Well, Happy Labor Day everybody! And Happy Birthday to me! In celebration of my 21st birthday, I am happily releasing chapters 6 and 7 of Fire Sword: Fated Incursion on the same day! But, that means nothing for this Friday. Sorry about that, guys...

For those of you who didn't pick up from last chapter, Mikoto believes that I'll need a box of tissues, eyedrops, and a box of ice cream. I don't really think I will, but be prepared should the worst come around.

In the meantime, let the unleashing begin!

It had been nearly a week since Corrin was brought to Hoshido. Takumi had let go of his prior anger toward Corrin and his retainers or at least kept it hidden. Yuuki and Hinoka hit it off pretty well and they were nearly on par with each other in training. Sinon and Sakura were spending as much time as they could building up her archery skills, whenever Sinon wasn't off on her own or actively trailing Corrin. Aiko was the only one who didn't seem to fit anywhere outside of training, but Ryoma himself was kind enough to help her learn the Katana of Hoshido in case her own weapons failed her in the future.

Corrin had spent a lot of time talking with Azura. He'd learned quite a bit from her. She'd shared a little about each of his siblings while he told her about the Nohrian Royal siblings he knew. They enjoyed taking walks every now and then, even if some of them were accompanied by one of their retainers. Corrin was beginning to see why Hoshido was more welcoming than Nohr, but he still missed his family he left back in Nohr.

It was after one of these walks, early one morning, that Queen Mikoto called Corrin to the throne room. As he was slightly hesitant about anything, he brought Sinon with him when he arrived. Corrin was curious as to why Queen Mikoto called him to the throne room, of all places, but he suspected it was something that couldn't be done elsewhere in the castle.

When he arrived, Queen Mikoto was already there, standing just at the base of the great white throne. She seemed to be saddened by something, but when she noticed Corrin and Sinon entering, she smiled at them.

"Ah, Corrin," she greeted him. "You and your retainers seem to be doing better after a little time to accommodate."

Corrin nodded. "We are, yes. I still have a few questions, but at least my earlier ones have been answered. Thank you for giving me a little time to think about this."

Mikoto clasped her hands together, but held them downward. "That's wonderful." She turned to the sniper. "I trust you and the twins are fitting in, Sinon?"

Sinon gave a small smile back. "We are, though I still think Takumi hates our prior year serving in Nohr too much to extend a hand at the moment."

Mikoto sighed. "I didn't think he would hold a grudge against you, but it seems his heart will never trust anyone from Nohr."

Corrin shrugged. "We can only hope that he finds the ability to do so in time. In the meantime, you called us here?"

Mikoto nodded. "I did. If you wouldn't mind, I have a small favor to ask of you. Would you try sitting on the throne for a moment?"

Corrin was perplexed by her request. "Why exactly would I do that?"

Mikoto gestured to the throne. "Well...this throne is infused with the magic of the First Dragons. It is said that those who sit upon the throne will gain their true form and minds. I wondered if you sat upon it, you might-"

Corrin took a step back. "Wait, do you not trust me? Do you think that I'm under some sort of spell or am using a disguise?"

Mikoto quickly dismissed that thought. "No, no. Nothing like that, but I wonder if your memories of Hoshido were sealed off from you by Nohrians. If so, the throne could bring back those memories of us…"

Corrin understood what she meant. "I see."

Mikoto looked at her son with worry upon her face. "I am sorry, Corrin. If you don't want to do it, I will not force it upon you."

Sinon sighed. "In the future, would this offer still be available to him?"

Mikoto nodded. "Yes, provided we aren't otherwise occupied."

At this time, Yukimura, Hoshido's tactician and the judge of the archery match between Takumi and Sinon, stepped in from Mikoto's right. "Excuse me, Lady Mikoto. Preparations for the ceremony are almost complete."

Mikoto smiled at him. "Wonderful."

Yukimura turned to face Corrin and Sinon. "I believe we've met, Prince Corrin, but not officially. I am Hoshido's lead tactician, Yukimura."

Sinon recognized him. "You were the referee for the archery match, weren't you?"

