Chapter 2: Crimson Tears

"Alright men, because our first mission supporting the Nohrian army went off without any major issues, we've been incorporated into their forces via a contract. That means everyone gets paid a definitive amount per battle! For now we will no longer have to bottom feed off of pointless skirmishes!" the commander shouted, immediately receiving a cheering cry from his forces. It had been a few years since they had become a mercenary group, so being admitted into an army as grandiose as the Nohrian forces was a dream come true. Of course this only applied to 99% of the army overall. Upon hearing the news, Corrin let loose an unnerving sigh as he picked up his bag of belongings and his Yato.

"Hey guy! Where you going?" one of Corrin's comrades who had fought at his side for weeks now had grown inebriated, stumbling towards him to try and stop his retreat. Corrin sighed softly to himself as his comrades reached out for him.

"Hey bud, where ya goin? Aren't you excited we're in a real army now?!" his comrade slurred throwing his arm over Corrin's shoulder. Corrin did honestly care about the men that he fought beside; each day, he'd learn a different story, every one of them more exciting than the last. Many of them aspired for greater things than war, while others were made for the task, giving them the perfect life they had always wanted. But alas, Corrin could not allow himself to be inducted into a side no matter how much he wished to. Corrin smiled at his comrade, slowly removing his arm from his shoulders.

"It is quite the thrill, but I must take leave. I have to um…use the water closet," Corrin said, slowly slipping away from his comrade that was clearly none the wiser. As much as it pained him to leave a band of mercenaries that he could borderline call his family, he knew that it was for the better if he were to drift off into the night. Tonight was a surprisingly pleasant night; the stars in the sky were in full bloom, displaying the beautiful patterns that he had been once taught of by Leo many years ago. The trees and brush swayed in the gentle warm breeze, which gave Corrin a nice euphoric feeling.

"I can't say that I'm not enjoying my freedom a bit, as selfish as that is. However, this freedom changes nothing if I am to change the tides of this war. I suppose it will be best if I find another mercenary group, because God knows I'm not about to begin one," Corrin sighed contently as he returned his eyes to the dimly lit road before him. It seemed like miles before Corrin stumbled upon any form of life; it was like a direct link to the feelings in his heart, which unfortunately Corrin didn't appreciate. It seemed like a small, traveling outpost of some random militant force. Wishing to avoid conflict, Corrin tried to make haste away from the outpost. Suddenly, a guard called out into the night, catching his ears clearly.

"What side do you fight for? Are you Nohrian? Hoshidan? Depending on your answer we may have to take action against you. So, which is it?" Corrin was flabbergasted at how the watchman was able to pick him out of the dark road, much more catch sight that he might be a threat. With stern courage, Corrin stopped, returning to the front of the fort show that he had no ill ploys in mind.

"I fight for neither Hoshido nor Nohr, I am simply a mercenary passing by. I do not wish quarrel with you, so please, allow me to pass," Corrin cried out, trying to get his voice up to the bellowing watchman. The watchman called for the guards at the front of the fort to take a closer look to be sure. Two spearman immediately met his front as if they were some sort of law officers; speculating as to wither or not he was a threat.

"May I ask why such asinine observation is necessary?" Corrin said, trying to maintain his patience for such an uncalled for scenario.

"Many apologies. Not far from here Nohrian forces dealt us grave casualties as a result of a skirmish. So we're on high alert towards anyone who so much as lays eyes on this fort," the soldier said, finishing his observation. The both of them stood back and bowed to him politely, showing their devotion to Hoshido's principles.

"You said you were a mercenary correct? We could really use your help while we wait for reinforcements to arrive from the east. As I said earlier we have taken very harsh casualties and are now incredibly short on man power. Would you please consider offering your services?" the Hoshidan soldier almost sounded as if he were begging for Corrin to say, which truly showed the severity of their situation. Corrin took a deep breath, letting it all out in a slow, drawn out sigh before shooting the watch man a smile.

"I serve those in need. If you wish to have my services, I will happily grant them to you. If I may ask, why would Nohrian forces attack such an irrelevant stronghold?" Corrin said, bowing back to the soldiers in return. They began to lead him in, signaling to the inside of the fort to open their doors.

