Chapter 7:

Corrin sat on the roof of the Hoshidan castle. The sky was a magnificent blend of orange and yellow as the sun rose. The light cascaded over the surrounding landscape, painting an image reminiscent of the vibrant watercolors he had seen adoring the Hoshidan throne room. Unfortunately, the beautiful atmosphere served only to sharply contrast with the prince's mood.

"Corrin? You wanted to talk to me?"

"Kaze, thanks for coming. I'm sorry for the strange meeting place but after yesterday I thought it was for the best."

"You… might be right about that. So what's wrong? You're message made it seem urgent. Are some of them nobles giving you trouble?"

Corrin winced. "Not yet. And I don't intend to give them the chance. After yesterday's incident I think it would be best if Lilith and I were to make our exit."

Kaze sat down and looked out over the surrounding countryside. "You are sure? If you two leave there will be no going back. You'll be branded as fugitives."

"You think I don't know that? But what else am I supposed to do? I've been here less than a month and I've already put my mother's position in jeopardy. Imagine the damage I would do if I stayed."

"You may have a point." Kaze admitted slowly. "But at the same time, don't you think you're overreacting? I think you might be taking this a little too quickly."

"A little too quickly?"

"Corrin, please try to stay calm. I know you must-" Kaze began.

"And what would you know about this?" Corrin demanded. "You have no idea what I've been through; what I'm dealing with right now! Just who do you think you are?"

"Who am I?" Kaze whispered, refusing to meet the prince's gaze. "I'm the man who was presumed dead only to return with an enemy prince. I am the man whose family no longer trusts him because they think he's a spy. You think you're going through a lot Corrin? Well I'm sorry to break this to you, but of the two of us I'm worse off here. At least you have a home to go back to."

Corrin glanced at the ninja before looking away in shame. "Kaze, why didn't you say anything?"

"There was no good time to say it. And besides, as you said; we both have our own issues to deal with. I didn't want to worry you."

"But your family, do they really…"

Kaze sighed. "My brother's job means he has to always be suspicious. And as far as my mother is concerned… well she has always been obsessed with the family's name and prestige. My being captured was bad enough, but being rescued by a Nohrian? It doesn't matter whether I'm a traitor or not; in her eyes I'm a disgrace."

An awkward silence fell upon the duo.

"We're really quite the pair aren't we?" Corrin said with a sigh.

"Truly."

"So what are we going to do?"

"Do? Corrin, what is that WE can do? Last time I checked you were the one with the choice here. Are you going to stay or go?"

"I told you that-

"Oh no you don't. I'm not letting you take the easy path without thinking. I have a stake in this too. As I'm sure you've released by now. I am asking you, as a fellow outcast, hear me out."

"Kaze? What do you…?"

"I'll get to that. Just, please, humor me." Kaze interrupted, waving the prince down. "Now, before we go any further, please tell me just why you think you need to leave."

Corrin shrugged. "I told you. The longer I stay here the more damage I'll do to my mother's position. In the end it might result in her losing standing in the court or even being overthrown or assassinated. I can't let that happen."

"Alright, now tell me; why do you think that would happen?

"Because-"

"Because you don't know how Hoshidans live. You worry that your Nohrian upbringing will prevent you from relating or living with your family here, right?" Kaze continued, his voice steady and confident. "You're right of course, the cultures are completely different. For instance, what is it that Nohr values above all else?"

"Have you noticed you're talking a lot more than usual?"

"Please, don't ignore the question."

Corrin thought for a second, looking out over the countryside. "They honor ability above all else. If you can't support society then society will not support you. Even if you are common born by birth, ability can even lead to a spot in the nobility. My father's chief advisor was born a peasant."

"Now think about how that compares to Hoshido. Here, honor and prestige are most important. If you are born into a noble family, you are expected to carry on that family's legacy and uphold their honor. However, if you are born a commoner there is no chance to move up in the world. We are all bound by the status we are born into."

"That sounds awful." Corrin replied with disgust.

"Not necessarily." Kaze rebuked. "If Nohr is how you describe it, there must be a constant state of competition. Everyone is against everyone with success and power only being given to the small number of victors. Here in Hoshido everyone may be trapped in their role, but because of that there is no need to fight each other. We can happily embrace our lot in life and focus on being happy."

