A/N: Ah, something crossed my mind. I spoke of making new Supports, well… one other thing I was going to do was to have certain unit pairs bypass one or two ranks of Supports, because they have spent a lot of time together. So, between a Royal and their retainer? Well, barring Corrin/Kaze, they'll at least pass the C-Rank. Kagero/Saizo? They'll start at the A-Rank, but at the same time will be ineligible for the S-Rank. Charlotte/Benny? Making their way to B-Rank. So on and so forth.

Consort: Ah, but this was more of an advancement in a professional sense! They have yet to scratch the surface of each other's quirks, and the most reveal either had was… Kaze seeing Corrin's water (Vallite) magic and Corrin learning that the fate of Kaze's and Saizo's father isn't as cut and dry as it seems.

Then let's keep it moving a bit more, yeah? Maybe I'll weave in a few characters while keeping the plot going, I mean… there should be quite a few who could accommodate that kind of pacing. Yukimaru for a strategy, Hinoka or Ryoma for a more head-on approach… Takumi for Takumi-things. Oh, and yes. Yes! Corrin is supposed to be holding both the Morale and Tactical parts of leadership! While luck is a factor, she should also be using that primed knowledge of tactics.

Antex: Very lucky, indeed. Falling off of or even with your flying mount is no laughing matter. What's probably even more serious was that this assassin shot Reina's Kinshi Bird while it was performing a maneuver! The accuracy required for such a hit...

I spent about five hours by Sakura's cot-side before she finally woke up. Thankfully, the extent of her problem is magical, so there was no other wound or injury to take care of. It was the slowest five hours I have ever experienced in my life so far. Well, I never really had to wait so long for a recovery… the closest probably would have been Felicia's concussion after she fell down from a flight of stairs… then the tea pot fell on her chest, but not the tea cups… or the spoons, or the plate itself. For all of her clumsiness, I sure do miss her… it was charming, in her own Felicia-way.

Though, she knew how to wind up and give me the best ponytails!

I run my fingers through my own hair for a few minutes, pulling some far enough so that I can look at it... the purple dye is starting to wear off, it seems. Going back to this strange deep-ocean blue, then. It's not that I don't like it, but… purple is just my favorite color. I doubt I'll have enough time to properly go through another full color treatment, too. Still, it's just the ends so far, I could just have those cut, but…

I also like my hair long.

At least I was born with purple eyes, so there's no artificial pigment there and as such, no concern for applying another layer. I pause mid-finger-comb and look at my nails… maybe paint those again? I lie my hands back down on my lap and sigh. I wonder if any of my siblings like purple? I really should see how big brother is doing… and big sister. Wait, I do have a little brother, right? Ryoma, Hinoka, Sakura, and…

Oh dear, I'm drawing a blank again.

Well, on the Nohrian side, there's Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise. 'Peri!' I suddenly mentally exclaim, that's one of Xander's! I can remember her now, though… oof. She made a good first impression for about half a minute.

"Heya, Lady Corrin!" She pranced up to me, with her admittedly eye-catching dyed hair, a pretty combination of blue and pink. Though, it seemed to me she overdid the white powder for her face. "Don't think we've been introduced yet, right? I'm Peri, Lord Xander's retainer!" She extends a gaunleted hand.

"Oh, hello, Peri. I don't think we have." Nor had I met his other retainer… whose name is alluding me. "It's nice to meet you!" I completed the handshake.

"Oh right, before I forget… P is for Pierce, E is for Eviscerate, R is for Ravage, and I is for Impale! Peri!" She giggles, quite a bit madly, if I had to guess.

I… was at a loss for words. "That's… quite the way to spell out your name, Peri." I giggled a bit nervously.

"I know! It's wonderful! Stabby stabby! Say… my liege has been tutoring you, right? What's your favorite way to slice into someone?" She closed in on me.

So, I responded in the best way I could, "I need to… get back to my room, before the tea gets cold!" I ran off. "Nice meeting you, Peri!" I call out before turning the corner, assuredly not 'nice' meeting her.

Actually, now that I think about it… Niles was also really creepy. Don't get me wrong, they are heavily skilled, without a doubt, but at the same time… I wouldn't want them to be in a room alone with them, or that silent one Camilla has… ugh. Her name is eluding me.

