Hello everyone! This is the final chapter of The Koto Player! I will be posting an epilogue eventually, but this is the end of the main storyline. Please look forward to it, and enjoy this extra long chapter.
Landing in Hoshido was imminent, but the country Camilla saw was not the one they initially conquered two years ago.
Everything was in ruins. She knew from Corrin's reports that this was not the case months ago. This insurrection had caused the country to tear itself apart. There were burning buildings, families screaming, men fighting, Nohrian occupiers trying to contain the chaos, but it only seemed to make matters worse.
Camilla's mission, though, was to just scout, and the sight she was seeing was definitely worth commenting on. Xander and the others needed to be aware of the excrement they were stepping into.
She flew away on Marzia, face grim. She knew Hinoka would be the most displeased.
Xander and the others were only a few miles west, and the wind seemed to favor her flight. In what seemed like moments, she was there, the army awaiting her arrival.
Xander approached her immediately. "How is it, Camilla?"
"Oh, you know how these things go. Remember Cheve?" she responded flippantly. Xander knew it was rhetorical.
"I see… A fight is mandatory then."
Camilla nodded, patting Marzia affectionately. "It's been some time, old girl." Marzia growled in response. "I suppose my axe will have to bathe itself in red again."
"You're not killing my people!" Hinoka yelled. "They may have wanted me dead, but they don't deserve this! There are innocents!"
Camilla laughed. "How naïve, darling. We've gone through this before. Corrin didn't want bloodshed all those years ago either, but it came to that point anyway. We'll try to limit it, but if you think I won't cut down those rebels that tried to harm the gaudy red hair on your head, you have another think coming."
Hinoka's face burned red, almost rival to the hair Camilla insulted. "Listen you bit-"
"I think that's quite enough." Xander cut in. He didn't need the rival sisters at each other's throats when war was about to be had. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that degree, but he knew Camilla was right. Siegfried would see blood once again.
"Camilla is unfortunately right," Corrin admitted sadly. "We'll...have to kill them. The rebels I mean."
"You remember what I said long ago, little princess. Justice is an illusion. There will be no justice today, nor mercy. Only death it seems." He hated saying that to his younger step-sister, but it was something she had become accustomed to. "I hope you and the Yato are ready."
"I am." Corrin looked at the sword at her side. "I won't let you down."
"Then we march on. To Hoshido!" He commanded, and a war cry was had as the soldiers and royals marched on. Camilla mounted Marzia after giving Hinoka a pitying look. Hinoka wouldn't let the buxom woman get the better of her again. She grudgingly agreed. She'd have to kill her own subjects.
Isn't that what was normal for this sort of thing? Hinoka felt unprepared. Hoshido always favored peace. But perhaps that peace made them ignorant, unknowing of the hurts of war until the Nohrian conquest, which in turn made them bitter. This was always going to happen. Hinoka had to accept that.
She took a breath, mounted her borrowed pegasus, a borrowed Nohrian lance at her side, and flew off. It was time.
Sakura was nervous. Never in her entire years of living did she ever think she'd marry a Nohrian prince, but here she was, dressing for her wedding. Azura was assisting her as the two quietly chatted in Sakura's quarters.
"You're nervous," Azura commented. "I can understand why."
"It's just that… I'm a shrine maiden, a priestess really. We-we're not supposed to marry really. There's nothing against it, but it just seems...odd for me to marry." Sakura admitted.
"Why is it odd? You love Leo. I can see that on your face and can sense it from your heart. There's nothing odd about getting married."
"I-I know… Perhaps I shouldn't have put it that way. It's just that..." Sakura paused to think. "Well, I could never imagine someone as wonderful as Leo to be interested in me."
Azura chuckled. "You think too little of yourself. You are also wonderful, Sakura. He can see that. He knows it. It's why he chose you. You two fit very well together I think. He's a little blunt, but you make him gentle. In turn, your kindness sometimes isn't enough, and he makes you stronger, makes you think of hard decisions that perhaps you wouldn't normally think of. It's a beautiful blend of light and dark." Azura tilted her head, thinking of her words. "How fitting for one from a kingdom of light and one from a kingdom of dark."
"That's lovely, Azura," Sakura breathed out. She looked at herself in the looking glass. "What do you think of this dress? Elise really altered it to fit me." Sakura wondered how she knew, but Elise seemed gifted in many things. It was only her age that made people doubt her.
"I love it. It's so you." Azura said.
And really, it was. It was a beautiful dove white with scarlet lace trim, empire waist, ankle length. On Sakura's feet were simple flats borrowed from Elise. Upon her head, a crown of flowers, red and white roses, with ribbon streamers flowing behind. Sakura never felt so perfectly a princess before.
And as a princess, she would rule this Astral realm with Leo if the others wouldn't accept their union. She was determined to be with him forever.
"According to Elise, I'm giving you away," Azura mentioned. "I think that's reasonable, given that we were step-sisters for a time."
"We are sisters," Sakura said. "No matter our parentage. You have always been good to me, Azura. I will always see you as such."
Azura smiled gently. "Thank you, Sakura. That means so much to me."
"You're welcome." The two embraced for a moment.
"I think it's almost time to leave then. Are you ready?"
Sakura nodded. "I am."
"Then let us be off." Azura offered Sakura her arm, and the two left Sakura's quarters.
Leo was beside himself. He always imagined proposing to Sakura in such a refined manner, candlelit dinner, music, wine, dancing, but never haphazardly in another dimension with his little sister as the minister, the only audience his long lost sister Azura, his retainers Niles and Odin, and Elise's Effie and Arthur. It seemed absurd, and it gave him a panic attack.
"Gods, Leo, it's just your wedding," Niles teased. "This isn't nearly as big a deal as you think it is."
"Forsooth, o wicked one!" Odin proclaimed. "Good Lord Leo, it is our honor to be in attendance to such a cozy affair! Sakura is to be a blissful bride with you as her betrothed!"
