Chapter Fourteen

Corrin looks around the courtyard to his fortress in the Deeprealm. There is a slight frown on his face, but he is more thoughtful then anything.

"Milord?"

Corrin turns and nods, a smile breaking out on his face. "Felicia."

The pink haired maid walks up and bows slightly. She glances from the prince to the courtyard, and then back. "Is there anything I can help you with today?"

Corrin nods, glancing over to the stables. "How much would it be to add Wyvern and Pegasus paddocks?"

"Erm," Felicia coughs shakes her head. "More than what is in our budget, Lord Corrin."

Corrin nods and sighs. "I thought as much. We still need at least another horse for the girls to ride."

Felicia nods beside him. "Though, it is a good idea to come back to the Deeprealm and allow the horses rest."

Corrin grimaces. "They will be no help going up the Eternal Staircase, unfortunately."

"We must take them with us, regardless," Felicia reminds him. "We cannot travel the Eternal Staircase, only for ours mounts to appear at the base once leaving the Deeprealm."

Corrin nods, eyebrows pulling together. He changes the subject, knowing there is no point in whining about Deeprealm physics. "It would be truly nice if we had someone with a Capture skill. We could gain new allies, as well as labour for around the fort."

Felicia laughs. Corrin smiles and shrugs. Felicia smirk is more joking as she replies. "It would be nice to grow our own food."

"And have our own ore."

"A couple merchants would be nice, as well."

"Maybe a librarian, too. The Records Hall is getting unorganized."

Felicia pats her friend on the shoulder. "I'll look around for a substitute method for Capture, next time I'm at the market."

"Try asking Kaze if he knows any techniques," Corrin suggests. "If all else fails, we can request him to knock out an enemy and drag them to the prison. Maybe we can issue it as a challenge to Hana and Subaki."

"Ah," Felicia pauses, "maybe we should try another alternative, Lord Corrin."

Corrin laughs. "If you find anything, let me know. I will run the idea by Kaze tomorrow, after we've made it past the Wind Village."

Felicia sighs, eyes closing with an expression mock pain. "Yes, milord."

;;;

Corrin should have expected it. He really, really should have expected it. When Azura first suggested traveling up the Eternal Staircase the night before, he knew they should have tried going around. Traveling through a space with only two exits - the very top and the very bottom - really isn't a good idea. Corrin has bad experiences here, even if those experiences apparently haven't happened because of the reset.

So they follow Azura's suggestion to climb the Eternal Staircase. They make it halfway up before Faceless appear.

Then they defeat the Faceless, except they aren't Faceless. Corrin bites down his curse and shouts for Kaze and Gunter to stop fighting. Everyone takes a step back as the illusions fade, and reveal the knocked out bodies of regular people.

"Oh no," Azura chokes, stepping out from behind the fighters to see the fallen, "it can't be… These are members of the Wind Tribe!"

A high-pitched, crazy laugh echoes through the cavern. Corrin whirls around and marches to face the threat, hiding his little sister behind him. Hana and Subaki fall in step with their charge. Kaze keeps near the back of the group, waiting silently with Felicia.

"Iago!" Corrin shouts.

The man cackles again, and drops a dark ball from his fingertips. Iago disappears, and Corrin is left growling.

"Corrin," Azura comes up beside him. "What do we do?"

Corrin sheaths his sword and turns to the group. "We must continue to the Wind Village. They must be alerted to what happened. Hana, Subaki," the two snap to attention, "keep back with Sakura. After what just happened, we aren't going to be welcome." He turns to his friends. "Kaze, Felicia, keep to the rear." To the final two, "Gunter, keep to the middle. Protect my sister. Azura, you're with me. We're going to talk our way out of this mess."

Azura nods, lips pursing. "We may be unable to do that."

Corrin nods. "I know, but we can at least try."

Azura doesn't need to remind him that it won't be easy. This, at least, he can expect.

;;;

The two Wind Tribe members that confront them do not want to talk. Their hulking forms stalk closer as Corrin tries to plead their case. They ignore him. Corrin places his hands tight around his sword's hilt.

