A weighty deception is revealed. Keiji then makes a decision with unforseen consequences.
Deception
You awaken to the fire's crackling orange flames with a groggy yawn. Very little light penetrates the window shutters to the side of you compared with earlier - a sure-fire sign that the sun is setting. Well-rested, you get up from the armchair and stretch your arms and back to ease out the kinks from sleeping. You've a town to liberate from the Nohrians and need to be on top form.
Moreover, you need your comrade in arms for the task.
"Flora?" you call out to the maid, casting your eyes over the empty living room.
You're met with silence.
She's more than likely in another room.
"Flora... are you there?"
Nothing. Nothing at all.
"Strange..." You had better search for the girl.
An unlit wax candle sits in a holder atop one of the chairs by the fireplace. You pick up and carefully light it using the fire's crackling embers. Light source readied, you sit the candle back into its holder and step out into the hallway.
"Flora? Where have you gotten to?" You point the candle toward the as of yet unvisited room across the hall. Upon going inside you're met with a rather plain and simple kitchen area. "Do speak up if you hear me."
A fair sized circular wooden table sits at the room's centre with chairs pushed in underneath. You step around it and inspect the food preparation counter off to the left. A chopping board sits atop the counter's middle, with several worn iron cooking pots piled up to the right-hand side of it. Overhead, braids of garlic and other such herbs for seasoning hang from rack suspended by a chain from the ceiling.
An interesting enough kitchen arrangement, but somewhat useless as far as finding Flora is concerned. You turn around and walk out into the hall. A worried pang grips your stomach.
A part of you worries she went outside and the Nohrians got her.
"No, Keiji," you reprimand yourself with a shake of the head. "Calm down. There has to be a well-reasoned explanation for her absence."
It might well be that she went upstairs. You'll check up there next.
You arrive at the staircase and put boot up the bottom rung. Beside it is the set of keys Flora used to lock the door earlier. There's also something else, too. Something that wasn't here before. A small piece of white folded paper.
"A letter?"
You remove your foot from the step and carefully bend down to pick the paper with your free hand. Bringing it closer to your face, you notice your name written on the back in artfully crafted Hoshidan lettering.
Nerves gripping you suddenly, you sit down on the staircase's bottom step and open out the paper.
You notice two kanji symbols before you've even read the note proper. Those for the words 'danger' and 'lied'.
Heartbeat quickening in your chest, you start reading:
'Keiji, I promised to protect you, so I must be honest with you above all. I lied - about everything. Maria was completely innocent, and I planted the letter I showed to you and Kagero. I'm the spy, I always have been.'
You pause from reading and breathe a deeply disappointed sigh. "Dammit all, Flora."
You were an idiot for being drawn in by her gentle words and tender gestures.
'But I cannot do it anymore; keep lying as I have been, I mean. Not after you've been so kind to me these recent days. Therefore, I'll tell you everything I know. Lady Camilla promised to free my village from Nohrian control if I handed over Lady Corrin to her. I don't have a clue why, but the Nohrian princess has made several very bold moves as of late, from drawing a large part of the Nohrian army to her side, to funding the forging of huge amounts of weapons. What's more, I have a feeling both of these things, relate to Corrin joining her.
'When I heard Lord Ryoma planned to march on the village, I saw a chance. And so, I planned to bring Corrin here. This whole place is a trap, one you weren't supposed to spring, Keiji. Now, after the time we've spent together recently... and how you care for me... I can't place you in danger. I just can't. You and Hoshido have been good to me... and I won't betray your trust any longer. I'll set this right, here and now.'
Frustration cooling at Flora's honesty, your hand holding the paper jitters
"...Why did you not say something?"
You would've helped the poor girl!
'You and the others need to get out of here, and quickly. The Nohrian garrison tasked with ambushing Corrin has already mustered by the bridge, so there isn't much time. I've left the gate nearest the Ice Dragon's chapel open for you to leave through. Head left after leaving the house and make an eastward turn; you'll see the chapel there. The gate leading out of the village is at the back of the cemetery behind there. Go, while the Nohrians are distracted.
