The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 27 – Light Scatters
Author's notes: Alright. I wanted this chapter to get out months ago. Real life came in and asked if I wanted to write or to actually do what I needed to, then I had to finish my cursus at last… long story really short, I'm sorry to have kept everyone waiting. I thought I would never get to go so long without posting, but oh well, done is done. At leats I posted it before the new year!... yeah grasping at straws, anyway. I hope you'll all like this big chapter. As a side note, I'll likely double post this story on Ao3 from now on.
Now, let's answer the reviews.
TheHolyBlade: Peace? In my Fire Emblem? "Ah" indeed. Xander now knows more, and yet still so little, but it will impact him. Glad that you like it so much!
kerrowe: So many subplots, and so much to write upon them… That's a lot of issues. Yeah, the Rainbow sage is discreet but especially important. Kinda like Yoda. Except even more important.
njgronlund: Don't know what you're talking about, nothing bad can ever happen from closing your eyes on aggravating news… nothing bad will happen this very chapter…
Kazuka746: Haha, I understand. Many characters would have had a better fate, and probably adapted better than Lora, in Fatesland. I'm glad you're immersed in it, and that it stimulates your own imagination!
Imperial warlord: Glad you keep liking it.
Please leave a review if you liked it or if you have something to criticize, I will always answer those and it keeps my motivation up! With all that said, enjoy the story, and happy new year!
POV Corrin
"Patience, Corrin. The outside world is not going away as we walk."
Corrin stopped fidgeting with a strand of hair, putting it back behind her shoulder sheepishly. Ryoma chuckled heartily, his longer steps measured to have her keep pace and not disturb the beautiful and complicated ceremonial dress she was wearing. The princess was almost bouncing on the many steps descending from Castle Shirasagi, the heart of the city still hidden from view by the long spiral formed by the path around the plateau. She was finally leaving the castle; she was finally going into a city again! Even though it was for a ceremonial presentation and a long speech she had to memorize, Mother said she would have ample time to visit the plaza and its market beforehand. There were so many things she wanted to see!
"Also, you shouldn't mess with your hairs like this. I think those poor ladies in waiting will remember for long how they almost lost the battle against them." Said Hinoka, wearing a similar but much lighter outfit.
"Wait, does everyone have the same problem? That's why you keep your hair short?"
"I think only Sakura inherited hair from our mother. Everyone else got those unruly manes from Father and must accommodate the best they can. So yes, I prefer my hair short."
"I-I think yours are nice too." Said Sakura, doing her best to keep the pace.
"Don't be silly, Sakura, you have the most beautiful of us all." Said Hinoka, making their little sister blush profusely.
Their escort, composed of the siblings' retainers and some servants, was just as lively, and Corrin was picking up multiple conversations around the incoming speech, the festivities afterward, and… how much alcohol would it take to have Hinoka put on makeup? The entire little troop was basking in a pleasant atmosphere, the sun shining its light in the clear azure sky down to the ground. She still didn't have had contact with most of the retainers of her Hoshidian siblings now that she thought about it. She met Subaki and Hana with Sakura, and barely met the lancer and samurai who accompanied Takumi, but the rest she had no idea who they were or what was their name. The preoccupation slipped from her mind as they made the final turn and descended toward the center of Hoshido, into view in all its splendor. Almost every habitation was made of colored wood, with stone appearing in the road and in the massive dragon statue at the center of the main plaza. So many stalls covered in merchandise, but also food, so many different foods, so many scents were driving her excitement and hunger up!
"I will join Queen Mikoto. Don't wander too far in your excitement, alright? Stick to the route we have established. Azura, I'm counting on you to watch over them."
"Of course, Ryoma." Nodded Azura in her usual impassible tone, ignoring the embarrassed, indignant, and resigned attitude of the rest of the siblings, Corrin giggling at the display. Their escort already dispersed on their own in the market, even Kaze, something she managed to get from him earlier at the cost of unbelievable negotiations. He needed to destress as well.
"Let's go, I'd like to see as much as I can before the speech!"
It took her but a few moments to be engrossed by the many sights before her. The inhabitants left them a wide berth and freed the stall whenever they went, which made Corrin a bit guilty despite knowing she would have few occasions to return freely to the place again, but despite this she was having immense fun. In comparison to the underground marker of Windmire, there were very few stall selling items made of metal. Leather, tissue and wood were much more common, and food was almost overpowering in its quantity and variety. Left to her own devices, she would probably stay here for the entire day and eat until she rolled on the ground and fell asleep! Fortunately, she was in good hands with a predetermined road, and Hinoka first took them to the stalls of craftsmen.
"This is all leather?" Asked Corrin, impressed by the hardness of the vambrace.
"Yeah. Almost all of our samurai armor plates are made like this, with hardened and lacquered leather." Said Hinoka. "Not as solid as steel, sure, but a lot lighter. Also, Pegasi don't like carrying heavy charges, so it helps Sky Knights not encumbering ourselves."
"Amazing. I didn't think it could be so resistant."
"The secret of our hardened leather is something only Hoshido's craftsmen possess. I'd like to see Nohr try to make something half as durable without having it weight five time as much." Boasted Takumi, which seemed to greatly please the merchant.
Corrin decided not to pursue this line of discussion and gave back the vambrace, admiring the coloring on some of the exposed pieces. It was vibrant, almost dazzling compared to what she has been used to. She had considered the red armor of Ryoma to be an exception, be it seemed the samurai were taking as much care in showing wealth in their equipment as the nobility of Nohr. The piece she had been observing in particular had beautiful gold leaf decorations above the pale orange and black leather. Would she be able to have something like this for herself? Perhaps, it didn't seem like she would be forbidden to use resource for herself as a princess, but... it wasn't exactly what was expected of her as Hoshidian princess, was it. Something to speak about with Mother and Ryoma… Moving away from the stall after some more examining, they went to another artisan, one of the few selling some metal items. Hairpins, combs, earrings, necklaces, and other ornaments of various shape and sizes. They were definitively lighter than the ones she has seen in Nohr, more refined and understated.
"Do you come here often, Sakura?"
"O-oh, no. I just s-, saw i-it once." Stuttered her little sister. "I thought yo-you'd li-like it"
"I do." Reassured Corrin, looking more closely at the wares. "There are so many beautiful things here."
