Hi everyone!

I hope you enjoyed the last chapter!

Once again, thanks for those who faved, followed and dropped their reviews! Your support really means a lot to me.

Of course, like always I would like to say thank you to my best buddies from the office, G and M especially to G, who was my main inspiration for this current chapter.

Right now, I am honestly excited for you guys to read it so, I will shut up right now.

Once again, here is Jory014 presenting to you the second chapter of Fates: Paradox ! Enjoy!

[Ps. Once again, special thanks to Eeglborn for pointing it out (mispelling Nohr as Nhor lol). I updated the previous chapters just to make sure I remain consistent. Also, thanks to OppositesExist for pointing out something relevant story-wise, since apparently I confused everyone about a certain something. If ever, the others are wondering about what that is, this chapter is my answer to it. lol]

Fates: Paradox

- Fate I: Brithright 2-

'I remember. Those were my feelings back then.' She thought as she opened her eyes, and saw the light before her still present.

'Those were the reasons why I chose Hoshido.'

"Hesitating?" The voice asked.

"No, I just wanted to enjoy this temporary moment of peace first. After all, aren't I going to war once more?" She said with a bit of a scoff at the end.

'It was a lie.' Corrin said in her thoughts.

It was more than just rest that she wants.

"True. We wouldn't know what might happen once you go back again. Will you be able to correct your mistakes? Or will you make more?"

The question hit her straight to the core.

'Mistakes...' she thought as she remembered the deaths of Xander, Elise, other innocent lives like the wolfskin and many others.

That's what she's afraid of.

Before anything else, she wanted to know the mistakes she had done that caused her current ending.

If anything, what she wanted was assurance. Assurance that she is going to do the right thing and that this time she will prevent those mistakes from happening.

On her throwback, there was one thing she had realized...

'I shouldn't have said that to Xander. Maybe if I hadn't...maybe he would have joined me?' She thought as she sat down and hugged her knees.

She closed her eyes once more remembering once again about the moments of her first choice.

Her moments with her Fated One.

It has been months since Corrin made the decision to join Hoshido.

Months since she made her choice and was branded a traitor by her Nohrian siblings.

Thanks to her dear friend Lillith, even in the midst of the war, they still have a place to rest-The Astral planes.

It was a realm still holding similarities to the world that she knew. Only, it was a land where Corrin was given the power to shape it to whatever she wishes it to be.

She can even build various infrastructures just as long as Lillith has enough power to build it. One of the few iconic ones, aside from her personal Tree House and Lillith's temple, were the Mess Hall, Hot Springs, Arena, and even Shops for armory, weapons and even accessories and clothes.

It was a realm where, even if it was for a bit, they can forget about the war.

Corrin laid down on the grass just beneath her Tree House that stood beside near the Throne area. Her crimson eyes gazed at the orange sun as it slowly went down telling that the evening was almost drawing near.

It was her favorite past time especially right after Azama, one of Hinoka's retainers, taught her about meditation.

From her spot, she would oftentimes get the chance to accidentally get a glimpse of the soldiers hanging out with each other and can even see romance starting to bloom between them.

She flashed a bittersweet smile.

It was like seeing her romance novels come into life in front of her eyes. The only thing she can do is keep silent to allow them have their private moment.

'We may be in war but at least we can still get moments of peace like this.' She thought.

The first few months were definitely stressful for everyone since Takumi and Ryoma were both M.I.A., and yet to be confirmed alive. At the same time, Corrin had to fight carefully along with a few limited people with every skirmish they face against the Faceless.

However, as months went by, not only were they able to gain new allies but they were also finally able to track down one of her brothers, Takumi.

Now the only problem they currently have is to track down Ryoma in Cheve, find enough food supply for her growing army, tend to the injured, defend Hoshido against the Faceless and actually win the war against Nohr.

Corrin sighed as she sat up and hugged her knees.

The thought of battling against Nohr still saddens her.

As of this late, despite the many battles with the opposing country, there was only one time that she has fought against her Nohrian siblings, and that was with Leo.

She couldn't forget the words he had told her and the cold stares his amethyst eyes gave her that day back at Izana's castle.

'Traitor...' the word kept ringing on her head over and over ever since that day.

Hearing it from Xander was already painful enough, but hearing it from Leo made it even more painful.

Leo may have not been the most doting sibling, but he was the one that was closest to her heart.

Tears formed on her crimson orbs.

Thanks to the tall grass around her, none from afar could see her in this moment of agony.

She couldn't imagine that a day like this where the people, who used to treat her as family, now treats her as a stranger and an abomination.

She cringed at the thought as she hugged her knees tighter.

But as her tears fell on her porcelain colored face...

"Oh, it's you..." it was a cold and familiar tone.

She looked back immediately with a tear-stained face only to see her younger brother, Takumi, whose golden caramel orbs gave her a critical gaze.

But the moment he saw the tears that rolled down her face, guilt immediately washed over his face.

