Heart of Thorns
"Mmh," Corrin groaned, squinting as golden threads of light pierced through her bedroom window. For as long as she'd been in Hoshido, it seemed the once ever-present threat of Flora and Felicia still had her waking up at the break of dawn.
Normally she'd take a few deep breaths and try her best to get back to sleep. Today, however, her face scrunched up as sensation returned to her. She stuck out her tongue, raising a hand to brush strands of hair out of her mouth, and her face, and—well, everywhere.
The weight pressing against her stirred, and Corrin's memory of last night returned in an instant as Azura slowly sat up—having slid from her seat against the wall into Corrin's nest of blankets.
"Corrin?" she murmured, hair billowing out in waves behind her. She grasped some of it in one hand and tucked it over her shoulder—a cursory effort.
"Trying to stem the tide?" Corrin said with a sleepy smile.
Azura laughed wearily. "I fear it's a dammed effort."
Corrin stared at her a moment before it clicked, her eyebrows shooting up. "Azura," she groaned. "That was terrible. You're terrible."
"You like it," she grinned boldly. Strewn across the bedding as it was, the sun hit Azura's hair at just the right angle to illuminate it—like a veil of light enveloping her.
Azura's smile flickered, and Corrin realized she hadn't said anything. "Ah," Corrin started, rising to her feet and very quickly remembering she was only wearing her undergarments.
"Sorry—!"
"My apologies—"
Corrin flung herself to the floor just as Azura hastily averted her gaze. Moments later, Corrin rose—a blanket safely tucked over her shoulders.
"Let me just get dressed," Corrin said, walking to the wall and propping up the dividing screen that sat against it. "Then I can grab you something fresh from your room."
"Thank you," Azura said, now out of view. She trailed off, her voice hanging in the air. "Corrin, I—"
"It's fine!" she said, pulling a black top over her head. She poked out from behind the screen, Azura's gaze perking up with the motion. "Really, Azura, you're fine. Thank you for being here for me."
"Corrin—"
"Unless I made you uncomfortable," Corrin suddenly realized." I know we've only known each other a short while, er, again that is—" but I feel close to you and you've done so much for me and all I want is to repay the favor—
"Corrin," Azura repeated, cutting off her spiraling thoughts. "I want to be here for you. You have nothing to worry about."
"Oh," Corrin said, sighing in relief. "Good."
Azura smiled in agreement. "Good."
A knock at the door swept away the moment. Corrin hurried over, sliding it open to come face-to-face with a familiar green-haired ninja.
"Lady Corrin," Kaze said, dropping to one knee, head bowed. "I have important news. A massive Nohrian force is gathering at our border."
Corrin's heart plummeted. She wrenched her head back, eyes meeting Azura's pained golden gaze.
They were out of time.
Prince Xander's office sat at the top of another of the border fortress's four towers. It wasn't too different from Robin's own, though perhaps a bit more spacious. The bare decor made it obvious this was only a temporary residence, but traces of its occupant still revealed themselves—the meticulous organization of his paperwork, for instance.
Robin's… wasn't that, but it was efficient.
Two chairs had been prepared on one end of the desk, and Leo slid smoothly into one of them. Robin frowned as he joined him. Gods, even the way he sat embodied that signaturely Leo sense of smugness—something about the angle, the tilt of his boot, the way he was staring at him—
"—you even listening, Robin?"
"Of course!" he blurted. "You were just telling me…" he trailed off, gesturing in the air.
Leo sighed, closing his eyes. "I was just telling you it's about time to explain your plan." His gaze sharpened. "So tell me, Robin. How exactly do you intend to circumvent the Hoshidan barrier?"
"Right, right," Robin murmured, nodding along. "Well, that's the thing." He raised a finger in the air. "I'm not."
Leo stared blankly.
"What."
"Don't look at me like that," Robin said, waving his hand dismissively. "Let me explain—"
The door swung open, cutting off Robin's train of thought. Tilting his head back, he met the gaze of Crown Prince Xander of Nohr.
"Oh," Robin said. "Hello Crown Prince Xander of Nohr."
For as long as Robin could remember, the fact that the doors in Nohr were a bit taller than strictly necessary had been rattling around in the back of his mind, alongside sandwich toppings and other tactically-relevant information. It was as Xander towered over them in the doorway, however, that Robin began to wonder if he was just short.
Leo frowned. "You never refer to me by my title."
Robin spared him a glance and a grin. "That's because we're friends."
"You must be Robin," Xander said, stepping into the room and taking a seat behind his desk. Somehow, that only made him more intimidating. He nodded to Leo, who wordlessly returned the gesture. "I am told you have devised a plan to return Princess Corrin home to Nohr."
Robin nodded. "That I have, Your Highness."
...It was Your Highness, right? Or was he supposed to use 'my lord'?
Alas, Xander's inscrutable expression revealed nothing.
Robin. The plan.
"The plan!" Robin exclaimed. "Well, it's actually pretty simple. I'm not Nohrian. I can cross the barrier."
"In the interest of posterity," Leo added, "any of us could cross the barrier. Its power is in pacification—any Nohrian soldier would find themselves unable to raise their weapon."
"In short," he continued, "it's a death sentence."
Xander nodded along, glancing in Leo's direction. "And Robin is not of Nohr."
