Quick update, it might take me a little longer to update for the next two months as I'm not only moving but also having a few mental health issues and am getting out of a not so great place. That said, legit your support has really been great and helped a lot, probably more than you guys will know, and I wanted again to thank everyone, whether or not you post reviews or not. Now, onto the plot!
Also, the god plane thing that happened will be explained, so no worries.
Song of the Chapter: All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA (idk why this song but it's literally all I could listen to while writing this chapter)
Warning: Battle Scenes (as usual at this point), and violence in general
Chapter Nineteen: Underground and Unspeakable
[Border of Hoshido and Nohr- Royal Siblings, Ascalon, Reina]
A cacophony of events occurred when Ascalon finished speaking, starting with Reina speedily flying Corrin and Azura over to the Draco Knight, landing behind him as the Dragon Vein activated and turned the water in the rivers to bright golden flames, revealing to everyone that he had this unique ability. Next was the near instant reaction the Hoshidans and Nohrians loyal to him had, all revitalized and snapping their weapons towards the tactician and barbaric fighter, charging on the pair and their undead soldiers without any need to be ordered. Both sets of royal children watched in awe as nearly all of their troops united, taking flight and screaming in pride as the day finally came. Only the two eldest princes saw Azura rush over to the general, quietly speaking and telling him news that made his one visible eye widen greatly, earning a grim yet determined nod. Corrin, who apparently knew as well, climbed down and ran to his brother, hugging him and asking if he was coming with them.
Camilla, who was thrilled to see this pleasant turn of events, protectively flew around Elise and set herself to her goal, spotting the Hoshidan royal children. With a smile she swatted away any foes that gave chase to them, protecting her precious sister as she escorted her over to the other side, knowing that she had to get the youngest to the peace-loving kingdom to keep her safe from the sorcerer. Several enemies did land their hits on her though, testing her resolve and trying ferociously to reach the weaker unit, one that could not fight like the lavender-haired princess. When one particularly nasty foe dazed her and shrieked as it dived for another powerful strike, a bright glowing arrow zoomed through the air, striking the fiend heavily and ending them. Looking forward she found one of the Hoshidan royals running forward, rather boldly considering he was only an archer, and dashing to them through the hoards, snapping a few other enemies harshly with the bow he held. Trailing just behind him, also smacking enemies with their unconventional weapon, was the shy princess, face set sternly as she was coolly crossing the fiery scene.
Leo, who was still sore from nearly dying, sat behind Hinoka, holding onto her waist and watching the battle unfold, reassuring her he was alright to fight and blasting enemies with magic from high above on the Pegasus they rode on. The battle-ready princess swooped down from the heavens, like some fighter sent down by the gods, tearing the undead in half and swiftly avoiding blasts from the witches that soon joined the battle. A few times she had leapt from her seat, lunging gracefully through the chaotic skies and piercing several bodies, using them as stepping platforms to return to her mount. Seamlessly they worked together, each one having the others back and making sure they were protected.
Arrows rained from the Kinshi Knights, followed by blasts from the Dark Knights, friends and strangers united to fight for peace at last. Raw energy filled the air as a new path in fate was carved through the want of a better future, hundreds of souls dedicated to challenging their fates and changing their destinies, Diviners and Cavaliers tag teaming as Ninjas were vaulted by Knights, blanketing the opposing forces with rains made of shuriken. A sight that fate had never beheld tore through the field, ripping the threads of time and earning the praise of many gods and the ire of few, their silent cheers granting strength to the many and pushing back the enraged attempts to interfere from the ones who despised this detrimental battle.
Ascalon, who watched the awesome fight waged before him, eventually tore his eyes away from the sight and turned to Azura and Corrin, giving a small smile and saying, "Let me give something to someone really quick and we can leave. Tell Ryoma and Xander know what they can know, what we need them to do, and that we will be back. I'll be fast. Reina, could I get a ride?"