Corrin immediately wiped her face as she turned her back away from him.

Despite his hate towards her, Corrin always wanted to get the chance to talk to him. However, Takumi on the other hand, would often find ways to shut her down and close any door of opportunity that she could find.

But seeing her current state, he wanted to make an exception just this once...

"Can't believe I'd see you here in all places like this..." He said with crossed arms, while his eyes looked away.

Corrin sucked her breath as her face was etched with a scowl.

"It must be a pleasure to see me like this, huh? It's alright. Go on...laugh even. Just leave already and pretend you didn't see anything...that's all that I request from you then maybe I can leave you alone like you've always wanted me to." Corrin said as she leaned her face on her knees, hiding any more tears that might come after.

She could hear the rustling of the grass, and expected it to drown away as Takumi would walk away. But instead, the sound was getting nearer until it stopped. Seconds after, she could feel a sudden weight pressed a foot away beside her on the ground.

She took a slight peek at her left and saw Takumi sitting down beside her as his eyes looked at the orange sunset before them and his face looking relaxed more than usual.

"I'm not that evil." He said, his words were almost a whisper. This time though, it had a kinder tone into it.

"...so, I wonder what thing had caused someone like you to cry like this?" He asked, hoping to break her awkward silence.

Corrin raised her head as she raised a brow at him.

"Are you actually concerned about me?"

"Well, I may not trust you but it doesn't mean I have to hate you all the time." He said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

Corrin just stared at him silently, as she can't help but wonder:

'Am I actually awake or am I just dreaming?'

"So, are you just going to patronize me, while I sit down here or are you actually going to answer my question?" Takumi said with a grimace stricken face, proving her that she's dreaming.

Corrin can't help but smile at him. After all, this was something she never expected, especially from Takumi of all people.

She leaned her chin on her knees as her mind contemplated on whether or not to tell him.

'Hah. Can I actually tell it to the person that also called me a traitor?' She thought as her crimson eyes studied her younger brother's face.

Noticing her stare, his brows scrunched together as a small hint of blush crept on his cheeks.

"You do know that you are staring, right?"

"I'm sorry. It's just...it's not that I don't trust you or anything. It's just I wonder if I could tell you about it." Corrin said with a sigh at the end.

"Actually, I don't know if I have the strength to tell anybody."

After all, that's what she has always been, even when she was still back in Nohr. She always kept it to herself-her sadness; her pain. It was something she doesn't want others to see. She never wanted to burden anybody with her thoughts especially now that she's a leader of an army.

"Try me. I think I am at least capable to hear you out. But only just for today..."

"Well, it is just... I know you hate Nohr and I know that what they did to our Mother was unforgivable. But, I still love them-my Nohrian siblings."

Takumi cringed at what he just heard. He bit his lip, trying to stifle any bit of hate he had towards the said country.

'I'll bear with it. Just this once...' He said in his thoughts as if to chide himself.

"Then why didn't you choose to side with them back then?" He said with a bitter tone.

"Believe it or not, I chose Hoshido because I believe this is the right thing. I chose Hoshido because of you."

Takumi looked at her with wide eyes. He doesn't know if he will feel proud or offended.

"What do you mean because of me?" His last two words were drawled.

"Looking at you at how much you hated me and distrust me, and especially your reaction to Mother's death...it was enough to tell me what was true despite all the lies everyone has been telling me all these years. The lies that was fed to me the moment I started living in Nohr. I didn't know what to believe in back when I was asked to side on. I was confused and scared, but your emotions told me the truth." Corrin said, then her voice started to crack as tears once again cascaded down her face.

"But it hurts. It hurts so much how they called me a traitor. Xander, and now even Leo. The family that I knew and I was with are now my enemies. They look at me with those eyes as if I am nothing but a stranger. Not only that, they also want me dead." Corrin wiped her eyes, as she tried to make her words clear.

Takumi could feel a knot suddenly form on his chest. After all, he too called her the same thing-a traitor. Despite the pain inside him as his eyes studied her face, he knew deep inside that he still hated her.

But oftentimes he would be reminded what Yukimura said after their Mother's death: 'Corrin leaving is not something the Queen wanted.'

"It made me feel so alone. Even if they lied to me, a part of me believes that somehow we are still family. I never meant to betray them. I just wanted them to fight alongside me. King Garon may be evil but my siblings weren't." Then she smiled bitterly.

"I already know that you wouldn't believe me. Heck, maybe no one will. People in Hoshido will only think that I am suspicious for even thinking like this towards our enemies." Her melancholic eyes were still damp as it now focused on the tuft of grass just right between her feet.

"And its ironic that I get to tell you this. But its alright. You guys can doubt me all you want. Maybe I really don't deserve everyone's trust. However, if you guys trust me or not, I will continue down this path and fight until the end."

For that single moment, Takumi looked at her with a genuine, sympathetic gaze. He couldn't believe the day would come that he would actually feel sorry for her. The guilt that he initially felt got amplified.