I resume stroking my hair, sometimes twisting it together, other times separating it, all of it done while waiting. Halfway through giving myself a single braid, Sakura opens her eyes and takes a calm breath. She already looks a lot better than before she passed out. Then she sees me, and smiles beautifully, "Hello… big sister." She whispers.

I disregard undoing the half-finished braid to reach out and stroke her cheek, "You had me worried, little sister." I keep my voice low in kind. "How are you feeling?"

She hums, appreciative of the contact, "Better. I… did n-need some rest." She shies away, though… she does look past me to, "How is… Reina?"

I have been shooting the occasional glance towards the Kinshi Knight, and even took a five minute visit next to her, so I'm confident when I say, "She's recovering. Reina suffered some pretty serious injuries, but she made it back in time. Her shoulderguard kept her from…" Well, the actual detail was that her shoulder blade would've jutted out of her skin and scraped against her face, but… I wasn't going to share that with Sakura! "Suffering a permanent injury." I finished.

"I… I see." Sakura nods, "It's by the grace of the Dawn Dragon that she survived."

Well, I wouldn't say it was due to the Dawn Dragon, since I'm sure Reina had controlled her descent well enough that she avoided something a lot worse, even at the cost of her own mount. Even something as simple as colliding with a few branches from a tree would be enough to keep her from dying…

I learned that from my little brother Leo! Though, to be 'technical', Leo is my younger brother, as he is actually a few inches taller than me. Hm… I wonder if my younger brother here is also taller than me? I would ask his height, but… I don't think that is an appropriate topic change for Sakura right now. "Sakura, since you're awake and feeling better… would you feel alright if I stepped out?" I still don't feel like getting a dress, and now that I've had time to think about… this is actually a pretty bad time to want one.

"Uh… sure." She nods, still smiling. "Stay well, sister." I proceed to pat her head, place a quick 'get well soon' kiss on her forehead, and after checking up on Reina one more time… I head out. Once outside of the infirmary… I look both ways, close the door, and ask Kaze, who I'm certain is there…

"There's a problem... Kaze? That arrow isn't Nohrian or Hoshidan, there's a third party at work, do you have any ideas?" Sure enough, within seconds of asking that question…

Kaze appears on the other side of the door. Ah, so he was beside me! "The report has been sent, Reina is certain…"

"Kaze, I've studied Nohrian woodwork and birds, seen their arrows, my litt… younger brother Leo's retainer is one of the best archers. That arrow in there? It's not Nohrian." I stand my reasoning. "There's also an aged inscription on there that isn't written in Nohrian."

He studies my face as I speak, undoubtedly looking for how sure I am… he then nods, "My liege, I believe you. However… I must suggest that perhaps this 'wood' and 'bird' might be a subspecies that hasn't been documented, or perhaps has been magically altered. Part of Hoshidan agriculture, at least in the wealthier towns, include magic."

Huh… I didn't think of that. As such, I nod and take his words into consideration, "Anything is a possibility, Kaze… it's just a matter of how probable it is." Ah-ha! That's something else Leo taught to me! Unfortunately… while I excelled in swords during my training, and I did fairly well with any other physical-based weapon… magic was a bit too far from me, Tomes didn't sit well. So, I can't speak as confidently for the magics that I haven't truly studied yet. Wait…

Anything is a possibility!

"Kaze!" I suddenly exclaim, "I want to write a letter!" I probably seem a bit goofy, seeming so happy for wanting to write a letter…

And it shows, because even Kaze, with all of his Ninja training, was taken aback with my sudden interest. "I… of course, my liege. Whom for?"

"Izama." I boldly reply. "Kaze, I fully understand that peace may seem out of reach, but… if I can try, if I put enough effort to make this step and show that there is still a chance… maybe this one letter could make the difference!"

Kaze, during this time, has been fully focused on my face, watching every detail… and he ends up nodding. "My liege, you speak with such conviction and determination that I feel like you can 'will' such an outcome into existence…" He smiles, "Very well, I will pray that this letter will be as impactful as you hope."

Excellent! So, just a quick change of direction, and we're heading back to my room for a few minutes. Along the way, I carefully consider what I'll write… this could be the moment. I'm sure if I come out sounding wanting enough, then maybe… maybe I can prevent a future problem.

