Today we finish the set-up of the work. With the previous two getting everyone acquainted, you'd think the coming chapter would have Severa and friends get discovered, right? Well, you'd be correct, but that's not the end of their troubles.

Remember, they have to get back home first.

Peace over Power

Arriving in Shirasagi was a great relief to Olivia and Lon'qu.

Soon after Prince Ryoma formally accepted their aid, Olivia and Lon'qu found themselves constantly hounded by various members of the group Ryoma was leading. The soldiers were asking, or demanding, various things from the pair, with the most common being duels.

If either had to guess, it was a pride thing.

Hana and Hinata were the most persistent of the bunch. They'd been defeated by the plane-walkers with an insulting degree of ease and their pride demanded they learn all there was to learn so that they could win.

In other words, they wished to become disciples.

Olivia and Lon'qu, still unsure as to their position in all this, had turned to increasingly bizarre methods to get the young samurai away from them. Once simple no's and flat out ignoring them ceased to work, they started giving them weird tasks and pretending to do strange rituals.

Olivia never thought the day would come where another woman would convince an entire group to run into the woods for an eel weed bundle, let alone actually find one. She'd made the dang thing up!

Nor did Lon'qu ever expect such prideful people would ever engage in ceremonial mud-wrestling.

Ryoma had put his foot down after that one, but it didn't stop the requests. With their arrival, and the group's subsequent dispersal, Olivia and Lon'qu at last had some peace.

"Again, I apologize on behalf of my men," Ryoma sighed. "They're very passionate and skilled, but they tend to go overboard."

Olivia bowed to him. "It's no trouble, Your Highness. We were more surprised that they'd ever agree to our tasks."

"That," Lon'qu grunted, "and I didn't think they'd take to them with such gusto."

Ryoma chuckled, waving to some of the citizens as they walked by. "We all have our quirks. Hoshidans are a proud people, but we're willing to work for what we want."

"There's work and there's humiliating yourself." Kagero muttered from her customary spot. Lon'qu had noticed that she was always behind and to the right of Ryoma, unless they were talking face to face.

"Our guests are skilled." Ryoma countered. "Were I not confident in my own abilities, I may have asked to spar with them as well."

Kagero nodded, but her face remained annoyed. "I understand, but I still feel there was no need to go so far."

"You didn't have them on your tail at all hours." Lon'qu growled. "They wouldn't leave me alone until you dismissed them."

Ryoma laughed, drawing some curious gazes as they entered a large square. "As I said, they're passionate."

He pointed to the statue in the center of the square. "That's the Dawn Dragon, our patron and ancestor of the royal line. Considering you know little of our people and culture, I'll have someone help you learn after we meet with the queen."

The quick explanation made Olivia grin. He must get asked about the statue all the time. "How interesting…"

Ryoma smirked at the response before waving them forward. "We're nearly at our destination. Please, follow me."

They went on their way, passing through a growing throng of civilians until they arrived at the gates of a grand palace. Everything was made of wood, tile, and metal with the main structure rising well into the sky. In fact, the entire complex had been built on a large mesa. It had been quite the climb just to reach.

The gates gave way to elegant gardens and beautiful vistas, cherry trees blooming in full force. The buildings, mats, and walkways were all sparkling clean and the entire complex breathed of serenity. Were the travelers not focused on finding and tearing their son a new one, they'd have loved to stick around.

"Big brother!"

The sound of a young voice made the group halt, a young girl in white and red robes walking up to Ryoma with a serene smile. "You've returned."

"I have, Sakura." Ryoma greeted, face relaxing. "I've also brought some guests."

The girl looked behind Ryoma, bowing immediately when she saw Olivia and Lon'qu. "F-forgive me! I w-wasn't expecting Big B-brother to have g-guests."

Olivia smiled at the girl, already feeling a kindred spirit. "It's quite alright. We weren't expecting to meet a prince or a princess when we came here."

Lon'qu's face relaxed as well, knowing his perpetual scowl would do nothing here. "You would be Princess Sakura then?"

Sakura straightened, a light blush on her cheeks. "Y-yes, that's me. Um, are you going to meet with Mother?"

"That we are." Ryoma said. "I'm surprised you haven't gone to see Hana yet. She should have come back by now."

Sakura grew sheepish. "She's… training. Last I heard, Subaki had been knocked flat a couple times."

Ryoma sighed through his nose. "I see… are Hinoka and Takumi still out and about?"

"They are," Sakura said. "Th-They'll be out for another few d-days."

Ryoma nodded and patted Sakura's head. "Thank you for letting me know. We need to go meet with mother, but I'll see you later."