For her to accept his feelings of contempt just like that made him feel contrite. If anything, he'd feel better if Corrin just denied it.

This was a Corrin that he didn't expect to see.

This was a Corrin whom no one in the army imagined ever existed.

He gritted his teeth. He just couldn't accept it.

Despite the hate, he too wanted to comply to his late Mother's wish.

Then he thought: 'This could be the start.'

"So, you are just going to accept it? You are not even going to prove us wrong?" He said as his eyes now glaring straight at her.

"No, I'm sorry. It's not like that..."

Takumi stood up from his spot as he dusted off the grass from his robe.

"Remember this, from now on I myself will see if you are worthy of our trust or not. I will make sure to stand behind you, look at you. Then if I see any behavior that will cause me to distrust you." Takumi then pointed at his Fujin Yumi.

"I myself will shoot you with my arrows and kill you." Takumi said with his index finger pointing directly at her.

He didn't wait for any response for her. He just turned around, and returned to the direction where he came from, and said:

"See you on the battlefield."

His words were cold, but to Corrin it felt like a fire that gave her warmth. A warmth that she had been longing for ever since the war started.

She smiled.

"I will look forward to it."

Wars were pretty common on the borderlines of Hoshido.

There's not a moment where Nohr will not send their armies of Faceless to wreck havoc.

However, there was also not a moment where Corrin will not join in the front lines-much to Takumi's chagrin.

He just couldn't keep an eye on her, and the fact that her two loyal retainers, Jakob and Kaze, and her Nohrian best friend, Silas did not fail to leave her side.

For everyone, it was good. Corrin maybe elegant and beautiful when making strokes with her sword, but she was always wild and aggressive in fighting alongside everyone on the front lines.

With all her flips and aerial attacks, she surely moved swiftly from one Faceless to another. The three men made sure they were moving in fluid motion to support her by covering her openings and blind sides, while keeping up with her speed. They were all so smooth in their movements that the Young Prince couldn't even have an opportunity to join in and actually fight alongside her. Even he had his own hands full as he had to support the others on the back lines being an archer.

From afar, he could see that Corrin would often ride along with Silas to bring her to the midst of the swarm of Faceless' with Kaze and Jakob following just right behind them. Then the rest of the army would then attack from the outside to minimize the swarm of the Faceless.

It was a perfect strategy for a mindless, zombie-like army.

Corrin would jump off from Silas' horse, and would either take the offensive by slashing her way to the center from above with her spins or transforming into a dragon and take on as many attacks as she could to serve as a diversion.

Jakob would make sure that Corrin is healed well enough to sustain the attacks. Kaze, on the other hand, would attack from the shadows, while anticipating the moment he would need to sweep away Corrin from the center of the battle.

After the fight, like always, they were victorious. However, with Corrin's fighting style they were victorious in the expense of her taking most of the injuries. If there was one thing Takumi noticed, Corrin was definitely an excellent swordsman but is often distracted with her thoughts mainly consisting of her concern for her comrades.

If anything, her mistakes were often caused by the fact that she's trying to save the people around her instead on focusing on helping herself.

Her face sustained a bruise on her left cheek. Her body has deep cuts and blotches of blood can be found on various parts of her armor.

"My Lady, this is really something that you should avoid doing. I know well enough that you are better than this only if you put more concern to yourself." Jakob said as he held out his rod on the girl that sat on the bed inside the infirmary.

"It's okay, Jakob. This is nothing. After all, I am a dragon. I can handle more of this, and I know that you can always fix me up in no time. I just can't let the others get hurt." She said, trying to cheer up the butler, who only have an unreadable expression on his face.

"As much as I admire your fighting spirit, my Lady, however we can no longer afford losing you for the second time." This time it was Kaze's turn to chide on her, as he dabbed medicinal herbs on her cuts.

But despite all her wounds, she still carried a smile on her face.

"Hahaha! Don't worry Kaze, with you by my side I don't think I'll get lost anytime soon." She tried to joke.

But her two retainers could barely smile due to her current condition.

Her armor was stripped off from her and was given to Mozu for cleaning. Right now, only her black fitted blouse, leggings and bloody bandages were the only thing that was wrapped around her body.

Takumi, who happens to sit just in front of her, had minor bruises that are now currently being tended by his younger Sister, Sakura.

Takumi couldn't help but glare at Corrin due to her lack of self consciousness.

"Kaze is right." Sakura muttered, to which only Takumi can hear.

"We may have won our battles up until now, but is it still victory if we end up losing her again?" She said with a forlorn expression.

Sakura may have not been old enough to remember much of Corrin before she got kidnapped, but she knew well enough how much her older siblings were affected by her lost.

Takumi winced at Sakura's touch on his bruises, which caused him to grit his teeth. There were tons of things he wanted to say but decided to keep them under his breathe.

Sakura didn't mind her brother's silence. After all, she knew of his hostility towards their long, lost sister. However, even she hopes that maybe someday they would get along.

