Vallite: Purotekutā no Kyōdai ai (Protector of Sibling Love) [Corrin's Naginata] | Hoshizora Seiza (Starry Constellation) [Lilith's Mother] | Jiyū (Freedom) [Lathna's F!Pegasus] | Kanpeki (Perfection) [Subaki's M!Pegasus] | Shi no Mirai (Tides of the Future) [Izama's Crystal Ball] | Kuronikurā (Chronicler) [Forgotten Dragon God of Records/Time-Keeping] | Fuka-sa No Kage (Depths of Shadow) [Afterlife for the Damned] | Todoku No Hikari (Reaches of Light) [Afterlife for the Blessed]

Hoshidan: Baranotsubomi (Rosebud) [Elise's Mare]

Nohrian: Katáktisi (Conquest) [Xander's Stallion] | Ouranós Trómos (Skyterror) [Camilla's M!Wyvern] | Μαύρο άλογο/Alastor (Dark Horse) [Leo's Stallion]

Antex: Oh yes, I loved every moment of it! I would've thrown in the references to the rest of Yasei's 'Sack of Familial Love', but as you saw from the title… this was specifically a Support Rank (that has long since been obtained).

Gasp! What do you think this is?! Spend 4 battles together and get married? Pfft. I confirm nothing, 'tis just a memorable moment that Yasei is recalling… would you so quickly say the same if I focused on an 'A' rank with Elise? BUT! With that said… Yasei currently has something that you can't do in the game itself…

Have Support Ranks with the Nohrian Royalty and their Retainers whilst siding with Hoshido. So yes… that will change things, and that letter will have an impact.

Consort: This is true… though, I do believe it'll be worth it. Since there has been time for Yasei's in-the-moment decision, the tensions have cooled off some, and perhaps a letter will be far easier to digest the fact that Yasei still loves them as family… instead of 'waiting' until they have to fight again.

Another morning, and I have Kaze secure a good messenger for the letter I wrote up for Leo… a simple greetings, a 'how do you do?'... I figured that since it has been some time since I sided with Hoshido, that perhaps that delay will have cooled their emotions. Sure, a letter may not sway them to completely stop fighting right now, but maybe it will at least ease the tension in our inevitable next encounter.

"Alright everyone!" I call out while breakfast is being served and a few of my army is breaking down the camp for the upcoming march. "Seeing as big sister hasn't returned from the Wind Tribe yet, that means we are going to head over there to assure everything is well..."

"Speak of the Princess." Subaki says, gesturing towards the direction we are going to go.

And sure enough, Hinoka, Firechaser, Setsuna, and Azama arrive. Uninjured, at the least. "Hey, you're here!" Hinoka greets me. "Good to see you, Sis."

"Hello, Lady Coooorrin…" Setsuna drawls out.

"Greetings on this terrible and foreboding day, Princess Corrin." Azama quips, "Another realization within the horrors of war, hm?"

I smile, "Good to see you, too… I was getting worried. Did everything go well?" I refrain from just leaping into a hug… Commander, not sister.

Hinoka notices the shift in attitude, but due to her own training, quickly represents a more… Soldier-attitude. She dismounts Firechaser, places her Naginata, haft side, into the ground, and stands at attention. "Negotiations were successful, Commander. Fuga of the Wind Tribe acknowledges and honors the wishes of Hoshido, and will aid in the war effort. However, he has also specifically requested that you visit him, Princess Corrin. When I attempted to ask for further details, he only said it was 'A Test of Lineage'."

Hrm… that makes sense. Within the Hoshidan Royalty book… Sumeragi and Fuga was recorded to have a fierce friendship, even going so far as Sumeragi allowing Fuga to see if he was considered worthy of the Rajinto. Perhaps Fuga wishes to see how much I am like Sumeragi?

...Oh, right. Only Lilith and Lathna know that Sumeragi isn't my Father… I nearly forgot that. "Gods, I hope he doesn't make me spar with a Katana…"

"Understood, thank you." I return the Commander-like tone. Now… he only wants a Test? I'm anticipating a Duel, and if that's the case… "I believe it would be for the best if I went to Fuga via pairing with a Flyer, while the rest of my army continues Southbound to Izumo… I see no reason to have all of you to follow me when Fuga has specifically requested for me."

