The Force's Shepherds

by TheBobcat18

Obi Wan thought he was dead. The Empire had found him and baby Luke as they sped away from Polis Massa. Yet here he is now, alive, breathing, and force knows where. Desperate to find the baby boy, he finds help in some of the unlikeliest of people. All the while, a calamity brews on this strange planet that he now calls home.

15. Enemies Within

The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 15

Enemies Within

He licked his lips. The target was in sight. Oh how he could feel the anticipation building inside of him. Such a delicious goal. The man's eyes gleamed with delight as his fingers reached towards the pocket of the soldier. Just a little closer and-

He grinned and slipped away, a lollipop cradled in his arms. A small laugh escaped the thief's lips before he slumped against the wall and unwrapped the candy.

"Like taking it from a baby." He said with a wry smirk.

He bit into the candy, "Hm… cherry?" He smacked his pale lips together and frowned, "I think?"

"Not used to the array of flavors available to you, Gaius?"

The thief nearly jumped out of his shoes. But once he saw the blonde haired, blue eyed man approaching him, he relaxed.

"Geez Kage, you didn't have to scare me like that."

His companion laughed, "It's always fun sneaking up on the professional thief."

"Fun until you sneak up at the wrong time and I accidentally stab you." Gaius patted the short sword on his hip, "I'm not just good at sneaking around you know."

"I know. Otherwise why would you be here." Kage replied as he leaned up against the wall with his companion.

Gaius licked the lollipop, "You know something."

"Hm?"

"I don't mind this place too much."

"Really?"

"Really." Gaius nodded before motioning at the bustling market in front of him, "Ylisstol. The crown jewel of our nation's mortal enemy. Supposedly the epicenter of fell deeds and wickedness. A true hellhole in the words of our illustrious Grimleal and King. And yet, it is better in every way than our dust hill of a capital." Gaius licked his lollipop.

Kage pushed away from the wall and began to walk down the busy road towards the Ylisstol Palace district, "In what ways?" He asked as Gaius followed him.

Gaius raised his brow, "You're kidding me right?"

"Enlighten me." Kage smirked.

"Just open your damn eyes, kid." Gaius said.

Kage frowned at being called kid. But Gaius didn't care. He had been calling the guy 'kid' since he first met him back in Plegia. I mean, he just looked like a kid. Baby faced. Not a whisker of facial hair to speak of. Soft blue eyes that screamed sweet and innocent. A boyish smile that made the elders that they passed by smile back. If Kage had not told Gaius his actual age, then Gaius would have assumed he was a teenager.

Gaius rolled his eyes and wrapped his arm around Kage's shoulders, "Just look. There… over there see!"

"I see a bakery." Kage deadpanned.

"You see a bakery. I see cake." Gaius grinned, "A million different kinds too! What do we have back in Plegia? Rice cake? Bleh! It's only good once in a while. But chocolate cake?" Gaius uttered a wistful sigh as his eyes lingered on the bakery, "It warms the soul just thinking about it."

"Ok, so the sweets are better."

"The food too." Gaius noted.

Kage bobbed his head in agreement, "It is nice not having to scavenge like before."

"Yes! I don't think I've ever had a stew as good as that one in that village we passed through. Mmmm! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it."

"Maybe we will pass back through that town after we've completed our part in the mission."

Gaius's smile dropped a little bit.

The mission, that's right. He was here to assist a group of Plegian soldiers attempting to infiltrate the Exalt's palace. He didn't know why they were aiming to do that. The city itself already had so many guards and soldiers in it, he could only imagine how many soldiers were actually guarding the palace itself. It sounded like a suicide mission. But none of them acted like it was.

The confidence, or rather fear of failure, was instilled by the soldiers commander. A sorcerer from the Grimleal named Validar. Gaius felt himself shudder. The guy was bad news. Plain and simple. He did not trust mages or sorcerers. They could see things that most people could not. And he thrived on being an unseen thief. To be in the company of someone who could so easily spot him in the shadows rattled the red head. Then there was just how he carried himself.

Validar is a cocky bastard. Gaius sucked on his lollipop, And dangerous.

He had already witnessed the power of the Grimleal sorcerer. The small strike force of Plegians had nearly been discovered when they were entering Ylisstol three nights ago.