After a few hours, Corrin's retainers, Sakura, the rest of the injured, who were finally completely healed up, and the healers left the infirmary.

But Corrin and Takumi remained.

"So, is this your way of showing how trustworthy you are? Throwing your life away into the front lines like there's no tomorrow?" Takumi said as he approached her on her bed.

His arms were crossed, while his usual critical eyes gazed at her.

Corrin tiredly opened her slit, crimson eyes.

"Not really. I just thought I needed to work harder while Big Brother is still not here. I have to protect everyone in his behalf." She said with a tired tone.

"Oh really? Is this the way how you will lead Hoshido to victory, while he is gone? Even if he is not here, you do know that only the wielder of the Yato can restore peace in our world, but do you honestly think you can do it like that? What would you think Big Brother and Sister would feel if you are gone once again?" He asked with so much sarcasm in his tone.

"I am sorry. I guess, I am pretty rash. No, I guess I am just selfish." She said as her eyes were filled with remorse.

"Didn't you promise me that you'll let me watch your back?" He muttered under his breath.

But thanks to the silence of the infirmary, Corrin was able to hear every word.

"Yes, I'm sorry." She said as her lips finally curled into a frown.

"I never thought of it that way. But you are right. I will try to look after myself more. But, just in case I forget, you better keep up, Takumi." She said, with a slight smile.

"Oh, I definitely will." Takumi said as he tried to restrain a smile.

Suddenly, a thought came into Corrin's mind as she sat up and ignored the pain of her wounds.

"What the heck are you doing?!" Takumi asked.

"I just thought of something..." She said with a hopeful, innocent gaze glazed over her eyes.

Takumi just raised a brow at her.

"And what would that be?"

"You said you wanted to watch my back to see if I am trustworthy or not, right?" She asked with a grin, her face filled with excitement.

However, Takumi suddenly felt a sudden heaviness down the pits of his stomach.

"Yes. Exactly. So, what of it?"

"What if...I give you more opportunities to do so. Like, maybe we can hang out even outside of battles?"

"That's certainly out of the question." The younger prince said with grimace.

Corrin on the other hand just pursed her lips. Apparently, she couldn't take no for an answer.

"Then, how about if I put it this way. Why not...teach me the way of the Bow?" She said with an expression as if asking for a challenge.

"Me? Teach you?! I don't think it's even necessary." Takumi asked with a scoff on its tone.

"You are the best Archer in all of Hoshido. Not only will you get more time to watch me, but by teaching me I can also be a better soldier for Hoshido."

Takumi normally wouldn't relent ever so easily. However, her eyes were determined more than anything. It was a look that he had seen from her for the first time. It was a look that was far from the time when he found her crying.

'No wonder I suddenly felt bad...' He said in his thoughts as he let out an exasperated sigh.

'For mother...'

"Fine. But the moment that I find you a hindrance to my own training, we will call it off, understood?"

Corrin smiled wildly as she threw her arms around him. Takumi stood stiff in place at the sudden contact.

"Thank you, Takumi. This really means a lot to me. Thank you for giving me this chance." She said as she let go, her face only a few inches from him.

A blush immediately crept up towards his cheeks.

"Whatever. The moment you are all healed up, we will start practice immediately. Don't expect me to take it easy on you." He said with a strict tone, whilst he tried to look aloof.

Much to his dismay, the warmth was still on his face. Hoping to not embarrass himself further, he quickly turned around and left the premises.

It didn't take long as Corrin's wounds healed up thanks to the constant care of both Jakob and Kaze.

She immediately wore her armor, with Jakob just right beside her as he helped put it on.

"You are pretty excited today, my Lady. May I know what you are planning as of the moment? This agenda doesn't seem to be on your schedule." Jakob said, while in deep thought as he proceeded to brush her hair.

She gasped as she realized something.

'Oh right. I haven't told anybody of my plans with him.'

"Well, you wouldn't believe what just happened...Takumi and I are actually going to spend some time together from now on!" She said full of glee.

"Oh dear. That's rather unexpected of Prince Takumi. Would you need my presence there just in case? Or maybe I could send Kaze to guard you the whole afternoon, I am sure that would please him so." Jakob said as worry painted over his face.

But, Corrin just laughed as she gently punched her dear, loyal Butler on his right shoulder.

"Silly Jakob. I don't think I need someone to look after me. It's not like I am going to enemy territory and get myself killed. He is just my brother. To be honest, I am happy that we finally got the chance to hang out even if it's a training session."

"Training session? For what?" Jakob asked with curious eyes as he went back to adjusting her armor.

"Archery. I have always wanted to learn it anyway. So..." Corrin said as she headed out of the door.

"I will be going!"

"My Lady!" Jakob tried to call her, but she was already meters away from the Tree House as she made her way to the archery rage.

Jakob just sighed.

"As long as it makes her happy." He said, as a small smile escaped his lips and then proceeded with his remaining duties for the day.

It has already been a week since Corrin trained under the tutelage of Takumi.

