Chapter 1 - A Faded Song
The rumble of distant thunder filled the gray sky, its sound like that of the beat of countless drums. Wind whistled through the forest trees, bringing with it the first chill of autumn.
No living creature disturbed the stillness of the forest but for a single figure passing silently between the trees. Bare feet padded against the cold, damp earth with barely a sound. Occasionally a gust of wind caught the traveler's dark blue cloak, the edge of the fabric tugging and flapping behind him.
Thunder rolled in the distance once again, the war drums for an oncoming storm.
Corrin stopped, staring up at the empty gray expanse. Another gust of wind whistled through the trees, an invisible knife of cold that pierced to the very core of the young lord. Yet he did not shiver despite the chill. Warmth, cold, neither mattered much to him now. He was beyond caring enough to heed them.
His red, slitted eyes lowered, staring ahead without truly seeing. A hand slipped into a pouch beneath his armor, feeling the cool touch of metal and stone as his fingers brushed against the momento. It was all he...
He grimaced, his whole body stiffening as he pulled his hand free. Gripping his cloak, he tugged it tighter around him to keep it from catching in the breeze. For a moment he stood there, eyes closed, before at last trudging forward once more.
The sound of his feet in the soft earth mixed with the whistle of the wind through the trees, shrill and harsh. The sound of thunder drew ever nearer. It would not be long before the rain came.
Time seemed to crawl as he made his way deeper and deeper into the woods, the stillness of the world making it impossible to tell how long he had walked. Minutes, hours, it mattered little. He could have walked for an eternity and barely noticed its passing.
Slowly but surely the trees began to thin, the ground beginning to slope downward. Within a few more steps, the forest gave way to a shore of green grass stretching before a small lake. In other days the water would have sparkled like a sapphire in the light of the sun, but for now it seemed gray and cold, so still that it appeared almost frozen in time. A small wooden pier reached out from the water's edge towards the lake's center.
It seemed so different now. So different from the first time he'd been here. Since he'd met her.
Corrin closed his eyes, trying not to remember the day he'd found his way to the lake. He'd been so troubled, so uncertain with the sudden turn his life had taken. Finding out everything he knew had been a lie… learning of the family he'd never known... he'd been lost. Then he'd heard her singing...
His jaw tightened, his hand clenching tight. He didn't want to remember. He didn't want to recall the way he'd felt the moment he'd first set eyes on her. How hopelessly in love he'd been in that very instant. How he'd thought her some spirit of the water, for she'd seemed to him far more beautiful than any other woman he'd seen before.
Slowly he opened his eyes, his vision blurry as he looked back at the lake. He brought a hand up to his face, his fingers coming away wet. He blinked, staring at his glistening fingertips before letting his arm drop back to his side. He shuffled forward, dragging his feet as he walked out onto the pier. The wood creaked and moaned under his footsteps, their drawn out notes baleful against the groan of trees swaying in the breeze.
Thunder rumbled, closer now.
Coming to a stop at the edge of the pier, Corrin stood there motionless, gazing down into the water. He saw his own face staring back at him on the mirror surface. Red eyes looked out from sunken, dark sockets, cheeks gaunt from lack of food and sleep. His gray-white hair hung in tangled tatters.
How long had it been since he'd last bathed or slept regularly? Not since before the war ended… weeks before that even. There had been barely a moment to stop and rest in those final days as they pushed deeper and deeper into Hoshido. And after that…
After that he hadn't seen much of a point.
A tear fell into the water, scattering the image in a wave of ripples that radiated outward. Reaching up, Corrin wiped away the wetness from his eyes, hardening his will before more could come. Stiffly he reached back under his armor, finding the pouch he'd checked before. Again he let his fingers brush over the cold metal and smooth stone.
Gold glinted, everbright even in the gray light as he withdrew the pendant from the pouch, its long chain trailing behind. The blue gemstone at its center seemed to shimmer as he turned it in his palm, an iridescent sheen playing out over its surface. The chain clinked as it slipped the rest of the way free, swinging as it dangled between his fingers.
Azura...
How long had it been? A week? More? The days had blurred together… a long endless sea of pain ever since... that day...
He stared deeper into the center of the gemstone, images flashing before his eyes as he remembered it as clearly as he had on the day it happened. Sights and sounds assaulted his senses, pulling him back into those final moments in the Hoshido throne room. The sound of screams and clashing weapons, a world of phantoms and shadows.
A song of Conquest and Fate.
. . . . .
