The invasion begins. Hoshido will never be the same.

This is the segment that contains a major difference between this story and Jay's original tumblr prompt.

EDIT: I rewrote bits of an internal monologue near the end. A very thoughtful reviewer felt that otherwise the character was a little OOC. Thinking about it, I agreed. There were some implications I had not intended nor wanted. So this is chapter is slightly updated now, but mostly the same, and will not be updated further.

Things happened quickly after everyone made it back to Castle Shirasagi. The whole family began planning their defenses for when the Nohrians would no doubt arrive. Sakura bitterly dwelt on the fact that she was not invited to this council.

It was decided that Ryoma and Hinoka would stay in, or at least close to, the capital. They and their forces would act as the final defenses. Takumi would take a regiment and guard the Great Wall of Suzanoh. With his aim and the wall's many turrets, he would be in his element there. Sakura asked where she should be, and Ryoma told her to report to Fort Jinya.

"A number of injured soldiers are already there, and there's a shortage of healers. Any assistance would be welcome." He smiled. "And we can also rest easy, knowing you'll be safe there. Fort Jinya is on the outer edge of defense, but it's not wont to attract attention."

The priestess just stared at her brother. "So… you want me t-to go to Fort Jinya… to stay out of way."

"To stay out of harm's way," Ryoma said, thinking he was repeating her. "If any of you were to fall, I couldn't live with myself. But you're our youngest… If we lost you… I don't even want to imagine. Hinoka and Takumi felt the same way."

"So… I will not be assisting in defending Castle Shirasagi…"

He put a hand on Sakura's shoulder and smiled warmly. "You'll be tending to our wounded, but thankfully you'll be spared the burden of fighting on our lines." He then put his arms around Sakura. "Now, we'll have to get ready soon. Be safe, Sakura."

Sakura didn't return the gesture. Instead, she began to take quick breaths. She needed to calm down. They all think they're doing me a favor, when they're just pushing me out of the way. But how can I prove to them that I've become stronger, if they won't give me the chance?! How can I prove it to Corrin?! He has to know! He has to hurt…

She sniffled.

What if... Corrin kills all of them? What will I do then?

Hana and Subaki followed Sakura to Fort Jinya. When the princess had arrived, there were already a few healers there. Sakura briskly requested to know where she could make herself useful, and got to work.

Healing others was practically second nature to Sakura by this point. Nothing to it, really. This was how Sakura was meant to spend her time during Nohr's invasion. While her remaining friends and family would be fighting for their lives and the good of Hoshido, Sakura would be tucked into a corner, patching up soldiers whom still wouldn't be able to fight afterward. Sure, there was value in what she was doing, but that wasn't the point.

Sakura needed to fight Corrin, to make him understand what he had done to her- what he had done to her whole family. Then, as luck would have it, Yukimura arrived at Fort Jinya.

"Lady Sakura, you haven't heard?! You must leave at once!"

"Wh-why?"

"Nohrians have been reported to be not far from Fort Jinya! They could attack! You must flee, milady!"

Sakura paused for a moment. "Is... is Corrin with them?"

Yukimura nervously messed with his spectacles. "As a matter of fact, I believe he is. But I don't see-"

"Then I'll fight."

Yukimura still seemed a little panicked. "L-Lady Sakura, I'm not sure if you realize the importance-"

"I think you're the one who doesn't realize the importance!" Sakura shouted. "As long as I breathe, I refuse to let Corrin pass through here! He won't hurt my f-family or these hurt soldiers, or anyone else! No matter what happens, I will not allow it! He mustn't take Fort Jinya, unless it's over my cold, dead body! I'll… I'll kill him if I have to, Yukimura! But he will not ruin anything else!"

The mechanist was shocked, stunned by Sakura's raw fury. She was fed up with bottling it in. No more. She kept her eyes on the man, not backing down. Eventually, he gave in. "Very well. But you may only stay and fight if you allow me to arrange the defenses."

"… Fine."

