Another chapter of Shadow of Nohr has arrived. We're here. The point of no return. I won't say much more than that.

All I will ask is that if you're one of those awesome people who's been reading along since the start then please leave your thoughts. What do you think is going to happen next? Where do you think this is going? In a couple of chapters time there will be a big decision to make.

A poll I'm going to ask you guys to vote in. You'll see in due time.

Let's begin shall we?

Omen

"So hot tonight..." Charlotte's voice swirls inside you. "C'mon, Keiji... Don't fall asleep on me."

You awaken in a murky bedroom to golden ribbons of hair spilling over your shirtless torso. Sensual womanly moans swim in your ears, intoxicating you.

The touch of another provides enough vigor to shake off the heft of sleep in an instant.

Naked as the day she was born, Charlotte trails her lips downward inch by inch toward your stomach.

An all too pleasing awakening. The arrival of the dreaded day - of Nyx's second fortune - feels slightly less hostile.

Tilting your head and with one eye open, you notice the blonde is lounged partway across the bed with legs spread wide - an attentive index finger and thumb massaging her slick womanly opening. Between each kiss she releases a raspy breath. Beads of sweat drip from her hair and onto your chest; each tingling like the prick of a tiny needle and stirring your starved inner beast.

Gods willing you would've gorged on Hana's delights earlier if Kegero hadn't interrupted.

All the better you're in the company the lover who has swayed your heart the farthest. The one special enough to wear Flora's ring.

Lifting an arm from the mattress, you smack Charlotte's delicious peach of a backside.

She vents an aroused groan and inches away from you, her rasps deepening into thirsty, laboured pants. "Fucker," she exhales with lustful sweetness.

It's always fun to play the girl at her own games. "I cannot have you getting ahead of yourself," you tease, delivering a second softer slap.

You're gifted a buttery yowl for your efforts. "Do that again," Charlotte winks. "Harder. I dare you."

The third slap is harder than even the first - a slap you know only she can handle. The audible crack bounces off the walls, Charlotte throwing back her head and erupting into a scream of bittersweet delight. A cat on the prowl upon regaining her senses, the blonde lunges and seizes your wrists.

"Fancy a quick tumble... maybe till sunrise?" she huffs, her clammy chest pressed to yours.

An oil lamp's pale orange flicker through the narrow window behind is the only light source you can make out from where you're lying. The street outside would be pitch-black without it; you'll be damned if the sun is coming up anytime soon. "Hardly a quick one."

Charlotte strikes, playfully nipping the tender flesh of your neck with her teeth. You moan into her, your fingers sliding down her sweat-glistened back.

Drawing away, the busty beauty crawls inch by inch down the bed to your shorts - poking the weapon sheathed within. "My point exactly, Samurai."

You lift from the bed to accommodate; Charlotte tugging the garment down to your ankles.

Your blood simmers at the notion of making love before battle; a special treat bestowed only when the Nohrian lady is in a particularly sugary mood.

A delicious morsel too good to pass up.

Charlotte climbs atop of you - still flexible at this early stage of her pregnancy.

You lean your weight into the headboard - all too eager for what lies ahead. "I take it we're trying for twins?"

Your lover snorts, glanced by the sudden jape. "Doesn't work like that, idiot." Just short of claiming you for her own, Charlotte pauses. Snatching your hand, she clamps it against the small bump in her belly. "Slaughter that murderous bastard for me... and we'll be wed at sundown."

"Consider him already dead..." you reply at a whisper.

By the day's end your life will be reshaped. Your greatest source of torment will have been swept away, and you will have a gorgeous Nohrian wife.

Becoming one with Charlotte, you bask in her perfect heat.

The Vallan emblem scarred into your arm surges an invigorating blue. Perfect for the conquest ahead.

Mustering bells ring out across Cheve.

There is a thickness to the morning air where there hadn't been yesterday.