Everyone goes silent when a small voice pipes up.

"W-we would like to seek audience w-with the chief of the Wind Tribe," Sakura says, shaking from her place atop her travel horse.

Corrin has never been more proud of her.

"Why should we allow you to pass?" the Wind Tribe member sneers at the girl.

Sakura flinches and sinks lower into her seat. Corrin steps forwards, red eyes blazing. The two Wind Tribe members pause and take a step back, trying to hide their fear.

"We wish to explain our actions and beg forgiveness to your Chief," Corrin says, authority ringing in every word. Now that the tribe members listen to him, Corrin releases his sword. "It would not do you well to insult the Hoshidian princess, so I suggest you rethink your answer to her request. Your Chief will decide whether we are forgiven or not, and if there is a way to prove our truth, then I shall do it."

The Wind Tribe members share a look. One grunts and nods. He turns to the group. "We shall take you to the Chief. Harm any of us along the way, and there will be no forgiveness for any of you."

Corrin nods and follows after one Wind Tribe member. The other member follows behind the group, watching their every move.

Corrin really hopes Fuga is in a talkative mood today.

;;;

Some days, Corrin reflects on what it would be like to have a decent luck stat.

"An illusion?" Fuga, Chief of the Wind Tribe, asks. His tone is hard, but not skeptical or disbelieving. "Do you take us for fools?"

Corrin stares solemnly at the Chief, never breaking eye contact. "I only speak the truth."

Fuga stares back, arms crossed. The wind blows softly before the taller, bald man speaks again. "News of your arrival got here ahead of you. Your intentions, however, have not made it this far. Is it true that you have turned your backs to both Hoshido and Nohr?"

"I have chosen not to side with either kingdom," Corrin says, avoiding a straight yes/no answer. "My goal is to have peace between the kingdoms and for the war to end."

"That is an enormous goal," Fuga warns. "How will you go about completing it?"

"There is another force at work." Corrin feels his stomach churn, but the script has practically left him to his own devices. He can speak freely, and make it not sound as though he is crazy. "This force keeps the two kingdoms warring. I will stop it, and stop the war."

"And what is this other force you speak of?" Fuga asks, eyes narrowing.

Corrin takes a deep breath. "I am unable to speak of it without consequence."

Fuga stares at him. The only sounds are the howling of the wind in their ears. Finally, the man scoffs and turns to survey the rest of the group. Corrin blinks in surprise. There is a small smile on Fuga's face.

"I will believe that you had not meant to attack my people, and therefore are innocent," Fuga calls out, making sure his tribe members hear him. Corrin holds his breath, not believing the luck of that. "As a neutral side of the war, we have no claim to fight you. However, I ask that you allow my tribe and me to test your abilities. That sword of yours, it has been warned that it will either bring destruction or peace. I wish to know what your intentions are, as your opponent on the battlefield!"

"Very well," Corrin says stiffly, hiding his relief. "I do not wish to fight you, but the least I can do is fulfil your request."

Fuga smiles widely and chuckles. "Allow me to ready my warriors, and I shall call when ready."

Corrin nods. "We shall prepare as well."

Fuga turns his back to the group. As the bald man strides away, all members of the Wind Tribe flock around him and follow into the village.

A young woman with white hair and an oni mask walks opposite to Fuga, towards them.

"Rinkah?" Corrin asks in surprise.

"Corrin," the daughter of the Flame Tribe's chief, nods. "I was told you would show up here. I did not believe it until I saw the commotion within the Wind Tribe. You appear to stop adversity every time we meet."

"Um, thank you, Rinkah." Corrin says. He motions to his group, behind him. "I must really start preparing for the battle ahead. May we chat after?"

"Sure," Rinkah says, striding up to the white haired man. "I will be joining you for this battle; and the rest if you will have me."

"Of course," Corrin blinks in shock. "But you do not have to-"

"I owe you my life," Rinkah says. She sounds disgusted, but there is a smirk on her face. "Allow me to prove myself in battle."