"So what are you trying to say? That Hoshido is good and Nohr is bad?" Corrin asked, confused. "You know, I'm pretty sure I already got that from those nobles at court." When the ninja didn't answer he considered the words again, eventually coming to another answer. "No that's not it. There are aspects of each side that are good and bad."

"That was my conclusion as well. Hoshido offers safety but lacks freedom. Its laws are rigid and unyielding."

"And Nohr offers freedom and an opportunity for a better life but encourages conflict. It's always in a state of flux." Corrin finished. "So wouldn't it be better for me to leave? From what you said, the two sides seem incompatible."

"You might be right." Kaze shrugged. "Yet we are still allies, are we not? What does that say?"

The sun had finally finished its accent above the horizon and the fiery hues of dawn had given way to the clear blue of day. "Maybe that there's hope? Maybe that there is a way for peace after all. But if that's true, they'll never reach it on their own, the two sides will never be able to compromise. They're too different."

"True. If only we had someone who could bridge that gap. Maybe someone who had ties to both sides?" Kaze added with a smile.

"You know, for a ninja, you're not very subtle." Corrin threw back with a chuckle.

"Wasn't trying to be."

Corrin rolled his eyes before turning back towards the window he had come from earlier this morning. Beginning to walk towards it, the prince turned one last time toward the green haired ninja and made his decision in an instant. "It's going to be very difficult to do this on my own. If you're not too busy with whatever my mother has you working on, I could sure use someone to help me function in Hoshidan society. After all, if I'm going to try and bridge the gap between the two nations, it might help to have someone who grew up there. And in addition I've fought besides you. I know I can trust you.

"That would surely be advantageous." Kaze said solemnly. "But would you take a disgraced ninja? It would only serve to hinder you in the eyes of the court. By all accounts anyone else would be a better fit. It's not that I don't want to help, it's just there are far better options."

"Kaze, I swear… If you blow me off after that whole speech you gave, I will throw you off this building myself."

"That was a very Nohrian thing to say, Corrin."

"See! That's why I need you. Unlike the rest of the people here you seem to actually treat me like a person." Corrin scrunched up his face in disgust. "Everyone else just glares at me when I do something wrong but you told me! So to heck with honor, I'm a Nohrian, and I'll take ability with disgrace over honor and prejudice. Now come on, I think I'm entitled to a retainer or two and you seem to be the only one capable of that. Not counting Lilith of course."

"R-retainer? But, Corrin I- I just told you that-"

Corrin laughed, enjoying how flustered the ninja was becoming. "And I told you, that you're the only one here that I want."

"Please, Corrin wait. You're still confused from your encounter with Kasai. You need time to think. A retainer is a very important position! When I came to talk with you I thought I was just going to help push you down the right path, I didn't-"

"Kaze, please kneel already." Corrin cut in. "I've made up my mind here."

"Corrin, I can't!"

"And why not?"

Kaze's soldiers slumped. "It's, well… I suppose it's time you knew. Back when you were originally captured I was the one stationed as your bodyguard. Since I began training I was being prepped to be your personal servant. Even with that training I failed at the moment you needed me most. I'm the reason you were taken."

"…"

"I know this must be hard to hear. You must be disgusted with me. After all that talk about not running from your problems, and here I am just telling-"

"Are you high?" Corrin interrupted.

"W-what?"

The white haired prince started scratching his head. He was the image of bemused curiosity. "I mean, you were what, six, when I was kidnapped? I'm sorry, but I don't really think a six year old ninja would have made much difference against a Nohr strike force capable of killing the king and his elite guards."

"But…"

"No. You wouldn't have been able to escape with me either. I guarantee that there was Nohrian air support watching from above. Trust me Kaze, all that would have happened if you were there would have been your death." Corrin smiled at the ninja and held out a hand. "Now please, if you're not so intent on wallowing in guilt, maybe instead try doing something about it?"

The green haired ninja sighed. "Is that an order from a prince?"

"No, a request from a friend."

Kaze considered the Nohrian's words before slowly, obediently, kneeling in front of him. "If that is the case, I will accept. I will swear myself to you."

"Oh and Kaze, we are not doing the blood drinking thing. That's disgusting and I will have no part of it."

"The what?"

"Just a really creepy retainer tradition in Nohr. I've seen it done a few times, and it is absolutely vile. Now, you realize what you're giving up. Any chance at reuniting with your mother and family will be lost."

