NOTE! Each of the kingdoms and nations now have names for the various territories.
Hoshidan Principalities: Himeji(Houses Castle Shirasagi), Okkaisho, Wakino, Kushi, Nasiak, Buhuc, and Toka. Wind Tribe and Fire Tribe are allies, not territories, of Hoshido. The Kitsune Tribe do not consider themselves in Hoshidan territory.
Nohrian Dukedoms: Windmire, Essex, Amptonshire, Highsbrough, Notre Sagesse, Bloodpool, Portsmoth, Dorsen, Icewall, Ice Tribe, and Cheve. The Wolfskin Tribe does not itself have a distinguished territory.
Izumo is a single, independent dukedom under Archduke Izana.
Mokushu is also known as the Principality of Fuma. Its only real territories are itself and the now defunct Kohga.
Nestra is small, but it still has its own territories. The Dukedom of Muse, AKA Cykernsia, is the capital city, and it's surrounded by 4 other dukedoms; Tuscan, Savor, Mishilan, and Venecia.
The Blood Tribe resides in Bloodpool. It's an original tribe to balance out the ice, wind, and fire tribes.
11/3/834. Dukedom of Amptonshire, Nohr.
"His decision... I don't understand."
Carmen sat alone in the pub, drinking ale. It had been two days since Kamui betrayed Nohr, and the battle of Hoshido ended in a Hoshidan victory because of him eating the commanding general. At least he did it in his dragon form, but it didn't make her feel much better. She never wished to fight her own twin brother, but he had forced her hand, and he came out of the battle wounded rather heavily, which was the news she received from the spies. Forced back to Nohr, unsuccessful in advancing toward Hoshido, Carmen and the battalion assigned to her by Xander kept residence in a small village near the border, awaiting orders from King Garon. Carmen didn't really care. She was more concerned about her brother, and too busy drowning her sorrows. Thank the first dragons for her bloodline, as the amount of alcohol she was drinking would kill a normal person.
"5 sheckels. Gimme another pint."
"You've had 6 already. Are you certain you need more?"
"...Just give it to me already."
Pint after pint after pint disappeared. By the time the town bells rung to indicate the stroke of midnight, over 3 lethal doses of alcohol had entered Carmen's bloodstream. She hobbled out of the pub, well over three sheets to the wind, and wandered the streets, unable to relax. Her mind kept filling with flashbacks to that day, screaming at her.
"They've lied to us for 14 years! We can't trust them!"
"I will never return to Nohr. Especially not while Garon is still in power. He's dead to me."
"Nohr has been relentlessly attacking Hoshido without cause for years! How can you side with them when they've done such horrible things?! Not only to Hoshido, but also to us?!"
"Carmen, listen to me! Come back to Hoshido with us!"
"Our mother has waited for you two to come home for over 14 years. Hinoka, Sakura, and Takumi have been, too."
"How could you fight against your own people?! Did the Carmen I know as my sister die with our father?!"
"I've always wanted to take you flying."
"Carmen, you can't do this! Think about me! About your family! About mother!"
"Kamui has made the right choice, I know you can too!"
"I knew you were trouble the moment I heard you came home."
"At least Kamui has the common sense to not become Hoshido's enemy. But you? Ha."
"I won't rest until I've made you my own personal training target!"
"...Kamui? Carmen? ...I-It's really you!"
"Carmen! Are you okay?! Mother's alive! Please, calm down!"
"S-Sister! What are you doing?! Please! Please don't turn against us!"
"Carmen... Kamui... my children... after 14 long years, you've finally returned..."
"You always loved to show drawings like these to everyone around the palace."
"I'm... so glad... you're... sa...fe..."
"They're gone... both of my children are gone... Carmen is allied with Nohr... Kamui is missing... what... what am I to do...?!"
"...URP!"
11/3/834. Principality of Fuma, Mokushu.
"So, princling. How are you enjoying your new residence?"
"Drop dead, Kotaro."
"Hmph. Know that you'll be the reason Hoshido falls to Mokushu. And once Hoshido is ours, then Nohr. Then the entirety of the continent. Then, the rest of the world!"
"You think Hoshido will give up because you're holding me hostage?"
"Yes, I do. In fact, it's a 100% certainty."
"Or they could just raid Mokushu the moment you say you have me hostage."
"And be met with death at the hands of my soldiers. Ha, you are far too naive."
"If I had my dragonstone, you would be on the floor, begging for your life."
"But you don't, now do you?"
Kotaro walked away chuckling from the barred corner of the cave, leaving Kamui alone. However, just as Kotaro left the room, Kamui heard him speaking to someone else.
"You, Jiro. Make certain he never leaves that spot. The time to conquer Hoshido is at hand!"
"...Yes, sir."
""Sir?""
"Your highness. My apologies."
"Don't you forget it, Jiro. You're walking on thin ice as it is. Be grateful I'm giving you such a grand responsibility."
In walked a man with a slick hairdo walked in. His hair had spikes on the back, mostly leaning to the man's left, and it had the same blondish-greenish shade as Kotaro's hair, and he was dressed in diviner's garb. In his hand was a scroll with an odd gemstone embedded in one of the sides. A small chunk of rock protruded from the cave wall with a smooth top, and the man sat on it. He stared into Kamui, as if trying to read him.
"...You're prince Kamui, right?"
"I thought that was obvious. Who are you?"
"My name's Adachi. Adachi, Jiro. ..."Grand responsibility." He's using it to keep me out of the picture. Damn punishment for having honor..."
"What are you-"
"Shut up, I'm not in the mood for whatever condescending or high-and-mighty drivel you royals are so fond of spouting into the aether."
11/4/834. Castle Shirasagi, Principality of Himeji, Hoshido.
"...What did you say?"
Hinoka took a step closer to the messenger, ready to wring someone's neck.
"We've received word from Mokushu. They have Prince Kamui, and he's being held there. To free him, they wish for us to submit completely to Mokushu. If he does not receive confirmation of surrender in a week, he will have him tortured to death and hang his head on Shirasagi's gates."
