Concealed within a patch of Nohr is a small village. (Y/N) a dark mage was born here. Her mother is a fighter and her father a mercenary; both are kind, strong, and courageous leaders of (v/n). Through persistent combat practice and studying their daughter finally became a sorcerer. They bestowed the title of leader to (Y/N). Parting ways on good terms her parents wanted to go explore the world. (Y/N) promised to take care of everyone.

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The (v/n) village is a famous place in Nohr that has outstanding training grounds and facilities. So, when the woman decided to rebel, King Garon sent waves of troops to attack. "It's the only suitable punishment for such blunt betrayal." Also, Garon thought (v/n) was a valuable territory to gain back. In fact, it is a vital resource that would guarantee his success against Hoshido.

Why did the sorcerer refuse to obey the king's commands, you ask?

(Y/N) remembered words often uttered to her as a child. 'You may be ruthless in battle but a good human cherishes life and honor too.'

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When Corrin's army marched into Nohr and stumbled upon (v/n), (Y/N) was surprised but excited. Quickly the sorcerer joined his band, wanting peace between Nohr and Hoshido. Corrin granted the mage access to his castle hidden in the astral plane. She was allowed to visit anytime. Frequently (Y/N) stopped by and was warmly accepted into Corrin's group.

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The young prince advised that it would be a wise strategy for (Y/N) to be stationed at (v/n) to defend it. The woman agreed adding, "My people and I know every road and veiled valley. Nobody can ambush us. And, there are twenty. Perfect for movement, raids, or scouting."

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Presently, (Y/N) was in a battle at Corrin's stronghold. It was under siege. Split into small groups on each side, they all fought shadowy, spectral adversaries. Casting spells from tomes (Y/N) effortlessly defeated many foes. The prince's army swiftly counterattacked the strange soldiers. Few enemies remained.

An archer prepared an arrow and the woman saw them aim at one of Corrin's friends.

The metal point flickered brightly in sunlight as it shot through the sky.

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"Watch out!" (Y/N) shouted. Opening a blue tome she summoned a powerful whirlwind. Sharp gusts intersected the arrow's path. It landed in earth instead of flesh. After all challengers were routed (Y/N) ran up to Kiragi. Concern bled onto her features.

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"Are you okay?!" She glanced at the limping soldier. Turning around he gave a brilliant stunning smile. "Thanks (Y/N)! You saved my life! I usually have awesome reflexes –and sight. But, I couldn't move in time. My injuries weighed me down."

"Let's get you to Sakura right away!"

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"You should've seen it dad! (Y/N) was amazing!" Kiragi glowed in delight as he retold the story. Takumi, Corrin, Sakura, Kaze, Silas, Jakob, and others listened to him. "Her magic is so, so, so awesome! And she's fearless! So cool!"

"I'm just glad you're safe Kiragi." (Y/N) interjected.

Rinkah crossed her arms, a common habit whenever she started fuming. "You could've died Kiragi! That was very reckless to continue fighting with such wounds. I'm proud you inherited my fiery spirit but you should've run to Jakob to get healed!"

"S-Sorry mother."

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Takumi sighed. "I had my doubts about your loyalty, (Y/N). But I see that you care a lot about us. Did you know that enemy's arrow could've been lethal for Kiragi? You saved my son. I…I owe you."

"It's the least I can do. Corrin and the Hoshido army have treated me like family."

Sakura's staff glowed as the shrine maiden repaired and inspected injuries. "Even with my healing magic it may take a few days to recover. However, you'll be up on your feet again soon, Kiragi."

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Day began to wither into dusk. Surprisingly, not many people went to visit Kiragi in the medical station. Most seemed too busy to stay. A frown fractured the sorcerer's features. 'But he brightens up my day. I'll see how he's doing.'

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Entering the medical tent (Y/N) saw the archer on his bed. Restless, he tried brushing up on his studies. When he realized (Y/N) arrived, Kiragi's face bloomed. "What're you doing here?!"

Grabbing a seat the sorcerer answered, "Nobody should feel lonely. Besides, your expression tells me that you're bored."

Kiragi laughed. "Is it that obvious?"

(Y/N) nodded.

"Well I'm happy you wanted to visit me!" Tossing heavy books and scrolls aside he gathered a bunch of games in his arms. "Want to play some games?"

"Of course! How can I refuse?"

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After countless rounds of various games, (Y/N) looked at the archer's wounds. They were dressed in bandages yet she could tell the scars must feel infuriating. "How do you keep smiling through everything Kiragi? Those injuries must be really painful! I wish I could be as happy as you Kiragi!"

