Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem, its characters, and so on.

Chapter Six - Deft Hands of Luck and Fate

"War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale. If we would conceive as a unit the countless number of duels which make up a war, we shall do so best by supposing to ourselves to two wrestlers. Each strives by physical force to compel the other to submit to his will: each endeavors to throw his adversary, and thus render him incapable of further resistance."

"War therefore is an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfill our will."

If Arya remembered correctly, these were the words written in a treatise of a famous general about the nature of war. During her discipleship under Lord Commander Balor, the hailed military genius of Bern, she was drilled to memorize and cite one paragraph that caught her attention on any military treatise to him loudly and clearly. And truth be told, she was not a soldier that time for there was a strong principle ,or rather a belief, in that military country of Bern, the protector of Elibe, that those who are clever: plan and those who do not: fight. Technically, that was the polite way of saying how that country weed out those who did not had the potential of being a commander.

Those two years of discipleship showed the young tactician more than what she could swallow on the 'total war', the very words used by the same famous general to refer to the aim of total destruction of the enemy forces. She had never liked resorting to such acts, though, she could not deny that she was trained to do it as well besides the limited kinds of war in which the purpose was to conquer territory or, perhaps, only to occupy it until some political end was achieved. However, she knew well enough that that idealism of not resorting to such acts would only keep her blind to the bitter reality of what was happening. After all, those bloody years of Bern fighting against the invaders from the outer continent of Elibe, the seafaring warriors of Vanir, opened her eyes to the grim and harsh consequences of war as she saw parents bury their children who died fighting in the war and watched with gritted teeth as the country was almost robbed of its morale and resources, plunging most of the citizens of common birth to resort in thievery.

Even though the war ended quickly due to the sacrifices made by the people of Bern, some high ranking military men of Etruria detested them for fighting against Vanir. They claimed that such 'horrendous act' of Bern made Elibe lose its chance on befriending the people from the outer continent. Sure enough, Vanir suffered more casualties than them, but even so, hardly anyone will be so confident of the virtue of their rulers as to believe that every war … is just and necessary. Nobody knew for sure why these men behind the political curtains claimed such but it was no secret that Etruria and Bern greatly rivaled each other in terms of military and that there was a possibility of 'certain acts' with which either side might use in order to overthrow each other. This probably started the animosity of most people against Bern. Since then, the latter isolated themselves from the rest of the countries for instead of being hailed a hero, they were viewed as a villain. The Etrurian council tried to 'fix' this notion among the people of Elibe by exiling those high ranking military men. Despite this, the damage was already done.

Arya was nothing but an observer that time though she chose not to be an ignorant. She was there when it all began and by doing so, she realized one thing. Even though she was taught to put intellect above emotion, it was emotion that often lead to thoughts and decisions of how to cleverly handle a situation. When she became an apprentice tactician a year after the war, she decided to be a traveler and use her tactical skills in distant lands. During those years of employment under the lords of Caelyn, Pherae and Ostia, she had mostly relied on the key strategies of asymmetric engagement: moral influence, choosing the right battleground within a fixed terrain, the knowledge of weather and law of every territory they set foot into, valuing the role of civilians and, of course, the leadership of her employers (Lyn, Eliwood and Hector) in order to ensure the survivability of the people she commanded and cause less casualties for her opponents. Thus, such understanding became the basis for her tactics which, as most people claimed, made the rulers of Bern, Etruria and Lycia to seek after her skills.

Rubbing the back her head after such thoughts, the young tactician knew that her apprenticeship years ago was mostly focused on commanding smaller troops for she never deployed them all at once. It was a tactic of hers to, at least, have no casualties and to keep in touch with the movement of every person she had selected. Now that she was a master tactician and being in a distant land once more, she was about engage herself again in a warfare with each opposing side had more than a thousand troops. And she knew well enough that not all soldiers were going to survive. History state it so … as humanity continue to thrive whether in peace or chaos.

With a deep breath, Arya pulled the tip of the cowl of her stolen black cloak close enough to hide her eyes, though not too much to hinder her view, and adjusted her grey scarf hanging loosely on her neck to hide the lower half of her face. Gazing at her right, she noticed that the leader of the Nohrian archers raised his hand, signaling his troops to unslung the long bows hanging on their quivers. He then lowered it sharply, ordering the ambush troop to advance with readied bows under the cover of the shrubbery and the shadows casted by the canopies above.

Like a grasshopper blending itself in the covers of a tall green grass, she had disguised herself in the opposing army, or the aggressor as the Hoshidans view it now, of this war.

