11/7/834. Principality of Toka, Hoshido.
"...U-Ugh..."
"Huh?! ...He moved! Hey, Jiro!"
"Stop shouting... I feel like every bone in my body's broken."
Jiro refused to open his eyes. His stomach hurt like hell, and he felt miserable all around.
"...This is the Diviner who saved your life, correct?"
"Yes. If it weren't for him, I'd still be captive."
"...Do you believe him to be trustworthy?"
"He betrayed Mokushu for me. If that's not dedication, I don't know what is."
"Who are you even talking to?"
Jiro spoke with a slight weakness to his voice. The man Kamui was speaking with answered.
"Adachi Jiro, you have my utmost thanks for saving my younger brother's life. Ask for what you wish, and with the power granted to me as Hoshido's crown prince, it shall be rewarded to you."
The part about the crown prince caused Jiro to open one eye. Indeed, the man standing above him was Ryoma.
"...I really don't care about reward... I did what I did because it was right, not because I wanted to be given something in return. If that was my motivation, I would be no better than Kotaro."
"I am to understand that you are royalty in Mokushu. What spurred you to betray your kingdom and give up your position?"
"I already said it. Doing the right thing, nothing else. The same way he felt when he chose Hoshido over Nohr."
"How admirable..."
"Big brother, if I may? ...Jiro, you betrayed Mokushu. You can't go back. And since you saved a Hoshidan prince, you're now likely Nohr's enemy, too. And here, with the news about my capture, no doubt there are those who will persecute you for your lineage."
"...I know all that."
"But what if someone gave you a place to start over; not as Adachi, Jiro, but as someone you choose to be?"
"Please stop beating around the bush. If you want to ask me something, then please just do so already."
"Jiro, I officially request that you become my retainer."
The wounded man sat up, thoroughly confused.
"...Let me see if I understand this. I did nothing to stop your imprisonment. Your family was worried about you for days. I just kept you there. And now that I helped you get out, you wish for me to be your retainer?"
"You made yourself an enemy of many to help me and me alone. That alone is all the loyalty I could ask for."
"...You're a strange one, prince. But fine, I accept. ...Once my wounds heal, anyways."
"Thank you, Jiro. Once I introduce you to my mother, it'll be official. Ryoma, could you send word?"
"I will. Jiro... make certain that you don't make us regret trusting you."
"...Yeah."
"Kamui, Jiro, I will see you at Castle Shirasagi."
11/7/834. Ice Tribe, Nohr.
"I-I-I-I-It's s-s-s-s-s-so c-c-c-c-c-cold...!"
"It's the ICE TRIBE. What did you expect?"
"Wh-Wh-Wh-Why d-d-d-didn't y-y-y-you t-t-t-tell m-m-m-me t-t-to b-b-b-ring a c-c-coat?!"
"...Sheesh, fine. Take my coat, just quit shaming me with your damned shivering!"
"I-I-I-I w-w-w-wasn't-"
The assassin practically threw off his coat and shoved it into Carmen's hands. She stared for a second before putting it on.
"I see it in the distance. ...Brrrrr... Good. It's getting late."
The duo trudged toward the village. As they entered the gates, the blizzard began to pick up even further.
"...Dammit...! Over here!"
The bowman motioned over to behind the gate door and ducked behind it. Carmen followed him and got off her horse. They were somewhat protected from the blizzard; it was still well below freezing point, but they were out of the wind.
"...I guess we'll just have to stay here until the blizzard dies down."
"...Hey, who are you?"
A man was walking towards them. He had light blue hair and was dressed in sorcerer's garb. In his hand was a magical tome. Jean-Marie silently hooked an arrow on his bowstring, but Carmen stopped him and spoke.
"I am princess Carmen of Nohr. I wish to negotiate with you in regards to the rebellion."
"...Negotiate?"
"I simply wish to speak. If you do not trust us, then I give you my weapons first."
Carmen set down the Yato and the tome Odin gave her. The assassin sighed and set down his quiver, unhooking the arrow from his bow.
"The bow, too."
"Buddy, if you think I can inflict major injuries on someone without any arrows to use with this thing, then you give me too much credit. Besides, this thing's worth my year's salary. I am not letting it leave my possession.
"...Is this truly everything?"
"Yes."
"...Come."
11/7/834. Ice Tribe. Nohr.
"...And why, exactly, should we not rebel? You Nohrians have oppressed us for decades, and even stole my daughters away from me. We owe you nothing."
"I urge you to listen to me. King Garon... He is ruthless, and the Nohrian army is powerful. If a battle breaks out, it would be nothing but a senseless waste of life on both sides. And if the rebellion continues, such a battle will be an inevitability. I ask that you refrain on the behalf of all those who would be lost."
"And why would you not attack us the moment we lay down our arms?"
"If you do, I will do everything in my power to protect you from whatever happens. If Hoshido comes through, I will make certain that no harm comes to you, and I'll even plead to King Garon on the Ice Tribe's behalf. Anything that's required to stop a riot from arising. If a riot arises, nothing can stop King Garon, and the tribe very well runs the risk of being decimated."
Jean-Marie cleared his throat and followed up.
"...Garon's retainer is Iago. And I am Iago's retainer. I can tell you from experience that the man is... abhorrent. He tortures people on a whim, and can not only summon faceless, but also stoneborn, and he can summon them anywhere he wishes due to his ability to teleport. On behalf of everyone who would die in such an attack, I beg you to weigh your options carefully."
"I can only protect you from Iago by putting the Ice Tribe into father's favor. Please, consider your people in this."
Kilma put his hand to his chin.
"...Flora."
Flora poked her head through the door to the room the three were negotiating in.
"Make certain that they do not leave. I must speak with the elders."
Flora entered as Kilma left. She stared Carmen in the eyes and sighed.
"...My liege. I did not expect you to come here."
"Flora, I'm glad you're alright. But if I may ask... why is the Ice Tribe rebelling?"
"King Garon has stripped away our autonomy. We are now effectively his slaves, and we will not stand for it any longer, now that their leverage over us is gone."
Jean-Marie muttered under his breath.
"...You think you know what it's like to be a slave..."
"What leverage?"
"...Felicia and I were taken from this place as hostages when we were little. As the daughters of the chief, we were used to ensure that the tribe would not rebel, lest we be killed. But now we are free."
"Flora, where is Felicia?"
"...I don't know. But I know that she's no longer in the Northern Fortress."
The assassin slapped his own face and grimaced.
"Pardon my crudeness, but I believe this situation completely warrants it... You absolute DUMBASS. That doesn't necessarily mean she's safe. If you don't know where she is, then for all you know, she could be being forced into prostitution by some noble at this very moment."
