Chapter 19-Bonds

After Cynthia, Iniabi and I finished our emotional reunion we rejoined the terrified peasants who had been ambushed, Siffra, Bhavin, Therion and the other Cynthia. Gods, it was still confusing to have two Cynthias. Iniabi had used some minor incantations to clean up her armor, and gave her a silver amulet with a pair of wings that he claimed would be of use to her. He confided to me that it was enchanted with a charm that would mitigate her habit of tripping over her feet. The Mage still looked at an alternate version of his former wife riding ahead of us with a nervous expression; it was is if he was worried that now that he found her, he might lose her all over again. I gently nudged his shoulder.

He stirred from his stewing, "Oh. I'm sorry Mimika."

I gave him an encouraging smile, "Be yourself. She liked you once. Surely she'll like you again."

He looked unsettled instead of comforted, "I'm s-scared. I'm sure she'll be my friend, but what happens when she gets creeped out when she finds out I loved a version of her in another life?"

I sighed in mild exasperation, "Says the genius who masterfully changed the destiny of at least two couples and manipulated his way into the Scouts. Seriously, you pulled off your chess match with effortless grace and now you're afraid to take the final step?"

"Sorry if I sound like a whiny ass, Mimika," he sighed. "I'll pull myself together."

"That's more like it," I remarked with an air of satisfaction. I urged Slate to trot faster to review the plan for my newest Arrowhead Scout.

On the short journey back as the light was fading in the West, I rode next to the sprightly Pegasus knight with the Ice mage clinging to her back. After some discussion she agreed to adhere to her cover story about being a Pegasus Knight Plebe named Calithea Ferignis who had washed out of the Pegasus knight training at the Sunstone Keep. Despite her 'failure' she had refused to give up and became a Knight errant. I had decided on the spot to recruit her as my third Pegasus knight for the Scouts.

Walking next to us Therion looked over to his eerily beautiful fangirl clinging sitting behind the Knight, "Hey Cynthia?"

Both warriors turned around and smiled at the talented Mercenary.

"Gods. I mean Cynthia, not Calithea," he groused.

Calithea giggled into her glove.

The half Chon'sin Mage smiled sweetly, "Yes, my savior?"

"For the Gods sake, please stop calling me that," the exasperated warrior barked as he angrily ran his fingers through his dark hair. "You never owed me anything. There was never a need to track me down."

I smiled slightly myself, "Sounds like quite the tale, Therion."

The Ice mage broke into a beaming smile, "So that's what T's real name is. Therion, the swift wolf."

His face turned a little paler as he shot an annoyed glare my way with hurt plainly visible in his eyes behind his glasses, "Milady! She was never supposed to know my name."

I shrugged, "You told her that your name was just 'T'?"

His shoulders slouched as he looked miffed, "Correct. When I rescued her year and a half ago, she was being accosted by Brigands. I couldn't let that set, so I disposed of them when they refused to yield." He muttered, "Frankly, I barely remember the encounter. I have lost count of how many evil-doers I have cut down by now."

My soft smile increased in width, "Ah…now I see."

"Milady, don't go there. Please."

"Apologies Master Therion," Cynthia chimed in. "Lady Mimika is correct. I have been searching for my hero ever since that day. I wish to aid your quest for revenge, Master Therion."

Therion stopped short and looked stunned, "I never spoke a word about my quest for vengeance. How did you know, Cynthia?"

Cynthia calmly ticked off her observations, "The engraved silver dagger on your belt was designed for a lady to yield, if I am not mistaken. Every other item on your person is scuffed and well worn, yet that decorative dagger has nary a scratch. You wear it in revered remembrance, not to use in combat. The name Aramisa engraved on the sheath is a female given name as well. You also asked the head Brigand who cut me if she knew the name Zack Malingthry right before you cut her down."

The 'Swift wolf' looked ready to sink in to the ground in frustration.

