Liz couldn't help but feel like the world was brighter than before.

It wasn't that ungodly light that Anankos or Valla produced, nor was it the starry light she usually expected to see in Nohr, the little of it she had been exposed to before Anankos took control of her. It was simple, bright sunlight. A rarity in Nohr, but it was welcome beyond that nonetheless. It felt as if all her problems were simply fading away, all the trials, all the tribulations, they weren't for nothing.

It had been a long time since she had an outlook like that. It felt good.

It didn't take long for her and Corrin to find the others. They had shown up along the river as well, sputtering and coughing before swimming to the shore. When Liz found Severa in particular, she couldn't help herself.

Without a word, Liz hugged Severa from behind, practically squeezing the life out of her before she even knew Liz was there. The yelp she let out was no doubt embarrassing for her, even more so when she feebly struggled to get Liz off of her.

"Let go!" Severa said, "Now! I don't want them to see us like this!"

"Oh, c'mon, Sev! Last time you saw me, I had a hole in my chest!" Liz laughed, "Isn't it great that your aunt is all better again? Running and around and doing jumping jacks? Reminds me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

"I have no idea what the hell you're talking about but it sounds stupid," Severa said, deadpan. "Now seriously, let go!"

"Alright, fiiiine," Liz sighed, releasing Severa and placing her hands on her hips. Severa coughed and sputtered, patting a hand against her chest before whirling around and glaring at her aunt.

"Where the hell did you even come from- No, wait, you probably came from the same place we did," Severa rubbed her forehead. "I guess, since you're here, that you guys…?"

Liz nodded, the smile on her face slowly fading away. "Yeah, she's gone. Finally. God, feels like it's been forever since I've been myself. I feel like I'm a completely new person!"

"Trust me, you're not," Severa scoffed, "you're still as insufferable as ever."

"Aww, you really do care!" Liz mock-sniffled, rubbing an imaginary tear away from her eye. "If I wasn't scared you'd shank me if I tried again, I'd hug you!"

"Damn right," Severa said, crossing her arms before looking off to the side, to the left of the riverbank. "Look at all of them, gathering around. Think there's a peace summit happening."

Liz followed Severa's gaze, seeing Corrin and the other royals in a circle, simply talking to each other. It had been a long time since any of them had had the opportunity, she supposed. Although she thought they'd wait to do a formal peace talk, it was nice to see them not wanting to shank each other.

"Well," Severa continued, "maybe it's not the only thing they're talking about. I'm not the only one who got involved with people in this world. I think those two in particular-" Severa pointed to Camilla and Azura. "-will probably be coming with us when we all go home. Lucina'll probably stay here."

Liz blinked. "You're going home? So soon?"

Severa shrugged. "We've done our job. I'm just lucky I didn't fall for a royal or anything – much less to talk about, that way. Kaze's already agreed to come back with me. Which… really makes me wonder why I never asked you."

Tilting her head, Liz asked, "Asked me about what?"

"To come with us. To my homeland," Severa continued, "Keep up, auntie. Fuck, did I even tell you its name?"

"Nah, don't think you did," Liz admitted.

"Damnit! This is all wrong!" Severa pinched the bridge of her nose. "I shouldn't be telling my boyfriend this crap before my aunt! Alright, I and the others come from the Halidom of Ylisse, on the continent of Archanea. Cold as hell, even in the south, but it's home. Or at least I think it is. This place doesn't feel like it most of the time, so it's the best I got. And, well, I know you and Corrin have your own plans."

"We do," Liz confirmed, nodding. She looked out to the sparkling waters of the river. "We're gonna find a way to my home. Mine and Alex's I guess. Not sure how he'll react when I tell him, when I see him again. That's what you were gonna ask me, right? If I want to go with you, at least for a little while? To see him again?"

Severa looked shocked for a moment before nodding. "Well, yeah. Now that Anankos is gone, and everything's probably about as good as they'll get around here, I mean, might as well, right? What's the harm?"