The Kinshi Knight smiled politely and nodded, scooting forward and helping the general climb aboard, quickly taking off and soaring away, reigns in one hand and lance in the other. Together the two royal children ran to their siblings who were standing, slightly awkward but also in shock at how the tides had turned, relieved they did not have to face one another. After giving quick hugs and explanations as to why they were here, they told what they could, Azura doing most of the talking as she knew more, letting them know basic details about the true enemy and that she would tell more when it was safe. Both elder princes looked to the other, neither happy that the ones they'd just gotten back had to leave so quickly and with the general too, but they nodded in understanding, knowing that this was the path destiny had set for them all. Ryoma, doing what he knew his mother would do as well as himself, offered sanctuary to Xander and his siblings, promising them that Hoshido held no ill will to the royal children, only their father and the dastardly tactician, hand out-stretched towards the Nohrian Crown Prince. Xander, relieved to hear the kind words and offer, took the hand in his, holding it and knowing that he was no good to his kingdom dead, no matter how badly he wished to stay with his troops and try to shield them, battle alongside them.
As Takumi and Sakura reached the struggling Elise and Camilla, Ascalon and Reina made it over as well, eviscerating the few enemies that lurked nearby and earning a 'whoa' from the young Nohrian princess. The Hoshidan siblings went over to the one that was being protected, introducing themselves quickly and telling her they were going to keep her and her siblings safe. The general, climbing down from the giant bird, waved down the one so dear to him, hugging her tightly as she dismounted and made it over, dropping her axe as she was shaking with relief. For a moment all noise seemed to vanish as they embraced each other, neither hearing anything besides the other breathing, grateful they were alive and well.
Ascalon, bringing out something he had been meaning to give her years ago, slid a bracelet identical to his own save for the added locket on it, over her wrist and wrapped the long strand twice, securing it. Holding her closely again with his head pressed to hers he said, "I have to leave again but I swear to the gods and heavens I will come back to you. If you ever worry about me, or feel alone, open the locket and read what's inside."
"Of course, you do. Don't expect me to let you go once your back in my arms though. Is dear Corrin going with you?" She told him, bitterly laughing and pressing herself closer, not knowing when she'd see him next.
"Yes, he actually asked me to go with him. Trust me, I'd stay right here if I could. It's the only place I'm safe…but he needs me, as does Azura."
"She's alive? I haven't heard anything of her since the failed bargain!"
"I know. She's been living with the Hoshidan royal family as a princess, or at least that's the simple explanation she gave me."
"That's wonderful! Keep them safe Lon, and yourself too. Please don't come back missing something else; I might go on a killing spree and level Iago's army." She joked with him, chuckling as he laughed with her.
Kissing her forehead, although a part of his said to kiss something else, he smiled and replied, "Don't tempt me like that. Keep the others safe for me too, until we're all together again."
Camilla, entire body tingling from the interaction, nodded and pulled away, trying to make this less difficult for both of them and grinning happily, sending him on his way despite holding onto his hand until the last second, as he did as well. Quickly Ascalon hurried himself to move, chest aching as he left the others behind with close to no words, knowing his free time was spent as the tactician fought across the field, angrily trying to make his way over to the thorn that plagued him. Through flames and blood-filled mists the two fate bound enemies glared at one another, the champion of the Resounding One taking flight, backlit by the sun while the champion of the Silent One lurked in the shade. Tension crackled in the air as the pair watched, knowing today would not be the day they would fight again despite how much the one wanted to destroy the other, resignation almost as clear as the hatred they held for their foe. Draco Knight pulled away as sorcerer teleported back to their pawn, ordering troops to try and chase down the escaping party that was no doubt heading to the Bottomless Canyon.
Leo, who caught sight of his brother flying away on Reina, and eventually running on foot with Azura and Corrin towards the nearby canyon, felt that same sensation, the one that told him to tackle the queen earlier. Knowing that this was an external force encouraging him, a good one, he got his partners attention and watched as she swiveled in her seat to face him, concern gracing her elegant but fierce features. To ease her some her rested a hand on her cheek, rubbing his thumb soothing, and took a deep breath before releasing it.
"I need to go with Ascalon and the others. The same thing that told me to save your mother is telling me to go." He told her, hoping she wouldn't be too upset at this.
