Now let's see what happens when Sakura joins Takumi on the Conquest route.
Writing this segment gave me ideas for another Conquest AU, where Sakura still joins Takumi, and she tries to help him with his issues, either successfully or unsuccessfully. Too bad this story is going in another direction entirely.
Sakura had read many books about Nohr, and heard many things from travelers. All of them horrible.
As such, she was surprised to learn that Dia was actually a pleasant town, if a bit foggy. When she had learned that they would be docking in a Nohrian harbor, the princess had imagined stormy clouds, raging waters, maybe even some pirates. Had she been in a better mood, Sakura might have actually appreciated the sight of the town.
The priestess merely shadowed Takumi as he coordinated the assault. It had appeared that this port was the easiest way to reach Notre Sagesse, and a few of the Nohrian royals were headed there. If the Hoshidan forces could take control of the town, then that would buy Hinoka and Ryoma enough time to seek the Rainbow Sage. Their mere presence had already halted the ferries, so that was a good start.
Then he had arrived. Of course it was him. It could be no other. Takumi saw him too. He silently ordered the squadron to step aside, and allow him a clear look at Corrin. He readied Fujin Yumi and called out to him.
"You abandoned your family and Hoshido… Now pay for your betrayal!"
He fired at Corrin, but missed. His wind arrow barely avoided piercing Corrin's skull. Then Sakura realized, Takumi aimed exactly where he'd wanted to. That was only a warning shot, meant to demonstrate Takumi's intent. Could it be possible he had wanted Corrin to heed the warning and abandon this venture? Sakura didn't care. She actually found herself shaking in anticipation. This was her chance to redeem herself and defeat Corrin.
Corrin still held Yato. What kind of joke were the gods telling, by gifting a sacred sword to a man like him? A man who cares nothing for his blood family, attacking them to the point of unconsciousness…
Takumi had ordered the soldiers to spread out and take on Corrin's troops from all angles. The Hoshidans just needed to get past them, and into the town. From there, the work would be easy, at least that's what Sakura was told.
The royals stayed back to occasionally call for reinforcements, and instruct new combatants. Oboro and Hinata went ahead with the troops but did not make the full way to Corrin's army. The two retainers stood in place, seemingly coordinating their fellow soldiers and suggesting which angles from which to approach Corrin.
Sakura wouldn't let Takumi get all the credit for this. She had already sent Hana and Subaki out to fight with the other soldiers, when she had noticed a Dragon's Vein near Takumi.
"Takumi, there's a Dragon's Vein right behind you!"
"Hm?" He turned around. "So there is. Good eye, Sakura."
The princess beamed. This battle was going well, Corrin's forces were slowly getting cornered into the passage leading into town. All the Hoshidans had to do was to break the line. Privately, Sakura giggled at the thought of Takumi taking a while to even notice the Dragon's Vein. She was always a little more attentive than he was, it might have taken him quite a bit longer to find it.
When the vein resonated with Takumi, all the water in the harbor dried up. Takumi let out a laugh, as this allowed for more of their soldiers to rush for Corrin even quicker. Or at least, that was what they had hoped for. But against the odds, Corrin's forces were holding their own. Sakura narrowed her eyes.
"I won't… I won't let that… him get his way!" Sakura cried. She ran right up to the nearest Sky Knight. "You there! L-let me ride with you, and take me near Hana and Subaki's positions!"
"Uh, of course milady." Sakura normally would not want to impose, but she didn't care. Between the stress of the battle and the pain of her headache, Sakura could not care less what the soldier thought of her.
Together, they flew into the thick swarm of soldiers. With Sakura taking the lead, she witnessed Subaki getting struck with arrows from a ballista. There was a one-eyed man grinning as he did the deed. Sakura immediately pulled out a Sun Festal and waved it in Subaki's direction. He didn't see her, but he had to have felt the rejuvenating effects.
"Sakura?"
The princess turned around and saw the last person she had expected to find- Azura. "Wh-what are you doing here?!"
"I…" Azura wasn't looking her in the eyes. "I was taken away, Sakura. And then I ran into Corrin… I've cast my lot with him."
What? So not only was Azura taken away from us, but she'd betrayed us too?! Was Takumi right about Nohrians all along?! "W-well that means… y-you're our enemy now…"
"I know. You look stronger than you used to, Sakura." Then for the first time, she noticed Azura's naginata. "You're right, however. We are at war. But know this- no matter who wins, I'm happy to see that you've grown."
Why is she talking this way?! It's like she still thinks we're family! But… she betrayed us, just like Corrin did! She can't… She can't just pretend to think fondly of us, of me! Not when she's ready to fight me! Sakura gripped her festal intensely. "You… you're lying!" Her head was throbbing. "You never cared about any of us! You just wanted to… to escape, and go back to Nohr!" It felt surprisingly good to yell at her. "But I get it, Azura. You were a p-prisoner, so I guess it makes sense. Maybe this was how it should've been."
