Never Disappear on a God-Parent

by Gallian Squad 7

Severa, Owain, and Inigo have been retainers to the Nohrian royal siblings for several weeks now. While they may not be thinking on their old home in Ylisse, their parents have most certainly noticed they're missing. When said parents are the literal successors to the gods and you add in a very upset little sister and jilted lover, you tend to have lots and lots of explosions.

5. Border Incident

Never Disappear 5

Ok, let's get another chapter written while I'm not busy!

Thank you all for favoriting and following this fic – and I always appreciate reviews! Hope you all enjoy this next chapter!

Kiwi: Favoriting is not a word

Seven: What's life without whimsy, Kiwi?

Border Incident

It was with great relief that Corrin watched the Hoshidan prisoners leave.

Transporting their icy prisons to the outskirts of Windmire had been a trial involving more rope than he ever imagined necessary, and acrobatic feats unbefitting of someone Lucina's size or a horse as armored as Xander's.

Then came the long process of thawing them out, Lucina shrugging when they asked her to remove the ice. In her words, they'd shatter if she tried anything else so all that remained was the old-fashioned way.

By the time both prisoners were free and dry enough to avoid illness, everyone save Corrin and Leo had returned to Krakenburg.

"Such a strange day." Leo mused once the Hoshidans were out of sight. "I never thought Father would have you do something like that, let alone see you refuse him. You'll be lucky if he sends you on a months' long inspection."

Corrin shook his head. "I do not compromise my values, Leo. If Xander drilled anything into my head, it's that."

"There are times where you must be flexible." Leo countered. "While it's unlikely you'll ever have to shoulder the burden of a crown, you're still royalty. We may have no choice but to cross a line if we're to see our people prosper."

Corrin sighed and they left. He wasn't looking forward to whatever punishment Father had in store for him, but Corrin would face it as he'd been taught.

Head-on.

The walk to Krakenburg was silent for a time before Leo spoke. "So, what do you think of Elise's guests?"

Corrin blinked before scratching his chin. "I don't know what to think. Lucina and Morgan have gone from silly to serious and back again faster than Jakob when we ran out of towels. Then there's Lucina's control of ice to the point Flora and Felicia look like amateurs."

Leo bit his lip. "Exactly. They have power, and Lucina has the bearing of one born into nobility. Why they're here is solid, but what caused Odin, Selena, and Laslow to come on as retainers without their knowledge?"

Corrin shot Leo a flat stare. "Why are you asking me? I ask questions and everyone acts like I'm crazy."

Leo gave him an equally flat look. "It's because much of what you ask is common knowledge. I understand you were stuck in that fort for most of your life, but how you don't know some of what you ask is mind-boggling."

Corrin stuck out his tongue. "Says you. At least I know how to grow tomatoes without their dying."

Leo blushed, knowing that Corrin was right. "Yes, well, that's nothing to be proud of. Anyway, the day you get a clue is the day I use Brynhilder for kindling."

Corrin smirked and poked Leo's collar. "Your collar's still inside-out."

Leo cursed, realizing Corrin was right. "Why does no one tell me?!"

He ran off to find a spot to fix himself, so Corrin wandered off. They were already inside the caldera, so he knew where to go.

"Yo, Corrin!" A voice called, Morgan popped up in front of him. "What are you doing wandering around by your lonesome?"

Corrin shrugged. "Just heading back from moving the ice. I need to find out what Father has in store for me."

Morgan frowned. "He doesn't sound very nice. I mean, I know he's a king and all, but my dad's a duke back home and he's a real goof-ball!"

"Your father's a duke?" Corrin queried. "Doesn't that mean he lives in a castle with servants like the dukes here?"

Morgan burst into laughter. "Oh please! Dad can't stand the idea of servants, he hasn't hired one in the entire time he's been duke! The only ones who actually work for him are the clerks that run the and, he takes care of the house and estate with Mom and his hands."

Corrin tilted his head. "Truly? Would you mind telling me more?"

Morgan grinned, mischief in her eyes. "If you don't mind listening after you talk to the king. Come find me afterwards, I'll drag my sister and husband into it too. We'll have a great time!"

Corrin felt a grin rise, her joy infectious. "Sounds like fun, if you don't mind having an ignorant prince with you. Actually, can you answer one more question before I go?"