"What Odin is trying to say is that you and Sakura are ready," Niles said. "Just relax, milord. It'll be quick. Just like you on your wedding night."
Leo glared. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you see, you're going to-"
"I think that's enough, Niles!" Odin swooped in and clamped Niles' mouth shut with his hand. "No need to explain that! Lord Leo knows how to please a lady I'm sure!"
"I… I am absolutely appalled at both of you! That…. That isn't your concern!" Leo admonished as his face erupted into a furious blush.
"But it did take your mind off your worries right?" Niles said as he fought Odin off.
"I… Gods, Niles, was that your intent?"
Niles saluted him. "Always a pleasure, milord."
Leo sighed, calming down. "I suppose you're right. This should be a joyous occasion. I'm overthinking things."
"No more than usual. You always think! It's what makes you such a joy to serve, Lord Leo!" Odin claimed.
Niles scoffed. "Suck-up."
"Hey!"
"Would you two stop?" Leo asked.
The two retainers just laughed. There was a pause as each man thought of what was about to happen.
Leo would be made a husband to a Hoshidan princess. This was unheard of in both countries' recent histories, but of course, Leo and Sakura proved that love knew no border. It knew no bloodline or race. Love overcame all.
Niles wondered what this meant for him. Would Leo keep him on? He didn't exactly like Sakura at first, but the past few days in the Astral realm made him realize Sakura's intentions were true. She was truly a good woman. Niles judged too harshly. Not the worst trait to have as a retainer, but he shouldn't have doubted his lord's own judgment so much.
Odin wondered what this also meant for him. He had wanted to perhaps one day leave and return to Ylisse. But now that Lord Leo was to marry Sakura, wouldn't that mean she would need his services as well? He missed Noire and her baking, he missed his mother and uncle… He missed his home. But he made a home here in Nohr, so was it really so unreasonable to stay? He wasn't sure. That was a decision for another day.
Leo took in a breath. "Well, it's time."
"How exciting! Lord Leo marries Lady Sakura!" Odin cheered. Niles rolled his eye.
"Yes. Enthralling."
So the three men left, all wondering of their fates after this day, but knowing that somehow, it would all be alright.
The day seemed utterly bright. A beautiful blue sky seemed to bless the people below. The wind was minimal.
Elise stood under an arch of chrysanthemums constructed by Leo. There were pews that Effie and Arthur quickly constructed. Arthur had a sore thumb to prove it. Just one very long one really, as the audience in question would be quite small.
Niles and Odin approached, Leo walking behind. The stiff way he was walking indicated his nervousness. Elise thought it was cute. She had given them a quick rundown of what would happen at the wedding, logistics on the blend of the traditional Hoshidan wedding with the white wedding of Nohrian origin. It seemed almost improvisational, but everyone seemed to pick it up quickly. Elise knew it would be a success. The point was to bring these two to union, so even a small mishap would be nothing.
Leo stood in his spot, Odin and Niles to the side, as they were acting as both groomsmen and the wedding singers. Odin was going to sing the wedding march to the best of his ability and Niles would play a drum to keep Odin on beat. Elise had to go back to Castle Krakenburg to retrieve the drum. It was actually Niles' idea. Someone had to keep Odin in check after all.
Leo looked quite handsome in his livery, violet waistcoat with gold embellishments, a white shirt underneath, black slacks and knee high black boots. Elise giggled.
"What, Elise?" Leo asked, trying to divert his nervousness.
"You look so handsome, Leo! I'm so happy for you."
"I'm happy too. Thank you for doing this."
"Of course! What kind of sister would I be if I didn't want to marry you both?" She held her book nervously. In it were speeches she would give and a rundown of what was to occur, an outline so she wouldn't screw up. She had faith in herself, but this was still a lot of pressure.
The two stayed silent for a moment until Effie and Arthur walked towards them. They nodded to Elise.
"Alright, Leo! It's time!" She turned to Odin and Niles. "Ready guys?"
Odin was more than ready, bursting at the seams with excitement. "Yes milady!"
"As I'll ever be," Niles said simply.
"Alright! One and a two and a-"
"Duh DUH DUH DUUUUHHHHH~" Odin sang. Niles beat the drum in time to Odin's warbling. Elise regretted this choice. She could have brought her violin, but she thought that would be one too many jobs for her. Musician and minister? It didn't make sense to play two parts while on stage, so to speak.
Effie and Arthur took their seats, grimacing at Odin. But they tried to keep neutral faces for Elise's sake.
And then, from the hamlet, came Azura, holding the arm of the radiant Sakura. As per tradition, Leo did not see her before the wedding, so his face was one of true delight. He thought there was no one prettier than Sakura in this moment.
Azura and Sakura tried their best to walk in time to the wedding march, and both had to keep straight faces because Odin and Niles were too funny. Sakura stared straight ahead, eyes only for Leo, but Azura kept glancing around, trying to avoid looking at the two men who were making a mess of a traditional song. She probably should have sang. But Elise insisted on Azura giving Sakura away.
Finally, the two arrived at the would-be pulpit, and Odin finished with a deafening crescendo. In truth, this was his wackiest work yet.
"Okay! Without further ado, let us begin with the ceremony!" Elise chirped out. She went to her notes. "First! We begin this day to unite Prince Leo of Nohr and Princess Sakura of Hoshido! IF the two would kindly do so, I present these two chalices for them to drink out of, as per the Hoshidan custom." Elise gave each partner a chalice filled with water. She unfortunately couldn't procure any sake. "Please, Leo, drink for this chalice three times."
Leo did so.
Elise turned to Sakura. "Please, Sakura, drink from this chalice three times."
Sakura did so.
"With this done, I now declare for both to drink from these chalices nine times." It seemed a bit much to the non-Hoshidans, but this was part of the ceremony, so there was no argument there. Leo and Sakura drank from their chalices nine times, emptying their chalices.
Elise then proceeded with the Nohrian tradition.
