*Hey, everyone! For those who are continuing reading this, I want to thank you again. For those who are new, hello! Thank you for giving this a chance!*
Corrin's eyes were on the precious kaleidoscope that was now on their dresser, carefully encased behind the glass cabinet. The feeling was surreal, the warmth, the love, the bliss. For a time, she had put the conflicts between her families in the back of her mind, letting love fill the voids within. Despite wanting Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise there to witness the event, she felt in the depths of her heart, she would be able to tell them in time.
"Corrin?" she heard Kaden's sleepy voice call out beside her.
"Good morning," she greeted, smiling at him. A giggle escaped her lips. "You have serious bedhead."
With a yawn, Kaden rubbed his eyes and stretched, his Kitsune ears twitching. "Yeah?"
"Mm-hm."
"Gimme a brush."
"Kaden, really," she laughed. "It's fine. I'm a mess, too."
"But I'm too beautiful to be a mess," he sluggishly argued, sitting up in bed. This made Corrin laugh all the harder.
"Oh, okay. I guess even Kaden, the beautiful Kitsune, isn't immune to ugly mornings," Corrin joked. She reached up and ran his fingers swiftly through his hair, messing it up all the more. He whined her name, and she sat in his lap, still laughing as she continued to rustle her hands in his hair. His long fingers tried to wrestle hers out of his hair, but she jerked them away before he could latch on. With a frown, he plopped his hands on the bed, closing his eyes. "What's wrong, Kaden? Too tired?"
"Er, no. Not that."
"Then what? Hmm?"
His cheeks reddened as he opened one eye. He muttered something, but she didn't hear it. She leaned closer, and he whispered it, making her draw back with her cheeks red. She glanced down at their bare bodies and crossed her arms.
"O-Oh. Guess that still would be a little embarrassing, huh?"
He then grinned mischievously. "Gotcha!" Rushing forward, he enveloped his arms around her and fell forward, both collapsing on the bed. They wrestled with each other for a bit, sharing the moment in mirth, before it turned into a moment of reunited love.
"Good afternoon, Lady Corrin, Lord Kaden" Jakob greeted as they met at Lilith's temple.
"Oh, hello, Jakob," Corrin reciprocated.
Kaden grinned nervously and messed with the back of his hair. "C'mon, Jakob. You don't gotta be formal around me. I'm still Kaden, after all."
The butler bowed, his hand to his chest. "Very well, Kaden."
Elated at Kaden's respect and humility, she couldn't help but to smile. She then turned to Jakob. "Making an offering?"
Jakob held forth some meat, answering her question. "So it would seem. Are you doing the same?"
Corrin shook her head. "Actually, we're just going to thank her for marrying us yesterday. She's married several of us lately, so I just want to make sure she's aware of our gratitude."
Jakob's eyes moved to the temple entrance, a soft smile on his face. "It seems she has become a crucial part of us all, hmm?"
"She certainly has. She was precious before, but she's accepted what has happened to her with such grace," Corrin agreed. "I'm not sure I would be as calm if I was turned into an Astral Dragon, leaving everything behind."
Recalling their days together in Nohr, she was always grateful for Lilith's company and bright smile. When she revealed that she had been the bird Corrin had saved as a child, it was undoubtedly a shock; as far as Corrin could remember, Lilith had always been there. Upon receiving Corrin's grace, she chose to follow her always, forever expressing her gratitude and loyalty. The moment she had saved them all by transforming into her Astral Dragon form and teleporting them Astral Plane, Corrin had assured her that she had repaid her debts. However, Lilith promised to see the war through to the end. Because of this, Corrin visited Lilith as often as she could to keep her company, as well as bringing offerings. In time, others began doing the same, and Lilith was as happy as ever, as she never felt alone anymore.
"She is strong, indeed," Jakob nodded. "Allow me to make my offering, and I will leave you be."
After Jakob spent some time with Lilith, he left to give them privacy with her. In a way, Lilith's temple had also become a place of respite, people offering prayers and wishes perhaps not to Lilith herself, but to whichever god or goddess they believed in. Lilith's magnanimity and gentleness reminded them of a goddess, and whether or not she was linked, she listened and prayed for them as well.
When they entered, she was still chomping on the meat Jakob had given her. She glanced up and closed her eyes, swallowing her bite.
"Pardon me, I-"
Kaden held his hand up. "Don't sweat it, Lil. If you're hungry, you're hungry."
Corrin nervously grinned. "Um, Kaden. Perhaps you should be a little more formal to Lilith?"
Lilith shook her head, her tail moving from side to side as well. "Not at all. I quite endure the nickname Kaden has given me. Shows that he is fond of me enough to be at ease."
