A/N: Well everyone, here it is... the end.
P.S. Please join me and my crew tonight, July 7, 2017 at 7 p.m. MT for our weekly topical discussion on YouTube, where we will be discussing Fire Sword in its entirety. We will have a live Q&A during this session, so please feel free to bring any comments or questions you have for us. The link to my YouTube channel can be found on my profile- hope to see you all there!
Where is Home?
"You really mean it?" Kazuto asked as he stepped forward to speak to Naga's apparition. Her appearance was similar to Tiki's, though more luminous in nature with even gentler features than her oracle. "You can take us all home? Just like that?"
"Indeed I can," Naga nodded. "I owe you and your friends a great deal, Swordsman of Aincrad. First for calling you here without your permission, and for all that you have done for this world. For these things you have my sincerest apologies and gratitude."
"Naw, don't worry about it," Klein grinned as he walked up to stand beside Kazuto. Throwing a glance over his shoulder, his smile widened a bit as his eyes met Cordelia's before he said, "In fact, the best way you can say thanks for is if you'd let me stay here- with Cordelia and the Shepherds."
His request was met with a lot of shock from his friends and the Divine Dragon. "Klein, you want to stay?!" Keiko gasped. "But what about everyone back home?!"
Klein ruffled his hair a bit as he said, "I mean, I got a few friends left over from SAO, but even we don't hang out all that often anymore- our lives taking separate directions and all that. I hated my job back there, and my only real friends are you guys. Not to mention, I think somebody would be pretty upset if I took off again." He winked at his fiancé, who blushed a little as she cast her eyes down.
"Wait, couldn't she come with us?" Rika inquired, looking over at Naga.
The dragoness appeared to think for a moment before she said, "I could, but I sense that her heart lies here, with the Halidom."
"And I ain't askin' her to leave," Klein said firmly. "I'll miss you guys, but I know where my heart lies now. It's here, with Cordelia, and this world that I've really grown to love."
"Klein…" Kazuto said haltingly. "Are… Are you sure?"
"Be certain, brave warrior," Naga cautioned him. "Travel between worlds is not a gift I offer with ease. Should you choose not to return now, you may never be able to go back."
"I'm sure," Klein answered readily. "I've had a lot of time to think about this kind of thing while I was in hiding, so I know my choice is the right one." As he finished speaking, Cordelia came up and gripped his hand firmly, which brought another smile to his face.
"The one called Klein shall remain behind, then," Naga nodded. Turning to the others, she said, "The choice remains for each of you that had not died back in your world as individuals. The fact that one chooses to leave will not prevent the others from doing the same."
"So that means that Yuuki, Aiko, and I can't go home like the others?" Sachi asked.
"I am sorry," Naga said gently. "I cannot restore you to life where you have already perished. Even my power has limits."
"We understand," Aiko said respectfully. "This life has been a great gift in it of itself, so there is nothing more that we would ask of you, good dragon."
"Yeah!" Yuuki grinned. "What she said!"
"I have a question," Asuna said with a slight frown. "If someone decides to stay here, won't they still be missing back in our world?"
"I will erase the memories of their existence from anyone that knew them," Naga explained. "The present company will be excluded, if they so choose it. I know that memories of loved ones are hard to release."
"That's actually kind of a disturbing thought," Klein chuckled. "Poof! I never existed."
"We'll remember you, buddy," Kazuto told him. "I will at least."
"Thanks, man," Klein said with a fist bump. "I'll miss you, but I won't forget either."
"I take it that the Kirigaya family will be going home along with everyone else?" Naga asked.
"Um, Daddy?" Yui asked hesitantly. "Can I talk to you and Mommy for a minute?"
"Sure," Kazuto nodded. Looking back at Naga, he asked, "Is it okay if we take a sec?"
"Of course," Naga replied. "The rest of you, come, tell me if you wish to go home, or stay here." The others moved to do as she said while Yui pulled her parents over to the side.
"What is it, sweetheart?" Asuna asked her daughter.
"Just… something Mataras told me came to mind, that's all," she said. "It's got me thinking."
"Wait, you want to stay here?" Kazuto asked, eyes wide as the realization set in. "What did he say that could make you change your mind about wanting to go home?"
"That's just it," she said with a slight shake of her head. "I think… I think that we're already home."
