Chapter Text
Corrin was gone and the scene played over in his head. Her gasping for air, practically choking on her own tears, as trembles shot through her body. She could barely spit out a word looking so weak and so frail-- unlike the strong woman he came to know her as. She was absolutely broken and the life she held even in the worst of circumstances was gone. She bounced back quickly as she always had but he knew if this was left alone it could be absolutely detrimental. He wanted to do more, but he didn’t know what to do, he simply didn’t have what it took to help her. His research on the subject was inferior.
Leo hurriedly threw on his clothes, mentally cursing himself for not having a better book than his childhood one. After all, wasn’t he just in the most massive library in all of Nohr? There had to be something more recent—after all, that was written over 15 years ago. Perhaps this place had some studies that could help him? It was a massive palace and from his experience, the most lavish places he’d been to always had some sort of library. Granted it would be Hoshidan research if there was anything but that was better than the alternative of nothing.
He rushed down the hallway but was flagged down by Niles waving at him.
“Lord Leo, did Lady Corrin come to talk to you?”
“Yes, thank you for getting her for me Niles.”
“Anytime milord but are you sure you should be moving that fast? Are you sure you got enough rest?”
“I should be asking you that.” It’s true he probably should have been in bed a little longer but with what Corrin was going through he pushed his to the side. He still did have a slight headache but at least the wooziness ended. Niles, on the other hand, was holding ice to his jaw, “Do I want to know?”
“Oh, it’s nothing really. Your sister decked me, no big deal I had worse.”
He shook his head, “You should know better than to get under Camilla’s skin. If she hit you that hard you probably deserved it.”
“While I have felt the sting of Camilla’s blow, this time it wasn’t her. Your other sister.”
His eyes widened, “Elise punched you in the face?! I didn’t know she had it in her.”
“No milord, it wasn’t her either. Corrin did it accidentally. Never realized how strong she was.”
“Corrin?”
“Interesting~” Niles only snickered, “Corrin is your sister is she not? I’m surprised Lord Leo, it’s not like you to forget such things.”
That’s right. Corrin. How could he forget something so simple? It’s true he hasn’t called her his sister in a while but for some reason, the concept of thinking of her as his sister felt…foreign to him. Then again she wasn’t blood-related, that was probably why. She was never his sister.
“It’s not that surprising, she’s not. We’re not related by blood. She’s a Hoshidan princess after all.”
“Doesn’t she consider you her family? That’s why she sided with Nohr. And even if that’s the case your blood siblings still call her a sister don’t they?”
“Of course. We all grew up with knowing her as our sister it’s not that easy of a habit to change, even if I had my suspicions back then I still never acted on them.”
“If I recall, didn’t Lord Xander know all along? I remember you getting into a fight with him over it.”
“My assumption is he was so used to living the lie he adapted it. I really feel he knows something is wrong with Father too but…” He sighed, “He’s so far in denial he made it his reality. Which is why we’re doing what we’re doing now.”
“Denial, eh? It must run in the family.”
“What are you talking-“ He shook his head and gathered his thoughts, “Niles if I may ask, why is what I refer to Corrin as so important? Nothing has changed between us, we’re still as close as we’ve always been. Besides, you know I’m a very literal person. Corrin isn’t my sister by blood which is why thinking of her as my sibling is…odd to me.”
“Oh, no reason.” He laughed, “You caught me off guard is all. No big deal milord. It’s…”, He moved close up to his face, much too close like he usually did to tease him in some way or another, “Not important.”
“I don’t have time for your usual mind games Niles.” He shoved him away a little rougher than usual and turned his back, “I need to find the library in this place.”
“Heh, you would.”
“Niles.”
“It’s right down the hall, our friendly archduke was just on his way there, maybe you’ll run into him?”
“Lovely.”
Niles shrugged, “You might as well get used to him. He’s joining us you know.”
“He's what?!” But how? Why? What possibly could an archduke who lived in the land of Hoshido have to do with a Nohrian army?
“You have your sist…I mean Corrin to thank for that. Once he saw what was going on he wanted to help. Amazing how she can get anyone in her corner, I’m a little jealous she possesses such raw power. Ooh, I simply tremble thinking of the ways she’s able to penetrate her way into anyone’s soul.“
“You can’t just say that normally can you?”
Smirking, he continued, “Anyway, we were allowed to rest here in exchange for him joining us on our escapade. Maybe you can make a new friend.”