( Thirty minutes ago … )

The young tactician sighed in relief after Kaze clasped her extended hand then shook it. Truth be told, negotiation tactics were not one of her fortes since most of her apprentice years, it was her comrades who handle parley. She then gazed at the shinobi who crossed had his arms crossed in front of his chest with a peruse look in his eyes.

"I guess I, at most, owe you a little bit of information of what I was told by Queen Mikoto …" Arya began. She knew that Kaze was only extending his 'provisional' trust due to the fact she mentioned her majesty's name earlier. Was it because the shinobi had seen one of Queen Mikoto's vision happening first hand? Well, whatever the reason may be, she must play her part of the bargain at the very least. "I hate to put it bluntly but … we evidently do not have the luxury of time right now." she continued, rubbing the back of her head. She then closed her eyes for a while then took a deep breath. "Corrin is going to be murdered at this very battle that is about to unfold."

Kaze gaped in surprise at her words but before he could say something, the young tactician heard footfalls not far from her left. She realized quickly that these were no sounds of marching but rather similar to a group of people crouching on the grasses, twigs and fallen leaves, perhaps, using the shrubbery and the shadows of the thick canopy as their cover. She was very much familiar with this type of sound, having been encountered assassins for countless times in the past and being taught by some of them (Matthew, Legault and Jaffar) as well. Noticing the footfalls as well, the shinobi immediately pulled her right arm as he hid behind a nearby boulder covered with grasses.

Both sat in silence in the shadows as they let those people pass. And after a few minutes, the footfalls slowly died. Deeming that it was wise enough to glance, Kaze gave Arya a knowing gaze. The latter then nodded her head at his decision. Slowly and carefully, they stood from their position then looked.

"By the saints …" the young tactician said in a hushed tone as her eyes widen at the sight. Just several meters in front of them were about twelve or so people clad in black crouching behind the tall shrubbery of the woods. All of them had bows and quivers slung behind their backs were full of arrows.

"It seems Lord Ryoma's guess is right," Arya heard the shinobi beside her mutter. "The Nohrian army is planning an ambush behind our backs." he then continued.

The young tactician gazed at him for a while before returning her gaze to the Nohrian archers who had not noticed their presence. "I see," she said thoughtfully as she put a hand on her chin. "So that was why you were here …"

Kaze then nodded in confirmation. "Lord Ryoma has sent me and my brother to scout within the woods surrounding the plains to see if any Nohrian troops were to attack from behind if we retreat or at the verge of victory." he said in a serious tone.

"Scouting under the noses of one's opponent and using the terrain to one's advantage … Not bad at all." said Arya with an impressed smile after a brief assessment then she put her hand down. "It seems that both armies have good tacticians." she then continued.

The shinobi said nothing in return though she did notice out on the corner of her eye that he raised an eyebrow as he gazed at her thoughtfully before returning his gaze quickly back to the Nohrian ambush troop. She would not blame him for acting that way since it was partly her fault. After all, no one in Hoshido except Corrin knew that she was a military tactician by trade.

As the young tactician observed the archers, she noticed that one of them was looking at the right with a frown on his face before speaking to the older man next to him who appeared the leader of the ambush troop. Arya was no expert in lip reading, though basing from their expressions, she guessed that the one looking at the right earlier had an alarmed frown on his eyes for the lower half of his face was covered pretty much by his grey scarf. The leader then responded by giving some kind of command to a young woman nearby who then saluted at his words before crouching away from them, heading to the right.

It did not take long for the young tactician to realize what that man saw in that direction. She had left … her horse there. It seemed that they spotted Roland, assuming he was some sort of a shinobi spying on them, and if that archer find him, it would give away the advantage that the Hoshidan army had. Though looking at it in a different angle, this might give her an opportunity to set a plan…

"I must stop her," Arya said to Kaze, who had no time to respond, before running off to the direction where that young woman went as fast as she could.

By the time she was near, the young tactician cursed her bad luck as that archer already reached her horse before her. She quickly hid behind a tree trunk then peered at the young woman who was looking around with an arrow nocked on her bow for a while before landing her gaze to Roland with curiosity then approached him.

"Where's your rider, buddy?" the archer said, lowering her guard, as she touched the horse's muzzle then began stroking it with admiration.

Using this moment of distraction, Arya sneaked behind the young woman then covered her mouth immediately with her left hand, muffling the archer's attempt to scream for her comrades, before choking her with the other. The young tactician applied enough force on to make the archer unconscious for who knows how long. She then gently laid down the young woman on the foot of a tree before gazing at her with peruse eyes.