"...Tell the others about this." Hinoka turned her head and started muttering. "I need to go out for a little trip. If they think that any of this will simply pass through without problem, I'll make certain they think again!"
Hinoka stormed past the messenger, who ran to the throne room to report what Hinoka told him to. Going up to what used to be Kamui's room, she took a look around, memories of when they were children filling her mind as she stared at the toys they used to play together with, the drawings they made together, the 14 wooden pegasi she carved herself every year on his birthday since he was stolen away from her alongside Corrin and her father.
"...Father was taken away from me. Kamui and Corrin were taken away from me. Corrin and Kamui came back, but Corrin took herself away, likely because she's being held hostage... He's all that's left of that day. I won't let anybody take Kamui away from me again!"
Hinoka felt along the walls, searching for an anomaly. She knew that her stepmother had hidden a divine weapon in the room for safe-keeping, to finally to give to Kamui once he came back and accepted his role as a Hoshidan prince. She knew what it was from simple process of elimination. Raijinto was always on Ryoma's belt, and the Fujin Yumi was always either in the hands of Takumi or his retainers. There was a scroll she knew about the existance of, but it had belonged to Mokushu for centuries now. And the Death Knell belonged to the Yoshihisa family, used in public once every moon to celebrate their ancestors's kingdom fusing with Hinoka's ancestors's kingdom to form Hoshido. The Yato was her first guess prior to the twins' return, but it was hidden in the Dawn Dragon statue that ornamented Himeji's central plaza, and now resided in Carmen's hands, being used against Hoshido. There was a nameless divine axe, but it was lost for so long, Mikoto couldn't possibly have had it. Another divine Axe, Hauteclaire, belonged to Camilla. ...Simply thinking of her made Hinoka's blood boil. It was stolen from her by a dangerous criminal, however.
"Serves that harlot right... If she did anything to him, I will slit her throat myself!"
The theft had occurred less than 6 moons ago, but Hinoka became aware of a hidden weapon in the castle 8 moons ago, so it couldn't be that. Siegfried and Brynhildr were in possession of Nohrian royals, so that left only one divine weapon that could possibly be hidden somewhere in Shirasagi's walls. Hinoka had never heard its name, but it didn't matter to her. She knew she had the blood; if Kamui did, then she did, too. And once she knew just what it was capable of, she was coming for him. As she felt along the walls, she felt a tiny inconsistency near one of the drawings. She tried to push it in or pull it out, but it didn't work. Then she looked at the painting. It was Kamui's old drawing of their family mere days before Sumeragi's death. Being a child's drawing, it was hardly accurate, but it was still very sweet. That's when it hit Hinoka.
"...That's right, Yukimura is an expert at making automata. Those are filled with life given to them by diviners, but I wouldn't put it past him to make a contraption that opens something in here without the need of a second party."
Hinoka slowly and delicately took the picture off the wall. Behind it was something that looked like a small rock poking out of the wall. She pressed it, but nothing happened. It was definitely attached to something behind it, though. So she pulled, and the area she felt earlier slowly opened up as she pulled the stone further back. In the compartment behind the wall was a metal box that was very long, short, and somewhat wide, with locks holding it shut. Hinoka grabbed the box and slowly pulled it out, not wanting to make noise in case Mikoto found her and got mad at her. Putting it on the floor, Hinoka saw that the box had a few locks on it, all of which were made of steel.
"She truly didn't want anybody opening this..."
Covering up her tracks, she slowly closed the compartment by pushing the stone in and picked up the box. She exited and swiftly went back to her own quarters, setting the box down on her futon. She examined the five locks. She had no idea where to find the keys, and knowing how paranoid Mikoto could be in matters relating to Kamui and Carmen, she probably kept at least one of the said keys on her person. She sighed and looked around the box, looking for another way to open it.
"I know I can't force these open. I don't have the tools, it's too loud, and I have no truly safe way to dispose of them once I'm finished. Setsuna would probably get stuck in a trap, and Azama... who am I kidding, he would just tell everyone immediately. ...Hm?"
As Hinoka looked at the bottom of the box, she saw a unique design. It was Mikoto's own mosaic, artistic rendering of Kamui and Carmen's images carved into the metal container. As she looked at the design, she saw what the trick was. In the mosaics were 5 shapes that felt out of place. The first was a small gap between Corrin and Kamui's faces that looked like a small pegasus, although very roughly carved. The second, a 10-petal flower design on Kamui's right hand. The third, an unnaturally large shard in the design of Carmen's hair. Then, she saw that one of Carmen's pupils had a shape very similar to that of a Shogi piece. Lastly, near the front of the box, there was a small indent that was straight and narrow, like one of the paint brushes Takumi loved to play with when he was a toddler. Upon seeing that, she immediately knew what they all represented. The first was her first pegasus carving. The second, one of Sakura's flower pins. The third, the chunk of Sumeragi's armor Ryoma knocked off when they were training one day, kept as Ryoma's first trophy. And the fourth was a shogi piece, a memoir of Ikona's favorite pastime.
"Four of these, I can easily obtain. But the fifth... I'll have to steal it out of Ryoma's quarters. ...That'll be nearly impossible. Saizo and Kagero guard that room almost every passing second, even when he's not in there. They only ever leave when he... orders them to..."
Hinoka rushed down the stairs and listened in on the commotion, searching for Ryoma's voice.
"Saizo, Kagero, scout Mokushu to make certain that this isn't a bluff. If it's true, then we have little time to act!"
"Yes, my liege."
"As you command, sire."
Those were definitely Saizo and Kagero's voices, and only Ryoma could order them around. Hinoka silently praised the dawn dragon as she ran into Ryoma's quarters, took the armor piece, and ran back to her own and placed it in the corresponding area. She heard a quiet click, and looked at the locks. One of them was loosened.
"Yes...! Now I just need the other four!"