Instead, the princess gave a knowing smile, proud of him, and answered, "I understand, but you can't stop me from going with you."
"It'll be dangerous, and maybe deadly knowing Corrin and Ascalon's luck."
"You know, so was building an entire hidden country under Nohr. I think I can handle it."
Knowing he wouldn't convince her to stay here, not that he fully wanted to, Leo smiled and pointed her in the direction they were heading towards, holding on tightly as she urged her Pegasus to speed over. Wings tucked they rocketed through the air, nimbly avoiding projectiles aimed for them, Leo blocking anything that got too close. Together they weaved about and worked past all that tried to hinder them, diving and rising, following the winds. Below the battle waged on, Nohrians and Hoshidans working hand in hand to push back and defeat the terrifying enemies that ruthlessly lunged for them, roars testing their metal and resilience, weighing on the shields of many, clawed hands hungrily reaching and grasping for a hold. Shouts sounded as people fought through the strain and heavy bodies trying to force their way past, some yelling as they struck at the undead with their swords and spears, blades shooting out through the barricade that were the shields of the brave men and women in the front lines.
Time seemed to fly and crawl at the same time as the reconfigured group, different from the norm, came together, Ascalon waiting at the top of the hill with Corrin and Azura, watching everything he worked so hard for finally becoming a reality. He gazed as he found Reina flying over to join them after spotting someone running from the outskirts, landing beside them with a frightened Felicia who bowed to her prince and caught her breath. Eyes found the soaring pair on the Pegasus, gleaming in pride as they zoomed towards the direction they were in, Hinoka waving and shouting that they'd catch up. Nodding, as he understood, he turned to everyone else and gave the order to keep running, letting Azura lead them to where they were going. For one more moment he contently stared, heart burning happily as he found Ryoma and Xander teaming up and razing the fiends that gnashed and hissed terribly, both princes racing like a raging river and tearing a path through the hoard. The last one he looked to was Camilla, just to reassure himself that she was safe, telling himself several times this wasn't goodbye forever, that he'd see her again one day.
Joining the others just as more Hoshidan forces appeared, Ascalon ran, coming up next to Azura and asking, "Where are we going?"
She looked over to him, a smile on her soft features, and answered, "Home Ascalon. We're going home."
Soon they came upon the deadly canyon, Reina flying lower to the ground to make herself less of a target for the erratic and lethal weather, calming her bird as they watched the mysterious princess come to a stop on the middle of a rickety bridge. Hinoka and Leo swept to the ground, landing and dismounting from the tired winged horse, walking along side the others and patting each other on the back, the princess apologizing when the prince winced as both had forgotten he was hurt. Ascalon stood with Azura on the worn wood, gazing down the dark depths and remembering his parents, how he had ended up here and wandered into Nohr ages ago. Corrin was next to Felicia, explaining what had been happening and letting Lilith reveal herself to everyone, earning a few confused questions and gazes. Eventually the prince came over as did everyone else, all with their eyes set on the odd pair on the bridge.
"This is the Bottomless Canyon Azura, where we lost Gunter. You don't mean for us to hide here, do you?" Corrin asked, saying what was one everyone's mind.
She nodded, face now serious again, and answered, "I do in fact mean for us to hide here. We'll jump into the canyon. Ascalon can guarantee that it will be alright, as this is where he came from."
At this all attention was turned to the Draco Knight, who was now standing awkwardly and had a clear expression of 'why?' written on his face. Clearing his throat, he clarified, "I don't remember it well, but I can't explain anything more, neither of us can, until we jump. Azura will go first, won't you?"
"Of course. I'll wait for you all down below." She stated without a worry in the world, giving a small smirk to the bothered general before ducking under the rope and leaping down.
As Ascalon turned to follow he heard Felicia ask, "Won't we die if we jump down there? I didn't think death was going to be where we laid low!"
On the edge, giving the maid a reassuring and confident smile, Ascalon said, "We won't die. Trust us, or at least me."