"Friends, we gather here today to unify two loving souls, Leo, Prince of Nohr, and Sakura, princess of Hoshido. By bonding these two forever in marriage, we shall prove that two nations can present a united front. Without further ado, I shall present to each the rings." She reached into her pouch and pulled out two rings woven from plant materials. Elise could have afforded actual rings, but she wanted her brother and sister-in-law to be the ones to pick their own rings. These were placeholders.
"Leo, I bequeath this ring that you shall give to Sakura, forever binding your heart to hers. Please recite your vows."
"Sakura, you are my light in a kingdom of darkness. Forevermore I vow to comfort you in times of duress, support you in every endeavor, and love you no matter what. With this ring, I bond my heart to yours." He slipped the ring onto her finger.
"Sakura, I bequeath this ring that you shall give to Leo, forever binding your heart to his. Please recite your vows."
"Leo, you are my clarity in a world of doubt. Forever more I vow to comfort you in times of duress, support you in every endeavor, and love you no matter what. With this ring, I bond my heart to yours." She slipped the ring onto his finger.
Elise smiled. "With the rings exchanged, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Leo, you may kiss your bride."
One couldn't have told Leo twice. He took Sakura in his arms and kissed her. Their first kiss, and it united them as a married couple. It elated both of them.
"That concludes the ceremony!" Elise cheered. Everyone clapped, whooped, hollered. Odin sang again and Niles punched him in the shoulder. Azura laughed at their antics.
The two newlyweds turned to their audience, hands held. Nothing could have ruined this day.
In the other dimension, everything was ruining Hinoka's day. She was fighting for her life against her own people. It just wasn't fair. Blood and gore were the only things she could see. There was smoke from explosives and fires, destroyed buildings, mangled corpses. They hadn't even made it to the capital yet. It could be seen in the distance, but it seemed so far off, like nothing could get Hinoka back to her own throne room.
Not that it mattered anymore. While she knew it was her duty as the oldest (a grim thought), she no longer wanted part in being a queen. But she had no choice. Sakura was missing, eloped with that Nohrian prince, and Sakura… Well, Sakura being queen? It wasn't that far-fetched, perhaps she'd be another Mikoto, but Hinoka couldn't imagine her baby sister taking on such a role.
But those weren't the thoughts she needed to have in this time of duress. There was much battling to be done, so Hinoka flew on her pegasus, skewering any rebels that tried to stab at her with naginata or shoot her with arrows. It was disgusting to her.
Meanwhile, Camilla was having the time of her life. She didn't necessarily take much joy in killing innocents, but anyone with that look in their eyes was someone Camilla would happily take down. Her axe only knew blood, smothered in it. She made mincemeat of anyone who tried to hurt her or her siblings.
Xander hated this. He wanted so badly to foster peace between the two nations, but peace was not to be had it seemed. Siegfried shot red-black beams at rebels, their screams echoing in his ears.
Corrin was absolutely not having a good time. The Shadow Yato was a powerful blade indeed, but she didn't want to unsheathe it again against people she thought were her own. Perhaps she wasn't a Hoshidan royal, but she was a Hoshidan. Or wasn't she?
Kaze did his best to cover Corrin's back. He kept his perceptive eyes on Corrin and took down anyone who tried to sneak up on her. No one could out-sneak a ninja.
With that being said, the path to Castle Shirasagi was bathed in red.
When they did get to the castle, all was quiet. Too quiet, as if the rebels knew this would happen. Were there traps? Mines? Explosives? Ninja in hiding, waiting to throw their poison-coated shuriken? Hinoka nor the Nohrians really knew.
"Proceed with caution," Xander murmured to his siblings from atop his horse. The army was keeping the other rebels at bay. The main party to take back the castle were Xander in the lead, Hinoka, Camilla, Corrin, and Kaze.
They took each step with such care, watching each other's every movement, trying to see if anything seemed amiss.
Of course, the sneaking wasn't doing Hinoka any good. She was one to be blunt, to go full force against any would-be opponent.
"Come out, you trash!" She shrieked. "Sneaking about won't do you any good when we find you!"
For her to say such things… Hinoka was clearly upset. This was a way to distance herself from what she was doing, or so Corrin thought. She felt like sometimes she barely knew her own sister.
And then… An explosion. It thankfully missed the party, but it caused walls and ceiling to come crumbling down. It nearly knocked Camilla off her wyvern, and Kaze pushed Corrin out of the way of a falling beam. Xander and Hinoka immediately went on the defensive, ready to take down those that threw the bomb.
It was a single man, someone unknown to Hinoka. She doubted he was the leader. Leaders always waited for the main party to get to them first.
Would it be wise to charge a man with explosives? Absolutely not. Did Hinoka do it anyway? She absolutely did.
She charged the man with her lance, aiming directly for his heart. It seemed the man did not have explosives strapped to his body like a traditional suicide bomber. He was dead instantly.
But this was expected apparently because two ninja came down from hidden beams and trapped Hinoka in a net. She screamed in frustration as they readied their shuriken to slay the queen. But it was for naught because Xander zapped one with Siegfried and Camilla went charging, decapitating the other. Kaze and Corrin released the warrior queen, cutting the net with shuriken and sword.
"Are you alright?" Corrin asked, looking over Hinoka's body. She didn't seem too injured, previous battles notwithstanding.
"As fine as I can be in this situation," Hinoka spat. "Don't pretend you care, traitor."
"I wish you wouldn't say that," Corrin said glumly. "Clearly I do since I'm the foreign affairs advisor."
"Hmph," was all Hinoka responded with, and the group went on. Hinoka led them to the throne room. It seemed there were no more hiding ninja. There were no mines. It was odd. Shouldn't there have been more preparation for a retaliating queen and her Nohrian compatriots?
They opened the door to find a man sitting on the throne. It was Yukimura.
"My queen!" he gushed almost too dramatically. "I've been keeping this room safe for you, hoping for your return."
Hinoka stared at him, realization hitting her. "It was you."
"Pardon?"
