Sky, Land, Below

Lucina winced as the squeak of a floorboard echoed through Castle Shirasagi's shadowed halls. She stood in silence for several moments, glancing back and forth cautiously before continuing onward.

The sun had yet to rise on her second day in the Kingdom of Hoshido. Admittedly, little of the first had been productive—after being shown to a guest room, she'd gratefully accepted the reprieve. Not only did her body ache from the trials endured in Valla, but from older wounds as well—the journey to Mount Prism, and the desperate defensive against the Risen atop its summit. Though it had only been a matter of days, in truth it felt more akin to a lifetime.

Suffice to say, the mere comfort of a room of her own—a place to rest in peace, was an immeasurably precious gift.

Today, however, demanded a return to the task at hand. Words between Azura, Corrin, and herself were long overdue; both to convey information as much as the curse allowed, and discuss their objectives moving forward.

Some part of her silently took note of how easily she was throwing herself into another war.

With the shake of her head, she squelched the feeling.

Thankfully, the castle had yet to stir in the early morning light, though she gathered it was only an hour or so until sunrise. It allowed her free reign of Shirasagi—something she'd never been explicitly denied, but nonetheless. Observers to the conversation to come would only raise questions they were quite literally unable to answer.

It was to that end she found herself slinking through the halls, tensing at creaking wood, distant birdsong, and the voice that had just called her name—

"Marth, correct?"

Lucina spun around, hand reflexively ghosting the hilt of her father's sword—an essential reflex in Ylisse, but poorly suited amongst allies.

"Forgive me. I had no intention of startling you," the figure reassured. It was the green-haired ninja from before—Kaze. Though his expression was serene, she took note of the way his piercing gaze seemed to subconsciously track her every movement. The man was well trained, to say the least.

"You are correct, sir," she said, adopting the deeper tone of her persona as she eased out of her defensive stance. "Might I help you?"

"Actually, I'd intended to help you. Lady Corrin's chambers are that way," he said, pointing down a hall she'd passed several paces back.

"Ah," she exclaimed, face tingling unpleasantly behind her mask. "You have my thanks."

"It's no trouble," he replied, falling into stride beside her. "It took me many years to know the castle by heart. Follow me."

As they turned down the hall, Kaze struck up a dialogue once more. "I must confess to curiosity—what brought you into Lady Azura's company? You're more attentive than some shinobi," he concluded with a chuckle.

Lucina tilted her head in confusion at his amusement, but didn't press. "I suppose I am accustomed to allies," she surmised after a moment. "I was…" her tongue hung for a moment, "...separated from my companions. In traveling here with Lady Azura, I believe the hazards we faced strengthened our bond."

Kaze nodded thoughtfully. "Such ties are common between lords and retainers as well. I do hope you weren't endangered traveling through Hoshido," he said, taking on a note of concern.

"Nothing we were unable to handle." Kaze seemed satisfied with that, and Lucina was grateful he didn't ask her to elaborate.

"I suspect you'll be returning to your companions before long, then?"

Lucina's chest panged, and she nearly stumbled—quickly masking the moment of hesitation. "I'm afraid that may no longer be possible."

Kaze's serene expression dipped into a frown, and he bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Marth. I did not intend to surface unpleasant memories."

"It's no trouble," she was quick to reply.

"Then..." Kaze began, pausing as he seemed to ponder his next words. "Do you intend to stay beside Lady Azura for the foreseeable future?"

Lucina paused mid-stride. Of course she intended to, she'd sworn an oath—this was the path she had chosen to walk. What she was slowly coming to realize was the fact that she had chosen it.

Would she have picked up a blade and fought to defend Ylisse, exalted birthright or no?

Yes, she thought. Without a moment's hesitation.

Yet, that did not change the fact that it was a role she was born to. Though fate may have placed her in Valla, this path she walked now alongside Azura and Corrin was one she had chosen for herself.

"I do," Lucina answered truthfully. "I have a debt to repay. And… I consider her a friend."

"I am glad to hear it," Kaze said. "Lady Azura…" he trailed off, brow knit with hesitation. "What I mean to say is, thank you. I believe your company will be good for her."

Somewhat taken aback, Lucina acknowledged him with a dip of her head. "That's very kind of you."

"My duty is to the royal family. In its entirety," he replied simply. "Ah, but we've arrived."

Pausing before a door, Kaze bowed stiffly at the waist. "I will take my leave, Marth. Dawn light your path."

Her mind conjured the pungent scent of lightning, and the white flash of dragon's scales.

"And yours, Kaze," she said, bowing in kind.

By the time she'd raised her head, the ninja was gone.

"Corrin," a voice murmured. "We must have words."

"Mmfh," she groaned, pushing Camilla's hand aside. "I don't even... like corn..."

The speaker jostled her shoulder softly, and Corrin blinked awake to the sight of Lucina's butterfly mask.

"Lucina?" she yawned, disturbing the nest of blankets Kaze had procured as she sat up. "What time is it?"

"Early. Forgive me for the intrusion, but it's time the three of us discuss our… circumstances."

