The Curse of the Vallite

"So, curious- Does every Vallite have those shining golden eyes of yours?"

Grima kept a steady pace, not eyeing Nohr's scenery for the lack of, instead paying his partner a few glances every now and then. Lilith could only bring them to the last place she had stepped foot in, which was a stone's throw away from the Bottomless Canyon- Ironically, the place where Grima had abandoned Robin in Iago's dream state. They had been walking for hours now, neither of them tired for a partial reason that neither were human. Shadows grew in the distance, which Grima correctly guessed was a castle of sorts.

"Most," Lilith replied, her shorter legs having to take quicker steps. "Consider it a regional racial trait- it's nothing special. I think. Perhaps it's from generations of living in a world shared with dragons. Our blood must have mixed somewhat, considering I'm a direct descendant of Anankos who, from what I remember, had Vallite features."

"I've never another dragon besides Naga take human form. I'm assuming he looked like you?"

"You could say that. Regardless, many of the Vallites that I remember had similar eyes to mine, along with sky blue hair. Most, anyway."

"So that makes Azura a pure Vallite?"

"Who now?"

"Oh. Guess you haven't met her. She's your ideal Vallite. Cunning like a dragon too."

"Is that praise?"

"Of course. I give praise where it is due. She is a step above most of the rabble I run across in this form."

"Surprising."

"Yes well, humans can surprise you every now and then."

"So I've seen. I envy those lucky few. So infantile in their power, but yet they accomplish feats beyond our expectations."

"Speak for yourself. I expect very little of my subjects," Grima argued, smiling lightly.

"Well. Vallites are a step above your... subjects."

"Plegians. To be more specific, Grimleal."

"Sounds like a cult."

"Oh, they are."

"Fun. You were always a narcissistic one, Grima. Of course you'd have a cult."

Grima chuckled again, kicking a rock in stride. "They're tasty."

"Oh."

"..."

"..."

"So what are you planning to do when we step foot in Nohrian territory?" Lilith asked, toying with her handkerchief. "I am just enamored with your concern for humanity."

Grima turned, only to be greeted by Lilith's cheeky grin.

"I'm going to find Xander, take that damn sword from him, and be on my way."

"Surely there's more to it than that."

"Surely. But you need not know."

"Very well. You have your schemes, I have mine."

Grima scoffed.

"You have schemes? You've been wandering in an astral realm for ages now, I take it. How long has it been since you've interacted with humans? I take it you're the type that tends to avoid a big splash whenever there's water. I can't see someone like you making waves in society."

"You're not wrong," Lilith admitted. "I served as a simple attendant to Corrin for a time. I barely did anything worth noting. But where are you going at with this?"

"I suppose I changed my mind. Consider it an act of trust. I'm taking Siegfried with or without Xander's consent. I'm also planning on seeing whether King Garon's the real deal or not," Grima explained, gauging the younger dragon for a reaction.

"Real deal? He's executed thousands for reasons I couldn't dare know. He's a dangerous man with vast designs for power."

"Perhaps. But I have reason enough to see him."

"Do tell."

"I can't have Valm and Nohr be allies, or else the Shepherds aren't coming home in one piece. I'm going to, as you would, 'Make a big splash.'"

Xander and Laslow traveled on horseback, with Charlotte and Peri a few paces in front of them on mounts of their own. It was quiet between the four of them, and the castle was growing closer in the distance.

"Home," Xander finally announced, breathing a sigh of expectation. "It is... foreboding. I have a feeling of dread the closer we get."

"We are with you no matter what," Laslow assured, nodding in determination. "Peri and I, at least."

"Speak for yourself milords, I need not prove my loyalty through oaths. Regardless, I'll be right here with you," Charlotte vowed, flashing one of her frequent smirks.

"I wonder how the war goes. So much unanswered. So much more to learn, to ask."

"I hope the Shepherds are safe as well," Laslow reminded, knowing full well Xander's reaction to that.

"Yes. I hope my siblings are. But you know as I do the fate that awaits them should they approach Nohr."

"They have no other way home after Valm falls. Once we beat Walhart, we'll need to head east back to Ylisse. Especially with the sea... gone."

"If the western front falls," Xander sighed, "Then we would have to address our neighbor to the east."

"Hoshido?"

"You can say what you will about our alliance, for lack of a better word," the Nohrian started, "but there are still armies out there. The battlefield never rests in times like these."

Before Laslow could get a chance to retort, a wyvern swooped overhead, circling lazily around close enough for the three former Shepherds to recognize its rider.

"Beruka. That's a welcome face," Laslow admitted, putting aside his argument with Xander for now.

