WELP! This is it! The final chapter to the Aftermath series!

I can't believe in literally 4 hours that I was able to complete the posting of all this stuff. I really hope it grabs your attention and makes you think about the many outcomes Birthright could have through YOUR imagination! :o

In any case, there are only two characters left in this storyline to mention who helped me defeat the Final Boss: Lord Ryoma and Princess Sakura! :D I won't deny that I had a bit of a hard time writing this one despite me spending so much time with Ryoma, but hey, that's what happens when you work with bland characters and try to recreate them the way Intelligent Systems wanted to! x.x regardless, enjoy the finale!

Ryoma Sakura

Final Day

Location: Hoshido Capital

"Excellent, milord," Azama commented with a smile, "It appears you have achieved true transcendence of peace and prosperity through the art of meditation! Tell me, how do you feel?" Unveiling my eyes brought the light into the darkness, facing the retainer of my sister with a nod.

"I can't imagine this is what you do from day to day," I answered, "I must say, it's an interesting way for you to find peace." The man chuckled, holding his staff in hand and jingling it softly.

"The waters of rivers can only flow one way," he spoke, "Like you, there are many fish in this river. Only you can choose whether to flow with the current safely or reach your destination losing more scales than you can count." I smiled with my arms folded.

"Your wisdom is as sharp as a well-forged katana Azama," I told him truthfully, "It is a blessing to have you help Hinoka whenever she needs it." I stood strong and helped the monk off the ground, shaking his hand. "It is an honor to call you my brother Azama. You have changed since this war has ended. Tell me, what is it that transformed your demeanor?" The man laughed loudly, keeping his smile on his face afterwards.

"I figured, to be blunt milord, that a lot of people have had enough of my honest feelings!" he answered, "Instead of just stating the obvious, I decided to dedicate to taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. I feel like a better monk with righteous feelings that are true to my heart for doing this, and believe me milord, it won't fade anytime soon."

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha! I'm glad to hear this from you!" I walked the man to the door of my throne room and smiled. "I appreciate your audience with me Azama. You are free to go. I can't wait to try this again tomorrow!" The man bowed before me and nodded.

"It would be a pleasure to reach nirvana with you once more Lord Ryoma," he agreed, "Have a good day!" As the doors closed, I could see my youngest sister walking in with a smile on her face, giggling in a cute manner.

"I take it your meditation went well Brother?" she asked as I made way to my throne.

"It really did. I never got to take time with one of my siblings' retainers and get to know them better. I have to admit that our father chose well." She gave me a hug after saying such things.

"I-I'm really glad to hear it!" She released me and proceeded to open the doors to the balcony of the capital's tower. When we got outside, all we could see were the wonderous plains of all Hoshido, and the nearby villages flourishing in riches from the earth. From the distance, I could see the sakura trees surrounding the Dragon Temple that ran just outside of the capital. Children were playing all around it for the first time in ages after the war ended, true peace and tranquility has finally arrived to Hoshido, just the way it was supposed to be. "It's beautiful…isn't it Brother?" A smile could be felt upon my expression at her words.

"Yes Sakura," I answered, "It is something we can finally admire without chaos or destruction. I don't think we could ask for a better situation for our kingdom." To witness the villagers in harmony in our capital was a wonderful thing, truly something to admire with the war being over. When I turned to my sister, I could see she was observing the skies that were dancing with clouds and the vivid sunlight. Despite such beauty, she was frowning? "Is something the matter Sakura?" She closed her eyes and maneuvered her head downward for a small moment.

"I'm just happy I didn't hinder anyone when we saved this country," she said, "I'm not a very good fighter, and I'm always scared when we go into battle. Truly, I am surprised that I wasn't in the way all the time, always needing rescue, protection…" I placed my hand on her shoulder, forcing her to turn to me when I heard her say such…things.

"You have and will never be a hindrance on our small group. In fact, you never were before, during, and after all of this. If we didn't have you, then this territory would've already belonged to Nohr before we could even establish a peace treaty." She still continued to look into my eyes. "Dyru needed us, needed you. He didn't care if you could fight, because he thought of you, of us, as his birthright family. I can't say we have a talented healer in the family that could possibly outmatch your talents…so this should make you realize you are not a burden."