"The three of—?" she started then stopped, eyes widening in recognition. "Oh! Right. Uh, I should probably get dressed first…"

Lucina stood swiftly and nodded stiffly. "Y-yes, of course. Apologies, I shall wait outside." As the door slid shut, Corrin was left free to finish extracting herself from her tomb of snugly-wrapped sheets.

Crossing the room revealed the first of the day's revelations—her familiar silver armor was gone. In its place, several pale robes hung in the closet—she knew they had a name. Kitomo? Kinomo? Kimono! After a moment's hesitation she picked one at random, a white dress decorated with images of leaves and flower petals. A few minutes of struggling with the unfamiliar garment later, and she was standing outside her room with Lucina.

"So, where to?" she yawned, raising a hand to her mouth.

"Azura's chambers," Lucina answered briskly. "Follow me."

Lucina led the way down a winding path through the castle halls for several minutes. Frankly, Corrin was impressed she already knew the way. Returning from dinner last night had shown her that the Hosh— that her siblings' rooms were in the same wing as her own. Though Azura's was still in Shirasagi's upper recesses, its location afforded her a bit more privacy.

Azura was seated on a pillow near the window as they entered (Corrin wasn't sure she'd seen a single chair since they'd arrived), brow knit in concentration as she combed through the ends of her wildly tangled hair resting in her lap.

"Bad case of bedhead?" Corrin greeted with a smile.

Azura glared back with something suspiciously resembling a pout. "Long hair comes with its costs."

A thin azure lock fell in front of her face as she spoke, and Corrin had to hold a hand to her face to stifle a laugh. Shaking her head, she let her own pale curls fall free from her shoulders. "Honestly, at a certain point I just give up on it…"

This earned a silent smile from Azura—mission accomplished—as she set the brush aside. "Thank you for coming, both of you."

"Of course," Lucina answered. She lowered herself to a pillow laid out for her, and gently placed her mask beside her.

As Corrin sat, she took the opportunity to get a better look at her new friend. Lucina's features were hardened, accentuated by a fair smattering of nicks and scars. With her expression settled into a solemn frown, Corrin grinned at the realization that it wasn't all too different from one Azura often wore.

Lucina's gaze swiveled as she looked to Azura, and Corrin noticed a strange glint in one of her eyes as it reflected the light of the sun gradually creeping into the room. She was almost tempted to ask—

"Before we begin," Azura inadvertently interrupted, her voice suddenly serious. "Corrin, do you remember my warning from yesterday?"

Turning quickly, Corrin met her gaze. "I made a promise, didn't I?" she assured. "No names, no details."

Azura breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes. I'm… not entirely sure of our limits. I suspect they're most restrictive when conveying new information."

Corrin tilted her head. "What exactly is this? Some sort of curse?"

Lucina opened her mouth to respond, but Azura shot her a look, and she held her tongue.

She glanced between the two of them. So, if neither of them could respond, then...

"I think I'm starting to catch on," Corrin said, nodding slowly. "You can't tell me I'm right, but…" she trailed off, the pieces beginning to fall together. "Your silence is just as good. Right?"

Azura's eyes widened, and she flashed a warm smile. "This is the first time my silence has been considered a blessing."

Silence. That word was starting to jog a memory, some scrap of knowledge buried amongst Nohrian battle tactics and cliche romance plots. What was it with princesses in towers, anyhow?

Oh, gods, she'd been a—

"Corrin?" Azura's voice jarred her back to the land of the living. She flushed, hastily making to break the awkward silence—

A chilly winter night at the Northern Fortress. Elise had gone to bed, so Leo seized the opportunity to read everyone ghost stories.

(She'd had nightmares for two weeks.)

"I just thought of something," Corrin blurted, mind springing into action as the old memory flooded back. "Have either of you ever heard of Fort Dragonfall?"

Azura shook her head slowly. "A Nohrian fortress?" Lucina offered.

Corrin hummed in affirmation. "The legend goes like this. Long ago, a dark dragon—one of the Dusk Dragon's children—sought to turn the tide of the war. In those days, the gods quarreled with each other for control of the land, and their children were swept into the conflict as well."

Lucina nodded. "These gods—the First Dragons, correct?"

Corrin tilted her head. "Right. Aren't you Nohrian? I may have grown up quarantined (imprisoned, a part of her murmured), but I'm pretty sure that's common knowledge."

"Er," Lucina stuttered. Azura opened her mouth, but Lucina raised a hand. "...I suppose there is no use in keeping secrets. Your kingdoms are foreign to me, as is their history. The rest, I will explain when time permits."

Corrin nodded slowly. There was a story there, probably to do with how Lucina had met Azura in the first place. But that wasn't on the agenda right now.

"This dark dragon, it relates back to the fort?" Azura said. She was leaning forward a bit in her cushion, golden gaze intent.

"Right," Corrin replied. "Bear with me here. According to the story, the dark dragon plunged into the depths of the underworld to steal a powerful artifact. But as they returned to our world, a terrible demon pursued them. It struck the dragon down with a single curse, and retrieved the treasure from its petrified corpse."

"Dragonfall," Lucina muttered in understanding.

