Author's Note: Here with the third chapter people! As promised, this chapter is longer than the last by a good amount. I dove into some new dialogue between Xander and the Shepherds he meets in this chapter. I found it oddly hard to write Vaike in this chapter, Miriel isn't too bad just a lot of dictionary browsing. I'm still working on what I want Xander's close friend group to be. He's gonna have interactions with almost everyone but who's gonna be a staple of dialogue. I'd love suggestions from you guys as well, who do you think would interact well with Xander? Anyways, here's the third chapter.

I Face The Consequences And Incur a Debt

Ylisstol is big. Bigger than I thought it was. We entered through the west gate without any problem at all. Either the city has no problem letting people in without due caution, or they recognized Chrom on site.

It's probably both.

We got there in the morning around what I would consider a little earlier than noon giving us a very picturesque view of Ylisstol and its inhabitants as we made our way towards the castle.

The streets were the definition of bustling as people walked the streets out on various errands. Robin seemed to be in awe at the city and its lighthearted atmosphere.

Frederick sighed in relief. "Thank the gods. It seems there have been neither undead nor disaster visited upon the capital. This is very fortunate."

"Look, it's the Exalt!" A nearby civilian yelled pointing at a procession of people walking through the streets. Indeed, it was the Exalt. Emmeryn stood ahead of her pegasus knights greeting her citizens one by one and giving a serene smile that seemed to slow even my heart rate despite not being aimed at me.

Robin is inquiring about the Exalt while I begin to get lost in thought.

I may have been playing a fool by ignoring the repercussions of the foreknowledge but this is something I need to decide on.

Emmeryn's death. Her speech and death bring a swift end to what would otherwise be a long, grueling war. It also sets up Chrom to become the Exalt forces him to step up.

If I let Emmeryn die, it'll be on me. I can't shrug that responsibility. She should be resurrected somehow (I suspect Naga) later on. But that's really it. I can't guarantee that she comes back. So if she never comes back, it'll be on me.

I know the right choice. The choice Emmeryn herself would choose but all I think about is the anguish and sorrow Chrom and Lissa feel when Emmeryn dies. I'm not sure if I can make this decision now.

"-ander?" I look up. "Huh?"

Chrom looks at me in concern, unknowingly making me sink into my guilt once more. "Are you okay? You seem lost in thought."

I immediately plaster a fake smile on my face. "I'm fine, I've just never been to Ylisstol, it's seems perfect." I glance at Robin. "Did Robin just find out that you're royalty?"

Robin looks at me in surprise. "You knew?!" I smile more easily this time. "Haha, Robin come on. Even if you didn't know the names of the prince and princess of the Halidom, it's still pretty obvious. Chrom has the Brand on his shoulder like a tattoo for crying out loud."

Robin groans. I pat his shoulder. "Don't worry about it master tactician. You're still the smartest person in whatever room you walk in."

Chrom rolls his eyes. "Anyways, we were about to meet with Emmeryn."

Virion steps forward. "Well, on that note good sirs, I will take my leave. As much as this one would like to meet with the fair Exalt once more, I have other business to attend to."

Virion takes his leave and Frederick leads us to the castle eventually finding the near empty audience hall. Emmeryn is sitting at her throne conversing with what I assume is Phila, captain of the pegasus knights, while sipping from a glass of water.

"Ah, Chrom, Lissa! Welcome home! You as well Frederick. How fared you all?"

Chrom smiles upon meeting his sister. "We are well sister. We met with bandits at Southtown. Frederick and I believe they were Plegians who crossed the border."

Phila steps forward and nods in deference to Chrom. "Forgive me milord, border duty lies with my knights." Chrom shakes his head. "Think nothing of it Phila. The blame lies with the Plegians."

Lissa steps up beside her brother and beams at her older sister. "And besides, we had plenty of help!"

Emmeryn then looks to both Robin and I in curiosity. "I assume these two are the help you speak of?

Chrom grins and motions to Robin. "This is Robin, Emm. He fought with us against the bandits in Southtown. He possesses a keen mind and I intend to make him the Shepherd's tactician."

Emmeryn looks to me. "And you?"

I give her my best smile before bowing my head. "My name is Xander, Your Grace. I hail from Regna Ferox and was but a humble bounty hunter before your prince found me. I intend to serve as the Shepherds blacksmith."

Emmeryn looks confused at me as she glances at Bladeless hanging from my back. "A blacksmith?"

Chrom answers for me. "Despite being young and a bit rash, he's a fine warrior as well Emmeryn. He saved Lissa's life in Southtown. And judging from the battle his weapon has seen, he's just as capable a smith."

I blush slightly as Emmeryn looks at me gratefully. "Ylisse thanks you Xander. The world would be a darker place without Lissa in it."

I nod in assent. "I agree, Your Grace, Lissa was the bright spot in our journey to Ylisstol. And as much as I saved her in Southtown, she has saved my life twice over."

Emmeryn smiles at my candor and I can't see Lissa but I imagine she is either blushing or pouting at me. "Forgive me Xander," She frowns. "But how old are you? Chrom mentioned that you were young."

I contained a sigh as I answered her. "Think nothing of it milady. If you are worried that I am seeing battle at too young, I will answer that for the Feroxi, as soon as you get your first blade, you become a warrior. If I wasn't here with the Shepherds, I would be elsewhere fighting for a much lesser purpose. That said, I am 16 years of age."

Her eyes widen a bit and I smile at the now familiar thoughts of my disproportionate size and age. "I'm told I am quite large for my age milady. It is more common in Ferox for youths to be my size but in Ylisse I assume it is rare."

"Your Grace, I would implore you to not worry. He is a magnitude older than those who were conscripted in the past and he joins us of his own will knowing the repercussions. If it makes you feel better, I'll keep an eye on him." To my surprise it is Frederick who defends my case.