Hinoka ran back into Ryoma's quarters and put the memoir of their father back where she found it. However, as she exited the quarters, she heard Ryoma clearing his throat. She turned and saw him walking towards her from the hallway.
"Hinoka, we have bad news."
"I know, I was the first person the messenger told. I was just looking for you."
"I see. Do not worry, we will find him. And once we talk the sense back into Carmen, we will get her back as well."
"I know, brother. I have faith that you'll be able to do it."
Hinoka walked back to her quarters, trying to act natural. Thankfully for her, Ryoma was a tiny bit on the oblivious side when it came to odd behavior, so she had no issue gathering the other materials and heading back to the box.
"Come on... this had better work..."
She set the memoirs into their appropriate places, and the other four locks all clicked open. Opening the box slowly and quietly, she saw her prize. A naginata with a blade as thin as paper, but a head denser than steel, and an elegant handle. In the center of the lance's head was a gem just like the ones in Raijinto and the Fujin Yumi. She took hold of it, and it felt like it began speaking to her. She could make out soft words coming from the weapon.
"You who hath freed me from the prism prison. I can sense thou will, and determine that thou art worthy of utilizing me. Heed my name, for I am Vajra."
"...Whoa... It's so cold... If I wasn't wearing gloves, it might freeze my hands. ...It's time to see what this is capable of."
11/5/834. Dukedom of Amptonshire, Nohr.
"Eugh... Ugh... This hangover is killing me..."
"...Hangover?"
"What about it, Xander?"
"...You've been drinking?"
"Just get to the point, I'm not in the mood to play games."
Carmen grabbed her head as she held onto Xander, on his horse on their way to Castle Krakenburg. Xander gave a long-winded sigh.
"...Carmen, you're 17. It's been made very clear that you are not allowed to drink alcohol until you turn 18, which isn't for another 11 moons. You've been in the village for all of 4 days, and you already broke that law."
"Well forgive me for being stressed right now! We're at war. Not only that, it's war against my birth family. And my twin brother has gone missing. Can you really blame me for drowning some of my sorrows?"
"If a man murders someone because said person has caused them suffering, does that justify it?"
"Father seems to think so, with Hans being put in such a high rank despite you arresting him for murder over 3 times."
"...Ugh..."
"If he can forgive THAT, then he's almost certain to forgive me for getting a little inebriated."
11/5/834. Principality of Fuma, Mokushu.
"So as it turns out, Hoshido sent some spies here to figure out if our threats were true. ...I can't believe I'm related to such a violent, sadistic bastard."
"Hold on. You're related to Kotaro?"
Kamui spoke, sitting down on the floor of the cave, barred from escape. Jiro sighed before returning with a question of his own.
"Do you value honor over results?"
"...It depends on the situation. In regards to what Kotaro is doing? Yes. And if it was a Nohrian doing the same thing to any other person, I would say the same thing. But if you die on the battlefield to preserve your honor, it just sounds like a waste of life. If you died instead of just retreating, wouldn't it just be one more person to add to the death toll? Wouldn't it be more honorable to fall back, live to survive another day, and regain your honor by saving others instead of just, in essence, killing yourself? I think so."
"...That's certainly better than Kotaro's views. He just views honor as a front. Something to use as an excuse whenever applicable. Murder a man in cold blood? He insulted his honor. Raze and annex another kingdom by force? For Mokushu's honor. I'm his nephew, and let me tell you this; even though we are related by blood, we could not be any more different."
"You're his nephew? Then why is he trying to get you out of the way by sticking you with me?"
"Because I oppose his senseless takeover of Hoshido. He's completely forsaking our honor for a power grab. Once this is over, it doesn't matter if we actually conquered Hoshido or not; in terms of honor, we've already lost, to an extraordinary extent. I tried to make that clear to everyone, but Kotaro decided to silence me. If I speak to any Mokushujin about my views, I die."
"How tyrannical."
"On that, we most definitely agree. Sheesh... I don't think I could have a more messed up family life."
"...You think that's bad?"
11/5/834. Principality of Fuma, Mokushu.
THREE HOURS LATER
"...And now the person I've known as my big brother for 14 years AND my twin sister called me a traitor and tried to take my life. And now I'm stuck here because Xander wounded my leg and your oh-so-honorable uncle decided to jump me and take me hostage."
"...WOW. If it were any other person, I'd be calling you a bold-faced liar."
"Why am I special in this case?"
"Because Kotaro had his eye on you the moment you entered Hoshido. He knew how you entered, who you talked to, why you were there, and where you were going. Mokushu has spies everywhere. We are mostly a nation of ninja, after all. ...And there's another thing. He considers me unworthy to succeed him! And he said so before he even came to power, that I wouldn't have the power to rule anyways, because I just don't have as strong a talent for the ninja arts as other warriors! I can't help that I was born with a better eye for magic than for smoke bombs or dumb camouflage sheets!"
"How disrespectful. Why do you still follow him at all? Why not leave?"
"...Honestly, I've never thought of that. Ever since Kotaro decided to conquer Hoshido, we've effectively been at war with you. And since he had plans to conquer the entire continent, we're also effectively at war with every other kingdom in the vicinity. So why would I go become an ally of a place we're at war with? They'd just kill me. ...But now that you said that, I just realized; we were the only ones who believed we were currently e mbroiled in war with you or Nohr! There was nothing stopping me but my own viewpoint! ...Even so, I still can't turn my back on Mokushu... it's my only home."
"...I know the feeling. I don't fault you."
"...You know what? You're probably the first person I've met who actually treated me with a modicum of decency or respect ever since Kotaro rose to power. Everyone else just harassed me, doesn't care, or flat-out avoids me."
"You're a social outcast because of your uncle. Am I right?"
"Yes. ...You know, the more I talk about the state of things, the more I feel like... like Mokushu is already gone. Like... its spirit died, and all that's left is the husk that rots and repulses everyone."