"Hrrrraaaah"
With a shout Corrin charged forward, Yato burning with a fiery purple light. Two invisible soldiers leapt to bar his way, their mirage-like forms flickering in and out of sight so that they seemed to move as a blur. He checked his stance, slowing half a step as he swung his blade out wide. The two gemstones in the center of the blade flashed red once, twice, burning bright as the blade cleaved through both foes in a single blow.
He bounded forward, passing through the haze of violet smoke as the phantoms evaporated before him, paying no further heed to them.
A streak of shadowy energy lanced towards him, the sound energy swirling around the projectile filling the air. He twisted to his left, the arrow loosed by the corrupted Fujin Yumi narrowly missing his head.
Dipping low, Corrin braced his hand against the ground and pushed off, resuming his headlong charge. In his peripheral vision he saw dark shapes materialize, more invisible soldiers summoned to slow him down.
He couldn't afford to engage them now, they would never stop coming as long as Takumi… no, not Takumi, whatever was controlling his brother's corpse was dead. He had to count on the others to keep the endless waves of foes occupied just a little longer. Long enough for him to end this.
Straight ahead stood his brother's shadow wreathed form, motionless and listing to one side in an awkward angle, almost like a puppet dangling from invisible strings. Then without warning he lurched into movement, releasing a stream of arrows one after another in a blur of motion, far faster than any living being could.
For a single heartbeat time seemed to stop. Corrin's eyes narrowed, a sudden red sheen fell over the world. His heart hammered faster and faster, beating several times in the span of a second. An itching sensation washed over his whole body, his skin crawling as his bones and muscles warped, his limbs elongating, claws sprouting from his fingertips. The dragonstone clutched in his hand burned, power leaking out with from within.
Like a coiled spring being released he sprung forward, moving in a blur with speed beyond that of a mortal man, a burst of draconic power fueling his movements. He swung Yato in a blinding flurry of slashes, intercepting arrow after arrow loosed at him. Yato withstood them all, weathering the darkness unleashed by the corrupted bow. His will and it were one, and this time they would not break.
A second passed.
The tingling faded, his body returning to normal as the power drawn from his dragon form faded
Another second passed.
He bounded forward with every ounce of his remaining strength, closing the gap between them.
Another second.
Takumi loosed another arrow. Corrin raised Yato just in time, the projectile shattering against the flat of the blade. With another cry he leapt forward, closing the the final few feet into a single step. Checking his blade he brought it back around in an overhead slash. His brother's form lurched back at the last second, narrowly avoiding the strike.
Takumi loosed an arrow point blank, missing Corrin by a hair's breadth as he darted to one side. Yato slipped in, catching the bowman in the forearm. A howl of pain fell from the possessed Takumi and he staggered back, bow slipping from his limp fingers. Shadows oozed from the wound, rising as wisps of smoke that dripped down to the floor.
A shout fell from Corrin's lips as he stepped forward, and with every ounce of strength that remained within him, drove Yato into his brother's chest.
Takumi's eyes went wide, the crimson light that had burned within them dimming and going out. His body went limp, his expression going blank as he fell forward. Corrin caught his body, pulling Yato free as he gently lowered his brother's body to the floor.
"I'm sorry..."
Turning around, Corrin watched as the remaining invisible soldiers fell lifelessly to the floor, their bodies dissolving into violet smoke. It seemed as though without the presence animating Takumi, they too lacked the strength to remain alive.
He watched as the others hurried towards him, Xander and Leo at the group's head. Behind them was Azura. Even at this distance he could tell from her gait that the use of her song had drained her, but otherwise she seemed to be holding up.
Corrin let out a sigh of relief, a small smile tugging at his lips. For all the death he'd endured, for all the loss, at least one light still remained. Good, we managed to beat him before she had to push herself too far. She's safe…
Corrin froze, his eyes drawn to the violet smoke lingering where the invisible soldiers had fallen. Something wasn't right, it should have dissipated by now.
Without warning, the vapor began to move, slowly at first, sliding inward towards the end of the room. As the smoke moved it picked up speed, coalescing as it drew ever nearer to Takumi's corpse. Whirling back to the body, Corrin's eyes went wide as black energy began to seep from his brother's wounds, lightning crackling as it drew in the remains.
"Get back! Everyone get back!" Corrin shouted.
A blast louder than any thunder split the air. An invisible wall of force slammed into Corrin, a blinding flash of light searing his retinas. He was flung back, agony bursting in his shoulder as he clipped a pillar. On instinct he drew upon his inner reserves of power, hardening his skin into scales and strengthening his bone. It was not a moment too soon. He landed hard, bounced once, twice, three times, and skidded to a landing hard on the cold, unforgiving stone floor.