"I suppose you are right," she agreed, "I may not be as strong as all of you, but I'm happy to know the truth if that is something Dyru actually said." The lady was giggling softly, laughing along with her as we continued to admire the view for what seemed like hours. Down below, I could see Takumi ordering soldiers around for the repairs of the damaged town the dark figure ensued upon us when our mother died that day. To think that something like this would be possible without the help of our parents…

"Sir!" A samurai stood strong behind us with a salute and kept his position firm.

"Something the matter?" Sakura was alarmed as was I.

"No problems sir," he answered, "but Lord Dyru and his family has requested an audience with you. He has brought with him some friends who are believed to be from Nohr." I could feel my heart racing. I know the war was over and we established peace with one another, but something in my gut didn't feel right. Sakura however was different in this manner.

"H-Hana is here?!" she exclaimed, "Aww! I want to see their adorable family! I missed her so much!" The girl was practically jumping for joy. "I-I have a gift for their daughter! H-Hold on! I'll go get it!" She took off to the throne room, practically dancing in her movements as she hummed with cheer and joy. Was she…oblivious to the fact that Nohrians were here with our brother? Or am I the only one who seemed to feel cautious about this? I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment.

"S-Sir?" What could they possibly be thinking?

"Allow him passage to my throne," I told the guard, "But have them wait outside for a few moments. I have something I want to take care of before they make their arrival."

"Yes sir!" The guard took off as I turned to face our beautiful capital. I wanted to admire its beauty for a little longer, without worry for what it would ever become. It must be natural to feel this way after the war was over…and I should only be thinking of peace and plenty. Would it fall if I let them in?

…

Sakura stood next to the throne I sat in after I grabbed my Raijinto and placed it on my stand. The guards were awaiting my orders to let them in, aligning myself properly for their arrival. However, I couldn't sit still or comfortably, so I had to lean forward and rest my arms on my knee caps. Sakura was taking note of this.

"A-Are you OK Brother?" she asked me, "You seem to be…weary if I'm not mistaken." I couldn't deny her truthful words.

"I just don't feel comfortable about this..." She touched my shoulder, assuring me that it would be OK and to just relax. Azama's words were coming back to me when we were meditating together. If I was to achieve true nirvana, I would have to relax my inner self and relieve my spirit of any worry or sadness. After getting my composure together, I took a deep breath and gave the command. "Bring them in." The guards nodded and opened the sliding doors slowly, the light from the ceiling shining in on the family that were brought together during the war. Dyru had appeared in his normal samurai outfit he wore alongside Hana and their daughter Kana. Behind them however were the ones I was worried about. One of them was about Dyru's height, a male, a female that was with him was about his height as well, but the man behind them was bigger than all of the people together. The men carried smiles on their face, however, the girl in their group appeared…irritated. Sakura was shaking in anticipation I noticed, and before I could stop her, she immediately took off laughing.

"H-Hana!"

"Sakura!" The girls were blissfully holding one another as Dyru and Kana jumped in, laughing and embracing without hesitation. "Sakura it's so good to see you! I'm sorry it's been awhile!"

"I-I know!" she replied, "How have you been? I know you were a little upset after I relieved you, b-but I only did it for your happiness!" Hana shook her head.

"Oh stop!" she exclaimed, "I'm happier than I ever have been! I'm glad you let me spend some time with my family, but I have to admit I do miss being your retainer…" She smiled at her, so much that I forgot the Nohrians were even there. It was great to bear witness to a happy reunion for the family I care so much about. Too bad only good moments can live so shortly.

"I-I have a gift for you Kana!" Sakura exclaimed, "I forgot to get it because I was so excited about all of you coming over! R-Ryoma, I-I mean Brother! Keep them occupied while I go get it!" She left the room in glee as I turned to face a happy Kana and her wonderful family. Dyru approached the throne and placed himself on one knee. He was silent for a few moments, and suddenly spoke.

"…King Ryoma…" He lowered his head before me, like a knight that glowed with the light from the ceiling. I smiled.

"Stand tall Brother," I commanded, "You can address me as Ryoma. You are family after all." He did so with a smile on his face.

"How does it feel to be king of Hoshido?" he asked, "You must feel relieved that the war is over."