Yukimura chuckled. "You mean I announced your decimation of Takumi's archery record?"

Sinon sighed. "I doubt he'll forgive me anytime soon."

Yukimura shook his head. "Perhaps after today's events, he may grow closer to you all. Regardless, I'll be happy to assist in anyway I can."

Corrin was confused by Yukimura's comment. "You said 'today's events'? What do you mean by that?"

Mikoto gave him the answer as the rest of the royal family, Yuuki, and Aiko all entered from the far end of the throne room. "I was going to make a public announcement in the courtyard about your presence here, Corrin. There have been rumors cultivating about spies from Nohr infiltrating the palace. I wish to quash those rumors once and for all. Yukimura, are the citizens gathering in the courtyard?"

Yukimura nodded. "They are, milady. I've arranged for Takumi, Azura, Hinoka, and Sakura to give you and your retainers a tour. I thought that the four of you would like to get to know the area a bit more before the unveiling. Yukimura and I have something to discuss, but we will meet you at the plaza once we finish up here."

Hinoka nodded. "We'd be happy to show them around. Since there's eight of us, why don't we pair off?"

Corrin nodded. "That sounds like a good idea."

Azura turned towards her siblings. "We can pair up on the way there. Let's begin heading to the square."

As the eight of them left for the tour, Yukimura mentioned something on his mind to Ryoma and Mikoto. "I can't imagine Corrin is fully comfortable with all of this, but he seems to be fitting in quite nicely."

Ryoma crossed his arms. "His return may be cause for celebration, but for some reason I don't quite feel ready to celebrate."

Mikoto looked to her son with concern. "What makes you say that?"

Ryoma closed his eyes in thought. "I may just be cautious, but since the encounter up north, I've felt like something ominous has been watching from nearby. We should remain on high alert, if you ask me."

Mikoto didn't say anything in response, but she did remember what she predicted a few weeks prior and Ryoma's fears would be realized all too soon.

The tour group had split into pairs, although each pair stayed relatively close together throughout the tour. Hinoka and Yuuki were leading the group, seeing as they were the most action-oriented of the group. Directly behind them, Azura and Corrin were casually strolling through the various vendors along the crowded streets. Sinon and Takumi were right behind them, the two remaining silent as they walked, but they each had their own reason for doing so. Sakura and Aiko stayed at the back of the group, neither of them wanting to attract much attention.

Hinoka was keeping up a lively conversation with Yuuki as they lead the group. "Honestly," Hinoka chuckled. "When I heard that you two served Corrin, I couldn't believe it myself!"

Yuuki nodded. "He seems like the nicest person around. He even saved a wounded bird a few months after we met him."

Hinoka smirked at him over her shoulder. "Yeah, that sure sounds like him. I just wish we hadn't been separated this long."

Yuuki placed a hand on the princess's shoulder. "Hey, he's back now. Cheer up."

Hinoka turned to look ahead. "You're right. I just need something with a little action to keep my mind off of it."

Yuuki grinned at Hinoka. "How about a race to the plaza?"

Hinoka returned with a cocky smirk. "Ready when you are!"

The two of them took off before Corrin could call out to Yuuki. "Hey! Don't run...off-"

Azura sighed. "Your retainer is almost always up for any type of challenge."

Corrin shrugged. "She's always been like this, from what her sister told me. I just hope she doesn't get into any trouble."

Azura giggled. "She's certainly enthusiastic, I'll give her that much."

An old woman working at a nearby stall called out to the two of them. "Hey, young man! Would you like to try my world-famous roasted potatoes? They're delicious and nutritious! I guarantee you'll love 'em."

Corrin smiled at the vendor. "Well…sure! Why not?" He accepted the entree and took a quick bite. "Mmm…I've never tasted spices like these before. This is delicious!"

The old woman chuckled in delight, picking up another one. "Ha ha! Told ya! Here, take an extra one on the house. Share it with your lady friend!"

Corrin took it with gratitude. "Well, thank you very much! Here you go, Azura."

Azura took it in hand as Corrin gave it to her. "Thank you, Corrin. Mmm, you're right. This is delicious.