Morgan nodded, ready for anything.

"Is it true that pegasi and wyverns used to play cards, but became enemies after the pegasi cheated?"

Morgan had not been ready for that. "…Say what?"

Corrin smiled, completely oblivious. "It was in one of the books I read back at the fort. No one I asked had ever seen a pegasus up close outside of battle, so I never found out."

Morgan sighed and looped her arm over his shoulder, much to the shock of passerby. "Corrin… we'll still tell stories, but heaven above I'm going to get Selena to teach you common sense if it kills me."

Corrin frowned. "You didn't answer the question."

Morgan rolled her eyes. "Because you need to go. I'll tell you later, just get to the palace."

Corrin pouted, but extricated himself and waved as he left. Morgan watched him go for a moment before a flame lit over her finger. "No asking for favors please, I'm not going to give them."

People that had begun walking towards her froze before leaving, suspicious mutters and angry curses reaching her ears. Morgan paid it no mind and skipped to the edge of the road, peering down into the caldera.

With a whistle, she leapt into the open air before landing in Theresa's saddle. "Let's go find Lucy. We need to keep up with Corrin if we're going to get home."

-Lucina-

"Sev, we need to go home soon. I know the legends mark the events that come in years, but we can't wait that long."

Lucina and Severa were in an unoccupied room, the couple discussing what they were going to do now that Lucina had worked out her frustration. Severa admitted that she'd made friends with Camilla, but her problem was that a retainer's oath was a big deal. Unless Camilla released her, Severa leaving would forever scar the princess's honor and pride.

Considering this was Severa, both were a very big deal.

"I know that Lucy," Severa sighed. "But trying to get events to move that quickly is hard. Besides, how do we know any of the legends will remain the same after we leave?"

Lucina shook her head. "We don't, but being here any longer than two months is pushing it. At best, we can get Corrin's personal forces together and go into the canyon. At worst, we return to find a decade has passed."

Severa grimaced. "Yeah… good point. I can't leave Camilla's side though, so I'll have to trust you and Morgan to do this. Admittedly, if we're lucky, mine or Inigo's parents landed somewhere in Hoshido."

Lucina smirked. "That'd be a sight. They wouldn't let them go to war out of hand."

"Especially if it's Mom and Dad." Severa snorted. "If they hate one thing more than weevils in the garden, it's a pointless war."

Lucina's brow shot up. "They equate anything less than that with weevils?"

Severa shrugged. "What can you do? Dad has the green thumb, but Mom always has to go sort out pests. Add on no major conflicts for seven years and they found new things to get mad at."

Lucina chuckled, wondering how her in-laws could be so silly. Then she remembered who her parents were and the amusement was replaced with embarrassment. "I… guess."

Severa rolled her eyes. "I think we should go check in. Corrin should've talked to Garon by now."

Lucina nodded and stood, but caught a strand of Severa's hair as they went through the door. "I do hope your hair returns to normal. I quite miss my purple silk."

Severa blushed, muttering something under her breath. Lucina merely smiled before they meandered through the halls and found Corrin discussing something with his siblings. "Looks like he's done."

Severa nodded. "You go ahead and ask him what's going on. I'll get the details from Camilla later."

Lucina pecked her cheek before striding for the gathering. "Excuse me, what's going on?"

Xander glanced at her. "Our discussion is none of your business. You are a guest, and that does not entitle you to our personal conversations."

"I understand, Prince Xander." Lucina said. "However, my wife is in service to your sister and her business is my business. I will not intrude on whatever you're doing, but I do wish to know what's going on."

Camilla chuckled at Xander's frustrated face. "It's no trouble to tell her, Xander. Corrin has simply been assigned his first mission."

"Why he was given something next to the Hoshidan border confounds me," Leo muttered.

Xander shot him a withering glare. "Whatever the mission, we should be thankful Father was so lenient. Corrin, know that the normal punishment for refusing his orders is the death of someone close to you. It likely would've been one of your retainers."

Corrin gulped, blood draining from his face, but Xander wasn't done. "Even still, remain vigilant. Father never forgets a slight, so this mission could be more than you realize."

Corrin nodded. "I understand… hopefully it'll be quick."