For a moment he knew nothing but pain, his entire body screaming in protest to the agony he's endured. He was certain that if he hadn't used his Dragon Fang ability to protect himself, the impact would have killed him. Even so, he was sure he'd broken something. Cracked ribs no doubt, shoulder too was likely broken. He tried to move his left arm, pain lancing down it and through his back. Yep, definitely broken.
Using his good hand he propped himself up, searching for Yato, spotting the blade only a few feet away. He reached for it, only to stop dead in his tracks as he beheld what was before him.
A vortex of violet smoke and energy as black as the darkest void spewed out of Takumi's body. It rushed out of him, growing larger and larger by the second. Before his eyes the storm took shape. Wings of smoke and dust spread wide, arms and claws of abyssal void. From its center emerged a long neck and dragon's head, red eyes burning like fire.
It must have used its own soldiers to form this body, Corrin realized, frozen in place by a sudden dread. Whatever had been possessing Takumi, it had sacrificed its own forces to do this: for one last effort to defeat them.
The phantom dragon roared, the sound shrill like scraping steel and the grinding of volcanic rock. All around Corrin's friends recoiled back, covering their ears as the beast filled the chamber with its fell, unearthly cry.
Corrin grit his teeth, unable to shield his ears. With a force of will he forced his aching limbs to obey his commands, lunging for where Yato lay just out of reach. His fingers closed around it, the blade flashing with red light as he raised it up before him.
The dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a withering wave of shadows that crashed into Corrin and the others. The shock threw Corrin down, ripping Yato from his grasp as he landed on his side a dozen feet back, tumbling and skidding to a stop as fresh pain blossomed from the impact. Yato spun through the air, its tip sinking deep into the stone floor far out of reach as if it were it made of sand.
Pain.
Pain unlike anything Corrin had felt before burned through him, cutting to the very core of his being. He couldn't move, couldn't even think, the abyssal energy unleashed by the dragon's attack seeping into him as he lay there.
Another wave rolled out, then another, and another. With each one the agony only grew, until the whole world was nothing but utter, unending pain. Black lightning danced off his body, forcing him to writhe and twitch in pain. Through blurred vision he saw all the others lying around him, their faces twisted by agony, overwhelmed by the same dark power as himself.
In a single moment it had taken all of them out of the fight. How could they fight this thing? How could they even stand a chance?
Corrin's eyes fell on Azura's face. She lay closest to him. She weakly raised a hand, reaching for him, her agonized expression somehow also tired, as if bearing the pain took everything she had left.
Corrin's vision went red, the world falling away until he only saw Azura before him.
Boom, boom. His heart echoed in his ears.
Boom, boom. Boom, boom. The drumbeats quickened.
His hands tightened around his dragonstone, the gem-like sphere somehow finding its way into his grasp.
Boom, boom. Boom, boom, Boom, boom.
A sudden searing heat rolled through his body, his bones and muscle writhing under his clothes as he changed. His arms grew longer, hands becoming talons. His spine bent, his neck elongated, horns grew from his forehead, wings sprouted from his back. He felt his shoulder pop, bones snapping back into place as his body took on its new shape. A twisted cry fell from his lips, turning into a drawn out roar unlike any sound that could come from a human's voice.
Gone was Corrin the prince, replaced by Corrin the dragon.
With another roar he bounded forward, driving through the waves of shadow, weathering and overcoming its crippling bonds. He lunged, wings spread wide as he crashed into the phantom dragon, claws gouging deep into its form.
A pained shriek fell from the shadow construct. It flailed its neck, knocking Corrin free. He landed on his side, rolling back onto his feet, claws scraping the stone. The phantom dragon lashed out with a claw, Corrin narrowly twisting aside at the last second. He retaliated with a swipe of his own, delivering a deep gash on his foe's arm.
The dragon roared again. With speed that betrayed its great size, it lunged forward, maw snapped shut on Corrin's midsection. Its teeth tightened and Corrin's world exploded in pain, his armored scales the only thing preventing him from being bitten in half.
With a violent wrenching of its neck, the phantom dragon slammed him into the ground. The red haze before Corrin's vision darkened. A pained whimper fell from from his throat. It was only on instinct that he staggered upright, facing the phantom dragon once more.
