We have made it to the point where the game story begins, in its own new way as the waters of time are charting a new course. I'm excited to be here, as I've started playing the game again and figuring out how to meld that and this story together. Thank you all for hopping on this roller coaster of an adventure and I look forward to seeing how you like it.

Song of the Chapter: The Steward of Gondor by Howard Shore (from Return of the King)

Warning: Tension, like some legit heavy stuff, dead bodies, and overall a lot of dark themes. I might up the story rating at this point, just to be safe. I'll see.

Chapter Seventeen: Resilience

"Home is behind
The world ahead
And there are many paths to tread" – Lord of the Rings

[Proving Day- Entrance of Castle Krakenburg- Corrin, Camilla, Elise, Xander]

It was a stressful day for everyone, especially the royal children of Nohr. Leo had yet to return, increasing his father's growing suspicions of betrayal, while at last the day had come for Corrin to prove his strength to Garon. Everyone knew the plan, the part they played, and that no matter what things had to be executed perfectly or it could all be their end. Elise, having woken the group up early, told them of the disturbing discussion she had listened into the previous night, explaining that their parent was planning to kill them unless each child agreed to go to war and do exactly as he ordered. Not even Corrin was excluded from this fate. Shocked from the revelation they gathered themselves after a moment, knowing that they couldn't show weakness, and returned to the castle with their younger brother.

Waiting at the entrance was the king and his tactician, one with a grim expression and the other with a snide smirk, knowing the power he held. The four stood and waited for their father to speak, none of them knowing that in the background, lurking through the shadows, was the one they believed was still in bed resting. Garon spoke, tone deep as the abyss and strong as the mountains, a grumble trilling throughout.

"I see you made it here safely, Corrin. Pity your brother did not." Garon commented, noting the missing royal.

Remaining calm even as his nerves were on end, Corrin replied, "Yes father. For a long time, I have wished to see you again and visit Castle Krakenburg again. It's almost like a dream."

"You only have diligence and loyalty to thank for you being here. Xander has commented that you are a warrior almost on par with himself. Finally, you possess the strength to be a vital instrument of Nohr's power in the world."

Elise, keeping in the act of who her father believed her to be, asked, "But father, will Corrin be alright outside of the fortress?"

Corrin stepped in before Garon could respond, saying, "Thank you sister for your concern, but I've worked hard to make it here and I'm ready to fight."

"Yes. As you have heard Corrin, the eastern kingdom of Hoshido will soon declare war on us, as they are upset due to the general's death. We of royal blood are descended of ancient gods, the First Dragons. Being the inheritors of such a divine blessing, we conquer our opponents with ease. Wielding power of that might can level entire armies of common soldiers. Your siblings have shown they can harness this power, and I expect no less of you." Garon explained, setting him with a stern glare.

"As I am aware of father. I have trained every day and night to become more like my siblings."

"Hmmm, you do seem promising. You will need a suitable weapon to serve you and Nohr. Iago." He commented, turning his gaze to the dark mage and giving a nod. With a pleasant and thin smile, the tactician snapped his fingers and a blade appeared out of thin air before Corrin, dark and wicked in nature with a peculiar purple smoke about it. "This is Ganglari, a blade infused with magic from another world. With this, you my child will crush the Hoshidan army with ease."

[Dungeons- Same time- Ascalon]

He hadn't been able to sit still and wait for things to play out, to hope and pray that everything went alright. Despite his aching body, Ascalon rose from bed and snuck into the servant quarters, stealing a spare uniform in his size and then returning to the hidden passages. There were several that ran through the entire castle, including three that went to the dungeons, where he was going now. The Draco Knight wasn't entirely sure what was fueling his actions but, he was certain it was the same thing that carried him through all of life.

Going through one of them he paused at the exit, listening and figuring out ho many guards were there, if he could handle all of them. To his surprise, for the moment, there was only one that was talking to the prisoners. An angry voice he had only heard twice responded, speaking of the Fire Tribe and how if she were outside the cell, she'd teach him a thing or two. A familiar sigh, as well as refusal to give into the man, was enough for Ascalon to take a guess as to who the second prisoner was. Nodding to himself in reassurance, the Draco Knight picked up a decent sized stone, one that probably had broken away from the wall, and silently stepped out. In a low crouch he crept up behind the guard, waiting until he was fully distracted before thwacking him hard on the back of the head, rendering him unconscious.