As he said, he definitely wasn't taking it easy.

"Your arm is too low. Raise it three degrees!"

"Also, bend your right knee another six degrees."

"What are you doing? Never take your eyes away from the Target!"

Corrin gasped in surprise at the last instruction causing her to let go of the bow prematurely, thus sending the arrow far away from the target.

Thankfully, there was no one in the archery range that day, causing Corrin to heave a sigh of relief.

'Damn, that was close.'

"Ok...I'm doing my best! Just give me a moment to concentrate..." She said, as she bit her lower lip and took an arrow from the quiver standing beside her.

"What was that? Who asked who for help? Don't tell me you're already whining?" Takumi said with disbelief in his voice, as he raised a brow on her.

"No, I am not. I can do this. We are at war...I can't give up now." Corrin said as she place the arrow on the bow.

But as she was preparing to shoot, her back suddenly felt warmth as arms hovered hers. Then gentle hands guided her hands, as they stretched the bow together.

Corrin could feel his breath right above her ear, and his heartbeat right behind her back.

She never expected his muscles to be this firm, since he looked lean unlike Ryoma, nor did she expected his fingertips to be this soft due to his rigorous training with the bow.

She looked up to take a peek at his face. Corrin never realized that he was this tall. She always thought that they were just right about the same height, and his eyes-she never expected them to be this beautiful as the sun made his eyes glow like topaz.

Their closeness sent blood running to her cheeks.

'Damn, what the heck am I thinking...he is my brother! My. Younger. Brother.' She reprimanded at herself as her eyes now furiously stared at the target.

Finally, Takumi finally released the arrow as it was sent flying towards the target hitting a bulls eye.

"I guess we can take a break." He muttered, as he slowly removed himself from her and sat down at the sides.

'Thank gods. I don't know what my mind will think of if we had stayed that way far longer.' She said as she heaved a relaxed sigh.

"Whew. I must admit. I'm grateful for the rest."

'And the distance.' Corrin added in her thoughts as she took the seat beside Takumi, who was only wiping the sweat off his neck.

As an effort to shift her thoughts:

"It's harder to bend a bow than I imagined." She said as she took a clean towel for herself and wiped her forehead.

"Well, of course. Did you think it would be easy?" Takumi asked sardonically.

His tone didn't flinch Corrin at all. If anything, she was used to it. Actually, compared to the earlier conversations she had with him, she can't help but notice that he has becoming more gentle and open towards her.

She let out a smile at her small triumph.

If anything, Takumi really reminded her of her Nohrian younger brother. Leo used to be the same back when they were children. The way how he was cold towards her, but behind his frigidness was warmth. It was something that she had missed greatly.

But, she wasn't here to compare, nor to fill the void of what she has lost. All she can do now just hold on to her precious memories from the past and march forward with the current relationships she has now.

"To be honest, sort of. But, that's only because you make it look easy, Takumi."

Takumi raised a brow at her remark.

"Are you being sarcastic?"

Corrin shook her head, as her eyes looked at him with sheer admiration.

"No, I mean it. Watching you, it looks effortless. But when I pick up the bow, I realized that I need to work on my stance, my strength, and my concentration. Still, I've already improved compared to the first few days we started training. Wouldn't you agree?" She said with a sheepish smile.

Takumi's face finally relaxed as he nodded back.

"Yes, you are making progress. But make no mistake-you have a long way to go!"

Corrin can't help but giggle as she stood up once more and stretched her arms.

"Of course. So, why don't we get back to work?" She said as she walked back to the shooting range and picked up her bow.

She took another arrow from the quiver.

Takumi followed suit, as he stood behind her.

"Very well. Okay, get into position, take a deep breath, slowly pull back..." He instructed, albeit, this time with no strictness or any hint of sarcasm.

But as she followed his instructions, her hands suddenly slipped as the string of the bow grazed deeply on her hand.

Corrin winced in pain as she felt hot liquid spreading over her right palm from her fingers.

"Ow!"

Upon hearing her, Takumi went closer, and felt worry fill his senses. A feeling he never thought he would have felt towards Corrin.

"What happened?!" He asked.

"Sorry! My hand slipped." She said as she gritted her teeth, then looked at her right palm. She could see blood dripping from it.

"Oh damn. I'm bleeding."

"How bad is it?" He asked, as he walked closer towards her.

But Corrin just shook her head and took a step back.

"It's not bad. I'll be fine...this is nothing." She said as she put her hand behind her.

"Let me see." Takumi as he held her hand, and examined it with his eyes.

His touch was gentle unlike his rough words.

Corrin would have gotten flustered once again from his touch if it weren't for the stings her hand had been sending her.

"Nope, you're done for today."

It didn't take long for him to find out how bad it was.

"But I want to keep practicing! This is my chance to learn from you!" Corrin said angrily.

Actually, there was more into that than just learn his battle tactics, what she wanted to learn the most from him is Takumi as a person.