Soldiers and messengers scramble along the Border Wall's wide central corridor whilst attending to last minute preparations.

Members of your loyal defector vanguard are already gathering at the town square in preparation to march. Their collective roles in the coming clash are as much to bring victory as they are to send Nohr and Hoshido a message. That only by abandoning the trappings of birthright can the world change.

Charlotte and Elena in your company, you stride into throne room with a swish of your coat - brimming with confidence. It was requested of all commanders going to war to meet the queen once more before heading out. A request you chose to oblige without question.

Her Majesty has treated you beyond well since you swore total loyalty. You would do almost anything if she asked.

The throne room - the towering citadel's heart - has been converted into something of a defensive chokepoint. Tables have been tipped over to create a ring-like barricade around the throne itself - a single gap at the centre allowing access by way of the velvet red carpet.

"Sure looks different in here from yesterday," Elena says.

Charlotte scoffs. "No shit."

As ever, Severa remains loyally beside her mistress. This time, however, there is another at the queen's right-hand side. A towering and stocky man with a bald head - adorned in thick gray steel plate mail. His face is rounded and cheeks flushed; his most unique feature being a curly golden moustache.

A man far less unnerving at a glance than some of the Nohrian's you saw while an unwilling prisoner in Krakenburg.

"My Queen." Stepping foot on the carpet, you lower onto hand and knee. Charlotte and Elena follow suit. "You called for us?"

"Indeed I did, my darlings." With a tender smile, Camilla lifts from her throne. "Rise, all of you."

The three of you do as asked.

In the past several weeks since the revolution's beginnings the rebellious royal has sported a wide range of luxurious and downright seductive dresses - from ballroom gowns to lacy evening wear. Today she has elected to don her battle armour, with twice as many soldiers posted to the main chamber.

A decision made by Severa, you wager.

Camilla meets you at the room's centre, the platemail adorned man and her loyal bodyguard falling in at her left and right. "Some introductions are in order, I believe. Keiji, darling." Camilla turns and gestures toward the stranger of the pair. "This is Sir Duncan. A loyal knight in my service. He is the younger nephew of Sir Gunter, a veteran once tasked with my sister Corrin's protection."

The knight bows his head after being introduced. "A pleasure, young lad. A pleasure." Belting out a warm laugh, he twiddles his moustache. "I heard of your deeds at the inaugural clash with Hoshido. A shame I hadn't been there, too. I was yet to get free of Garon, you see." Grinning, he lurches closer to pat you on the back. "What say you, laddie? Ready to give that dastard Hans a bloody good kicking?"

You're reminded of a kindly uncle by Duncan. And his enthusiasm doesn't go amiss, either. "But of course, noble knight." You return his bow.

Severa clears her throat and levels a scowl at you. Always a grumpy little flower in public. "Stop chattering. There's been a change and we're short on time."

As much as you care for the redhead, her sharp tongue never ceases to catch a man off guard. "A change?"

"To the battle plans," Camilla informs, soothing you with a mother's smile. "In light of Sir Duncan's arrival."

Abrupt as ever, Severa verbally barges in. "You will remain at the front, Keiji. Hana too. The pair of you will lead a unified vanguard. Sir Duncan has overall command of the main force; his years of combat expertise are just what we need. As for you, Charlotte," she looks to the buxom blonde, her angry expression intensifying somewhat. "You will watch over Cheve's gateway - the town's first and last line of defence. Despite petitioning the queen."

A posting that earns a grumble from your lover. "In the rear guard? Are you shittin' me?!"

There follows a sadistic hum from Camilla at the sudden outburst. "Now, Charlotte." A hum with enough weight to force the brutish fighter into submission - dousing her rage as though it is little more than a flash of fire. "The order was mine. Selena merely made the adjustments."

"But Milady Camilla..." Charlotte protests.