"Sakura…"
Sakura grabbed her yumi and drew an arrow, ready to fire at Azura. She heard a subtle voice in her head, encouraging her to fire. It was lost on the girl how easy it was to shoot at the woman she had called 'sister' for so many years. Yet in spite of this rain of arrows, Azura proved most elusive. The dancer actually worked her way closer to the Pegasus, but Sakura's partner managed to take the beast out of range. This didn't stop Azura, she kept trying, and the Sky Knight kept flying further from her.
The princess was about to fire another arrow, until she heard a voice behind her. "Ohhhh, yes! Have a taste!"
The knight and Sakura looked just in time to find that they had been brought into the ballista's range, and the one-eyed man fired at their Pegasus. It cried out in pain as it crashed to the dried harbor. The Sky Knight and Sakura both were knocked off their horse and onto the still-wet earth.
"Are you okay, Lady Sakura?!"
Sakura was just realizing what had happened. Azura knew that she couldn't land a strike. Perhaps the Sky Knight was trying to lead a distracted Azura off the dock's ledge, but it backfired. They had backed themselves into the ballista's range. To be tricked like that is one thing. But to be tricked like that by Azura… Sakura let out a quiet growl.
"Lady Sakura?"
"I'll be fine," she answered. It was harsher than she intended, but it did not matter to her. Sakura tried to locate her Sun Festal, only to find it had broken in the fall. "My… my festal…" She stared at the festal, as though it were the cause of her troubles. "Corrin, Azura… heartless traitors… Nohr is so horrible…"
"Lady Sakura, we need to fall back, we're too vulnerable down here."
Hearing that news, Sakura gritted her teeth and chucked the festal's remains as far from her as she could. "Okay… L-let's go…"
Sakura and the Sky Knight had to leave the Pegasus to its fate. Thankfully, no one else tried to attack them. But by the time Sakura had reunited with Takumi, it was clear that her brother's forces had lost.
"This is unacceptable! Too many of our troops are injured!"
Amidst the retreating soldiers, Corrin actually had the nerve to speak to Takumi, up close and personal. "It's over, Takumi. Retreat now, and all of you will keep your lives and dignity."
"Nohrians? Showing mercy? Don't make me laugh!" Takumi taunted. Sakura suddenly spoke up, not even thinking about it.
"Nohrians… they pretend to care about you, and then kill you! H-how many of us are you going to kill on our way out?!"
"Sakura…" Hearing her voice, Sakura glared.
"D-don't pity me, Corrin."
"Yeah, you think we'll forgive you for abandoning us, just because you're not acting as bloodthirsty as the rest?" Takumi accused. It was around that time, a woman with purple hair spoke up. She looked familiar, but Sakura's pain inhibited her memory.
"What rude children. Maybe I should teach you a lesson or two..."
"No, Camilla. I deserve some of their anger."
Sakura barely stifled a growl. Does he think he's some kind of martyr? He didn't have to betray us! He's letting us leave, letting us get angry with him… because he thinks we're weak. He still thinks I'm a pathetic, worthless little princess! "Aaaah!" Sakura fell to her knees in pain, clutching her head.
"Sakura?!" Her brothers, fake and real, both showed concern.
"My… head… it hurts…"
"We're leaving, Sakura. Before anything else can happen to us," Takumi said, reaching out for Sakura's hand. She took it and the prince glared at Corrin. "You see what you're doing to her? To all of us? By the way, Ryoma has found the Rainbow Sage by now. He's a lot stronger than he used to be, and so am I! And Hinoka too! So be ready, because you won't survive the next time I set my sights on you!"
Takumi led Sakura away, and in the middle of her pain, she could only think of one thing.
Takumi only ever referenced me as a victim.
Port Dia was a failure, plain and simple. But that was not the end of Takumi and Sakura's journey to Nohr. Sakura's brother had reminded her that their real destination was a town called 'Cheve'. The invasion of Dia was meant to be their arrival, but that town was chosen for its proximity to Notre Sagesse. They were still able to dock somewhere else. But Sakura had no interest in what Takumi was saying.
No, Sakura was too frustrated by the events at Dia to really absorb what Takumi was telling her. I should've known Takumi only pities me. I bet that's the only reason he even let me come with him. He's almost as bad as Corrin. I wonder if Hinoka and Ryoma feel the same. Of course they do, because I'm so pathetic! Nothing's gone right this entire journey. I couldn't save Takumi from falling into that canyon, I couldn't help him invade that town, I could only barely heal our troops, I-
"I see them, they're arriving!" Reina's familiar voice interrupted Sakura's thoughts. She and Takumi both found Reina, Orochi, and a few extra soldiers standing before an empty fortress. This would be their home base for the time being.
"… Did they go ahead of us to meet with the rebel leader?" Sakura asked dryly. Takumi nodded in response.
"Yeah. A Chevois Wyvern Rider named Scarlet. She and Ryoma have been keeping in touch for a while. She'll probably be a little disappointed I'm not here with Ryoma, but this shouldn't be too bad."
