Chapter 4
Ylisstol
Robin felt his jaw hanging open as Chrom and the other shepherds reached the top of a small, tree lined hill. Beyond the hill, sitting among the large forest at the foot of some mountains, was Ylisstol. The capital city of Ylisse. Robin had never seen any place so massive in his life. Then again, he didn't really have any memories to compare the city to. But he did have a gut feeling that Ylisstol truly was a bigger place than any he had been to.
"Home sweet home." Chrom said before rushing towards the city.
To all of their surprise, Ylisstol was completely normal. There was no signs of any earthquake. Not a single stone in the city looked out of place. The streets were crowded with people going about their daily lives. Shops bustled with customers. Patrols of guards meandered around the allies. Robin noticed Chrom paused and look back at Frederick.
"Thank Naga." He heard the knight breathe.
"It appears the city was spared the destruction in the forest." Robin noted.
Chrom nodded, "And good thing too. Can you imagine what we would be walking into if what happened back on the road occured here?" He shook his head, "It'd be a nightmare."
"Yeah." Lissa agreed.
Robin walked beside Chrom as they made their way through the city and the massive crowds. Eventually, the crowds began to thin out as they began to scale a small hill. Atop the hill sat another ring of walls, then the Exalt's palace. A massive, sparkling structure that stood vigil over the city below. Robin found his eyes roaming it's many towers. A low whistle left his lips.
"That's big." He mumbled.
"You've got no idea." Chrom chuckled.
Robin arched an eyebrow, "A palace like that must mean the Exalt is pretty important."
"Well obviously. Exalt Emmeryn is Ylisse's ruler." Chrom replied.
"And we're about to go see her?" Robin asked, "I assume that's what we're doing since we're walking in that direction."
"Yes, we are. She'll want to know what happened on the road last night." Chrom replied.
Robin gulped, "Are there any sort of um… court manners or anything I should be aware of?"
"Manners?" Chrom uttered a laugh, "No, no. Emmeryn is not like that at all. She's a kindhearted ruler. She'd just as soon sit down and have a conversation over food with you than demand any sort of fancy protocol. In fact, she'd be more likely to explain any court expectations to you than to get upset that you did not know or follow any." Chrom rubbed the back of his head, "Though to be honest, her explaining those rules may be just as much a punishment as her getting upset."
"She sounds rather benevolent."
Robin glanced back to see Ben had finally spoken up again. The robed man was once again silent for the rest of their journey to Ylisstol. Though he strangely kept his distance from Frederick's horse along the road.
The amnesiac had a hard time getting a read on the guy. He was mostly straight faced, quiet. He often faded into the background when they were just traveling. But damn if Robin did not think he could fight. Robin recalled the battle on the road to Ylisstol. Ben was a sight to see. He could have matched Chrom blow for blow with that rapier of his. And for someone that did not look particularly muscular, he was surprisingly strong. That was evidenced by how he was able to hold on to a rampaging monster last night.
Though now that Robin got a better look at him in the daylight, he looked rough. His robes were scorched in several places. Black patches ran over his robes and cloak like polka dots. And his cloak was torn and frayed in several places. Robin would have chalked all that up to the battle in the woods last night. But now that he thought about it, Ben always look like that?
Just what happened to him before we crossed paths?
"Yeah," Chrom shrugged, "Emm is probably the kindest ruler we've ever had. Father included."
"Yup!" Lissa chirped, "And she's the best big sister I could ever ask for."
"Big sister huh?" Robin wasn't paying attention as the group passed through the gates of the palace and into a large courtyard. The architecture was marvelous. Robin could not help but stare in awe, "I'm sure she's the best big…" His eyes widened, "Sister?"
He stared at both Chrom and Lissa.
"Eh?" He shook his head, "Wait, sister? Father? But then that means that you- you are-"
Ben bowed to both siblings, "I apologize for not realizing sooner, your grace." He said formally.
Chrom and Lissa both burst into laughter.