"Eh, nothing, really," Liz admitted, "Although I gotta say, I'm, uh, nervous. Nervous as hell."

Severa raised a brow. "Why? What do you think he'll do?"

"For me, it's been almost two years since I last saw him," Liz said lowly, "for him, it could be – God, it could be almost a decade. I think you said once that it took years for all those bad wars where you came from ended. Fuck, you guys killed a dragon there! One that destroyed the world once! I don't… hell, it's not even him. I'm not sure how I'll react."

Severa shrugged. "You'll never know if you don't try, auntie."

Liz nodded. "Yeah, yeah I know. I'll do it, Severa, but I'm not sure how things'll go down. I'm still nervous, and I'm not sure how he'll take to Corrin and Kaze, but it's more closure than I had before, which I guess I should thank you for."

Severa placed her hands on her hips and stood tall, smirking smugly. "Damn right you should."

"Dear God, I think your head's getting bigger," Liz whispered, "better break it open to relieve the pressure."

"Try that and find out what happens."

Corrin watched it all happen, her siblings gathering around as Xander and Ryoma spoke. Their wounds were not fully healed; Xander's armor was covered in dry blood, and he walked with a limp, while Ryoma cradled his hand to his chest, as if trying to protect it. Both of them stood apart from the other, staring each other in the eyes.

"We agreed that once Anankos was defeated, that our countries would be at peace," Xander began, "That was always a tall order, but I still believe it to be possible. What say you, Prince Ryoma?"

"I agree," Ryoma nodded, holding out his good hand. "It has time for our countries to stop ceaselessly fighting with each other. Though we go our separate ways after this day, know that Hoshido will help rebuild whatever damage has been done to Nohr in the wake of this calamity."

"And so shall Nohr pay for its transgressions against Hoshido," Xander replied, taking Ryoma's hand and shaking it. "It will be some time before my people are able to repay their debt to you, Prince Ryoma, but when the time comes, you will know."

"I will hold you to your word, Prince Xander," Ryoma said, nodding. "We all have things we need to take care of. But what about you, Corrin?"

Corrin perked up, a small and sad smile on her face. "I know what I am going to do, brother. And you won't like it, I think."

"She's going where Camilla and I will go," Azura said softly, "at least, for a time. Am I wrong?"

Xander raised a brow as Corrin coughed into her palm.

"Um, yes, that's right," Corrin said, "starting tomorrow, I will be traveling away from Hoshido and Nohr."

"Sister," Ryoma said, "You don't need to do that. Whether you want to find a place in Nohr or Hoshido, I am sure we could find some way to accommodate you."

Corrin shook her head. "That's nice of you to say, Ryoma, but… this is what I want. This is what I need. I'm not ready to settle down. To help rule a country, and neither of you need me at your side for this. I imagine I would only stir trouble with nobles."

"Not that I particularly care for what those dastards think," Takumi began, "but she's not exactly wrong. The situation in both countries is rather fragile right now, wouldn't you say? And with the armies in shambles on both sides, they won't feel secure, either. I'm not going to say that she needs to leave, but I will say that this is a decision that might work out in the long run."

Ryoma looked down at the ground as Xander stepped forward.

"I believe I speak for Prince Ryoma when I say this, too," Xander said, "but should you ever find yourself in this part of the world, or in this world at all, know that there will always be a place for you in both of our countries. You are a princess of Nohr and Hoshido, and nothing will change that."

Corrin sniffled, nodding. "Thank you, Xander. Ryoma. I know one day that I'll come back, but until then, I want you to know that I have appreciated all that both of you, and everyone else, has done for me."

"Aww, you make it sound as if you will never see us again," Camilla said, "well, for the others I'm not sure, but with me and Azura, we will be together for a little while longer yet."

"And so three princesses leave us," Xander mumbled, "had I known that Inigo, my own retainer, would seek to court a sister of mine…"

"It is by my choice that it happened, and nothing you say will change that," Azura quickly said.

Xander waved a hand. "Of course. Merely thinking out loud."

