It's meeeeeee!

Yeah so, seems like this is already getting attention, although I shoulda expected that, it is the sequel to a series that, while not crazy-popular, did gain some decent attention (by the way, go let me know if you liked the ending or not. I got a single review on that chapter, which… isn't that helpful. )

Anyway…

Hammerschlag: As glad as I am it paid off, I'd like the rest of these to take less time. Still, we'll have to see what happens next.

Talethicus: I honestly enjoyed Fates and I did kind of like Corrin, personally. But you know, opinions! No harm in feeling differently. It is funny, a lot of the things you seem to dislike are things I really did like. Bella won't be the "pilot" per se- but like my last story, this will mostly be focused on character interactions and the like. Although she'll get a lot more time in battle. That axe ain't just for looks.

But enough talk! Let's get this show on the road.

Chapter Two

Axe-Maiden

Bella was rather rudely nudged awake, and she nearly snatched at the foot on instinct, but her hands had been bound while she slept. Fair enough. She was technically a prisoner.

"Sit up so I can untie your hands." Rinkah said, annoyed. "You have to eat somehow." Bella grumbled, but obediently shifted.

She was handed a bowl of… rice? It was bland, but filling. Not the sort of food she was used to, but she could put up with it. The noble girl was stirring as well, beginning to awaken; but Bella contented herself with eating and listening.

"Nng…?" She murmured, clutching her aching head.

"Ah, you're awake…" Rinkah murmured, glancing at her. "Sorry about the bump on your head." She smirked oddly, and Bella's curiosity was baited further.

"You…! From the Flame Tribe right? Where… are we?"

Flame Tribe. More information to quietly file away.

"Yes, I am Rinkah. This is a Flame Tribe village, within Hoshido's territory. I'm going to hand you over to the Hoshidan authorities."

"I see…" The slender woman lowered her gaze, looking afraid, but… strangely accepting of her fate. "I suppose they will want an explanation of the unprovoked attack… And then probably execute me."

"Heh." Rinkah's smirk grew. "I don't think so."

Bella shifted uncomfortably, causing a board to creak. The noble girl's head snapped up, her gaze meeting Bella's.

"Ah… Your clothes… You are Nohrian, aren't you?" Corrin asked, puzzled.

"I am, milady." Bella smiled weakly. May as well be polite. "Belladonna Rocha, at your service. Or I would be, if I weren't a prisoner of sorts."

"A prisoner?" The white haired girl tilted her head quizzically. "Wait a moment- you were the woman at the border town…"

"Ah, you recognize me? Yes, I found your little party a bit suspicious. I was curious so I followed you and wound up getting trapped by the cliffs during the skirmish…" She shrugged. "It bit me, and whatever comes next, I'll just accept. All I have is information… And an axe, but Miss Rinkah has confiscated that.

Rinkah scowled. "...can barely even swing it…"

There was a sharp rap on the door, in a strange pattern.

"Gods… They're here already…?" The strange, pale noble girl stood.

Bella huffed and rose as well at Rinkah's nod, resting her fists on her hips.

"Yes. Time to go."

They were escorted across Hoshido. First, were low snowy mountains. It was much easier going though then the crags and bogs of Nohr. There, the small group of Hoshidan troops led them to a man with a short shock of dark green hair. He greeted the troops with a gesture, before approaching the white-haired girl directly.

"It's you…" She murmured, unsurprised. "Kaze, right?"

"Yes." Suddenly he knelt, surprising both the white-haired girl and Bella. "I'm glad we found you, Princess Corrin."

"Princess?" Bella blurted, startled. Corrin rubbed her head, confused by Kaze's words, and embarrassed by Belladonna's startled reaction.

"But- there are only…" Bella mumbled, baffled. There had been rumors, but none of them substantial and all of them more-or-less impossible to prove. She shook her head. Princess Corrin. This was shaping up to be the weirdest week of her life.

Bella was, at this point, practically just being forced to tag along. Although she had to admit, she was glad nobody had their weapons actively pointed at her, as they marched her just behind Corrin, who was led by Kaze and Rinkah in silence. Although she did note a few of the troops kept hands on their weapons.

