The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 26 – Embrace the Brand-New Day
Author's notes: And another chapter done! A bit late and a bit shorter than I expected, but I'm still satisfied by how it turned out. It's getting really hot where I am, I hope you're not melting into piles of goo as well! Best of thanks as always for pt1oef, for beat-reading my story and helping to weed out mistakes. Now, onto the reader' reviews.
Dustier7: The match of the century is slowly coming true! I'm glad to see you enjoy my story so much, though don't die on me before it's over at least please.
caroccio66: That is for you to discover! Spoiler: very much.
soberan 123: Ah, the misfortune of unforeseen consequences… you'll see some result of the throne sitting session in this chapter. Hard to find a cure for a failing heart, though. She is very much alive, but manipulation doesn't need to be quite so direct.
Imperial warlord: Thank you.
Sulzi: Thank you.
Spartastic 4: Corrin and Lora's reunion is something that will definitively have some heavy moments. Thank you, best of luck to you as well.
Donout: Thanks a lot for your review! You have no idea how glad I am to hear that my efforts paid off for characterization and powerlevel. People are complicated. And even with all the power of the Soul of Cinder, the world is full of problems you can't just kill. There are not many big things to kill in Fire Emblem, but the wait will be rewarded, I assure you.
pt1oef: Camilla and Leo are aware of the decision with the alchemist guild yes. And while it might look aberrant from a modern capitalistic point of view, giving monopole on a product to a guild is actually a common decision in a middle-age economy. Professions grouped themselves into guilds to regulate prices, work hours and conditions, settle conflicts… they had monopole on their products with approval from the nobility/royalty because guilds insured goods of a quality at a fair price, something much more beneficial than what free competition and market would bring at the time. New children… Well, that's not exactly on the menu, sorry. How is Mikoto, the chapter will answer it. As for the potential Sakura/Corrin trip… you'll see.
Kazuka746: Yes, Lora is the only character from the Soul Series here. Sorry, but there are not and there won't be any NG+++ multi-game character running around, this is not the point of this story.
And that's everyone! Please leave a review if you liked the story or if you have criticism to share, it's always welcome. Until next time, have a nice read!
POV Corrin
For the first day in a long time, Corrin did not leave her room at dawn right after eating a small, but filling meal brought by Kaze, she did not take the way outside leading to the dojo to exercise before cleaning herself and indulge in a visit to the library. Her usual routine was broken that day where she found herself rising well after the morning sun, her body sorer than after a week a grueling training. Leaving her futon and tidying it clean, the princess dressed herself in the clothes left aside her bed with an ease she wouldn't have had the days before and sat down. As if on cue, the door opened, and Kaze came in carrying a well garnished plate of food to satisfy her nagging stomach. Thanking him for the food she ate in silence with the gestures given by habits, new and old together forming an automatism she barely noticed as she cleaned the dishes systematically, until there was nothing left but the faint remnant of taste on her tongue.
"Kaze, can you tell Mother I would like to speak with her in my old room?" Asked the princess, putting down her chopsticks.
"Of course, Lady Corrin. I will inform you when Queen Mikoto will be free to see you."
"Thank you, Kaze."
Corrin stared at her retainer taking the plate away, memories of the past coming back with the clarity of a silver mirror. So many things made sense now, details she noticed without understanding now were put in their proper context, things she mused over as she walked toward the secluded tower of Castle Shirasagi. Without even thinking about it, her steps fell into those of her past, navigating around the castle with instinct as much as her memory of the last time she was guided to the room by Kaze. Sliding the door open, the princess' throat tightened at the sight of her old bedroom. Corrin had hidden under these sheets so many times after quarreling with Ryoma or doing stupid things, a habit she didn't lose in Nohr for a long time… kneeling near the small coffer next to the wall Corrin took the wooden pegasus out. A toy from the market in the Hoshidan capital, when she accompanied Mother outside and was asked to choose a gift. Something else came to Corrin's mind looking at the coffer. The princess felt around the decorated wood until her fingers reached an irregularity between the planks.