Emmeryn smiles at him. "Very well, Sir Frederick. I trust you. Chrom, the council is about to convene, let us go."

Lissa turns to Robin and smiles at him. "Come on Robin, there's a place I'd like to show you."

I turn to follow but stop when an armored hand grips my shoulder. "Xander." I do my best not to gulp in nervousness as I meet Frederick's gaze.

"Yes?"

"Chrom has left the task of your punishment to me. If you were in the military during my tenure, your actions would've been cause for execution." I eye him worryingly. "Hmph. Of course, while the Shepherds are a military force, we are not held to those standards. There will be two stipulations though, if you are to stay on with the Shepherds. A punishment and a benefit for you will be my... guidance in your physical exercise. This includes the time you are on leave from the Shepherds. Unless you are gravely injured, you will be working with me. The second, is Lissa."

"Lissa?" I ask confused. "'Yes. Lissa is the princess of Ylisse and yet she has never taken a retainer. I serve for both Lissa and Chrom but from now on, you will serve her. It is an unofficial position but you will take it with all the respect it deserves."

I guess that makes sense. It's not exactly sidelining me, but it will give me less action than I would usually undertake.

"What about during battle?"

Frederick frowns slightly. "You will protect her at all times but... if Robin deigns otherwise, you will obey him."

I nod. "I understand and accept. I won't let you down." He raises an eyebrow. "...Sir."

He removes his hand. "Good. Oh and your exercise starts now." This time I do gulp in nervousness as I follow him out of the palace.

"Aaah. Oooh. Oh Gods..." I pant with my hands on my knees.

Frederick was not kidding. I'm very much inclined to believe Chrom when he says that Frederick only smiles as he is bringing down the axe. Or torturing new recruits in this case.

I was confident in my fitness. And then Frederick introduced me to his personal training. Apparently a step up from 'Frederick's Fitness Hour' which is performed regularly on the road, his 'Bodyguard Fitness Plan' is slow torture.

If I wasn't still somehow breathing I would be doubting that he wasn't trying to kill me. This stuff was insane but if it brought me closer to being as strong as Frederick I would be happy.

I'm interrupted from my moaning and groaning by a giggle. I look up from the dirt to see the Exalt with her hand over her mouth.

"Mi-Milady.. wh-what brings you here?"

Emmeryn shakes her head in mirth. "Forgive me Xander. Please, sit." I don't think I could have disobeyed if I wanted to. I unceremoniously fall down to my backside and give a sigh in relief as my heart starts to slow.

Emmeryn smiles down at me. "I think he likes you." I stare at her in disbelief. "Wha-?" She collects her dress and sits beside me. The fricking Exalt is sitting beside me. I'm dirtier than a pig and probably smell worse than that. I can almost picture Frederick's disapproving frown.

Emmeryn sighs. "He wasn't always like that you know. The image of a stoic and dutiful knight." I blush as I realize that's exactly what I had been thinking.

"He was conscripted at younger than you are now. He fought in my late father's war at 13. I didn't know him personally then, but saw him a bit when he was training. He was like you in a way." I keep quiet as she describes a Frederick I've never seen or imagined.

"He was reckless, insubordinate and not quite bright." I cough at the unintended insult. She then frowns. "Then he went to war and... he changed. As close as I am to Frederick now, I still wonder if any part of that Frederick still exists in our stalwart knight. Of course, when I became Exalt he became one of my closest friends as one of the only knights to stay on in our diminished military."

"Eventually, he went from being my retainer to staying with my siblings and I saw him less and less." I gaze at her visage, caught off guard by the veiled longing in her eyes.

"I digress. What I mean to say is that I think he sees himself in you. I would hope that you make him proud." Wow. I was not expecting this at all. I can't say that we're close, but I can't lie that it wouldn't be nice if I could enjoy that sort of teacher student relationship with Ylisse's greatest knight.

"I will do my best milady. And... I will see if a student can bring out the best in a teacher as well as vice versa." She smiles at me and I immediately feel glad that I had this opportunity.

"Thank you Xander. You are kind and polite in a way that I've not seen yet in warriors from Ferox." I grin at her. "To be frank, I don't care much for titles and pomp. I only speak like this because I know you are worthy of that respect. Chrom as well. If Chrom had been a spoilt and arrogant person, I would not be here."

She smiles almost mischievously. "And Lissa?"

I wave my hands in defense. "L-Lissa too milady. I meant every word of what I said earlier. She is gentle and seems... sheltered at first glance. But within her lies a steel that I see in Chrom and you as well."

She nods. "I see."

"Xander! Oh, Emm I didn't see you there." I stand with Emmeryn as Chrom approaches us. She smiles at Chrom. "I was just taking my leave Chrom. I'll trust you to your duties." Chrom nods. "Oh okay, I will make sure to say farewell before we depart."

Emmeryn turns to me one last time before she leaves. "Do take care of her Xander." I nod and smile back. "Of course. Though it might be the other way around at times." She laughs and walks away.

I turn to Chrom. "You are leaving?" Chrom shakes his head. "We are. As is common knowledge, Ylisse lacks a standard military force. All we have are the pegasus knights, the city guard here in Ylisstol, and the Shepherds. Emmeryn and the council have decided that we are to petition Regna Ferox for their help in protecting our citizens from the undead." He smiles. "And if they happen to fight Plegian bandits as well it's all for the better."

I smile back at him. "That sounds like a plan. You're in luck too. It's about time for the Tournament of Khans. If a group of us can become champions and fight for a Khan, we can ask for aid in return."

