I Spy

One month after the Expedition to Khadein.

"C'mon, Ricky! C'mooooon!" Nowi whined, pulling the short apprentice down a street. "We're gonna miss him!"

"I don't even know what we're doing here!" Ricken replied, trying his best to escape the clutches of the manakete, to no avail. Sighing, he eventually gave in and followed her. He felt his cheeks warm up when Nowi held his hand, lacing their fingers together. He decided it'd be a good idea to go along with whatever she was planning. For the moment, at least.

"We gotta get you over that one fear!" Nowi clarified badly. "You know, that one fear? Of that one guy? The guy with the scars across his face who always looks all angry and you think you'll see him standing over you one night with a knife-!"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Ricken interrupted incredulously, almost wanting to scream. "What in Naga's name are you even talking about!? The only person I know like that is-!" Ricken gulped, feeling a chill go up his spine. "D-Do you mean Alex…?"

Nowi's face lit up in recognition, a toothy grin finding its way to her youthful face. "Ah, so that was his name! I always forget it. Aaaanyway, we're gonna go spy on him!"

"W-why?" Ricken asked, suddenly feeling like he wanted to run away like a scared rabbit. "W-Wouldn't that make him mad at us?"

"Well, yeah, but only if we get caught! Just a lil' harmless eavesdropping, ya know?" Nowi replied, pulling Ricken up to the corner of a building, facing the street nearby. ""Sides, I do this aaaall the time, you just don't know it!"

Ricken didn't know what to do with that information, so he just went along with Nowi's suicide mission.

Nowi peeked around the corner eyes narrowing as she searched for her target. She eventually found him, standing nearby. He looked particularly imposing from where she stood; even with his back against the wall and slouching, he was taller than most people who passed him by, except for a select few. Even from her distance, she could make out his face. A scarred visage, with said damage trailing from his neck and up his chin, all the way up to his right cheek. It was partially covered by the light beard on his features, but still visible. And how could anyone miss the metal hand strapped to his arm?

Nowi smiled deviously. This was where the fun began.

"I-I really don't think we should be doing this, Nowi," Ricken said nervously, playing with his fingers. "If he sees us he might start yelling-"

"Hey, Ricky," Nowi began, interrupting the nervous apprentice. "Did you know Alex is scared of big rabbits?"

Ricken's mind ground to a halt. "…What?" He asked confusedly.

"Yeah, he has this whole thing." Nowi thought for a second. "What was her name? Pan? Pannay? No, it was Panne! Yeah, he's scared to death of her! I swear I can almost hear his heart beating in his chest when she walks past him!"

The rabbit analogy Ricken thought of earlier came to mind, and he idly wondered if Alex would be scared of him if he were a rabbit. He shook that silly thought away.

"Panne's a taguel…" Ricken mumbled, thinking for a moment. "Did she, uh, do something while she was a rabbit?"

"I dunno." Nowi shrugged. "Happened before I joined. Think it happened during the… uh… the assassination attempt, I think? Eh, whatever. That's old news! I've got a bit more to talk about!"

"C-can't we just go?" Ricken asked again, this time adjusting his hat. Nowi liked the hat; it was always fun to play with. "I think I've had enough…"

"Oh, c'mon!" Nowi pouted. "Stop being such a worrywart. Everything's fine! See?" She gestured to Alex, who seemed to be looking around for someone. His gaze didn't even hesitate when it met theirs. Either he didn't see them or didn't care. "He's practically blind! Okay, well, maybe not blind, but it's alright! Nothing's gonna happen, trust me!"

Ricken hated to see her pouting like that. He knew he wouldn't be able to resist it for long. "…Alright, I guess we could… stay a little longer," he begrudgingly agreed. "I still don't know why we're spying on him like this. How's it helping me with, er, my problem?"

"I thought the rabbit thing would make you feel better, but I guess you're still scared, huh?" Nowi crossed her arms and propped her head up on her hand. "Hmm. You know, I've heard stories from some of the other Shepherds. They say he used to train with Sully all the time… No, nevermind, that's just sad, not funny." Nowi snapped her fingers. "I got it! You know who Cordelia is, right?"