"Many years later," Corrin continued, "long after the last dragons left this world behind, a Nohrian force discovered the dragon. Their mages hollowed it out, shaping its stone remains into a fortress with a quarter of the resources it would take to build one fresh."

"But," she said, glancing between Azura and Lucina. "The demon's curse endured. A seal of silence, claiming its due from any who dared disturb it."

Azura let out a shaky exhale, eyes wide. "A price of blood."

Corrin nodded. "All the soldiers stationed at the fort fell ill within the month, or perished in battle with Hoshido. And the fort's still there, to this day. So long as you don't speak a word within it, you're safe." She shrugged. "At least, that's the story. And that demon…"

Azura spoke slowly, words measured. "This time, the story isn't about stolen treasure. The demon…"

She closed her eyes, expression solemn. "The demon seeks extinction."

Corrin's heart plummeted.

"Oh."

"It's manipulating the conflict between Hoshido and Nohr," Azura continued. "It wants us to destroy each other."

Corrin turned to Lucina. "You already knew this much?"

She nodded. "Azura conveyed it to me while we were still… below."

"Right," Corrin said. She was fidgeting, wringing her hands in her lap. "So that's why you called us, Azura? The demon—we have to stop it."

"We don't have much time. I…" Azura trailed off. "I don't think I can elaborate."

Lucina's frown deepened further still. "How long?"

"A few months, at best," Azura breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "If we're not ready by then…"

"Okay," Corrin said. Her heart was still thundering in her chest—like when she'd held Ganglari, but the sword was gone so maybe it was just nerves? She shook her head. "Okay. Save the world in a few months? We can do that, right? I'm a princess of Nohr and— and Hoshido, and you're—"

"A princess of Hoshido and Nohr," Azura finished.

Corrin blanched. Come to think of it, she'd never asked why Azura lived with the Hoshidan royal family. Takumi had called her sister, but—

"My mother was Queen Arete," she continued. "My father…" Azura hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "My father lived below."

Corrin scooted her pillow a few inches closer, resolving to comfort her, but Azura refused to linger. "That's how we knew each other—that short time we both lived in Castle Krakenburg."

Lowering her hand, Corrin nodded. "So, how did you end up in Hoshido?"

"After you were taken by the Nohrians, the Hoshidan forces retaliated. They tried desperately to get you back, but they failed again and again. However," Azura continued, "I wasn't as heavily guarded. Hoshidan shinobi easily kidnapped me."

Corrin gripped Azura's hand tight. "Gods… Azura, I'm so sorry. Because of me—"

"Don't apologize," Azura sternly interrupted, slowly easing Corrin's grip. "You were a child. I may technically be a hostage, but…" she smiled softly. "Hoshido has been kind to me. I suppose it's more my home than Nohr ever was."

Corrin was beginning to think she understood that sentiment all too well. "So.." she bit her lip. "If you had to choose between the two…"

"I would prefer to stay in Hoshido," Azura answered. "Queen Mikoto is a peace-loving ruler. King Garon…"

Lucina interjected in a low tone. "King Garon is not."

"It's the way Nohr's always been," Corrin insisted. "Fighting to survive. But Hoshido has food and resources in surplus, right? If we just worked together, the problem's solved. No war. And if Nohr and Hoshido cooperate, then we can deal with—"

"The demon."

Corrin nodded. "The demon. Azura, would Queen Mikoto…?"

"Yes," she replied after a moment's hesitation. "She would help us."

"And if I can get my father to listen to me…"

"Corrin…" Azura said, voice subdued. She hesitated, then shook her head. "He's not..."

"Azura?" Corrin said, confusion bleeding through her tone. She rolled her shoulders, shifting in place on her pillow.

After a long pause, Azura spoke. "Who gave you the sword that pulled you into the Bottomless Canyon?"

Corrin opened her mouth, but said nothing.

"You know about the peace conference," Azura continued. "But.."

"But what?" Corrin said, the words falling from her mouth hastily.

Azura licked her lips. "I don't think that's what King Garon wanted."

Lucina's eyes widened. "The demon."

Father. Ganglari. The Demon.

"...infused with magic from another realm…"

"I…"

Corrin's shoulders slumped. A bitter laugh slipped free from her lips.

"I don't know what to say."

"I'm sorry," Azura blurted out suddenly. "I said you have time, and you do. It's your choice, Corrin. Whatever you do," she said, gently brushing a comforting hand against her wrist. "I'm with you."

"No," Corrin murmured, raising her head. "No, you're both right. About my father, and Nohr… I don't know. I need time."

"But," she continued, rising to her feet. "I've spent my entire life waiting for people. If the entire world is running out of time, then it's up to us to do what we can, right? If the world has to wait for a miracle it doesn't know it needs, then…"

She shook her head. "Then it's already too late."

"So, I'll talk to them," she resolved. "My family in Hoshido. If we can cooperate, then there's hope. For us, for Hoshido, for Nohr. For the world. And together," she said, reaching out a hand to Azura.

"Together, we can save it."

Azura's averted gaze gave way to something more like bewilderment. An almost-teasing smile blossomed across her face. Amusement?

