Chapter 8 - Flame in the Night

The constant darkness encompassing the Bottomless Canyon made it difficult for Hinoka to tell what time it was. She looked around, saw that no one was nearby, and yawned. "Ahhh, I hope it's night, because I'm exhausted," she said to herself, stretching her arms. Next to her, a pegasus shook its head and neighed. "You tired, too, girl?" Hinoka asked, walking up and petting her winged steed. "Well, we'll find a good spot for you. Wait here."

She took a few steps through some dry brush and down a rocky slope, where a few pack animals and Hoshidan soldiers were waiting. "Lady Hinoka!" one of the soldiers called.

Hinoka removed the cover from her spear head. "I think I've found a stables. I'm go-"

"Lady Hinoka." The interrupting voice was calm and quiet, but unexpectedly nearby. Hinoka placed a hand on her heart as she tried to calm down from the sudden presence of her blue-haired retainer. Setsuna waited for Hinoka to recover and look back up at her before she continued speaking. "Azama may need some help," Setsuna said nonchalantly.

"Azama?" Hinoka grasped her spear tightly. "Where is he?"

"I guess it was a trap," Setsuna said. "This one wasn't very fair, though."

Hinoka was used to helping Setsuna with traps. She was more concerned about Azama taking the brunt of Setsuna's triggering. "Setsuna, what happened? Are you guys okay?"

"Oh, yes. I was just walking down a path, when suddenly, some Faceless appeared."

"Faceless!" Hinoka turned back to the soldiers. "Enemies! Everyone, ready to move!" she shouted.

"Aye!" the soldiers replied in unison, before forming a small line.

Hinoka turned back to Setsuna, who was yawning. "Setsuna, how many did you see?"

"Well, only one at first, and it appeared out of nowhere. I filled its face... or its... faceless face, with arrows. But then I saw that many more, maybe eight or ten, appeared throughout the area."

"Okay. Ten. That shouldn't be too bad," Hinoka thought aloud.

"Th… thirteen…" Azama came running up to Hinoka and Setsuna. He stopped in front of them and leaned forward, catching and supporting his tired body on his staff so he could breathe. "Everywhere… Setsuna stepped, a Faceless appeared." Azama coughed, then stood up straight.

"Oh, thanks for restoring my energy, Azama," Setsuna said.

"Is that why this fort was abandoned? All these Faceless?" Hinoka gazed over at where Azama and Setsuna had come from. "We'll figure that out later. Setsuna!"

"Yes, Lady Hinoka?"

"Rally flare!"

"You got it," Setsuna said, quickly drawing an arrow from her quiver as she spoke. The arrow had a unique head, which burned a royal purple flame when lit. Only a short moment after Hinoka's order, Setsuna lit and launched the arrow into the air.

The flickering purple light was easily visible in the otherwise black background that covered the sky. Hinoka's squadron was still spread out, in the process of investigating the abandoned fort. Hinoka was standing on an elevated rock, which allowed her to look out from multiple directions. "Setsuna, how is this position?" Hinoka asked, still looking out into the distance.

"It's excellent, Lady Hinoka."

Hinoka took a few steps to the side to speak to the present troops. "Let's put our archers and our diviner in this position here. Spear fighters ahead, and samurai to the flank. We'll reinforce their positions as our teams return." Besides Hinoka, Setsuna, and Azama, there were only six other troops present. Three teams of seven were still out. A few minutes later, Hinoka saw her teams in the distance. Finally, less than an hour later, everyone had returned.

"Lady Hinoka, here is what we've mapped so far," one of the Hoshidan ninjas said.

"Thank you, Omozu." Hinoka accepted a paper from the ninja and examined it. "Azama, Setsuna, where did you encounter the Faceless?"

Setsuna and Azama circled around Hinoka. Hinoka crouched to the ground and placed the map on the ground. "Hmm," Azama hummed, scratching his chin as he studied the map. "If this lovely rendering here is the fort, then I believe our archer here was walking over here when the Faceless showed up."