'As for me, I'm staying behind. I'll raise my people in rebellion as Ryoma originally intended. I just hope you return to help with the Hoshidans before we're wiped out. I'm sorry, Keiji. And though I doubt you believe me, I truly cherish you. Flora.'
The twin's confession is as though a doleful dagger plunged into your heart.
If only she'd spoken up sooner! You wouldn't have violently reprimanded her! You would've respected her honesty and come to her aid!
You fold the letter and slip it into your pocket for safekeeping, and then slam a frustrated fist into the wall.
"Gods be damned!"
You get to your feet and rush for the door. There's no time to lose.
You turn the door handle. The door doesn't budge.
"Oh for the love of..."
You swing around and grab the keychain from the staircase. Hurried, you fumble through all of the keys until you find the one belonging to the lock.
"Got it."
You turn the key and yank open the door with force. Cold air bites at you as you step out into the open. Mustering as much resolve as you can, you brace against the bitter air. First, you have to collect the rest of your men from the other house down the street. Only then can you make an exit.
"I just hope we've enough time."
You arrive outside of the Ice Dragon's chapel with your soldiers at your back - a small and weathered building built with grey stone. Far unlike anything in your native Hoshido, jagged granite tiles make up the roof. The three stained glass windows nearest were you stand are of a greenish-blue hue and gently shimmer like magic. They depict a draconic beast in an artistic swirling pattern at their centres.
"This is the place," you voice after a hasty breath, having rushed all of your soldiers here in a hurry. You point ahead once you're steady. "Just up ahead is the way out. Let us leave this place while we still have the chance."
A cobblestone path cuts through the centre of the dry earthy ground to the chapel's right-hand side. Faded headstones dot both sides unevenly.
"You sure we can trust a word Flora says, given she lead us into this danger in the first place?" one of your soldiers questions with a scathing edge.
You showed your men the letter upon meeting with them. While most were less than pleased by its contents, they pledged to continue following you. Out of respect for your taking command of the situation when they fought the Faceless this morning.
You nod in reply to the disheartened samurai at your back. "I do, at least for the moment," you answer, having already thought long and hard about the whole situation on your way to your comrades a short while earlier. You glance back over your shoulder. "Flora is placing herself in far more danger with the village's Nohrian overlord's by being honest with us at this late stage, and yet she did it regardless."
"To arms, brothers and sisters!" a gruff man shouts far off in the distance, his rallying call carrying over the cold night air.
An almighty cheer erupts from across the village. Then there follows a melee of chaotic voices and the din of clanging steel.
"Well I'll be," your sceptical samurai comrade scoffs, "that's a battle if I've ever heard one."
"Most certainly," you answer in agreement. "Which means we had better take our leave, and quickly."
"We're right behind you, Sir Keiji."
"Good. Then on me, everyone."
You set off down the path with your soldiers following closely. It leads into a fairly small walled off cemetery with countless rows of headstones. Some are far larger than others are, and many are cracked or worn with the passage of time. At the far end of the cemetery are a pair of wide-open rusted iron gates. A lit lantern hangs from a hook on the wall beside then - a signal if you've ever seen one.
"Quickly now, while there's still time."
You lead your host through the worn out gates. Beyond them is an icy footpath that leads out into the icy wastes. Better still, the raging snowstorm from earlier has all but entirely stopped. Travel will be far easier in these conditions when compared with earlier.
Recollection's spark ignites in your brain.
"Flora brought us through this way when we arrived," you say with a snap of the fingers. "Meaning if we follow the footpath to its end and continue northwards, we should cross paths with Ryoma's approaching army before too long."
"Going somewhere?" questions an all too familiar voice from behind - that of a woman.
"Charlotte," you growl, a shudder crawling down your back.
You and your soldiers turn around.