What surprised her at first was the use of black lacquer with gold motifs for many of the pieces, she had come to associate those colors to Nohr so deeply she found herself puzzled at the earrings and necklace. It took her a few minutes to realize it was the perfect complement to the more colorful outfits worn in Hoshido. Her attention was then taken by a hair ornament looking like a small arrangement of red and white flowers. A closer inspection revealed they were not actual flowers, but rather imitations made of some sort of silk and small semi-precious stones with incredible realism, linked together by a support of gold and silk threads.
"Oh, are you interested in those?" Asked Azura, closing in.
"I am. I've never seen jewelry like this. Was it not for the absence of smell, I would have thought them to be real flowers."
"It's a popular ornament, especially at the approach of spring. It would suit you." Commented Takumi to the surprise of Corrin.
"B-big brother is right. It would be nice with your hair." Softly said Sakura.
"Thank you. I will take it."
Corrin exchanged coins with the merchant and took the precious item before they continued their route, moving to a food stall in an area that was incredibly familiar. She scanned the many stalls covered with hot and cold food being prepared and sold, trying to find the one from her memories. There was nothing like a dango stall than another dango stall, but there should be something that would help her. Her eyes darted from one seller to another, until it caught a familiarly unfamiliar face.
"Let's go here." Said the princess, taking her siblings along.
The food vendor bowed deeply at their approach, quickly handing them the sweet confections. The hair, the eyes, the cheekbones… It was a close resemblance to the old lady that once occupied the same stall, long ago, when Corrin was brought to the market with Mikoto, that old lady who gave her a stick. It seemed fair to come back here. Taking great care in keeping her beautiful outfit clean and her attitude somewhat dignified, Corrin devoured the sweet colored balls she was given.
"I had forgotten how sticky they are. It's so firm!"
"Please tell me you're not going to make your speech with some between your teeth." Said Takumi with an annoyed tone.
"Seriously, Takumi? Of course she won't!" Retorted Hinoka.
"It's ok, he means well. I'll be careful to clean it all."
Takumi didn't meet her gaze, but she could see him release the breath he was holding. He really was like Leo. Cleaning her hands on a tissue given by Kaze, she made it sure that nothing would remain before they took the path leading to the plaza. The small pressure she had felt at the start of the day was completely absent, the joyous atmosphere and general friendliness of the people she was seeing around had dissipated it completely by the time she reached the massive statue of the Dawn Dragon overseeing the place. Mikoto was already present, waiting with a smile.
"You'll be fine. They all await you."
"Thank you, Azura." Whispered Corrin, letting go of her hand.
Traversing the plaza before taking place next to her mother, the princess held her head high and posture firm.
"Years ago, we have lost what is most precious to us in an act of senseless violence and treachery. Nothing will replace the loss we have suffered this day, no matter how much time pass. Yet, today is a day of joy. By the bravery of our warriors and the cunning of our ninjas, we have found again what we thought lost forever. Today, people of Hoshido, I present you my daughter Corrin, second daughter of King Sumeragi."
Mikoto turned to Corrin, her radiant smile filling the princess' heart with calm courage. It was her turn. Stepping forward…
Tchack
The unmistakable sound of a blade hitting the ground registered in her mind before she saw it. A dark, twisted sword with jagged edges, an open, twitching eye mounted on the hilt. Wielded by a shadowy figure standing in the crowd, in blue robes covering everything. Corrin's blood froze. No. Not everything. Where hands should be gripping the blade, was only their blurry outline, wreathed in purple flames… The blade pulsed.
"N-!"
The detonation drowned her cry. In that terrifying instant stretching with torturous slowness, the darkness swelled. Sending the stalls away. Shattering the stone ground. Peoples caught in the blast… charred remains, tossed away like trash. The great statue collapsed; the stone dragon's remnant sullied in ashes. The wave waned; the blast cleared before reaching her. And then, a thunderous crack. The blade had broken, it's fragments flying with murderous intent. To her. Too fast. The princess raised her arms futilely… someone jumped before her.
"Ahhh!"
Sickening sounds, one after another. Impacts upon flesh, piercing flesh. Yet the scream rang stronger. Her visage contorted with pain, Mikoto stood for an instant, stepped forward… Corrin caught her as she fell, sinking to her knees with the weight of shock, hearing the painful gasps exhaled ever more slowly each passing moment. Mikoto raised her head. Pale. Tense. Exhausted.
"You were not hurt?" Another gasp. Barely a breath. "Tell me you're ok."
"I… I'm fine."
It was as if someone else spoke. As if the nightmare was happening from afar. Mikoto's visage relaxed, her eyes gleaming with relief. She smiled, smiled with love, and whispered.
"I'm… so glad."
Her head fell on Corrin's chest. Limp. Unmoving. Breathless.
"Oh no, no… No, no, no, no!"
The princess held her closer. Her hands were wet. Covered with warm blood. She lifted her. Shook her with trembling hands, searching a pulse, a breath, any sign. For a life gone.
"MOTHER!"
She screamed. Screamed so loudly her hears hurt, so violently her throat burned. Why. Why, why, why, why, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY?
POV Takumi
The prince was standing still, paralyzed before the devastation. The beautiful plaza he had visited so many times, now a field of ruins. The stalls and houses flanking it reduced to rubbles. The dignified statue of their protector broken down. The pavement covered in the charred remnant of so many of his people, the rest fleeing in terror. Mikoto lying on the ground, clutched desperately by his sobbing sister… A small part of him hoped it was all a dream. A terrible nightmare, a phantasm conjured out of his worst fears. Takumi wanted to move, to speak, to do anything, but his body felt like sand, as if smothered by invisible hands.
"You there!" Shouted Ryoma with barely controlled anger. "Vengeance will be mine… Prepare to die!"
His brother was rushing the silent, unmoving man in blue robes, Raijinto crackling with vengeful lightning. Takumi watched as he closed the distance, his blade falling down… Steel cried against divine sharpness as the robed figure parried the blow with a short katana. Then the next, and the one after. The stranger was fighting against Ryoma equally? No, was Ryoma… losing ground? Impossible. By what foul tricks?
"He. He. He…"
The coarse, mocking laugh of the murderer finally jolted Takumi into action. Picking up the Fujin Yumi and manifesting the formless string, the prince aimed…
"RUUUUUUAAAAAAARGH!"