"He is—"
"From far away," Robin interrupted, putting his hands behind his head. "Distant kingdom across the sea. Leo and I met by chance, really."
He could almost tangibly feel Leo side-eying him. He opted to ignore him.
"I see," Xander said. He dipped his quill into a bottle of ink, and Robin was struck with the chilling realization that he was taking notes. "My brother has vouched extensively for you, Robin. I am trusting you to act in the kingdom of Nohr's best interest."
"Of course, Your Highness," Robin nodded. "So, once I'm on the Hoshidan side of the barrier, I'll negotiate with them on Nohr's behalf."
This time, he made the mistake of meeting Leo's gaze. "Negotiate with who, exactly," Leo inquired. "The legions of soldiers waiting to meet you?"
"Well, no," Robin said. "I'll negotiate with Queen Mikoto."
Leo stared at him in silence for several moments longer.
"Brother," he finally said, turning to face Xander. "Please forgive me for this waste of your time. If you allow me a few days, I shall draft a plan of attack for our armies that is not so utterly—"
"Hey!" Robin exclaimed, frowning before lowering his voice. "Leo, you're supposed to take my side here."
"Robin," Leo sighed, rubbing the base of his nose. "Why would Queen Mikoto, the woman maintaining the barrier, put herself in harm's way by joining her forces to the border?"
Robin shrugged. "She will."
"She will," Leo echoed.
"Right," Robin said. "I've got a good feeling. She'll bring Corrin, too."
Leo's response came in the form of an incredulous, exasperated groan.
"Brother, I must agree with dear Leo here," came the smooth voice of Princess Camilla, running her hand across the back of his chair as she stepped into the room.
What a pleasant surprise.
She crossed her arms, leaning against the side of the desk. "Why would Hoshido bring their most valuable prisoner before the full force of our army?"
"Not to mention refraining from shooting you down the moment you cross the threshold," Leo interjected. "Our kingdoms don't exactly have a positive history of diplomacy."
"I'm sorry," Robin said, glaring between the two of them. "I thought I'd finally garnered a little trust here. If you'd just let me—"
"Xander," Leo said, his voice hardening. "You know full-well I don't care for this crusade. What I do care for is bringing our sister home, and this fool's errand will not accomplish—"
"That's enough," Xander rumbled.
There was a certain quality to his firm, level tone that simply demanded respect—instantly bringing the three to silence. "Leo," he said, "we will speak later."
Camilla glanced between her brothers, but said nothing.
"Robin," Xander said, turning to face him. "My duty is to protect Nohrian lives by whatever means necessary. Do you truly believe your plan will work?"
There was something about Xander he couldn't get a read on. He was stern, commanding, but clearly cared for his siblings. Yet at the same time, Robin felt as though he were holding something back—a key aspect to his thought process left unspoken.
Whatever it was, it seemed like he was at least considering the plan. Robin sat up straighter and shook his head. "I do."
"Then," Xander said as he set his quill aside, "the kingdom of Nohr will continue to place its trust in your hands."
"However," he continued, delaying both Robin's internal victory cheer and Leo's sputtered surprise. "My father has ordered us to return Corrin to Nohr. Our troops march to save their princess. And I," he said, a faint edge creeping into his voice, "would very much like to see my sister safely home. If your tactical ability has earned Leo's praise, surely you are prepared to accomplish this under less-than-ideal circumstances."
Robin's heart dropped. To be honest, it had probably been foolish of him to hope he could get around this part of the conversation. As though speaking it aloud legitimized the possibility.
"I have," Robin said reluctantly. "I promised to protect Corrin, and I intend to honor that. So, if this goes south…"
Robin reached into his cloak. Rifling around for a few moments, he slowly drew out the slender steel form of a Silence staff.
Robin shrugged without enthusiasm. "Queen Mikoto will be there. And she can't exactly maintain the barrier if she's cut off from her magic."
"We'll reach the barrier by tomorrow afternoon," Kaze relayed, kneeling in the grass before her. Corrin had insisted that part wasn't necessarily; a predictably futile effort.
Beyond him, the sun set low over the horizon, basking their camp on the edge of the plains in golden light. It had been several days since the Hoshidan army had set out from Castle Shirasagi—Azura, Lucina, her siblings, and Mother in tow.
"The Nohrian force has spent the past several days establishing a camp in the plains just beyond it," he continued. "They are waiting for us."
"Thank you, Kaze," she said. He said nothing, head bowed. "Er, that will be all."
Kaze nodded, rising to his feet. He turned as if to leave but paused a moment, hesitating. "Lady Corrin, if I may."
"Of course!" Corrin assured. "Please, speak your mind."
"I only wish to suggest you get some sleep," he said. "Tomorrow will require all of us at our best."
"Ah," Corrin exhaled. "Of course, you're right. I'll take your advice."
He nodded, satisfied. "Good night then, Lady Corrin."
"Good night, Kaze."
She watched as he departed, waiting until he was out of sight to allow her expression to fall.
Sleep had never been an ally of hers. Either it gripped her late into the morning, or it abandoned her to lie wide-awake well into the night. Since receiving the news about Nohr, that cycle of hers had only gotten worse.
She let out a sigh, watching as the evening light began to fade away into nightfall. Kaze was right, though. If she was going to run through every possible way tomorrow could go wrong in her head again, best to at least do it in bed and hope she'd tire herself out.
