Chapter 2 - Phantoms of War

Bare feet splashed in mud as Corrin trudged along through the center of camp, shoulders hunched under the weight of the falling rain. Another day of endless marching, another day of endless cold and wet and clinging grime.

It had been over two weeks since they'd left Hoshido, and poor weather had dogged them on every step. When it didn't rain, it poured, and the few days it hadn't instead merely remained cold and overcast. The only comfort was that the winds of the constant storms had brought swift sailing, allowing them to quickly make their way back to Nohrian lands. As with the invasion, they had opted to take the longer route; the size of their army made crossing the mountains that separated the two nations an impractical venture at best.

Corrin slogged forward, the mud squelching as he pulled his foot from a particularly deep puddle. They'd passed Chev three days ago, and in only a few more they would be home.

Home…

He whispered the words aloud, their taste bitter on his lips. No, Nohr did not feel like home. Not anymore. It had been all that he'd ever known as far back as he remembered, and yet… what had his value in it brought him? A sea of endless fighting and death, a mound of corpses left in his wake.

Yet where could he go? Hoshido? Ha, of course not. He was a traitor there. Even with a peace treaty signed he would never be welcomed there again. And how could he blame them, after all he'd done?

From the corner of his eye he caught a glimmer of movement. Turning, he spied Kana moving between two of the tents, her large golden eyes almost seeming to glow in the gloom. Corrin stopped, raising his hand halfway up, forcing his best smile. He did not approach her however, not then. Just looking at his daughter was difficult, for every time he saw her or Shigure, all he felt was pain. Facing them now, after he'd let their mother die… they were better off if he kept his distance.

He turned away, heading off once more. He tried not to think too much on the saddened look on his daughter's face as he retreated.

At last he found his tent, nestled alone away from the others at a far corner of the camp. It had been his choice to put it apart from the others. Not just because he'd rather be left alone: but also so that he would not disturb the other's rest when he woke up at night; screaming Azura's name.

Throwing back the flap, he staggered inside, throwing himself down onto his bedroll without even stopping to wipe the caked mud off his feet and clothes. It was all he could manage to even pull his cover over his head as he lay there, the hours slipping by one after another.

The rain continued to fall, the light outside slowly dimming as night claimed the world. Through it all he remained there, huddled in his tent, too weary to move yet too fearful of the visions his sleep would bring to allow himself to rest. Finally, exhaustion overpowered him, plunging him back into the restless sleep and the memories that haunted his dreams.

. . . . .

For the first time in two weeks, the sun came out that morning.

Corrin groaned, harsh golden light streaming onto his face through the flap of his tent. Blinking, he opened his eyes, regretting it at once as the rays stung at his eyes. He squinted, snatching his cover with an empty hand and shoving it over his face, blotting out the light.

"Papa! Papa! Come on, wake up. We're going soon."

Corrin winced, his daughter's voice cutting through the serene calm that had hung over the camp. For an instant he considered ignoring her, pretending like he was still asleep. But he knew well enough the effort would be futile. All it would accomplish would be to galvanize Kana's attempts to wake him.

Groaning yet again, Corrin threw the cover aside, heaving himself upright. He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake away the clinging grasp of sleep.

At that moment, the flap leading into his tent was thrown open, unleashing a torrent of light that burned his eyes. On reflex, he shielded his face with a hand, squinting against the burning radiance.

In stepped Kana, a wooden bowl clutched in her hands. "Morning, Papa. I brought you breakfast. See?" she offered the bowl to him, a bit of its contents sloshing over the edge. At a glance, Corrin recognized it as the bland porridge that had been served most mornings during the campaign, made from the military rations allotted to their Nohrian army when away.

Wordlessly, Corrin took the offered bowl, nodding in thanks. A small smile tugged at Kana's lips as he did so, yet even at a glance he recognized how the smile did not seem to stretch beyond her lips, nor did it last for as long as other smiles in the past.

Grasping the spoon lodged at the center of what could only be described as a gray sludge, Corrin shoveled a mouthful down his throat. It tasted about as bland as it looked. After several attempts, he managed to choke down the porridge, his stomach churning in protest. With an effort of will, he slogged himself through a couple more bites before setting the bowl aside, eating enough to ensure he did not offend Kana after she'd put in the effort to bring him food.