"I am already dead to all but my brother. If there is a chance that I can help make a more peaceful world despite that, then I will take it. If I stay here then all I will ever accomplish is menial guard duty. And in addition, you saved my life. I still owe you for that."

"And you truly think I will bring about peace?"

Kaze looked up, lines of determination etched on his face. "Yes, my prince I do."

"Then let us begin, Kaze, will you swear yourself to me, in all that you say and do?"

"Yes, my prince."

"And will you protect and help me always, so that together we may create a better world?"

"Yes my prince."

"And will you always strive to protect the innocent, even if it means defying either heaven or hell; law or chaos?"

"I- yes my prince."
Corrin watched as the confusion over the last line left the ninja's features. Truth be told he didn't know why he had added that last bit either, but it seemed important to him for some reason. Shrugging off the feeling, Corrin finished the oath.

"And I promise to you, Kaze, that I will never order you to do something that will infringe upon your values or your honor. In addition I promise to help and standby you for the rest of your days as both your lord and as your friend. If the day ever comes that either of us break this vow, let the other strike him down such that justice may be carried out."

"Yes my prince."

"Then rise Kaze, rise and let us go get breakfast. For I am hungry."

"A funny joke milord." Kaze stated as he turned to look up at the sky. Events had gone better than he could have imagined. Not only did he convince Corrin to stay, but he had also been made his personal Vassal. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought he would be given a chance to redeem himself, but here he was, the sworn ninja to a prince. A prince, Kaze slowly realized, who was nowhere to be found. "Prince Corrin?" Kaze asked "Where are you, milord!"

Corrin's head popped back through the window. "I told you I'm hungry. All this knighting and philosophy has me beat. Besides, since I'm not going to need you to help me escape anymore, I might as well have you help me choose the best foods to eat for breakfast. Now come on, we can't save the world on an empty stomach."

I might have bitten off a bit more than I can chew here. Kaze wondered with amusement. Well no matter, at least he's back to his old self. Though I can't be sure if it's an act or not, I think at the very least he's gotten a new perspective on his position. And from now on, I will be there to help in that role. Always. Speaking of which…

"By the way, now that I am your retainer I'll have to call you milord again." Kaze yelled after the prince.

Chuckling at the large groan that drifted back in response, the ninja followed his friend down to main dining hall.

Corrin and Kaze left the dining hall an hour later with their stomachs almost full to bursting. As the two stumbled through the door, they came face to face with the queen herself.

"Ahh, Corrin, Kaze, it's so good to see you both!"

"Mother! Good to see you as well."

"Your grace."

Mikoto smiled that knowing smile of hers. "How are you two? Did you enjoy today's breakfast? I understand Hoshidan food is quite different from what you must have had back in Nohr."

"I've grown used to it by now." Corrin replied. "Also Kaze and I snuck into the kitchen and cooked some pork in a more Nohrian style."

"Oh? And what was this food called?"

"Bacon. Your grace, it's quite tasty. However it also seems to make one sluggish and queasy."

"Well I mean, Kaze you had almost twenty pieces…"

The queen reached up and laid a hand on her son's face. "Are you alright? You look a little pale."

"I'm fine." He lied. "Just got up a little early today."

Staring into his eyes for a moment, Mikoto eventually removed her hand and slowly took a step back. "I'm glad. Oh, Azura wanted me to tell you that she was in the gardens. If you have a second you might consider stopping by." She replied with a smile before turning to leave.

"Oh! Also, this afternoon I've set up an assembly in the center of the capitol. I think it's about time you were introduced to the public."

Corrin nodded. "I think that's a fantastic idea. We definitely want to set any doubts to rest before the rumors about me start to flow. I'll be sure to be there."

"I'm glad you agree. Well, I suppose I'll see you later." As she walked away she said in barely more than a whisper. "And Corrin… Please don't take what Kasai said too seriously. He's always been one to let his temper get the better of him. I'm sure that given time you can prove yourself to him. So please… don't be so hard on yourself."

Corrin watched as his mother walked away before turning back to Kaze. "It's so different here."

"How so? Do mothers not comfort their children in Nohr?"

"Of course not, all children are immediately thrown to the wolves." Corrin replied, rolling his eyes. "What I meant was that she is walking around here without any guards. Even in the palace that seems unwise."

Kaze nodded. "Quite. But the queen is not without protection."

"Ninjas?"

"Among other things. And besides, we don't have to worry about any Nohrian incursions."