"It will be, Prince Corrin." Lucina answered, drawing the eyes of the others. "Morgan and myself shall accompany you and your retainers."

Xander moved to rebuke her, but Lucina continued. "You've all been gracious hosts, but if we are to remain, then we must earn our keep. You've seen my skill personally Prince Corrin, and Morgan has shown her abilities to Princess Elise. We will not be a burden."

Xander scowled, trying to find a hole in the logic, while Leo sighed. "Sorry to say brother, but she makes a good point. We have no use for freeloaders in this palace and we all feel something wrong with this mission. Let them go, if only as insurance."

Xander looked to Corrin. "What say you? I don't mind it, but you'll be dragging Hans along with you. Not to mention Iago's going to be his usual self."

Corrin looked Lucina in the eye for a long breath. Apparently finding something, he smiled. "Sure! I'd prefer friendly faces over that dour axe-man anyway."

Lucina smiled and bowed. "Thank you, Prince Corrin. I'll be sure to do all I can to help."

Corrin nodded. "Good, please tell Morgan to meet me and my retainers at the gates in three hours. The sooner we finish, the better."

Lucina nodded and turned on her heel, striding past Severa and towards the stables.

Corrin watched her go before a determined look flashed in his eyes. "Alright, I figured something out."

He looked to his siblings, pride radiating from his frame. "You asked Flora if I needed new armor, didn't you?"

His siblings stared at him before Elise let out a truly impressive scream of frustration. "Why are you so dense?!"

Leo stroked his chin. "I think we have a better use for him than a warrior now Xander."

"Agreed," Xander huffed, even as Corrin grew confused.

"Corrin can be the battering ram."

-Bottomless Canyon, Two Days Later-

"So that's the fort?"

Gunter grunted at Corrin's observation, his eyes still glued to Hans. "That it is, milord. As the reports said, it appears abandoned."

Felicia sighed in relief from Corrin's side. "That's good. Should be a quick inspection."

Lucina sighed behind them. "You speak too soon, Felicia. I see movement across the gorge."

Felicia squeaked, not expecting the quiet girl to speak then, but a black Pegasus settled next to them. "You bet your britches. I saw a bunch of guys in white and red armor start running around when I got close."

Corrin sighed. "Well, it looks like the reports didn't… where's Hans?"

Gunter cursed, spotting the man running across one of the bridges. "The bastard's gone rogue! I told King Garon he wasn't reformed!"

Corrin gasped and could only watch as Hans cut a Hoshidan spearman down, alarms soon blaring across the canyon. "It… looks like we have no choice. Morgan, Lucina, can we trust you not to kill unless you need to?"

Morgan nodded. "I'll take care of the guys on the margins. Last thing we need is to think we're done just to get ambushed."

She took to the air, embers trailing in her wake. Lucina strode forward and pulled Falchion forth, breath misting as she called on her power. "I'll deal with Hans. He knows how Nohrians fight, it's only right an outsider faces him."

"Not without me," Gunter answered. "Hans is a criminal I brought in myself, it would forever stain my honor not to add another scar to his mug."

Lucina nodded. "I believe I'm beginning to like you, Sir Gunter. Prince Corrin, why don't you and Felicia take care of the Hoshidan commander? They're likely by the fort, so you may as well follow us."

Corrin breathed deeply before sighing. "No need. Felicia, come with me, let's knock these guys out and hope they're willing to listen afterwards."

Felicia nodded. "Good thing I accidently brought the blunt darts."

She covered her mouth, realizing her mistake too late. Felicia felt Gunter's baleful glare on her back, so she tried to get the ball rolling. "L-l-let's go, milord!"

Corrin chuckled and drew Ganglari, the dark sword leaking a purple miasma that reminded Lucina far too much of the now dead Grima. He rushed towards the edge of the gorge and found a specific spot before he began to glow.

"Ah," Gunter realized as a yellow light shot from Corrin's body. "A Dragon Vein."

Lucina whistled low as the light slammed into the side of the gorge and a bridge of stone rumbled and crashed across the divide. "Impressive. I'd heard stories about such feats, but I believed it reserved to gods."

"As any sane human would," Gunter mused. "In any case, let us deal with that cretin. Be careful, he's known for dirty tricks."

