To best The Fiery Queen of Nohr: Part 29 – Destined to Seek
Author's notes: Being employed is great. Having a paycheck is fantastic. On the other hand, boy does it take your energy away. Well, if it took time to write this chapter, it took even more time to try to proof-read it, and I hope it will be ok. A bit less lengthy than the last ones, but still a big one. If you would prefer smaller chapters than come out more often, just say so in the reviews.
Well, about that, onto the reviews.
Spartastic 4: Corrin is indeed about to make some big decisions! Lora is still on leave for now, but her time in the limelight will come again.
pt1oef: Azura is one mysterious lady. Glad you like the impactful scenes of the story! Elise has some tricks up her sleeves, but that's for later. No Corrin vs Reina for now, and thank for the encouragement.
Imperial warlord: Thank you for your continued support.
Kazuka746: I agree Patches would be the one character from Dark Souls that would the most likely to follow. He survived almost to the very end of the world after all. I will not bring another Dark Souls character in the story, as I told, but I might make an omake with that situation you described in the future, because I agree it would be something funny to behold.
Vigriff: That's quite the compliment! I must admit I've been a lot on Tvtropes, but I never thought about making a page for my story. Wouldn't it be self-promotion rather than writing an honest page? If someone else wrote it I wouldn't mind, but in the spirit of fairness I don't think I'll do it myself.
And, that's it. Please leave a review if you liked it or if you have something to criticize, I always read reviews and they always motivate me.
With all that said, enjoy the story!
Corrin POV
"Why have I not heard of these hot springs in the castle before? I thought there were only in the city below."
Holding her towel with one hand, Corrin touched the bath with the other, testing the temperature. She quickly withdrew at first contact with the steamy water, before slowly plunging her fingers within it, marveling at the natural heating responsible. She had only had water heated by fire or magic before, and the princess found it fascinating for the ground to simply produce it without intervention. And it wasn't the result of the Dragon Vein either, the one flowing around the castle ground was away enough she would have to pull strongly to even call it forth, never mind using its power.
"I imagine you were too young for them at the time. That, and since you came back there were other preoccupations than showing them to you." Said Azura.
"I suppose."
The songstress had already dismissed her towel and walked in the pond, water reaching roughly above her waist at the deepest. She beckoned Corrin with a gesture, as if daring her to join in. Smiling at the challenge, the princess folded her towel, finding the best place to enter the waters without risks of slipping. Without further preparation, she walked in the pond, ignoring the quickly passing discomfort at the temperature before adapting, taking care not to go too fast as to not make waves until she reached Azura.
"Is the water hot enough for you?"
"It's very nice, actually." Said Corrin, gathering some with her palms to trickle down her neck and back, preparing for a deeper dip.
So focused she was on the flowing warm caress she missed the rising corner of Azura's mouth. A small wave suddenly rose with the dancer's graceful spin, drenching Corrin and making her yelp in surprise.
"Hey!"
"Heehee. Didn't you want to warm up quicker?" Asked Azura, the mischievous glint in her golden eyes a reflection of her pendant's fading shine.
"… I'm not speaking to you anymore." The princess tried to keep a haughty facade, which immediately broke down in a fit of giggles. "How are you so good using water like that?"
"Practice. The pendant helps." She was still wearing it as well as the golden ring on her finger, noted Corrin. She has never been without one or the other, even as they slept or bathed like now. "I suspect you could do the same."
"Really?… Oh, right. You told me I made a maelstrom when I turned…"
"The first time, yes."
The dancer took a deep breath before diving in. Corrin lowered herself into the steamy water as well. Legs, then waist and bust, until only her head remained on the surface. Pleasant warmth seeped into her muscles, alleviating in part the daily worries and stress she accumulated. Instinctively, she breathed deeply before diving underneath the surface completely. A blissful shiver ran from neck to back as water surrounded her. The princess spun on herself, taking in the shifting perspective with her eyes wide open, the water clarity hiding nothing of the polished surface of the ground and rocks. Movement in the water caught her gaze and Corrin watched Azura glide under the surface, long hair following like a graceful veil. Seeing her eyes were closed Corrin followed quietly, doing her best not to disturb the shallow water surface until her friend resurfaced. With a swift push the princess swept Azura off her feet, successfully unbalancing the dancer who fell into the pond with a splash and a surprised expression.
"Sorry!" Sheepishly said Corrin despite the large grin she had, fishing out Azura and carrying her in her arms. "I couldn't resist."
"Hph. Nofevnwaitng?" Asked Azura, voice muffled by the hair covering her face.
Corrin tried to move her right hand and winced, the old wound of her left shoulder reminding her of its existence as she supported her friend's weight with a single arm. Bearing the pain, she brushed aside Azura's hair from her face, lifting the veil of blue to meet her soft smile and amused gaze.
"Anything to say, Corrin?" Asked her friend with a casual tone, letting herself be carried.
"You're very pretty." Corrin let out before realizing it, and a furious blush invaded her cheeks.
That distraction was all Azura needed. With surprising force, she tipped them both over and they fell into the hot spring. They surfaced quickly, looking at each other through disheveled hair before sharing an uncontrollable fit of giggles. A few minutes of mock fighting later they were sitting down on the side of the pond, shoulders and head alone above the water top.