“Please. He’ll be an acquaintance at most if I must deal with him. Thank you for your information, I’ll be going.”
Leaving Niles behind, he headed off. He was on a mission. He needed to find that information. But at the same time now his curiosity was piqued. Why did it matter what he referred to Corrin as and why did it bug him? Just thinking about it made his head pound harder.
Sure enough, the library was right down the hall at the very end of a long corridor. And as Niles said, Archduke Izana was currently pulling out what looked like papers from the shelves.
“Oh hi! I was waiting for you!” He dropped his papers and ran over to him holding now what looked like a normal book. “I know you have a problem and I’m here to help!”
“You…know about my problem?” He raised an eyebrow. The archduke was a strange fellow to say the least.
“Absolutely! After all being in contact with the ancient gods I know everything~ And I know you need…” He placed the book in his hands, “This!”
Leo looked down at the book, a light pink cover decorated with bright red lettering. “Romantic High-koo?”
“Haiku. It’s a type a Hoshidan poetry!”
“Romantic Poetry. You gave me a book on romantic poetry…”
“That’s right!”
“How is this supposed to help me with my problem!” Angrily, he shoved the book back into Izana’s hands, “Stop fooling around!”
“Your problem isn’t romance?”
“No! Why would you even think something so asinine?!”
“Hmm so we’re not there yet…”
“I don’t need your help; I can find what I’m looking for on my own.” Huffing, he stormed past him deeper into the room.
Looking up at the massive shelves, he had no idea where to even begin. Nothing was labeled on what topics the books covered. Then again he shouldn’t have expected that either since the library of his own castle wasn’t exactly subject labeled either.
The best he could do was start pulling books and hope the title gave something away. That would take far too long however and they were on a time limit.
“Are you suuuuuuure you don’t need my help?”
“Gah!”
Izana popped up over his shoulder grinning. How did he keep attracting these sort of people?! Did he wear a sign?
“Hehe didn’t mean to startle you! But you seem to be one of those stubborn ones.”
“Do you call anyone who refuses to engage with you stubborn?” He pushed him off and reached for a book. “I can find what I’m looking for just fine without you.”
“Hoshidan Agriculture? Well…it does sound like what someone who grows trees would want. ”
“I’m not-“ He looked down at the book and sure enough that was the title, “How did you know that was what I grabbed?”
“I told you!” He grinned, “I know everything.”
He knew he lost, he didn’t have a choice, he was desperate and he needed to ask for help. “Do you know where the books on mental disorders are kept? Hoshido has something on it I imagine?”
“It’s probably not what you’re looking for.” He walked over to the back and came back holding an older looking book. Much thinner than the one he owned. “It’s better you read for yourself how different…Hoshido looks at it.”
The first item of interest was the title being nothing like he expected. In fact, had he picked this up on his own he probably would have discarded it. “How different can it be?” He began to flip through the book as Izana watched him carefully.
To be honest…there wasn’t much on mental disorders in this book. It was mainly about the Hoshidan way of life. How important family was, the best way to act, manners etc. One thing that stood out to him, in particular, was uniformity and formality. Now Azura’s stunted reactions when being shown affection began to make a little sense to him. He was talking to her and getting to know her a little better and this huge difference with Nohrian customs was actually very interesting. Corrin did request he had more interactions with the other girl, perhaps they could talk about the differences in showing affection in the two cultures.
He shook his head, he couldn’t get sidetracked. “Are you sure you gave me the right book?”
Izana nodded grinning, did he ever stop smiling?! “Keep going, it’s a pretty short section.”
Short? How can anything that important be so short? He sighed and continued flipping through the pages. His blood ran cold when he read the next section. “That…can’t be it. It’s their fault? It’s deserved? There’s a flaw with them? That’s not true. It’s like an injury. The study is vague so far I admit but they can’t still think this. It’s wrong! It’s blaming someone suffering from things not in their control.”
Finally, Izana stopped smiling. “I’m afraid it is. There are many differences between Nohr and Hoshido. This is just one of them.”
“You don’t believe this do you?” He gripped the book tightly and gritted his teeth, “Corrin is the strongest person I know, she may not look it but she is!” He slammed the book shut his voice rising in tone and desperation, “She has a big heart and cares for so much. And that’s why she’s so susceptible, she doesn’t deserve it. She shouldn’t be treated any differently because of it. She…she needs help and support. Not to be an outcast.”