"Excellent. Though your siblings would be furious…"

Sakura's temper spiked up again. "I don't care what they think! What's most important is that we stop Corrin- we stop his troops from conquering our fortress!"

"Y-you're right." The man cleared his throat, and adjusted his spectacles. "Thankfully, I am quite familiar with the layout of this fortress, so if we can gather all available fighters, I'll come up with a plan."

The princess nodded. "I'll get Hana and Subaki, and we'll tell everyone to report here."

This was it. This was really happening. Corrin was part of an attack on Fort Jinya, and Sakura would be waiting for him at the end. Yukimura had suggested, insisted, and finally begged to be the last line of defense, and keep Sakura hidden. She refused, stating that she must fight Corrin. The tactician didn't understand, but Sakura wasn't sure why she would expect him to at this point.

Sakura was adamant about being the last line in defense, and Yukimura eventually conceded, on the grounds that he stay nearby. He won't stop coddling me! He lets me have my way, but only if I let him hold my hand the whole time! She sighed. "Fine. You find somewhere nearby to make your stand."

Yukimura went to his position, riding atop his mechanism. Sakura scowled. I'll never be able to accomplish anything if everyone tries to keep me safe! For all I've done, they still see me as a fragile little girl! But not after today, not when I'll be the one to... to kill Corrin. I'll avenge Mother, our family, Reina, Orochi, and everyone we lost at the festival so long ago!

Corrin's forces came in before too long. Sakura had to hand it to Yukimura, the formations and strategies he had employed seemed to prove useful in impeding the invaders. But she knew Corrin better than that. She knew that he would find a way through, even if he had to make his own way. That's what he did best, right after hurting the people Sakura held dear.

The whole time, Sakura supplemented the troops. Silencing and Hexing Rods fresh from the fort's armory were at her disposal, in addition to long-range festals. She would make use of them all. More than once, she'd overheard news of a Nohrian falling. This news bolstered Sakura's confidence. They were slowly whittling away at Corrin's troops. She'd just hoped she would be able to spot him before Yukimura could.

Things continued this way for a while, until a certain scream snapped Sakura out of her brooding. The princess could recognize it anywhere:

Hana was in pain.

Sakura quickly searched her satchel for any festals she could use... but she only had Bloom Festals left. Short-range. The priestess tightened her grip on the current Hexing Rod in her grasp, and turned around to scream at a nearby soldier. "Go find Subaki, he is to bring Hana to me! That is an order!"

"I-I'm sorry, milady, Subaki was dispatched a while ago. He had to be medevacked."

"Rrrgh! Yukimura!" She turned and shouted to the man in question. "I need you to find Hana, and bring her to me! I have to heal her!"

"Milady, I-"

"Do it!"

"…I understand. At once."

Then she turned back to the other soldier. "And I want you to bring Subaki to me! I have to be the one to heal him! Do you understand?!"

"I will!" The soldier ran off in a panic, as Sakura's breathing began to resemble growling.

He's not going to take Hana and Subaki away from me! It's… it's all Yukimura's fault… If he'd allowed them to fight together, they would have beaten the invaders for sure! I know it! This can't be happening! It can't be!

She tried to focus, a warzone was the last place she could afford to lose her head. As Sakura took quick inventory of her remaining rods, she also examined her yumi. It was a Silver Hankyu. A confident grin formed. He won't get the edge on me just because I use a yumi. With this Hankyu, I can fight from close range, just like he can! If he thinks he can write me off like he did before, I'll prove him wrong once and for all!

Yukimura never came back. Sakura wasn't sure if she should have been surprised by this. It would only be a matter of time until Corrin and his forces made it to her. Even if she would fall to his might, she had to at least take him down with her. At such a grisly thought, Sakura nearly threw up.

Then, finally, he had come. Corrin, clad in black and gray, stood before Sakura. She didn't recognize the woman standing beside him, but she might as well not have even existed. Sakura only had eyes for Corrin. Eyes narrowed in fury, eyes that have shed countless tears. All because of the man upon which they focused.

"Corrin."