Sakura smiled and bowed, waiting for the group to pass before setting off for a well-hidden part of the compound. "I should let Azura know we have guests."

Ignorant of that remark, Lon'qu and Olivia followed Ryoma into a large building which held an incredibly spacious throne room. At the back sat a throne on a raised platform, the chair decorated in red, brown, gold, and black while a half-circle resembling bird feathers rose behind it.

Before the throne stood a woman in white robes that resembled a dress, gold and blue ornaments shining in the room's light. Her black hair was a stark contrast to the bright colors, but she smiled warmly as Ryoma strode towards her. "Ryoma, I'm glad to see you've returned. You've brought guests?"

Ryoma bowed. "Yes, mother. This is Olivia and Lon'qu."

The pair bowed, their voices in stereo. "We thank you for the audience, Your Highness."

The woman inclined her head. "It's my pleasure. Now, what is it that you would like to ask? It's not every day my son brings guests."

Ryoma spoke for them. "They're looking for their son. He left on a journey close to two years ago, but they haven't heard from him since. In return for their service, I've agreed to help them."

The queen frowned. "A lost son? If Ryoma has agreed to help, then I have no objections, but what are you offering that sealed this pact?"

Olivia glanced up, nodding to Lon'qu when she saw the throne. "I can show you, Your Highness, but it need be you alone. Prince Ryoma has already seen what we are capable of, but the fewer that see, the better."

Lon'qu muttered about 'disciples' and Ryoma pinched his nose. "Very well, I'd rather not have that debacle again. I'll be going over reports in my quarters Mother, send a messenger if I'm needed. Kagero, let's go."

The ninja bowed to the queen before turning and following Ryoma. Once they were gone, the queen waved her hand and the hidden guards and court officials left. "We are alone. What is it you wish to show?"

Olivia stood and strode forward. "That's the Throne of Truth, correct? If I may use it, you shall understand."

Mikoto narrowed her eyes into a glare. "That's quite audacious of you. You look like naught but a common woman, what could the throne do?"

Olivia smiled and started toward the throne. "You'll see."

Mikoto tried to move in front of Olivia, but gasped when a wall of water formed out of thin air, blocking her attempt. Wide eyed, she watched Olivia step up to the throne, run her hand along the ancient wood, and sit.

All was silent for a moment before Olivia's eyes glowed blue. Her form began to run with water, clothes and weapons falling away to reveal a body of water, color draining until Olivia was completely see through. The water rose into the air and began to coalesce into a variety of shapes, from snakes to fish and turtles. These creatures began to swim through the air and around Olivia, the water that made her body bulging and bubbling as it created a shell.

When it was done, a swarm of constructs filled the air and water filled the hall to Lon'qu's ankles. Olivia herself had been replaced by a serpent with a far too large mouth and glowing blue eyes that bespoke great power.

Mikoto quailed at the sight. "You're… a goddess…"

The serpent grinned a horrifying grin before the water fell away and splashed on the floor. It ran back towards the throne in direct defiance of gravity and swirled into a ball. The ball shrunk and pulsed until a human body was remade and color bloomed.

Olivia smiled as she returned to normal, bowing towards the awed queen. "I'm no goddess, at least not yet. My name is Olivia Rince, and I am the chosen successor of Tiamat."

She winked. "I assure you though, I and my husband are quite silly. We don't want to cause that much trouble, just find our son and go home."

Mikoto continued to gape, Lon'qu waving his hand before her face to no avail. "This is why we don't do that. For all we know you've just founded a new religion, again!"

Olivia shrugged helplessly. "The sooner those in power know who they're dealing with, the better. Besides, while I was like that, I realized something."

She twirled a lock of hair. "Lissa… has the stone."

Lon'qu stared at her before heaving a long sigh. "Great… just great…"

He looked down to the frozen queen, a scowl rising on his face.

"Oh would you get over it?! Just be glad we're not the eccentric ones, otherwise this entire country would've been lost to insanity the minute we arrived!"

-Speaking of-

"Die-die-die!"

Donnel silently wondered what Horakthry had ever seen in his wife. The young sage had been blasting things non-stop for days now and it was getting rather boring. They could only make the creatures play limbo so many times and he was sure Lissa would run out of ideas on how to creatively kill with light beams.

Or at least he hoped she did. Some of the things she'd done had made even him wince, and he'd ripped a man's stomach out through his mouth at least once.

Sighing, he turned back to the group of creatures that had slowly joined him for protection. "Ok, so, if you want to carve the hook effectively…"

-Mikoto-

Mikoto shook her head and stood, bowing deeply at the pair. "Forgive me, that was unsightly. It's just… we don't ordinarily have goddess apparents arrive out of the blue."