"Don't start doing that now." Chrom laughed, "I'm not a big fan of all the courtly manners. I'm just Chrom to both of you."
Robin let out a nervous laugh.
Well that was more than a little embarrassing. He thought.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed Frederick glaring at him. An accusatory stare that told Robin that he was not out of the knight's suspicions just yet. Remembering Chrom's name but not the fact that he was the Prince of Ylisse probably didn't help matters.
The palace doors opened and the Shepherds entered a massive great hall. Statues of the past exalts lined the great hall, while great stone pillars held the ceiling high over their heads. At the far end sat a small throne. Standing in front of that throne were two people. The first was a white haired woman in golden armor. Small wing like ornaments sat above her ears. She was speaking fervently with another woman. This woman had a much more regal bearing to her. A calming presence that made Robin feel relaxed. She wore loose, heavy robes. Robin then noticed a pale blue brand on her forehead.
As the group entered, both Sully and Virion excused themselves while the rest of the Shepherds marched towards the throne. Both woman stopped talking and looked over at Chrom.
The robed women gave the group a gentle, welcoming smile.
"Welcome home, Chrom." She said.
Chrom grinned, "It's good to be home, sis."
"Hey Emm!" Lissa waved.
"Hello, Lissa." Her smile widened, "I trust traveling with Chrom and Frederick was eventful."
Lissa crossed her arms, "If you count eating a bear as eventful then yeah, it was."
Emmeryn softly chuckled before turning to Chrom, "I trust you took care of those bandits in the south."
Chrom sighed, "Tried to. We managed route the majority of them. Even captured their leader. But we had to cut him loose." The woman in golden armor frowned a little, "There were much more important things we had to worry about. I assume you heard about what happened on the road here?"
Emmeryn nodded, "We have."
"Those creatures have been spotted popping up throughout Ylisse." The woman in golden armor reported, "I've already dispatched some of our soldiers to investigate."
"Good thinking, Phila." Chrom nodded.
"Are you going to introduce me to these two?" Emmeryn asked as she motioned to both Robin and Ben.
Robin fidgeted. His hands folding and unfolding in front of him. He then attempted an awkward bow.
"My name is uh- er-"
"Did you forget again?" Lissa teased.
"His name is Robin." Chrom laughed, "And the other one who looks like he just rolled around in a fireplace is-"
"Ben." Ben bowed low. A practiced bow that spoke a lot about the people he interacted with. Chrom was actually surprised by how formal he suddenly was.
Emmeryn smiled, "Well, it is very nice to meet both of you."
"Your grace," Frederick finally spoke up, "These two assisted us on our journey back to Ylisstol. But Robin claims to be an amnesiac with no memory besides Chrom's name and his own. Ben also claims to be a lost traveler. We encountered both while on the trail of Plegian bandits." He cleared his throat, "Pardon my caution, but we cannot discount that they may be Plegian spies."
"Frederick!" Chrom snapped.
"Chrom, have these men earned your trust?" Emmeryn asked.
"They helped people in need when they had no reason to." Chrom replied, "Both distinguished themselves greatly on the road here. They fought alongside us. Ben showed great martial skill, and Robin displayed tactical abilities that I feel could be of value to us." He glanced back at Robin, "So I'm going to name him the Shepherd's new tactician.I'd say they have more than earned my trust."
Robin sucked in a breath, "Uh… what?"
Emmeryn gave him a gentle smile, "Then that is good enough for me." She nodded back at Phila, "Are we ready for the council?"
"With Lord Chrom here, we are." Phila replied, "The Knight Commander and council members are waiting."
Emmeryn nodded, "Chrom, Frederick."
"And that is our cue to leave." Lissa said before spinning both Ben and Robin around, "C'mon you two, I've got a place to show both of you."
The place Lissa wanted to show them was the Shepherd's barracks. A humble little building near the Exalt's palace. Big enough to fit perhaps three dozen people inside of it. But not so big that it would be considered a luxurious space. Attached to the building was a small stable. Ben cast a wary glance at Frederick's horse before following Lissa to the door.