"...You'd dare even say those sorts of things about her?!"
"Flora, calm down! His point is that nobody knows where she is, so she might not be safe!"
Flora was about to retort when Kilma burst through the door.
"Nohrians, you deceived us! Soldiers are at our doorstep!"
"What?! Soldiers?! We were supposed to be the only ones coming here!"
"Wait. Do the soldiers include a young girl with blonde hair in very long pigtails?"
"No, do you take us for idiots?! They are an armed force led by a wyvern rider!"
"...Is it Camilla?"
"No, there's no way she's that stupid. Something else is at play here. Did anything stand out about the leader?"
"Why are you asking?! It's time to die, deceivers!"
Kilma sent a blast of magic at the two. The assassin took the blow and retaliated by smacking the chief in the face with his bow and charge-tackling him.
"Princess, what are you waiting for?! Get our weapons!"
Flora attempted to block Carmen's exit as the two men fought, but was slammed into the wall. Carmen looked around for their weapons and saw the Yato, the tome, and Jean-Marie's quiver sitting on a table. She took them and sent a blast of fire at Kilma, knocking him away from Iago's retainer.
"Jean! Catch!"
Jean threw his hand back and looked in Carmen's direction. She tossed him his quiver, which he caught and hooked on his belt. Flora pulled out a dagger and tried to stab Carmen, but Carmen caught her wrist as the knife came down, and they struggled. Their attention was drawn by a scream, and both turned their heads. The assassin had pinned Kilma to the wall by his hand.
"Father!"
The maid grabbed her stave and tried to pull the arrow out as Jean-Marie aimed another at her head.
"Jean-Marie, stop!"
Right as he was about to let the arrow fly, Carmen redirected his aim, sending the arrow upwards, going above Flora's head.
"What are you doing?! My aim was-"
"We didn't come here to kill! Now come on and confront the interrupter with me!"
Carmen practically dragged the assassin up the stairs and out of the estate. That's when they saw what was happening. A large group was in the village, but a closer look at their armor showed that they were, in fact, not Nohrian soldiers.
"...Whoever these are, we've got to stop them. ...Hm? Their leader is shouting something."
"Listen, boyos! It's time for us to get payed for all those wasted attempts! Loot every single house! If they refuse to give us their money, burn it down!"
"Yes, sir!"
"...I think you know what we should do."
"...Yeah. I do. If we do this, hopefully the chief will forgive us for that little piece of flint to his hand earlier."
"It's time to move, Jean-Marie. Let's surpress this rebellion in our own way."
Chapter 2 N: Blood Tribe.
Units: Nohrians.
Carmen. Level 3 Nohr Princess. Yato, Fire, 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.
Temporary Units: Nohrians.
Jean-Marie. Level 8 Outlaw. Shining Bow, Concoction. 23 HP, 3 Str, 6 Mag, 8 Skl, 4 Spd, 14 Lck, 5 Def, 10 Res, 5+1 Mov, 8 Con. C in bows. Foot.
Enemy: Tribesmen.
They consist mostly of a few mages and axe fighters, all of which use bronze weapons. The exceptions is an enemy Troubadour, an enemy mercenary who uses an iron sword, and the boss, Scar, a Wyvern Rider, who uses an iron star axe.
Enemy Boss:
Scar. Level 5 Wyvern Rider. Iron Star Axe, Wing Shield. 38 HP, 8+2 Str, 0 Mag, 7 Skl, 6 Spd, 2 lck, 8 Def, 3 Res, 7 Mov, 18 Con. C in axes. Flying, Dragon.
The Wind Shield is a shield that nullifies flying weaknesses.
11/7/834. Ice Tribe. Nohr.
"AAAAARGH!"
The mage fell to the floor, clutching his heart, an arrow sticking out of his torso.
"...Bullseye."
Docking another arrow on his bowstring, the assassin turned the corner behind the house to search for more targets. He could hear them, but the blizzard didn't let him see very far. He had lost Carmen in the snow, so he didn't want to run the risk of killing her by firing into the unknown. However, his hair raised on end when he heard someone unsheathing a dagger behind him.
"...If you're going to kill me, then do so already. But is invading this village we're trying to negotiate with really something that you can live with? Killing innocent people?"
"What are you talking about, Nohrian? You are the one invading us."
"...Flora. These aren't Nohrian soldiers. Quote, "It's time for us to get payed for all those wasted attempts.""
"Wasted attempts...? ...The blood tribe!"
"Blood Tribe... I've heard of them. What's their quarrel with you?"
"I'll explain later. But first, get up and help me drive them off."
"Got it. But first, can you take the knife off my throat? I'm sure Carmen will be thrilled about this."
Chapter 2 N: Blood Tribe Continued.
New Temporary Units: Tribesman. Flora joins to the first space East of Jean-Marie. If not possible, she joins on the closest appropriate space. Turn 4.
Flora. Level 5 Maid. Steel Dagger, Physic, Mend, Freeze. 25 HP, 10 Str, 7 Mag, 16 Skl, 8 Spd, 6 Lck, 6 Def, 11 Res, 6 Mov, 6 Con. C in daggers, Staves. Foot, Magic.
Objective: Defeat the Boss.
Strategy: The best way to fight is to use Jean-Marie to tank the mages and Carmen with her dragonstone to tank the physical fighters. Once Flora joins, the healing allows some more flexible fighting. Scar starts moving on turn 10, and while Jean-Marie is effective due to his magic attack, the wing shield stops him from being too easy, and his high HP pretty much guarantees that multiple turns are needed to defeat him.
Battle Quotes
Flora vs Scar:
Flora: You! I remember you! Why are you doing this to innocent people?!
Scar: We've gone too long without payment. I'm taking it in gold and blood!
Flora: Payment?!
Scar: We were hired to save YOU, bitch. You think we took you out of the damn fortress out of the kindness of our hearts? A ton of our men were killed because of you. So I'll avenge them, here and now!
Other vs Scar:
Scar: I'll enjoy eating the flesh off your bones!
Defeated:
Scar: Wh-What...? B-But I'm... the Blood... Tribe's...
Blood Tribe Member: Chief?! Chief! The Chief is dead! Retreat!
11/7/834. Ice Tribe, Nohr.
"...They're retreating."
The remaining attackers turned and barreled out of the gates. Jean hooked another arrow and prepared to fire at the retreating troops, but Carmen placed her hand on his shoulder and simply shook her head.
"...Fine."
As Jean hung the bow over his shoulder, Kilma walked up behind them.
"...You are an odd case. You pin me to the wall with an arrow and nearly shoot my daughter in the head, yet not a minute later, you go and save our village from invaders."