Shadowy smoke curled from between the great beast's teeth. Its mouth spread wide, a stream of the same energy it had released before in a wave surging towards Corrin before he had a chance to defend himself. A surge of agony erupted through his entire body, fire as black as an empty void engulfing him on all sides. He roared in pain, the sound stretching out into a tortured whine as the torrent seared every nerve in his body.
Then the shadowy breath ceased, smoke curling all around. Corrin swayed, a low, weak growl passing through his throat. He took a single step forward, then collapsed, his body giving out. With a crystalline sound like the breaking of glass, his form burst into a thousand motes of light, the dissipating energy scattering to reveal his human body once more.
No… can't… I need to… He tried to look up, to raise his shoulders up off the ground. It felt as though a colossal weight was pushing down on his back, as if he weighed several times more than he had moments before. He managed to get his chin an inch off the floor, his whole body trembling with the strain. He crumpled, the weight too much to bear. He couldn't do it… he'd given everything he had left. Even his eyelids seemed to have turned to lead, it was all he could do to keep even a single eye open.
Slowly the dragon advanced on him, maw burning with violet light. In its inhuman eyes he saw a flicker of joy and unbridled cruelty carried through its gaze, the thing reveling in Corrin's final moments.
Everyone… Azura… I'm sorry….
"You are the ocean's gray waves..."
Corrin lifted his head, the words of the song reverberating to the very core of his being, washing away the pain with soothing light. His whole body tingled, a small flicker of life returning to his broken form. Before him stood Azura, her arms outstretched, shielding him from the looming shape of the phantom dragon.
Slowly she stepped forward, her bare feet padding against the stone floor, her long hair glowing behind her as she continued to sing. The dragon roared, writhing and flailing as if in pain. His tail smashed through a pillar, its claws digging deep grooves in the floor. The shadows that clung to it seemed to shrink and grow thin, the horrible thing recoiling from the songstress' voice.
"Azura, what are you-"
Corrin's question fell short as a ripple seemed to flow through Azura. For an instant her whole body flickered, her shape becoming a vessel of light beneath a thin layer of skin before growing solid once more. She stumbled a step, a pained gasp falling from her lips as the song faltered.
Patches of ethereal, shimmering light slowly appeared on her skin, starting as minute points of white that spread outwards like liquid. Flashes of memory tore through Corrin's mind: of the night he'd awoken to find her gone from their bed, of how he'd come across her alone by the water's edge, wracked with pain as her body seemed to flicker in and out of existence, consumed by a strange light. How she'd confessed to the effects of using her song, how it ate at her very life force, how it consumed her bit by bit each time she used her pendant. How he'd begged her to promise not to use it anymore, and how she'd refused, swearing only that she wouldn't push herself too far, only as much as necessary.
"Azura, please… stop… you can't...
For a moment Azura stood completely still, Corrin fearing she had not heard him. Then, slowly she shook her head, stepping forward once more, her voice picking up her once faltered song. The phantom dragon continued to writhe and struggle, pushed ever back by the power of her song. Its maw opened wide, releasing another wave of shadow, only for the darkness to split and dissipate against the power of the singer's voice.
Azura's body flickered again, as she fell to one knee, wracked with pain. Yet she did not stop singing, even as pain twisted her features.
"Corrin…" she whispered, speaking between her gentle humming. She looked back at him, an apology carried in her gaze. "Please… hurry…".
Corrin stared at her, torn by guilt. She was doing this for him: risking her own life to save him, sacrificing everything just to give him a chance at victory. Yet there was nothing he could do to stop her. Nothing he could do but make the most of it. Nothing but hope it would be enough.
Without thinking he staggered to his feet, his hand grasping Yato's hilt. For an instant he wondered at it, for it seemed that the blade had appeared from nowhere. He did not know if he'd happened to fall next to the blade by chance and hadn't noticed it, or if it had been called to him. Either way, it did not matter. All that mattered was finishing this.
With a shout Corrin charged forward, past his friends, past Azura, Yato held high. The blade burst with crimson light.
The phantom dragon roared, its burning eyes falling on him. For an instant Corrin felt it: the searing hatred, rage, and contempt pouring from its gaze. Shadows leapt from its maw, only to again be driven back by Azura's song.
Then Yato plunged into its chest.
The world hung still, nothing moved even an inch. Azura's song fell silent. Not even a breath could be heard.
A final, piercing shriek fell from the dragon's throat. Like the opening of a floodgate, all of the energy that made up its form was released, exploding outward in a shockwave of power that obliterated every other sight and sound.
The next thing Corrin knew he was laying face down on the floor. Everything ached. His arm hurt, as did his chest. He felt tired, more tired than he'd ever felt in his life. Had he done it? He had, hadn't he? Finally, it was over. He'd won. He and Azura finally could...