"There will be no 'buts', my dear," the queen decrees sternly. Wagging a raised finger, she tuts disappointedly. "I'll not have yours and Keiji's unborn child placed in danger. They will be one of many to represent the ideal of my revolution. A son or daughter of both Nohrian and Hoshidan blood. And besides..." Trailing off, Camilla exhales with great sadness. "I do so envy you, dear girl."

The surprise confession earns stares from your future wife and Severa alike.

"Whaddya mean?" asks Charlotte with an hint of confusion.

"Because you have been blessed with the gift of motherhood." Camilla wears a downcast smile. "And more..."

There erupts a thunderous clacking of Hoshidan sandals. "Sorry it took so long!" Hana shouts - her voice echoing from the adjoining hall.

Glancing over your shoulder, you trace her path from the wide-open iron doors as she rushes nearer.

She wears the same hakama as yesterday, grass stains and all.

"The vanguard are all present and accounted for," the lady warrior reveals, skidding to a stop. You snag her arm to keep her steady "I bring word from the wyvern riders, also." Hana diverts her attention to Camilla. "Lady Sakura and Subaki have emerged from woodland north of Cheve. They're setting up a defensive line and are holding fast." All-important message delivered, her onyx gaze tightens. "What will you do?"

Camilla knots her fingers into a clasp and folds her arms behind her back. Her lips rise into a smirk. A smirk you've seen before. Thoughtful. Calculating. Gone is the loving matriarch - replaced with the ruler. "Has there been any sign of Hans yet?"

"His marauders aren't far behind. Only two miles. The wyvern riders say he's been poking Sakura's rear guard with scouts for hours."

A Nohrian tactic if you've ever seen one. You decide to speak up. "He aims to agitate them into launching a counter-offensive."

"I'd say so," agrees Severa. "If he lures them into an open conflict before facing us it eliminates the chances of fighting a battle on two fronts. But I wonder..." The redhead taps a finger against her chin, pondering. "Would he risk such a tactic if left without the men to fight us afterward?" Eyes alight all of the sudden, she switches focus. "Hana...? Did the wyvern riders divulge any further news of enemy troop numbers?"

The Hoshidan lass nods intently, tugging free of your grasp. "Closer to five hundred. Nowhere near their previous estimates."

Having stayed quiet for quite some time, Sir Duncan enters the exchange. "And even less than expected. Is he planning something? An ambush, perhaps?"

Severa's chin tapping quickens, a deep thoughtfulness radiating from her. "Hard to say. But we should remain wary all the same. The number of men we expect to face continues changing - I fear it may be a ruse. A ruse we might struggle against while lacking the luxury of steady reinforcements."

"Selena, darling," Camilla chimes, "Did you send word to my sister and Arthur to join us here?"

"I have, milady," she replies quickly. "There has been no answer from Lady Elise as of yet - which limits our ability to replenish lost lives for the time being."

They say Lady Elise is one of Nohr's finest healers. Both her personal skills and added military support would go a long way.

Which makes Severa's reasoning all too easy to follow. "Meaning we cannot afford heavy losses here," you observe.

"To the best of our means, yes." Severa snaps her fingers - a vibrant reply. "Should we lose too many soldiers our momentum will be blunted. And that momentum is our only advantage until we reach the outlying townships beyond Macarath - which Ryoma holds."

"Meaning there will be further battles if the prince refuses to back down."

"Correct. Even without Sakura's help he might continue marching toward Windmire."

Spoken like a true strategist. Her father being a man of tactical mind shines through like a beacon. "You have truly considered each and every outcome, haven't you?" The commander in you is beyond impressed.

Severa's pale cheeks darken to a deep red at your compliment. "...I try my best."

You imagine she has a solution for this predicament also. "And how might we solve the issue before us?"

"There is something we can do to minimize casualties." The strategist withdraws a step, dropping her arms to the sides. There's hesitation to her voice all of the sudden. "But we shouldn't." Quiet of the usual flare, she wrings her hands. "It's too risky."

