OwO, what's this? Oi'm updating this stowy?

... Y'all can leave if you want, I understand after that comment.

Once again, I'm sorry I haven't been updating this story that often; I've been trying to get my car working so I can get another job, and my first job has me working 5 days a week and then some weekends. ((all for $4 an hour and tips;;;)) And I'm sorry to inform you, but even if you review multiple times, asking me to update, it's not really that simple; although I wish it was.

Thank you to Andromeda for the reviews, and let's get on with the story!

"I'm going on ahead." I stated as I adjusted my arm guards. "There's a chance that more soldiers will be waiting for you."

"But if we go together-"

I cut Corrin off by raising my hand. "I'm sorry, but I don't plan on fighting with you. How do you think it would look if I came storming the castle with you and your Hoshidan siblings? If I survived, I would be killed for treason. I would be turning my back on my brothers and sisters here, Corrin. Though I appreciate you sparing my life and healing my wounds, I can't stay."

"You're right." Corrin agreed after a few moments of silence. "Perhaps after the war, we can stand together again."

"Possibly." I smiled as I wrapped an arm around my brother. "May the gods be with you." As we said our goodbyes, I headed towards the throne room. As much as I wanted to fight with my brother, I just couldn't stand turning my back on Xander and my other siblings; they wouldn't think twice about executing me on the spot. To Leo and Elise, I was the strong older brother and to Xander and Camilla; the sweet younger brother. To imagine their faces painted with betrayal and sadness wasn't something I wanted to dwell on. It felt like mere moments I had been walking when someone had snapped me away from my thoughts.

"Lord Teale, how reassuring that you've returned unharmed!" I looked up to see Iago with a small smirk on his lips. "After you disappeared, we were worried; even more so when Lord Leo returned without you."

I shook my head, quickly making up my mind. "I was merely gathering information from the Hoshidan army. They're not too far behind me in these catacombs."

Iago hummed to himself. "And Lady Elise?"

"She's also with Corrin and his army. I believe I can safely assume she won't be easily persuaded to come back to our side."

"Truly unfortunate... Milord, might I suggest you carry on towards the throne room? I'm sure your father will be happy of your return; not to mention you won't have to dirty your hands when that Corrin and his army come marching."

"Thank you, Iago. As always, your insight is most welcome." I stated before walking past him. Lightly rolling my eyes, I slowly started to climb the stone stairs that led out of the catacombs and into the castle.

"Teale, you're alright!" I sighed with a small smile as I heard Xander call out to me. "You disappeared so suddenly; everyone was sick with worry."

"My apologies, I wasn't myself after I heard news of Flora... So I followed Leo to the Woods of the Forlorn, got myself injured, and now I'm back." Dropping my smile, I hardened my gaze towards my brother. "Unfortunately, Corrin and his allies are headed this way. I passed Iago on my way here, but I doubt that he'll be able to stop them at the rate they're going."

"Is that so..." Xander mumbled to himself before turning to his retainers behind him. "Laslow, Peri..I must speak with you two."

"Yes, Lord Xander!" Laslow responded, a hand on his chest. "I assume this is about Lord Corrin and his allies. Where will we be engaging the enemy?"

"Ooh, I can't wait for them to get here!" Peri squealed in excitement. "When does the stabby party begin?!"

"The two of you will remain here. This isn't your fight." He responded, which didn't hold well with a certain blood crazed knight.

"What?! But I wanna spill someone's blood! This is important!" The blue and pink haired girl pouted, crossing her arms.

"Are you concerned that we're not up to the task, milord?" Laslow questioned, an eyebrow quirked in curiosity.

Xander shook his head. "No, that's not it at all. I have full faith in both of you, as ever. However, I must face Corrin in single combat. That is the only way to limit unnecessary casualties. Enough blood has been spilled. That's why I need you two to remain here. Help keep the Nohrian soldiers at bay."

"I see. But, milord... how do you know that Corrin will agree to your terms?" Laslow questioned. "I don't trust those Hoshido brigands one bit. We should be nearby... just in case.

"I agree! That way I can pop out and kill anyone you need me to!"

"I won't say this again. You are to stay behind in this room. Period." Xander commanded in a harsh voice that made

"Aww..."

"But, Lord Xander..."

"Look. I trust the two of you, more than you even know. That is why I'm asking you to help me in this way." Xander smiled at both of his retainers. "We've fought valiantly together, and I will always cherish my memories with you both."

"Why are you saying these things? This isn't good bye..." Laslow stated, his brows now pulled down in confusion.

Peri nodded. "Yeah... I don't like this."

"I'm afraid we're out of time. I must go."

I stepped forward. "Brother, please let me go with you."

"No. I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that, Teale."

"Wait, Lord Xander..."

Xander quickly silenced Peri before she could continue. "No! You're not allowed to leave this room. Is that clear?" The hallways were quiet for a moment, letting Xander's orders echo for a brief moment.

"Yes, milord..." Laslow adamantly agreed, putting a hand to his chest once again while closing his eyes. Without another word, I watched sadly as Xander made his way down the hall to meet Corrin and his army.

"This isn't how it's supposed to be... What's going on, Laslow?" Peri turned to her fellow retainer, tears starting to run down her face in black streaks.

"I don't know. But we must follow Lord Xander's orders..."