"Oh. Well, I'm glad then!" Corrin eased.
"If you feel like it, you can address me by the nickname as well, Corrin."
"But you've always been 'Lilith' to me. It would be kind of weird," she informed.
Lilith's eyes wandered to the side as if pondering for a moment. "I see. It would, wouldn't it?" She took another bite and chewed it before swallowing.
"Well, Kaden and I wish to thank you for marrying us," Corrin addressed. "It was very sweet."
"I like how with each wedding, you make it personal," Kaden praised. "That's some skill you've got there. Have you been marrying people long?"
The Astral Dragon chortled. "I hadn't married anyone before, no. Setsuna and Azama were my first. I was worried that I would embarrass them or myself, but when they told me that they found my ceremony lovely-"
"I can't imagine Azama being that compassionate," Corrin sassed, crossing her arms, a tense look on her face that made Kaden laugh.
"Azama can be a bit... brash... but he thanked me nonetheless," Lilith interjected. "I suppose because of their kindness, I found matrimonial ceremonies quite easy to perform." She then focused on Kaden. "Have you told your village about your spouse?"
Kaden shook his head. "Can't say I have."
"Kaden!" both Lilith and Corrin gasped.
"L-Look, I'm not sure I'll ever get to go back," he tersely grinned, tiny beads of nervous sweat on his forehead. "After all, I have many debts to repay."
"But it's your home," Lilith rebutted. "Don't you want to return one day?" They could see the question affected him slightly, but he simply shrugged. This made their hearts ache. "Why ever not?"
"Ah, it's no big deal. I know I'm the leader and all, but I know that everyone is okay. I have faith in them."
Lilith, seemingly sorrowful and confused, lowered closer to the altar, her tail drooping slightly. "I didn't know you were the leader. Why are you here? Shouldn't the village need its leader?"
Again, the Kitsune shrugged. "Trust me when I say that they're fine, Lil. I know them. They're smart, quick, and resourceful." He put his hands behind his head. "Who knows? Maybe if I repay everyone for their kindness, I'll go back. I'm not the chief, I'm just a leader. Whatever my father says, I make sure it's done."
"At least tell your father," Lilith plead.
"All right, yeah," Kaden smiled. It lasted a brief second before it fell, and he lowered his arms and bowed his head. "Actually, I do kinda miss my dad."
Corrin drew closer to her husband and took his hand into hers. "We can go visit them, Kaden. The Astral Plane can take us there." She tilted her head back to Lilith. "Right?"
"I can send you there, yes," Lilith answered. "Would you like for me to do so?"
Kaden nodded. "If you would. Thanks, Lil."
A smile spread on her face, and white flashed before their eyes.
When the brightness of light faded away, Corrin was greeted with a land of tall, overbearing trees and verdant grass. Wildflowers were here and there, and she could hear the rushing of a creek nearby. Sounds of birds and various wildlife also filled her ears, and as she looked around, she could see a variety of insects and birds. Kaden's hand was still in hers, and he inhaled deeply before his tail started wagging. It was obvious that it had been such a long time since Kaden had been here, and the happiness he felt upon returning was visible on his face. Corrin glanced down at their entwined hands, her silver wedding band coming into focus. On Kaden's left hand was his, and while most thought the rings to be plain, it matched them perfectly. They thought about fighting and their active lifestyles, and the silver bands seemed more acceptable than any other kind. She smiled to herself; while it had only been one day since they'd wed, she looked forward to the rest of their days.
"This way," Kaden informed, gently pulling her along. His warmth spread throughout her hand, his fingers laced between hers. Uncertain of where she was, she followed faithfully. "You'll like my dad, I'm sure of it."
"If he's anything like you, I know I will."
He glanced back and flashed her a smile, then looked ahead. "I haven't been back since I left."
"I thought as much," she admitted. "Have you at least written every once in a while? To let them know you're okay?" She watched as he shook his head. "Kaden, seriously? You're as bad as Hayato."
"I'm not a kid, Corrin," he reminded. "Hayato needs to keep Fuga updated. Dad trusts I'm okay, otherwise, he wouldn't have permitted me to leave. We're pretty isolated, ya know."
That was one thing Kaden had yet to tell her- the reason as to why he left the village. It was as he said; they were an isolated hamlet, as their kind was hunted by humans who wanted their fur for trade and profit. For Kaden to have left, he was either rebellious or brave. Or, in Azama's words, "stupidly brave". All Corrin knew was that Kaden was traveling the world, had ended up on some rough times, and was helped by humans. She'd never thought to ask him before, and felt that if he wanted to tell her, he would. He'd talked rarely about his father, never about his mother, and some about his friends from the village. Her heart felt heavy all of a sudden, her feet feeling as though they were weighed down with cement. Kaden noticed and stopped, obviously concerned.