I was impressed both by her perception and sharp reasoning. "Why didn't the Brigand claim that he knew this Zack dastard?"

"Oh of course she did, Lady Mimika. But she couldn't provide matching details as to his personal appearance. So he struck her down after three incorrect answers." She pulled up a white lock of her head and revealed a tiny scar arcing diagonally across her forehead. "This was the memento from that day."

The Mercenary shook his head, "Lady Mimika, can't you just order Cynthia to find someone else to admire? Please?"

I broke into giggles, "Miss Cynthia?"

"Yes, milady?"

"Would you like to join the Arrowhead Scouts? Mister Therion already in service for his sword skills." For some reason I was secretly enjoying him twisting in the wind, "I also promised him that I would commit my resources to find this dastard Zack."

He looked irate at my rather brazen meddling but realized helplessly that this wasn't his call.

"Yes, of course. It would be an honor. I can bind wounds as well as incant ice magic."

He sighed in sullen defeat.

…

We reached the crossroads by dusk and were pleasantly surprised that the Scouts and Shepards had already set up camp just off the road with two circles of white canvas tents ringed around separate campfires. I could already see Revellia, Ronna and Raven busily engaged in cooking the nightly meal with an appreciative crowd begging for samples. I honestly hoped to the Gods that it wouldn't be bear meat again. Only Sir Frederick and Robin seemed to never tire of the tough and unappealing meat. I sent the civilians the two Cynthias had protected to bunk with my mule wagon driver Finchson and his family. I waved the Pegasus knight Cynthia, Ice Mage Cynthia, and Mage Iniabi to follow me as I saw Lissa, Chrom, Robin, Sir Frederick and Sir Sumia standing at the Shepards' firepit.

Chrom looked up and shook his head in exasperation at the sight of me as we approached. "Good evening Mimi."

I bowed respectfully, "Good evening Chrom. My apologies if I've offended you." I also noticed Sumia was giving Calithea an odd look as if she was trying to place her face from somewhere.

The Prince sighed, "I'm sorry for being a grouch…"

Lissa giggled brightly, "Don't apologize. You're a master of furrowed brows, brother."

"Liss…honestly." He ignored his sibling's jab and fixed his dark blue eyes at me, "Why did you recruit the Sellsword trio back in Regina Ferox?"

I gave a guilty frown as I nodded, "Chrom, I know you like Zeno and Raven and loathe Regulus."

"Really? You couldn't tell?" He frowned disapprovingly in the direction of the Terrible trio one campsite over pestering Revellia for a bite of one of her pies. Robin looked amused at the exchange as she made notes in her Tactician logbook.

"Frankly, I dislike him myself, but we need able bodied and talented soldiers. You do wish to win against the foes of our homeland?"

"Well yes, but…ugh." He sighed with his deep voice, "Fine. The trio are your responsibility, Mimi. I will fight with them, but I will never stand by that backstabbing Sniper's side."

I bowed, "Fair enough, milord."

He noticed Iniabi, Cynthia and Calithea and his expression brighted, "Who are these young ladies?"

"Our newest recruits. This is Calithea Ferignis, a Pegasus knight plebe who didn't make Chief knight Matillia's cut. Despite that fact she and her ally here ably defended a party of half a dozen pilgrims from being slaughtered by the Risen."

Sumia gasped, "Oh no my dear. You look so banged up, Miss Ferignis. I am Sumia, a humble servant of the Captain."

Calithea bowed in return, "Naw, its no problem. I've just been wandering across the countryside of Ylisse, vanquishing evil. I didn't mind if my status is unofficial. I still needed to help as a heroine of justice!"

My ears rung dully from the effects of her booming voice. I was pleased that she omitted the detail that her story was technically true even though the date was off by about two decades. "I hope you did not mind that I took the initiative in recruiting her as a Scout. I promise that she is capable and can be trusted."

His anger had faded away quickly, and he gave the newest Shepard a firm handshake, "A true pleasure Miss Calithea."