"It's still here…"
A precious treasure hidden away where she thought, as a child, no one would find. From the little hiding place, Corrin retrieved a small metallic object; a golden coin with a square pierced in the middle, its luster untarnished through the years it stayed inside the coffer as she held it up in sunlight. A single gold coin she been given by an old servant of the castle after helping him clean her room, seeing as he had struggled. Was he still alive? He hasn't even told her his name, and he looked so old, just gave her the coin with a smile despite his slowness and obvious difficulty to tilt his body. She didn't see him in the castle anywhere. Perhaps he left the service of the castle to live the rest of his day? She would prefer to think that. The princess put the toy back into the coffer, keeping the coin and moving to her old desk, opening it to find her drawing inside. Father and Mother side by side with her holding their hands. A childish drawing, a clumsy drawing, the beautiful robes of Mother barely more than a flat outline and the large mane of Father looking like a weird spiky bush. She still made and shown it with such pride…
"I wish you were still there. I wish you were still there to see me now…" Corrin murmured. "I wish I could have never forgotten about you."
Corrin put the drawing down before tears could fall on it, wiping the trickling salt upon her cheeks before simply resting her face on her crossed arms, to let it be absorbed by the smooth silk sleeves. A first tribute she could at last pay to the place that has seen her live, to the ones who gave her love. In a daze lasting for a time she could not measure, a pair of arms tenderly embraced her from behind and took the princess out of her torpor. Corrin instinctively recognized the familiar feeling, a familiar moment of life a long time ago.
"Oh, Corrin. You did not have to go to such length, you did not have to take such risks." Said Mikoto, gently arranging Corrin's hairs behind her ears before placing down a headband to keep them in place.
"I'm sorry, Mother. I knew you wouldn't approve, I'm sorry, but I needed to do it. I needed to remember, and it was the only way I saw."
"You just called me Mother." Mikoto hugged tighter, her voice faltering with hope.
"I remember everything. I remember all the meals you cooked for me. All the bedtime stories you told me. All the games we played together. And I remember that time when we fell in a lake, and you brought me back to the surface…"
"You remember. My dear, precious daughter… you do remember..." Mikoto's voice broke, and Corrin turned around to see her mother's tears before being embraced anew, a strong, needing grip unlike anything Mother did before. They stayed like this for a couple of moments, before Mikoto finally let Corrin go. "I am so happy. I cannot wait for you to speak with your siblings again, they will be delighted to have you sharing a deeper bond again. Oh, we must make a public announcement about your presence now."
"I guess I was never presented." Neither had she been in Nohr, thought Corrin. She should have been, returning from her mission…
"I thought to wait a little more, but it will be better to do so as soon as you feel comfortable. There have been many rumors about you despite our best efforts, and the events of last night will only make them worse."
"Is it that bad?"
"Do not worry, my child. The news of your return shall quash those rumors and give everyone cause to celebrate. I am sure you will like strolling through the capital with your siblings. It has been a long time since and they will surely give you the best guided tour."
"That sounds like a great idea." Agreed Corrin, smiling at the prospect. "Do they still make sweet dango? I vaguely remember pestering you after that visit to the market."
"You did! I am sure the castle cooks can make some more for you. Sakura loves sweets even though she is too shy to ask directly, so they made a habit of keeping a reserve. Now that I think about it, we could make a list of the things you would like to re-visit. It will be a great time…"
"Wait, Mother! It's my drawing!" Hurriedly exclaimed Corrin before her mother could use the back of the precious memento, snatching it with suck quickness the princess feared she might have damaged it. The Queen looked at the drawing, then at the feather she had already soaked in ink and almost took out of the inkwell.