Chrom blinked and then laughed clapping a hand on my shoulder. "That's a fine idea, Xander. I'm glad we have you. There were two other reasons why I came to grab you. Before we depart in the morn, I would like you to visit the marketplace to gather anything you need to assume your position as our blacksmith." I grin almost greedily. "Anything?" Chrom smiled and nods oblivious to my thoughts of top notch materials and equipment.

"It's also time for the Sheherds to meet in the mess hall for the evening meal, you'll get to meet the other Shepherds as well."

I shrug. "Lead the way Boss."

When we arrive at the mess hall it's filled with the Shepherds those I've met and those I haven't. Chrom settles everyone down as we walk to the head of the table.

"Alright everyone, we have orders from the Exalt. We are to march to Regna Ferox in the morning to request aid for the new menace threatening the kingdom."

The Shepherds are murmuring to each other and I hear Sumia give her description of Regna Ferox to Robin. I turn to Chrom mentally laughing. "I'm not a barbarian am I?" I ask loudly.

Sumia immediately blushes. Chrom chuckles and addresses the rest of the Shepherds gathered. "As you probably guessed, Xander here is a new addition to the Shepherds aside Robin. He hails from Regna Ferox himself and will serve as the Shepherd's blacksmith."

I give a wave. The others take a look at me and most stare at my greatsword, not having seen anything like it before.

I take a look at Lissa speaking with Maribelle and decide to not have that conversation now. Instead I find a seat by my guy Robin, Vaike, and Stahl.

Stahl is the first to introduce himself. "Hi, I'm Stahl. I'm a cavalier for the Shepherds." I shake his hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm Xander. Um, are you gonna eat all of that?" I'm both incredulous and very hungry as I look at the 5 bowls of venison stew in front of Stahl.

What the hell? This guy eats way too much to be that size!

Stahl frowns looking at his meal. "I was, but here. I can tell you need it a good deal more than I do." He hands me one of his bowls and I dig in. Hey man, the last thing I had was rations this morning on our way to Ylisstol, I'm starving.

Vaike elbows me in the side tired of being ignored. "Heya there newbie, heard you got yourself in a bit of a scrap without the 'Teach'." I laugh. "I guess so, I'll have to leave some of those bastards for you next time."

Vaike grins at me. "Names Vaike, I'll be your senior Shepherd and teach if you got any questions." I clasp his forearm. "The names Xander. You might have to fight Frederick for that teach position though. He's puttin' me through the ringer now."

Sully slams down her bowl from across the table. "Ya got Frederick to teach you personally?!" I raise my hands in defense. "It's not really like that, he just decided that I need some work, it's part of my punishment."

Sully scowled at me. "No, if you 'needed some work', he woulda sent you ta Chrom! He never trains with people, unless it's with a group of trainees."

I shrug. I mean It makes sense but I really don't think it's too much of a big deal.

She is nonplussed by my reaction and angry Sully gets angrier. "You, me training grounds now." She growls.

I'm mid swallow with my stew and end up choking on the venison. Stahl thankfully claps me on the back saving my life from a grisly end.

"What?!" I sputter. "I just got back from training you're crazy!" Sully slyly smiles. "What? Is that chunk of iron just for show?" She mocks.

Alright. That's it. I like Sully, I really do. I think we could be great friends and comrades. But nobody, I mean nobody makes fun of the badass greatsword.

I slam my bowl down. "Fuck it. We're doin' this shit."

I stand and look about the table. "Vaike, you're judge." The shirtless youth guffaws and smiles before following me out.

Alright, so maybe this wasn't the brightest idea. I was just tired, hungry and cranky. I mean she was totally asking for it. But if I get hurt Lissa will be even more pissed at me. So, all I got to do is win without getting any injuries.

Easy. Right?

Sully decides to fight on foot with a spear and a buckler shield. Vaike is standing to the side smiling in anticipation.

Practically speaking, all I need is one good hit to kill her. But the point is that she doesn't know that and I need to pull my hits anyways so getting her to yield is gonna be ridiculous.

The other Shepherds are filling in around us some of them arguing about who will win.

I meet Lissa's eyes and give her my most confident smile. She rolls her eyes. Alright. So she doesn't seem too mad.

"You ready, Dumbass?"

I growl at her. "Waiting on you Red." I bring Bladeless out settling into my stance. Sully settles into one of her own brandishing her spear at me. Vaike swings his hand down. "Begin!"

Sully lunges and I parry her spear with the wide bit of my sword. I'm ready to retaliate but Sully is disciplined stabbing at my guard and withdrawing too fast for me to react beyond parrying. As I'm on the defensive I'm furiously thinking to try and get out of this stalemate. If this continues I'll most likely tire before she does.

I get a crazy idea. If this doesn't work I'll be pretty screwed.

As Sully lunges forth for another stab with her lance, I shove forward with my right arm angling the cuff around my wrist that links a chain to my greatsword. Her steel lance bites into the cuff and she pauses for a moment startled at the resistance of the cuff she had disregarded. I follow through and let my weapon fall, the weight of Bladeless splintering the lance at the haft.

I grin at Sully's furious frown as she looks at the ruined end of her spear turned stick. Sully scowls at me. "I yield."

I shrug and grin at her. "Who says we have to end here?" I should take the win but now my blood is up and I'm raring for something more challenging.

I strip the ruined cuff from my wrist and plant my sword in the dirt, assuming a boxing stance. Sully looks confused at me before grinning.

"You're not half-bad Xander." She tosses her stick to the ground and takes her own stance. "I ain't going easy on you though."

I rush at her. "Wouldn't want it any other way!" While we may have been about equal with our choice of arms in this kind of match, in a fist fight, Sully has an advantage over me.

When I swing, overextending myself she capitalizes mercilessly shooting a knee into my gut. "Ugh!" Despite almost losing my dinner I preempt the elbow she's throwing at my head by taking her to the ground.

