Chapter X: Finality

Corrin opened his eyes slowly, his head feeling as though it had taken the force of Xander's blade as a freshly forged one takes the blacksmith's hammer. He looked around and realized with a gasp that he was back in his room at Castle Krakenburg.

"Was it all…a dream?"

"No my son." Claimed a soft kind voice Corrin had only heard a few times but had so longed for, since he last heard it.

"Lady Mikoto?!" Corrin almost yelled, sitting upright from where he had been laying.

"Relax Corrin." She was sitting there her eyes gleaming, and a grin unsuppressed on her face, which looked so much like his own.

"Where am I?"

"You've come to Limbo, your Yato making contact with Crown Prince Xander's Siegfriend temporary ripped a small hole in the cosmos.

"Is he alright?"

"Yes, Little Prince." came Xander's cool but polite voice from the hearth on the opposite side of the large room. At once Corrin tried to draw his sword but it wasn't at his waist.

"Peace Little Prince, you chose your fate I have accepted mine."

"Xander…"

"Garon will be waiting for you…"

"You held back."

Xander did not reply, instead looking to Mikoto who nodded permission to approach, as Corrin's eyes began welling with tears.

"Why did you hold back?!"

"Because, you have a destiny far grander than mine of just following orders. Promise me you will complete it."

"Oh-okay."

Xander wrapped his arms around Corrin, the polar opposite of his stony, cold face.

"Leo has been told and I will be with Elise soon my brother…"

Xander, slowly faded from the hug leaving Corrin to cry.

"It didn't have to be this way…Xander!"

"Go forth Little Prince, be strong for me, for Nohr, and the world."

"Corrin…" Mikoto had wrapped her arms around her son where Xander's had been disappating and for the first time since he was an infant, she let him cry in her arms.

"I'm proud of you my son."

"B-but…"

"You have another visitor here too but for now we can rest together if only for a moment. I am so proud to call you my son, and seeing that you still respond with kindness in trying circumstances. These losses will not be in vain, you will succeed my son." She cooed.

"Mom?"

"Yes my dear?" Mikoto responded, smiling wider now, having never gotten to enjoy her son calling her that.

"I still don't understand all this prophecy stuff…"

"You will when you see your second guest."

"Second?"

"Yes, surely you did not think I waited here alone. No, I have had very good company, but before you go see them, tell me about your loves."

Shaking his head at the silliness but fully aware this would be possibly his only chance to talk to his mother about her in-laws he began to talk, after assurance that time meant nothing in this realm, for the moment. So he lay his head in her lap and began to tell her things.

"Just as foretold."

"Mom? Y-you made the prophecy?"

"No, I was just assigned messenger along with the other who is here."

"The other…"

…

Kagero lowered her hand, the blinding light and the clatter sound of Corrin and Xander's weapons finally dissipated, when things came back into focus however, and she realized her weapon, as well as the battle itself had vanished, she whipped around panicked.

"Corrin!? Orochi! What is this sorcery?"

"We're in another dimension Kagero." The diviner said calmly, putting a hand on the ninja's shoulder.

"Is Corrin still in danger?"

"I don't know that Dorsi, but like I just said this is not our realm. I also don't know what this dimension is supposed to resemble."

Kagero bit back a remark about how Orochi's magical expertise wasn't living up to its name when Flora pipped up.

"This is the interior of Castle Krackenburg, where Corrin grew up."

"And your husband is completely safe ladies" a fifth merry voice broke out, causing the four to look around.

"Up here ladies!" the voice came again. Orochi and Caeldori looked up first, neither of them quite sure who this pretty young woman was, her bouncing curls of blonde hair which had lavender streaks catching their eyes but not their memories.

"Lady Elise?"

"Hi Flora, long time no see."

"I heard you had-"

"I did die."

"Princess Elise, have we perished as well?"

Elise frowned, puffing her cheeks in a way that made Orochi want to pinch them a little if not for the seriousness of the question.

"Nope, but since Corrin hit his blade on another holy weapon you guys have been transported to Limbo. Since you're here I suppose now I can explain all of this prophecy business eh?"

Whatever reservations any of the four women had, did their best impression of a retreating tide and they joined Elise at the top of the stairs before following her into what must be her room.

"Corrin made me that pillow." Elise said, pointing to a plump, silly looking blue dragon which had a red and blue fish like tail.

"So, where should I start?"

"How did all four of us end up marrying the same amazingly hot prince and why?"

Elise blushed at the descriptors Orochi had used (Mikoto was right, she was wild) for Corrin before shaking her head and beginning the story.

