War was never fair.

War was brutal, and ruthless.

War never stopped to judge or think about who you were or where you came from.

The second prince of Hoshido was absolutely no exception to this rule, which was clear based off the battle on this particular day.

Takumi had wonder more than once why Corrin had chosen to include so little healers in this particular crusade. He was fast, yes, but that could only get him so far when the Vallite forces were constantly continuing to regenerate with added forces. It was as if once one was down, another would come and take it's place.

Covertly, Takumi was able to hide in corners and other areas and shoot, allowing him an advantage, but he wasn't without his wounds.

Whilst sprinting out of direct fighting area, an enemy archer had hit him in the leg, something that slowed Takumi down considerably, not only in the moment, but for the remainder of the battle.

Takumi panted as he leaned against a wall, slowly sliding down it as his lungs burned and his eyes watered. He had known fear before, in fact he'd say that him and fear were old friends coupled with inferiority, but this was a new type of fear he had never known before.

Somewhere deep down when Corrin attacked him,he knew that she wouldn't hurt him. Not really.

This fear was a more calming more seeping revulsion that wore into him as he came to terms with ruination being a very realistic possibility.

His leg had become a huge liability, one that he couldn't possibly recover from in this battle, and from the looks of it, the battlefield was totally if not completely swarmed with the enemies.

He wondered if the Valites could smell terror and would detect him hiding in his corner.

He had lived a good life he had supposed.

He had seen a naked woman on more than one occasion, seen the resolution of a tremendous war between two kingdoms that would have undoubtedly end in the blood shed of millions of innocents, and felt the warm Hoshidan sun bask down on him as he shot his first arrow.

But the memories would have to wait, as he simply refused to die in that moment. He wanted to see what would become of the two kingdoms, to save the people of his land, and finally earn the glory he had thirsted for his entire life.

But first, he had to remove the arrow out of his leg.

It was a tough decision to make.

On one hand, he couldn't possibly run around with an arrow buried so deep in his leg, and on the other hand, if he removed it, he didn't face the possibility of bleeding out, as the arrow was only in the side of his calf, but he had to deal with a considerable amount of bloodshed, with little to stop the bleeding.

Takumi reached back to untie his hair. Luck was never on his side, but actions needed to happen in order to gain a reward. Takumi let the cloth of the ribbon rest in his mouth, already clenching his jaw as he attempted to mentally prepare himself for what was to come.

The enemy's arrow needed to exit his leg, and soon before he was spotted. Luckily, it was a weak arrow, and wouldn't cause to much resistance.

Somehow he managed to muffle his cry of pain through biting down as hard as he possibly could on the ribbon, although remaining careful not to rip it with his teeth.

The blood seeped through his pant leg almost immediately, and he could feel the sticky unpleasant sensation run down his leg.

Quickly as possible, he tied the ribbon over the wound, and pressing against the wall with open palms, was able to raise himself up.

His speed had taken serious infliction, and he had to rely on his brains to get him out of this situation.

Takumi began to study the battlefield, trying to observe for his best possibility of survival. The enemy seemed fairly preoccupied in their own battles, so he did get an upper hand in that regard.

However, he quickly came to notice that the Vallites were an alert bunch, and often would prey on whoever was weakest.

It seemed unlikely at this point that any of his friends would come to such a remote corner, in which would be his safest bet in order to at the very least, escape unscathed.

Taking a deep breath, he located each possible hiding spot and mapped the route to them. Carefully repeating the pattern to himself. Now it was only a matter of running.

Takumi pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning against and promptly felt his leg attempt to give out.

The pain seared from within, clouding his thoughts, and nearly made him feel nauseous.

He would attempt to put the weight on his good side, and if fate would permit him, he would run to see another day.

If not, he'd die a good honorable death, and meet his mother and father once again.

The stuffy hot air filled his lungs before he made the leap to whisk forward.

Adrenaline pumped through his blood like nothing he had ever felt before. It was incredible, he was quickly robbed of his ability to hear, and it felt like for that minute when he ran, it was as if he was running through a tunnel in order to reach his destination.

He reached the ground with a 'thud' his lungs burning as he gasped for more and more oxygen.

Naga be damned, he was alive.

He peaked out from the rubble he had been concealing himself with, eyeing the next wall he could run to and only pray he could be as lucky to reach the second time.

From here, he couldn't hesitate, he was nearly certain that he had already been spotted, and this was no place for an archer.

He went as fast as his legs could carry him, the pain in his leg throbbing in an excruciating reminder that he was in fact very vulnerable.

Takumi sat against the wall as he attempted to catch his breath, and eye for Sakura or Azama to heal him. Each were out of sight. Perhaps someone would pass with a salve.

But he couldn't wait for that to happen. That was an absolute death wish, and he wanted to live to see another day. To see his siblings...even Corrin.