It had been near midnight. They were all riding in the back of a horse drawn cart. Hiding inside of some crates. Each man pretending he was some cargo meant to be sold to traders in the market the next morning. Gaius had the misfortune of being stuffed into a crate full of broccoli. Kage was the driver. The kid not really part of the mission, but still a valuable resource.

They had been stopped at the main gate. Contraband check due to the outbreak of war with Plegia. They'd have to crack open the crates in order to see what was inside of them. Gaius had been in the crate beside Validar when the soldiers began to encircle the cart.

Now, Gaius was no mage. He did not know what magic was supposed to feel like. But he could feel a cold power radiating from Validar's crate that made him tremble. Even now, as he walked with Kage to their hideout, he could feel cold fingers creeping up his spine at the memory. He had no doubt that Validar would have annihilated the Ylissean guards if he had to.

But thank Grima he did not have to. Somehow, Kage had managed to convince the guards that they did not need to check his cargo. He could pass through the city unimpeded. Gaius still did not know how the kid managed it. At first, Gaius suspected a well placed bribe. But then again, Kage did not have any money. He was just the peasant boy recruited to drive the carriage from Plegia to Ylisstol. A way to make it look like he was a commoner out to make his fortune in the capital. So in the end, Gaius came to the logical conclusion that Kage was just that much of a charmer. That persuasive of a talker. And someone like that was damn useful to a professional thief.

So he stayed close to the kid. And he actually grew to like him. Kage was damn smart. And hyper aware of his surroundings. There had been another instance that they had almost been found out. A Ylissean patrol had come knocking on their safe house. Kage was able to alert Validar and get the men into hiding before the soldiers could even knock on the door.

Then there was how he had such light footfalls. The nimble fingers and obvious agility that could not be taught. Gaius smirked to himself as the city transitioned from bustling market to affluent causeways and massive, white stone houses.

He'd make a damn good thief.

"What do you think this whole mission is about?" Gaius asked Kage.

"Why are you asking me?" Kage replied, both keeping their voices very hushed as to avoid any open ears around them.

Gaius shrugged, "Your the outside perspective."

Kage pressed his lips into a thin line, "Well… I'm not sure. There are a lot of skilled thiefs among us."

"Think we're just robbing the palace?" Gaius asked, "Cause that's what I signed up for."

Kage furrowed his brow, "If that were the case, why the swords?"

Gaius frowned, "Well, some theives are smart enough to realize they may get caught."

"That only requires a dagger or dirk." Kage argued, "Or even a short sword like you have. But these guys are carrying some really heavy equipment. I thought I saw a couple bows here and there."

Gaius frowned, "You think we are doing something other than petty thievery then?"

Kage snorted, "I don't think breaking into the Exalt's Palace and snatching whatever valuables we can get our hands on would be considered mere petty thievery."

"Semantics." Gaius replied with a wave of his hand as the duo turned down a quiet street just a few roads away from the palace. The red head looked up.

The Exalt's palace really was a marvel. A wonder of the world. It jutted so high up into the sky that Gaius was convinced he would never actually see the very top of it. And it glittered in the waning sunlight like a brilliant gem. Indeed, it was the crown jewel of the Ylisse Halidom. A testament to their ingenuity and creativity.

But hey, we've got a big ol' skeleton in our city. Gaius though as he jabbed the lollipop into his mouth and let it sit there. The cherry flavor slipping across his tongue as he walked, Yeah… that's not as impressive.

The reached the last house on the road. A three story structure of white stone and cedar wood. Some poor elderly nobleman had owned it before Validar and his company had showed up. He was now lying in a pool of dried blood in the cellar. Killed by the Grimleal warlock himself. Though Gaius did not see it actually happen. And he preferred to keep it that way.

Kage gave the front door a knock. Then waited and knocked two more times. The door creaked open and a dark eye glared out at Gaius and Kage.

"The commander is pissed." The Plegian soldier said as he opened the door for them.

"Oh come on!" Gaius rolled his eyes, "He seriously can't expect any thief worth their salt to just sit indoors. Not when there is so much potential around us."

"You can and you will." A sharp voice hissed.

Gaius froze. And Kage tensed beside him.

Staring at them from the hallway was Validar. The man was as thin as a reed. His face long and dark. Eyes hooded by a heavy brown that only made them appear even more sinister than Gaius would have liked. He wore ornate robes lined with gold trim. And clutched in his long fingers was a black tome. A Grimleal grimoire that contained powers unimaginable.

"Lord Validar." Kage bowed at the waist.