With that odd bit of resolve in mind, Corrin began her walk back to the heart of the camp. It was the most defensible location for the royal tents she supposed, and hers was no different. The sun had set by now, and the camp was settling in for the night. From the sound of things, the others had already retired. She counted the tents as she walked—Sakura's, Takumi's, Azura's. Hinoka's, Ryoma's, M—
"Corrin?" Mikoto said, stepping out into the night. She'd changed into simpler robes and set her crown aside, allowing her long black hair to flow free. She held a candle in one hand, faintly illuminating their surroundings. "I didn't realize you'd been out."
"I just needed some fresh air, Mother." The last bit was said a half-moment too late, her stumbling over the word betraying her awkwardness.
"I see," Mikoto said, giving no indication she'd noticed. "Would you still like to…?"
Corrin's eyes flashed with recognition. Right, she'd nearly forgotten. "Honestly, that sounds great," she admitted.
Corrin led the way into her tent, taking a seat on a cushion as Mikoto placed her candle on the table. She kneeled across from her, hands folded in her lap.
"How do you feel?"
That was a question Mikoto had been asking her since she'd first arrived at (returned to) Shirasagi, in one form or another. It was a question whose answer had for several weeks been "I'm fine," or "Thank you for your hospitality."
She'd asked her again several days ago—the day after she'd sat on the throne, the day they'd received the news of Nohr, and something else had been there.
Not from Mikoto, but from Corrin.
So, they'd begun to talk. Little things at first—childhood memories, her chat with Hinoka earlier in the day, that sort of thing. Mikoto was a patient listener, and Corrin was surprised at just how quickly it grew easier to open up. As much as a part of her still stumbled over the word 'Mother', well…
Mikoto had always reached out her hand. Corrin had just remembered the part of her that wanted to reach back.
"I'm scared," Corrin admitted. "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, and…" Corrin grasped at the air with one hand, gesturing to fill the silence. "I want peace, but more than that I want to see them again. Is that selfish of me?"
"It's natural," Mikoto replied. "They are your family. No one could begrudge you for that."
Right. Of course her mother would understand that better than most.
"Thank you," Corrin said. "You don't…" she averted her gaze a moment, staring into the shadows at the tent's edge. "You don't have to be so understanding. Don't you wish you could've spent that time with me? All the time I was in Nohr?"
Mikoto's mouth drew into a thin line.
"Every day."
"But we cannot change the past, Corrin," she continued. Her eyes reflected the warm light of the candle. "Only the future. And my greatest wish for the future is the happiness of my children."
She held out a hand, and tentatively Corrin grasped it. They sat there for a moment in the dim light of the candle, Mikoto rubbing circles with her thumb.
"Elise would like you," Corrin said, breaking the silence. "She's a little younger than Sakura, but with twice the energy."
Mikoto chuckled. "She sounds delightful. Though, Sakura was quite the handful in her day."
"Yeah, I think I remember some of that," Corrin said, scratching the back of her head. "I think you'd all like each other, honestly. That's the future I want to make."
"If that is the path you wish to tread, then I believe you can see it done" Mikoto said, squeezing her hand. "And I shall support you every step of the way."
Corrin simply stared back at her for a moment. "Thank you," she said earnestly. That's more than I could ever ask for. I—" her words broke off into a yawn. "I'm going to try. Might… need to get some sleep first."
"Of course," Mikoto said. Something flickered in her gaze as she rose to her feet.
"Mother?" Corrin said, voice muffled as her shoulders began to slump. "Was there something else?"
Mikoto shook her head. "No. You must get your rest, after all. Good night, my daughter."
Corrin was already beginning to ponder the task of slipping out of her armor half-asleep. Maybe she'd just leave it on. "Good night, Mother."
As the tent opening fluttered in the wind, the candle on the table winked out.
Dreary mid-morning light shone through the tent opening, its ends flapping in the wind. Lucina frowned, bending low as she retrieved another tool from her bag. The long weeks in Hoshido had admittedly lowered her guard. It was a gradual thing, bit by bit, day by day.
As a result, she had neglected Falchion's upkeep—a mistake she was now rectifying.
"Hey, Marth," a voice called, causing her thoughts to lull. "D'you need to borrow a whetstone?"
Lucina shook her head, butterfly mask pressing against her nose. "That won't be necessary. Thank you, Hinata."
Takumi's retainer nodded, brown hair rustling as he took a seat on the crate next to her. Holding his katana before him, he ran a sharpening stone down the length of the blade in rhythmic motions, occasionally stealing glances her way.
"Whole lot of fancy tools you've got there," he noted. "That sword must be important to you, huh?"
Lucina nodded, gaze still fixed on Falchion. "It belongs to my father."
"Ah, I get it," Hinata said. "A lot of us are the same—wielding weapons passed on through our families. Mine have been samurai for generations."
Hinata cocked his head, frowning. "Uh, not sure about Azama though. He just sorta showed up one day."
"I heard that," came an amused voice from the other side of the tent.
"I see," Lucina said. "You are all following in your forebearers footsteps."
"Right!" Hinata exclaimed. "So when I say that sword must be important, I mean it—I couldn't stand it if something happened to my katana." He shook his head, setting the whetstone aside and sheathing his blade. "What I'm getting at is, why don't you ever sharpen it?"