Lucina nodded and they took off. Lucina had a feeling she'd need to let something happen, especially if they met him on the bridge, but it could only work in their favor if Hans was nothing but a criminal.

-Corrin-

"Would the lot of you stand still and listen?!"

Corrin received an attempted disembowelment for his trouble, Ganglari parrying the strike. Groaning, Corrin dashed into the other man's guard and smacked him square between the eyes with Ganglari's hilt.

The man dropped like a rock, Corrin looking to see Felicia pelting some poor sod with blunt projectiles. Most of the Hoshidan troops had gone to confront Hans, so there was paltry resistance between them and the commander.

Speaking of, Corrin spotted the man dressed in the garb of what he believed was a ninja. "Would you stop attacking us for five seconds! We're here to survey, not fight!"

"The reason you're here doesn't matter." The man snarled, a blade whizzing past Corrin's ear. "My men are dead because of your soldier and you will pay for it."

Corrin groaned again. "I didn't order him to do it! Do you not see my men trying to take him down?!"

He was answered with another blade, Ganglari turning the bronze aside. "Fine, maybe you'll listen after I give you one hell of a headache!"

Corrin took off at a dead sprint, intent on sending the ninja to the realm of dreams. The ninja dodged the strike and lunged, blades scratching off Corrin's armor as the prince rolled away. Coming back up, Corrin started his usual routine.

Charge, strike, roll, repeat. It had worked against everyone, even Xander, but he received a rude wake up when his roll was predicted and the ninja sank his blade into Corrin's arm.

Corrin grit his teeth and used the ninja's brief pause of satisfaction to punch the man with his free arm. The man staggered, releasing the blade in Corrin's arm, and met the dirt when Felicia sent a dart into his back.

Corrin yanked the blade out and gave the ninja another smack to be sure. "Alright, looks like we're good. Felicia, mind taking care of this?"

Felicia nodded and retrieved the staff in her belt. A moment later, the flow of blood ceased and his skin knit back together. "All done."

Corrin nodded gratefully before looking back to the bridge. "Wait, where's Gunter?!"

Felicia followed his gaze just in time to see Lucina and the bridge fall into the gorge, Hans scrambling to safety on the other side. A black blur shot down into the gorge, so Corrin at least expected Lucina to be safe, but Gunter was nowhere to be found.

"Hans!" Corrin roared as he ran after the criminal. "I will end you if it's the last thing I do!"

Unfortunately, the moment he made it to the bridge, Ganglari came alive and began to jerk around. Corrin tried to keep his grip and control the animated blade, but soon found himself pulled into the air and dragged into the gorge.

"Corrin!" Felicia screamed after him, reaching out to no avail. "Oh gods, what am I gonna tell the royals? How am I going to this explain to Flora? They'll be heartbroken!"

A black blur shot past her and settled into Morgan and Lucina. "Don't worry, I may not have been able to grab him, but a little blue lizard on a crystal ball got him."

Felicia blinked, tears streaking down her face. "…Say what?"

Morgan shrugged. "A little blue lizard on a crystal ball got him. There was a flash of light and they vanished somewhere. I'm pretty sure he's safe though."

Felicia stared at her for a minute before hiding her face in her hands. "I'm so dead."

-Corrin-

When he woke up, Corrin was met with large yellow eyes. "Hello Corrin."

Corrin blinked before shaking his head. "This is a dream, I just know it. Everyone's turned into some kind of creature, and I refuse to see whatever Elise turned into. Goodnight."

He closed his eyes only for something to smack him. "Hey!"

Corrin opened his eyes again only to feel them widen. "Uh… who are you?"

The creature before him was a large lizard with big eyes sitting on a crystal ball. The lizard's yellow eyes and blue scales made it look like a kind of fish, and the red scales highlighting its body and fins only reinforced that. Except, it had a white belly to match its bonnet.

"I understand the confusion." The lizard said. "But it is I, Lilith."

Corrin's face twisted in denial. "No way, Lilith's a horse-nut that taught me everything she knew about them, not a lizard floating on a ball."

Lilith sighed. "But it is true, I am the same Lilith that has been with you since you came to the Northern Fortress. I am an Astral Dragon and I released my human form to bring you here."

Corrin finally took the time to look around. Now that he thought on it, they were in a flat plain surrounded by high stone walls with a keep in it. "A…castle?"