"What time is it?" He asked, speaking up at last. Peering past his daughter, he gazed out through the open tent flap. The sun had only just peeked over the horizon, with noon still several hours away. "I thought we weren't marching early today? What am I late for?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. A couple of us are going into town today to buy some supplies. Me and Shigure are going too, and Uncle Xander told me to ask you to come along as well," Kana explained.

"Did he now…" Corrin muttered under his breath, igniting a small flicker of annoyance. He knew what his brother was trying to do; Camilla, Leo, and Elise had all attempted similar things over the past few days. Somehow they'd all gotten the idea in their heads that he should spend less time alone, after… after what happened.

Corrin opened his mouth, preparing to decline the offer, only to stop dead in his tracks. Dammit, that's why Xander asked Kana. He knew as well as Corrin did that she would take it personally if he refused to go with them. He'd counted on the potential guilt from stopping him from refusing to go along this time around.

"Who else is going?"

"Just a few. Auntie Elise, Arthur, Effie, Silas, Felicia, and Kaze. And me and Shigure of course. And you, Papa," Kana answered, her smile returning.

Corrin nodded slowly. In lieu of speaking, he scooped up the bowl and resumed eating, suffering through the bland sludge preferable to conversation.

For a long moment neither of them spoke, Kana standing across from him as she ate. Slowly at first, so much so that Corrin did not notice it, Kana's smile began to fade, replaced by a saddened look at she gazed at her father.

"Papa… did I do something wrong?" Kana asked, her lip quivering as she continued to gaze at him. She blinked, her eyes watering. "You never want to spend time with me anymore, and with Mother..." She trailed off, sniffling and rubbing her eyes with a small fist.

"Kana… I…" He put a hand on his daughter's arm, gently pulling her hand away from her face. "I'm just… it's hard for me to be around… everyone. With Azura… your mother… Believe me, none of this is your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's me," he told her. He sighed wearily, shaking his head slowly. "Why don't you go ahead and get Shigure? I'll meet everyone once I've gotten ready."

"Alright, Papa," Kana said, nodding her head slowly. Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms around him. "Rrrghg rawrgghh rrrh."

"I love you too," Corrin murmured, hugging her back.

Then Kana slipped away from his arms, heading out of the tent. She stopped at the flap, looking back at him, her expression sad. For a moment it looked as if she was about to say something more, but then she turned away and was done.

Corrin hunched forward, cradling his head in his hands. Minutes crawled by as he sat there, motionless. When he at last stirred and lifted his head, his palms glistened wet from tears.

Getting ready as best as he could, scraping away the dried mud from his clothes and swapping his cloak for a clean one, Corrin stepped outside. Out into the stinging sunlight. Out into the world once more.

. . . . .

Corrin kept to himself for much of the supply trip. The few conversations he was part of were brief and to the point. Not that he attempted to end them quickly by any means. It was just that there was far less for him to talk about than in the days that now seemed long past. Nor did it hold his interest as it once had.

Why did I come along?

Sighing, Corrin checked the list of supplies he'd been given. He was already here, after all. No changing that now. Might as well try to make himself useful.

All around, people bustled about the town's market, the voices of countless conversations, haggling merchants, and shopkeepers advertising their wares rose and fell with each pocket of activity they passed. Far into the south, the region was blessed compared to the rest of Nohr, with fairer weather and better farmland than what was typical for the nation. Coupled with additional trade thanks to its close proximity to the sea and Cheve's borders, the area was free of much of the poverty and near constant famine that plagued Nohr's history.

If only the rest of Nohr could be like this, Corrin mused, shaking his head slowly. In all the histories I have read, desperation has long led the nation to expand outward simply to survive. All the wars that could have been avoided if only things were different.

"Papa, is something wrong?" Kana's voice chimed in.

Corrin looked up, blinking as he realized that he had stopped walking. "Yeah, I am fine," he told his daughter, running a hand over his face as he spoke. Another weary sigh fell from his lips. "Come on, let's go get these errands finished so we can rejoin the others."

