What Lies Below the Surface

Prologue: The Ties That Bind

A woman with blue hair was singing by the lake. "You are the ocean's grey waves, destined to seek. Life beyond the shore, just out of reach. Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time. The path is yours to climb."

===

Two groups of distinctly different armies were clashing in a battle.
A warrior, obviously higher-classed than the others, ran up into a clearing that was near a cliff. "Nohrian general! You face the high prince of Hoshido, Ryoma! I challenge you to combat!" he said in a calm, yet commanding voice.
The so-be Nohrian general smirked. "I accept your challenge, 'high prince'. But I am no general! I am crown Prince Xander of Nohr!"
The two opposing princes then charged at each other, their blades drawn.

===

Hinoka looked at me with a sigh. "Come on, Kai. We have training to do, you know."
I then grunted as my opponent hit me. I went for a counter attack, but missed. I was about to get hit by another attack, but Hinoka quickly blocked it.
Hinoka slightly shook her head. "Kai, what's the matter? You seem more distant than normal. Well, if you're worried, you shouldn't be. After all," she said with a smile, "all of your siblings are here with you. Those Nohrians don't stand a chance!"
I then defeated my foe with a single blow.

Just then, three Nohrians entered the battlefield. One was a female, riding a Wyvern, there was also a male mounted on horseback, and the final one was a young girl, also on horseback.
The young girl then spoke up. "Camilla! The bridge collapsed! How can we help our sister now?" she said, whining.
Camilla smiled. "Don't worry at all, Elise. The royal blood in our veins is very useful."
The man on horseback looked around. "Hmm...have you found a Dragon Vein, Camilla?"
She slightly chuckled. "You know me too well, dear Leo!" she said before using a Dragon Vein to dry up the river.
Elise giggled a bit. "Yay! Big sister's plan worked!"
"I would never let you down, darling," Camilla said with a smile. "Now, everyone, follow me."
Leo sighed. "Elise, you're far from being ready for the front lines. Stay back. Your sister and I will take care of the Hoshidans."

Hinoka sighed. "Alright...the Nohrian army used a Dragon Vein...but aren't only the royal family members supposed to be able to have that power?"
Takumi shook his head. "Yeah, Hinoka. You can't put two and two together? They're Nohrian royalty. Honestly, I've always wanted to use Nohrian royalty as target practice," he said with a smirk.
Hinoka then nodded. "Stay focused, Kai."
Just then, enemy reinforcements arrived, and a bald guy was leading them. "Listen up, cannon fodder! We have a direct order from King Garon. He says kill 'em all!"
Hinoka then mumbled something under her breath. "Ugh. I'll go scout ahead. Takumi, Sakura, stay with Kai!"
Takumi nodded. "Understood."
Sakura also nodded. "Y-yes. Good idea."

It took a bit, but we eventually fought off the assault.
Hinoka sighed. "Kai, Takumi, good work fighting off that ambush."
Sakura shyly smiled. "You were amazing, Kai."
Takumi nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It only went well because someone gave you advice...you're welcome, by the way."
Hinoka shook her head. "No time to talk! Let's see how Ryoma is doing."
With a nod, we ran over to him.

Hinoka sighed. "Ryoma, you doing alright?"
He nodded. "Of course. I'm also glad that all of you are doing good as well."
Xander then spoke up. "Kai! Thank the gods we found you. Come with us! We're going to take you home," he said with a smile.
Ryoma growled at Xander. "Shut up, you Nohrian! Kai is my sister and a princess of Hoshido!"
Xander crossed his arms. "On the contrary. Kai is my sister, and a princess of Nohr!"
Camilla smiled. "Kai! I was so worried! I don't want you to wander away from me again."
Leo chuckled a bit. "You know, Kai. You must have the devil's own luck."
Elise giggled. "Yay! We got Kai back!"
Hinoka growled. "Nohrian scum! First you kidnap her, now you tell her nothing but lies?! Kai is MY sister, not yours!"
Camilla shook her head. "You are mistaken. Kai is my adorable little sister."
Ryoma growled. "Nnnngh...don't be fooled by their words, Kai. You belong with us in Hoshido."
Xander raised his voice. "No! We raised you, Kai! Come home, little princess."
Ryoma crossed his arms. "Come back to Hoshido, Kai!"
Xander sighed. "No, Kai! You belong in Nohr!"