"It is most unfortunate, but we are currently housing the youngest princess in Hoshido, Lady Sakura. Our mission was to help the retreat of our higher end forces and there are no greater priestess' than Lady Sakura to assist," the soldier replied, causing Corrin to grow quite pale.

"I-I see…I shall do all I can to assist you until your reinforcements arrive. You needn't pay me until my mission is fulfilled, so please, rest easy knowing that I will be on guard," Corrin smiled faintly, keeping his eyes hidden by his hood as they continued to walk further into the outpost. All of the Hoshidan forces that surrounded them look very cold and hurt, the terrors of war having taken a major toll on their hearts.

"You shall be under the command of one of Lady Sakura's retainers, you are treat them with the upmost respect and follow any orders in which they are to give you. Is that clear?" the soldier firmly stated, resulting in an affirmative nod as he led Corrin over to the said retainer. It looked to be a young woman with long, wave brown hair and odd pink attire that stuck out like a sore thumb. Her sword was laid out on a log, using it as a surface so that she could take a whetstone to its length, sharpening it. The retainer looked up with a foul grimace, causing the guard to stiffen up like a board of wood.

"Why is there an armed soldier standing in front of me? You do realize if he came from the outside he could be a spy," the retainer snapped at the soldier, causing him to take a nervous gulp to steady him.

"He is a mercenary that doesn't have an alignment to either side Lady Hanna. He is here to help in the base's defenses while we await reinforcements. I knew that we were short handed, so I let him in," the soldier was now at the tip of Hanna's sword, as if it was calling him out for treason. Hanna then sighed softly, returning her sword to the log before rising to her feet.

"You are dismissed. As for you, mercenary, take a seat," Hanna ordered, causing Corrin to move himself to the dirt in which he was standing. She sat back down and continued eyeing him carefully as she removed her blade from the log, giving it a proper cleaning before returning it to its sheath. She then gave the signal for Corrin to rise once more, allowing her to give him another shake down with her eyes.

"If you wish to prove yourself useful, I must insist that we partake in a little sparring match. If you can fend off my strikes or defeat me, I will willingly accept you into our ranks for the time being. But should you lose, I will have to ask you to leave immediately. We don't need any soldiers that aren't worthy to protect one of the grand Princesses of Hoshido," Hanna said stalwartly, leading Corrin over to a circle. He watched as Hanna drew her sword, signaling for him to do the same. Hanna's eyes stared fiercely as a very familiar blade was drawn into the air.

"Tell me, does that flashy blade of yours have a name?" Hanna asked, slowly circling in sync with Corrin.

"Its appearance is merely for show, I assure you, it is nothing but an ordinary sword," Corrin replied, trying to be as convincing as possible to hide his identity. It was if the Gods were challenging Corrin every step of his journey, putting his identity and life in certain danger with each and every instance. Hanna immediately lunged for him, crying out as she took a vicious swing at his chest. Corrin quickly batted her sword aside before parrying another immediate blow from her lightning fast swings. Hanna's swipes and slashes were met with a plethora of swift dodging and parrying, causing her temper and concentration to waver. Many of her subordinates watched as the strange mercenary manhandled their beloved captain with minimal difficulty. With a final fierce swing, Hanna cried out, as if trying to kill him. Her blade was then hit with a sudden burst of strength from his sword, knocking her blade from her hands before being pointed directly into her face. Huffing and puffing she couldn't believe her eyes at the skill of this mysterious mercenary.

"Does that meet your standards, Captain Hanna?" Corrin asked modestly, sheathing his sword to his side as she retrieved her beloved katana from the ground. She sighed heavily, grimacing at him as she sheathed it back into its home. She then smiled and offered out her hand out of respect for his skills.

"That definitely passed the test! Great match," Hanna's attitude flipped on a dime as Corrin thankfully shook her hand, smiling from beneath his hood. A one-man applause could be heard coming from their right side; a young man with long, flowing dark red hair and a handsome smile was the source of the sound.

"Truly extraordinary, that was absolutely perfect form!" the man said, continuing to smile as he shifted his attention to Hanna.

"I don't think I've ever seen you fall so quickly in sparring before, well, except for sparring with Lord Ryoma. That means that our friend here is quite the fighter," the man snickered. Hanna grumbled at him as she returned her attention to Corrin.

