Welcome back everyone and holy heck you guys have given some really fantastic reviews and like, heck, thank you! Anyway, this might be the last chapter for a small bit because I'm moving in a couple of days. Just wanted to give you all a heads up so you know I didn't just up and drop the story or something else, idk. Anyway, back into it folks!
Song of the Chapter:
Warnings: There will be some fighting, I don't think anything too intense though
Chapter Twenty-One: Burning Winds
[Eternal Stairway- Ascalon and Company]
It had been a good few days since the group had sent Hinoka and Leo off to Castle Shirasagi while everyone else made their way up to the Wind Tribe. The group left thankfully got along well enough, everyone taking up chores and pitching in here and there so Reina and Ascalon didn't end up doing all the work as the pair were quite stubborn and used to handling things on their own. The blue-haired general couldn't help but smile slightly at the hilarious sight of his younger brother swooning over the Kinshi Knight, doing what he could to help the lovely lady with her camp duties. Corrin had it bad, real bad, and when the two brothers were alone hanging out while keeping watch Ascalon gave him as many tips as he could, including to just be himself. Of course, Cori had the concern she wouldn't like him because he was younger than her, but the Lon was there to ease his nerves as he told him that she was a year younger than the Draco Knight, and that love didn't have too much of an age limit. Clearly grown adults with children was beyond wrong, which he made sure to mention, but five years between adults was nothing.
A good chunk of Ascalon's free time went to talking with Azura and catching up with her, immediately falling back into the role of being an older brother to her and grateful that so quickly she adjusted to talking to him again, explaining that she always felt bad whenever any of the royal siblings cared for her, guilty to take love she didn't believe she had earned. With a gentle boop on the nose and a mild scolding, the general told her that it wasn't up to her if people loved her or not, as that was something a person chose for themselves, and that there was absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. She didn't steal anything away and deserved to be loved just as anyone else in the world did. Azura couldn't help but cry quietly when day after day he reassured her that she was loved and people did genuinely care for her, that she was important and made many people happy.
Aside from spending time with his friends and family, including patching up Felicia after every trip and accident she had as per usual, the Draco Knight spent hours up every night trying to decipher what that odd tile was, why it worked for him, and what the symbolism behind it was. That or he'd be worrying about George being alone and concerned over him. Ascalon really missed his friend and while he was used to walking and marching long distances, he felt odd not flying in the skies with his best friend, reminded he was gone every time he was cold or sad. Closer and closer they got to the Wind Tribe though and, when they began ascending the Eternal Stairway five days later, Ascalon was beyond excited to reunite with his precious baby dragon.
Halfway up the impossible looking stairs on a day where the winds were hot outside and the shadows were dark inside, a noise caught the attention of the group, alerting Elina and Ascalon who were leading the pack up through the darkness. Out of one of the side tunnels came a figure, cursing as he was sent skidding across the stones floors and crashing into the friendly witch next to the Draco Knight. Following this new comer's appearance was the low rumbling groans of the Faceless, something all of them were familiar with. Gunter came to the front while the other two checked on this mystery person, breath catching when they caught sight in the gloom of a fluffy orange tail and ears.
"He's a Kitsune. What is he doing here; he's so far from his tribe." Ascalon asked, more to himself than anyone else. Knowing there wasn't any time to really question things he looked up to the dark-haired witch and said, "You can teleport yeah? Get him and yourself somewhere safe while we handle the Faceless, please."
All she gave in response was a tight nod and then picked up the Kitsune man, huffing as he was heavier than he looked, and blinked out of existence, reappearing at the back of the group and huddling herself and the other into an alcove she could easily defend on her own. Noiselessly Ascalon then raised the alarm in the group and caught the sight of everyone prepping for an attack, readying himself as well only to watch in confusion as people came out of the side tunnel. They wore tribal clothes and had weapons in their hands and fear and confusion in their eyes. Those emotions grew worse when they saw him, shouting 'Faceless' loudly, and lunged towards him and Gunter.
Lost as to what was happening, he turned back to his allies, finding them prepared to attack and apparently not seeing what he was. Unsure but not wanting to murder innocent people Ascalon shouted to his group to stay back, that they weren't actually Faceless, and then cautiously approached them. Gunter was surprisingly the only one that accused the Draco Knight of losing his mind, determined to believe them enemies, but Lon ordered him to keep back unless he wished to fight him first. Nervously he set his lance on the ground, praying this wouldn't end up in him too hurt, and slowly walked forward as the people shakily watched him, eyes wary and showing their deep concern.