Takumi froze. That roar… The ground quaked and he lost his aim, barely keeping his balance. His gaze moved aside and fell upon Corrin. Surrounded by a whirlwind of ominous energy and shaking violently, she roared once again like a wounded beast. Her arms outstretched, twitched and… grew. Changing in a twisted, horribly familiar way, and somehow even more terrifying as a reddish glow pulsating through her flesh. Elongated clawed arms impacted the ground, massive wings unfurled, antler like horns sprouted, a long tail unfolded. The creature reared and roared once again, a tempestuous flap of wings blowing aside all remnants of the swirling energy.
"Big sister?"
Sakura's almost inaudible plea didn't have any visible effect on the large creature, taller than a man at the shoulder. With horror Takumi noticed it didn't have a face, only a smooth, dark surface overhanging over a bonelike lower jaw. Yet it roared again, a terrible sound full of grief, of rage, of madness, before suddenly jumping forward. Takumi followed its course quickly and saw it crash between Ryoma and the murderer, who had both jumped aside to avoid collision. With a brutal thrust of antlers, the thing caught the unknown man and threw him away with a sickening crush. To Takumi's shock, the figure managed to land unharmed on its feet, using his sword as support.
"Urgh… Not bad. Heh. Heh. Heh…"
Purple flames suddenly started to flicker all around the plaza, slowly taking humanoid shape. Almost invisible safe for their contours, armed soldiers materialized one by one. The civilians! Takumi swore. The guards must have been too close to the explosion! If those enemies were to run amok in the capital, they would meet little resistance!
"You scum! Don't even think about it!"
Hinoka jumped before Sakura as multiple hostiles were approaching. But she didn't have a weapon, and neither did Sakura! Unleashing the Fujin Yumi, Takumi aligned two shots at the closest. His first arrow struck the neck and the second the head, but instead of falling over the assailant seemed to disappear like mist. Or foam?
"Be careful! Those are no mere Faceless!" Yelled Ryoma before cutting down another enemy among those who were trying to encircle him.
Before Takumi could shoot another arrow at his new target the transformed Corrin charged and stomped it to death, each swing of claws striking with animalistic rage. Almost loosening his arrow at her by mistake, Takumi changed target and nailed another enemy approaching Azura, who thankfully managed to get close to Hinoka and Sakura. But he wouldn't be able to protect them alone, with Ryoma surrounded and Corrin on uncontrollable rampage as more and more enemies appeared!
"Lord Takumi!"
"Gods, we aren't too late!"
His heart jumped into his chest hearing the voice, then seeing the black mane of Oboro's hairs, followed by soldiers and the rest of the retainers. Reinforcements at last!
"Everyone, don't attack the dragon! It's an ally!" Shouted Ryoma, getting the jump on Takumi.
The prince bit his tongue and focused on his aim, taking care of the closest enemies one by one. A swirl of flame suddenly manifested near him and he jumped away just in time before it exploded. Mages! He cursed the almost invisible nature of their foe making them so hard to detect and drew the bow again, searching for static targets. Noticing one preparing what looked like thunder, Takumi instantly let loose a projectile piercing through the heart. Despite the unease they all had fighting near invisible foes, the rage and revenge in everyone's heart guiding their arms. But more and more were coming. What was summoning…
"The leader! Take him out!" Screamed Hinoka.
Of course! Takumi almost facepalmed at the obviousness. But when he tried to adjust his aim, the enemy seemed to immediately sense it and he jumped into melee with Ryoma. He couldn't shoot like this!...
"Corrin no!"
Azura's warning didn't produce any effect as the rampaging beast charged right at the enemy locked in combat with Ryoma, ignoring the enemies on its path. Takumi instantly understood the danger. Spearmen! Time seemed to slow to a crawl. Pumped by worry and hurry, Takumi drew the string and shot once, twice, thrice-missed and cursed-five time. One by one the pikemen fell, and suddenly Corrin's path was free. With a final, brutal swing of claws, the silhouette of the enemy leader dissolved away. Immediately the rest started to disappear, even though the retainers and guards didn't care and hacked them down all the same until there was nothing left. Takumi didn't let relief come yet, as Corrin let out another terrible roar, smashing the ground with immense strength, Ryoma barely managing to get away.
"Don't approach the dragon!" He shouted, seeing the guards ready to encircle his transformed sister. "It's Corrin! Corrin!"
"What?"
"That's insane!"
"Protect the High Prince!"
Hearing the disbelieving shouts, Takumi shot. His arrows impacted the broken ground near the approaching guards, digging holes and stopping their approach in their track.
"I said it's Corrin! Stop approaching!"
Ryoma had managed to get away from the feral beast and was immediately surrounded by guards who had their weapons pointed at her, the arrows of the prince having, thanks the gods, stopped their advance. But what to do now? The dragon roared again and a torrent of water emerged from nowhere, creating a destructing whirlwind tearing the ground near apart. Memory of the night he stopped her transformation came back, his worries increasing tenfold. Where would this stop?
"You are the ocean's gray waves…"
A brilliant light came from the side. The complete opposite of Corrin's violent display, Azura was the very image of calm and grace, a stream of droplets surrounding her, the pendant shining like a blue star as she advanced slowly to Corrin.
"Azura! No, stop!" Shouted Ryoma, getting out of the protection of his bodyguards to stop her.
Before he could approach Azura gracefully spun. The water around her surged and a large wave rose up, blocking their elder brother's path and pushing him away. She looked at him briefly before resuming her advance toward the rageful Corrin inside his small tempest.
"Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time…"
Takumi was torn. He wanted to stop Azura, but his instincts were screaming she was somehow their best chance. Before his very eyes, the water tempest surrounding the dragon recessed before Azura's droplets. Corrin hissed and stepped back, its wings unfurling to intimidate, but the blue-haired songstress kept advancing, arms outstretched and open.
"The path is yours to climb…"
Corrin roared and suddenly struck. The massive, clawed hand swiped before anyone could react, throwing Azura to the ground and leaving bloody gashes upon her chest. The light of the pendant died down and the water torrent surged again, even more violent.
"Big sister, no!" Cried Sakura, covering her eyes with her hands.
Takumi was paralyzed, his hand trembling upon the Fujin Yumi. He couldn't choose. He could not choose to shoot. He vaguely heard a bird chirping above, such incongruous sound he almost thought to hallucinate, as he tried to find the resolve to act… Suddenly the blue shine burst forth once again, the tempest calming down in a circle of droplets.