Whatever it was, it made her glow.

"Alright then," she laughed, accepting Corrin's hand as she rose to her feet. "We'll save the world."

"A promise," Lucina declared, rising to join them. "To save the world."

Corrin nodded, squinting as the morning sun shone through the room unabated.

"Together."

Bidding Azura and Lucina farewell, Corrin started down the corridor with a fresh spring in her step. Sure, there was the… well, everything. But she had a purpose now—something to put her mind to beyond sitting in her room with only her thoughts for company.

She'd been doing that for far too long.

A few twists and turns later, the rhythmic clattering of wood assured her she was heading in the right direction. Pausing in the hall, she opted to slide open the most vocal of the doors in her vicinity.

The training hall was a wide rectangular room, illuminated by the sunlight now pouring through the window spanning the far wall. Ryoma had shed his scarlet armor for looser robes—not surprising, he'd worn similar clothing at dinner. He must have only just returned to Shirasagi when they'd first met.

He looked her way as she entered, his expression eternally stern and difficult to read (yet again reminding her of someone else). If she were to guess, it was a brief spark of confusion. Either way, it was enough of a distraction to send him on the defensive.

Gaze steeled, Ryoma backpedaled a step, allowing his opponent to close the gap. At the last moment he held his ground, meeting the brown-haired woman's strike with the resounding clack of his own training katana. The flurry of traded blows that followed was nearly too quick for Corrin to follow, but the technique was clear. Ryoma's feint had given way to a merciless counterattack, and before long he'd regained double the ground he'd lost—his opponent's back against the opposite wall of the hall.

A final overhead strike knocked the woman's blade aside, and Ryoma gently tapped his own against her shoulder.

"Point," he said, taking a step back with a dip of his head.

The woman bowed at the waist, retrieving her sword in the process. "As expected of Hoshido's greatest swordsman."

"You flatter me, Kagero," Ryoma chuckled roughly. "But I am always honored to have you join me."

"The honor is all mine, milord," she replied. Returning her blade to the rack, she paused before Corrin as she turned towards the door.

"Lady Corrin," she said simply. Another respectful bow, and Kagero vanished through the doorway.

As Ryoma stepped away from the rack, Corrin smiled from her spot in the doorway. It seemed that even in Hoshido, some things were simply universal constants. In this case, big brothers waking up at the brink of dawn to train.

"Corrin," Ryoma greeted. A hint of surprise shone through his eyes, but it didn't linger. "What can I do for you?"

"I have a favor to ask of you." She stepped past him, gaze set on the weapon rack. Most of the swords were wooden, but there were several metal blades near the bottom—not bronze… brass? She knelt to free one, giving it an experimental flourish as she stood. Lighter than the Nohrian version, but more fluid as a result.

Corrin turned back to Ryoma with a grin. "Train with me."

A smile crossed his face, and he bent to retrieve a brass blade for himself. "It would be my pleasure."

"Not with that," she said, gesturing with her eyes to the weapon sheathed at his waist. "With that."

Ryoma met her gaze, then shook his head firmly. "Raijinto is not for training, sister. It is a relic of the First Dragons, passed through this family for centuries. Such strength is only fit for the battlefield."

Corrin shrugged in disappointment. "If you say so. I was hoping to compare it to Siegfried, but…"

He raised an eyebrow. "You've crossed blades with Siegfried?"

She nodded, grinning. "The blade of the Dusk Dragon. Xander always used it when I trained with him…"

By always, of course, she meant a handful of times. Out of which, she'd only won once. Barely.

Ryoma frowned, seemingly to weigh it over in his mind. Finally, he sighed. "One duel."

Corrin twirled her blade, getting a better feel for its range of movement. "That's all I'll need. First to yield?"

Ryoma stepped back towards the far side of the room, Corrin taking her position opposite him.

"I must warn you, sister," Ryoma called. "I will not yield easily!"

Not a problem, she thought to herself. I just need one good hit.

Ryoma started forward first, hand on Raijnto's hilt. She'd heard the same stories anyone else had about the divine weapon—it was the fang of the Dawn Dragon Ryujin. Before yesterday, she would've thought that meant powers related to light, but…

Ryoma unsheathed Raijinto in a single fluid motion, and the crackling lightning sparking across the length of the blade confirmed her suspicions.

Well, at least he didn't have a horse.

The two circled each other slowly for several tense moments, each sizing up the other. Corrin jabbed forward experimentally, but Ryoma merely sidestepped. She pushed harder, following up with a few quick slashes, but each was easily deflected. Little jolts of blue sprung up from the impact as brass blade met divine fang.

"You're holding back," Corrin said, taking a step back as they circled each other once more. "Last time I fought Xander, Siegfried had sent me fifteen feet through the air by now."

Ryoma titled his head, expression still hard to read. "I was under the impression you had beaten the Crown Prince."

Corrin shot back with a laugh. "I never said I lost."

With that, she kicked off the floor, leaping forward into an overhead slash. Ryoma was poised to deflect, as she'd expected, so she carried that momentum into a roll—lunging out of it at the last second, the tip of her blade angled forward at his lower body.

