Chapter 3: The Journey Begins

Castle Krakenburg: Xander's Quarters

Xander & Lucina were talking all night about Lucina's home of Ylisse, from the war against Plegia to Valm's invasion & finally the battle against the fell dragon, Grima. Xander was intrigued of the stories Lucina is sharing with him & the fact that she revealed that she is the princess of Ylisse. Though Lucina didn't reveal that she was actually from a doomed future because she thought he wouldn't believe him.

Xander: "I must say, Lucina. Your kingdom sounds very interesting. I bet my siblings & I would love to visit there sometime."

Lucina: "Thank you, Xander. But...can you promise me something?"

Xander: "And what would that be?"

Lucina: "Forgive me for saying this but...please...don't tell your father about Ylisse."

Xander: "I...I couldn't lie to father but...your home did suffered to many wars so yes. I won't tell him."

Lucina: "Thank you, Xander!"

Then, two people entered Xander's room. One of them was a girl with blue hair tied up in pigtails with pink highlights at the end. The other was a handsome man with grey, windswept hair who Lucina swore that he looked familiar.

Lucina: Wait. Isn't that Inigo?

"Hey! Xander!"

Xander: "Ah, Peri, Laslow. What brings you two here?"

Laslow: "Well, King Garon requests Luci-I mean this beautiful maiden to the throne room to discuss her...ah...punishment."

Lucina: ...It's definitely Inigo.

Xander: "I see. Lucina, I apologize but-"

Lucina: "It's okay, Xander. I will go & face the consequences."

Xander: "...All right. Then allow me to accompany you."

Lucina: "Thank you, Xander."

The two then made their way towards the throne room. When they reached the door to the throne room, they saw Corrin, Elise, Shulk & Fiora already there.

Elise: "Oh, Xander! Lucina! You guys are here!"

Xander: "Hey, Elise. I see that Corrin & her new retainers are with you."

Elise: "Yeah, I thought I could help give them some support."

Xander: "Heh. Always the optimist, I see."

Fiora: "Will Garon really forgive us?"

Elise: "Don't worry about it! I mean, he's our father. He has to forgive you guys!"

Corrin: " Thanks, Elise. I hope you're right."

Xander: "Very well then. let us proceed."

Xander walked up towards the door.

Xander: "Father! We are here to discuss about what happened the day before!"

They heard no reply. Elise then tried to call Garon.

Elise: "Father! Can you let us in?! Please?!"

Again, no reply. Until...

Garon: "Gah hah hah hah hah ha!"

Corrin, Xander: "Father?"

Shulk: "It sounds like he's with someone... I think we should come back another time."

Lucina: "I agree. Maybe now isn't a good time."

Garon: "Hrmph! Who's there?"

Xander: "Ah. Forgive us for bothering you, Father...

Corrin: "Yes, we apologize if this isn't a good time."

Garon: "What do you want?"

Elise: "Father, we're here to apologize. right, everyone?"

Lucina: "Yes, that's right. We are sorry for questioning you."

Garon: "You may enter."

The group entered the throne room, where they saw Garon, sitting on a stone throne. Corrin & Shulk looked around the room to see who Garon was talking to, but Garon was the only person in the room.

Shulk: There's no one else here. Then who was Garon talking to?

Garon: "Corrin... You & your new retainers disobeyed a direct order from me. Ordinarily you four would not still be alive."

Corrin: "I understand."

Elise: "No! Father, I can explain-"

Xander: "Elise, please."

Garon: "However, as you, Corrin are my child & the three outsiders do not have knowledge of the laws of our kingdom, I will grant you some leeway. I have something in mind for you four. A mission. If you complete this task successfully, I will pardon your crimes in full."

Fiora: "Really?! What sort of mission?"

Garon: "There is an abandoned fortress perched on the Hoshidan border. I wish to know if the building there remains serviceable. You are to travel to the site & inspect the premises. No battle will be required. Do you understand? I won't tolerate being disappointed twice..."

Corrin: "Yes, Father. It shall be done."

Garon then left the throne room, leaving the group alone. Later, Camilla & Leo joined the others in the throne room to discuss Corrin's mission.

Camilla: "Darling, are you sure you're going to be OK out there? I don't like this..."