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"Oh? Why is that?" Confusion painted over his eyes.

"Because! You always mange to keep everyone's spirits up. Even in the gloomiest of situations. I…" (Y/N)'s smile was brighter than pearls in a crystal clear spring. "I really admire that!"

"Huh? Really?"

"Yes! And, no matter how many wounds you gain you never get sad or afraid. It's astonishing!"

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"Oh," the archer bashfully rubbed his neck. "It's nothing! I guess I'm just normally optimistic. But (Y/N), if everyone was like me, or really just the same, then nobody would be fun! You're super interesting!"

"Y-You think so Kiragi? Thanks, you're the best!"

"You know it!"

Stretching, (Y/N) stood and yawned. "I better get going."

"Promise to come back tomorrow?"

Who could honestly say no to that adorable face? "Sure! Goodnight Kiragi."

"Goodnight (Y/N)!"

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As the moon floated within a sea of stars, Kiragi's mind drifted to the Nohrian sorcerer.

Every time (Y/N)'s face appeared in his thoughts his beating heart was sent into a blissful frenzy. A rhythm that no musician could decipher but him. Kiragi wondered what that feeling was, unable to really grasp the meaning at first. It was new to the archer. 'Have I fallen in love?' The answer is yes, he has.

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Nobody captured Kiragi's attention more than (Y/N). She is so sweet, understanding, caring, and courageous. When those sweet feelings bloomed a bitter cold sparked within his gut. 'Am I in pain from my wounds?' No. It was icy chips of jealousy.

What if (Y/N) liked someone else?

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'That can't be. She said I'm the best.' Doubt revived powerfully, however. A few in Corrin's army seemed interested in her. Mozu, Kaze, even Silas. 'If they're with her all the time she'll forget about me!' Eyes met bow, which rested against the medical tent wall. Kiragi had an idea, and began to craft an unstoppable plan. He is, after all, the best hunter. Nothing can escape him.

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"Hey are you up?" (Y/N) arrived at the medical barracks at dawn. She tossed a peach at Kiragi. Catching it, he swiftly took a bite. "Thanks!"

"I saved some just for you. So, how are you doing?"

"He should be in perfect health in a few hours." Sakura answered. She, Corrin, Takumi, and Rinkah crowded the tent, checking up on Kiragi too.

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A permanent impressive smile was glued to the archer's face. "Yeah! Mind helping me study?"

"That's the first time I've heard you being excited about studying, Kiragi." Rinkah said. Sakura giggled and the royal family shared gleeful expressions; as if they knew a secret.

'Huh? Am I missing something?'

Takumi faintly grinned and glanced at his son as if saying, "Don't get into too much trouble." Before him, Rinkah, and Sakura left the hospital barracks.

'I don't understand…' (Y/N) thought.

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"Kiragi do you know what's going on?"

Flashing a disarming smile he said, "No. I have no idea." It wasn't like the archer told family and friends that you two are dating to scare potential rivals away. No, not the adorable, sweet, bright Kiragi.

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"Can you report to the strategy room after your visit? I'd like to discuss new tactics with you."

"Okay Corrin." (Y/N) nodded. "I'll be there in an hour."

"Very well." Patting Kiragi on the back, Corrin exited the tent.

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"Welcome!" Closing a book Corrin and (Y/N) exchanged friendly greetings. "I wanted to talk about some changes for (v/n)."

"Sure. What do you have in mind?"

"Garon is sending more reinforcements to try and capture your village again. I think it'd be best for you to be stationed there for an extended amount of time. I'll send some of my friends to stay with you."

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Corrin frowned. "Sorry. It must sound like I'm questioning your capabilities and strength."

"Not at all. Any help I can get I'll take. Besides," the woman sighed wistfully. "My small troop's injuries have been increasing. So much so that it's getting difficult to jump back into battle quickly."

"I understand. I'll gather anyone willing to travel with you, okay?"

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Outside, Kiragi listened closely. All ailments had been cured thanks to Sakura. Kaze and Saizo were busy with other tasks, so no one was guarding the strategy room. Concealed in shadows Kiragi waited until (Y/N) left the meeting. Then he bolted towards Corrin.

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The archer enthusiastically volunteered to be part of (Y/N)'s troop. Corrin chuckled. He thought Kiragi was absolutely adorable. 'How cute! He doesn't want to be away from (Y/N).' Takumi's son is very clever and sturdy. Of course Corrin agreed to let him travel with the others he's chosen for the journey.

Returning to (v/n), (Y/N) showed Orochi, Caeldori, Dwyer, and Kiragi around.