"Yep, that sounds about right," Setsuna agreed. She traced some lines on the map with her finger. "I was walking this way, when I saw Azama. He started running this way. I turned around, dropped a Faceless around here, the rest of the Faceless followed Azama that way, and I went this way to come back here."

Hinoka examined the map for a few more seconds, before she clapped her knees and stood back up. "Okay, I think it'll be a simple plan." Hinoka stepped to the edge of the rock, where she could view her squadron. There were thirty people in her squadron, including herself and her retainers. They were an assortment of samurai, archers, ninjas, spear fighters, diviners, one monk, and one shrine maiden. Hinoka nodded to herself in satisfaction. She cleared her throat before addressing her squadron. "There are only thirteen Faceless. They may seem menacing, but we have fought them before. We have defeated them before. They fall to our weapons like any bandit will. We have the overwhelming advantage in numbers, we have the intellect, and we have justice on our side. Let's make sure we all return home safely. Understood?"

The Hoshidans gathered around the large rock raised their weapons and cheered.

Hinoka nodded, then pointed her naginata into the distance. "Follow me!"

"I should have followed him." The tapping of fingers on the wooden table did well to mask the outside drumming of rain on the window pane, but it did little to satisfy Peri's patience. "Ooooh…" she exhaled angrily. At the end of her voiced breath, she took her dagger and stabbed the center of the table. "He's late!"

The bartender walked to the table, drying a mug as he stood before Peri. "Oye, Peri, care for a pint?" he asked. "Maybe take the anger out on a drink rather than the table."

"I've been waiting for months!" Peri exclaimed, slamming her hands on the table and looking up at the bartender for some sympathy.

"Months? You just got back a few minutes ago."

"Yeah, well it feels like months have passed."

"Did your friend say how long he would be gone?"

"Ugh, don't remind me. I should've asked him how long to wait." Peri closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, then removed the dagger from the table and examined it. "Aww, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," she apologized.

"I guess I'm used to it by now-"

"Don't worry, dagger, I know you prefer a nice fleshy stabbing over some splintery wood," Peri continued, smiling fondly as she affectionately rubbed the flat of the blade. "I'll sharpen you up later, don't you worry." She paused for a moment and looked back at the bartender. "Huh, were you saying something?"

The bartender was walking away when she looked up, muttering something about his customers. He walked around to the other side of the bar and stored away the dried mug. "Let me know if you're going to order anything," he said gruffly, leaning on the bar and looking around his establishment.

Peri continued to sit at the table, leaning back in her chair and tapping her fingers impatiently. Finally, she slammed her hands on the table and stood up, announcing, "Nothing's happening here, and I'm bored. I'm heading out."

"Dusk Dragon forbid there be peace," the bartender muttered to himself.

Peri flicked a coin onto the bar and waved. "Bye!" she said cheerfully, oblivious of the bartender's muttering. She opened the door, took a step outside, and was immediately greeted by a blast of wind peppering her face with rain. "Ugh, stupid Niles," she muttered, shielding her face with her arm as she walked forward. "Stupid berserker. Stupid everyone…"She made it to the inn and took shelter under the entrance awning. "Ugh… Okay, now, what would Xander do…"

She grabbed the entrance door handle. Before she turned it, she froze, rethinking her strategy.

"He would want me to be myself," she said out loud to herself, regaining some confidence in her direct approach and tightening her grip on the door handle. Her hand started to shake as she refrained from turning the handle. As she lost some confidence, her grip loosened, and her hand eventually slipped away from the handle. "But then I want to surprise Xander. Maybe there's a back entrance…"

Peri looked around and started walking away from the entrance, staying close to the wall as she searched for another entrance. She hadn't taken more than a dozen steps, when she found herself rushing back to the front door. "Screw it!" she exclaimed, turning the handle and kicking the door open.