Nodding, Kana turned and hurried off ahead. By the time Corrin had caught up, she had already struck up a conversation with one of the merchants, grinning and laughing as she pointed to several of the items on display for them to buy.

Least she's having fun.

With much to accomplish on this brief trip, they had split into several groups to get everything they would need for the remaining march. The two of them had been tasked with collecting fresh provisions, which would be a welcome change from the stale bread and leathery jerky that had been the staples of the journey home.

A smile died on Corrin's lips before it could fully form as he watched Kana, an aching pang growing in his chest. How does she manage to smile? he wondered, squeezing his eyes shut. He tightened his hands into fists, his shoulders trembling. Perhaps it was not yet real for her yet. With all the time spent growing up in the deeprealms, she was probably used to being away from both her parents. So with Azura not here now…

Or maybe she is just stronger than I am, a small voice chimed in at the back of his mind. A small, tired, weak voice, one of broken resolve and shattered hope. A voice he knew far too well. The voice of his doubts. Perhaps I'm just-

A soft, reverberating pop sounded in the distance, a wave of crackling static bursting outward from somewhere at the heart of the town. It passed over Corrin, a chill shooting through every nerve in his body. He'd felt this before, on the very day his-

A deep, distorted hum filled the air, deafeningly loud. In an instant where there had been a busy market place and people going about their day now was a wave of expanding energy. Violet, blue, and black, its surface a maelstrom, lightning dancing over its surface. The ground cracked and buckled under the force of the blast, scattering chunks of stone and dust skyward. Screams were cut short as the explosion engulfed any caught in its epicenter.

Corrin tackled Kana to the ground, dragging them both behind a market stall. A rushing tide of dust and pulverized stone washed past them, raining down all around them an instant before a wall of invisible force slammed into them. The wooden stall took the brunt of the force, splintering as it blew past. A dozen points of pain erupted in Corrin's back, shards of wood burying themselves into skin and flesh. While none felt too deep, he knew that only his armor had saved him then. If not for it, many would have found more vital marks.

Then as quickly as it had begun, the dust settled, the last remaining stones clattering to the ground. For a single instant, everything was still. Then chaos erupted, screams and shouts rising in a confused chorus as people scattered all around in a panic. Some rushed to entire buildings that had been collapsed by the blast, attempting to dig out those already screaming for help from within the rubble. Others fled, seeking cover, while others still just cowered in shock.

No… no, no, no. He'd seen this before. That day in the Hoshido capital when the sword Ganglari, given to him by Garon, had been used in a surprise attack that had sparked the war. The day his mother had died protecting him, the day he'd first transformed. It was all the same! Which could only mean-

From the epicenter of the blast they came. Like shadows they seemed, flickering in and out of the edge of sight. For an instant he saw them, the shapes of men backed in ghostly flames, eyes burning like embers as they came like demons, their numbers as overwhelming as the sea that blanketed the earth. Even as he watched, many townsfolk fell in sprays of blood, cut down by unseen blades as the shadows passed.

"Papa, what's-"

"Invisible Soldiers! Run!" Corrin shouted. Pulling his daughter to her feet, he ran, dragging her along with him. He leapt up into the air, wings sprouting from his back. He flapped hard, using the additional lift to carry both of them up into the air, bounding over a building as easy were it an overturned barrel.

Landing on his feet, Corrin continued his headlong sprint, searching desperately for the others. They couldn't be too far behind him, where… there! He spied his friends running towards him, Silas at their head. Somehow both he and Elise had managed to find the time to mount their horses in the confusion, and even now were using their vantage point to help direct the fleeing villagers away from the chaos that had become of the town center.

"Corrin, thank the gods you're alright. Are either of you hurt? Your back, it's bleeding," Silas said, speaking quickly as he pulled his steed to a stop next to them.

"No time! Invisible Soldiers, they've already overrun the blast site. We need to keep them contained!" Corrin shouted back, motioning with a hand back the way they came. "Take Kaze, Felicia, Elise, Effie, and Arthur ahead, establish a perimeter. We don't let them get past this point. Quickly!"