Judging at the utter lack of caution that the archer had, the young tactician surmised that she just recently joined the army, in other words, a recruit. Plus, the young woman before her was also wearing an arm bracer and a tab to protect her drawing hand. If she were a veteran, she would not need those since years of training would make the index, middle, and ring fingers of the drawing hand to form thick callouses.

"Please forgive me …" uttered Arya as she began taking the archer's bow and quiver. She removed the young woman's sleeved black cloak and grey scarf before fastening them on her shoulders and then removing the arm bracer and tab. After a few adjustments with the black cloak, making sure that it hid her travelling clothes and rapier and dagger well, the young tactician slung the bow and quiver and then fastened the arm bracer on her left hand before slipping the tab on her right fingers.

The young tactician knew she had no way of approaching the battlefield since the Hoshidan royal siblings assumed she already left. Walking there blindly, even with Kaze vouching for her, would pretty much ruin any chance she had at saving her friend. Perhaps, planting herself in to the opposing army would was a risky choice though as far as she was concerned, beggars can't be choosers.

"You're going to disguise yourself as an Outlaw?" she then heard someone familiar said in surprise behind her. Frowning, Arya gazed at the young woman, who did not appear to be a part of a brigand, once more before turning back to face Kaze.

"Uhh … Yes …?" the young tactician replied with uncertainty and a shrug as she faced him … since she was not sure if that was what they use to refer to Nohrian archers. She knew well enough that she was still 'the fish out water' in this land. Her few days stay in Castle Shirasagi had given her some information in this land though she had considered a little bit of it was somewhat biased since she had not known the other country, Nohr, without the depiction of 'evil'.

Kaze noticed her tone though he chose not to speak out his thoughts since war was almost upon the grassy plains not far. Sighing, the shinobi looked at her in the eyes. "Miss Arya, you do know well enough that this is a risky plan, right?" he said with concern.

The young tactician simply smiled affably. Deep inside, she was not sure if she was being brave or simply a coward trying to be one. "I know that was why … I have to take some 'certain' measures." she replied as she picked her dark green cloak that was lying on the grassy ground. The shinobi gaped as she pulled her dagger then began cutting a long horizontal piece. She then kneeled in front of the archer, binding the archer's wrist and gagged her mouth as well.

"Do you have a vulnerary with you?" she then asked as she stood up slowly.

The shinobi frowned in confusion though he still presented Arya one vial of vulnerary from his inner pocket. "What are you going to use it for?" he asked with evident uncertainty as he clutched it in his right hand.

"For one of my … acts." answered Arya, rubbing the back of her head with a nervous smile. She then began furling her right sleeve up to her elbow. And without a word of warning, she made a quick cut on her forearm. She heard Kaze utter something in shock though she decided not to address it as she pressed her dark green cloak to the deep cut, soaking it in blood. Steeling herself was not an easy task for she had to bite down any urge to yelp in pain. Feeling that it had an ample amount of stain as the blood quickly spread in the cloth, she slowly removed her hand to reach for the vulnerary. And thankfully, the shinobi gave it fast enough uncorked. She drank it down like a thirsty person who had been deprived of water for days.

"Thanks …" the young tactician said as she dropped the emptied vial. She took a couple of breaths for a while before removing her blood stained cloak slowly. She could not help gazing at the cut she made moments ago, expecting that it had not close enough since vulneraries do not heal deep wounds most of the time, though what was left of the wound left her gaping as she lifted her gaze to Kaze.

"You gave me an … elixir …"

The shinobi did not say anything for a while as he shifted his gaze away from her. It seemed he knew what she was about to say. Elixirs were pretty much rare since its manufacturing takes more than a year for the potion to 'age'. Because of that, its price were greater than that of a vulneraries' fivefold.

"I will not report your presence to Lord Ryoma. And whatever you're planning, I'll help in any way I can." he said after a while as he turned his back to her steely. "To be careful in the battlefield, Miss Arya …" he continued before running of as quickly as he came.

The young tactician watched in silence as Kaze disappeared in the distance. She never had the chance to her thank him. The elixir he gave healed the cut she made completely, leaving a fresh pink scar. She had to admit though that she made him tread dangerous waters now, and she hoped that would not endanger him as someone loyal to Hoshido. Rubbing the back of her head, she then gave the unconscious archer a quick glance.

"Prithee, Mother Earth and Father Sky, protect and guidest the stranger whenas trouble befall hither." she uttered in the 'elder language', praying for the young woman's safety despite not knowing her, before approaching Roland and untying his reigns.

"I'm letting you free, my friend." she said with a sigh as she began stroking her horse's neck. "But don't stray too far for I might need you …"

With a deep breath, the young tactician ran towards the Nohrian archers in a hurry, hoping that her blood stained cloak would be an effective evidence that the 'spy' was taken down and that she need not to talk for it might gave away that she was not the young woman whom the leader sent to investigate.