"Trust me, if you didn't attack us first, it would have saved me an arrow and you smack to the face with a bow. Why the hell did you think those were Nohrians?"
"...Um, could we not start fighting again? ...Who were they, anyways?"
"...That was the Blood Tribe. They're a ruthless group who kill, pillage, and sometimes even cannibalize. The entire tribe can be bought for money, effectively making them a tribe of mercenaries. We hired them to save my daughters so Nohr's boot could be lifted off of us, but after they failed, they started hounding us, demanding more payment as compensation for the soldiers they lost, which is something they never spoke to us about. They said that they would take action, but to think they would do this..."
"Was anybody here wounded? Flora, do you mind going around the village and making sure everyone is okay?"
"...Okay..."
Flora took her stave and walked around the residential areas.
"Chief Kilma, I do not believe Garon is a perfectly just man. I, too, am disgusted by some of his actions. But the reason I still serve him is because of the people, not the ruler. In the Hoshido Plains, I was forced to choose between Hoshido and Nohr. And it was the toughest decision of my life. But I chose to fight for Nohr because of the suffering all her people endure due to the famine. Those who aren't given a voice, who are left to suffer by the nobles, and those who wish for change, just like you and the Ice Tribe as a whole. You have my word that, no matter what it takes, I will change Nohr into something that everyone, even those who despise it now, can look upon and agree that justice has been properly enforced. And in order to fight for you, we must be allied. That is why I ask that you cease this rebellion today."
"...Ugh... Very well. I will convince the other tribesmen to desist the uprising. Do not make me regret trusting you. Now, go."
"Thank you, Chief Kilma. I will do everything in my power to ensure your trust in me is not wasted."
Carmen and Jean-Marie turned and walked out of the village, the assassin at the ready to fight in case more Blood Tribe members showed up.
11/7/834. Woods of Forlorn, Icewall, Nohr.
"-And that's when I, ODIN DARK, swooped in and felled the foul beast with one slash from my demonic blade, Myssletain!"
"...Um, that's great, Odin."
"Why, thank you very much, my night-clad knight friend. And that is simply the beginning of the many heroic adventures I have embarked on!"
Silas pinched the bridge of his nose, annoyed by Odin's obliviousness. He turned to Niles and Elise, who were simply not listening, talking about museums.
"...One time, my nanny took me to see a museum. It was fairly small, but I loved it! It had a lot of works of art in it that I just couldn't take my eyes off of! And that's when I really started to get into painting. I'm... still not very good at it, but I enjoy it, and my siblings think so, too."
"...Hm. I have more of an eye for jewelry, personally. Usually because they're easier to filch. ...Speaking of filching, it's time we filch the results of the rebellion from these two."
Niles stood up as he saw the two coming back. Elise hopped onto her feet and got onto her horse. Silas did the same, and Odin, finally realizing it was time to stop being theatrical, put on a more serious tone and bowed as they came by.
"So the princess and the rogue returns. How did it go, lovebirds?"
Carmen flushed red while Jean gave a death stare that could turn Medusa to stone.
"L-L-Lovebirds?! W-W-What do you-"
"He's messing with you. Long story short, the Ice Tribe will no longer rebel. Our mission is complete."
"Well butter my buns and call me a biscuit, you actually did it, just the two of you."
"YAY! You did it, you really did! I bet father's gonna be very proud!"
"Congratulations. That's the Carmen I know."
"All theatrics aside, that was quite the impressive feat!"
"Yeah, I know, I know. Now can we get back to Castle Krakenburg already? Iago has some tasks for me that I'm now a few days behind on."
11/8/834. Castle Krakenburg, Windmire, Nohr.
"...Father, I have returned."
"Come forth. What are the results of the expedition I sent you on?"
Carmen rose up the steps with Jean right behind her. Once on the same level as Garon, she bowed as she spoke.
"I have succeeded, father. Jean-Marie and I have went to the Ice Tribe and made them to cease their rebellion."
"Very good. I trust that you did this without anybody else's help?"
"That is correct, father."
"Oh, this little liar!"
Iago shouted in a sing-song voice, drawing the attention of the other three.
"...Iago. Explain."
"In the Woods of Forlorn, I have received reports from some of my scouts. They were joined by... FOUR. OTHER. PEOPLE. I have warned you not to return had you not completed your task, princess. And you, Jean-Marie. You have not said a word of this, so you are just as complicit."
"Hold! Your highness, it is true that Princess Carmen and I received aid in the Woods of Forlorn. However, we received no aid in actually dealing with the Ice Tribe. What the four assisted us with was the hoard of monsters in the woods, and nothing else. They had not even left the woods until our task was completed. If you ask all of them, you will find our statements true."
"...Tell me who these people are."
"Your Highness! You actually believe him?!"
"Speak. If your word proves false, I will have your head."
"...Sir Silas, Sir Odin, Sir Niles, and Princess Elise. Those are the four that lent us their aid in the woods."
"Elise...? My youngest daughter assisted you?"
"Yes, sire. It was an honor to meet her in person, and I am certain that she can confirm my statement."
Iago seemed like he had started to panic.
"Your Highness, he is throwing mud on her name by even mentioning her! How dare he try to bring her into this! He should be executed for lese-majesty this very second!"
"...Iago, send for my daughter."
"But your highness, he-"
"I do not recall requesting you to question my orders. Go find Elise and bring her here. Do you understand?"
"...Y-Yes, your highness."
Iago began to walk out of the room, but whispered something to Jean-Marie. Carmen couldn't hear what Iago told the assassin, but she could hear his response.
"Then don't implicate me in your grab for her death, dammit!"
Iago left the room, and came back a minute later with Elise in tow.
"...She is here, sire."
"Father, you needed me?"
Elise practically skipped up the steps her father.
"Yes. I would like for you to confirm something. This man... Jean-Marie... claims that he and Carmen had received aid from you and three other people. He named them as Silas, Odin, and Niles. He also claims that you only assisted them in the Forest of Forlorn, and did not leave the woods until they returned from quashing the rebellion. Is all of this true?"
"Yes, father. Big Sister and the man over here did it all by themselves!"
"...Iago, find yourself more cautious in your accusations in the future. Had I taken your advice without question, I would have executed my own innocent daughter. So for your sake... I urge you to take care.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes, y-y-y-your highness!"
"...Carmen, Jean-Marie. You are dismissed. I shall give you some time for respite, and I apologize for threatening your lives. Elise, you may go as well."
"Thank you, father."
"As you decree, sire."
"Bye, father!"
11/8/834. Castle Shirasagi, Principality of Himeji, Hoshido.
"Mother."
"Hm? ...I-It's you... it's really you, you're okay! My boy!"