Corrin: "Of course! Please don't worry. It's just an abandoned fort. & besides, I got Shulk, Fiora & Lucina with me."

Leo: "You're acting rather casual about this, Corrin. This isn't like Father to be so forgiving."

Fiora: "Huh? What do you mean, Leo?"

Elise: "That's enough, Leo! Don't be so worried all the time, sheesh. & don't even try to scare them before their first mission together!"

Elise then slapped Leo in the back of the head, which gave the girls a slight giggle.

Leo: "Hey! Was that really necessary?"

Camilla: "I suppose I'll just have to come along. Not that I don't trust Corrin's new retainers, it's so that I know Corrin will be safe."

"I'm afraid that's not possible."

Everyone turned to where the voice came from. There came a man with a golden mask covering his forehead & right eye.

Shulk: "Xander, who's that?"

Xander: "That is Iago, Father's top advisor & Nohr's tactician. Though his strategies helped us win many battles, they are quite "questionable"."

Camilla: "Why ever not, Iago?"

Iago: "Milady Camilla, King Garon intends this expedition as a test of sorts. As his top advisor, I have been entrusted with coordinating this mission. He would like to know whether Princess Corrin & the three newcomers are worthy... After all, she IS a part of the royal lineage. As for her retainers... they are still outsiders so this mission will test their loyalties. Therefore, your assistance would simply muddy the results."

Corrin: "Understood. Camilla, we need to do this all by ourselves. Surely you would understand."

Garon: "Not all by yourself, Corrin."

Everyone turned around to see Garon walking towards them.

Corrin: "Father! I didn't see you there."

Garon: "Rest assured, I don't intend to send you & your allies out there completely defenseless.

Then, another man walked from behind Garon. He was bald & has a mean look, which made Shulk & Fiora uncomfortable.

Hans: "...Milady."

Shulk & Fiora: "..."

Garon: "This is Hans. He is a veteran warrior & will ensure no trouble befalls you all."

Corrin: "Thank you, Father."

Xander: "Hmm..."

Shulk: "I'd reckon we should be careful around that man..."

Corrin: "Why do you say that?"

Xander walked towards the four & leaned closely to them.

Xander: "He's a criminal. A murderer & scoundrel. I arrested him myself, years ago."

Fiora: "Yeah, I don't see any reason to trust him, even though King Garon does."

Xander: "That said, he is a formidable soldier."

Corrin: "I see."

Lucina: "Very well, we shall be off." & besides, this may be my only chance to head towards Hoshido to find him.

Everyone then left the throne room, everyone but Garon.

Garon: "... It's only a matter of time."

The Bottomless Canyon (North)

When the group arrived, Corrin & the newcomers were struck in awe when they looked down in the abyss.

Corrin: "Wow... Is this it? The Bottomless Canyon?"

Gunter: "Yes. It's the natural boundary dividing Nohr & Hoshido."

Fiora: "It can't really be bottomless, can it?"

Gunter: "Let the eternal darkness below be your answer. Those who fall in never return..."

Lucina: "I do not feel comfortable in this place. Something about the land around here just isn't right."

Gunter: "I agree, Lady Lucina. The sky here is always dark & foreboding. & the lightning strikes all who fly across. This is clearly a place us mortals were never meant to enter. Normally we'd go around... But the fort that King Garon wants surveyed is right over there."

Corrin: "Oh, it's not so bad. Or perhaps I'm just happy to be outside in the fresh air! Compared to the inside of that fortress, this is downright exciting."

Gunter: "Ha! That certainly puts things in perspective, milady. Come, let's proceed."

Shulk: "Hey, Corrin. I've been meaning to ask but...how long were you trapped inside that fortress?"

Corrin: "To be honest, I don't know. Probably since I was an infant."

Shulk: "Oh. It must have been tough, being trapped inside that fortress all your life."

Corrin: "Don't worry about it, Shulk, it wasn't that bad. I had Felicia, Jakob, Flora & Gunter looking after me as well as my siblings coming to visit so I wasn't lonely.

Shulk: "That's good to hear. But why did your father kept you locked up all these years?"

Corrin: "I-I don't know. I'm sure Father had a good reason."

When they reached a spot where they can see the fort, they saw soldiers occupying it.