That said, the dark-haired man let go and fell backwards, giving a thumbs up as he disappeared into the velvety darkness of the canyon, looking up after himself and finding Leo was the first to follow him down, tailed by Hinoka and her mount. Corrin, who sighed heavily, told Felicia they had no choice, and that Ascalon would never lie, charging and leaping over the side, grateful when his friend did so. Reina was the last to join them, not too bothered by the idea and actually enjoying the adrenaline rush she had as the wind howled past her, laughing happily and whooping in excitement. Her light-hearted voice eased the others as they all mimicked Azura's movements as best as they could.
Weaving past the rocks that stuck out farther into the crevice, they all descended into pitch darkness, everyone feeling their eyes close as they came to land softly on their feet. Opening them again each person found an odd land before them, laying hidden at the bottom of the canyon, islands floating in the air and larger areas curving in unnatural ways. The sky was strangely beautiful, yet the damaged remains of buildings set the feel of the place, dread and foreboding creeping into their minds as they questioned what had happened, and who had done this.
Upon landing, the first thing Ascalon did was gaze at his old home, one he finally remembered, and felt saddened as he had a vague idea of what caused this destruction and ruin. His thoughts were cut short as a pair of thin arms wrapped around him tightly, squeezing him tightly in a strong hug, light blue hair falling everywhere. Azura was clinging to him, keeping back tears, quietly thanking the gods he wasn't actually dead. With a smile he returned the embrace, glad to have what might as well be his sister back, shushing her and telling her it was alright. The others spoke among themselves as everyone landed, letting the two have their moment.
As he pulled away, Ascalon looked down and paused, breath hitched and a little bit of frustration building as he asked, "Azura…shoes? Where are they?"
"I-I don't really wear them. I know! I know! I should but they interfere with my dancing." She explained, sighing when she found his disapproving gaze did not change. "I also don't own any."
"Gods, what is wrong with you and Corrin?! You know what, I'm gonna be right back. I'm checking the nearby houses for shoes for you dang kids! And you're both wearing them! This is not a debate!"
That said and set in stone, the Draco Knight patted her on the head and went to the closest house, already knowing about what foot size she and the shoeless prince were, grumbling as he used his lance to pop open a stuck door. Stuck between exasperation and being happy he was back, she sighed again and turned back to the others, hands clasped on her lance, telling herself to focus. Taking a deep breath and then releasing it, she began to explain what this place was.
"See, we're all alright, just as I said we would be. So, this is the Kingdom of Valla. Valla is responsible for the fighting between Nohr and Hoshido. The throne here is occupied by King Anankos. Before him this land was peaceful and held no ill will until he killed our king and took the throne for himself. Once bountiful farmlands were devastated, replaced by wastelands and graveyards." She told them as the other Vallite returned, two pairs of shoes in tow, one clearly more suited for dancing. As she took the small pair from Ascalon and put them on, she added, "I can tell you more, but we need a better place to speak, one where we won't be spotted."
They all nodded, Corrin groaning as Ascalon practically ordered the young man to put the pair of boots on, mentioning that he wanted to avoid having to pull sharp rumble out of the grumpy prince's feet. Rolling his eyes, he humored his brother, hastily yanking the footwear on and catching up as the group followed Azura, who was also getting use to wearing shoes. Quickly but quietly the bunch entered into a tunnel system, going a bit inward so they were certain they were out of sight from anyone that might spot them. Once settle, the group waited patiently, Corrin asking a question that was on his mind.
"He destroyed an entire kingdom? For no reason at all?" He questioned, sitting on a large rock and clearly lost.
"From what I know, yes…and he isn't anywhere near finished. Ascalon might know more, now that your memory seems to have come back." She stated, serious and grim, looking to the Draco Knight. "You're older than me and escaped later than me and my mother. You have the best chance."
Nodding, as he was slightly dreading this moment, Ascalon leaned against a wall and crossed his arms, eyes closed as he recalled his escape. Tone cold and sad, he explained, "There's a lot more happening than most of us know. Anankos is one of the First Dragons, a god, and slowly went mad after the god that balanced him went into a slumber to protect part of this land. Fasankos was that god, also a First Dragon, and without him Anankos needed a song to keep him in check because he refused to go into slumber like the others. My birth mother…she told what the song verse was that connected to either one, that they had individual powers and abilities. She and my birth father also said that the Silent One was so enraged because he had been forgotten, tossed aside and left in solitude after he gave so much to the people of Valla."