Corrin took another bite, looking around at the various vendors. "Everyone really is friendly here. And it's so…bright…and open. It's quite a contrast from the fortress I grew up in."

Azura smiled at him. "I'm glad you like it. Like I said, I've always been happy here." She then noticed something. "Hold on, Corrin. You have a little potato on your chin."

Corrin looked down at where Azura was pointing. "Oh, oops."

Azura took a napkin from a nearby stall. "Here, let me get it."

Corrin tried to stay still, but it tickled him as she tried to get the small scraps. "Ah! Heh! That tickles!"

Azura kept moving to try and grab the few crumbs on his chin. "Hold still! I can't get it when you squirm like that."

A few paces behind them, Sinon was enjoying her stroll with Takumi in tow. "It's been too long since I've seen such a lively marketplace."

Takumi wasn't too happy being separated in pairs. "Just don't get too comfortable around here…SHARP-SHOT."

Sinon glared at him. "Pardon me?"

Takumi scoffed at her. "I don't trust you. Shouldn't you and your lord be heading back to Nohr soon?"

Sinon growled at him in a low tone. "I thought you were going to stay silent about this."

Takumi crossed his arms. "Honestly, I could care less about you four. Your days here aren't unlimited, so you'd better enjoy them."

Sinon slapped his face as hard as she could, sending the royal archer stumbling. "That's enough of your attitude, Takumi."

Takumi rebalanced himself, covering his face with his hand. "Excuse me?"

Sinon stood up straight, glaring at him in rage. "We've done nothing to warrant your cruelty, so why are you calling us criminals? If I wasn't under orders to keep the peace, your previous comment would've cost you your arm."

Takumi managed to right himself. "The point is that I don't trust any of you. I just wanted to tell you that to your face."

Sinon frowned. "You've made your point quite clear. It's time you honor our agreement from earlier and keep your thoughts to yourself."

Takumi sighed. "Yes ma'am."

Sakura leaned over towards Aiko. "I apologize for Takumi's rudeness throughout this week. He's a bit of a hothead."

Aiko shrugged. "I may have a slight distaste towards him, but the easier thing to do is ignore him entirely."

Sakura smiled, holding out a small dumpling basket towards Aiko. "He'll come around soon. In the meantime, how'd you like to try a sweet rice dumpling? It's a Hoshidan specialty!"

Aiko returned the smile. "I'd love to." She accepted the sweet treat as they continued their walk. "Thanks, Sakura!"

Sakura beamed at her. "You're welcome! I hope you like it!"

Aiko was reminded of someone from a while ago. "You know, you remind me of a girl in Nohr who's around your age."

Sakura was interested in that point. "Oh? What's she like?"

Aiko tapped her chin with her finger. "Well, she's generous and kind. Always putting the need of others first…"

Hinoka called out to them from around the corner. "All right, you guys. The ceremony is starting. Come on!"

Sure enough, they were right around the corner from the plaza. Queen Mikoto was waiting for them with Ryoma and Yukimura nearby the statue in the center of the large plaza. The statue itself was of a white dragon, curled up into an egg-shaped form, its wings shielding it from any attacks it may face. Corrin surmised that it must be the Dawn Dragon he'd heard about while he was here. As he approached Mikoto, the hoshidan siblings and his retainers stepped away, taking their place closer to the statue than Queen Mikoto and Prince Corrin.

Queen Mikoto smiled at him, gesturing for him to step closer. As he did so, he noticed a cloaked figure stepping out from the crowds. It extended a hand out towards Corrin, holding it in a manner like it was reaching for something. All of a sudden, Ganglari, Corrin's sword, flew from its place on his hip and into the figure's hands. The cloaked figure stabbed Ganglari into the ground, creating a small explosion where it pierced the stone.

After the explosion cleared, Corrin saw the sword itself had broken apart into different shaped metal fragments. Each fragment was coated in a violet aura, floating in midair around the cloaked figure. Almost as soon as he realized what was happening, the shards blasted forward, headed straight for Corrin. The prince put up his arms in a defensive position, hoping that he could protect himself from anything too deadly.