"It was you." She readied her lance.
"I… Your strategist?!" Xander exclaimed. "You think he really caused this whole insurrection?"
"Of course he did! I don't know why I didn't see it before!" Hinoka answered. "He always was loyal to Hoshido only."
"Ah, you saw through me finally," Yukimura responded. "Yes, it's true I am loyal to Hoshido. A Hoshido occupied by Nohrian scum is not the Hoshido I want. A queen too weak to drive them out is not a queen fit for the throne. You are no Mikoto. You are no Ryoma. It's time for you to die so a true Hoshidan can ascend the throne."
"And who would that be?" Hinoka asked rhetorically. "You? Don't make me laugh, Yukimura. You're a great strategist, but you would make a poor ruler."
"Do you really think so? I know the ins and outs of ruling, as I was Mikoto's advisor for quite some time. Perhaps a non-royal should finally have more power..." He mused. "Regardless, you are right about one thing. I'm an excellent strategist, and you walked right into my trap."
"We what?!" Hinoka screamed, but then it was too late. What seemed like a hundred lances went flying, aiming directly for the queen. There were Spear Masters hiding in the upper edges of the throne room.
Xander tried deflecting some with Siegfried, shooting his dark beams, but it wasn't enough. Camilla flew into the air, hoping to kill a few, but some Snipers were hiding, aiming for Marzia. Camilla expertly dodged most of the arrows, but one or two pierced Marzia's wings and she went tumbling down. Camilla did manage to take a few Spear Masters with her though.
Corrin was frozen. Before her was a barely living Hinoka. She had managed to avoid some of the worst of it, but her legs were pierced, her torso cut and stabbed, but it looked like most of the spears missed her vitals. She couldn't walk nor stand, and she stumbled, falling on her face.
"Disappointing. You should be dead." Yukimura raised his hand, indicating for the Snipers to ready their bows again to execute the queen.
But it seemed Yukimura was not prepared for one thing, and that was Corrin, a dragon in her own right.
Corrin, in her state of grief and shock, transformed, and quicker than lightning she flew around the room, taking out each Sniper and Spear Master. Their screams were drowned out by her roars. Doing a quick spin, she lunged for Yukimura.
"I… No, I forgot..." and then Corrin skewered him with her lance-like arms. He sputtered up some blood, and when she retracted her arm, he went down, dead.
Everyone in the room besides the downed queen stared at Corrin. Everyone seemed to forget she had actual dragon's blood running through her veins. She transformed back into her human form and turned. Blood was splattered on her breastplate.
"It's over..." she breathed. She came to her senses. "Hinoka!"
She ran to her sister, assessing her injuries. "Xander, did we bring any healers?"
"I believe Jakob and Felicia came with us, but they're assisting the bulk of our army." He turned to Kaze, still perched on his horse. "Can you retrieve them?"
"Of course." Kaze was gone in a flash.
Xander then turned to Camilla. "How injured are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm worried for my dear Marzia though. Those nasty Snipers tore a whole through her wings." She pouted.
"We can watch Marzia. Can you survey the castle, make sure there aren't any other would-be assassins? We need to find a safe place for the queen to rest."
"Of course, Brother." Camilla turned, axe in hand, and went to walk around the castle.
With how quiet everything was, it seemed there were no other people living in the castle, despite its ransacked state. Xander dismounted.
He looked to Corrin. "Let's help her up."
"I don't know, Xander. I don't think we should disturb her wounds..." Corrin said, unsure. "That's like the basic rule for healers isn't it?"
"We should at least see how dire the wounds are," Xander said in turn.
They approached Hinoka, who was gasping for air. "D-don't…. t-touch me..." She grunted.
"Hinoka, we have to see how bad it is." Corrin said.
"Let me die!" Hinoka screamed. "My people… Yukimura… I've been betrayed by my own homeland! I don't deserve to live!" Her screams turned into wails.
"Be that as it may, someone has to take responsibility and rebuild this country again." Xander said, calmly assessing her wounds. A spear had dug its way deep into her thigh, possibly piercing the bone. How she wasn't bleeding out no one really knew. Her tunic was torn nearly to shreds and Xander saw deep wounds in her body. It looked like a spear had splintered and pierced the base of her spine.
Then, Kaze was back with both Jakob and Felicia. "Milord, the army has successfully pushed back the insurrection."
"They annihilated them," Jakob said sourly. "It was an utter bloodbath." He seemed very distasteful of the event, his gauntlets covered in blood. "Of course, I had to defend myself." He wiped his dagger with a handkerchief.
"It was horrible…" Felicia sniffled. "Those Hoshidans were so...under-prepared. You could tell they weren't actual soldiers..."
Corrin sighed. "They were probably just farmers, shopkeepers, and such, just wanting their homeland back." She took in a shuddering breath. "Is there nothing war won't destroy?"
"There was nothing else we could do. The rebels are dead. Hoshido can know peace again."
"Xander," Corrin turned to him. "It will take years before the people can trust us. It will be years before things can ever be back to normal. Or, perhaps, they won't ever be normal. This is a new Hoshido, one that has known the ugliness of war and death. It will never know peace again."
"That's where you're wrong, little princess. There will be peace again. The Hoshidans saw that their rebellion was for naught. As long as we put in a leader who can foster peace, someone they can trust, the people will follow."
As Corrin and Xander discussed this, Jakob and Felicia tended to Hinoka's wounds. Their staves did quite a lot to sew the skin back together and remove splinters and cracked blades, but pulling out the spears themselves was tricky. It had to be done though. Blood spewed, but Felicia was quick to get it back into Hinoka's body with her Mend staff.
Jakob surveyed the queen's legs, noticing how they weren't reacting to the healing well, noticing the giant splinter that pierced the base of her spine. "You won't walk ever again. Our staves can fix cuts, lacerations, but it can't fix this…. I'm surprised we don't have to amputate your legs actually..."
Hinoka groaned. "Then what's the point of living?"