Silas opened his mouth as if to argue, then at once shut it, nodding his head quickly. He yanked at the reins of his horse, the beast rearing before galloping off as Silas did what was instructed, the others following suit to establish a defense between the phantom army and any civilians behind them.

Dropping to his knees, Corrin groped towards his back. Seizing one of the wooden splinters, he yanked it free, then another, then a third. He winced with each shard he removed, letting the bloody chunks of wood clatter against the pavement.

"Papa, you're hurt. Do you need me to help?" Kana asked, her expression worried.

"I'm fine," Corrin hissed through clenched teeth. Finding the final splinter, he pulled it free. Staggering to his feet, he tossed it aside. There, now he could-

Corrin turned at the sound of footsteps approaching, seeing Shigure hurrying towards him. His son came to a stop next to Kana, Shigure's hand coming to rest on his sister's shoulder as he paused to catch his breath.

"Father, what do you want me to do?" Shigure asked, his clear voice cutting through the screams and chaos churning around them. He gripped the shaft of his lance. His pegasus was nowhere to be seen, a moment passing before Corrin recalled that it had been left back with the rest of the army when their smaller group had set to purchase supplies.

"Take your sister and get away from the fighting. Get help," Corrin told them, looking away as he finished.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw his children exchange surprised looks.

"But Papa, we can help. We can-" Kana started to argue, staring up at him with big eyes.

"No, it's too dangerous. This is not up for debate." Corrin started forwards, drawing Yato from its sheath. The blade lit up, burning crimson light dancing over its surface.

"Father, with all due respect, we can be of more use here. I think we've proven we're more than capable of-" Shigure interjected.

Corrin glanced back over his shoulder, silencing his son with a hard glare. "Not anymore," he said, his voice completely even. "Shigure, do as I say and take your sister away from the battle. The last thing I need now is to worry about your safeties. Now go!" His voice rose to a shout at those final two works, both of his children blanching at its ferocity.

For a moment, neither moved from the stop, staring at him with expressions of shock and hurt mixed in equal measure. Kana's lip quivered, and it looked as if she was about to cry. Then Shigure put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her away. However, as he did Shigure looked back, his final glance carried with it a flicker of disappointment.

Corrin tore his own gaze away, a pang of guilt reverberating in his heart. He grasped the feeling, burying it deep. It's for their own good, he told himself, repeating the words again and again. Even if they hate me for it, they'll be safe. No one else I care about will get hurt.

Tightening his grip on Yato's hilt, he set off forward towards the fray. All around was chaos, civilians fleeing in all directions from foes they could not see. Market stalls and buildings alike splintered and collapsed, either by the churning tide of phantom boots or the wrath of enemy spellcasters. A wall next to Corrin exploded, raining down dust and chips of stone onto his head.

Ducking, he sprinted forward, joining the others fighting ahead. Silas, Kaze, Felicia, Elise, Arthur, and Effie had already engaged the enemy in the center of the town, forming a rough line to buy the fleeing civilians time to escape.

Shadows flickered and moved around them, appearing and disappearing from sight. Corrin narrowed his eyes, focusing with all his might. Slowly the mirages took shape, lightless flames of violet ringing invisible silhouettes that appeared as little more than ripples in the air. There were dozens of the phantom soldiers before them, perhaps a hundred or more. Already they moved in, a tide of living shadow and flame. Even now Corrin's friends seemed to be barely holding, so greatly were they outnumbered. Others streamed past, avoiding the line to engulf other sections of the town.

With a battle cry, Corrin leapt into the fray, He hacked down a phantom swordsman, parried a blow from another, killed the second, before leaping back to avoid the blow of a club. He ducked low, dodging the follow up. Rolling to his feet, he blocked the next strike with the flat of his blade, locking the club at the start of its swing before it could pick up momentum. For an instant he and the phantom oni struggled against one another, the larger foe matching Corrin's draconic infused strength. A growl left Corrin's throat. He twisted, sending the club out wide. He lashed out with his foot as his foe stumbled, kicking the Invisible Soldier back. Taking advantage of the opening, Corrin drove his sword through its chest before the thing could recover, vanquishing it back into violet smoke.