"There are four directions in the Astral Compass, North, South, East, and West. Each of these helps form the understanding of the Earth. Corrin is to unify our lands, so he had to unite you all as a compass does."

"Why do I get the distinct impression that Corrin will get a much more in-depth explanation." Caeldori challenged smartly.

Elise pouted, her cheeks doing another cute thing that made Orochi want to giggle.

"I'm just telling you what Mikoto told me to relay alright?"

"Mikoto is here!" the three Hoshidans shouted in unison

"Duh, and you'll see her now after I ask you all a favor."

"Anything" Kagero and Orochi said without considering what that could mean, while Caeldori and Flora nodded. The former wished to meet her adoptive grandmother, while the later was curious to meet the woman that Corrin had not met until near the end of her life and see if the kindness was genetic, while also understanding her great general importance."

…

Corrin opened his eyes again, after dozing off in Mikoto's arms and saying their final goodbyes. He wasn't sure who had cried more, he or his mother, but whatever doubts Xander's demise had given him, they were resisted by his love growing as a hurricane does over warm water.

"Flora's right you do sleep funny."

"Hmm? Elise?

"Hi Corrin!"

She was going to give him a small hug but quickly Corrin snatched her and pulled her close to him, she nestled her face in the crook of his neck and rubbed his back, feeling his tears.

"Are you upset to see me?"

"Last time I did you died in my arms."

"It wasn't your fault, I jumped so you could go on. And boy you have, Mister Worldsaver!"

"How can I save the world if I don't know all the prophecy?" Corrin responded, letting Elise arrange herself in his lap.

"Because I'm gonna tell it you goofball."

"Right, sorry."

"How much do you know about the world Corrin?"

"Not a lot I guess."

"But you know your directions?"

"Yeah, there's North, South, East, and West. What does that have to do with-"

"Everything, Mikoto didn't tell me why things are as they are but she did tell me the important bits. Each of the ladies you are with is from one direction in some weird cosmic way that Mikoto didn't want to talk about. There has also been a corresponding pretender for each direction, lets start with the ladies of the East. Where the sun rises?"

"What does the sun have to do with any of my lovers?"

"Just let me tell the story Corrin."

Abashed, Corrin quieted, and Elise snuggled up to him again. She was inhaling just shallow enough so Corrin was unaware of her smelling him.

"East, where new days come from. This is Caeldori."

"Dorsi? How?"

"Well, Mikoto didn't say this but I think because a rising sun has reddish hints to it and both her and the pretender have red hair."

"Hinoka."

"Yeah, so you've banged both your older not quite but adoptive sisters."

Corrin's face matched the hair of the women just mentioned as Elise went on.

"East, where new days come from and completely new ties are forged. You've known Caeldori and Hinoka both for less time than the others yet still Caeldori warms you with her desire to impress you, as the sun does upon the meadows and peaks as its light helps them to flourish and strengthen in the spring. When the birds, like your matron flutter in the air. But she never brings the ills of the sun, she never lets her passions become all consuming and burn those who have no quarrel with her.

"You know, Dorsi actually slapped Hinoka in the face once over her behavior?"

"Doesn't surprise me, Mikoto told me about the time Hinoka told her she wasn't her real mother. I know I shouldn't judge someone who I haven't met but she seems like her passions run amok too often."

"Yeah…More about Dorsi?"

"The East is the newest and youngest of our cosmic map, you have promised to acclimate her and comply with her inexperience in your own way."

Corrin wouldn't look at Elise for a moment.

"She is to attack the right of Garon where his clinging to power and entrenchment in traditions of cruelty are strongest. Caeldori's status as East also belies Flora's as West."

"Why did you start with East?"

"Because Corrin, now hush."

"Sorry."

"West is where the sun sets, oldest now."

Corrin knew without being told who the pretender would be for this direction.

"Your oldest relationships are from Nohr, where dams of this country were built. Sealing in its water, Garon's heart, and…"

"Me."

"Flora has known you the longest but only recently has been freed, but when water is isolated in desolation for to long, it gets icy much like Flora's powers."

"Who decided all of this Elise? It's really vague and spooky and I am not seeing who made this if you or Mikoto didn't."

"She didn't tell me either. Now, while Flora let herself freeze, while craving your warmth prematurely. The pretender instead let her emotions bubble up and overflow, much like the pretender of the East, only with tears and sweat flowing as corrupted water attempting to drown you in them and let the sun and other directions never come. And honestly Corrin, you're way too nice letting Camilla hump you for years."

"How does air rival water?"