"Forgive me, my daughter. I was so engrossed in the prospect I did not realize…"
Corrin couldn't help but let a small laugh escape her lips before it evolved into a full-blown laughter. Mikoto, a sheepish but happy look on her face took another paper from the small desk, and they began envisioning their future travels. Beyond revisiting the capital and its surrounding areas, there were so many places to see. The kinshi's mountain peaks where the gracious birds flocked, the many-colored flower fields of the southern lands, the deep forests of Igasato where the ninja clans came from. Mikoto evoked the future travels of Takumi through the daimyos' lands as prince during which Corrin could come along in the future, and the many peculiarities of each individual region's traditions. In what seemed to be such a short moment the small paper has been entirely covered both on front and back, Mikoto almost starting to write on her sleeves before stopping herself and putting down the quill, with only the increased sunlight indicating how much time they had spent.
"Why do you look so pensive, Corrin? Do you perhaps have another project you wish to add?"
"Oh? No, I mean, yes, but-I'm sorry, it's just… I remembered I have done a list like this a long time ago, with an old friend."
"Oh, really? I never knew you had a friend you planned activities with. There is a lot of catch-up you will have to do, then. Do you think you could introduce that person to me?"
Corrin winced at Mikoto's words, bringing an immediate look of understanding to her face and straining the joyous atmosphere they have been immersed in. Nonetheless, she decided to explain how she met Silas, how he approached her after noticing that she was watching him play in the courtyard, and how they were caught trying to go outside for picnic, and how, the day before her mission, he was introduced to her as her future retainer.
"He must have worked so hard and for so long to find me again, and even more to impress Lora enough to enter my service. I can't imagine what he must feel right now."
"… He does sound like a brave young man." Said Mikoto in a controlled tone. "But can you be sure of his intentions now?"
"Yes. I have seen it." Immediately answered Corrin.
She paused, thinking back on the words she had used and the curious expression of Mother.
"When I sat on the Throne, it didn't just undo the spell barring me from my memories of you. It forced me to look at everything under its lens. Everything I remembered, all I thought I knew. Including my life in Nohr."
The princess steeled herself, breathing deep and hard to get it out, to explain, to understand.
"I know they lied to me, that they took me away from you. That they murdered Sumeragi before my eyes and kidnapped me, that they kept me under guard and isolated… but they did love me. Garon and Lora truly raised me like their own child. Xander, Camilla, Leo and Elise, they all thought I was their sister in blood, just like Ryoma, Hinoka, Takumi and Sakura." Corrin didn't notice Mikoto's fleeting shock. "And I still love them. For the longest time, they were my parents and my siblings. They still are. My heart won't allow me to feel otherwise… I'm so sorry."
Corrin looked down, fists clenched hidden inside the sleeves of her robes, heart drumming loudly to her ears. She felt terrible saying all this to her mother, right after finally reuniting with her in full. Corrin had felt so strange ever since her awakening… ever since she realized nothing had been as simple as she hoped it would be even after being shown so many truths. She was left with even more questions now than ever before.
"Oh, Corrin. Please do not worry about it. It makes sense. I had hopes that maybe… no, I should not entertain such thoughts. I should be happy enough that your life there was not filled with pain and solitude, that we are together again."
"I'm sorry." Repeated Corrin, as Mikoto once again took her in a motherly embrace. "I just wish I could tell them I'm alright, that they don't need to worry, that I could explain them the events that happened at the Canyon." Her voice wavered.
"You don't have to force yourself. If it hurts too much…" Said her mother gently, but Corrin shook her head.
"No, it's just... I still don't understand what happened. Even after remembering it on the Throne… the fort's gates were broken. All the samurais were dead inside. And then those invisible enemies appeared, wrapped in purple flames and disappearing like mist when killed, silent as ghosts… I need to tell Lora and Garon that Hoshido has nothing to do with it, I'm sure they will understand…"
"No! No, Corrin, I cannot let you approach the Canyon or Nohr. You cannot. It's too dangerous." Mikoto's voice was almost frantic, holding Corrin so tightly it could hurt. "I cannot let that happen. I cannot risk losing you again."
"Mother, do you know something? You know what those creatures were?"
