HELLO I AM BACK! Slightly. Being an adult is hard and not highly recommended. Anyway, sorry everyone it took forever for me to get back to this. Things have been beyond crazy and I'm really grateful for your patience. Things may be a bit slow on me getting fully back into swing buuuuuuut we'll see how things go. Onto the plot!

Song of the Chapter: You Belong to Me by Courtnee Draper

Warning: Fighting, Strong Language

Chapter Twenty-Two: Freezing Earth

[Ascalon and Company- Outskirts of Izumo]

Sighing heavily Ascalon rested on a fallen tree looking down at the peaceful city that was Izumo. It had been a long journey south and one of the newest additions to the team was getting on his nerves, as well as the fact that the answers he had received were not exactly even answers. George, also worn and exasperated, plopped down on the grass next to him and gave a low grumble as he shut his green eyes and tried to rest. Off in the distance behind them they could hear the young boy fussing and arguing about the snacks that were being given out, complaining that they were way too bitter.

Of the two that joined the group Hayato, the young prodigy that Fuga had sent with them, was the one irritating him. Lon had tried his best to understand the kid over the past week of travel and soon discovered that while he was kind, he also had a knack for constantly coming across snooty whether he meant it or not. Then there was the fact of how picky he was over food. If they were not in a time of war then the general would be less perturbed about this quality yet, here they all were, and it was important to appreciate whatever you could get your hands on. Many people at this point might not even have enough food for their children, struggling and having to hide just to make sure they weren't killed on the whim of a paranoid tactician and king. And then there's this kid.

Leaning his head back he took a deep breath, releasing it slowly after holding it for a few seconds, reminding himself that he had to understand that everyone came from different places and that he had no room to judge anyone. Yet as this ragtag group grew, he was encountering hurdles he had never cleared before and then some he was tired of having to clear over and over. Having a Witch on the team gave him the perk of needing to be on his toes however he knew he was misplacing his disdain for them on the wrong person. A Kitsune was also new to him as well, as he had traveled to many places in Hoshido but never had made it there. Then there was the familiarity of a difficult teenager with slightly frustrating mannerisms at the worst time. Heart heavy Ascalon looked at the clouds, wishing Camilla were there. She was so kind and usually had the right answers, or better ones than the grim part of his stressed and tired mind. Yet she was back at the capital, safe and sound as she should be, so all he could truly do was confide in Georgie and explain his exasperated feelings to his best friend while taking in their reaction and how they felt. It was better than letting things stew.

Close to thirty minutes later he ended his talk with his friend, giving the dragon an apple as a thanks and then proceeding over towards the others. The sight he came upon was one of Hayato pouting and sitting by himself while Reina was marching straight towards him. Groaning quietly, he sighed yet again and then pulled himself together, catching sight of the vegetables in her hand and already knowing what this might be about.

"Hey Reina, how are-" He started, cut off by her glare and words.

"You need to talk to that kid and find some way to help him understand what resources are. I caught him trying to throw away perfectly good food and he just left it out in the woods with me! We are at war and well…you're good with fickle teenagers. Please. We cannot be wasting food like this." She rambled on angrily, a slight hint of desperation in her tone.

"…Okay. Does anyone else know he's doing this?"

"No, but if he keeps doing it they might. Food is a valuable resource and I can't stand it when people waste things just because they don't like some part of it."

"Alright, alright. If you catch him doing it again maybe try asking him why he throws them away. From there we can work on what to do. How is everyone else doing?"

"Well, morale seems a bit mixed. Chief Fuga did not have the most fulfilling answers…sorry Ascalon. Can I ask what you meant by finding a way to kill a god?"

"Sure. I meant exactly what I asked. There is an external force, a third party to this war that if I speak in too much detail about them it will kill me. However, the god of that party is interfering quite a bit and…we may need to take them down. It's why we're going to Izumo, why we need to speak with Archduke Izana…he might be able to help us find a way to pull this off or a different route to go." He explained to her, keeping his voice low so that it was only heard between them and no one else.

Eyes widening in concern and fear Reina rested her hand on the Draco Knight's shoulder and said softly, "I'm so sorry. Don't worry about Hayato. Corrin and I will take care of it."

"I can still-"

"No. You have enough on your plate. Let us help you you stubborn man. Get something to drink and I'll let the others know we're leaving in a couple of minutes, okay?"

Rolling his eyes, he gave a reluctant smile and then replied, "Alright mightiest warrior of Hoshido. How many chores do I owe for this favor?"