"I feel the same about Nohr. Nothing will ever cause me to lose my love for Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise, but I just can't go with them. It'll lead me down a path of inflicting death and destruction on others... and that's the last thing I want. It's why I chose Hoshido, no matter how painful it was. I just want to do the right thing. I suppose you feel the same?"
"...Excuse me."
Jiro got up and left the alcove for a few minutes. He came back with a naginata, a magic rod, a set of keys, and some clothes.
"...What are you doing?"
"Getting you out of here. You and I are the same person in different bodies; and I wouldn't just let myself sit there, waiting to be killed. Mokushu is long dead; all that remains is its revenant. And I am not going to follow a zombie to my dishonorable death, nor will I force the other kingdoms into being revenants!"
11/5/834. Principality of Fuma, Mokushu.
"...Hm hm hm, hmhm-HM?!"
The ninja ran over to the cell, noticing that Jiro was gone. Kamui was also gone.
"That damn Gyro! ...Wait, Gyro... Jiga... Djin... Jiro! Yeah, Jiro! He's betrayed us! I have to tell Kotaro!"
11/5/834. Principality of Fuma, Mokushu.
"Can you even see in that thing?"
"It's a little big, but it hides my eyes, right?"
"Enough. But if someone looks close enough, it'll be easy to see that it's you. ...Wait. Stay quiet. I hear Kotaro."
Jiro snuck close to the wall and peeked into the large room, filled with soldiers. Kotaro was also standing in there, talking to them as a whole.
"Gentlemen, it appears that we have a traitor in our midst. I made the mistake of trusting Jiro with our newest prisoner and bargaining chip, Prince Kamui of Hoshido. Now, based on how quickly I called you all here, just what do you think happened?"
"Jiro let him go free."
"Exactly! Now go find those two! Kill the traitor, and make certain that Kamui suffers until we trade him off!"
"Shit. This way! It's the fastest way out!"
The diviner and the prince speed-walked through the intricate cave systems, Jiro leading the escape. Jiro whispered to Kamui as the two snuck away.
"...Listen, we may be in trouble. There are always guards watching the entrance. And since I'm known as Kotaro's problem nephew, everyone knows who I am and what I look like. So once we're out of these caves, we're going to have to make a run for it, because the moment those ninjas ask if I left, they're coming after our heads! I hope your leg healed enough to run for a while."
"I can, but it's painful. I'll survive, though."
"Good. I better not have betrayed my kingdom just for you to die immediately! ...There's the exit. Once we're out of the guards vision, make a break for it!"
The two exited the caves, and Jiro waved at the guardsman, who did nothing in return.
"Be careful, follow my movements. There are some traps here. Since I'm not light on my feet, I always have to go this way, so you should as well."
Jiro took a roundabout way through the forest, speeding up significantly once he was out of the watchman's view. The unlit night sky made it difficult for Kamui to see where he was in comparison to Jiro's movements, almost springing some traps. However, as the two got away from the trapped area and began to run in a straight line, they could hear a large number of troops behind them. And in front of them.
"No, no, no, they went ahead and intercepted us!"
"Stay calm. We'll just have to fight our way out."
"...R-Right. I guess I'm just a bit hesitant, killing my own countrymen."
"I felt no better killing Nohrian troops on the plains. But what other choice do we have?"
"...Yeah. Let's get this over with."
Chapter 1 H: Divine Intervention. Takes place in the Mokushu forest.
Units: Hoshidans.
Kamui, Level 1 Hoshido Prince. Brass Naginata, Bloom Festival. 17 HP, 9 Str, 3 Mag, 10 Skl, 5 Spd, 8 Lck, 5+1 Def, 3+1 Res, 5 Mov, 12 Con. D in lances, E in bows, dragonstones, and staves. Foot.
Jiro, Level 1 Diviner. Leviathan Shade, Vulnerary*2. 18 HP, 4 Str, 4 Mag, 6 Skl, 7 Spd, 5+4 Lck, 4+1 Def, 4+1 Res, 5 Mov, 7 Con. E in tomes. Foot.
Enemy: Mokushujins. Consists entirely of samurai, 1 archer, and Kotaro. 7 enemies in total. All enemies use brass, normal-variant weapons.
Enemy Boss; Kotaro. LV 1 Shinobi. Brass Katana. 17 HP, 5 Str, 0 Mag, 10 Skl, 11+2 Spd, 2 Lck, 4 Def, 8 Res, 0 Mov, 6 Con. E in swords, B in shuriken. Foot.
Chapter Objective: Defeat the boss.
Strategy: This wouldn't be a very hard chapter, despite being outnumbered at a low level and going up against a promoted ninja as a boss. The main reason is health management. First, there are no traps in this map like there usually is in Mokushu maps. Second, Kamui can heal and Jiro has a vulnerary. Third, both Kamui and Jiro have 5 defense against weapons that deal about 5 damage, and not all of the enemies are in range at once, so there's enough time to heal between fights.
Battle Quotes:
Kamui against Kotaro.
Kotaro: My, what a persistent bargaining chip. Hopefully the Hoshidans are okay with you missing a leg or two.
Kamui: You dishonor your kingdom with your cowardly and duplicitous actions.
Kotaro: It is for honor that I perform these STRATEGIC and INTELLIGENT actions! Now will you surrender, or must I take your hands as well?
Jiro against Kotaro.
Kotaro: You killed your own countrymen and betrayed your kingdom!
Jiro: You killed those in Kohga and betrayed this kingdom's honor. Mokushu is dead, and you killed it!
Kotaro: Listen to you. I can't believe we're related.
Jiro: Funny, neither can I. Let's change that through a quick dance of death!
Kotaro: Please. If you're dumb enough to betray us, then you being smart enough to land a single blow is impossible!
Kamui defeats Kotaro.
Kotaro: Damn! This isn't over, prince! We will haunt your every step!
Jiro defeats Kotaro.