The entrance lobby was empty and quiet, which only highlighted the sound of Peri's loud breathing. The lights were all extinguished in the room, and the only source of light for Peri to use came from a room to the side. She could see a few chairs on both sides of the room, a worn rug on the floor leading up to the front desk, and a thick book that rested on the desk. She walked up to the book and opened it, but the lack of light made it impossible to read. Mouthing a silent groan, Peri looked around for a solution. She saw a lantern hanging from a wall. She was about to remove it, when she heard some voices from a side room. Her eyes darted back and forth before she committed to her curiosity and slid her feet towards the room.

The voices became more distinct, and Peri could hear laughter. There were no doors in the passageway from the lobby to the side room. Peri stayed close to the wall and sidled her way closer and closer to the side room entrance. Finally, she was close enough to hear and understand the words coming from the room.

"I don't get none of this," a throaty, loud voice said. His words were followed by a satisfied exhale, and something slamming onto a surface.

'Sounds like a big drinker,' Peri thought to herself, leaning her head onto the door. She heard the muffled voice of a second speaker, though she couldn't make out what words were spoken.

"Hah! Yeah, guess it's not important anyway. So long as I get drinks and I can get angry for money."

'The berserker,' Peri concluded.

"So why're you up and abouts, anyway? Shouldn't you be… hmm… raiding houses or something? You dress all five-finger discount." The loud voice didn't allow any time for a response. "Eh, whatever, just don't go taking anything from my patron or I'll lop your arm off. His purse pays for my drinks! Hah!" A muffled response made the loud person silent for a moment. "Oh? Invite her over," he finally responded. "Maybe she'll be a good look."

'They're not talking about…' Peri tapped her chin as she mulled over her surveillance.

The loud voice started to laugh. "Heheh, you hide your steals in that empty eye socket or something? Hahaha!"

"Niles!" Peri hissed, her hand suddenly gripping the door handle.

The door burst open, and a frowning Corrin walked in.

"Corrin, you are just too nice for your own good," Camilla said with a sly grin. Her arms were wrapped around Corrin's collar, her own cushioned chest was pressed onto Corrin's back, and her legs were secured through Corrin's arms, as Camilla maintained her piggyback ride. She laughed briefly in her mature, husky voice, and used her hand to rub Corrin's chest in a sign of appreciation.

Corrin didn't answer. He marched to a bed, turned around, and leaned backwards, dropping Camilla onto the bed.

"Oooh," Camilla cooed. "A little rough."

"Good night," Corrin said. He started to walk away, when his shirt got caught. Camilla had extended her leg and caught a part of Corrin's shirt with her toes.

"Corrin," Camilla called in all seriousness.

Corrin could feel the change in her tone. He turned and faced Camilla.

Camilla gently lowered her slender leg, revealing her completely serious face. "Thank you, Corrin. I'm sorry if I took my teasing too far. I just want you and everyone to know that I love you. How much I love you."

Corrin rolled his eyes, dropped his head, and massaged his forehead. "Camilla, you… Of course I know that. I think everyone knows that, too."

Camilla gave Corrin a small smile. "Good. Good night, Corrin."

Corrin sighed and turned his head slightly before saying, "Good night." He closed his eyes for a moment, then looked at Camilla. She still had her serious face, as if she were studying Corrin's every facial movement. Corrin closed his eyes again and took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, relaxing his entire body. He then opened his arms in front of him, inviting an embrace.

A second of nothingness passed, which Corrin felt strongly. The brief moment of unfulfilled expectations only served to heighten his senses. Suddenly, a sensuous perfume coursed through his nose as a soft body pushed onto his chest. Less than a second later, Corrin felt a familiar pair of moist lips press onto his face.

Corrin opened his eyes after Camilla's expected but still stimulating acceptance to his inviting gesture fully registered. He brought his arms closer and patted Camilla's back twice to complete the embrace.

Camilla surprised Corrin by letting go and concluding the hug before a full minute had passed. Her small smile had been replaced with a wide and satisfied grin. "Good night," she said again.