I pull back to start my onslaught but she locks her surprisingly muscled legs around mine and rolls us over. I block her first few blows with my forearms before having enough of that and catching her fists. Without any preamble I headbutt her head reeling back as she moves to cover her nose. I roll back touching my tender forehead gingerly and wincing.

Ow damn it that hurts! No one wins in a headbutt. I blink away my tears and jump on her again landing a solid blow to her cheek. She grunts in pain and grabs me around the neck. I'm too busy trying to not get strangled to realize her Incredible Hulk legs are lining up to my torso like pistons. She let's go and I have just enough time to take a breath before getting fucking launched like a ball instead of a person. I land on my back and I feel something crack while I'm wheezing to get my breath back. We both struggle to stand and face each other. Sully's got a busted nose, skinned knuckles and a black eye. I'm coughing up blood and one of my eyes is blind from a cut above it. It's clear the fight is nearing its conclusion one way or another.

I spit out a glob of blood. "You're a damn good fighter, Red." She grins crookedly at me. "You're not half bad yourself Blondie."

Somewhere I hear an incredulous voice whisper. "Are they flirting?!"

Sully and I blanch and turn as one. "WHO THE HELL SAID THAT?!" Stahl lets out an "Eep!" Before wisely making himself scarce.

I grunt and Sully snorts as we turn back to each other. "Let's just finish this." Sully nods in agreement and we rush at each other and swing. I'm half convinced this is gonna end is some kind of cliched double knockout before we both miss and fall over each other at an unexpected voice yelling at us.

"What is going on here?!" Frederick yells loudly causing the spectators to fall silent.

Sully and I both immediately turn to him sprawled over each other as we are. I spout the first thing that comes to mind.

"Umm... team bonding?"

Sully nods vigorously in agreement. "Y-Yeah, just getting some practice in with Blon- Xander here."

Frederick pinches his nose in exasperation. "Why in Naga's name does that involve beating the shit out of each other like a common street brawl?"

I don't know about street brawl... that was some MMA shit at least.

He sighs. "Never mind. Well, Xander, Sully. Since you both obviously have some excess energy and are so exuberant about training, why don't the two of you report to me in the morning before our march? I'll have some drills you can participate in."

We obviously realize that this isn't a request. "Sure." "Yes s-sir." Frederick nods. "Good. You should get some sleep then. It'll be a long day for the two of you tomorrow."

I nod but inside I'm groaning. I'll have to get up even earlier now to get the supplies I need for my blacksmith position.

As Frederick leaves we disentangle our bruised and broken bodies before standing. My legs then decide to say fuck you and give out.

Sully catches my arm and hauls me up to lean against her. "Thanks." She nods, her thoughts most likely drifting to our workout in the morning as mine are.

As we stumble to the Shepherds infirmary where hopefully one of our healers are, I comment, "Well at least you got what you wanted." Sully grunts. "Yeah. For what that's worth anyways."

I decide to ask Sully if she could show me where to get blacksmith equipment but she ends up saying that she needs her sleep to my disappointment. I'm about to just forget about it and decide to try and find it myself when an idea hits me.

"Hey Sully, do you know where Stahl sleeps?" Her understanding grin makes me cackle.

"Hey Stahl!" The brown haired cavalier rolls over in his bunk and I smile in dark intent. The bucket of nice and cold well water that I drew after waking is upturned over his face shocking him awake.

"Ble! I-m up!" Stahl yells in a high pitched tone that makes me lose my shit. I'm doubled over in laughter as he runs a hand through his soaked hair.

"I deserved this didn't I?"

I put the bucket down and pose with my hands on my hips. "Damn right."

Stahl and I depart the barracks shortly after and he leads me through Ylisstol's marketplace pointing out the shops I could visit to find the items I might need. I thank him for his help and he sets off to secure his 'first breakfast' as he calls it. This guy's appetite is just monstrous.

I'm walking down the cobbled streets wondering where I should start until I see someone that could get me all I want and more.

"Hello Anna."

The crimson haired merchant looks up at me from the coins she was counting at her stall. "Hello sir! Have we met before?"

I shake my head and grin. "No, not exactly. I've met one of your sisters before." I mean kinda true but even if these guys are experts on the whole different realms thing I'm not volunteering that information without something in return.

She smiles. "Oh okay. Well, how can I help you? Anything this humble merchant can offer?" She puts a finger up to her mouth in that classic Anna pose.

"I'm going to be joining the Shepherds as their blacksmith. I joined pretty recently, so I don't have all the equipment I need. I know what I need but it would be nice to hear how you might be able to help me. We're going to be leaving in a few hours as well so I don't know if you have anything that's explicitly portable but that would be convenient."

Anna nods. "I think we'll be able to set you right up!" I grin. "Alright, what do you have?"

"I can offer you a forge wagon, a set of hammers, tongs, a drawplate, swages and fullers, a chisel and a small collection of ore."

I nod. "How much?" Her smile makes me sweat nervously. "You have to understand. This is a great deal of inventory from me and in a short timeframe as well. Normally I wouldn't sell this much in one purchase to be able to make more profit but... you're a Shepherd so I'm sure it'll be put to good use. That said if you buy everything I listed it'll come to about 10,000 gold."

I flinch. Damn. That's practically everything Chrom gave me. With my luck, she probably knows that somehow.

"Alright, we have a deal." We shake on it and I hand over the bag of coin. Anna smiles and weighs the bag in her hand for a moment as if trying to tell how many coins are in it. It seems like that guess is right because not a moment after she squeezes the bag and it dissipates into small motes of light.

Putting aside the fact that this lady just counted a bag of coins by weight, I focus on the magic she just used. "I want that."