Jiro: So much for "You won't land a single blow," huh? I'm sure the rumor mill will love this. "The Mighty Kotaro, Brought To His Knees By A Fledgling Mage With A Scroll." I'm telling everyone who asks in Hoshido, that's for damn sure.
Kotaro: JIIIRRROOO! I swear on my mother's grave, you will pay for this humiliation! I will not rest until I have tortured you, eviscerated you, and fed you to my dogs!
11/6/834. Principality of Toka, Hoshido.
"...Ha... Ha... Ha... Ha... Did we lose them...?"
"I... I don't... know... just... keep running... until... we reach... town... we'll... be safe... there... I think..."
Jiro and Kamui limped toward the town, wounded and out of breath. Jiro was very clearly bleeding from a slash to his stomach, courtesy of Kotaro, and his skin was pale from blood loss. Kamui was covered in surface cuts, the heaviest wound being an arrow to his leg, courtesy of a sneaky archer. Fortunately, it missed the bone, so it wasn't lodged, but he dared not remove it in case it struck his femoral artery. A village lay in the distance; a small one, but clearly populated, as guards patrolled the area. One seemed to spot them and called the others, and soon a group of 5 was running toward them.
"Halt! It's far past midnight! What business... do... What happened here?"
"L-Later... C-Can we... get medical... attention...? I'm dying..."
"...Osaki, Tame is a doctor, right?"
"I'll go get her."
One of the guards ran into the village and went into a house. Shortly after, Jiro fell to the ground.
"...M-Mokushu... Don't... trust... Mokushu... kidnapped... prince... K-Kamui... Tell... every... o-on... e..."
"...Jiro? ...Hey, Jiro!"
"I... ca...n't... stay... a...wa...ke..."
11/6/834. Principality of Wakino, Hoshido.
"...Ha!"
Hinoka pointed Vajra at a stack of hay, and it was swiftly impaled by an icicle rising from the ground. She chuckled to herself as she did the same thing three more times on three more hay bales.
"...I know how to use it now. Kamui, I'm coming."
Sheathing the blade of the divine weapon in a fake iron coat, Hinoka secured the lance on her back and started to walk toward her pegasus when she heard a group of people talking about something she found rather interesting.
"Did you hear? A Mokushujin came running out of the forest near the Principality of Toka with mortal wounds."
"Yeah! He collapsed and warned the guards about a conspiracy against Prince Kamui there, right?"
That was all Hinoka needed to hear.
11/6/834. Principality of Toka, Hoshido.
"...This should be the place. Hya!"
Hinoka flew down from the sky and landed on the outskirts of the village, Vajra on her back. The guards went to confront her, but immediately demurred when they saw it was Hinoka.
"Princess Hinoka! We are honored by your presence!"
"Good day, soldier. I've received news of a Mokushujin who had information on Kamui. Is he alright? If so, where is he?"
"You must be referring to that Adachi, Jiro. After the stroke of midnight, he and a silver-haired fellow ran out of the forest, wounded. He begged us to find a doctor before collapsing from his injuries. While on the ground, he warned us to not trust Mokushu. He was wounded badly, bleeding profusely from his stomach. His friend was in much better condition, but his leg was hit by an arrow. It appears that he doesn't want to remove it until someone is there to stop him from bleeding out, in case it his one of his major blood vessels."
"Silver-haired fellow...? Kamui...! Where are they?!"
"Mister Adachi is currently unresponsive. He's alive, but it may be a while until he awakens. His friend is by his side. They are in the single-floor house right over there."
"Thank you so much!"
Hinoka dashed for the house and threw the door open. Inside the small hut, Kamui was sitting there, arrow still in his leg, giving a worried stare to Jiro, an elderly woman, and a young girl who appeared to be the elderly woman's daughter or granddaughter tending to Jiro. Kamui turned when he saw the door open, and his worried expression lightened.
"...Hinoka?"
"Kamui! You're alright!"
Hinoka practically flung herself at Kamui, embracing him, tears in her eyes. The girl watched with a slightly confused, slightly embarrassed look while the woman laughed and continued to work on the deathly hurt diviner.
"I was so worried! Are you okay?! Those Mokushujinians will pay!"
"Sister... you're... choking... me...!"
"S-Sorry... But back on topic, are you okay?!"
"I'm wounded, and my already-wounded leg just got an arrow thrown into it in the dark hours of the morning, but aside from that, I'm relatively alright. Who you should be worried about is Jiro, the man right here."
Hinoka looked at the man. He was lucky to be alive with so much blood loss, that's what she could tell from the sheer paleness of his skin.
"How do you two know each other?"
"As it turns out, he's Mokushujin royalty... although he certainly wasn't treated that way. He's Kotaro's nephew. But because he didn't approve of Kotaro's tactics, he was shunned and treated as a pariah. He was assigned to be my guard to keep him out of his hair."
"...Go on."
"But after a few days of just sitting there, he started talking to me. And then we got to conversation. I told him about what happened, and he said he saw himself in me. Apparently, I had opened an entirely new world to him just by speaking to him about things he didn't know about. That's when he betrayed his kingdom and helped me escape. He supplied me a disguise and a weapon. Some soldiers blocked our escape, and that's when we got wounded. Jiro's been in critical condition for the past few hours... I truly do hope he survives. I used a healing rod like Sakura does, but it didn't do very much to help. Although I'm just glad it did anything."
"I see... I'm just so, so glad you're safe! If I lost you again, I don't know what I'd do..."
"...How are the others doing?"
"Sakura's been in a panic. She'll be just as relieved to see that you're safe as I am... perhaps even more so. Ryoma is also rather worried, and ordered scouts to investigate. Takumi... is, well, you know, Takumi. He's deathly worried about you, but good luck trying to get him to admit it. And mother was in hysterics... but now that you're out and very much alive, once news reaches Shirasagi, they'll all be so relieved!"
"I'm glad they're okay. ...But I might not return for a little bit. I want to make certain that Jiro makes it through this."
