The story comes to an end.

I'll say up front, there was a certain role Fujin Yumi was going to play in this chapter, but it didn't work out. So I found a way around it. In theory I don't think it would mess with continuity.

I'd like to once again thank Lovelylori for Beta Reading, epictacticianjay for the original prompt, and all the reviewers for giving me additional perspective. I hope you've enjoyed this.

When Sakura regained consciousness, she found herself in what appeared to be a field. She felt… light. No, she felt absolutely weightless. Her headache was gone, her thoughts were clear. And she was being embraced by someone.

"Sakura… my precious child. It feels so good to have you in my arms again!" Sakura recognized Queen Mikoto's voice.

"M-Mother?"

"Yes, Sakura. I'm here for you now."

The sheer comfort Sakura felt from Mikoto's words and actions were too much. Sakura stood up properly and returned the hug. They stayed that way for a few moments, though it felt eternal. After enough time, Sakura found the courage to ask the question she had feared.

"Mother, you died… D-does that mean…?"

Mikoto held her daughter even closer, and her breathing became labored. That told Sakura all she needed to hear.

Sakura's own breathing picked up, though she realized she probably did not need to breathe at all anymore. "I… I can't believe it. I… I never got to see Takumi again… Or Ryoma and Hinoka… I never got to see Hana or Subaki... Yukimura… even Corrin and Azura! I never got to s-say goodbye! I never got to tell them I was sorry…"

Mikoto gently ran her fingers through Sakura's hair, as the princess started weeping. "I… felt the same way. On that day in the town square… there were so many people I knew I would be leaving behind. So many people I would hurt, just by ending my life for Corrin's. Including you, my dear cherry blossom… I'm sorry I put you through that."

"N-no, Mother, I should apologize!" Sakura looked up to her mother's face, her eyes still wet. "Mother I'm so sorry! I… I could only think of killing Corrin! I hated him so much, you must hate me for what I did! What I said!"

The queen gave her daughter a sad smile. "I don't hate you, Sakura. I could never hate any of my children. You were just hurt." Then the smile faded away. "You were hurt so badly…"

"A-are you upset about what he did?"

Mikoto's smile returned, but it masked a bit of pain. "I… would have liked for all my children to be together again. But we must all be allowed to make our own choices in life, even if it means others will disagree with us."

Sakura closed her eyes. "I'm… I'm still mad at him. I don't want to hurt him anymore, but… but… I don't think I'll ever forgive what he did."

"Shh…" Mikoto pat her daughter's back. "I understand. You've always had a big heart. But we're all human in the end."

"He… he really hurt us." Sakura sighed. "When he fought us at the border, he refused to fight me. I thought it was because I was… because I was weak. I couldn't heal you, or anyone who died that day… I was never good at anything physical…" She noticed the despondent look in her mother's eyes. "But… I was wrong! I learned how to be a better archer…! I traveled with Takumi, and held my ground when Fort Jinya was invaded! And that was all me!" Sakura smiled. "I decided to make myself stronger, and… isn't that in itself the mark of a strong person?"

The fallen queen smiled warmly, silently congratulating Sakura for her breakthrough.

"So I suppose that's what Azura was really saying, when we met at Dia." Mikoto nodded, as Sakura continued to speak. "Corrin never meant to hurt us. And that's the real reason for the things he's said, I'm sure of it. Heh, it's all so obvious when I look back."

The queen looked off to the distance, closing her eyes. "Such is life. Sometimes we can never see things for what they are until it's too late." She smirked. "Unless you can see into the future."

The two shared a quick laugh, before Mikoto's expression went grim again.

"If only I could've seen this. Maybe I could have prevented it somehow… kept that beast from reaching you…"

Sakura looked up again. "Huh? Wh-what are you talking about?"

Mikoto looked over her shoulder. "We have another joining us. It would be best if I told you both together."

Sakura leaned her head and saw a familiar face behind Mikoto.

"Ryoma?!"

Sakura's brother, the samurai in red armor, Hoshido's heir, was indeed standing in the field with them.

"Sakura? Mother?!"

Mikoto partly let go of Sakura, and guided her to Ryoma, before pulling both of them into a group hug. "Oh, my son… You fought so bravely. You can rest, now."