"You're a warrior, I know, but bedrest is the only thing you'll know for some time until we can find a contraption to let you move about your business." Jakob was almost clinically despondent to the queen's pain, but one had to be in his line of work. Or perhaps that was just Jakob.
He turned to Corrin. "Your sister will live, but she is unable to walk. She's paralyzed, I think."
Corrin was horrified. "Oh no! Hinoka!" She ran to her. "I… I'm so sorry."
"Don't be..." Hinoka muttered. "I failed my people. You failed me. It's how this goes, isn't it?"
"Still… I never wanted this to happen. I'm sorry we couldn't fix this peacefully."
Hinoka did her best to shrug, but only groaned in pain. "Gods..."
Xander and Kaze, once they got approval from Felicia and Jakob, helped the queen up. Camilla then appeared.
"The castle is empty, save for us. Perhaps we should take the queen to her chambers to let her rest?"
"That will do, for now," Xander agreed. "We will need to return to Nohr immediately though."
"Oh goodie. You'll be interested to know that in my search, I found what I think is a warp tome in the library. I'm not sure why they'd need this, but it could prove useful for our return." Camilla handed the tome to Corrin. "I wish Leo was here. He'd know for certain."
"It's a warp tome, definitely," Corrin said, looking it over. "It looks powerful enough to transport all of us back to Nohr too."
"Even the army?" Xander asked.
"Yeah, I'm reading the inscriptions. This was designed for an army."
Xander pondered that for a moment. "Then this was planned. Yukimura probably wanted the Hoshidans to eventually invade Nohr."
"Well, we'll never know now. Corrin took care of that." Camilla said flippantly. She flicked a piece of hair from her face.
"Then let us take Hinoka to her chambers. We'll think on this a bit." So Xander and Kaze hoisted Hinoka between them and took her to her chambers, Corrin leading the way. Jakob and Felicia followed, as did Camilla, taking Marzia's reins and helping the wyvern along.
It was finally over. Restoration would come, but this was the price.
Hinoka lay in her bed, paralyzed from the waist down. Xander and the others had gone to explore the castle to surmise the damage, but Corrin opted to stay, Kaze standing guard outside.
"Sister..."
"I'm not your sister," Hinoka growled.
"Well, Hinoka, I… I am so sorry about all of this."
"I told you not to apologize. Drop it."
Corrin sighed, looking about the room. Hinoka had opted to stay in her original room despite being a queen and Corrin saw the various naginata Hinoka owned, the tunics strewn about the floor from sparring sessions. She noticed a pile of papers in the corner by a shrine that Hinoka kept of Mikoto, to honor their mother's memories.
"What's this?" Corrin asked as she approached the papers.
"Go read them. They were letters from Mikoto to each of us royal siblings." Hinoka seemed not to care.
"Oh, I probably shouldn't pry then..."
"Why would it matter? Mikoto is gone. It's not like she's going to come back and reprimand you or something. They're all the same, so you might as well read just one."
Corrin looked at her quizzically. "Why are they the same?"
"Read them and find out!" Hinoka yelled. She gasped. "Just do it, Corrin."
So Corrin grabbed one at random, addressed to Ryoma (she winced), and read it.
The letter was brief, though it mentioned that Mikoto did not come from Hoshido, but a kingdom far off, invisible and quiet normally, but she chose to flee it with her child.
Child… That was Corrin.
Corrin continued to read it and had an icy realization course through her. She wasn't actually Hoshidan. From what Mikoto said, she came from a distant land, Sumeragi not even the father of Corrin. It claimed that it was okay, though, to love Corrin, and Corrin was unsure of the wording, but she doubted Mikoto was saying Ryoma (or even Takumi and the sisters), to woo her. That was...kind of gross, even if they were only step-siblings.
Corrin, stunned, read the others. They were all the same, just addressed to different people. She turned to Hinoka.
"I'm not your sister." It wasn't a question.
"No, you're not." Hinoka responded with. "I'm sure you're disappointed."
"No… Well, yes, but I'm more surprised than anything. How long did you know?"
"I read the letters a while ago in a fit of anger. Mikoto told us to read them when we felt it was necessary, whatever that meant." She sighed. "Imagine my… Well, I don't know how to word it. On the one hand, I felt betrayed again, because I wanted to save you all those years ago, hoping to reunite with my litter sister. On the other, I was relieved. It meant I could hate you since we have no blood ties."
"Hinoka..."
"Whatever! You know the truth! You're not my real sister!"
"What's all this?" Xander asked as he entered with Camilla. Jakob and Felicia opted to go back to the army for healing purposes. "What do you mean Corrin isn't your sister?"
Hinoka groaned. "Corrin, show him the damn letters."
So Xander read them too, Camilla peering over his shoulder. "This...is a surprise."
"I'll say. That choice to betray Hoshido two years ago… Corrin was put through so much for nothing. This isn't her family." Camilla went to embrace Corrin. Corrin let her. "Well, I still consider you my little sister."
"Thank you, Camilla. But if Hinoka and Sakura aren't my family, then who is? Mikoto was my mother, but I have no knowledge of my father. Who was he?"
Xander nodded. "And what is this invisible kingdom she cited? She didn't even say the name..."
Camilla shrugged, letting go of Corrin. "It doesn't matter. Corrin is blessed to have been cherished by either side, the war be damned."
Xander pursed his lips. "Still, it's a concern. She isn't Nohrian, we know, but she isn't Hoshidan. I'm sure this is quite a conundrum for you, Corrin."
She agreed. "I need to know my lineage. But I have no idea how to start."
Xander placed a hand on her shoulder. "You'll figure it out. I'm sure there is something in the archives back home that can enlighten us on this invisible kingdom."
"Thank you, Xander." She turned to Hinoka. "When would you like to return?"
"Return? To Nohr? Why would I do that?"
"Well, your little sister went missing," Camilla spat. "I'm sure our Leo is taking good care of her though. He's so thorough, you know." Camilla smirked.