Rather than shifting stance or backpedaling, Ryoma responded by swinging his body forward to meet her—shoulder first. His front leg swung up and his sandal swung down, pinning her blunted blade to the floor.

"Yield," Ryoma demanded.

Corrin responded by kicking him. Not to hurt him or anything! But it was enough for him to step back, releasing his blade.

"I won't yield easily," she echoed, holding her katana in front of her in a two-handed grip.

Ryoma nodded, seemingly unfazed. "You have done well so far," he intoned, his stance shifting as his grip tightened on Raijinto's hilt. "But that was just practice!"

Corrin blinked, and the next thing she knew Ryoma was pressing the assault, sparks flying as she barely threw her sword up in time. Ryoma's onslaught was precise, oppressive, and swift as lightning. It was like he followed up with his next strike before she'd even finished parrying the first! Before long she nearly had her back against the opposite wall, just like Kagero before her.

He cut through the air with a final overhead slash and Corrin slammed her eyes shut, wincing at the sudden flash of light. Blinking to clear the spots revealed a smoking brass katana in her hand—half of it. The rest of the blade had fallen to the paneled floor of the training hall.

Raijinto's strike had cleaved right through it.

"Okay," she admitted, breathing out an astonished laugh. "That was pretty impressive."

Ryoma, blade held passively at his side, opened his mouth to respond. Corrin grinned in response, holding out a hand.

"But I'm not done yet."

It was like fumbling for a match in the darkness.

She exhaled, closed her eyes, and there. Like a room illuminated she could feel it, a gargantuan Dragon Vein resting beneath Castle Shirasagi. Its energy permeated the entire mountain—every drop of water, every plank of wood, every blade of grass.

She just needed to light the match.

Reaching out, she gripped the light and pulled. Wrenching it upwards, its warmth enveloped her, and it—

It burned.

Corrin yelped in pain, toppling to the ground. Through the haze of pain she just managed to catch herself on her hands and knees, but that only drew more attention to the burning sensation creeping up her left arm, which crumpled beneath her weight.

Strong hands caught her shoulders, propping her up just before she got a face-full of floor.

"Corrin!" Ryoma rumbled. "Corrin, are you alright? What—?"

She opened her eyes, and just managed to catch the golden embers wisping away from her arm before they, and the pain, dissipated entirely.

"I— I don't understand," she groaned, stumbling to her feet. Ryoma kept her stable, and for now she welcomed the help. "I tried to use the Dragon Vein, and…"

Ryoma's brow furrowed for a moment, before his eyes flashed in realization.

"Come with me," he said. His expression settled, stoic and unreadable once more. "There's someone I'd like for you to meet."

Ryoma led her into another wing of the castle, some side tower she'd yet to see for herself. Truth be told, it would probably take her years to explore every inch of the place—a far cry from the modest Northern Fortress.

After a few minutes, Ryoma finally stepped back and let her walk on her own—the pain had long since faded.

She frowned, wobbling as she stepped forward. Still a bit shaky though.

Ryoma stopped before a nondescript sliding door, like any other in the castle. He looked as if he was about to call out, but a soft, airy voice from inside beat him to it.

"Lord Ryoma. Please, enter."

He turned to nod to her, sliding open the door as he did so. The room was rather modest—a personal chamber, like hers, though it was currently set up as a sitting room. A woman kneeled on a pillow pouring tea, smiling as Ryoma ushered Corrin inside.

She looked a little older than Queen Mikoto, if Corrin had to guess. Her pale white hair was tied back in a bun, complimenting simple robes decorated with splashes of yellow and blue—birds, trees, that sort of thing.

Ryoma dipped his head. "I give you Lady Kanade, Voice of the Dragon."

Corrin's eyes widened, though she quickly bowed as well. "It's an honor to meet you, milady."

"Kanade is perfectly alright," the woman chuckled, bringing a hand to her mouth. "It is mostly an honorific these days." Her speech was slow, measured—almost distant, yet maintaining a certain warmth.

"Voice of the Dragon," Corrin echoed. "You can speak to the gods?"

Kanade caught herself half-way between the shake of her head and a shrug. "The Dawn Dragon isn't very talkative. I suspect the heavens keep her busy."

The stinging heat of lightning overhead returned to mind (not for the first time today), and Corrin jerked her head into a nodding motion. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Lady Kanade has led Hoshido's priesthood since the rule of our grandfather, Takanori," Ryoma said, taking a seat next to her.

Wow. Corrin would not have guessed that. Maybe it was all this sunlight that helped her age so gracefully. Or something in the tea?

Kanade gently set a cup in front of Corrin, stirring her from her thoughts. "Oh, you didn't have to," she murmured apologetically.

"Nonsense. It is not every day I entertain the lost princess of Hoshido," she said with a smile. Corrin still wasn't sure what to say to that, so she just nodded and went for a sip of tea.

Mmm, whatever was in this blend was good. She'd have to take this knowledge to her grave, lest Jakob caught wind.

"You know Ryoma, I always do appreciate our chats," Kanade continued. "But, I suspect you have reason for coming here today."