On reflex, he turned his head, searching as he always had for Azura, to catch a glimpse of her so the two could remain in sync as they fought as a pair. Corrin stopped, conscious thought catching up with his instinct. He could only stare at the empty space where she should have been. He felt the gaping hole in his chest open wide, a creeping ice that crawled outward to engulf the rest of his chest.

She wasn't there.

She wouldn't ever be there.

She was gone.

It was at that moment Silas noticed that Corrin had stopped moving, for he too froze for a split second, eyes locked on Corrin. In a sudden burst of speed, the cavalier drove back two Invisible Soldiers closest to him with a sweep of a lance. With the way cleared, he twisted back in his saddle to face Corrin more fully. "Corrin, there are too many of them for us to contain like this! We need a new plan if we're going to-"

Corrin barely heard him, a haze of red descending over his vision. Memories flashed through his mind. Azura fighting at his side through countless battles, watching his back like no one else could. Her voice giving him strength in the darkest moments. Every close call, every victory, every challenge, he saw them all.

He saw again that last, fateful battle. He again watched Azura pour everything she had to defeat the very same foes they now faced, giving her own life to save his. And again he could only watch as she vanished before his very eyes, scattering in the wind as a result of her sacrifice.

Just like that, the rage he'd felt moments before at the battle's start surged forth once more. His iced over heart shattered. Like the kindling of a flame, a sudden burning rage burst to life in its place. The pain of those memories, the pain of what he lost filled every fiber of his being, mixing with the spreading flames. That pain fueled the fire, fueled his fury. He felt the inferno calling to him, beckoning him into its opening arms. To let it consume him, let it bury him in a haze of burning blood and a chaotic maelstrom of hate. To let it swallow away the pain.

He let the fire swallow him whole.

He charged forward, ignoring surprised shouts and cries of disbelief from his friends. Distantly, he heard Silas calling for him to wait, but he did not care. He leapt forward, barreling into a group of foes. He hacked at the closest one as he landed, cleaving the phantom in two before it could so much as raise its blade.

Like a maelstrom, he tore through foe after foe, sending ghostly warrior after ghostly warrior down on the stone pavement, broken. Yato moved in a blur, guided by nothing but instinct. He paid no heed to the movements of any foe or their defenses, relying solely on speed and overwhelming power to cleave through blade, armor and flesh alike.

A club struck his shoulder in a glancing blow, but he barely recoiled from the hit. A blade's tip pierced his side, but he didn't feel it. With each attack that slipped through the wall of relentless attacks, the blood haze only thickened around him, fueling his rage. None of it mattered, no longer did he care anything for his safety. No longer did he care if he lived or died. All he cared about was to make them all pay. To kill every single one, to end their lives just like so many others had been snuffed out. All that mattered was escape from the pain. All that mattered was the blissful numbness of blood and anger.

To forget his pain.

To forget what he lost.

To forget her.

He moved without thinking, slicing down phantom after phantom in a blind fury. The world was all red and heat. The dull throb of his heart beating in his chest, the scent of blood and sweat, the rush of air and cries of war in his ears, he reveled in all of it. Reveled in the numb the blind fury brought, reveled in the physical pain inflicted both on his foes and himself. Here he was free. Here he could forget.

Faster and faster he fought, his movement growing more wild with each passing instant. He lunged, bisecting a foe mid lunge. The Invisible Soldier fell in half as Corrin had come out of his roll, evaporating to dust even as the young lord moved onto the next.

A sound halfway between a laugh and a growl fell from Corrin's lips, drunk on the numbness. The crystalline sound of metal shattering met his ears as he smashed through an opponent's katana, burying Yato deep into a phantom's chest. He ripped it free, carrying the momentum to bash down a warrior, killing the Invisible Soldier mid swing of his ax. He whirled around, Yato a blur as he moved to cut down his next quarry.

Something large and heavy came down on Corrin's back, driving him to his knee and forcing the air from his lungs. Pain burst in the center of his shoulders, cutting through the haze. Through the breach rushed flickers of memory.

Azura singing to him.

Azura holding Shigure on the day he was born.

