Ha! I got it to load! Take that Computer Errors! This is Raptor, the Criticist, and this is a short series of drabbles concerning War from the FE8 Characters viewpoint. Hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. I do own 7, 8 and 9, but just the games, not the rights.

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War.

King Innes of Frelia stood on the broken battlefield. Frelia had been attacked by a vicious army of pirates, and Innes had gathered his soldiers to fight them. Nidhogg hung unceremoniously from Innes back, as the King leaned down to find yet another soldier dead.

War is something that old men gather together and talk about.

Innes could remember hearing King Hayden, his father, speak to King Fado and Emperor Vigarde about War. About how useless it was in the end, about how soldiers could never win peace.

War is something that young boys play with their wooden "Swords".

Innes could remember "Swordfighting" with Ephraim from a young age. Innes remembered one particular time, when he had developed a crush on Eirika, and had tried to impress her by beating Ephraim. Ephraim, however, had thought the same of Innes sister, Tana. The match ended with Innes having a black eye, and Ephraim getting a nasty gash on his shoulder.

War is something that soldiers comment on when they visit their families.

Innes could remember Syrene and Vanessa talking about the many battles Syrene had been in. Then they would talk of their parents, before breaking into a bawling fit.

But War is nothing like that.

Innes looked down at the carcass of a young boy, caught in the crossfire. No older than Innes' own son.

War isn't fun.

Innes pulled Nidhogg around as he saw a Pirate holding a woman as a hostage. A perfectly aimed shot felled the man.

War isn't a game.

Innes saw his wife slay yet another Pirate with her Rapier, before taking a wound in her own shoulder. A mustachioed healer rushed towards her instantly, and Innes brought down the man that had injured Eirika.

War is War.

Innes saw another soldier fall for the umpteenth time. The casualties had been mass. How had the Pirates had this many men? Frelia would win, that was assured, but at what cost. How many soldiers would not go home? How many families would lose a husband, a son, a brother, a uncle, a father? Too many. Much too many.

And it will always be War.

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There you have it. Review please.