"Oh?" Corrin asked, confused. "And why is that? I would think that at least a few spies or assassins would be able to sneak past the boarder guards."

"Guards are not our only safeguard. The Queen's magic is a far more powerful and impervious shield."

"You're saying my mother can protect an entire country by herself?" Corrin scoffed.

"Yes, Corrin."

Corrin was surprised but tried to do his best not to show it. If that was true, then it would explain why the two counties hadn't already gone to war despite their differences. But there were inconsistencies as well. For one, hadn't Rinkah and Kaze been kidnapped from across the border? If there was some kind of barrier, that shouldn't have been possible. In addition, during his time in Nohr, Corrin had often heard stories of Hoshido incursions and skirmishes. Heck, he'd even heard about those instances second hand from his siblings. But if there was a barrier, there shouldn't have been a possibility of Nohrian assault. So had his brothers and sisters lied to him? Had Kaze? Or were the Hoshidans more antagonistic than he had been led to believe.

Seemingly picking up on his train of thought, Kaze quickly added. "Recently though, there have been a select few enemies that have been able to pierce the barrier. The one that captured my group was one of those."

Corrin quickly turned to face the ninja. "The one?!"

The green haired ninja solemnly nodded. "Yes, the one. It was a man in a long brown traveling cloak armed with twin blades. Beyond that, I was knocked unconscious before I could get a better look. Though, I think that he was wearing leopard fur on his arms and legs. All I can say for certain is that he moved faster than anything I've ever seen. It almost didn't seem human."

That solves one mystery and creates another. Who the heck is this man? And it still doesn't explain my siblings' stories of battle. There's still more to this. Corrin thought. Regardless this was a new type of threat. If there were soldiers that could take entire squads of Hoshidan elite soldiers alive singlehandedly then the methods for waging war were going to change forever. And not in a good way.

"It seems there's more going on here than I thought. And that's not even talking about, well, you know…"

Kaze nodded, silently understanding Corrin's reference to Valla. There had to be some sort of connection between the events. The barrier, Valla, and the supernatural man, what did they have in common?

And now that I think about it, I never did get a chance to ask Lilith about that dream from before. I guess I forgot about in the excitement of the whole throne incident. If it is a result of multiple worlds, then maybe these soldiers Kaze mentioned are product of those as well.

"Kaze, do we know where Lilith is currently?"

"She said she would be going down to the markets today. I think she thought you would chose to leave Hoshido after yesterday's outbursts."

"And I almost did." Corrin remarked. "Well in that case, my mother said Azura was in the gardens right? Why don't we pay her a visit? It's about time we talked to someone who can answer at least a few of my questions."

"Corrin does she know about…"

The white haired prince smiled at the shocked ninja. "That she does Kaze. Though, I actually hope she knows a little more than just that. Anyways, let's go. I don't want to miss her by accident."

You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek

Life beyond the shore just out of reach

Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time

The path is yours to climb

Corrin and Kaze watched as the blue haired songstress finished singing her song. Turning towards the two, Azura smiled. "Hello Corrin, it's wonderful to see you. I'm glad you came."

Returning the smile, the prince felt himself relax as he let the serenity of the gardens envelop him. It was almost midday and the sun had almost finished its daily climb. The soft pitter patter of the waters tickled his ears while the wind caressed his skin. In the distance birds could still be heard echoing Azura's song.

"Me too. Though, I have to admit, when mother said that you wanted to see me, I had no idea it would be in a place this peaceful. It's hard to believe anything terrible could happen in the world when you're surrounded by beauty like this."

"This is one of my favorite places." Azura replied wistfully. "Though, speaking of terrible things, this is the place where we first 'met'."

"Terrible? Why would you say…? Oh. right. I thought I remembered that dock. Haha and here I was feeling hurt for a second. Sorry about that by the way."

"Its fine, I was just teasing you. I know you were confused among other things. Besides, you've already apologized. Now, was there something you wished to discuss or was this merely a personal visit?"

"Weren't you the one who wanted to talk to me?"

The blue haired princess looked confused at that. "But Mikoto said that you had questions for me and that I should wait here for you here. It is possible I might have misheard her though; I had just woken up."

"Weird, she said the same thing about you to me after breakfast. Huh, well no matter." Corrin added with a shrug. "As it turns out I do have some questions to ask you. First off I was wonder-"

"Corrin!" Azura warned looking at Kaze warily. "Don't you think this would be a little better in private?"