In all fairness, she was taller and broader than all of them. She could probably fight off at least one or two bare-handed, but she really would rather not.

Rinkah had passed Belladonna's axe to a hapless soldier who was looking quite uncomfortable carrying the thing. Honestly, Bella was mildly amused that they kept it to begin with. It was pretty fancy, now that the dirt had been washed away, so perhaps they thought it a waste not to hold onto.

She was going to get a chance to use it sooner than she expected.

"How'd I get myself into this…" Bella grumbled, marching behind Rinkah. She had been "volunteered" to prove that she was not malicious towards Hoshido. She would fight alongside Corrin, Rinkah, Kaze, and she still couldn't believe it The High Prince of Hoshido, Ryoma. He was tall, almost as tall as she was, and she had to admit, it was fairly obvious just by looking at him that he was royalty. He was a bit stern, but he had offered Bella a chance to demonstrate her good intentions (or at least her lack of ill ones), and, not seeing many options, Bella had accepted the gracious offer.

Things were still really weird, however.

Also apparently Corrin was Hoshidan and had been kidnapped in her infancy? The idea was a bit wild- something out of a fairytale, but not necessarily impossible. Corrin seemed doubtful, but largely inclined to trust the Hoshidans, and Bella found that, while naive, Corrin seemed like a good person, so she decided to trust her. It wasn't like her opinion mattered.

Besides, Bella could catch on to the details later. Suddenly, Rinkah shoved her axe into her hands.

"Company." She growled, drawing her club.

"Faceless…" Bella spat, recognizing the large tracks in the dirt. She hated the wretched beasts. Loathed them. The lumbering Frankenstein's monsters, with only dark magic and hate driving them. There was no place in the world for abominations like those. She gripped her axe tight, searching the horizon for movement, ears peeled for the telltale growls and bellowing roars.

"Oh hell." She muttered. "There's a village ahead, isn't there?"

Kaze blinked. "...Yes?"

"That's where they'll be. The faceless are drawn towards two things. Dark, damp places… and life."

"...Oh no…"

They hurried, doubling their already swift pace. It wasn't long before the faceless were in view. Most of the villagers had been evacuated. Bella huffed, dragging her hand along the long handle of her battleaxe.

"Say the word. I'll tear them right in two…"

The Hoshidans exchanged a glance, startled by the bloodlust in Belladonna's voice.

"They're advancing on the village." Ryoma said, bluntly. "We need to cut them off, now."

Bella couldn't restrain herself. The Faceless would slaughter and destroy everything in the village, turning it into a ruin, killing everyone within. She needed to do what she could, or else more innocent blood would be spilled than she could stand.

The Hoshidan prince glanced at Bella, and started. Earlier, when he had first seen her, she had been passive and, for lack of a better word, docile. Now though, it was like a whole other person was inhabiting the woman.

"Go!" He ordered, sharply. "Protect the village and find my sisters!"

Bella charged. The first faceless she encountered was far bigger than her, certainly, and much stronger. But it wasn't nearly as quick as she could be. She effortlessly sidestepped a massive punch and whipped her axe down, cleaving the monster nearly in half, sending out a jet of its ink-dark blood. She wrenched her axe free of the Faceless and it burst into black magic smoke, its body beginning to disintegrate. Bella threw her head back with a war cry.

"Come!" She yelled, getting the Faceless' attention, luring them towards her and away from the village. "Come and face a real warrior! You want a bloodbath?!" She grinned viciously, running a hand over her axe. "...because here she is!"

"What the hell is that madwoman doing?" Rinkah growled, whirling her club as she rushed forward to deal a crippling blow to a monster's leg, laming it before finishing it with a fast strike to the head.

"Gods…" Kaze stared in shock. "She's absolutely gone berserk…"

Bella was however, not as mad as she seemed. In fact, most of her berserker act was that- an act. She grinned viciously as the Faceless lumbered towards her, moving at a slow, but steady lope. She backed off, letting them all advance, luring them away from the village.