"You owe me you resting that's what!" She answered while scowling, signaling that she had her eyes on him before going off and telling everyone to pack up their miniscule camp.

George snorted and went over to go rest under a tree while Lon took the extra time to go over his maps and plot out their trail, shoving back the negative thoughts that tried to enter his mind while he asked if they should be battle ready or not. There was no need to be but, with everything going on he couldn't help but hypothesize the worst that could occur, if Anankos had his invisible soldiers make it there before them, somehow able to get past Mikoto's barrier. A million scenarios played out in his head, many of them grim and with no good turnout. He pushed them aside, reminding himself that he could not let those happen, that he was currently in charge of the lives of so many people and that two entire countries relied on him to pull them through, to keep them alive. That in mind he decided to have everyone be cautiously armed, as there should be no fighting in Izumo as it is a neutral zone, but also knowing that Iago pulls no punches and would not hesitate to strike when he deems them weak.

Once that was sorted he walked back over to the others, giving a smile and nod to Elina and Kaden as he watched them speak quietly about herbs. Corrin and Reina were discussing things as well, both keeping watch of Felicia as she attempted to clean without tripping on her own feet. Gunter, who was waiting by his horse, turned to give Ascalon an unnerving stare and nod, sending chills down the young man's spine. Picking up the pace the general went over to his sister, whispering to her his questions.

"Has Gunter been acting strangely around you?" Lon asked in the lowest voice he could muster.

"Some. Mostly glares and forced smiles. There is tension though, that much is obvious. We can discuss more later after we finish in Izumo. We need privacy to speak of this." Azura stated almost silently, giving her brother's hand a gentle squeeze before stepping aside.

Slightly bothered by this whole situation he nodded and turned to everyone else, explaining the path they would be traversing and what to look out for. The matter of having weapons on them, even while visiting a peaceful place, seemed to irk a few of them yet, as he described his reasoning why and reminded them all of who their enemies were, the group understood and agreed to his plans with no questions after. Once that was settled they trekked down the last bit of trail left before they hit the lovely city of Izumo, falling into formation seamlessly and pairing off without any problems. Reina and Corrin protected the back, Elina and Kaden guarding the area just before them. Azura and Felicia had the middle with Hayato while Ascalon took the front with Gunter, knowing there was no one to better keep watch on the veteran than he himself. Besides, if Anankos was going to try anything then the Draco Knight preferred that he was the first one in the line of fire. Needless to say, the relatively short hike was quiet, almost too quiet, and there was a tension at the front strung across the two men so tight that even a breeze could snap it. The strained peace was held onto though and when they reached the gates a sigh of relief calmed the group.

At the gates they were greeted by the guards that watched over Izana, each of them bowing slightly in respect towards Ascalon and Azura. The royals returned the gesture and the Draco Knight spoke, saying, "We have come from the Wind Tribe and need to speak with the Archduke Izana. I apologize if this is an inconvenience to him but it is of a very turbulent matter that grows worse with each day."

Pausing for a moment the two looked between each other and then replied, "Only a few of you may see him. Choose and then we shall escort you there. The others shall remain in the city. I hope you understand our caution."

Nodding Ascalon turned to the others and explained the situation, knowing that had to go inside to speak with the Archduke. Quickly the small group settled on him, Azura, and Corrin going inside, as all of them were royal and pivotal to this matter. Answer in tow he told that to the guards, pleased there was no further complication save for the fact that George's horns would prevent the dragon from entering so he needed to remain outside. With that agreed upon the three left, Lon explaining to Reina the back up plan incase anything should go awry. She gave a single nod and then led her bird and George over to a place they could drink some water. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of the veteran knight gazing at his, face distorting into a void full of eyes only for an instant. Suppressing a shiver he kept his lance close and turned away, staying with the others and preparing himself mentally for whatever was to come.

As they walked Azura explained to Corrin what kind of place Izumo was, that it had long been known as the kingdom of the gods and that it had held a neutral stance for everything, adding that it made sense that its center building, the central palace, would radiate peace. Not too much later they were greeted at the edge of the inner city by none other than the Archduke himself. Smiling brightly the man approached and gave them a bow, earning one in return from the trio.

"I am Archduke Izana, first heir to the divine bloodline, descendant of the gods, keeper of prophecies, and winner of best hair five…or six times? I forget. It's so nice to finally meet you! I bet your journey here was fairly difficult so now you can take some time to kick back and relax! Izumo is a lovely place, one many could stay at forever!" The beautiful man told them, lightly smiling through it all.