Mikoto ran over to her son and embraced him for well over 30 seconds.
"I was so scared that I'd never see you again! I am so, so glad that I didn't lose you, as well! Thank the Dawn Dragon you're okay! This... This makes me so happy, I cannot even describe it! This... This calls for a feast of the highest order! A feast celebrating your return from those villains!"
"...I missed you too, mother. I'm glad to be back. And this time, I've brought someone with me."
Jiro stepped forward as Mikoto released her son. He got on one knee and bowed.
"It is an honor to meet you, your highness, as it was to assist your son. I am Jiro Adachi, prince of Mokushu, nephew of Kotaro."
"Jiro helped me escape. If it wasn't for him, I'd still be rotting away in the dark corner of a cave, or maybe even dead. He risked his life to save mine, even persevering through a mortal wound to his abdomen to make certain I reached Hoshido safely. And to reward him for his bravery and dedication to doing the right thing even when everybody else disagrees with him, I would like to request that he be given the title of my retainer."
"Your retainer? For someone you just met?"
"I trusted him with my life, and not once did he ever make me doubt him."
"...Very well, I shall consider it. However, first, I must test him. Jiro, stand up."
Jiro did so. Mikoto gave him a message.
"At this moment, my daughter, Sakura, is leading the defense of Hoshido in Fort Jinya. Relay this message to her. Do so successfully, and I shall grant you the position."
Jiro took the message.
"Thank you, your highness."
"But you must know this. Under no circumstances will you break the seal. If I find out that you did so, I will take it as a sign that you are not to be trusted, and will forbid you from being anywhere near this place again. Am I understood?"
"Yes, your highness."
"...Good. Now, go."
"As you command, my queen."
Jiro stood up and turned to Kamui.
"I will return as soon as possible. Farewell, your highness."
Jiro bowed to the both of them again and walked away.
"Mother, if even Sakura is out of the castle, does that mean that Takumi, Hinoka, and Ryoma are, too?"
"Yes, indeed. Unfortunately, the war requires their full attention. However, you will stay here for a few days. The reason as to why is because I have something very special for you, my baby boy. Come, follow me."
Kamui did as he was told and followed his mother into what used to be his room.
"...In here, I have laid something a secret even to Ryoma. I have laid a divine weapon for you."
"A divine weapon? For me?"
"Yes! It's hidden in this very room. All I must do is pull out this tone."
Mikoto acted as she spoke, opening the compartment with the box in it.
"You hid this in my room...?"
"Yes. In this box, I hid the legendary lance, Vajra, waiting here for you to wield... it..."
Mikoto's giddy expression began to sour as she pulled the box out. It wasn't nearly as cold as it should have been, and the locks were all gone.
"Wh-Where are the locks?"
Mikoto pulled it out and put it on the ground and opened it. It was empty.
"...What is this...?!"
"It's gone? How is that possible?"
"...Someone stole it... Someone stole Vajra! It's just like what happened to Hauteclaire!"
"Hauteclaire?"
"Hauteclaire was a divine weapon laid in Nohr. It's given to the various Nohrian queens, but since there is no current queen in Nohr, it was to be passed to Garon's eldest daughter. But someone stole it away a few moons ago... And it happened with nobody knowing it happened until it was meant to be passed on!"
"The exact same way... do you think it's the same person?!"
"...It's possible! But in that case, then we're in trouble... the power of two divine weapons combined would be enough to level a mountain! We have to find the perpetrator! Find Yukimura!"
"Yes, mother!"
11/8/834. Principality of Himeji, Hoshido.
"...Not a bad test. It'll take a while to go the distance on foot, but..."
Jiro held the message in his hands as he pushed through the plaza. However, as he continued through the crowded multitudes, he felt something on his leg. He looked down, and saw that the message had unraveled.
"...Damn... Seal broke. ...But I can't go back now. I guess I'll just roll it up and hold the seal in place. I really hope my future doesn't get messed up because she didn't seal it properly..."
Re-rolling the message without looking at its contents, the diviner resealed the paper and held it shut, continuing on his journey.
11/8/834. Castle Shirasagi, Principality of Himeji, Hoshido.
"Lady Mikoto, I have sent out reports of a stolen heirloom. It contains a rough sketch of the divine weapon in question, and a reward of 15000 gold for whomever finds it and returns it to the palace."
"Thank you, Yukimura. If you see someone using Vajra, make certain they regret stealing from me... from my son."
"Of course, Lady Mikoto."
Yukimura bowed and took his leave. Mikoto turned to Kamui, who was standing at the ready.
"I'm sorry to send you on a mission immediately... but given how much the single divine weapon could matter to the war, we have no choice. The identity of the person who stole Hauteclaire is known; after all, after obtaining it, he utilized it to cause destruction and mercilessly decimate those who went after him. His name is Calix. He's from a place known as the Blood Tribe."
"...Blood Tribe?"
"It's fortunate that you didn't run into them at the bottomless canyon. That is where they are primarily stationed, and... they do horrendous things. Kidnappings, extortion, murder, even cannibalism..."
"How does a civilization like that even exist within Nohr?! As far as I've known, Nohr openly condemned those sorts of things!"
"..."
"Anyways, this Calix is from the Blood Tribe? Is that where you wish for me to travel?"
"...Unfortunately, yes. Given how the Blood Tribe generally works, that is likely where this Calix is. They are rather tight-knit, according to people who associate with them. Some say that whenever they're not performing heinous crimes against humanity, they're like one ginormous family."
"...So you want for me to bring Calix in and retrieve Vajra, right?"
"That is correct. That said, I know how dangerous they are. As such, I don't expect you to go alone. Please, come forth."
Into the room came three people; One, a ninja dressed in green, a rather strong-looking woman with white hair, and an odd man that appeared to have a fox tail and ears.
"I believe you and Kamui have already met, Kaze and Rinkah. But you, mister..."
"Kaden, your royal highness!"
"Kaden. Kamui, these three will assist you in your mission to the bottomless canyon. You've worked with Kaze and Rinkah before, but as for Kaden, he came here to repay a debt to my dear late husband."
"Nice to meet, you Kamui! Your dad helped me out of a real jam 20 years ago. I fell off the endless staircase, and my tail got caught on a rock. As the seconds passed by, the rock began to crumble, holding my weight. That's when I heard running footsteps, and found myself being pulled back to safety by my tail. As it turns out, I was saved by the king! But... I never got the chance to repay him. And it just doesn't sit right with me that 20 years later, I still haven't payed him back. So I came to the queen about it, and she said this is how I could help!"
