"And may the blessings of the great dragon Anankos follow you all, through day and night, through dusk and dawn, and through the endless silence of the abyss." Mikoto intoned, bowing as she completed the ceremony. "Be at peace my children, and keep the forgotten god forever in your hearts."

"Now and forever, for the glory of eternal Valla." The congregation answered.

Mikoto waited until the few hundred parishioners had left before finally indulging in a sigh of relief. Ever since Anankos had appeared in the flesh two days prior there had been a huge uptake in church attendance. Not much of a surprise really, considering what had happened. Nevertheless, it was mind-bendingly obnoxious, especially since her mind kept wandering back to the fate of her children.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Turning, Mikoto was less than surprised to see the regal form of her sister, guards in tow, striding towards her from the cathedral's side entrance. Wearing a beautiful white gown with golden ornamentation that matched her eyes and sapphire jewelry to match her hair, she was the picture of serene grace. Bowing in respect, Mikoto said, "Of course my queen. I always have time for you."

A raised eyebrow. "Oh really? And here I thought you'd been dodging me for the past few days."

"Dodging you? My own sister?" Mikoto laughed. "Perish the thought!" And it was true, she had actually meant to speak with her sister sooner, but the tidal wave of sermons had kept her far too busy. And unfortunately, it was necessary to keep up appearances. She motioned for the queen to follow as she led the way to her personal quarters located behind the alter.

After pouring them each a cup of tea, Mikoto took her seat across from Arete. Taking one last expectant glance at the guards, Mikoto broke the silence. "So… to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You're kidding right?" Arete deadpanned.

"Careful now Arete, you're actually showing emotion. We wouldn't want your bodyguards to see you so unkempt now would we?"

She sighed. "You know, if someone had told me you'd still be like this when we were all grown up I would have ordered them taken to an asylum."

Mikoto raised a hand to her lips to accentuate the look of mock contemplation she gave the queen. "Hmm, I do believe that falls under the term 'abuse of power.' Does it not?"

The queen glared at her. "Sister, as much as I'd love to sit here and reminisce," she snapped her fingers and all of her bodyguards left the room, "we have much to discuss." Her eyes narrowed. "And let's try to keep the humor to a minimum, shall we?"

"I suppose I can manage that." Mikoto admitted. "Now, just how much damage has our oh so grateful god inflicted?"

"Physically? Not as much as we originally thought, just a few buildings on the outskirts. What's far more troubling is how its affected the city's mood."

Mikoto nodded. "I can attest to that. I can't remember the last time we had so many people taking to the priesthood. And that's not mentioning the influx of attendance at our daily ceremonies."

"Exactly. We went from barely any religious attendance to almost a hundred percent in less than two days. Culturally, it's a complete and utter nightmare." The queen gently massaged her temples. "I know you have no patience for it, but the court is in a complete uproar. Half of them are brainstorming ways to delegitimize the appearance while the other half is scheming to take control of the church."

Mikoto took a slow sip of tea. "You don't say."

"I'd watch your back sister." Arete said, clearly concerned. "They already hate you for being common born. The fact that your power has drastically spiked is just salt on the wound."

Mikoto waved the warning aside. "There's not much they can actually do." Besides discovering Corrin and Lily of course. She thought to herself. "After all, I'm the high priestess whom caused the great Anankos to appear and save the crown princess. How could they possibly replace me?"

"Don't underestimate their creativity. They're like a pack of feral wyverns." The queen looked thoughtfully at her sister. "You're sure you didn't do anything to summon him?"

"Nothing to my knowledge. I was as shocked as everyone else." Mikoto answered dryly before letting the conversation peter off as the two enjoyed their tea. "How is Azura doing?"

"About as good as can be expected. She still wakes up with nightmares, but her handmaiden says that other than that she's acting quite normally..." Arete trailed off before crossing her arms. Mikoto recognized that look and groaned internally. Just what was she about to bring up? "You know… that's not quite right. She did say something rather odd when she first woke up."

"Oh? Do explain."

"Well when she first opened her eyes she glanced around the room and asked, 'Where are those other children? Are they okay?'" Arete met Mikoto's eyes. "Of course when we asked her what she meant, she closed up, pretending it was nothing but a dream. I've never seen her do anything quite like it." She paused. "Does that mean anything to you?"

Mikoto chuckled while screaming internally. "Arete, she likely met some urchins while hiding in an alley. It isn't like you to focus on such a small detail."

"Perhaps." Arete admitted. "But then again, there were also a few peasants who've started spreading the oddest story about Anankos's appearance." When Mikoto didn't ask Arete continued talking. "They say that there were two other dragons present. Two smaller dragons no larger than ponies. Both looking more like silver stags with wings and claws than the dragons of book and legend."

"And you think… what exactly? That these children Azura mentioned are, in fact, these dragons? That's ludicrous." Mikoto scoffed. "Children turning into dragons. Do you hear yourself?"