"I wish we could stay in here forever." Murmured Corrin, resting her head on the edge.
"That's not how you truly feel, isn't it?"
"… No, you're right. We need to do something, and quickly. If it keeps like this, I don't think we'll have any occasion left."
Today has been grueling, for both of them. Corrin was forced to sit down for hours, pampered and dressed like a doll in the prevision of her future apparitions in public, while Azura repeated endlessly the chants and speeches she would give as oracle in the name of Corrin. Speeches calling for more fervor, more dedication; more effort for the war. Even thinking about what it meant twisted her stomach, how she would barely be more than a figurehead that, for all the veneration and respect she would receive, would barely be able to decide or act in anything. Like a statue in the shrines, supposed to bless and to inspire. Not to question, not to oppose, not to divide. The cage bars were closing in, and the princess shivered at what she envisioned would be her future should Azura and her let it all happen without resisting.
"I thought we would be able to escape without much trouble, but we are watched like storm clouds from morning to night. I can't sneeze without three servants fussing all over me, and…" Grumbled Corrin, fidgeting with a lock of hair. "it's not just the guards, priests or servants that worry me, it's… it's Kaze."
It wasn't a question of being able to outsmart or outrun the ninja. Corrin knew to do one or the other would be extremely difficult, and both were tantamount to the sun rising from the west. Rather, it was the sting of guilt whenever she considered the very act. She trusted Kaze to protect her, of that she had no doubt. He would do anything to keep her safe, by his oath and by his will. The man reached into the innermost land of Nohr to reach her… and Corrin was about to slip out of the safety and security he devoted his whole life to bring her. How could she convince him? How could she ask him to accept her admittedly reckless decision? To act upon a vision?
"That explains why you waited for us to bathe together to start planning. The only occasion the fearsome ninja would not be listening, subdued by the power of gallantry." Teased Azura lightly before sinking deeper in the water, eyes closed. "Perhaps you need someone else to vouch for the merit of your decision."
"Who would?..." Wondered Corrin, before two faces dawned on her. "You think of Orochi and Reina?"
"Reina swore to do anything for you. Even if she were to doubt, she will not go back on her word." Reminded the songstress. "As for Orochi, she authenticated your vision. If anyone in the castle can be convinced, it's her."
"It feels wrong to take advantage of Reina like this… but I supposed we are past that already, aren't we? If we want to successfully escape the castle, it would be best to have those as allies."
"Not we. You."
Corrin's eyes widened. The three words have been spoken with deliberate intent.
"Wait, what are you saying? We will escape together. You want to stay here as much as I do, you can't be serious-"
"You won't reach Ryoma in time with me." Said Azura." There are no horses here, and neither pegasi nor kinshi will let us mount."
"I can carry you. We'll fly together." Insisted Corrin. Before she could react, the songstress pressed firmly on her left shoulder. She hissed, pain radiating from the old wound.
"Even transformed, your shoulder bears the same scar… How long would you hold me on your back? Should anything happen, I will fall to my death or grievous injuries. And even so, I will slow you down."
"You said we could ask Reina for help. What if she is the one carrying you? Her kinshi can carry you. It can work."
"No, Corrin. Merely helping you escape will make her position difficult, but leaving entirely… it will surely condemn her to death." Said the songstress, rising from the water.
"And what will they do to you? If I disappear, everyone will realize you helped me one way or another. You'll be interrogated, or maybe worse!" Corrin stood up, voice rising. "I'm sorry Azura, I can't let you stay here, I just!-"
Azura put a finger on Corrin's lips. The princess swallowed the rest of her tirade, emotions rolling back and forth like a raging sea, until her friend spoke.
"You are right. I don't want to stay. However, I believe it is for the best. Will you hear me, before passing judgment?"
Indignation decaying as the finger on her lips kept them sealed, Corrin nodded slowly. The dancer retracted her hand and they sat down in front of each other, their long hair intertwining on the water's surface.
"Why? What can you accomplish by staying prisoner?" Asked Corrin pleadingly.
"If you leave this place, or worse, if you were to return to Nohr, the nobles and the people would stop at nothing to take you back. They believe war is the only way, and Lord Zenma fanned their anger into zealous fury. Even should Nohr stop their advance and vouch for peace, few in Hoshido would listen."
It was all too true. Mother… Mikoto could have done it. She would have helped to make everyone listen. Corrin wasn't Mikoto, she wasn't her mother.
"Since I was appointed as your priestess, I am supposed to speak for you, isn't it? I will make use of that. I will tell them of your vision, that you went to save the life of your siblings. I don't expect many to listen. But I believe some will, and if enough are swayed, the people might accept to see beyond vengeance."
"That would be very helpful." Mused the princess sheepishly. She has been so focused on convincing both of her families the greater the picture had escaped her completely. "But there is something else. I can't fly without you. If I lose control alone…"
Azura tilted her head and removed the glistening pendant from her neck. Corrin stared at it, mesmerized by its shine before snapping back to the yellow eyes, understanding where she was coming to.
"Azura, doesn't it come from your mother?! Are you really sure you want to part with it? Will it even work without your song?"