The inside was very welcoming in design. Lissa guided both Ben and Robin into a common area with a large yet cozy sitting area and fireplace. A small bar as well. Bookshelves lined the walls in the common room. Inside the common room was Sully, Virion and several others that Ben did not recognize.
"Here we are!" Lissa grinned, "Welcome to the Shepherd's Barracks."
"It's cozy." Robin smiled.
Ben remained silent as he took in his surroundings. For a military force, this building was rather comfortable. Then again, years of war, living on a starship for months at a time, tended to distort one's perception of what was considered comfortable. This all looked like luxury to Ben. But to the Shepherd's this was probably normal. Ben had to shrug. The shepherd's he had met so far were young. Of course they would want to make their lives as comfortable as possible. Even if they were supposed to be a military force.
And they were enjoying that luxury. Virion was lounging beside the fireplace, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Sitting beside him, enjoying a cup of tea as well, was a woman wearing bright, steel armor. There were little wing like ornaments in her long brown hair. Sully was sitting at the bar, drink in hand, with another man. A shirtless bulk of muscle and scars that screamed brute to Ben. There was a third woman pacing to and fro near Sully. She wore a frilly pink clothes and clutched a folded white parasol in her hand.
Ben paused as he sensed the presence of one more in the room. He glanced over in the corner and saw a small mountain of gray armor resting near the window. A round head with short brown hair poked out from the top of the armor
"Hey everyone!" Lissa said.
"Hey squirt!" The shirtless man beside Sully grinned, "Welcome back! Where's your brother at? Teach needs to give him a few more lessons."
Lissa laughed, "So it's Teach now is it, Vaike?"
"Ah shut it you big lug and drink." Sully said, "Chrom could probably teach you a thing or two about combat."
"No way!" Vaike replied, "You all need to stop leaving Teach out of all the fun. Without ol' Teach, the prince would not have been able to get out of as many scrapes as he has."
"Or get into as many." Sully snorted before sipping her drink.
"Ah! Lissa." Virion smiled as he tore his eyes from the book he was reading, "Welcome back to our abode. We made sure to warm the place for you and Chrom so that upon your arrival you would find comfort and-"
"Lissa darling!" The blonde woman cried before rushing up to the princess of Ylisse, "I'm so glad you have returned safe and sound. Virion and Sully told me all about the horrors you experienced on the road. You must have been so terrified!"
"I'm fine, Mirabelle. Really I am." Lissa replied.
The blonde woman sighed in relief before glancing over Lissa's shoulder at Robin and Ben. A frown formed on her face as she stared at them. Before she could say anything else, the armored woman beside Virion rose to her feet.
"Um… pardon me. When will Chrom be arriving?" She asked.
"Oh yes. Sumia must know." Virion hummed, "She's been beside herself with concern for the good captain this entire time. My ears have heard much of it all."
"Aw, that's so sweet." Lissa said.
"Yeah, like Teach asked before, where is Chrom at?" Vaike echoed.
"Be patient everyone." Lissa reassured, "He's attending a council with Emm, Frederick, and Phila. I'm sure he'll be over here soon." She then noticed the others looking at both Robin and Ben. "Oh! Guys!" Lissa rushed back to Ben and Robin. To both of their surprise, she wrapped her arms over their shoulders, "Meet the newest members of the shepherds! Ben and Robin."
"I'm a member?" Robin questioned.
"I don't particularly remember agreeing to anything." Ben muttered.
"Robin and Ben, hmm?" Maribelle strode up to both. Her stern gaze roved over them for a moment.
"It's very nice to meet you, Maribelle." Ben said with a slight bow.
"Uh… yeah." Robin held out his hand, "Please to meet you."