"You do that a lot, brother," Leo said, crossing his arms and looking at Xander down the bridge of his nose. "Thinking out loud, I mean. It's a wonder our plans weren't given to the Hoshidans during the war."

"Trust me, Leo, my brother does it too," Hinoka said, "sometimes I think it's just the duty of the older sibling to talk out loud."

Corrin giggled, watching her siblings squabble amongst each other. It felt good to act like a family one more time before she went off to distant lands. She had to wonder how they would do it; Liz didn't know how she ended up in Nohr in the first place, while the other four people from another world weren't exactly forthcoming with how they got to where they were.

That could wait for a while, though. In that moment, Corrin was blissfully content.

When they all split up, the camp they made seemed so much less than what Liz was used to. Besides her and Corrin, Severa, Kaze, Inigo, Azura, Owain, Camilla, Lucina, and Xander were there. Leo had been entrusted with the preliminary reconstruction of Nohr while Xander sought out the parents of his soon-to-be wife. Everyone else was traveling to their new home, everyone except for Corrin and Liz.

Liz could feel her stomach doing somersaults in her body, as if she could barely contain her nervousness or her excitement. Possibly both. Just the simple thought of going to another world again, of possibly meeting her brother again, and his new family – she felt as if her veins were filled with ice just thinking about it. She took deep breath after deep breath, trying to calm herself down and prepare for the inevitable. She didn't even know where they were going; all Severa said was that it was 'off the beaten path'. Whatever the hell that meant.

Just when she thought she could use Corrin, she appeared.

"I'd ask you if there was something on your mind," Corrin said, sitting beside Liz and staring into the flames. "But I think we both know the answer to that question."

Liz let out a sigh as Corrin sat beside her, looking into the flames. Gently, Liz leaned against Corrin's side, closing her eyes for a few moments before answering.

"My head's been empty ever since we left Valla behind," she said, "For the first time in what feels like forever, I've just been… relaxed. At peace, I guess. I dunno how to explain it; it just kinda is, ya know?"

She felt Corrin nod as her hand came out and laced through her hair. Liz let out a contented hum, holding Corrin's other hand.

"I feel the same way," Corrin laughed, "for the first time, it feels peaceful, if that makes any sense. Like we have time to finally relax and enjoy life, rather than fighting to defend it."

"Mhm," Liz hummed, "One way of putting it. I'm surprised, though."

"How so?" Corrin asked.

"I thought you would've wanted to enjoy it here," Liz answered, "well, here, as in Nohr and Hoshido. I thought you would've wanted to enjoy peace here. Not that I really mind that we're leaving, though I wouldn't mind coming back here someday. I barely got to explore this place before heading to another one."

Corrin nodded. "I thought of it. But, Liz… I don't belong anywhere."

Liz opened her eyes and turned to Corrin, brow raised. "What does that mean?"

"I lived most of my life inside of a tower," Corrin replied, "with no one but the staff and my adoptive siblings to keep me company, when they could spare the time. And in Hoshido, even if I spent time outside of Castle Shirasagi, I never felt as if I belonged. Look at me, Liz. I know all you see is beauty, but if you look a little closer-"

"I'll see that you're even more beautiful than I thought?" Liz finished.

"That- What?"

"C'mon, Candy Corn," Liz said, "look at you. Those eyes, that hair, those awesome fangs, I'd be crazy to think of as anything other than beautiful."

"T-that is not what I was-!"

"I know it's not what you meant," Liz said, frowning. "So some crusty old Hoshidan bastards don't like the way you look, even if you're a member of the royal family. They can go fuck themselves, for all I care. You're beautiful, and if anyone ever says otherwise, lemme know. I wanna speak to them."

"Do not punch somebody in the face just because they insult me," Corrin said, "please."

"Who said anything about punching?" Liz asked, "I got a sword right here, Corrin. I was gonna stab them."

"Do not do that either!" Corrin pleaded, "we'll already have enough problems wherever we're going. We don't need you to risk a diplomatic incident."