After Mikoto released him and Sakura, Ryoma was still for a moment. "Mother… thank you. But, if you're here, and since I…" The samurai stared at his youngest sister. "Sakura, what happened?! Who hurt you?!" His breathing became uneasy. "You weren't supposed to... RAAAAAH!"

"Ryoma!" Sakura was caught by surprise, as Ryoma fell to his knees, slamming his fist on the ground.

"What nightmare is this? Corrin assured me you had all survived! But was that a lie?!" A tear streaked down Ryoma's face. "Sakura, I'm sorry. I've failed you as your older brother…"

"Ryoma, please don't cry! I-it'll be okay!" Sakura had no idea if that was true. "W-we can be with Mother now!" She turned to face Mikoto. "C-can't we?"

"It's… a strange contradictory feeling." Mikoto rested a hand on Ryoma's shoulder comfortingly. "It pains me to know your lives ended when they did. But I also feel such joy to know that we can be together… Parenthood is odd, that way."

Ryoma stayed silent. Sakura had never seen Ryoma so… broken before. Usually he remained stoic, or channeled his sorrow into fury. But never had she seen him like this. Sakura imagined that she was far from being alone in that regard.

That realization, with this glimpse of Ryoma's sorrow, was when Sakura finally realized just how much her brother had kept his sorrows bottled up. Why, other than basic patriotism, he had thrown himself into the war, with the occasional lapse in judgment: he had to be strong. For Hinoka, Takumi, Sakura, and especially himself. Their mother had died and their brother had left them behind, and Ryoma was expected to fight and win a war immediately after.

But he was only human.

Quietly, the princess got down onto her knees and embraced Ryoma.

In Castle Shirasagi's throne room, Corrin, Azura, and all the Nohrian royals watched as the hollowed, slimy beast pretending to be Garon faded away. Xander was the first to speak.

"Rest in peace, Father…"

"He'll be happier now. He'd want us to remember him for the man he was before." Corrin's gaze turned down. "It's too bad I never got to meet him." From what Xander, Leo and Camilla had told him, Garon was once a great man. Before he had succumbed to whatever mysterious force made him this way. This was a bittersweet victory.

At the entrance of the room, a long ways away, gloved arms drew the dark string on a skeletal yumi, Skadi. A dark, magical arrow formed and was fired, barely missing Corrin. However, it did get everyone's attention.

"S-Sakura?!" Corrin gasped.

It was indeed Sakura, or what was left of her. She was cloaked in purple flames, her eyes now as crimson as Corrin's very own. She shuddered to herself as she readied another shot from her weapon.

"Forsaken… I've been forsaken…"

"Sakura what are you doing?"

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

Sakura shuddered, and clutched her head in pain.

"What is it?!" Ryoma questioned. Mikoto shook her head.

"The beast who's controlling her… Sakura will not be able to move on with us as long as it has a hold on her."

"It hurts…!"

Ryoma stood up, and tried getting Sakura to stand up with him. "I've seen this before… Is this the cause of all the headaches you've had, Sakura?"

"I… I don't know!"

"I can explain," Mikoto solemnly told them. "Sakura, Ryoma… There are too many details to go into, but King Garon is not the monster you think he is. He was once a good man. He actually went through the same experience as Sakura."

"Truly?!" Ryoma was shocked, and Sakura would be too, if she weren't in such pain. "Then, what will become of her?!"

The queen grimaced at the sight of her daughter in pain. "Unless Sakura's physical form is put to rest… she may go on to be even worse than King Garon. And Sakura's soul will never know peace."

"But why?! Why did this happen?!" Ryoma asked. Sakura couldn't see, but she felt her brother's hand resting on her shoulder.

"It happened when she fell into the Bottomless Canyon." Mikoto stepped closer, and Ryoma allowed her to put her hands on Sakura's shoulders. "Those headaches of yours were the work of that corruption. Clawing at your mind, taking advantage of your insecurities, and waiting for you to submit control."

Sakura tried to take deep breaths to block out the pain. Ryoma was furious.

"We were so blind! If only we'd noticed sooner! We could have saved you, Sakura!" He hung his head. "I don't deserve to be your brother."