"Are you implying what I think you're implying?" Hinoka narrowed her eyes at the woman she deemed a witch.
"Implying? Oh dear, no, I don't imply anything. I speak the truth after all. Leo knows all sorts of shortcuts. He's a brilliant boy." Camilla knew how to string Hinoka along. Her wording may have been risque, but she would never say something so uncouth about Leo truthfully.
"Ugh, you disgust me." Hinoka groused.
"That doesn't answer my question. When would you like to return?" Corrin cut in.
"Just leave me here. I can't walk anyway."
"Sakura would want to see you though," Corrin insisted.
"If she wanted to see me, she wouldn't have run away with your step-brother," Hinoka shot back.
Xander cleared his throat. "It doesn't matter. Sakura and Leo ran to Izumo."
"They what?!" Hinoka yelled. She winced again. "We were just there!"
"I know. But I didn't want to distract you from the more pressing matter. Leo left a note. He and Sakura went to seek asylum there until all of this is done. Whether they got married or not..." Xander trailed off.
Hinoka rolled her eyes. "Of course they eloped to Izumo. It's a party nation! Look at Izana!" She seethed. "It's almost enough to make me want to run over there myself."
"But you can't because your people ruined your spine beyond all repair," Camilla gloated. "Oh our proud warrior queen of Hoshido, reduced to an invalid."
"Shut your mouth you who-"
"That is quite enough," Xander cut in. "Hinoka, we'll leave you here. Corrin, watch after her. Kaze can assist you."
"Yes, of course, Brother."
Xander then turned to Camilla. "We'll be off then. Let us mount our steeds and go, Camilla."
"Yes, of course." Camilla sauntered away, Corrin handing her the warp tome.
Xander would then command his army to gather close and Camilla would activate the tome's powers. She knew enough of magic to be able to do just that.
Corrin watched after them from outside the castle, wishing them a safe journey internally. Kaze grabbed her hand.
"It's going to be alright, love," he said.
"I know, but… I'm sad it had to come to this."
He brought her hand up to kiss it. "Yes, but you still have all your loved ones. No one had to die this day."
"Well, Yukimura did..." Corrin came to the realization that she was the one to end his life. She wanted to vomit, but she didn't.
"Well, he was the enemy. I'm talking of those on our side." He brought her hand down.
Corrin sighed. "That's true. No casualties. Xander did well to instruct the troops."
"Yes. It's sad what happened to Hinoka, but she still has her life. And soon, we'll be reunited with Leo and Sakura. I'm sure they're eager to come back."
"Yeah… They need to see Hinoka at the very least, married or not. I feel bad that Leo didn't ask for her blessing."
"She'd never have given it, Corrin. You know that." He embraced her. "I'm glad to have you."
"And I you. Leo took things into his own hands. Perhaps we should do the same." She said into his chest.
"Oh? Is this your way of proposing?" Kaze chuckled. "We have been together for a long time now."
"In secret though. I think it's time we become public with this. I am not Nohrian nor Hoshidan. My bloodline, whatever it is, doesn't matter to me. I only want you."
"That's the best thing I've heard all day," Kaze whispered as he brought his face closer to hers. The two kissed, a Hoshidan sunset coloring the sky a myriad of pinks and oranges, totally picturesque for a reprieve from the darkness of war.
Now married, Leo and Sakura had the time of their lives. A short reception was had where fruit was served from the trees Leo had grown. Odin went back to singing, although Niles tried to beat him with the drum. Much fun was had by all as they munched on fruit and talked of what would happen should Leo and Sakura go back to Nohr.
"I don't want to say stay here forever, but do you really think everything will be alright if you go back? I'm sure Big Brother and everyone else will be upset." Elise mused.
Sakura looked around. The sun was setting in the Astral Plane. "Hinoka won't be very impressed. I'm sure I broke her heart in running away."
"It doesn't matter now. The deed has been done." Leo stated. "Like it or not, we're married now, and that's none of Hinoka's concern."
"I do like it, Leo. I love it. I'm...so happy," Sakura said quietly. "It's almost like a dream."
"I'm happy too," he said into his wife's hair, embracing her closely. "I haven't been this happy in a long time, if ever."
Azura watched the two, solemn as ever, but quietly glad. She was grateful Sakura found such a pure love in Leo. It was what she deserved.
"I think you two should go back," Azura finally said. "I think it would be remiss of you if you gave up your duties to your kingdoms. I'm sure Hoshido and Nohr need you both. You represent a united front. The public should like that."
"Or they'll hate it. Things haven't been too uncivil, but we do know, from Corrin, that the Hoshidans didn't take kindly to being conquered." Leo said after letting Sakura go. He turned to Azura fully.
"Of course they didn't. I doubt any country and its people would. But if your brother and the others took down the rebellion, that should be a way of bringing peace. The people will be down, but if a proper leader were to come about..." Azura hinted.
"You want me and Sakura to rule, don't you?" Leo asked, perceptive as ever.
"If Hinoka's ruling did nothing for them, I'm sure they would like the kind Sakura. She'd be reminiscent of Mikoto with her gentle ways." Azura said in turn.
"Yes, but she's married to me. I doubt they'd like that very much."
Sakura coughed. "I think I should have a say in this?"
They both turned to her, almost forgetting that her opinion would be the most important.
"I… I think we should first go to Nohr and wait for Xander and everyone's return," Sakura said. "Then, we see what they think. Maybe they'll feel the same, or have another idea."
Leo nodded, proud of his wife's thoughtfulness on the situation. "That isn't a bad idea, Sakura. It's most wise."
"Thank you."
Elise piped up. "Well, should we pack up and leave?"
"Yes, Sister, I think we should," Leo responded. "It's time to go home." He grasped Sakura's hand. "Ready, my beloved bride?"
She blushed, smiled, tears forming in her eyes. "Of course, my handsome husband."
Everyone packed whatever belongings they had. It was quick, as there wasn't much to pack to begin with. Leo hoped silently that they could return to this place one day, but he knew they probably wouldn't.