Azura weaving a crown of flowers into Kana's hair.

Azura fighting at his side during the battles leading to the Hoshido capital.

Azura standing before him as the phantom dragon writhed in pain.

Azura's face as she vanished before his eyes.

Pain…

Corrin howled in grief and fury. He rolled to the side, his back throbbing in agony with the move. A club slammed down on the spot he'd been a moment before. He twisted, hacking at the Invisible Soldier's legs, toppling him. He was on him then, bashing the phantom oni with Yato's pommel, clawing with his empty hand.

Die. Die. Die. Die!

A searing heat surged from his dragonstone tucked into a pocket. Skin prickled, muscles twisted, his form taking on more dragon aspects. He tore out the pummeled oni's throat with a swipe of his claws. Leaping to his feet, he cut down two more phantoms with savage blow after savage blow. A blade bit into his shoulder, sinking into scale hardened skin, but he barely felt it. With a roar he slashed at the swordsman, cutting him from shoulder to hip.

Ripping the sword free, he turned, shoulders heaving with ragged, adrenaline-fueled breaths. He let himself slip deeper into the rage, into the euphoria, where the memories would not break through.

He let instinct take over.

He finished his transformation.

With a roar he fell upon his foes, tearing them apart with talon-like claws. He swung his neck, goring a phantom and knocking two others to the ground. Distantly he remembered the first time he transformed, the terrifying feeling of no longer being in control, of no longer knowing who he was. He welcomed it now, welcomed losing himself in the mind of a beast. He left only a flicker of himself behind, just enough to recognize friend and foe, just enough to recall who he was.

He let the dragon take over.

He charged again and again, ripping through the enemy lines. With claws he tore phantoms limb from limb, trampled them underfoot, and shattered bones with blows strong enough to shatter boulders. Yet still the invisible warriors came, an endless wave of mirage shadows and ghostly flame, meeting his savage fury with relentless force that came only from beings incapable of fear or self preservation.

A lance struck his side, its tip striking a rib. A sword hacked down on a leg, biting deep. He twisted around, splintering the half of the lance and throwing the swordsman back. He seized the spearman who'd wounded him, slamming him into the earth with enough force to shatter bones.

All around him the phantoms came, until soon he waded in an ocean of blades and violet flame. Blow after blow fell upon him, finding their mark. With each wound Corrin began to tire, his movement slowing. He tried to break free, only for a spear to strike his shoulder, stopping his forward charge. He thrashed, managing to throw more phantoms back, only for others to close in and take their place. A tide of swords and clubs drove him to the ground, his legs buckling under the relentless barrage.

From where he lay, Corrin caught a glimpse of the burning town around him. The tides of phantoms spread outwards, overrunning street after street before his eyes. Only an isolated pocket of defense remained, the spot where his friends still fought where he'd left them. Yet even here, even through the haze of pain and walls of smoldering anger that buried his consciousness, he was dimly aware of how disorganized they seemed. While they fought together as a unit, there was little strategy, their reactions to the changing flow of combat. It looked as though no one was in command, no one there to direct their actions.

Corrin struggled to rise, legs trembling under his weight. Another club crashed down on his back, driving him into the dirt. Blow after blow fell, until he could no longer bring himself to move. Until all he could do is lay there, beaten and broken under the continued assault.

A small, far distant part of his mind wondered if this was how he would die? Alone? Surrounded by foes? He felt… nothing. No fear, no regret. Just… nothing. Perhaps it was better that way. At least this way he could see Azura again...

The blast of a war horn cut through the roar of battle, echoing through the burning down. Voices rose up in a battle cry, the sound of hooves and boots thundering in a distance. Corrin lifted his head in time to see a great host of soldiers arrayed in the purple and gold raiments of Nohr. At their head rode Xander and Leo, the two princes directing the army to reinforce the beleaguered defenders and push the phantoms back. At their sides were their retainers, as well as many others of Corrin's own group.

Fluid as oiled silk, the Invisible Soldiers flowed to face the newly arrived forces, those nearby forgetting Corrin for the moment. Even now their numbers dwarfed those of the Nohrian army present nearly two to one, with only a fraction of the full army having been able to be rallied in such a short span of time.