"Is that how you address a noblewoman, Sir Robin?" Maribelle replied snootily, "I had hoped you were cut from a finer cloth. But judging by both your filthiness and choice of dress, I suppose I expected far too much of you." She glanced over at Ben, "At least he had the courtesy to acknowledge my status in society."
"Be nice, Maribelle." Lissa said, "Chrom has named Robin our new tactician." Lissa beamed at all of them, "You should see the tricks both he and Ben have up their sleeves."
"Trick huh?" Vaike smirked, "Well can they do this."
Ben arched an eyebrow as the bronzed man uttered a massive belch. Maribelle looked at the man, revolted. Virion appeared disgusted as well, but was not as obvious about it. The other shepherds simply chuckled. Sully even raised her drink in approval.
Robin joined in the laughter, "I think I have much to learn in the art of belching, Teach."
Vaike grinned and wrapped a meaty arm around Robin's neck, "I like him already, squirt."
"Birds of a feather…." Mirabelle grumbled before storming off. Both Ben and Robin eyed her as she left the barracks.
Very disgruntled girl. Ben thought to himself.
"Don't take her behavior to heart." Lissa told both Robin and Ben, "She warms to people slowly." She giggled a little, "Or burns too quickly."
"And what about Ben huh? What's he good at?" Vaike asked.
"Fighting. What else?" Sully answered, "You should have seen him out on the road. He's bat shit crazy!"
"I'm what?"
"Indeed. Jumping atop that monster in order to protect your new comrades. A gallant thing to do indeed. Although, incredibly reckless." Virion commented before raising his cup of tea to Ben.
"He looks about as crazy as the rest of us." Vaike grinned before rubbing the top of Ben's head with his hand, "Ha ha! If all of that is true, both of you are gonna fit in just fine around here!"
Ben noticed, out of the corner of his eyes, the man in the hulking suit of armor come shuffling over from his corner.
"Hi, I'm Kellam."
Lissa and Robin nearly jumped out of their skin, causing the others to laugh.
"How did I not notice him?" Robin muttered to himself, "He's only wearing a six foot suit armor."
"A pleasure." Ben took Kellam's outstretched hand, "I was wondering when you were going to introduce yourself."
Kellam's jaw slowly fell open. As did the other shepherds around Ben.
"You noticed me?" Kellam asked.
Ben uttered a small chuckle, "It was rather difficult not to."
Sully sipped on her drink, "And Ben has already proven that he is better at seeing things than the rest of us. Congratulations Kellam, you are no longer invisible." She uttered a satisfied sigh before leaning back in her seat, "So since they're shepherd's now, I'm assuming they're gonna be staying here. House rules, don't touch my food. Don't touch Virion's tea unless you want your tongue to shrivel up. And for the love of god, don't piss off Mirabelle anymore than she normally is."
"And be nice." Lissa added in, "Right Sully?"
"Yeah, yeah. So what bunks do the newbies want?"
"They can sleep near Teach if they want to!" Vaike grinned.
"If they don't want to sleep at all because of your snoring, then that is a splendid idea." Virion said.
"I think I'll find a bunk in a moment or two." Ben breathed, "For now, I just… want to rest and clear my head a moment."
Lissa gave him a concerned look, "You ok, Ben?"
"Of course he ain't." Sully said, "He looks like he got set on fire and inhaled smoke for a solid twenty four hours on top of not sleeping for a week."
"Come my friend." Virion motioned to the chair beside him, "Relax, you are among friends after all."
For the first time in a long while, Ben happily obliged. He sunk into the seat beside the fireplace. His tired, aching muscles going slack as the chair embraced his tired body. He could already feel in eyes starting to close a little as the warmth of the chair and the fire calmed is mind.
Across the room, Ben saw Robin talking with Sully, Virion, and Lissa. Kellam had returned to his corner. Somehow not making a sound when he did. Sumia was sitting with Virion and Ben, the trio calmly relaxing as firewood crackled in the fireplace.
"Pardon my curiosity Ben," Virion suddenly said. He set his book down on his lap, "But I am wondering, how did you and Lord Chrom stumble upon each other?"