Unfortunately for everyone, someone else stepped in and took the hit. Mikoto realized the trajectory and stepped in front of Corrin, shielding him from the projectiles and taking a fatal blow to her spine. Mikoto gasped in pain, stunned by the intense blows and her immediate paralysis. She stumbled forward, where Corrin could reach out and catch her as she fell.

Mikoto looked up at her son with a saddened look. "You were not hurt? …Tell me…you're okay."

Corrin nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "I'm fine…mother."

Mikoto's face fell into a pained smile as her life began to fade away. "Thank… you… Corrin." With that, Mikoto breathed her last breath, closing her eyes to the world forever.

Corrin couldn't believe it. Another person he had grown close to was now dead because of him. "MOTHER!" he cried out in anguish, his voice echoing across the capital.

Sakura took one look at the scene. "Mother?" When Mikoto didn't respond, she motioned to run towards the fallen queen. "MOTHER!"

Ryoma held her back with his left arm. "It's not safe, Sakura. Go help those who are wounded." He turned to face the cloaked figure. "You there!"

The figure didn't respond, but it took two steps back away from the samurai. Ryoma rushed forward, slashing upward with Raijinto. As the blade cut through the cloak, it revealed that the figure underneath had vanished.

Ryoma turned around immediately. "Show yourself!" he called out in rage.

As he turned, he noticed a change currently happening in Corrin. Corrin had set down Mikoto, but his armor had begun to give off a red glow. Corrin cried out in rage as his hair began to shine brightly and his eyes turned white. Corrin began to shift form, each body part changing to something new. His arms extended to form the front legs of a stag-like animal while his legs became the hind legs. His head grew a silver mask over it, sprouting horns and a bony, exoskeletal jaw. Silver wings emerged from his back, extending outward in a majestic fashion. The aura cleared soon after, revealing a large winged, silver dragon, with a draconic, enraged roar accompanying his transformation.

Sinon, Yuuki, and Aiko were astounded by the transformation. "Woah," Yuuki uttered. "He can do THAT?!"

Sinon looked around the courtyard. "Watch out, guys! There's more of them!"

Azura called out to Corrin. "CORRIN! If you can hear me, avoid the spirits with the jagged swords! They'll cut into your scales!"

Sinon readied her bow. "Will he really have to worry about those?"

Azura nodded. "He's taken the form of an ancient dragon, a legendary creature of old. Unfortunately, the sword users are carrying Wyrmslayers, which are designed to kill dragons."

Sinon drew Galesbane as she voiced her reply. "I'll start by taking those out first."

Yuuki and Aiko burst forward as Yuuki called out to the others. "Knock these guys down or put them down! We can't let the townspeople get harmed any further!"

Azura took up her staff before switching it out for a spare naginata that Hinoka brought. "I can use my song to strengthen those who feel too weak to continue, but Sakura should be able to heal anyone who takes too much damage."

Hinoka whistled loudly. After a moment, her pegasus flew overhead and swooped down, allowing Hinoka to leap upon its back and gain the aerial advantage. Her skills in the air were much better than her land combat skills, so it was more or less to help her more than gain an upper hand on the enemy.

At this time, Corrin had lept into the fray, ramming his horns into one of the nearby illusory figures. He tossed the humanoid over his shoulder before spinning around and slamming another with his extended tail. Sinon's fire arrow soared by him, taking out an approaching sword-user holding a Wyrmslayer. As the flame burst by, Corrin bucked his hind legs into the invader, sending him flying through the statue, knocking half of it away and crushing his opponent on the way down.

Azura noted his chaotic behavior as the enemy's numbers dwindled quickly with him as the main active fighter. She knew that the First Dragons had powers unlike any other, but to go chaotic from losing someone close could lead to permanent transformation and mental insanity. Azura needed to calm him once the battle was over so that she could save him from himself.