- o - o - o –

Thinking back, it seemed that her luck did turn out well. By the time ambush troop saw her, Arya immediately threw her blood stained cloak on the ground then faked a pant as to appear she had struggled to beat an enemy. The leader did not say anything as approached her then picked up the blood stained cloak inspecting it. She had expected this that was why she stabbed the cloak earlier when she was but a few steps away from them. Most of the Nohrian archers gave her an approving nod after the leader made a remark, appreciating her for 'ending the spy'.

As the ambush troop crouched behind a scattered outcrop covered with tall grasses, the young tactician noticed that they were at an ample distance wherein they could make out the rear of the Hoshidan army composed of Diviner, Shinobi and Shrine Maiden troops. She then gazed at the leader who was staring at the opposing army with detest. Even though he made no hand signal to ambush the troops positioned at the rear, it was palpable to Arya that the Nohrian archers were waiting for the right time to launch a preemptive strike.

Recalling the written summary of the plan of Ryoma and Yukimura, the Arya could not help wondering if the Nohrian army would do an envelopment maneuver as well since they would need to counter pinning attacks and that they had an ambush troop (which she was currently blending in) on ready. Her majesty, Queen Mikoto, said that knowing what was written in the paper (which she pilfered earlier from Ryoma) would help her. She did not know in what way though …

The young tactician then sighed and gazed at her stolen bow. Despite her skills in knife throwing (a hobby she picked up in Ilia), she knew well enough that she had no formal training in archery whatsoever. She could only hope that her grip strength did not wane and that it was enough to pull the bow string to nock an arrow, hoping that it would land several yards away when she released it. Well, she did watch Rebecca, Wil, Rath, Geitz and Lady Louise during her apprentice days and hope that copying their form would not give away her identity just in case the Nohrian ambush troop attack.

000

The dark overcast sky above the jagged cliffs was, needless to say, an evident contrast to the unclouded blue sky that hung above the sprawling grassy plains below. And as far as the young prince could tell, those skies definitely mirrored the two opposing armies that were about to face each other on the plains: one side was standing under the banner of darkness while the other was waving the banner of light. As the Hoshidan army arrived on the western plains, a distinct high pitched sound of a horn filled the air announcing their arrival. Its enemy, the Nohrian army, in turn sounded their familiar deep pitched horn as they stopped on the grassy field with the sharp cliffs just meters behind them.

Corrin could feel the cold sweat on his palms as he gripped Yato's leather hilt firmly. Fear somehow crept upon his chest, just like the time he stood with Gunter and Felicia at the Castle Krakenburg's arena during his 'test' before King Garon and his adoptive siblings. However, that 'fear' felt more like a warning as he stood with the Hoshidan army. He could not help but wonder if his adoptive siblings: Xander, Camilla, Leo and Elise were there somewhere in the Nohrian army as well as his friends back on his other home. Gritting his teeth, he could not bear the notion of killing them, or his blood family: Ryoma, Hinoka, Takumi and Elise.

As his mother's death and the lying lifeless bodies of the civilians in the Shirasagi Castle Town's plaza flashed before his eyes, the young prince did not want to lose another family member and watch helplessly as innocents die again. He knew that the only way to do that was to stop this hate that had been going on for decades. That was why, despite his grieving heart and guilt, he decided to follow his Hoshidan siblings to the border despite their refusal. Enough blood has been spilt … and if he could somehow avert total war, nobody needs to suffer anymore.

"There must be another way." he muttered as he kept his firm gaze. Even though he and Azura was positioned at the rear together with the Ninja troop, he could still see the Nohrian army from the distance. He could tell that the Knight troop were positioned at the center while Cavalier troops were situated at each flank. Was it because of his dragon blood that he was able to recognize them even from afar?

The young prince was no strategist or tactician, though he knew well enough that Nohr had greater defensive capabilities and right timed counterattacks. Well, this was drilled in his head by some of his private tutors and also by his adoptive little brother in the matters of warfare. During his time in the Northern Fortress, he was trained to as a soldier and also as a leader by Gunter by doing military exercises with some of the knights tasked to protect him. He was not adept in the matters of military though he did learn a little bit of everything in his geography since this tackles everything that was under the sun. And if could use that knowledge on the matters of human geography somehow, he could make his way to Ryoma in the frontlines and convince him lay down his sword. If there was he learned in the matters of negotiation, a valid premise (be it political, economic and the like) and a bit wordplay must be needed.