"And why not?" Camilla interjects. "Surely it is a tactician's role to weigh risk and reward, is it not?"

"It certainly is, milady. But this plan will involve using the main Hoshidan force as bait."

A low and frightening snarl from Hana sends shivers down your back. "Don't suggest a damn thing." The hairs of her neck standing on end, she points a warning finger at the redhead. "Endanger my life as much as you damn well please. But do anything to place Sakura at risk and I'll withdraw my support here and now. She's my best friend, dammit!"

Camilla's eyes dart from Severa to the rowdy Hoshidan - and back again. "I will at least hear the suggestion, if nothing else."

"Of course you will..." Hana seethes at the queen's judgement.

"As you wish, milady." Severa turns from the group, motioning toward the sole undisturbed piece of furniture ahead of the barricades - an oaken table. "Everyone follow me." A strategy table to be precise - a revision to the one from the other day.

Its top is covered by a map with markers resembling pieces not unlike a Nohrian chess board - scrawled with notes penned in curly handwriting.

If memory serves correctly, there have been some adjustments with relation to battle positioning.

Standing at the table's head with Camilla, Severa rests a finger upon the marker which represents Sakura's army - the Hoshidan insignia being a clear giveaway. "This is where I predicted the Hoshidans would emerge, from the treeline just here. This was their true point of emergence." The marker is scooted over a few inches. "About half a mile or so further westward, not too far ahead of a Dragon Vein."

Camilla's brow shoots upward, her eyes alive with realization. "Oh you clever, clever girl..."

Her finger moving atop the insignia representing Dragon Vein (a marking fashioned after Corrin's draconic head when she assumes her fearsome and fanged form) Severa continues onward. "My idea was lure Hans' soldiers atop the vein as they advanced on the Hoshidans."

The queen indulges a darkly gleeful chuckle. "And have me awaken its magic."

An idea you're against for a different reason to Hana. "I cannot abide this strategy, My Queen," you object. "Your safety is as much my priority as it is Selena's." Furthermore, you've seen Corrin activate a magical vein before. They're unpredictable at the least and dangerous at the worst - some providing healing while others fracture the lay of the land. "Please do not endanger your wellbeing. You are far too important to me. To our cause."

You sigh internally, unsure if it is your worry for Camilla the woman or Camilla the leader that guides you.

Your concern earns a warm chuckle from her regardless. "To think you would value me so highly." The smoothing of her sinister edges reflecting in a pink flush of her cheeks, the queen winks at you. "Very kind. But are you able to offer a finer-fitting suggestion?" She leans over the table and closer to you, her beyond-ample cleavage on generous display. A gesture you can't help think is a reward.

Avoiding the fullness of the monarch's ivory breasts, you snap downward and concentrate on the map.

While comfortable leading men at the very least, you're far from a strategic expert. But maybe, just maybe, an act of daring leadership will suffice in place of tactical finesse. An idea sparks to life in your mind; one you hope will defuse rising tensions and provide a solution. "Follow my suggestion, if you would."

You trail the sketched out battleground with a finger toward its western edge - where Cheve and the Border Wall reside. Four markers each baring the insignia of Nohr's Light, and one which no doubt represents Hana's Hoshidan samurai are placed in key positions.

The fourth marker sitting far ahead on the frontline and its smaller Hoshidan ally are the one's you're interested in.

"Mine and Hana's vanguard should prove all we need to rout Hans."

Your bold declaration certainly gets Severa's attention. Politely ushering Camilla aside, she takes centre stage. "And how in the world are you going to do that?" she questions sharply, hands finding her hips. "Yours and Hana's soldiers combined amount to around one hundred and seventy men." Her crimson orbs pierce you like the tip of honed steel. "You're outnumbered at least four to one - bare that in mind before considering a direct confrontation."

"Gotta agree with Selena this time around." Charlotte says with notable displeasure. "I ain't losing you."