"I'm wondering that too?" Sumia asked, "It's not often that we get two new shepherds in one day."
Ben shifted in his seat so that he was looking at Virion, "I was traveling into Southtown when Bandits attacked it. Chrom, Lissa, Robin, and Frederick happened to be nearby. I picked a fight with those bandits. They joined in."
Virion grinned, "And so, wonderful friendships are born. Not only did you so nobly attack a force far stronger than you are, but you stepped in to stop dastardly bandits while villagers were in dire need of assistance. You continue to impress."
Ben shrugged, "I was only doing what was right."
"I'm sure that's what you told Lord Chrom too." Virion replied, "Don't be so modest, my friend. Not many would have done what you did." Virion set his book down on a small table beside his chair, "And now, I have more personal questions because my curiosity continues to get the better of me. But why were you traveling to Southtown?"
Ben furrowed his brow. Indeed, why was he traveling to Southtown?
I woke up in a field nearby after being killed in an escape pod that was blown to pieces by an imperial star destroyer. And it was only by sheer coincidence that I ended up near Southtown and I was hoping that I may be able to find Luke there. The baby boy that just so happens to be the galaxy's last hope for peace and balance in the force.
But he could not say that. Ben had slowly been coming to the conclusion that this planet had no ties to any galactic government. Not the Empire, the Separatists, the now dead Republic, or even the Hutt cartel or other crime syndicates. This world was, for lack of a better term, untouched. Such a thing gave Ben a reason to breathe somewhat easier. But that was also one of the biggest reasons why he could not simply tell these people the truth.
For one, he hardly believed it himself. One does not die then come back to life. And one does not somehow teleport from the middle of the galaxy to an undiscovered world in force knows where. He could only imagine the scorn he would possibly receive from these people.
For two, given the technology he had seen on this world so far, it was entirely possible, even very likely, that this world was not a space faring civilization. Not even a civilization that had ventured into its own atmosphere yet. Their weapons were primitive. Even more so than the tusken raiders on Tatooine. They relied on animals instead of vehicles for transport. And fire seemed to be the major source of both light and energy. This world was not just undiscovered, it was undeveloped. Most likely, they all still believed they were alone in the universe.
In Ben's mind, there was no need to alarm these people by revealing that he was an alien to them. And there was even less need to tell them that he was a wanted alien with a price on his head so large that if they were to somehow hand him over to the Empire, Ylisse would go from backward civilization to space faring in a matter of days.
And finally, before leaving Master Yoda, he swore that his mission to protect Luke would remain secret. It had to remain secret. If word got out that a Jedi Master was protecting a young infant named Skywalker, then the Emperor would no doubt come and destroy him. Then he woudl take Luke. If that happened, all hope for peace in the galaxy would be lost.
Ben took a deep breath. He hated lying. But it would not be the first time he had done so during the past few years.
"I was actually…" Ben strained his mind, searching for a credible reason, "looking for my son. He went missing a few days ago."
Sumia gasped. Virion closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Pray, may I ask, in what manner did he go missing?" Virion asked, the mirth in his voice gone.
Ben swallowed, "I believe he may have been kidnapped. I do not know who the kidnappers are or where they may have taken him."
"That's awful!" Sumia said.
"Indeed." Virion grimaced, "Your son must only be an infant."
Ben looked at Virion in surprise, "Yes. Just a week old." Sumia covered her mouth with her hands, "How did you know that?"
Virion shrugged, "With how young you are, it seemed only logical."
"Young?" Ben said with a small laugh, "I'm not- I'm not young."
Virion chuckled, "We have all said that at some point. Twenty years of age has a strange way of making one rather cocky about our levels of experience, doesn't it?"
Ben brought a hand to his chin, "But I'm not twenty I'm-"
He froze. His chin was bare. He rubbed it slowly. There was no beard. Not even a whisker. His hand shot up to his head. His hair was short. Like when he was a padawan learner. His eyes widened.