"Here goes nothing." He muttered to himself as he released an anxious breath, using his hands to try and communicate. A lot of people in the Wind Tribe knew a for of sign language, as he had taught them when he would visit, and praying to the gods he asked, "Can you read what I am saying?"
A few terribly long minutes passed before one brave soul stepped forward and signed back while on the verge of tears, "Yes. What do you want monster?"
"…My name is Ascalon Rein Avenstar and right now my entire team believes you are Faceless monsters. I can see you are Wind Tribe but, no one else can. I think someone put an illusion on anyone who enters here."
"We're Faceless! No, you guys are Faceless!"
"If we were, I would not be talking with you or even know how. Use your reason please and see that this whole scenario is impossible if we are monsters. Someone set us up."
"…But, who would do this? Why!?" a woman asked while stepping forward, gently telling her ally to step back.
Almost exhausted of saying this man's name, Ascalon answered, "Have you heard of a man in Nohr named Iago? He's a powerful mage and the King's tactician. He can open portals to other times and has pulled monsters and more from them into here. He hates my guts in particular and I believe he's doing this to stop up on our journey. Please, I just want to see George. I sent him here about a week or so ago with Rinkah of the Flame Tribe and Kaze."
She thought for a moment, turning around and stepping closer to the others so they could speak without him seeing what they were saying, returning when they all came to an agreeance. Firmly she told him, "We believe you to an extent, as no-one else knows the dragon is here and who he appeared with, as well as the fact that we know exactly who Iago is as well. Chief Fuga may wish to test you though, and honestly, I would prefer it. Come with us and we'll see if the powerful diviner in our tribe can break the illusion. If he can't, we will kill you all. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am. I'll let my group know."
Turning to face everyone else he found their faces set deep with worry as they could read the silent language, understanding how close to killing innocent people they had been and that they were still on dangerously thin ice. Ascalon gave them a reassuring smile and told them that things would be alright, knowing in the back of his head that he had the song to use if things became dicey. From there he put away his lance, instructing the others to not look intimidating or to attack, and then led them as they were put before the Wind Tribe members, everyone truly anxious now to be out of this place. Elina stayed in the middle of everyone as she was concerned for the unconscious man she still held, grateful that she had never missed a work out day at the circus while it had been above ground.
Silence ruled the party as they continued forward, Azura and Corrin sticking close to their brother as they walked on, the Draco Knight holding one hand of each sibling in his own to reassure them things would be alright. Not too much later sunlight greeted them all, warmly shining down on them and illuminating the group as a heavy illusion did in fact fall away. In awe everyone watched as what had been Faceless seconds ago turning out to indeed be just other people, proving the general's theory correct. The Wind Tribe members sighed in relief, one of them looking deeply bothered that he had been ready to attack allies, and there were a few brief apologies before the same lady explained that they would all still be tested as there had been many issues like this in the past few days, including people showing up and claiming to be Ascalon as well as looking just like the general. There had been now two important things each one lacked, first being that none knew George was being hidden here and the second being the new emblem on his armor.
He was surprised that so much had been going on, or that people even knew they were going to the Wind Tribe and agreeing to the terms they followed until they were told to stop and wait, gazing at the complex walkway they had been taken to and the tribe at the other end of it. Ascalon, who was having some trouble breathing, adjusted his breathing mask and poked at the fabric part, finding many small grains of sand stuck in there, clogging things up some. Asking Azura to keep watch and Corrin to act as a wall between him and the wind the Draco Knight proceeded to crouch down and start cleaning the damned thing out, sighing and coughing a little as he found that he'd just need to replace the filter. With a roll of his eyes he dug into one of his pouches, pulling out the needed supplies and getting halfway through the process when Chief Fuga appeared, speaking loudly to them from across the sandy walkways.
"You have all proven yourselves to us that you mean no harm however, we have had many imposters try and come to us in similar manners. If you are all who you claim to be, including such powerful people of prestige and renown, then you will have no trouble completing this simple test. All I ask is that you make it over to me and defeat me in combat." Chief Fuga explained, a betraying smile tugging at his lips. He knew exactly how the Draco Knight should react to this text if he was truly himself. The same went for the others there as well.
Corrin, unaware that the area was about to dramatically change, smiled politely and nodded, saying, "We are more than happy to do as asked and will prove ourselves. Whenever you're ready sir."