"Now there's five of us. I feel like we're a nice big group now," Charlotte laughed, oblivious to the situation at hand.

As Beruka landed, Xander brought up the rear, dismounting his horse and greeting the assassin curtly.

"Beruka."

"Milord. What are you doing here? Leo had not disclosed to me that you would be returning."

"We have had complications," Xander began, pursing his lips slightly. "For the time being and for the immediate future, we are not allies with Hoshido or Ylisse. Nohrian interests have taken precedent."

Laslow gritted his teeth silently at that.

"I understand. What would you like me to relay to Leo?" Beruka questioned.

"Before that, I would like to know the situation at hand. What is this business with Valm and Nohr? I want to know when and how we became allies."

When Nohr emerged from the Valmese Sea, three things immediately happened.

Flooding and earthquakes toppled a majority of Nohrian villages, including the Ice Tribe. Refugee camps set up all around Nohr and nearby districts handled the influx of homeless, with the Ice Tribe staying put but under duress from a constant threat of freed Faceless and environmental difficulties. A country to the south, Cheve, was under particularly heavy damage from the aftermath, but quickly became a shanty town and the hub of the newly established marketplace. Her knights, distinguished as they were, were immediately commanded by King Garon I to be assigned to Nohrian units, but for the meantime, they were still stationed in their home country.

Word soon spread throughout the west, and not too long after, a legion of soldiers led by Excellus of Valm stormed their way through, slaughtering many of Nohr's soldiers who were too weak and demoralized to fight back. With Cervantes dead and Pheros and Yen'fay compromised, Walhart had shifted strategies, condensing his forces into a massive machine of beasts and steel, easily taking control of the western section of the unprepared Nohr.

Garon soon set up a counteroffensive, led by Hans, a former prisoner of certain merits, forcing a standstill a few miles away from the capitol. Known as the Skirmish of Krakenburg, many lives on both sides were lost, though no one in command. In a show of force, Nohr unleashed the Faceless upon Valm, temporarily buying enough time to regain control of the situation. Seeing potential, Walhart extended the olive branch, under the hopes that he could bolster his already lacking troops. Needless to say, Nohrian cavalry joined forces with their Valmese counterparts in an uneasy but verified union. The thousands of bodies underfoot did not help.

A little after this event, Iago and Zola, two other generals of Nohr, received word of Nohrian and Hoshidan troops acting in tandem alongside a third party, quickly identified as the Ylissean Shepherds. Via magic and espionage, Nohr captured both Commander Robin and Commander Corrin, verifying the threat of Hoshidan witchcraft causing the kidnapping of Princes Xander and Leo, alongside Princesses Elise and Camilla. Corrin had already been branded a traitor, and was due for execution once the interrogation was complete. The whereabouts of the four royals quickly became a cold case, as any signs of Nohrian forces among the Shepherds quickly dissipated.

"Looks like things are rather grim," Laslow declared. "Are you sure it's for the best that we return to your father?"

"Now more than ever. We must free my soldiers from Walhart's command."

"Which would have been easier with the Shepherds."

Xander squinted, but decided against berating Laslow.

"My father needs me to act. I will not stand idle taking another man's orders while my father runs his country alone."

Laslow didn't say anything in return, which Xander took as a sign of understanding.

"You're going to be branded as traitors, just like Princess Corrin," Beruka added quickly. "I am a spy, but you four will not be so easily convincing."

"She is right," Xander sighed, looking on to Krakenburg in the distance. "Perhaps I should go alone."

"Now that's a stupid plan," a voice called out from behind them, prompting the five Nohrians to see...

"Robin?" Xander asked incredulously, more surprised than angry.

"In the flesh. Now, what was this about freeing your soldiers from Walhart? Garon won't take lightly to his son coming back after a year of silence, right?"

"I... I have no answer. I cannot know my-"

"Unless you have a prisoner. I humbly volunteer."

"We're getting troubling reports," Takumi briefed, running his hands through his hair in mild frustration.

"Explain," Ryoma asked, turning to Leo before returning to his brother.

"A large number of Chon'sin have defected, instead taking control of the Tree of Mila. Whatever that is."

"Tis' an ancient place," Say'ri joined in, explaining on the map, "Supposedly the graves of Duma and Mila, the dragons of old, lie there, underneath that tree's roots. On its peak, the Divine Voice rests, the Manakete Tiki."

"Tiki? I've heard her name browsing Archanean mythos. An Ally of Marth on his path to retake Altea. Is Tiki one of Marth's Tiki's descendants?"

"They're one and the same, I believe," Say'ri corrected. "Like Nowi, Tiki does not age as we do. I have never met the Voice, though I have heard she looks just as one of us. Young, but wise beyond her years."