"You're probably right." Arete agreed, smiling. "But still, there are some among the higher tiers of the nobility that are taking the rumors quite seriously. To such an extent that they're sending search parties into the eastern expanses." She took a sip but her eyes never left Mikoto's. "After all, if the rumors were true and they were able to arrange a marriage between Anankos's children and their own… why, they'd be untouchable."

Over my dead body they would be. Mikoto fumed internally. "Don't tell me the king is buying into that garbage as well."

"Oh no. We're more secure than ever thanks to Anankos appearing. Divine right to rule and what not. We hardly need the help." Arete tapped her finger on the arm of her chair thoughtfully. "Still, it's an interesting thought don't you think?"

"Maybe if you're the type to buy into arranged marriages." Mikoto shot back.

The queen chuckled. "Ah, that's right. I forgot your, eh, stance on marriage."

"Well forgive me for believing love is more important than status." Mikoto deadpanned. "If my station precludes me from marrying the way I wish, then I'll just pick a profession that won't allow me to marry at all."

"Of course. How wise of you. And just how is the priesthood treating you?"

Mikoto's smile was ice. "Better than you could possibly imagine."

The moment before Lilith's foot connected with the ball, scales erupted across her skin and bone structure morphed, but the effect didn't stretch an inch above her knee. Smiling in pride, she swung her foot forward, kicking the ball in just the right manner, sending it flying towards the roof of the cave a moment later. Not taking a second to admire her handiwork, Lilith sprinted towards the first base, her blue and red hair bobbing behind her as she ran. To her credit, she only briefly stumbled before realizing the need to undo the leg transformation.

"Excellent job Lily!" Anankos said from the pitcher's mound, or rather the pitcher's rock was a little more accurate. Snapping his fingers there was flash of light and the ball disappeared right before it could hit the ceiling. A second later it was back in his hands. "An almost perfect Dragonfang. Good job, just remember to always immediately undo it once you're done."

Lilith beamed. "Thanks Papa! I will Papa!"

He nodded in satisfaction. Today's training was going better than he'd dared to hope. "Alright Corrin, you're up next. Remember, try to keep your mind clear."

"Kay!" Corrin stepped forward jumping from one foot to another in anticipation. "Alright, I'm ready!"

"Corrin! Keep your eyes on the ball!"

Corrin glared at his sister. "Duh! I know how to play kickball Lily."

"Now, now Corrin. Don't get angry at your teammate." Anankos chided gently. "Besides," The silent dragon pitched the kickball faster than Corrin had ever seen before. "You'll need all of your focus if you want to hit this."

"Grrrr." Corrin focused as the ball came ever closer to the rock they were using as a plate.

"Remember Corrin, you need to concentrate on only transforming your foot and the tendons attached to it, but nothing more. As such, Dragonfang is vastly harder to get right than a simple transformation."

"I know Dad!" Corrin grumbled. As the ball finally entered his range Corrin was hit with a wave of uneasiness as he partially activated his dragonstone. For a moment his thoughts were a jumbled twister that was throwing his power this way and that; in every different direction at once. But as he felt his lower leg and foot transform into the scaled appendage of a dragon the unease gave way to momentary relief. Moving forward, he tried to kick the ball, only to find that he couldn't move the leg. Off balance and confused, his momentum swung him forward, sending him sprawling onto his face just in time for the ball to roll right into his head. For a moment, all Corrin could see were stars.

"Corrin are you alright?" Anankos asked as he ran over to where Corrin lay. Looking at his son, he was relieved to see that not only had the leg reverted back to human form, but his only injuries were a scraped knee and a bruise on his forehead. "Thank goodness. Corrin how do you feel?"

"Ugh." The young manakete groaned. "I'm okay. What happened?"

"It looks you forgot to transform all the muscles in your leg. Nervousness will do that."

"So I failed." Corrin grumbled, the disappointment dripping from his voice was almost palpable.

Anankos ruffled his son's hair and smiled. "Yes, but you managed to get the location right, so I'm sure you'll get it soon. Out of all the skills you'll learn, this is definitely one of the hardest. It requires precise mental control and unshakable discipline. And even then you can still make mistakes."

"Did you have trouble too?" Lilith asked, having finally reached Corrin's side and taking out a small roll of bread to munch as she watched.

"Oh of course. Why, the first time I tried it, I accidentally grew wings instead of claws. Your grandmother had to bandage my head after I accidentally flew into the ceiling." He smiled at the memory. "She was trying not laugh the entire time too.

Corrin's face scrunched up. "Dad! You said you wouldn't laugh!"

"I am not!" Anankos corrected quickly, trying desperately to backpedal. "I just meant that your grandma laughed when I hit my head."

"It was kind of funny." Lilith mumbled into her snack. "I don't blame him for laughing."

"But I'm not laughing!"

"Am I interrupting something?" A familiar voice asked from the entrance of their cave.