One neatly written letter in the shared language of Nohr and Hoshido, sealed in an envelope with the Hoshidan Royal Seal, and I had Kaze send it off! I felt good inside, even if it doesn't make an all-out peace, I know, I just know something beneficial will come from it. Still…

I have nearly a whole day ahead of me, what to do? I gently place a hand on my side, feeling for that familiar… ow! "Kaze? I think I want to train some, would you mind placing some more ointment on my side?" I ask, raising that side of my dress just enough for him to reach. This time, however, I do feel him applying the ointment, though his touch is still so gentle, that I almost missed it. "Thank you, Kaze." A new layer of ointment is on, dress is back down, and I'm itching to get some training in. As I start walking, though… "Kaze? The lead Shrine Maiden was making a new and better ointment for me… I don't suppose you know when?"

"Reina's condition has put her back a bit, though I should suspect it will be finished within the next few days." And another swift response.

I nod as we walk, "I understand." Reina is in a far more critical state than I am right now… alright! Time to focus on the upcoming training… I hope there's a practice sword this time! As we walk, I catch a glimpse of Ignis striding with… Azura! However, they are heading towards the… well, I'm not sure where, but I know it isn't towards the training grounds.

I need to make sure to get a chat with Azura later, she did somehow pull me out of my draconic rampage, after all. Shaking my head, I journey the rest of the way to the training grounds…

And since it's later in the afternoon, it is quite filled. I can see weapons of all varieties being tested and wielded, though out of all of them, a few stand out. Two are women, one with red hair and the other with white. I can vaguely recall the white hair one, as she was in the battle when I was a Dragon… the red hair's name is alluding me a lot more. The red hair has a naginata and the white hair has a mace. Though, despite the weapon advantage, the red hair is currently winning their spar.

Across from there, I can see a face I remember! Ryoma, High Prince of Hoshido, my big brother. Unlike literally everyone else in this room, he is wielding his own blade, the electricity is crackling across it, and now that I've got a personal view? I think the Rajinto just went up a bit higher on my preference for Divine Weapons. Obviously, big brother has a larger area to himself, lest someone accidentally get bumped into the very sharp blade.

"My liege? If I may…?" Kaze starts, but for once… before he finishes.

I answer with, "You may go and train with whoever, Kaze. I think… I want to spend some time with my big brother." I go ahead, and as I do… I catch a few more persons of interest. Blonde hair woman, Samurai garb, practice katana. She's in the ring closest to Ryoma. Red hair male, Sky Knight garb, practice naginata, he's in the ring closest to the red hair female sparring with the white hair. I can also spot two Ninjas sparring, one black hair female, one red hair male with a scar over one of his eyes… Kaze is heading towards them. Once I get close enough to Ryoma, I sidle around the ring until I'm in clear eyesight, then to make sure he isn't lost in his 'own little world', as Camilla likes to describe my daydreaming. "Big Brother?" I gently ask.

He stops mid-swing, nodding to me. "Greetings, little sister. I'm glad to see you able enough to walk on your own." He finishes that swing and performs another slice, before sheathing the Rajinto.

I look over his midsection, which had bloody bandages last time I saw him, "And how are you? You were really… hurting last time."

His face turns grim, "Had I not heeded my siblings, I would've suffered worse, but… there is no shame in retreating from a battle you cannot possibly win. I was blinded by my rage, and it nearly cost me my life..." He pauses, "But! I don't think you're here to dwell on such serious matters, are you? If you're in the training grounds, then you are here to train!" It seems the mere idea of training is something big brother really enjoys, because his mood goes right up.

So, I nod, "That is true, I wish to try and keep my body fit and able…" I look around, "I'm… is there a training sword here? I'm just so used to a sword that wielding a katana feels… clunky."

Since big brother is a Swordmaster, which is a step up from a Samurai, I'm not the least bit surprised when my preference for a Nohrian weapon seems to strike him a bit hard. "You should dedicate yourself to the katana, sister… you are Hoshidan, after all. Come, I can teach you…"

"Katanas are forged lighter and thinner, made for precision cuts and speed. Part of katana training is also learning armor forging, since a failed strike can much more easily lead to scratching or breaking the katana…" I cut him off, already feeling a bit aggravated at the thought. "The best warrior not only masters their own weapon of choice, but also learns the strengths and weaknesses of other weapons and armor." Hey, check it out! Another quote from Leo!