But, Takumi was firm as his brows scrunched up together as anger also flared up to his head.

"I said you're done." Takumi growled.

His demanding tone caused Corrin to feel a bit shocked.

"You can't hit anything with an injury like that." Then his face loosened up a bit, and continued in a gentler tone. "And besides, you'll get other chances."

Corrin couldn't believe what she was hearing.

'Does this mean he doesn't mind continuing my training with him?' She thought with a hopeful gaze.

"Do you mean that, Takumi? I'd be really grateful for the opportunity. I guess, I'll get this bandaged up immediately then." She said, once again feeling rather excited.

Then suddenly, before she could leave, Kaze was running towards them with a serious expression on his face.

"Excuse me, Milady." He said as he bowed before the two royals, but he immediately noticed Corrin's bleeding hand.

"What happened?" Kaze couldn't help but ask.

But, Corrin just shook her head.

"Don't mind this. It's a long story. May I know what you were trying to say a while ago?" She asked.

Takumi eyed him curiously as well.

"Yes, as I was about to say, the Borderlines near the North are under attacked once again by an army of Faceless."

Corrin looked at him carefully as she bit her lip.

"Alright. Prepare everyone right away. We will leave immediately. Please, also call Jakob to tend to my wound." She ordered.

"But, your hand..." Takumi said.

"Yes, Milady. I don't think you're in apt condition to fight alongside us." Kaze said, as worry drenched his features.

"No. This is nothing. As long as Jakob can fix this, I will be okay. I have been gone long enough from the battlefield. I could use some practice." Corrin said, as she smiled and then looked at Takumi.

"This is our chance to fight together. Now, watch my back, okay?"

Takumi let out an exasperated sigh. If there was one thing he learned about her, he learned that she is a stubborn fool.

"Just get that damned hand fixed already." Takumi said.

"Yes, I will."

Corrin smiled at him as she nodded and followed her green-haired retainer.

It took an hour to get everyone to the Northern mountains, and that was the fastest they could get.

Corrin positioned the army on the cliff to get a view of the zombie army that was about to launch an attack on the Northern villages.

Much to her dismay, she wasn't able to tend to her hand as promised. The best thing Jakob could do in a pressed time such as this was clean it and have it bandaged up.

Blood still made its way through the bandage, but Corrin made sure no one would notice her injured hand.

As promised, Takumi was right beside her along with Silas and her retainers. Hinoka was along with her and Sakura as well as they prepared a plan to attack.

"Alright, everyone. This time we will have the Sky Knights lead the first attack." Corrin said as she looked through her older Sister's eyes and Subaki's.

"Yes, my Lady. We will handle it with perfection." Subaki said with his usual air of confidence.

"You can count on me, Sister." Hinoka said, as she walked along Subaki to put themselves and the rest into position.

"Then while the Faceless are distracted, everyone on foot will attack on the front, okay?"

"YES!" The army replied with conviction.

"Alright, let's go!" Corrin eyed her retainers, and as well as Takumi and Silas. A gesture, saying to stay close.

She looked at Silas as she tugged on his arm.

"Silas, you along with Kaze and Jakob will lead the ones on foot."

Silas just looked at her with widened eyes.

"But, what about you, Corrin?" He asked.

"Don't worry about me. I will go with Takumi on this one." She said.

"Are you sure?"

Corrin just nodded back in response.

"Alright, but be careful, okay?"

Though Corrin looked self-assured, Takumi couldn't help but feel that there's something amiss. Looking at her serious face that showed no hint of weakness, he just couldn't point it out. However, his assumptions weren't far off.

'Is her hand really alright?' He thought, but nonetheless followed right behind her.

As planned, the Sky Knights launched the first attack to serve as a diversion. Then on foot, with Takumi beside her, Corrin led the offense on the front.

Silas, Kaze and Jakob went on ahead to serve as a filter for Corrin and the rest, who were now on their own battles.

Corrin held her Yato with her bandaged hand. The touch sent stings on her causing her to seethe in pain.

Takumi shot at the enemies, while she made follow-ups with her slashes to completely pulverize the Faceless. But today, they seemed outnumbered.

"Tch. There seems to be more of these freaks today." Corrin said, as she made an awkward slash.

Takumi knew how apt she was with her blade, but he could tell from watching behind her back how less elegant and fluid her strikes were.

'Is it because of her injury?' He thought as guilt washed over him.

'I shouldn't have pushed her too hard.'

The Faceless immediately swarmed to their direction as they all swung their hands and clubs at her direction.

"Takumi, stay back!" She said.

But, Takumi stood his ground and instead shot the others that were swarming towards their direction.

"No! Do you honestly think I will just let you take the hits all the time? I thought you wanted to learn from me?! Let me show you how I fight!" He said as he made quick shots, shooting down one Faceless after the other.

Corrin parried with the Faceless' attacks as much as she could, but she couldn't grip her blade right as her arm started to shake due to the spasms of pain her palm has been sending her.