Ricken nodded, looking down. "Yeah, she's the Knight-Captain training new recruits, right? At least, I thought she was. She's also a part of the Shepherds, right?"

"Mhm!" Nowi hummed. "Actually, Alex and Cordelia saved me and Gregor back in the deserts. Had all these bad men chasing us. Made me do… all sorts of tricks…" Nowi's face darkened for the first time since Ricken had met her, making him take a step back. Unpleasant memories went through Nowi's head for a moment before she returned to normal. "Ah! Sorry about that! Anyway, they got us and brought us to the Shepherds, and here we are!"

Ricken gulped, and yet he had a strange urge to gather Nowi in his arms. Bitterly, he wondered if he'd even be able to get his arms all the way around her. "Okay, that explains that, but what does that have to do with Cordelia?"

Nowi was about to answer, before she noticed a red-haired lady moving through the crowd and towards Alex. "Why don't we look?"

Alex looked up and noticed her, his face instantly brightening as she approached. Similarly, a smile broke out on Cordelia's fair features, and the two shared a quick embrace.

"He isn't so scary when he's with her, huh?" Nowi remarked. "He's always like that when she's around. Looks like a sourpuss but then when she comes along, he's just all sunshine and smiles!"

Ricken almost couldn't believe it. He hadn't made many interactions with the blond Knight, but he'd never seen him smile like that.

Ricken heard Nowi sigh and froze when he felt her head on his shoulder.

"Don't they look so happy together?" Nowi asked, almost as if she was questioning the world itself instead of Ricken. "I wish I could have that, someday."

Ricken made a decision then and there. A crucial one. For the moment though, he contented himself with putting an arm around Nowi.

He was a little proud just to be the one with her.

Familiar Faces

One month before the return from Khadein.

Cordelia leaned slightly in her seat, a sigh escaping her lips as she relaxed. "Thank you for this, Sumia. It feels like it's been ages since I could just sit down!"

Sumia sat on the other side of the ornate table, gently sipping a cup of tea. She wasn't sipping because she wanted to; she was scared the teacup would slip from her grasp and crash to the floor. That was one of the aspects about her that never changed, even after becoming the Queen.

"Heh, I've said that same thing to myself for these past few months." Sumia giggled, her heart jumping in her chest as she put down her teacup. The way it wobbled worried her. "I had to take lessons on how to appear queen-ly. Did you know that? They had me walk in the most uncomfortable shoes in existence! And the speech lessons! Hah…" Sumia paused. "…Remember when we were just kids?"

"I try not to. Some of the things I said back then… Gods, tell me you don't remember anything!"

Sumia looked perplexingly at her red-headed friend. "Why wouldn't I? You didn't say anything embarrassing! I always thought it was really romantic when you talked about being-!"

"Please, please!" Cordelia pleaded. "Not another word!"

Sumia held her hands up placatingly. "Alright, alright! Don't worry; I haven't told anyone else!"

Cordelia breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. There are some things that should never be spoken again." Cordelia thought for a moment. "Although you aren't wrong. Back then we were just the daughters of minor lords, playing with sticks in the forest. Heh." Cordelia looked off to the side, a whimsical expression on her face. "Now look at us. I'm a Knight-Captain, training recruits along with the great Phila, and you're the Queen of Ylisse! I've always wanted to be where I am now, but Gods do I sometimes wish we could go back to those days."

A small, devious smile made its way to Sumia's lips. "Even if you had to repeat everything you said back then?"

Cordelia frowned, looking at her best friend for a moment. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. "Maybe. I'll need to think about it. Wait, what am I saying? That'll never happen, so I have nothing to worry about. Why do you keep bringing that up?"

"Because it was so cute!" Sumia defended herself. "The way you said you wanted to have someone-!"

"I was eight years old!"

"You were also short!"

"What does that have to do with anything!?"

"I don't know!"

Cordelia and Sumia both stood up from their seats, staring each other down. For a moment, silence reigned. Then they both burst into laughter. Even after a few moments, a few giggles could be heard.