"This is Subaki, he's Lady Sakura's other retainer and an expert Pegasus rider. Subaki, meet…um, what did you say your name was?" Hanna quickly inquired, causing Corrin to tense up for just a moment.

"I'm just a mercenary, names are pointless to us," Corrin hastily replied, trying to throw the conversation off course. Hanna and Subaki gazed at him intently for moment before shrugging their shoulders to brush it off.

"Well just a mercenary, I hope that we can see this night through without any casualties. We're counting on you, and the superb swordsmanship of yours," Subaki grinned before waving him and Hanna off. Hanna glared at him fiercly; being belittled by Subaki was one of her biggest pet peeves in existence. Corrin remained neutral as Hanna regained her composure.

"In about 10 minutes, Subaki's forces are going to take a wide swing around the parameter to make sure that we are clear of any threats. Our goal is to remain at the front of the castle to take on any threat should they arise. I suggest that you head to that post as soon as you can," Hanna ordered, sighing before turning to walk towards a rather large tent near the back of the camp. Corrin let out a sigh of relief as he enjoyed a stress free moment to himself.

"Trying to keep an identity hidden is quite a frustrating task…" Corrin groaned as he made his way to the head of the fort. Continuing to look about all the members of Sakura's small army, it was clear to Corrin that there was something dastardly on the horizon. It was his insides were constant shaking him, telling him that tragedy was sure to follow him into this poor, secluded camp. Sure enough, after twenty minutes had passed Subaki's platoon returned to the middle of the base with a rush of panic in their demeanors. The loud landing stirred up the precious Lady Sakura, causing her to come out into the open immediately.

"What is the situation? What did you see Subaki?" Sakura immediately inquired, slowly hustling up to him. Subaki's face filled with gloom as his eyes met with Sakura's.

"Lady Sakura. I'm sorry to say but our reinforcements are currently being routed by the enemy. They were ambushed no more than a few miles away from here by one of Nohr's higher commanders. I'm afraid Lord Takumi is trapped within that trap…" Subaki growled, his fists tightening as the image of his friends being burned into his mind. Sakura reached up and cupped Subaki's cheeks affectionately, looking him in the eye.

"You have done well Subaki, thank you. Hanna, I would like you to take half of your forces to assist Takumi so that she can make a safe retreat, the rest of yours and Subaki's troops will remain here," Sakura ordered nervously, trying to put on a strong front for her forces.

"I can't leave your side Lady Sakura, I swore on my life that I would keep you safe!" Hanna cried, refusing to leave Sakura alone with just Subaki's forces.

"You said that the mercenary that came here defeated you in a sparing match correct? Send him a long with half of your soldiers so that you may stay by my side," Sakura was ready to make any compromises that she could in order to get things done.

"We have no choice…you, mercenary! Take fifty men with you and bring Lord Takumi back here in one piece. Go now!" Hanna ordered. It was if she flipped an on switch within Corrin as he immediately began rallying the troops he needed to make their march. As he and his handful of soldiers charged the ambush point, he recalled how Takumi took to people who didn't meet his criteria. He knew Takumi would immediately grow suspicious of his presence but there wasn't any time to waste. Corrin and his troops were immediately met with an onslaught of faceless that stood at the guard point of the enemy forces.

"Faceless…that's not good, that means that Leo is somewhere nearby…" Corrin growled as he drew Yato from his side. All the rest of his Hoshidan allies withdrew their weapons, making a sound battle cry as they confronted Leo's small faceless army that guarded his back. Corrin was able to handle one after another with only minimal trouble, however, the rest of his forces were forced to put two men against any single faceless enemy. Corrin watched in horror as the Hoshidan forces that he brought with him were already being put down like mad dogs. Corrin found himself screaming on the inside as soldier after soldier lost their lives to the faceless monsters. He knew that he couldn't save them, there were far too many to get to.

Against his moral judgment, he yelled in frustration as he charged through the faceless barricade, tearing down one after another until he was free of their clutches. The yells and screams of his allies fueled a vicious fire that burned in his eyes, ready to cut down anything that would stand in his way of saving Lord Takumi. Now being confronted with Nohrian soldiers, Corrin found himself being thrown into a viper pit, ready and willing to cut his way to freedom. His heart suddenly stopped as he suddenly saw Peri, one of Lord Xander's retainers riding around, laughing and singing as she cut down Hoshidan soldier's limb from limb. It could only mean that Leo wasn't alone.