"My noble son… It couldn't be helped. Azura's song is the only thing that can drive away the beast," Mikoto explained. She followed with a sigh. "If only…"

"Wh-what do we do now?" asked Sakura, clutching her head.

Mikoto sighed, and turned wistfully to the sky.

"We wait."

"Sakura, please! The war is over! We don't have to fight!" Corrin called.

"We're sorry about what we did," Elise added, "please stop! We'll leave you alone!"

Xander shook his head. "I have a bad feeling about this," he said. "Look at the way she moves. She's very stiff, and inarticulate. As though her body isn't used to movement."

Then Sakura simply fired an arrow, right in the royal family's direction. They all dodged, though Corrin caught that he would have been the only one struck.

"Sakura, King Garon is gone now!"

Azura put a hand on Corrin's shoulder. She appeared to be on the verge of tears. "Corrin…"

"Azura, what's wrong?"

"Corrin… Sakura is gone. Don't you see? This is exactly what happened to King Garon!"

The prince's heart sank. "Wh-what?! Are you telling me Sakura…" he gulped. "Are you saying she-"

"I'm afraid so…" She interrupted him with an answer, maybe so he wouldn't have to say it himself. But Corrin didn't feel any appreciation, only confusion and frustration.

"But… but when? How?!"

"I don't know. But… there's no denying it." Azura let out a sob. "I'm sorry, Corrin…"

Just like that, Corrin's eyes began to water. "Sakura… Is this… my fault?"

"Poor thing…" Camilla said under her breath.

Leo stepped closer to Corrin. "Brother, I don't wish to undervalue your feelings. But we need to think of a plan. If Azura is right, then we can't let your sister go on to become the same as… as that monster pretending to be our father."

Corrin knew Leo was right. And he hated it.

"It wasn't enough to slay my father, but now I have to fight Sakura again…"

Sakura kept droning on. "Worthless… pathetic… I have to kill you!" Sakura fired three arrows. One in Corrin, Leo, and Azura's direction, but they scattered in order to dodge. The other was shot at Elise, making Xander leap in to block with his sword.

The third, however, was aimed in Corrin's new position. It hit him dead on.

"Aaah!" He fell to his knee. "This can't be! Sakura!"

Corrin stole a glance at his attacker. Tears were running down Sakura's face, but she… or the beast claiming her, remained on the offensive. "Because of you… my worthlessness… I've disappointed so many… weak… because what you did… my friends… Hoshido… the pain…"

Corrin sighed. I can't see a lot of options, here. I think… I just have to take it.

The prince held Yato tightly and stood up. Corrin began to step closer to Sakura, prompting Xander to hold out his hand.

"Corrin, stop!"

"I cannot, Xander. If what Azura said is true, then… then my sister is gone. This beast has taken her thoughts, her fears… and broken her mind beyond repair." He closed his eyes. "I take full responsibility for all the suffering you've endured, Sakura. Just because I followed my beliefs, that doesn't change the fact that I've caused you undue pain."

Corrin widened his legs and spread his arms. "If you want to shoot, you'll only shoot me. I'm the one you want to kill, right? I'm…" He gulped. "I'm ready…" He quaked in fear. I don't want to die. And I'm not sure how strong she is. But if fighting me is what will put her at ease, then I'll let her.

"I'll show you… I'LL SHOW YOU HOW PATHETIC YOU REALLY ARE!" Sakura released an arrow, and hit Corrin right in the abdomen.

The Nohrian prince went flying back, as Yato broke into pieces. "AAAAAH!"

Corrin could've sworn he'd heard everyone calling his name in panic. But he couldn't focus with that intense pain in his stomach. I must stay awake…! I can't… can't die now… but…

I feel… so tired…

She nursed another headache while watching from a distance. Corrin had woken up in the cosmic plane.

Mikoto was there to greet him, just as she did for her. They reunited, and Ryoma had joined them. They spoke of training. Then when Corrin remembered what had happened, Mikoto told him what he could do. Corrin could stay, forever, or he could return to the world of the living and save his friends and family, whom believed he would return.

