Chapter Text
Laslow didn't know what to think when he was summoned to Askr. Another dimension with gateways to various other worlds, including his own? Laslow wasn't entirely surprised by the multiple worlds part, unlike some people, but it still caught him off guard.
He was among the first to be summoned here, often simply wandering around aimlessly in the winding halls. Kiran called on him to battle occasionally, but mostly Laslow was free to explore and talk and take in all that this new world had to offer.
Of course, the offer was too good to pass up. There were so many lovely ladies here, after all. However, it was a few weeks after he had been summoned Laslow realized his presence may cause some...complications.
As he quickly found, dinner was the most optimal time to explore and talk with other heroes. As he was holding a conversation with Saizo, Laslow spotted from the corner of his eye, among the sea of tables, Robin, Frederick, and Olivia sitting around in one and cheerfully eating their (slightly burnt) steak.
"So please, don't-what are you looking at?" Laslow's attention immediately snapped back to Saizo. The ninja had been suspicious of his past before, and Laslow knew that if he was to keep his cover here, he'd need to be careful around him.
"Oh-it's nothing." He lied. Saizo studied his face intently, but Laslow has gotten very good at lying during his stay in Nohr. Too Good. After a few moments the ninja gave up, and he internally gave out a sigh of relief.
"Hm. Right, as I was saying..."
Laslow nodded and smiled and went along with Saizo's conversation for the rest of dinner, but the entire time his mind was filled with worries and unrelated thoughts.
What are they doing here? You idiot, of course there would be some from that world as well. World of Awakening, right? And I'm from...World of Fate? So act the part! They don't recognize me, do they? Oh Naga, please don't let them recognize me! That'd be a disaster!"
The sudden memory that Niles was creeping around the castle as well didn't do much to comfort him. After all, he and Saizo were the ones most interested in his, Odin's, and Selena's past.
But along with dread, Laslow was also filled with an unnatural excitement. After being gone for years...he had the chance to see and talk to his mother again. To everyone else he missed, and find out what had happened while he was gone, assuming time moved the same way.
The seconds suddenly seemed to drag by, on and on, and Laslow found that all he wanted was to go back to his room, where he could contemplate in peace and agony.
He tried to cram down his food as fast as he could. Laslow suddenly found that he had no appetite.
After dinner, he took quick, light steps back to his room, too numb to even begin his nightly dancing. Currently, he didn't share the room with anyone with anyone. Laslow usually felt a bit lonely with this arrangement, but tonight he was glad. No one could see or comment on the lost look on his face, or the silent stream of tears running down cheeks.
******
They just kept on coming.
Chrom, Cordelia, Virion, Sully...
Avoiding anyone from the World of Awakening became an increasingly difficult task, especially whenever one was assigned to his team.
Laslow persevered, though he wasn't sure why.
It was quite a while after he'd first seen his mother that they met, properly this time, and with no Saizo to watch.
"Oh, s-sorry!" Olivia quickly moved out of his way, as well as Frederick, who was talking with her. Though Laslow was already late for training, he froze, staring at her.
"Um, did I do something wrong?" Olivia looked a bit worried now. Frederick's face was quickly morphing into that wary look he was so well known for.
It's alright! She doesn't recognize you! Frederick doesn't recognize you! Pull yourself together!
Laslow opened his mouth, but the only sound that would come out was a slight stuttering. He took a deep breath, then cleared his throat to try again.
"Ah, it's fine." He smiled, praying to all the gods he knew that neither noticed anything that could give away his true identity.
"If you say so..." Olivia murmured. Laslow nodded quickly-too quickly, and dashed off for that training session.
His teammates were waiting, as usual.
Ike didn't look too please with his lateness. Lucius simply nodded when Laslow apologized. Azura's veiled face gave away nothing.
Laslow's mind breezed and wandered throughout the session, not focusing entirely on battling like he should, but relying on instinct instead. Several times he snapped out of the daze, only to drift back in. His mind whirled with frantic thoughts and unclear objectives. What should he do? Avoid them? Confront them? Admit he's been lying about his identity for the past few years?
After Kiran dismissed them, Laslow shut himself back in his room. He didn't feel like doing anything but sleep.
His short-lived nap didn't make him feel any better. Laslow stumbled out the door, blinking, even wearier than before. His thoughts were a mess, and took a good few minutes to sort out.
Just then, Niles appeared beside him, seemingly out of thin air.
"AH! Don't scare like that!" Laslow jumped. Niles merely gave him that creepy, unnerving smile he was so well known for.
"Follow me, there's something I think you should see in the Main Hall."
"What?" The archer smiled and merely waved Laslow question aside, his eyes showed amusement and a hint of anticipation.
"See for yourself. Kiran is announcing the arrival of a new hero to our ranks. Apparently, he's caused quite a stir."
They stopped at the entrance, and Laslow's jaw dropped. Of all the people...
Kiran was introducing the new hero, as always. But Laslow didn't need an introduction, and neither did Niles.
The new hero was Xander.