Everyone gathered around Leo, who had the final dragonstone needed to transport them back to Nohr. If his calculations were correct, they'd be back in his bedroom. "Ready?"
"Yup!" Elise chirped. "I'm ready as ever!"
"Y-yes, Leo. It's time."
"As you say, sire!" Odin saluted.
"I'm always ready," Niles drawled.
Leo turned to Azura. "Are you sure you want to come back with us?"
She nodded. "I think it's time for a reunion. I have a feeling Corrin may need my insight for… Well, I'll discuss it with her."
Leo wondered what she meant, but let her be. "Alright. Let's go." He activated the power in the stone and in a zap of light, they were gone.
Then, they were in his room, as if nothing happened. He looked around and saw it was nightfall already. So time passed a bit differently in both dimensions. He wanted to perhaps calculate it one day, but that was a project he could work on when circumstances weren't so dire.
He needed to see his family. He needed to see Hinoka. He didn't need their approval, but it was vital to him, as Sakura's husband, to let them know this was their decision, that they took fate into their own hands, family be damned.
Elise and her retainers nodded to him and took their leave. Elise turned to Leo one last time. "If they come back…?"
"If? You mean when. I'm sure they know we would return before them. Quelling a rebellion takes a lot of time."
He heard a strange noise outside though. "One moment, Elise." He went to his window and drew back the curtain.
It was Xander and the entire army, sans Corrin and Kaze, at the center of the castle. Lights were flashing all about them as more and more people joined them. Leo then knew what happened.
Somehow, Xander got his hands on a warp tome.
Or rather, Camilla, as he saw the thing break in her hands. So it was powerful enough to transport an entire army for a one-way trip. Interesting. Leo wondered where they found it.
As if on cue, Xander happened to look up, and stared directly into Leo's eyes. Leo threw the curtain back immediately.
"Sakura, it seems we'll be making our announcement sooner rather than later."
"Huh? What's wrong, Leo?"
"Xander is here. He and Camilla used a warp tome to bring everyone back." He realized he didn't see Hinoka though. He wondered…
"Is Hinoka with them?" Sakura asked.
"I didn't see her," he said truthfully. "Perhaps she stayed in Hoshido."
"Or…" He saw the look of horror on her face.
"No! Hinoka is a mighty warrior. I don't doubt for a second that she's still alive." He said it to comfort her, but his mind did go in that direction.
"I think Xander saw us though, Sakura." He looked at Elise as he held his wife. "Elise… Can you mitigate the damage to be done?"
"You mean talk to Xander and ease the blow? You got it!" Elise then ran off with Effie and Arthur in tow. Arthur tripped, but stood up about as gracefully as a newborn ox, Effie tugging him along.
Azura looked to Leo. "Perhaps I should go with her. They may need proof of...something." She shrugged.
"I think you should," Leo agreed. "Go on, Azura. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."
"Of course." She nodded to Niles and Odin and then took her leave.
It was just Leo and Sakura and their now shared retainers. Odin cleared his throat.
"Shall we leave you two as well…?" He asked hesitantly, all his pomp gone.
"Yes, you do still need to consummate this whole thing," Niles stated, a hint of mirth in his voice.
"Niles!"
"On my way out, milord." Niles grabbed Odin and left.
It was just Sakura and Leo now. "Xander will be up here in minutes. I know him."
"Y-yes… Hopefully Elise will get to him before he gets to us."
"Yes, of course..." He traced his fingers along Sakura's arms. "Sakura..."
"Yes?"
"You look stunning, in case you didn't know. As much as I'd love to, ah, well..." He blushed a deep shade of red. "Well, you know. We just don't have the time tonight. I'm sure there will be questions. I'm sure Xander wants to throw me to the wolves for what I've done."
"For what we've done," Sakura corrected. "If he throws you, then I'll just follow."
He hugged her tightly. "You are too good for me."
"I could say the same," she replied.
He let her go. "Instead of waiting here for them, how about we take fate into our hands again and confront this head on?"
"I'll follow you to the ends of the earth, Leo."
"You needn't do that." He smiled, a boyish look on his usually serious face. "Let's go, Sakura."
She grasped his hand and he led her out of his room, ready to take on Xander and all of Nohr if need be.
"...and that's how we came back! It's been quite an adventure!" Elise had given Xander a rushed version of the events that had transpired. He almost didn't believe her until Azura showed up.
They had gone to Xander's study to discuss this, commanding his soldier to rest, celebrate, whatever they wanted. Camilla tagged along too, wanting to hear this sordid tale.
"Elise, you mean to tell me that you married our brother to the lost Hoshidan princess in the Astral Plane, all while running the ruse that they had eloped to Izumo?" Xander asked, almost dumbfounded. "And Azura was just casually there?"
"I was. I have my own ways of going between the dimensions," she answered plainly. "Leo's use of Corrin's dragonstones was very smart though."
"Gods, this is madness."
"No, it's the truth," Leo said as he entered the study with Sakura. "Sakura and I are married now." He held up their united hands.
"Leo, is that a ring of ivy on your finger?" Camilla asked.
"Elise wanted us to pick out our own rings when ready. These are placeholders."
"You don't even have actual rings?" Xander questioned. "What kind of backdoor wedding was this?"
"One where true love overcomes all!" Elise yelled. "I am honored to have done this for Leo!"
"I didn't even ask her, Xander. This was Elise's gift to us."
Xander took his head in his hands. "This really is madness. My brother got married outdoors in another dimension to a forgotten princess and our youngest sister was the minister. Let me guess, Odin was the best man?"
"No, he was our wedding singer. He sang the march." Elise answered seriously.
"He...sang the wedding march… And what did Niles do?"
"He played the drum, of course!"
Xander was flummoxed. "This really is a fairy tale, isn't it? Please tell me this is some elaborate practical joke."
"As much as Elise loves pranking us, she speaks the truth. This is what happened." Leo replied.
