Chapters 1-17 have been heavily rewritten; mostly consistency, grammar and continuity issues. Give it a look, yeah. I'm in the process mirroring this story on AO3, hence the revamping. Most chapters probably witnessed a 33% increase in content and a definite improvement in grammar. My English gets better with time, I'll assure you that.
Robin and Elise- Merciless
Morgan found Kana in Azura's tent, which was by extension Corrin's tent to begin with. So many memories came across Morgan's mind as she remembered the first few days she spent in her mother's company as a Shepherd. Come to think of it, her very first memories she could recall were in this room, and she hoped everything else remained left in its own godforsaken place with Grima.
Upon seeing her former roommate, Azura stepped away from Kana and gestured towards Morgan, and the young boy crashed into his sister's arms.
"Shh, it's fine," Morgan whispered to her brother's ears, gazing on Azura for guidance. When the dancer shook her head with a shrug, Morgan knew it was up to her to comfort Kana. Nodding silently as she left, Azura closed the tent door behind her.
"..."
"..." The only sounds heard were Kana's labored sniffling and Morgan's slightly nervous breathing.
"..."
"Mama and Papa will come back, won't they?" Kana mumbled, prompting his sister to clutch him even harder.
"Of course they will! Mom and Dad are both super smart! They'll find their way out of anything they got caught in! You know what? I bet they let themselves get kidnapped so they could find the enemy commander even faster!"
Of course, this was half-bravado for Morgan and half reassurance for herself. Well, how could an enemy who could snoop in their own tent under the cover of dark just snatch the two Commanders from under their children's noses?
"I hope so," Kana whimpered, before sniffling his nose and taking a deep breath.
"I know so," Morgan corrected, trying to force a smile on her face.
"Lucina had nothing to do with Mama and Papa disappearing," Kana stuttered, trying to justify the innocence of the Princess he so adored.
"I said that out of anger," Morgan sighed, recalling her harsh words to the princess back when they were trying to place together the pieces. "I didn't mean that."
"Oh."
"..."
"..."
"What are we going to do now?" Morgan wondered aloud, but Kana's fierce gaze gave her the answer.
"We're going to find Mama and Papa. Then, we're going to rescue them!"
"B-but Kana, we don't even know-"
"Shh... I hear something," Kana perked up, leaning towards the tent door. Suddenly, it opened abruptly causing Kana to scream before recollecting himself.
Cynthia and Owain's heads peeked into the tent, and Morgan could see that Azura was outside too, no doubt the one who led the children to their friends.
"Perhaps we can help?" Midori chimed in from underneath Cynthia's arm, and from outside, the rest of the Justice Cabal grinned or in Gerome's case, scowled, at the two white-haired kids.
"You're part of our Cabal too, ya know," Cynthia reassured, "And we'll always stand by your side! Besides! We're particularly talented in finding lost people, if you've forgotten our Krismas adventure already!"
"B-but, where do we begin?" Morgan wondered, doubtful in her own abilities. Cynthia laughed and outstretched her hand towards the prince and the tactician in training.
"I thought you'd never ask!"
With ruthless efficiency, Robin wielded Expiration to its crafted potential, and its aftermath was absolute: The multiple samurai lay sprawled on Castle Nohr's floor, bleeding out from multiple protruding spikes in their torso. Kaze lay wheezing next to Rinkah, who cradled the dying ninja's head in her lap as she sat helpless, both legs snapped and shattered.
"I have dispatched our enemies, Father. Is there anything mo-"
"Are you going to just let them stand there, idiot boy? Execute them!"
Don't do it-
Robin appeared distraught at the return of his own voice in his head, but he fought off the pleas in his mind as he raised his hand.
"Your will is my command, Father."
"Robin..." Xander whispered.
"You expire at the hands of a prince. You will find the honor you seek in death," Robin stated heartlessly, causing Elise and Camilla in particular to frown. In the former's case, she gasped outright.
I beg of you, Robin-
"Big brother, you shouldn't-" Garon interrupted the princess with a loud voice, causing her to retreat behind Camilla.
"Silence, foolish girl. The boy will only have this chance to prove his loyalty to Nohr. Mercy is not in our blood."