"Absolutely not. I trust Kaze. He was with me when-"

"Corrin!" Kaze interrupted urgently. "You can't talk about that here. Don't you remember what Lilith said?"

"Of course I do, I was just going to say-"

"You really ought to be more careful. That was far too close." Azura scolded.

"I told you I wasn't going to-"

"I must agree with the princess, the stakes regarding that subject are simply too high."

"See Corrin, even Kaze agrees that you need to be more cautious."

"You are simply too important to lose."

"ENOUGH!" Corrin roared. Turning back to the now startled princess he continued. "Fine! You want to talk alone? Sure. Whatever it takes to get a word in. Kaze out. Now. Before I push you and the princess into the lake."

Confusion and shame flickered across the ninja's face. Muttering something that sounded like an apology, Kaze disappeared in the flash of a smoke bomb leaving Corrin and Azura alone by the dock.

Still slightly irked, but desperate to break the awkward silence Corrin tried his best to gather his thoughts into words. "So, about my question."

"Right." Azura replied, still a little shell-shocked from his outburst. "You said it didn't have anything to do with your, arrival, correct?"

"Yep. Well, mostly. I was wondering if you knew anything about parallel worlds."

"Parallel worlds?" She verified. Running a hand through her sky blue hair, her golden eyes flickered with confusion. "You mean like the Astral Realms? I have heard of them but I don't know much about them. I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Corrin responded with disappointment before another thought entered his mind. "Then how about premonitions?"

"I've never experienced any myself, but I know of a few people who claim otherwise. You remember Orochi from before?"

"Yes, purple hair and wouldn't stop laughing. She did try to read my fortune now that I think about it. Is that what you mean by claiming otherwise?"

"Yes. Why? Did something happen?"

Running a hand through his hair, Corrin did his best to hide the embarrassment he felt. By the look Azura was giving him however, it seemed he was failing. Finally relenting, he explained. "About a week before I was sent to Bottomless Canyon, I had a really weird dream. In it, Nohr and Hoshido were at war with each other. I saw my siblings from Nohr fighting the people I know now to be my siblings from Hoshido. The strangest thing was that even in the dream, I didn't remember who they were. I was effectively dreaming of a group of strangers. I didn't even make the connection between the dream and reality until I was introduced to Sakura."

Azura remained silent while her eyes bored holes into him. "Has this ever happened before? Have you had other… 'dreams' like this?"

"No. Nothing like this." Should I tell her about the dream right afterwards? No, not yet. I'm still not sure what that has to do with, well, anything really. Maybe tell her about the other one though. "I did have one recurring dream as a child however."

"Oh?"

"Yes. But it's… different. I was alone in what I can only describe as a Hoshidan village, though it was surrounded by giant metal monoliths that had to be 180 meters tall with pieces of broken glass on them that must have once been windows. I would look down and see a small figure in grey clothing lying in a pool of blood. After that I hear the growing sound of laughter, a young woman's by the sound of it. Then the dream ends. After that I would wake up covered in sweat."

Azura remained silent for a long time. The two teenagers looked out over the surface of the pond, watching as the bugs and birds danced in the sky above and the clouds drifted by.

"Azura, do you have any idea what they could mean?"

With a somber expression adorning her face, she said. "I'm sorry Corrin. I've never heard of anything like this before. But if it did mean anything, then war is fast approaching. It might even be inevitable. What will you do then? Will you follow the path set down by your birth or will you follow the way of your upbringing? Which is the real you?"

"I- I don't know. I don't think I'll ever know unless, gods forbid, I have to actually make that decision."

"Understandable." She said nodding. Slowly smiling she continued. "If you ever reach that point, please remember, I will never judge you for your decision."

"Which would you chose? Hoshido or Nohr? You're in a similar position to me after all."

"Hoshido, without a doubt."

"You're so sure?"

"Naturally. My time in Nohr was terrible. I would describe it as a living nightmare. I am eternally grateful to my kidnappers for bringing me here."

Corrin wasn't sure how to respond to that. For someone who seemed so put together and calm, it seemed there was a much darker side somewhere beneath the surface. I can't imagine what that must have been like. For Nohr to scar her that much? She might have had it even worse than Camilla… I wonder if she's still paranoid. Could that be why she made Kaze leave?

"Hey Azura, why didn't you want Kaze to listen to our conversation?"