"Given how fast the news about... Jiro, right. Given how fast the news traveled, I'm certain that one of the people searching for you will come here. And once they find you, it should reach our family in no time at all."
"...Okay. ...So, um, now that you're here... Do you mind placed pressure on the two points between the arrow? I really need to pull this out soon."
"Oh. Um... Okay. This will hurt a bit..."
11/6/834. Castle Krakenburg, Windmire, Nohr.
"Are you feeling better, sister?"
"My headache, at least. But father is still very intimidating..."
Xander placed his hand on Carmen's shoulder.
"It'll be alright. Think of it like this; talking to father is like standing up to a bear. If you don't show fear, you'll be fine. I shall be accompanying you. And remember, whatever task father gives you, do not ask any questions that imply defiance or hesitation."
"I know. ...Okay, I think I'm ready."
"On three. One... Two... Three."
Xander pushed the door the throne room open and followed Carmen in. Standing in front of his throne was Garon, tall, grim, and with an aura of deathly seriousness. To his left, Iago. To Iago's left, a man neither Xander nor Carmen recognized. As the two entered, the eldest prince gave a quick bow and Carmen gave a curtsy.
"Father, I have returned with Carmen. She is safe and sound."
Garon spoke in a commanding voice.
"Step forth."
Both did so, until they were on equal footing with the Nohrian king. Garon gave Carmen an intense stare as she got to one knee and bowed.
"...You are Carmen, yes? Not an impersonation?"
"...I am, indeed, Carmen Vanderbilt, daughter of none but your majesty."
"...Rise."
Carmen did as she was told. Garon slowly walked towards her with an unwavering expression. It was impossible to read what his intentions were. Iago appeared to think the worst, as a sadistic smile appeared on his face, while Xander remained cautious. Carmen was panicking on the inside, but she knew that if she backed off, it would be horribly disrespectful. So she persevered, no fear visible in her. Iago suddenly went slack-jawed and Xander stared in amazement as the king embraced his adoptive daughter.
"...I know about the events in Hoshido. I also know that you know the truth about your birth family. ...The fact that you still chose to return home, aware of what incomprehensible evil I committed upon you... it is one of the few things that prevents me from becoming truly stone-hearted. You truly are my daughter... and I could not be more proud to be your father."
"...Th-Thank you..."
Garon released and returned to his original position.
"...Alas, war does not allow us to stay idle. I apologize that I must send you off again so soon after your return. Iago."
"..."
"...IAGO."
Iago looked as if he just had a heart attack.
"Y-Y-Yes, King Garon! S-S-Sorry, King Garon! ...Now, princess. A rebellion has been incited in the Ice Tribe. His Highness wants you to crush the rebellion by whatever means necessary. To prove your utmost loyalty, and that it is indeed you, he wishes for you to do this with the aid of but one person. Assassin?"
The man stepped forward. He wore dirty, worn black clothes, including a cloak and a bow and arrow. He had a dirty yet handsome face, and looked very anorexic, as if he had not eaten in days. His hair was short and spiky, a shade of blue so dark, it appeared black at first glance. On his shoulder was a bow, and a quiver on his back.
"My name is Jean-Marie. I am Iago's retainer, and have been tasked to aid you on this mission. You can rest assured that nothing shall befall you while you are in my care."
"This is one of my many assassins. His skill with a bow is unparalleled. He will escort you through the Woods of Forlorn to the Ice Tribe, and from there, you two alone will cease this uprising. ONLY you two. If I receive word that you have had aid from anybody else, you will not be welcome back. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir."
Garon spoke once more.
"I also have a second mission for you. If you find Kamui, then bring him to me. I wish to speak to him once more. However, only do so once you have completed your first task. My daughter, I have great faith in you and your ability. I beg of you to not disappoint me. Now, go."
"Yes, father."
Xander and Carmen walked out of the Throne Room. The assassin turned to Iago and gave a snarl before leaving as well. As he ran out, he heard Xander speaking to the princess.
"...I wish to warn you about this Jean-Marie. I have overheard Iago talking about him; he has not only killed over 15 people within the span of a moon, but Iago himself also claims to have a very hard time putting him in his place. He claims alliance to Iago and father, but it is clear that he is a maverick. If he goes rogue, do not hesitate. Cut him down."
"I-I see... okay, I understand."
"We just met, and you're already talking behind my back. What happened to courtesy?"
Carmen turned to look at him, pinching the bridge of his nose. He also saw the other Nohrian royals coming in.
"...Look. We move out tomorrow. The sooner we complete this, the better. I have my own tasks to complete, and milord will not be happy if we take too long. Come to the castle exit the moment you wake up tomorrow morning. If I feel you are taking too long, I will barge in and wake you up myself. Now if you'll excuse me."
The assassin put his hood over his head and walked away.
"BIG SISTER!"
Elise gave Carmen a tackling hug, almost bowling the dragon over. Looking at the scene, the other three royals chuckled in amusement.
"E-Elise! You're not small enough to do that anymore, you'll knock me over. But that aside, how are you?"
"I'm doing amazing! ...Um, but what about Kamui?"
The tone of Xander's and Carmen's expressions immediately soured.
"Uh... apparently, he disappeared after the battle. Reports of him being seen around Mokushu are spreading, so he's alive, but... I still just don't understand. I don't understand why he would abandon us for a family that he's known for less than a week."
Xander and Leo remained silent. Elise gave a small, melancholic sigh as Camilla cleared her throat.
"He was tricked by those Hoshidans... there can be no doubt. Their methods, I do not know, but I do know that."
"I see... By the way, have any of you heard news about my retainers? Jacob? Flora? Felicia? Lilith? Gunter?"
"...Yes, but not exactly good news. Flora is currently with her father, Kilma. And Kilma is leading the Ice Tribe rebellion."
"Oh, no... What about the other three?"
"Rumors have reported seeing Jacob and Felicia in Hoshidan territory. They are likely looking for our dear Kamui. But that report was from multiple days ago, so we do not know what their current condition is. Lilith and Gunter were last seen at the bottomless canyon, where you claim they fell into."