This was the final sprint he had to make before a retreat. He hated to do it, but he was useless to the army as the corpse, and to Hoshido as a prince. He couldn't let his people down.

Takumi's head pounded as the adrenaline continued to course through him. Just one more time.

He began to run, seeing the exit grow closer and closer, he could taste freedom.

He had never felt such incredible force in his entire life as a body ran into his.

Takumi was airborne for a couple of seconds before crashing to the ground, his spine screaming out for mercy, and his conscientious threatening to escape him as his vision blurred.

He was able to focus for a second to see the large Faceless that had attack him.

It let out a feral growl like Takumi had never heard before, and then stupidly and clumsily went to finish the job.

Desperately, Takumi felt for his bow. He knew he could get it on time..if only...

The Faceless raised his fist as he approached Takumi, and he swore it wasn't just as they said, his life truly flashed before his eyes, the fear escaping him as he calmly came to terms with his inevitable death. It was a new serenity that he had never got to experience before, one of which he was glad to die with.

The tears ran hot down his face, as he escaped what he could only see as the prison of the castle. The prison of a reminder that he would never be good enough.

He was weak, inferior compared to his brother, and always would be.

He hated himself, and he hated his family. It wasn't fair, it never would be fair. Why always Ryoma, not him?

He wanted the crown far more than his brother ever had. Every day he trained until his fingers bled, and stayed up late in the night, straining his eyes as he read history books by candle light.

He had known this was coming.

Ryoma never had to try.

In all his eleven years, he had never won a sparring match against his brother, who appeared in the sheer light of perfection to his father, and everyone else around him, who clamored to see the heavenly prince Ryoma. Ryoma the brave, Ryoma the good.

Takumi hated them all. He wanted to run away from this life, somewhere far far away where no one could find him.

There he would train, and when he returned, everyone would instantly regret their actions, as it would be Takumi who would be the hero, the knight in shining armor. He'd make them regret it. He'd even bring back the long lost princess his father had died protecting. The shadow of her would caste upon him no more, and he'd bring even more joy and wonder back to Hoshido.

Takumi ran as fast as he possibly could, his bare feet burning each time it came into contact with the rough terrain before it found the soft grass of a meadow in which he immediately laid in.

His chest rose and fell expeditiously as he gasped to regain the air he lost and felt the sun beam down on him.

The meadow was beautiful, and it was all his for the taking. He had come here many times and in his mind would build fabulous kingdoms, and dream of the greatness that were to bestow him one day.

He was a God here, here where he had no brother to remind him of his failures, or a sister to mourn the loss of, He was accepted here, and he didn't need anyone else.

"Takumi!" Mikoto's voice desperately ran out, echoing through the meadow as she approached.

Takumi sat upright abruptly as his heart began to thud once again.

"Go away! I hate you!" He screamed, standing up defensively.

Mikoto panted as she stared at her son.

It would have been easier for him to rip out her heart and stomp on it. How could he act so callously?

"You don't mean that."She assured him calmly as she slowly approached him. Her eyes were so warm and loving, as if she could carry the love of the world in them. If only a simple glance from her could heal the most wounded heart.

"No! Go away!" He exclaimed, threatening to run again. Her face turned in concern as she reached out her hand to gently caress his cheek.

"I know you're angry, and I understand." She murmured as she stroked his bangs out of his face. He melted like butter on warm bread in her hands as soon as she made contact.

He latched onto her, sobbing into her chest as he clenched her robe tighter and tighter.

"I-It's not fair!" He hiccuped into her breast.

"I know my sweet...I know..."She cooed, resting her chin on his head and allowing him to cry it out. Out of all of her husband's children, she had always felt a soft spot for Takumi. She got him, understood him like no one else did. She sensed his extraordinary heart, and deep down loving nature, but she also sensed a great darkness that could easily take ahold of him.

"It's what your father wanted though."She whispered as she continued to stroke his hair.

Takumi understood. Deep down he knew it was always the first born who would get the crown, but to have it officially announced tore him apart. He had worked so hard. He sniffled as he looked up at her.

Mikoto wiped his tears with her sleeve, using as gentle of a touch as possible with a serene smile.

"Remember I love you. I always will." Her eyes understood and saw him.

Her eyes.

If only he could see her eyes one more time.

All the words he regrettably left unsaid, if only he had told her...

Takumi gave one final look to the world around him before he saw it.

Her eyes.

Corrin stood infront of him, her breast heaving as she stood assertively infront of him, pure rage leaking out from every last inch of her.

"You...dare...attack...my brother..."She growled as Yato was firmly held in her hands.

She had saved him. She had put her life in danger based off the gash that ran on the side of her neck, the blood streaking through her silvery white hair.

Her eyes.

They had saved him.