Corrin grinned. "I think you're learning some self-restraint."

"Oh?" Camilla raised an eyebrow. She then moved her head quickly to swing her hair back, then looked at Corrin again. "Well, get out of here before I lose that self-restraint and just capture you." She hugged herself and twisted left and right. "Ohhh, you are just so cute!"

"Bye," Corrin said, before turning around and leaving his giddy older sister.

He was only a few steps out the door, when he heard a different voice retch.

"Eghhh," Selena said. "Gods. You two make me want to throw up."

"Sorry," Corrin replied. "You know I don't control her though."

"Yeah, yeah," Selena said dismissively. Then she paused and thought for a moment. "Though actually, that might be wrong," she muttered.

"What's that?"

Selena ignored Corrin's question and raised her hand, revealing two black, high-heeled shoes. "You dropped these a little ways back."

"Oh! Sorry! Well, I guess she di-"

"Whatever, I'll give them back. You already got some distance away, and I don't want to hear another hour of good nights and goodbyes."

Corrin scratched the back of his head. "Eheh, thanks, Selena. Well, good night to you, too."

"Yeah, yeah. Good night." Selena marched past Corrin. Corrin watched as her ponytails drew brilliant red after-images in the air behind her, like some little flames leaving a torch.

"Is that a flame?"

Kagero and Kaze looked up to see what Rinkah was referring to.

"It's like a pegasus on fire," Rinkah observed. She was watching a small spot of fiery red moving above a white pegasus. The red spot was dancing in the air, before quickly diving and disappearing.

"Lady Hinoka!" Kagero exclaimed. "We're almost there."

"But it seems like they're in combat," Kaze observed. The faint sounds of weapon hits echoed over the rocky land.

A small blade suddenly appeared in Kagero's hand. "Let's hurry," Kagero said.

Rinkah tensed her arm hesitantly as she held her weapon. She was used to iron clubs, but after being captured, her arm wasn't feeling as strong, so she settled with a wooden club with a brass top.

Kaze noticed the hesitation. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Let's go," Rinkah said, dismissing Kaze's concern and marching forward. Kagero ran past, quickly and quietly. Kaze analyzed Rinkah's movement briefly, before joining the two of them. Kaze didn't see Rinkah exhale in disappointment. "I may have to build up my strength again," Rinkah thought to herself, glancing at her arm briefly. She brought her direction forward again, towards the sounds of battle. "Well, seems I'll have some good practice ahead. And let's see how strong a woman ninja can be."

A/N Ugh, I am just a horrible person. First, I would like to say sorry for the more than one year hiatus. I've been distracted with work, other stories, games, and playing around with RPG maker. I kinda wanna write/make an epic RPG. But I do want to share the awesome tales of Corrin and his relationships! And hopefully improve on the well-opinionated writing of Fates.

And second, I want to say thank you to those who have followed me, and especially those who continue to follow me.

Thank you, Guest! Yep, they may be my OTP, too. Gah, it's been a while since I've played Fates, that I forget who I chose first. Well, I think I played Birthright, so it was someone there. But yep, love CC.

Bob of the A, thank you! I liked that chapter, too. I admit that this chapter may be more of a get-back-into-things chapter for me. But… well, I want to get back into things.

SilverSpark, heheh, yeah... Thanks for commenting! I am glad you found some form of entertainment in the story.

Mzr90, thanks for reading and liking the explanation.

Silver Prima, thanks for reading! Glad you can't wait!

Silver Prima, ...sorry that you had to wait. That was quite a wait. Ughhhh, I'll tryyyyyy to post more regularlyyyyyy.

And Temporal King, thanks for pushing me with the private messages. So, I guess a July chapter turned into a late September chapter.

Thank you everyone, for reading and commenting! If I take a while for another chapter, keep nagging me! Actually, if I take a short period of time, keep nagging me. All of your expressed interest in whatever form is what fuels me to keep writing!