"Kanpaku," Kamui bowed, "I mean, Reflet, you wanted to see me?"

The tactician gave a slight smile, "Yes, seeing as you are determined to rescue your sister, I thought you'd like to hear my latest intel."

The prince immediately perked up, "You heard something?"

"From what I can tell, it seems she is heading north to the Ice Tribe. Likely to make sure they don't get any ideas about joining us."

"I'll head out right away," Kamui immediately made to leave.

"Hold it!"

Kamui froze in his tracks and looked back, allowing Reflet to continue, "Now, this is a great opportunity both to get your sister back and gain an ally."

"What do you mean?" Kamui blinked in confusion.

"I mean, if Nohr is concerned about the Ice Tribe rebelling, there may be merit to offering them a deal. Back us, and we secure their independence."

"Hmm, good idea, but would they be able to fight back with Nohr right on their border?"

"I'm sure they have their ways. But we'll never know if we don't try. It would be a useful advantage in defeating Nohr's tyranny once and for all."

"I understand. I'll try to have a word with the chief."

"Good. They have a head start, but I'll make sure you have some mounts to speed things along."

"Thank you, Reflet. I won't forget this."

The tactician smiled, "Don't mention it. Anything for family, after all."

"So what now?" Lucina asked once they had safely escaped the outer perimeter of Windmire. Robin had hardly said a word while they fled, and Lucina honored that sentiment until they came to an impasse on where to go next. That said, she still wanted to know what he meant by King Garon not being human.

"We head north," Robin answered, not looking away from his new goal.

"Going to meet up with Owain's group?"

"Yes. If Corrin is at the center of this, I want to see why. I'll work on something more long term on the way."

"Just remember, you need not shoulder this whole conflict on your own."

Robin offered a tired smile, "Yes, I know. Thank you."

"But…what do you mean that Garon isn't human?"

"I don't know," Robin shook his head, "But he…he didn't feel right. I can't really explain it, but…it just…he was not normal. The closest thing I ever felt were those Deadlords Grima had made, but even then it's not a perfect match."

"A puppet of Anankos?"

"Most likely. Tugging the strings from the very top."

"Do you think the royal siblings are also corrupted?"

"I'm sure Garon has been poisoning them with lies and half-truths, but I didn't feel anything like that with them. With enough evidence, we might be able to convince them. Though that might be a lot harder now."

"Do you think they've also captured Hoshido too?"

"I don't know. I can't rule it out though. We need more info."

"Perhaps a trip to Hoshido is in order."

"Agreed," Robin nodded, "We'll let Odin and Nicole know where we're headed after we observe Corrin a bit if we can."

"Sounds like a plan," Lucina nodded, but she could see he was already in his own head. He got like this when planning. The bluenette was concerned though. They were missing a lot of information and even her husband, as brilliant as he was, could only wing it so far.

And he did not take failure well.

"He got away." It was not a question. Garon could tell by their demeanor that they had failed in their mission. Pathetic puppets they were.

"I'm sorry, my lord. They proved more capable than I had thought. It will not happen again."

"It had better not," The king scowled, "Continue your war preparations. I'll have Iago handle this."

"Yes, Father," Xander stood and prepared to leave with Camilla and Leo, but Garon called for Leo to stay.

"I have reason to believe that some of the border towns might take this as an opportunity to get unruly. I want you to prepare counter measures."

"Certainly. Any militia will…"

"Not just militia. Any and all rebels should be stamped out."

"I…of course. I'll begin planning immediately."

"I expect frequent updates. Do not fail me again."

"You can count on me," Leo bowed before making a quick exit.

"Do you think there is merit to these reports?" Ryoma asked his retainers as he looked out the window.

"We do, milord," Kagero answered, "There are many rumblings. Several border towns may join us with the proper support. We could send an envoy to work with them."

"It should be noted," Saizo butted in, "That in the current climate, some may not take kindly to accepting Nohrians into our ranks."

"Perhaps, but we cannot blame their citizenry for their ruler's actions. If some of them wish to be free of tyranny, we should help them. If they can help us, all the better."

"As you say. We can escort your ambassador personally."

"As you should," Ryoma turned around with a smile, "I will go myself."

"Yourself, milord?" Kagero could not even hide her surprise, "But, your highness, you're now the ruler of Hoshido."

"Yes, so it should show quite a bit of good faith if I arrive in person. When do we leave?"

Saizo was the first to respond, "We can be ready to move within the day. I would suggest keeping your entourage small though to avoid suspicion."