"Come on, come on…" She grunted, trying to keep them far away so she wouldn't have to fight too many. Corrin and Ryoma were advancing towards a hill, and as Bella backstepped, she was joined by Kaze and Rinkah, who by now had caught on to her plan, and began harassing the pack, luring them away from the village and picking them off slowly.

"Ah, that's what she's doing." Kaze muttered dryly, hurling his shuriken out, further slowing and wounding the faceless.

"These things are stupid." Bella grunted, lashing out and felling one that had come too close. "I guess if someone controls them they're smarter, but…" The three fought hard, felling the foolish monsters one-by-one. Luckily, there weren't too many. It was a small pack that had simply wandered too close and noticed the village.

"We must get back to Lord Ryoma." Rinkah glanced over. There was a Sky knight fighting alongside them, but Corrin and Ryoma were outnumbered.

"Ugh…" Bella groaned. "This is turning pear-shaped already…" she swiftly dispatched a final faceless that had fallen when Kaze had wounded it's legs.

The three broke off from the fading pile of destroyed faceless, and Belladonna felt a prickle of pride. Maybe this would help the Hoshidans trust her more. She rushed in to help mop up the rest, and hopefully keep her on the good side of the people who held her life and freedom in their hands.

"But… The the Nohrians wouldn't send monsters to terrorize innocent people…" Corrin was aghast.

"Of course they would. They're pure evil." Hinoka, princess of Hoshido responded. Bella resisted a growl and just coughed uncomfortably. Hinoka winced a bit, a momentary look of guilt on her face, but it was gone fast, replaced with a steady glare.

Belladonna sighed. Better than nothing, she supposed.

"And who's this one? Your bodyguard, Corrin?" Hinoka studied Bella warily, but her curiosity overcame her obvious caution.

"No, she's…"

"Really unlucky?" Bella offered dryly. Corrin's expression wavered, clearly uncertain of how to react to that. "No, I only met Princess Corrin earlier today, milady… Well, more briefly before that but… I didn't even know she was a princess…" She shook her head. "I just have been… swept up?"

"Where does your loyalty stand?" The question was blunt, but the weight it carried was immense.

"...I haven't the slightest." She confessed weakly. "I've never felt loyal to Nohr, but I know nothing else. This-" She gestured to the slightly snowy hills. "...I've never seen anything like it." She sighed softly. "I'm at your mercy, sire." She admitted, bluntly, turning directly to Ryoma. "I've very little to offer you, and very little argument for anyone to trust me."

Ryoma stood, looking puzzled. It was odd, Bella thought, to be meeting someone who was just as tall as she. He was at a loss, and turned to his sisters.

"...Sakura? Hinoka? What do you two think?"

"Um, she… She seems… like a good person…" Sakura mumbled.

Hinoka shrugged. "I'll trust your judgement, big brother. She fights well, at least."

"Well, Belladonna," He turned to face her, expression kind, but stern. "I do not intend to have you harmed, of that you have my assurance. But you will be observed for the time being. You've made strides to prove your willingness to defend the villagers- that alone shows some strength of character. For now, I think I shall assign you as Corrin's guardian."

Bella bowed low. "T-thank you, milord." Relief flooded her. At least she wouldn't be locked up or outright executed...

Hoshido is peaceful, in spite of occasional Faceless raids. This place is… It's a lot warmer than Nohr. Drier too. It's nice here.

You actually get to see the sun on a regular basis.

I've been given some Hoshidan clothes to wear for the time being, which is wise; I stick out like a sore thumb in that dress of mine. These aren't quite my taste, but they are rather nice and loose enough to fit me well. I'm adjusting nicely, but I feel kind of annoyed without my old notebooks. I hate to admit it but I think I was really enjoying running a town, back in Nohr. Running numbers isn't as thrilling as brokering information, but it was safer. And surprisingly calming.

Lady Corrin is still reeling- not that I blame her. I can't imagine it- being raised by a family, and then learning you were born to another. At least all my family conflict has been very straightforward…

Poor girl. She's kind, but very naive. She must have been very sheltered.