"Listen. I promised Mother I would not repeat her last words to anyone… but I trust you. I believe you need to know."
Corrin's ears perked up at the confession, the almost imperceptible crack in her friend's voice.
"I don't originate from Nohr or Hoshido. Mother and I escaped our land it when I was little, with only clothes on our backs and the pendant. I barely remember anything from that time; only her hushed voice and water all around me."
Azura's words brought strangely familiar flashes to the princess' mind. Blurred movements, indistinct shapes in the cold blue water, colder air, warm hands, and a familiar voice sobbing…
"This pendant has been passed down our family from generations. Mother told me it contains the power of a dragon, the First Dragon who gave our lineage his blood long ago."
"Your lineage… you are a royal princess? From your mother?"
"I am. Though I have no idea what is or where the kingdom Mother and I come from is supposed to be. I've looked at maps for so long and observed Nohr and Hoshido in details, and yet there is nothing I could find that resemble the few scattered memories I have left of home. As for the pendant… It was granted alongside a very important song, supposed to appease the heart of the dragon, to quell the savage instincts dwelling within his mind."
"Lost in Thoughts, All Alone…" Whispered Corrin, shivers coursing through her back despite the hot water.
"I felt it the day we met, the way you reacted to my song, to the Dragonstone's light. When you transformed, I had no more doubts. That same dragon's blood run in your veins as well, so much more potent than in mine or Mother's."
"Does that mean we could be… family?" Asked Corrin with disbelief. "I too, remember something vaguely from before my first memories of Hoshido. As if I had been submerged in water with Mother, and she was crying once we reached the surface… could it be we… came from the same place?"
"… Perhaps. I suspect Queen Mikoto knew something, I have suspected for a long time her affection for me was more than simply her generous and gentle nature. I never asked the question before, and I thought to ask her about it after the ceremony…"
"And the attack happened before you could…"
Whereas Corrin was more stunned by the revelations of Azura's origins, their potential relation to each other, or simply by the enormity of the secret she now suspected her Mother left unsaid, she didn't know. Had she been standing, she would have surely fell over, all strength having vanished from her legs. Seeing her still, Azura gently tilted Corrin's head, passing the chain around her ears until it rested on her neck. When the metal came in contact of her skin, Corrin felt a beat. Resonating with her heart, the pulse of a familiar presence, one she could not fully recall when or where, before it became indistinguishable from her own. With nary a thought a distinct pair of antlers grew from her head and scales formed on the skin of her arms, then with another impulse the process reversed. Never had it been so easy. Never had it felt so controlled.
"It works, isn't it?"
"It does… I… I feel… whole. Yes, whole." She repeated the word, unable to find another to describe the strange feeling born of the stone's contact. "Azura…Please, come with me. I don't want to leave you here. Not knowing what I know. Not after all you have done for me. Please."
The songstress' left hand found Corrin's and the other brushed her cheek, their forehead lightly touching.
"You did so much for me already, Corrin. How you brightened my days, gave me warm and honest companionship? I cannot repay you enough." Azura lightly kissed Corrin on the head, their eyes falling deep into each other's. "We will meet again. I promise. Until then, promise me as well. Promise me to keep walking this road, until we end up together again. Together in peace, someplace full of hope."
Corrin reached for Azura, in the same way she did for her. Holding each other in trustful intimacy, taking comfort in shared commiseration.
"We will. I swear we will."
Leo POV
Forests, every tree a potential trap. Hills, each one a possible hideout. Valleys, all monitored and easy to ambush. If even half of what Shura told Leo was right, the whole country of Mokushu was a deathtrap from which a conventional army would suffer terrible loss without seeing a single battlefield. The small ninja countries have never been on the kindest terms with one another, and they had contingencies prepared for hostilities in their own unique and lethal ways. Mokushu more than any other in recent years, with the ascension of the current lord-no, daimyo was the right term, corrected Leo. Though the old territory of Kohga would originally be considerably less difficult to invade, as it hosted more towns and flat terrains, Nohr's informants confirmed they had all been razed, cementing not only that those once useful places to resource and protect the army did not exist anymore, but also the character of Mokushu's daimyo.
Kotaro proved himself an ambitious and unscrupulous man, who didn't hesitate to launch an invasion resulting in the slaughter of the large majority of the population of Kohga-to a point those who managed to escape could be counted in a mere hundreds- and destroy everything that has been a country, in favor of making it what could only be described as a vanguard territory from which further invasions could be launched. A part of Leo could only admire the pragmatism and cunning of the Mokushujin's leader, while the rest was disgusted by such display of wanton cruelty. It also meant the conflict would be bloody and long even with the benefit of a surprise attack, should they fail to eliminate the man quickly. Peace or ceasefire with him was not an option, he would certainly betray it at the first advantageous opportunity, and the very nature of the war led by ninjas meant the army would be exhausted long before they caught the last resisting enemies. The key to victory was twofold: occupy the territory and decapitate its leadership. The one thing that would play to their advantage was the self-interested culture Mokushu had compared to neighboring countries. They would choose survival over loyalty to a dead man.