Anna smiles at me and raises an eyebrow in confusion. "What?" I point to her hand where the bag used to be. "That magic. Can you teach me?"

Anna shrugs. "I could. But it would be useless for you. This magic has a strict requirement which is why it's usually only used by my family. It can only be used by someone who has been exposed to other realms, usually by way of the Outrealm Gate. So you can't use it. Really, I shouldn't even bother explaining it to you, but you said that you knew one of my sisters so I'll give you that much."

I grin. "What if I told you that I'm not from this world?" I don't think too much on letting her know this much. Annas aren't usually gossips for free anyways.

Anna frowns. "You're not lying are you? If I teach you and you aren't able to use it, I'll be mad. I'm not fond of liars."

I shake my head. "No, seriously I'm not from here. I don't know much how I got here but I know for certain this isn't my world."

Anna nods. "Alright, we'll see I guess."

Magic in Fire Emblem is a lot more complex than I first thought. While I would say that I'm very well learned in how to create enchantments, I don't have much magical talent elsewhere. As long as one has magic one is able to use skills, enchantments and basic magics called charms. Charms are tomeless magics that require little magic power but as a consequence aren't powerful enough to ever be used in battle unless you have either a ridiculous amount of power or control over your magic, cough-Robin-cough. Basically while someone like me would only be able to use a thunder charm to create a couple sparks, Robin is able to use it to stab people like a freaking chidori. I won't ever be able to directly use anything higher tier than charms simply because I don't have the aptitude for it. But I honestly don't mind that too much, because my talents lie elsewhere.

With this space-pocket magic spell, I'll be able to keep my weapon with me without lugging it around everywhere. I plan to make more weapons as well and if they end up being comparable in size with Bladeless, this spell will end up being essential. I'll be able to keep my weapons with me at all times so they aren't stolen and my utility in battle will be comparable to how many weapons I own instead of whatever weapon I carry into battle.

Anna explains it to me pretty easily, it's not exactly a hard spell but not something you would be able to do unintentionally or on accident.

Skills and magic both require magic running in certain patterns through your body. The difference is that when you use magic with a tome, you push the magic into the tome using the inscribed patterns in the focus. I haven't gotten a chance to look at any tomes personally but that's how my blacksmith master explained it to me.

Anyways, the minor spacial magic as she calls it, isn't hard for me to perform once she explains it. Honestly, these kind of things need names. I'm think about maybe stealing 'tracing' or 'requip' as names but they don't have have that style that I like.

I try the magic on my greatsword in front of Anna watching with excitement as it dissipates into blue particles of magic. The sight reminds me of something similar.

I'm gonna call it the Armiger. I smile. "So is there a limit to how much I can put in?" Anna smiles back. "Well technically no, but you will run out of magic faster if you put a lot in there. It constantly uses a certain amount of magic when you put it away. If you happen to run out, it's kind of a toss up whether your stuff just disappears forever or pops out of the space. As a bonus though, if you use it enough it'll help your magic grow!"

I nod. In my mind I'm comparing it to having a weighted backpack. As long as I remember to take it out before I run out of magic, I'll be able to steadily grow the amount of magic I can generate and be able to store away and use any weapon I have at a moment's notice.

"As much as I love helping people, what are you gonna do for me for teaching you that magic?" Anna smirks slyly.

I pale a bit. "W-What? But I thought-" She giggles. "What? That I was teaching it for free? Sorry, I don't do free."

This Anna is definitely not the one that joins the Shepherds. "Alright, what can I do for you?"

"Hmm. I would ask you to help out the next Anna you see, but I can tell you would do that anyways." I grit my teeth. Dammit woman, she totally has me pegged. She probably planned this as soon as I asked about the magic.

I really hope it's not an obscene amount of money.

"I want a favor." I cock my head to side. "A favor?" She nods. "Yeah. I can't think of anything now but you'll owe me in the future."

I sigh. "That sounds fine, I guess. As long as it's not something ridiculous." She giggles. "Oh don't worry hon. If I can't figure something out, I'm sure I'll find something enjoyable for you." She winks at me and I immediately turn all shades of red.

"O-Okay; well if that's all-?"

I gesture for a handshake. She smiles mischievously at me and grips my hand. "It was a pleasure doing business with you." She tongue darts out and wets her lips.

As soon as she let's go I make a break for it, steam coming from my ears. I swear, I'm not a prude. Just easily embarrassed by certain connotations. I blame the hormones.

Following my Hell Hour with Sully and Frederick as well as the delivery of my equipment I set out with the Shepherds. Robin has separated the Shepherds into 3 main groups for our journey. Thankfully, all of the Shepherds had set out with us meaning Stahl, Miriel, and I think Kellam are here and not running late like in game. Haven't seen him yet I'm kind of waiting for him to scare the shit out of me at some point.

The scout group is made up of Sully and Stahl and as the name implies, they are responsible for keeping ahead of us to look for bandits or Risen.

The main group consists of most of the Shepherds, being Chrom, Robin, Frederick, Vaike, Miriel, and Virion.

The rearguard group is me, Lissa, Sumia and I thiiiink Kellam. I'm in charge of the wagon with my equipment and one of our supply wagons. Sumia is with Kellam who is manning the other supply wagon or at least he's supposed to be. All I can see is the wagon being pulled by a pair of horses and a... floating pair of reins. Alright, that is weird and creepy.

I'm walking ahead of the horses pulling the wagons I'm in charge of holding their leads with one hand and practicing my Armiger magic with the other. I'd like it to be as fast and efficient as possible for use in combat and practice makes perfect especially with magic. I'm no mage but back in Ferox I've heard the comedic tales of mages that try to perform tome magic in the arena for the first time and end up taking off their clothes with a misfired Fire spell. That's the least gruesome story.