The Faceless she had attacked was nowhere to be seen, but it wasn't long before another took it's place, and then many more, tightly closing in on the two.

Corrin defensively stood in front of Takumi preparing to attack.

They both saw the exit in the crowd of Faceless, and knew only one of them could escape. The other would be left to most likely perish.

"Takumi...run..."She hissed.

"I-I can't leave you!"He protested as he attempted to rise.

"THAT'S AN ORDER!" She barked.

He took one final look at her before sprinting.

He was a coward. A damn coward and a stupid who didn't deserve her as a sister or friend.

Would he be willing to lay down his life for her the way she did for him without hesitation?

He heard a roar from behind him that was all too familiar, as havoc and wrath was brought upon those who scorned her. She had been suppressing it for awhile, and now her raw animistic side was finally free. Her indignation as a dragon was like no other, and she was willing to lose herself for a chance for him to live.

And so he ran.

Away from her.

Away from his duty.

From her eyes.

She had survived.

She wasn't without her injuries, but she was alive.

Takumi had never experienced such a frenzy of panic in his life before that battle as he waited for them to return to camp.

She had never left his mind since she fearlessly stood infront of him, preparing to die just as he was, although for much more honorable reasons than he was prepared for.

Never in his life had he ever felt more contrite. What was stopping him from fighting? From protecting her?

He spent his time waiting in his tent, self-loathing consuming him and his thoughts.

What if she was dead?

His actions could have caused the entire world despair.

He would never need her, to need a person revolted him.

But...the world...they needed her just as much as a breath needed air.

She held power in her hands, more than both of them could comprehend, and she would be the savior everyone needed.

And what was he next to her?

Pathetic. Worthless. Selfish and uncaring.

He wished she would have left him to die there. Naga knew he deserved it and he was miserable.

Even Ryoma didn't make him feel this badly.

Why? Why couldn't he be strong or capable like her?

Why was she bestowed such awe inspiring powers and such a disposition that people followed so blindly.

For his own selfish reasons, he wished she was alive so he wouldn't have to live his life at the cost of hers, but at the same time...he wished if only for a second that she had succumbed to the enemy so she could die with the legacy. No longer would he be the younger brother of those greater than him. He would live the life he had dreamed for himself.

He hadn't seen her since the battle.

He knew she was alive, and escaped with minor injuries, as she wasn't being held in the infirmary, but her presence made up for the lack of her physical appearance.

Wherever Takumi went, he couldn't escape from her.

Whenever there was a conversation, Corrin was worked into it, and her remarkable deeds, it was far too much.

He was reminded of how lucky he was to have a sister like her, how lucky he was that someone was so willing to sacrifice themselves for him like that, as if he didn't already know that already.

He could only find one place of solace and silence, and it was a place he anathematized. The river. Her river.

It was early December now, and the snow was thick and heavily padded on the ground, making the walk to the river that much more insufferable.

Takumi trudged through the snow with his breath heavily heard and seen with the cold winter's chill that was upon him, which made him accurse the spot that much more.

In order to get away from his sister, he had to go to her spot in the bitter cold in order to have his own thoughts.

Even the frigid weather failed to cool his temper, and he felt it flare more and more as he walked until arriving at the clearing.

He was breathless.

It was beautiful, the way the snow laid on the trees and ground and the way the river gently and placidly ran through the area. Corrin would have loved it, but judging from her rock that she so adored sitting on, she hadn't returned to the area in quite awhile.

Takumi made his way to her rock, sitting there to rest his feet and absorb the scenery.

His leg had healed quite nicely and he had made a smooth recovery, the walk was a lot less painful than before, which was convenient, as he had been commuting to the spot so often now.

The Christmas Rose had finally bloomed in a soft milky white that was reminiscent of Corrin's hair. It even bloomed in between the cracks of the rock.

Takumi's heart throbbed as he gently stroked the petals with his thumb.

A part of him knew he was unreasonable...but he didn't want to back down to her.

All of his childhood was spent in the obscurity of a sister who to him failed to be latent. She wasn't there, and yet she was better than him.

He was alive, breathing and living, and she was a far off recollection.

Takumi plucked the rose and laid it on his lap, afraid to touch it further.

It was so fragile, and pure. It was too good.

"Lord Takumi." A flinty masculine voice declared, startling Takumi.

Jakob stood at the entrance stoically.

"...Yes?"

"Lady Corrin wishes to see you."

Takumi's heart rose into his throat. What could she possibly want from him?

"Can it wait?" He inquired as he fixed his gaze on the running water. Jakob impatiently cleared his throat.

"You and I both know that I don't let down Lady Corrin."His voice faltered. His patience was wearing thin with Takumi.

Takumi reluctantly stood with an extensive sigh.

She really wasn't who he wanted to see right now, if ever again.

Takumi fell slightly behind Jakob as they made the trek back to camp, dragging his feet in an act of defiance.