"Thanks, boss!" Calithea stepped back and let Cynthia walk forward.

I continued, "This is Cynthia Yukiyama, a Priestess and Mage. She is a friend of Therion."

"No she isn't," an indignant voice came from the edge of the campsite. Everyone ignored the annoyed Mercenary's gripe.

Cynthia broke into a small titter while hiding her hand behind her mouth, "I am pleased to serve Lady Mimika, Your Highness. I know I can help the Ylissians." She bowed respectfully.

Sumia beamed, "Miss Cynthia, I have to say that is a beautiful name."

"I think so too, Sir Sumia."

The Prince now looked pleased, "Two new recruits in one day. Well done Mimi."

"My pleasure Chrom."

"Well, go eat something and rest up. We break camp at dawn."

We all saluted our leader and dispersed. I smiled as I passed by the cooking campfire with Iniabi and Calithea and smelled deer meat. That promised to be a tasty meal.

Raven looked up from stirring a pot of soup, "Lady Mimika. Good evening."

"Regulus, Zeno, over here please."

The other two Sellswords soon joined the huddle. "Chrom just spoke to me about your status."

"I overheard the entire conversation," Zeno chuckled, "We can stay right?"

I flashed him an annoyed look at his illicit eavesdropping.

"What? I'm a thief, you know. Being a sneaky dastard is what I do."

I shook my head and barely stopped from rolling my eyes, "So noted. Yes, Zeno is correct. All three of you all can stay."

"Wondrous," Raven enthused.

Zeno chuckled and gave an exaggerated bow, "At your service, milady."

Regulus snorted softly. "Chrom still presumes that his rank confers an air of wisdom?"

I had expected ingratitude from the prickly Sniper. "Regulus. You can stay, but steer clear of pairing up with the Shepards, especially Chrom. I think you will make a fine Arrowhead Scout."

His red eyes looked at me sharply, "I will shed blood for your cause. Do not equate that with any amount of sentiment or loyalty. Good night." He turned on his heel and strode away.

Gods, he was a difficult person to deal with at the best of times. I smiled weakly to the other two blood brothers, "Well have a pleasant evening."

"You as well, milady," Raven replied sincerely.

"'Night," Zeno spoke with a casual wave. He sat down at his zither and started playing a haunting tune to entertain the troops.

The next thing I knew, I saw Dia rush over to Ronna and hand her a stack of fire logs.

I called out to her, "Heya sweetie."

She looked at me with a joyful expression at the sound of my voice, but my maid turned deathly pale at the sight of our newest Pegasus knight. Her mouth hung open for a long moment, and the she squeaked out, "C-c-cynthia?" She ran into the shocked maiden and snuggled her with misted up eyes, "Oh Gods, Cynthia! I missed you so much!"

I felt my blood chill to ice as I realized that there was no way that she could know this boisterous girl's name. No way, unless…"

Calithea gave embraced the young teen with an utterly confused expression, "Hiya squirt. Do I know you?"

"What? You can't be serious Cindy! Didn't Lady Tiki send…you?" By now Dia was looking between Calithea and me with a horrified expression.

Despite a racing heart, I somehow managed to keep my voice level, "Dia, how do you know her name?"

Her face burned with deepest shame, "Milady…I…I…" She burst into tears as she raced out of the campsite.

Before going after her, I confirmed my hunch with my companions. "Calithea, have you met my maidservant Dia before?"

"No, milady."

I shifted my gaze to my clever Mage, "Iniabi?"

"I do not, Mimika."

"Thanks." I raced after Dia, although now I was unsure that I knew if I really know her at all...or even her real name.

…

It wasn't hard to find her, as I knew she loved gazing at the moon. I reached the oak that marked the branch in the road and found her perched on a rock next to the massive trunk. She refused to look me in the eye as I approached, instead kept her teary eyes fixed on the silver disc rising in the Eastern sky. "It's Lydia, milady. The name I gave you was actually a nickname."