"You okay?"
She nodded.
"You sure?"
"Kaden?"
"Hmm?"
"You're not on bad terms with your father or the village, are you?"
He studied her face for a moment before standing upright and laughing heartily. "That's what's been eating you? Nah, not at all."
"Oh. Good," she exhaled in relief. "I can't imagine anyone staying mad at you."
Kaden put his finger on his chin, his eyes upward as he thought for a moment. He clicked his tongue and lowered his hand. "Now that you mention it, I don't think anyone has stayed mad at me." He held his hand to her. "Shall we?"
Taking his hand into hers again, they resumed their way to his village, her heart now light and mind relaxed. However, the closer they drew to the village, the more her anxieties returned, not about Kaden, but about herself. She began to wonder if her father-in-law and the other Kistune would accept her, let alone like her. She was an outsider, a human- sort of. She had dragon blood coursing through her veins, so in that part, she was not fully human. Perhaps they would be more accepting of her if she revealed this to them. Kaden could feel her apprehension, and he turned to face her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"They'll love you. I do," he reassured.
"But... what if they don't?"
"They will."
"I'm an outsider. Won't that put them on edge, as is?"
She saw his shadow close in, and the warmth and softness of his lips pressed against hers. In an instant, her fears melted away, and when he pulled away, he had a smile on his face that told her, "Leave it to me."
Nearly half an hour later, she could see several Kistune in their fox forms running throughout the area in a distance, and smoke rising from over trees. She saw a Kitsune stop, sniff the air, and his ears twitch as he turned to them. It was only for a second, as he dashed away, perhaps to tell the villagers that someone was near. Clutching Kaden's hand, she put all her trust in him as they walked through a wall of trees to enter a clearing. Pit housings where they abode, a small shrine, a large fire pit in the center of the village, and a larger pit house, as well as Kitsune, were the first thing to come to their vision. The Kistune they had seen darting around had returned and transformed to their human forms before her eyes. Her apprehension grew, as she could feel every eye on her. Then-
"Kaden?" a deep, male voice called from amid the crowd. A Kistune with hair and fur color like Kaden's stepped out, and Corrin's breath caught in her throat. A large scar was on his face, from above his right eyebrow to his jaw. His eye closed, and right away, Corrin thought of Saizo. His hair was long, reaching toward the middle of his back, and his tail was almost as luxurious as Kaden's.
Kaden smiled warmly at the man. "Hey, Dad."
Kaden's father laughed and rushed towards them, jumping and taking Kaden into his arms; the force was too much for Kaden to remain upright, and he and his father crashed to the ground. Corrin found herself beaming with happiness as she watched Kaden's father embrace him, tears of happiness streaking down his face.
"You rotten, rotten Kistune!" his father sobbed and laughed as he shook him. "I thought you dead!"
"D-Dad! Stop shaking me! I'm getting dizzy!" Kaden begged.
"No! I told Rosh that if you ever came back that I was going to shake some sense into you!"
"I'm gonna hurl!"
His father released his shoulders, making Kaden plop to the ground. "I guess that's enough. But you deserve it, for worrying us like that!" He then looked to Corrin as he rose to his feet. "Ah, you must be a friend of my son's. He knows how we feel about outsiders, but if he trusts you enough to bring you here, then you must be a good person. I'm Kova."
"Corrin," she bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Kaden stood up and shook his head in efforts to stop the world from spinning. "Actually, Dad." He put his arm around her. "Corrin is my wife."
Kova's eyes widened as he heard the news. The villagers gasped, and a little girl started crying.
"Not fair! I wanted to marry Kaden!" she sobbed.
"Well, this is certainly a surprise!" Kova bellowed, putting one hand on his son's shoulder, the other on Corrin's. "I haven't heard from you in months, I worried you were dead, and here you return with such a beautiful woman by your side! I don't know whether to sock you or to hug you!"
Kaden made a nervous smile. "Hugging is fine, thanks."
Kova leaned in and embraced them both. Corrin could feel the same jovial warmth from Kova as she felt from her husband. "Welcome, Corrin." He then released them and turned to the Kistune. "This is a joyous occasion! I believe a feast is in order!"
"O-Oh, no!" Corrin gasped, holding her hands out before her as she heard everyone cheer. "Please, don't go to such lengths-"
"Nonsense!" Kova interrupted. "It is not often we get to do this. When did you wed?"