"Corrin I… I just don't think that… It's just…" Azura continued to stammer before finally managed to collect her thoughts. "I just don't really believe that trusting too many people is a good thing. It invites disaster."

"Are you sure? That seems like a hard way to live." So was I right? I can't tell. This paranoia could easily just be a byproduct of the Hoshidan nobles' racism.

"It's safer that way."

Then why trust me?"

"You're different." Azura said as though she were saying what color the sky was or something equally obvious. "Not only do our lives share a great deal of similarities but you've also…you know, seen things. Invisible things."

Nodding in understanding Corrin gazed out across the water. "I guess that's true. Going forward though, please trust me when I say Kaze's alright. He is my retainer after all."

"He's your what?" The princess responded in surprise. "When did this happen?"

"This morning on the roof. We celebrated with bacon afterwards."

"But why?"

"Because bacon is delicious."

"Not that! Why did you make him your retainer?"

Shrugging sheepishly he replied. "To be honest it was kind of spur of the moment. But it builds off of what you were saying before. There is a storm coming and Kaze and I have promised to do our best to fight it. I don't know what that means, but I will do everything I can to try and prevent the coming war."

Looking away Corrin forced himself to continue. "I know this must sound crazy. I've known all of you for less than a month. But I truly do want to keep everyone safe. I don't know what it is that I can do, but I will do my best regardless. No matter the cost."

"Corrin… I"

"Come on. Mother said that today was the day I'd finally be introduced to the public. As much I would rather jump into that lake and fight you know what in you know where, I can't let Mikoto down." Getting to his feet, he began to walk towards the entrance to the gardens. "Now where is that ninja. He has to be somewhere nearby."

Watching as he left, Azura wondered for a moment just how it was possible that he was still so candid, so optimistic, so… happy. How could he have grown up in the same Nohr she had?

To survive in such a terrible place, he truly must have his mother's strength. Azura thought. But what was that about his dreams? Mikoto has mentioned before that she has had bouts of future sight in the past, but this is… different. The Queen always described them as feelings or still images, never full on visions. Could it be an ability he inherited from his father? And what was that desert? That didn't sound like Valla or Hoshido, and it definitely wasn't Nohr.

The princess sighed. She took a moment to collect her thoughts and put her worries to rest. Whatever concerns she had could easily be solved with a quick conversation with the Queen. And no matter what Corrin's dreams might have meant, she at least would have time for a conversation later that day.

Corrin stood in front of a massive marble statue dedicated to the dawn dragon. Like all architecture in Hoshido, it was beautiful and ornate, with gold leaf adorning its edges. Standing higher than most of the buildings in the city, the dragon looked out across the capitol, keeping watch as it safeguarded the faithful. In front of the idol was a square filled to bursting with people.

The Queen stood in front of her children, her arms raised as she addressed her people. Corrin fidgeted with unease. To his left stood Takumi and Sakura while Azura, Hinoka, and Ryoma stood to his right. Kaze and Lilith stood at the edge of the statue with the rest of the royal retainers and attendants.

So far the queen had managed to keep the crowd enthralled with a gripping tale of the events leading up to Corrin's kidnapping. The prince was pleasantly surprised to realize that the Hoshidan public didn't seem to blame him for any of Nohr's recent aggressions. There hadn't even been any mention of the Fire tribe as of yet. He had noticed a couple of odd gazes directed at his clearly Nohrian armor, but no stones had been thrown nor torches lit. Trying his best to keep up a brave face as his mother neared the end of her speech, Corrin felt an unexplainable shiver run down his spine.

"And so it is my pleasure to introduce my long lost son. When he was last here with us, he was but a child. But now, after all of these years, fate has finally seen fit to return him to us. May I present to you, my son, Prince Corrin of Hoshido!"

Forcing a smile the prince stepped forward to sound of thunderous applause cascading on him from all sides. Taking his mother's hand Corrin gave a polite bow to the citizens of Hoshido.

As he raised his head he noticed that a citizen had broken the perimeter around the square. The figure wore a long, brown cloak that fully concealed his features. He was quite tall, over two meters tall. Two swords could be seen poking out from underneath his cloak. He wasn't wearing shoes, instead he had two leopard skinned slippers in the shape of paws.