"Ahah, I've missed this! Just the both of us, sitting around. Just like old times!" Something occurred to Sumia then, something she'd neglected thinking about for a while. Now that her marriage had come and gone, she was able to reflect on a few choices she made back then. Some of which she had grown to question.

Instead of saying something, she merely looked down at the table, a small frown forming on her face.

Cordelia noticed this, as she rose a brow in curiosity. "Sumia? Is something wrong?"

Sumia jumped, seemingly forgetting her friend's presence for a moment. "E-er, no, not really. I've just realized something is all."

Cordelia leaned forward. "It must be something big if it makes you frown like that. Do you want to talk about it?"

Sumia pursed her lips. "It involves you, actually. You'd be… You're the person who deserves to know, after all."

"Sumia?"

"Cordelia, I'm sorry," Sumia said, straight-faced. It was an unnatural expression, as if she was trying her best to maintain it. "I… I haven't been a very good friend, these past few months."

Cordelia's expression became bemused. "What are you talking about?"

"I knew how you felt about Chrom," Sumia continued, her lips beginning to quaver. "And yet, I made you the Maid of Honor at our wedding. I gave you a front row seat as Chrom and I made our vows. I should've known better but I was just so… so happy that I completely forgot about…"

Cordelia began to understand, and with that, she decided to comfort her friend. In her mind, what was in the past was in the past. She'd moved on since then, anyway.

"Sumia," Cordelia said, placing her hand on her friend's. "I'm happy for you. I said that when you asked me to be the Maid of Honor, and I will say it again. I'm happy for you and everything you've achieved in so little time. I mean, you're the Queen of Ylisse! You should be worrying more about all of the paperwork and time you have to spend helping govern the Halidom than worry about a Knight-Captain's old crush."

"B-but what about-?"

"But nothing." Cordelia said firmly. "If it means so much to you, then I forgive you. It was your wedding, and you even gave me the choice. You deserved to be happy." Cordelia smiled, pulling a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Besides, I believe I have found… somebody else."

That's when the tears started. Sumia got up, and in a display of speed Cordelia didn't know was possible, practically shifted around the table between them and hugged her tightly. Cordelia returned it sheepishly, wondering just how they went from talking about when they were children to crying over something so silly.

In her mind, her memory of her crush on Chrom was so faint, as if it wasn't there. She remembered having a crush, of course, but she had to actually think for a moment on who it was for. Her mind was much more preoccupied with logistics and training routines that might help the Pegasus Knight recruits, as well as the image of a blond-haired man.

"T-thank you, Cordelia! Y-you have no idea how-!" Sumia detached herself from Cordelia, sniffling before composing herself. "S-sorry that I became so emotional all of a sudden. I-I don't know what came over me!"

"It is hardly befitting of one of your station, Sumia, so…" Cordelia trailed off.

"Yes, yes, of course!" Sumia sniffled one more time before sitting down again. "I apologize again. I hope I didn't-" Another thought occurred to her. This one much more mischievous than the last. "So, found someone else already, hmm?"

Cordelia's heart dropped. She had made a grave mistake.

"I wonder just who could have grasped your heart so quickly? They must be someone truly exceptional." Sumia stared at her friend, a grin stretching from ear to ear forming on her face. "Let me take a guess… it's Alex, isn't it?"

Cordelia stayed silent and looked everywhere within the room except at her old friend. This only caused Sumia to giggle.

"I knew it! You're head over heels, aren't you?" Sumia gushed. "It's too bad he's away, then. You know, I can't blame you. He does have a certain charm about him. A lot like Chrom now that I think about it, except maybe more grizzled, in a way. I mean, those scars, and that voice, and those arms that will hold you tight and never let you go-!"

"Gods, listen to yourself, Sumia!" Cordelia cried indignantly. "…You're not wrong, but that's beside the point!"

Their conversations lasted well into the day.

A Girl and her Wyvern

Three weeks before Walhart's Invasion of Archanea.