Asuna and Kazuto exchanged a look before the Lightning Flash asked," What do you mean by that?"
"Mataras once told me about how he and the others never stayed anywhere for more than a night at a time, because they were always on the run," Yui answered. "He told me that one night he came to realize that home is where your family is, where you feel safe. It's not a house or a town… It's the people that make your home." Gesturing to the Shepherds and the other warriors of Alfheim, she added, "I see our home right here."
Asuna and Kazuto were silent for several long moments, pondering her words. Is she right? Her father wondered to himself. Do we… want… to stay here? For the first time, he began to seriously entertain the thought.
What do we have waiting for us if we go back? He questioned after a moment. I have a promising career and my- Sugu's- parents… I can still be the Black Swordsman… but only in the virtual worlds born from the Seed. On the other hand, if we go back, we have to deal with our families finding out about Mako, not to mention hiding Yui from every scientist that'll want to study her… But here…
He paused before thinking, I can be what I became in SAO here. The version of me that can go on adventures, be with my family, and take an active role in protecting the people that I care about. I can be Kirito.
"Asuna…" he said in a low voice before he could stop himself.
"Yeah?" she asked with a small smile as he looked her in the eye. Seeing the serious look in his gaze, her smile grew as she said, "I think I know what's going through your head."
"Am I that easy to read?" he asked, abashed.
"Yep," she giggled before kissing him on the nose. "But I think it's pretty cute. All you need to know it that whatever you decide, I'm with you."
"Thanks, Honey," he smiled with relief. "But judging from that smile and what you just said, you already know."
"Of course I do," she grinned.
He extended his hands to both of his girls, which they gripped tightly as he lead them back to stand before Naga. "We've made our decision," he announced. Looking around at his friends, he asked, "Anyone still undecided?"
"I'm goin' home, Ki-bou," Argo grinned cheekily. "This was fun, but I ain't plannin' ta go through SAO again for the rest of my life. I got people back home, ya know?"
"I understand completely," Kazuto grinned, feeling a slight ache in his chest. Here Yui was telling him that home was the people you loved, but it seemed that no matter what he decided, their home was going to split up.
"Yeah, we're with her," Rika chuckled lightly as she made a vague gesture at herself, Hiyori, and Keiko. "This whole thing was kind of a shock anyway, and I'm really glad it's over."
"And I got my wife to think about," Andrew grinned lightly. "Can't leave her any longer than I already have, man."
"If it is of any comfort, you will be placed back where you left only a few moments after your departure," Naga informed them.
"Wait a sec, is that everyone that's leaving?" Kazuto asked, surprised. Looking over at Shino and Suguha, he asked, "I know Klein's reasons for leaving, but what about you two?"
"I never really fit in back home except around you guys, you know that," Shino said. "Why go back to being a loner if I don't have to?"
"Fair enough," Kazuto nodded. Truth be told, ever since they had found Shino over in Valm, he had thought that she was definitely in her element.
Looking at Suguha, he asked, "And you, Sugu? What's the deal? I'd have thought that you'd wanna go home, see Mom and Dad."
"Well, uh…" she said as she blushed and fidgeted. "I'm, uh… kinda… in the same boat as Klein…?"
It took a few moments for the impact of those words to completely sink in for her cousin. "…What?" he asked dumbly.
Ricken, who was standing next to Suguha, waved slightly to Kazuto while grinning like an idiot as he raised her left hand up to display a fine ring, emblazoned with his family's crest. "We were gonna say something after we'd beaten Grima," Suguha explained. "He only proposed last night, so we figured we were better off waiting to announce it until after all the craziness had blown over."
"Huh…" Kazuto said blankly, his gaze switching back and forth between the two of them for several tense seconds before he said, "Well, I guess Libra had better get ready for another Shepherd-style wedding after Klein's."
"Wait, that's it?!" Suguha exclaimed. "No objections at all?!" Ricken looked similarly dumbstruck.
"Not really," Kazuto shrugged. "I get it. You love each other and you wanna be together. Asuna and I were in the same boat at your age, remember?"
"Actually, I think we were younger than they are," Asuna laughed lightly.
"Whatever," Kazuto shrugged. However, he did turn back to look at Ricken and say, "Since I am her older brother, there is one thing I should tell you…"
"Wh-What's that?" Ricken asked nervously, sweat lining his brow.
