AN: Thank you for the RR, faves and follows. Another chapter. Enjoy folks!

Before dusk becomes too dark, Azura finds she's by herself. She spots Kamui and Robin sitting on a log and having a serious conversation. She heads toward them. As she nears, she hears Robin speaking.

"The bandits outnumbered and surrounded us. You realized that to fight in the open was dangerous. You were studying the islet in the middle of the lake. That place was a good advantage for us because: one- the narrow bridge connecting the main land and islet can accommodate one person at a time; two- the bandits consisted of melee fighters; and three- to win this, we lure them to us. They cross the bridge one by one to our ready weapons, like sheep walking towards their slaughter. However, you... hesitated. There must be a reason for your hesitation back there."

A tacit approval coming from Kamui. After a pause, Kamui speaks up. "I was so worried that we might get trapped."

"That worry of a poor outcome held you back in your decision-making."

"But, isn't it important that you can predict the outcome?"

"We are talking about tactics here. In an immediate situation like yesterday's ambush, you DO NOT predict on how the battle will end. Your focus is how to deal with the immediate situation right away. We predict on what, where, when, and how the enemy moves on that immediate situation. Then we make quick plans and act on it right away... Think about yesterday's ambush. We found ourselves surrounded by the bandits almost three times our number. They thought their numbers will overwhelm us. We were looking for a way out and we found that south to us is an islet with a narrow bridge. That was our best option because we don't have to worry about watching each other's back. The bandits didn't expect us to fight our way down there. And they were too late to realize that their numbers were dwindling as they kept on coming to our trap."

"I get it. Though, you're quicker to formulate plans and the outcome is on our favor."

"Thank you for the praise. I strive to become an asset to our group." Robin graciously said. He becomes reminiscent. "I do wish I could remember my past." he sighs. "Do you have other questions?"

"How about worrying for each individual's life? I don't want anything bad happen to us."

Robin nods his head in agreement. "Yes. But as I said, we are talking about dealing with the immediate situation. We worry about our lives later. To ease your mind, it is important to know your unit's strengths because it is integral in your planning and deployment. That goes hand-in-hand with predicting the enemy's plan. Furthermore, have faith in their abilities, as they also have faith in you to lead them to victory."

Kamui nods his head. "I understand. There's still a lot to learn but for now, I need to know when to set aside my worries."

"Good to hear. Now, let's talk more- " a frustrated scream cuts him off.

Robin and Kamui turn their heads where the scream came from. Farther from where they were camped, away from earshot, is Corrin.

Kamui sighs as he watches his sister panting. "How many times I've told her not to push herself that much, especially when we're nearing Fort Jinya." he sees her continue her swordplay even when her moves are sluggish. "I respect her decision to train by herself but I wish she won't do it in such extreme measures. Now I worry."

Robin gazes at Corrin with contemplation for a pause before looking back at Kamui. "... Kamui, I'm going to help Corrin with her training."

Kamui raises his brows. "Oh? You heard her say she prefers to train by herself as her way of becoming stronger. I don't think she's receptive to any form of help for now."

Robin shrugs his shoulders. "It never hurts to try. Besides..." he looks back at Corrin, contemplation in his face. "I owe her my life." He softly said, then looks back at Kamui. "To help her train to become stronger and better is the least I can do."

Kamui studies Robin then sighs. "Very well."

Azura takes the cue to join in as Robin stood up from the log he was sitting on. "Kamui. Robin."

Kamui is the first to greet her as he stands up. "Hello, Azura. I assume you're here to tell us that dinner is almost done?"

Azura shakes her head. "I was suppose to do so after training Mozu. However, Felicia accidentally ruined it."

"Yikes. I can imagine Jakob berating poor Felicia."

"Right now, Mozu accompanies Jacob and Felicia to forage for our dinner. With me free, I thought I could join both of you."

Robin apologetically smiles. "I'm sorry to leave abruptly, Azura. It was rude of me but I have to something else to do."

Azura smiles reassuringly. "I overheard some of your conversations so I understand." she becomes serious. "Honestly, Corrin needs help. I hope you can reason to her."

After Robin assures Kamui he'll make up with their lessons in the future, Robin leaves. Azura and Kamui sits on the log and started to converse with each other.

Azura starts first. "So, what were you and Robin talking about while I was training Mozu?"

"Oh, I was asking him about yesterday's strategy. Ah, correction. Tactics."

"What's the difference between those two? They are synonymous with each other."

"Ha ha. That's what I also said. But Robin said there's a difference. As what he explained to me, strategy is more on long-term planning into utilizing all resources to secure victory. *sigh* I hated the example that Robin used but it does make a lot of sense."

"And what is it?"

"An example of strategy is King Garon's plan to use me and Corrin to attack Hoshido."

"Oh my. That's a terrible example."

"Yes it is. King Garon planned that attack for a long time, and it was a success..."

"Kamui? Is something wrong?" Azura asks after Kamui stayed silent for a minute.