Sakura heard the sounds. She heard her own voice, distorted by the Silent Dragon's influence. It sickened her. She then heard the voices of the remaining friends and allies Corrin had with him. They all cared about him so much. It was at that moment, Sakura realized just how much the Nohrian royal family truly loved Corrin. Despite the circumstances of his arrival, they had welcomed him warmly as one of their own. The fallen princess had a chuckle over her foolishness in judging Xander and the rest so quickly. Their people had done horrible things, but they were also capable of compassion, the same as anyone else.

Ryoma was speaking to Corrin, but Sakura had missed the last part of their talk, distracted by the other voices. Then Ryoma had gestured towards her. When Corrin saw her, he flinched, fear was prominent in his eyes.

"Sakura?! But I thought you were-"

Surprising herself, Sakura ran up to Corrin and hugged him. She hugged him so tightly, he'd groaned in mild pain. But Sakura didn't care. This was her one and only chance to say goodbye her brother. "I'm sorry, Big Brother… I'm so, so sorry!"

"Sakura…"

"I… I really was angry with you, Corrin. B-but that didn't excuse how far I'd gone…" She looked up to meet his face. He really did look a lot like Mikoto, up close. "But you should know, whoever attacked you, it's not me. I… died, Corrin. And then that monster took control of my body."

Corrin frowned and placed his arms around Sakura, hugging her back. "Oh, Sakura. Is… Is Azura right? Is there truly nothing that can save you?"

"There's only one thing… Y-you have to stop her, Corrin. You have to! And then I can…" She shuddered. "Then I can move on…" Sakura had not cried at all during their reunion. But now she could hear Corrin weeping softly. She gave him a sad smile. "It'll be okay, Corrin. I've made peace with that." She then looked away in shame, or perhaps ingrained bashfulness. "But even so… I don't know if I can forgive you. Hoshido will never be the same as it was…"

She got a wry smile for that statement, as Corrin's tears were slowing down. "That's fair. I have to take responsibility for my actions." Corrin wiped the last tear from his eye. "I don't know where I'd be without Xander and the others…" He took a deep breath. "But you are my family as well, and I shouldn't have treated you as I did."

Sakura frowned at that. "B-but even then, I don't want this to be the end for you! Corrin, you have… you have another family who still cares about you. I won't let you leave them too, so you have to go back down there! You have to finish this!"

"... You're right. Mother and Ryoma told me that the imposter won't stop until she's destroyed all of Nohr, before destroying all that remained." Corrin and Sakura let go of each other. "Is there… anything you'd like me to pass on?" Sakura nodded.

"I'll miss them… Ryoma and Mother will too. I-I don't know if they'd believe you, but can you tell Hinoka and Takumi… and Hana and Subaki… we love them, and that we'll watch over them?"

Corrin smiled. "I will. And know that I love you too. I'll miss you, Sakura."

Sakura nodded, as Ryoma walked up to the two. "Before you go, remember that Yato was broken by that doppelganger's attack. Use this to find your way back." Ryoma presented Raijinto to Corrin. "Please… allow me one final act of brotherly guidance."

Corrin hesitated, though he ultimately managed to steel himself. "All right. I will." Corrin took Raijinto, holding it gently, as though a gift from the gods themselves. "You, Sakura, and Mother… You can all rest easy."

Mikoto reappeared and flashed a smile for her son. Seeing her this way, Sakura knew that she was where Corrin got his own smile. "You've become such a noble young man, Corrin. I've never been prouder to be your mother. Don't forget that we will watch over you as well."

Corrin felt himself about to cry, but took a breath. "Thank you, Mother. I'll see you all again someday, and maybe then things can be different."

At that time, a woman in a blue dress and white apron appeared. While Corrin still held Raijinto, the newcomer spirited him away, to save his friends from the Silent Dragon's puppet.

"Good luck…" Sakura said under her breath.

"Who was that woman, Mother?" asked Ryoma. Mikoto simply smiled.

"An old friend who had also wanted to see Corrin one last time…"

It was up to Corrin now, to put an end to the misery and grief caused by the Silent Dragon, whom had pitted the kingdoms against one another. Mikoto held her arms out, inviting both her children to step closer, that she may put her arms around them. Sakura smiled, holding her mother's arm closer. I feel… peaceful. I think I'll be okay now…

She looked over to Ryoma and Mikoto's faces. They both smiled as they saw her.

No… I know it for certain!