"So…he's throwing a hissy fit? A rightly deserved one but a fit none the less?" Leo asked in confusion.
"Uh, murder, genocide, and slavery is a rather extreme fit, but sure. I'm not entirely sure what his end goal is however, I have a feeling he wants Hoshido and Nohr at the least. Iago has gained strength from him, the ability to open portals and bring enemies here that should not exist. When my parents and I fled…there was some reason he really wanted all of us dead. Probably because we still worshiped the god that was his opposite…I think he's the one we received our powers from; that part has always been hazy."
Felicia, the most discombobulated out of all of them, paused, holding her hands up in the air, and slowly asked, "If you have dragon blood does that mean you're a royal from here? Is that how it works in Valla?"
Ascalon paused as well, unsure if giving them the full details of his past was the brightest idea, about to answer when Azura interjected and replied, "Yes. His mother was a half sister to my mother, who was the previous Queen of Valla. She married into a noble family that handled the hatching and raising of dragons here."
Now Corrin jumped back in, questions flying out rapidly. "Your mother was the queen? You two are legit related? Ascalon is actually royal? What?"
This time the Draco Knight answered with, "Yes, we're related; cousins of some kind. Explains the similarities, I guess. Yes, I am a royal but for the love of the gods please do not treat me like one. I will slap you. Yes, Azura is actually a princess from here. Anankos put a curse on Valla that if anyone speaks of it outside the kingdom they will die and disintegrate into water. Lastly, my mother was half dragon. Are we good now? Everything aired out? Okay?"
As a resounding 'No!' came from the crowd the sounds of rushing footsteps entered the tunnel system, alerting the hoard and reminding them they were very much in enemy territory. Everyone forgot the want to know more, readying themselves as they prepared to fight the unseen foes, spreading out and deciding to work their way through the place instead of staying close and making it easy for all to be trapped at once. Leo and Hinoka paired off with no argument, taking the forward path. Corrin, Reina, and Felicia took the one to the left, reassuring the general they'd be okay and see him at the exit. Azura, who turned to Ascalon and smiled softly, joined her brother-like cousin, each one quietly catching up with the other as they went right and traversed their destitute home, reminiscing about how it was when they were younger and how Azura had been told to not remind him of who he was by Arete, as it might have hurt his mind too dramatically.
[Castle Shirasagi- Later that day- Mikoto, Nohrian Siblings, Hoshidan siblings]
Camilla sat in the peaceful garden, feeling like a century had passed in only a few hours. Her siblings, all of their retainers, and herself had been evacuated to the Hoshidan castle where they were welcomed by the kind Queen Mikoto. She had listened, somewhat in a daze, as the mother explained to them all with the help of her children the plans the bold Draco Knight had made, the princes and princess adding in the details they had, including the very start of all of this back in the town of Kazue. Each royal child expressed the gratitude they had for the Nohrian siblings, saying just how much it meant that their brother had been kept safe and raised to be a good person, Ryoma especially thanking them as he knew how hard growing up in the dark kingdom was as his retainer was from there. At the mention of Kagero, Xander asked if he could see her soon, concern growing when he discovered that she had been injured in the disaster at the town center.
Mikoto, who pleasantly smiled to them all, told the new comers that they were more than welcome here and until they could save Nohr, they could call Castle Shirasagi home and come to her for anything they needed. Elise, who was moved by all of this kindness despite her ethnicity, stood up and went over to the lady, hugging her and thanking her for all she had done. Happily, the serene queen returned the embrace, giving the young princess a gentle kiss on the forehead before introducing her again to Sakura, saying the two would probably get along quiet well. Without another thought given the bubbly girl asked the shy one to show her about, joyously skipping down a hall when she agreed. Xander, who was antsy and trying not to show how worried he was, hastily stood and followed Ryoma when he offered to take him to the hurt ninja in the medical wing. Takumi was left standing awkwardly, asking Camilla if she would like a tour of company, relieved some when she politely refused, explaining that she needed some time to think. After that, and thanking the queen, the princess left.