"Corrin attempted to use a Dragon Vein while we were training," Ryoma explained. "I was hoping you would speak to her of such things."

"I see," Kanade murmured. "Lady Corrin," she said, turning her way. Her blue gaze was soft, but held a certain intentness to it. "What do you know of the First Dragons?"

Corrin shrugged. "The same as anybody else, I think. There's twelve, but Nohr and Hoshido only really revere the one each."

Kanade nodded. "Dawn and Dusk, day and night. Please, continue."

"Eventually, they were driven apart, and waged a bloody war. By the end of it all… they left. Ascended to the heavens, to watch over humanity from the stars. And the dragons were no more."

"And what of the Dragon Veins?" Kanade prompted. Corrin was beginning to get the impression this was some sort of test, but she couldn't figure out what was being judged.

"When the gods gave their blessings to humanity," Corrin continued, "it was in the form of their blood. That's what led to the founding of Nohr and Hoshido. Through the blood of the ancient gods, we can warp the earth itself."

"Strength by divine mandate, the right to rule," Kanade murmured, almost to herself. "And the Dragon Veins themselves?"

Corrin furrowed her brow. "Dragon Veins are just pockets of magic, right? They react to royal blood because of their ties to the gods, and even then it's no cakewalk." She shrugged, gesturing with both hands. "They're power itself. To prove your worth, you must prove your strength."

Kanade's brow furrowed. Corrin shifted in her seat, awaiting a response.

"How very Nohrian a philosophy," Kanade chuckled, though her expression quickly turned serious. "I would not be surprised if Nohr's sinful misuse of their birthright is to blame for their... blighted earth, and failing crops. Dragons are not subservient beings, their echoes no less so. Under strain they do not bend, but bite back twice-fold."

Alright, now Corrin was just confused. "Echoes?"

Kanade smiled, closing her eyes. "The First Dragons did not leave us, Lady Corrin. Not entirely. Their remains became the wind and the land itself. Their very blood, soaked into the earth. And so, after all this time, they are with us. In every blade of grass, each warm summer breeze, each beam of sunlight."

Her eyes opened. "The Dawn Dragon is Hoshido, and we are her protectors."

"So," Corrin started. "The Dragon Veins, they're…"

"Blood," Kanade answered. "Blood and memories, resting beneath the soil. The greatest vestige of the Dawn Dragon slumbers beneath Shirasagi, of course." Kanade smiled wryly. "You showed her your strength, and she proved hers."

"I almost don't believe it," Corrin said, her laughter breathy. "That's not how I was taught at all."

"It seems our cultural… rift in beliefs has widened more than I expected," Kanade admitted. "I am not of royal blood myself, but the Dragons are with us—in all things." She reached into her robes, procuring a long sheet of parchment. "There are other avenues of communion."

She murmured something, words in a language Corrin didn't recognize. But there was a spark of light, and the ink upon the scroll glowed gold as…

"She's beautiful," Corrin breathed.

A gleaming, golden dragon had manifested from the scroll. Its serpentine body coiled through the air, twirling loops around Kanade as she smiled softly. It made one more pass, close enough for Corrin to note the four tendrils trailing from its face.

It really is a vestige, she thought. Just like what we saw below.

Then it vanished, fading into tiny wisps of golden light. The scroll hummed softly once more, and was still.

"These scrolls are crafted from the trees of the earth," Kanade said. "The trees of the earth feed from the soil of the earth. The soil of the earth is drenched in the blood of the earth. And so the spirits of the divine endure."

"I understand now," Corrin said, a bit of childish awe still seeping through her voice. "Well, better, at least." She dipped her head. "Thank you for teaching me."

"The honor is all mine," Kanade replied, bowing in kind. "You are a child of Dawn and Dusk, Lady Corrin. Keep both in your heart, and I believe you will do great things."

Corrin didn't expect that. "Both?" she said. "I figured you—"

Kanade shook her head. "I do not hate Nohr, Corrin. Many in Hoshido do."

Ryoma continued to stay silent, respectfully sipping his tea. A point in his favor, for now.

"But there is no day without night. For how the children of Dusk suffer, how its earth suffers…" Kanade trailed off. "I have only pity. And hope."

Corrin tilted her head. "Hope?"

"Hope that we will do better. All of us. And that one day, we will join our hands as siblings once more, as the gods never could."

Kanade laughed, setting down her empty cup. "It is a pleasant dream, don't you think?"

Corrin smiled. "Yeah. Yeah, it is."

Azura leaned against the wall of her room, slowly sliding to the floor as she breathed a sigh of relief. That had gone better than she could have hoped for. Corrin knew now—as much as she could tell her—and she understood. For so long, Azura had climbed this path alone, and now…

She allowed herself a small smile. She had Corrin. She had Lucina. Their task was monumental, but for now… she could allow herself this small reprieve. For today, this would be enough.

She'd spent much longer in Valla than she'd planned, after all. A yawn slipped through her lips unbidden. Perhaps just a small nap...

Her foot began to ache.

After days of walking and fighting, she would claim the opportunity with glee.