"That only works if I'm a diplomat. I think," Liz replied, putting a finger to her chin in mock-thought. "Well, I dunno how that actually works, so I'll take your word for it, Candy Corn."

Corrin looked down, biting her lip. "Thank you for saying that, by the way. It really means a lot."

"Anytime you need compliments, you just let me know. I've got plenty of them," Liz said, smiling smugly. "Guess I can't fault you for wanting to get the fuck outta dodge. Just seems like we're going so fast. Honestly, I'm, uh, I'm nervous."

"Nervous? Ah, right." Corrin nodded. "Where we're going, we'll be meeting your brother, right? Like the one we fought on the sea."

Liz shrugged. "I'm not sure if I could call that thing my brother, Candy Corn, but I guess it counts. Thankfully, I don't think he'll actually look like that. It'd be horrifying if he did." Liz took a deep breath. "It'll be weird, seeing him after all this time. I told this to Severa, too, but she kinda just brushed past it. So I guess I'll talk about it to you, too."

"It's natural to be nervous," Corrin said, holding a hand to her chest. "I have felt something like it before, every time Xander and the rest would visit me. I felt it when I first met Azura. Whatever happens, I know it will bring you peace."

"But what if…" Liz swallowed the growing lump in her throat. "I dunno how to explain it, Corrin. It feels like I'll be reopening an old wound. I thought for months that I would never see him again, but right now he's probably the closest member of my family, travel-wise. Whenever we get to where we're going, it'll be simple, apparently. I just- I don't know, Corrin. I don't know."

Liz took comfort in Corrin's hand going through her hair.

"It will be fine. I am sure of it," Corrin said softly. "And once we are done visiting him and his family, we will find a way to your world. You will see your parents again."

Liz felt the pinpricks of tears at the edge of her eyes, and she gently wiped them away. "That's nice. Really nice. I wonder what Ashton has been doing?"

"Another family member?" Corrin asked.

"Cousin," Liz answered, "He's my cousin. His dad is my dad's brother. It'd been a while since I talked to him before I got sent here," she leaned back, letting the flame's light wash over her. "There's a lotta things I wish I'd done. That's just one of them. If I make it back – when I make it back – I know it won't be like I left it. I can't even imagine what my parents are going through right now. They've both been through enough. If I can give them closure, then…"

Liz sniffled, looking at Corrin. "I'm sorry, Corrin, I…"

Corrin said nothing as she hugged Liz close to her. Liz snuggled into her chest, enjoying the contact for all it was worth. It had been a long ride, for both of them. Even with Anankos, they weren't entirely at peace, despite their words. Perhaps, though, one day, when all was said and done, they would be able to make a life for themselves.

The group headed to a village to the far-flung north of Nohr, far away from the rest of civilization. As Liz looked at it from on high, across a field on up a hill, she had to admit it was unimpressive. It actually looked a lot like the village she and Lucina had found themselves in long before everything went to shit.

They decided to stay in the village for a day, and then head out to the countryside in search of a ruin, where the dimensional travelers left their super special teleportation device, or whatever the hell Anankos gave them when she recruited them. Liz didn't know. All she knew was that she wanted to see it. She had been thinking; perhaps it could unlock the way home. Somehow. It was just a hunch and she wouldn't try until Lucina and Xander returned to Nohr from their visit, but it was nice to have a concrete goal, at least.

Speaking of Lucina, she joined Liz as she looked down on the village. Both of them were silent, and Liz felt nostalgia creeping into her head. It wasn't the exact same situation, but it was similar. At least there was no chance of being possessed, or her organs liquefying due to the dragon blood that flowed through her veins.

"It's a beautiful night tonight," Lucina said idly, looking up as she crossed her arms over her chest. "It is nice to know this world will survive after all."

"That's what you're thinking about right now?" Liz asked, turning to her with a brow raised. "I was just thinking about how similar everything is. This town, ruins nearby – if you didn't tell me that that village was destroyed, then I'd think this was the same place."