"You are always welcome, Rinkah," Corrin says, holding out a hand for her to shake.

Rinkah looks at the hand, skeptical, but grabs it for a tight-grip shake.

Corrin turns and looks back at the group. "Whoever's ready for battle, please step forward. This one's volunteer only. Everyone else, stay back here and wait.

It comes as no surprise to him that Azura is the only one to stay back.

Corrin grins with pride when Sakura gets off her horse and smiles, staff in hand.

Some days, Corrin reflects on how his friends and family find ways to make him smile when they surprise him. Those times make up for all the lucky breaks he misses.

;;;

Rinkah laughs and blocks a strike aimed for Kaze. She sounds angry, but the smile on her face negates it. "Try not to get us captured again!"

"I believe," Kaze huffs and disappears for a few seconds. He reappears, knocking out a member of the Wind Tribe and lowering the member to the ground, "that it was not completely my fault last time."

"You could have said no," Rinkah reminds him, throwing a knocked out body on top of the body Kaze places on the ground.

The green haired ninja sighs. "I do not believe in denying you sweets. That would be cruel."

Rinkah glares at him. "Are you saying I have a candy issue? Because if so-"

"Heads in the battle, you two!" Hana calls, slashing at a tribe member as she runs by. "You can catch up later!"

Kaze and Rinkah look at the brunette as she slashes her way around the corner. Kaze holds a hand out after the woman, while he looks at Rinkah and bows slightly. "After you."

"Coward," Rinkah tells him, striding purposefully after their teammate.

;;;

"I can see why you deserve to wield the Yato," Fuga says once the battle is over. Corrin sheaths the blade and stares up at the bald chief, respect in his eyes. "And yes, I know of that blade. Sumeragi once spoke of it to me."

"What did he tell you?" Corrin inquires.

Fuga goes quiet for a second. He looks serious, and his voice is hard. "Listen carefully… The Yato is the key to the Seal of Flames. The Seal of Flames contains limitless power… It is said that it is a weapon capable even of destroying the gods that made it."

Corrin sucks in a deep breath. He barely notices his team walking towards him and Fuga. "It has the power to topple a god? Then… perhaps…"

"Yes…" Azura mutters and steps up beside the white haired prince. "We have a glimmer of hope now."

Fuga looks amused now, glancing between the two. "Izana, from Izumo, should be more familiar with the legends. I suggest you seek him out and ask about the Seal of Flames. Our tribe will also provide aid for your trip. I believe the best choice would be…"

Fuga pauses and turns to a short man running up to them. Corrin resists the urge to smile. It will be really nice to have a magic user on the team.

"There is only one choice," Hayato says confidently. "I will accompany them."

Corrin nods, careful not to comment on the man's young appearance. "I saw what you are capable of on the battlefield. We would be grateful for your skills, if you wish to come with us and the Chieftain agrees."

Hayato smiles smugly turns and stares up at the tall, intimidating Wind Tribe Chief. "Chieftain, I humbly request this honor from you. You have no objections?"

"No," Fuga says with a short laugh, "of course not. Your magical talents will help. I'm sure you'll be a great asset to Corrin. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"Of course," Hayato sniffs. "So, Corrin. You should be grateful I am going to aid you in your endeavor."

"I am, Hayato," Corrin says honestly. "Thank you. We're glad to have you."

"You can depend on me," Hayato replies with a self-assured smirk.

"All right, everyone," Corrin starts. He turns to the small army of friends he has. "We're off to Izumo."

"We shall guide you out of the village," Fuga says. The man inclines his head, and some members of the Wind Tribe appear, motioning for the group to follow them.

Corrin motions for his group to go ahead. He waits until it is only him and Fuga before he turns to the man and slightly bows. "Thank you, Fuga. I promise to keep an eye on him."

"I know," Fuga says with a hint of a smile. "I would never have let a member of the Wind Tribe travel with you if I had believed you would fail in your goal."

It takes Corrin a moment to respond. A relived smile rests on his face and he bows again. "Thank you, Chieftain."