I was still trying to process the shock that one of my closest allies was someone I didn't know. "Dia…Lydia. Why didn't you trust me? Why not tell me you're from the future?"

She buried her face in her arms, "I'm so sorry, Lady Mimika. I never, ever meant to hurt you. I just was so horribly self-centered and selfish. All I wanted was to see your lovely face again. I don't d-deserve to serve you. I should be cast out, and left alone."

I sat on the other side of the rock and only now realized how much misery Dia had hidden from me for nearly two whole years. I started to sniffle myself as my heart throbbed in pain. Then I had a flash of inspiration about how to handle the situation, "I see. Does that mean you don't love me anymore?"

"What?" Her head shot up in open-mouthed shock. "N-no milady! I adore you. I always have and I always will. I want to be at you side….always."

I scooted next to her and extended an open arm, "You may not be who you claimed to be, but you're still my family. Promise."

She looked at me with a deeply conflicted expression as tears streaked down her face, "But I'm an awful liar who only thinks of her own selfish gain. I also let you die along with your spouse. Why wouldn't you hate me for what I've done?"

I was married? What in Grima's name-? I shook my head and decided to address that bombshell later, "Lydia. Aren't you going to hug me?"

She bawled with grief and dove into my arms, releasing Gods knows how many years worth of self loathing. I could relate all too well. For over half an hour we embraced and I gently sung Alouette to her over and over again.

Finally she blew her nose on a handkerchief and calmed down enough to be coherent. "I'm so sorry, milady. I messed everything up. Go ahead and ask away."

I stroked her hair lovingly, "Why didn't Cynthia know you?"

She looked up from my lap with sad brown eyes, "I come from a different future than yours. I hail from an Outrealm that closely mirrors this world. I wasn't born in this world's future as you never married."

I nodded, "Please spare me the details of this future until you think it is imperative that I know. The less I know, the less I have to conceal from Chrom. I also don't want to ineptly disrupt the flow of time recklessly."

She managed a flickering smile, "Okay. I will. Whatever you want to know I will tell you."

"What is your primary mission?"

"I was tasked by my Exalt, Chrom's future child, to find help from this Outrealm and bring them back in our hour of greatest need."

Horse plop. I frowned deeply, "So, let me get this straight. The Shepards will have to save both this world and a parallel world from utter ruin?"

"Yeah. I know, it's too much to ask. Sorry." She lowered her head on my lap, and wiped at her eyes.

"No, I wager that Chrom will help. He would gladly help save two worlds if the need was dire enough."

"R-really? He would?" She looked beyond stunned.

I gave a wink, "Let me know when the time is right."

"Of course milady."

"Next item. Please don't reveal anything about my fated spouse from your world. I need to find him or her on my own."

She sighed and gave a glum nod in agreement. I reasoned that she would have loved to matchmake me to this mystery individual.

"Finally, why did you make a beeline to the Sunstone Keep? It isn't exactly in the center of anything except remote mountains. Why go there instead of Ylisstol? Why seek to serve a disgraced Lady like me?"

"P-please don't h-hate me, milady when you hear this." She clutched onto my hand tightly, "My real name is Lydia Paraglaive."

"Pa-Paraglaive! You mean you're my…daughter?"

She couldn't face me and sobbed piteously, "I…am."

"Oh my darling! My treasure!" Overcome with emotion I cradled her in my arms and hugged her so tightly I feared I would break her. "I never planned to have a child, but I would be honored to be your mother." Tears burned my eyes as we cried together. "My poor child. Never doubt that I love you more than my own life."

"M-mother, I love you so much." She clung to me and we basked in the glow of a torn family reunited. I knew my husband was still out of the picture, but I knew he would inevitably appear. Even if she was from another world, I belatedly realized that I had fallen in love with this precious girl the moment she had set foot in my…our home.