"Sing with me a song of silence and blood. The rain falls, but can't wash away the mud."
Azura tried to stand up, singing again, weakly pushing on her arms as the dragon looked down on her. Once again the claws fell down, but instead of slashing they crushed, pushing down the blue-haired princess by the throat. Takumi gasped in horror, the string of his bow materializing. The dragon's head moved down, its body towering above the young woman with all its size, lower jaw opening menacingly.
"Within my ancient heart dwells madness and pride… can no one… hear my cry…"
Yet, it didn't move further. It didn't push its weight onto Azura, didn't crush her throat to stop the song. It simply stayed, dazed or hesitant. Azura, in tears from the pain, put her hand on the claw, and her lips moved. Saying something he couldn't hear from afar. And then the dragon let her go. Stepped backward once, twice. Then howled. Howled not with rage, but something different. Pain, confusion, Takumi couldn't say. The pendant's light shone even brighter, the water turned to mist, but through it the prince could see the dragon shrink. Just like that night, the wings retracted, the claws diminished, the tail disappeared. Takumi immediately ran closer, reaching Azura as the mist dissipated.
"It's ok, Takumi… I'm alright…" She said weakly, holding the golden ring at her finger tightly.
"Idiot! You could have died!" Vented the prince furiously. "You're lucky it worked! Don't move!"
Others were approaching quickly. Seeing her wounds already stopped bleeding and spotting the monk retainer of Hinoka come with a healing staff, Takumi helped his sister sit down before approaching Corrin.
"Mother… Mother…"
He couldn't help but being stricken by the contrast between the frailty of her current state and the monstruous, fear inspiring monster she had been. Lying down, sobbing, her clothes torn to shred to an embarrassing degree, but alive and normal. But when he tried to crouch at her level, Corrin jerked away with a yelp.
"No! Don't… I… Azura…I…"
She tried to crawl away weakly, her voice broken and shaken, breathing irregularly between choked words. Takumi stopped moving. His sister's pupils were shrunken, her face contorted with fear. Slowly, carefully, the prince moved again. Approaching her like he would a wounded horse, adjusting his rhythm to her own, careful not to cause her even more distress.
"Sto-stop!... I, I could… you…"
Takumi paused. She was slowing down, exhaustion visibly claiming her. After a floating instant he resumed his advance, delicately outstretching his hand. She almost betted it away, but when raising her arm, she looked at it in horror and instantly brought it back to her chest. Takumi kept a façade of calm and put his hand on hers.
"Look at it." He said with as little brusqueness as he could. She tried to shake him off in panic, but he firmly brought their intertwined hands in front of her, forcing her to actually see them. "Look. You won't hurt me. Azura is fine. It's over."
Corrin was still trembling, but as her teary eyes trailed along her own arm, to her hand, human hand, something seemed to click. Her grip loosened, she stopped trying to move away, hairs falling messily and hiding her face. Exhaustion seemed to truly catch up and she let herself slump, shutting herself off the world.
"Gods… a dragon. She really transformed into a dragon." Said Ryoma with awe, covering Corrin with his cape.
"She is fine… What of Queen Mikoto? What of Mother..."
The grave silence was the prince's only answer, confirming what he already knew.
"Dammit! Damn those Nohrian scum, those monsters! Damnit, damnit, damnit!..."
The hand of Ryoma settled on his shoulder. Getting out forcefully, his fists so closely clenched blood started to drip, Takumi stood up and walked aside everyone, unable to focus coherent thoughts beside rage, looking at the ruined statue of the Dawn Dragon to not see Mikoto. How could this happen? Why couldn't he do anything? Something passed before his eyes. A bird? A blue bird with red streaks in its feathers. It chirped and flew further before coming back.
"Go away." Growled Takumi.
But the bird seemed to insist, flying again and again from him to the remnants of the statue. His annoyance reaching breaking point the prince walked straight at it, ready to either slap it away. Reaching the damnable bird, the prince was about to shout when something attracted his gaze. A golden shine under the rubbles. Pushing the stones away, Takumi unveiled…
"No way." He whispered, his anger fading at the enormity of his discovery.
A golden sword. A golden straight sword with claw shaped hilt and guard and four tear shaped slots on the blade. He recognized it. Every scholar would have recognized it. The legendary treasured sword, the Yato, thought to have been lost centuries ago. Had it been hidden in the statue all this time? Right under everyone's nose, only to appear now?... Takumi stood up, looking at the bird circling around him and the sword. Didn't he hear something about a bird helping the ninja find Corrin? And now another… or perhaps the same bird? It couldn't be a coincidence. It couldn't.
"Hey, Lord Takumi? You alright?" Hinata approached him with hurried pace, for once entirely devoid of his usual easygoing attitude. "What you got there?"
"No, I'm not alright." Snapped the prince, gripping the sword closer but not preventing his retainer to see it. "Let's go."
"Wait, what's that sword? Hey, Lord Takumi!"
"Not now, Hinata." Chastised the prince.
He couldn't keep this to himself. Coming back to see Kaze take Corrin across his shoulders and Hinoka support Azura, Takumi walked straight to Ryoma, in discussion with Yukimura. The tactician was the first to see him approach, and his instantaneous shift in posture signaled he recognized the sword. Ryoma turned an instant later, surprise overcoming gravity in his expression for a brief instant.
"It was hidden in the statue." Immediately explained Takumi. "A bird guided me to it."
Ryoma frowned, likely making the same connection Takumi did just earlier.
"Lord Ryoma, Lord Takumi, please keep the blade hidden safely for now." Said Yukimura gravely. "I fear its reappearance is far from the good omen I would have liked to see it as, especially in the present circumstances."
"A wise move." Agreed the High Prince. "Takumi, hand me the Yato. The fewer are aware of it, the better."
With reluctance, Takumi let go of the golden blade. It was expected, of course. He knew it was the most likely thing to happen, and Ryoma was the best person to give the blade for safety, however a small part of him, deep inside, whispered he had been the one to find the blade for a reason. That certainly, he had a greater role to play…
POV Ryoma
Sitting still was not something that came naturally to Ryoma. No matter the situation, his first desire has always been to stand up and act. Meditating, done under the tutelage of Kagero, had come to him as easily as anything else he worked on, but it still was not something he appreciated particularly. Yet as he was sitting down in front of the castle officials and the few daimyos present at the capital for various reasons, his blood was boiling with something much stronger than mere annoyance. And the same feeling was reflected among many of those present in room.