"I… I cannot tell you. I wish I could, from the bottom of my heart, but I cannot. Just know we are safe from them here, in Hoshido. You are safe with me. We are safe." A small feeling of dread was creeping in Corrin's mind as she listened to the plea of her mother. "No one else can know about this. No one. Please, my child. Promise me. This is something more important than you can ever imagine."
"… I promise. I won't tell anyone." Agreed Corrin despite her curiosity gnawing at her, Mikoto letting out a sigh of pure relief and loosening her embrace.
"Thank you, Corrin. I know this must be difficult for you, but it is for the best." Said Mikoto, stroking the princess' white hair.
"But I still think I should see them. I'm sure I can help everyone see reason."
"… You might be right. After you have been presented, we can send an official missive to the kingdom of Nohr inviting them for talk here, in Hoshido."
"You would do that?!"
"I would not have before." Admitted the Queen. "But with your help, I can see a way for us all to reach an understanding. If the Nohrians truly hold you dear and trust you, you may become the link the two kingdoms have been missing for so long. We may have a chance for a true peace."
The perspective of such a meeting filled Corrin with both dread and anticipation, the possibilities coursing through her mind with wild hopes. She knew it would take some time, that there were many who would oppose the very idea, but she was convinced it could work and make the vision she had had on the throne never come true…
POV Xander
Xander's horse didn't neigh much when the prince pulled the reins to stop it, the buzzy activity of the mounting camp easily eclipsed the small complaint it might have had. The powerful stallion did react with more aggressivity when Laslow took the reins to guide it to its temporary box after Xander stepped down from it, but the retainer expertly avoided its teeth, even taking the time to respectfully bow to his liege. His seriousness improved considerably after Queen Lora had informed the prince of the… liberties, the retainer had taken during his supposed training hours. Peri had been delighted to see her colleague take on a large amount of the duties she had been previously in charge of, leaving her more free time. And she did use that free time with enthusiasm; Xander was starting to think he would need to add more steps to his daily exercises, lest Peri made him gain weight. Her patisseries were simply too delicious to refuse.
Reaching the command tent, the prince was surprised to see Queen Lora far from the mounted table. In fact, the maps and reports upon it were still sealed. The sound of steel grinding filled the tent as the Queen, sitting on a stool at the edge, was sharpening a strange weapon the prince was almost certain he had never seen her use: a one hand golden axe with a bell situated right between the blades. Xander could not begin to guess the utility of a weapon which would alert anyone of the presence of its wielder with each swing, but he supposed it possessed some mystical property to compensate for its glaring flaw. The Queen raised her eyes, still sharpening the axe as she addressed him.
"Anything to report by yourself, Prince Xander?"
"Part of the fruit supply for the sea voyage have been ruined by insects, but the remaining should be enough if we ration them."
"Order requisition at the coastal villages if necessary."
The Queen stopped sharpening her weapon, studying its edge attentively to discern if any more work was needed. To the prince's eyes it was clearly razor sharp, yet the Queen seemed to find something he missed and repeated her work. Glancing at the table, Xander weighted the possibility of sorting through the maps and messages by himself before conceding to himself that Queen Lora would not appreciate a perceived attempt at sidelining her, even though he was technically just as much in command.
"Queen Lora, are you feeling alright?"
"I am fine, Prince Xander. Why would you ever ask this?"
"Forgive me, but you have been looking down ever since we left Krakenburg."
"You do not need to concern yourself." Replied the Queen. Her tone could be mistaken for the inflexible one she usually employed but to the prince, it was obvious something was amiss. Rather than the cold strength she always seemed to exude, uneasiness was seeping through her words as the Queen left her weapon aside to rise. "Let us see the reports of the scouts."