"Ah, sorry for spacing out, Azura. I just remembered what Robin said to me. About how King Garon knew to deploy Faceless with Wrymslayers. Robin agreed to my theory that maybe King Garon had long guessed that me and Corrin's blood is more potent due to our... non-human traits: red eyes and pointy ears. He believed that our blood is more potent and we can transform into a dragon." Kamui shakes his head. "Ah, I went off topic. Sorry about that. Where was I? Oh, yeah. Tactics is more into short-term or immediate planning then instant deployment. An example of that is yesterday's ambush. Robin's quick thinking helped us survive by going to that islet. That planning was made during that intense moment and we acted upon it immediately."

"I believe I see the difference. That was a fresh perspective to learn. And it came from the amnesiac Robin."

"Indeed. He's not only skillful in combat, he is quick in mind too. Especially in tactics. I want to learn and better myself, and he's willing to teach me what he can remember."

"That's why you seem attentive."

"Yes. He did say that teaching me tactics will also benefit him. It will help exercise his mind and learn new things. And maybe rediscover some of his past."

"I guess both of you are training to better yourselves."

"Same goes to you and everyone. Speaking of training, how goes the training with Mozu?"

"It may take a while but she's willing to learn to fight."

"That's good to hear. Despite that she lost everything she holds dear, she's determined to move forward."

"Same as you and Corrin."

"Hmm. I think you're right on that point. Mozu's circumstances closely mirrors to mine and Corrin's. Nevertheless, she's now part of our group. And we need to get stronger and better because we will face many hard battles as we continue our journey."

Azura smiles. When she noticed that Robin is nearing Corrin's position, she changes the subject.

"Kamui, if you don't mind me asking this, why did you agree to let Corrin train by herself? You said that it's important to support each other so we will grow stronger and better."

"What I said of helping each other remains true. In Corrin's case, to act selfish seems foolish but I understand why she needs to do this. You see, Corrin has been unconsciously comparing herself to me and my siblings in Nohr. Well, more so on me. Because of that, she didn't realize that it stunted her growth to become stronger."

"Isn't that akin to jealousy?"

"Ha ha. No. Corrin has never been envious nor see it as rivalry. It's more like, she interprets physical strength equals to being strong, and being strong means you're able hold on your own and defend others. She sees that strength in me, and she aspires to be the same. Comparing herself to me got her distracted and it troubled her why she wasn't progressing. I have to tell her that each individual have different ways and unique strengths. I believe she realized her error and she's rectifying it with her idea to become stronger is to train by herself... And I think I have a hand on her plans to train by herself. Still, I respect what she thought will help her find her own strength, and I won't begrudge her of that decision. She has my support her, no matter what."

Kamui recalls the scene during their journey...

Kamui grimly looks at the burning pyre of what used to be a Hoshidan hamlet. To bury the dead without the proper tools will waste more time and energy, as what Robin said. Still, Kamui wanted to give the peasants a proper burial. So he decided to gather the citizens' bodies in one corner and cover them with the burned wooden planks of their homes, then set them on fire. Same goes for the bandits' corpses, only away from the hamlet.

Felicia's wand stopped glowing and she puts it aside. "Milord, your wounds are fully healed."

"Thank you, Felicia. How about the others?"

"No need to worry, milord." Jakob said as he and the others came. "We are perfectly fine."

"... Brother, you got hurt because of me." Corrin said, looking grim and worried. "You protected me and got hurt. If only I was a bit stronger..."

Kamui gives her a reassuring smile. "Corrin, I'm okay. And what matters most is you and everyone else are okay, too. No need to worry anymore... I assure you, I'm okay. My thoughts are troubled right now, I don't want your worry adding to mine." he adds when he noticed Corrin looks grimmer.

Azura approaches Kamui. "Kamui? What's troubling you?"

Kamui sighs. "... I confess, I really thought Hoshidans are without fault. I was mistaken." he faces Corrin. "You were right, Corrin. Both nations do have their own people of low morals. To see these Hoshidan bandits use Nohrian weaponry to make it look like the Nohrians did it, then attack and kill their fellow countrymen, is detestable."

Corrin remains silent for a pause before she speaks. "Brother?"

"Yes?"

"I realized something." Corrin becomes serious. "Though I detest to continue bloodshed, I believe there are some people who deserve death... I am no judge but I want justice be served to those who commit crimes against the innocent and helpless, to those who would instigate this hatred. I want to be the protector of what we believe in, to make sure that peace between the nations of Hoshido and Nohr will succeed." she looks at Kamui with intense resolve. "I will get stronger. I will find a way to get stronger so that I can protect others. And to protect you... I will protect you not because you are chosen to bring peace to this world, but because you are my brother... Whoever dares to harm even a strand of your hair, my mercy will wane and they will feel my wrath!"

Corrin's resolve and words made them look at her in awe. Kamui, slightly flustered after Corrin's resolve, smiles. "I know you will, Corrin. I know you will. Thank you..."

Kamui sighs. "But the way she's pushing herself, I cannot help but worry. "

Azura nods her head. "I see. Yet Robin intends to help her. Do you suppose he will succeed?"