"Gods! Why must I be tested like this!?" Corrin let loose a battle cry as he began using every inch of his skill and techniques that he had learned from Xander himself to take on one Nohrian soldier after another, dodging and cutting down one by one. Corrin did everything in his power to incapacitate the soldiers, cutting at their legs to disable them the best he could. Cutting through almost thirty soldiers, the exhausted Corrin finally made his way into a clearing where the key players in the Hoshidan army stood and fought. Takumi and both of his retainers, Oboro and Hinata, and a handful of their forces were fighting tooth and nail to survive against the ruthless Nohrian ambush. As Takumi aimed for another soldier, the loud galloping sounds of a horse charged him with an uncontrollable fit of laughter following.

"Playtime is over , sorrrrrry!" Peri laughed as she dashed, catching Takumi off guard. Corrin immediately dashed for Takumi, tackling him to the ground as Peri's spear went right for his head.

"Stay safe, I'll divert their attention. I was sent here to secure your escape Lord Takumi," Corrin shouted, helping Takumi back onto his feet without fail. Takumi went to shout at Corrin but he was immediately put on guard by another swordsman in his face.

"So sorry for this, but I have my orders," Laslow sighed as he drove Takumi around, staying way too close to him for Takumi to even let loose a shot. Takumi tripped over a downed Hoshidan soldier as he tried to evade Laslow's swings. He hit the ground with a thud as the Nohrian retainer went for the kill. Growling loudly, Corrin shoulder checked Laslow, knocking him to the ground so that Takumi could rise up again.

"Grab your retainers and escape Lord Takumi, NOW!" Corrin drilled his words into the silent Takumi, who could only make a stern face as he whistled for Hinata and Oboro to move on. Ten soldiers managed to make it out of the faceless onslaught, which was bare enough to help them clear a path. Trying to reach them, Corrin noticed a glimmer of something in a tree, aim directly for Takumi. Growing restless, Corrin charged Takumi once more, this time cutting down an arrow as he tried to fly by.

"Damn, looks like they have one hell of a soldier on their side," Niles said with a smile, setting up more shots to make this hooded soldier dance. Corrin glared around the battlefield desperately, trying to find signs of Xander and Leo so that he knew they were safe to escape. A sudden explosion of magic erupted next to Corrin, knocking him off his feet to roll along the ground.

"It seems that the dark void within my heart will not allow me to rest until you have perished!" Odin dramatically barked at Corrin as he rose back onto his feet. Corrin felt as if he were running an obstacle course as he saw more arrow shooting at him, with Peri and Laslow circling around as they killed countless Hoshidan forces.

"There's no way I'll survive if I keep carrying on like this…GAH DAMN IT ALL!" Corrin cried as he kept his attention sprawled across four different sources. He knew now that there was no escaping this battle without shedding blood that he fought so hard not to. Loud cackling came from his flank, causing Corrin to divert his aggressive gaze from the surroundings and onto his first victim. As Peri went to give Corrin a stern thrust of her spear, he dropped to his knees and cut down her mounts legs, causing her to be thrown off into the middle of the circle. Peri growled like an animal at Corrin, lickering her lips as she readied her next strike.

"I'm going to stab you to death for doing that to my precious horsie!" Peri cried, immediately engaging Corrin on foot. The disadvantage of reach proved a challenge as he began avoiding her swings and thrusts, one after another. Peri began to yell and whine in frustration as she swung harder and harder, desperately trying to land a single blow. Suddenly, blinding arrow shot past him, nailing Peri in her shoulder with a loud crack. She screamed in pain as she tried was then his with another, this time in her side. Corrin turned to see Takumi lining up his next shot as Oboro and Hinata continued to deal with the Nohrian grunts that blocked their way. Peri's eye's widened as she saw his next shot aiming directly for her head, which was then blown away by a shock of black and red light. Galloping to Peri's aid, Xander's mount stepped before her, guarding her from any further assaults. Takumi grit his teeth tightly as he urged Oboro and Hinata to move on with him following.