Queen Mikoto and Prince Ryoma have been kind to me, and Princess Sakura too. Lady Hinoka is… suspicious of me, but she isn't unkind... But I'm fairly sure Prince Takumi loathes both Lady Corrin and I. I don't like him, but for now I must put up with it. He can hate me all he likes, but it's still the by the grace of his family that I'm comfortable and have any degree of freedom...

Lady Azura is- well, she's mysterious. She doesn't say a lot. She seems… really sad.

Still, it's not my business. Think I'll just keep my head down. I wish I had supplies to count again. At least that kept me occupied. Now though, I just follow Lady Corrin around. I have to admit, keeping track of something would be pretty nice. I never realized how calming organizing things could be.

My nerves are all a bit fried, but things might actually get better soon. I hope. As long as Queen Mikoto is alive at least a full-blown war will not be able to break out. A small mercy.

I wonder what's happening back in Nohr?

The sudden explosion caused a massive shockwave that knocked Bella off her feet, bruising her, but leaving her mostly unhurt. She groaned, sitting upright and using her axe to heft herself to her feet. She squeaked in shock. Where Corrin had once stood, there was a dragon. With a violent roar, the beast rammed its head into the hooded assailant, slaying him instantly. The square was in chaos, and Bella stumbled to her feet. She still didn't know what had happened. She drew her axe sharply, swiftly blocking a blade and swatting the man holding it aside.

"What's going on?!" She shouted, making her way towards Ryoma, away from the rampaging dragon. "What- Is that thing Corrin?!"

"The blood of dragons…" Ryoma said, face pale. "Corrin- All royalty of Hoshido and Nohr have it, but this…"

Bella stumbled, as Corrin reared up and slammed into the ground, turning on the figures that were now attacking. The dragon bellowed in rage, and charged, effortlessly tossing them about.

"She's going to be torn apart if she fights like that…!" Hinoka gasped, mounting her pegasus and spinning her naginata. "There's too many, even for a dragon!"

Bella groaned. "Oh this is just… Lovely." She cracked her shoulders and huffed, as the strange, cloaked attackers advanced. "Time to end this."

The battle was short and bloody. Bella wasn't as useful against these soldiers as she was the Faceless- she had fought off bandits before, but these men seemed trained and hardened. She still pulled her weight, but it was harder to handle a skilled swordsman than it was a lumbering, clumsy behemoth.

Belladonna Rocha was still a force to be reckoned with though- anyone who attempted to block or parry her axe swings were in for a nasty surprise, thanks to the sheer force behind her mighty swings. Swifter, more agile opponents gave her more trouble, and she had to be wary of anyone armed with magic or bows, but overall, her performance was serviceable. Nothing compared to the Hoshidan royal family however.

All that remained a problem was the wailing, feral dragon. She seemed panicked, out of control and afraid.

Bella felt her blood chill as it looked at her, and she stumbled back. "Oh Gods."

Corrin, fortunately, turned her gaze again, this time focusing on the advancing Azura. Bella felt herself tense, as the dragon hissed at the blue-haired songstress, uttering a menacing growl.

Bella watched, confused and concerned as Azura began to sing, causing the strange beast to hesitate, before suddenly, to Bella's horror, Corrin lashed out and knocked her to the ground, pinning her. It looked as if it were about to kill the girl, but Azura continued to sing, softly.

Corrin glowed, and the feral dragon began to shrink down, fading, until where a feral, raving dragon had loomed, was now a slender, gasping and shuddering girl. Bella heaved a sigh of relief, turning her gaze to the square. The relief was replaced with fear and worry. The place was ruined. Many innocent people were injured. Bella put up her blade, and began walking through the rubble, a feeling of helplessness in her gut.

She at times wished she could have been a healer. But alas, that hadn't been in the cards for her. For now, she contented herself with helping a young man whose mother had her leg pinned under some rubble. At least that was easy. The pair didn't speak to her, but they had a look of weak gratitude.

This was what war did, Bella realized grimly. She felt ill.

"Ugh…" She slumped against the destroyed fountain in the square. Now that the adrenaline had worn down, Bella was hit by a rush of exhaustion. She felt heavy, and tired.