"There are many places like this in Nohr," Lucina explained, "far-off villages with little contact with Nohr proper. One of the things I wish to do when I am crowned queen-regent is improve upon this infrastructure. Make Nohr more whole and give territories more autonomy in how they govern themselves."

"Democratization?" Liz stated, though she phrased it more as a question.

"What?" Lucina replied.

"Nothing, just thinking," Liz said, rubbing her forehead and pulling her coat around her shoulders as a chilly wind blew past them. The fact it wasn't snowing so far north yet was a miracle in her eyes. "Just sounds similar to something people in the U.S. would say, that's all. God, that place was a mess, but I miss it, somehow."

"Sir Alexander spoke of it, sometimes, although he was never very specific," Lucina admitted, "I doubt I will ever see it, but it would be nice to have a glimpse at how things could be."

"Trust me, sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth," Liz drawled, gently moving an idle lock of hair out of her eyes. "Goddamn, though, I'm just all over the place."

"You have had it harder than most," Lucina replied, "Hah. Sometimes it feels so strange, to have had a hand in destroying two abominations – that is what legends are made of, and yet I don't feel legendary."

"You're pretty goddamn legendary in my book," Liz said, snorting. "I mean, c'mon, all the crazy shit you've probably done? And then you bagged Nohr's most eligible bachelor. Think about it. You might not feel legendary, but I think you fit the bill, ya know?"

Lucina chuckled. "I suppose I do."

Liz nodded. "Listen to me. I'm always right. Though now I remember… uh, did we ever find out what happened to Benny and Charlotte?"

Lucina nodded. "They were injured but saved. Some were not as lucky, but no war is without casualties. I received the news right before we separated from the rest of the royals."

"Maybe I'll visit them, once we get back," Liz said, "I know we only knew each other for a couple weeks, but I think it'd be cool, ya know? They're probably the closest thing I have to friends in this world who aren't leaving."

"I am sure they will like that," Lucina said, smiling. "And please, if you ever make it back here, do not be a stranger. We will welcome you with open arms. You and Lady Corrin."

"She's your sister-in-law now, you know," Liz pointed out, "well, technically. They aren't blood-related, but it kinda counts, right?"

Lucina waved a hand. "Whatever you say, my friend. Whatever you say."

"Now it just sounds like you're being dismissive," Liz said, frowning slightly. "And that doesn't suit you at all, Lucy."

"No? Perhaps I should work on that," Lucina noted, "We should probably go back inside. We have a busy day tomorrow."

Liz looked up at the night sky, an entire sky full of stars above her. It was beautiful.

"You go ahead," Liz said, "I wanna stay out here for a little longer."

"Do not be long, my friend. I do not want you to be ambushed by a threat we hadn't anticipated," Lucina said, before quietly walking away.

Alone with her thoughts, Liz looked at every star, and the alien moon outshined them all. She couldn't help but feel like they were eyes, all looking down at the world and at her. How many of those stars had worlds just like the one she was on? How many of them were just as ignorant of her as she was of them? Were they different universes entirely?

Such questions were insanity in a world of magic. The stars didn't even necessarily need to be stars; they could've been a giant curtain with holes punched into it, or something else she couldn't really comprehend.

Whatever the case was, she would soon find out one thing.

I'm coming home.

Making their way to the ruins nearby, Liz found herself trailing behind. She felt her feet dragging behind her as she walked, almost as if her body didn't want to move. It was maddening, but no one else commented on it, so she didn't make too much of a fuss about it.

Whatever ruin Lucina and the others had to fight out of over a year ago, it probably wasn't as ruined as the ones Liz saw. They were little more than a pair of walls and a large tower, crumbling as it reached into the morning sky with vines and grass growing out of the cracks.

"Place hasn't changed a bit since we were here last," Severa noted, snorting. "Who wants to place bets that the orb's been stolen?"

"Such games are unnecessary, my friend!" Owain declared, "I have divined that our goal is still here! And if my dark powers have failed me, the fool who took it will be struck from this plane of existence with my-!"

"I know you're having fun, dear, but please do be quiet. For now, at least," Camilla said, "I do not think our companions appreciate your quirks as much as I do."