"Yesterday," Corrin answered.
"All the more reason to celebrate!" Kova approved. "My son has returned, and he married! Let us!"
Kova departed to help the villagers prepare. When Kaden and Corrin offered assistance, they were rejected and told to relax, as they were the focus of the feast, and since Corrin was a guest, they would not hear of it. Feeling slightly guilty, Corrin twisted her foot. She felt Kaden peck her on the shoulder, and when she turned to face him, he took her hand into his.
"Wanna meet my mom?"
She smiled. "Of course!"
Her heart fell when Kaden took her to the small shrine, where a painted picture of his mother, as well as various others, were placed. He knelt down before it and put his hands together, his eyes closed. She stood behind him, a lump in her throat, as she stared at the picture of Kaden's late mother. Without a doubt, she could see that Kaden had inherited his mother's looks, as well as her kind eyes. His smile, she recalled seeing it on Kova's face. Silent, she let Kaden say a short prayer as she waited patiently behind him. When Kaden opened his eyes and lowered his hands, his lips formed into a smile.
"Hi, Mom. I'm back." He anxiously scratched his cheek. "Sorry it's been so long, hehe. I've been trying to repay others for their help since leaving." She saw his eyes soften. "You were right, Mom. Humans aren't all that bad. We had them all wrong. All sorts of people have helped me. They fed me when I was hungry, housed me when I needed sleep or shelter from the weather." He moved his scarf to the side and opened his hanten further, as he always wore it partially open, to show his scar on his chest. "They healed me when I was hurt." He closed the hanten and took Corrin's hand in his. "And loved me." He let go of her hand and set it near the painting. "You should meet my best friend, too. His name is Hayato. You'd scold him, you know. He's still young, but he acts like an adult. I taught him how to climb trees, just like you taught me." He inhaled, and Corrin could hear him struggling slightly. "When I left, I was hoping that you were right about humans. I'm really glad you were. Sure, there are poachers and selfish people who want our fur, but honestly, I've met more good people than bad." He smiled again. "I'm thankful for that." Kaden put his hands in his lap. "I know Dad will listen now. I also know that I need to keep everyone safe, not only for their sake, but for yours and Dad's, too." He put his hands together and bowed. "I miss you. I'll come back in time." He then stood up to see Corrin with a gentle smile on her face. "My mom would've loved you."
"She's beautiful, Kaden."
"Where do you think I got my looks from?" Kaden grinned. "But, uh... my mom. She tried convincing my dad that not all humans were bad. She urged him that we needed to coincide, to open ourselves to the world. It would help us in trade, in alliances, and the sort. She was aware of poachers, but she kept on saying that we still needed to try. Dad was nearly convinced, but then..."
When he didn't finish, Corrin bit her lip. "She died..."
"Yeah," Kaden nodded. "A poacher got her. Dad lost it. He attacked him, and that's where he got his scar from."
"That's awful..." Corrin whispered. "What about the poacher?" Kaden looked away. This made Corrin's heart stop. "Kaden, don't tell me..."
"I killed him." It was straight, to the point, and it was as though Corrin's heart exploded right there. Of course, she couldn't fully blame him. When Mikoto was killed, she had lost herself to grief and rage, killing everyone who had hurt her. "I had just lost my mom, and I thought my dad was next. And I felt like that man would've kept killing, no matter what."
Corrin shook her head. "You don't have to explain it to me, Kaden. After all, I did the same when my mother was killed. It still shocked me, though, to hear you say those words."
Kaden popped his knuckles. "It wasn't years later that I found my mom's journal. She wrote nearly every day about how she dreamed of a future where Kistune and humans could coexist. In one entry, she'd written about, as a child, she had met a human girl who played with her all the time until she had to move away. It was because of that girl that my mother felt that there were good people in the world. She wrote that she hoped that I would befriend them, too." He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "I decided to talk to Dad about it, but he wasn't having it."
"So you left."
"Yeah. I left."
"Without telling him?"
"Yeah."
Corrin sighed. "I guess I can understand that. And I can also see why Kova was so full of emotion. And why the villagers were so shocked to see you, especially with me." She then looked behind Kaden to her picture. "What was her name?"
"Freya."
"That's lovely," she smiled. She moved to where she was in front of the picture, sat down, pressed her hands together, and closed her eyes. Kaden watched in amazement, not asking questions or voicing any concerns. Corrin lowered her hands as she opened her eyes.