Corrin was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost jerked in shock when somebody wrapped a hand on his wrist. "Azura," he said with a sigh as he turned his gaze immediately to whom it belonged to. "Is something wrong?" he then continued as he noticed that she was looking at him with evident concern.

"No … I should be the one asking that, Corrin." she replied with her gentle voice, forcing a smile, though her eyes were very much clouded with worry. The young prince was silent for a while, turning his gaze on the grassy ground, before speaking out as he lifted his head slowly.

"Surely … the answer is not more bloodshed." he said, voicing out his thoughts in a tone that only she could hear. For some reason, he felt comfortable with Azura as if he had known her for a long time. The first time they met on the lake beside Castle Shirasagi felt like that was not the 'first', but rather a 'reunion' of sorts.

The songstress then gripped his wrist tightly, her concern still palpable. "Corrin … I want you to promise me one thing." she said. The young prince furrowed his eyebrows at her words though he chose not speak. "If you become embroiled in a fight, promise me that you will not give yourself up to rage." she continued as she now clasped both of his hands. "Your dragon blood could take over again … and if you yield completely to the dragon, you may lose your humanity altogether."

"I promise … I will not give myself up. You already risked your life to help calm my dragon form." replied Corrin with an empathetic smile, looking at her in the eyes reassuringly before nodding. "Thank you, Azura." he continued, slipping his hands away gently from hers, before returning his gaze ahead once again. Despite getting acquainted for just a few days, she had done too much for him. He silently hoped that he can repay the favor to her someday.

"FOR SO LONG, OUR FOREFATHERS LAID DOWN THERE LIVES TO PROTECT THE LAND WE CALL HOME," the young prince then heard a familiar voice whose tone was like that of a thunder after a lightning which snapped him out of his thoughts. It was Ryoma, the new ruler of Hoshido, pacing in front of the frontlines encouraging the Hoshidan soldiers before him.

"I MAY BE YOUR KING BUT WE ALL STAND AT THIS BATTLEFIELD AS BROTHER AND SISTERS IN ARMS." His eldest brother continued. Corrin then noticed that the soldiers around him, veteran and recruits alike, were gazing at him in admiration for his bravery and humbleness as they stood firmly with weapons at ready in their hands.

"LET US FIGHT TOGETHER FOR OUR HOME! FOR HOSHIDO!"

The Hoshidan army roared as they charged forward to the opposing army before them with Ryoma taking the lead. The young prince gave Azura a glance and a nod before charging forward together with them. He hated bloodshed more than anything but his 'test' back then in the Castle Krakenburg, the forced attack he led back at the fort in the Bottomless Canyon, and the rescue mission in the snowy hills days ago taught him one thing: war is unforgiving. Even though a part of him was still ruled by his emotion, he had to steel himself for what was to come.

000

It has begun, the war with which might be the turning point of this world's history. Using a spyglass, the young tactician watched in silence and with analysis how each troops moved on both armies. As the Hoshidan army advanced, the Samurai troop, with Ryoma on the lead, charged with katana's drawn out of their scabbards towards the Cavalier troop situated at the right. And beside them were Sky Knight troop ready to secure the envelopment of the right flank and also to protect the Shrine Maiden troop following behind.

Arya did not know 'exactly' what the young king and his advisor's plan was though she could pretty much guess that the Samurai troop would be the one to bear the brunt of holding the attack of the center flank as the Knight troop, with their thick and heavy armors, began advancing to their position. But that was not to say that this endeavor was in vain since Sky Knight troop, armed with lances, might tip the scales for the right Cavalier troop were mostly armed with swords and if timed correctly, they could attack the Cleric troop (if that was how the healers were called on the opposing side). Well, her tours with Corrin around the Castle Shirasagi and some conversations she had with Hinoka and Sakura those past days provided her knowledge of the names of each military unit in this land. Though, truth be told, she only knew a few from either sides, Hoshido and Nohr, despite her sharp memory.

"Hey you," the leader of the Nohrian archers, no, Outlaws said as he touched the young tactician's right shoulder, looking at her sternly. Arya tried to steel herself, swallowing the panic that was threatening to engulf her, with an affable smile. Sure enough, it was very much hidden by the grey scarf she stole though she could pretty much lie head on without batting her eyes to other direction. "How's the situation there?"

"The Samurais and Sky Knights began marching towards the right flank of our army, sir." she then replied with a firm salute, like that of a soldier. She was no stranger to this kind of act since she already exposed from military life at the age of 16 when she became a disciple strategist. And surely enough, giving a daily report and writing one began to be a part of her life since then.