"Aha, not so, Lady Camilla!" Inigo stated, "I've grown used to his rambling. Or I thought I did, at least. I really hope it's still here."

"It better be," Azura said quietly.

"It will be there, my friends," Lucina said, "There is no reason for anyone to have come here. There is a reason why we chose to hide it here, after all."

"Then I shall prepare myself," Xander intoned. "I imagine this journey will be quick, if disorienting."

"How was it the first time, Severa?" Kaze asked.

Severa shrugged. "It just sorta happened. I didn't really think about it."

"Not that we need to be quick," Corrin interjected gently, "but I'd rather we got this done sooner rather than later."

"Please," Liz agreed.

Lucina nodded, leading the group into the ruins. Liz watched everyone silently move, the conversation from earlier fading away in the face of what was about to happen. Liz could feel her heart jackhammering in her chest, as if it would burst out. She held Corrin's hand, feeling as if something horrible was about to happen.

Corrin looked at her, nodding and smiling. That put her mind at ease, at least.

Lucina moved into the ruined tower, alone. A moment later, she walked out with a large orb in her hands. It was like the orb Anankos had jammed into her mouth, only it didn't have eyes; its surface looked deceptively rough, but judging by the light reflecting off it, if Lucina wasn't careful, it would slip out of her hands.

"So, uh," Liz began, "how does this work? Do we just stand here and-?"

Almost as if in answer to her question, the orb began glowing a light blue. Cracks formed, but it didn't break. And before long, she was engulfed in light.

She was back in the world of dark-light, and she was not alone.

The calming, warming presence of the Rainbow Sage, speaking to her, was gone. He was dead. And in his place stood something else. Something other.

Four arms, four eyes, a reach that grasped at the farthest of all universes. It was like looking at an alien, or something even beyond that. It stared at her. Analyzed her. And she was gone. It was like she was hollow. Even Anankos hadn't had that effect on her. It was almost like she was asking permission for something, and she didn't know what, but it was pissed off.

That was the greatest emotion she felt from the thing in front of her: anger. Indignance. It was furious, but at what, she didn't know. At first, she thought it was herself, but that wasn't true. Once it saw her, it looked past her, at the worlds upon worlds. And once it had had its fill, it released her, and she was sent back upon the currents of reality-

When Liz opened her eyes, she almost screamed.

She was aware that she was on a bed of snow, looking up at a gloomy sky as snowflakes fell. But beyond that, she could hardly think. It was like the world was one giant blur as she got to her feet. She felt like she was in slow-motion.

That was, until she felt someone grasp her hand, and she was brought back to reality.

"Liz!" She heard Corrin shout, "Liz, are you alright!?"

"C-Corrin!" Liz stammered out, rushing her and hugging the half-dragon princess furiously. "I thought I-!"

It was then that she realized she couldn't remember why she had freaked out. It was like the memory had been plucked from her mind. The emotion was still there, but the image of it was gone. Even still, she hugged Corrin, and Corrin hugged her, making her feel warm in a world of cold.

"Did something happen?" Corrin asked quietly.

"I dunno…" Liz sniffled. "Let's, uh, let's just- Where is everybody?"

"Nearby," Corrin said, "when we arrived, you were asleep. According to Severa, we're apparently just outside the city of Ylisstol."

Liz looked past Corrin to see a walled city in the snow. The marks of battle still scarred it, although it was clear that there was still a rebuilding effort going on; scaffolding dotted the walls, while other parts still looked to be crumbling from damage. Other than that, the castle that dominated the rest of the city looked like something out of a Disney movie, complete with a flying buttress leading to a tower. Liz found herself chuckling.

"Betcha my brother lives in there," Liz said.

"I doubt it, although it looks much better than my old fortress," Corrin noted, "Dusk Dragon, this place – it looks like a war has been through here!"

"Well, I mean," Liz began, "it probably has. Severa and the rest talked about it, remember?"

Corrin chuckled. "I suppose she did. Well, then? Shall we go?"