Lucina paused for a moment. Although she'd grown acquainted with the other royal retainers, thus far she'd managed to avoid disclosing details about herself. To them, Lady Azura's new retainer was a stoic swordsman who mostly kept to himself.
Hmh. From exalt to retainer. A strange course she'd set herself on, indeed.
With all that entailed, they were likely to be comrades for some time—and it seemed blatantly lying was not a talent of hers. No, it was best to disclose pieces of the truth where necessary.
"Falchion's blade does not dull or rust," she explained. "It is the sword's other components that require maintenance."
Hinata's eyes widened, whistling under his breath. "Must be nice, not having to worry about all that. My katana's pretty much unbreakable too, but I still gotta work to keep it that way! Kinda reminds me of Lord Takumi's bow, though," his voice dropped to a low whisper, "he still polishes it anyway. Wonder if Raijinto's the same?"
Lucina hardly had the chance to consider protesting before Hinata had opened his mouth. "Hey, Kag—!"
He seemed to realize at about the same time she did that Kagero was nowhere to be seen. That left Lord Ryoma's other retainer.
With noticeably less enthusiasm, he called out once more. "Uh, hey, Saizo!"
"Hinata," Saizo rasped from directly behind them. Lucina didn't flinch, per-say, but she was certain he wouldn't have snuck up on her were it not for the mask's blindspots.
"Oh, there you are," Hinata said. Apparently the inhabitants of the castle eventually got used to that. "We were just wondering if Lord Ryoma ever has to fix up his katana, since it's magic and all."
Saizo crossed his arms, and even behind his mask Lucina could tell he was frowning. "You should be preparing for our confrontation with Nohr, not debating frivolity." His gaze swiveled to Lucina. "And why does he want to know about Lord Ryoma's divine weapon?"
"Well, I said 'we', but really I mostly meant me," Hinata chuckled. "So—"
"I won't discuss such things with an outsider," Saizo all-but growled. "Especially not one who won't show his face."
"You don't need to be a shinobi to see that," Hinata said, rolling his eyes. "But Lady Azura trusts her, yeah? That's plenty good enough for me."
"Is it now," Saizo muttered. His good eye continued to bore into her.
Lucina ran a hand across Falchion's hilt. Satisfied with her work, she stowed the last of her tools in her bag and rose to her feet.
"My loyalty lies with Lady Azura," Lucina intoned, meeting Saizo's gaze. "I did not swear my oath to you, Saizo the Fifth. There is no need for me to prove myself."
Saizo held her gaze for a long moment, before turning to her side. "I must report to Lord Ryoma. Hinata, ensure the others are ready to march within the hour."
"I'm all over it, Saizo," he said, waving a hand placatingly.
His gaze returned to Lucina. "I'll see you on the battlefield."
She nodded. "As will I."
Returning Falchion to its sheath at her side, Lucina pushed the flaps of the tent aside. Her preparations complete, she resolved to seek out her companions. Her search did not take long—Corrin's blue cloak billowed in the wind on a hill at the edge of camp, the rising sun seeming to cast its glow upon her.
"Corrin," Lucina greeted, marching up the hill to join her.
"Oh!" Corrin started, turning to look her way. "Hey, Lucina. I was just thinking."
Her expression turned pensive, and she glanced back over the horizon. Lucina shifted on her feet, unsure of what exactly to say.
"Whatever happens," she managed, gaze locked on the horizon. "We will be with you. Azura and I." She reached for her mask, gently sliding it off her face.
Truly, there must be nothing in all the world as beautiful as a sunrise.
"Our bonds give us strength," she said, echoing words once said to her. "The strength to choose our own fates."
Corrin laughed lightly, and Lucina quickly turned her way. "At least, that's what my father used to say," she explained hastily.
"I think it's nice," Corrin grinned. "It made you smile. I've never seen you smile before."
"Ah," Lucina said, averting her gaze. "I see."
"There it is again," Corrin said. "That glimmer in your eye."
Lucina nodded. She had said she'd explain in time, after all. "It is called the Brand of the Exalt. It serves as proof of my bloodline—similar to your control over Dragon Veins."
"Your bloodline," she echoed. "Are you royalty where you're from?"
"The Halidom of Ylisse is ruled by the exalted bloodline—those who bear the blood of the Divine Dragon Naga. When I left, I was the ruling Exalt."
"I've never heard of it," Corrin said. "You said Nohr and Hoshido were foreign to you?"
"That," Lucina began, "is a much longer story. Ylisse is a kingdom of another world entirely. In truth, I arrived here by mistake."
"For the time being, I intend to stay," she assured. "I have a promise to fulfill."
"I've heard of Naga," Corrin said. "It's the name of a star, here. Maybe you're not as far from home as you thought."
At this, Lucina frowned. Could that truly be the case? From what she'd seen so far, this world bore only the faintest resemblances to her own. From where she stood it seemed infeasible, at best.
Footsteps in the grass betrayed the approach of another, and her voice soon followed. "It's time to go," Azura said, her lance held in one hand.
"Right," Corrin said, exhaling. Her eyes lingered on the horizon, though the sun was well above it now. "Here goes nothing."