"Uh… hi." Gaius waved before quickly spitting out what was left of his lollipop.

Validars eyes shone as he looked at the lollipop lying on the floor. His lips curled into a wicked snarl.

"Is that why you jeopardized the mission, thief?" Validar growled, "For sweets?"

"Uh…"

"Lord Validar. He did not jeopardize anything." Kage said, "Gaius was simply assisting me with scouting the area. Making sure that our road was clear for tonight. We had to look inconspicuous, so we managed to purchase some sweets." Kage pulled out a small bar of chocolate, "We even got one for you."

Gaius's eyes bugged out of his skull. Since when did Kage- he gave the kid a smirk.

Sticky fingers too eh? Not bad kid. Not bad at all.

Validar glowered at Kage. Gaius gulped. He was expecting swift punishment. Perhaps a spell that would wrack both of their bodies with pain. No one defied Validar. Least of all a peasant boy like Kage. Gaius braced himself as Validar glowered down at them.

Why does he have to be so tall? Gaius thought, It only makes me feel worse in these situations.

To Gaius's shock, Validar's shadow moved away. The sorcerer turned on his heel and stormed back down the hall. He did not so much as raise a hand against him and Kage.

Relief rushed through the red headed thief. He uttered a small chuckle before looking over at Kage, who was also chuckling.

"How-" Gaius took a breath, "How the hell do you do that?"

"Do what?" Kage asked as they moved up the a flight of stairs to the bedrooms. Both needed to catch a few winks before the start of tonight's mission.

"Charm your way out of tight scrapes." Gaius replied.

Kage smirked, "A thief doesn't reveal his secrets."

Gaius raised an eyebrow, "I think the expression is meant for a magician."

"Would you ever tell me your tricks of the trade?"

Gaius nodded his head, "Fair point." Then with cat like quickness, he snatched the chocolate bar from Kage's hand, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.

His eyes widened. Pupils dilated. The flavor was so... so... damn bitter! Gaius gagged and spat out the chocolate.

"What the hell!?" He looked at the wrapper, "Dark chocolate?"

He glared at Kage as the man moved down the hall.

"You uncultured swine!"

"It's called knowing your opponent." Kage chuckled before entering his room and closing the door.

Gaius scowled then tossed the nasty chocolate on the floor. Before he entered his room, he chuckled.

"Played me like a fiddle." He laughed, "Kid's got a brain on him. He knew I'd take his chocolate bar. Heh… nice. Very nice."

….

The retreat from Themis was one of the longest of Ben's life. He had lost battles before. The Clone War had given him his fair share of defeats. His fair share of tragedies and near misses. Force, even some of the victories he managed to earn left his feeling exhausted and defeated. The sheer loss of life in those battles almost unimaginable. Especially so someone who was sensitive to the Force. Sensitive to every life that existed and was violently ended on those days.

But there was something about the retreat from Themis that felt like even more of a dagger in the gut to Ben. Something about the long arduous march to Ylisstol. The constant fear of danger. The anxiety that the Plegian army could be right on their heels. Ready to swallow the fleeing refugees whole. And all that stood in the common people's way was Chrom's Shepherds.

Maybe it was the weather. It had been miserable the whole march. The rain and mud had only served to dampen their already dreadful spirits. Or perhaps it was just the cloud of desperation that hung over them all. No matter what the reason was, Ben felt like the rest of the Shepherds. Exhausted and somewhat defeated.

The barracks was quiet today. Sully and Stahl sat at the small bar, drinking away their discomfort. Frederick stayed out by the horses for the day. Burying himself in work in order to forget the failure at Themis. Chrom and Robin had begun the day discussing tactics with Commander Phila and Commander Edward. But now they were both back at the barracks. Robin was sitting beside the fireplace, nearly dozing off as he held his magical tome in his lap. Chrom sat across from. A hot cup of tea, courtesy of Virion, in his grip. Sumia sat close to the prince. Doing her best to comfort the upset captain of the Shepherds.

Ben knew the emotions Chrom was going through. He had not experienced them often during the Clone War. But he had seen Anakin weather the tumultuous roller coaster of guilt and regret many times. He remembered how crestfallen his old padawan was after returning to his legion on Umbara. To find that his men had been betrayed by their temporary commander and forced to kill their own brothers. He had been inconsolable for days afterwards. Burying his anger and guilt by chasing down the separatist on the planet. He refused to give up command of the 501st afterwards. No matter the circumstance.