She held her hand out to Liz, and after a few moments, Liz took it.

It may have been snowing, but Liz felt warmer than ever before.

A lot of the damage to Ylisstol had been repaired, Severa thought to herself, but it was clear that there was more work to do.

While everyone went their separate ways, Lucina and Xander going to the castle - Lucina took the orb with her, promising to use it only when Liz and Corrin returned - Camilla and Owain beside them, and Inigo and Azura went elsewhere, Severa was left with the esteemed duty of procuring a way north. No way were her mom and dad going to spend an entire season away from home, and while it usually wouldn't have been a big deal booking passage on a trading caravan, the wintry conditions made everything treacherous.

Eventually, however, she got it. The road wouldn't be glamorous, and the conditions were far from ideal, it was their best bet at getting home.

When all was said and done, all they had to do was wait.

"Are you cold?"

Severa looked to the side as she leaned on their soon-to-be traveling wagon, seeing Kaze approach. She let out a sigh.

"Winters in Archanea can get pretty fucking brutal, but this isn't anything I'm not used to, don't worry," Severa said, running a hand through her messy red hair. She would need to fix that later; it was driving her crazy. "Besides, now's not the time for cuddling. We gotta wait until we get going for that."

Kaze nodded, smiling. "A shame. I was looking forward to it."

"I said not right now," she reiterated, blushing. "We gotta wait, alright? And then you'll be meeting my parents – Oh, gawd, you're gonna meet my parents."

"I am sure they will understand, Severa," Kaze said, leaning against the wagon. "After all, what you have told me of them, they are good people."

"The best," she whispered, "I wonder how dad's gonna react to auntie. Guess there's only one way to find out."

"Hey," Kaze said, reaching a hand out and brushing his fingers down Severa's cheek. "Whatever happens, I love you. Alright?"

Severa nodded, grasping his hand and holding it to her cheek. "I know."

For several days, almost a week, they were in the back of a wagon, cramped and cold, but excited nonetheless. Severa watched Liz and Corrin be all lovey-dovey with each other – it almost made her sick. It reminded her of her parents, in a way; which made sense, considering her aunt. Still, she couldn't help but look to Kaze and try not to dry heave when things got a little intense.

Severa had to admit, however, that a part of her had always missed Ylisse. The pine forests, the fields, the sun on her skin – she made a note to herself that she enjoyed the present version of Ylisse far, far more than the ruined future she had come from. Even the snow seemed friendlier and softer than whatever frigid crap happened in Nohr.

She would be the first to admit that she was biased. Not that that was exactly hard to discern.

Eventually, Severa found herself face to face with her greatest challenge yet: facing down her family's home as the carriage came to a stop.

It was everything she expected; a somewhat large, but conservative mansion. She could see the lights within the windows, contrasted by the snow that rested on its roof. Having spent all of her childhood in Ylisstol, she never saw whatever territory her family in the present received. Looking at it for the first time, she found herself in awe.

"Let me deal with this, okay? Only come out when I call for you," Severa said, climbing out of the wagon. "If the driver wants to get antsy, tell him I'll pay extra, or that I'll break his kneecaps."

Liz nodded sagely. "I'll tell him you'll break his kneecaps."

Severa snorted and gave one last nod to Kaze before stepping out onto the frozen road. It was blisteringly cold, but with her heavy coat, she managed. What she didn't expect was the small version of her, looking at her from the snow fort she had been building.

She stopped in her tracks and stared.

"Who're you?" the small version of her said, holding a snowball in her hand. "We don't want squatters around here! Shove off!"

"I'm not a squatter, idio- I-I mean, I'm here to talk with your father," Severa stammered, trying her best to keep from breaking down. Faced with everything she never would've experienced at her age, Severa found it difficult to keep up appearances. She didn't know how much her parents told her younger self, but she wouldn't risk that big secret coming out if she could help it.

"Huh?" her present version said, lowering her hand. "What do you mean? Daddy and mommy don't know you. Wait- are you a cousin? Mommy says we have some cousins. You got the same hair color as her."