"Safe travels, Corrin," Fuga replies, bowing slightly in return.

;;;

"Your rooms are down the left corridor," Corrin tells his new members. "You can pick from any unoccupied one. My room is at the far end of the middle corridor. Please, come see me if you need anything at all. After you find your new room, I will be here to show you around the fortress."

"I'll be quick," Rinkah says, walking away quickly to find a room.

Hayato casts a look her way, but stays. He holds out a hand, and Corrin automatically reaches out. A piece of paper is dropped into the white haired man's hand. Corrin tenses.

Hayato doesn't see Corrin panicking. He calmly speaks. "A woman delivered the news of your arrival, and asked me to give this to you before she left."

"What did she look like?" Corrin asks, sounding calm.

"Black hair, red eyes," Hayato replies. "Not someone who has visited the Wind Tribe before. Fuga took her word, though. She is the reason the Wind Tribe was lenient towards your attack."

Corrin nods. "Thank you for the information."

Hayato shrugs and turns to look for a room. "She seemed nice enough. You have no idea who she is, do you?"

"No," Corrin answers honestly. Hayato pauses to look at the white haired man. The Diviner shrugs again and goes about his search.

Corrin breathes slowly as he uncurls the ball of paper in his hands. Again, it is written in the language on the Monument.

Did you know that the Wind Tribe is supposed hate you at first glance? I would like a thank you for fixing that.

Be sure to arrive at Izumo around noon. If you are early or late, you will miss your chance to recruit a family member.

And please, start level grinding. You have no idea how weak you are compared to some of the people I have seen.

Corrin's breath catches in his throat. He is a mixture of fear, worry, and offended. Fear, because this person caused another distortion. Worry, because they are probably talking about the captured Takumi. His younger brother's life hangs in the balance of following the note's instructions.

Corrin is offended because he is confident in his skills to not have to level grind. He didn't – couldn't – level grind in Nohr, and there is nowhere to do it here.

Corrin tucks the note away as his new teammates appear out of their new rooms. He will freak out later.

;;;

"How was dinner?" Lilith asks, honestly curious.

Corrin places food down on the alter for her. He sits to the side, leaning back. "It was nice. They make it fun. Rinkah and Hayato were refusing dessert, but Kaze and Sakura were able to wear them down. Hana and Subaki were fighting over who would wash the dishes, and Felicia managed to drop their plates and ruin their competition."

Lilith looks up, smiling. "That sounds livelier than it was in the castle."

Corrin nods wistfully. "Very much so."

Lilith finishes her meal and floats beside Corrin's shoulder. "What's on your mind?"

Corrin's lips twist into a bittersweet smile. "Everything has been moving so fast. Every time we go back to the other world, it seems we are in another battle. I just… I wish we had more time to train." Corrin sighs and shakes his head. "I'm always worried, it seems. Thank you for listening, Lilith."

Lilith tilts her head in thought. She floats in front of her friend. "Corrin, I may know a way for you to train with the others."

Corrin stiffens, eyebrows narrowing. "It won't put you in danger, will it?"

Lilith shakes her head and settles beside Corrin's shoulder again. "I can open other portals to other deeprealms. I can look for villages that are being attacked by Bandits or Faceless, or fields with those creatures. It would put you in another battle, but it will help for training until we get a battle arena."

Corrin gapes at his friend. Lilith has a faint blush as she ducks her head. "Lilith, you are amazing. Would you mind if I run this past the others? If it does others good, I'm sure they would agree to it. We may not be able to start until after we reach Izumo, though."

Lilith smiles and nods. "I'll start searching now. If I find anything, I will tell you tomorrow night."

"Lilith," Corrin takes a deep breath to calm the rush of emotions in his throat, "thank you."

Lilith smiles brighter.

Corrin prays hard that she won't die in this timeline.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Thank you, prototype gear, for your review! It's a good way to put it, because it's going to be a lot of build up to a lot of things that come later. I really hope you do enjoy the tiny changes as they come. And the big changes when they start. Thank you so much for your review, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!