"I had the same idea. Saizo, Kagero, I would ask you to remain as my guards. I can think of no one more qualified."

"It would be our honor," Kagero and Saizo bowed, though neither of them were too fond of this idea. Nevertheless, he was their ruler.

"Okay," Corrin shivered as she wrapped herself in her cape, "Now I see why it's called the Ice Tribe."

"I tried to warn you to pack something warmer, milady," Gunter looked back from atop his horse, "But it should not be much further."

"Might I suggest wearing pants next time you head to an arctic climate," Jakob spoke dryly as he handed her some tea that was somehow still warm.

"I-it was n-neber a p-problem in the f-f-fortress," Corrin gratefully slurped down the warm beverage.

"Yes, well, perhaps you will heed our wardrobe advice in the future."

"If I s-s-surbibe."

"Let's not be dramatic," Jakob replied, "Should you be in actual peril, I would rather skin myself alive and have you wear the remains for warmth."

Corrin blinked, "Ew. Let's…not do that."

"Enough," Gunter held out a gauntleted hand, "We're here."

Corrin did her best to get her sentences out without shivering as she walked into the town, "Huh, it's quaint. Flora and Felicia come from here, right?"

"Yes, I believe they-"

"Corrin?" The entourage stopped in their snowy tracks as a familiar voice called out to them, "Lady Corrin! Fancy seeing you here!"

"Felicia?" Corrin winced as the maid slipped and fell, but she did not lose a beat as she recovered and dusted herself off, "Felicia, what are you doing here? I thought you and Flora were staying at the fortress."

"Oh, shortly after you left, we got word that something had come up. Flora asked for time off and Lilith agreed to cover for us. We've been helping out here ever since."

"Well, I'm happy to see you!" Corrin beamed, "I have so much to tell you about what I've been up to. I must sit down with you and Flora to-" The princess stopped as her butler cleared his throat. "Oh, right. At the moment I'm here on official business from King Garon. I am seeking an audience with the Chief."

"You mean Grandfather? I can take you!"

"That may help smooth things along, thank you." Corrin nodded, but Gunter looked less pleased.

"Perhaps." Pulling Jakob aside he whispered, "Stay on guard. Something doesn't smell right."

"I am always on guard when Lady Corrin is involved," He looked back at the maid and princess. "Still, while it is serendipitous, I don't think Felicia is even capable of deceit. At least not successfully."

"She is not the one I'm concerned about." The great knight said cryptically before walking after Corrin. Jakob was left to follow with narrowed eyes thinking about what he said. Could Flora really…

"Miss Corrin," The older man looked pale, almost sickly. He radiated a certain cold though which was definitely not natural. Corrin bowed respectfully regardless. "My granddaughters have talked quite a bit about you. They tell me that you are kind and reasonable."

"They flatter me, but I'd like to think I am."

"Perhaps it is a good thing that you were sent. I hope you can be reasoned with."

"That depends, what were you wanting to discuss?" Corrin sat across from the chief.

"I am sure that you are aware that Nohr is now at war."

"I am," Corrin nodded, thinking back to her first real battle.

"However, do you know how we came to be subservient to Nohr?" His eyes grew harder.

"I…I'm sorry, I don't."

"Then allow me to educate you." He stood and walked to the back of the room, looking over various relics of his tribe, "We were a proud people once. Much like those of the Wind and Fire Tribes. I still remember those days. Then King Garon came.

"We used to have a pleasant working relationship with King Garon and Nohr as a whole. We had been partners for decades. Then, Garon changed. I don't know why. Some say the Concubine Wars drove him mad. I don't know. I don't particularly care. All I know is that our relationship changed after that."

The elder looked back, "Eventually, his demands became too harsh to bear. When I tried to resist, we were conquered. Quickly, and without mercy. I had no choice but to acquiesce. I lost my son in the occupation. My granddaughters were forced to serve in Nohr as servants. Hostages is what they were."

"I…never knew…" Corrin felt a bit weak at everything she had been told.

"No, they said as much. I do not blame you, lass. They speak highly of you, and it was only by the kindness of those at the fortress that they were able to return to me. For that, you have my gratitude."

"I didn't really do much," Corrin admitted, "I just tried to be kind to them."

The elder smiled, "I don't think you realize what a rarity that is," The smile faded though, "Unfortunately, kindness alone will not free my people. I know why you are here Princess of Nohr. I am afraid I cannot allow you to intervene."