Lilith nodded. "Indeed. This place is known as Wrigcaster Keep, a fortress of once grand standing now lost to time. I was given sway over it, and now I give it to you as a place to rest."

Corrin hummed as he looked around. "Ok… I'm still not sure if you're actually Lilith, but I thank you for saving me nonetheless."

Lilith sighed. "If I tell you something only I would know, then will you believe me?"

Corrin shrugged. "I guess… can I leave after you do?"

Lilith nodded and floated up to him. "Ok… when you were ten, you and I snuck into the stables to try and ride the horses. We put the saddle on wrong and made the mare pitch a fit, but we told Gunter that a wolf spooked her. Flora found out we were lying and made us sit in a corner for two hours."

Corrin paled. "By the Dusk Dragon…Lilith?"

Lilith smiled again. "Told ya. I know it's quite the change, but I'd have given up my form all over again if it could save you. Now then, you wanted to head back?"

"Will I see you again?" Corrin asked as the scenery began to fade. "I have so many questions."

Lilith smiled at him. "You will, in time. As for your questions, well…"

"I still refuse to explain how you check a horse's temperature."

With that, Corrin was whisked away and Lilith giggled. "Ah, he always makes the funniest faces."

-Bottomless Canyon-

When his vision returned, Corrin found himself standing back on the cliff where he'd first seen Lucina fall. Looking around, he found no Hoshidans and Ganglari was inert at his side. "I don't know what that was about, but I need to get back. Heaven knows what'll happen if I don't."

He took one step forward before something met his skull and all vision fled alongside his conscious.

His attacker stood behind him and shouldered her club. "So, this is the guy huh? Never thought the royals would want someone like him."

Shrugging, she reached down and pulled him under her arm. "I may owe you my life kid, but you better be grateful when the High Prince gets ahold of you."

Huffing, she turned and began her journey through the mountains, the promise of a warm hotpot fueling her steps.

-Castle Shirasagi-

It had been a fun few days for Lon'qu and Olivia.

After Queen Mikoto showed them the castle and answered any questions they gave, Lon'qu had gone off to practice while Olivia asked for any private spots near a body of water.

Olivia was relieved when she was shown to a beautiful lake, if only because she knew no one would bother her in droves out here. Hana was expected to come after her again at some point, Olivia just knew it would happen, but Olivia had met someone she wasn't expecting.

Azura, princess of Nohr and captive of Hoshido. Olivia had heard tales of the legendary performer since she was a child, so meeting her a few years before her prime was a real treat.

It didn't make approaching the singer easy though. The girl was stoic and soft spoken, only asking who Olivia was before returning to her songs. Olivia was still shy, even with the power she held at her command, so she hid in the trees to practice one of her routines.

Then, when she believed herself alone, Olivia left the trees and moved to her real training.

Dancing on the water itself, a song on her lips. It was an old tune, older than any written verse could hope to claim, but it was a duet and Olivia was alone.

Until Azura rose out of the water like a freakin' spirit, making Olivia lose concentration and take a swim.

Azura somehow ignored Olivia's impossible feat and immediately asked about the song. After seeing the determination in her eyes, Olivia decided to share the tune.

That was how she spent the next few days, teaching Azura the song and finally giving in to training Hana in the most basic forms she knew. Let it never be said that a samurai could swim too many laps in pursuit of their goal, especially when Azura got dragged into it.

Lon'qu, meanwhile, took on all challengers. Hinata came to him often, usually getting put in the dirt three bouts after the last time he tried. Even Ryoma, ever dutiful, had decided to watch his troops and guards get their collective hinds whipped.

All with Kagero nearby, for of course she was.

At one point, both Princess Hinoka and Prince Takumi returned to find the palace devoid of life. Panicked, they'd run into the central courtyard only to find a raucous crowd cheering Olivia and Lon'qu.

Takumi hunted down the first person he recognized, who happened to be Hinata. "What's going on, who are those two?!"

Hinata jumped and landed in a bow. "Lord Takumi! Forgive me for not being there to greet you, I had no idea you'd returned!"

Takumi frowned. "That's fine, I don't want you guys making a fuss anyway. What's going on?"