“You don’t need to worry. I don’t agree with how most of Hoshido sees it, I’ve been around a while and have seen many things after all! But…that’s how it is here. However! It will change in the future, it’s just going to take a while. To be honest…I’m slightly worried about the little rule breaker.”
“Prince Takumi…he’s not going to get the help he needs. Then it’s better Corrin’s with us because if she was with them she wouldn’t get any help.” He shook his head, “But I don’t…”
"I understand. You want to help her and don’t know how.” Izana clicked his tongue, “You feel helpless. Powerless. And you want to do whatever you can to prevent yourself from losing someone you love. Perhaps a second time. That’s why you’re turning to research, because it’s all you know.” He grinned. “Am I wrong?”
The absolute nerve of this archduke! His eye twitched in annoyance; how could he make such a claim knowing nothing about him literally just meeting him for the first time. But worse…he was absolutely right.
When he didn’t speak Izana continued, “But you see, that’s not going to help you my friend! I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen all the research Nohr has to offer on the topic, you appear to be well read and as you see Hoshidan materials aren’t going to help you as they are now.”
Then what was he going to do? There had to be something. Izana was bouncing on his feet clearly waiting for Leo to ask his opinion. He sighed. He had no choice. “Then…what…” Ugh he hated he had to go this far. But he had to swallow his pride. “What do you suggest?”
“I’m so glad you asked!” He bounced over to him. “You see, you’re using here.” He tapped his head. “Which is all fine and good. But for something like this, you need to use, here.” He knocked on his chest plate. “Understand?”
“Don’t ever do that again.” Flinching, he shoved his hands off of him, “But I understand. Use my heart instead of my mind.”
“That’s right! Look it at emotionally. Instead of trying to solve the problem, try to relate to her problem.”
“That’s easier said than done. How can anyone of us possibly relate to Corrin’s issue? No one has gone through what she has.” It’s true he had a desire to get in touch with his emotional side, but…
“You don’t relate by having the same issue but the same feelings. As in relate your own experiences with hers. You’ve been through your own trauma haven’t you?”
The look in his eyes unnerved him along with his sinister smile.“You had a rough childhood right? If I recall, didn’t there used to be more Nohrian royals than the four of you?”
A chill ran through his spine. Not many knew about the events that went on in Nohr long ago, even Corrin nor anyone from the Northern Fortress had any idea of the horror that was the concubine wars they now referred to them as. The only ones aware were the surviving royals and their retainers. He’d expect for Hoshido being as far removed as it was to know even less. “H-How-“
“I told you.” His grin spread. “I know everything.~ ”
“How do you know all this? This is impossible!”
“For most people yes but I have very good sources. You see, I am a descendant of the first dragons after all! Due to this the ancient gods tell me everything I want to know, keep me informed on the goings on important events, et cetera. Nohr was always fun to learn about since I’ve never seen the place. It’s a lonely life to be all knowing but you someone has to do it.” He sighed and leaned back dramatically. He hated to admit it but Izana would get along excellent with Odin.
“I…I’ll be taking my leave.” He turned to leave the room, he didn’t want to admit it but he was a little intimidated. He had heard legends from Xander about a powerful all-knowing being who put him through a trial in order to gain power, but this wasn’t the same person. Was it?
“I understand. I gave you a lot to take in but it’s okay! We can chat again soon now that we’ll all be traveling together. Before you know it we’ll be buddies!”
“I highly….doubt that.”
But Izana ignored his protest and continued talking. “Good luck with Corrin! I’m sure you’ll be able to help her out. And when the time comes, try not to be in denial for so long okay?”
“Denial?” He raised an eyebrow. “Of what, my Father’s condition, that I assume you also know of? I’m not my brother; I’m aware of what has to be done.”
Chuckling he picked up the papers he dropped from before, “You’ll see~”
“For someone who seemly knows everything you’re quite insufferable.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment!”
Leo left the room and headed off while Izana laughed behind him. Over whatever he knew probably.
He stopped in the corridor and looked down at the book again, even flipping through it. “Honestly what am I possibly going to do with this?”
It was exactly what it looked like a poetry book. What he found a bit interesting was the Hoshidan poetry. It had a different style than the Nohiran poems he’d seen before. Still, this wasn’t exactly going to help him. Then there was telling Corrin about what went on in Nohr before she arrived but…knowing Corrin she’d completely focus on him instead of herself. He sighed.