A rumble of activity reached Leo's ears, turning his attention away from the maps. An unusual excitation, the sign of something unexpected was coming from away. A hostile situation? No, there was no panic in the sound he was hearing, nor in the activity of the royal guards around him. The afternoon was well engaged and the sun still high, offering far sight upon the grassy plains. Thus did the prince notice the rider carrying the tabard of heralds approaching at speed, avoiding dexterously soldiers and chariots. The horse neighed in protest as he was forced to stop abruptly far from the area reserved to Leo and his retinue, the royal guards watching like mother wyverns as the woman was searched thoroughly with hands and magic. With no danger found she was authorized approach, her wizened face revealing a lifetime of service. One of Queen Lora's own heralds, he recognized her, as well as the discreet flaming sword carved on her brigandine. Why would she be there, instead of a normal scout or messenger? Has the plan changed? Would the reinforcement not arrive? Did something unforeseen came up?
"Lord Leo, it is an honor." Said the herald, bowing. "I bear a new and three messages from the Queen, if you would listen."
"I do. Speak."
"The new is as such; the reinforcements you wait made landfall. By their speed, they will have caught to you in days."
This was a relief. Since she said "days", it meant between two to five, and by her mount and experience he would guess at least three. Enough to adapt.
"The first message is as such; Prince Leo, the Barrier protecting Hoshido is fallen. Why is a mystery, yet we will act nonetheless. Prince Xander and myself, by the will of your Father, will launch the assault upon our enemy."
Cries of shock surrounded the declaration, and the prince barely contained his own stupefaction. The Barrier, gone? This changed everything, and the most likely ramification grimed his expression as the herald spoke again, confirming his fear.
"The second message is as such; Prince Leo, we decided to employ the strategy planned the day before the Barrier appeared. As a result, you shall receive only a third and a sixth of the reinforcements you were promised."
Outrage briefly sparked in the ranks before falling silent. This was terrible news for the soldiers, who were never pleased to hear they would not have more comrades with them to fight and to take the enemy blows in their place. On a more strategic level, it meant Leo would be certainly falling short of the necessary soldiers to occupy the territory of Mokushu during the conquest, should he take any losses. His margin of error was suddenly dramatically reduced, and facing opponents like Mokushu, it was not a good thing. Would it even be feasible? The invasion of Hoshido was the priority now that it happened. Of course Leo would only receive barely what he necessitated in that case. Whether he failed or not was inconsequential, as long as…
"The third and last message is as such; Prince Leo, in light of the situation, I grant you my full authority to act as you see fit."
This time, the herald was met with silence. Few were those who understood the full significance of that last message.
"I received your messages, herald." Leo pondered, composing his thoughts. "Tell the Queen that soon enough, I will join forces with her in Hoshido."
The old messenger bowed before jumping back on her mount and riding out, this time with a clear path open in the midst of the troops.
"Cancel the previous orders of rest. We resume our march toward Mokushu." Commanded Leo, prompting the messengers around his table to run to their officers. "Put priority to the consumption of fresh food, we will need all our reserves. Extend the scout range of patrols by a third and combine units to increase the size of each…"
The well-oiled war mechanism of Nohr engaged course once again, with the prince adjusting its inner working to greater efficiency. Upon his horse, the prince surveyed the army, his army, as they advanced through the southern lands of Hoshido. None of the small towns of Izumo they passed by have been happy to see them, though their worries were quickly subdued once it was clear the Nohrians were only passing through peacefully. Father had made clear faking any sort of authorization from the Archduke was bound to fail, as the man would never forbid anyone access to his land as long as they respected its peace and its inhabitants. Instead, they interacted only minimally with the locals, who found themselves quite relieved to see the visitors leave quickly without fuss, and exchanging what was, despite the prince's knowledge it was the price to pay to ease tensions, an outrageous amount of gold for the fields they trampled and the food they bought.
"Odin."
"Yes, milord? What deep inquiry is piercing the veil of secrecy surrounding your unreachable intellect?" Asked the enthusiastic dark mage, to the ever irritation of the prince.
"How is our guide faring?"
"That I am hardly sure, as he seems far more inclined to confide to our sneaky associate and yourself. Alas, mine efforts to open the fortress of secrets were for naught!"
"I see."
No surprise on that particular front. Shura opened to Niles quite a bit over their similarities, perceived or real, and it gained Leo quite a bit of information he was certain he would never have gotten himself, notably on the subversive activities the man had done in the past. Spying, sabotage and some others, though Shura lived mostly as a bandit over land and sea in most times, accumulating money, a small network and people to further his goal of revenge. No, what the prince learned was something else: history and culture. What had been the country of Kohga, its people and its way of life. All of it has served a dual purpose to Leo; not only to satisfy his own appetite for knowledge, but also to open Shura to become less guarded, to see them closer to comrades than tools for his revenge. If possible, he would have the thief become the lesser uncertainty in the conflict, one who would not jeopardize the entire operation for the sake of revenge. All of the points above painted Odin as the worst possible person to keep trying to create a relation with Shura.
"Don't try to approach him anymore. I have another mission for you."
"Do tell, my lord!"
"Keep tab on the scouting parties. I don't care how you do it, as long as you inform me if one of them goes missing."