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Kiragi didn't seem to lack energy. The archer completed every task he could think of to help (Y/N). The camp was never low on food. The cooks were sick? Kiragi displayed brilliant cooking talent. Was there one man short guarding (v/n)? He instantly stepped up. Need an extra hand healing the injured? Done. Out of weapons and armor? Kiragi would run two towns over to find a smith.

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One night a half moon cast faint silver light upon earth. (Y/N) and Kiragi were the last at a small campfire. Eating roasted food she exclaimed, "This is delicious! I could eat this every day!"

"Awesome! I'm glad you enjoy it!"

"You do so much for everyone. It's okay to rest once and a while Kiragi."

"I don't need to. As long as I'm with you I never feel tired."

'Now that I think about it, Kiragi is always there more than anyone else. Not like that's a bad thing! But, I do wonder why…' (Y/N) shook her head. 'We're friends! Maybe I'm just tired and overthinking things.'

"And if I'm always by your side that means you don't need anyone else."

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"H-Huh?" Gazes locked, an icy, bone-chilling wind fell over her. Kiragi's orange eyes were eerily piercing through the sorcerer. (Y/N) instantly felt uncomfortable in the ominous silence. Suddenly his orbs renewed back into vibrant sunset hues. Kiragi chuckled. "It's just…you don't see me as annoying or strictly as a prince."

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Curling up the prince sighed and said, "Growing up everyone detested me going into the woods. They refused letting me hunt because it's dangerous. Joke's on them," Kiragi snorted. "I took that as a challenge. Anyway, since I met you I'm thrilled! I'm so happy someone appreciates me for who I am –and who I want to be."

At that moment (Y/N)'s heart melted.

'I had no idea that I'm Kiragi's only friend.'

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The archer is naturally friendly and optimistic. So, the sorcerer thought Kiragi had dozens of companions. "Well, I'm delighted to be there for you Kiragi. And I always will be."

The man's head snapped up and his eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?!"

"Of course!"

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Returning to her quarters (Y/N) saw Caeldori organizing storage. Dwyer began boiling water for tea.

"(Y/N). We must speak with you urgently." While placing every item in order Caeldori also listened for spies. In fact, a particular one held the woman's interest. Being very skilled an apt, Caeldori never missed a thing. Yet, she was unable to catch the intruder.

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"What's up?"

"There seems to be an enemy among us."

"Who? I don't think my village would betray me."

"No. None of them turned against you."

"Is the person hiding within (v/n)? Are they waiting for the perfect moment to strike?"

"I would've easily captured them but they seem to know many tricks to stealth. I know a person is here but I am unable to detect them."

"Still," Dwyer's weary voice interrupted. "Even if they are just quietly observing us they could relay information to Garon's forces."

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"Yes. This isn't good at all. I'll be on guard." (Y/N) said.

"They can't hide forever." Caeldori added. "I'm certain we'll capture the intruder."

"We'll do our best to protect you, (Y/N). Orochi, Caeldori, Kiragi, and I promised Lord Corrin to do so."

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In the morning (Y/N) stood within the training grounds. Bitter cold air stabbed the sorcerer's skin. The mystery of an invisible adversary in camp drained all of her focus. Carrying a tome she summoned powerful thunderbolts. All magic attacks missed their wooden targets. Sighing, the mage closed her eyes. 'Today is not my day is it?'

A scent of charred wood stabbed the woman's senses.

It wasn't from lightning striking the pillars.

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Dark smoke floated in the horizon. Dread dashed upon (Y/N)'s face. This is no accident. Someone started a giant fire in the woods just outside camp. Flames swept over every tree and created an ominously red and orange sunset sky. Fire surrounded (v/n) at every side.

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"(Y/N)! (Y/N)!" Orochi sprinted towards the startled woman. "A fire – it's spreading fast! What shall we do?!"

Grave seriousness glinted in (e/c) eyes. "You and Dwyer rescue everyone and get them to safety! Tell Caeldori to gather a group and put out the fires. If it's too risky, flee!"

"U-Understood! What about you?!"

"I'm going to the other side! There maybe people stranded!"

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Orochi was about to protest. Then, she snapped her jaw shut. Instead she said, "The fire is more intense that way. Be cautious of an enemy attack and be careful."

(Y/N) nodded. "I will."

A cluster of small cottages were now nothing but ruins.

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"No," she wailed. "This can't be!" Searching piles of ash, burning wood, and stone, (Y/N) found no one. Anger rippled through just as powerful as anguish. 'How can anyone do such a thing?!' Clutching her tomes close, (Y/N) promised to find the person who killed her friends.