"You won't," you reply with strength of heart - an attempt at calming her.

"Even I'd struggle with those odds, Keiji," the blond admits with seriousness. "You'll be fucked."

"Wrong; I'll manage. Because Hans is a berserker through and through; much like you, dearest."

"...Come again?" Charlotte questions with a seething undertone.

"What I mean to say is; the bastard is predictable. And that is where we shall best him." You slide the Nohrian marker directly ahead of the main Hoshidan one. "I've little of a strategic mind, but I know Hans. And my comrade for this battle does too." You turn to Hana, smiling faintly out of respect for your recent reconciliation. "You know his violent tactics as well as I."

Returning your smile with one of fragility, Hana nods. "Right. He'll be drawn to Sakura." Her lips fall to a faint frown - a look of absolute disgust distorting her features. "Because she's pure, innocent; the most beautiful girl in all of Hoshido." Hana's hand clenches into a rageful shuddering fist. "If he gets his disgusting paws on her our war is over. Morale will plummet; no matter how hard Lord Ryoma fights to inspire us."

"Exactly." Point proven, you return to the battle map. "And we can use his perversion to our advantage."

You bask in a euphoric shiver. The idea of finally killing the murderous pig and his followers is wonderful.

You move yours and Hana's markers behind Hans'. "We let the animal engage with Sakura's soldiers just long enough to charge in from behind... and box him in on two fronts." You tap the marker depicting Camilla's main force. "Any who break off and flee southward will be caught by Sir Duncan."

"That's... actually quite impressive," Severa praises, her voice tinged with surprise. Upon matching your gaze with hers she's quick to recoil, a grouchy exterior on show and all. "N-Not as good as any idea I'd come with... but I guess it'll do." She looks to Camilla in search of approval. "What do you think, milady? It's a basic but effective idea, though it places the vanguard in grave danger."

Camilla appears hesitant; likely because of Severa's approximation of your chances. Her gaze of purple finds you - eyes trembling with shocking sincerity. So much so that your heart almost misses a beat. "On one condition, Sir Keiji. And one alone."

Anything to prove yourself - to strike Hans' ugly head from his shoulders. "Name your terms."

"I have come to greatly value your dedication to my cause, my roguish swordsman," the Nohrian royal declares with great emotion, a hand lifting to rest upon her bosom. "Should I lose you it would wound me to the same degree as losing my precious Selena. Swear to me that you will fight with the fury of a demon to win." Camilla's lips rise into a small but unsteady smile. "Return to me... no matter the cost. Only then will I permit your plan."

The royal presents her hand from across the table.

"I swear it, My Lady. I will fell any foe who threatens my life." Doing as directed, you place your lips against her ever smooth skin.

"Very well," Camilla conceeds, retracting her hand. "I shall allow it. Remember your oath and do not let me down, My Lord."

"I would not dream of it."

Taking a backward step from the table, you hold an open palm upon the space where your beating core resides - lowering into a bow of utmost respect.

Clouds darker than demise have twisted the sky and devoured the sunlight; choking humidity lacing the air.

A ferocious rumble overhead plucks your nerves.

Mother once sat with you by the fire and shared an old Hoshidan wives' tale.

"Men and women who do battle amidst a storm are plauged with ill-fortune that day..." she said.

You have never believed such nonsense.

The first thing Mother asked about upon hearing the news of your father's passing had been the weather that day. She was told (by one of his surviving combat buddies) that it had been fairer than a Shirasagi nobleman's daughter - the sky a pristine blue.

Misfortune is a product of circumstance - fortune-tellers and folklore be damned. A truth you'll show Nyx by returning victorious.

Your trusted (and mostly hand-picked) vanguard of over one hundred strong are to ready serve in Camilla's name - with you at the helm. Hana and her samurai supporters are clustered together in typical Hoshidan fashion to the left of your more loosely spaced number.