Azura!
With an effort of will, he forced life back into his exhausted, broken form, dragging his leaden limbs into motion. Lifting his head he saw Azura standing a short distance away. She swayed on her feet, her whole body flickering as the patches of liquid light slowly spread. For an instant their eyes met, a small smile pulled at her features..
She took a single step, swaying even more now. Then her eyes began to close. She tipped forward, falling gently to the floor.
At once Corrin shoved himself upright, screaming her name. His whole body burned in agony with his efforts, but he paid it no heed, for reaching her was the only thing that mattered. He reached out to her, scrambling with his free hand as he dragged himself forward. His heart beat loudly in his ears, drowning out all other sound.
No… please… please be alright… you can't…you can't… no… no, no, no, no...
Without warning his legs collapsed underneath his weight, causing him to topple face first onto the cold stone. Tears filled his eyes as he forced himself to raise his head, forced himself to drag himself forward, to ignore the pain, to do something.
But try as he might, it was no use. He had nothing left.
"Corrin…"
The sound of Azura's voice cut through the haze, snapping the world back into focus. He looked up, seeing her before him, just out of reach. As he watched, she lifted her head, propping herself up on one arm. Her eyelids fluttered, her expression marred with pain and exhaustion. Tears glistened in her eyes as she gazed upon him, only to flash with relief as she saw that he too had lifted his head.
"Corrin…" She repeated his name a second time, her voice faint and a sad smile on her lips. His shoulders rose and fell in heaving breaths, their every movement strained. "I'm sorry... I know I promised I wouldn't disappear. But...I'm not sure...I can keep my word…"
"No, Azura you… you can't…" Corrin's voice died in his throat, a coarse sob drowning his words. He clawed at the ground, trying again to pull himself forward, only for his strength to give out once more, his arm falling limp. All he could do was reach out helplessly, too far away to even take her hand.
"You promised me, we'd see this through together. A peaceful word we would see together. That's what we fought for, right? How can it be worth it if you never get to see it yourself?!" Corrin pleaded, feeling tears stream down his cheeks. Behind him he heard the others begin to stir, slowly pulling themselves upright. Only they were too far away. Too far away to provide any help now.
"Please… don't cry…" Azura said, her voice growing weaker with each word. More of her body began to fade, motes of light drifting off from the glowing patches continued to spread. If it caused her any pain, she did not let it show, the smile remaining on her lips. "Even if.. I cannot see it… I am happy... As long as you are safe… as long as you can see the peaceful world we both fought so hard for… that is worth everything…"
"No. Please no, Just hold on, you're going to be alright. Please, Azura, don't go. Don't go," he begged, shaking his head side to side. "Don't go, please don't go. I need you here. I can't lose you too." His vision blurred as tears streamed down his face and he lifted his hand towards her, reaching out for her in one last futile motion.
"It's… too late for that now… I'm sorry... Sorry I couldn't keep my promise… but… we both… knew how this song would end, didn't we…" She collapsed forward, slumping weakly on the ground. Pain flashed across her face as she pushed herself back up, her body shaking with the effort. She kept her eyes on him, her gaze remaining on his for every remaining moment.
"Will you listen to one more selfish request?" She asked.
"What… what is it?" Corrin asked, grimacing as he fought through the tears. He managed to pull himself another inch forward, drawing closer and closer to her. They were within inches now… just a little further…
"I want to know… to know you will be happy…. I want you to live a joyful life… even if I cannot be there…" She whispered. The glow began to overtake her, her body evaporating away in a stream of light that rose up into the air.
"Azura...no… I can't... I love you, I… How can I be happy without you?" He shook his head again, sobbing over and over. "I'll try… I'll try…"
"Thank you…" The smile returned to her lips, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks as she gazed into his face. "Corrin... can I see you smile for me one last time? One more smile...before I go…"
Somehow Corrin managed to bring himself to smile. There was no joy in it, no hope behind it. Only resolve to fulfill her final request. The final request of the woman he loved.
"That's right... Lovely…" Azura reached out for him, their hands coming within inches of each other. Her chest heaved with gasping breaths, more tears rolling down her face. Then the light washed over her, the whole of her form evaporating into shimmering flecks of light…
"I love you," her voice whispered, the last of the motes of light swirling up into the air. Like a rising mist they swirled up and up, coalescing into a single point. There was a flash of aqua light, scattering the glowing motes like droplets of rain in the wind.