Surprised by the sudden event, both prisoners looked to see who their rescuer was, eyes widening in shock and joy as they found the dead man walking. Without a word Ascalon snatched the keys from the downed man and unlocked the cell, pointing to the concealed door and rushing everyone back inside. Once in, he led them towards a good amount away from the dungeons, heart racing a mile a minute as he was stunned that he had just done that. They stopped inside a different room, one that appeared to be a vacant storage space, both the ninja and oni savage catching their breath. Kaze broke the silence, hugging his friend tightly and stepping back to take in what he looked like.

"You're alive! Truly the gods have blessed you you reckless jerk. What happened though? Is your eye alright?" He questioned, lightly touching the scar.

Sighing, as there was so much to say and so little time, Ascalon replied, "A lot happened that I cannot explain right now. In simple terms though, our true enemy is not one another; it's some being known as the 'Silent One' or 'Silent Dragon'. I've heard both terms used. Their soldiers are…invisible I think, and that's all I got for the moment. My eyes are actually fine, better than fine to be frank. When I get the chance to meet up with you later I'll explain everything. For now, I'm sneaking you guys out and back to Hoshido…and I'm sending Georgie with you. Iago wants him, and me, but I'm dead as far as the bastard knows."

"Which leaves George vulnerable. We'll keep him safe. I can hide him with my tribe or the Wind Tribe; their leader is a good man and respects you. He'll understand." Rinkah stated, stepping forward and embracing the general as well. Pulling back, she turned to the ninja and said, "Unless you had a different place in mind that is."

"No. I was actually considering the Wind Tribe myself. It's hard to get past their defenses and they are strong fighters, as well as healers. The dragon would be safest there until Ascalon could come and be reunited with him." Kaze told her, relaxing and settling into his normal self again.

Ascalon, grateful for his allies, nodded and led them through the passage ways, speaking little as he was focused on getting them there and out as quickly and safely as possible. When they reached the barracks, he peeked outside to check that the coast was clear, confirming it for his friends and sneaking his way over to George's pen. Upon arriving the dragon woke, overjoyed to see his person and friendly faces, even more excited when he saw his man open the launch gates. Yet, as the restraints were removed and the cozy saddle Ascalon had made was put on him, he found that only Rinkah and Kaze were climbing on board. His best friend shuffled over to his face, a warm but heart wrenching smile on his lips.

"Hey buddy, my precious baby boy. Are you feeling okay? Ready to fly again?" Ascalon asked in his native tongue, petting the indigo dragon sweetly and holding back his tears. Georgie, nodding in excitement, gazed at him with those beautiful green eyes, nuzzling him and giving his wings a small flap. Laughing he rubbed behind his ears, savoring every moment before adding, "Good. Well, you're gonna fly boy…somewhere safe and far away from this pit. Kaze and Rinkah are going to take good care of you until I can make it there okay."

At this George let out a low sorrowful moan, nuzzling further into his man's arms as he did not wish to leave him, responding that last time he left, Ascalon almost died. He couldn't take that again. He had lost Phier, Arcturus, his friend Phoebus the horse. Yet he saw the determination in the young man's eyes, the strength that burned brightly, and after some soothing pets calmed down, understanding that this was for his own good. Softly the Draco Knight sang to his dragon, registering that there were distant shouts sounding throughout the castle now. With a warm smile and kiss on the snout, Ascalon instructed his boy to fly, to escape and not to return unless it was with him, promising he would come back, and they would be together again.

[Proving Day- Corrin, Xander, Elise, Camilla]

"Thank you for this generous gift father. I shall wield it well." Corrin said, hiding how uncomfortable he was as he took the blade.

Muttering mostly to himself Xander commented, "Generous indeed."

Garon, ignoring the eldest, continued to address the young prince, saying, "Now let us all see you put your will to the test. Bring out the prisoners!"

After a moment, when the guards had replied with a 'Yes sir!' and dashed off to release them, there quickly came a shout of alarm. Running out in a panic the same man shouted, "Two of them have escaped! Sound the alarm!"

At this the royal children froze, panicking and hoping it wasn't Leo or Ascalon who did this, praying that somehow the pair had managed to escape on their own. Iago, letting a fowl expression settle upon his face, gripped his tome tightly and quietly told the king he would see to this personally, to make sure the trouble was snuffed out. Leaving in a huff the tactician vanished, going straight towards the barracks as he had a sneaking suspicion as to who this might be. When the guards went back in to retrieve the remaining prisoners, they found all of them had taken the opportunity to kill themselves, not willing to die a pathetic death at the hands of the enemy.

Garon was furious and, in an icy rage, told them bitterly, "Return to your rooms. We will handle Corrin's test another time. Leave!"

[Barracks- Ascalon]

Suddenly, as the high of setting his friends free faded, Ascalon realized how deeply in trouble he was, scanning the area for a way he could hide or escape himself. Yet as he turned around, he found a familiar face with a smile on it. Frozen mid-step, he lost his breath and didn't know what to do.