Just as the young royal finished his statement and Ascalon finished putting his mask back together there came a low hum, like something rumbling in the distance, and then swiftly hot dry winds blew towards them in several different directions, scattering the small party across the many winding paths and alarming the Draco Knight who was beyond unprepared for a fight like this. Fumbling he put the breathing mask on just before a gale knocked him and Corrin to the ground, flinging Azura across the gap and onto a different walkway with Felicia. Reina shouted in alarm as she and her bird adjusted, the large creature digging its talons into the stone and holding strong. Gunter dashed out of the way of a powerful gust and watched as it continued to hold strong. Elina shouted as she hunched down low, holding on to the still unconscious kitsune, fear flashing in her eyes as the world changed around them. This was chaos and quickly Corrin saw exactly how tough this would be.
Groaning some the two brothers got back on their feet, finding themselves separated from everyone else, and seeing how far they had to go and that Wind Tribe members waited to battle them on their way to Fuga. It was after Ascalon had a small coughing fit and hunched over, lungs aching, that Corrin understood he was mostly alone in this fight and would need to drag his tall brother with him. The Draco Knight, despising every second of this trial, huffed heavily behind his mask and looked to find Cori was already at his side and smiling.
Laughing a little the wheezing man put a hand on the young prince's shoulder and simply stated, "Cori, my precious bro, I am royally fucked. I won't last long in this weather. Sorry."
"No worries bud. It's about time you let someone else fight. Just stay close and I'll get us there okay? Now, let's kick some butt, but not kill." Corrin replied lightly, letting the older sibling lean on him some as they started their long trek to Chief Fuga.
[Castle Shirasagi- Early Morning That Day]
Ryoma was gone. Kaze, who had been filling Kagero's place while she recovered, was briskly walking through the castle in the early morning hours, startled that he found a note on the eldest royal's bed, hastily written and left for him. It spoke of connecting with a friend in the Nohrian city of Cheve, claiming that now Ascalon was alive and had thrown the revolution into full gear, he needed to do his part and help the rebels. Apparently, a close friend of his, by the code name 'Crimson', lived in the area and had been gathering several others to properly retaliate against the choke hold Iago had on the country.
Now Kaze, who felt a small pang of guilt as he had been unable to properly watch over the prince, raced through the halls until he made it to the throne room, cutting off Yukimura as he was going over the morning news with Mikoto. Bowing down he caught his breath, sticking out the rolled-up paper in his hand to the pair, listening as the tactician read it, cursed, and handed it to the queen. She took it and after a moment sighed heavily, as if she expected no less, and then told the ninja to rise to his feet and not worry too deeply about this. She would send Saizo and him after her son as soon as possible, saying time was of the essence, and then told him to be safe and do what was necessary to make sure they all came back alive.
Determined not to fail he sought out his brother, finding him in the med bay with Xander and a fully recovered Kagero. The three quieted down as he approached them, giving a bow to the Nohrian prince and then greeting his friends. Pulling up a seat next to them all he pushed the hair from his face, taking a moment before speaking.
"So, Ryoma has left and is headed to Cheve to meet with an ally named 'Crimson'. Queen Mikoto has ordered you Saizo, and me to go after him and keep him safe." He explained, catching the faint flicker of emotion on Saizo and Kagero's faces as they were shocked.
"I will go with you all as well. Ryoma is my liege and I cannot abandon him now that the world is finally changing, and he is at the forefront of it. Besides, I am well enough and have recovered quite nicely." Kagero interjected calmly before the red-haired twin could respond, alarming Xander and causing him to choke on some of the water he had just drank.
Xander, glad that she was such a good and loyal person but also upset slightly by it, stated, "You just recovered and will probably be sore still. Are you sure you are ready to go back out into the field? I…I don't disbelieve that you can handle it but I want you to be certain."
"I…thank you Xan. I am ready and well, I must fight and be ready so I may keep what I love."
Both Kaze and Saizo quietly admired their friend, relieved that she was with someone that was good for her, coming back to reality when the prince smiled and replied, "As am I, and I will be going with you all too. What time are we leaving? Also, are there less obviously Nohrian clothes I may borrow?"
All three ninja were stunned at the man and his outrageous statement, knowing full well that he was a major target for execution in his homeland, and could not entirely process what he had said for a minute. However, Kagero being the epitome of grace and resourcefulness calmed and smiled lightly, answering, "We leave in an hour and we do have clothes for you. Thank you, my love. I am glad you understand and will come with me."
At that neither brother had much say in the matter, both of them knowing it would be good to have the extra help but to also have someone who knew Nohr better than them, as well as its hellish tactician and the practically puppet king. Together the two brothers dug through their own clothes, picking out gear that was mostly dark blue and black as those were common shades in their field. Odd yet fun they dressed the ex-prince and stared in awe as he wore their old ninja gear, fitting nicely into it and looking alright. Outfitting him with some armor and attaching his sword belt to the ensemble they presented them to the third, sighing as she nodded with approval and then telling her man to go say good bye to his siblings and promise that he'd return to them.