What in the Sith hells!?
"Are you ok, Ben?" Sumia asked, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I don't think I've ever seen someone lose color over being told that they look young." Virion shrugged, "But there is a first time for everything."
Ben swallowed hard, "I need to use the restroom."
"Down the hall, third door on the right. Makes sure you use the men's room." Virion said, "Unless you want to end up like Vaike. Knocked out on the floor because you happened to walk in on Sully taking a bath."
"Here." Sumia rose and grabbed Ben by the hand, "Let me show you. You look a little out of sorts."
"I'm feeling very out of sorts." Ben admitted as Sumia showed him to the men's room.
When they arrived, Sumia shifted nervously.
"I'll um- be back in the main room. Waiting for um-waiting for Chrom." She turned, "If you need anything just call. I'm sure one of the boys would be happy to help."
Ben did not reply. He waited for Sumia to get far enough down the hall before he shoved his way into the restroom. He rushed up to the mirror that hung from the wall. His eyes widened. He was staring at a face he had not seen in almost twenty years. A fresh faced Padawan, still learning how to be a Jedi Knight. His face paled. He gulped and looked over at a small basin filled with crystal clear water.
This is not happening. He thought as he splashed his face with water.
He wiped the droplets from his eyes and stared back in the mirror again. That same, clean shaven, youthful padawan stared back at him.
Ben stumbled back and slumped against the back wall.
"Wha-what?"
His chest was heaving. What in the force was going on? He ran his hands over his face and sunk down to a seat on the floor.
"Obi Wan."
Ben's head snapped upright.
"It's about time I heard from you." He said, "I have a lot of questions right now."
"I'm sure you do." Qui Gon said. His voice never wavering from that calm, gentle tone that Obi Wan knew so well, "And I shall do my best to answer them."
Ben closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath. He had to keep his head clear. Think rationally. There had to be some sort of explanation for all of this. Maybe he really was dead and this was just some strange afterlife? He had heard of stranger during his travels around the galaxy. Or perhaps this was a trick of the force. He had studied tales of Jedi and dark side users that were capable of changing their physical appearance thanks to their mastery of the force.
He clung to the force for comfort. It's warmth filled him and he felt a sense of calm flood through his veins. But that calm faded and turned into puzzlement. The last time Ben had enveloped himself in the force, it had been in utter turmoil. The dark side of the force had been clouding everything. Throwing the force into absolute chaos to the point where it no longer felt like a refuge for the Jedi Master. But here, it felt calming. Not bright or pure light. But serene. Not as disturbed as before.
"How?" Ben asked Qui Gon.
The ethereal master was silent for a moment.
"I do not know, Obi Wan."
Ben closed his eyes, frustrated.
"I may be one with the force." His master continued, as if sensing his former student's frustration and anticipating his next question, "But even I cannot know what the force wills at all times. I am merely a messenger of the force now. I can only deliver to you what I know."
"Where am I?" Ben asked.
"I don't know."
Ben groaned, "Do you know anything?"
"I know that somehow, you were not killed. You were instead transported to an unknown planet, in an unknown portion of the galaxy. You have deaged by twenty years. And Luke is missing."
Ben uttered a indignant snort, "So you know about as much as I do? That's comforting." He rested his head back against the wall, "So what do I do now? I know I must find Luke. But apparently these people want me to join their little group. Which could stall my search. And if my search stalls then all hope-"
"And I believe you should join them." Qui Gon answered, "There are no such thing as accidental meetings or coincidences, Obi Wan. You were brought to these people for a reason. That reason will be revealed in time. As for what could happen to the galaxy, you are doing what I warned you not to do my young padawan."
Ben frowned, "You were just waiting to say that, weren't you?"
Qui Gon chuckled, "Concentrate on the moment, Obi Wan. Let the living force guide you. And you will not be led astray."