Gunter: "Blast! It looks like this fort isn't as abandoned as we thought. Why the devil is this place crawling with Hoshidans?"

Then Corrin felt another presence behind them & turned around to see one of the soldiers standing there, looking at them.

Hoshidan: "Hold on! Do not advance any farther, soldiers of Nohr."

The Hoshidan Soldier then alerted the others of Corrin's group's presence.

Omozu: "Crossing that bridge is a violation of our border treaty."

Lucina: "Gods! Were surrounded!"

Jakob: What should we do, Lady Corrin?"

Corrin: "We're not here to fight. I suppose we'll have to turn back & report to father."

Shulk: "Smart move, Corrin."

Hans: "Who asked you, kid?"

Shulk: "What?!"

Hans, axe in hand, leaped at the Hoshidan scout, killing him.

Hoshidan: "AUGH!"

Hans: "Ah ha ha! Die, scumbags!"

Omozu: "You'll...pay for this!"

Lucina: "Hans, are you mad?! We had no reason to engage these troops!"

Hans: "Pfft."

Corrin: "We should have tried diplomacy first. We weren't sent here to fight!"

Hans: "Speak for yourselves, weaklings."

Fiora: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Shulk: "Everyone, listen! The Hoshidans are preparing to retaliate!"

Omozu: "Soldiers of Hoshido, here me! Do not leave a single Nohrian alive!"

Hoshidan: "Prepare to attack!"

Gunter: "Argh! Looks like there's no getting out of this now."

Shulk: "Get ready to fight, everyone."

Corrin: "OK, I think that it would be a good idea if we split up into two teams. That way we can cover both the eastern bridge & the southern bridge."

Shulk: "Sounds like a plan. I'll go to the eastern bridge with Felicia, Lucina & Hans, while the rest of you take care of the southern bridge."

Corrin: "All right, then let's go."

Gunter: "Wait, there seems to be a flaw in our plan."

Corrin: "& why's that?"

Gunter: "Look across the bridge."

Everyone looked at the other side to see a battalion of troops on guard.

Lucina: "That's a lot of enemy soldiers. I don't think we can penetrate the eastern side."

Corrin: "Oh. I guess we all have to go across the southern bridge then."

Hans: "You cowards do that. Meanwhile, I will be having some fun."

Hans charged at the battalion alone like a madman.

Hans: "Gah ha ha ha! Die!"

Shulk: "Hans!"

Gunter: "Forget him. If he is so eager to get himself killed, then so be it."

Everyone went across the southern bridge only to end up in a dead end.

Fiora: "Oh no! what should we do now? There's no other way across."

Lucina: "...There just might be."

Corrin: "Wh-what are you looking at me for?"

Lucina: "Corrin, do you sense anything in this area?"

Corrin: "Now that you mention it,I do sense something like a dragon's vein."

Lucina: "Alright, then head towards the spot where it is strongest."

Corrin listened to Lucina & walked towards a cliff. Then, she lifted her hand & it shot out a blast at the other side, forming a rock bridge.

Corrin: "Wow! Lucina, how did you know there was a dragon's vein here?"

Lucina: "It was just a guess."

Omozu: "Gods! Did you see what just happened to the cliff? Who are we dealing with here?"

Shulk:" It looks like the enemy is stunned. Nows our chance to strike!"

Everyone then ran across the newly formed bridge & defeated some Hoshidan soldiers on the way towards the fort (without fatally wounding them.).

Hoshidan: "Oh gods! What kind of weapon is that boy wielding?! Just who are these people?"

The Hoshidans didn't stand a chance against the group, mainly against Shulk & Fiora, whose weapons & combat prowess were never seen before to them. The group finally managed to reach the fort only to be confronted by the commander, Omozu.

Omozu: "Do you even realize what you've done here today? Hoshido won't stand unprovoked attacks like this. Revenge will be ours!"

Omozu attacked Corrin, but Lucina managed to block his attack.

Lucina: "Are you OK?"

Corrin: "Yeah. He just caught me off guard."

Lucina: "You got to be more careful. If you let your guard down for just a moment, it would cost you your life."

Corrin: "I-I'm sorry."

Lucina: "It's okay, I'm just looking out for you. Why don't we take him out together."