As frustrating as Odin could be, he was skillful beyond any doubt and had yet to fail a task the prince appointed him to. The ride continued into the sunset at accelerated pace, ceasing only when mounts and men both where too extenuated and the light too dim for an army to keep going. Cloistered in his commanding tent, Leo studied the maps once more under the ball of magical light he conjured, this time with the assistance of the outlaw from Kohga.
"I wouldn't go near the path of these cliffs if I were you. Or even think to climb them." Pointed Shura with one of the small flags the map was littered with.
"Would Mokushu keeps eyes on such a dangerous and impractical route? Unless the map is incorrect, the cliff looks too steep for anyone to use."
"Remember, milord: Mokushu is used to conflict between shinobi countries. A regular army would struggle to pass through, even with pegasi or wyverns. For a small group of experienced ninjas? It's practically an open door. There will be people watching, if not traps."
Yet another route Leo made an internal note to avoid for his elite troops. While by his own admission the survivor of Kohga has only briefly been in Mokushu, both to scout and to find an opportunity to have his revenge, his advices on what to expect and how to approach the territory indubitably saved many of Leo's troops from the danger he would have sent them in.
"I see. Well, what about…" The tent opened, and a royal guard passed halfway through the opening with a small bow. "What is it?"
"Your retainers caught a rat, Lord Leo. One who claims to have a message for you."
The prince frowned. Were they already discovered? Was it genuine? Or was it a ploy of a spy to escape execution and return to his fold with the actual information? In any case, he would have to play his hand carefully.
"Bring them in."
It didn't escape Leo how the thief tensed. Would it be better to send him away? On the other hand, it could be the perfect opportunity to truly test his mettle. The tent's opening parted once more to reveal Odin and Niles, the latter carrying on his back the bound form of a grey clad man. No, woman, corrected the prince in his thoughts as Niles put her down on her knees, her face covered with a mask of the same color as her clothes.
"We found her sneaking between patrols. Not bad, but not good enough." Smugly informed Niles.
Odin stayed silent, an uncharacteristically somber look on his face. Leo took note and turned his attention to the so-called messenger, with Niles revealing an assortment of knives, cords, and other tools he visibly found on her.
"It's been a while since I had the occasion to search someone so thoroughly. Even more so with such cooperation, I would gladly ask for another round on the return way…"
"Enough, Niles." Chastised Leo. He was not in the mood to listen to his retainer lecherous double entendre. "Take her mask off."
With deft fingers Niles unmasked the spy, a pretty figure with seemingly pleading eyes… revulsion coursed through the prince's body, a memory coming back to haunt him. The same eyes the wretch that birthed him made every time she was asking something of his Father.
"Speak." He said, taking as much of Garon's intimidating authority in his voice as he could.
"Milord, please spare my life. I am no killer but a messenger, a mere mouthpiece for what my daimyo wishes to tell you."
Her voice was soft and submissive, the very image of desirable surrender. How evident it was why a woman like this one would be selected for a mission like this. And it made Leo want to puke even more. None of this was visible on his body as he listened to the bound ninja.
"My Lord Kotaro wishes to extend his hand in alliance against Hoshido."
"Why should I trust you and your lord? It is well known in the entire continent that ninjas are in service of Hoshido."
"Those serving Hoshido are led astray, defectors of the true way Mokushu has safeguarded for centuries." Smoothly deflected the messenger. "As you see, your is not the only country wronged by Hoshido, milord. My lord has long sought to repay their insults, and he wishes to assist the campaign your country is leading."
If anything Leo has learnt of the history of the ninja clans and their countries from Shura was true, then the lie was as enormous as difficult to disprove without an inside source.
"What is your lord offering exactly?"
The spy lowered her head in a bow, a posture of humbleness as fake as the rest of her attitude.
"Lord Kotaro would open the secret pathways only known to us to your army, milord. With our assistance, you would be able to reach castle Shirasagi swifter than any other way, perhaps even trap their Hoshidian army between your troops and those coming from the Bottomless Canyon. What do you say, milord?"
The prince quickly came to a decision. The sincerity of his answer mattered little at the moment, what he needed was to keep open as many avenues of planning as possible. Without breaking eye contact with the spy and trusting in the Kohga survivor to keep his cool, the prince spoke.
"Your offer is tempting. Niles, Odin, untie that woman and escort her outside the camp. We will meet with your lord to conclude our alliance."
"I will inform my comrades to guide you and your men to Lord Kotaro. Perhaps we shall meet again." Hushed the ninja in a tempting, languid voice before leaving the tent.
The prince was left alone with Shura, every one of his instincts screaming him to prepare for a confrontation, yet Leo did not make the first move, his hand on the discreet handle of the aquamarine dagger. For a fateful instant Leo thought Shura would jump on him, but the outlaw kept control of himself, speaking up.
"This is how my dream dies, uh? It was too good to last." He said almost casually, his voice barely betraying strain. "If you're to kill me, just it quick. I know I won't make it outside..."