"And why would the Chon'sin be holed up there?" Leo wondered.

"Tis a place sacred to us," Say'ri answered, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Though I haven't the slightest reason why they would defect from us so."

"That's the troubling news," Takumi groaned, holding up various reports from Feroxian intelligence. "There's a boy with them, leading them. He's wielding Raijintou. Or at least, another katana wreathed in lightning."

"How odd," Ryoma thought aloud, rubbing the hilt of Raijintou for reassurance that it was still there. "And the Chon'sin are with him because of that?"

"It is our people's history to follow warriors wielding the Raijintou. Though what say you about this youth? An impostor? Seeking revenge or perhaps an audience with the Voice?"

"That can't be known until we press onward and meet him head on. This Tree seems to be between us and the path to Walhart's Castle."

"Further west, it looks like," Takumi complained. "We're getting farther and farther from home. It's going to be a long walk back."

"Tell me about it," Leo sighed. "But one issue at a time. We take care of Valm here, that puts both Nohr and Hoshido at a better position to look to Ylisse."

"Wise words Prince Leo," Say'ri complimented. "But let us not forget that Nohr considers us a threat. We will not be passing through your country so easily."

"With my help, I can assure you you will return to Hoshido safely," Leo vowed. "Besides. The people of Chon'sin need us to make things right."

"That is also true. I do admit that I'm worried about this imitation of Raijintou. The Chon'sin will no doubt think either of us are an impostor," Ryoma added, softly.

"I am sure the crown carries weight enough," the Empress reminded. "My word carries a strong tone among them. Yen'fay's as well."

"Then I'm sure we'll be in good shape to head out. Let's advance," Leo ordered, resulting in the disbanding of the group. Takumi stayed, thoughtful.

"What. Still expecting me to turn tail like my brother?"

"No, no, it's not that at all. I'm wondering about the kid the scouts are reporting."

"The one rallying the Chon'sin? He's going to be a problem if they block our path through Mila's tree or whatever that is."

"It's not that either. I'm concerned about his sword."

"I'm sure it's a fake."

"Perhaps. But did you forget that Kirigi and Forrest also had Fujin Yumi and Brynhildr when they joined us?

"My King. Prince Xander, with his retainers and a prisoner."

"Oh? How surprising. enter."

Xander stepped into the throne room, a chained Robin in tow. His hood was up, shrouding his features.

"Well well well, boy. I feared you dead."

"I am pleased to see you, Father-"

"But I'm afraid your actions of late have been worse news than what your death might have been."

"F-father," Xander stammered, immediately being silenced.

"Be still, fool. Imagine this; my son, abandoning the fields of battle to gallivant somewhere while our people face ruin! And when he has tired of such, he turns his blade towards his own knights! His own brothers of Nohr! And if that wasn't it, I hear whispers that Siegfried is working rebellion in Cheve? I don't know what to believe anymore, but it certainly can't be any more shameful than what you are about to say."

"Father, please..."

"Speak then. I would hear your explanation-"

"I captured him," Robin interjected, nodding off his hood. "I captured him, and all his little siblings too. Growing weak and hungry in cages! Ha, imagine that, old man. The pride of Nohr. Your future, my prisoners."

"S-silence," Xander whispered harshly, not at all liking where this was going.

"And who might you be?" Garon asked, rising, Bolverk in hand.

"I'm just the tactician that escaped from Iago's little dungeon. Cooked my jailer in his own armor with a fire spell, then blew open the walls with... a bigger fire spell."

I'm Grima. You know my scent. You were there when I was born.

"So it seems, young one. I have not seen you for... a while." Garon sighed, placing his axe on the ground and taking a seat again. "I forget insignificant faces, you must understand."

Xander was taken aback at how quickly his father changed attitudes. He decided to stay silent for now.

"So tell me, tactician, enlighten me as to why my son happened to wander into your cage. Was it chance? Or perhaps just bad luck? Or was it intentional?"

Why are you here, little worm? Were you the one to bring my home to stand before you and Naga? Was this your doing?

"Oh it was intentional all right, though my intent weighing much more than his. He tried very hard to escape. Kicked my face in with those Nohrian boots."

I'm here to kill you, you senile old wyrm. Then I'm going to kill Naga, and the rest of our pathetic race.

"Curious," Garon mused, crossing his arms casually as he rested his elbows in a forward lean. "And how did he escape?"

I caught the scent of you as soon as we emerged from the sea. You and Naga both. But you are mistaken. I think I'll be the one to kill the two of you.

"I must have deliberately dropped my keys in his cell while gloating about taking over this pathetic country," Robin joked, enjoying a glare from Xander, Peri, and Charlotte. Beruka and Laslow remained straight.