Lissa is beside me but is oddly silent. Her nature kind of made me assume that she would be all over me with questions about my new magic but... Oh. We never really talked after the whole me being stupid thing. Better fix that.

"Hey, Lissa." She looks up at me. "Yeah?" I scratch the back of my head not meeting her gaze. "Are we cool?"

Lissa makes a face. "What?"

"Like, we're friends right? You're not particularly angry at me? Like, there was the whole me being a dumbass thing on the way to Ylisstol, and then we didn't talk, and then Frederick made me your bodyguard, and I got into a fight with Sully and now I'm just rambling and don't want you to be mad at me." I finish fairly embarrassed. That's a first. Usually, I tend to be more conscientious of my words.

Lissa giggles. "We're fine, Xander, I was just thinking about- wait, Frederick made you my retainer?!" I nod humbly. "Um, yeah. He didn't tell you?" I ask weakly.

She shakes her head and pouts. "Nope. Grrr, Xander!" I smile at her glad she's acting like usual once more. "Yeah?"

She points to me with her stave. "My first order as your master is to help me prank Frederick!" I nearly fall as I stumble at her words. "What!?"

She nods imperiously. "You may praise my genuisness." My eye twitches and I sigh pinching my nose. "First of all, that's not a word. Second, ARE YOU CLINICALLY INSANE?! Frederick would kill me! No, he would make my exercises even worse so they would torture me until I die. If I'm lucky he'll have me drawn and quartered. I'm never lucky."

Lissa nods in understanding. "What word?" This time I do fall when I stumble.

As I'm getting up and rethinking my life choices, Lissa stops laughing. I look up to see Sully riding our way on Sigurd a look of impatience on her face.

Oh yeah, this is the Northroad. More zombies yayy.

Not.

"Xander! Get you're ass up Blondie! The captain wants us to regroup, there's a force of Risen at Canan's bridge!" Sully wheels Sigurd around and sets off back to where the rest of Shepherds are gathered.

I grit my teeth and grab Lissa's wrist to start her running. "Kellam, Sumia! Stay with the horses!" I think I hear an answering yell with the clanking of metal but I can't quite tell, as I'm rushing towards the rest of the group.

Lissa and I arrive as Robin is doling out orders quite admirably for the first official time as the Shepherds tactician.

Robin turns to us a furious scowl on his face. "Xander, you'll be behind the first line, stay with Lissa and keep her safe. Lissa, you'll stay with Xander and he'll be acting as a buffer for those needing medical aid. Vaike!"

The Vaike steps up looking uncharacteristically mild. "I'm real sorry Robin, I swear I had the old headchopper just five minutes ago!"

Robin sighs. "You'll stay with Lissa as well. I have no use for an unarmed man at the moment."

"Wait a moment Rob." I flex my hand as I hold it up and Vaike's axe shines into existence. As I hand over the weapon to Vaike I grin smugly. "I found it down the road a bit as I was catching up. Don't lose it again." Vaike smiles at me gratefully. "Teach'll remember this Xander." Robin nods at me in thanks. "Vaike, you'll be with Virion providing Sully and Chrom with support to take the fortification on the left."

Robin takes a step back and surveys the Shepherds. "Alright, you all know what you're supposed to do! Trust in your orders and allies and we'll be cutting down the last Risen before you can blink! Captain?" Chrom nods and steps up with Robin. "Let's make this the first step to keeping Ylisse safe from the threat of this new menace! I know we have some new members, but I trust my life in each of your hands. For Ylisse!"

The rest of us answer in kind as we rush to enact our parts in the plan. I'm shocked by the amount of charisma both our leader and tactician possess. It was something I assumed Chrom had but it seems Robin possesses that same quality that makes us want to lay down our lives.

I'm a bit miffed at being put out of the main conflict for this fight but it makes good sense. My last skirmish with the Shepherds did not display a healthy amount of common sense.

Watching the rest of the Shepherds get to work with Lissa in tow makes me feel a bit inadequate, I won't lie. The right front is going smoothly, Robin and Miriel are practically dusting their foes with a dazzling display of Thunder and Fire. Frederick and Stahl are a small distance ahead of them using hit and run tactics where Stahl stuns them before Frederick crushes them. Their fights look like what I imagine is textbook perfection.

Nevertheless, the left front is a rough contrast to what I'm seeing on the right. Chrom and Sully are working well together but appear to be unused to working closely with each other compared to the practiced ease Stahl and Frederick move with. Virion is performing admirably a short space behind them dispatching Risen that threaten to encroach Chrom's position. Vaike is even picking up the slack by bogging down Risen with devastating axe strikes for Virion to finish off. Sully is doing her best to soften the Risen up, oftentimes pinning them down for Chrom but unfortunately for all their efforts, the left will be the first to falter.

It is Sully that breaks formation, becoming too enthusiastic in chasing down Risen to help Chrom. The Prince is doing his best, Falchion meeting Risen vital points like the inevitability of an executioner's axe but he is eventually pierced in the side by a spearman that takes advantage of the other Risen meeting Chrom face on.

"Get ready Lissa!" Are all the words I spare before rushing into motion. Virion and Vaike have noticed Chrom's plight and are starting to throw caution to the wind to save their captain. The left front will collapse entirely if Vaike and Virion cease their support to rush for Chrom and I won't let the strategy go up in smoke so easily.

"Hold your position! I'll help him!" I yell at Vaike and the blue haired noble. Thankfully, they nod and return their focus to the conflict closer to their position.

The other blue haired noble is clutching the broken end of a spear in his side while managing to fence against a Risen mercenary. Chrom has cleverly been able to keep the spearhead from sliding out and losing more blood, switch from Falchion to his spare rapier for more reach and keep fighting all at the same time. I can see Sully pulling back a small distance away from Chrom after realizing his condition.