The three stood on the hill a moment longer. It was as though each were unwilling to shatter the moment, paving the way for what the future might bring.
Despite that, the three of them had come together, perhaps in spite of fate. Together, they would have the strength to face what may come.
Lucina was the last to leave, Corrin and Azura returning down the hill to camp. Allowing herself a breath of cool air, she cast her gaze up at the graying skies.
"Are you sure about this, Robin?"
"Sure I'm sure," Robin assured, sliding his tome out of his coat. He placed it in a desk drawer, then threw a cloth over it for good measure. "When have my plans ever led us astray?"
"The only people that say that are people whose plans lead them astray," Anna said, crossing her arms as she leaned against one of the support poles of Robin's tent. "Personally speaking, I'd prefer you don't get yourself shot."
"Oh," Robin said, finding a lack of tasks to keep his hands busy. "That's fair. Personally speaking, I'd rather I don't get shot either."
The words better me than someone else went unsaid, but by the look in her eyes he knew Anna had heard them.
A warbling horn echoed through the camp, drawing both their gaze to the tent opening. "Well," Robin shrugged. "That's my cue."
The Nohrian camp was a good hundred yards back from the barrier, safely nestled behind a row of protective hills. Even though it wasn't tangible, Robin could feel it—a constant thrumming of arcane energy that echoed at the edge of his mind.
"Robin," Xander called as they approached the front lines. They'd ultimately moved forward without the troops that were lagging behind, but nonetheless it was a formidable show of force. From his observations, they likely at least matched Hoshido in numbers, if not exceeded them.
"There's the man of the hour," Leo said from his brother's side. "This barrier is beginning to give me a headache."
"Are you prepared?" Xander asked as he tended to his horse's bridling
A soldier stepped towards Robin, offering a flag bearing an unfamiliar design. That'd be the protective sign. With a little luck, Hoshido would honor it.
"I am, Your Highness." He cast his gaze back—towards Xander, Leo, and their forces. Princess Camilla's familiar form stood in the distance, tending to the wyvern riders. And from a cluster of decidedly unscrupulous-looking sorcerers with star-shaped headpieces, a man with a golden mask staring his way.
Robin shook himself, returning his attention to the plains ahead. Iago was the last thing he wanted to ruminate on right now.
"Seriously, Robin," Anna restated. "Don't die out there. We haven't even gotten paid yet."
Leo nodded his assent. "Yes, what she said. I'd prefer if my best tactician remained un-shot."
Robin turned to Anna. "You heard that, right?" he said, voice incredulous. "Leo calling me his 'best tactician'? I'm not hallucinating?"
Anna grinned. "I guess he does like you."
"Perish the thought," Leo groaned. "Just go— get out there. Break a leg."
Robin tilted his head. "I don't think that's applicable here, but I'll do my best."
Corrin paced back and forth nervously—once, twice—eyes locked on the Nohrian army. The morning sun had long-since given way to thick gray clouds. Corrin breathed deep, tasting the air.
It would rain soon.
Kaze and his scouts should've been back by now. As soon as they were, she could get the okay from Mother—she could finally, finally see her siblings again.
But they weren't back yet, and so, she had to wait.
Not for the first time, she tried to make out any familiar forms amongst the dark mass of soldiers. The endeavor continued to be fruitless, but it was something to do.
"You should return to the force, Lady Corrin," a voice said from behind her. "Barrier or no, you're exposed up here."
"Kaze!" Corrin exclaimed, spinning on her heel and sprinting down to him. "How'd it go?"
"Interestingly," Kaze said, his expression unreadable. "There's someone here to see you."
Corrin followed Kaze back to the troops, mind racing as they went. Who could be here? Not one of her siblings—they'd never risk crossing the barrier. If not them, who?
It didn't take long for the answer to reveal himself. A familiar face was currently staring down a particularly agitated Saizo—so, just regular Saizo.
"How many times do you need to search me, exactly? It's not like I could attack you even if I wanted to."
"I suggest you remain silent, Nohrian," Saizo growled. "Your wit will do you no favors here."
"Robin?" Corrin called.
The white-haired tactician spun her way, smiling as he met her gaze. "Corrin! Phew, that's a relief."
"What are you doing here?" she said, closing the gap. "Are you alright?"
"No harm done," Robin assured, glancing at Saizo one last time. "I'm here for you, actually."
"I see," came the voice of Mikoto, the front line of their forces parting to allow her passage. Ryoma and Hinoka followed close behind, as well as a blue-haired woman—Reina, one of Mother's retainers. "And who might you be?"
Reina grabbed her hand as she stepped closer. "I must insist you keep your distance, Lady Mikoto," she said, gaze narrowing. "We do not yet understand this one's aims."
"Your Majesty," Robin said, bowing his head. "I'm Robin, here on behalf of the Kingdom of Nohr as a negotiator."
Mikoto looked to Reina, words silently passing between the two of them. She eased her grip, and Mikoto stepped forward to stand before Robin.
"Robin is my friend," Corrin assured, looking between her family and the tactician. "We can trust him, Mother."
"Moth—?" Robin began to echo before he cut himself off. "Well, that makes things complicated."
Corrin looked to him apologetically. "It's a really long story."
"Tell me, Robin," Mikoto said. "What is it you seek from my daughter?"