Ben frowned. He wanted to talk to Chrom about it. To give the young man advice. But how could he? If he did, the conversation would turn to Anakin and to the Clone War. A concept so unbelievable to this world that he would likely get thrown out for being insane. Ben pursed his lips and shook his head. He was too filled with worry to think about that right now.

Besides, what was he supposed to say? Hello everyone, my real name is Obi Wan Kenobi. I am a wanted fugitive from an evil Sith Empire that spans the entire known galaxy. I come from a planet light years away and somehow cheated death by being transported to this planet by the Force. Oh yeah, and everyone I have ever known or cared about is dead. Nice to meet you all.

Yes that would go over well… and Banthas can fly.

He rose from his small chair near the window and marched towards the door, snatching his rapier as he walked out. He had grown lax in his training. His skills had taken a steep dive. They needed refinement once again. He stepped out into the cool autumn air and made his way into the training yard. As he set himself in front of a practice dummy, he failed to notice Robin had followed him outside.

Ben set himself into a traditional Shii-Cho stance. A relaxed pose, blade held out in front of the body. It was a simple form of combat. The first ever developed by the Jedi. Back in a time when lightsabers were still considered a novelty. He took a breath and chopped at the dummy, his blade stopping just centimeters from the neck. Ben grimaced.

His rapier was quivering a little. The form felt awkward. He shook his head and muttered a curse.

"Sloppy." He said.

"Training?"

Ben turned and finally saw Robin watching from the barracks. He nodded.

"Mind if I join you?" Robin asked as he grabbed a sword and moved to the dummy beside Ben.

"Not at all." Ben replied.

Ben reset himself and began to perform the most simple of the Form I katas. It required little footwork. The set of movements mainly emphasized blade placement and control. Having a steady hand and requiring intentional strikes. A good way to practice the basic fundamentals of blade to blade combat.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Robin hacking away at the dummy. Ben frowned.

"No. No." Ben sighed, the Jedi Master inside of him shaking his head in disapproval at Robin's form. Or rather, the lack thereof.

"What?"

Ben pointed at Robin with his rapier, "You lack any form."

Robin raised an eyebrow, "And?"

Ben sighed, "As a tactician, I would think that you would appreciate the need for form and technique."

Robin's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, "Fair point." He scratched the back of his head, "Alright, teach me."

Ben drew back in surprise, "Pardon?"

"Teach me, Ben." Robin repeated, "You're the best swordsman in the Shepherds. I want to know how you do it."

Ben snorted, "Just because I may be the best does not mean I'd be a good teacher."

"You'd be better than Frederick." Robin pointed out.

Ben let out a laugh, "I think the man would surprise you. He's always giving tips and advice to Stahl and Sully. And why not ask Chrom?I'm sure he'd be happy to instruct you."

Robin cringed a little, "I've seen Chrom train. He's… too intense for me."

"Not good for a beginner?"

Robin shook his head.

"And you think I am good at teaching a beginner?"

"Well you already assessed me before we left for Ylisstol." Robin pointed out, "So you have a better perspective than most."

Ben sighed. It had been a while since he gave basic instruction to anyone. The last time might of been Anakin when he was just a Padawan.

A wave of emotion washed over Ben. He could remember the boy's first lesson with a lightsaber. Anakin wanted to dive right into the most complex of lightsaber techniques. Ben wanted him to start slow. Learn Shii-Cho and work his way up from there, as the other young padawans had done. It had resulted in a small argument between the two. An inexperienced knight arguing over proper blade instruction with a nine year old padawan learner. Ben nearly laughed to himself. That must have been quite the scene. In the end, he got his way and Anakin began to learn Shii-Cho. By the end of the week, he was practicing the more advanced katas. Proving to everyone in the temple that he was a prodigy with a lightsaber.

Ben had considered teaching some of the younglings once Anakin was knighted. Just as Master Yoda liked to do. But those plans changed with the outbreak of the Clone War. He became a front line general in the conflict. There was no time for padawans or basic instruction in a wartime environment.

Ben glanced at Robin. Maybe instructing someone would be what he needed. After all, his own blade work improved as he taught Anakin. It had allowed him to study techniques and forms of combat that ended up benefiting him greatly in the war that had erupted later on in their Master, Padawan relationship.