Corrin: "Sounds like a plan."

Suddenly, some more Hoshidan soldiers appeared from the west, who were riding winged horses.

Felicia: "Uh oh, reinforcements!"

Fiora: "Guess we have to take care of them ourselves."

Shulk: "We will handle the reinforcements. You two take care of the commander."

Corrin: "We were already thinking about that."

Corrin & Lucina charged at Omozu while the others charged towards the pegasus riders. Omozu fired a shuriken at Lucina but she blocked it just in time. While Lucina kept Omozu busy, Corrin Ran around him & slashed at his back. Omozu then changed his attention at the Nohrian princess but it gave Lucina an opening & attacked. Omozu was severely at a disadvantage.

Omozu: "Th-that woman. Her stance, her attacks. I'd never seen them before. Just who...who are these people?"

Lucina finally lunged at her opponent, dealing the finishing blow. Omozu then fell on his knees, tired & defeated.

Omozu: "Damn you! This isn't over..."

Omozu, along with the remaining Hoshidans, retreated to the east, giving the group a victory.

Fiora: "Yes! We won!"

Felicia: "Phew... I thought I was a goner."

Shulk: "So, they were Hoshidans? They were strong."

Corrin: "This wasn't what I had in mind...but at least we've completed Father's mission."

Just then, more Hoshidan soldiers appeared, led by a man with red hair & a scar across his eye.

"So, you're the leader of these troops? Pah. You're just a little girl."

Corrin: "Who are you?"

"My name is Saizo. I've com to claim your lives."

Corrin: "Hey! Everyone! We're still under attack!"

Fiora: "What! But I thought all of them have retreated."

Lucina: "Be careful, everyone. This man is stronger than the rest of them."

Saizo: "Destroy them!"

Saizo charged at Corrin & Lucina until...

"I won't allow it!"

Xander jumped in front of the duo & blocked Saizo's attack.

Saizo: "What?! This must be their real commander..."

Xander: "Are you two all right?"

Corrin: "Xander!"

Lucina: "Y-yes. We're fine."

Xander: "What's going on here?"

Shulk: "Wait. How did you know we were in trouble?"

Then, the rest of the Nohrian royals arrived to help.

Leo: "We've arrived just in time. Your luck never runs out, does it, Sister?"

Camilla: "Are you all right? I was so worried about you."

Elise: "Don't worry! We're all here for you guys!"

Corrin: "Thank you, everyone!"

Lucina: "I don't mean to intrude this moment but...we ARE under attack."

Camilla: Who dares attack my beloved Corrin? I'll have their heads on a platter!"

Corrin: "I'm not hurt, Camilla."

Camilla: "But, darling...it's the thought that counts!"

Camilla charged at the Hoshidan troops, finishing them of in one blow each.

Shulk: "Whoa. I never knew Camilla could be so...ruthless..."

Corrin: "Me neither..."

Elise: "Heehee! That's right, you've never seen her on the battlefield before."

Saizo: "This is not going well..."

Then, another Hoshidan appeared. This Hoshidan was female with dark brown hair & a yellow scarf.

"Saizo! What's wrong? What's our status?"

Saizo: "I misjudged the situation. We're outnumbered. Kagero, do we have anyone else on the way?"

Kagero: "Affirmative. Lord Ryoma is right behind me."

Saizo: "Ahh... Then I think this battle is as good as won."

Xander: "It looks like more Hoshidan reinforcements are on the way."

Leo: "Indeed... What should we do?"

Xander: "Well, Corrin & her retainers are safe, & the fort's condition has been evaluated. There's no reason to engage Hoshido further at this point. Corrin, you take the lead with Gunter. We'll follow close behind."

Corrin: "Will do. Thank you, Xander."

Corrin & the others then retreated towards the bridge they across on. Only for Shulk to stop for a brief moment.

Shulk: Wait... Where's Hans?

Fiora: "Shulk! Come on!"

Shulk shook the thought out of his head & caught up with the others. Though, he noticed that Felicia & Jakob are not there.

Shulk: "Wait... Where did Felicia & Jakob go?"

Corrin: "Hey, your right. They were here a second ago..."

Gunter: "I'm sure they're right behind us. Now hurry up. I can't stand being on this bridge a moment longer."