Now she watched as petals fell down gracefully, shutting her eyes and sighing as she leaned back against a tree, mind stuck on the rapid events that had happened, fingers fiddling with the new jewelry she wore, images and words swimming through her mind. Yes, she was terribly worried about all of them, especially dear Corrin as this must be a lot for him, but she couldn't push away the invading words that coaxed her into a cozy lull, head tingling where his lips had touched her. It wasn't the first time he had kissed her forehead, nowhere near it as it was a small sign of affection he'd always shown for others, however something felt different this time. Well, everything honestly. Ever since she had found him in the woods and he recovered, he was still Ascalon but a more…complete version, in a way. A knowing and new confidence had shown itself, definitely so as he publicly outed himself to all that he could use Dragon Veins, a matter that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Letting out a small groan she opened her eyes as she tried to escape the haunting gold eyes and smile, shoving down those fluttering feelings in her stomach that plagued her almost constantly for years now. Quietly she told herself that she knew how she felt, and it would just have to wait, as there were bigger things at stake her than her feelings. A person clearing their throat interrupted her thoughts, thankfully, and drew her attention as she looked and found Ryoma not too far away, smiling some.
"May I join you?" He asked her, glad when she returned the smile and patted the stone next to her.
"Ryoma correct? I'm Camilla." She told him, pleasantly introducing herself to the elder Hoshidan prince.
"Yes. I must say I am actually quite eager to meet you, as you were who Lon spoke of quiet often."
"Ha, really? Wait, how do you know him?"
"Ah, ha, well…uh he and I were together for a few years. I doubt he told you guys it was me, as he was very specific on keeping identities safe. But he made me let him go, so I could keep my right to the throne."
"Oh. Ohhhhhhhh…wow, that sucks. I'm so sorry." She said awkwardly, unsure how to really respond.
Chuckling he shook his head some and replied, "It's alright, really. He had valuable points and I knew I was keeping him back from a lot if I stayed with him. Also, and this may be a bit out of nowhere but, thank you for always supporting him. I don't know if he ever mentions it, but it truly means the world to him."
"Thank you. You're right though; he doesn't really mention it. If you don't mind me asking, what has he told you about me?"
At this the man let out a loud belly laugh, one that wasn't mocking but more in amusement, and proceeded to spend the next thirty minutes talking about how much the general had admired her, always worked hard to be strong enough to keep up with the princess, and so-on. Camilla, blushing at some of the surprising flattery, decided to tell him all of the fun things she had heard about him, how Ascalon always snickered whenever he saw a lobster, teasing the man when she said her friend had told her how the prince had asked the man out. Quickly hours passed as the two spoke of many other things, branching into different subjects and the annoying nuances of politics. At the end of their conversation the pair agreed to hang out again, suggesting sparing against one another, and the prince left.
Once again alone Camilla smiled to herself, numbly playing with the bracelet again and cheered up from the fun talk. While she was sad that the two had broken up, she was glad that the prince held no ill will towards her, even admiring her to an extent, and happily thought about what it'd be like living here once their war was done. Pausing she held the small locket, questioning whether or not to open it, eventually electing to lay down in the grass and flowers, resting that wrist over her heart and drifting to sleep, letting herself have the pleasant and selfish dreams that eased her mind.
Elsewhere in the castle Xander sat in a chair next to the bed his love lay on, making sure she had everything she might need, pausing to look at her peaceful face as she was still sleeping soundly. The healers had told him she would be perfectly fine, as the wound had been assessed fairly quickly after she received it. He was especially grateful as they told him there would be no scar. It didn't bother him that she had them but, he knew they irked her deeply, as many of the ones she had and hid with makeup were the ones from her sister and mother. Bitter about that still, that he hadn't figured out the ruse sooner, he said he'd never let anyone damage her like that again. Kagero could easily defend herself and was strong, which he respected, but he had made it his job to keep anyone from ever finding her weak points and using them against her, as it was the only way he could make up for being so cruel when he was younger and foolish.