'It must be the hidden enemy Caeldori told me about! They studied us so well that they adapted to Hoshidan and Nohrian tactics.'

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Surprisingly, the patch of forest she treaded in was clear of smoke. Flames flickered brightly as towering trees fell. Heavy smoke drifted up and away in the wind. 'Hopefully the others are doing better than I am.' Pausing mid-step (Y/N) heard leaves rustle and branches snap. Perhaps frightened animals were running from the disaster?

An arrow struck earth inches from her.

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Running through a field of ash (Y/N) tried to get out of the archer's range. Arrows sunk into ground; some landing just behind or ahead of her. Constantly changing direction (Y/N) started to feel frustrated. 'Are they leading me into a trap?' Equipping a tome she saw an arrow fly above.

Thunder turned the object into cinders.

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Pivoting on her heels the woman charged towards central (v/n). Buildings would provide better cover. However, sorcerer was not athletic like her opponent. A silver arrow stabbed (Y/N)'s leg and she instantly collapsed. Groaning in agony the woman struggled to crawl away.

Five more arrows pierced her legs.

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Screaming, blood trickled down from fresh wounds. Summoning all her strength (Y/N) tried to stand. Wobbly, her legs buckled beneath her again. They became weightless. The scars burned form extreme pain if (Y/N) moved even slightly. Warily looking around she saw someone darting from the world of endless fire.

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"Kiragi…it was…you?"

Light footsteps crushed brittle flora. The man laughed. "You're my finest catch yet, (Y/N). That's for sure!"

"Why?! Why did you kill my friends?! I thought we were allies!"

To (Y/N)'s horror, Kiragi looked genuinely confused.

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"What? Why should I feel anything towards people that keep your attention away from me?" A sweet smile replaced the archer's astonishment.

'Is he even aware that we're standing in the middle of a growing fire?!' (Y/N) thought in bewilderment. Glaring at Kiragi she watched him withdraw his bow.

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"I'm super smart huh?" He asked. "I started the fire to distract Caeldori, Orochi, and Dwyer. Also," Kiragi prodded an arrow stuck in (Y/N)'s leg. The girl flinched in response. "I knew I could outrun you if I needed to. Luckily I'm the best archer in the Hoshidan army, right?"

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Leaning down Kiragi cupped (Y/N)'s face lovingly. "Ah darling I couldn't just let you run away from me. Hmm? Why are you scared? I'm still the same happy Kiragi!"

Slapping his hand away (Y/N) ran only a few feet before falling.

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The archer followed, sympathy filling his soft gaze. "Don't move okay? The more you move the worse those wounds will become. Don't worry though. Your injuries aren't severe."

Refusing to sit still (Y/N) did her best to keep her distance from Kiragi.

"I'll carry you back. Just like you helped me when I was injured. You'll heal in no time, I promise!"

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"Stay…away…from me!" The sorcerer's hands were charging with purple energy. (Y/N) began chanting and summoning dark magic. "My spells are powerful. Back off."

Pausing, Kiragi smiled.

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Confidently the prince kept walking. He was unafraid of (Y/N)'s spells. "Hey. Hey. Don't do that."

"Stop!"

Kiragi's eerie smile never faded. Writhing purple sparks emitted from (Y/N)'s fingertips. The magic floated inches from the archer's skin. Yet, the archer didn't flinch. No fear. No hesitation.

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"You won't attack me. Not one of Corrin's allies. Not Takumi's son. If you do, everyone will think you're on Garon's side. Are you really going to ruin the trust you've built with our friends?"

Anger and shock flashed in (Y/N)'s eyes.

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"Don't get mad at me! Please?" Crestfallen emotion spilled through Kiragi's posture. "I just want you to accept my feelings! Now, we can be together forever. It's perfect, right?"

'If I fight back or protest…I lose either way.'

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"And after the war you can live with me in Hoshido!" Placing a hand on his heart Kiragi said, "You're the only one who understands me. I finally found a person that genuinely cares about my thoughts, feelings, and ambitions. You clear my doubts and cheer me up when I get sad. Now it's my turn to return the favor, (Y/N)."

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Holding the woman in his arms he sweetly kissed her. "I love you (Y/N)." Kiragi had been waiting a long time for this exact moment. He is going to cherish every second from now on and into the future. Effortlessly the archer carried her over his shoulder. "Let's get those wounds fixed, yeah?" Leaving a forest of tall flames Kiragi marched towards standing remains of (v/n).