Luckily I have a straight shot to Chrom's position as the majority of the Risen are amassed in front of him. It's a miracle he hasn't been surrounded and overwhelmed yet but most of the Risen are stumbling over each other and catching arrows with their faces when they step up. Fighting with others was always going to be a problem for me but with my newest magic, it becomes a magnitude easier.

As I approach Chrom from behind I concoct a simple but probably crazy plan if I was in a body without a crazy strength stat to keep the Risen off of Chrom before he can retreat. "Chrom! Duck!"

Chrom acts immediately making me smile in anticipation. I take on last running step and leap, eclipsing Chrom's hunched form by at least three feet. I internally marvel at the capabilities of this body. Really, I can't stress enough how freeing it feels to let loose with the abilities of this body. I reach my hand out summoning Bladeless to my side. Hehe. Big ass sword + gravity = zombie paste.

Chrom's fencing opponent is crumpled by the force of my swing from head to toe by the weight of the blade and turns to dust with a confused growl looking more like car accident victim than anything else.

As the Risen process the new combatant in front of them I heft my greatsword to my shoulder looking over at Chrom in what I'm sure is a badass pose.

"Can you make it back on your own?" Chrom snaps off the excess spear hanging from his side keeping the point in. "Yeah, I'll make it." A quick survey of his path reveals a few Risen that built up earlier while Virion and Vaike were distracted. It seems they advanced more than I noticed when I was rushing through.

Thankfully the very motivated back up plan is just about here.

"Damn it, are you alright Chrom?!" Sully asks loudly after scattering the Risen that were poised to attack us. "No time," I haul Chrom up behind Sully. "You can flirt later. You got any extra steel?" Sully is too red faced from either embarrassment or anger to say anything but thankfully Chrom gets the message and hands me his rapier. "Thanks, Sully hurry back please." I punctuate the last word with my hand meeting Sigurd's flank. Always wanted to do that.

I send the rapier into the Armiger and turn back to the pack of Risen getting to their feet. The fort isn't too far away but I'm going to think this through and wait till Sully gets back to push forward. Now very aware of the limits of my greatsword when faced with Risen, I sweep low with Bladeless mangling legs and causing the undead to hit the dirt. I crush one's head with a blow from Bladeless and another is dispatched by the rapier that I summon. It's slower killing them this way by immobilizing them and then killing them before they can get back up but with only this amount of Risen, I can make do. Earlier, Vaike had been guarding Virion from the Risen that came from the sparse woods but now he's stepped up in the absence of those enemies and is a small distance away from me chopping away at his own zombies. Honestly, at this rate we might be able to clear the rest of the Risen out just in time for Robin to send us help.

It's a good thing though when Sully comes back and breaks the Risen apart once more. This allows us to take them down even more efficiently by avoiding fighting them in groups and soon enough we are able to reach the fortification on the left side of the bridge.

From the fort we can tell the Risen are staying across the river, possibly because they can't see us. Robin is able to come up with another brilliant plan when we all regroup at the bridge. The rest of the battle is a breeze, with Robin's strategy the Risen come to us where they are pinned down by our defensive units like Frederick and put down by our ranged fighters. It's not long after that I get my first glimpse at a boss level enemy, at least for this stage. This Risen is a veritable giant seeming more like a growling wall of rot and barely holding together skin than any kind of warrior. The usual Risen aren't stereotypical zombies, but this guy is obviously a corpse.

Robin doesn't choose me for the fight with the Risen leader and I'm privately happy. I can smell that guy from here.

After the battle with Risen on the Northroad we march for another hour or two before setting up camp.

"Hooh." I breathe a sigh as I finish setting up my smithing tent for this camping spot. "Excuse me." I whirl around. "Huh? Oh, Sir Frederick." Frederick is the only Shepherd that I refer to by title. I respect him immensely but really it's because he makes me fear for my life when I do otherwise.

Frederick holds up what looks like a cracked greave taken from the rest of his armor. I glance down surreptitiously, Frederick's always wearing his armor so nobody's ever seen underneath them. I snort as I imagine Lissa's face later on when I tell her that her theory is wrong and Frederick is not in fact buck nude underneath his suit of armor.

"Xander?" I blink. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'll take that." He hands over the damaged greave and waits patiently as I examine it. "This shouldn't take long Frederick, I'll be able to return before the sun sets."

He nods approvingly. "I'll stay then." I shrug. "It's up to you." He must be trying to determine if I can actually do this. He hasn't seen me act as a blacksmith yet.

I gather my tools and fire up my forge. As I clamp the greave into place in the fire I start wondering about the implications of a magical blowtorch.

"You did well, in the battle earlier Xander. you seem to lack a structured style but your fighting is nonetheless effective." I smile proudly. "Thank you Sir Frederick, that means a lot. My bladework is self-taught. It gives me the unpredictably that I favor but I can falter against foes with practiced training. When they're able to look past my sword that is."

"How do you feel about returning to Regna Ferox?"

I shrug and grab the tongs. "I haven't been back in quite a while to be honest. So I am eager, just a bit nervous as well."

Frederick raises an eyebrow. "Nervous?" I nod. "Yeah, I left when I was 14. This is the first time I've been back since. Really, I'm just nervous about seeing my old blacksmith master again to be honest. He was one of first person to care about me for being me you know? I was just another orphaned brat to almost everyone else. He... he basically raised me." I turn back to the greave in the flames and grasp it with the tongs before undoing the clamp. Frederick nods. "If this man helped you become the man you are today, then he would surely be proud of you. Parents always are." He smiled sadly.

As nice as this is, it feels kinda surreal that Frederick is the one comforting me right now. My talk with Emmeryn comes to mind.