While none of this was new to Ascalon, as he had met this man before, Corrin could only stutter at the greeting and reply, "Thank…Thank you for such a warm greeting…?"

"Oh think nothing of it! I'm just glad to have company finally. People don't visit here often. I'm so excited I hardly feel like me!"

Turning to Ascalon, who had his arms folded across his chest as he waited, Corrin asked quietly, "This can't be normal for him, right? Most powerful leaders don't act this way."

The Draco Knight chuckled and answered, "Have you seen your mother? She's quite bright and playful at times. Also, this is how he is. He's…an acceptation to the norm."

"Ah…okay then. You wanna take the lead bro?"

"Nah. You need to learn to be a political figure. You can handle this; I believe in you."

Nodding the young prince turned his attention back to the smiling Archduke and said, "Well, we have come here because we have some questions to ask of you. Important ones?"

"Oh?" Izana replied, "What about? Ask away my friends! If there's any good gossip to I'd be just as pleased to listen too."

As Corrin asked him about the Seal of Flames, another vague topic Fuga glazed over, as well as the ability to defeat a god, Ascalon watched the area, noting that the guards had gone and snuck away while they weren't watching. Azura caught sight of this too and, understanding what was going on, began speaking too, drawing the attention to her and far away from the Draco Knight who took the chance and ducked away into a nearby alley. Once out of sight he snuck through the inner palace, avoiding guards or silently knocking out the ones that he could not evade. Many of them were the near invisible enemies, lurking and waiting, ready to spring their trap. Ascalon fearing the worst had happened to the Archduke, slinked past the last few and into the palace walls just as a chill blasted through the area, beginning from where he had left the others. It didn't take long to catch sight of Reina and George flying over and landing, some of the others being carried with them. Without another second's hesitation he turned back to the palace ahead, knowing he had to help the Archduke.

[Corrin and Company- Outside the Palace]

Meanwhile with Corrin and Azura, the pair watched in slight exasperation as the thick walls of magic ice developed and consumed their path. The prince sighed and, while the others arrived, and turned to them to say, "Get ready everyone! It's one of Nohr's top illusion mages." At this a few people groaned and their tedious job of getting through began.

Quickly Corrin paired up with Reina, getting a better shot at the taller ice while Elina, Hayato, and Kaden worked together to take down most of it, two of them using magic while the third used their teeth. Gunter and Felicia took care of enemies as best as they could, surprised to find them alive even with the freezing ice that had hid them, Reina shooting from above to give them extra help. Azura did what she could to damage the ice as well, dedicating more of her efforts into encouraging the others to keep going, helping them strike again even when they felt they could not.

Tirelessly they wore away at the frosty barriers, prepared for anything that came out of the mist to attack them, desperate to make it to the palace to find the real Archduke before Zola, the Nohrian Illusionist, was able to further harm him. However, Azura reminded herself that they already had one person inside…or so she hoped. She tried no to think of her brother being frozen and instead called to George so as to encourage him further and help coordinate his flames at the rather stubborn areas.

[Ascalon-Inside the Palace at Izumo]

Sneaking through the cold halls Ascalon kept to the shadows, grateful he hadn't left his weapons with Georgie. Pressing himself against the shaded side of a pillar he listened as some troops ran past, going to reinforce the others already outside, making no humans sounds except growls of irritation. It was as he passed a few more rooms that his head abruptly felt cold and was growing numb, like the ice outside was attempting to claw its way into his mind. Pushing down a small groan of irritation and pain the solitary knight casted his gaze about, searching for the source of this new magic. Yet he could find none, only noting that the floor in the halls were developing a thin layer of frost on them.

Cautiously he took several steps away from the chilled floors, eye widening in concern, and stared to go deeper into the palace, turning to run only to find a figure at the end of the hall step out of hiding. They were too short to be Iago yet, as the opened a tome with an identical brand to the fiends and casted a spell, there was no denying any relation between the two, whether it was apprentice or simple stooge. He ran as fast as he could and yet he was still too slow to avoid the attack, taking the blast straight to the face and being blinded. With an "oomph" he landed hard on his back, hearing the cackling laughter of a familiar mage, knowing too late there would be more illusions.