A sadistic smirk across her face, the Nohrian blonde walks up the cemetery path while dragging Flora in tow. She wears a long coat of orange kitsune fur to fend off the cold. Far from alone, half a dozen axemen follow at her back. Restrained somewhat painfully by her arm, her captive maid has a black eye and a split lip. Her clothes are also tattered and torn. Worse still, cuts and scrapes tarnish her skin.
"I've been following this one for a while," Charlotte reveals, shooting a nasty glare Flora's way. "And she's not as sneaky as she thinks." The lady fighter tosses her prisoner to the floor and one of her cohorts hands her a massive two-handed axe.
Slowly crawling to her knees, Flora holds her stomach and whimpers. Her eyes are glassy and quivering. "I-I'm so sorry, Keiji," she sobs, anguished tears leaking from her eyes and pattering against the cobblestones. "I-I tried to fight back... really I did."
"Oh shuddup already!" Charlotte interjects. "Nobody wants to hear another word from a traitorous cur like you." Gripping her weapon tightly, the axewoman focuses a cruel leer upon you. "I don't much care about the peons you've brought along for this little farce. But you? You've humiliated me twice now, Keiji."
Your eyes widen at the busty harlot having remembered your name since the last battle.
Charlotte chuckles bitterly. "Surprised, hmm? A girl doesn't easily forget a man who cracks her damn ribs." Shifting her axe into one hand, she presses a palm to her side in sour recollection. "And since then you've barely left my thoughts…" Looking down to Flora - battered and bruised on the floor - she scowls. "…I was overjoyed when I heard from Flora here that you were in the village. I had to smack her around some, of course."
Teeth gritted hatefully, you snarl, "...What do you want, you Nohrian bitch?"
"Easy there, Samurai," Charlotte cautions all too gleefully, eying Flora sadistically for a second. "Push me and I'll strike this traitorous cow's head from her shoulders."
Biting back fury with a deep breath in and out, you repeat the question, "Alright, fine. What do you want, Charlotte?"
"Simple, really," the blonde says, popping her neck at both sides. "Your little friends there are gonna walk away, back to their Hoshidan comrades," she states, pointing past you and to your men to punctuate her desire. She then trains her digit on you again. "Then I'll send off my boys too. And once we're alone, you and me are gonna finish what we started in the Astral Plane - one on one: for Flora's worthless life."
Flora just barely claws her way upright. Her expression twisted by immense pain, she forces a sad smile. "Don't listen to her, Keiji!" the twin begs, her hands clasped together in desperate petition. "Just leave me behind, save yourself... while there's still time!"
"I said shut it!" Charlotte barks, kicking the maid back down to the cobblestones. Curling into a ball, Flora scrunches her eyes shut and whimpers.
You shudder with rage, your blood boiling. "Why you-"
"You're outnumbered three to one," one of your samurai subordinates declares with a scoff that cuts you off - the same discontent lad from earlier. "What's to stop us from overpowering you and taking back Miss Flora by force?"
"Brave, aren't we?" Charlotte mocks. "Or maybe foolish. How about you come over here and try it?"
You bite down on your lip. Then You hold out an arm to bar your comrade's advance before he considers it.
Flora will be long dead before you reach her, should you try anything. Loathe as you are to accept Charlotte's terms, you've no choice.
"Very well," you concede, bowing your head. Raising it again, you throw an arm outward in declaration, "All of you, go. I shall rescue Flora and follow after you shortly."
"Are you sure, Sir Keiji...?" your samurai subordinate asks somewhat nervously. "I mean, is it wise to take a Nohrian at her word?" he adds in a somewhat lower voice.
You glance back to the concerned soldier. "In this case, yes," you answer resolutely, looking forward to Charlotte. There's heat to her gaze, fury and longing joined as one. "You heard her yourself; she's waited for this opportunity. I don't think she'll sully the moment by being underhanded. And besides..." You pause, thoughts of Felicia flashing through your mind. "If I abandon Flora her sister will never forgive me."