"Rival?"

"Well normally aren't elements opposite eachother supposed to counteract in some ways."

"Corrin, I didn't write this junk. I know it sounds hokey but Mikoto seemed really upset not being able to tell me about all the details-"

"And I've upset my mom enough for ten lifetimes."

"It wasn't your fault you got kidnapped!"

"But it still wounded her heart."

"She forgives you…she told me."

Corrin and Elise hugged tight for a moment, Elise resisting the urge to lambast Corrin about banging Camilla for years while leaving her out to dry, heh, dry, this water element mumbo jumbo. There would be time, Mikoto promised.

"So Flora and Caeldori both didn't let themselves be consumed or destructive over me while Camilla and Hinoka did."

"Yeah, and you've known one set for a very short time and one almost your whole life. Flora gets the left of Garon by the way."

"And Camilla gets the corrupted half of water because of spilled bodily fluids, how fitting."

"Camilla still loves you."

"But I can't love her again, not after Beruka. Which direction was she pretender for?"

"South, which we can talk about next. Now I knew Beruka as long as you did and never once saw her so much as make a face. You managed to convince her to express passion, and love. Passion that runs hot, like the South of Hoshido does when all the birds fly there fresh from the East."

"Funny you say that, I think that explains who this my be."

"The one who else expresses a fondness and passion for you as heated as those southern summer days. Who flocked to you on foot expressing those things freely, but not so freely as to destroy One who provides warmth to all your group of girlfriends.

"You know, I can tell when you're going off what Mikoto told you and what you're just saying to me?"

"Of course you can silly, I never would say something that weird."

Corrin muttered something Elise couldn't hear but she ignored it and continued.

"She who pranced to you after feeling the scorn of falseness most pronounced?"

"Orochi. Hinoka beat the hell out of her. So from being passionate and playful what else makes her the South."

"Fire can be put out by air and water but in tandem water and fire can create steam that travels through the air. This can tell you when food is ready, when vulneraries are near fruition, when there is an in for the night, or a hot spring. When colored it also warns of great danger. But it's most important role is to interact with the products of the earth, of nature through which there are no merrier friends. That passion is what aligns her with the southern element, fire which may be why she prefers it in battle, however though her fires do not burn you she herself is not unscathed."

"She feels guilt predicting mom's death."

"Yeah…she's supposed to use that fire to subdue the bottom of Garon"

"Assuming that means his legs or something, dunno how five people are going to team on one heavily guarded person but okay. So that makes Kagero the North huh? Both by virtue of Earth's supposed tandem with fire and because she is the only one who has not yet been mentioned"

"Y-yeah, she's your North Star, not the only one in the sky, but the brightest at the top of your world and in some ways is your world, and for that she has been chosen to represent earth. Like dirt and stuff not the whole planet."

Corrin couldn't help but laugh at what he could only assume was Elise's feeble attempt at poetry not seeing how badly she was blushing.

"S-she is to join you at fighting the head, and her humble representation is not to denigrate her in any way but-"

"She really is that humble."

"Earth is all around us, sheltering us, feeding us, giving us hope for the future, you've always loved it and wished to see it flourish. Not dissimilar from how you've felt about Kagero for a long while."

"You're right, and it was actually Oh who got us to hang out more often at first."

"I'm assuming that's Orochi's nickname but more importantly this hokey nonsense I've been spouting?"

"Is not all complete nonsense. Also Kagero has been exceptionally kind to Flora, getting her up to speed in camp, and has always been a sister figure to Caeldori even when she was my student and not my lover. Orochi and Kagero are long time best friends, and part of me worried and still does that I may drive a wedge between them, but they seem to be strong as ever. Flora hasn't had as much time to interact with Orochi and Caeldori but they seem to have good fun making pastries in camp. Orochi has feelings, not unreciprocated, for Dorsi.

"They've learned to bond as a unit around you as the center."

"I guess, but I do have a question for you Elise."

"Yeah…Corrin?" she was rubbing her cheek again his collarbone, trying not to rub her legs together too conspicuously.

"You said there was supposed to be a pretender for every direction and sort of implied I have to erm, have relations with each pretender too. But by my count I have only slept with seven women."

"Yes."

"Is it supposed to be eight?"

"Yes."

"Well who is the last-"

Elise adjusted deeper in Corrin's lap and gave him a passionate kiss.

Lemon warning

"Corrin…"

"Elise."