Groggily the woman on the bed woke up, bleary eyed, blinking the sleep away only to believe she was still dreaming as she found her love sitting next to her with a warm smile on his lovely face. Reaching out she felt him, amazed that he was truly here in Hoshido, too tired to ask herself what happened to cause this. Happy and not wanting this to end, the usually cool and quiet woman grinned, pulling her man into the bed with her, content as he joined her and held her close, giving her a sense of safety and pushing back the nightmares of the day. All that passed let them be, whether out of adoration for the pair or fear from the looks the prince gave whenever anyone was going to try and make him leave her.
While the prince blissfully passed the day away in bed, the two youngest royals toured the palace, Sakura quiet at first, almost overwhelmed by the bright energy the other exuded. Soon she adapted and became use to it, actually pleased that there was someone so brilliant and sweet from such a tough place, happily listening to her stories about her adventures with Ascalon and Georgie, how she met her retainers, and much more. Of course, the Nohrian princess wanted to know what she could about who she hoped was a new friend, smiling when the gentle young lady spoke. Elise hardly noticed how hypnotizing Sakura was when she spoke of things that were important or dear to her, too lost in the soothing voice she had. The rest of the day flew by as they shared their childhoods with one another over a cozy meal while snuggled into blankets.
Elise, who was undoing her hair for the night, happily spoke about the day she and Ascalon found out her brother Leo was partially colorblind, saying, "I still don't understand how Lon connected the dots but he suddenly asked Leo what color the purple part of his cape was. I was confused why until he answered that it was grey, as were a lot of other things. It's why he always has put his cape on inside out apparently."
"Oh wow. What did you two do then?" Sakura asked, wrapping the long purple ribbons into little swirls, setting each one aside and admiring the long gold locks the other had.
"Well, for a quick fix we made him a new cape, one in colors he could see, and put one symbol on the outside to show it was the outside and the same for the inside. He asked us not to really tell anyone, as he was always embarrassed by it and his mother constantly bullied him for having this condition."
"Oh dear, that was kind of you two, but I am sorry Leo had to deal with any of that. We've had people come to the places I help out at with this condition too, and I wish there was something I could do for them."
"There might be. Lon and I have been working on a cure to it, or at least a medicine, for a few years now. We were close to reaching it but…things at home grew tense and dangerous really fast. I have all of my notes still, but I don't have anyone to help me. Lon was great with medicine and had studied since he was eight!"
Nervous to be so bold but doing so anyway, Sakura offered, "I could be your new helper. I've studied since I was seven and while I'm probably not as experienced as him, I do know a decent amount on this matter. It's- it's only if you're okay with it though."
Without a second thought Elise stared, moth open wide in an awe-struck smile as she happily held the others hands and said, "That would be the most amazing thing ever! If we figured this out we could help so many people, and maybe even find ways to cure other conditions! Oh thank you Sakura! Thank you!"
She was surprised when she was pulled into a warm hug by the other, tensing for a moment as this was not a common thing in Hoshido. None the less her tension melted away as she let herself fall into the embrace, jittery at the new sensation of being so close to someone she didn't know too well. A pleasant smell of sugar and flowers came from the young princess, lulling Sakura and becoming quite intoxicating…but in a good way…or at least she told herself that it was. Elise, who felt perfectly right holding the other girl, laid down with the pink-haired girl and continued to hold her close, each one talking softly under the gentle candlelight about medicine, how they enjoyed helping others and the joy they brought when saving someone's life. Not too much later the pair fell into a deep sleep, comfortable and warm, excited to start this new journey together.
[Valla, Tunnels- Ascalon, Reina, Corrin, Azura, Hinoka, Leo, Felicia]
They had all come to meet each other at the end of the system, glad to find their friends and family safe, and surprised to find an extra person at the end battling the last few enemies. All of the people from Nohr, especially Corrin, excitedly dashed forward, joining the man they believed to be dead, assisting him with the remaining invisible foes. Hinoka and Reina eventually went forward too, leaving Azura and Ascalon hanging back. The Vallite princess paused, watching the scene unfold as she suspected something was off. The Draco Knight, however, had a whole new can of worms opened on him.