"I'd offer the ride, but…" Hinoka pauses, and Firechaser shoots a glare at Setsuna, before neiging and kicking some dirt in her direction. "She got caught in a trap, twisted her ankle, and fell face-first into a Rose Bush... and he had to carry us both. Firechaser is exhausted." Firechaser huffs, holding his head high and away from Setsuna… then looks over to Jiyū, who shakes her head, letting out some sort of chuckle-neigh.

"I will volunteer, Lady Corrin." Lathna speaks up, smiling wildly. "If you don't mind heights, that is." Lilith proceeds to bop the back of the Kitsune's head, sending her a mock-glare.

It… takes almost all of my willpower to not have the blood drain from my face. "I appreciate the offer, Lathna. Just, don't fly too high, as there's no real reason to." I then address the rest, "Is everyone alright with this? Lathna and I will go to the Wind Tribe on behest of Fuga, and the rest of you will continue to Izumo."

"No." Rinkah speaks up. "Who'll be leading?"

"It won't even be for a day, Rinkah." Hinoka speaks up.

"Not the question!" She snaps back. "In case you forgot, we're at war! There should always be a leader!" A few protests rise up at her blatant yelling.

"She has a point, Princess Hinoka." I agree. "I should appoint a Second-in-Command, even if I'm only out for a few hours." But, who? I need to consider someone who'll place the lives of the army like I do… I'm trying to avoid serious injuries at all costs, not to mention that…

"I will." Azura speaks up.

"Ha! That's a good one, dainty singer!" Rinkah exclaims. "You don't have the guts for Lady Corrin's position!"

Azura ignores her and gives me a firm stare, unfaltering, focused, and determined. Her strangely yellow eyes seem to brighten up. I return the stare as strongly as I can, searching… this continues for several minutes. "Princess Azura will lead in my stead." I finally say. A hush falls over the group. Rinkah seems confused… Lilith and Lathna shoot me a worried look, but perhaps most noticeably…

Ignis looks surprised.

"Thank you, Lady Corrin. I will not disappoint." Azura replies, her expression ever-unchanging.

"And what of us, my liege?" Kaze asks, Jakob and Felicia beside him.

Oh right… three retainers, with their liege heading out for a mission that doesn't include them. I should probably bring one with me, but… Pegasus can't fly far with two. I shake my head with a frown, "I'm sorry, but you all will need to stay with the army." Wait… fly. "Lilith."

My sis-... erm, 'Maid' startles, "Yes, Lady Corrin?"

"Can you Shift into a Dragon to follow us?" I simply ask.

Her eyes glow for a moment, and she bows, "I'd love to." She pulls out her Dragonstone from within her Maid Outfit and shifts into that much smaller Dragon Form, complete with her Waterstone clutched tightly. "Ready."

I nod and mount Jiyū with Lathna… her tail brushes by me and… "To the Sky! For Freedom!" Lathna exclaims… and, gods.

Jiyū speeds off.

"I said, take it easy!" I nearly scream as Lathna shows absolutely no restraint with Jiyū, giggling like mad. Lilith is seemingly able to keep up without much issue.

"Nope, you said 'stay low', and I'm doing just that!" Lathna exclaims in glee, "See?"

I nearly startle out of my skin when I feel leaves brush by me… still attached to the trees. "Lathna!" I yelp.

"Hey, take a breath, stop holding me so tightly, and look." Lathna calmly speaks, "Feel the air rush by, keep your eyes on the horizon, and just… be free." As she's saying this… she lets go of the reins, spreading her arms out. [Feel… Freedom.] She switches to Vallite.

"Lathna, stop concerning big sister." Lilith chides her. "She's never been big for flying."

Lathna huffs and takes the reins again, "Of course, my liege. Hooold Jiyū, easy girl." Jiyū slows her way too fast speed. "Better?"

"...A little bit." I reply, shaking slightly. "Just… let me know when we get there…"

When we arrive, the scenery had changed from a brightly lit and green plain to… brightly lit, high gusts of wind, and a lot of sand. "Woah, Jiyū!" Lathna exclaims as she rears her Pegasus down. "That's a good girl… alright, Princess Yasei, we're here."

"If I didn't have a Waterstone, I would be throwing a fit right now." Lilith mutters as she lands, then Shifts back.

I let go of my death-grip on Lathna, then proceed to dismount. Jiyū then smacks me on the back of my head with her wing. "What?" I snap back at her. Jiyū huffs, and rears up. "Are you mocking me?" She sways her head and lets out a mock-vomit.

"Yes, yes she is." Lathna nods with an amused smile. "Do you really not like flying?"

I was about to immediately respond with a 'no', but… "Flying is fine, I'm worried about falling. Aren't you?"