"I've wanted you so badly, I told you when I last saw you alive that I love you and I still do! Passionately I crave you and I need to feel you inside me…You boinked Camilla for years and I just need to once okay…please? The four of them already know…"

"Are you sure this is what you want?" Corrin mouthed, feeling all the moisture dissipate from his throat as it tightened.

"More than anything else, even to be alive! If we could just do it once here together, and cuddle naked, and be naked, and just-"

Elise clutched Corrin as though he was a cliffside she could fall off of, her dress riding higher and higher.

"Please, just one time…"

Corrin couldn't deny the sight of Elise's increasingly bared thighs was having an effect on him, and he was growing suspicious this was not the only thing she had bared.

"You promise that they're okay with this as well as you?"

"Of course"

Elise didn't dawdle on sensual stripping, and it was evident dawdling wasn't really in her. She wasn't a beauty the way Kagero, Orochi, or as much as he loathed to admit it mentally Camilla was. She was cute in a similar way to Flora, with perky breasts and a definite if petite pear shape to her. Corrin undid her hair bows gently, exchanging excited kisses as Elise, strained to stand on her tip-toes and reach his mouth.

"Corrin! When did you get so darn hot?"

"I-I don't.."

Elise kissed his mouth to stop him talking, kissing lower and lower until she finally reached his member, which was standing full mast in salute to the giggling woman. Without waiting for instruction Elise licked the tip, causing a shudder, before boldly taking the rest in her mouth. She bobbed her head a few times before sucking, causing a groan. She though ruefully that he would've taken her that night she died if only Iago wasn't an evil ass but she supposed once was better than nothing.

"Elise I'm gonna cum if you don't…aaagh!"

Elise has begun swirling her tongue more animatedly, and sucking so vigorously Corrin wonder whether her goal was to take his soul through his-

"I'm cumming, you don't have to"

Elise swallowed as he discharged and plopped back on her bed, she giggled and got a glass of water to rinse her mouth before kissing his cheek.

"You didn't have to do that…is there something specific you want me to do Elise?"

"Yes, me."

"I meant-"

"Oh, let me be on top, but you pound into me so I don't end up doing all the work."

Corrin looked between Elise's thighs, the blonde curls teasing and he felt himself hardening again.

"I'll break you in half if I-"

"Maybe I want you to."

Corrin couldn't help but shake his head before arranged on Elise's bed.

"We're starting slow, because you're a virgin."

"Fiiine, Corrin you don't have to treat me like fine china."

"I don't understand all the rules to this realm and I don't want to hurt you."

"Fair enough" Elise replied as she aligned herself. Out of curiosity she let the tip brush the edge of her folds, causing Corrin to groan and push upwards, from which she retreated.

"I've been patient waiting for you, its your turn to be patient with me."

Corrin nodded, as Elise sank down the head, the neck, until finally she was full.

"It feels so good-ah! Corrin! Don't move just let me feel it in me for a bit. Let me feel it!"

Corrin obliged until he heard Elise mumble the words, "Move now". Then he thrusted, it was as tight as one could imagine without being uncomfortable and Elise groaned, kissing him again with a lot of tongue as he began to pump into her.

"It's a shame I can't have your babies, because you're so hot I totally….uuoihggh… would. You know that Corrin?"

"Yes Elise."

"Harder! Faster! Make me go see the Dusk dragon with a sore back, just pound me!" Elise yelled, grasping Corrin's head and bouncing slightly. Corrin could only moan in response, thrusting with more energy now, watching Elise's small breasts flap as much as they could given their size.

"I'm gonna cum C-CORRIN!"

"ELISE!"

She climaxed and rolled off of him a moment later.

"You didn't-"

"In your mouth"

"Oh right…hehehe. Corrin, a favor?"

"What is it?"

"When you have a daughter on the way and no set name chosen can you name her after me?"

"Yes Elise."

"Yay! I-I love you forever okay?"

"And I you as well my dear sweet Elise."

The couple drifted off to their respective dimensions.

End of Lemon

…

"Welcome my daughters."

"Lady Mikoto."

All four dropped to one knee and bowed. Smiling at the formality but thinking it unnecessary Mikoto shook her head, one of her combs loosening as she did so.

"You are my daughters now and forever, no need for pagentry. Flora please rise."

Flora did as she was asked, not sure what to say to the former ruler of Hoshido as well as Corrin's mom. She could see their faces were built very much the same, their cheek bones sitting the same, their smiles equally warm, and their eyes though different colors of equal kindness.

"You looked after my son as he was lost, seemingly an ocean away on days bright and grey. For that you have my love. Please look after Corrin."

"Yes milady."