"Understood." A deep sigh from your comrade-in-arms. He then turns away and begins walking. One by one, his counterparts break off from you and set off down the footpath leading out into the wilderness.
You re-enter the cemetery. The last of your soldiers to leave closes the rusted cemetery gates behind you, but not before giving you a fearful glance.
Alone now, you stand tall in the face of your decision. "Okay, I've done as you asked. Now you, too," you command, jabbing a finger at the band of axemen behind Charlotte. "Send them away as you agreed, and we'll finish this."
"Fine," Charlotte answers abruptly. "I play by the rules when I need to." Turning partway around, she throws a dismissive arm out to her men. "Get outta here, go cut down some of damn those villagers or something." Instructions provided, the blonde bruiser returns her attention to you and licks her lips in anticipation. "This is between me and him. Get involved or stick around... and I'll cut you down myself," she warns further.
"Gotcha," one of the girl's comrades answers, leaving. The rest follow.
"Good, good," Charlotte says with quieted glee as the last of her men rounds the corner of the church building. "Now it's just you and me."
"Just the way I prefer it," you say most bitterly, honing your hated and glaring. Ready, you pull your katana from its scabbard.
"Ohhhh my," Charlotte purrs, flipping a few wavy golden ribbons of hair from her face. "The fire in your eyes; I like it. You know what? I'm gonna enjoy this."
"Likewise."
"Keiji..." Flora calls out weakly, stopping you from attacking. She somehow manages by the Light Dragon's graces to rise again to her feet. Weak and wobbly, she limps toward you one painful step at a time. You quickly close on the maid and whisk her behind your back for protection "Be careful," she whispers.
"Always."
Eying you with a hint of disgust, Charlotte rolls her eyes. "To think a half-decent warrior like you, Hoshidan or not, would risk it all for a spy."
"It's because I'm Hoshidan," you proclaim with a hint of pride, falling into a combat-ready stance. "We Hoshidans don't abandon our own... misguided or no."
Flora sobs ashamedly at your back.
"Fine, it's your mistake," Charlotte snorts scathingly. Eyes narrowed, she lunges with a blood lusting battle cry. You parry her first strike, and sparks fly. With a sharp shove, you send back a few steps. "You're as good as I remember," the Nohrian commends backhandedly, "but I ain't letting you humiliate me again."
"If that's how you wish for it to be, come forth," you encourage with a bitter smile.
Charlotte tosses her axe to the snow and assumes a strange bear-like combat stance. Her oversized bosoms almost spill out from the confines of her coat. "I don't need a weapon to beat you," she boldly declares, raising her fists. "Girl like me? I'm full of surprises."
You tighten your gaze, placing one foot ahead of the other and winding your focus tight like a spring. "What warrior with sense and reason throws away their weapon in the thick of battle?" you ask mockingly.
"One with wounded pride, you bastard," Charlotte spits, her voice laced with hatred. "Everyone back in Windmire called me a worthless bitch for losing to some Hoshidan mutt... all except Lady Camilla." The lass leers at you with sinister desire. "So I'm more than happy to repay her kindness. Though I dunno if I'd rather beat you to a pulp, or keep you as my personal plaything."
"Spare me," you retort. "Only someone desperate for validation minces words at a time like this."
"Fine by me, Samurai." Your buxom nemesis thumps her fists together. "Plaything it is."
Charlotte sets off running and weaves around to your side. A jarring strike to the ribs sends you reeling, knocking the sword from your hands. You clutch your gut, heaving. How in the name of the Light Dragon does this Nohrian witch hit so hard? A damned Faceless strikes with less brute force!
"Keiji!" Flora chimes in with a frightened yelp. "Let me help."
"S-Stay there," you wheeze. Swallowing the urge to vomit, you rise and straighten your posture. You extend arms and outstretch your fingers: proud wolf's claws. Anchoring your feet into the snow for support, you push out a strained breath. "I can do this, trust me."