"Lord Ryoma! We cannot let this vile act left unanswered!"
"They dared assault the heart of Hoshido! They once again spread the blood the royal family! This cannot stand!"
"Give us the word and I will be ready to spearhead retribution!"
"They used the vilest of dark magic! Those Faceless monsters weren't enough, who know how they will lower themselves next?!"
"The people are frightened; we must show them resolve! We cannot allow leave them unprotected!"
Under the gaze of the gods, the judgement of the empty throne, chaos seemed a breath away to erupt, in a cacophony of reclaiming voices. Vengeful spirits gathered, heating each other in the flames of justice. And the prince could not deny he was among them. Some part of him wanted to believe peace was possible, that Mikoto's wish could see the light of day. But the greater part of him was crying for blood, for righteous vengeance, and that Nohr, in all its malevolence, would never seek that peace.
"This is the final straw. Nohrians want war, they will have it." Keeping control of his own voice was difficult, but he would not disrespect this place. "Messages will be sent to all daimyo to ready for war."
"What if they are already at the frontier? Lord Toshishige cannot hold on his own, he needs help immediately! We must send the Pegasus Knights to assist him!" Said an official with alarm.
"Lord Toshishige has resisted for years to their attacks, of course he will do so again!" Retorted another. "We must gather more troops first if we want to have a chance to beat their army."
"By that time there will be nothing left of the countryside!"
"Please calm yourself, everyone. May I speak?" Yukimura adjusted his glasses before speaking further, composing himself. "Given the brazen and sorcerous way by which this attack has been executed, we can only conclude the Nohrians are not only aware of the destruction of the Barrier by now but are also actively crossing the border. Even though we may wish it, bringing troops to Lord Toshishige in time is impossible and may even be counterproductive."
"Elaborate." Said Ryoma, sensing the court's disapproval.
"I suspect the Nohrian will try to employ the same strategy as ten years ago, when the Barrier was erected. I have compiled the reports of the time and concluded the Nohrians had no intention to take control of the territories one by one. They will ride through the lands to directly assault the capital and decapitate the royal family in one single blow. We must ensure the Great Wall's integrity before all."
"Outrageous! Madness! They cannot possibly conceive such action!"
"Have you lost reason, Yukimura?"
"How would those barbarians even think they can stroll through our lands?"
"Are you trying to have Lord Ryoma abandon his country? Leave it to the mercy of those monsters?"
"Enough! Have you no shame quarrelling this way as we mourn our Queen and the people is in danger?" Shouted Ryoma, silencing the entire room. "Yukimura, keep going. I expect a solid plan from the royal tactician."
"While I cannot assure a perfect plan so quickly, I can suggest a favourable course of action. It is impossible to gather the armies of Hoshido quickly enough to oppose the Nohrians at the frontier, but we need not to. If their objective is the capital and they count on seizing our food resources to sustain themselves, there is one way to stall their advance. A Dragon Vein runs along the Yellow river. Should you flood the plains, Lord Ryoma, the Nohrian army will be unable to cross and it will buy us the time needed to fortify the Great Wall."
"Doing this would cut Lord Toshishige's from reinforcements or means of escape."
"I'm afraid Lord Toshishige and the daimyos of the western lands are beyond our ability to assist at the moment. Despite this, I respect his tactical skills and have faith he will manage for the best, despite his great age."
"… Yukimura. How long would it take for the central daimyos to gather their troops inside the Great Wall, should we send messengers today?" Asked Ryoma, in deep thoughts.
"Should every daimyo act swiftly, I would say a month. Gathering them together in coordinated allied forces would take at least another, let alone forming a single unified front, and I fear the Nohrian army will still outnumber us in the end."
The doors of the throne room opened, stopping the whispers in their track. Entering the room was the chief priest Zenma, draped in his ceremonial robes and accompanied by several senior priests. Ryoma frowned. He had expected the priest to be preparing the funeral of Queen Mikoto. The senior priests bowed face against the ground, arousing his surprise all the more. He was still High Prince, not King, and such profound display of reverence was premature.
"Please forgive my unannounced arrival, Lord Ryoma. Rest assured, the preparations for Queen Mikoto's last journey are well underway."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Lord Zenma. Your wisdom is welcome in those somber times. Yukimura was currently exposing a strategy to oppose the invaders."
"So, war has come to us. At last."
"… Forgive me, Lord Zenma, but what do you mean by 'at last'?" Asked Yukimura, puzzled. "I thought you of all among us would have lamented this conflict."
"I did advocate for peace in the past, in numerous occasions." Acknowledged Zenma. "War at the time would have been an affront to what our Queen stood for, an insult to the gods who generously protect us, and a loss of life with neither gains nor worthy purpose. However." The priest looked upon the white throne, his voice full of conviction as he pronounced his next words. "What Nohr has done today offended the Heavens themselves. And from them, I received a revelation."
A chorus of whispers erupted from the small crowd. Diviner might claim to see the future, but to receive words from the gods themselves? Only the Archdukes of Izumo were said to be able to request their words without fail. A true revelation had not come to Hoshido in centuries!
"Heed my words, Lord Ryoma, though they may be poor stuttering compared to the beauty and clarity of the vision I received." He took a deep breath, standing upright as much as his old body allowed. "Today, Nohr has committed the most impure of acts. Through their tainted hands and ignoble sorcery, they enslaved the souls of those who were supposed to ascend and join the gods in spirit. This act, abominable beyond all measure, can be forgiven by none, for there are no place in either world for those sullied so terribly. It is the task of Hoshido to bear arms against this corruption, to rid the world of those who renounced the very principle of good and harmony so thoroughly, they would desecrate the very laws set by the gods themselves. For the sake not only of our people and our land, but that of all innocent souls who would suffer under the machinations of Nohr, we must not falter. You must march forth, Lord Ryoma, and restore peace and prosperity to the land. Such is the decree of the Heavens."
A solemn silence permeated the throne room. The chief priest stood tall, as if he had regained decades of youthful energy over the course of transmitting his message, and many were visibly taken aback by the sheer presence he exuded, by the authority of one who carried the commands of the gods.
