Prompt Number Six: The Art Of War
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I. The Principle Of Maneuver
"That you wanted a ball for yourself to meet young women your age. And because I have not realized this sooner, I would like to apologize to you, my son, by holding the ball in your honor. Instead of inviting eligible young men, we will invite eligible, young women."
Nadeshiko smiled at him benevolently. "Now, how would you like some tea?"
Touya stared at her dumbfounded. He wasn't quite sure he heard right.
"No, tea? Why, Touya I see that you're that excited to start planning for the ball. Oh, how I remember my first one. So, what do you say about a masquerade ball?"
Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:--this is the art of retaining self-possession.
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II. The Principle Of The Objective
"But, mother!" Touya objected furiously.
Nadeshiko frowned thoughtfully. "You don't want to ask help from Tomoyo? Are you sure, Touya? Planning a ball is rather stressful."
"No! What I mean is I don't want a ball—"
"—Perfect then! I'll call for Tomoyo immediately."
The Crown Prince cursed inwardly, in desperate need of a table to introduce his forehead to.
A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.
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III. The Principle Of Surprise
Sakura is considered by many as a perfect princess.
She is sweet-tempered, sincere, and benevolent. The fact that she was so adorably cute didn't really help to rebuff the above statement (see: Sakura; perfect.)
But then, nobody is perfect.
So maybe, Sakura wasn't so ideal.
After all, she did sneak out of the castle occasionally.
All warfare is based on deception.
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IV. The Principle Of Secrecy
Spinel Sun (or Suppi-chan as Nakuru insists) sat atop a newly-polished counter looking dignified and stately.
Eriol, Syaoran and Nakuru stood in front of him in a straight line, stiff and unsmiling.
"Eriol, I want to see the revisions you have made for the menu. Afterwards report to me for further instruction."
"Right away, sir." The bespectacled teen fought the urge to salute.
"Syaoran, I need you to restock some ingredients not to mention the cleaning materials. Go to the market and make sure to come back before twelve."
Nodding, Syaoran stalked off silently.
After some moments later, Spinel met Nakuru's eyes.
"What about me?" The fairy god mother tried to contain her excitement. "Should I start cleaning? Do you need me to help out in the kitchen? Can I wear the apron now?"
It wasn't working.
"Nakuru," Spinel commented gravely, "sit down somewhere and drink tea."
It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.
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To be continued...?
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Author's Note: The prompt title, subtitles, and the italicized quotes at the bottom of each drabble all come from The Art of War. And, yes, you've guessed it, I don't own it. Thanks to my reviewers. This took me some time. I got distracted -cough-Goong S-cough-
This chapter is for all my reviewers (you all make my day!). Thanks to Kuya Sheo, haha, evil Nadeshiko sort of inspired this chapter.