"Very well." Ben nodded to Robin's delight, "But before we begin, I need to ask you. Are you sure about this?"

"Certain." Robin replied.

Ben smiled, "Alright." he pointed at Robin, "Stand at the ready."

Robin raised an eyebrow. He gripped his sword with both hands and attempted to imitate Ben's stance. Ben clicked his tongue.

"Feet wider." Ben instructed, "You want a strong, wide base for this form."

Robin nodded and followed.

"Good." Ben replied. His voice filled with a bit of surprise. He was not used to a student not back talking him, "Now, this form is called Shii-cho. It is a beginners form. A foundation that is meant to built and expanded upon later." Ben made several motions with his blade, "It emphasizes…" He paused to think about. Technically it emphasized basic blaster deflection. But he could not really say that on a world without blasters could he?, "Defense. Using your opponent's attacks against them. It utilizes very basic parries, simple slashes, and chops."

Robin nodded in understanding, "A basic form. Good to know."

Ben nodded, "Now the only way you will effectively learn is to do it yourself. Not just to watch me." Ben readied himself in the same pose as Robin, "Follow my lead. And don't worry, I won't cut you."

Robin smirked and raised his own blade.

Ben lunged forward before attacking Robin with a light, overhand slash. Robin brought his blade up to block the attack. It felt awkward for the tactician. A little rushed and off balance. There was no force behind his parry. He felt flimsy. Unable to match the strength of Ben's slash.

"You're aiming to catch the attack with blade." Ben observed, "A strong enough opponent will shatter that guard. Swing to meet it. Match their strength with yours, then maneuver to gain leverage."

Ben demonstrated by sliding his blade below Robin's guard and flicking the end of his own blade up near Robin's throat.

"Like so."

Robin swallowed hard, "I have a feeling I'm going to be getting cut regardless of how much you actually try."

Ben chuckled, "If that is how you learn, then that is how you learn." He pulled his blade back, "Reset yourself."

Robin nodded and took a breath. Ben approached him the same way again. This time, Robin swung his blade to meet and push back Ben's attack. He grinned in triumph as Ben's blade bounced off of his own instead of locking.

"Good." Ben praised, "Very good."

Robin smiled. But he could not help but pause in his glee. How effective would a fighting form like this be in open combat? On the battlefield, could he afford to be so rigid? Robin furrowed his brow.

"What are you thinking?" Ben asked.

"I'm thinking about the battlefield applications of such a style."

"A good thing to ponder." Ben replied, "There is a reason I'm teaching you this style beyond it being very basic." Ben lowered his blade, "It is well suited for combat against multiple enemies. The simplistic movements allow you to focus on your enemy rather than where your own weapon is at. A must if you are fighting more than one enemy."

Robin's eyes widened in understanding. Ben was not just training him how to wield a blade. He was training him how to survive in an open battle should things get too close for his magic to be used properly.

"So if this is the most basic form, what is your preferred fighting style?" Robin asked.

Ben smiled, "Soresu."

"And what is that like?"

Ben raised his brow in thought, "It's very defensive. Designed to exert as little energy as possible while providing an impenetrable wall of defense. Parrys are meant to only move the opponent's blade just inches off of their mark. Very good for long, prolonged affairs."

He could personally attest to that. The fighting form had served him well on Mustafar. He shuddered at the memory of that battle.

"And the offensive applications?"

"Quick counter strikes then reverting to defensive posture." Ben answered.

Robin nodded, "Can you demonstrate that to me?"

Ben shook his head, "No. Not until you are better with the blade."

Ben glanced over at the stables. He was expecting to see just Frederick over there. Instead, he saw Lon'qu leaning up against a post. The man's dark eyes furrowed as he watched his fellow Shepherds work.

I've measure Frederick's skill. Time to measure his.

Ben waved at Lon'qu, "Want to join?"

The man said nothing. He simply drew his katana and strode across the yard.

"You wish to take measure of me?" Lon'qu asked.

Ben nodded.

"I wish to do the same." Lon'qu bent at the knees and held his blade to his side. The tip pointing directly at Ben.

Ben smirked. He had been craving a good challenge for some time. A friendly challenge for that matter. He set himself in teh traditional Soresu pose and waited for Lon'qu to make the first move.

The champion from Regna Ferox narrowed his eyes and lunged. Ben was stunned by the quickness of the strike. A deadly thrust directed right at his abdomen. He just barely managed to bring his own blade down and parry the strike.