"King G-garon is right, you know," Kaze said between breaths. "Nohr never bartered in anything but strength. Do not disappoint him or your heritage, Prince." Robin turned to Garon, who waited impatiently with his arms crossed.
"Stand on your feet," Robin ordered, pushing Kaze away from Rinkah as she was helpless to help her comrade.
"W-what are you doing," Kaze groaned, blood oozing from his chest and mouth as he was forced onto his feet.
"A Nohrian barters in strength," Robin echoed. "And I need you at your strongest if you are to face an honorable death."
"So... be... it," Kaze sighed, struggling without Robin's help onto his feet until he stood face to face to the prince.
"You represent your people and clan honorably, ninja," Robin said in eulogy. "May the burdens of politics and war never weigh you down again."
Spare him! You can't kill him!
"Your sacrifices were in vain, for Nohr will triumph against any foe," Robin sighed, ready to release Expiration's power.
No! He needs to be alive-
"Brother, no!" Elise yelled, but Robin was already mid-cast. It was too late for Kaze.
Listen to your sister! Listen to me!
Robin's conviction forced the voice out of his head just as he released the spell. The dark spikes that shot out from Expiration flew out of the ground and...
Straight over Kaze's head.
Turning to see Elise's arm over his own, Robin sighed as the Princess of Nohr had deflected his attack.
"Not now, Elise."
"But Robin! What happened to you! You would never kill these people!"
Listen to her.
"I am not going back to that tower!" Robin yelled, shoving back Elise and turning to Kaze and Rinkah. "I will claim my Nohrian birthright!"
You just gave it up the second you harmed Elise.
Elise fell to the ground, not exactly hurt but in shock that the Robin she had come to love and adore as a brother would just shove her aside. Camilla helped the princess up but couldn't stop the tears that fell.
"...Robin."
"Prince Robin of Nohr, do what you must," Kaze said sadly, bowing his head in defeat.
I will.
With a blast that came straight from his own hands and not from Expiration, Robin fired a blast so immense that the whole room was blinded for a few seconds and those closest to the center were blown backwards. Robin, Elise, and Camilla picked themselves up once the dust settled and their eyes saw that half of the palace floor was obliterated. Kaze, Rinkah, along with the corpses of the samurai were nowhere to be seen, aside from the ash that silhouetted their previous forms.
"No!" Elise whimpered, looking at Robin in hatred before running off.
Robin finally got that damn voice out of his head and looked at Expiration, lying just a few feet away.
"Is it... corrupting me?" He whispered barely to himself. Seeing Elise, he cursed himself in disgust. "I should have spared them. I would have found a way. But... I might have gotten sent back to the tower-"
"Excellent work, Robin. It is good to see that at least one of my children has the conviction to do what is necessary."
"I do not understand, Father."
"Ah, you see, Xander, Leo, and Camilla all hesitated when faced with the same scenario. They did not find their pride in Nohr enough to execute their foes, so they merely stood there like idiots. Such lack of drive will get you killed against your foes. But that is not something you are lacking in, my son."
"Y-yes, Father," Robin said softly, noting the stares of blankness from Xander and Camilla, and the gaze of jealousy from Leo.
"Now leave me. You have proven yourself and are now free to commit upon your own machinations. I will return to my study." With a flourish, Garon rose from his throne and departed, Iago and a bald man with an ax in pursuit. Once they left, Xander turned to Robin with concern.
"Are you alright, Little Prince?"
"I would have never done that," Robin echoed to his siblings, looking sadly for Elise.
"You did what you had to," Leo mocked, but bowing his head when Xander glared at the blond.
"The Robin I am would have never executed those people, no matter the consequences," Robin repeated. "I would have found a way... to spare them."
"Father would have never allowed that," Camilla reassured, placing her hand on Robin's shoulder.
"Where's Elise?"
"She ran off," Leo groaned, "And I'm about to too. I'll see you later, Robin." With an annoyed huff, Leo exited through the doorway and left just the three older siblings by themselves.
"Xander, Camilla, if you'll excuse me... I need to apologize to Elise."
"Robin, what you did was-"
"Detestable," Robin interrupted Xander with a stern glare. "I struck my own sister. That alone should deem me unworthy of Nohr's honor. I bid thee fare well, for now," Opening his mouth to say more, he simply nodded again and left the castle court to find his sister.