“Oh Leo? Maybe I’m prying where I shouldn’t but I don’t think you need to resort to romantic haikus, just tell her how you feel.”
“Excuse me?” He looked up from the book to see Azura looking at him concerned.
“You’ve been standing there staring at that book for a while. You looked deep in thought, I didn’t want to disturb you of course but you looked sad and conflicted. You must really like this person…”
“Huh? Don’t misunderstand, it’s nothing like that. Izana gave me this to read for some reason he’s not telling me. I still don’t see why. There’s something off about that archduke.”
“Oh really?
“He knows things a normal human would not know. And he talks in riddles.”
“Hmm I can see how talking in riddles would be bothersome. Maybe all powerful knowledge is because he’s a descendant of the First Dragons. Though in order to find out if that’s the case, we’d have to learn just what First Dragons actually are and Mother never spoke much on them.”
“Perhaps but there’s no way someone can know something that specific about Nohr.” He crossed his arms, “And tell me my problem would be solved by romantic poetry of all things.”
“That does seem silly yes. But maybe he’s referring to a future issue. Maybe you’re eventually going to fall in love, and he thinks that’ll help you. Truly, I think he just really likes playing matchmaker. I overheard him giving Charlotte advice on romance, so it’s possible he’s really into romance, soul mates, matching people together.”
“I highly doubt that. He’s clearly just messing with me.” He shut the book and tucked it under his arm.
“Well…don’t take it to heart then. Though…” She put a finger to her chin “I wonder what your ideal type would be…”
“A-Azura!”
“I’m only kidding! Though…It’s nice to have an actual conversation with you, usually our conversations are about Corrin.” She smiled, “We don’t talk much as it either.”
“Yes, that’s true. I suppose it is nice to have a normal conversation.”
“But what is the other thing you were concerned about? Are there really specific things about Nohr you don’t think Hoshido wouldn't know?”
“It’s an assumption but many Nohrians don’t know about it. Actually, now that we’re having an actual conversation, as you called it, can I ask you something?” Azura knew about it too but he was curious just how much she did know. He never remembered seeing her in the castle at all, and he certainly remembered most of the others.
“Of course. Conversation is the best way to grow a bond after all.”
“It’s about your childhood in Nohr. I’ve heard stories about the way Father’s mistresses and servants treated you.”
“Oh…yes.” She looked down, “Nobility thought it was fun teasing the outcast. Sometimes it would get so bad I’d sneak out of the castle and hide in town. But they always found me. I…still have the scars.”
“I see...that must have been awful.”
“After mother passed there was really nothing left for me. It never got worse after her death but it never got better either. Once she was gone I had no reason to want to stay.”
“And that’s why you went with your kidnapers willingly?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
He had to know more but he wasn’t sure how to ask it, so he went for it. “Forgive me if this is overstepping my boundaries but...did they ever make an attempt on your life?”
“Oh goodness, no. But…there were times I wished death.”
“I imagine you must hate Nohrians. Wounds inflicted at young age leave scars, and not just physical.”
“For the longest time, I did. But I learned there are kind people in Nohr too. You taught me that.”
“I did?” The corners of his lips formed into a small smile, “Thank you, but I’m a bit surprised.”
“Oh?” She hummed, “You shouldn’t be. With everything you’re doing for Corrin and how you tried your hardest to help Sakura. But the real thing that surprised me was how you didn’t attack Takumi at all, even when it could have cost you your life.”
“Well…it’s not the first time I’ve been in a situation like that.”
“Really? When? Oh!” She brought her hands to her mouth, “I’m sorry if I’m prying.”
He shook his head, “Not at all. The truth is, I can relate to your situation Azura. I didn’t have a great childhood either.”
“Oh?”
He was just going to stop there but Azura did share her past with him. It would be rude to not do the same, they were friends after all right? Plus…perhaps this could prepare him for when he eventually confided in Corrin.
“You see, that’s what I was surprised the archduke knew about. Very few people know there used to be more royals than who remain.”
“Who…remain? There used to be more? What happened?”
“I’m not positive but considering what was going on, they were probably all murdered.”
“Murdered?!” Her eyes widened as she looked at him in complete shock.
He swallowed, “Bear with me, it’s not easy to talk about.”
“Of course. If you’d rather not, I’d understand that as well.”
He shook his head, “It’s all right. First of all, did you know that all of us have different mothers?”