Hinata stood back up, a beaming smile on his face. "They're Lon'qu and Olivia! They're like, super-duper strong and they said they'll spar as a demonstration for us!"

"Really?" Hinoka asked as she joined them. "Should be fun then if they got you excited. I think I see Hana taking notes."

She pointed, and Takumi found the young samurai was indeed taking notes at a furious pace. He also saw Sakura laughing next to her and Subaki stood behind them with an amused expression. "Have you actually seen these guys in action?"

Hinata nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I tried to spar against Lon'qu and got my butt whooped! Didn't know what hit me!"

"Someone beat you that bad?" A woman with blue hair asked as she walked up. "Glad to see you didn't lose your pep, I want to be the one to kick that out of you."

Hinata smirked at the woman. "Good to see you too, Oboro. Want to see if you can back your words later? I've been practicing."

Takumi got in between them. "Alright, that's enough. We'll stick around to watch, but I need to talk to Mother right after, alright?"

Hinata nodded, missing a faint blush on Oboro's face. Hinoka decided to leave the trio to their own devices and worked her way over to Sakura's group. "Hey Sakura, we're back."

Sakura gasped and stood, her usual bow in place. "W-welcome back! We weren't expecting you for two more days, what's the occasion?"

Hinoka sighed and scratched her head. "Well, we ran into Saizo. Said there was an incursion at one of the border forts and he was going to take a look. We came back to make sure everyone knew and deliver a letter from the Fire Tribe."

Sakura nodded. "I see… well Mother and Ryoma are over there, but I think we should let everyone clear out before you talk to them."

Hinoka nodded and looked to Subaki. "How you doin' hotshot? Keeping these two out of trouble?"

"Perfectly, Princess Hinoka." Subaki said with a bow. "Though I must say, I never thought the day would come where Hana became obsessed with something other than milady's safety."

Hana was too focused to answer, making Hinoka laugh. "I can tell. Well, mind letting me watch with you? Azama and Setsuna are off doing their own thing anyway."

Subaki bowed again and Hinoka turned to watch.

At the center of attention, Lon'qu and Olivia were smiling at each other.

"Nothing too flashy, right?" Olivia asked as Tyrfing slid from its sheathe.

Lon'qu nodded and drew Balmung. "Two strikes, no more."

Olivia grew serious and they took their stances. The audience quieted, everyone leaning forward a bit in expectation for what was to happen.

A blink later and the duelers had traded sides, swords extended to the ground and backs to each other. The audience waited with bated breath before both duelists sheathed their blades and looked to each other.

"You've gotten sloppy dear." Olivia chuckled. "You only got a single hair this time."

Lon'qu grunted, tracking the pink strand that floated to the earth. "More so for you. You barely nicked my nose."

Olivia chuckled, easily seeing the line of red she'd made. "I didn't want to mess up that handsome face. You know I like to go to sleep looking at it."

Lon'qu flushed, still not used to that kind of talk, while most of the crowd dispersed in disappointment.

Hinoka whistled. "Damn, I didn't see them move."

Subaki blinked, wide-eyed. "Indeed… I don't think Lord Ryoma is that fast."

Sakura wanted to defend her sibling, but the display of raw speed rattled her. What kind of people had they invited to their home?

A glance to Ryoma and Mikoto's serene faces eased her worries, but Sakura knew the fire of competition in Ryoma's eyes when she saw it.

"Oh, that's right." Hinoka groaned. "May as well give the letter. Ryoma, Mother, we're back!"

Ryoma stood from his spot, an easy smile on his face. "Hinoka, Takumi, it's good to see you both."

Mikoto stood as well and smiled as well. "You're early though. Did something happen?"

"We ran into Saizo," Takumi said as he approached. "Said something about a skirmish on the border and asked if we could report back. We got a letter from the Flame Tribe too, said it was urgent, so we were coming back anyway."

Mikoto nodded and held out her hand. "I will take the letter. Ryoma, why don't you send a messenger and ask for a status report?"

Ryoma nodded. "I'll see to it. Hopefully it's nothing significant."

Mikoto smiled and looked to Hinoka. "Hinoka, you and Takumi should go rest. Sakura, I need you to tell Azura they've returned as well."

Sakura bowed. "Yes Mother. Subaki, Hana, let's go. Please stop harassing Mr. Lon'qu and Ms. Olivia.