"Could you please refrain from doing that m'lord." Jakob snapped sternly, dangerously glancing back at him.

"This is just how I walk."He moped.

"Ah yes, I'm sure the army's best archer scuffles his feet around for the world to hear." Jakob rebutted before leading Takumi up the steps into Corrin's living quarters and unwillingly opening the door for Takumi.

If ever there was a time Takumi had found Corrin perhaps beautiful, it was now.

She sat at her table near the fire, her elbow comfortably propped up on the table and her chin lazily resting on her palm.

Her lengthy aristocratic eyelashes oscillated as she sleepily stared off at a picture she had hung up on the wall.

She must have just gotten out of the hot springs, as her hair was carefully wrapped in a towel with incandescent silvery white ringlets falling out.

Takumi's eyes immediately wandered to her graceful elongated neck and the gash upon it as a gentle reminder of her sacrifice for him.

He was at a loss for words.

She was never unattractive to him, but there was something about the way she sat so precariously, so seriously in that chair in a nightgown and open bathrobe that he found something about her so utterly enchanted.

"You wanted to see me?"Takumi began awkwardly as he cleared his throat, stepping out of his boots.

"Thank you Jakob."Corrin said simply, ignoring Takumi's previous comment.

Jakob left with a curt nod, leaving Takumi's stomach in knots and his mind on a roller coaster. This was so unlike her.

Her eyes flickered to him and then to the tea pot on the table, silently inviting him to pour himself a cup before her eyes resumed to looking off again.

Cautiously he moved forward, pouring himself a cup although he wasn't thirsty, scared to defy her.

His hand shook as he brought the cup to his mouth and forced himself to swallow the liquid, it was lovely as usual, but he was far too apprehensive to drink at the moment.

For minutes he admired her silently as she waveringly continued to look off into the distance. She was obviously thinking about something.

"You can't do this anymore Takumi..."She whispered finally, her voice laced with the sound of easy carelessness.

"Do what?"He questioned now fully on guard.

"You can't..."She sighed before bringing herself to look at him. He had never seen her look so dusky and umbrageous,"...you can't keep pushing people away like this." She inched forward, hurt obviously playing on her expression.

"You don't-"

She held up her index finger with a sour chuckle and shake of the head.

"I don't know you. I know." She bitterly laughed.

"But I do."

His breath faltered, had she really invited him to her room just to taunt him. He precipitously stood up, clamping his jaw.

"I don't need to be here." He spat bitterly. Corrin rose and slammed her hands on the table, the tea set rumbled.

"Takumi, you will sit, and you will listen to what I have to say."She demanded. His temper once again flickered,

"Excuse me?" He asked with a biting annoyance. "This is not the battlefield, I have no obligation to listen to you."He informed her.

Corrin stormed away from the table, her palms pressed to her forehead as she paced back and forth in front of the fire as she attempted to string the words she wanted to say together.

"How can you not understand! Truly, how are you this dense? People care about you, and what do you give them in return? Nothing! I..." Her voice began to fail her as her anger floundered. Her hand rested on her heart which was breaking more by each passing second "...I care about you, and you seem to care nothing for it..."She hugged herself.

"Nothing is free." He reminded her dispassionately.

Corrin's head snapped up, the acrimony returning.

"Don't you say that Takumi, don't you dare say that for a second!" She besieged, jabbing her finger into his chest.

She didn't even see his hand move as he grabbed a hold of her wrist, staring stonily into her eyes.

"Don't ever touch me like that again." He snarled, moving his face in further.

Her eyes remained unmoved as she returned his own unrelenting expression. She could feel his hot breath against her skin, the smell of tea still lingering on him.

"I care for you just as much as any of my siblings Takumi."She pressed. He released her in order to turn away."Just as much as Ryoma, or Hinoka, or Sakura, or hell, even Leo, and he's almost nearly as impossible as you to love."She approached him, gently taking a hold of his arm. This time he didn't resist.

"Why..."He hushed."Do you insist on becoming so close?" He inquired.

"I just told you. You're my brother. I love you."She smiled as she shook her head.

The way her eyes looked at him, it really was like Mikoto was looking at him once again. His wall began to crumble. He was loved yes, but not so perpetually as by Corrin. He hardly showed any kindness to her, and yet, without it wavering, she waited for him to love her in return.

"I...I've come to the realization that you don't care for me. I know that, but truly Takumi, I'm your sister, perhaps in time you really could care for me as well!" She proclaimed hopefully before taking him by the hand and pulling him by the hand to sit next to her on the bed."And until you do...I can love us both."

He looked at her skeptically, about to push her off until her found those eyes. Those big imploring eyes.

He relented, if only for the night, and began to talk.

They talked about life, his insecurities, his wants, his fears.

And it felt so good, like sweet sweet honey.