“I’ve heard rumors about that but never had them confirmed. Were you close with your mother?”
“Not at all.” He snorted, “My mother only saw me as a pawn to gain favor in the royal court; I was merely an instrument to her-a lever to pull to adjust the scales of power. To be honest…I’m a bit jealous you were so close with yours.”
“That’s terrible! Did you have anyone?”
“Father. He didn’t use to be like he is now. He doted on all of us, encouraged my studies and even gave me piggyback rides! He was…all I had back then.”
“It’s really hard to imagine King Garon used to be like that.”
“Seeing how he is now I agree, but at least I finally understand why he changed so drastically. I never thanked you for that.”
She shook her head, “No, it’s Corrin you should be thanking. Once she found out everyone had to know.”
“That may be true but you’re just as responsible. Don’t sell yourself short. After all, you came up with the idea to take me to the Bottomless Canyon.”
“I guess you’re right.” She swallowed, “I have a feeling I know where the story is going but, you said your mother used you for power right? How?”
“All the children were pitted against each other. I don’t remember all the details being so young so if you’d like to know specifics Camilla would be who to ask. But what I can tell you is the children of all the mistresses fought each other and it often turned violent. All for power.”
“And the violence got so bad they killed each other.” She didn’t say it like a question but a statement. An absolute fact.
“Yes. Poison was the most common. Many were lost that way because it was easy.” He leaned against the wall trying to dig into his memories. “But there were others who dueled each other to the death as their mother watched.”
“Gods…I had no idea all this was going on.”
“Like I said, not many know about it.”
“How were you able to survive?” Putting a hand to her chin she hummed, “I think I was only six or seven before I was brought to Hoshido. You must have been so young…”
“To be honest I don’t remember my exact age. I believe Corrin was brought here when she was five or six and I’m one about year younger than her.”
“That would mean all this was going on when you were no older than five?! It’s a miracle you survived!”
“Yes it was…” He cringed starting to remember some of the memories he buried away for so long. That’s right, that’s when he found Brynhildr and…killed someone for the first time. He shivered involuntarily.
“Leo?” Azura put a hand on his shoulder, “We can stop here, it looks like remembering this is making you uncomfortable.”
“More than I’d like to admit. Thank you.”
“No.” She shook her head, “Thank you for telling me. I was there and had no idea this went on behind the scenes. I’m stunned. Did it continue after I left? What about Elise?”
“It stopped shortly before Elise was born, thankfully she never had to be a part of it. It ended abruptly as well. The mistresses disappeared. We never knew why but now I have a pretty good idea.”
“King Garon.”
“Yes. His condition hit his peak and I assume he had something to do with their disappearance. Only one remained and that was Elise’s mother.”
“Maybe in a way he was trying to protect who was left. His last act before the monster took full control.” She smiled, “I don’t know much about the real Garon but from what you told me it sounds like despite what was going on he cared about all of you.”
“We’ll never know but it’s a nice thought. Thank you for listening Azura, you’re a good friend.”
“Are you going to tell Corrin any of this? Maybe with what she’s feeling and what you went through it’d help her. Allow her to know she’s not alone with her feelings and trauma. Oh.” She brought a hand to her mouth to cover her light giggle. “Sorry, and we were doing so well not talking about her for once.”
“I suppose we’re just destined to resort to conversation about Corrin. But as close friends, we are concerned about her.” He chuckled, “I’ve been thinking about it and I’d like to. After all, even Izana hinted to me that’s what I need to do, relate to her. In his own…strange way of doing things.”
“I think he’s right. After all she seems a little better after talking to you this morning, I think you helped her.”
“But I need Corrin to focus on herself and not me. And if I tell her about my past that’s exactly what she’s going to do.”
“That’s true she probably would. But that is who she is. I still believe it would help her, I feel like I was able to relate to a bit from this conversation. We both had some pretty rough childhoods.”
“Yes. You’re right Azura. When I get the chance to talk to her alone again, I’ll try to bring it up.”
“Good! I do think it would be for the best.”
He couldn’t help but agree. At least he had a plan of attack now when it came to helping out Corrin. He never liked going into anything without some sort of strategy—
But still, in the back of his mind, other things were bothering him.
Why did he stop referring to Corrin as his sister? Niles had a point. The more he thought about it the more it didn’t make sense. But even more pressing. Why in the name of the Dusk Dragon was he given a book on romantic poetry!?