"It is great reassurance to know the gods are granting us their blessing in this conflict. However, strategy, tactics and the strength of arms will be the deciding factors…"
"Please, young Yukimura. Do not take me for an old fool who forgot his days of war." Interrupted the chief priest calmly. "If the enemy is as prepared as their assassination suggest, they are already crossing the Canyon. I assume you would have our armies consolidate behind the Great Wall of Susanoo while a token force delays their assault. With magic, or perhaps the sacred ownership of the land?"
"… Your tactical acumen has not lessened, Lord Zenma. As you deduced, I have advised the Prince to use the Dragon Vein of the Yellow River to hold off the army of Nohr in order to give time for our troops to gather behind the Wall, and defend it." The tactician adjusted his glasses, keeping his composure. "You surely realize even the combined troops of Hoshido cannot outmatch the numbers against us on the open. We must defend from the Wall, as Hoshido has always done in such case."
"Yet what would become of those trapped outside, young Yukimura?" Zenma moved closer to the tactician, crossing his gaze intently. "I speak not of the lords and samurais alone. Even should your plan succeed and our enemies be slowed down, they would ravage the countryside like a storm. Our people, our children, would be left to the wolves, incapable of retreating in time behind the safety of the Great Wall. How would we show the people they can trust us in these dire times, if their family is to be sacrificed? Is it what you want, young Yukimura?" The priest stopped before the throne before turning back toward the prince. "This cannot be what you truly want, High Prince Ryoma."
More chatter followed in the assembly. Ryoma had no need to hear what they were actually saying to understand how strongly the chief priest had established his position, how the tide had risen in his favor. Truth to be told, he did not like the idea of waiting behind the Great Wall any more than any of those present, but he was conscious how sound the ability of Yukimura to measure the odds was, while the prince himself has never been in a real war before. And despite his loathing at the very idea that Hoshidian warriors would lose against Nohrians, he trusted the royal tactician about the disadvantageous state the urgency of the situation put them in.
"You know none of us wish for the people of Hoshido to be abandoned. Lord Zenma, tells what you esteem to be the best course of action." Said Ryoma, prompting the priest to strike the ground with his cane and causing the room to fall silent.
"There are more in Hoshido who would brandish arms to defend the kingdom than you think. Announce the return of our peasant troops, the Ashigaru. Though their army of killers outnumber our samurais, our people is strong and plentiful."
"Lord Zenma, a peasant cannot become a soldier in a week, or even a month." Interjected Yukimura with concern.
"The fires of war shall forge them into the warriors we need. They will fight with the fervour and strength of the righteous. With the Hashigaru, you will have enough soldier to lead the fight head on against the invaders. Please, Lord Ryoma, let your people battle by your side and cleanse the lands of the Nohrian once and for all."
The prince thought back on the carnage back at the plaza. So many dead, so many hurt, and many more alive who would mourn them. Yukimura was right, apart from the few who had been part of militia, there would be nothing but untrained men and women joining the battlefield. Yet how could he deny the immense relief it would give his regular troops? And deep down, how could he not empathize with their desire to see vengeance down with their own hands?
"You have a point."
Yukimura lowered his head, disapproving but understanding.
"If I may, I would recommend asking for the Wind Tribe's assistance. Even in small numbers, their windcallers would be of great aid." Suggested the strategist.
"The Wind Tribes?" Said an official, bewildered.
"They are usually neutral. Will they even respond?" Wondered another.
"Better them than the Fire Tribe. Those savages do not even recognize they inhabit our lands." Criticized a daimyo.
"A most excellent proposal, Yukimura, but one I would say is not sufficient." Said Zenma. "The Fire Tribe and the Kitsune, as well as the countries in the south should be contacted as well. Hear me." He insisted, rising his hand at the surprised officials. "Our duty lies not only in defending our country. The gods want us to carry the fight to the enemy, to destroy the threat of Nohr once and for all. We must reach for any ally we can as soon as possible to make this endeavour feasible."
"Why any of those would they answer our call, the southern countries most of all?" Asked the same man who just described the Fire Tribe as mere savages.
The chief priest turned slowly toward Ryoma, and the prince could have sword a triumphant smile had appeared on the man's face before fading immediately.
"You have found the Yato, have you not, Prince Ryoma?"
A pregnant pause followed the question before the room exploded in clamours. Damnation! Thought the prince. How did he know already? He had had the sword hidden in his quarters, away from prying eyes. Did someone in the escort glimpsed at the sword when Takumi brought it to him? He had hoped some more time to ponder what the apparition of the sword could mean with Yukimura and ask for the divination of Orochi, but it seemed it was no longer possible.
"The sword of peace. The prophesied weapon who would appear in the hand of a saviour destined to save the world. Manifesting itself before us right when Nohr sends its most vile assault as the gods sends us oracle at the very same time? This is no coincidence. All who live under the sun know the legend, and they will fight with us. None would dare to refuse joining the chosen hero brandishing the blade."
All eyes fixated on the priest as he spoke turned to the prince, full of newfound expectation, of renewed reverence.
"We have no idea who is truly meant to wield the Yato yet. Takumi is the one who found the blade and I merely safeguard it for now." Clarified Ryoma, preferring honesty over false hopes.
"Forgive my eagerness, Prince Ryoma. It is true you were chosen by the Raijinto first, but I am still convinced it is within the royal family's blood the Yato will find its wielder." Zenma bowed in apology. "What do you think, young Yukimura?"
Yukimura tapped his notes, frowning.
"As much as I prefer to put my faith in what I can touch and see, I too believe the Yato could not have appeared by simple chance. Even if we do not know who it will choose, I have no doubt its possession will lead our neighbours to listen our plea with greater interest."
The way the chief priest forced their hand by revealing the finding of the Yato left the prince irritated. It would weigh heavily in the balance when their messengers would ask for help and inspire the people for sure, but he would have liked a bit more time to think of what to do with the sword.
"Very well. Let it be known the Hashigaru are once again instituted. All non-samurai who volunteer to join the war will be welcome to join. We will need them if we are to take a proactive stance. Send messengers to our neighbours and the southern countries asking for their support in any way they can. The Pegasus knights will reach for the daimyos…"
When Ryoma was finished with giving orders and prepare for the long days of travels and work ahead, the sun was already declining. The last of the official was sent away, leaving only the prince, Yukimura and Zenma, who had sent his own retinue away. As the doors closed, the old priest's age seemed to catch up to him once again and he slouched over, gripping his cane with trembling arms. Out of seemingly nowhere Kagero appeared and supported him, preventing a fall.