Xander shook his head. "This is truly bizarre."
"I think it's romantic." Camilla said in an attempt to smooth things over. "This is true love, Xander. Perhaps one day you'll know of its sweetness."
"Camilla, you don't have a betrothed either." Xander shot back.
"We'll see..." She said mysteriously.
Xander looked at Sakura. "And this was consensual? You wanted this marriage too?"
"More than anything," Sakura said, holding Leo's hand tightly. "Leo is the love of my life."
Leo blushed at her true statement. "And you're mine."
Xander sighed. "I know Hinoka won't be too pleased to hear this..."
"So she's alive? Where is she?" Sakura asked.
Xander made a face, a face that Sakura took as a bad sign. "She's definitely alive."
"Oh? You don't sound so sure..."
Camilla smiled. "Darling sister-in-law, your big sister is...quite injured. In fact, we're not sure if she can rule Hoshido in her state."
"What's wrong with her?!" Sakura gasped. "I-I-I can fix it!"
Camilla placed a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Honey, you can't fix paralysis. She can no longer walk."
Sakura's legs gave out. Leo caught her. "Oh no..."
"She can never ride a pegasus again, nor fight. She's lucky to have her life, but at what cost?" Camilla said dramatically. Sakura started to cry.
"Camilla! That's enough!" Xander reproached. "Don't say such things."
"It's the truth, Brother."
"It may be, but let Sakura breathe a moment. She's family now."
Leo caught that. "So...you accept our union?"
Xander looked at him. "Yes. But under one condition."
Leo didn't like the sound of that. "What is this condition?"
Xander took a breath. "With Hinoka in such a state, she is not fit to rule. Hoshido needs a leader that will foster peace, that will bring the united front we had wanted for so long. What it needs..." He gestured to the pair. "...is you two."
"Us? Xander, you can't mean..."
"I do. I want you and Sakura to rule in Hinoka's stead. It's quite perfect actually. Sakura has ties to the throne. You're a brilliant advisor. The story of your love is a bit dramatic, I'll admit, but it can be fed to the people of both nations, a tale that will weave us all together."
"You really thought this through, haven't you?" Leo asked, bemused. Sakura was still shaking.
"I was thinking about it while Elise spun her tale. I think it's the wisest and only course of action that will lead to a prospering Hoshido."
"You are correct, of course. Azura may have said as much."
"I did," Azura chimed in. "This will be the ties that bind the nations together."
"Then we'll publicize the marriage. We'll have our best bards sing songs of their legendary love. Poets will write of it. We will sell the hell out of this marriage until it's the only thing the people can think of. If love can overcome such turbulent times, then so can they." Xander had never shown so much passion for something before. But, if he didn't believe in it, who would?
Camilla chuckled. "How adorable! Xander, I haven't seen you so excited for something in so long."
Xander then blushed, a rare sight. "I'm just happy for my brother, and for Sakura too."
Azura raised her hand. "I can get the bards and poets started. I have a head for music..."
"Yes, you do. Your voice will carry the message best, I think," Xander agreed.
"Then I'll get to it."Azura then left.
"As touching as all this is, I think I should take my leave. Elise, shall we go to the market together?" Camilla asked.
"Before you go," Xander interrupted, "I actually had a mission for you, Camilla."
"Oh? Interesting..."
"You see, Mount Garou has been having bandit problems again, and Keaton needs all the help he and the Wolfskin can get."
"Ah, and you want little ol' me to take care of it? So soon after this last battle? Hmmm, I could say no..."
"Camilla," Xander said sternly, "I haven't the time to deal with the issues in the mountains. You have no interest in politics. Consider this a vacation."
"Hmph, not much of a vacation. Cold mountains, dirty caves to sleep in? I know what Keaton rolls in, you know."
"He said he is very much interested in seeing you again," Xander hinted.
"OH! I see what this is." Camilla laughed. "Fine. I'll go fix this 'bandit problem.'" She said with air quotes.
"There really is a problem though, Camilla," Leo interrupted. "He told me as much. Sakura and I lived it. I told Xander about it."
"Hmm, well, a little battle action, a little side action suits me just fine." She patted Elise's shoulder. "I guess we won't have our market date after all."
"That's okay, Big Sister! You're doing important things!"
"Yes. Well then, I suppose I'll pack. Beruka and Selena will be so enthralled when I tell them. We just got back from Hoshido after all..." She sauntered out, her bitterness stinging everyone.
"I love Camilla, but ye gods she lays it on thick. When she's mad, she's mad." Leo finally said when Camilla was out of earshot.
"Yes, well, that was a problem that needed to be addressed and now is the time to do it. We need to be on good terms with everyone." Xander said.
"And that includes Nestra and all its territories. You remember what I told you about the archduke..." Leo replied.
"Yes. I will deal with that myself. He tried to assassinate a royal. That's treason. Lazlow, Peri, and I will take care of that personally." Xander got up. "I hate to rush you two out, but I suppose we all need to pack for our respective trips. A royal's work is never done, after all."
"At least this time we can fly. Sakura, do you need to take along the koto?" Leo asked of her.
"No, I want to see my sister immediately. And I'd rather not have a repeat of our last trip."
"But it's how we fell in love!" Leo joked, leading her out. "It's quite a tale when you think about it."
"Yes, who would have thought that I, a mere koto player, would fall in love with a prince?" She joked.
He laughed, loving this playful side of her. "You are no mere koto player, Sakura. You're the koto player."
She giggled. "I suppose I am."
And so, Leo and Sakura packed their things, mounted Leo's pegasus, and flew off into the night, ready to take on another adventure together.
A huge thank you to Cherry Tomato Patch, the LeoSaku groupchat I'm in. Without them, this story wouldn't exist. Thank you to all my readers. I take your feedback very seriously.
Feel free to follow my twitter. It's heyitslaceyk. I also have a ko-fi if you'd like to leave a tip. I'm lace_kyoko there.
Thanks for reading!