They were about to depart again only for a familiar face to block their only means to escape.

Hans: "Don't worry-you won't have to stand there much longer."

Corrin & Shulk: "Hans!"

Gunter: "What is the meaning of this?"

Lucina: "Hans, let us pass! We need to get out of here!"

Hans: "Less talk. More death."

Everyone: "What?!"

Hans charged at Gunter & attacked him. He swiped at Gunter numerous times until the bridge beneath him gave way, resulting in Gunter falling into the Canyon.

Gunter: "AAAARGH!"

Corrin: "Gunter!"

Lucina: "Hans, how could you! Why did you do this? To your own ally..."

Hans: "Aww, did I knock your babysitter into the ditch? Here-you idiots can meet up with him at the bottom!"

Shulk: "I don't think so!"

Fiora: "You're going to pay for this!"

Shulk & Fiora attacked Hans & sent him flying. But he managed to got back up & charged at them again, knocking them out.

Hans: "Gah ha ha ha! Don't tell me this is all you can do!"

Corrin: "Hans...you..."

Corrin then raised her hand & it then morphed into a lance.

Corrin: "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!"

Lucina: "Corrin!"

Fiora: "Her hand! It...changed?!"

Hans: "What?! What kind of...freak...are you?

Corrin lunged at Hans with her new skill. Then, her head morphed into that of what seems like a dragon as her hand morphed into a giant, clawed mouth & fired a blast of water at him.

Shulk: "I-I never knew Corrin had that kind of power."

Hans: It can't be..."

Corrin: "I want answers, Hans! Why are you doing this? Why did you provoke the Hoshidans? & why did you kill Gunter?"

Hans: "G-get away from me!"

Corrin: "ANSWER ME!"

Hans: "I was just-just following orders. King Garon's orders.

Corrin: "What?! You lie!"

Hans, too scared to confront Corrin & her new power, ran away for his life.

Corrin: "COME BACK HERE!"

Shulk: "Corrin, wait!"

Shulk managed to prevent Corrin from blindly chasing after Hans

Corrin: "Let me go!"

Shulk: "Corrin, please, listen! Let's just think about it. Why would King Garon, your father, order Hans to provoke the Hoshidans."

Corrin: "He's lying, I know he is. He's going to pay for killing Gunter!"

Shulk: "Corrin, please!"

Just then, Ganglari emitted purple flames & lifted Corrin & Shulk into the air & down towards the abyss.

Corrin: "Huh? Noooo!"

Shulk: "What the-!"

Fiora & Lucina ran towards the edge of the bridge to see them falling down.

Fiora: "No! Shulk! Corrin!"

Lucina: "Fiora, we have to jump in."

Fiora: "What?! But Gunter said that people who fell into the canyon never return."

Lucina: "If we don't save them now, then we won't ever see them again!"

Fiora: "...Alright. Let's go!"

Fiora & Lucina jumped off the bridge to chase after Corrin & Shulk. Unbeknownst to them, another woman jumped, or rather, flew, down towards the canyon. Lucina & Fiora managed to catch up with Corrin & Shulk, who were unconscious.

Fiora: "Oh no, are they alright?"

Lucina: "Don't worry, they're only unconscious."

Fiora: Oh, good. But, how are we going to save them, let alone ourselves?"

Lucina: "I...did not think this through."

"Don't worry, I'll help you!"

The girls turned around & saw a maid flying towards them.

Fiora: "Is she...flying?"

Lilith: "My kin, my gods, my blood... Dragons grant me strength! Great Moro, I beseech you!"

Then, a bright light emitted from her & when it dissipated, she was transformed into a fish-like creature who was holding a strange orb.

Fiora: "What is that?!"

Lucina: "I-I don't know."

Lilith flew towards them & managed to catch them all. When Corrin & Shulk came too, they saw that a strange creature was holding on to not just them, but also Lucina & Fiora.

Shulk: "F-Fiora?"

Fiora: "Shulk! Your awake!"

Shulk: "What happened? Last thing I remember was-"

Corrin: "Lilith? Is that you? What...ARE you?"

Shulk's train of thought was interrupted when Corrin spoke.

Lilith: "Lady Corrin... I knew this day would come eventually. This may come as a shock, but I am not a human."