A tremor passed through one leg. Her throat was dry.

She sat up, waiting a breath. Two. Three. She still had time, this was too soon. It was exhaustion, that was all. She'd sleep it off, and—

Something gripped her arm cruelly, and it burned. One hand flew to her mouth, and she bit down on her lip hard.

That was alright. She was used to this by now, it had just come sooner than she'd expected. Not a bad sign, just natural deviation. She'd stand up, head to the far side of the lake, and the waters would ease her pain. Routine.

She steadied herself, pushing up with one foot, and collapsed back to the ground—shoulder aching, face stinging as she lay there, spears of pain lancing through her body. She felt her eyes widening in fear (not here, not now, the walls are too thin—)

Mercifully, her shaking knocked a pillow down from the shelf above.

She pulled it tight across her face, to stifle her scream.

Lucina rolled her shoulders, stretching long in the hallway outside Azura's chambers. Her legs still felt fuzzy from kneeling so long—it was a position she would have to grow more accustomed to. Perhaps she'd hunt down a training yard, it had been too long since—

A scream echoed through the wall, and the idle thoughts she'd briefly entertained vanished on the wind.

They followed us, she thought. The Vallites. They would target Azura first, of course, so—

There was no time—Lucina cut through the sliding door, Falchion in hand. She'd apologize later.

Azura was doubled over against the wall, face buried in a pillow. Not physically under attack, but...

Azura shrieked into the pillow once again, and Lucina knew something was wrong.

Violet shadows crept up the length of her body, undulating rhythmically like some horrible infection. She was sweating, breathing hard— she was in pain, and Lucina leapt into action.

"Azura!" she cried. She reached out a hand, but Azura shriveled away like a frightened animal.

"Azura," she repeated. "Speak to me. I will help you, but you must tell me—"

"Go," a soft voice demanded.

"Azura—"

"Leave me," she cried.

Azura was sobbing.

"Please," she repeated, like a desperate mantra. "Please leave."

"I will not abandon you," Lucina murmured.

Azura didn't respond, but she didn't raise her voice again either. Lucina offered her a hand.

After a moment of hesitation, Azura gingerly accepted, squeezing tight.

They stayed that way for several minutes—though they felt more akin to hours. Lucina leaning against the wall, Azura laying on the floor, hand in hand.

Gradually, the spasms weakened, until the darkness dissipated entirely. Azura's breath was shallow, but she held tight as Lucina helped her into a sitting position.

"Azura, what…" she started, at a loss for words. "What was that?"

Silence hung in the air. "It is a part of the curse," Azura finally rasped.

Lucina's eyes widened. "Because of our conversation earlier?"

Azura shook her head. "No. Because of my song. It's just like the story Corrin told," she murmured, a detached smile spreading across her face. "A curse of silence… and a price."

"This price, you don't mean—"

"Temporary suffering," Azura insisted. "I simply used it more than I had anticipated, and so the price was… greater."

Lucina's expression turned solemn. "You had to use it because of me. To save me."

"And I would do it again," Azura said, gently releasing her grip. Lucina hadn't even noticed she was still holding on. "I'm fine now, aren't I?"

"You were in a great deal of pain," Lucina said, not entirely convinced. "Are you certain there are no permanent repercussions?"

"I am," Azura reaffirmed. "I'll just need some rest."

Lucina nodded slowly. "Do you intend to tell Corr—?"

Azura gripped her hand again, squeezing tight. She swung her body forward, golden eyes blazing desperately as she met Lucina's bewildered gaze. "You can't tell her."

"She would want to help you," Lucina argued, frowning.

Azura only spoke with greater resolve. "Promise me."

Please, her eyes seemed to beg.

Lucina sighed, the exhaustion in the wake of her rush of adrenaline hitting all too quickly.

She hoped she would not come to regret this.

"...I promise."

Robin's gaze cast a final sweep over the sea of maps and documents blanketing the desk. With a little luck, this plan should go off without a hitch. Well, a lot of luck, but didn't every good strategy?

"I am an amazing tactician," Robin grinned, reaching to take a hearty bite of his sandwich. His elation endured for a notable three seconds before his gag reflex kicked in, spitting bread and filling back onto the plate.

"What the hell is this?" he choked, glaring at the sickeningly red slices of fruit. "Who puts raw tomato in anything?"

Mood thoroughly ruined, Robin gently removed the offending vegetable, before continuing on to his lunch with notably less enthusiasm.

It is a good plan, he ruminated ruefully. Not his finest work, probably, but pretty damn good considering the circumstances. What could go wrong?

She could say no. She could stay with the Hoshidans.

It wasn't high on his list of concerns, but he'd be a fool to ignore the possibility. Objectively speaking, he really hadn't known Corrin that long. He'd gotten enough of a read to know how much she cared about her family, certainly, but…

I am a stranger in a strange land.

Unknown variables were less 'possibility', more 'certainty'. Luck and wit had gotten him this far, but they weren't inexhaustible resources. Somehow, someday, something was going to go wrong. More than it already had, that is.

Would it be such a bad thing?