"Hello, Freya. I'm Corrin, Kaden's wife. It's wonderful to meet you." She put her hand to her chest. "You and Kova raised him well. He's kind, funny, and loving. He's going around, repaying debts to people who have helped him along the way. Isn't that lovely?" She smiled warmly at the painting. "I love your son very much. And I promise to make him happy. Okay?" She put her hands together and bowed before standing up and smiling at Kaden, who was all the more in love with her with each passing second.
Corrin was astounded at how fast Kova and the villagers prepared the feast. Several Kitsune had instruments and were playing lively tunes, and the food that was served was beyond delicious. Jakob could certainly cook, but there was something about this meal that surpassed anything Corrin had ever eaten before. She sat between Kova and Kaden, watching as people celebrated, listening at their words of encouragement and congratulations for their marriage, with wishes that happiness would follow for the many years to come. She told Kova about her siblings, and the war between the two armies. Kova listened intently, Kaden leaving her side to dance with some children. It was clear to Corrin that whenever she and Kaden had children that he would make a wonderful father. As Kova heard every word she spoke, he put his arm around her shoulder, his warmth again a welcoming sensation.
"I am very sorry for the heartache you've had to endure," he spoke to her. "No one should be forced to choose between two families, whether they are by blood or not. It was unfair to you."
She took a swig of her drink.
"Kaden's mother... I'm sure he's told you of her?"
She nodded. "I would have loved to have met Freya, Kova."
"Aye, she would have enjoyed your company," he nodded. "But, you are not human."
Corrin's heart skipped a beat. "You know?"
Kova tapped his nose. "You don't smell like one."
"Oh."
He let out a chuckle. "However, regardless of who or what you are, what matters is that my son loves you. You represent humans and different species all the same, and for that, Freya would have been ecstatic. Had she lived, you would've been asked many, many questions."
Corrin giggled as well. "I suppose that's in order, me being an outsider and all."
"No, no, no," he denied, shaking his head. "You are no longer an outsider to us. You are family now. My daughter-in-law." He put his hand on top of her hand. "One day, Kaden will take over for me. He will be chief."
"I see."
"He will need a strong-willed, gentle-hearted person to make sure he's on the right track."
She looked up into Kova's eye to see her reflection in it. She smiled. "I understand... Father."
He jerked. "Father?"
She nodded. "I lost my mother months ago. My father died a long time ago, and the father who raised me... isn't my father. Not anymore. He's a monster now." She put her hand on top of Kova's this time. "I'd be honored to have you as a father."
"Corrin!" she heard Kaden call to her. "Come dance with me!"
She nodded, then bowed to Kova. She then stood and ran to Kaden and began dancing with him to the beat of the music, lively and vibrant. Kova watched his son and daughter-in-law as they danced together, Kaden twirling her around and catching her when she stumbled forward, both laughing. Days long past, when he and Freya had wed, entered his mind. He brought his hand that Corrin had touched to his chest, a soft, saddened smile on his face. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Freya was there, in spirit, by his side, smiling and laughing along with everyone else, happy for their son.
There was a moment... Corrin was sure... she felt a small, gentle hand place on her shoulder. She closed her eyes as she leaned her cheek into Kaden's sculpted chest, his heart beating fast and strong.
They decided that night to stay at the village, as the celebrations had extended into the deep darkness of the night. Together in a vacant pit house they had erected in case of traveling Kitsune from different villages, they lay on a tatami mat, blankets covering them. Tired from the festivities, Corrin watched as Kaden brushed his tail before putting down the brush and stretching out beside her. She reached and gently took his hand into hers, and he turned his head to look at her.
"Thanks for bringing me here, Kaden."
He shook his head. "Nah, I gotta thank you and Lil for urging me to come back. Honestly, I was afraid that Dad would be furious with me and not let me back in the village."
"Kova really loves you. He'd never do something like that."
"Yeah. I should've known better," Kaden sighed. "I was dumb, being afraid like that."
"Not at all, Kaden," Corrin argued, leaning up on her elbow. "I would've been scared, too. I still am scared at what tomorrow holds in regards to my family and Garen."
Kaden turned on his side and propped his head on his hand. "Yeah... but I'm not going anywhere. No matter how bad it gets."
Corrin leaned down and placed her head on his chest, laying against him. She let out a hum, inhaling Kaden's scent she had come to be so familiar with. "I know." She tilted her head up and gave his lips a quick peck. "Thanks, Kaden."
"When it gets too much, just come to me, okay?"
"I will."
"I'll do all I can. I promise."
"Yeah," she nodded, moving against his skin. "Thank you, Kaden."
"Because I love you."
"I love you, too."
He gave her a kiss, but it didn't part. The two expressed their love yet again throughout the night.