Ben felt Qui Gon's presence go quiet. He would not be getting any more answers from his long dead master today. He rubbed his forehead and let out a long breath.
No wonder I was able to take such a beating against those monsters back on the road. Ben thought to himself, My body is in its prime. That and I don't have the results of an entire war wearing me down. He froze and let out a heavy sigh, That also means my skills in the force may be diminished. If I am how I was twenty years ago, then I have a lot of training to catch up on.
A small knock on the bathroom door drew Ben's attention.
"Hey Ben." Robin called from beyond the door, "Are you alright in there. Chrom has arrived. And he insisted on waiting till you came back." he paused, "The others are kinda worried about you. You looked a little sick after talking to Virion."
Ben stared in stunned silence at the door. The shepherds were concerned? About him? Why would they be? He was no one to them? Just another traveler who just so happened to assist Chrom against some bandits and strange monsters.
"Do you need a few more moments?"
Ben took a deep breath.
Live in the moment, Obi Wan. He reminded himself, Live in the moment.
Ben stood and opened the door.
"Sorry I just- I- I really had to use the bathroom." He stammered.
Robin let out a laugh, "You don't have to apologize. Go to the main room. Sumia ran back here to the restroom as well while you were gone. Said something about needing to wipe away tears because of a sad story. I'm gonna grab her then meet you with the others."
Ben nodded and exited the restroom. He strode down the hall and into the barrack's living room. Frederick and Chrom were both there now. The pair sitting with the other shepherds, making small talk. No doubt discussing the events both in Southtown and on the road. Lissa and Vaike were both munching on some pastries that Frederick brought with him from the palace kitchens.
The knight watched Ben as he entered the room.
"There he is!" Vaike cheered, "That must of been one hell of a bathroom break. Only the tough ones cause a man to talk to himself as he-"
"Vaike, please for the love of Naga." Mirabelle frowned.
"What?" Vaike asked.
"I hope I did not upset you with my prying, Ben." Virion apologized.
Ben waved him off, "You did not. I just… really had to use the bathroom."
"I knew it!" Vaike declared.
Ben narrowed his eyes at the tanned man, "And were you eavesdropping on me?"
Vaike folded his arms, "The Vaike just likes to know what the newbies are like."
"What happened to calling yourself Teach?" Sully teased.
"He calls himself Teach now does he?" Chrom chuckled after finishing off a small cake, "If he's teach, then I'm a professor."
"Ha! You wish!" Vaike exclaimed.
Footsteps rushed down the hall towards the living room. Ben glanced over to see Sumia barreling into the room.
"Captain Chrom!"
*THUD*
The girl fell flat on he face as she tripped over thin air. Chrom was on his feet and by her side in a matter of moments.
"Sumia! Are you ok? Was it those boots again?" He asked as he helped her to her feet, "I thought we got those adjusted."
"I-I-I'm fine." Sumia stammered, her cheeks red, "It was- I- er- the boots."
Ben saw Robin sigh and shake his head as the newly appointed tactician stepped around the flustered Sumia and over to a seat beside Sully and Vaike. The young man's eyes lit up as Sully passed him the plate of cakes.
"Yum!" He smiled before grabbing two cakes off of the platter.
"Save some for the rest of us you greedy bastard." Sully barked causing Robin to shrink and put one cake back, "Strawberry cake Ben?"
Ben looked at the small pastry.
"Sure."
He took one and took a small bite, hesitant bite. He froze as he chewed.
"This is delicious." He mumbled.
"Alright!" Chrom clapped his hands together, "Is everyone here?"
"Stahl isn't." Sully said, "He's probably out on a patrol again."
"Teach will tell him what we talk about." Vaike said.
Chrom nodded at the muscular man, "Very well. I assume you all have met the newest additions to our group." He nodded at Robin and Ben, "Robin, Ben, welcome aboard."
"I still don't recall agreeing to anything." Ben said before taking another bite of cake, "But this cake is convincing me to stay."
The others laughed before Chrom continued.