Corrin: "Well, I can see that. Are you a dragon?"

Lilith: "Yes, this is my true form. You've seen it before. Do you remember? That strange bird you rescued in the barn..."

Corrin: "That...was you...?"

Lilith: "It was. Once I recovered, I was able to take human form. You were so kind to me that I decided to remain a human that I might serve you. But now I have used a power that goes beyond the capacity of a human body. I will not be able to return to that form."

Corrin: "Oh, Lilith. I'm so sorry."

Lilith: "It's okay, I don't mind though. The most important thing to me is that you're all safe..."

Fiora: "I don't want to interrupt this conversation but I think introductions are needed."

Lilith: "Oh, right! I'm sorry I didn't say so sooner. I'm Lilith, one of Corrin's handmaids. Though, you can piece together the rest since you were all listening."

Lucina: "Well, it is nice to meet you, Lilith. My name is Lucina."

Shulk: "Well, I'm Shulk & this is Fiora."

Fiora: "I can introduce myself, you know."

Shulk: "Heh heh, sorry."

Lilith: "It is nice to meet you all."

Just then, lightning struck Lilith & she, along with everyone else began falling again.

Lilith: "Eeek!"

Corrin: "Lilith! Be Careful!"

Lilith: "First Dragons, I call on you. Grant us access to the astral plane!"

As she said those words, a blue light appeared on the ground below them as they were falling towards it. When they reached the light, they were all blinded until...

Corrin: "What just happened?!"

When everyone came too, they saw that they are no longer at the canyon. Instead. they saw cherry blossom trees on the south & a moat on the north. In front of the moat stood a castle with a dragon statue perched on top, along with walls adorned around the place, with strange, dark greenish roofs.

Lucina: "Where...are we?"

Lilith: "This is a world parallel to the one in which you live. It is known as the astral plane."

Corrin: "How were you able to get us here?"

Lilith: "The First Dragons have granted us the power to inhabit this dimension. Under their protection, we are safe here."

Fiora: "Well...it sure is nice here."

Lilith: "Oh! Allow me to prepare a place for you to rest..."

Lilith glowed & suddenly, a treehouse appeared in front of them.

Corrin: "Did...did you just use a Dragon Vein?"

Lilith: "Yes. The power of the First Dragons flows freely in this realm. You should know that space & time operate differently here as well..."

Shulk: "Well, looks like we have much to learn... Is there anyone else here?"

Lilith: "No, we are alone. There's no one left here..."

Shulk: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back any bad memories."

Lilith: "It's OK, Shulk. I''m not lonely as long as I have Corrin in my life."

Corrin: "Aww, thanks, Lilith."

Lilith: "Now...you guys should get some rest."

Everyone nodded & headed towards the treehouse.

The Next Day (in the Astral Plane)

Everyone was healed up, like the wounds they had before never happened before.

Lilith: "How are you guys feeling? I know this is a lot to take in."

Corrin: "Yes, it is. But I feel much better now. My wounds seem to have healed already. & my mind is racing! I have so many new questions about this world..."

Shulk: "Calm down, Corrin. I'm sure Lilith is a bit tired from coming all this way to save us."

Lilith: "Aw, thanks, Shulk. But I will be answering Corrin's questions in good time. For now, some business remains in the other world."

Corrin: "Yes, you're right. I can't relax until I know everyone made it safely home."

Lucina: "I agree. & I need to head to Hoshido to find someone."

Lilith: "Of course. There is just one thing you should know before you go back. When I open the portal, you will return to the same location you came from. That means you all arrive right on the Hoshidan border."

Shulk: "That is troublesome. There may be soldiers lying in wait for us..."

Corrin: "Then we'll be ready for them."

Lilith: "Very well. Then I will open the gate."

Lilith then glowed & just like that, Corrin & the others were back at the Bottomless Canyon.

Lucina: "Ah, it looks like we're back."

Corrin: "Yeah but...where is everyone?"

Everyone looked around untill...

"You're mine, Nohrians!"

Corrin: "Hmm?!"

Fiora: "What?!"

Shulk: "Look out!"

Before they could react, everyone was knocked out by two mysterious assailants. Before she was out cold, Lucina took a quick glimpse at the attackers & noticed that they were familiar.