"Good." the leader said with a nod before removing his hand. Though, he did gave her a side glance before resuming his gaze at the battling armies not far. Pursing her lips, Arya wondered if this was some kind of test from the leader whether to confirm if she was a Nohrian. It seemed that the threat of Hoshidan spies managing to sneak themselves in this ambush troop was not far off from his mind yet despite her act. Well, she did look like a Nohrian so the risk of being discovered was lowered. Though, they were other factors that might give her away such as her voice and accent, the color of her irises that might be different from the young woman she left unconscious, and of the bond that this troops had with each other.

The young tactician safely assumed that seeing how none troop called her by the name of the recruit she left back there unconscious seemed that they were not that close. She knew well enough from her discipleship that recruits were often times ignored by the experienced. That was why making a name for oneself or to be recognized was a difficult task. The color of her irises did not appear to be one of the factors as the leader made no reaction as he gazed at her. May be she had the same color as that of the archer's? Or maybe the leader had trouble seeing at near people and objects? Her accent, however, did seem to be the case that might gave herself away, but then again, the leader made no reaction as he heard her speak. The young tactician heard that recruit archer he sent speak and she certainly did not have the same accent as hers. Her grey scarf was somewhat making her voice a sound a little bit muffled so maybe he had not heard her well enough to make a distinction. Or maybe he had myopia and slight terrible hearing? Well, he did looked older than Marcus and Wallace and the fact that he crease his eyebrows a lot when gazing to a nearby person or object … could be a proof to that, maybe.

Arya could come up with other possibilities though she would not rather dwell on that right now as she sat in a crouched position behind one of the boulders, watching silently with a spyglass lent by the leader beside her. The Nohrian ambush troop had their eyes glued to the battle that none of them even bother to look.

"Sir, the Wyvern Riders and the Cavaliers at the left are beginning to move." one of the Outlaws assigned to monitor the battle through a spyglass said.

"Good." the leader replied with nod. "Keep on watching our army's left flank." he then ordered before turning back his gaze to the battle. "If we timed our ambush correctly just as Prince Leo commanded us to, we can reclaim this piece of land from those selfish Hoshidan mucks."

Alarmed, Arya shifted her gaze to him as she lowered her spyglass. It seemed that racism run deep in this world as well, just like how in Elibe wherein some Lycians view Sacaean Nomads as 'uncivilized'. Though what bothered her mostly was the word 'reclaim'. It seemed that this land had a history she had yet to know.

"What are you looking at?!" she then heard a man barked from behind, making her flinch in fear. "Keep your eyes on the battlefield, recruit."

"Y – Yes, sir." the young tactician replied with a panicky tone and salute before lifting the spyglass in front of her right eye, resuming her former pose.

Need to keep my eyes peeled or else …, she thought, while ignoring the leader's sharp looks out on the corner of her eye, as she gazed to the distance with a spyglass. Sure enough, the troops at the center and right flank were now locked in battle. She then shifted her spyglass to the left, watching with peruse eyes how the encirclement would be done. The Oni Savage and Spear Fighter troops had not made a move yet, though judging from the way their weapons were at ready as they stood at the other side of the wide bridge on a river cutting a semi – circle at the left side of the plains, it seemed that they were luring the Wyvern Riders and the Cavaliers at the left flank who were mostly armed with lances.

Arya assessed that the Hoshidan army's left flank and their position in that fixed terrain may be an advantage if they manage to thin the Nohrian army's and force them to retreat though what deeply bothered her was that the Diviner troop's position. They were situated behind the Oni Savage and Spear Fighter troops. The Hoshidan army had Archers in their troops which was situated in the middle, in front of the Shinobi and Cleric troops.

Creasing her eyebrows, it seemed that there was a flaw in Ryoma and Yukimura's strategy. She wondered if the General assigned to lead the left or rear flank had noticed this. If that was the case, he or she would have begun changing the positions of the Diviner and Archer troops.

As the Nohrian army and Hoshidan army's left flank were now locked in to combat, it seemed to the young tactician that the change would not be done or even be noticed. An eminent defeat of the latter was beginning to foreshadow itself to Arya as she lowered her spyglass, biting her lower lip.

"Sir, the Ninja troop are beginning to disperse on the rear." the same Outlaw assigned to monitor battle with a spyglass announced.

The young tactician shifted her gazed at the leader who had an evident prideful grin on his face as he heard this. He then stood, looking at his fellow Outlaws with confidence. "On my signal, prepare to ambush." he said.

000

Even though the Nohrian army had not penetrated yet the center of the Hoshidan army despite both of their flanks were locked in combat, Corrin wondered why Saizo commanded the Ninja troop to disperse. Some facing the front while the others were to the back. May be this had something to do with Kaze's report earlier to Ryoma and Yukimura earlier? If he remembered correctly, the latter said something to Saizo since he was the assigned General of the Ninja troop.

