan, I…" The alpha walks in, then stops.
"She needs help, alpha." He replies after a moment's silence.
"She's a female." He flatly states.
"Which means she's yours to mate with… I know. But, we also should take the time to tend to her human side… like you will with Hina."
"What I will do is what I do." A little aggression. "And you won't have her."
On edge, "I know." Why is he stating the obvious?
"And you think you understand her human better than me?"
"Just because she grew up as your 'sister' doesn't mean you understand her the best." A rise in his tone. "Besides, you already got a full-blooded human on your paws."
"..." He leans on the cave wall and sighs… Lupus shifts around and wraps her arms across Dadaan. "Alright, fine." He suddenly says, "If the scouting group comes back clear tomorrow, we'll settle it." He gets off the wall and walks.
'It'. "Alpha?"
"Look, I get it. I can tell. You want her… and I can tell from her scent that she'd rather have you."
"But?"
"We'll fight tomorrow. If you can best me, you can mate with her."
"I'm not wanting to be the alpha."
He huffs, "That's not what I'm getting at. I'm staying the alpha regardless. I'm still a Wolfsegger. You'll be… 'dueling' for the right to mate with just her."
"...And I have to best you to get that right?" Lupus shifts around again, this time planting her whole front side of her body onto his side. "I'm only a Wolfskin."
He clicks his tongue, "Yep." He resumes walking out, "We'll see what happens tomorrow."
"Mmm…" Lupus hums as she buries herself into Dadaan's fur.
"Yeah… we'll see." He reaches and strokes her hair, which only causes her to tighten her grip in an attempt to get even more into his fur. "The right to mate with her…"
Princess Sakura slowly blinks her eyes and stretches. Thankfully, the burning pain has left her and her magic is slowly recovering. She's also been getting quite the last few good meals. However, it has only been adding to suspicion… are they bringing her up only to drag her back down? She can feel some strength return to her body, but…
She looks around. Something is… off. "Ah, you're awake." She grits her teeth… Iago. A bump soon follows, a cart?
"Where are you taking me?" Is the first thing she asks.
"We're getting Princess Camilla back." He simply replies.
"You're…" Wait, so if she is being moved, then… "I'm going home?!"
"Yes, you filth. Your presence is nothing compared to Lady Camilla's." His tone is laced with disgust.
She's… going home. Back to her family. Sakura sighs in relief as she sits down, content for once. It's almost over, it's almost over. A Princess for a Princess. Sakura then relaxes as she closes her eyes for a quick nap, the relief is literally enough to give her the peace of mind for proper sleep.
...
She awakes, this time in… her cell? Sakura was about to cry, was that just a dream? Even her mind is taunting her now? "My my, quite the sleepy one, aren't you?"
"Iago." She hisses… then squeaks at her own aggressiveness.
"Hmph." He… smiles? "Spit all the threats you want, soon our hands will be washed from you."
"...huh?" Sakura couldn't help but tilt her head. "That… wasn't a dream? I'm going home?"
He scoffs, "Gods, yes woman. You are going home. We'll bring you out when the Hoshidans are within sight." He shakes his head, "You might as well get another nap in, Princess, it'll be a while."
Clank, bind… Sakura is led by ropes and chains outside, the light almost blinding her at first. A small price to pay for the reunion to come. "They are arriving!" Some scout calls out.
"All weapons to the side! This is a peaceful exchange." She notes the disgust in Iago's voice. "Finally, we're almost rid of you."
The massive gates part, and there are a number of Hoshidans coming through… with three Nohrians. "Big br-brother!" Sakura squeals as she takes a step, only to be stopped by the chain.
"Gods, little sister…" Ryoma breathes a sigh of relief. Alongside him are his two retainers. Princess Camilla and her two retainers are flanked by Sakura's and Hinoka's retainers. Home is so close now. "As you can see, we have Princess Camilla and her retainers, shall we proceed with the exchange?" His voice booms out…
As his two retainers give her a strangely scrutinizing look. It's no doubt from her current… less than healthy state. "Of course." Iago smoothly replies. "All at once." He gestures with his hand and Sakura is guided forward, crossing the midpoint with the other prisoners.
"Aw, you are adorable." Princess Camilla coos, though Sakura remains silent.
"Sakura… Sakura, Sakura." Big brother pulls her into a hug.
"My liege!" Hana kneels.
"It's… perfect to have you back." Subaki nods, a grim smile on his face.
"The exchange is done… get out of my sight." Iago sneers.
Ryoma tenses, but manages to keep his calm and nods. "We're leaving!" He announces.
Sakura walks alongside Hana, who is the current definition of happiness. "I'll never leave your side like that again, milady."
"And I'll be sure to have you fully recovered within a week." Subaki states.
"I-I'm… just gl-glad to be b-back." Sakura just barely whispers. "H-Home."
A/N: Awwwww yeah. Let's see… Hinoka. Despite it all, it seems the woman is still having trouble grasping Wolfskin tradition. Hey, at least she got her armor and weapons… I do hope the pack doesn't mind a less than one minute visit from Subaki, though…
The pack. Dadaan, you sweet thing, being a pillow for a sleepy-headed Lupus. But, what's this? Another change? Dadaan will fight solely for the right of mating with Lupus? I do hope that the forecast will be clear tomorrow, 'cause I wanna see if he wins…
Aaand, Princess Sakura is back! Seems as if she's gotten just a tad bit better treatment before the trade-off, which… rather smoothly, yeah?
Hm, I wonder though… I have a specific way of setting chapters, and this fic is no different. I'm curious if anyone can spot the… odd thing… because something is off in this chapter. It's literally only a single line of 'weird'.