Keeping his doubts to himself, Xander followed the Queen and they started to work. Moving large armies across large distance in the notoriously unpredictable and dangerous climate of Nohr was a grueling task even for the most seasoned tacticians, and Xander was keenly feeling the mental strain of keeping everything ordered inside his head as he sent orders for different units to follow precisely mapped paths rejoining sometimes only dozens of kilometers later. Though Hoshido could flaunt their Great Wall protecting their capital, never an Hoshidian army managed to approach the seeing distance of Windmire. The lands of Nohr themselves protected their inhabitants, a barren and often treacherous soil, yet the one they have always lived with. Those thoughts went through the prince's mind as he examined how closely they would approach the Bottomless Canyon. Not close enough to cross it or even go beyond the borders imposed by the ceasefire treaty, but still uncomfortably close and he said so to Queen Lora.
"You know well the ninjas of Hoshidians and those of Mokushu will not be persuaded by any less." Replied the Queen, her eyes fixated on the continental map.
"A half-drawn sword is one full of fear." Muttered Xander, the old proverb coming to his mind. "I still think it may be considered an act of war by Hoshido to reach so far. Perhaps we could stop before the forest of hills."
"It will not do. Our forces will not be threatening enough from so far, and you need all attention focused on them for you to move out."
Xander had no arguments against this assumption, or rather, no argument he did not already used. He was still not comfortable with the whole operation, even though he was aware they were not supposed to find a way to attack Hoshido, but to deceive the master of spying that were the ninjas of Mokushu. At least, it was supposed to be so. Night had fallen, the outside cacophony of activities slowly replaced by the lesser noise of nightly duties, only a timid candle lighting the tent. After sealing the orders with wax and his seal, they were given to messengers, then the prince glanced at Lora.
"Queen Lora, please. Tell me what is troubling you."
"I told you there is nothing for you to be concerned about, Prince Xander." Rebuked the Queen, but Xander pressed on.
"You have barely spoken a word this whole journey. Right before our meeting you were sharpening a weapon you knew was in perfect condition, and now you are still staring at the map without looking at it."
"I told you, I am fine. I can still accomplish my duties. Why do you insist?"
"Because you are practically our second mother!" At that Lora lifted her eyes from the map. "Why would I not be concerned seeing you like this?"
A discreet noise outside, the muffled sound of boots signaled the royal guards going further away from the tent, knowing when to leave their sirs to privacy. Barely noticing this, the prince kept looking right into Lora's eyes, into the shining orbs sheltering a fire he was still wary of, but not afraid anymore. What seemed like confusion pierced through her gaze, her expression hesitant as she stayed still like a statue.
"Is this… really how you think?"
"Gods, you have been my and my sibling's tutor for almost twenty years now. All this time you have taught and helped us. It's not just me. Any of my siblings would say the same. How do you not realize how important you are to us?" Asked Xander with disbelief.
It hurt Xander that she could be so oblivious. The prince remembered how he had to point out to her that Corrin had been focusing almost exclusively on the lessons the Queen would be present for and ignore the rest. Did she also not realize how Leo invested himself into swordsmanship again once she offered him her crystal sword? That Azura would always be so much happier when she was present, before her kidnapping? How Elise, having never known her mother, only found that presence in Cassita and her? He was about to continue but the Queen spoke in turn.
"Perhaps I cannot, little prince." Out of all the answers, Xander did not expect that one, neither did he expected the profound bitterness it held. "To your mother, Queen Katerina, I made a promise. That I would not ignore my feelings for your father, that I would not allow them to bring him harm. And in the end, both your father and I found the need to support each other as equal. But to do so, to take the place of the queens whom I respected… It was difficult to bear. I swore I would not disrespect their memories a single inch more, no matter what."
Lora's intense stare seemingly went through him, as if looking past his visage to find something deeper. The prince almost felt the need to back down and stand higher, even though he was the taller one, as if her presence could overwhelm him even now.
"How could I see any of you, especially you, as a child of my own? How could I take the place of someone whom I respect so much in such a manner? Tell me, Xander. How could I ever take that place for Garon's children?"
Xander did not answer right away, the weight of the bitter confession was drowning the answer he had expected to bring forth. The Queen had not been ignoring them on purpose, she did not carry herself in willful obliviousness, and she had not kept them away from her own heart by coldness. Yet more than feeling relief, he found it… sad.