"Sakura… I didn't know you were-"

"Corrin, I… I've waited so long for this." She trembled, and tightened her grip on her Hankyu. "E-ever since that day on the border… I've wanted to hurt you, Corrin. You've caused so much pain, not just for me, but our whole family!"

"Sakura, we don't need to fight!"

"Shut up!" She began to sob. "I… I went with Takumi. I couldn't stop you in Dia, or in Cheve… Reina and Orochi are dead… Takumi will never walk the same again. And it's all my fault! I wasn't strong enough! And you're the one who showed me that! But… if I kill you, I'll be stronger! I'll show you, Corrin! You will suffer for everything you've done, and I can find peace! P-prepare yourself C-Corrin…!"

"I… Understand. Your rage is justified. But know that I can't back down either. I'll always regret this battle."

Sakura couldn't speak anymore, her emotions were in full control at that point. The priestess raised her Hankyu and shot at Corrin, but the woman standing beside Corrin shouted his name in concern and blocked it. Gritting her teeth in frustration, Sakura reached into her quiver to grab another arrow, but Corrin was too quick. He ran up to Sakura and closed his eyes, swinging his blade.

"Aaaaaah!" Sakura cried out in pain as she fell to the floor. She had tried to hold her Hankyu in the way to block the attack, but that only resulted in the Yato breaking it. Luckily, that also kept Sakura from sustaining too much damage from the slash. However she was now on her back, and without a proper weapon.

"I'm sorry, Sakura. But it had to be done."

"Nooo…" She was getting choked up. "Th-this is how it ends? Am… am I really so pathetic?"

"Sakura…"

Corrin closed his eyes, as Sakura lied on the ground, sobbing.

It's over.

Sakura could hear the voice of Corrin's companion greeting Azura. "Azura, tell Xander and the others. We've won."

"Yes…" Azura replied.

It's over.

Sakura didn't even bother to get back up. "This… this can't be the end! I didn't… I couldn't… Hana, Subaki… Yukimura… my family… I-I've failed you…" She shuddered, the tears still flowing. "I hate you, Corrin! Th-this wouldn't be happening if you hadn't l-left us! W-we could've been a family again! Why don't you love us, Corrin?!" Her final words were more of a sob than a question.

"What did we do wrong…"

It's over.

Corrin tried to reach out. "Sakura, I-"

"It's over…" Sakura immediately calmed down. Her voice had no trace of any emotion. "It's over. I can't do anything now."

"Sakura, it'll be okay, I won't let Father have you or your retainers or even Yukimura exec-"

"No." The princess finally found it in herself to stand back up. "There is one more thing I can do. I'll do it… and then that will show Ryoma… show you… show all of Hoshido my true strength."

Run, Sakura.

So she did. Before Corrin or anyone else could react, Sakura ran into the fortress.

The priestess stole a yumi from a fallen soldier and kept running. She paid attention to no one, as she ran through the fortress, desperately seeking to exit from the other side. Her head was throbbing, and the voice had returned.

The enemy is near.

Not far from the back of the fortress were some Nohrian soldiers. Without even thinking, Sakura fired an arrow in their direction. It missed, but it got their attention, which was her real objective.

"Hey! It's the Hoshidan princess!"

"It's just as Iago predicted…" Another soldier shouted to his comrades. "Show no mercy! And remember what Iago said, don't let Lord Corrin know we're here! Attack!"

Sakura's breathing became ragged. She held her ground, but didn't prepare another arrow. The soldiers readied their weapons and ran toward her, ready to attack…

Just what she had wanted.

The Battle of the Great Wall was over, and the invaders had won. Takumi had been bested in combat and flung from the back of his Kinshi.

Curse my luck! I had to be defeated by Corrin, while everyone is counting on me! The prince inhaled through his teeth. "Why, Corrin?! Why couldn't you have stood with us?! Do you think this is what Mother would've wanted?!"

Corrin took a deep breath. "Takumi, I apologize for hurting you. I know that what I have done must be unforgivable to you." Takumi never noticed how red Corrin's eyes were before. "I did what I thought was right, but I hurt you and the others in the process. And Sakura…"

From his position sitting on the ground, Takumi stared down. "Sakura… You really hurt her, Corrin."