"Damn it." She cursed, then suddenly an attack from above came.

She tried to dodge it by putting her sword up to defend herself. Instead, due to her weak grip and the amount of blood on her hand, Yato was swept away from her grasp as it flew to the ground.

Then suddenly a hit came from the right, which was aimed on her right side near her abdomen. The impact sent her flying towards Takumi's direction.

"Corrin!" He screamed, then he set his Fujin Yumi aiming towards the Faceless that sent her flying.

"How dare you!" He screamed with rage and shot the Faceless without any hesitation.

The Faceless immediately disseminated from their vision.

Corrin coughed as she spewed out blood from her mouth. Her head was getting dizzy.

She knelt in all fours as she tried to stand up. But her arms and her legs just shook in response.

Takumi immediately went beside her as he hoisted her up for a bit. He saw her bleeding bandaged hand.

"Damn, I knew it! Your hand isn't better at all!" He bellowed angrily at her.

However, this time it wasn't out of sheer hatred but concern.

She inhaled sharp breaths as she wiped the blood off her lips with her better hand.

"I'm fine. Let's just get this over quickly. I need to get my Yato." She said as she held his shoulder and tried to stand up.

Instead, Takumi took her left arm and draped it around his shoulders and helped her up on her feet.

"No, you are not. We will ask the others to get your sword later. First, we have to get you off the battlefield quickly before anything else happens to you." Takumi said.

"No, I can't leave them behind! I will fight!" Corrin said as she tried to push herself away from him.

But, Takumi tightened his grip on her waist and brought her body closer to his with his arms protectively.

"I said, no! Didn't you just promise me that you will take care of yourself from now on?!" He exclaimed, causing Corrin to look at him with widened eyes.

"You really are worried about me."

But before Corrin could indulge herself at the thought of Takumi finally having concern for her, she sensed an incoming Faceless coming to their left.

She could hear its heavy footsteps getting nearer towards them at an intense speed thanks to her heightened dragon senses.

Before she could react, the Faceless was a meter away from them, and Takumi doesn't seem to sense this at all since his thoughts were all on the girl on his arm.

With the strength she had left in her, Corrin pushed Takumi away as she swiftly used her Dragon Stone to transform into a Dragon.

She let out a wild roar as if to taunt the enemies around them.

"What the!" Takumi said as he got shoved into the ground, then he saw it right before his eyes.

Corrin's dragon form being tackled to the ground by a group of giant Faceless.

She roared in pain as blue flames surrounded her body, a sign that shows that she's transforming back to her human form.

He readied his Fujin Yumi.

He could feel the anger and adrenaline rushing inside his veins.

"Corrin!" He screamed as he fired the shots.

She laid on the ground.

Her head felt so light.

Transforming into a dragon took a lot from her remaining strength. She could barely move her arms, and let alone her legs. The collision with the Faceless made it feel worst.

She can only hear screaming from various directions as a ray of light went straight towards her direction. As it was inches away, she could feel her eyelids getting heavy, while her consciousness drifted away.

'Did I...fail? At least, in my final moments...we were able to finally bond.'

Crimson eyes bolted open as she sat up from her bed.

Darkness was all she can see as familiar wooden walls met her gaze.

She was back in the Tree House in the Astral Plane.

"I...survived?" She said.

She looked at herself, as she was just clad in her regular sleeping clothes, which was a simple loose white dress. Her injured hand had a fresh bandaged on as blood still seeped through it. However, this time the bleeding is not as bad as it used to.

Then she looked towards the window. Sunlight threatened to pierce through the curtains telling them that its still morning.

'What happened? Is everyone alright? Takumi...is he okay?' She thought as she tried to jog up her memory.

Then she heard the door opening, only to see the familiar figure. His dark eyes wide and his face filled with relief.

"Milady! You are finally awake." Jakob immediately went to her side.

"Finally awake? How long was I out?" She asked.

"Well, you've been out for a day since our mission back in the Northern Valley. Thankfully, despite your state of unconsciousness, we were still able to come out victorious with zero casualties. However, people still got injured in the fight. But not as bad as you did, Milady. Seriously, what were you doing fighting with an injury?" Jakob said with in an agitated expression on his face.

Corrin didn't even smile like usual.

After all, she knew that this time she fought knowing she might fall.

"I'm sorry." She said with downcast eyes.

Then flashes from the fight before appeared on her mind, as she suddenly remembered her long, silver-haired, younger brother.

"Takumi...what about Takumi? Is he alright?" She asked.

"Prince Takumi is alright. He was the reason we won the last battle with his sudden outburst of power. He was really worried about you, Lady Corrin. Though he won't actually admit it. He looked after you endlessly for hours. He wouldn't have left a while ago if it weren't for Princess Hinoka telling him to rest and tend to his own injuries. He was the one that brought you back to us along with your Yato."

Corrin let out a sigh of relief.

'I'm glad he is safe. To think that a day would come that he would genuinely care for me...' She said as a smile escaped her lips.