There was an eagerness about both groups as they marched out of Cheve's gates and onto the wide open plains that serve as today's battleground.

An eagerness you've yet to quench as their commander, and with damn good reason. A cautious example Hana has mirrored to the letter.

"This is an unexpected surprise," you utter mockingly, pulling your wraithglass free of the inky black scabbard. "Don't you agree, Elena?"

Flipping through pages of her leather-bound spell tome with tattered edges, the mage in the wide-brimmed hat settles on an incantation which pleases her. Glancing over to you, she frowns. "Whatever happens out here, Boss - I've got you covered. Fuckers won't get anywhere near you."

While grateful, you're concerned about her safety above all else. "Fall in toward the rear - provide support from there."

"You sure?" There's serious reluctance written across the scruffy spellcaster's face. "I'd rather not."

"Absolutely," you reply with certainty. It would be devastating if she were caught on some ruffian's spear. "You're a firm friend; I value your counsel." Eager to calm her before first blood is drawn, you flash a tiny smile - there and gone in an instant. "I shall be fine. Now, to the back. Keep the slackers in line."

"Aye, Sir Keiji," she salutes.

Content in knowing Elena is a fraction safer, you breathe a sigh and appraise the troublesome scenario before you.

You will be the first to admit that you expected the Nohrians to charge the Hoshidan forces head on. They haven't.

Emerging from the northward-facing forest road, and later than expected, they divided their forces in two. Half approached Sakura's soldiers while the rest marched to your position with agonizing slowness. The distant wall of tightly packed bodies gained definition the nearer it came, enabling you to see the troops you would face in the coming clash. The clash you've been waiting for, praying for; yearning for.

Except they aren't soldiers - not the kinds you're well-versed with.

Instead of battle-hardened spearmen, you're sizing up fresh-faced recruits with dull swords and patchwork armor. You'll wager the only thing keeping them from pissing themselves and fleeing in fear is the sparse smattering of armour-clad knights encircling their backs.

Perhaps more concerning, there are no cavalrymen supporting them - nor mages. Both elements are commonplace in a Nohrian formation.

Hana walks over from her samurai. "What's the plan?" she asks at a whisper whilst leaning in. "Strike from the front?"

"I had planned on it, Hana. Yes."

"I don't see Hans anywhere," she comments, her eyes scouring the Nohrian frontline with quiet animosity.

While wary of circumstance, the clearest path is straight ahead. "The bastard is probably hiding. I say we brush aside these louts and continue advancing."

Stepping to the side for safety's sake, Hana draws her razor-sharp eastern blade. Eager fires rage behind her eyes. "Fine by me. Sakura needs our support."

"Indeed she does." Wraithglass on presentation, you take the first step forward.

"Men!" you begin boldly - ready to inspire those who follow you. "The enemy bars our path!"

An overwhelming cheer erupts from the vanguard at your back, shaking the earth.

There will be no speeches - unlike last time. Any who serve at the behest of Hans will surrender where they stand or fall before you.

The point of your wraithglass aimed toward the Nohrian ranks, you give the command. "Cut them down!"

A second cheer erupts - this one louder.

Adrenaline coursing through you like an inferno, you rush headlong into danger with your faithful comrades.

The melody of combat is as natural to you as breathing. It is all you know; a part of you as much as you're beating heart.

Your agile legs carry you between swings of steel and the points of spears as though an artful dancer.

With blade of glass and faith unshaken, you slice through anyone brave (or foolish) enough to issue a challenge.

Hana remains close - almost a shadow - the pair of you having harmonized to the point where it is like you never parted.

Hoshidan retainer and revolutionary swordsman - united as one.

"Keiji!" Hana yells - her voice triggering your instincts. "To your left!"

You parry the thrust of a youthful spearman, plunging your wraithglass into his gut.