Mikoto surprised the blue-haired woman with a hug around the shoulders which she reciprocated, her fear of being rude to this obviously saintly woman stronger than her surprise.

"Bless you, my daughter."

Flora vanished, presumably back to the real world.

"Caeldori please rise?"

Caeldori did, her usual grace abandoning her in a stumble which Mikoto smiled at non-judgmentally.

"You look so much like your mother, tell Sakura I love her very much please?"

Caeldori nodded awestruck, never thinking she would meet her mother's adoptive mother who was also her mother in law now.

"I will mi-"

"You can call me Grandma Mikoto if you like, I understand your confusion our family is weird."

Both Caeldori and Mikoto laughed while Orochi and Kagero held back snickers.

"You once sought my son for teaching, now you are with him for love. Don't fool yourself into thinking your youth makes you unwise, and please look after Corrin."

"Yes Grandmother Mikoto."

Mikoto kissed her cheek, gave her a hug and Caeldori too vanished from the realm.

"Orochi?"

The diviner practically fell over herself rushing to see Mikoto, tears hot down her face. Mikoto held her as she wept.

"Why are you crying dear?"

"I saw your death coming and I couldn't stop it wa-waaah!"

"Shhh, Orochi…I don't blame you and I never did."

"It means something more coming from your lips Lady Mikoto."

"I understand."

"The pair held eachother hard for another moment."

"I know you love my son as you did me, perhaps even more for certain things he does with his tongue."

Kagero didn't hear that sentence from her Queen but she did see Orochi's gob-smacked face and wished she could capture it in a painting for future amusement.

"Lady Mikoto, I'm with your son."

"As if that's ever stopped you from making a joke before, not that I ever minded. Though I did wish you weren't so afraid to make them about me once in a while. Your mom certainly wasn't."

"It was out of respect my lady, I-"

"I know" Lady Mikoto replied patting Orochi on the shoulder.

"Corrin will always need laughter, keep him laughing but don't be afraid to tell him what's what okay? Please look after Corrin."

"I will milady."

Mikoto kissed both of Orochi's cheeks and held her tight once more, but Orochi did not vanish.

"Kagero, join us please."

Kagero stood up, unsure how her knees were working.

"Lady Mikoto."

"Without Orochi's interference you would not have started to see my son."

"T-that's right" Kagero replied with a wry grin, while Orochi playfully frowned at both women.

"You're carrying his child, and my grandchild?"

"W-well, it's only been a few days but yes?"

Mikoto smiled and hugged Kagero.

"You both have grown into such fine warriors and ladies since the war started, Orochi, may I speak to Kagero alone now?"

"One last hug?"

"Of course, my dear retainer."

And after that Kagero and Mikoto were alone.

"My first daughter in law."

Mikoto hugged Kagero and kissed her forehead, which Kagero accepted graciously.

"You became his retainer as an accident of fate."

"And now I shall never let him go."

"I'm glad to hear it. I do hope your child has your hair color, it's very pretty."

"You flatter me your grace"

Mikoto smiled again before her face got serious again.

"You must survive the final battle, so be careful. Please don't just look out for Corrin but live a long life with him, have more children if you choose, and grow old together, I never had the chance to with his father or Sumeragi, but I plead that you should with Corrin."

"I-I will try your majesty."

Mikoto hugged her again before the room began to distort but not before Kagero heard the Queen say "Thank you my daughter."

…

Both Corrin and Xander had charged forward after their blade had clanged. Xander's Siegfried was clasped loosely under Corrin's armpit, the dragon scale armor only being scratched. To Corrin's horror, Yato was buried, deep in Xander's chest cavity. Out of all he had experienced in the other dimension, he had hoped most strongly, that Xander's death had been illusory.

"XANDER!"

Xander did not look at him. With blood trickling out of the side of his mouth he used his fast ebbing strength to yell.

"Laslow! Peri! Stand Down! Make sure Leo and Camilla are safe!"

"L-lord Xander." Peri squeaked on the brink of tears.

"I said go!"

Laslow opened his mouth to argue, his sword cocked to continue Xander's duel.

"Damnit GO! It's bad enough without you all joining me in the afterlife…"

Laslow and Peri reluctantly rushed away and Xander, finally able to abandon decorum dropped to his knees.

"Little Prince, listen to me. When you pull this sword out, I will die…"

"I can get a healer…Xander I am so sorry I didn't mean to-"

"You have done…your duty…"

"You held back, y-you could've skewered me…"

"I did what I always told you not to do…I let my feelings get in the way of the mission of defending Nohr."