When he could see again, he found himself in a place he remembered and really had no interest in being in again. It was the castle from home, the one he, Corrin, and Azura played in when they were young, full of figures dancing gracefully and gliding about the main ballroom. Lance at his side he gazed through the sea of masked figures, eyes landing on a terribly confused Zola, the most cowardly person he'd ever met. Upon seeing the baffled mage the Draco Knight began to weave through the swirling figures, freezing when he glanced at one when their mask shifted and found nothing but a skull underneath. Shaking his head to rid himself of those thoughts he pressed onwards and continued to uncomfortably make his way past the dead. When he was almost through the Nohrian illusionist caught sight of the upset Draco Knight and made to flee, dashing through the heavy curtains that hang behind the throne.

Cursing in his native tongue Ascalon rushed forward, desperate to catch the bastard and break the spell. In his hurried attempt though he knocked one of the heads off of a skeleton, freezing mid stride when the skull struck the floor and rolled past him. All of the figures pulled away from him and the headless one, staring him down as their old joints creaked and cracked ominously. A nervous laugh escaped his throat as he was trying to figure out what to do, awkwardly picking up the head and handing it back with his free hand. Disgusted with him the skeleton took back its head, putting it back on, and then stepping forward towards him, hands tensing. Still all the well-trained man could do was take a step back, anxiety rising with each moment. It was when they began to speak that he knew he truly needed to leave.

Only one at first called him a cowardly runaway, a blight to the bloodline, and more slurs along that line including "the prince that bent for anyone". More caught on though, closing in, claiming the world was meant to exist without him, he did not belong and never would. Time slipped up in him escaping and his true spot was here with the dead. And now that he was back it was where he would remain, no matter how much they needed to do to bring him back.

It was the first time in a long time that he let an enemies' words sink in, felt the lance shake in his hand, felt cold just as he had when he left. At first, he tried to fight their words, to convince himself they were wrong, yet with each new insult came the weight he carried and more, all of the people he had let down, the family he had left behind to die. Sinking to his knees he covered his ears, telling himself repeatedly they were wrong, he had had no choice but to leave, he wasn't a mistake, he was meant to exist. Through the crowd around him a small snickering figure crept to the front, grinning at the surprising success at subduing the great Draco Knight. Zola watched as the intimidating figure was hunched down, reassuring himself of so many things that gave more information on the mysterious general than anything else. Humming he pulled out a small vial, ready to sink Ascalon into a sleep so deep no explosion or desperate call could reach him. He grabbed a fistful of the dark-blue hair, yanking the man's head back and prepared to force the liquid into his mouth. What he found was and angry scowl and fury.

Ascalon had almost fully sunk into the words of these convincing illusions, snapping back the instant there was a sharp pain from his head, particularly the top. With a growl he snapped open his eye, hands dropping back down to his lance, and screamed at the mage. Anger and pain filled the sound and before the coward could retreat, he thrusted upwards with his weapon, piercing the man through the chest and ending him. Slowly, as Zola looked to the lance and laughed, dying at an agonizing pace, the false world around them faded, drifting away in small mist like particles. Minutes later the voices were gone, as well as the nightmare, and Ascalon was left alone in an icy hallway with a dead man and his own insecurities.

Numb and shaking he stared at Zola, mind still foggy and running slow, the Draco Knight sat down and slumped onto the ground, propping a knee up to rest his head on. In the vacant hall he noiselessly cried to himself, pushing away all of the echoes in his mind of the past, and what may have happened. And there he rested for close to ten minutes, given a break small enough for him to put himself back together. It was the smallest mercy he could be afforded and soon he brushed away his tears and emotions, knowing he needed to stay strong, and once again wished he had her there with him, missed her presence, and gazed at the bracelet that hung from his wrist before leaving the corpse and the hallway to go find the Archduke.

[Corrin and Company- Inside the Palace]

The exhausted group finally reached the interior or the palace, all of them racing to find Zola and the Archduke Izana, as well as Ascalon. It was the cause of all of this irritation they found first though, his lifeless body atop a large pool of blood, eyes gazing at nothing anymore. Through his chest was an angry wound, one from a lance, and then bloodied footsteps leaving the area at a slow pace. Concerned for their friend's wellbeing the group cautiously tailed after and eventually found the banquet hall doors lying on the floor, definitely wrecked by a not too please general. Speaking of him, Ascalon sat inside, checking on everyone's medical condition and dressing whatever wounds he could. Felicia, relived the fighting was over, stepped in as well and went over to her friend, telling him she could take over, and pointing him to go and speak with the others.