"Technically speaking," Robin began, "I'm here to bring her home to Nohr. But," he continued hastily as Hinoka began to glare, "honestly speaking, my aim is to negotiate peace."
"I want to speak to my siblings, Mother," Corrin added. "I'm a princess of both kingdoms. They'll listen to me, I know they will."
"I was betting on Corrin being in a good position to help with that," Robin said. "Honestly, this is better than I could've hoped for. We can stop any chance of an all-out war—today."
Mikoto looked between the two of them, her expression pensive. "King Garon is not among your forces?"
Robin shook his head, and Corrin elaborated. "He barely ever leaves the castle these days."
Finally she let out a sigh, bowing her head. "I agree."
Robin's eyebrows shot up. "You do?"
"I have always hoped to see peace for our nations. If Nohr now seeks this as well, I would not squander the opportunity."
Robin let out a sigh of relief. "Alright. Alright, that's great. I'll bring Corrin back to the edge of the barrier, and we'll talk. That's all."
Ryoma stepped forward, tapping Mikoto on the shoulder. She took a step back, conferring with him quietly.
After a few moments, she returned as Ryoma vanished behind the front lines. "A third of our forces will march forward to the edge of the barrier behind you." She glanced towards Corrin. "They will be far enough to afford you privacy."
Robin's brow furrowed, but he nodded. "That's understandable." He tilted his head towards the sky, holding a hand to his forehead. "We'd best leave now. Not sure how much longer the weather will hold."
"Right," Corrin nodded. "Lead the way, Robin."
"Corrin," Mikoto called in a low tone, bringing her to pause. "I want you to take this."
As she turned, Mikoto reached out a hand and gently placed something in Corrin's palm. It was a smooth blue stone—crystalline, and cold to the touch. Metal had been fastened to one end, allowing a silver chain to run through it like an amulet.
Corrin stared, rubbing her thumb across its surface. "What is it?"
"I will explain later," she murmured. "Until then—please, my daughter. Stay safe."
Corrin pulled the chain over her neck. She grabbed Mikoto's hand, feeling the way it trembled slightly.
"I will, Mother," she said. "I promise."
"So," Robin said as they walked, countless Hoshidan soldiers following not far behind. "Lost princess of the Hoshidan royal family?"
"I was surprised as you are," Corrin shrugged. "King Garon—he kidnapped me. His mages sealed my memories when I was a child."
"...Gods," Robin murmured under his breath. "Corrin, I—"
"It's okay," she assured him with a smile. "Everything that happened led me here, right?"
"Right," Robin echoed. "We're almost there. I'll give you some space with your family, just—"
"BIG SISTER!" a shrill voice cried. A small figure moving at incredible speed slammed into Corrin, sending her stumbling to the ground with an oof.
"Elise?" Corrin exclaimed as she gasped for breath. "Is that you?"
"I missed you sosososo much!" Elise said, hugging her tightly even as Corrin pushed herself to her feet. "We heard the Hoshidans kidnapped you and everyone's been trying to get you back for weeks and we were so worried and—"
"It's alright Elise," Corrin soothed, gently easing her grip. "I'm here now, alright?"
"Alright," she said, sucking in a breath. Her eyes lit up, and she grabbed one of Corrin's hands tight. "You've gotta come see everyone! Come on, come on!"
"Alright, alright, don't pull!" Corrin laughed. She cast a final gaze back at Robin, who waved before heading off at an angle towards the Nohrian army. Elise pulled her forward across the bridge of a long-dried river, and Corrin could feel the exact moment they crossed the barrier as her ears popped.
"Elise!" another familiar voice exclaimed. "A battlefield is no place to run off, dear. What if something had happened to you?"
"I'm fine, Camilla!" Elise protested. "And look, look who it is!"
Camilla blinked, sliding her helmet off and holding it at her side. "Corrin?"
Corrin smiled breathlessly, bracing herself for what was to come. "Hi, Camilla."
Even one-armed, Camilla's embrace was as crushing as ever. "I was so worried about you, my sweet little sister. I'll never allow Father to send you out on your own ever again."
"The sentiment— is— appreciated—" Corrin choked out. As Camilla finally lowered her to the ground, the last of the familiar faces she'd come here for dismounted from their horses.
"Corrin," Xander said, sighing in relief. "You're not hurt, are you?"
Corrin shook her head. "I'm fine Xander, really."
Leo stepped forward to join them. "I can't believe it," he chuckled incredulously. "You two really do have the devil's own luck."
"Robin said he'd give us some space," Corrin grinned.
"We got our sister back!" Elise cheered, punching the air. "Take that, Hoshido!"
Camilla stepped forward, patting Elise on the shoulder gently. Leo rose one hand to his mouth, masking his smirk. Xander continued to look at Corrin, a strange light in his eyes.
"You've changed," he said simply.
Corrin blinked, then nodded. "Yeah. I guess I have. We need to talk."
Out of the corner of her eye, Leo's gaze shifted from her to the Hoshidan front lines not far behind.
"Elise," Xander rumbled. "You should return to camp."
"Xander—!" she began. One look at him, though, and her protests fell silent. Corrin flashed her an encouraging smile, and she beamed back before retreating out of sight.
"Everyone," Corrin said, swallowing. "I haven't been a prisoner these past few weeks."