Tink...
Tink... Tink...
Tink.
Azura's pendant bounced as it hit the ground, landing on the stone in front of Corrin. The amulet at its center shone with blue, then faded away with the remaining flecks of light, growing cold once more.
All around he heard the voices of the others cry out in shock and disbelief, the sound of many footsteps and voices hurrying towards him. He felt hands grab him, helping him upright. He heard words of comfort spoken gently in his ears, questions asking what had happened. He saw Elise crying and Leo looking away, his expression pained. Xander put a hand on his shoulder, trying to say something Corrin could not make out, Camilia kneeling next to him and asking if he was alright. But he barely took heed of them, for all he could do was stare blankly at the pendant that lay before him.
She was gone…
Gone…
What was he supposed to do now?
How would he tell Kana and Shigure?
What was left for him now?
Tears streaming from his eyes, he reached down and picked up the amulet. For a single instant the stone at its center began to glow, then went dark once more.
. . . . .
Corrin stared blankly at the surface of the amulet clasped in his hands. He stood there perfectly still, the only sound to be heard was the gentle rustle of wind in the trees and the drumbeats of far off thunder.
A single tear splashed against the surface of the amulet, leaving a tiny river of water as it ran over the center stone.
You promised…
Another tear traced a line of silver down Corrin's cheek.
You promised we would see the end together. A world full of light and hope. You promised, remember?
He squeezed his eyes shut, tearing them away from the still water. His empty hand clenched tight, his fingernails digging into his palm with enough force to break the skin.
A whisper of wind blew across his ears, as gentle as the breath of his lost love. Distantly he heard the echo of her voice, emanating from his very memories. So keen were those memories that they seemed almost real, as if he could merely reach out and find her there before him, only for the emptiness to return and slip back into the loneliness that clung to him like a shroud.
"I want to stay by your side forever"
Then why did you leave me? Why did you leave me all alone? He thought back, even as he knew that no response would be forthcoming. Blood trickled between his clenched fingers, dripping onto the dirt.
"Remember me... even if, someday, we are forced to part."
I never wanted that, I wanted you here, with me…
Plop.
A single drop of rain splashed against the ground.
"All you can do is try to protect those you love as best you can."
I couldn't even do that. My brothers died because of me. I killed them. I was weak. Too weak to save them. Too weak to save you.
Plop, plop.
Two more drops fell, one splashing against the surface of the amulet.
"Will you listen to one more selfish request?"
You weren't selfish… nothing you did ever was. All you ever did was put others before your own happiness. Not like…
...like me.
His shoulders bobbed once, a single sob catching in his throat. He grimaced, tears beginning to flow down his face despite his efforts to hold them at bay. He felt it: the wave of guilt building inside, overpowering his efforts to hold it back.
I was the selfish one, Azura, not you! All I ever did was put my happiness before others. All this happened because I couldn't bear to fight the only family I'd ever known.
"Can I see you smile for me one last time?"
His hands began to tremble and he shook his head back and forward, his heart seizing in his chest. I can't, Azura. I wish I could, but… without you here I… I can't even do that for you… He repeated it again and again, apologizing over and over. He couldn't do it. He was too weak to even keep his word.
His shoulders began to tremble once more, a quivering whimper falling from his throat. He struggled to hold on, struggled to keep control. To keep it all at bay, to keep the rising sea from swallowing him whole.
The rain began to fall quicker, more and more drops falling from the sky. It was as though the heavens themselves had taken hold of his grief, giving it a voice where he did not. He felt water splash against his face, cold as ice as it mixed with the salt of his tears.
"No matter what happens, dear love... I will always be with you."
It was a lie...
Again and again her final moments played out before him. Her sad smile as she vanished away, until only her pendant was left.
You aren't here now…
She'd given his life for him. She'd done it so he could live. Yet…
"I want you to live, even if I cannot…"
...all he could do is wish that he had died with her.
A sudden shiver ran through the amulet clutched in his hand. He stared down at it, his vision blurred. Despite the overcast light, the gemstone at its center seemed to almost radiate its own light, just as it had hung around her neck. Even with its owner gone, its power still remained, as if its song yet yearned for a voice to wield it.
Another victim to be swallowed by its burden.
A sudden flash of anger tore through him. It was because of it that Azura had died. All because of this cursed thing. Without it she would have never been able to give her life for him. Without it she would still be here.
A scowl twisted his lips as he curled his fingers around the amulet, cocking his hand back as he prepared to fling it into the depths of the lake before him. He squeezed his eyes shut, throwing his hand forward with all his strength.