"Queen Lora… I understand you may wish to maintain a certain distance, but you cannot change my feelings, or those of my siblings. You are someone important to us."
"You would still say this, after all those times we have been in opposition? I have not always been kind or even just with you and your retainers." Pointed out Lora, making Xander frown.
"We may have our disagreements, but none of us have ever hated you."
"You may want to ask Princess Camilla about this."
"She does have her own issues." Acknowledged Xander. "But I can assure you, she respects you much more than she appears."
"… Perhaps." Said Lora, and her expression softened. "Perhaps you are right."
The crown prince observed the Queen, whose eyes were erring on the side as she seemed to delve deep in her own thoughts. The candle suddenly went out, leaving them in complete darkness, with only the shine of the Queen's eyes furtively visible. Xander cursed not noticing the candle had been on its last legs and was about to call the sentinels outside for light when he was interrupted by Lora's voice.
"Wait."
A brief flame illuminated the tent before a brilliant white sphere appeared above the Queen, who dismissed her catalyst before Xander could see more than a faint bronze shine.
"Do not leave yet. I believe I have not answered your question yet," Said Lora. "Take a seat."
The prince obeyed with a curious anticipation building inside of him, the wooden support cracking lightly when the full weight of his body and armor pressed upon it. Caressing briefly the handle of Siegfried by reflex, he watched as Lora kept standing, seemingly ruminating her words before she spoke.
"Your father is dying. His heart is weakening, and I do not know how much time he has left. If we have any time left together."
The declaration twisted his heart even though he knew Father was not getting better. There were many things neither magic nor alchemy were good at treating, unless one would adventure themselves into dark, cursed territories, and Xander knew his father would never stoop so low. That Lora was so affected and denying of this approaching tragedy was both obvious and shared by his own feelings, the prince himself still could not make peace with it yet. He nodded somberly, in understanding, but the next thing the Queen said shook him to the core.
"And now, I cannot help but wonder how long it will be before I have to see you die. How long until your children, and their children's children, disappear one after another under my very eyes… And I am not sure how long I will be able to bear it."
"Queen Lora, you cannot be serious…"
"Little prince." The Queen cut him firmly but without edge, almost softly. "You should be aware by now it is not by mere sorcery or artifice that I remain as I am. I am not like those ladies of the court hiding their wrinkles under white powder, nor like those dark mages withering on the inside as their rituals keep their skin fresh. I do not age. I cannot fall ill. And I have yet to find my match in battle."
The weight of Lora's statement made Xander's head spin. When he had spoken to his father about his fear that Lora could stay as the power behind the throne, he had only ever conceived it as the result of a lifespan equal to that of those carrying the blood of the gods. A life longer than any ordinary man could ever hope for, but a finite one nonetheless. The prince wanted to reject what he heard as foolish delusion, an impossible boast, and yet… his memory jumped back to the discussion he had with Garon once more. How the issue they spoke of, Lora keeping power and responsibilities after his death, seemed to hold a deeper meaning to his father. It all made sense, a maddening sense.
"That is why, once you have been sent to Mokushu, I shall leave the royal army at the command of the generals, sail for Notre Sagesse to find the Rainbow Sage." Continued Lora after a few seconds of silence.
"… Why? Did you not already receive his blessing?" Asked the prince, feeling as if he had started walking in a much deeper swamp than he would have ever imagined.
"He owes me the truth. As to whether I will be able to die as a human."
Xander confusedly felt there was something he was missing, something of capital importance that only his father probably knew. There were too many shadows, too many unknowns to draw a firm understanding.
"Do not worry, Xander. If… no. When." The Queen paused, reaffirming her words, "When Garon leaves this world, I shall leave the throne all the same. What I will do after… I do not know. I do not know yet."