"Stop. I'm going to feel insulted if you believe me bewitched by this tramp." That seemed to throw the outlaw off balance. "I see exactly what this Kotaro is thinking. He will sit back and feign neutrality, using Nohr as a convenient dupe. Should we win, he will seize as much territory as possible no matter what is promised and dare us to take it back, knowing we won't be able to contest it. If the wind turns, he will slaughter our forces from behind and pretend partnership with Hoshido, using their weakening to pressure them into giving him what he wants."
"… Yeah, sounds about right for the bastard." Muttered Shura. Resignation and hope flickered on his face, and Leo pressed on.
"There is nothing he can offer we wouldn't have taken. If he led the massacre an of entire population without batting an eye, leaving him alive is a risk I'm not going to take."
The outlaw seemed to have calmed down. Leo wasn't certain he convinced him, but at the very least he would, probably, not go on his own to kill himself right now.
"That was some fanciful speech. Where do I fit in that, your highness? Going to serve me up to him on a platter to ease suspicion?
"Don't be absurd. You are the best chance we have at spotting an eventual double-cross in time, so don't even think of going on your own before the conquest is over."
"What Lord Leo means is that he likes you, and would prefer not to see you die." Added the snarky voice of Niles, entering the tent with a smirk.
"Niles… is there any other uninvited guests you forgot to tell me about?" Asked Leo, ignoring the verbal hook.
"I only saw one. Odin said he detected two, how he wouldn't tell. Or at least, not in few enough words before I came back." The ex-thief chuckled. "What do you think?"
"That woman let herself get caught, or more likely planned to reveal herself anyway." Deduced the prince, frowning. "I didn't think they would approach us, not like this. I must think things through to avoid their suspicion until we strike."
"You will really keep your word." Said Shura, disbelief still present in his voice.
"I told you so." Smugly informed Niles.
Leo inspired deeply, massaging his nose. His retainer got the message and quickly left, taking the outlaw with him, and leaving the prince alone in the tent with the cold magical light still shining upon the maps. Sitting down on the couch, Leo stared at the piece of parchment covered with flags and arrows.
Was he making the correct choice?…
The thought was spinning in his mind, gnawing and whispering. The stakes were immense. It wasn't a simple game of chess where he could see all the pieces and react accordingly, a mere bandit cleaning where merely fifty or so lives were on the line. Failure would not end with disappointment alone. It was the right thing to keep supporting Shura and eliminate the threat that Mokushu represented… but was the "right thing" worth the potential consequences? What if Xander found himself in dire need of quick reinforcement? What if the southern part of Hoshido gathered armies that he could have dispersed with Mokushu's help? Those were but two of the many reasons doubt plagued him. Even though he made the argument against it, the alliance Mokushu could grant would be invaluable, as the temptress and her master were too entirely aware. Xander would doubtlessly keep his word and probably launch war on Mokushu on the spot, trusting in his strength and that of his army to win the conflict, no matter the cost. Leo would usually chastise such thinking. Sacrifices were inevitable in war. Having the lowest amount was the best option, especially as he had now less soldiers at his disposal.
The magical light flickered as Leo pondered the last message of Lora. She told him to act as he saw fit. Not to continue the mission, to support his brother or to strike on his own. The Queen left him with… her trust. She trusted him to choose the best course of action. Not what she, Father or anyone else would consider best. It should have been all the easier to choose to be ruthless. It was what Nohr exalted, for the strong to reach glory, no matter the cost and mean. Those who succeeded could find the excuses to speak of honor, for the dead have no words to give the living. Yet… what is the Nohr he wanted to see? Leo knew their Father had little time left, they all knew. Once Xander inherited the throne, was this the Nohr he would prefer to rule? Was this the Nohr Leo would help to perpetuate?
"… No."
Perhaps it was not what Father would have done, perhaps Lora would chide it as an unreasonable risk. Perhaps had he been the same person as some time ago, he would have allowed resentment to guide his actions and chosen to do what Xander would not have considered honorable or just to do. Taken the easier path to reach some sort of victory his brother would not have obtained. He was not that person anymore, thought Leo as he skimmed over the handle of the aquamarine dagger. The right choice may not always be the correct one. But at this instant, the prince knew they were one and the same.
Corrin POV
The moon lit a dim light in the room. Habit and preparation alone guided the hands hastening knots and tightening joints of Corrin's armor. No words were pronounced, only gestures were needed to point at a few mishaps due to obscurity. With careful anticipation, the door of their chamber slid aside. No guards outside. Silent as the wind, the two princesses made their way out of the castle wing, attentive to any sign of activity. Nothing. No servants strolling in the corridors. No officials stricken with insomnia. They climbed down the long stairs with caution, stopping when seeing a figure waiting next to the exit… with a soft and slick movement, a deck of cards seemingly appeared from within the woman's hair before falling into a neat pile in her open hand. Corrin and Azura sighed in relief and finished their descent, meeting the stress riddled face of the royal diviner.
"I still can't believe you talked me into this." Whispered Orochi, drawing a card before immediately putting it on the bottom of the deck. "If anything happens to you, I'll never be able to look at myself anymore."
"You didn't predict anything bad tonight, did you? You would have told us."
"Of course, I would. It's the only thing I can trust… Please stay safe, Lady Corrin."
"I will. I promise."