He found her in the courtyard, pulling flowers from the garden and leaving a trail of petals behind her.
"The Elise I know would tell me to admire these flowers at a distance," Robin whispered softly. Elise turned and rage overcame her face for a few seconds, before it softened up.
"I'm going to have to make that choice too, some day," she realized, sitting down and gesturing for her big brother to sit next to her.
"Be a better royal than me," Robin pleaded, laying Expiration down beside him. "Find a way that everyone can live."
"I hope there is a way," Elise wondered, laying the rest of the flowers by her feet and turning to Robin. "But I don't blame you for what you had to do."
"I didn't have to push you," Robin countered, bowing his head in his arms. "No Prince, no Nohrian would ever do that to his own precious sister."
"I... I forgive you," Elise stated. "But I know you won't forgive yourself."
"I don't."
"But... I'm glad you came back for me, Brother," Elise sighed as she rested her head on Robin's arm. "You scared me."
"I vow as a Prince and your brother that it will never happen again," Robin swore.
Good to hear that there's still a portion of your humanity left, Robin.
For once, Robin embraced the voice in his head, believing the conscience to be smarter than his own judgement at the moment.
"What do you need me to do?" Robin asked absently to himself.
"Huh? Well, I guess we can play for a while," Elise began, but Robin listened in his head for the voice.
That tome. Expiration... Be rid of it. But you need to have it on your person. Ah, this is going to be nothing but painful for both of us it seems.
Who are you?
Listen. When you cast that spell that near obliterated the throne room, that was a surge of my power trying to overcome Expiration. Rinkah and Kaze are alive.
What?
I sent them as far away as I could in the limited time of control I had over you. They should be near the border, but they are too injured to get back to Hoshido. No matter the methods, you need to keep them alive, and they need to get back to their home.
But how will I find them, or even get to the border?
You'll find a way, tactician.
Huh?
"Brother, are you alright?" Elise asked, interrupting Robin's conversation with himself.
"I'm... feeling unwell. Can we just play inside?" Elise nodded and led Robin by the hand back inside the castle.
However, his break was to be short lived, as Garon had been anticipating Robin's return in the throne room.
"Young Prince, I have an assignment for you."
Robin spun a one-eighty and faced his father, Elise cowering behind the cloaked prince.
"Y-yes, Father?" Garon took no heed or care of the hesitation the prince showed, instead rising to meet his son and daughter.
"There... has been a development along the border, near the Infinite Chasm."
Perfect.
"I want you, as your first action of being a fully fledged prince of Nohr, to neutralize and sanitize the area. Do not bother returning until Nohr's glory establishes itself along the empty fortress that is next to the chasm."
"R-right, Father. So I will seize the fort and then return?"
"Correct. As you have proven yourself worthy of bearing Nohr's standard, I will allow you to choose your own companions for this assignment. Do not waste any more time than necessary, Prince of Nohr. I grow more impatient by the second seeing you here idle."
"R-right! I shall be off with my retainers and-"
"Me!" Elise joined in, causing Garon to glare.
"I shall allow no such thing. Not only did you hamper Robin's judgement upon the Hoshidans, but you have not proven yourself in battle. No, your punishment shall be to stay here and wait."
"But-"
"Am I understood?" Garon yelled, causing Elise to shrink under his gaze.
"Y-yes..."
"Very well. Robin, the day grows short. I expect to hear news of your victory soon. Rid yourself of my sight, lest I rid you of your opportunity for glory."
With a nod and a bow, Robin turned back around, Elise following behind him as the prince looked for his maid.
"Here he is!" Cynthia led Morgan and Kana, along with the rest of the Justice Cabal to an empty stable where someone appeared to be tied up and gagged. Releasing the gag, the man who was bound breathed deeply for a minute before relaxing, his unwavering gaze certainly not hostile but still wary.
"Who is that?" Morgan asked, and Cynthia grinned.
"We caught him trying to ride towards our camp this morning!"
"Does Prince Chrom know?"
"...No." Cynthia appeared crestfallen for a second, but perked up again. "He's been so busy looking for your parents that the camp doesn't have orders! So, we kinda kept him in here all day."
"It is of no consequence, miladies," the captive remarked, relaxing despite his binds.
"You were trying to sneak in?" Morgan asked, doubtful.