Before Ascalon could even make it out the real Archduke Izana rushed over, not a care in the world, and began thanking him excitedly, apparently over the moon that the group had actually come to save him. He spoke of how dreadful it had been, hardly noticing Corrin walking over, complaining about how hungry he was and how they'd been locked away for hours.

Unable to stop himself Corrin asked, "Are you really the Archduke? Of Izumo?"

"Uh yeah! That's me! Archduke Izana, heir to the divine bloodline, descen-"

"We've heard this already. Your imposter was fairly accurate. He even mentioned the hair."

"Oh…aww, well then. I am a bit lost though as I had been expecting Prince Takumi to be here as well." Izana explained, perplexed at the missing person.

Corrin replied, "Well he's back at the capital recovering. He was injured. Anyway, we have some pretty important stuff to ask you about. Seal of Flames? How to defeat a god?"

Eyes widening ever so slightly the Archduke nodded and simply walked to a different room, gesturing for the group to follow, which they did so. Once in a separate place he sat down, pulling out a crystal ball to channel through, and briefly explained that he was going to consult the gods on this matter. A glowing light enveloped him and soon he was mutter things that many of the others focused on save for Ascalon who was lost in his head.

Upon the matter of the Seal of Flames, as it turned out Izana still knew nothing, surprising everyone with the ability to know what they had been going to ask without them even saying it. It was then that he spoke of a saying from his family, one that seemed fit for this situation.

"We will show he who shuns the light and dark another way."

Azura spoke after asking the thing on everyone's mind, "What do you mean? Clearly that is Corrin but what is the path that you speak of?"

Izana paused, humming to himself for a moment, and then got up and said, "I'm going to go find out. Hold a ceremony with an ancient god real quick and ask them for help. Nothing to worry about."

"Right now? Seriously?" Corrin asked, completely lost as to what was happening.

"Yep! Strike while the iron is hot because fortune favors the bold! I also want to get this over with…ancient gods are not easy on the eyes per say."

With that he stepped aside and left the group to their own devices. Azura and Corrin muttered to each other while the others simply gazed about the room and took in the area. It was after a moment, right when Ascalon had finally calmed himself down, that a familiar voice spoke a simple task into his mind saying, "Be ready to sing my song."

Alarmed at the sudden news he shifted uncomfortably, gaze searching for what he might possibly need the song for, and soon finding it. Entering back into the room, looking like they would collapse at any second, was the Archduke, weakly apologizing for keeping them waiting. Corrin was the first on his feet, asking what was wrong and if he'd be alright. Lightly he laughed and explained his chat with one of the ancient gods, perplexed at the meaning of it as even he did not understand.

"It's so…short. 'Go meet the dragon'. You'll figure it out eventually…or I hope you will. I think this was…definitely worth my life…" He explained as he collapsed to the ground.

Rushing forward Ascalon and Corrin went to the fallen man, Corrin asking why this was happening and learning that every ceremony has a price, and that this one had a very high price to pay for such information. He began rambling about how he hoped a bard would write a nice song about his noble sacrifice. Just as Corrin and the others began to panic over this vague message and the Archduke dying, Ascalon felt his fuzzy mind focus on the words of the song verse he knew, the one his mother had taught him, and gently took the man out of his brother's arms. Hurriedly, before the man could breathe his last breath and pass on, he quietly sang, feeling a warmth in his chest that spread to his hands and then onto the dying man.

"Sing with me a song of destiny and fate

Sacrifices made to change times way

Within my resonate heart dwells

Mercy and strife

Sing once more to save lives"

All was silent for a moment as everyone had eventually heard the odd song, Gunter looking on in pain at the back of the group and clutching his head as the silent one fought to hold on. Yet none of them were more surprised than the archduke himself when he could breathe again and found himself alive, somehow having dodged his fate. Patting his chest Izana blearily watched as he was passed back into the arms of Prince Corrin, eyes finding the Draco Knight shakily getting to his feet and exiting the room, only to collapse in the hall. Azura told everyone to stay put and rushed to the other Vallite, finding him starring in horror at his hands that were attempting to disappear, holding back screams as all he could think of was Arete. Understanding the fear she knelt down beside him and held him close, promising him she wouldn't let him fade away. It was a promise she intended to keep.

Hey everybody, sorry it took so long to get back! Things have been a nightmare and once again, being an adult is not a recommended pastime. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and I'll hopefully pick back up the pace. Until next time!