He grimaced with pain when he tried to laugh, coughing up more blood.

"Father is through the throne room. Do what I couldn't! Bring peace to this land. Corrin. Little Prince. I never stopped loving yo…"

He trailed off and slumped off the blade. Not caring what Ryoma, Takumi, Yukimura, or anyone else thought Corrin dropped to his knees and wailed.

"XANDER! NO! XANDER PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES!"

At once Corrin felt a warm set of arms around his middle, then another, and then two more as best as they could.

"We're here for you Corrin, just one more battle." came Kagero's voice.

"So much death and suffering…"

"We will endure. We will endure."

The rest of the Hoshidan forces stood around awkwardly, not sure what to say or do when Orochi as she was wont to do broke the tension after letting go of Corrin.

"It's rude to stare you know!"

Ryoma smirked, Yukimura and Reina both bit back similar reactions, Takumi laughed, and the rest of the army snickered before Flora, Caeldori, and finally Kagero peeled back into formation.

"You alright after the group hug Corrin?" came Takumi in a drawl that was amused as it could be without being mocking of Corrin's strong reaction.

"Yes, sorry Takumi."

"Umm your sword?"

"Right."

Corrin sheathed the blade which made everyone raise an eyebrow until they saw Corrin pull his dragonstone out.

"Somehow I feel it will be easier this way."

The group entered the throne room. Garon was seated, scowling.

"I see Xander failed to destroy you, as Iago, Hans, and Zola all did."

"Enough, Garon. Your reign of evil is finished."

Garon didn't say anything, then his shoulders started to shake, then he burst into laughter. Hellish, echoing, bone-chilling laughter.

"You stupid boy! You dare think you can defeat me! You're a shut-in most of your life and somehow you think this insolence you've shown means we are combative equals. You're a damn fool just like your mother! But enough of that, why don't we settle this as intended?" Garon bellowed, pointing to Corrin's dragonstone.

"Lets."

Both men began to change, Corrin into his usual deer-like dragon while Garon turned into something straight out of Kagero's paintings, except with no charm and all frightfulness. He was twice as big as Corrin and when he roared it smelled like a skunk defiling a corpse next to a pile of rotted flesh. Everyone in the army wanted to either pass out or vomit for a moment before Corrin's Yato, dropped when he transformed started glowing and with a flash of orange light, the smell dissipated somewhat and made focus on Garon and his Faceless possible again. Yukimura was about to shout out battle plans when Kagero beat him to it.

"Flora, you take the left wing side, Caeldori you get the right wing side, Orochi since he's reared on two legs, aim for his knees, I'll help Corrin directly."

"RIGHT!"

The four of them burst forward, Kagero leaping onto Corrin's back. He turned back to see who it was, and relaxed as much as he could in a life or death fight upon seeing it was Kagero.

"We will win my love. I promise." She whispered looking up at the horrifying Garon.

"YOU WILL ALL DIE!"

Garon charged at Corrin, snapping at him with his jaws before turning to his Faceless army.

"KILL THE OTHERS, LEAVE THE BOY TO ME!"

"Not if I can help it!" Takumi roared, shooting one faceless in between the eyes to provide immediate cover for Orochi.

"This isn't how we planned it."

"Fuck the plans Yukimura, Corrin needs help!" Hinoka yelled before flying to support Caeldori, Reina close behind.

"Oboro, Hinata! I want you guys to rush the enemies around Orochi! Whatever Kagero shouted about was important!"

"Yes Lord Takumi!" they both shouted before jumping into the fray. Saizo and Kaze, didn't need telling, for in addition to Faceless and Garon there was a collection of Nohrian soldiers advancing, and they had already started launching their shurikens at them, in addition to large cracked chunks of tile which Corrin and Garon's missing attacks were creating on the throne floor. Setsuna had started firing on them as well, while Subaki had Sakura with him, the little princess shooting arrows into targets Takumi and Setsuna had already wounded while Hana provided ground cover for their strikes.

"Seems like a full press, Ryoma."

"Indeed Azura, lets join-where's Yukimura?"

The military strategist had already mounted his karakuri and was doing mop-up work while more Faceless continued to spawn.

As the battle continued to rage Kagero could tell Corrin was getting tired of dodging and though he'd been able to wound Garon with his antlers a few times, the wounds weren't as deep as they could have been and the others seemed to be having little luck as well. Kagero hadn't figured out why until she saw a healer, back and to the left, whose sole purpose it seemed was to heal Garon when wounded.

"I'll be back my love."