"Kaden here is a Kitsune, a race of shapeshifters who can turn into fox-like creatures at will. They live of the Mountain of Fox Spirits, and rarely leave the village. But Kaden has a personal policy to always pay is debts, so it's led him outside of the mountain many a time, repaying those who were kind to him."
"I see. Nice to meet you, Kaden. Kaze, Rinkah, it's good to see you two escaped the battle on the plains unharmed."
"It is very fortunate to see you alive as well, your highness."
"...Feh."
"Now, I urge of you to go. Time is of the essence. I shall have messengers deliver news to you in regards to the war as information is obtained. I'll miss you, my son."
"As will I you, mother. Come, let's move."
11/11/834. Fort Jinya, Principality of Okkaisho, Hoshido.
"It's okay, just sit still... I know it hurts, but if we don't stitch it up, it won't heal. ...Okay, I think that should do it. Please make certain not to put too much stress on that arm, lest the stitches fall loose."
"...Th-Thank you, princess. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
The man got up and walked out of the room. Sakura smiled before looking upon all the other survivors from the explosion. The sheer amount of people mortally wounded in what amounted to a terrorist attack was too much for the healers in the area to deal with. Even with herself, who was a medical genius, there were still people writing in pain a week later.
"Lady Sakura!"
A woman with light brown hair and pink clothes walked into the room with Jiro.
"Hana? What is it? Who is this?"
"It's an honor to meet you, princess, and apologies for the interruption. I am Jiro Adachi, a Mokushujin diviner. Her Highness, Queen Mikoto, sent me here with a message for you."
"M-Mother has a m-message for me? Wh-What's it about?"
"I'm afraid I don't know. It is not my place to know what the Queen wishes you to know without her consent. ...And on the note of the queen's commands, I must apologize. She wished for me to bring the message without the message being opened, but as I pushed through the crowds in Himeji, the seal came loose."
"I-I see..."
"If you do not wish to trust my word, I understand, but I still must say that I took not even a glance at the contents. I rolled it back up and resealed it."
"...Lady Sakura, I don't think we should trust this man. Who's to say he didn't unseal it on purpose and sent the information to the enemy?"
The woman took her katana and put it to Jiro's throat.
"H-Hana, no! I-If he d-did what you say, then r-revealing that the s-seal broke before w-would be a d-death sentence!"
"That's probably what he's counting on. He's counting on your good heart, Lady Sakura. Remember, the Mokushujins kidnapped Prince Kamui. This is likely a ploy to kidnap you, as well!"
"You do know I'm the one who helped his highness escape the Mokushujins in the first place, right?"
"...The gall. The sheer gall."
"Hana, let go of him! Th-That's a-a-an o-order!"
The samurai's grip loosened as Hana pulled her blade away from Jiro's throat.
"Th-The message i-isn't military r-related. I-It says that th-th-this is a t-test for the p-p-position of K-Kamui's r-retainer!"
"...Retainer? ...Are you serious?! This Mokushujin, of all people, is to become the prince's retainer?!"
"Hana, this kind of attitude is why Lord Ryoma doesn't want you anywhere near Izumo. You sound like you'll kill all the non-Hoshidans refugees there."
A tall man with red hair in a long ponytail and a naginata on his back placed his hand on Hana's shoulder.
"Shut up, Subaki."
"H-Hana, calm d-down."
Subaki walked over to the Mokushujin, and held out his hand.
"I've heard about you from Lady Hinoka. You're the Mokushujin who helped Lord Kamui escape with his life. For that, you have my thanks."
"Subaki, correct? It's nice to meet you."
The two shook hands before turning to the princess.
"Princess, it was an honor. But-"
"WHAT IS THIS?!"
One of the physicians shouted in the other room. Sakura immediately ran in, followed by the other three. The physician was holding a small child, not more than a year old, and a woman lying on the floor in front of them.
"Wh-Wh-What's th-the p-problem?!"
"Th-This child... this woman..."
"Wh-What about t-them?"
"They.. They... have tails! And... wolf ears!"
"I'm sorry, they WHAT?"
"The woman is dead... she died just now from her infection, handing me this child... That's when I realized that they have animal ears and a tail! Before, it was hidden under their cloaks!"
"...How? How is this possible?"
"I don't know!"
"...G-Give the child t-to me... p-please find if this w-woman has a f-family..."
"...Yes, Lady Sakura. I'll send them our official condolences."
The man took the woman's body and left the room. Sakura held the infant in her hands, unsure what to do.
"...Wh-What should we do?"
"...Let me see her."
"Show some respect, Mokushujin!"
Jiro waved his hand at Hana as he took the child and looked at its ears.
"...It appears to be a Wolfskin."
"...Wolfskin?"
"Back when Kotaro first took power, he insisted that we learn Nohrian culture so we could infiltrate their ranks. Of course, he forced me to do the same. As I searched through, I noticed that there was one place with civilization, but no denoted leader, or even an ambassador. Mount Garou. As it turns out, a race of shapeshifters make their home there. They're called Wolfskin. Sometimes Wolfssengers, depending on who you ask. They can transform into giant wolves at will. Due to poaching, they've become very distrusting of humans, and rarely ever leave the mountain. But then, that begs the question... if that woman was also a Wolfskin, what in the world is she doing here, with her child, no less?"
"I-I don't know..."
"...Princess, do you mind if I keep watch over this child until we figure out what to do?"
"U-Um... Sure."
"Lady Sakura, we can't trust this-"
"Hana, you're being paranoid. I can tell from the look in his eyes; everything's going to be fine."
As if in direct response to Subaki's words, a voice rang out from outside.
"Listen to me, Hoshidans! I am Sir Jasper of Nohr!"
"...Subaki, you just couldn't keep your mouth shut."
"I was referring to Mister Adachi, not the situation in general."
"There you go again! You're always making excu-"
"Both of you, stop! W-We need to s-s-stop th-the Nohrians!"
"We know the Hoshidan Princess is here! If you hand her over, we will not harm any of you!"
"Grab your things, let's move."
Sakura and her retainers ran out to confront the soldiers. Jiro did the same after putting the child down.
"...Don't move, okay, buddy? We'll be back soon."
Chapter 1X H: My New Allegiance. (An optional chapter only played if Jiro wasn't forced to retire in chapter 1. Classic mode is the only mode where this restriction applies.)
Units: Hoshidans.
Jiro. Level 3 Diviner. Leviathan Shade, Vulnerary. 20 HP, 5 Str, 5 Mag, 7 Skl, 8 Spd, 7+4 Lck, 6+1 Def, 4+1 Res, 5 Mov, 7 Con. E in tomes. Foot, Magic.
New Units: Hoshidans.