"You aren't mortally wounded are you Peri?" Xander inquired as Peri's eyes shimmered with tears of joy.

"No my Lord Xander, your Peri is fine," she said with a smile. Xander gave her a grin before turning his head towards Corrin, his expression immediately growing murderous as he stared him down.

"It is a shame that such a talented swordsman such as yourself has chosen to die in such a meaningless battle. Have you any words before I cut you down?" Xander scowled as he raised Seigfried up to Corrin's face.

"Defeat is only inevitable once you have admitted to it," Corrin glared from beneath his hood, returning words that Xander had once taught him when facing down impossible odds. Xander stared at Corrin in amusement as he removed his sword from Corrin's face and raised it above him.

"I will give a superb soldier such as yourself the death you deserve!" Xander called, swinging down Siegfried at Corrin. Corrin immediately held Yato up, using his hands against the back of his blade to guard against the harsh swing. Xander retracted his blade, allowing them to begin a valiant duel. Surprised by his opponent's skill and knowledge of his fighting style, Xander felt as if he were combating himself when he was at a younger age; still full of fight, even with a style that wasn't quite refined. Corrin felt his strength being pushed to its limits with every clashing blow that he shared with Xander, growling behind the struggle that he had.

Corrin felt his ears bleed as a death yell came from his rear where Takumi, Hinata and Oboro had tried to escape from. In fear of the worst, Corrin's eyes lit up with anger as he used his full strength against Xander, knocking his blade far enough away to make a run for it. Corrin barely gained his footing as a magical blast from Siegfried caused the ground behind him to explode. All he could do was focus in on the yelling as his feet hopped and ran around the countless faceless and Hoshidan bodies that littered the ground.

"I won't…let you harm…LORD TAKUMI!" Hinata screamed as another surge of energy shot up from the ground, forming a tree of light as he was knocked clean off of his feet. Corrin could see Leo's Brynhildr glowing in the night as he watched another burst of magic mangle Hinata's legs. Corrin didn't know what to feel anymore. His mind and body had begun to feed off of his anger and frustration, clouding his judgment and emotions as he began acting on it instead of thinking.

"STOP IT NOW!" Corrin roared as a final eruption of light formed beneath Hinata, this time putting him down for good. Oboro covered her mouth and screamed as she watched Hinata's charred and battered hit the dirt like a sack of bricks.

"NO! HINATA! PLEASE! DON'T DIE!" Oboro cried for her fallen comrade as she dropped to her knees, now pulling him into her arms. Takumi's eyes were blinded by rage as he began to draw back on Fujin Yumi, now taking shot after shot as Leo circled around them.

"Such a pathetic display…I expected more from you Prince of Hoshido. Not only are you failing to land a single blow on me, you allowed one of your retainers to die needlessly…pathetic indeed," Leo grinned, his voice dropping in pitch like a devil as he continued to go toe to toe with Takumi. Oboro tore her eyes from Hinata and over to Corrin, tears rolling down her face as she growled and grabbed a hold of her naginata.

"No Oboro! He's too strong, pull back now!" Takumi yelled as Oboro angrily charged Leo with the rage of hell building in her heart. Leo smirked as he immediately cast out another trap of magic, exploding as Oboro recklessly stepped over it. She screamed in pain as she hit the ground, refusing to give up as she shook and grabbed a hold of her spear once more. Corrin could stand around no longer, charging Leo as Oboro finally got back up onto her feet.

Leo immediately pulled back as a different source of light began to glow in front of Corrin, causing him to stop dead in his tracks. An explosion separated Leo and Corrin, it was clear that Leo's retainers had finally caught up with them. Corrin's ears felt as if they were stabbed with needles as Oboro let out another scream as two arrows dug into her side.

"OBORO!" Takumi growled, unable to take his attention away from Leo as they continued firing away at one another. Oboro cried out in agony as she continued to move, refusing to stop as she went to reach for her spear once more.

"Not like this…I refuse…to die like this!" Oboro's voice grew weak as she grabbed a hold of her spear, using it as a crutch to rise back up. Corrin immediately charged her, tackling her to the ground as two more arrows flew by.