"More so than you know my Brother." I took a glance beyond him and witnessed the three characters batting an eye at me. I was nervous I had to admit, there was a reason they came here. "Dyru…who are these people?"

"O-Oh," he stuttered, "R-Right, I didn't get to them. They are…um…Nohrians. As you know, they hail from Nohr, and they participated in the war against us. I know you're still nervous about them but-"

"Ah but there's no need to be," the man with silver hair interrupted, "We didn't come here to do anything drastic. We just exchanged some information with your commander and we…well…how would you explain it Selena?" The red-headed girl shrugged.

"Why are you asking me?!" she exclaimed, "You had this big plan concocted! How do you expect me to know how to talk to him?!" It was a natural instinct, but I couldn't help it. I was slowly reaching for my sword until his wife held her hand up.

"W-Wait milord," Hana spoke, "Just please hear them out. They have a reason to be here in your presence. It took them some time to talk to us, th-they have good intentions." The ugly side of me was coming out.

"Then let them speak for themselves," I commanded, "If they have business here, then let me hear them swiftly. I'm losing my patience." The silver-haired man stepped forward with a gentleman's bow.

"I'm Laslow," he greeted, "As you already know, I hail from Nohr and a former retainer to the late Prince Xander. I know we've had…some short upcomings with the war and all, but I come here to share no hatred or bewilder myself with vengeful ignorance. My group and I are here in the interest of Dyru and his family." I was intrigued, pulling my hand back to the throne.

"Go on." He nodded swiftly.

"You see, we know more about Dyru than you think we do. Being the retainer of Prince Xander for so long, there are tales I hear of their childhood an-"

"You have no right to speak about such memories in front of me," I told him, "To reminisce about his kidnappings and the late Mikoto passing away due to Garon's plot saddens the hearts of many who had ill bearing towards Lord Dyru and Lady Angie." Dyru stepped in.

"Just relax Brother. I promise you they come here with good intentions. They are not bad people!" I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"If they weren't bad people they wouldn't have come here," I corrected, "I shook hands with King Leo on a treaty to Nohr. It didn't require me to trust them right away."

"…B-Brother…" Laslow shook his head.

"I know how it feels to be on your side of the barn Lord Ryoma," he commented, "I've lost people due to war as well, and I ended up fighting with those people all the same. I-" I couldn't hold back. I drew my sword and rushed straight to the man who spoke such things to me, boiling blood coursing through my veins.

"R-RYOMA!" I froze at Dyru's words, the surging power of the blade roaming violently around it as I witnessed…Hana's katana? The tip of my sword was at the neck of Laslow, who stood strong and sweating at my actions. Selena's immediate reaction was to charge towards me, stopped by the big man who tried to keep her in place.

"L-LET ME GO ARTHUR!" she exclaimed, "HE'S GOING TO KILL HIM! DON'T YOU SEE THAT?!"

"You've got to stop fighting me!" the big man retorted, "If you step in now then you're going to destroy our purpose here!" Laslow was glaring at me, his teeth gritting together when Hana was trying to hold her place with the sword in hand. Kana hid behind the man who I assumed was Arthur, whimpering in fear when she held onto him.

"…You've no idea what lost is," I told him in anger, "Even if King Garon was behind our mother's death, he still hailed from Nohr just like the rest of you. For all I know, you could be here to kill Dyru and his family intentionally, take the family I have left away from me. All the same, I cannot and will never trust you or your mercenaries."

"Brother! STOP!" Dyru rushed to…Laslow's aid? "That's the part you don't understand! They were never here to intentionally hurt us! They came here on an important mission to take our family with them! They need our hel-"

"SILENCE!" I screamed in anger, "Whatever it is, they can do it on their own! They don't need you Dyru, they don't need Hana or Kana, they don't need any of us!" I could feel it, the memories of the war flowing through my mind forming pictures of this very man swarming his troops around the war room to kill our brother. I wanted to swing my blade…I had such thoughts to this day ever since I saw him.

"…Though I don't wish to part from my skin," Laslow spoke up, "I can't stand idle and hear you talk low about my friends and I, even if you are king of this land."

"…What did you say?"