The boat creaked as faint, blue light seeped through the holes and cracks in the wood above. It rocked and rumbled as if it was being torn apart by some monstrous creature. Next to her, Minerva's reptilian eyes zipped back and forth, as if looking for the cause of the infernal noises that upset her so. She laid a hand on her dearest friend's head, softly shushing the large wyvern. Minerva opened her mouth ever so slightly, letting out a low rumbling sound. Some would say it sounded like a cat purring. Cherche found that an odd and lowly comparison; Minerva was cuter than any feline she'd ever seen.

"Shh, Minerva. It'll be over soon." Cherche cooed, quietly, attempting to calm the wyvern down. "Gods, but these sailors are not very polite, hmm? Locking us down here…" She smiled as Minerva's 'purrs' continued. "It is not as if we had much choice, though, did we? I only hope Walhart's men aren't pursuing us." She giggled. "Although even if they did, I'm sure they would run at the sight of you. Not everyone can appreciate your charms, I suppose."

Minerva produced a sound somewhere between a gurgle and a yip.

Cherche hummed. "You have a point; they were gracious enough to make enough room for us. They cannot be all bad, surely."

Minerva growled, her slitted iris narrowing.

Cherche smiled good-naturedly. "Oh, I know this is very uncomfortable either way, Minerva, but it wouldn't do for us to be shot out of the sky by Walhart's forces before we even make it to the ocean, hmm? Besides, I know you cannot fly that far. I still remember how far we traveled last time, you know? I do not want to go through that again."

Minerva seemingly paused, blinked, and rumbled again, moving her head away.

"Aww, don't be like that, Minerva. I just said it would be over soon, did I not?" Cherche said, trailing her gloved hand down the reptile's back. Minerva's wing moved a little, covering Cherche. "I knew you still cared."

Cherche leaned back, her armor cushioning her for the most part. Still, sleeping in it for as many days as she had was starting to grate on her. Then again, there was not many opportunities to bathe. Not since Walhart completed his 'assimilation' of her beloved Roseanne. It was only the lower territories that really put up any resistance against his dedicated war machine; the rest had surrendered when her lord left, just as was planned.

Cherche had complicated feelings about that. In the end, however, she understood. His flight ensured that there would still be a Roseanne to come back to, to fight for. Virion was a fool, but a smart fool, as some within his own keep openly stated. All good-naturedly, surely, at least before he left. Cherche had no doubt that he fully intended to return, and she told him that once her work within what remained of her country was over, she would join him.

Two long years later, and there she was, becoming a stowaway on the only ship to leave Valm in almost a year. Most of the ports around the continent had been closed, what with the constant warring, and any stabilized areas within the Empire's control were ordered to keep their harbors closed until further notice.

It made the situation difficult, but as evidenced, she and Minerva had pulled through in the end.

Cherche settled, closing her eyes. There would be several days of this ahead, of loud waves crashing into the sides and boisterous voices shouting above. She was nothing if not patient, and she would bear with it for as long as was necessary.

She only hoped that Lord Virion had secured the help they so desperately needed.

Death and Taxes

One month before Walhart's Invasion of Archanea.

Robin groaned as Alex sheepishly placed more paperwork on his desk. "Gods," He hissed. "What is it this time?'

Alex was silent for a moment, as he was want to do, before explaining: "Requisition order. Lord Fargus' troops are low on weapons. Says he wants fifty swords of iron make, thirty spears of steel, and suggested that a silver sword be given to him as a badge of office." Alex then shrugged. "Personally, I didn't wanna bring it to you, but…"

Robin held his hand up, silencing his sworn knight. "I understand. We cannot allow the army to be ill-prepared when Valm invades. However, a silver sword!? Does the man think gold grows on trees?"

"He is a noble from the south, I guess," Alex replied, rubbing the back of his head, a tic that Robin had grown accustomed to the past few years. "And he is a more minor lord, considering he can't afford a fucking sword for himself."

"And yet he would ask me to arm his own troops?" Robin sighed, burying his face in his hands. The needs of a constant standing army were weighing heavily on him. He didn't trust anyone save for Chrom and Frederick to oversee it, either, and both of them had other duties to attend to that didn't involve maintaining an army of thousands. "I'll approve of the swords and spears, but damn him to hell if he thinks I'll spend a single piece of gold on his shiny new sword."