At that moment, chaos erupted at the rear of the Invisible Soldier's ranks. A second, smaller force of Nohrians had circled around, launching a flanking strike just as the phantoms turned to face the main force head on. From where he lay, he spied Camilla and her retainers fighting at the front of the second force, driving deep into the enemy

Within an instant, the Invisible Soldiers lost all cohesion. Forced to fight a battle on two sides, they were overrun, smashed between the hammer and anvil that were the Nohrians. They scattered, many attempting to withdraw only to be cut down by pursuing cavalry or felled by arrows.

The battle was short and brutal. By the time the dust settled, not a single phantom remained in the smoldering ruins of the town. Smoke rose where coals were still burning in the rubble, staining the sky with streaks of black.

All Corrin could do was lay there, the pain of his body growing as the blood red haze lifted. With an effort, he rolled onto his side. With a shuddering growl, he released the energy maintaining his dragon form, shrinking back into the shape of a human. He gripped his side, fingers coming away red with blood. Everything ached, even the smallest movement a struggle.

Lowering his head, he closed his eyes, conserving what strength he had while his friends closed in. With them, he knew, would be their healers. He would live, that he was certain of.

Yet as he lay there, he wondered at how the thought did not bring him comfort or relief as it would have in times past. No, instead it only brought a weariness and weight.

And he wondered if perhaps it would have been easier if he had died that day.

. . . . .

"Corrin, what were you thinking? Charging off alone like that, you could have gotten yourself killed," Xander scolded. The soon to be crowned Nohrian king stood across from Corrin, his arms crossed. Due to the difference in their height, it was impossible for him not to physically look down Corrin, regardless of how far apart they stood.

Corrin stared back, trying to read his brother's expression. The stern, impassive mask that was his face made it difficult to tell what he was thinking. A bit of anger perhaps? Concern?

"And? I lived, didn't I?" Corrin muttered, averting his gaze.

"That's not the point, Corrin. You've never acted this recklessly before, that's what worries me."

Corrin did not respond, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the floor. They were standing within the mess hall of the pocket dimension keep Lilith had created for what felt like a lifetime before. After the fighting, the decision had been made to retreat there for the night's duration, fearing retaliation from the Invisible Soldiers. While an attack was still possible: it would not be the first time they were attacked here, but at least within the castle they would be better defended than in open country.

That had been hours ago, during which time Corrin's wounds had been attended to by several of their healers. He still hurt and ached, but the pain was minor now. Then Xander had called him here to speak in private, something Corrin had been loath to agree to.

Last thing he needed now was to be chewed out by his adopted brother.

Xander sighed. He turned, pacing back and forward several steps, folding his arms behind his back as he moved. After a minute he stopped again, gaze falling back onto Corrin. "Look, Corrin. It's not just the risk you put yourself at that is of concern. You abandoned your friends, left them to fend for themselves when you should have been there leading them. If Leo and I hadn't arrived when we did-"

"Yes, and I said I was sorry, Xander!" Corrin shot back, his breath coming as an angry hiss. "I wasn't thinking clearly, and I made a mistake. I don't need you to tell me that."

"Yes, you weren't thinking clearly. That is the problem," Xander countered, crossing his arms once more. "You are a leader, Corrin. Whether you like it or not, people expect you to give them direction. You are expected to keep it together. Today, you didn't."

Corrin remained silent, refusing to meet his brother's gaze. He never asked to be a leader. Never asked for this responsibility. Never asked to be the one having the shoulder the lives of everyone else.

"You are better than this, Corrin. Think. What would have happened if someone died today because you weren't thinking?" Xander continued, a flicker of frustration entering his voice. He stared at Corrin, his face hard and unyielding. He seemed to loom over Corrin.

Again Corrin refused to look him in the eyes. Numb as he felt, the words still stung all the same.

Another sigh fell from Xander's lips. His expression softened a bit. He reached out, his hand coming to rest on Corrin's shoulder. "Look, Corrin… I understand what's going on. You're grieving, I get that. You're angry and it hurts, so bad it feels like it controls you." He squeezed Corrin's shoulder gently. "If you need time to… figure things out, I'd understand. No one would blame you if you took on lighter duties for a while. Let me and Leo handle leading the army for now."