"If you're going to marry her, I have just one condition," Kazuto smiled bleakly. "Break her heart, I'll carve yours out- simple as that. Are we clear?"
"C-crystal!" the youth stammered.
"Good," Kazuto grinned. "I look forward to attending the occasion."
"Attending the-" Ricken's eyes widened again. "You plan to stay?"
"Yeah," Kazuto nodded quickly. "We do. We're staying here."
"Whoa, what?!" Rika yelped. "You are?! Why?! What about all your research back home about connecting the virtual world to the real one?!"
Kazuto thought about how to answer that for a moment before he said, "You know, all of that was so that I could help bring Yui into Asuna and my life. But the more that I think about it, the more I realize that if we take her back, she'll never be able to live a completely normal life. Everyone's gonna want to know where she came from- not to mention having to explain Mako to our families- and when they do find out where she really came from, she may end up getting taken away from us by people that won't love her, just use her.
"Here, we can live a normal life as our real selves, and not have to worry about people trying to take Yui away from us," he concluded. "I know that there are other things that matter back on earth, but this is what's most important to me- our family. If staying here means that it will be a better place for her to grow up, then I will gladly make that sacrifice."
"And what of those who knew you?" Naga prodded him. "Would you have them forget about you and your family?"
Kazuto's mind immediately flew to Suguha's parents, but his decision remained unchanged. He loved them, and he knew that they loved him, but the truth was that he knew that they'd be okay without him and Suguha- especially if they never remembered them existing in the first place. "I think it's be better if they don't remember us," he said heavily. "It'd kill them, losing me a second time, not to mention Sugu… Better that they never lost anyone to begin with."
"You have my sympathy," Naga said somberly. "I truly wish that it had not come to this, but I knew that even if the future children could reunite with their parents, their chances as victory were next to none. I needed outside help."
"Even still, we were almost defeated," Chrom shuddered as he remembered Grima in Robin's form, laughing at their futility. It was a sight that he was certain he would see in his nightmares for many years to come.
"Let us not dwell on what may have been," Naga said, her form beginning to glow brighter. "Let us look to the future now… A future free of Grima, and filled instead with the potential lives that you each choose of your own free will."
"That's reward enough for me," Lucina said with a joyous smile as she gripped Robin's hand tightly. "All my life I dreamed… of being able to choose."
"Now you can… lady of mine," Robin grinned at her.
"Well, look who decided to join us!" Chrom laughed as he helped his friend to his feet.
"Sorry about the knock on the head, Father," Marth said, abashed. "I thought you would try to stop me if you knew what I was planning."
"Son…" Robin sighed as he rubbed his scalp. "I'm none too pleased that you tried to take my place slaying Grima, nor that you struck me down, nor that you roped your sister into your harebrained scheme…" Marth's face fell before Robin clapped him on the shoulder and said, "But I can't stay angry at you, really."
"Why, cos it worked?" Morgan piped up.
"No, because it's exactly what I would have done," Robin admitted.
Noire let out a merry laugh before hugging her brother and saying, "Congratulations, Marth. You're as crazy as our father." The family burst into laughter at that, and it quickly spread through the ranks of the Shepherds. At first it was because of the silly joke, but then it became a rolling sound that echoed across the beach.
For Grima was dead, and the future was free.
They were all free.
Naga let them revel in their victory for a little while before giving them a gentle reminder that it was time for things to get under way.
"If you guys here want to remember us, I hope it's in a good light," Kazuto grinned at his friends, the ones that had chosen to leave. "I know that this is kinda selfish, but… It's what I want." Looking back at Yui and Asuna, who were smiling, he added, "What we want."
"I'll remember you," Andrew said. "I'm never forgetting you, Kirito. Seeing a kid like you out on the front lines helped me keep going strong. No way I was gonna let some punk do all the heavy lifting so that I could see my Kathy again."
"Glad to have helped, pal," Kazuto smiled as he shook hands with the big man.
"I'll miss you, Agil," Asuna smiled through her tears as they let go. "You were always a big help to Kirito- and without you, I'd probably be Sugou's puppet by now."
"Hey, don't sweat it," he said with a fond smile. "I owed Kirito- and you, for helping my shop's rep back in Algade." He threw in a wink as they recalled his rustic little shop back in Aincrad.