She quickly shakes her head with a hum, "Nope. Kitsunes are naturally good at taking large drops, even in our 'Human' forms." She pats Jiyū, "C'mon."

"Agreed. The sooner we see what Fuga wants, the sooner we can leave." Lilith speaks.

I lead the other three onward, where I see buildings made of a durable stone, seemingly denser than anything Hoshido or Nohr has, yet they can stay atop the sand so easily? Strange. There are also various Wind Tribe members, all wearing some form of light cloth-based robe, with a wrapping around their mouths and noses, and before I could question why, I got my answer.

A gust of wind erupts from seemingly nowhere, and gives my nose a healthy dose of sand. "Atchoo!" Goes Lathna. "Ow…" Jiyū voices her discomfort, and Lilith is the only one who seems unbothered.

Thankfully, a Wind Tribe member takes note, and brings over several of those cloth bandanas. "Welcome to the Wind Tribe, Hoshidans." She speaks, almost her entire head wrapped in these cloths.

I nod my thanks, gently grasp one, and tie it around my head… huh. I figured a cloth would restrict breathing, but… I can breathe just fine. "Thank you." I speak, continuing on with the others.

The Wind Tribe seems largely preoccupied, yet there is a destination in sight… and he's looking down at us from his stone tower. "Greetings, Princess Corrin!" He shouts from his tower, perfectly audible. "Please, come up the steps, I have long anticipated this meeting!" He pauses, "And your friends, please, do come up!"

"Hello… sir Fuga?" I yell back up, but… he doesn't seem to hear me. "Hello?"

"Lady Corrin? I do believe that the issue is the wind is, quite literally, at his back. It's carrying his words down well, but keeps ours from going up." Lilith informs me.

Oh… well then. I shrug, and then go up the Tribe's steps, up and around and around… and around the Tower. At the top, Fuga has already turned around and is giving us a stern look. Unlike the other Wind Tribe members, he only wears leggings and a necklace that is composed of clear-red orbs, each of them seems to have a violent wind swirling inside. He also has a pole on his back. He says nothing. "Fuga, sir?" I ask.

He places his palms together in front of his face, and folds all but his index and pointing fingers, and holds his stare. I… feel like he's looking into me. It's actually making me uncomfortable.

He then places his hands back at his side and smiles fiercely, "Welcome to the Wind Tribe, Princess Corrin." He bows. "I am Master Fuga, chieftain of the Wind Tribe, Combat Master of all known Melee Weapons, and… a very close friend of the late King Sumeragi."

I return the bow, "You were a close friend of my father?" I smoothly lie.

"Indeed, long before he obtained the Crown, he visited frequently, before I became the chieftain. We forged a bond stronger that would rival the love for his wives, through blade and practice. I view him as something more than King, or even more than one might view their own loved one. A very wise man, with strength to back up his words, and, of course… the Greatest Katanamaster ever to have lived." His chest fills with pride.

"Then I am very glad to finally meet you, Master Fuga." I smile. "May I ask, why did you request my presence?"

He briefly frowns at the sudden question, but then smiles again, "To finish the request of my close friend." He clears his throat, "Sumeragi asked that I spar with each of his sons and daughters, to forge a similar bond as I have with him. Princess Hinoka was delayed due to this." He gestures to a scar across his right bicep. "Her ferocity had caught me off-guard, but it nevertheless was satisfactory… she has her Grandmother's attunement to Fire burning deep within her, a drive that will overshadow any other."

He then points to a stab wound, slightly right to his belly-button, "Crown Prince Ryoma, he made this with his katana. I saw his father in him when he made that strike.

He turns to his side, and shows off a graze on his right, "Lord Takumi, after he had already been claimed worthy of the Fujin Yumi, shot this after I had knocked him from this very tower."

"What?!" I exclaim. "You knocked…?!"

He chuckles, "He was still proud, that was by no means an easy feat, he is well worth the Fujin Yumi… I saw mother, Iota, when he made that shot."

Lastly, he gestures to a burn mark on his midsection, "Even young Princess Sakura had this spar. While timid at first, she suddenly lashed out with her Tiger Scroll… and then proceeded to apologize and heal me for almost half an hour afterwards. While not her daughter, she most resembles the late Queen Mikoto."

He stares me down once more, "Which leaves you, Princess Corrin. I ask you the same request I have of all the others… I wish to spar you, and I want you to leave a scar, as the others have."