Kagero jumped off Corrin's back as he charged Garon, the ninja barely clearing his wing, the shadow from which hid her from her quarry. The healer didn't even have the time to stick up their elbow before Kagero, realizing she had no blade, pounced upon them and began squeezing as hard as she could upon their throat. She knew as soon as she had begun this, that this was not a real healer, none of these soldiers had souls anymore and were alive only in the sense that they had animated bodies, no better than the Faceless. This one reeked of maggots and tried to lunge at Kagero with a small piece of tile, that was dangerously sharp. Knowing cutting off air supply was doing little more than tiring this poor husk, Kagero grasped the tile piece and as best she could after receiving a slash to her cheek and with it still in the struggling beast's hand she drove it through its neck. At once, the healer exploded into maggots, which vanished with foul smelling wisps of green smoke.

Almost immediately she smelled something burning and heard Garon roar with pain as Orochi finally disabled his legs with burn wounds, the blisters forming ugly grey lumps. Caeldori tore into his right wing, her lance getting stuck in the thickest part of the flesh, while Flora shattered the thinnest parts of his left with ice magic and shurikens. Reeling in pain, Garon turned his back on Corrin and faced Kagero. With another foul cry, which though not as strong as his initial odorous bellows, still made Kagero's eyes water with stench. He then took on of his arms and struck down at the ninja who didn't have time to react. Kagero braced for the impact which knocked her clean off her feet. Two of his claws ripped deep into her thigh and she knew she would bleed out quickly. She heard Garon shout as Corrin finally jumped and caught Garon on the throat with the razor edge of his antlers and for a moment she was unsure as to who was bleeding faster, she or the dying tyrant, who was rambling on about something…

"KAGERO!"

Corrin was back in human form and holding Kagero as she hyperventilated from blood loss. This couldn't be happening, they had just won it all, only for his heart to be ripped out like this.

"Kagero."

She knew he had to be shouting and there were tears in his ears, but he felt and sounded so far away.

"Don't let go Corrin…let me see your beautiful face before I die-I'm sorry Lady Mikoto I will be joining you soon…"

"You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek

Life beyond the shore just out of reach

Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time"

Kagero gasped hard and everything seemed to be coming back into focus. Her thigh which has been a bloody mangled mess only moments before was now fine, even the fabric of her thigh guard was repaired!

"Corrin?"

"Kagero."

Not giving a damn that they had just finished a major battle the pair kissed, each with tears of gratitude in their eyes and they clasped at the other's shoulders, never intending to let go if not for the all important need for oxygen. When they came up for air Corrin looked to Azura to express his thanks and gasped at the fact that she was glowing bright crystallic blue and it seemed to be swallowing her.

"Azura!"

"Don't be alarmed Corrin, my true brother by blood. It was foretold in our father's prophecy that you should all live, even if it meant I had to die. I cannot tell you more about our father. Maybe if we had more time. Those not affected by the prophecy will not remember me as a person, including my dear Ryoma, they will think of me as a spirit who guided you. Please, take my locket, give it to my niece when she is born."

After she handed over her locket, Azura was finally consumed by the crystals before the structure, like sand in a breeze, blew away.

"Kagero! Corrin! Are you alright?"

Orochi and Flora had ridden with Caeldori to where Corrin and Kagero were.

"We're fine Orochi."

"What are you doing with Azura's locket Corrin?"

The pair explained what Azura had done and said and how she would fade from everyone else's memories.

"Wow…so that song really was magical huh?"

"Yeah, hey where is everyone else?"

"Corrin!" came Ryoma's booming voice, his hand held by Oboro.

"We're over here, we're alright!"

"We've won then?"

"Yes, I think so!"

"Thank the Dusk Dragon!" came a snarky voice from just outside of the throne room.

"L-leo?!"

"Relax Corrin, I saw the whole thing up until you changed back. Now I'd love for you to sit surrounded in my kingdom's throne room surrounded by women but I'd really like to get the terms of the Peace Treaty hammered out."

"Where is Camilla?"

"She's with her retainers, preparing to release our prisoners of war. She doesn't want the throne and thinks I'd do a better job."

"Before we start negotiating anything, would you like us to help clean up our mess?"

…

The negotiations between Hoshido and Nohr were simple, straightforward, and full of acerbic wit between Leo and Takumi as Ryoma agreed to help provide agricultural relief to the hungry peasants of Nohr in exchange for a formal apology concerning Corrin's kidnapping. Before anyone knew it, the two nations were celebrating ten years of peace and Kana was tugging at Orochi's hand while Flora read her son Shigure, a story about the mythical spirit Azura which had been written by Leo and illustrated by Kagero. Across the courtyard Camilla was fussing over her son Xander, while Laslow tried not to oogle his wife, failing miserably and given her rear a pinch. Kana tugged again.