The young prince looked around with Yato in hand, its sharp tip ready to attack or block any opponent that may had managed to slip from the Oni Savages and Spear Fighters in front. Azura had her naginata at ready as well beside him while she stood facing the back along with other Ninjas.

He then took a deep breath as he gripped his sword's hilt, trying to suppress that part of him baying for blood. Gunter once said that the some people on the southern part of Nohr had adapted something from the Hoshidans called 'meditating'. He said that this practice strengthen one's psyche by being calm and peaceful by connecting oneself to his or her mind. Corrin did not know how it was done though he might as well apply its principle to think clearly. After all, he promised not to give himself up for he ever lose control of himself and swallowed by his dragon form, it ruin any chance he had at stopping this war.

The young prince was snapped out of his thoughts as a Cavalier came rushing with his lance pointed. Corrin rolled quickly to the right, avoiding the sharp blade that was ready to impale him in the chest. He then slashed his Yato at the left fetlock of the Cavalier's horse. He backed away quickly as the animal reared up, neighing in pain, as it dropped its rider on the ground.

And with a gritted teeth, the young prince stabbed the rider in the right part of his chest before he could regain his weapon and footing.

This was not his first kill, he knew that well enough. Corrin had already stained his hands with blood way back when his battle skills and loyalty was tested by his adoptive father, King Garon. Pulling Yato away from the Cavalier's chest, he swished its blade as to remove the blood. With a deep breath, he looked around for any opponent.

He had to do this, he had to.

More Nohrian Cavaliers came following swinging their lances to those that stood in their way. As more blood were being spilled, the young prince rushed quickly with his sword at ready and his offhand (the hand that does not carry the sword) folded in front of his chest. If a bard was here, he or she would describe this moment akin to a painter's magnum opus. As Corrin's opponents tried to impale or slash him, he always managed to dodge them and redirect some of their attacks toward each other. He was like a falling bamboo leaf in which they were desperately trying to attack.

True enough, lances best sword in principle though one who wields sword could somehow break this by being the stronger one.

Despite being somewhat idle during his stay in Hoshido, Corrin had not abandon his training. Those past nights filled of unrest and uncertainty before the tragedy, he had always turned his thoughts in sharpening his swordplay. And for some reason, he always felt calm whenever he recollect his thoughts that he could not speak out to his Hoshidan siblings, his tactician friend and Azura.

It was evident that the battle exhausted the young prince as he stood gasping for breath. He then wiped the blood splatter on his left cheek with the back of his right hand before gazing it. His hands shook in guilt as he shifted his gaze from his hand to those Cavaliers lying lifelessly before him.

This war … is this the right decision Father? he thought as he gazed at the fallen soldiers around him. Was King Garon feeling guilty about this? If his mother, Queeen Mikoto, was alive, what would she do?

Is war nothing but a means to an end itself?

"CORRIN, LOOK OUT!" a familiar voice screamed not far, snapping him out of his thoughts. Lifting his head, his eyes gaped in surprise as an arrow whizzed past his left ear, missing it by a few inches. Looking behind, the young prince saw black cloaked men emerged from behind the rocky outcrop not far from them. They had their arrows nocked on bowstring, shooting at will as they rushed towards the Hoshidan army's rear.

"You have to stay focused!" Azura, the one warned him earlier, said as she ran to his side. Clenching his hand, Corrin cursed himself for getting lost in his thoughts. He then closed his eyes for a while, steeling his nerves. Gazing at the songstress, he gave her a quick nod before readying Yato to the incoming opponent he had to face.

"GATHER UP!" he then heard Saizo commanded, raising his kodachi before pointing it towards the Outlaws. As quickly as they dispersed earlier, the Ninjas gathered to where their General was with their weapons drawn. They then rushed towards the Nohrian archers, throwing them off – guard with their sharp shurikens before slashing their blades to their opponents. Despite this, some Outlaws managed to slip from them as they dashed quickly on the side while trying to avoid the sharp blade of the kodachis that were threatening to cut their throats.

"They're coming …" the young prince uttered. With his quick reflexes, he had managed to avoid an arrow that was aimed at him. He then rushed towards his attacker, closing the distance between them before impaling him in the chest with Yato's sharp point. Looking around, he saw Azura took one out as well as he saw her withdrawing her naginata, its spearhead stained with blood.

This can't go on forever … Corrin thought as he gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. He could feel the dragon inside him baying for blood strengthen its resolve to take over. The beast inside him was sensing what he was seeing right now: hate, indifference, and losing vitality. It was feeding his desire to stop this, though it wanted to do it with chaos.