His arm froze mid swing, as if caught by an unseen force. His hand trembled in the air, his whole body beginning to shake. He couldn't do it. He couldn't throw it away. It was all he had left of her, the only part of her that had remained For all the pain the thing had caused, for all the danger it still posed, he could not throw away the final link to her. If he did, it would mean accepting that she was really gone.
His hand fell limply to his side, his shoulders bobbing up and down with renewed sobs.
Just another reason why he was weak.
He'd let his family die.
He'd been too weak to do what's right.
He hadn't even been able to save Azura.
He wasn't even strong enough to throw the cursed thing away.
Just like that, his resolve broke. The dam keeping it all at bay shattered within him, releasing the torrent of grief locked inside. It flowed over him in a ceaseless tide,:dragging him down under the weight of unrelenting feelings of loss.
A howl filled the air. He hunched over, clutching his free hand over his face as he wailed in despair again and again. His shoulders shook in time with his cries, his whole body wracked with grief. He pulled the amulet tight against his chest, clinging to it like a lifeline, holding onto the one thing he had of her as he cried her name again and again. Tears spilled from unseeing eyes, running in rivers with the falling rain that soaked him to the bone.
His legs buckled and he fell to his knees, pounding his fists again and again into the pier until his skin began to break.
How was he supposed to carry on without her? How was he supposed to live like this? Without her he would have never made it this far, and now that she was gone…
What future did he have left? The light that he'd followed for so long had gone out, and all was dark before him.
Through vision shrouded by tears, he looked up, gazing out over the gray lake before him. Its surface churned and danced in the falling rain, its depths black under the darkening sky. For an instant he felt that darkness tug at him, a cold whisper of breath inviting him to throw himself into that abyss. To let it swallow him, until the breath was gone from his lungs and the last flicker of life faded from his body. To let go of it all.
To be with Azura.
Yes, that would be best, wouldn't it? He wouldn't hurt anyone else that way. Wouldn't get anyone else killed. Wouldn't have to go on alone.
Yet before he could make any moves, before he could throw himself into that welcoming black, he thought of his family, of his adopted siblings, his children, and his friends. He imagined them finding his body. What would they think of him then? A coward? And worse, how much grief would his passing bring them? All because he was selfish, because he was too weak to suffer as he deserved to.
He shook his head, whimpering as he curled into his ball. There was no way out, even his death would only cause more pain to the people he cared about. His hands tightened around the amulet as he lay there, so hard that it reopened the wounds on his palms. Blood dripped through his fingertips, washing away in the falling rain.
For how long he lay there, he did not know. It was impossible to tell if it had been minutes or hours on that pier. Thunder continued to roll overhead, the rain soaking him to the bone until even they had gone numb. At some point he couldn't even cry anymore, sobs fading as a creeping cold closed around his head. Only an occasional sniffle filled the air, until soon even those refused to come. Then only the sound of the rain and thunder remained, somber music washing away the stains of grief.
The distant sound of an approaching horse carried out from the woods behind. Closer and closer it came, stopping when it was only feet away from him. He heard the rider dismount, metal armor clinking softly as the beat of hooves were replaced with that of boots.
Corrin did not move or even look up to whoever was approaching, not caring who it was. Friend, foe, it mattered little either way at this point.
A hand came to rest on his shoulder, gripping him gently.
"Corrin, come on. Let's get you back to camp and dried up." He recognized the voice as belonging to Silas.
Corrin remained where he was, giving no answer.
"Corrin, you can't just stay here in the rain. You'll get sick and then what good will that do anyone?" His friend asked.
Even through the numbness, the words cut Corrin deep. That was their intent, of course. Silas knew him well enough to know how to best sway him. In other times, perhaps, it would have been more effective. But now… well, it was enough to get his attention at any rate.
Slowly, Corrin raised his head, looking up at his friend. "I… why did you come here?" He asked, his voice raw as he spoke.
"Xander asked us to find you. In less than an hour the army will be setting out for the journey home, and he doesn't want you left behind," Silas answered. The hand on Corrin's shoulder squeezed a bit tighter. "Besides, we're worried about you."
"We?" Corrin asked, turning his head to look past his friend. In the shade of a tree he saw a dark silhouette, its features hidden from view. At his gaze the figure took half a step forward, giving a glimpse of green hair and garments, a purple scarf around his neck, enough for Corrin to recognize him as Kaze.