"What is it my little flower?"

"Mommy Oh, where's mom and dad?"

"They're taking a trip to the city of Pound, and I'm going with them."

"Can you bring me back a baby sister? Shigure doesn't like playing with me."

Orochi giggled at Kana's request.

"But you have a sister coming in two months. Here comes Dorsi, maybe she'll let you read to your sister."

"Okay!"

"Be careful not to knock Dorsi down!" Orochi shouted after Kana who was bounding towards the heavily pregnant Caeldori who was walking with Sakura.

"I can't believe I'm gonna be a grandmother!"

"And before you have any wrinkles too." Caeldori chuckled as she saw Kana rush up to her and gently hug her swollen belly.

"Mommy Dorsi! Orochi said she, mom and dad are going to Pound City today so I wanted to read to baby Elise while they're gone."

Caeldori gave Orochi a reproachful look before returning the kiss she gave while Sakura gawked at the subtle vulgarity.

"Did she now? I suppose we can do that, but do you mind my mother joining us?"

"Nope! Aunt Sakura is the cool Aunt, Aunt Hinoka just drinks this weird brown stuff and tells me I look like dad."

Stifling a laugh at Sakura and Caeldori's horrified faces Orochi snuck away, waving to Oboro and Ryoma who were explaining to Shiro for the hundredth time that, Defend the Kingdom was not supposed to be played in the weapons shed. She laughed again before continuing on her way to where she wanted to be. She entered the treehouse without knocking, locking the door after putting up a Do Not Disturb sign.

Lemon Warning

"You're late..oooh don't stop Corrin…" Kagero moaned. Her red panties were discarded on the ground and Corrin's head was buried in between her thighs, lapping as though suffering a great thirst. Orochi smiled.

"I was babysitting up until just a few moments ago dear." Orochi replied, sitting next to Kagero on the bed, kissing her cheek as she did so, having discarded her own clothes at the door.

"Y-you know by all means if you want to have the next child y-you can say…ahh."

"No thanks Kagero, somebody has to be not knocked up for Corrin's sake."

This remark made Corrin stop what he was doing and Kagero groaned.

"I really hope that isn't your only reason Oh,"

"It isn't, but the prospect of a steady supply of sex doesn't hurt you or me."

"Pervert."

"Says the one with our husband eating her out before getting her pregnant again."

Kagero blushed and Orochi hugged her.

"You know I love you Kagero."

The ninja nodded as she indicated she was good on that front and Corrin got up to wash out his mouth.

"You're to thank for this Orochi."

"Bollocks, Corrin would've figured out how great you were eventually, also dibs on blowing Corrin."

"Huns plural, there's plenty of time for everyone to get what they want, one thrust at a time."

The trio laughed and as they continued their tour de freak (Flora had called it that once and it stuck) all three of them realized that their relationship style may be unique, cosmically influenced, downright bizarre, that there had been some strife along the way, but that they were well and truly happy in their peaceful if debauched world. Corrin never imagined when Ryoma first gave Kagero this duty that things would be quite like this, and though occasionally he was burdened by his uneasy relationships with Hinoka and Camilla, or visions of Elise and Beruka's demises he knew that for the most part he had it great, and if things ever weren't he had four mighty wives on whom he could lean on and vent to. Kagero clutched him on one side and Orochi on the other.

"You know when I came, I saw tiny purple fishes run laughing through my fingers…" Orochi sighed, now a sweaty mess.

"Completely unrelated to that. What should we name our son assuming this is one? I was thinking Ulysses, after my brother."

"I think that sounds perfect Kagero."

"I love you Corrin."

That's a wrap! Only took me 16 months from start to finish. Did you all really think for a minute I'd let Kagero actually die? I hope not, the cardinal direction elements is I believe inspired by Celtic mythology or otherwise some new age thing and seemed like the least convoluted way to get four (which is just a weird number for this) to work. Ulysses is a reference to my favorite rock song (and if you can pick the other reference to it, good on you mate). Elise finally got her time in the sun/mattress as well. I know Shigure is supposed to Azura's kid but I kinda killed her and Flora's hair is also blue soooooo. How did you all like this ending, to brief too long, not enough suspense? Too many references to the fact that Anankos was really weird writing for any sort of character anywhere? Let me know if you liked this story style and check out my other works (doing a Tharja story) thank you for those who read start to finish.