Mikoto was dead, which meant the barrier had faded.

Which meant Nohr could invade Hoshido.

Which meant Nohr would invade Hoshido.

"Violence breeds violence…" She murmured, rubbing her head. "It only gets worse from here…"

Belladonna Rocha was many things. A warrior, a devious and quick thinker, secretly a bit of a romantic. But if there was one thing that she was not, it was patient.

And right now, Prince Takumi was testing her patience. It was only circumstance- and perhaps some slight pity that she felt for the boy, deprived of his mother so violently- that kept her in check- she could understand his anger and bitter vitriol. His mother had been brutally murdered, when she had shielded Corrin. Nohr must have been behind the attack, although Bella was still baffled as to how. Obviously he would be angry at Corrin; she would seem at least indirectly responsible. And his anger towards the nation of Nohr and King Garon specifically was even more justifiable.

But that didn't mean he had a reason to take out his anger on her. It was subtle, but the sheer disdain he held for the woman was palpable. Bella found herself sticking closer to Corrin more often, because Takumi's sheer presence was enough to put her on edge. ( His retainer wasn't particularly helpful either- the vicious glares she sent were enough to put a chill down Bella's spine).

She repeated a quiet mantra to soothe her nerves. It's not his fault or mine. She repeated the phrase to keep herself from letting anger take over. There was no point in letting his misdirected anger get to her. He was lashing out, and right now lashing back at him was just going to make it worse.

She trotted a short distance from Corrin, the ball of worry that had been growing in her gut becoming ever-more tumultuous. The Hoshidans were on the march to defend their land against Nohr. And this princess was right in the middle of it. The pale-haired girl looked utterly torn and conflicted- terrified.

"Princess…" She glanced at Corrin. "What are you going to do?"

"I…" Corrin looked aside, biting her lip. "I… I don't know… They- they're family. They all are. Even if its not blood…"

Bella nodded softly. "Mm. I don't feel good about this, no matter what happens." She admitted. "I should have stayed back in Nohr. I wouldn't have had to fight this…"

"Perhaps not." Corrin looked down. "But you know that you'd probably be involved… I'm just sorry it had to be so deeply."

"Heh." Bella chuckled softly. "I think the last thing you need to worry about is me, Princess. I'll be fine."

Bella realized that maybe she had spoken too soon.

Everything had gone to hell, with her, Corrin and Azura stuck right smack in the middle. Corrin had stood tall, and refused to take a side. Bella felt a sense of awe at the force of will the little princess had, but it had all begun to fall apart. It was their tiny group against two royal families- not just nobles but some of the most powerful fighters in both nations, as well as their guards.

And Bella just happened to be there. Right in the middle.

"You can still run, Bella…" Corrin said to her, sincerely, glancing around. "This isn't your fight."

She was tempted to. Sorely. But…

"...This is a bad option." She hefted her axe. "But so are the alternatives. Peace is your banner, little Princess? Well, count me in. I can't go back to Nohr, and I will never be accepted into Hoshido. So I'm with you."

Azura looked at the two armies that had them trapped. "We need to defeat Xander and Ryoma. It's the only way to get their attention long enough…"

"Oh, it's just that easy." Bella grumbled, as she readied her axe to strike down a hoshidan spearman who came too close. She never had the chance to swing though. He tumbled forward with a cry as a dagger thudded into his chest.

A good butler can do just about any kind of chore for their master or mistress perfectly, and so quickly that they still have time for leisure.

An excellent butler can do all that and also kill anyone who dared to raise their weapon against the one that they are sworn to serve.

"Ah, I'm so glad you're safe!" Bella recognized the man- he had been part of Corrin's escort in Nohr. "I'm here to help you, Milady."

"Jakob?!" Before Corrin could say another word, Jakob twirled a dagger from his belt and hurled it at another soldier who charged forward, felling him.

"I am a bit unclear as to which army we're fighting though." He said, casually retrieving the first blade he had thrown, cleaning it as he prepared to throw it again, waiting on Corrin's orders.

"Both of them." Bella uttered deadpan, as she spun her axe swiftly.