Sinon and Takumi had been surrounded by axe-wielders on all sides and were now backed in close to each other. While the overall size of the enemy force was relatively smaller, there was easily fifteen opponents for them to kill. Sinon drew her bow as Takumi drew his, both magical arrows aimed for their targets. Their fighting styles were similar enough that, despite Takumi's distrust, the two combatants synergized their movements, firing over each other's flanks, kicking opponents into the path of the other's arrows, and performing trick shots like rolling over one's back to swap both directions and targets with almost no verbal communication.

Yuuki and Aiko were in a different scenario, however. Their single target was an ethereal knight, its shield taking any damage they could deal and its lance keeping them on their toes, unable to perform a leap over the defensive wall and land a finishing blow. Yuuki finally got tired of this, leaping onto the shield and springboarding off of it, knocking it out of the way.

Yuuki hollered to her sister at this point. "Aiko! NOW!"

Aiko boosted forward, slashing her levin sword through the knight's chestplate, killing it and exploding it in a cloud of smoke littered with lightning. As the figure fell, both twins dropped to their knees, exhausted from their high-speed combative maneuver and the lengthened combat. Lucky for them, Ryoma was fighting the only enemy left, the robed sword user holding Ganglari. He hadn't taken a hit yet, but his reaction time had slightly dropped from the prolonged battle.

As Ryoma was ready to strike with another blow, Azura called out to him. "Ryoma! Get down!"

Ryoma looked behind him and immediately dived to one side, rolling out of the way. Corrin flew by, slamming his claw into Ganglari, knocking it aside. He followed it up with a tail swipe, then a headbutt, and finished off the combo with an uppercut with his other front leg. With all foes now defeated, Corrin roared out again, the dragon's bellowing echoed across the desecrated plaza.

Azura stepped forward and began singing the same song Aiko and Corrin heard when they met her. "You are the ocean's grey waves."

As she sang, she stepped forward towards Corrin. He quieted down as a swirl of water began forming around him and Azura. The pendant upon the songstress's chest began to glow, slowly levitating a few inches ahead of Azura as she walked.

Ryoma instantly recognized the song, dashing towards the singing princess. "Azura! No! STOP!"

As he rushed forward, the barrier of water knocked him back. Before he could rush forward again, Sinon placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder at her, seeing her giving him a look that told him to stay back.

Azura restarted the song as she kept up her calm approach, an open gesture with her arms outstretched towards the dragon. "You are the oceans grey waves…"

As she sang, Corrin's roars were silenced. He would try to roar, yes, but all that came out was a slight breathing noise. Corrin stepped back slightly in fear, his primal instincts controlling him rather than his mind. Azura reached up to his face, placing her hand on his cheek. As she did so, her singing reached the final line.

Azura smiled as she ended the final line. "…The path is yours to climb."

Corrin began to lay down on the ground, completely calmed by the music's power. As he did so, his body burst into blue flames and he began to shrink back into his human form. When the flames and dust cleared, he was back to his old self, hunched over with both hands on the ground.

Corrin gasped from the effort required to revert to his human form. "I…I finally remember. I remember…"

As he said this, he began to see the memories of the night he was taken. Garon had surrounded Shirasagi, who looked almost the exact same as Ryoma if Ryoma had a short beard, with soldiers all wielding bows. Corrin, a small child at this time, was hiding behind Shirasagi a short distance back. Garon held his great axe in hand while Shirasagi held Raijinto in hand.

Garon smirked as he gave his command. "Fire at will."

At his order, all of the archers let loose their arrows, piercing Shirasagi with more than two-dozen arrows, sending the Hoshidan King to his knees. Shirasagi held himself up with Raijinto, but his strength was fading quickly. Garon slowly stepped forward, bringing his axe across his chest.

"You disappoint me, Shirasagi," the Nohrian King growled. "This wasn't even my finest trap."

Garon swiftly slashed through Shirasagi, sending the samurai sprawling on the ground. Corrin was frozen in fear, unable to call out for help, run, or even rush up to his father to check on him. Garon noticed this, taking a few steps towards the young boy.

"Poor thing," he said, his voice striking fear into the young boy's heart. "Orphaned at… such a tender young age." He began to reach out for Corrin as he said, "You are MY child now."