"I know… It nearly broke me, seeing her in such turmoil, back at Jinya."

Takumi balled his fists. "Nohr wasn't supposed to attack there… If she's dead because of you-"

"Oh, hush," interrupted the short, blonde prince of Nohr. Prince Leo… Takumi had always despised him whenever they crossed paths. "It is… unfortunate that things transpired as they did. But for your information, she escaped. No soldiers have reported any sighting of Princess Sakura. There is a high probability she's still alive."

"A 'high probability'? That's the best you can do?!"

"I won't let them hurt her, Takumi," Corrin assured. "And I won't let them hurt you. Please… Cooperate with us. Allow our forces to confiscate Fujin Yumi, while you go into hiding."

"Why should I do anything for you?"

Azura stepped forth. "Fine, don't do it for him, then. Do it for Hinoka and Ryoma. Do it for Sakura. Do it for Hinata and Oboro!"

Takumi raised his eyebrow. "They're… they're still alive?!"

The singer nodded. "They are, but they've been hurt. We couldn't stop some of the soldiers from going too far…"

"We managed to merely imprison Sakura's retainers and Yukimura, but Father won't allow us do the same for you or your retainers," Corrin added. "Please, take them and run, Takumi. Your Kinshi should allow you a head-start. But there's not much time."

"… I will assist you in finding them, Lord Takumi," Kaze said.

Takumi looked out, over the rampart. Hoshido was meant to be a beautiful land, however it was sullied now. But Takumi had to admit to himself: he still wanted to trust Corrin.

"Make your choice, Prince Takumi," Leo threatened. "Bear in mind that Corrin, Azura, and perhaps Kaze are the only ones who care what you say."

"Fine." Takumi slowly stood up and gasped in pain from his hip. He thrust the Fujin Yumi in Corrin's hands. "Give this to your king, and tell him you pried it from my cold, dead hands. And that I almost took you out before you got me!"

Corrin let out a small chuckle. "That last part is actually accurate. Thank you, Takumi."

"… It's like Azura said, I'm doing it for them."

Takumi soaked his feet in a small pond, somewhere in a forest. We've covered a lot of ground. The Nohrians shouldn't find us here… Corrin… I don't think I'll ever understand you. But… there was a reason Ryoma and Hinoka loved you so much, wasn't there? He shook his head. I'll never find it in me to forgive you. I meant what I said, I'm doing this for Oboro and Hinata, and because I can't let Ryoma and Hinoka find me dead.

He let out a sigh. There's a chance I'll be the only one left after all this. I don't even want to imagine… What if Corrin doesn't talk sense into Hinoka and Ryoma in time? I should've sent some kind of note, but if those Nohrians found it... What if Sakura was actually captured and- No. I can't think like that. Takumi closed his eyes. Sakura… I told Corrin how he'd hurt her. But am I really any better? She was suffering the whole time we were in Nohr together, and I was too angry at Corrin to help her. Even after I got hurt, I still should've said something to her…

"Ohh… where am I…?"

Excitedly, Takumi turned his head and saw Hinata waking up. The prince, with assistance, had placed Hinata and Oboro on a blanket and they were made to drink vulneraries. It was all they could do.

"Hinata… Get some rest. You're both severely hurt."

"Lord Takumi…? Did you save us?"

He sighed. "Yes… We're laying low for now."

"Lord Takumi… thank you…"

Takumi smiled.

I can't give up. No good prince ever ignored the needs of others. When this is over, I'm going to need to be there for all of Hoshido, and my family. But for now, I'll be here for my best friends.

…

Storm clouds gathered as a small figure weakly limped closer to Castle Shirasagi. Blood had stained her dress, and she carried a sinister bow in her hands.

Garon's end draws near. Kill the traitors, and then all of Nohr! Show them what comes of betrayal!

Sakura didn't even smile.

"…Yes. I must... I will..."

To be concluded.