Of course, that made enough sense. In many ways both Silas and Kaze had fallen more and more into the role of "unofficial retainers" over the past few months, taking on much of the same duties as those that served his siblings in a more official capacity. As far as anyone could tell, it hadn't happened by any conscious decision. Even so, if Corrin were to name who his retainers would be… well, he would be hard pressed to find any more dedicated to protecting him. At any other time he would have welcomed their presence, but now…
"I'm fine, Silas. I just want to be left alone…" he muttered, turning his head away.
"With all due respect, Lord Corrin, we believe you have had enough of time to yourself." Kaze said, the ninja's voice coming from mere steps away.
Corrin jumped, whirling around to see Kaze right behind him. How did he… ninja… right, Corrin thought. Still, being stealthy was one thing: managing to appear next to him from yards away in a matter of seconds without making a sound was another.
"What makes you say that?" Corrin asked, unable to keep the bitter edge from his voice. However, if it fazed Kaze at all, the ninja showed no sign.
"You've been out here for most of the morning. It's past noon," Kaze replied. He frowned slightly. "Is that enough reason to suffice? Or is it necessary to point out that your clothes are soaked and you're shivering."
"I'm fine," Corrin repeated, scowling. He looked between the two standing before him. Neither budged from the spot, even as he glared at them. Dammit, why couldn't they just go away? The last thing he needed was company.
Closing his eyes, Corrin sucked in a breath, slowly pushing himself to his feet. He swayed a step, his legs feeling like rubber underneath his weight. Hastily he slipped the chain of Azura's amulet around his neck, tucking the pendant under his armor. "Alright… I'll come… I just… don't want to talk…" he muttered, walking past them without heeding either with another gaze.
Gaze fixed firmly onto the floor, Corrin walked back over to where Silas' horse waited. He barely looked up when Silas fetched him a dry cloak from one of the saddlebags, putting it on without as much as a word of thanks or even a complaint.
The rain began to fall harder now, the haze of mist growing thicker. As they moved to depart, Corrin looked back over his shoulder, gazing at the lake for what might be the last time. For an instant he thought he glimpsed something moving by the water's edge. A flash of white that looked almost human shaped, but when he blinked it was no longer there.
Must be his imagination playing tricks on him.
With that, he turned his back to the lake and the painful memories it held, slipping off in the gloom.
Thunder rolled overhead, like the drumbeats of war.
Of conquests past and a song long faded.
Sing with me a song of conquest and fate.
Author's Note: There we go, the first proper chapter of the story! So, I imagine the first question people may have is why did I change the canon of the game when it comes to the end of Conquest? Simple: I found the ending to Conquest super disappointing and I felt Azura really deserved a proper death scene like she had in Birthright. So I rewrote the final battle a bit to give her one.
The other big change is of course Corrin being in a far worse state than in the game, which I felt made sense. This is a Corrin who had to make some immoral choices for what was seen as the greater good, only for a ton of people to die, to nearly destroy a nation, watch two of his siblings commit suicide in front of him, then watch the women he loved vanish before his eyes. To me, him being in a pretty dark place after all that would be the most reasonable outcome, especially considering how kind and caring of a person Corrin is. Those kind of experiences, they a break a person's innocence and naivety… hard.
Next, I'd like to try something new and respond to all of the guest reviews, since I normally try to respond to all my non guest reviews so I figured it would be only fair to do the same here. So in the order the reviews were left on the chapter….
Guest 1: Thank you for your kind words. I have quite a lot planned to come.
Guest 2: In regarding to the Corrin and Azura being cousins thing… see, I am actually bothered by it, but considering it was a single line in a DLC route and by the point I found out I already shipped them in two other routes I have decided to completely ignore that line as canon. I reject Fates' reality and substitute my own.
Guest 3: I don't want to spoil anything, but all I can say is that it would be a real shame if Morgan and Marc never got involved in this story. You know, with Morgan's boyfriend being currently in Fates.
Darkness21: So a lot of your questions were answered in this chapter, while others I cannot really answer due to, of course, spoilers. Just be assured all of what you asked will be addressed at some point
Anyhow guys, as always please take the time to leave a review if you have any comments, questions, or criticisms. Next chapter should be out in two weeks, but might take three if school keeps killing me with work like it has been. Until next time, have a wonderful day everyone!
Character Spotlight: Corrin
Class: Nohr Noble
Secondary Class: Samurai
Bane/Boon: Speed/Magic
Skills: Dragon Fang, Vantage, Swordfaire, Nohrian Trust, Draconic Hex.
Personal Skill:
Equipment: Shadow Yato, Dragonstone +