Looking down at Yui, he said, "Be a good big sister to Mako, okay Yui? But don't forget to give your old man a hard time every now and again, too."
"Aye aye, sir!" she said with a winning smile and a mock salute.
"Yo, Klein!" Andrew said before being wrapped up in a bear-hug by the Salamander. "Take good care of your lady, all right? Best thing you'll ever do for either of ya."
"I here ya, loud and clear, buddy," Klein nodded as they pulled apart.
"Are you ready?" Naga asked the axe-wielder.
"Yeah," the man nodded as he turned to face the dragoness. "I'm ready to go home."
"Then step through here," she instructed as the air to her right began to ripple, shimmering like sunlight on water. "This will take you home."
Agil turned around one last time to give his friends a smile and a thumbs-up before he stepped through the portal and was lost from view.
The rest of the good-byes were more singular in nature. Lisbeth and Asuna exchanged parting words that involved a lot of hugging and crying, Yui promised Silica that she would look after Pina the Wyvern, Leafa exchanged a farewell with Lux, and Argo spent her last few moments in Ylisse making jabs at Kirito- just the way one would expect.
When they were all ready, Naga gestured for them to enter the portal like Agil had. Before they went home, Lisbeth turned back and looked at Cordelia, who nodded once with a large smile. Flashing her a thumbs-up, the leprechaun stepped back into the world from which she had come.
"What was that about?" Kazuto asked his wife.
"I'll tell you some other time," Asuna replied while trying to hide a smile. To herself, she added, I still can't believe he never figured it out.
"Be a good girl for Yui, Pina!" Silica said as she waved to her steed with tears falling from her eyes. "I'll miss you!" Then she too, was gone.
While Lux stepped through the portal, Klein muttered, "I think she's gonna miss that lizard more than anyone else here." Pina growled viciously at him, causing him to throw his hands up and ask, "Did I say that out loud? Sorry!"
Last to leave was Argo. She looked back at Kazuto one last time and said, "Hey, Kirito!"
"Eh?" he replied, surprised. It was the first time since they had met in the beta that she had called him by that name.
"You were my best customer," she grinned with a single tear sliding down her face. "I won't be able to replace ya, not in a million years!"
Kazuto felt another ache in his heart as he smiled back at his oldest friend from SAO. Their adventures together dated all the way back to the beta, and he knew that without her, he never would have become the Black Swordsman. "I couldn't have asked for a better guide!" he finally managed to get out. "Just… don't give out my trade secrets, okay?!"
"You know me," she sniffed as she wiped at her eyes. "I'm a tough businesswoman. Ain't no price that can get me to talk!" Smiling at him one more time, she added, "So long… Black Swordsman."
"Bye… you Rat," he chuckled, though the sound came out a bit choked. His vision began to blur, so he wiped at his eyes before he looked back at the portal, only to see that she was gone, though the portal was still active. Asuna gave him a one-armed hug while he sniffed and wiped at his face again, trying to get rid of the stinging sensation that lingered.
"I guess that since the portal is still open, we had best get going," Corrin said as he and his companions strode up to the front of the group. Looking up at Naga, he added, "I assume that this remains for our benefit?"
"It does," she nodded. "I appreciate your help, young king. Though based on what you have said, I feel safe assuming that the debt has already been settled?"
"Let's go with that," Corrin nodded after a moment.
"Wait, you're leaving already?" Chrom asked. "But there are questions I have for you!"
"I'm sorry, Chrom, but now is not the time," Corrin said with a slow shake of his head. "For now, all you need to do is remember what I told you about Anankos. Trust me, one day soon, all will be made clear."
"I…" Chrom sighed heavily. "Nothing is ever easy, is it? Very well, I will trust you again. You've yet to do anything other than help us. Be well on your travels, and may we meet again soon."
"Likewise," Corrin smiled as he shook hands with Chrom. Looking back at the Shepherds, his smile widened as he added, "I look forward to seeing all of you again."
Quickly releasing Chrom's hand, he stepped through the portal without another word. One by one, his companions offered their farewells and followed him into their world. After that, the vortex ceased as well, and only Naga stood above the beach.