Lora looked at Xander again, her expression so tired, so worn out in opposition to her unchanging appearance... Xander nodded, swallowing the tight ball of nerves his throat had become over this long talk. He stood up mechanically, his legs carrying him less by will and more by numbed instinct. About to leave, he suddenly remembered something he had wanted to talk about. Something normal, almost banal compared to what had been said in this tent.
"Laslow brought a suggestion to my attention. That after the conquest of Mokushu, we inform Hoshido that their expansionism would have extended to them, to garner goodwill and open negotiations once again."
The idea, frankly, was strenuous in more ways than one. However, Xander would not deny there were some merit in the principle. If Hoshido had been passive enough, or withdrawn enough to let a neighboring country, a friendly neighboring country, be invaded and did not act in any way to reclaim their lands or save them, there was a strong possibility they would only accept such "help" if it prevented a direct aggression. If such plan was not prepared by the daimyo of Mokushu, it would be easy to frame him this way. Such manipulation didn't sit very well with the prince, but he could not deny it might lead to positive results.
"The decision is yours." Said Lora after a moment of silence. "But remember the game Hoshido is playing, has been playing for years now. If the opportunity arises, you must be prepared to grasp it. As per your father's will."
The prince breathed out, and nodded one last time before leaving the tent, walking toward a freezing Laslow holding a torch in waiting. The implications of the Queen's last words were not lost to him, the ambition of his father unforgotten. Deep down, traitorously, Xander hoped nothing would happen that could provoke an all-out war once again, nothing that would offer an irresistible possibility to end the conflict by force…
POV Corrin
When Corrin watched her siblings entered the large room inside Mikoto's quarters, the atmosphere was very different to what it had been in that previous family gathering. Tension and awkwardness had been replaced by hopeful anticipation, with Hinoka being the first to approach Corrin with worried and determined steps as soon as she crossed the door frame.
"Corrin, are you okay? How do you feel? I can't believe you pulled this stunt on us! Can you imagine how worried we were?" Exclaimed the red-haired, grabbing Corrin by the collar of her kimono.
"I'm fine, really." Replied Corrin, facing the half angry and half distressed face of her big sister. "I'm so sorry to have worried you like this. Uh, can you let go of me, Nee-ka?"
"Nee-k – hey, I told you to drop it… off..." All traces of anger faded away from Hinoka's voice and feature, her grip loosening on the kimono while her mouth hung open, closed and opened again, no words coming out. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes before she suddenly threw herself at Corrin, hugging her with all her strength and almost making the princess fall over. "You're… You're back! You're really back!"
"I'm back, Nee-ka. I'm back with you all."
"I told you to stop with that stupid nickname already…" Sobbed her sister happily, lightly mock-punching Corrin who took it with a smile.
"There is the crybaby sister I remember." She teased, earning another mock hit on the shoulder. "How did you grow up to become such a brave and hardened girl?"
"Because I grew up trying to find a way to save you! It's so embarrassing. Why did you have to remember that?"
"Heh. You were indeed prone to leaving and hide in your room at the time, but you matured splendidly." Said Ryoma, smiling with his arms crossed.
"I could say the same for you, Ryoma. Where has the brash and hot-blooded big brother who complained about me choosing the games we played gone? You even took our kemari ball and threw it in the lake!" Remembered Corrin, which made Hinoka turn her head quickly at the crown prince.
"Wait, that's what happened? I thought it was an accident. You told me it was one! And it was my ball!" Shouted Takumi, who had been silent before.
"I am afraid I don't quite remember what happened, but I ask your forgiveness all the same." Said Ryoma, rising his hands in apology, earning a "tch" from his little brother.
"Bi-big brother Ryoma did this? B-b-but, you a-are so calm, and com-composed." Shyly said Sakura.
"I was a temperamental kid, it's true. It took Kagero making me meditate under a waterfall to start learning to control my emotions."
"Oh…"
Mikoto lightly cleared her throat, garnering attention from everyone.
"As you can see, Corrin has finally recovered her memories of the past. In a few days, she will be presented to our people. They will finally have their lost princess returned to them, and we will all celebrate this joyous occasion."