No, he swore he would not be taken over. He had to be himself for this. Enough life had been lost …

With a gritted teeth, he steadied himself as he parried an incoming attack from behind. As his opponent backed away, the young prince knocked his opponent in the head using the pommel of his sword. Turning his back, he rushed towards the frontlines. To where Ryoma was.

"Where are you going?!" Azura screamed from behind though he did not dare look back or answered. Corrin had his gaze fixed in front and his feet only going forward. If he had to stop this war, he had to face his big brother himself. Or even his adoptive big brother, Xander, if he was the commander of the invading Nohrian army.

He would end this in his way.

"Foolish child. Do you think that you can stop this war?"

A deep voice then growled in his ears, stopping him in his tracks. Gazing around, it seemed that none had heard this as all soldiers were locked in combat. No means were known which call so much into action such as a great war. The young prince felt that the time slowed down as a familiar fear crept in his chest once again. He felt this back then when he incited King Garon's anger, though this time it was greater. Gazing at his offhand shivering uncontrollably, he gritted his teeth as he steeled himself.

"I should have killed you a long time ago …"

Lifting his gaze, Corrin gaped in surprise as a Hoshidan soldier swung his katana. Thankfully, he was able to back away quickly in time before getting killed though it did not leave him unscathed. The man managed to slice of his offhand's arm bracer, leaving a vertical cut that runs from the back of his hand down to his elbow. He knew well enough that the Samurais were situated in the frontlines and it was truly a mystery as to why he …

"Wh – Who are you?" the young prince said, biting the pain of his wound, as he pointed his Yato to him. The man did not answer but instead gave him a wicked smile. Corrin almost flinched in fear as the man lifted his head, gazing at him with his eerie purple eyes as if the dried blood that was all over his throat and torso were none.

"What on earth …"

The Hoshidan soldier quickly rushed to him, striking his katana which was a bit rusty (now that he had a closer look to it). The young prince parried his attacker's blade but as he tried to strike back, he was prevented from doing so as the man moved quickly as though he was all over the place while slashing his katana. As minutes passed, the continued attacks were getting heavier. Corrin could almost feel the fatigue threatening to encumber him. True, he was in no condition to fight to begin with. He was still weak due to his dragon form that seemed to had taken a toll on him. His little sister, Sakura, had given him a painkiller which had numbed his senses for a while though it was evident enough that it was not meant to last long. As his legs were beginning to felt like lead, he was forced to stay on a defensive stance … just like when he used to do back then in the Northern Fortress whenever he spar with Xander who always liked switched to maneuvers that focuses on attacks.

Deep inside, the dragon was tempting Corrin to give himself up. True enough, the Hoshidan soldier seemed far stronger than him and if became a dragon, there was a chance that he could …

No, I will not do it!

An arrow then whizzed past above the young prince's head, shocking the Hoshidan soldier. It did not hit the man though this moment of distraction was an opportunity to Corrin as he gripped Yato firmly in his hand and quickly slashing his torso with its sharp edge. Backing away slowly, the Hoshidan soldier grunted in pain as he pressed his hand on his deep wound. There was no blood gushing out of it, which deeply troubled the young prince, though it was evident enough that his attack made a serious damage to him.

Corrin panted heavily as he tried to steady his feet, readying his sword once again. His opponent did nothing though … instead the Hoshidan soldier fell lifelessly on the blood – soaked grass. His irises no longer had that eerie purple glow.

Biting his fatigue, the young prince tried to take a step but before he could do so an Outlaw was standing in front of him who had an arrow nocked on his or her bow.

He tried to raise his Yato to the Outlaw despite his hands feeling like he was lifting lead. But his futile attempt was all but gone as a painful blow on his solar plexus was beginning to make him unconscious. Either it was his fatigue that he was not able to react in time or that the Nohrian archer was fast enough, he did not know what the reason was.

As his sight were beginning to blur while as he gazed at the Outlaw, familiar icy blue eyes were gazing at him as he fell ... slowly giving himself up to unconsciousness once again.

000

A/N:

Depending on how this fanfic goes, I may change the rating to M for the "gore" in battle scenes. As usual, criticisms are welcome. It's a part of the learning process to improve ones' skill.

Quotes and References used:

* On War by Carl von Clausewitz (Definition of War)

* The Map of Life by W.E.H. Lecky (1899)

Glossary:

* Solar Plexus - the part of the abdomen including the stomach that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a blow to the body wall in front of it. (Try not to get hit in this area of your body for there's a huge possibility you'll faint.)