Alex chuckled. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Wonder when I'll get a new sword though." Alex paused. "Or a mount, now that I think about it."

"I'm sorry, Alex, but the pegasus knights only accept female applicants," Robin drawled.

"Oh no, you don't say?" Alex replied smarmily, crossing his arms. "Whatever shall I do with my torturous life now?" He snickered. "I was more thinking a horse. Don't tell Cordy this, but pegasi still creep me out. Always feel like they're staring at me."

Robin tilted his head at his old friend, curiosity sparking in his mind. Alex was strange at the best of times. So many details about him were baffling; his aversion to all things mundane, like a wyvern or pegasus, and yet he could create such things as – Robin had to remember. Severa told him something of it when last he spoke to her – a meatless, yet still savory cheese pie. Robin had never tried it, although it had quickly become a favorite once its simple recipe was spread.

Then there was his near-constant exclaiming of a single man's name. Jesus Christ or something other. He'd heard from Gaius that he was apparently an important religious figure, although beyond that, Alex was mum.

In fact, Alex had been saying such odd phrases less and less, as if he was forgetting them. That was both unfortunate and sad; Robin would very much like to know if all of it was connected somehow. Perhaps the cheese pie – Pizza, he remembered – and Jesus Christ were related. He had no substantial evidence to support such a theory, but he found it entertaining to ponder when he wasn't dealing with obtuse nobles or rowdy Shepherds.

At least the Shepherds were his friends. At least, he thought they still were. Robin hadn't really spoken with many of them in a long while.

Robin chuckled lightly. "Perhaps a wyvern, then? We would need to import one from Plegia, you know, and I don't think they will be very forthcoming."

Alex snorted. "Yeah, and have it eat me two seconds after we meet. I already have one iron limb, Robin, I don't need another one."

"Hmm. True. I don't want my knight to be more metal than man when the time comes. Perhaps just a horse then? You may not be very proficient when Valm arrives, but it'll be a start. The marches will become less grueling, surely."

"Hell, I'd be happy to just march again. Dolorous Guard was small time. Heh." Alex's green gaze trailed off, looking beyond Robin at something else, something only he could see. "It's a little nostalgic, honestly," Alex said softly. "It'll, uh, be nice to be around everyone again."

"That it will be." Robin replied slowly.

He had to admit, he shared Alex's sentiments, somewhat. Robin's place was on the battlefield, directing troop movements and devising a strategy that will tear the enemy apart, not becoming practically married to his desk while he dealt with the idiotic wishes of noble-born fools who could not tell the pointy end of their sword from the pommel.

A life like that carried its own risks, of course, and not just to himself. Frederick's injuries and Donnel's death proved that there would always be plans that failed. That left a bitter taste in his mouth, but it was the truth. And he would not run away from the truth.

No matter what it would be.

"Anyways," Alex began, snapping out of his reverie. "I'll just go and send this to Lord Fargus then. And also tell him he can buy his own shiny sword."

"That would be prudent, yes," Robin agreed. "However, please do not phrase it in such a way. I want to be currying favor with these nobles, not antagonizing them."

Alex shrugged, taking the signed and noted paper with him. "No promises, milord. You know how they can be sometimes. If you don't shut them down before they get going, they…" He cringed. "…Well, they can really get going, you know."

"Call me 'milord' again and I will throw you out the window."

"What, with your noodley arms?" Alex chuckled. "Not likely!" He opened the door. "Don't worry, Robin, I'll choose my words carefully. Why don't you relax? It'll do you some good."

Robin sighed as Alex left.

If only he could.

The Mask of Time

The Doomed Timeline

Sweat dripped down Lucina's face as she ran, along with her friends.

The sky was an ashen grey, occasionally marred by red. Lightning struck seemingly at random, scorching the ground where it landed. The ground was barren and dying, even as they closed in on the temple at Mount Prism. In front of them all was Alexander, taking the role as their vanguard, as he had done countless times before.

"Risen, to our right!" Shouted Kjelle, spearing one of the masked horrors through the chest.