Corrin stood quickly when she heard the sounds of combat, "What are you doing?"

"What I must for my people," He spoke gravely and with no hint of malice, "Please, do not resist and you will be kept comfortably as you did for my granddaughters."

"Please, don't do this!" Corrin pleaded knowing what she would have to do if he did. She could only imagine what Garon would do to them if she did not stop them.

"I am sorry. I really am. Much as it leaves a sour taste in my mouth, the Hoshidans seem to be our only chance at independence."

"Please, listen to him," Corrin froze hearing that voice.

"Flora…you knew?" The princess watched what she thought to be her friend standing in the doorway.

"Yes," The maid looked away, knife pointed at her master, "I'm sorry. You were really kind to us, but…I have to look out for my people."

"We can find another way!" Corrin insisted, "King Garon will burn this place to the ground if you do this!"

Flora hesitated at that. To some degree, she knew the princess' words were true. Still, her grandfather…

"I'm sorry, Miss. This is how it must be."

Corrin sighed, "I'm sorry too." Within the blink of an eye, Corrin swung her blade and knocked Flora's knife out of her hand. Without looking back, she charged into the main square to see Jakob and Gunter fighting off an assault, but they had been joined by two strangers.

"Radiant strike!" The blonde mage sent a crackling bolt into the enemy ranks while the archer beside him kept firing precision shots, cackling madly the whole time.

As Corrin stood there stupified by these very…colorful individuals who were more than holding their own compared to Gunter and Jakob, a maid ran, tripped, picked herself up, and ran again over to her.

"Lady Corrin! What's going on?" Felicia panted, "Why are Jakob and Gunter fighting the town guard? And who are those weirdos?"

"You don't know?" Corrin asked, hopeful that at least one of her maids would not stab her in the back today.

"No, I was just getting evening tea ready, and then I heard all this. Where's Flora?"

"She's…"

"Felicia!" Flora stopped at the entrance to the Chief's house seeing the last thing she wanted to, "Step away. I can explain."

Felicia trudged through the snow up to her sister, "What are you doing? We finally get a vacation and you…you attack Corrin?" The younger of the two huffed, "I thought you had let go of all this."

"I-I can't just…abandon our people, Felicia. You know what they did to our parents."

"Yeah, I do," Felicia stomped in the snow, "But you know that Corrin, Gunter, and Jakob had nothing to do with that. Neither did those two weirdos. Probably."

"Jakob," Flora looked past her sister to see his deathly scowl. If looks could kill… "I don't…want to hurt them, but we can't survive under Nohr much longer."

"I promise," Corrin walked up to the twin maids, "I'll do everything I can to help your people."

"King Garon would never agree to it."

"Well, we don't…have to tell him." Corrin suggested, "A trick I picked up from Leo. So, come on, why don't we talk this out?"

Flora closed her eyes. She really did not want anyone's blood on her hands today, "Everyone, stand down!"

"Flora?" The elder asked from the ice hut.

"I'm sorry, Grandfather," Flora bowed, "But…I trust Lady Corrin. She's my friend. If anyone can help, it would be her. Besides, she's right. We're no match for Nohr, and I'm afraid Hoshido would just use us as a distraction despite their alluding to supporting us."

"Hmm, if you think it best then."

"Ah, the power of bonds prevails again!" The blonde mage cried triumphantly as he stood one leg on a conveniently placed rock, "Truly my greatest of uncles was-"

"Get down!"

The blonde could barely react before being pushed aside and hearing the sound of steel hitting steel as his cousin knocked a shuriken out of the air.

"Er, thanks," Odin rubbed his neck bashfully.

"Stay alert!" Robin yelled as he joined them from the treeline, "You have company!"

"Hoshidans!" Gunter called and they all assumed ready stances with Hoshidan forces crawling out of the eastern woods.

"Did you call them here?" Corrin looked to Flora frantically.

"I didn't," Flora eyed the soldiers in concern before looking back, "Grandfather?"

"No…they said reinforcements could not reach us yet…"

"These are special forces," The tactician spoke calmly, but with authority, "Small, easy to sneak around patrols."

"Hello, sister," They witnessed a man with hair matching Corrin's in shade as well as the same blood red eyes. Robin, Lucina, Odin and Nicole all noticed the tell tale ears of a manakete as well. "I'm here to bring you home. One way or another."

A/N: I forgot to post this for like two days. Though, doesn't seem too many are that excited for this one.