A gurgle. A sputter. Red overflows from the youth's mouth and gushes down his chin. You say a silent prayer for the lad before releasing your blade - a showing of respect for his valiant effort. He twitches violently - eyes wrought with terror - falling face-first into the dirt.

A sweeping glance of your surroundings paints a similarly ugly picture. Not for your faithful followers. But for your foes.

Despite having a clear advantage in terms of numbers, the Nohrians are being butchered left and right. It took but minutes to shatter their frontline and send them reeling. Minutes and only minutes. A coordinated wall of spearmen is usually no small task - these poor bastards are barely trained by comparison. It's as though they've been drafted from the nearest patch of farmland - hauled to war for pouch of silver and bag of rice.

Which begs a worrisome thought. "There's no challenge here."

Footsteps close from behind - crunching though the dried out grass. An enemy, you're sure.

Self-preservation sinks its claws into you. Swift and lethal, you turn on your heels and slash.

"Wait!" Hana screams, the absolute horror behind her voice freezing you solid. Your blade's edge stalls mere inches from her throat.

The swordswoman exhales, safely sliding her weapon away. She takes many nervous backward steps; shaking like a leaf.

Ashamed beyond all reason, you sheathe the blood-soaked wraithglass with extra quickness. "Gods be damned! I am so sorry."

"It's alright." Untying her headband, Hana dabs her glistening forehead and stuffs the cloth in her hakama's pocket. "Just be more careful..."

"I hear you." Crisis narrowly averted, you stand down from alert.

Further ahead your lads are well stuck in. Their dedication and ferocity are to be admired.

Through combined efforts they have pushed the battle line at least a hundred feet in reverse of where it was originally drawn. Signs of panic run rampant within in the enemy ranks - mindless screams and washed-out faces being among the least gruesome sights.

You decided it best to deal with stragglers. Nobody is getting past you; Nyx's fortune dies today.

"We have them on the ropes," Hana mentions following a shaky breath. Stepping closer, she leans on you for respite. "Tell me you're uneasy, too."

"After almost cutting down my former fiancé? Yes... I'd say so."

The lady warrior blinks. "Not me!" she rolls her eyes. "The battle, Keiji."

"My mistake." You nod for the samurai - an arm wrapping her middle in comfort and apology. An embrace she leans into after a shortened huff. "Deeply. These Nohrians..." You gaze upon the poor sods, almost feeling sorry for them. "It's a bloodbath. I've barely lost a single man. You?"

Granted, barely losing a soul is a feat worthy of celebration. But why can you not quell the feeling of something being very... very wrong?

"Three." Hana counts on her fingers. "Just three - out of more than sixty. Still no sign of Hans, either," she continues in observation, laying her head against your arm like she did many summers ago. "Or any of his axe-toting barbarians."

Her ability to keep calm even as blood is spilled is unparalleled. Or perhaps it's just you're being here with her.

Whatever the reason, now isn't the time for idleness. "We should keep moving, Hana. The battle's not done."

"Right! Sakura needs us!" Hana pulls away to create distance. Fearsome as a wolveskin, she reclaims her katana. "I'll lead! Keep up, you hear?"

Without another word, she breaks into a sprint to re-connect with the rapidly advancing army.

Letting her rush ahead recklessly is far from smart. A compulsion to protect her still resides within you - for more than old time's sake.

You re-arm and give chase - forced to halt when a stabbing pain wracks your ankle.

It clears no sooner than you blink - almost as though it was never there. Anxiousness rises at the back of your mind regardless of brevity.

The last thing you need is for the injury sustained while fighting Kagero to flare.

"I'd better be cautious."

You follow after Hana - more a jog than a run.

Hans is out here somewhere. If not commanding this band than the other to the north.

And you're going kill him.

To be continued...

There you have it! The battle has begun. Did you like it? Would you like to see more in future? It would be super awesome if you shared your thoughts and left some feedback. Keep on supporting Fire Emblem and I'll see you in the next chapter. Thanks again!