"Mom!" The twins sprinted toward the outstretched arms of their mother. "I didn't know you were visiting today!" Corrin said happily.

"We bah you da other bay!" Lilith added, bread still in hand.

"How long are you staying for?" Corrin was jumping up and down in excitement, all pain and embarrassment from the Dragonfang debacle quickly forgotten. "Did you see us at the parade? We saw you! What's it like to wear such fancy clothing? I bet it was really hot. What was that explosion thing? Was it bad? Did you know we met the-"

Mikoto's soft chuckle cut him off. "Now, now Corrin calm down. They'll be time enough to answer all your questions and more later. But look how big you've gotten! You'll be your father's height in no time! And Lily don't talk with your mouth full, you're far too pretty for that."

Getting to his feet, Anankos found himself grinning almost as much as his kids. "Hello Miki."

"Hello dear." Mikoto replied, kissing Anankos. "You would not believe the week I've had."

"Ah, about that." Anankos winced. "There are a couple things we really ought to talk about."

Mikoto nodded solemnly. "Yes, we really ought." She smiled at her jubilant children. "But later. Now Corrin, Lily, do either of you have a book you'd like me to read?"

"So that's what happened." Mikoto remarked thoughtfully. "Thank goodness you could sense them transform."

"Tell me about it." Anankos said softly, keeping his voice low as to not wake the twins sleeping in the adjacent room. "I was barely able to make it in time. Another few seconds…" He shuddered.

"Well thankfully nothing happened." Mikoto sighed, desperately trying to repress her own imagination as it ran off on its own. "But we aren't exactly in the clear, are we?"

"I mean; I could just eat everyone at court."

"Darling, mass genocide is never the answer." Mikoto chided gently, trying not to smile.

"Kidding, kidding." Anankos replied with a smile. "But you said they were going to start searching where?"

"The eastern expanses. I wasn't able to find out exactly which nobles are involved, but I'll keep my ears to the ground. We should know before too long."

"Hmm, do we really need to bother with this? I mean, they now that the kids exist now. Is there really any point in continuing to watch them?"

Mikoto stroked her lover's hair softly. "They're not going to stop, Anankos. They won't stop at the eastern expanses. They won't stop at the endless falls. They'll keep on searching until they find them. And I won't- no, I can't let them do that."

"So what? You sacrifice yourself to the court? I only agreed to letting you stay all those years ago because-"

"You agreed?" Mikoto's voice was sharp enough to make the millennia old dragon wince. For a moment he had forgotten how fiery she could be when it came to the kids. He would need to change tactics.

"I'm sorry." Anankos apologized quickly. "It's just… I can't bear to watch you live so close to those monsters."

"I know darling. I wish there was a way for us to escape them too. But we can't leave Valla, not with the curse existing. It would be difficult for either of us to always remember to keep our tongues in check, but two children? Impossible. It would only be a matter of time." She sighed in exasperation. "At least this way we have a chance." She smiled sadly. "And I'd much rather I be in danger than them."

"Perhaps that isn't the complete truth."

Mikoto frowned. "What are you talking about? The curse-"

"Was created by my hands." Anankos finished. "And by my hands it might be able to be broken."

Her eyes widened. "That- that would change everything. We could leave Valla, go to an Outrealm we could-" She stopped, took a deep breath, and forced herself to calm down. "Could you do it?"

He shrugged. "It would take some research. It's been so long… I'm not sure if I'm strong enough anymore." He thought for a moment. "Perhaps it would be worth a trip to Ylisse. The divine dragons are known for being quite powerful, perhaps Naga might be able to make up my slack."

"But do you really think it could be done?" Mikoto pressed.

"I don't know." Anankos admitted. "But it's worth a try. It's only a matter of time before they discover our secret. This way, we could escape far beyond their reach."

Mikoto nodded slowly. "But what about Corrin and Lily? It's not like we can get a babysitter and if anything there's anything we've learned this past week, it's that they're too young to be left alone."

"I have enough energy to give them a temporary immunity. It should be enough so that I can take them with me." He smiled. "Besides, from what I hear, Naga's grandchildren are about their age. It'll be good for them to make friends with kids their own age." He kissed her on the cheek. "We will make this work, Miki. I promise."

"I trust you." She rose her voice. "Just like I trust my children to go back to bed. Isn't that right Corrin?"

A tiny white haired head popped out from behind of the doorframe, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry Mom. How did you know I was there?"

"A mother always knows." Mikoto chided. "Also you squeaked when your father mentioned taking you on a trip. Are you excited?"

"Uh huh!" His bobbed rapidly up and down with the enthusiasm only a child could manage. We've never left home before."

"You mean without sneaking out, right?" Anankos corrected, sternly.

Corrin blushed. "Ya, I guess you're right about that. But still… I just have one question." He looked at his mother and father. "What's a Ylisse?"

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