"I… that is correct, sister." He startles, clearly unprepared that I do know about Katanas.

"And I'm sure that even though you have a Divine Weapon as your katana… that you put as much thought and precision into your strikes as any other, right?"

"Of course, I dare not forgo my lessons." He quickly confirms. "Sister, I also have to agree with you, so…" He moves to grab a practice katana. "Show me how you trained in swords, and I'll show you how to train with katanas… it'll better us both." He pauses for a moment, "Hana! Come, join us!" He calls out to the blonde hair woman with the Samurai garb. "Sister, this is Hana, one of Sakura's retainers."

"Training… with Lord Ryoma? You bet!" Hana excitedly rushes over to join, then turns to address me with a formal bow, "Hello, Lady Corrin! My name is Hana!" Oh, wow…

I like her hair. "It's good to meet you, Hana." I return the formality… hm. She must not know that Sakura is recovering from over-use of magic. "And, may I add… your hair looks so gorgeous! It's so shiny and…" Ryoma gives me a weird-guy-look… clearly confused on such a choice of topic. "Um, sorry…"

"Really? It's not like I do anything special, but gods… yours? Yours look so much better and radiant!" Hana smiles.

I smile in return… I like Hana!"Thank you, Hana! What kind of shampoo and conditioner do you use? Oh, and what's your favorite scent?"

"Well, I'm actually using what Lady Sakura used to use… she says it doesn't mesh as well with her hair, so she let me try some. You really think it looks that good?" Ah, good point… there isn't a 'one-for-all' shampoo.

"Yeah, I do! So… how does it hold up after a day of practice?" I follow up, "It's a lot easier to find a good one when you aren't honing your combat skills, right?" She was going to respond, but...

Big brother clears his throat, "Can we… focus on training?" He awkwardly asks.

"You bet, Lord Ryoma!" Hana has her Practice Katana ready. "Am I to spar Lady Corrin?"

Wait, I am? "Yes, I think that would make a good warm-up, just… watch for her left side, okay? She's permanently injured, there." He advises Hana.

She sternly nods, "My liege told me of it… Lady Corrin? I swear, if there was a way to fix that, I would cross the oceans to find it, because the presence of that wound is causing Lady Sakura some serious discomfort!"

I look at my practice… Katana. "I'm also not used to these, so… it might break." Still, I take my own unique stance.

"The wood used is actually compacted denser than the metal in the blades. We're expected to make some slip-ups during training, so they made them denser to compensate… in fact, the Practice Katanas tend to be heavier than the Iron-forged ones." Hana informs me. "Most Samurai forgo the Practice Katanas once they can control their strikes with an Iron one." She takes her stance, and…

"But you are still wielding one." I point out.

"I consider it partial strength and endurance training. If I can hold onto and use a heavier weapon for a longer time, then I can stand to perform longer than the average Samurai!" I see her feet adjust, she seems more poised to move, rather than stand her ground, "Ready when you are, Lady Corrin!"

I take a sturdier stance, "I am as well, Hana." A twist in my position, I lunge forward, feinting an overhead slash… completely aware that Hana will probably… ah-ha! I was correct! She goes to side-step, so I change my practice katana's direction and manage to nick the side of her armor!

However, what I wasn't expecting was her to take that hit in stride, plant her feet on the ground, and slice upwards, easily avoiding my Wound. Though, before I had a chance to retaliate, she jumps backwards, with a flip, and out of my reach. She's smiling, "Not bad!"

Hmph, that was only one set of strikes, I can go longer than that. I charge forward, left arm in front, I bring my practice katana in from the side, but instead of following through, I twist my position to the right, and reach to grab her arm… I miss, but the action itself is unusual enough that that half-moment it took for her to realize it, I had already landed another hit.

"Don't be afraid of weaving in unorthodox methods… being down does not mean I am out. When it comes to survival, winning takes priority, honor is secondary." Gods, Leo's advice keeps popping into my head today!

Hana takes note of that shift in behavior to an 'attack', and she thrusts forward at a speed that I somehow wasn't expecting… No. This may be a spar, but I don't fight to lose. Left arm still raised, I take hold of the flats of the wooden katana, stopping it.