Recognizing the man's description from Kaze's story, Corrin heard Ryoma call out for the guards to intervene and a squad of ten approached the man. In the blink of an eye there was an explosion of blood and the bodies of the guards were thrown in every direction. The figure, now holding a single blade, dripping crimson, began to move faster, running at the royal family.

Takumi let loose a blast from the Fujin Yumi, its brilliant green shots surging forth at the enemy. Ryoma drew Raijinto and along with Hinoka began to charge, while Sakura and Azura rushed to help evacuate the civilians.

The man, deflected the blasts from Takumi's bow off of his sword, maintaining his charge at the Queen. As the eldest royal children reached him he flipped over them and continued to sprint towards his target.

Drawing his sword, Corrin adopted a defensive posture and prepared to meet his foe. He had already decided that he would only use the dragon or Analyze powers if he absolutely had to. If he were to go unconscious here, there would be no second chance, he would not be sent to a hospital, he would die.

"Mother, get to safety. We'll hold him here."

"Corrin, you can't-"

"Please, go! He's almost here!"

Sighing in relief as he heard the sound of his mother running away from the assailant, Corrin greeted the newly arrived foe with cold focus and determination.

Finally arriving, the figure slowed down to a brisk walk. Stopping in front of the white haired prince, Corrin engaged the enemy, swinging his sword at the man-

That won't work.

Corrin nearly tripped as the voice of his other-self, the same voice he had heard the day before in the hospital, rang through his head. In his confusion he barely noticed when the cloaked figure didn't make a movement to stop him, instead merely allowing the iron katana to harmlessly bounce off of his chest. The recoil of the blow reverberated through the sword and up Corrin's arm. It felt as though he had struck a solid pillar of lead. Struggling to recover, all Corrin could do was watch as the figure contemptuously backhanded him with his empty hand. The force of the blow was a hurricane, throwing him ten meters across the square.

Through the fuzziness brought on by the blow, Corrin could make out a voice, old, powerful, and more threatening than anything he had heard before, echo across square.

"Queen Mikoto of Hoshido. You're death shall be the sacrifice that opens the first seal."

Looking up, the white haired prince made out the figure of the cloaked man holding up his mother by the neck. "Mother please no!"

There's nothing you can do. You must run.

"Shut up! I have to do something!" Corrin yelled. He tried to get to his feet but his legs were still hurt from the hit he had taken. Helpless, the prince was forced to watch as the figure slowly raised the slender form of his blade.

"Let your soul be enveloped by silence." The figure said as he plunged the sword through the queen's heart. Time stood still as Corrin watched the surprise flicker over her face. He watched as her eyes flickered over to him, screaming at him to run before they grew dull and lifeless. Letting go of her neck, the man simply let the now dead queen slide off his sword and crumple onto the ground.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAA! Now you die!" Ryoma yelled, letting a bolt of lightning fly forth from his sword.

Whether the man was distracted by his kill or he let the bolt hit him was unknown. But as the smoke from the lightning dissipated, the hood was revealed to have been ripped off, revealing the horror underneath. Instead of a human face, there was the head of a leopard, its animalistic eyes narrowed at the humans around it while the bestial mouth contorted into a thin unnatural smile.

Staring at the samurai with cold determination, the leopard-man drew his second sword. "You would tempt fate? You fight even though you must know that you cannot win. I commend you on your bravery. As a reward for such virtue, I shall grant your wish."

Swinging his twin blades in a rapid, complex series of katas the leopard-man stopped in an instant, one blade pointed at the samurai, the other held at a horizontal. Nodding once, the figure motioned with his sword for the royals to come at him.

"I am the 57th of the Goetia and a president of Hell. I am the first returned of the Assembly, come again to free the one garbed in chains. I am Ose, of the Fallen. And I accept your duel."

Author's Note-

Sorry for the delay on this one. Life got busy so this had to take a bit of a back seat for a while, but I should be able to get back to my approximate 9 day or so schedule again.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! As usual, if you have questions, critiques, or predictions, please leave a review and I'll do my best to get back to you!

Otaku-Nation666- With Kasai I definitely wanted him to show the rash and quick to anger qualities that I would expect from the leader of the Fire tribe, but looking back I think I may have gone a little too far with it. I'll make sure to try and keep him a bit more realistic next time we see him. Thanks for the help!

Disclaimer- This is a nonprofit, fan-based work. All characters and settings belong to their respective owners.

Next Time- The Hoshidan Royals vs. the Demon Ose.