The memory ended there for Corrin, but it was all that he needed to see. "My real father…"

Sinon stepped forward, putting her bow away as she approached. "Are you alright, my lord?"

Corrin looked down at his hands. "I am. I'm just disgusted with myself. I felt…trapped within my own mind. I couldn't control my actions…just like I was a feral creature with a lust to mame those who wronged me."

Azura stepped over to him. "What's done is done. I'm just glad that we managed to save you from your rampage before too long."

Corrin shook his head. "What was I just now?"

Azura kneeled down next to him. "You have the blood of the First Dragons that was activated. It managed to turn you into an ancient dragon in turn."

Sinon looked over to Ryoma. "I thought that dragon's blood only runs through the veins of Nohrian Royals."

Ryoma crossed his arms. "The blood of the Dusk Dragon flows through the Nohrian Royals. The blood of the Dawn Dragon flows through Hoshidan Royals. Corrin is special, though. He can actually take the form of a dragon."

Sinon nodded. "I've seen something akin to this before, but the individuals I've met were literally dragons who had the form of humans."

Azura tapped her chin. "I've only heard of this, but Corrin's transformation proves he has something extraordinary."

Corrin began looking around at the destroyed plaza. "What about the townspeople?"

Yuuki stepped up. "It's unbelievable. The whole plaza is demolished. There were vendors around the corner, children playing in the street, even a few families enjoying a meal."

Ryoma frowned. "That's what the Nohrians do. They don't care who they have to slay to achieve their goal. Let me guess. Did King Garon present you with that sword as a gift?"

Corrin nodded. "Yes."

Ryoma closed his eyes. "Then it's all his plan. He orchestrated the whole thing." He smiled at Corrin. "It's not your fault, brother. He knew you'd be brought before the queen…"

Sinon crossed her arms. "I'd suspect that he wanted her dead and the barrier destroyed. It would allow for an army to invade unimpeded."

Corrin sighed. "If only I had known. I'm sorry I didn't realize it before it was too late."

Takumi scoffed at his apology. "Empty words from you mean nothing."

Sinon turned immediately, drawing Galesbane and readying an arrow. "Say one more word and you'll wish you hadn't spoken."

Takumi ignored her threat. "This is your fault! You're to blame for mother's death! Countless others died as well all because you showed up. You never belonged here, Corrin!"

Ryoma glared at his younger brother in anger. "That's enough, Takumi!"

Azura calmly informed him of his fallacy. "Your words mean little, Takumi. They won't bring back those who we've lost and they won't calm your heart."

Takumi turned on Azura. "You have no right, Azura! You're nothing more than an interloper who's been with us far longer than Corrin!"

Sinon's grip on her bow tightened. "You swore to stay silent about this, prince. I will shoot your shoulder if you push this any farther!"

Takumi glared at the defending retainer. "Then shoot me. I don't care if my words land me in hell! I bet you're in on this as well, you fake legend!"

Sinon scowled at him. "I thought you were better than this! I defended my title and do not claim to be a legend, but I will not stand for breaking a promise!"

Takumi put up a hand in protest. "Are we to really believe you had no idea this would happen?"

"We fought side by side!" Sinon replied. "Isn't that proof enough?!"

Takumi scoffed once more. "I don't care if he's my brother by blood or if you all were saviors from another world. I don't ever wish to see you four again."

Yukimura cut in at this point, stepping up from around a corner. "Takumi! Lady Mikoto would not have wanted this at all!"

Takumi's ire had been raised too high for him to maintain a calm manner. "What do you know about it, Yukimura?"

Ryoma raised his eyebrow in interest. "Did mother say something to you, Yukimura?"

Yukimura nodded. "I'd hate to deliver this news, but Lady Mikoto foresaw her own death months ago. Corrin, this isn't your fault. King Garon utilized you for his own gain, but there was nothing you could do about it. On top of that, Queen Mikoto believed there may be a darker force at work behind these events."

Unseen by others, Sinon, Yuuki, and Aiko looked at each other, nodding a silent agreement. "Undoubtedly," they whispered simultaneously.