"Finally! I'll make you ride with me for the occasion afterward, just you wait!" Hinoka said grinning widely, and Corrin could feel the anticipation she had for her first fly together.
"When the day come, Ryoma and I will make a speech before presenting you. In the meantime, why not prepare a tour of the plaza with Hinoka, Azura, Takumi and Sakura?"
Mikoto's suggestion led Corrin to turn toward her little brother, who was clearly doing his best to not look in her direction. Corrin breathed deeply and walked toward him, ignoring the strained look given by Ryoma and Hinoka or the worried gaze of Sakura and Mikoto, while Azura simply watched attentively.
"Hey, Takumi."
"…"
"Takumi." Corrin insisted, making her brother groan.
"Yeah, I heard you. What do you want?"
"I wanted to thank you for helping me that night. Without you, I don't know what would have happened to me."
"Are you being sarcastic?... Fine, you're welcome." Huffed the prince, still looking away.
"It's not just that. I was thinking if we could, you know, start over? We didn't really start on the best foot after all. Maybe we could talk a bit together while preparing the tour?"
"…"
"Please, Ta-kun."
"Stop calling me that!" Snapped the young prince, his cheeks reddening. "Why do you insist? I was a jerk and made everything worse. You'd be better off without me on this. Just…" His voice went awry, and Corrin picked the occasion to cut in.
"Listen, I'm not mad at you. I know it's been hard for you to see me act like a stranger. Besides, you didn't mean to hurt me, isn't it? I'm sure you were trying to help me by directing me to the Throne."
Takumi stayed silent for a moment, jaw tightening and eyes closed as he seemed to struggle intensely with himself, before finally dropping a weak "Yes".
"See? And it worked, too! You're my brother, Takumi, and I don't want us to be stranger again. So please, can we let it go and start over? Please?"
"… I'll try." The young prince crossed gaze with Corrin, a watery gleam forming at his eyes' corner as he tried to keep his voice controlled. "If you can really forgive me all the hurtful things I've said and done…"
"Of course. That's what siblings are supposed to do, isn't it?"
"Why do you have to be so nice? I feel even worse now… Thank you, Sister."
When Corrin heard Takumi call her that she smiled widely and hugged her unexpected young brother, who froze at her contact before awkwardly reciprocating. When they separated Takumi was so red he looked like a fruit, and even more when he looked at the approving grins of Hinoka and Ryoma.
"What adorable kids you all are. I'll let you organize yourself, just make sure to not overdo it, alright?" Said Mikoto, leaving with an affectionate hand wave.
"I will catch up and help her prepare the speech." Announced Ryoma. "I'm proud of your maturity, Corrin. Let us speak again later."
The old brother left the room and the others followed, having one or another activity or duty they had to take care of until there were only Corrin and Azura in the room.
"Hey, Azura. I wanted to thank you too."
"Oh, really? I don't think I did much to deserve it."
"You couldn't be further from the truth. I don't think I would have been able to confront myself and walk toward the Throne without your words of encouragement. Your song calmed my heart and let me see clearly. I knew that no matter what the result would be, you would have still accepted me."
"You are exaggerating. I am not the only one who would have done it."
"Even so, I'm incredibly grateful. If you want me to do anything for you… Oh, I remember now! I talked to Mother earlier, and she will be sending a messenger to Nohr to invite the royal family to negotiate after my presentation. Maybe we can ask her if you can join your own message with it, so that everyone know you are well! I'm sure they will be motivated to come and see you."
"Goodness, you really are serious about this, aren't you? I'll think about it." Said Azura, her measured tone betrayed by the wishful look on her face and a small blush on her cheeks. "I'm going outside to sing. Do you want to join me?"
"I'd love to." Said Corrin heartily, letting Azura take her hand as they walked out of the room. "Though I don't think I can sing anywhere near as good as you."
"Don't worry. If you want to, you can simply listen…"