"You have all done well," she told. "Each and everyone here has my eternal gratitude for what you have accomplished. For your efforts, I shall bless each of you with longevity and good health. You will each live to see your grandchildren's children, should you choose to have your own families in this time."
"Naga…" Kazuto said, eyes wide. "Thank you." The others all echoed his thanks even as the Divine Dragon began to fade away, vanishing like the mist on a spring morning.
"Let's go home, shall we?" Chrom asked no one in particular.
"Heh…" Kirito grinned as he looked at his friends and family around him. "We are home."
In the months following Grima's demise, many changes came through the Shepherds' world. Klein and Cordelia were quickly wed, followed shortly by Leafa and Ricken. Both occasions were attended only by the Shepherds and their immediate family. Both ceremonies were equally joyous occasions, and it was only the beginning for them.
Not even three months later did Cordelia come forth with the news that she was pregnant, which was another great cause for celebration among their friends and family. Klein was positively ecstatic, overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a father, telling anyone who would listen about how he couldn't wait to hold his child in his arms for the first time.
In the political realm, Chrom finally took the title of Exalt and set about rebuilding his broken nation the way that Emmeryn would have wanted it. The former Exalt herself lived with Lissa and Lon'qu in Ferox to avoid the public spotlight, where the gruff Feroxi warrior continued to serve as Basilio's right-hand man. Say'ri returned to Valm, where she became the new ruler of Chon'sin. Tiki, much to the surprise of her comrades- and her followers- returned to the Mila Tree for only a month for a period of sleep before emerging from her slumber with the intention of travelling the world with the Shepherds so that she could meet the people that had followed her mother for so long.
Plegia's government was being reconstructed with the help of both Ylisse and Ferox, both countries of which had a keen interest in being sure that the next ruler would not be as violent and irrational as their predecessor. At first they had considered offering the throne to Robin, but he immediately- and vehemently- refused. Instead, the acting ruler position would go to Henry, who turned out to be surprisingly good at the job with his wife Olivia at his side.
Robin was officially recognized as the Ylissean Armed Forces Supreme Commander by the Ylissean people- though he still preferred to be called 'Grandmaster'. He appointed Klein head of their Air Force, which he and Cordelia quickly rebuilt. Command of their land forces were given to Kirito, who quickly appointed Stahl as his right-hand. This struck some as odd, since the two men had never been particularly close, but Kirito firmly reminded them that Stahl was one of the most experienced Shepherds in the ranks, and he could be very well trusted to be an ideal role model for new recruits.
Lastly, command over the Shepherds themselves were given to the genius twins, Morgan and Marth. This might have seemed bizarre to many, but after everything that the men and women of Ylisse had seen, two teenagers leading the nation's most elite fighters was not high on their list of surprises.
Rebuilding Ylisse would take many years, but the Shepherds and the Warriors of Alfheim didn't mind. As long as their actions meant that their descendants were free to choose their own destinies, everything they did was worth the effort.
A massive canvas was spread across a wall that faced the entrance to the throne room. On it was depicted a pale warrior a black sword in hand. His clothes were all in black, matching his raven locks that partially obscured his face. Only one eye was visible, and it carried great sorrow in its bearing. At the bottom read, 'Lest we forget those that sacrificed even more than we.'
"A bit dark of a theme to put outside the throne room, don't you think?" Robin said as he walked up to Chrom, who was eyeing the art piece with a practiced gaze. "I mean, perhaps if it were in Plegia…"
"Not bloody enough for Henry's taste," Chrom chuckled, though his expression stayed grim. "Honestly though, I think that's exactly why it's good for this to be here. To serve as a stark reminder of what we could have become, had we lost our way."
"Fair enough," Robin nodded quietly. "Has Kirito's family seen it?"
"Yes, they actually just left," the Exalt replied. "They wanted to go visit Lon'qu and Lissa for the weekend." The two men chuckled at that. Most people leaving for the capital of Ferox would have had to take at least two weeks out of their schedules to visit for such a short time. However, the fairies were far faster than any other mode of transportation, which allowed them to get wherever they wanted with supreme ease.
"How's Emmeryn?" Robin asked after another quiet moment.
"Lissa says that she's doing well," Chrom smiled brightly. "Apparently, she's starting to recall some of our times together from the days before the war with Plegia."