"Both armies?! Oh dear." The four quickly formed a tight circle, ready. "I suppose it matters not. Lady Corrin, your enemies are my enemies."

Bella was alive, but she had a feeling that wasn't going to last. She had been doing well enough, and her massive strength made cutting down and batting foes aside relatively simple. But now she was faced to someone who she was no match for and she instantly knew it when she realized who it was that she was facing against.

Camilla. High Princess of Nohr.

Belladonna swallowed, keeping her axe raised, as the woman's wyvern hissed at her, its long tail lashing slowly. Camilla had a cool, easy smile, but behind it there was an intense anger. She urged her mount gently, and he advanced, teeth bared as Camilla casually ran her fingertips across her axe.

"No one is going to stand between me and my darling little sister." She said, voice eerily gentle and silky, drawing her arm back, axe in hand. "Die now."

The wyvern lunged as Camilla swung her axe, and Bella jerked her own axe up to block it. The powerful blow knocked her on her back and she rolled swiftly to evade the slashing claws and snapping teeth of the wyvern above her. She jerked away from another bite, swiftly butting the wyvern in the mouth with the blunt pole of the weapon, causing it to rear back and howl angrily. Camilla huffed, soothing the beast before casually turning back to Belladonna, axe held in an almost casual manner. Camilla drew her arm back, for another brutal swing.

Bella rolled, as the axe thudded into the ground next to her, so hard she felt the impact from where she managed to finally scrabble to her feet.

"God's above…" she panted, wondering how she was still alive. It seemed like Princess Camilla was holding back. Toying with her. Bella swiped her axe, not expecting much out of it, and indeed, the wyvern merely slithered back a bit. Strange how such a bulky creature could move so elegantly.

I'm gonna die. Bella thought weakly, as the creature took to the air, circling to come in for a charge. She leapt aside, further propelled by a gust from the creatures wings as its powerful hind talons lashed out at her, barely missing.

Bella's adrenaline was running out. She was starting to flag and grow exhausted, as the wyvern spun in the air, this time aiming headfirst. What was it doing-?

Oh.

So apparently, wyverns breathing fire was not a rumor or legend, as she had been desperately hoping. It was in fact, very much reality.

A huge fireball was forming in its mouth. Bella had to move now or she was going to be cooked alive.

"Oh come on!" Bella groaned, tensing to leap aside again, when suddenly the wyvern leveled off, turning away.

"What the-?"

Corrin had managed to knock Xander from his horse. It was a strange sight- her free arm suddenly shifted, seeming to partially take on part of her dragon form- not entirely. It was a startling and frightening sight- her arm morphed and shifted into a long lance-like appendage. It had suddenly occurred while their blades clashed, and Xander had been caught totally by surprise, and been wounded. He stumbled back, retreating. The rest of the Nohr forces fell back, uncertain of what to do.

That only left Hoshido.

Camilla had been deadly, certainly, but at least Bella could try and actually fight back. Takumi was faster than Bella, and with the power of the Fujin Yumi, he could continuously fire at her without even hesitating- each magical arrow was as deadly as a real one, and taking a single hit would surely cripple her.

Again, she was outmatched, but perhaps not as starkly as before. If she could close the distance, or break his concentration to dissipate the Fujin Yumi's bowstring, then the tables would be turned. She wouldn't kill him, of course- that would defeat the purpose of all this- but she still needed to do her best to beat him.

"I knew we couldn't trust you, Nohrian scum!" He shouted, firing another arrow, which Bella quickly sidestepped. She had to keep on the approach and hope that he would stumble, but Takumi was nimble and much faster than her.

And he was much much angrier.

"Shut up already!" She barked, wincing as a stray shot hit her axehead with a loud ping. "Honestly, you'd think a royal could carry himself better than you!" She charged suddenly, hoping to startle him. Takumi jolted, and for a moment nearly lost his footing. It was barely enough. She managed to close the distance just in time- a second later and he would have buried a shot into her chest.