As he gazed at him he felt his thoughts becoming more and more fuzzy, eyes stinging as he looked at the veteran he had known for some time. Not too long after that began did his ears start ringing, his pulse growing louder with each passing minute, and then parts of reality started flickering. In one moment he could see the enemies that were normally invisible, clear as day to him and revealing that these people were the citizens of Valla, forced to fight and now nothing more than puppets. Timed to match the pulse of his heart, Ascalon watched in growing terror as the image of Gunter blurred, blinking from him to a hooded figure gazing at him, hood obscuring shadowing his face. On and off, like a dream fragmenting into a nightmare, the general slowly backed away, breaths coming in low and shallow, palms sweating as the being raised their head with each blip, red eyes eventually meeting gold. A cold voice, almost suffocating like being trapped under ice in a lake, snaked into his thoughts and burned his mind, speaking.
"I know who you are. I know what you are. And I am coming for you all." It said, threat chilling and sending out searing bolts of pain through his head, earning a whimper and driving the blue-haired man to his knees.
Clutching his head to try and make the freezing agony go away, Ascalon scuttled backwards and ducked behind a wall, wheezing and whining as it persisted and sunk in deeper like a frosted over ice pick burying itself into his brain. More whines and muffled cries escaped as he fought desperately to push back the painfully force intruding his head. Almost out of ideas on what to do, he began doing what he knew was easy, humming the verse connected to the Resounding Dragon, relaxing as that seemed to do the trick and shove the other out, soothing his aching head. By the time he came back around, Azura was crouched next to him, holding his head to rest on her shoulder and singing in whispers the same verse he had been repeating. He didn't know how much he missed but, by the time they joined the others, the fight had been long over and the conversations between the group were drawing to a close.
Before regrouping to head back to the surface world, Azura pulled Ascalon aside, asking, "What happened to you? What did you see?"
"I…I think I saw him…Anankos. Everything was cold and suffocating, drowning out the noise and world. He spoke to me. He knows we're here, who I am, what I am…and he's coming for us. When I hummed the resounding lines he was pushed back. We need to be careful, especially around Gunter." He whispered to her, making sure no one could hear them.
"We will be. If he ever does that to you again though, please brother, please let me help you. Don't back away." She told him, brushing the hair from his face.
"I will. Let's go join the others dork."
Together, hiding their inner fears and concerns like pros, the two Vallite royals met up with the rest of the gang and apologized for the disturbance, explaining that the fighting had triggered a bad memory for the Draco Knight and Songstress, one they both shared as they had both fled the hidden kingdom when young, losing much along the way. No-one thought anything of it, reassuring the pair that everything was under control and that if it happened again that it was perfectly fine to take a moment to deal with it. That done and taken care of, they exited the area pausing as more troops appeared, all of them visible to the Vallite with renewed eyes. Upon spotting the familiar blue haired woman he had failed to save, Ascalon told the group they weren't strong enough to fight this many yet, and hastily they fled, escaping back out into the Bottomless Canyon.
Once back above ground, a debate and explanation of how little time they had to defeat this enemy erupted, Azura explaining that they only had a few months before the skies changed, sealing the entrance to the hidden kingdom for a couple of decades, as it was open now. Gunter seemed to understand it a bit too well and, as Ascalon who was hanging in the back quietly stole a glance at him, he realized that their issues were only just beginning. Once again, the world sputtered in and out, the distorted image of Gunter turning his changing head slowly to gaze at the general and smile cockily, knowing the fear was still there. In a snap the world went back to normal, and everyone settled that the important thing was to make it to Castle Shirasagi first.
Woooooooo, spoooooopy! Thank you all for reading and supporting this. I really have big plans for the whole thing and can't wait to get them out to you all. If you have any questions, concerns, or just thoughts in general, leave them in the comments and I'll reply as soon as I can. And if any of you are worried about leaving something please, don't. it's nice to hear from you all. Until next time!