I looked at the ground in dismay as so many thoughts went through my head. The way Xander was talking sounded as if he wasn't planning on returning to us. He told us to stay here, so we have to follow his orders, but...

The sounds of metal clashing made me shake my head. "Laslow, Peri."

"Yes, milord?"

I looked at the dancer before me, jaw slightly clenched. "I will go follow my brother. Follow me within five minutes."

"But Lord Xander said-"

"I'm sorry, but fuck what Xander said!" Both retainers seemed shocked at my choice of words. "I'm here now, and you will follow my orders."

"Understood. Make haste, Lord Teale." Laslow nodded, a determined expression on his face.

Without a second thought, I started running with all my might towards the fighting. A heavy feeling started to settle in my gut, telling me that something was wrong. Xander was strong, but so was Corrin, so who would win this meaningless fight?

"Very well. You will die fighting for your cause. I shall defend my homeland!" I heard Xander shout as he came into view, his sword raised high in the air. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone run out in front of Corrin, completely blocking the slash meant for Corrin. My eyes widened as time seemed to slow down, Elise falling to the ground with an unreadable expression.

"ELISE!" I shouted, making myself run faster than before. At the same time, I had reached her side as Xander held her up in a sitting position.

"Elise! Please! Speak to me!" Xander's voice was frantic as he carefully held her up. I dropped down onto my knees, taking off my cape to hold it to her wound.

Elise slowly opened her eyes with a small gasp of pain. "Xander... Your sword... Lay it down for me." I heard Xander gasp, tears gathering in my eyes when I noticed that her blood was starting to seep through the thick fabric. "Nohr needs more from you. Not just your strength..."

"Elise, please..." I begged as she paused to grain in pain. I lifted my left hand and placed it on her right cheek as she softly smiled at me. "Don't go..."

"What we need... is caring... and a warm hand... and tears." She carefully lifted one of the hands Xander was using to support her back and placed it softly onto her face as Xander started to tear up. Slow, she lifted one of her hands to place on his cheek to wipe away the tears that now fell freely down his face. "That's the way. Try to be at peace." She trailed off, her hand falling before it could even brush her fingers on his cheek, her body becoming limp as a tear fell down her cheek.

I fell backwards from my crouching position, loosely holding onto my bloodstained cape. Without saying a word, Xander carefully handed me Elise as if she were sleeping. I cradled her to my chest as I stared at the ground in front of me. From the corners of my vision, I saw my brother stand up and draw his sword.

"Elise, please... Wake up! You can't die like this!" Corrin begged as he was on his hands and knees, on the floor only a few feet away. I looked at Elise's face as tears started to fall onto her cheeks.

"Get up, Corrin. Let's end this." Xander stated in a monotone voice.

Corrin looked up from the ground, tears staining his face. "How can you keep fighting like nothing's happened?! Elise just died in your arms trying to stop us from fighting. Yet you just want to pick right up where we left off?"

"I... I know. That's why this fight will be our last. Now, get up." I looked up at Xander, noticing that his hand was shaking ever so slightly. "NOW!"

"All she wanted was peace and for us to be a family again... She hated seeing us fight... Please, Big Brother!" Corrin pleaded.

"Don't make me say it again. Draw your sword, Corrin." When Corrin didn't move, I jumped when Xander started to yell. "NOW."

"Brother..." Corrin was silent for a moment before he pushed himself off the ground. "Fine. As you wish. I guess... you're not the brother I remember, Xander. Elise... I'm so sorry I couldn't save you. And it doesn't look like I'll be able to make your last wish come true, either. But I can still end this war. I can still bring peace to our kingdoms. Xander. You taught me to be brace. You taught me how to wield power. The time has come for me to show you what I've learned. If you have any last words, now's the time!" He ended with a shout.

I barely registered the sounds of footsteps coming from the hallway behind me before I heard Peri's voice. "Lord Xander! Is everything okay?"

"Is... is that Lady Elise? What happened to her?" I heard Laslow quietly ask from over my shoulder. My response was to only grip onto Elise tighter.

"I told you two to stay out of this! What are you doing here?" Xander yelled, looking at his retainers with worry.

"Milord, we both had such a bad feeling about this whole thing... And other than Lord Teale commanding us to come, we thought it better to risk punishment than regret inaction." Laslow explained, holding his sword tightly.

"Besides, they must have double crossed you!" Peri added on. "Which one of you did this to Lady Elise? I'll gut you!"

I cringed as I heard Peri's threat when Xander started to argue. "No, Elise was..." He sighed in frustration. "As I commanded before, stay out of this! That is an order!"

"No way! Like Laslow said, we don't care if you're mad. We want to make sure you don't get killed! So we brought some troops."

"Against your orders if necessary... we will protect you, milord." Laslow promised. "Nothing will change our minds on this."

I looked up at the two retainers that were so willing to protect my brother. "Please, be careful..." I weakly asked. Laslow merely looked down and smiled at me as if there wasn't a battle about to start.

"Don't worry, milord. We'll be fine."

You say that but... Why can't I help but feel like that everything will go downhill once again?

I'm sorry for the delay, I've been getting really busy and I had a bit of writers block. Review and let me know if you liked it! Hopefully I can get the next chapter out within a month!