Subaki. Level 2 Sky Knight. Iron Naginata, Vulnerary. 17 HP, 6 Str, 0 Mag, 10 Skl, 8 Spd, 5 Lck, 7 Def, 8 Res, 7 Mov, 10 Con. D in Lances. Mounted, Flying.
New Temporary Units: Hoshidans
Hana. Level 4 Samurai. Iron Katana, Concoction. 20 HP, 9 Str, 0 Mag, 11 Skl, 11 Spd, 5 Lck, 6 Def, 9 Res, 5 Mov, 7 Con. D in Swords. Foot.
Sakura. Level 4 Shrine Maiden. Bloom Festival, Sun Festival. 16 HP, 3 Str, 6 Mag, 5 Skl, 7 Spd, 9 lck, 5 Def, 7 Res, 5 Mov, 5 Con. D in Staves. Foot, Magic.
Enemy: Nohrians.
The Nohrian attackers are all lance users; Lancers, Cavaliers, and Knights. The exception is a boss, a paladin with a machete. All enemies use bronze weapons, sans the boss.
Enemy Boss:
Jasper. Level 1 Paladin. Iron Machete. 28 HP, 8 Str, 1 Mag, 7 Skl, 7 Spd, 7 Lck, 7 Def, 6 Res, 8 Mov, 11 Con. C in Swords, E in Lances. Mounted.
Objective: Rout the Enemy.
Strategy: The strategies I would recommend would be to either defensive or aggressive. Using Subaki and possibly Jiro and Hana to stall, you could draw all the enemies toward you, and block them, since the only ranged enemy is Jasper himself. Or you could pair up Sakura with Subaki and go aggressive, using Sakura to heal them and get them out of dangerous situations.
Battle Quotes:
Vs Jasper
Jasper: Know that you could have prevented this battle. What a pointless waste of life...
Defeated
Jasper: Gha...! W-Well done, Hoshidans... Johanna... Rose... I'm sorry... I won't... be coming... home...
11/11/834. Fort Jinya, Principality of Okkaisho, Hoshido.
"...It's done. I-Is everyone a-a-alright?"
"I have a few flesh wounds, but I am otherwise fine."
"I received no meaningful damage. I am striving for perfection, after all."
"My armor was pierced... and I got stabbed. I'll survive, but I won't be fighting for a few days. ...What a humiliation."
Hana stood hunched, blood trickling from a hole in her chestplate. Sakura ran over and helped her balance.
"Jiro!"
"Huh?"
Kamui ran from the inside of the fort, followed by Kaze, Rinkah, and Kaden. He dashed right up to Jiro.
"There you are! I was looking for... What the hell happened here?"
"Nohrians happened. The general, Sir Jasper... he sounded like a good person... I even think he was a dad, based on what he muttered when he was dying."
"Oh... oh..."
"Who cares if he was a father? He's Nohrian scum, and deserved what he-"
"Don't call him scum!"
Kamui shouted at Hana, catching everyone there off-guard. Kamui's eyes were filled with an intense defensiveness and anger on behalf of the slain general.
"He may be Nohrian, but he's just like you and me! He's got friends! He's got family! He had things he was willing to fight and die for! He gave his life for his cause! And now you go and spit on his honor and dignity because he's not from the same kingdom as you?! He deserves the utmost respect for what he sacrificed, not desecration by the moniker that damn bigots like you throw around like pieces of a broken weapon!"
Silence filled the area. Nobody expected such a violent outburst from the prince in defense of his enemy's honor, especially after becoming aware of Nohr's unforgivable crimes. The silence was broken by Subaki.
"...I... must agree. Spitting on his name like that was not warranted in any way, shape, or form."
"Subaki, don't you even start. You're a Hoshidan, he's a heartless Nohrian. Pull yourself together."
This time, Jiro was the one to shout.
"Just because he's Nohrian, that doesn't make him a monster by default. I, of all people, should know that a person's worth isn't defined by where they're from!"
"You don't fool me, you Mokushujin-ugh... Lady Sakura, I really need this healed..."
"S-Sorry! M-Misako!"
Out came a young woman with short orange hair, about Sakura's age.
"Lady Sakura, what is needed of me?"
"Hana's wounded. Can I trust you to heal her?"
"Of course, princess. You have my word that she'll be healed as fast as humanly possible."
"...Prince Kamui. Being sympathetic to Nohrians is equivalent to betraying all of us. Everyone just has yet to figure it out."
Misako took the wounded samurai inside and began treating her wounds. Sakura turned back to Subaki, Jiro, and Kamui.
"...Sister, I... I'm sorry for shouting. It's just, when... whenever I hear "Nohrian Scum," it feels like an attack against me, my Nohrian retainers, and the people I grew up around. And with just how absolutely cruel she was being to his memory just for being Nohrian... something in me snapped."
"It's fine... You just scared me, is all. But... now I don't know if Subaki and Hana will be able to work together without arguing now. ...If I may ask, how come you're here?"
"Mother asked me to go to the Blood Tribe and retrieve a divine weapon from one of their members. As I was travelling, though, I heard a man's scream, and decided to investigate. It was a Nohrian soldier. ...By the way, Jiro, did you complete your mission?"
"N-No, b-but he proved h-himself trustworthy. T-The s-s-seal came loose b-by accident. H-He r-resealed it without l-looking at it a-and even told m-me this when he c-c-could have easily k-kept it secret."
"I see... at least something good happened today. Jiro, do you mind accompanying me to the canyon?"
"I'll follow you anywhere."
"...Oh! S-Subaki!"
"Yes, Lady Sakura?"
"Could you assist Kamui with his mission?"
"Huh? ...Of course, my liege, but why...?"
"I'll be safe here for a few days, and the Blood Tribe is dangerous. My brother will need as much help as he can get."
"...Understood. I will assist him and his group until I see his safe return to Castle Shirasagi."
"...OH! That reminds me! Lady Sakura, do you mind sending the Wolfskin child to Castle Shirasagi? The queen may find a way to utilize her to build report with the Wolfskin tribe."
"Good idea, I'll do just that. Stay safe, okay?"
"Of course."
Sakura went back into the fortress as Kamui turned to Jiro, a confused look on his face.
"So... What's a Wolfskin?"
11/10/834. Castle Krakenburg, Windmire, Nohr.
"...And that concludes the messenger's report."
"How delightful! His safety is music to my ears!"
"Kamui really has the Devil's own luck."
"Yay! Kamui's safe! Kamui's safe!"
"I see..."
"...Sister. Is something wrong?"
Carmen sighed as she stared out the window into the eternally dark Nohrian sky, her siblings looking at her, worried.
"...I'm conflicted. As his twin sister, I'm happy he survived, but... as his enemy, I know it would be advantageous for us had he not."