"I suppose there are few ways to better announce my presence than with a thousand of my loyal countrymen behind me, but precautions are precautions, as faulty as mine were. Even with my small army, I was mistaken for an infiltrator."
"Huh?"
"Ah, my apologies, Ylisseans. I am Yen'fay, brother to Princess Say'ri of Chon'sin." Morgan's face lit up at the familiar name.
"W-wait. Yen'fay? As in General Yen'fay of Walhart's Second Division?"
"The one and the same, milady."
"But why are you here? Shouldn't you be attacking us or something?"
"Under different circumstances, yes," Yen'fay admitted. "But my scouts have reported that the Ylissean league is very much competent in their abilities. Enough so that I have broken my oath to Walhart because his blackmail is no longer valid."
"I'm afraid I do not understand, General Yen'fay."
"I am glad to tell my story, now that I know my sister is in very safe hands. Would it be too much to ask to bring me to Prince Chrom and Princess Say'ri's presence, so they may know the reason for my defection as well?" Cynthia and Morgan looked to each other, whispering their mind.
"Your call, tactician."
"I think it's safe." Cynthia nodded fiercely, agreeing with the tactician.
"Okay! Well, you heard the future grandmaster," Cynthia piped, "You're comin' with us!" Yen'fay bowed, and even despite his binds, seemed relatively peaceful.
"My thanks, tactician," Yen'fay said honestly, causing Morgan to smile. "I will see to it that my men aid the Ylisseans as much as they can in the coming fight."
"We'll see about that," Morgan warned, leading the way to Chrom's tent.
Robin and Felicia arrived at the Infinite Chasm not long after sundown. Gunter was preoccupied and Robin didn't mind having his mentor off his back for once. They made good time considering the distance, even from horseback.
"Alright," Robin warned, thumb brushing Expiration absently, causing both his head and the voice within to flinch. "I know what you heard from the castle, that I killed all the Hoshidans inside. And it's true... Very much true. But not all of it."
"Lord Robin..."
Felicia looked at her master in concern, but Robin smiled it off.
"That changes here. As much as we can help it, do not kill anyone, Please. In particular..."
Kaze and Rinkah, remember.
Right. I was about to get to that.
"Two of the Hoshidans I 'killed' in the palace are here. They are still injured and... Just stick with me, Felicia, okay?"
"You got it!" Felicia exclaimed, sticking close to Robin, her dagger at the ready as Robin took a breath and passed over into the visual range of the fortress. A few hundred feet closer and Robin heard the yelling of a Hoshidan archer, who drew a bead on him.
"Halt, Nohrian! In the name of Queen Mikoto and the Kingdom of Dawn, this is Hoshidan territory! Do you hear me! Don't step any closer-"
Robin calmly stopped moving and looked to Felicia, before holding out Expiration in his hand, feeling his head already throbbing.
"I hear you just fine, Hoshidan! I'll have to apologize for my trespassing in advance..."
Sorry for this.
Do what you must, tactician.
I have never been called that before.
"...But I'm afraid this fort belongs to the Kingdom of Nohr."
"Y-yen'fay!?" Say'ri cried gazing upon her brother and promptly punching him in the face. Aside from the bloody nose, Yen'fay didn't seem any less bothered.
"I am glad to see you in safe hands, dear sister," Ryoma looked at his wife and then to Pheros, who seemed just as shocked to see her rival General in the war room.
"Now, before we all kill each other," Morgan began nervously, "I brought Yen'fay in here because he needed to tell his side of accounts."
"I heard rumors of your pending desertion," Pheros interrupted, "But I didn't think them to be legitimate."
"Aye, why the change of heart, brother?" Say'ri asked.
"Hence my story," Yen'fay began.
"As many know by now, Walhart killed our parents at the beginning of his occupation. He was about to do the same to my sister, Say'ri. Thinking quickly, I decided I would rather forsake my honor than let my sister suffer any more than she was. Thus, I offered my seemingly full allegiance to Walhart in order to secure Say'ri's safety. I... planned on holding that secret to the end."
"But... why?"
"No Prince could live with the shame of forsaking his country and homeland... I should have died with my family that day, but that would mean Say'ri would too. My honor as a brother would not allow that."