"I knew you'd be alive son. Not even lightning could defeat you. As I tell Leo, you have the devil's own luck. You're in a pinch though, aren't you?" Solomon asked, hobbling over, as he was still recovering from the battle at the plains.

"I…I am. I'm glad to see you though. You wouldn't happen to have a magical hole to hide me in, would you?" Ascalon asked, suddenly feeling like he was a teen sneaking out again, getting caught by grandpa.

"Ha, oh my boy, I actually do. Help me lift this tile; there's an old passage here that I'm surprised you never found."

"Are you serious? Gosh I feel dumb." He quietly commented, helping lift the heavy stone, wincing as it pulled on his shoulder. A bit breathless afterwards he grinned at the older man, grateful for the help, and climbed inside. Once in he waited for Solomon to join him, only to watch as the veteran Wyvern Lord began to seal the entrance shut again. Concerned he reached a hand up to grab his, meeting his gaze and asking, "What are you doing? They'll kill you!"

"Ascalon Rein Avenstar, Samson died, and it's time for me to go. I'm ready, as you're ready to welcome in a new age of peace and acceptance in the world. Do us proud." He told him with a sweet and serene smile, knowing exactly what would happen.

Not giving the Draco Knight a chance to argue, he used what strength he had to slide the stone back in place, covering it up and hiding it once again. As he was done, the wise man stood his ground, feeling the comfort of the sun shinning down on him as the torrent of guards pilled inside with their weapons drawn. Iago, the tiresome flea, stormed over to him and snarled in his face, asking where the dragon was, what happened, and who did all of this. Solomon, knowing his time had come to rightfully serve his country and protect its hope, grinned at the enraged man and told him that he sent the prisoners free, giving them the dragon as well. Shutting his eyes to the world for the last time he hummed peacefully, stopping when a blade severed his head from his neck.

"Through shadow
To the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight" – Howard Shore

[The Fulgur Plains- Later that Night- Leo and Hinoka]

It was a deadly quiet walk they had, as they nervously crossed the plains and passed the tons of corpses, most of them the Wyverns that had perished, although some men and women had been left behind as well, fear plastered on their lifeless eyes. Lightning struck down in many places as they went, sometimes near, sometimes far, always illuminating the night that was so black and bleak it seemed like the gods had forsaken it. Silently supporting one another, Leo and Hinoka held hands, both disgusted with the massacre and saddened at the useless loss of life. One pair of bodies they crossed sent them deeper into this silence, as it was a mother holding onto a son, both now together in the afterlife. Leo, trying to keep himself from going mad as he passed the corpses, thought of better times, such as when he first met the princess he now was traveling with.

Three years ago, when the underground systems were first beginning, and everyone was working hard, Leo had been given the task of overseeing the construction of a hospital by Ascalon. Excited to do his brother proud, he briskly went to the sight, walking towards the bunch of workers only to be accidentally clocked on the back of his head by someone's flying tools. Dazed and sore the prince had landed in a pile of wood slats, groaning and ready to shout at whoever was clumsy enough to do this. He had caught his breath and held his tongue when a girl his age, fiery red hair hidden under a hood, with eyes like warm candlelight, and arms strong enough to lift him out of the mess…which she did. Caught off guard and unaware he was staring like dolt for a moment, Leo straightened himself out and cleared his throat.

Hinoka, or Akane at the time, spoke first, saying, "I am so sorry. I was bringing the tolls over for inspection and I didn't see the puddle I slipped in. I kept most from flying but, oh gosh…that's gonna bruise."

"Uh, what? Oh, well you should be a bit more cautious about where you step. We're trying to build the hospital, so we can't send anyone there yet, as it's not there. My name is Leon and I'll be overseeing this places construction. You are?" He replied, scolding himself an instant later for being so harsh.

"Sorry again sir. I promise it won't happen again. My name is Akane; I'm a farmer's child from central Hoshido."

"Ah…as am I. The farmer thing, not the Hoshido part. Clearly, I'm Nohrian. Anyway, now that we've broken the ice, let's go meet the others we'll be working with and get started, yeah?"

"That would be fantastic! Although, you don't look like you've worked much on a farm. You're so pale and your hands are way too nice." She commented as the went over to the rest of the people.

Nervously laughing, as he was trying not to get caught, he scratched the back of his head and explained, "I never said I worked on the farm, just that I came from one. I'm talented in magic actually, kinds that deal with plants. So, I used that to help rather than the normal methods."

"Ohhhhhh, that's interesting! I have always dreamt of being a Sky Knight myself, even learning how to fight with a Naginata. One day I'll be just as good as the others."