"That is a foolish move, sister." Ryoma immediately reprimands me. "I do not know what techniques the Nohrians taught you, but if sacrificing your hand is one of them…"

"A mere blade is nothing to you… tap deeper into your own well, my Yasei… you can snap that without much effort." Ah, well look who decided to 'talk' to me again.

Hana tries to pull the practice katana back, but I'm not letting go so easily. I smirk, the very ends of my hair glow, where the purple dye is fading, my pupils narrow for but a second…

I easily double my grip and twist ever so slightly… the wood gives in and the practice katana breaks in half. Hana steps back, eyes wide in disbelief. 'How about you teach me more often? A lot of these abilities and spells sound really useful…' My thought comes with a fair amount of dryness… ironic, considering they seemed to be water-based. "I know what I'm doing, big brother. I wouldn't do the same to an actual sword…" I pause, "Perhaps a katana, though…"

Ryoma persists with… "I will see to it that you are trained properly, and…"

"I wasn't raised as you were. I didn't get to experience the Bushido teaching my whole life. I fight how I fight, it will be different, but…" I stand my ground, "I will uphold honor as much as I can, but I'm not losing the battle over it!"

Unfortunately, Hana doesn't take Leo's and my stance with that too well, "Lady Corrin, honor is all but sacred ground. Throwing away honor for the sake of winning a fight? Honor is what separates the true heroes from the monsters."

"Agreed, Hana… if we were to fight without honor, we would be no better than armed bandits!" Ugh.

"I didn't say anything about throwing it away completely! I just said that in the moment that it came to it… what would you rather have? Honor and a dead family or dishonor and a living one?!" Oh… oh dear, that was a heavy snap. But, I can't help it! I felt… I feel a rage in me, akin to the dragon rampage.

Besides, I have already said it out-loud, and Ryoma… my big brother, High Prince of Hoshido. We recently lost our mother, and I just threw that in his face. "Lack of honor is what costed mother her life, dear sister. That coward, King Garon, sneaked in a dangerous weapon on our long-lost sister… just to murder our mother. Mother stood in front of you… and this is how you think of her sacrifice?!"

By now, I've garnered the attention of a number of people, including… "Hey, hey. Cool down for a moment, alright?" The red-hair woman with the naginata walks up. "Big brother? Little sister?" Oh, so she's family, too… "Let's step back for a few, alright? Things are pretty tense, and…" She gently grabs my shoulders. "Besides, I haven't gotten to spend time with you after you woke up!" She tries to sound happy, but it's clear the tenseness has overwhelmed pretty much everyone here.

"...alright." I drop the practice katana and let myself be led by… um. "Thanks, big sister." Name… name?! C'mon, Sakura told me all of their names! This one isn't Takumi, because that sounds like a… Hinoka!

Hinoka leads me out of the training grounds, her body acting as a shield the whole time. "Are you alright?" She asks once we're out.

"No, not really. It's just… I've spent my life training in one way, but now he's expecting me to throw it all away?" Hinoka is wearing Sky Knight gear, so I know honor can't play as high as a role for her…

"I… can understand the need for desperation, sister. The day I lost you…" She stops herself. "Come on… how about if we take a little trip… just you and me!" Oh, at least she sounds really excited.

Hm, a little private trip with just my big sister and me? "Where to?"

And now she flashes a huge smile at me, "I'll show you! C'mon, it won't take long to get there! And I know you'll love the view and…" Hinoka trails off.

I shrug. Sure, why not? "Then, I got to ask… what are we waiting for? I'm ready when you are!"

"That's the spirit! First one to the Stables?"

I don't know where they are, but… "You're on!" Hinoka quickly begins her run, and I follow her, making sure to run just slow enough that I'm behind her.

A/N: Ah, Yasei… trying to connect with her siblings, but at the same time… the way she was raised is really cemented into her, yeah? Just further pushing the difference in fighting styles and weapons. So, yes… Yasei can channel some magic and snap a Katana blade, but would need a lot more 'oomph' to do the same to a sword.

Also, I suppose I made up some lack of Royal time with two and totally not three Hoshidan siblings… and Hana! There's also a passing reference to Subaki and Rinkah!

So, up next… we got, what will probably be, the first chapter of real sibling bonding, Yasei/Hinoka! I wonder what could be discussed… and could this lead to a pre-war 'C'-rank?