"I... I see... Once I return, I wish to go find Kamui immediately. I don't want to lose him to this war. "
"Neither do any of us. If I may ask, what task did father give you?"
Carmen turned towards Leo, who had asked the question.
"He wishes for me and Iago's retainer to go and put down the rebellion in the Ice Tribe. Only the two of us."
"That... sounds impossible. Surely there are other things you can do to earn his favor aside from doing something you have no way of doing!"
"...No. There are ways. And I can only pray that the way I'll utilize will work out in our favor."
11/7/834. Woods of Forlorn, Icewall, Nohr.
"I overheard your conversation with his highness, Xander. It appears that he does not have a particularly positive opinion of me."
Carmen grimaced as the assassin walked by her trotting horse, calling her out.
"...Iago is not a particularly positive man. So it's only safe to assume that his company would also be rather negative."
"Feh. I wouldn't call myself positive, but I hardly think I'm negative."
"...You're an assassin."
"...Fair point. But don't think that means I'm heartless in any way. When Iago says that he has a hard time keeping me in my place, what he actually means is that he has a hard time getting me to kill anybody I don't view as deserving of it."
"...Such as?"
"Soldiers wishing to provide for their families. Innocent merchants. People he just wants dead because they annoy him. I have assassinated generals, but only when I have to, and if they are immoral. Those 15 kills in a moon? That's just what I reported because Iago wouldn't let me live if I said that I actually just had half of them imprisoned."
"...Then why do you even work for him?"
"Do you think I have a say in the matter? He scouted me out. He stripped me of my freedom. And now I'm basically his lapdog, who stays chained down, unable to freely move, who barks when he says to bark and bites when he says to bite. It wouldn't surprise me if he caused that damned fire."
"What are you talking about?"
"...None of your business. I said too much."
The two continued to walk through the woods in silence. However, as they reached the heart of the woods, Jean-Marie stopped in his tracks.
"Why are you stopping?"
"Wait. ... Do you hear that?"
"Hhhhggggragh... ghg... ghagh..."
A multitude of monstrous voices came from all around them. Jean-Marie instantly pulled out an arrow and drew his bow as Carmen cautiously unsheathed the Yato.
"...There's something here. Not just one... a lot of them. ...This is Iago's work, no doubt. Damn bast-AAAAH!"
A faceless leapt out of the darkness and punched the assassin in the gut, sending him a good 5 meters away, bow and arrow flying out of his hands and tumbling to the ground.
"No!"
Carmen spurred her steed and used the Yato to impale the head of the monster, instantly killing it. It dropped to the floor as Jean-Marie got up and grabbed his weapons again.
"...Don't panic. Stay close to me."
"...Hm? ...Princess Carmen!"
Carmen turned her attention toward the voice coming towards her, and saw a man with grey-blue hair on a steed wearing black armor riding towards her. Both the assassin and the royal were confused.
"Princess, you know this person? You were ordered that you would receive no help aside from mine in putting down the rebellion!"
"Wait one second. Who are you?"
"You don't remember me? It's me, Silas! We used to play together in the Northern Fortress, remember?"
"...OH! Silas! It's been so long! ...But, what are you doing here?"
"Prince Leo told me about what happened. He also said that there would likely be monsters here, and asked me to help you clear a path!"
"Silas, was it?" The assassin spoke in a stern voice. "Go back, putting down the rebellion is something that the king ordered only the princess and I to do! Any assistance will result in both of our deaths!"
"I'm not here for that, I know about your task. But helping you get to the Ice Tribe isn't helping you put down the rebellion, right?"
"It is! Because... uh... ...Fine. You win. I'll keep quiet about this, but don't expect me to bend the rules more than this. Now pick up your lance and make yourself useful, we're probably surrounded."
"Your Highness, when we're done, could we talk? I'd like to catch up with you."
"When I'm finished with my assignment. Thank you so much for your help, by the way."
"Anything for an old friend. Now where do we start?"
Chapter 1 N: Forlorn Troubles.
New Units: Nohrians.
Carmen. Level 1 Nohr Princess. Yato, Dragonstone. 22 HP, 6 Str, 7 Mag, 5 Skl, 8 Spd, 3 Lck, 7 Def, 1 Res, 7 Mov, 12 Con. D in swords, E in magic, dragonstones, and axes. Mounted.
Silas. Level 1 Cavalier. Bronze Lance, Iron Sword, Vulnerary. 19 HP, 7 Str, 0 Mag, 6 Skl, 4 Spd, 4 Lck, 6 Def, 3 Res, 7 Mov, 9 Con. D in swords, E in lances. Mounted.
Temporary Units: Nohrians.
Jean-Marie. Level 7 Outlaw. Shining Bow, Concoction. 23 HP, 3 Str, 5 Mag, 7 Skl, 4 Spd, 13 Lck, 4 Def, 9 Res, 5+1 Mov, 8 Con. C in bows. Foot.
Jean-Marie's Shining Bow cannot be traded or discarded.
Enemy: Monsters. Faceless surround the area, and the entire map is filled with them. The boss is a stoneborn, although just the base stats because stoneborn are actually pretty freaking powerful.
Enemy Boss: Monster Chief. Lv 1 Stoneborn. Rock. 20 HP, 8 Atk, 0 Mag, 4 Skl, 3 Spd, 0 lck, 8 Def, 3 Res, 2 Mov, 24 Con. E in rocks. Monster.
Enemy Boss Weapons: Rock. 1-3 Rng. 9 Mt, 80 hit, 0 crt, 13 Wt. A weapon deadly in its simplicity.
11/7/834. Woods of Forlorn, Icewall, Nohr.
"...There's too many of them...! Did Iago send us here to kill us...?!"
The assassin backs up, straight into Carmen's horse. They were cornered.
"...Knowing the bastard, that's exactly what he did. Don't stop fighting, or we're all dead!"