"Make that a god apparent, too." Olivia giggled. "Lon'qu is the chosen successor of Asura, Guardian of the Heavens."

Mikoto gaped once more, but eventually recollected herself. "I… see. Then it would be my great honor to accept your service whilst we attempt to find your son. Is he… also a deity?"

Lon'qu shook his head. "No, he was born before we took on the mantles we have. He's as mortal as you, Queen Mikoto."

Mikoto sighed and brushed her robes of imaginary dust. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you know my name even when I haven't given it. Ryoma will likely have little for you to do at this time and I have completed my own work for now."

She set off for the entrance. "I'll show you around. Please, feel free to ask me anything."

Olivia took Lon'qu's arm and they followed the queen, a conspiratorial smile on the dancer's face.

"So, is your eldest going to ask out his retainer, or am I going to be playing matchmaker?"

-Morgan-

"So that was Princess Camilla."

Morgan shuddered, remembering the aura of danger that hung around the voluptuous princess who had greeted them on the road to Windmire. It was like looking at a much curvier version of Cherche with a lighter version of dad's hair. "Yeah… didn't think we'd be going to Krakenburg either."

Lucina nodded in agreement as Arthur led them through the deserted streets of Nohr's capital. He'd explained that the nobility that lived there rarely left their homes and most of the common people did business in the lower parts of the city as the nobles rarely ventured there. Considering how proud many of said nobles were, it was a matter of safety rather than economy.

"Please do not blame the fair lady." Arthur continued. "She is protective of her family and the youngest most of all. Lady Elise has told me many stories of being doted on by her."

Morgan smiled at the man, even as she spotted hurried shapes in the shadows. "Yes, well, we can understand protective older siblings. Say, you're sure no one's going to try and take my Pegasus?

"Why wouldn't I be?" Arthur laughed. "Everyone here knows I'm Lady Elise's retainer. There's not a fool in the city that would molest you fine ladies while I'm around."

Those words were followed by Arthur tripping over a tiny pebble and rolling several yards into a stack of crates, which proceeded to collapse on him and cover him in wood.

Lucina sighed and began to dig the man out. "Are we long from the castle? I'd like to start our search soon, if you don't mind."

Arthur coughed out some sawdust and let Lucina haul him back up. "Only about ten minutes now… say, is something burning?"

Lucina looked back to see Morgan with her hand extended at several piles of ash. "Were there actually some idiots?"

Morgan shrugged, patting Theresa's mane lovingly at the same time. "Only the ones you see blowing away in the wind. The others scattered after the first ones started screaming."

Arthur shivered at her casual tone. "Yes, well, we'll be there soon. Follow me."

He took off and Morgan cantered after him. Lucina glanced at the piles of ash before sighing and jogging to catch up with Morgan. "You need to rein in your pyromania."

"It's either I do this now or try to fry Owain." Morgan countered. "I may be mad at him, but I don't want him dead. Besides, they wanted to take Theresa from me."

Lucina couldn't argue that point. She wasn't sure what she'd do with Severa after they found her, especially since there were such… pretty women here. Crushing the very thought of an unfaithful Severa with extreme prejudice, Lucina turned back to reality and whistled. "Wow…"

Morgan nodded mutely, equally awed. Krakenburg's black spires rose from the center of the great caldera in which it lay, the light from thousands of fires sparkling across the black marble like stars. All around the caldera stood manors, forts, and other buildings, many of them built into the rockface and connected by an ingenious series of stone bridges.

Arthur chuckled at their awed faces. "I don't blame you, it's a sight to see. Come along, I believe some of my fellow retainers are going to be here. The royal family prefers to visit the Northern Fortress without their escorts, it's a private retreat."

Lucina and Morgan followed him silently, preferring to drink in the sights of the mythical city. It was just as the fairy tales described, especially the many patrols of soldiers in black-painted steel with golden highlights. It was awe-inspiring and Morgan felt an old itch grab hold.

"Do you guys have a piano?"

Arthur paused beside a gate leading into Castle Krakenburg, the guards on duty holding the steel doors open. "A…piano? What's that?"

Morgan scrunched her face, trying to think of a good description. "Well… it's a big instrument that has strings set up in a box with a bunch of little hammers. When you hit the keys, the hammers tap the strings and make notes."

Arthur popped his lips. "Ah, you speak of a harpsichord. Never heard of it referred to as a piano, but we do have one in the greeting hall. If you'd like, you can use it while I gather my compatriots."