"Thank you, kunoichi. I fear my old bones are not what they were once, and this day has been hard for all of us."
"Do you want me to escort you back, Lord Zenma?"
"Thank you for your kind consideration. Though, not yet. I wished to speak to you privately, Prince Ryoma, concerning Princess Corrin." When the prince looked at Yukimura, the priest shook his head tiredly. "I have no objection to your presence, young Yukimura, I know your fidelity is without fault. I must apologize for undermining your position in front of the court."
"I understand, Lord Zenma. You only wish the best for Hoshido, as we do all."
"Now, what is the matter? You said it is about Corrin." Said Ryoma.
"It is, though Princess Azura is also concerned." Corrected the priest. "Princess Corrin … she has been blessed beyond anything I have ever seen, more than even Queen Mikoto was. Her transformation is proof her blood is far more divine than mortal, and I am afraid it will attract many covetous attentions, especially if you and your brother are away on the battlefield. The people of Hoshido wants for nothing, it is true… but the glory of uniting their lineage to that of the royal family through the princess would be far too enticing for many, even in the middle of a war."
Ryoma frowned in contained anger. A few have already tried to bargain for Hinoka's or Sakura's hand, and Queen Mikoto had always turned them down, wishing for the choice to be theirs, but the frequency had increased over the years. But Corrin? Even though she was technically fourth in the line of succession and would be furthermore behind any male child Ryoma or Takumi would have, tradition would only go so far against overwhelmingly apparent divine favour. She would be relentlessly hounded, war be damned.
"I see. What do you propose then?"
"…" The priest's momentary hesitation was not reassuring, and Ryoma braced for what was to come. "That Princess Corrin joins you in wedlock."
"Are you suggesting I marry my younger sister!?"
The furious cry echoed on the walls. The priest gripped his cane tighter, leaning on Kagero as if he had been physically struck. It took all of Ryoma's self-control to not move, to not tighten his fists and approach the old man with menacing and indignant words.
"… Please, Prince Ryoma. I am old, and I was close enough of your father. There is no more blood between you and Princess Corrin than between you and me."
"She is still my sister! What of my siblings? Of the people? How can you justify such an outrageous proposal to them?"
"There are precedents." Carefully said Zenma. "To preserve one's clan or the purity of the royal bloodline, the union of siblings from different mothers has sometimes been permitted. Think of the consequences Princess Corrin's marriage into another household would create. In those dangerous times we live in, with you not yet still crowned king, what would happen if another made his claim using your sister? She is young, and she is suffering more than any of us of the loss of Queen Mikoto. I too would prefer not to believe there would be men so duplicitous they would prey on her vulnerability, but we know there are. Please, Prince Ryoma."
Ryoma breathed deeply, regularly, calming his thoughts, closing his heart to anger, before speaking his mind clearly and distinctively.
"Lord Zenma. I respect your wisdom and years of experience, but what you ask of me is simply appalling. I will protect Corrin, but not by resorting to such methods."
The old priest listened, frowning, before sighing in defeated exhaustion.
"I will not evoke the subject anymore, Prince Ryoma. You made your decision clear. However, I would implore you to consider a request regarding Princess Azura. She has shown to share a bond and be able to calm down Princess Corrin, to speak through even when the princess was transformed. I believe the gods gathered them for a good reason, but others even among the priests do not see it that way and look at her with great defiance because of her foreign origin."
"I know. What do you propose this time?"
"Not another marriage, if this is what you fear." Lightly joked the priest. "I believe Princess Azura should become a shrine maiden. I would see her enter priesthood under my wing and become a shrine maiden dedicated to the service of Princess Corrin."
Unlike the previous proposal, this one sounded vastly more tolerable to the prince. If making Azura a priestess would help her fit better in the eyes of the people, putting her in such sacred relation to Corrin would basically make her untouchable. And given how Azura has been the only one able to quell the rampage of Corrin, keeping them in close proximity was definitively something he wanted anyway.
"I need to discuss about it with Azura, but I'm sure she will not object." Said Ryoma. "Is there anything else?"
"No, that was all. Thank you for listening, Prince Ryoma. I pray I will live long enough to see your victory."
Lord Zenma bowed and walked away with the help of Kagero. Leaving his retainer to her task, Ryoma turned to Yukimura, who had stayed silent to the point of almost being forgotten.
"Be honest with me, Yukimura. Do you agree with Lord Zenma?"
The tactician readjusted his glasses calmly before speaking up.
"His arguments are sound, and I believe he sincerely wants the best for Hoshido. What I am afraid of is how far he is willing to see everyone go to accomplish what he thinks is best."
And he demonstrated that today, thought Ryoma grimly. He only prayed the kingdom would not need more sacrifice than what they already had to lose…
Lora POV
The rain poured down relentlessly, reducing visibility to nothing and the ground to a sea of mud, stopping the army in its tracks and reducing progress to a slog. Wyverns' powerful wings and thick scales alone allowed them to fly over. Their riders were not so lucky, drenched in cold droplets and flayed by icy winds. The only fortune they found was that the rain showed no sign of turning to a storm to halt their march entirely, so close to the Bottomless Canyon. All the progress they made during good days could be rendered void right there, and Lora was not going to accept it. Which is why she was flying in that damned weather to join the scouts and hear their report by herself after they failed to make contact. The soldiers accompanying her had been just as frustrated, but if they were complaining on their own mounts it was drowned by the rain.
"Quicker." Murmured Lora, though her words were unlikely to reach more than her own ears.
Firm use of reins, on the other hand, motivated the wyvern to accelerate and soon they were circling closer to the location the scouts were supposedly making camp. The Queen landed last, once her troop made sure there were nothing threatening in the area, and quickly found the scouts. What was left of them, at any rate.
"They can't have been killed too long ago. Most are riddled with arrows; some have deep cut wounds. We are looking for traces, but with that weather I don't think we'll find anything." Said the lieutenant with obvious frustration.
"Keep looking."