"Aw, don't be like that, dear. I'm certain our dear brother will come around."
Camilla walked over to Carmen, who was still sitting down, but when she came in for an embrace, Carmen shifted away.
"Please don't touch me."
Camilla seemed genuinely hurt by that.
"W-What changed? You used to love hugs."
"I don't know, it's just... it's nothing."
Dinner continued rather awkwardly, as Camilla was visibly hurt by Carmen's reaction, and her refusal to answer made everyone somewhat concerned. Carmen herself didn't feel hungry; despite what she claimed, she honestly felt rather sick. Once Xander finished, he excused himself and left, as did Camilla a tiny bit later, and Leo after her. Following that, it was only Carmen and Elise.
"..."
"...Carmen, you don't hate Camilla, do you?"
"Huh? Why would you say that?"
"It's just... when you were younger, even when you were mad at our big sister, you never refused one of her hugs. Even that one time when you got very pouty at her after she accidentally dropped your cookies. But just now, you moved away from her when she tried."
"...Elise, before I tell you anything, I want you to promise me something. Don't tell anyone what I'm about to say, alright?"
"...Okay. What's wrong?"
"...I'll be honest. I hate them. Xander, Camilla, Leo... I hate them."
"But why would you hate them?!"
"...There's one thing that they have in common that you don't. Can you guess what it is?"
"No, I can't. Why could you possibly hate them, and how am I different?"
"...The thing is, they knew I was Hoshidan by birth. You didn't. They knew my father was assassinated and that Garon took me as his own child. You didn't. They knew that I was being lied to, but instead of telling me what was happening, they simply played along. You were just as in the dark as I was. So when I found out the truth... my heart was cut in two. These three people, who I trusted more than anyone else besides you, were revealed to have been deceiving me for over 14 years. None of them told me... none of them even hinted that they were sorry for lying to me. So if I couldn't trust them with my past, my heritage, my origins... Then why should I trust them with anything else? At least father showed genuine happiness when I came into the throne room alive... Hahahahahahaha..."
"...W-What's funny?"
"It's absolutely comedic... the man who sent me into Hoshido, prepared for my death, showed more remorse over lying to me than the people I trusted most, who clearly wanted me alive. There were only two reasons I came back to Nohr."
"...W-What are they?"
"The first was the general population. You and I eat rather well, but even some nobles are starving... conquering Hoshido is the only way that the common folk can have a steady source of food now, since trade is out of the question now. And the second... I... I couldn't bear to think about how sad I would make you, Elise. How sad it would make you if I betrayed you. You are the only sibling I can really trust now... and the only one I still consider a member of my family. So to betray your trust... the only family I had left... I wouldn't be able to bear it."
"S-Sister..."
"That's also why I don't understand Kamui's decision. Nohr is our home. You are the only family we have. And he decided to throw it away for our biological family, who we had known for less than a week. It makes me question if I ever really knew him..."
"Carmen..."
"...I beg of you, tell nobody about this. Not father, not Xander, not Camilla, not Leo, not their retainers, not even your retainers, or anybody else."
"...O-Okay... just... please don't do anything to them. I still love them..."
"I won't. I promise. ...By the way, I haven't Odin, Niles, Silas, or Jean-Marie around as of late. What happened?"
"They're out on a mission... Leo didn't elaborate any further."
"...I hope they're safe."
11/12/834. Fukushima, Principality of Nasiak, Hoshido.
"So this is the great city of Fukushima."
The city was filled to the brim with paintings, clothing, statuetes, sculptures of not just stone, but also of wood, brass, and even gold, shiny trinkets, charms of varying craftsmanship and materials, delectable dishes that appealed to both eyes and mouth, and not a hint of strife was about. The lanterns against the night sky provided a rather comfortable aura.
"...Okay, Subaki. I told you about the Wolfskin. Now you tell me about this."
"Fukushima is Nasiak's capital city. It's run by the family of Kaneko, whose history goes back to the very founding of Hoshido. To simplify a very long story for the sake of brevity, the Kaneko clan and the Kusumoto kingdom fused together to create Hoshido approximately nine hundred years ago. That is why all royals have the surname of Kusumoto, and similarly, those of the Kaneko clan are given the surname of Kaneko. As of the current leader of Nasiak, it's Kaneko Tsuki. As you can tell from what this town's merchants sell, she is an avid collector of the arts. Her daughter, currently in training to become a ninja, is Kaneko Yukari, a young woman who's a tad... eccentric, and places rather low faith in nobility for one of her position, but is nonetheless pure of heart."
"I see... Once this war is over, I'd love to travel here and do some shopping. I'm... not very good at art, but I do enjoy making things. So, are we just passing through, or are we stopping for the night?"
"It would be quicker if we simply passed through and set up camp in the outskirts of the city. The further this Calix goes with the divine weapons, the more danger everybody is put in. Not just Hoshido, but Nohr, as well."
"Hey, prince?"
Kaden ran over to Kamui's side as they walked through the densely populated city.
"So, after that outburst back at Fort Jinya, I've meant to ask... why do you hold such reverence for Nohr? As of late, they haven't been doing anything aside from pillaging and poaching. Even I would find it hard to be thankful to people like that."
"...Keep in mind that I was raised there. I'm only even really here because I feel like I'm doing the right thing. Even if people suffer... I still have to enforce justice. If Hoshido was in the wrong... I don't know if my choice would be the same. But as things stand now, I'm firm in my decision."
"...As a Hoshidan noble, I must disagree," Subaki spoke, "But at the same time, I most certainly respect your perspective. I'm certain Sakura feels the same as I do."
"Subaki, on the topic of Sakura... Hana. Why does she hate Nohrians so much? ...Actually why does Hoshido in general hate Nohr?"
"Where do I begin... first, there's the matter of assassinating the late king. Then there's them stealing you away. Then aggressive fronts. Then making faceless and sending them to attack us once Queen Mikoto put up the barrier. And using you as a suicide-killer in an attempt to kill her, and while not succeeding, she was too weak to keep the barrier up, and now the war in continuing with them committing crimes against humanity itself to win confrontations, by hook or by crook."
"But those are the actions of the soldiers, not the general populous, right?"
"I know. And unfortunately, I seem to be one of a select few Hoshidans who actually understand that fact. You, Lady Sakura, and I accept that the soldiers are forced into the positions where they are, and to commit the actions they do, and are not at all representative of Nohr as a whole. But people like Hana... the Queen, Lord Takumi, Lady Hinoka especially, even Lord Ryoma to a certain extent, and even good portion of the public. They all view Nohrians as the same. I personally never understood... I mean, what good does it do to generalize an entire kingdom?"
"I get the feeling that us three will get along just fine."