"I'm glad to hear it," Robin nodded happily. "And I'm certain that a visit from Yui will do her good- she adores that little girl."
"I remember being quite taken with her myself when they first came into our lives," Chrom nodded. "A lot has changed, hasn't it?"
"Aye, and I have a feeling that things will continue to do so," Robin grinned. "After all, what good would a life filled with monotony do us?"
"Indeed," Chrom laughed. "If there were no adventures to be had, where we could all grow together, why would anyone write the chronicles?"
"Why, are you hoping something exciting and explosive will happen again?" Robin teased his friend.
"Gods no!" Chrom said as he walked away. "I've had enough adventures for multiple lifetimes!"
"Will they all be safe?" asked a youth with dark wings and a pale face.
"Yes," Naga answered him simply.
"Very well," Mako smiled fondly. "That's good enough for me. A good ending for the ones I love… Thanks for showing me, Great Dragoness."
"You are welcome," she smiled back at him. "Come. There are people waiting for you."
Home at last, he grinned as he followed her.
And they all lived happily ever after.
Kirito: Well... I guess this is it, huh?
Mataras: Yeah... Feels weird. I've been doing this story for almost as long as I've been writing on this website. It's kind of strange to be putting it behind me.
Robin: It's been quite the journey, but a good one. We've all seen you grow a lot in this, Mataras, and I think you'll be a better writer for it.
Corrin: Speaking of which, what's the plan for the next adventure? Is anything... fated to happen?
Mataras: Very funny, Corrin.
Corrin: Can't blame me for trying.
Mataras: Haha, fair enough. To answer your question, however, I am not planing on writing a sequel, no.
Chrom: Then what will you do now?
Mataras: If you want the answer to that, go take a look at my YouTube channel's podcast for July 7, 2017. I'll be answering any questions that come my way, and talking about the journey of this awesome story that I've loved so much.
Robin: What if we're too lazy to do that?
Mataras: Fine, I'll drop a hint- it involves another Star Wars crossover.
Kirito: With SAO? Is it a part of Star Sword?
Mataras: No and no. Want more answers? Come watch the podcast!
Kirito: Fine... How do we get there?
Mataras: There's a link in my profile page. We do a show every Friday night at 7 pm MT. Even if you can't make the live showing, come check us out whenever you can- I'm sure I'll have the answers you seek.
Yui: ... I guess it's time to go.
Mataras: Aye... goodbye, everyone. It's been fun.
Robin: Let's do it again sometime. Maybe as a Christmas present...?
Mataras: Heh. Perhaps.
A/N: Hard to believe that my very first cross-over story has finally come to a close. I've been on this journey for more than two years with you guys, and looking back, I realize how much this story has helped me grow as a writer. So many people have helped this story come along in their own ways, and now it's time for me to say; Thank you for everything. Just the fact that you have come to read this story is a big reason for why I write in the first place, so just by being here, you have contributed to this saga.
Then there are those that have consistently given the time to leave reviews and give me their advice, or just a word of encouragement. So for the honorable mentions, we have...
Warlord Fellhammer, one of my good friends and long-time supporters (I'm still calling you Northern Warrior, btw). If I'm ever looking for a solid guy to talk to, I know where to go.
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark, my most consistent and vocal reader. Your words never fail to pick me up.
LastRobyn... You're the man, hehe.
JoeClone, I can't thank you enough for being here so frequently.
Cy Man, your enthusiastic reviews are always welcome here.
DaManWOFear, a newer addition to the community, and a very welcome one at that.
NinjaFang1331, it's always been a pleasure to read your comments.
Coronadomontes, my thanks for your continued support.
Ericwinter, thank you once again for your wise words- they made all the difference.
Lord Destroyer... Well, I don't always agree with what you've had to say, but you've never hesitated to speak your mind. I admire and respect that.
GoldenCyclone4, SuperSonic64, darkpassenger815, Dragonspirit996, Ace Sniper 117, Minlay22, gokart48, novamage87, CrystalPhoenixBlader, MetacrisisDR, RSBCS, leyamasa, Mkchief34, and all the others that have read this tale... I hope that you all continue to find joy in the stories that are put out on this site, wherever you go. Be well, my friends.
And farewell to you, the Shepherds of Ylisse and Aincrad. You will always have a special place in my heart.