"Uh, something like that," Severa replied, "Look, kid, can you take me to them? I need to talk with them-"

"Severa, sweetheart, what's going on?"

Severa felt her blood turn to ice as he came in from the side, the main door to the mansion closing behind him. Her present self abandoned her snow fortress and hugged his legs, stopping him in his tracks.

"There's someone here! She said she wanted to see you! I thought she was a squatter at first but I think she's not. I dunno," little Severa quickly explained as her father picked her up.

"I'll take care of this, then," Alex said, kissing little Severa on the forehead and letting her down. "Go get your mom, okay?"

Little Severa nodded and ran off toward the main door as Alex turned to Severa, his green eyes widening marginally as he saw her. He looked somewhat different; he had a longer beard, his hair was cut short, but still recognizable, and the beginnings of crow's feet were at the edge of his eyes.

"Uh, hi," Severa said, holding a hand up as if to wave before thinking better of it and putting it down. "I'd've sent you a letter but I thought, might as well come in person. You know, grave you with my presence after so long. U-um, she looks good, by the way. M-my present self, I mean."

She saw her father steadily approach her, and she began panicking.

"L-look, I know it was stupid, alright!?" Severa said, holding her hands close to her chest. "If I could go back and stop myself, I would! Well, maybe I wouldn't, because if I didn't I wouldn't have-! Bah, whatever! I know I'm a crappy daughter. I'll leave if you-!"

Suddenly, she felt herself enveloped in warmth as her father hugged her.

"I missed you, Sev," Alex said softly, "I knew you'd come back one day."

Severa felt herself melt, just like she always did the instant her father showed her any affection. She hugged him back tightly, enjoying the contact for all that it was worth. The only thing that would make it better was if her mother was there. She knew that would come later.

After a few moments, they finally parted. Alex chuckled.

"You look good!" He said, "I mean, still a lil' like a puffball with those coats on, but still. Your mother will wanna see you. While you two are talking I'll go ahead and make some tea-"

"Um," Severa said, holding up a hand to stop him. "Before we do that, I have someone you need to meet."

Alex raised a brow, a wry grin spreading across his scarred face. "Someone important?"

"Yeah, but more to you than me," Severa said, causing Alex to look at her in confusion. "You know who you are! C'mon, step out!"

Another person stepped out of the wagon.

When Liz heard her brother's voice, she found herself glued to her seat. It took the combined urging of Kaze and Corrin to get her to move to the back of the wagon, and when she heard Severa's words, she finally got out.

Liz stepped onto the snowy ground, puffs of the stuff floating into the air as she turned to look at her brother for the first time in years.

He had grown older, although she had expected that. His face was marred with a scar that ran from his chin all the way to the top of one cheek, and his hand – Severa hadn't been wrong when she told her, nor was Liz wrong when she saw it on his doppelganger. It was entirely made of iron. She saw his eyes widen to the size of dinner plates as she stepped into view, and she ran a hand through her hair.

"How's it going, Alex?" Liz said, her voice coming wavering and fragile. "I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd pay ya a visit. Did you forget about me?"

"Eliza…" Alex said before swallowing. "Liz."

"Yeah, that's me," Liz said quietly, stepping forward. "Look, I know this is all very sudden, but I'm here now. I've heard all about you from Severa, and I'm sure you're very, very curious on how I got here. Believe me, I would be too. But I can explain-!"

Alex walked forward, causing Liz's words to die in her throat. Before long, he stood right in front of her.

"I'm not alone…" Alex said, his voice coming out almost as a whimper. "I-I'm not alone."

"Yeah, you aren't. And neither am I," Liz said, sniffling. "We're not alone anymore."

She let Alex hug her, could feel the wetness on her shoulder, and she let her own tears fall.

That was what mattered. Neither of them was alone anymore.

I believe in you.

What can I say, I'm impatient lol. Expect that Epilogue and final AN tomorrow. I'll miss you guys.

Here's a link to our Discord server: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

See you guys for the final time tomorrow!