The way back to the Astral Plane was never proven difficult. When the hidden land was first seen by my own eyes, Lilith provided me a staff that teleported us back to our security blanket. Yes, I found much security here. I would always feel a peaceful vibe looming over me and everyone else, as if no war had ever initiated. However, the topic of war still stood on two feet. We would have our war meetings here, planning our next moves.

It was better to seek peace with thought rather than barging to Nohr, seizing Garon's throne. You would think that would pose no challenge since he was my "Father." Many would assume once you knew of one, you could thrash and kill them without effort ever being a necessity. No, playing it safe is the best I could offer.

Garon has changed, or so I believed. Xander would speak words of kindness he once had when I took residence in Nohr. Thinking of it now, Xander isn't to be trusted either. He had proved his loyalty of the dark kingdom, and abandoned the idea of assisting me in my journey. That is thought in my mind to be unfair, but in war, sacrifices are always made; regardless of size or reason.

Speaking of which, I had a war meeting to attend to today. I solely invited those who wished to come and discuss. Like any meeting, we thought of our next attacks, and what we were to do if a certain situation occurred. All who attend would have very thoughtful conversations, actually playing a battle in their heads. At the top of this would be Takumi and Ryoma. If they wanted to be, they had the possibility of becoming tacticians.

For Hinoka and Sakura, things differed. Hinoka was more of a listener, she would do the very words of the plan. She was a good one at it, no doubt. She hasn't seized to amaze me, not yet.

As for the youngest of my sisters, she was just too sensitive to even come and think of a battle plan. Every time she attempted to attend, she would come to tears. This stayed true to even the lightest of the topic.

All of the meetings were at the mess hall. This area seemed best suited because we could talk over dinner. You could say food makes one's focus greater. I'm am unsure if that's the case however. The only comment I could put out was that it could taste really good.

Those compliments went to Jakob. So, this is the first night he won't be preparing a meal, and that is only due to banishing him from laboring for me.

I must quell those poisoning thoughts. No longer should I dwell on that. Those actions could take me somewhere I mustn't be. I can't hire him back over something foolish as this. I can survive without gourmet refreshments.

I shook my head out of my trance as I stepped in to a welcoming aroma. It traveled through my nose as I pleasingly allowed it. I couldn't exactly specify what it was, but I admired it. It was something that hadn't been experienced before.

My sight was also used as well. My eyes laid on some warriors that were all ready for a long discussion on battle. As all the usual, I saw Ryoma and Takumi. I also have seen Saizo, Hinoka, and Hana. It was an unusually empty meeting. We would have some others as well, but we got few that would actually run the conversation. The others would consist of others that would listen, agree, or just plain argue. I'll provide an explanation on the arguing portion.

Setsuna is a prime example, and this is not a joke at all. She seems clueless, yes? Well, regardless of ideas, she'd toss a counterpoint toward it. Well, that aim would be a miss every time. It would stand as an irrational statement, or one that no person could agree upon.

I am actually thankful she didn't arrive. Otherwise, a storm of statements would be stirring the atmosphere at this very moment as I walk in. Ryoma would have been yelling for everyone to calm down as well.

Speaking of him, he greeted me first. "Hello, Kamui. Ready for a long conversation?" He spoke as he got out of his chair.

"Sure. I am curious as to what we have in mind. Also, what is that smell?"

"Well, it should be a familiar dish to you. I'm surprised that you don't recognize it." He looked at me.

"I don't have a clue as to what you speak of."

"You had it once," he paused. "Before the treacherous event of your kidnapping."

"Of course, that's how I don't remember it. It was ages back. Well, it also explains why I find it appealing. I find that odd, I now find it strangely familiar. Could you name the dish?"

"Sushi. Basically rice and fish. The rice gets stuck together, and the fish is in the middle." He breathed, as if he were to transition. "You should sit down. The meeting is about to commence." Ryoma gestured toward the table with the other chatting participants.

I gladly took the invitation and sat. I gained the feeling of comfort, and the dish was served. As the plate was placed in front of my face, nostalgia was hit right in my face. It triggered something, but not a memory. It was almost like I had one in my head, but the outcome was a blur. Half memory? I am uncertain as to what to call it.

Regardless of the specification, I dug into the sushi. It was devoured right as Ryoma gave an opening statement. My sense of hearing didn't even pick up half of his words since my actions were set as a distraction.

"Kamui?" Ryoma looked down at me.

"Yes?" I briefly lifted my head from the plate.

"The meeting?"

"Oh yes, sorry." I pushed the plate forward and began being attentive. That was shameful. I guess memories could be powerful to the point it takes control of one's mind.

"Now," the heir began. "We have recently had a devastation in Hoshido. They don't seem to hold up well at this point. What could we do to keep Shirasagi from falling?"

Takumi spoke as soon as Ryoma ended. "Couldn't we just send extra soldiers back to the castle? Reinforcements. I feel that as the best option."

"Hmm, how would that be possible? By the time they arrive, the castle would be merely dust and corpses all scarred by Nohr."

"How about Lilith?" I barged in. "She sends us externally from the Astral Plane back to our rightful place from where we stopped. Why not take the reinforcements to Lilith, and send them over to the castle?"

"Hold on. How could that happen? If it's so for 'our rightful place,' then how is it so for anywhere at all?"