Saying farewell to Elise and Camilla was hard, and Xander knew he would make it back to them, no matter the things he faced, yet as the younger princess held onto him and tried so hard to be strong he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as he knew how hard this was for them all. They had just gotten Leo, Corrin, and Ascalon back only to lose them again and now he was heading out too. This was what war did though and, praying to the gods, Xander asked that their separation from each other would be short and that the family would be back together again. Kissing Elise on the head and saying he was proud of how strong she was, he turned to Camilla who gave him a small smile and held him close, whispering that she would make sure he came back alive regardless of how many evils she had to kill to bring him home. He laughed some at this, grateful to have such a loving sister, and told her to hold strong just a bit longer and that he'd bring the family back together soon. Giggling she patted him on the cheek and told him to save her some enemies to fight, sending him on his way while she comforted Elise and whisked her away to do something relaxing.
Head held high he made it back to the three ninjas that anxiously awaited him, grateful when Kagero quietly walked along next to him and slid her hand into his own, complimenting him on his new attire and saying he looked good in Hoshidan clothes. Xan held back a blush and thanked her, giving a small smile and looking forward to find the two brothers standing by a side exit from the castle, one that led straight down into the forest nearby. Kaze and Saizo both gave a slight bow, one more suited for a friend they respected rather than someone that was distant, and without looking back the group left to go catch up to the runaway prince, or 'Lobster' as Ascalon called him.
[Wind Tribe- Corrin and Company]
Knocking out another person Corrin took a few steps back, glancing back at his brother who was wheezing but defiantly still on his feet, playing a more defensive role rather than offense as he could hardly breathe. Worriedly he tore his eyes from his brother, reminding himself that this was the man that survived a direct lightning bolt, and finished clearing this area of any conscious foes, putting the k. tribe members in a safe spot where they wouldn't be blown away. Done with that he dragged his coughing teammate to an area where a boulder blocked a majority of the wind, shielding Ascalon from the rest of the blistering and burning gales as he quickly changed the clogged filter on his breathing mask.
This stop and go method was what the pair had done for the entire trial, the younger taking care or the older and keeping him steady, encouraging him to keep moving and that they'd make it. Corrin had his own mask on too, as he didn't wish to inhale the sand either, and had seen that Reina and Gunter were also wearing theirs. Felicia and Azura were not doing too well though, both coughing and hacking, half blind from the random gales that tore past them viciously. From the looks of it the only team that had made it a good amount of the way was actually him and the Draco Knight, as the two veterans were stalled some due to their mounts having a disadvantage to this particular situation. Azura, not use to combat much, valiantly pushed on but also had trouble as she had to keep herself and an injured Felicia safe. Elina had been unable to move much as she didn't want to put herself into a hazardous situation, teleporting herself and the unconscious man to a sheltered area behind a large boulder. All in all, this definitely was a test that only certain people would pass.
Giving the good to go sign Ascalon rose back up, some energy renewed, and went forward with Cori up the last stretch of this twisting and winding hell of a path, both brothers dancing and ducking their enemies' hits while circling back to help the other fight off someone else. It was like the waves on the ocean shore, each one pushing and pulling in harmony, the duo working seamlessly while the one half could breath and function at almost full strength. Upon hitting the large platform that Fuga stood at the middle of, they quickly dispatched the others up there before taking a moment to swap their filters again, knowing they'd need to both be up and going in order to win.
Together they approached Fuga, pausing for a moment to bow to him, as they did still respect the man, waiting until he grinned at the two and showed them he was not only excited but prepared to fight. The chief made the first move, swinging mightily and nearly catching Corrin in the side, catching the small glare Ascalon shot at him. Yet in that glare Fuga found a good amount of proof they were them, as the fierce protective nature of an older sibling clearly shinned brightly and was the true source of any anger the man gave. On it went, the two siblings working in sync with each other, dancing about the battlefield and slipping and sliding away from dangerous swings that the lethal club delivered. Chief Fuga evaded a majority of their attacks as well, still stunned though at how close he came to being impaled on a few occasions, and struggled to achieve his second goal, reaching it at long last when Corrin was stunned and could not fully block or dodge.
