Author's Note: I have a few things to say before you all begin reading. First, thank you to those who read and reviewed chapter seven. I'm sorry I haven't had time this weekend to reply to your reviews yet. Second, this chapter is not only shorter than the previous ones but serious. That's right, Xander and Niles are about to have it out - sort of. But don't worry, the humor should be back, soon.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Fire Emblem.

Chapter eight: The Spar

Niles sat in the offered chair, facing the table; Xander sat in the chair across from Niles, pulled as far back as was practical. Both sat straight and rigid, taking up as little space as possible in the lonely house. With their territories thus established, Xander took a deep breath and plunged in.

"Corrin believes you wish to marry her."

Niles scoffed. "Lord Xander, may I say something before we dive in?"

"I suppose." Xander nodded stiffly.

"I think it best if I say as little as possible. The less I say, the less chance there is for me to say something that offends you; and the less I say, the less chance I'll have of expressing offense."

"You really think I shall offend you?"

"You already have, sire," Niles growled, the corners of his mouth pulled back in a snarl. "I know you haven't called me here to ask about my intentions — at least, not in the casual big-brother sense. You want to ward me offer with some darker warning, with maybe one or two torture threats thrown in for good measure, right?"

Xander's temper began to crackle. "One step at a time, Niles. I promise, you won't be condemned without a fair hearing."

"Then where's the fair judge?"

Xander's fingers curled into a fist. "You seem to think I have some great reason to object to Corrin's marrying. Tell me, what is it?"

Niles made a small laugh. Xander had laid a trap, but Niles wasn't about to walk into it. "I don't think you have any special reservations against Corrin marrying. But the royal family has some very obvious objections to me."

"Why would we?"

"Ah ah ah!" Niles wagged a finger. "You're the prosecutor, Lord Xander. And I have taken a tentative vow of silence. You tell me." he whispered.

"You're walking a fine line tonight, Niles." Xander warned, making his voice as harsh as possible.

Niles did back up a little, his own tone becoming less teasing. "I apologize, Lord Xander."

Xander hated how sincere Niles sounded. Why can't he be completely villainous? he thought. It would be that much easier to despise him.

"You may know this, but I take great care with my words around Lord Leo and his family," Niles continued. "Except for tonight. I have never done anything to displease the royal family since becoming Leo's retainer. Yet I feel like I'm waiting for you all to hang me from the gallows. I feel betrayed."

Xander took a deep breath to calm himself. "I'm almost sorry, Niles, but not quite. You're right, your record since Leo took you on has been spotless, in terms of your duties. And you have, for the most part, always shown proper respect to all of my siblings. However, to others — especially to women outside of my family — you act the part of the most audacious and crude flirt that ever lived! Wild animals are more subtle than you. And before you met Leo—"

"I can't change my past!" Niles barked, shooting to his feet. His fists were clenched, and he was making an obvious effort to speak civilly. "I knew it would come to this. I had hoped you would decide my future on my present actions, but I guess that's asking too much. No matter what I do, you'll still smell the stench of the streets on me; you'll find the stain of blood hidden on my palms. I'll never be clean enough for you."

Xander ground his teeth. "Niles, I am not as strong as Corrin. In physical strength, I can best her — for now. But in terms of our hearts, she is champion. If I was an outsider and given this situation to judge, I might say it is unfair to repeatedly bring up a past you have so many times repented. But here, judging as a brother, I can not stop thinking, worrying…" He trailed off, unsure how to continue.

Niles ran a hand through his hair. Xander saw him eyeing the door. Will he walk out? Xander wondered.

Suddenly, Niles asked, "What do you think's going to happen?"

Xander was taken aback. Cautiously, he said, "You know what I think."

"No, I don't," Niles said, leaning towards Xander. "Tell me. Tell me exactly what I'm going to do to her."

All sympathy for Niles vanished when Xander saw his face. Niles was furious, but his twisted sense of humor had been aroused. Niles wasn't merely indignant — he was amused.

Street rat! Xander thought. Slowly, he rose from his chair, resuming his proper position — towering over Niles.

"You're not going to do anything to Corrin," he whispered, "because I won't let you. This wedding will not take place. I won't stop you — I won't have to. King Garon will. In the meantime, I'll be watching you, Niles. If your intentions are anything less pure than marriage for status gain — which I would not be surprised to discover — then you'll find I do not forgive easily."

Niles met Xander's gaze and said nothing.

"You may go." Xander said. Begone, vermin.

Niles made a quick bow with his head. He spun on his heel and marched towards the door. It slammed behind him, and a picture frame crashed to the floor. Xander rushed to pick it up.

Glass was shattered everywhere. Xander immediately picked up the picture itself, checking it for damage. The picture was a rough, childish sketch of five children playing with wooden swords, all of them laughing and smiling together. One corner, where a little girl with pointed ears stood brandishing her weapon, was torn.

Xander dropped the picture on the table. He put one hand to his temple and sighed. Please gods, let that not be an omen…

Ending Note: Niles is really hard to write.