As she walked away, Corrin's ears picked up a fait whisper from the diviner, one that gripped her chest.
"Forgive me, Mikoto. Please watch over your daughter…".
Azura squeezed her hand, making her realize she slowed down. Giving her a smile, the white-haired princess focused once again on the path. They had now reached outside, the night breeze welcoming them gently. Cutting through the humid grass instead of the stone pathway, the princess turned around to see no light coming from the castle. They haven't been found yet. Hopefully it would work out just as well when Azura would come back to the castle alone. It still tasted sour in her mouth to think about this part, even with all the insistence of the songstress. Corrin was aware how much Azura missed her siblings, how she wanted to meet them once again, all grown-up and with a thousand stories to tell. Yet no matter what, she insisted to be left behind. To leave Corrin heartbroken at the injustice of it all, that her friend could not share the reunion she hoped yet. Carefully avoiding tripping on the roots and smaller plants, they finally reached the fringe of the small wood. The princesses were welcomed by the sight of Reina sitting near her majestic Kinshi, watching over the cliff with clear intent, only moving from her observations when they approached her.
"Good evening, Lady Corrin, Lady Azura. I hope you have found no obstacles on your way down." The royal retainer bowed, unfailingly polite, and to Corrin's surprise her voice rang without a hint of doubt.
"We didn't." Nodded Azura. "We met Orochi as expected. She didn't have a prediction for us."
"That means you shouldn't fall and impale yourself upon a tree. Good." The bloody image was close to the last thing Corrin wanted to envision right now, and she shook it out of her head while Reina chuckled. "I'm sorry. It was the first thing that came to my mind."
"It's alright…" Corrin inhaled the fresh night air, the unflappable attitude of the scarred rider leaving her with a burning question she needed answer from. "Reina, I know you swore to help me. But I expected you to… at least protest. Or disapprove. I don't understand why…"
"Because I know it's what Queen Mikoto would have wanted."
"…" She breathed deeply, trying to reign in her emotions before standing straight. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet, Lady Corrin. I'll finish preparing my partner. Take the time you have left."
The princess had noticed the giant bird was already adorned with its saddle and reins, ready to fly at a moment's notice. It was politeness, leaving her to say goodbyes alone, and she was grateful for it. Azura's hand was on hers, and Corrin felt once again guilt as she squeezed the elegant fingers.
"This is only goodbye."
"I know. I'm sorry, it's just… I can't be happy with it."
"Reina and Orochi will protect me. You will have to fly alone for days and night to reach Ryoma in time!"
"I'll manage. It can't be worse than what Gunter put me through during night watches…"
Corrin's ears perked. She turned around toward the wood, watching a familiar silhouette stand out from the foliage. His steps have been as silent as feathers, making their own sound like the stampede of hungry horses, and his presence so fleeting one would sooner notice falling leaves in the forest. Yet she heard, she smelled his presence, all this time. Trying not to think about it, to push back the confrontation she knew was inevitable. The green haired ninja approached, his feature as inexpressive as his footsteps, and Corrin faced him alone, denying with a small turn of head the involvement of Reina.
"So you have decided to leave Hoshido, Lady Corrin."
"I can't let myself be imprisoned while my home succumbs to hatred. This war must not happen, Kaze."
"Is this what you will do? Go back to Nohr, and attempt to forestall their invasion? You think your words will make their entire army fall back, now of all time? After what they did to launch it?"
"I won't deny Nohr is the aggressor. That they have been for ages, long before I was even born. Sent Faceless to sow mayhem and chaos in the country. And I know they killed King Sumeragi. But they are not responsible for Mother's death. Just like Hoshido did not wipe out Nohr's border villages and towns. I must find the truth, and I cannot do it by staying here."
"You still insist on this mysterious enemy's existence. What if it doesn't? What if Nohr is truly the culprit? Have you thought what it would mean for you to be captured again, this time without the protection of your innocence?"
Corrin inspired, the cold air in her nostril sharpening her mind.
"Even should it be so, and the sin lie with them, I can't let this war happen. I cannot let my families hurt each other. I will not let any of them die."
"Your families." Repeated Kaze, the plural rolling off his tongue with fatalism. "Your heart is as kind as Queen Mikoto was. I respect, nay, I admire you for this, Lady Corrin. But it is my duty as your retainer to protect you, even from yourself. I cannot risk it happening again."
"… Kaze. There is nothing to atone for."
The ninja froze. The princess was keenly aware of his devotion to her. Just as much as she was aware of the underlying cause of that devotion, the guilt fueling his protectiveness.
"I remember you, in Cheve. You were almost my age, watching everything as if every shadow would jump on me. How could you have hoped to stop an entire elite troop of Nohr? How would you have circumvented all those who watched over King Garon? You don't have to keep beating yourself over. You don't have to do all this, as if it would somehow change what happen. Please, Kaze. Let it go."
"… You truly have a kind heart, Lady Corrin. Too kind for the worthless man in front of you. It is my fault you were kidnapped and the King killed, no one else's."
"What fault? What happened, Kaze?"
"I noticed the presence of the Nohrian forces in the city when we traveled. The same who would kill King Sumeragi and kidnap you. But I was young, and I didn't understand what their presence meant. So… I said nothing. I didn't report it back to my master."