Ascalon watched as the metal club swung at a dazed Corrin, trying to catch him after he'd already taken a hard hit, and purely on instinct he leapt forward yelping as the weapon collided with him instead. It was not too terrible of a hit, almost feeling pulled at the last second, but as the breathing mask cracked and fell off the Draco Knight, his yell echoed through the winds, as did Corrins loud shout of surprise and concern. Neither knew that not too far away a pair of quite sharp ears picked up on the familiar voices in distress, or the anger that coursed through the veins of the body that those ears were part of. No, the younger brother instantly disengaged from the chief and raced to his older sibling, taking off his own mask and sliding to his knees and landing next to the harshly coughing man who was curled onto his side.
Corrin, concerned and furious, kept his anger in check by an inch and focused on helping Lon breath again, hacking as the burning air tore the oxygen from his lungs, sand grains tearing his skin and stinging his other wounds. Hazily the older sibling looked behind the younger, alarmed when he saw the powerful man following the pair, club in hand and an oddly pleased look on his face. Unable to shout a warning Ascalon instead yanked his brother over him, rolling away as the devastating weapon crashed into the stone, obliterating it and sending shards flying through the air. Heart racing Lon crouched over Corrin, trying to keep him safe from the sharp chunks that sailed through the sky, grunting as two collided with his arm, and then proceeded to drag his brother back further with him while adjusting the mask so it would fit on him.
Panting both brothers got to their feet, dusty bruised, and ready to win this fight, about to charge at the Wind Tribe chief when a loud and happily familiar roar shook the skies above them. At the speed of a shooting star and with the tenacity of a raging ocean George swept down from the bright and burning heavens, landing in a dramatic huff and digging his claws into the ground under him. Angry his people had been hurt he set his emerald eyes on the bald man, growling and barring his teeth, smoke and embers snaking out and giving a warning to everyone else to back off.
Fuga, now fully certain that these people were not clever illusions or imposters, set down his weapon and cut off the torrential winds, smiling to the weary brothers and stating happily, "Welcome to the Wind Tribe General Ascalon and Prince Corrin. George never came to the pained cries of anyone else so clearly you're no fakes. Come, we have much to discuss."
Bewildered at the complete change in demeanor, understanding the odd logic but not liking it, Ascalon shrugged to his brother and gave him a hug before dashing off to tackle his best friend. Georgie was over the moon when he turned and found his boy running over, tearing off his breathing mask and leaping towards him. Rolling onto his back the dragon caught the general and cuddled the tall man, licking his head so as to show he was glad but worried, purring loudly as he got belly rubs which he so dearly missed. It was a sight many found to be sickeningly sweet, smiling as the blue-haired man curled up on his friend's tummy and spoke in their native tongue, excitedly telling who knows what and going on for a bit, forgetting the rest of the world.
Georgie laughed in the way he always did, snorting afterwards and earning what could only be a 'hey' in their language as the Draco Knight began playfully arguing with the magnificent beast. While those two were busy a few healers came by and fixed up the others, surprised at how injured the maid was and then holding back amusement after learning she was responsible for a majority of her own injuries. Many were fussing and deeply worried over the oddity that was the unconscious kitsune and non-evil witch that held onto him, calming the woman as they reassured her they would not harm the innocent man. Still she demanded to go with them, just to be sure. Corrin gathered everyone and had to pry his brother away from the dragon, saying they could hang out after they spoke with Fuga. In sync the Draco Knight and dragon groaned and rolled their eyes, agreeing and heading off to go speak with the chief.
Reina, who was walking next to Corrin, laughed a little and said, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say sometimes you seem like the older sibling."
"Ha, yeah. Once those two start talking with each other it's nigh impossible to get them to stop and Ascalon becomes a teen all over again. He said you guys were about the same age." Corrin replied, casually sliding in a question of his own.
"Yes surprisingly. Only by a year yet he still likes to act like it gives him the right to be a protective older brother, as he is with most everyone. How old are you?"
"Oh, nineteen but turning twenty soon if the world doesn't fall to pieces before then. Gosh, it's so odd the difference a couple of years or months can make for people."
"Indeed. We could talk more later if you'd like? We're almost to the chief, although from the looks of it, Elina and the Kitsune will be sitting out the conversation. I hope they aren't too hurt."
"Me too, and yes, it would be great to talk more later. Let's head inside." He told her, trying to keep his cool as she flashed him a brilliant smile and stepped inside on the building. Silently groaning to himself the flustered prince calmed himself, gave the annoyed witch a thumbs up and signaled he was going inside to which she responded with an okay. Then he did all he could not to be distracted during the meeting between the group and the Wind Tribe chief.
That's where I'm calling it for this one as I don't want to fall back into the stupidly long chapter again. Long chapters are okay but hot dang some of them were intense. Anyway, hope you all enjoy and I will hopefully not take too terribly long writing the next one. Until next time!