She ignored their groans of despair and left, her siblings watching amused. Hinoka took her leave at that point along with Ryoma, but Takumi was fidgeting in his boots.

"Whatever's the matter?" Mikoto asked. "You're acting like you got caught stealing apples."

Takumi scratched his head. "Well… here's the thing…"

He glanced around and spotted Lon'qu and Olivia watching them. "Can they uh… you know… give us some privacy?"

Mikoto sighed. "Lady Olivia, Sir Lon'qu, would you please leave us for now? We'll speak at lunch."

Olivia had a feeling she wanted to stick around for this, so she agreed for them both. "Of course, please excuse us."

Lon'qu strode away, sighing when he felt Olivia turn into a puddle and flow back towards the courtyard after they turned the corner. "Women and their gossip, I swear."

Olivia made some water materialize to smack Lon'qu before she was out of range, but found herself intrigued by what she heard.

Mikoto was staring hard at the letter in her hands, eyes wide and breathing shallow. Oliva almost reformed to go check on the queen when a great smile bloomed on her face. "They found him… at long last."

Olivia sighed in relief. It looked like Corrin had been found, sooner than she remembered the legends telling, but that was good. They couldn't stay here for long after all, not with the difference in time-flow that came with crossing planes.

"Um, Mother?" Takumi mumbled. "I don't know what the letter says that's made you so happy, but I think you won't like what I have to say."

Mikoto's face radiated relief and her voice was serenity itself. "How so? I'm sure it cannot be that bad."

Takumi glanced away, Olivia following his gaze to see Oboro laughing with Hinata. "Well…Oboro won't be able to go out in the field for a while."

Mikoto frowned, concern lighting her eyes. "Is she ok? I didn't see any sign of injury when she joined us."

Takumi sighed and shook his head. "I'll just bite the blade. Mother… Oboro's pregnant."

Had Olivia not been a puddle, her jaw would have dropped to mirror Mikoto's. "She's…pregnant?"

Takumi sighed, a grimace stuck on his face. "Yeah, she got drunk when we ran across a weaver's festival. Someone gave me some strong brew too and one thing led to another…"

"It's yours…" Mikoto mumbled, eyes starting to glaze. "I'm going to be a grandmother..."

Her eyes somehow settled on Takumi's flushed face. "Looks like you'll have to move up the… proposal."

Takumi nodded, amazed Mikoto hadn't started screaming yet. "Yeah… not exactly the circumstances I wanted, but, I'll do what I can."

Mikoto nodded. "Tell uh… Oboro to meet me later, ok? We'll need to go over… things."

Takumi bowed and scurried away, no doubt wanting to get away from the approaching explosion.

Mikoto, for her part, folded the letter neatly and stood up. "Lady Olivia, I hope you can forgive what's about to happen."

Olivia quivered from her spot, but sped away as Mikoto took a deep breath. She knew from hard experience what was about to happen.

"I'M GOING TO BE A GRANDMOTHER! RYOMA, YOU BETTER GET YOUR ASS IN GEAR!"

Mikoto proceeded to cheer and make merry, the change so out of character, many that heard it assumed possession and began calling for healers and exorcists.

Olivia simply flowed away, reforming out of sight and chuckling as a woman she recognized as Orochi ran by. "Who knew the Queen of Hoshido could be so silly? Especially when they're not even her blood?"

She shrugged and went on her way, knowing that there'd be a lot to do over the next few days.

Like getting in contact with Robin and Cordelia after seeing a lightshow shine from the north.

Oh, and teasing the pants off the royals!

Ch. End

Another one done, and I liked this chapter more. Hope you all enjoy, because I know it took a while to come out.

Anyway, reviews!

Artyom-Dreizehn: I hope you enjoy this chapter as well! I'm glad you like Corrin too, his naivety is really easy to use from both a character and comedic perspective. Especially Flora… poor Flora, she has to like him, and there's competition in the wings too! (Make of that what you will.)

SilverStorm0: Well, I'm glad they went over well! Hope these work too!

Tychon: Just glad you liked it over all. Not everyone's fans of the Severa x Lucina ship for a variety of reasons, so no big deal.

Alright, that's everyone. See you all next time!