Silas swung his lance at the faceless, killing it, but behind the faceless were two more of its kind.
"How... could he summon... so many...?!"
"Iago is more powerful than most people would think from seeing his cowardice. He's Garon's right-hand man for a reason. Very few a mage could surpass him."
"BUT THERE IS ONE NECROMANCER WHO SURPASSES THEM ALL!"
The shouting of an unknown man drew the attention of the monsters, only for a large portion to be hit by a blast of lightning, killing some and wounding others, who began to back off. A man with short blonde hair dressed in the garb of a dark mage ran out of the forst, chasing after them before spotting Carmen.
"NOBODY CAN MATCH THE FELL WITCHCRAFT OF ODIN DARK! ...Oh. It is a divine honor, princess."
The three just stared at him in silence. The first to speak was Iago's retainer.
"...I have my doubts that all the torches are lit upstairs..."
"Oh, don't worry your pretty little asses about it. Odin here just has a flair for the theatrical."
A rather handsome man with dirty white hair and an eyepatch walked up behind Odin, spinning an arrow between his fingers.
"Niles! That's not how you speak to royalty! If I can assume a more restrained tone in the presence of a princess, surely you can, too."
"Honestly, who gives a fuck. It's a part of who I am. ...So, you're the bitch we've got to protect, huh?"
"NILES!"
"...Eh, you don't look half bad. I suppose all I'll need in exchange for this is one night in the inn with you..."
"Niles, one more disrespectful word out of you, and Lord Leo will know exactly what you've been saying to his sister! Milady, I am so, so sorry about my friend here. I am Odin Dark, and this is Niles Bryston. We are Lord Leo's retainers, he ordered us to see you through this forest. I cannot apologize enough for Niles' behavior towards you, he does this to everyone. I am sorry if he proves... difficult."
"...Uh... what a unique group Leo's gathered..."
A horse trotting in the distance entered earshot, and so did a small, girly voice.
"Odin! Niles! Silas! Where are you?! I can't traverse this forest alone!"
"Huh? ...OH! Lady Elise, we're over here!"
It took less than five seconds for Elise to ride up next to the two retainers.
"Big sister, there you are!"
"Elise?! What are you doing here?!"
"I overheard Leo sending Odin and Niles here to help you. So I decided to come along! ...Oh, are you okay?! You look hurt!"
"There are monsters here, Elise. One of you two, take Elsie and get out of here, we can't have her get hurt!"
"No! I'm staying here and helping you! I don't care if I get hurt, I just don't want you to die! And you, Silas! Why did you just run off without me?! I could have gotten lost!"
"...Silas."
"...Um, sorry, princess. It's just, I haven't seen Carmen in over 8 years, so... I guess I lost myself."
Jean-Marie cleared his throat.
"This is heartwarming and all, but can we get going? We have a rebellion to quash."
Chapter 1 N: Forlorn Troubles Continued.
New Units: They all join on turn 3.
Odin. Level 1 Dark Mage. Elthunder, Fire, Vulnerary. 18 HP, 3 Str, 6 Mag, 7 Skl, 5 Spd, 6 Lck, 4 Def, 5 Res, 5 Mov, 8 Con. D in tomes. Foot, Magic.
Niles. Level 1 Outlaw. Iron Bow, Vulnerary. 20 HP, 6 Str, 3 Mag, 5 Skl, 10 Spd, 4 Lck, 3 Def, 7 Res, 5 Mov, 8 Con. D in bows. Foot.
Elise. Level 4 Troubadour. Heal, Mend, Freeze. 19 HP, 2 Str, 10 Mag, 5 Skl, 9 Spd, 13 Lck, 4 Def, 11+2 Res, 7 Mov, 4 Con. D in staves. Mounted.
Chapter Objective: Rout the enemy.
Strategy: Despite being only level 7, and a pre-promote with low defense at that, Jean-Marie is this chapter's Jagen, namely because he's balanced to weaken enemy units for Carmen and the others to finish off. His attack with the shining bow is 21, but too slow to follow-up attack, ability to counter the faceless because of his bows 1-2 range, and enough luck to avoid a few hits. The enemies are also paced enough to still be a small challenge, but not to the degree of that one Fog of War chapter from FE: Blazing Blade. The stoneborn also doesn't move until you enter its range, so you can take your time once most of the faceless are dead. Elise also heals a lot, especially with mend, and she can freeze a few faceless who get too close for comfort. A pretty standard first level.
Battle Quotes:
Jean-Marie vs Monster Chief.
Jean-Marie: Yup, typical Iago. I can't wait to finally put an arrow in his skull.
Other vs Monster Chief.
Monster Chief: You have been judged by the creator. Now you shall perish!
Defeated
Monster Chief: Impossible... I am... invincible...
11/7/834. Woods of Forlorn, Icewall, Nohr.
"...That seems to be the last of them. Is everyone okay?"
"I had the wind knocked out of me, but I'll be fine by the time we get where we're going. Now, you four."
The assassin turned toward the other four Nohrians. Most had escaped rather unscathed, the biggest injury being a bad blow to Odin's left arm, which Elise could easily take care of.
"Once we reach the Ice tribe, do not follow us in. This assignment is specifically meant for Carmen and I. If we receive even a modicum of help from you, we fail. And our lives are forfeit. So do us a favor and leave us alone. Let's go."
The man gave a heel-turn and walked further into the forest. Elise spoke first.
"What's wrong with him?"
"He's Iago's retainer. That should tell you all you need to know about him."
"...Did his mother not love him when he was little? He sounded like a whiny little b-"
"Niles. Princess Elise is here. Have some tact."
"I don't mind if you all follow us jsut to make sure we arrive safely, but he's right. If you help us, then we're dead. So please, when we get there, stay outside the gates and don't interfere."
Carmen spurred her horse and rode after the assassin. The group of 4 followed at a distance, with Elise healing Odin's arm on the way.