Contrary to your assurances, the edges of your vision blur amidst the pain.
"What could ever be the matter, Samurai?" Charlotte asks scathingly, winking. "You look awfully dazed." She closes in with wicked grin. "It's like I said, I'm full of surprises. And this time? We're fighting on my terms, not yours. Last chance, surrender - both of you."
"I won't," Flora refuses, throwing herself between you and Charlotte with arms stretched wide. "I-I've made up my mind! I-I'm done being a puppet. I'm not scared anymore! I stand with Hoshido. With Lord Ryoma. With Keiji!"
"Fine then!" the blonde snaps, slugging Flora square in the gut. The blue-haired lassie yelps and flops to the ground, out cold. Stepping over her, Charlotte advances toward you with slow and measured footsteps. "And what about you...?" she asks, cracking her knuckles. "Gonna keep fighting, Keiji?"
You nod. Without a word, you lunge. No matter what, you won't lose!
Honing your acidic anger, you slam your fist into Charlotte's side. She's shaken, so you do it again. And a third time.
Bracing, the blonde slams her feet into the ground and anchors herself in place. "I've dealt with worse," she barks, shoving elbow into your ribs.
You crumple to your knees with a pained cough, the wind well and truly struck from your sails. Panic overtakes you, and your brain screams soundlessly as you try with desperation to pinpoint where you went wrong. You need to get upa, nd you need to get up right now.
Charlotte towers over, smirking triumphantly. "Got you."
You coil an arm around your middle on instinct in a bid to stem the pain. It does nothing. "D-Dammit..."
Charlotte kneels to your level, her smirk widening into a disgustingly smug grin. "You're a feisty bastard, Keiji. I like it. You'd do well serving Camilla too."
Over your dead body. "I'll never bend the knee to the likes of her, or you."
"Fine by me. But it'd be a waste to kill you. So I'm not going to."
Charlotte grips down on your shoulder with one hand, and then she smashes her knuckles into your chest stomach with the other.
Again.
And again.
And again. Your eyesight blurs.
A bitter, metallic taste fills your mouth. You spit red, falling exhaustedly against Charlotte's chest in a ragged mess. Your whole body screaming with agony, you raise your head and stare the blonde in her dark blue eyes. Her face falls into focus. "This isn't-" A sensation as though a dozen sharpened knives tearing into you renders you silent. You suck in a desperate breath. "...This isn't over."
"I'd stop if I were you," Charlotte suggests at a whisper, her tone laced with sensual heat. "I don't wanna kill you; these fights of ours make my heart race."
Your heart skips a beat all too unwillingly. "...Twisted bitch."
"Maybe I am," Charlotte chuckles. An arm coiling your back, she holds you securely in place. "But a girl needs a good scrap every now and then. And that besides, Flora once told me that you're Lady Corrin's bodyguard. So you'll earn me far greater favour with Camilla alive, than you will dead."
Her face inching nearer and her cheeks reddening, the blonde cups your cheek and forcibly presses her mouth to yours. Her tongue invades your bloody mouth, knotting with and roughly subduing yours. Somewhere beneath all of the pain and hatred, a satisfied twinge grips your chest.
Comfort? Salvation? A reprieve from your suffering, perhaps? You know not what it signifies, and it dies just as quickly.
Charlotte parts her lips from yours, but her fingertips yet linger against your cheek. "It's a shame we're on different sides," she says with a hint of regret. "Which is the other reason you're coming with me," she explains, pecking your cheek. "Now sleep tight, Samurai."
Charlotte rams her Knuckles into your gut. The world washes white and you fall limply into the blonde's embrace.
The sound of her breaths swirl in you mind for many a moment. Then everything grows dark.
You hear the clank of metallic boots. The only sound you have, you cling to it.
"Take the maid," Charlotte demands, her voice naught but a ghostly echo. "And leave him with me."
Pushed beyond their limits, your senses give way.
To be continued...
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