Italics = Thought

I do not own Fire Emblem.

Cross published on A03

Anna had setup shop in what had once been the doormans office, left mostly unscathed from Anankos rage (and boredom). She was setting up a makeshift Deeprealm gate out of the remains of a heavy desk when someone coughed to get her attention from behind her.

The redhead raised an eyebrow at the sight of the green haired ninja across from her. Whilst she had guessed that some people would wish to leave after the 'job' was done, she hadn't expected that the first to be so soon. She gave him a small smile though, he had just helped them kill a god, after all.

"Homesick already, huh?"

"..It hasn't been what I believed it would be." Kaze stated simply. He had genuinely hoped Corrin would turn out to be a good, decent leader. But his actions had shown him little more than a madman. A charismatic madman, to be sure. But anyone who manoeuvres whole countries to war with one another as a mere distraction was no leader he could follow.

"Not even going to stay for Corrin's wedding?"

Kaze shook his head sadly. "I do not wish to do something stupid. I wish him and the Havenites well, but I ran away without thinking. I've got to put things right."

Anna eyed him carefully. The years of surviving war after war had taught her to figure out when someone was lying, or had ulterior motives. Kaze's face lacked any of the usual 'tells'.

"Fine. But you'll have to help me set this up. The gate isn't working yet."

"Why get the gate working?"

"Supplies. Until we decide what we're doing, it is probably a good idea if we can actually eat. Especially with the first royal wedding of whatever this place ends up being called coming up. That, and you want to get home, yes?"

Kaze sighed. "A fair point."

And for the next three hours, Kaze learned something that few outside the Anna family know, the proper method to create a deeprealm gate portal. The atmosphere wasn't unpleasant, but Kaze felt on edge

"Kaze."

The ninja turned to face the woman at the use of his name. "Yes?"

"There are good people here. Whatever you thought this place would be, don't forget that."

Kaze smiled softly. Despite his opinion of Corrin, Anna was right. The Havenites had already become loyal to one another, and had started to consider themselves one country. One people.

Perhaps Corrin wouldn't turn out so badly.

Anna dug into her pocket, and took out a battered silver lighter. She smiled pleasantly at Kaze, and snatched a number of his hairs. In spite of himself, he winced audibly.

The secret seller glanced at Kaze. "Last chance to stay."

The ninja shook his head. "I have a duty to my King…and I don't doubt Saizo will be annoyed by my absence. I will tell him I was hunting Corrin's killer. That should placate him."

"Fair enough. Good luck!" Anna grinned, and lit the hair, and ignited the dust. Kaze was instantly zapped across the worlds, leaving little more than a wisp of smoke.

Confident her job was done, Anna cheerfully whistled a jaunty tune to herself as she left her office.

Little did she know the years of chaos that would be sown due to her simple act of kindness by sending someone back home.

Contrary to popular belief, the celebratory party and feast commemorating a victory didn't occur immediately after said victory. There was regrouping, tending to the injured and seeing off their dead, of which there were thankfully few, thanks to the timely reinforcements provided by Marc.

Marc's animation of the dead intrigued Corrin, although it had taken some hurried reassurances that he hadn't brought the dead back, instead, merely making use of their earthly remains whilst allowing the souls to rest. It was an interesting thought for the inevitable time they needed a large army quickly.

Or guardsmen. Whatever ended up being needed first.

There was a party, although it involved eating the remaining supplies the army had, drinking the copious amounts of alcohol Anankos had stashed away, and singing raucous songs at the top of their lungs after drink said copious amounts of alcohol. This wasn't the grand, noble feast that many of the men had hoped for, but it was a real army celebration. Warmth, friendship and the feel of home permeated the air, and the mood was all round happy. Something the Plegian Remnant hadn't felt properly in years.

"So…that went well." Corrin finally said, draining yet another goblet of wine.

"Mhm." Azura agreed, her cheeks bright red.

"We've managed to Shoot The Moon, so I'd call that a success..."

"Hearts? Really?"

"I had a lot of time to kill in the Northern Fortress, plus, I get creative when drunk."

"It's just….is this real?" Azura asked, a degree of seriousness in her voice. "Or are we so drunk we don't know anymore?"

"You sound surprised, Azzy. Did you not have faith in our cause?"

"I had faith in you, my love. That's what matters."

The pair shared a deep (and awkward for those that surrounded them) kiss. Corrin beamed "Then I am happy."

"Does this place have a bedroom?" Azura asked, her voice as teasing as it was seductive. "I'm sure I can find some way to….reward you…"

Before Corrin could respond, someone behind him caught his attention.

"…Silas?"

"…..Hi." The Knight said shyly, trying not to catch Azura's gaze.

Flora dragged Marc aside.

"What was that?" The Ice Chieftess seethed.

"That was me saving everyone." Marc said, waving a hand. "Including your people, Chieftess."

Flora scowled. "You used dark magic!"

"Dark magic is only as evil as its user, Flora. Are you a cold person because of your magic, or because you are yourself cold and distant?"

"That isn't the point! Necromancy is vile!" Flora protested, snow forming in the air around her.

Marc slowly walked away, and Flora could have sworn she heard him respond.

"I know."

Risking the mother of all glares from Azura, Silas had called Corrin over to talk.

Silas sighed, and smiled sheepishly.

"I…need a favour."

Corrin raised a curious brow. Didn't Silas realise he could ask him anything? They had been through enough together after all.

"Silas, you are all but my brother. Whatever you need, just ask."

"I want to court Lilith." Silas blurted out.

Oh.

"...L-Look, I know she's your sister and all, bu-"The babbling Knight was cut off by Corrin raising a hand. A stern look on his face.

"If you think I will let you court my sister…" He growled menacingly, before breaking into a cheerful grin.

"You'd damn well better do it right.".

Fun fact: Shoot The Moon is from the card game 'Hearts'. It's when a player takes all the 'penalty' cards in one deal, and results in giving a large amount of penalty points to all other players. It is also very difficult to pull off, and requires pretty much everything to go right.

Five chapters and an epilogue left! Thank you to all of you for your support! As some of you may have guessed, this is actually my first attempt at a series like this, so even minor bits of encouragement mean a lot!