I look to Lilith and Lathna, then back to Fuga. "What about father? Did he leave one?" As I pull out my Naginata.

He smiles from that, "Many, though most had healed from the simple passing of time." He pulls out his pole… no blade. "Do not concern yourself, this is the very same pole I had sparred with the others. "You two may watch, but I ask that you do so across the bridge. This tower is our sparring ring."

"Be alert, Lady Corrin…" Lilith says as she crosses the bridge.

"You got this!" Lathna cheers as she guides Jiyū across.

Fuga takes his stance, and I take mine. "Hm… ah, a Spear fighter." He comments. "Though, it's a variation I… ah-ha! You've had extensive training in the art of Swords, haven't you?"

I startle, and blink my eyes, "I… yes, how could you tell?"

"It's all in the stance." He smiles. "Now, come at me!" Weapon Master indeed. I take a breath, focus, and charge in, going low and taking a quick stab, and right as it seems he wasn't going to dodge… he spins his pole once and knocks my attack off-track, then continues the spin to bean me in the head. "You underestimated my prowess, that much I could take from your attack." He quickly informs me. "Attack as if I'm your enemy!"

He allows me the time to rise back up. I narrow my eyes and focus. I remain low and move in again, but then feint to my left, and make a reaching slash. He was about to spin the attack away, but I halt my attack, flip my grip, and hit his side with the blunt end. He drops one arm and locks the haft into place, then pulls forward, kicks my chest, and hits his pole on my head again. "Again!"

Oh… this is like training with Xander all over again… I grunt and shake my head. Ugh. I need to do this in a different way. Fuga is apparently a master of all melee armed combat, which means anything conventional isn't going to make a decent hit. I'd have a far better chance with a Sword, but… I neither have access to one, nor am I going to waste my own resources to form a Draconic Sword. Hrm.

Adaptation.

I narrow my eyes, and lower my stance. My Naginata is held solely in my right hand, while I bend down low enough to proudly show my painfully flat ass. Left hand on the ground, and… off-balance. I can fix that. Fuga, all the while, is raising his eyebrow, curious, but not calling me out. I then take a moment to clear my mind, and form two essential parts to this new stance of mine… my tail and wings. My tail is counterbalancing the now extreme weight presented on my right side due to the one-handed Naginata grip… which I know I couldn't do with a Lance. My wings will provide me with far quicker 'on-the-fly' adjustments for attacks.

"I see… you too, are blessed with the Powers of Old." Fuga comments. "Though, certainly not of the Dawn Dragon… ruby-red eyes, water-blue scales… no, your power comes from a different Dragon."

I ignore his ramblings and launch myself forward, wings flapping once to provide an extra burst of speed… he barely had time to react before I skewer his side with my Naginata's blade. A quick thought and my tail scrapes into the ground, wings flapping backwards, and I'm able to turn around in one-fifth the time it would take anyone else, thus landing a second stab to his side. An unhealthy amount of blood pools down, but I'm not quite done yet.

Hitting the blunt end of the Naginata on the ground, I launch myself upwards, along with a single flap, before going far out of reach of his pole, another flap as well as keeping my left wing out for guidance, and I ram my blade into his other side, assuring that I avoid any and all vitals. I hear a gasp, followed by praise from my sister and her retainer.

"Well… done, Princess Corrin." Fuga coughs. "That form… is unlike any I've seen…"

I pull out the blade, now slickened with his blood, "I am a…" I start to smirk, feeling a pride well up in my chest.

"It is one of the single most reckless, flashy, and unrefined set of attacks I've ever seen from a Royal!" He suddenly shouts, eyebrows furrowed, and near livid. The red orbs on his necklace suddenly glow with a bright light, and he follows up with, "Astra!" Within the blink of an eye, I suddenly get slammed five times, each being a mere afterimage of the speed Fuga has just obtained… so fast I cannot even register it. Well, most of them… except for one.

Dawn Dragon damn that Wound.

After the fifth hit, I cry out in pain and keel over. "S… Princess Corrin!" Lilith exclaims.

Fuga, well aware that a blunt pole couldn't have caused that much pain, immediately reaches into his garment and pulls out a foul-smelling Concoction. "Princess Corrin?!" He speaks up, kneeling down and tilting the healing solvent into my mouth. "By the Wind, had I known…"

Wings and tail still out, a rage bubbles up inside me, and I grip the necklace around his neck, pulling him down to my eye-level. He startles when he sees my eyes, the red glow has flared up, and strangely… about three inches of my purple dye seems to 'burn off', revealing more of my natural dark-blue hair. My tail slams into the tower-top, and a small crater forms. I growl, and a pool of water forms around my feet.