The Fell Dragon's forces have gone this far!?

They engaged the enemy as they kept going, not slowing down for a second. They were the last hope for a new, brighter future. One not tainted by the Fell Dragon. If they could make it to Naga's temple, they would have a chance.

Alexander charged shoulder first into a Risen, pushing it backwards as he swung his sword up. The Risen's arm flew off, and with one final slash the monster dissipated for good. Lucina couldn't see his face behind the helmet he wore, but she imagined that same, neutral expression he always carried. At times, it was unnerving. Other times, it was comforting. Alexander was a rock; something that kept them all grounded. As long as he was not panicking, there was a fair chance everything would be fine.

Lucina knew better, but she let the belief spread. It was good for morale.

They finally made it to the doors of Naga's temple. They were as intricately decorated as the books said, although she did not have time to admire it. The doors were open, and that was what mattered.

"Let's go. All of you! Get inside, now!" Alexander barked, his harsh voice nearly drowning out the chaos.

One by one, her friends entered. Even Gerome, along with Minerva. Lucina remembered how hard it was to convince him to even come along.

The last to enter was Severa, who spared one last glance for Alexander. A glare, more like. Lucina looked between them for a moment, wondering what had happened. Alexander did not react, even as he seemingly made eye contact with the redhead. Severa scoffed and went inside the temple.

Then Lucina and Alexander were alone.

Before either could say a word, however, an unearthly roar was heard across the battlefield. Lucina paled.

"Grima!" She hissed, grip tightening around Falchion's hilt. "He is already here!"

She could still remember her close run-in with the God of Destruction not long before. Its face would haunt her nightmares for the rest of her life. Even from afar, Grima gave her the jitters.

"Yes," Alexander replied, his voice that same monotone. "Him and his army. Look." He pointed with his iron hand to the sea of Risen just beneath the Fell Dragon. "What we faced here was just a vanguard. They will be upon us in moments."

Even with how long she had known him, Lucina was still stunned with the flippancy he said that. It sounded as if he was reading a book aloud instead of facing down an entire army of the masked dead.

"Head inside, kid," Alexander rumbled. "I'll take care of this."

"Have you lost your wits, Sir Alex!?" Lucina exclaimed, grabbing him by the shoulder. "If you face this army, you will die! Come with us, I beg of you! I'm sure we could-!"

Alexander shook his head slowly. "I was never going to go with you all, Lucina. Only you are needed for this. The least I could do is make sure I take as many of those dastards as I can with me."

"Gods, listen to yourself!" Lucina shook him by the shoulders, although even then Alexander only slightly swayed. "What of Severa? What of all of us? Would you have us-!?"

"Severa can take care of herself. I made sure of that much," Alexander replied bitterly, shaking Lucina's hands off him. "And the rest of you have no more need of this old knight. If I can't convince you with reason then allow me to say this: let me go with the knowledge that I was able to fulfill your father's last order."

Lucina took a step back as if she had been struck. "What do you mean?"

"I promised your father on the eve of his death that I would make sure you and all the others would survive should he fall in battle." Alexander's helmeted head looked down. "I have fulfilled my purpose. I beg of you, Lucina, let me die in the world I spent half my life fighting for."

Lucina could think of many reasons why Alexander would want this. She could have argued more. Technically, she could have ordered him to follow them. Instead, she placed a hand on his shoulder one last time and nodded.

"Thank you, My Exalt," Alexander said, his voice cracking slightly. "Go. I'll hold these fuckers off."

Lucina backed off slowly and turned towards the still-open door.

"Take care of my little girl for me, you hear?" She heard him say, just barely audible.

Lucina took one last look back. Alexander had his back to her, staring off at the army of Risen.

That was the last time she saw Sir Alexander.

Small chapter this time. I like doing these things sometimes. Usually at the ends of arcs, since the first and last time I did one of these was back in... damn, I think it was September. Fuck, this fic is almost 9 months old. Holy shit-

Here's a link to our Discord server: discord .gg/9XG3U7a

Anyway, hope you enjoy! See you guys next time!

Edited on 3/12/21. Decent Xenologue.