Staying with the Hoshidans? That had been his plan with Anna, after all, and it made sense—Nohr was the warmongering aggressor. If Corrin was safe… that's really all that mattered, right? Maybe having someone on the other side of the war would be the key to ending it.

That was the thing about variables though—they were endless. He could waste weeks away considering possibilities. For now, helping Nohr get Corrin back safely was also what kept him out of a dungeon. It wasn't like he was marching an army into Hoshido or anything!

...It just had to look like he was marching an army into Hoshido.

If the parameters changed, well, he'd deal with that when he got there.

Speaking of which.

A knock at the office door jarred Robin from his musings. "Come in," he called, pushing sheets of parchment into some semblance of order.

"Leo, we need to talk about that sand—" he started, standing up and pushing his chair in.

Golden eyes gazed back at him in confusion.

"—wich. You're not Leo."

"I'm afraid not," the girl said, smiling apologetically. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. My name is Lilith."

"Robin. I'm the new tactician," he said, offering a hand—that's what you were supposed to do, right? She closed the distance, accepting with a gentle grip.

"Pleased to meet you," she replied. Her voice seemed strangely… clipped? But she wasn't wearing black, and there wasn't a single skull to be found, so it was probably nothing.

"I remember seeing you in the storeroom yesterday," he said. "What can I do for you?"

Lilith was frowning, eyes locked on his coat. "Where did you get that?"

Robin shrugged. "I'm not really sure myself. Amnesia and all, it's a long story."

She shook her head, smiling once more. "My apologies, I didn't mean to pry. Though, I did come to ask you something."

"Lucky for you, I'm on my lunch break," he chuckled, sweeping one arm towards the desk he had very much failed to tame. "Ask away."

Lilith took a step closer, wringing her hands as she went. "What happened at the Bottomless Canyon?"

That wasn't what he'd expected to hear. Lilith was a stablegirl, right? Was she just concerned for Corrin's sake?

"I'm not sure what you've heard already," Robin admitted. "We were on a bridge over the canyon when we ran into the Hoshidans. The big guy—Hans? He rushed in on his own, and…" Robin grimaced. "Corrin and I stopped him. That's when the Hoshidans grabbed her, I think."

Lilith nodded, still smiling. "You're lying. What happened?"

Robin took a step back, thoroughly caught off-guard. "Pardon?"

"What," she repeated, stepping closer. She'd maneuvered him into the corner of the room, his back bumping against solid stone. "Happened."

Robin shrugged sheepishly. "I really didn't see anything else. Look, I want Corrin back as much as you, and I've got a plan, so if you'd just let me—"

Lilith closed the gap in an instant, one hand flying out around Robin's throat. She was a bit shorter than him, but still managed to raise his feet off the ground as she pinned against the wall— wow, that was some grip. Her entire expression shifted, gaze narrowed like a predator stalking its prey.

"I heard you," she hissed. "In the storeroom. What did you see?"

"Well," he barely choked out, "if you would just let me breathe—"

"Do not play coy with me," she growled, grip tightening as her eyes blazed. "Where is she? Who are you? A servant of A—?"

From behind her, the office door slammed shut.

"Lilith," a voice intoned.

She turned her head back, making eye contact with the new arrival. They stood that way for several long moments, long enough for Robin's oxygen-deprived brain to recognize he was missing something.

Finally, Lilith closed her eyes and unceremoniously released her grip.

Robin stumbled as he hit the ground, rubbing at his neck with his left hand as he greedily inhaled. He couldn't see Lilith's face, but the new arrival allowed her to pass as she silently strode out of the room. His hand remained on the hilt of his sword even as the door closed with a resounding thud.

Though he was mostly concentrating on his deep breathing, he was aware enough to notice when the grey-haired man met his gaze. Especially with the way he was gaping.

"Robin?" he said in a low voice, as though he could hardly believe his own words.

Robin coughed, nodding slightly. "The one and only. Thanks for the save, er…"

"It's—" he started, looking bewildered for a moment. Suddenly, his expression hardened. Robin grimaced at the echo of unsheathed steel.

"Show me your hands," the man ordered in a low tone. Somehow, Robin got the impression this was uncharacteristic of him. Nonetheless, Robin raised his hands—never a good time to delay with a sword in your face.

The man's eyes widened further still, but he managed to sheath his blade before accidentally skewering Robin. All about the little victories.

"How are you—?" he sputtered once more. "Forgive me, I…" He broke eye contact, smiling to mask his thoughts. "I find myself at a loss for words."

"Well," Robin offered. "You could start with your name."

"...Laslow," he said after a long moment. "Retainer to Lord Xander."

"Ah, what a shame!" Robin chuckled. "I'm stuck with Leo. Tacticians, right?"

"...Right," Laslow murmured, still looking thoroughly… unsettled. "It's… good to meet you, Robin. I'd best be getting back to my duties."

He departed swiftly and unceremoniously, the door echoing as it shut once more.

Well, Robin thought, collapsing back into his chair with a sigh. That was the weirdest lunch break ever.

We're back baybee! I certainly hope this one was worth the wait - if you can't tell, it fought me. Chapter 9 coming sometime!

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