Morgan nodded eagerly, following Arthur up to the doors where she paused. "Um… can I bring Theresa inside? I'd feel far more comfortable if I didn't leave her alone."

Arthur frowned, the action darkening his face. "We can't have that. The presence of a beast, no matter the majesty or intelligence, would cause a fit for everyone involved."

Morgan looked ready to protest when a voice she very much recognized entered the fray. "That's quite alright Arthur, I'll take care of this majestic creature. You take these two lovely ladies to their destination."

Morgan's head whipped to the source of the voice and gaped at the young man walking towards them. His clothes were similar to some of the swordsmen they'd seen wandering around and he had a shield that screamed mercenary. He also looked exactly like Inigo, if you made his face a little longer and gave him grey hair.

"Ah, Laslow!" Arthur greeted. "Perfect timing. Don't worry Mrs. Morgan, Laslow is the retainer of Prince Xander himself. No one will dare touch your steed while she's in his care."

Morgan remained stunned, not noticing Lucina's right eye shift. "…I suppose… very well. Would you… guide me to the harpsichord please?"

Arthur nodded and helped Morgan out of the saddle, guiding her into the castle and out of sight. Laslow sighed and took the reins, but froze when Lucina's hand fell on his shoulder. "Inigo… why are you here?"

Inigo gulped and looked back, ready to refute the claim, when he saw Lucina's right eye. A light blue slit had replaced her normal pupil, the magical sight piercing the illusion cast upon him.

He was made.

"I'm here for reasons I cannot divulge out of hand." Inigo said. "Besides, I'm amazed the two of you were able to follow. It's only been a few months since we came here."

Lucina's grip tightened. "Inigo… it's been almost a year since anyone's seen you."

Inigo paled as Lucina's grip began to hurt. "We're not the only one's here either."

"Your parents, Severa's parents, and Owain's parents are here too."

-Severa-

Severa was bored.

After she'd drowned her frustration in cheap wine, and dealt with the ensuing hangover, there'd been little for her to do. Her training had been done earlier that morning and she wasn't hungry, so now what?

You know what? I'm going to see if I can put that jingle I heard in the tavern to parchment. Hope the harpsichord's open.

Stretching and grabbing some parchment from the desk in her room, Severa made sure it was secure before grabbing her ink and quill as well. The halls were silent, as always, but she sighed as she came up to the entrance hall.

Damn, looks like the harpsichord's taken. Whoever's playing is really good… wait, I know that tune!

Every fiber of Severa's being told her that going into the hall was inviting disaster, but she was so darn curious. It was possible that it was just a coincidence but…

Well, it was the song Morgan had played when Severa and Lucina officially tied the knot.

Reluctant, but overpowered by curiosity, Severa took a tentative look into the entrance hall.

Blast and damn!

Her head whipped back behind the wall, her legs collapsing underneath her. Morgan, in full armor, was sitting at the harpsichord and playing away, a small crowd of servants gathering to hear the pretty melody. "Why…? We've been here three months!"

"What could possibly have you in a tizzy, my valued friend?" Owain asked as he walked up to her. "Might it have something to do with that lovely music?"

Severa jumped up, trying to reach for Owain's cape. "Wait, don't…!"

Her hand missed and Owain strode out into the hall, only for his voice to shout out his doom. "Morgan?!"

The music stopped immediately, a discordant note hanging in the air. Silence followed for several seconds, but Severa knew what was coming.

"Owain Spatz de Ylisse, you will explain why you disappeared off the face of the earth, or so help me, I will rip out your eyes and feed them to Theresa!"

Owain let out a truly horrified screech and the sound of boots scraping on stone echoed through the halls, Morgan shouting colorful death threats while Owain blubbered apologies.

Severa curled into a ball and hoped her homicidal sister wouldn't notice her.

A pair of familiar boots appeared before her and Severa reluctantly looked up.

Right into the light blue slit of Lucina's eye.

Recognizing anger and lust dwelling in those blue orbs she loved and currently feared, Severa could do only one thing…

Pray she'd be able to walk later.

-Robin-

"Does anyone feel like something momentous just happened but we missed it?"

Cordelia looked up from her food and frowned. "You know… I kind of do. Do you think it has to do with Sev?"

Robin sighed and put down his bowl. "Likely. Chief Fuga, can you tell us what the most mystical and or mysterious place you know is?"

Fuga hummed from across the fire they shared, the caravan only a day away from the Wind Tribe's capital. "There are a variety of places, but the most revered is the Bottomless Canyon. There's all kinds of myths and legends associated with it."