I want to set you free old dragon. We don't deserve a life of eternity. You've already gone mad. I can end it. It's what all gods want in the end. Rest.

"So, you're here for what. Peace? You wish to broker a treaty? You wish to avoid bloodshed, when none of the blood will be my own? Perhaps you should examine the situation, tactician, before showing me your move. Or do you have some unforeseen reason to make demands of a king?"

How infantile. Do you possibly believe a hatchling like you could stand against me?

"Yes, I do."

Yes, I do.

"I must say, it is rather breathtaking here," Lucina said in passing, walking silently alongside Azura. "Buildings that float, water that seems to climb by itself..."

"It was my home. And it was beautiful," the songstress replied without turning her head. She was deep in thought, Lucina could tell, watching as sorrowful golden eyes scanned each building with solemn familiarity.

"What happened to it?"

"Dragons. Same bastards that ruined your world ruined mine."

"...I see."

"You must not speak of this when we return. If we return."

"If- wait, why?"

"There is a curse that befalls this place. It is kept here by magic, and separated from the world we know by magic. Any attempt to break the power of that spell and well... My mother found out the hard way. She knew what would happen, yet she warned me nonetheless. Her death was neither painless nor quick."

"Oh. I am... sorry."

"Don't be. Not for that. You can be sorry for forcing my hand, bringing us to my home sooner than we planned. But now that we're here, in private, I suppose I can answer your questions."

"Where are we?"

"I can't answer that one. Sorry. I can answer it, but I don't trust you with the answer."

Lucina nodded slowly, not exactly sure how to treat Azura at this point.

"You were a princess right?"

"Yes."

"..."

"Surely you have more questions. If that's not the case we should head back."

"Where's Robin?"

Azura dropped her guard, a small smile cracking onto her face.

"I told you. He's getting-"

"I looked into his eyes that day he made the slavers kill each other. Those weren't the eyes I knew. I know he's been different since Morgan rescued him, but something's wrong with him. I feel as if you know."

"I do."

"And you will tell me."

"You aren't ready for that answer yet."

"Why not? Are we not allies-"

"You're not ready. No one is ready because no one can anticipate who Robin is. Or what has become of him."

"W-what? Is he dying?"

"I suppose you could say that. To be more specific, he is in want of dying."

"I am afraid I don't follow."

Azura sighed, looking around again before continuing on the path to nowhere.

"The one who killed your father, in your timeline. Would you kill them if you had the chance?"

"I- I would. My Father-"

Azura interrupted her, getting closer.

"Even if they were a friend?"

"The person who killed my father was his closest friend."

"But you would kill them, no? To save your father?"

"I would."

Azura frowned, shaking her head.

"Then you're not ready. Robin wouldn't want you to know until it was time."

"I don't trust those words unless Robin was the one saying it."

"I'll write in the missives next time."

"Your humor is not helping. I want to know what Robin wants me to know."

"You know enough, damn it!"

"I don't believe you! You are hiding things that could help me better understand this war, but you insist on tarrying out your little schemes like a child! Tell me, Azura!"

The Vallite groaned, finally relenting.

"Fine, you want to know?"

"I do. Robin is my dear... friend. I would do what I can to see him recover.

"I warned you. You are not going to like this. Let's head back to the camp."

Clearing her throat, Azura stepped back, allowing her pendant to glow, illuminating the area around her.

"You are the ocean's gray waves, destined-"

A gauntleted hand reached out for Azura's neck, grabbing the flesh and striking the trachea repeatedly. The songstress crumpled to the floor motionless, echoed by the sound of Falchion escaping its sheath.

Behind Azura's body stood a tall knight, bathed in a faint blue light. He had the marks of battle about him, on both his flesh and his armor. The lance he held was dangerously sharp, almost as tall as Lucina herself.

"W-what!? Azura, what just-"

Narrowly evading a thrust from the veteran, Lucina was forced onto the defensive, taking steps away from Azura as she was driven closer and closer to the wall.

Footsteps. Running. Reinforcements?

Not good. I need to get back to Azura or else I'm not getting out of here.

Lunging forward, the Ylissean swung hard once she was inside the range of the stranger's lance, hoping to draw blood from the extended strike. The blade arced but her arm suddenly met the weight of an unexpected mass.

Looking down, she saw Azura's lance block Falchion, along with the body of the now unconscious stranger lying underneath her.

But Azura was still on the ground. And she didn't bring her lance with her.

Looking back up, she saw the face of a young man, with features akin to Azura. Blue hair, amber eyes...

"No questions. My name's Shigure. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you here. Do you know where we are? I need to get back to my friend, Morgan."