"Robin is going to be our new tactician. If his performance out in the field is any indication, he has experience doing that, even if his memory is a bit fuzzy. And Ben will be joining our swordsmen. Sully, you and Stahl play nice."
"I make no promises when it comes to training." Sully replied.
"So what's going on, Captain?" Sumia asked.
"Yeah, Teach is itching to know what the deal is."
"Did the council discuss those creatures that ambushed us in the forest?" Virion asked.
"We did." Chrom nodded, "They are being referred to as Risen. Apparently small groups of them having been popping up all over Ylisse. So far, Phila and the Knight-Commander have been able to contain it. Right now, that is not our most pressing matter." Chrom took a breath, "We have reason to believe that King Gangrel of Plegia is using bandits to raid our lands and spark a war between our two kingdoms. Exalt Emmeryn wants to exhaust all options for peace before taking any military action. Nevertheless, me and Commander Phila convinced her to send a delegation to Regna Ferox so that an alliance can be made against Plegia."
"And I'm guessing we're that delegation?" Lissa asked.
Chrom nodded, "Correct. Now, this is a voluntary mission so for those of you-"
"Count me in!" Lissa chirped.
"Where you go and the princess go, I follow." Frederick nodded.
"A chance to knock some more heads? You bet I'm in." Sully smiled.
"Teach wants in on the action already!" Vaike hollered.
"One cannot just leave such a valuable asset such as I behind. The archest of archers must accompany this brave fellowship." Virion said.
"I-um-" Sumia folded her hands and bowed her head.
"Yes, Sumia?" Chrom asked.
"I want to come too. But I um- I'm not sure I'm ready for a mission yet and-"
Chrom gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. You can come along. If you have to stick to the back of the group, that is ok."
Sumia's cheeks turned pink before she smiled, "Then I volunteer!"
"I'm with you too!" Kellam called before hesitating, "Hey, did any of you hear me?"
Chrom turned to look at Robin. The coat covered man shrugged and took another bite of his cake.
"You can't just leave behind your new tactician on something this important, now can you?"
Chrom grinned, "Absolutely not. You'll get to play politics with me."
Robin paused as he was about to take another bite, "Do I get a chance to opt out?"
"Nope!" Lissa laughed.
Ben nodded and raised his hand, "I'll go as well."
Virion cheered, "I knew the desire for adventure was not taken from you by a simple stomach ache!"
Chrom nodded, "Alright. I'm sure Miriel and Stahl will be joining us too. So that makes all of us." He shook his head and laughed, "This is going to be one heck of a journey."
"Damn straight!" Sully and Vaike cheered.
"Get some rest tonight then." Chrom ordered, "We leave at first light tomorrow."
The other shepherds cheered. Chrom smiled as the group returned to eating and drinking. Ben slowly found himself warming to the people around him. He was still quiet. Except with Virion, who somehow had a way to make him talk. He joined the archer in a strategy game that Robin also joined in on. It wasn't until late in the evening that the shepherds all began to retire for the night.
As Ben lay in the little bunk given to him he pondered the past few days events. It had all been such a whirlwind that he barely had time to think. But as his mind struggled to process everything, he found his eyes growing heavier.
For the first time in days, Ben felt himself drift off to sleep.
And chapter! A slower chapter! I had a lot of characters to introduce here! I really hope I did them justice. This story is a really unique challenge for me. I don't think I've ever really written a story with this many characters in it (Well I have, but not this way before. My GOT story has just as many characters but writing that in GRRM style makes it a little easier). I look forward to the challenge of juggling all of them. I love these characters so it's going to be fun writing their little interactions.
As for Obi Wan being younger, that was a why not decision for me. Why not make him younger so he can relate to the shepherd's more? It's Fanfiction! Let's have a little fun with it. That's not to say I just did that at complete random though. It does tie into the story. I'm still finishing up the outline. But I'm super excited about it!
Anyways, let me know what you all think. As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day.