Yukimura continued without noticing them. "While she didn't know how, she knew it would be today at the ceremony and through saving her son's life. There's another thing left. Take a look at the statue."

All eyes turned to the remains of the Dawn Dragon's statue. The statue had been decimated, leaving only the lower half intact. Stuck in the statue itself, a golden item could be seen sticking out of it.

Sinon was the first to see what it was. "Is that…a sword?"

Ryoma realized what it was. "It can't be!"

Yukimura shifted his glasses before they could slide off. "Yes, it can and it is. That is the divine sword, Yato. Much like Raijinto and Fujin Yumi, Yato may only be wielded by a chosen individual. The Yato is said to be forged as the key to peace in our world."

Corrin smiled. "The key to peace..."

As the words left his lips, the golden sword rose out of the statue it was stuck in. The divine blade twirled around above the statue before levitating still, the hilt pointing directly at Corrin. It flew through the air, landing in Corrin's outstretched hand. As his hand grasped the blade, a golden aura coated his body, radiating vibrantly for a moment before dying away slowly.

Ryoma was astounded by the sword's actions. "It's chosen Corrin!"

Takumi muttered under his breath. "Impossible."

Sinon turned towards the twins. "I guess we were with the right royal."

Yuuki shrugged. "But how do we tell him?"

Aiko sighed. "We may be able to someday…"

All conversations were halted as Kagero sprinted towards them, kneeling before Ryoma when she arrived. "Lord Ryoma! A large Nohrian army has invaded and is crossing into Hoshido as we speak!"

Ryoma nodded. "I expected as much from them. I have tried to avoid an all out war, but now their actions have forced my hand. Who's with me?"

All of the Hoshidans fled before Azura, Corrin, or his retainers could say anything to them. The five of them were left behind in the decimated plaza, none willing to say anything at first.

Finally, Sinon broke the silence. "So, Lord Corrin? What do we do?"

Corrin shook his head. "There has to be a peaceful way to solve this crisis. I just wonder what it could be. I suppose we should head to the border with Ryoma to try and avoid an all out war."

Azura grasped his hand. "If you get involved in the conflict, your dragon form could return and you may not be able to return from it."

Sinon crossed her arms. "If you yield entirely, you'll lose complete control, right?"

Azura nodded. "Indeed. There is a work around, but I'll need you to give me your hand."

Yuuki smirked at her. "A little early to be breaking out the wedding rings, eh, Azura?"

Azura's face turned strawberry red. "Not like that! I need to give you an item. Extend your hand and close your eyes."

Corrin simply extended his left hand and lightly shut his eyes. Azura placed a small green stone in it, curled both of her hands around his, and closed her eyes. A white light emanated from her hands before dying away.

Azura breathed out a sigh of relief. "I've connected you to this Dragonstone. It will allow you to control your dragon form as well as summon it upon command. You only need to keep it on you and keep it safe."

Corrin opened his eyes. "I feel like a burden has been lifted, slightly. Thank you, Azura. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Yuuki muttered under her breath. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say they-"

Sinon leaned over to Yuuki. "Don't say it."

Corrin stood up, holding Yato close. "Alright, you three. We may encounter Xander and the others, so we'll need to move swiftly and try to create a peaceful solution if able." He looked towards Azura. "If you don't feel comfortable, you don't have to come with us. I only hope I can repay you for saving my life today."

Azura shook her head. "If anything, I'd rather come along anyway. Allow me to help protect you in any way that I can."

Corrin smiled at her. "Then in that case, let's hurry."

N-Sight: Well, *sniff* I guess I really did need that tissue box, but that was too cute.

Yuuki: HEY! Focus! You wrote that in there to divert attention from Mikoto's death!

Sinon: That's the whole point. Her death comes early enough that she's a catalyst, but not much else.

N-Sight: Okay. *sniff* I think I got it out of my systems.

Yuuki: Are we going to see Juliet-less Romeo and Two-Tongued Shakespeare next time?

N-Sight: If you mean Laslow and Odin, respectively, then no. Unfortunately not yet.

Yuuki: Aw, damn! I wanted to roast them again!

N-Sight: I think you just did...