[You best be thankful that you are considered an Ally, Fuga.] Vallite leaves my mouth, though I almost feel out of control for saying it. I'm… honestly blinded by the rage, not that I'm sure why I'm so angry. It's not the first time my Wound has been damaged. My hand around his red orb necklace tightens, though the skin has long since transferred to a clawed draconic grip with scales. A small crack resounds, and I let go of his chipped orb.

My partial transformation abruptly ends, the pool of water fades, my eyes stop glowing, though my hair remains as is. I cough and look around, "...huh?" I place a hand on my head. "Ow… I have a headache."

I feel Lilith's hand on my shoulder. "C'mon, let's go." She tells me, a certain worry in her eyes. "Thank you for your time, Fuga."

Fuga though, simply stands there, with an unreadable expression on his face. "Of course." He turns around and looks over the Wind Tribe once more.

Lathna and Jiyū round up next to me, while Lilith assumes her Dragon Form. The two help me onto Jiyū and I hold onto Lathna tightly. No more than a minute after we take off… "What happened?" I ask.

"Your Draconic half has matured, sister." Lilith tells me. "It's conflicting with your human half. I had no trouble with the same stage, but your humanity is trying to reject it… which actually might explain your previous memory issues."

"I don't want… to reject it. I… like that power." I respond, though my face is almost buried in Lathna's back. "How can I control it? I want… more."

Lilith hesitates, before answering, "I can help you. Tonight, we'll return to my Astral Home, and I will aid you in controlling that part of you."

"...I want Rinkah to join, too." I tell her.

"Our time will be cut in half." She informs me in kind.

"I'm fine with that." I sigh, and then "...Thank you, sister." I mutter.

"You're very much welcome, big sister."

Fuga watches with intent, pole sheathed, hands pressed together, except for his index and pointing fingers… he looks to the sky once the three have crossed the horizon. He closes his eyes and sighs. "Hayato! What was the Late Queen's fortune?"

A small sandstorm erupts from the far corner of the platform, and a masterfully weaved camouflage spell ends, a man, almost as short as Corrin appears. "When Light and Dark wage war, one worthy of Yato-no-Kami will land an unforeseen blow on the Head of Wind." His tone is slightly higher pitched, due to his… shortness.

He hums… "Ryoma wields the Rajinto, Takumi holds Fujin Yumi. Sakura, while good intended, is too innocent for the true power of Yato. Hinoka, while powerful, is too determined to protect Corrin. Corrin…" He trails off for a moment. "I cannot place her. I saw a power lurking in her form and eyes, something that could crush even me, and this was before her… breakdown? She lacks the patience, I fear she may lust for power. Not to mention…"

"Yes, Master Fuga?" Hayato asks, approaching.

"I'm sorry, Queen Mikoto, but I cannot, as the Keeper of Yato, find any of the Hoshidan Royals who are worthy of the legacy that Yato holds." He stares back onto the horizon. "Nor would I wish upon you to follow a Commander who may very well succumb to her bloodline." He pauses, "Hayato! You are assigned to assure the safety of Castle Shirasagi!" He pats him on the head. "Gather your things, as well as a squad of Wind Tribe members."

"H-Hey! That's a kid's gesture!" He immediately exclaims, causing Fuga to burst out in laughter. "But, of course… anything else?"

"Since I am bound to this location for the time being… do pay a visit to the Crown." He says, taking his Pole off. "And place this on the late King's grave. I… can only hope, at the very least, Ryoma will shine as Sumeragi did, and that Sakura will be the beacon of Hoshido as all the Queens have."

"...what of the others?" Hayato asks as he holds Fuga's favorite Sparring Pole… the same one used in every bout with every Hoshidan Royal.

"Takumi is too bound by pride and a need to be better than Ryoma. Hinoka needs to ease her protectiveness over Corrin, and as for the special girl in question…" He takes a long moment, to the point Hayato thought he was just going to leave it at that. "Her inner power uneases me, as does the distant… feral look in her eyes." He muses, closing his eyes. "Wind be at your back, Hayato."

"As do the sands for you, Master Fuga." With that, Hayato descends from the tower, Sparring Pole in hand.

A/N: Amazingly, the 'longest', in terms of how many tries it took, part of this chapter was that really short spar between Fuga and Yasei… four attempts.