"Heh, I bet you will. You're already really strong so that's a start."

"Yeah, although you weren't too heavy anyway. Quiet light to be frank."

"Hey! Rude!" He shouted, grinning none the less as he knew she would be someone to try and build a friendship with. Laughing the pair began their work, ready to build more than just a hospital.

Leo came back to reality, ending his trip down memory lane, when Hinoka paused and was on high alert, eyes focused on the area surrounding them. He looked as well, trying to spot what she had seen, catching glimpses of movement around the plains, hidden figures lurking behind the cadavers and in the shadows. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, just as the winds picked up, Leo leaned close to the princess and whispered to her.

"We should keep moving. Have our weapons ready but, continue forward. Staying still will just put us in more danger and we're near the barrier." He explained quietly, still watching the flickering figures that danced about in the dark.

Hinoka, nodding tersely, adjusted the grip on her weapon and moved forwards, telling him to watch their rear while she covered the front. Together, working flawlessly, the couple made their way across the lighting filled plains, using the blips of bright light to try and catch sight of who these foes truly were. It was as they neared the end, and the magical barrier that protected Hoshido from most enemies, that the smart prince saw what their true form was, a sinking feeling of dread and rising one of unexpected terror sounding inside of him. These beings were mostly invisible, save for the small bits of purple smoke that occasionally drifted off of them.

Jaw dropping as he realized these were enemies not from either land, he told Hinoka the news, earning a puzzled and totally lost expression. Only as she turned to look at him did she behold them as well, words disappearing in her mouth and throat seizing shut. Unsure how to fight a foe like this, or what their strength even was, she took a hold of Leo and bolted, making for the border and barrier, praying to the gods that the magic was enough to hold them back. As the pair fled, the invisible ones finally gave chase, charging after and tailing them. The hoard halted when the pair had made it into the supposed safety, standing at the line in their eerie and ethereal forms, vanishing on and off as the light did. Prince and Princess gazed, dumbstruck for a moment, before slowly backing away and further into the safe welcomes of Hoshido.

"Mist and shadow
Cloud and shade" – Howard Shore

[Safe Haven- Later that Night- Siblings, Ascalon]

They were gathered together, all a buzz at what had happened today, the job Corrin had been spared of doing thanks to the intervention of Solomon. Ascalon didn't tell them it was him who had set the two free, gave them George to hide away, as the sacrifice his mentor and friend had made was too great and he deserved to be seen as a hero. Out of it he sat in bed, blaming his fatigue on his shoulder acting up some while he had paced around and read while alone for the whole day. Memories flashed through his mind's eye as he recalled just hours ago, the sound of peaceful humming clear before the sudden stop and drop of a body and head. So desperately he had wanted to scream and shout at the nightmare that wouldn't die, to tear him to shreds with his hands, yet, all he could do once the soldiers had left with Iago was climb out and weep for a few minutes. He believed he had earned it. Bitterly Ascalon had taken the journal and necklace the old troop always carried, greedily wanting to have them as a token to remember his dear friend. Then he had snuck back to his room, hiding the items and pretending to be in bed reading. Not too long after the others pilled in, relaying what had happened and checking in on him, Elise healing him some more as she knew he couldn't stay put anymore.

Corrin, who was braiding Ascalon's long dark hair, was also numb to an extent as he was processing that his father wanted him to slaughter helpless people, just to prove his loyalty to him. He wouldn't have done it anyway and had been avoiding Felicia and Gunter since the trial, unable to look at either of them. While he understood that killing someone was something he'd have to face eventually, doing it meaninglessly was not something he approved of, and was grateful to the gods that most of his family thought that way as well. Although, if it weren't for the Draco Knight he questioned if any of them would be who they are now.

Together the family shared a small dinner, most having little appetite anyway, and playing a few games to decompress and lighten the mood some. None knew the Wyvern Lord was dead, that Iago had killed him, but all knew that their father was planning their demise and believed they knew nothing about it. In this safe haven, this ray of light in a pit of darkness, they put aside their woes and concerns, each one warm in their pjs and snuggled on the bed, playing card games and seeming like a normal family for once. A storm was approaching yet still the siblings laughed and joked, Camilla snuggled up next to Lon and helping him play, ignoring her older brother's glances and eyebrow waggles when the general wasn't looking. Elise, who was furious as she was losing, accused Corrin of cheating, to which he replied with the fact that he couldn't as this was his first time playing. All was well, as the Dusk Dragon wished it to be for one last night, saddened to put Nohr through everything it was going to face.

"All shall fade
All shall fade" – Howard Shore