(Whole Summary) "You will always be my little princess…" Xander had said to Corrin. What she didn't realize, was that there was much more he meant to reveal before the end. Instead, Xander takes his true feelings for Corrin to his grave...or so he thought! It turns out that it is not yet Xander's time and he is promptly returned to the realm of the living. However, things between him and Corrin will never be the same.
This story follows the end results of the Birthright Route with the notable change to Xander's endgame status. I hope you will enjoy the twist of fate!
Chapter 1 Trying to be at peace
Dark amethyst eyes opened to survey the world Xander found himself in. The Prince's blonde brows lifted in surprise for he was standing in the training grounds of Castle Krakenburg. There was no mistaking the rough graveled ground with rows of propped up sparring dummies, racks of assorted weapons, and the scent of earthy Wyvern housed nearby.
But, something was different and the eldest Prince just couldn't put his finger. Then Xander's gaze slowly looked up into the heavens. A stream of softly twinkling stars painted the night sky. The cosmic beauty above was usually hidden in Nohr by gloomy dark clouds. If this was normal in the realm of the dead...then maybe things weren't so bad after all.
Yet a mix of regret and sorrow still clawed painfully at his heart. Even after Elise's request as she died in his arms. Even at his last chance to tell Corrin as he faded away. Xander could not bring himself to tell her everything. 'Well, it was too late now,' Xander sighed wistfully into the night's gentle breeze.
"Training so late, my son?" A feminine voice, low and melodious, remarked from behind the Prince. Xander breathed in sharply with utter surprise for he had always longed to hear her voice again. Turning upon his armored heels, the Prince stared transfixedly at the late Queen Katerina with a mix of awe and heartache.
"Mother," Xander could only breathed as the Queen gracefully approached him. Her long trailing gown of dark red wine was decorated with golden twirling embroidery and delicately sewn black roses. Her golden hair had soft curls that cascaded down her back. The great ebony crown of Nohr sat upon her side swept bangs.
Katerina's soft eyes appraised her son with motherly adoration. A gentle smile spread across her dainty lips as she lifted up a silk gloved hand to her son's cheek. "My how you've grown," the Queen sighed in a mix of delight, yet sadness that she had been absent for so much of her dear son's life. "Such a strong bearing like your father," Katerina added gently.
Xander, who had softly closed his eyes at his mother touch, frowned at the mention of his father...and their likeness. The Prince took a step away from the Queen as he clenched his armored fists.
"Xander," Katerina beckoned. She could feel hurt and anger radiate from her son. "I know what happened, and I am proud of you," the Queen stated.
"Mother," the Prince looked back at her with a pained expression. "How could you say that. I blindly followed father as he descended to madness, I aimed to end Corrin even when she tried to save me, and in the end I struck down...Elise," Xander's voice cracked as he looked away from his mother.
"And you shouldered the burden of our entire kingdom without breaking under its weight," Katerina added strongly as she held her chin high. "Fate can be a cruel and twisted beast. But, you did your best as a protector of Nohr. Look at Iago and Hans if you need more proof. Twisted by corruption, they fought for power. You, my son, fought for your family and kingdom to the end. So yes, I say it again in earnest that I am the proud of you!" Queen Katerina's eyes shone with spirited compassion.
Xander's frown melted into a loving expression as he sighed. "I had forgotten how willful you can be mother," the Prince remarked with a small smile.
"Aye, for how else do you think I kept that castle in check?" Katerina arched a delicate brow with a sniff. Then her expression softened as she added, "Before you go, there is another who wishes to speak with you."
"Before I go? What do you mea…" But before Xander could finish his words, the wind was knocked right out of him as he was grabbed around the middle and squeezed.
"Big brother!" Elise squealed in merriment, before releasing the Prince. Taking a step back, the Princess smiled brightly up at her hero.
"Elise...I," Xander gasped in surprise before sinking down into a kneel in front o f his little sister. "Forgive me," the Prince pleaded with his head bowed. "I robbed Nohr of its brightest star," Xander added as his eyes closed in shame.
"Big brother," Elise said softly. With a gentle press against Xander's chin with her hands, Elise tilted the Prince's head to gaze back up at her.
"I know you wanted me to lay down my sword...but I couldn't...I," Xander's low voice shook as he looked up at his dear sister. Her innocent face just smiled sadly down at him.
"I know," Elise whispered and she wipe away a tear Xander had not realized he had wept. "Warm hands and tears. But, I also said for you to try to be at peace."
"Now that I am here with you and mother, I will be at peace," the Prince stated solemnly.
"Oh big brother," Elise sighed in exasperation. A look of stern, yet cute, resolution came over her. If he wasn't going to admit out loud to his own sister, then Elise would make him! She pinched the Prince's cheeks to shake him out of his dreary mood.
"Elise!?" Xander gasped as he teetered and toppled onto his rear in utter surprise. He was trying to make heartfelt amends.
"Hmph!" Elise huffed as she placed her hand upon her little hips and frowned down, well a little bit down, at her brother. "Xander, why didn't you tell her?"
"Tell who?" The Prince coughed as he rubbed his cheeks.
Elise puffed her cheeks adorably in exasperation. "You know very well who! You had your moment to tell Corrin exactly how you feel. So why didn't you tell her?" Elise questioned, with eyes that would make even a puppy jealous.
"I didn't want to weigh her soul down. There was too much at stake and Corrin had far greater concerns to worry about. My...my feelings, well it doesn't matter now that I am here." Xander's usual stoic and calm demeanor was quickly returning.
"Oh ho hoo!" Elise giggled in triumph. "Don't be so sure because you can't stay here!" She gave him a playful wink.
Now Xander's well worn scowl appeared. "Don't play games with me Elise."
"She is correct my dear, you have to go back," Queen Katerina gently added as she strode towards the siblings. "As much as I want you to stay, it is not your time, so you must return to the living." Upon seeing Xander's crestfallen expression, the Queen added gently, "One day, will all be together again. Until then...will you promise me something my dear?"
"Ah, of course mother anything for you," Xander hastily answered. He would do anything for her.
"I want grandchildren, many of them. Do not disappoint." Katerina said firmly, but with a motherly smile.
"Mother really…" Xander groaned as Katerina nodded happily.
"And you've already made me a promise big brother!" Elise cheered happily.
"Elise...I did no such…" Xander rebuked but he began to notice that the world around him was rapidly growing darker by the second. "Elise! Mother!" The Prince shouted out in heart racing worry as the darkness misted over them.
"I love you big brother! And tell Corrin, Camilla, and Leo I love them toooo…" Elise's voice echoed before fading into the darkness that swallowed Xander whole.
Once again, dark amethyst eyes opened to survey the world Xander found himself in.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If so please let me know with a review, favorite, and follow. It has always been fun sharing my stories on this site and getting to hear feedback from you, the reader. Thank you for giving my story a chance! Cheers ~ PK-chan
(DISCLAIMER) I do not own nor claim to own any of Fire Emblem's, Intelligent Systems's, and Nintendo's work. I am just an inspired writer adding my own madness into the mix!