Kamui thoughtfully studies Corrin and Robin. He and Azura witness Robin catching a faltering Corrin.

Kamui looks back at Azura, then gives a quirk smile. "I think he will."

Corrin pauses from her swordplay and tries to catch her break. A deep huff and she grits her teeth in frustration.

'Aargh... I must continue... Must fight... exhaustion.'

"Your determination is noted but your body is too exhausted. If you continue, you'll collapse without realizing it."

"Ah, Robin." Corrin didn't realize she voiced out her thoughts.

"That's enough training for the day. You need to rest."

Corrin shakes her head. "I'm fine... I can... still go on." She said between pants. "Don't worry... about me."

Robin shakes his head. "No, Corrin. You need to stop and rest. I can see how exhausted you are right now. You used too much energy. You need to conserve it for tomorrow's travel."

"Really, Robin... I'm okay... watch... Hrrgg. HAH!"

Corrin musters her strength and does a jab ith her sword. However, she lost control of her balance and finds herself falling forward. Robin immediately moves in front of her, used his body like a cushion and grabs her by her upper arms to stop her from falling. Robin continues to hold her as she tries to steady her wobbly feet.

"S-sorry." Corrin said, turning red in embarrassment and unable to look at Robin because of her clumsiness. "I... I'm sorry."

Robin sympathizes with her. "Come. Let's be seated." He guides her to a nearby log and they are sitting beside each other. Robin is looking at Corrin while she is looking ahead of her. "Deep breathes. Keep yourself relaxed... Continue breathing until you feel relaxed."

Corrin did for a couple of minutes. "I'm okay now. Thank you." Corrin said when she feels better. When she sees Robin's concerned frown, she becomes embarrassed again.

Robin releases a deep sigh and looks serious. "Corrin, you yourself once told me not to cause self-harm. But in this case, you're doing it. Pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion is self-harm. You will worry us and slow the journey. Not only that, you cannot fight when the enemy attacks. You're placing yourself and others in harms way if this continues... Corrin, forgive me for berating you like this but what I'm telling you is reasonable." He adds when he sees the hurt in Corrin's face.

Corrin shakes her head. "No, you're right. I've been pushing myself. I-It's just that..." she lets out a frustrated huff and pours out all her disappointment. "I want to become stronger. Strong to hold my own and defend my brother and others. I know my strength is lacking that's why I have to train. And I maybe I can transformation into a dragon, even only in half for, at least I'm able to fight. I want to do it by myself without anyone to interfere for now, find my way how to get stronger. So I trained and trained. But it looks like what I'm doing is all wrong!" She looks at Robin, looking pitiful. "S-so sorry for the rant. It's just that I... I feel like I'm not improving at all! It's so... so... *heavy sigh*... I can't even tell how I'm feeling."

Robin looks at her for a pause, then gives a sympathetic smile. "I think I know. I understand your helplessness and troubles because that's how I felt when I woke up, having no memory except for my name, confused and alone."

Corrin is taken aback and somewhat embarrassed. "Oh... I-I just realized that yours has a more unfortunate circumstance compared to mine."

Robin just smirks kindly, then he becomes reminiscent. "I'll be forever lost if you haven't saved me and taken me in. There are times I would wonder about my past but I set it aside and not dwell too much on it. If I do, I will experience that sense of helplessness again. And will give me a headache." Both of them chuckle. After that, Robin looks at Corrin in seriousness. "I don't want to see you in this situation similar to how I was before. You helped me and now I want to help you, too. I'll think of methods and plan your training. I'll act as your mentor and sparring partner. I'll give my all to help you become stronger." he becomes sincere. "Corrin, please. Please accept my offer of help."

Corrin is actually touched by Robin's sincerity to help her. She gives him a grateful smile. "When you said it like that, how can I refuse? Robin, I accept. Thank you so very much. In one condition though."

"Hm? Alright. What is it?"

"That you'll allow me to help you regain your memories. It's a fair trade." she gives a slight embarrassed smile. "I'm so sorry, Robin. You're a friend of mine yet I was being so inconsiderate of you. I'll improve and you'll be proud to call me a friend, I promise." she smiles. "Anyway, we are going to help each other. Okay?"

Robin was wearing a neutral expression but smiles back after she spoke. "Alright. As you say."

Corrin giggles. "Thank you again, Robin... So, what's our next step?"

"For now, we shall call it a day. Eat, rest, and prepare for tomorrow's journey. If you're curious of what I had in mind in regards to your training regimen, we'll do it in a moderate pace. Expect that plans will abruptly change. You did mention about dragon transformation. We'll tackle that soon... Hm. Looks like Kamui is calling our attention. Let's go join the others."

As he and Corrin are walking back to camp, Robin is mulling over what Corrin said.

' 'Friend'? Me, an outsider with no memory? ... I never considered myself her friend.' Robin thought as Corrin apologizes to everyone for worrying about her and told them she accepted Robin's help. When Corrin looks back at him and gives him a beaming smile, he smiles back in return.

'A friend... How quaint...'