"You speak of loss like you are the only one in the world who knows about it Lord Ryoma. Have you any idea the ignorance you utter to me?" He pointed at the girl Arthur was holding tightly. "That girl over there lost her mother to a war that should've never occurred in the first place, the same war that I fought in and lost my mother as well. As tough as we both seemed, you can't place an ounce of a bet that we didn't weep over our losses. Just like you, we bore witness to such heinous crimes around us." He suddenly got a little fierce. "So don't tell me that we don't know what loss is! We are Nohrians at heart but we as just as you would ever be! We did what was necessary to keep our prince alive, and though we failed, that doesn't mean there isn't a way Nohr can heal again! You found your way, with Dyru, a remarkable man who lead his troops well to defeat us when we feuded! If he could help us, then I as well as my friends would be eternally grateful! Now tell me! Do you sense provocation in my tone that would even remotely HINT at this illusion you've concocted that we would kill him?!" Everyone was quiet in the room, only the sounds of lightning emerging from my blade could be heard. The guards in the background to feel were nervous in the situation I…I stupidly placed us in, and I couldn't blame them. I was starting to feel terrible about the things I said. Despite this, I did everything I could to stop them.

"…And you have objections to this Hana?" The girl who held her own against my blade glanced at the floor at my words. Perhaps I could stop her and the family from leaving?

"…I do," she answered, the one thing that gave me hope inside, "…At first."

"…What?"

"We won the war," she continued, "But anyway to the day of worship, the fact remains we destroyed their family. On my honor as a samurai, I vow to protect Lady Sakura and the family from any harm that comes their way, but this doesn't mean in any way that I took joy in taking another warrior's life." She took a deep breath. "But there is another portion of the code that we Hoshidans follow to the end of days, and this is integrity. We cannot ignore what it is in our hearts, whether they seed dark thoughts or sprout blissful light. Dyru promised after the war that we would become a family and spend the rest of our days in peace and plenty…but he has done so much for me already that I cannot be concerned of my own selfish needs. Just as he has helped me…I want to help him…on one last journey to peace. With that being said…I want to go with him, Kana and I will aid Laslow and his friends in any way they need." I…I couldn't believe it. The words she was speaking were as stern as they ever could be, so stern that it left Dyru and I in shock. It couldn't get any worse when our little sister came back into the throne room frozen in fear.

"M-Mama," Kana spoke, "P-Please…p-please don't get hurt!" Dyru rushed to her aid and held her tightly, closing his eye as she sobbed in his tunic.

"W-What is going on here?!" Sakura yelled in horror as I started to sweat, "W-Why is your blade drawn B-Brother?!" This was…a stupid thing of me to do. I composed myself as much as I could, slowly pulling the blade back from Laslow's throat and sheathing it. Hana could be seen doing the same as Arthur placed the fired-up girl back onto the ground.

"…I'm ashamed," I said, "I shouldn't…have reacted in such a way." I made my way back to my throne and sighed. "I'm…sorry Sakura. It appears I'm not ready for this audience as much as I thought I was." Selena rushed to Laslow to check his injuries my sword may have sustained, the man blushing when she was through.

"Don't think I'll do something like that again for you ya lost cause," she spoke as he laughed.

"I don't expect you to, though you did look adorable." She folded her arms when Arthur placed his around Laslow's shoulder. Dyru did the same…to me?

"I understand your side Brother," he said, "I do, but…you have to understand mine. You know how I have always been, trusting people who are really in need or even when they are not. They need me for an important mission: to restore Nohr back to the way it used to be, and believe me brother, there is a way. It sounded suspicious at first, but I truly believe them. They wouldn't waste their time coming here with only three people if they plotted to take us out. You just…have to trust me…OK?" I nodded at his words, keeping myself together without thought of losing a single tear.

"…We've only had you and our sister Angie for a short time," I explained, "To lose you both again…I cannot bear the thought." Sakura stepped in…unexpectedly.

"I have no idea what was going on in here Brother," she started, "B-But whatever it is that is important to Dyru, just…just let him do it. If he didn't care he wouldn't have come here in the first place and just left us…" She was right, I could feel it in my gut that everything was going to be OK despite my suspicions. With this, I sat in my throne and placed the blade back onto my stand. I took a good look at Dyru's smiling face.

"…A quest to restore Nohr?" I asked, "What are you planning to do?" He nodded and explained to me everything there was to know about the situation. Each word that came out of his mouth was more questionable than the last. At one point, I cut him off. "You know I'm very wary about this theory you speak of correct?"