Cordelia nodded, wondering if the chasm truly earned its name. "Well, I can't say that doesn't sound interesting at least. Would you be so kind as to give us a map after we reach your home?"

Fuga smiled, pearly whites flashing. "Not at all. It's the least I can do for two of divine nature."

Robin scratched at the back of his head. "Look, stop with that. Yes, we are chosen to ascend when the time comes, but we're as mortal as anyone right now. There's no need to treat us any differently than normal wanderers."

Fuga laughed and gestured to the other fires. "You can say that, but you've saved us from Faceless and bandits these last few days. Considering the light shows you've put on, it's no surprise my people have given you offerings."

Cordelia grimaced and poked at the odd doll she'd been given. It looked like a weird bird and she felt unsettled just being next to it. Robin also silently pushed a plate of horse meat away, one of the caravan drivers offering it to him after the horse in question had to be euthanized in the bandit attack.

"We do not seek worship." Robin sighed. "All we want is to find our daughter. After that, we'll be going home."

Fuga sighed and shook his head. "Well, I hope it occurs soon then. Tensions rise every day between Hoshido and Nohr."

He laid his head on his hands. "It wouldn't surprise me if Garon did something to try and remove the barrier Queen Mikoto maintains. The question is what."

Robin remained silent at that observation. He'd read the story of these lands many times over the years, both for his own enjoyment and for his family. If what Fuga marked as the date was correct, then they had a big confrontation approaching.

The best thing to do would be to simply find the wayward children, gather everyone together, and go home. On the other hand, it was known that much suffering had occurred during the war that led to Valla's return.

The choice was pretty simple. Hoshido and Nohr were nothing more than legends in their time, so why not have some fun?

"Chief Fuga," Robin began. "Would it be alright if you also gave us directions to the coast?"

Fuga frowned. "What could you do with that information?"

Robin smirked, Cordelia rolling her eyes at the familiar tone of mischief. "See, I have an old friend I've been wanting to meet, he lives on an island…"

-Northern Fortress-

Another visit, another day of sparring with Xander.

Corrin grunted as he turned a blow aside, his practice blade heavy in his hand. Contorting, he launched into the air and brought the blunt edge down onto Xander's shield.

Xander pushed him away, the two squaring off. "You've improved."

"Yes," Corrin panted, "but it's not like there's much to do here otherwise. I'd go mad if I didn't practice."

Xander's face remained stoic. "Then show me what you have! If it's any motivation, I've been told by Father that should you not beat me today, you'll never leave this palace."

Corrin gaped at Xander, shock destroying his fatigue. "Lead with that next time, why don't you?! This is why Camilla says you can't get a date!"

Xander's scowl deepened. "You'll pay for that comment."

Corrin smirked, blade returning to his side. "Well, looks like we're both motivated now."

Xander allowed a smirk to rise on his face before they crossed blades once more, their dance beheld by the few residents of the castle.

"I believe it shall happen today," a scarred man with grey hair grunted. "Lord Corrin is much improved."

A young woman giggled, her strawberry-blonde locks swaying in the cold breeze. "It still feels like we all just started here a few weeks ago. To think it's been so long."

"Indeed," a young man dressed as a butler said. "We've been in his service so long, I wonder what we'll do with ourselves should the master leave."

Another girl sighed, her light blue hair held in nervous fingers. "We'll find out soon, I guess."

The older man looked to the blue-haired girl, eyes forlorn. "Have you still not given in, Flora?"

Flora looked away, voice heavy. "What do you mean?"

The young man sighed and fixed his cravat, the other girl going to Flora's side. "You know what he means, Flora. Why have you not spoken to Master Corrin about how you feel? Were it not for him, I fear I would have remained oblivious to your crush, and you'd have stewed in it for far longer."

"Of course you'd say something like that Jakob." The pink haired girl muttered. "But he's right, sis. Today could be your last day with him, possibly forever! Don't stay silent, he could surprise you!"

Flora kept her eyes to the ground. "I don't think I can…"

"It's just not possible for me to love him and expect it in return."

Ch. End

I swear, there will be ever more shenanigans, we just needed to get the set-up out of the way.

Next chapter will be mostly from Corrin's POV as he begins to take in the insane happenings around him with the innocent mind of a sheltered child. It'll be fun to see if he's truly incorruptible or the right buttons were never pushed.

Ok, review response time!

Sdarkynecro: One of the trio is currently getting hunted down while the other is indisposed. Inigo will receive his punishment when the time comes.

Ken Wise: Part of the omen has been revealed in both this chapter and the previous. Can you guess what it means?

Havendance: Your patience will be rewarded, and soon!