Camilla tilted her head, confusion evident. "Then why didn't you come home?"
Corrin shifted on her feet. "I… never asked."
"That sounds like being a prisoner to me," Leo said.
"No, you don't—" Corrin cut herself off, taking in a breath. "I need to tell you all something."
"You can tell us anything," Camilla assured her.
Right. These were her siblings. They were family.
"Queen Mikoto is my mother," she said. "I'm Hoshidan royalty."
The sky was almost as dark as it was in Nohr, now. Rain began to fall across the plains.
Silence. Corrin let out a shaky exhale.
"That's ridiculous," Leo scoffed. "You've lived in Nohr your entire life. Unless you mean to suggest Father had an affair with foreign royalty, and even then—"
"He's not my father, Leo," Corrin said. "King Garon, he…"
Memories flashed through her mind unbidden.
"He murdered my father in Cheve. King Sumeragi. And he kidnapped me."
Leo crossed his arms, eyebrows raised. "You actually believe yourself."
"It's true!" Corrin insisted. "I sat on the Throne of Truth—surely you've heard of it, Leo. Iago and another sorcerer sealed my memories before they sent me to the Northern Fortress. It was the side-effects of the spell that made me sick all those years."
"Corrin…" Camilla murmured. "Xander, this can't be—"
Corrin met Xander's gaze. It was firm, resolute, unbending as ever.
Until it softened. His eyes shifted in the slightest, most barely noticeable manner. If she hadn't known him all these long years, it would have been impossible to discern.
Corrin's heart burned cold.
"You knew."
Xander wasn't the type to avert his gaze, so he didn't. Instead, his head tilted down just-so—another barely perceptible movement.
"I did."
"Knew what?" Leo echoed. "Xander, what is she talking about?"
Xander closed his eyes.
"Fifteen years ago, Father returned from peace talks in Cheve. He brought a child with him. She lived in Krakenburg for several months, before she was taken to the Northern Fortress for her protection."
The rain had picked up into a complete downpour, showering the plains in water. Corrin was barely listening.
"You KNEW?!"
"Corrin," Xander continued. "I have known no greater honor than to be your brother. We are family, by bonds if not blood."
"Xander—" Corrin sputtered, taking a shaky step back. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I—"
Corrin's voice rose into a shaking shout. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?!"
Xander's dark gaze did not waver. "The negotiations devolved into conflict. Father was forced to cut King Sumeragi down. I thought the knowledge would only bring you pain."
Corrin laughed incredulously. "Forced? I was there, Xander! Murder is not self-defense! He murdered my father and stole me from my family!"
"Little princess—"
"Don't," Corrin choked. "Don't you dare!"
"Sister," Leo spoke up, "let's just—"
"And you," she hissed, whirling on Leo. "All our lives I've been afflicted by dark magic! The sword your father gave me pulled me into the Bottomless Canyon! And I'm willing to bet the Northern Fortress wasn't 'protecting' me, either! Robin noticed something was wrong the moment we met—you could've said something! Anything!"
Camilla had been watching the proceedings like a ghost, face frozen in stunned silence. Finally she stirred, taking a step forward.
A single step.
An outreached hand.
"Corrin, please—"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"
An arm, no, a lance.
A breastplate shattered like glass.
No path to tread.
Her world turned red.
"Azura," Lucina repeated for not the first time. "You should return to camp." Rain thundered to the ground around them, bitter and cold. Even she might catch a cold in this weather, and Lucina was well-accustomed to the inhospitable conditions of Ylisse.
"Not yet," Azura said. They stood on a rise, looking out over their forward army. Beyond them and over the bridge, tiny figures betrayed the presence of Corrin and the Nohrian siblings. At this rate, what had been a dry riverbed when they arrived might flow with raging waters once more.
Azura stared into a deep puddle, watching her reflection in the water. She blinked.
"Lucina," Azura said. "Something's not right."
Lucina tilted her head. "Not right?"
Azura nodded, very slowly and very gently. "It's silent."
Silent? The skies roared, drowning out anything but Azura's voice. How was that…
Silent.
Azura wasn't moving. Her gaze remained fixated on the puddle.
The puddle that grew deeper every passing moment. Hundreds like it now covered the plains.
Lucina stepped forward, counting on the rain to quiet the schht of Falchion freeing itself from its sheath.
"Where do you suppose it's coming from?" Lucina said, doing her best to sound conversational.
Azura's voice was barely more than a whisper. "Right in front of me."
In a single fluid motion, Lucina stabbed Falchion into the puddle. It was even deeper than expected, and as she wrenched it out the flickering, violet form of a Vallite phantom came with it. It convulsed on the ground for several moments, before vanishing without a sound.
Azura let out a shaky exhale, stumbling to her feet. "This is a trap."
"We'll go to Queen Mikoto," Lucina reasoned. "She can give the order to pull back—"
A sound cut through the storm.
A roar.
Turning forward, their gaze fell upon a pillar painted in black, red, and violet—a towering spire of magic, erupting from just beyond the river bridge.
Lucina and Azura looked to each other in tandem. "Corrin."
As they raced down the hill, arrows soared through the skies from both sides of the battlefield.
The observant eye might notice their hue, trails tinged with violet flames.