Of course she'd be disappointed… Why put up with someone as spineless as me, when they can have someone as talented and amazing as Ryoma?
Takumi readied his new sniper gear and inspected Fujin Yumi as the caravan began to slow. "We should be careful around Scarlet. I've heard there aren't a lot of people she likes to talk to. Kind of like Reina or Yukimura in a way." He sighed. "I know she agreed to help us, but she's still Nohrian… And I don't know if Ryoma's judgment is infallible. We've both seen it proven wrong… But Reina and Orochi look happy to see us, so maybe it'll work out."
At this point, Takumi was more talking to himself than to Sakura. She envied her brother. Even if he had a bit of a temper, he was still able to focus on the war. All Sakura could think about was proving herself. She had practiced with her yumi every time they stopped for camp. She had also grabbed a few extra festals out of the convoy, including some she hadn't tried before. A Silencing Rod and a Hexing Rod. In theory, they worked the same as an average rod, but she had to remember to use them on her enemies instead.
They settled in the fortress and stayed the night. Sakura had a strange dream that night, one of a giant stone face. She couldn't remember anything it had told her, but it felt… comforting.
The next day, they made the long trip to Cheve and united with Scarlet. The prince explained their situation to her, and Sakura tuned out. She already knew their side of the story. Afterward, Scarlet gave her half of the report. It had appeared the rebellion was off to a good start, but there would be no doubt that King Garon would want to have them put down. As such, Scarlet figured that the Hoshidans arrived just in time.
Scarlet took them to her headquarters and they discussed their plans. It was rumored that a task force directly from Castle Krakenburg would be visiting before long, so the rebels would need to drive them out immediately. If the rebellion couldn't win in their hometown, then it would be hopeless. That was when a messenger came in and reported that the enemies were already near Cheve. Scarlet barked the orders for everyone to get into position. Takumi was to go with Scarlet, which he agreed with.
"What about me?" Sakura asked.
"Hmm… Find somewhere safe, Sakura. And use your vantage point to heal anyone who might need it. You brought Wane Festals, didn't you?"
"… Yes." So this was her role in Takumi's army. She was to stay hidden and help from the shadows. Takumi then left with Scarlet, leaving Sakura alone with her thoughts. No one ever thinks about the healers. They make it possible for their allies to win, but people only remember those allies. If Takumi gets his way, Corrin won't even know I'm here! But he has to know. I have to be the one to make him hurt, after he hurt me. I must be the one, it's only just!
Sakura went to a central position in the town. She caught sight of the Nohrian forces. Beginning from the north, they were working their way down both sides to join up at the southern end of town. Provided she stayed hidden, this approach would leave Sakura untouched. She decided to look around, see if she could find Takumi's location. The priestess gasped when she easily spotted him on the eastern side. But it wasn't just Takumi. He was engaged in battle with Corrin!
Then the guiding voice came back to Sakura. The voice spoke to the princess, telling her that this would be the perfect opportunity. The voice no longer sounded like Hinoka. Sakura didn't know whom it sounded like, but she liked what it had to say. She could probably attack Corrin from this distance, and she even had a Hexing Rod to help her do it.
Takumi was ranting at Corrin. She could vaguely make out some of his words. Telling him that this was his last chance or something. Hmph. Corrin shouldn't get any more chances…
Without even thinking, Sakura waved the Hexing Rod in Corrin's direction. He saw the swirls of energy appearing before him… and he moved out of the way. Sakura gasped and mentally kicked herself. She should have practiced first! The fight between Corrin and Takumi went on as Sakura waited for her Hexing Rod to recharge. Until…
"Enemy spotted," bleated a monotonous voice. Sakura turned and found another Wyvern Rider. This one had powdery blue hair and a headband. She readied a steel club.
"St-stay away, Nohrian! I'll… I'll fight back! I will!"
The rider swooped past with her weapon and struck Sakura right in the gut. The pain was horrible, but Sakura refused to go out like this. She pulled out her Hexing Rod and aimed at the Wyvern Rider. It worked, and the enemy flailed in shock for a moment. Sakura traded her rod for a yumi and took aim.
"Beruka, come on already, this should be easy!" a whiny feminine voice cried. Before Sakura could turn around, she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head.
Sakura fell to the ground with a whimper. "Failed again… I thought… I was stronger…"
As Sakura's vision faded, she barely made out the form of a red-haired woman, holding out the back end of her sword.
…
'This Hoshdian should be easy to fight.' 'Just find somewhere safe.' 'You're hurting her, but the rest of us are getting stronger.' 'I can't bring myself to fight you, you're too pathetic.' All of these fools, they think so little of you.
But they're right. You can't do anything. You're such a burden. Dead weight. Useless. Weak. A waste of life.
Just… give up. Give in. None of them love you, why do you even love them? Stop holding back. Just let loose your fury. Our fury.
Then they'll know the cost of betrayal.
To be continued.