Belladonna didn't bother with her axe, and went in with her fist, lunging and slamming her weight forward, hoping to knock him to the ground and safely disarm him long enough for Corrin to best Ryoma. She hoped Azura and Jakob were alright- she didn't know them, but any ally in a time like this was sorely needed. Takumi swayed out of the way, trying to recover his balance and re-summon the Fujin Yumi's bowstring, cursing.

Bella lurched sideways to throw him off further, using one hand to balance herself and the other to swing her axe's haft at his legs. She couldn't slow or else she'd be dead. Any advantage she got she had to press. She whipped forward, and with a flat, open-palmed strike sent him to the dirt. She heaved for breath, quickly kicking the Yumi from his hands, sending it several feet away.

Takumi leapt to his feet, drawing a long knife from his belt, snarling angrily, backing off.

Oh hell. Bella backed away similarly. She could tell from his stance that while he wasn't nearly as skilled with the short blade as he was the bow, he knew what he was doing.

"Leave me be, Prince." She barked, keeping her axe ready. "I'm not in the mood for any more killing."

"You-!" Takumi bristled, rage in his eyes, but then they flickered upwards.

His shifting gaze made Bella pause, then dive. Hinoka suddenly swooped in, picking up her brother. Bella whined.

"How do people fight these?" She groaned, as the Sky knight wheeled in the sky.

"You're not alone this time." Azura rushed to Bella's side, Naginata at the ready. "We just need to distract them. Jakob is helping Corrin."

"Well…" Bella huffed. "I'm afraid… I'm not much use… here…" She groaned, seeing Hinoka turn to face them, Takumi riding with her. "Any ideas…?"

Azura was pale, but her face was resolute. "We need to get away for now. The Nohrian's are already regrouping. If they come in again, then we'll be doomed…"

"Right…" Bella grunted, tensing. "Oh jeez-" She dropped flat, just as Hinoka charged, swiping her Naginata. "Agh, I couldn't even stand much chance just fighting one of them…"

But luckily, at that point, from the way Hinoka jerked her pegasus, it seemed that Corrin had bested Ryoma. Swiftly, Bella and Azura retreated, joining the young Princess and her manservant, ready in case either force chose to charge. Both sides had been holding back- neither wanted to risk killing Corrin, in case they could get her back.

"Well, we're trapped between two armies." Bella remarked sardonically. "At least we'll make an interesting story."

Somehow they escaped. Perhaps it was deliberate. Neither Xander nor Ryoma sent their forces to charge. Both of them had been furious, but not quite furious enough to slaughter their little sister.

Bella just wanted a moment- even the smallest moment to rest.

But she didn't quite expect that moment to come in the form of a tiny blue dragon and the power she held…

So, Nohr and Hoshido are at war. And I somehow have wound up an enemy of both sides? Oof. Well, on the bright side this "Astral Plane" is a good base of operations. We're not exactly in a good position. There's only four of us. Princess Corrin, her butler, Jakob, Azura, and myself. We're all armed at least- I've still got my axe which only needed a little sharpening thankfully- and Jakob has a decent stash of knives. There's food here, too. A small pond full of fish, and a peach tree. It isn't much, but it's passable for now.

Gods, I'm already going back to keeping track of supplies. I was only running that town for a few weeks and it's already impacted me quite a lot.

Lady Corrin has put me in charge of supplies because of it. We don't have an army or anything, but if we did I suppose that would make me the Quartermaster?

...We need to find some more people, but first, Azura says she needs to take us somewhere. We're heading out tomorrow, once we get some rest. It's been an exhausting day. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep.

Note to self- find a way to deal with fliers and other mounted units, before I get myself killed by one.

Well, things can't get much worse, right?

Belladonna Rocha, Quartermaster

(I don't particularly care if it's unofficial, I just happen to be a bit fond of that title.)

Okay, next chapter the actual "point" of this story will begin. This is just necessary preamble really. Bella's in over her head and she knows it. Things have been a bit too hectic for her to get a chance to really meet anyone and interact with them.

But uh, next chapter will be more indicative of what this whole story is about. And funnier hopefully! Comedy is a little slow-cooked and this one has some more story focus than the last one, but I want it to pay off!