"Yen'fay..." Say'ri whispered.
"I am here now because Say'ri is here, and safe. As a man in self-exile from his own country, I offer the Ylisseans but my humble and worthless life in service for your cause. I would rather die a thousand deaths than dishonor my family's name any further. I only wish that you do not harm the loyal Chon'sin who have followed me on this path to redemption. They will fight and die for their future, and the honor that they have not lost." Yen'fay bowed his head in shame, accepting his fate without complaint.
Ryoma stepped in front of Yen'fay and knelt so that he was face to face.
"Tell me, Prince Yen'fay. Have you achieved your goals of saving Say'ri's life?" Yen'fay looked up, and not recognizing the new Emperor of Chon'sin, did not answer immediately.
"That is up to Ylisse to determine."
"And yourself," Ryoma said slowly, drawing his katana and releasing Yen'fay's binds.
"R-raijintou... The legends... they're true! You have indeed come to free Chon'sin... My sister was right to trust in you. My men were right to fight for you." Ryoma shook his head and forced Yen'fay to his feet.
"A king is nothing without his followers. And if Say'ri has so much faith in you than so must I, as her husband and your people's ruler." Yen'fay looked at Say'ri in shock, but did not say a thing.
"Furthermore, when I free you from your constraints, I bind you to a new vow."
"My life is in your service, bearer of the Raijintou," Yen'fay whispered humbly.
"So be it. Your first act is to aid us in both the battle of information and on the field. Do you know anything of Commander's Robin and Corrin?" Yen'fay perked up, nodding.
"Aye, Excellus and the Western strangers that fell upon the Valmese Sea have devised a plan by now, and I can only assume that where Excellus is based, so too are your leaders."
Upon hearing this information, Cynthia and the rest of the Justice Cabal went outside the meeting, ignoring anything else that could have been shared.
"You heard the guy! Once we find that Valmese Commander, we find Robin! Alpha team, you're going-"
"What do you think you're doing?" A voice threatened, and nine heads turned to see Lucina standing between them and the stables. Morgan glared at the princess and took charge, walking up until she was face to face with the taller princess.
"I dare you to stand in our way, traitor." Lucina's initial reaction was shock, but she forced herself to calm down when she reminded herself of her goal.
"If you stayed just a few seconds longer, you would hear where one of your parents were being held," Lucina stated, causing Morgan to take the bait.
"And let me guess, you think you have a means to get us there?"
"No."
"Then stay out of our way." Lucina stayed adamant, slowly drawing Falchion as she stood against the nine children.
"I cannot let you charge into Valmese territory and die in a fruitless mission." Morgan hissed as she drew her levin sword, the lightning crackling around her as she stared down the princess.
"And I will not let you get in the way of my family any longer."
Robin and Felicia took over the fort with relative ease, and thankfully less casualties.
Still no sign of Kaze and Rinkah. Be on your guard.
Gathering all the prisoners up outside the castle walls, Robin made sure each one was tied and bound before facing them all, his back towards the fortress, and front towards Hoshido.
"Soldiers of Hoshido, you have done well to fight for your homeland. However, as fate may have it, I cannot allow you to proceed with your mission. But I will not punish you for your defiance to Nohr either. Return to your homes, return to your families. Live to fight another day. May we see each other on the battlefield, either as friends, or rivals. You are not my enemy this day."
"Why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't," Robin laughed, before untying the first samurai. Without a weapon, he instantly tried to attack Robin but the prince subdued the wounded and weak Hoshidan rather swiftly.
"But I will trust you to heed my words and return to Hoshido. It may not sound like the Nohrian way, but I see no reason to waste perfectly good lives and soldiers on such a petty fortress."
There we go, tactician.
Letting the soldier go, Robin waited for another attack but none came.
"You... you have my thanks, Nohrian." The samurai held his head in shame as he left towards home. As Robin freed the rest of the prisoners, he saw a Felicia grin at him at his actions.
"Some cold-blooded killer you are," His maid joked, still on her guard for any ambushes.
"I have no hatred for Hoshido. I already have their blood on my hands though, and I cannot forgive that-"
"Nngh..." Robin heard groaning from the woodline, and he gestured for Felicia to follow.
"Be on your guard, Felicia."
"I'm on your guard, not mine," his maid assured.