Azura cried, her voice reaching a piercing crescendo as waves rose from the trampled earth like the tide, sweeping a path through the throngs of Nohrian soldiers. They weren't unlike a sea themselves, crashing against the banks of the Hoshidan army that had pressed past the barrier in a defensive assault.
This was Valla's influence at work. The phantasmal archers had vanished as quickly as they arrived, both sides believing the other had fired the first shot.
Lucina hissed under her breath, parrying a blow and turning back to her charge as a troop of samurai rushed to fill the gap. "You should not have—"
Azura raised her hand. "I'm fine. We need to—" her protests cut off with a sickening yelp of pain, golden eyes wide with not-quite-fear as she leaned deep on her lance.
Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, joining its fellows stained across the field. "I'm sorry," she managed after a moment longer. "Just a few moments."
She had sung several days ago, Lucina recalled, while Corrin sat unconscious on the throne. These were the aftereffects.
Lucina spared her a nod, mind and mask slipping back into the thrums of battle as she turned to the front. They had cut across the river before it became impassible, now nearing the epicenter—whatever had become of the negotiation.
Most of the soldiers they passed were splitting around it, but occasionally she caught glimpses of black-armored figures weaving through their comrades towards their destination. Their weaponry was far from standard, some sort of horrifically bladed… why would they be approaching the royal family with wyrmslayers?
Whatever distraction the swords provided was more than enough to cause Lucina to flinch in surprise when the man in front of her was split in two, a sword cutting up from the chest through his skull as easily as one might dispatch a melting Risen. Even with her years of combat the urge to vomit roared against her instincts, and it was only the dramatically limited vision provided by her mask that allowed her to suppress the simmering disgust.
As he slumped forward the culprit was made clear—a girl in Nohrian leathers, her vibrant red hair complimenting the thick layers of blood and grit caking her body, though even now the rain worked to wash it away. She spat bile herself, raising her blade in a vaguely familiar stance.
"My family's in there," she growled, eyes gesturing wildly towards the battle's heart. "So here's your one chance, ladies. Get the fuck out of my way."
Lucina tilted her head just so, spying Azura's attempts at fighting off the wracking tremors of pain that still gripped her, white cloth ruined as she leaned against her lance upon the ground.
She raised Falchion high, tip pointed forward in a two-handed grip. "I cannot do that."
The girl barked a laugh, hoarse and bitter.
"Your funeral."
The first clash of the duel rang in-time with thunder, fang-against-steel as the girl threw herself forward. Taken aback at her ferocity, Lucina threw Falchion into a defensive stance, barely parrying the final strike of the onslaught. She slid back with the motion, boots and blade caked with mud.
"Is that all you've got?" the girl spat.
Lucina backpedaled, breathing hard. She raised Falchion over her shoulder, elbow bent, blade bared forward. "I have no wish to harm you, but I will if I must!"
The girl chuckled disbelievingly, circling around her. "Gods, you're idealistic. This is a war! You kill me for your lord, or I kill you for mine!"
Lucina shook her head, taking half-steps around her opponent in kind. "I don't believe that. Our bonds are what give us strength."
The girl's eyes widened, almost imperceptibly—so much so that Lucina was surprised she'd noticed at all through the mask and the rain.
Her voice was barely audible over the throng of battle. "Don't say that."
"The strength to choose our own fate."
The girl blinked. Whatever that moment had been, it passed—familiar fire returning to her eyes. All at once the girl threw herself forward, a strangled shout on her lips.
"YOU— "
Her bladework was a raging storm, too fast to follow with sight alone. Lucina fell back on instinct, and somehow that was enough—duck, deflect, parry, block—
"—DON'T GET—"
Parry, deflect—her last movement is a moment too slow, defenses shattered by adrenaline and overpowering rage.
"—TO SAY THAT!"
The girl's final overhead slash was like a flash of lightning. It stuck all-too fast, sending Lucina—and her mask—crumbling to the ground.
Lucina clutched her face, the taste of blood in her mouth—she was biting her tongue. Her free hand flew to her face—her mask was gone, in pieces around her. Blood trickled down the side of her face. Blinking, she gasped in relief—it had shielded her from the brunt of the blade, the wound was superficial.
Lucina tore her gaze upward to her opponent looming over her. She panted heavily, sword clenched like a lifeline in a two-handed grip
"I win," the red-haired girl gasped, easing her blade down. "So, here's what we're going to do—"
The very.
Very.
Familiar.
Red-haired girl.
For a moment, Lucina swore her own heart echoed louder than the battle and the storm themselves.
"—so you better start running now, or—" she paused, frowning. "Hey, I'm sparing your life, you know!" she said indignantly. "You could at least pretend to be grateful—"
She blinked, and as the exhaustion faded from her gaze, she truly met Lucina's gaze.
Though her aching muscles brought her to grimace, Lucina rose to her feet once again.
"Lu—?" she cut herself off, as though she couldn't bear to finish the name. "You— you're—"
Her sword clattered to the ground.
Lucina took a step forward. She managed the only thing she could think to say.
"Severa?"
It was as though the name shattered a spell—all at once Lucina was stumbling back to the floor, breath seized in her chest, eyes flung wide.
The roars of battle and bloodshed faded in an instant, as Severa collapsed into her arms and sobbed.
Thank you very much for reading. A special thanks to DestructionDragon360 for beta'ing this chapter.
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