"...Wait a minute."
Someone grabbed Jiro's shoulder and turned him around. A woman with a cloak stared at him.
"...Follow me. You and I need to have some words."
Jiro turned toward the others and motioned for them to follow him. He followed the woman through the alleys until they were out of the city. Then she turned around and stared him, the others watching from a distance.
"...What is your name?"
"Adachi Jiro. What about you?"
"...Johanna. You killed my husband. Prepare to die."
The woman pulled out a lance and threw it at Jiro, barely dodging it. A small platoon of Nohrian soldiers filed in from the woods, weapons drawn.
"What the hell?! ...Wait. You're Sir Jasper's wife, aren't you?"
"..."
"...I took no happiness in his death. To know I killed a father, a husband, weighs on my conscience like nothing I've experienced before."
"And I'll make certain you're relieved of it by avenging him."
"...Nohrian, know that I take no pleasure in this, either. If you wish for this to take proper vengeance, then let us fight one on one."
"...Gladly. Men, kill his allies!"
The forces started advancing toward Kamui and his allies.
"I knew it... Get ready! Save Jiro, don't let him die!"
Chapter 2 H: Crimson Ties.
Units: Hoshidans.
Kamui. LV 3 Hoshido Prince. Iron Naginata, Brass Yumi, Bloom Festival. 19 HP, 10 Str, 4 Mag, 12 Skl, 6 Spd, 9 Lck, 5+1 Def, 5+1 Res, 5 Mov, 12 Con. D in lances, E in bows, dragonstones, and staves. Foot.
Jiro. LV 5 Diviner. Dragon Shade. 21 HP, 7 Str, 6 Mag, 9 Skl, 10 Spd, 8+4 Lck, 7+1 Def, 5+1 Res, 5 Mov, 7 Con. D in tomes. Foot, Magic.
Subaki. LV 4 Sky Knight. Iron Naginata. 19 HP, 7 Str, 1 Mag, 11 Skl, 9 Spd, 6 Lck, 8 Def, 9 Res, 7 Mov, 10 Con. D in Lances. Mounted, Flying.
New Units: Hoshidans.
Kaze. LV 3 Ninja. Iron Shuriken. 19 HP, 6 Str, 0 Mag, 9 Skl, 12+2 Spd, 4 Lck, 4 Def, 10 Res, 5 Mov, 6 Con. D in Daggers. Foot.
Rinkah. LV 4 Barbarian. Brass Club. 20 HP, 8 Str, 2 Mag, 6 Skl, 8 Spd, 5 Lck, 10 Def, 3 Res, 5 Mov, 15 Con. D in axes. Foot.
Kaden. LV 3 Kitsune. Beaststone, Vulnerary. 23 HP, 6 Str, 1 Mag, 6 Skl, 11 Spd, 8 Lck, 5 Def, 9 Res, 5 Mov, 9 Con. E in Stones. Beast.
Enemies: Nohrians.
Some outlaws, some mercenaries, some mages, some lancers, a cleric. All using bronze weapons, the Cleric using a physic and a droppable Mend
Enemy Boss:
Johanna. LV 6 Halberdier. Iron Javelin. 34 HP, 7 Str, 0 Mag, 7 Skl, 11 Spd, 7 Lck, 8 Def, 12 Res, 6 Mov, 9 Con. B in lances. Foot.
Objective: Defeat the Boss, don't let Jiro fall.
Johanna will savor her vengeance for 15 turns. After that or being attacked, she'll start attacking.
Strategy: You can either blaze through and end the battle quickly, or take down all the enemies for more EXP at the risk of leaving Jiro vulnerable. He's not very great against Johanna; he doesn't deal amazing damage due to his low magic and her high resistance, and he likely can't double due to Dragon Shade's weight. Other units, especially Kaze, Subaki, and Kaden, are needed to effectively take her out.
Battle Quotes:
Jiro vs Johanna.
Johanna: It's time, Jasper...
Jiro: ...
Other vs Johanna
Johanna: What are you doing?! This is between him and I!
Defeated by Jiro.
Johanna: J-Jasper... R-R-Rose... I couldn't...
Jiro: ...Rose, whoever you are, I'm sorry...
Defeated by Other.
Johanna: This isn't... This... isn't... Damn you... Adachi... Jiro...!
11/12/834. Principality of Nasiak, Hoshido.
"...It's done. Still... what a senseless waste of life."
Jiro dropped to one knee to check the general's pulse. She was dead.
"...It's hard, isn't it? Taking a life?"
Kaden walked over and placed his hand on Jiro's shoulder.
"No... not at all. Taking a life is... disgustingly easy. What's difficult is the aftermath. This is war... killing is inevitable. But the question is, can I maintain the compassion needed to make certain I don't turn into somebody like Garon, while also keeping enough distance to keep myself in battle? The answer, I do not know... But what I do know is that I now robbed this Rose of both her parents."
Kamui joined in, "If you want to know how easy it is to kill someone, during the battle of Hoshido, I turned into a dragon and ate the commanding general's head. I. Ate. Him. I didn't kill anybody before that. And I didn't even bat an eye until I was in Mokushu, taken away from my dragonstone, with nothing to do but think.
"...Are you okay?"
"Not at all... but since when does that matter in war?" Jiro picked himself up, covered in his opponent's blood, and stared at the scroll in his hand. "...If someone knows how to preserve bodies, do so and sent her back to Nohr with her husband. It's only fitting they be laid to rest together."
"What the hell is this?!"
"It's an absolute bloodbath here..."
Behind Kamui's army stood a woman who appeared to be in her 40s who had pitch black hair, and a younger one in midnight blue garb who appeared to be in her late teens, also with long, black hair. Subaki was the first to speak.
"You must be the Kaneko family. My name is Imada Subaki, heir to the Imada family."
"Imada? Charmed, but... what happened?"
"We were attacked by Nohrians. It's a good thing the fighting didn't reach town."
"The woman leading them was the wife of another general I killed in battle a few days ago. Please, send her to her family."
"...Alright... Just, please clean yourselves up first. If you arrive in the city covered in blood, the citizens will freak out."
"Hold on, mother. I recognize this man. He's prince Kamui of Hoshido."
"P-Prince?! So, so sorry we didn't arrive sooner, my lord! We would have helped-"
"It doesn't matter now. What matters is making sure she gets sent to her family."
"Of course, milord! We'll give you-"
"We're passing through, nothing else."
"Sorry for my impulsiveness, milord."
"...Alright, everyone. Let's get going. If we're where I think we are, then there should be a river nearby we can set up camp at where we can wash all this off."
"T'was a pleasure to meet you, Imada."
"The pleasure's all mine, milord!"