Parting the brush, Robin found Kaze and Rinkah, the latter unconscious but the former tending to his wounds.
Careful.
"There you are," Robin said, kneeling next to Kaze warily. Kaze greeted the Prince with a small smile, not entirely thrilled at seeing him at this place.
"Nohrian! Ah, I'll admit, you are persistent. And I'm guessing me not being dead is your fault." Robin nodded at the compliment before offering his own vulnerary to Kaze.
"Are you fit to travel back to Hoshido?" Robin asked.
They have to make it back, remember.
"I'm afraid not," Kaze sighed, pointing at the large bloodstains on his torso and shins, and Rinkah's broken legs.
"Felicia," Robin began, "Are you okay with coming with me?"
"Where, milord?"
"I am obligated by duty as a prince to return these prisoners to their rightful home." Felicia nodded slowly, taking out her staff and doing her best to heal Kaze's wounds.
You have to trust me on this. You will need to submit yourself to the Hoshidan royals. Then will the answer be revealed.
"And Felicia..." Robin began, noticing Kaze's slight movements for his shuriken.
"Yes, milord?"
"I intend to turn myself in to Hoshido."
"W-what?!" Felicia stopped what she was doing and looked at Robin like he was insane. Kaze paused his ambush as well, looking at the prince in bewilderment.
"I have their countrymen's blood on my hands, even the ones I managed to save. I cannot let that crime go unpunished."
Fight the corruption with justice. Just like Lucina would.
"I see, milord. But what of these two?"
"That's why you are free to leave. I cannot risk you coming unto further harm," Robin explained, placing Felicia's hand in his. "I would never want you getting hurt."
"I am with you to the end, milord," Felicia reassured. "If I am to become a prisoner, then I hope we get to share a cell!"
"Heh." Felicia punched Robin and his coy grin grew even bigger. "Lucky me."
"Oh, not like that!"
Nodding in confidence, Robin offered Kaze his hand, while Felicia slung the unconscious Rinkah onto her horse, still blushing over Robin's effective flirting.
"I saw you reaching for your shuriken earlier, ninja. Nothing is stopping you now." Kaze shook his head, respectfully bowing to the prince.
"My conscience and my honor are quite the barriers. Barriers which have been restored, thanks to you. I will make sure the Hoshidan royals treat you as fairly and kindly as my testimony can grant you."
"Anything to rid myself from Nohr and its corruption," Robin breathed, grinning as the dark was being left behind.
Just a little longer, tactician.
After a brief standoff, Cynthia convinced both Morgan and Lucina to stand down, mentioning that 'More planning needs to be done' before the two girls go for each other's throats. The former putting up more of a fight than the latter, the tension dissipated once Morgan sheathed her blade. As the rest of the Cabal left, Lucina was left alone as she too sheathed her Awoken Falchion and nodded confidently to herself, sighing at the result.
"L-lucina?" The princess turned to see Kana, hands nervously on each other.
"Kana," The princess acknowledged, forcing a smile onto her face for the younger boy.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry my sister hates you. She thinks you're to blame for this. I don't think that's true."
"The sympathy is appreciated, Kana, but not necessary. I can handle a little negative energy." Lucina looked away from the boy to find Morgan still staring at her.
"C-can you... Can you come with us?" She turned back to the boy in shock.
"What?"
"You are one of our strongest fighters. E-even if you don't agree with big sister, I want you to help us. And help me."
"Kana, I cannot."
"I... I won't let you say no."
"Kana... this is not about Robin or Corrin. This is about keeping the rest of you safe, at least while we come up with a plan."
"I'll keep you s-safe," Kana blurted. Lucina tilted her head to the younger boy, not exactly sure what he meant.
"I told you, I am not part of your plan."
"Don't worry, I know what to do. And you'll eventually trust me, I hope." Kana slowly took out his dragonstone, facing it towards the sky. However, the tent opening behind him stopped his movements.
Both of them turned when Chrom came outside, pointing at the two of them.
"I don't know what you two are scheming out here, but whatever you have, you two need to get ready. Nohrian air and land cavalry is on the way to our camp. This is our perfect chance to send in a strike team to a position Yen'fay disclosed, where one of our Commanders might be located. Lucina, Kana, you're that strike team."