"Stay here, I'll take care of this OK?" Corrin said, grabbing a hold of Oboro's shoulders to keep her attention. She sniffled and wiped her teary eyes as she gave him a nod, doing everything she could to keep from bursting into tears. Corrin immediately growled out, turning towards Niles without any delay.

"Persistent little buggers aren't they?" Niles said to himself as he used his skills to fire a seemingly endless stream of arrows. Corrin cut most of them down, only taking one arrow to his shoulder as he slashed at Niles, cutting his bow in half. Niles tried to reach for a dagger in his holster pocket but was immediately stabbed through his shoulder to pin him to the ground. He cried out in agony as he stared into Corrin's face, which was now contorted and filled with overwhelming anger. He removed his sword from Niles shoulder, only to stab through his other as hard as Corrin could. Niles shrieked in pain as Corrin removed it from Niles once more, now turning to Odin who was reading off his tome.

"May the Gods forgive you, because you will only receive death from me!" Odin shouted, causing an explosion to burst at Corrin's side. Corrin quickly rolled to the side, immediately charging towards Odin once more. Odin tried to ready another strong spell, but Corrin immediately rammed Yato through the tome itself, viciously stabbing Odin into his chest. Both Niles and Odin's cries immediately caught Leo's attention, leaving him to stare in disbelief as Niles and Odin laid their vitals in critical condition as Corrin snarled at him. Takumi couldn't help but to laugh at Leo as he aimed an arrow at his head.

"Pathetic indeed you Nohrian scum!" Takumi barked as he fired off a shot from Fujin Yumi. Leo maneuvered but wasn't able to avoid it, taking its piecing blow to his side. He yelped and growled in pain as he gripped the arrow, ripping it out forcefully in defiance.

"Don't take me so lightly you piece of trash!" Leo yelled back a roaring stampede of hooves shook the ground like an earthquake. Corrin immediately ran over to Oboro, quickly dragging her off the ground and over his shoulder Takumi joined him. Takumi pushed Corrin along as they both fled the scene with great haste, quickly putting distance between themselves and the death that was trying to persue. Xander stared at the unreal sight of two now dead retainers and an injured Leo that was now breathing heavily from pain.

"Gods! What happened here?!" Xander shouted, immediately heading to Leo's aid. Leo shook his head and coughed to regain his posture as his dear big brother came to his rescue.

"That hooded soldier…he did all of this…and that pesky prince managed to catch me in the side…I'm sorry brother, I failed you," Leo growled as Xander gave him a hug of endearment, filled with relief that his brother was now safe.

"We'll avenge them Leo, we'll make all of Hoshido pay for the things they have done to us. Together, we will claim this land for Nohr!" Xander shouted giving Leo a firm pat on his.

Corrin couldn't shake the fact that he had just killed both of Leo's retainers, people that he had met and known for years now. His heart began to throb with intense pain as the two of them helped the incredibly injured Oboro back to the base. Corrin wanted nothing more put to fall to his knees and scream at the night sky, cursing it for the trials that they had forced him through on his journey. He couldn't tell if the tragedies that were transpiring were to help him grow stronger, or helping him lose his sense of self to anger and rage, forcing him to stain his footsteps with blood on his seemingly endless path to peace.

"I can't take this anymore…I have to leave this place…" Corrin recited to himself over and over again in his head, his feelings on the verge of falling apart. The only thing keeping him in check at the moment was making sure that Oboro and Takumi made it safely back to camp, just as he promised.

"You saved my life, even under impossible odds. You are truly a fierce warrior worthy of praise. Tell me, what is your name?" Takumi asked as they reached the gate. Corrin refused to reveal his eyes as tears rolled down his cheeks, reflecting brilliantly in the moonlight. It was clear to Takumi that this soldier has been through too much to even imagine, which deterred Takumi off his questioning.

"I am just a mercenary…names are meaningless to me…" Corrin's voice staggered, wavering as his sadness began to overpower his will. As the doors to the fort opened, Takumi couldn't help but to smile at the sad soldier who had risked everything to save his life. However, after entering, as the gates slowly closed, Takumi stared, unable to believe what he was seeing as the soldier's hood was removed; revealing Corrin's pained face as clear as day.

To Be Continued…