"I know how you feel," he admitted, "I feel the same way, but there is no way to know unless I try. With Xander back at the throne, everyone in Nohr can finally live in peace the way it is supposed to be. We mortally wounded them despite what King Garon did, and I don't feel it should end there permanently. If my brother and sister can live another day with their siblings, then it would really heal me from within…"

"Never fear King Ryoma!" Arthur chimed in, "If the journey is perilous, we will keep your brother and his family protected from any harm! Justice courses through these veins, and justice never lies!"

"Besides, getting to know your brother and his family wouldn't be the WORST thing in the world," Selena added, "He's always bested me in combat and I want to challenge him again soon! I can't live with knowing he was able to defeat me so easily!"

"If this advocate truly exists," Laslow said, "Then I promise you that your mother will be the first person I bring back before milord and your fellow family members. Despite having your sword at my throat, you have my word Lord Ryoma."

"We plan to find a place to settle down after this journey is over," Hana said, "I still feel Dyru can keep his promise, and it would be a heavy burden lifted if I could help him and these guys anyway I can!"

"I will never leave Papa's side!" Kana exclaimed, "I may be a little girl to some but I'm a mighty dragon within! Trouble rarely travels alone, and I'll make sure that trouble leaves my Papa and Mama be!" Sakura was giggling to her words and smiled at me.

"It seems Dyru's family is willing to help him, even the Nohrians have trust in Dyru despite everything that happened. Are you still feeling uncomfortable about this situation?" Despite my suspicions, they all seemed to be smiling together, happy as can be like our family was. He really…wanted to do this, didn't he?

"…You have my blessings."

"R-REALLY?!" Dyru exclaimed, "Y-You're truly OK with this?!" I smiled.

"Of course," I answered, "I was…a brute at first, but Hoshido has their king. It would only be fair if Xander resumed his leadership as well." Sakura gasped.

"O-Oh!" she yelled, "I almost forgot! I meant to give this to you Kana!" She pulled a pillow from the stand that had a white veil on top of it. There was clearly something of importance underneath it, since she was really hyped about giving such a treasure to her.

"W-What is it?!" she exclaimed happily as Sakura giggled.

"You told me the other day you were wanting to be a protector of your family in any way you can," she started, "So I dug around my room and I found these…" When she took the veil off, she revealed two small golden balls with a red glittering orb inside of them. The golden portions of the objects were rings; you could stick your hand inside and touch the red orb. I knew what these were: our father kept one for me when I was old enough to use it.

"Oh wow!" she gasped in awe, "Wh-What is that?! It looks so pretty!"

"If your heart is truly aligned with your words and thoughts, then this object will grant you the power that you seek," she answered, "That is why they call these Heart Seals. I have one for you as well Hana. These will save your lives one day, I feel it in my soul that you will need this if you are planning to leave soon. I wanted to give them to you as a gift for your household, but now I see that you will need these more than ever." Hana and Kana were excited when they took these objects and cheered happily together, bringing another smile to my face.

"Th-Thank you Sakura!" Hana said, "I promise that we'll use these if we ever get into a scramble with baddies! I promise!" Before I knew it, the sun had already began to set in the distance outside of the tower. I was happy to give this order, feeling relief once I did.

"Laslow and his friends are more than welcome to stay here for the night," I commanded, "Have the guest rooms at the Dragon Temple ready for them before nightfall. If they plan to leave immediately, I imagine they will do so at first light." I faced the man who was dedicated to helping their new friends. "I have a gift for you as well since you plan on leaving tomorrow. I want you to have it before you go, but I will present it to you first thing in the morning." He smiled at my words.

"…Yes Brother…"

And THERE IT IS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! That was the finale of the Birthright Route's Aftermath, according to MY gameplay! I really hope you enjoyed it! There is more to come, as this story is sort of like an in-between sequence (for an example, if this story was a Kingdom Hearts one, this aftermath would be known as "Chain of Memories")

Anywho, comments? Reviews? I really hope you liked it! As I said, poured my soul into this aftermath and honestly, I planned on doing a Conquest Aftermath. Would anyone perhaps be interested in that? :o

See you in the next one everyone!