"Oh dear, did you actually caught a cold? Your face seems red..." Jakob remarked, causing Corrin to hold on to her cheeks.

"Red?! What are you talking about, Jakob? Maybe your eyes are just playing on you." She let out an awkward laugh.

Jakob wasn't buying her lies. After all, he already knew whether or not she was lying to her face. But he didn't bade it much mind.

Hoping to change the subject, she said: "Wait, maybe I needed some fresh air. What do you think?" She said.

'Here we go again. Corrin, remember...HE IS YOUR BROTHER!' She chided herself in her thoughts.

"I guess, there's nothing wrong about that. But, let's get you some decent clothes on you first if you don't mind." Jakob proceeded to get clothes from her chest, as he took out a simple blue dress with white laces and a pair of plain black doll shoes.

Though she may be far away from Nohr, Oboro took the liberty to make her clothes that she used to wear from scratch based on her descriptions. Much to Corrin's delight, they were of fine quality and material. Not only that, they were also highly fashionable as well.

"Don't wander off to much, Milady. Please come back immediately if you may." Jakob said, to which Corrin nodded back.

"Yes, I promise, Jakob. Thank you so much for always taking good care of me."

"You're welcome, Milady. It's the least I could do for you." Jakob said with a graceful bow.

Then she finally left, and made her way to the Archery Range.

For the first time, the Range was empty as no one was even practicing in it, specifically a certain Hoshidan Prince.

She was hoping to see him so she could thank him for saving her.

'But, I guess I can do something else.' She said as she eyed her bow that was hanging on her personal locker. She took it with her and brought it in the practice area.

She sat quietly on the bench. Thanks to Takumi's great teachings, she now knows how to tend to her bow independently.

Then as she was adjusting the strings, a voice echoed through the empty hall.

"Hey, what are you doing with that bow?"

Corrin was startled as it caused her to grip hard on her bow. She looked up only to see the man, whom she had been seeking the moment she woke up.

"Takumi, you're alright. Thank God." She said filled with glee, however restrained her urge to hug him.

"Of course, I am alright. Rather, shouldn't you be more worried about yourself?"

"Right. I'm feeling better now, though." She said as her eyes went back to her bow.

"Seriously, you were knocked out badly during the fight, and now I find you getting yourself worked up again? I thought I told you to lay off until your hand heals!" He may not show it on his face, but his tone was the dead giveaway as it was completely drenched in concern.

"Oh, I know. I'm not practicing. I'm just polishing and adjusting the tension." She said as she tinkered with the string of the bow.

"Finding out that I actually missed a day...I feel restless not being able to practice."

Takumi pursed his lips as he took the seat beside her, while he resisted the urge to smile.

"Seriously, you are really a handful. I wonder how Jakob and Kaze gets to keep all their hair with the stress you are giving them all the time."

Corrin let out a small giggle.

"I guess, I am."

"You're really getting into this, aren't you?" He asked, referring to her current obsession.

She looked at him with an exhilarated look on her face, as her lips formed a wide smile.

"You know...I am!" She said excitedly.

"It was devastatingly hard at first, but you're really a good teacher!" But her lips curled down slightly, as she realized something.

"Although, I do hope I'm coming along fast enough and not just wasting your time."

A blush crept on Takumi's cheeks.

"Don't worry, you're not." He tried to muster.

She looked at him with a gaze seeking assurance.

"Really?"

"No. Believe it or not, you're actually really talented. And as much as I hate to do this, I have to apologize. I've seen your dedication to Hoshido with my own two eyes especially back there during the fight back in the Northern borderlines and the battles right before that. So, please forgive me for doubting you in the first place. You are really worthy of our trust, and I will gladly continue your training as soon as you're ready." He said.

Though his blush was evident in his features, his golden caramel eyes stared directly back at her crimson orbs.

She smiled once again. This time it was a calm one.

"Thank you, Takumi. I'm so glad you gave me a chance."

"You're welcome." He replied, and then he took something out of his pocket.

"Oh by the way, take this." He said as he gave it to her.

Corrin took it immediately off his hands as she examined it.

"It's a salve that might help your hand heal faster."

She held it with glee, as she let out a grin towards the boy in front of her.

"Great! I was dying of the thought that I can't get back to work with you soon."

Takumi let out a laugh. This was the first time Corrin he heard it. Not only was it just a laugh, but was a laugh aimed towards her. It was music to her ears.

"Me too, Corrin. Now, get better quickly. I'll look forward to our next practice."

Corrin smiled as she fondly relived her memories of him in her mind.

Her first moments with him back in Hoshido.

She opened her eyes as she took out a red ribbon from her pocket. She played with it on her fingers as she caressed it gently.

'If there was only one thing I didn't regret, it was the fact that I was able to love you, Takumi. You were the one that found me back then. I could never ever forget that.'

And we are done!

I hope you guys had a good time with Chapter 2!

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Anyway, for now, look forward for the next chapter! TC!

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