"I agree that the idea seems farfetched. But it really isn't. Lilith is capable to send beings to anywhere. However, to remotely send anyone at a select location will require much energy drained from her."

"Is this risk one worth taking?"

"Only if she allows it, I believe we could put it to action."

"Good then." He clasped his hands together.

"Wait a second," Takumi began to feel skeptical. "What if she doesn't? It's necessary to find a backup plan!"

"Well," I breathed. "I feel that is she is just too nice to say 'no,' Takumi."

"Yeah, well, we need to ask her first!" He crossed his arms, with both eyebrows furrowed.

"Okay," I got out of my seat. "I will."

"Hey, no! We are in the middle of a war meeting here, you can't just walk out of here like that!"

"Takumi," Ryoma began to stop him. "This is for the best. You care about the kingdom as much as I do, right?" He stood in front of Takumi, having an arm outstretched to keep Takumi from advancing any closer to me.

"Well, yeah, but…" Takumi's eyes began to look over to the side. "Rules are rules. She agreed to them ages ago. Recall that one of them was to 'not leave suddenly in the middle of the meeting unless an emergency occurs?'"

"Can't we just give her an exception?"

"NO!" He yelled. "One time I tried leaving, but you stopped me! So, end this act of hypocrisy! Don't you want to look good in front of your people?" He gestured over to Hana, Saizo, and Hinoka, who were all staring.

"Well, yes. Brother, you are being blind," The elder brother continued. "This will make me 'look good.' This plan is the sake of the kingdom of Hoshido. I'm being selfless. That is a trait many look up to."

"Fine." Takumi just loosened his tense pose, and was beginning to calm down.

"I'm glad that we agree." Ryoma smiled. "Now, sit down, and we'll discuss other plans."

I don't know how Ryoma was able to keep himself calm in a heated argument, opposing a relative. I admit the topic Takumi brought up was a bit unnecessary, but made sense in its own way. He just wouldn't have anyone break the rules, and I can see that. I just wonder whether the action came place due his somewhat lack of trust, or just because of his normal nature. Either way, it wasn't irrational.

My walk wasn't too long. It was rather enjoyable, actually. It was a silent and vacant experience, an uncommon one that I won't bear in a long time. The wind traveled gently in my long blonde locks my face basked in great warmth of the exposed sun. Clouds were no visitor at the moment, and the sky wore an attractive blue. With a great scene came no people. No, I am not preferring everyone to be dead. Merely, the saying "Silence is golden" applies to the atmosphere today.

I found an attachment to the beautiful weather, but I had progress to make. My planned action was one of simplicity. So, doing it shouldn't be a challenge.

Whispering a farewell to the warmth came a greeting to the frigid room of Lilith's. Of course, it bore the same appearance as usual—moist and dark. The black room complimented the cool-colored scales of Lilith's that never failed to calm me down in rough situations. It was kind of like the hot springs after a hectic battle of sort, but this tone fared differently. It gave me a grasp of emotional comfort after the stress of the outside world would nearly consume my mind. Sure, the fortress in general gave me security, but this place was its core. Other than my bedroom, of course.

I didn't have to initiate the conversation. She was the first to say something. Good thing too, since I was deep in thought. "Hello, Kamui. What brings you here today? You have already fed me, so you must have something else on your mind. What is it?"

"Well, actually, it's more of a request rather than a need of someone to speak too this time. You see, Castle Shirasagi is in need of reinforcements, desperately. I was wanting to know if you could teleport some of our soldiers to assist in the hardly held up battle."

She frowned, then nodded with her eyes shut in a decisive matter. "I will do it, but it has heavy price. However, I know this will do good to end the war."

"Lilith, is it larger than I think? Will you have to give up more than your energy?"

She nodded. "But, it isn't anything to worry over. Trust me, I'll live. It's certainly not death," she exhaled slowly.

"Okay, good. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, Kamui. Like I just mentioned, I'll be fine."

There was this grudge that told me that communicated some sort of uncertainty. "Lilith, there must be something holding you back. You sound depressed."

Lilith's tone grew to an angry one. "No, I've made my mind. Can't you see!? This is for the good of the people!"

"Well…It's really selfless of you, but I'm also worried about your well-being as well."

She sighed, heavily. "The pain won't matter. I know that it'll fulfill my life mission, and that is to pay you back for the deed you've done for me."

"Alright. Thank you so much! I'm sorry for the way that turned out. You know, the way we nearly had an argument."

"Not a problem at all, take care." She gave a soft smile.

While she still wore the symbol of happiness, I waved and exited the place.

Jakob's POV

Good. The preparations are nearly at the completion state. Kamui shall be out of the meeting very soon, and everything will flow with a graceful pace. Well, that's what I hope. I can still imagine a problem to arise such as a verbal conflict, or worse—an onslaught of some sorts. I swallow hard as I wait patiently.

I'm sorry of this seemed like a useless chapter. I really hoped you enjoyed it, nevertheless.

Reviews are appreciated! If you liked it or hated it, speak your mind! My job is to fix it and transform it into a likable story! If it isn't, why? If it is good, what are the reasons?

UPDATE: If you have noticed, I have removed the pairing of Jakob and Corrin/Kamui. Why? Well, I have made a decision and it's not to put romance in this story at all. How come? Well, that is for personal reasons. I'm sorry for the inconvenience for anyone.