The bodies were cold, their souls entirely gone. The ambushers must have approached under the cover of rain, encircling, not leaving them a single chance to escape. Just like any other attack made by Hoshido in the last years, swift and brutal. Yet something was strange. Did they think those men were an isolated party and not the precursor of an entire army? Or did they know and attacked anyway? Even they wouldn't be able to deny it was their handiwork in such situation. What could be their aim? To lure them in? Absurd, as if they would forget the Barrier and let themselves become lambs to slaughter. Was it simply to send a message? A show of force? It was too obvious. They could not deny they were the one to do this, so close to the Bottomless Canyon, not anymore, not with this.
"I-a-a-a, I'm sorry, your Highness." Said the lieutenant, containing a sneeze. "There are no traces left around."
"I see." She wasn't expecting anything short of a miracle for imprints to be preserved in that rain. "Pick up the bodies and have them buried once we return at camp."
"At once, your Highness."
The fly back was no less morose than the first, wyverns struggling under the additional weight and the wind slowly increasing in strength. Healers were already working on double duty to ensure no plague would break out and they would have even more to do in the future if that weather continued. Lora was grateful of the Fire for the warmth in her body, though she was still wearing heavy fur above armour, and the notable absence of disease she has been enjoying since her awakening, but her soldiers had no such luxuries. She could only hope the large stock of herbal remedies transported by each platoon would suffice.
"Your Highness, Prince Xander wants to see you urgently!" Shouted a soldier as soon as she landed.
The tent was barely warmer than outside and only by virtue of protecting from the rain, but the notion of comfort was inconsequential compared to its sturdiness, able to endure storm of much greater magnitude without faltering. The Queen found Xander at the table, a small parchment just unsealed in display. Red and yellow wax, meaning a message from a spy in western Hoshido, barely beyond the borders. It must have been brought by a bird, likely one of the prized ravens of Krakenburg, among the few birds capable of navigating the dangerous storms of the country.
"You have called for me." Said Lora, putting aside her dripping furs.
"The Barrier is gone."
Four words, four simple words she didn't register at first, until the implication blew up in her face.
"How?"
"They don't know. The only think they are sure of is that it is well and truly gone."
She took the parchment and read it intensely, the small characters of dark ink telling the very same words the prince spoke. The Barrier is gone. A Nohrian was able to feel anger, to use violence, inside the borders of Hoshido. Her mind raced, trying to measure the appropriate response until the immediate past caught up.
"They murdered the scouts to turn us back."
"So the scouting party was dead?" Asked Xander in confirmation.
"They thought we were going to test their defences and attacked first in fear. They didn't know we would only be feigning an approach and send forces to the south, to Mokushu." Said the Queen, pieces falling together. "Of course they don't care about acting subtle anymore, they just need us to assume they are still protected and an assault so brazen, of course we would think they did so only because the Barrier was still protecting them."
She paced around the tent, calculating potentialities and risks, the enormous new hanging above them like a sword. What to do? This was unique. Unhoped for. The largest army they ever had at the frontier of their neighbour, with an unprepared foe beyond the border. Yet they had a plan in motion. Leo was waiting for his brother and reinforcements. The army was supposed to mostly come back to prevent the lords from having traitorous ideas. She couldn't decide this alone.
"Xander, have the royal sorcerers come here. All those available. I need to speak with the King."
The prince frowned and transmitted the order as Lora looked at the maps covered in flags and pawns. How much troops could be spared if they decided to invade right there? Not much, actually. They counted on great number to compensate the many advantages the ninjas of Mokushu would have in their fortified positions and reducing that number would put plans in jeopardy. Leo was a genius, but putting him in more danger than necessary by weakening his reinforcements was something she hated to consider. Xander was supposed to join him, but if they invaded Hoshido he would need to stay in command of the main force instead. And, that would mean delaying her return to Notre Sagesse, and by extension to Garon's side… the tent's side opened and a dozen sorcerers in black entered, crowding the tent with resigned or stoic faces.
"Commence immediately. There is no time to waste." Commanded Lora.
The ritual of communication was not often used. It was slow to cast, required numerous powerful mages and absolute concentration, was strenuous to the point of putting the participants in danger, and the length of discussion decreased dramatically with distance. Yet, sometimes, the situation required such method of communication. Lora waited for the sorcerers to intone the spell to the end, arcane energy building up and circling around the mages before stabilizing. Then after a few minutes, a phantom image of Garon appeared, sitting on his throne as he was usually at the hour. Lora knew he was facing a similar illusion of herself on his own side, allowing for something else than a one-sided speech.
"The Barrier has fallen. Should we change plan and invade Hoshido?" Asked Lora distinctly and slowly.
A flicker of surprise came to the face of Garon before morphing to thoughtfulness. Nothing was said for a moment, as the sorcerers' energy was slowly drained and the illusion started to fizzle little by little. Lora glanced at the prince, who was akin to a statue. What outcome was he expecting? Probably for the invasion to not be approved. He never lost his disgust for killing and conflict, his heart still grieved for those he saw die. His sense of duty outweighed it, but he suffered all the same, and she was more aware of it than he certainly realized.
"My Queen, Lora. My son, Xander. Go forth and conquer Hoshido. We will win this conflict, once and for all."
Thus, the King spoke, clearing doubt from Lora's heart.
"As you desire, my King." Said Lora. "For the glory of Nohr."
"For the glory of Nohr." Repeated Garon with a sharp nod. "Look for a swift victory. Iago will keep us in contact."
And with that, half of the sorcerers collapsed, and the communication ended. No dead or even unconscious this time, they were simply winded. The Queen moved to the table as the royal guards escorted them out, and a dejected if focused Xander joined her.
"I think our best chance is to repeat the strategy Father planned a decade ago." Said the prince. "Striking directly at their capital before they have a chance to entrench themselves, and capturing the royal family." If possible was left unsaid, as the Hoshidians' tendency to kill themselves to avoid dishonour was a mystery for none.
"It is certainly what your father meant. How much do you know of the exact plans of the time?"
"Some of it. But what of Leo? We can't leave him with his meagre forces against Mokushu. Furthermore, he may be able to pressure Hoshido from the south if his side of the original plan succeed."
"That is true." Acquiesced Lora, who revaluated the benefits of sending Leo more men. "We will decide what forces to assign him today. You will stay with me at the main force however."
Xander frowned but did not refute. They had a lot of work ahead of themselves, and feelings could not be taken into consideration against everything at stake… yet despite throwing her all into the strategy and sacrifices they were preparing to make, a small part of herself went to Corrin, and the likelihood they would be on opposite side of this bloody war…