A sudden burst of anger ignited within Corrin at those words. "I can handle myself, Xander. I don't need you or anyone else babying me. Not now, not ever," Corrin spat, his voice coming out as little more than a growl. "Or do you not think I can handle it anymore? Is that it? One mistake and you no longer trust me!?" The words spilled before he even realized what he was saying, before he could stop them. His own fears fueled those words, the fear that he could no longer be trusted. The fear that he would only get more people he cared for killed.

"Corrin, I'm not saying that. I'm worried about you. Not just as a leader trying to look out for what's best for everyone, but as your brother," Xander countered, full blown frustration breaking back into his voice. "I am not going to stand by and let you go on this path of self-destruction that can get you and others killed."

"But you're not my real brother, remember? My real brothers are dead. I killed them. Even if it wasn't my blade that ended their lives, I killed them just the same. So what do you want from me? Haven't I already done enough?" Corrin shouted back, venom dripping from his voice. His shoulders heaved and fell, breath hissing through clenched teeth.

For a moment shock and hurt played across Xander's face, breaking through the impassive mask.

A small flicker of guilt kindled in Corrin's chest, his overflowing anger subsiding. Bitterness replaced it, and not for the first time he felt dirty and unclean. "Look, I'm not going to betray you or Nohr, if that's what you're worried about. If I'd been willing to do that, I would have done it long ago." He turned away, starting for the door. "I want to be alone."

"Corrin, wait, just listen for one-"

Corrin threw the door to the mess open, slamming it behind him before Xander could finish. He stormed off, heading for the portal that would lead to the real world, hoping to get away without being pursued.

If he was followed, it was far too slow to stop him. He seized the crystal ball that sat on the dais in the keep's heart. The air popped and for an instant a cool sensation like rushing water flowed over him. Then the world vanished, whisking him away from the sanctuary and out into the world beyond.

Author's Note: Sorry about the long wait on this one, the past couple weeks were a nightmare from all the school work I've had to do. Luckily things are calming down now, so I should have a lot more time to work on it. Might even manage to get ahead during winter break.

So, Corrin isn't thinking clearly it seems: grief and all that jazz. Hopefully I didn't go too overboard with it, and tried to at least make him somewhat self aware that he wasn't acting like he should be. There is just a world of difference between knowing he is acting like a dumbass, and being able to overcome all those conflicting emotions and grief to stop acting like a dumbass.

Anyhow, onto responses to guest reviews on Chapter 2

Guest 1: I am not saying I am going to ignore Revelations, merely that I ignore the single line in revelations that is never mentioned in the other two routes or even discussed/addressed ever again after that point.

Darkness21: Yep, several deaths did in fact occur, though all of them are in line with those that happen in Conquest. As for the bigger questions that you have… well, I can only say you will have to wait and see.

Guest 2: Grampa Chrom would indeed be hilarious. Hopefully such a thing will happen. Maybe, just maybe...

That's all for now. As always, let me know what you thought about this one. Your feedback always makes my day and helps me improve a great deal. Until the next one, peace!

Character Spotlight: Kana

Class: Nohr Princess.

Secondary Classes: Samurai, Troubadour

Skills: Dragon Fang, Vantage, Nohrian Trust, Draconic Hex, Foreign Princess.

Personal Skill: Draconic Heir - When user is equipped with a Dragonstone, they recover 15% HP at the start of their Turn

Equipment: Nohrian Blade, Dragonstone

Status: Alive

Combat Description: Due to her young age and lack of any significant formal sword training, Kana mainly utilizes her dragonstone in combat, with her dragon form's inherent strength making up for much of her frailty and inexperience. Even still, Corrin has done his best to keep her from getting directly involved in fighting whenever possible, leading to her lacking much real experience in combat.

On the rare occasions she does use her sword, she fights in the same manner as Corrin: using her greater strength, speed, and endurance compared with what is typical for someone her age and her dragon fang ability to overwhelm foes.