"Do you know what your parents were like?" He stiffens. "I am not sure, Xander. Excuse me, but I just recalled that I forgot to clean Milord's armor after our skirmish." I nod. "Alright. Well, I'll have this done and delivered by the time Stahl has the meals sorted." I hold up the red hot metal greave.

Frederick bows his head. "My thanks." The stalwart knight walks off and I place the armor on the anvil to begin mending the crack.

"Anytime Frederick." I mutter bringing my hammer down to the damaged area.

"Curious." The hammer slips in my grip barely missing my hand and impacting the anvil. "Holy shit!" I turn seeing Miriel.

"Gods Miriel, you scared the shit out of me, I expected Kellam to pull this sort of thing, not you." The auburn haired bibliophile adjusts her glasses. "Curiouser. You address me with familiarity, and yet we have not encountered each other prior to this conversation. In addition, you posit that Kellam has also startled you in a similar manner." I turn back to my work hammering out the fault in Frederick's armor.

"Robin mentioned you." I grunt out in between strikes.

"Observation, Robin possesses considerable favor with each Shepherd despite our brief time functioning as a unit. Hypothesis, Robin exhibits a not inconsiderable degree of charisma."

I roll my eyes and move to put the greave back into the open flame. "As interesting as that is, was there something you needed Miriel?"

Her eyes wander to the floor. "I apologize for unintentionally overhearing your discussion with Sir Frederick. I also apologize for intruding your forge while you were unaware of my presence. In truth, I sought your company for two goals. One, to introduce myself as I mistakenly believed that you had no knowledge of my person. Two, I wished to investigate the source of the strange magic you utilized in the previous conflict."

I fold my arms. "Well, let's get one of those things out of the way. I'm Xander." We shake hands. "As for your second reason, that magic is a bit special." Miriel gives a slight frown. "I have never observed magic quite like that before. Would you explain its origin and workings?"

As I finish working on Frederick's armor I explain the magic I learned from Anna. Soon enough, I'm finishing up and cooling down the piece in a prepared bucket of water.

"What would one do if they wished to learn this 'Armiger' magic as you call it."

"Oh you can't." I reply without thinking. She tilts her head. "Why is that so?"

Fuck. "I'm not really sure." I bullshit, scratching the back of my head. "She didn't really explain why, she just mentioned that it takes a special kind of aptitude to use it." I hide a grimace.

This was a terrible idea. Great job idiot, explain to the most intelligent and curious person in the Shepherds who has the best chance of discovering who you are why you are different from everyone else.

"That is strange indeed. Mayhap it gives prudence for more investigation." Damn it. She's not gonna stop now and I don't want her studying me all the time. Maybe I can distract her?

"Um, so if you're doing your investigation thing, do you think you could help me out with some stuff?" Miriel pushes her glasses up. "Oh? What 'stuff' would you be referring to?"

I show her Bladeless which is thankfully just leaning against a tent pole and not hanging around in the space pocket she was interested in earlier.

"It's not immediately obvious but I do a fair amount of enchantment with my weapons. As far as I know, it's a rare skill with not much precedent in Ylisse. I'd like to do some trial runs of different enchantments and maybe come up with some new ones. Ideally, I would like to eventually be able to outfit the Shepherds in personalized weapons and maybe armor to supplement our strengths."

Miriel gives an eager grin. "I would very much like to be involved. I have never had a research partner before but I am anxious to begin."

I smile back. That was a close one. I was thinking that I would ask her at some point but this works. Two birds one stone. "Alright, awesome, I'm excited to see what we can create!"

"Awesome? Slang for amazing? Some of awe? Nevertheless, I am eager as well."

"Hey Xander!" Lissa bounces into the forge a grin on her face. "I just wanted to let you know that- oh, Miriel?"

Miriel nods to Lissa. "Greetings, Princess. I was just participating in a conversation with Xander in which we dictated to collaborate in further conferences in an endeavor to explore the nuances of enchantment."

Lissa stared at Miriel wide eyed. "Ooookay?" She turned back to me. "Anyways I just wanted to let you know that the Shepherds are about to gather for the evening meal." She shoots a weird look at Miriel. "Are you coming?"

I grin. "Of course." I wrap Frederick's now repaired greave in a spare cloth. "If Stahl cooks anything like he eats, I am not missing out."

I'm able to return Frederick's armor piece in the mess tent. Apparently it met his expectations because he immediately donned it upon accepting it. Stahl's meal is the best thing I've had so far. If this man isn't on mess duty every day I might have to jump Robin.

AN: So that's the third chapter people. I gave Xander some magic that is going to be pretty necessary to how he fights. Armiger is from FFXV if you didn't know. I love that game/fandom. Wish there were more Noctis crossover fanfictions but whatever. Wrote some Emmeryn dialogue to give Xander some more guilt to ponder on in the future and exposed a bit of Frederick that isn't typical of him. The fight scene kind of ended a bit abruptly but that was just the end of Xander's involvement. After that first bit of map he's put in the back because he isn't needed to finish the rest of the enemy off. I thought it was kind funny how I writing this chapter and doing my best to put bits of Kellam in there and ended up forgetting about Sumia. That's why she's kind of just mentioned offhandedly in the second part of this. Super excited for next chapter. Put some new stuff in that isn't canon but expands on parts of Fire Emblem that isn't talked about. Not even gonna skirt around this, a lot of future story arcs are gonna take place in Ferox. Like it just seemed ridiculous to me that we get like maybe four maps in Ferox but it's like the size of Russia. Like how does that work? If the Long fort is manned all across the border that means there's towns all across the border as well and I'm betting that North and West Ferox isn't just deserted either. Anyways, I'm excited to see what you guys think of the stuff I do with that. Please review, I always love valuable input and criticism.-Insaneauthor050701