"It's not your fault, Kaze. You were a child! How could you have known what would happen?" Protested the princess, but her retainer shook his head.
"I come from a long line of ninja that have always served the Hoshidan royalty. I began my training at an early age. If anyone should have known, it was me. For such incompetence, I should have paid with my life."
The venomous, crushing self-loathing in Kaze's voice gripped Corrin's chest. Facing the true depth of the torture he has inflicted upon himself for years, the princess watched wordlessly as he unsheathed two daggers, in a strikingly similar fashion to their first encounter in Krakenburg.
"I should not even be allowed to speak with you… There is only one thing I can do to atone for the suffering I've caused King Sumeragi, Queen Mikoto, and you. And it's to make sure such thing never happen again. No matter what."
The steel in his voice matched the steel in his hand and Corrin nodded sadly, understanding his intent. Stepping forward, she unsheathed the Yato, moonlight reflecting upon the golden sword as she took a familiar stance. The same one she took back then in the castle, a mirror of their first encounter. Whether Kaze realized it or not he didn't show, and simply crouched a little lower. For a suspended moment in time, neither of them moved. Then with determination Corrin lunged forward. Kaze threw a dagger at her she parried but missed the two smaller shuriken hidden under the projectile. They rebounded on her armor but distracted her enough for Kaze to draw another dagger and suddenly close the gap, striking with his two blades. She blocked the first one but the second was too close…
It happened in a flash. Corrin's left, empty hand trust forward and changed. Armor was wrapped in scales and fingers fused in a slender white point. The spear-like limb shot forth and swatted the dagger out of Kaze's hand, passing barely an inch aside the ninja's head and lengthening far beyond its original size. Shock spread on Kaze's face and he tried to disengage. Too slow. The limb retracted and Corrin gripped his shoulder, tackling him, and throwing him on the ground. Holding him down, Corrin let the flat of the Yato rest on his chest for an instant before sheathing it slowly and deliberately.
"I'm so sorry, Kaze. But that's enough."
"Milady?"
"You cannot allow the rest of your life to be defined by past mistakes. Of anyone's life. Now is the time for us to forgive and move forward. Kaze, you are not at fault. And even if you were, you have repaid your debt to me.
"But-"
"You saved my life at the Canyon. You brought me back to Hoshido. You gave me the chance to see my family of birth once again. I met Mother thanks to you. So, please, never push yourself down like this again. Will you promise me that?"
Laying wordlessly on the ground, still straddled by Corrin, Kaze looked at the stars above, then at his lady, a complicated expression adorning his features.
"Well?"
"… Yes. I promise."
The princess smiled and stood up, helping the ninja to get on his feet until she noticed him smile as well, a smile that became a light chuckle, so incongruous Corrin felt jarred.
"Are you… laughing at me?"
"It's just... you remind me so much of Lady Mikoto." Said Kaze, before explaining further. "When I came back from Cheve, I expected to be punished. Instead, she forgave me, allowed me to keep serving at the castle. And she did it with the same smile you had."
"She… did, huh." Tears threatened to rise in her eyes, and she quickly wiped them before regaining control of herself.
"That she did." Confirmed Reina, approaching from behind. "That was magnificent, Lady Corrin. I have no doubt you could have pierced his heart with this spear-like movement of yours."
"Please, no more images like this, Reina... I only recently learned to do it. It feels like baring a claw. Or a fang."
"A dragon fang, huh." Wondered Kaze, taking back the dagger on the ground. "I suppose my defeat was inevitable."
"Not really. I just knew what you would try to do. If you wanted to prevent me from flying away… you would strike here." Corrin showed her left shoulder, the target he had tried to hit. "Azura noticed the injury carried over when I transformed, which mean you would have as well. You helped heal it, you know it isn't entirely recovered. It was the easiest way."
"You saw right through me." Acknowledged the ninja, before sighing. "Go, Lady Corrin. Until your return, I swear I will protect Lady Azura with my life."
"Thank you. I pray it never comes to that, my friend."
Turning back toward the cliff, Corrin nodded as Reina jumped on her mount and took flight. The princess approached the cliff, shivered in anticipation of what awaited her. She didn't fear the fall, she didn't fear the sky. The Kinshi rider would here to catch her if she fell. She feared the draconic fury that she knew submerged her twice already. Gripping the pendant with all her strength, she addressed a small prayer. To whom, she wasn't entirely sure herself, and yet it was as if she felt a tinge of calm wash over. As if someone, somewhere, answered.
Corrin jumped. The wind whistled in her ears as she embraced the night, searching for the strength within. An instant later she transformed, and the world became right. Easily ascending the currents with ease and adjusting her direction with a few tail movements, the princess circled back to the cliffside to see Azura waving goodbye, Kaze by her side. Changing direction to follow Reina's indications, Corrin set her eyes on the dormant capital she was flying over, on the destroyed plaza where reparation had not been started yet. She would not see the city become like this place. She would not see an army besiege it, no more than she would see Windmire suffer such a fate.
"Mother… Watch over me."
Then, with a silent roar, she soared to the West. To the place where she would foil the destiny her vision has shown.