Lon'qu's blade twirled. The edge was now above Ben's head. Slicing down in a deadly arc. Ben grit his teeth and swung up to meet the katana.

His arms shuddered when the blades met. Lon'qu had hopped when he made the strike. Using the momentum of his body and gravity to add more power to his already devastating attack. It took all of Ben's strength not to fall to one knee from the force of the blow. He could see Lon'qu's eyes widen every so slightly. The swordsman was surprised by Ben's defense.

Ben shoved the katana to the side and lashed out at Lon'qu. His fellow Shepherd deflected the attack and started to backpedal as Ben took the advantage. The Jedi opting for Ataru's offense instead of Soresu's defense.

In the back of Ben's mind, he could not help but notice how energized he now was. The thrill of being the aggressor rushed through his body. He chuckled to himself. That was exactly how he felt when he was a young padawan. When he first started training in Ataru under Qui Gon. It was only after his first harrowing duel with Maul that he began to seriously study Soresu and apply it to his combative style.

Lon'qu twirled around one of Ben's slashes. Ben's eyes widened as Lon'qu hacked at his exposed right side. In the blink of an eye, Ben was back on the defensive. Backpedaling back towards Robin and the practice dummies. Both fighters unaware that the other Shepherds had emerged from the barracks and were watching in silent awe as two master of the craft fought.

Ben grimaced as he felt his body get pushed up against one of the walls nearby. Lon'qu was aggressive. Very aggressive. But not aggressive to the point where he neglected defense. That part of his technique was just as solid as his offense. A very Djem So style of combat. An aggresive defense. In other words, the best defense is a relentless offense.

Ben smirked as he found one hole in Lon'qu's movements. He caught the other man's next attack and locked his blade. Then he slide the rapier down so that the gaurds ground together. Then Ben brought his elbow up into Lon'qu's chin. The man reel and Ben began his assault.

He flipped over Lon'qu. Landing nimbly behind him before spinning. His rapier slicing through the air at the other swordsman's neck. He stopped himself a hairsbreadth from the skin. Lon'qu froze as he felt the steel kiss his neck.

"Yield." Ben breathed.

Lon'qu closed his eyes and lowered his blade, "Well fought."

"Naga that was incredible!" Ben heard Sully exclaim.

"I feel bad for any Plegians we meet on the battlefield." Stahl said near the barracks door, a large grin on his face.

"Excellent display of pure skill. Truly marvelous." Virion toasted his cup of tea.

"Now let Teach have a go!" Vaike patted his side. A sheepish smile crossed his face, "As soon as I find my ax."

Ben chuckled, "We put on a good show."

Lon'qu nodded, "Indeed." He stared at Ben, "You fought a lot like him."

Ben raised an eyebrow, "Like who?"

Lon'qu frowned, "Marth."

"He did?" Robin said, "I think their polar opposites. Sure Ben has a good offense, but it was nothing like Marth's."

Lon'qu shook his head then looked over at Chrom. The prince had been watching in silence beside Lissa and Sumia. And while the two girls had wide grins on their face, Chrom had his arms folded and brow furrowed. The same look Lon'qu had whenever he was watching Ben practice.

Swordsmen studying swordsmen. Ben thought to himself, All in the pursuit of becoming better than the other.

"The way Marth fought Prince Chrom was different than how he fought me."

Chrom raised his eyebrows in surprise, "How so?"

Lon'qu looked at Ben, "Did you and Marth have the same master?"

Ben swallowed, "No. That's not possible. I-" Both Chrom and Robin saw Ben struggle with his words for a moment. The man sighed, "My master died in my arms. I was his last pupil." He took a heavy breath, "Maul was the one who killed him."

A heavy silence hung over the training yard.

"You mean to say you've encountered Maul before?" Robin said, "And that he is not some decrepit monster."

"He is the furthest thing from that." Ben warned, "And we would be fools to fall for such a charade."

Robin rubbed his chin. Deep in thought, "That could throw a wrench in things. An adviser to King Gangrel who is both skilled in combat and cunning." He looked at Chrom, "That's a dangerous opponent."

"Which only means we will all have to be on our guard and train harder than ever." Chrom said firmly.

Ben looked at them both in surprise, "You are not offended that I did not tell you earlier?"

"Why would we be offended?" Robin asked.

"You're one of us Ben." Chrom said, "And Maul has obviously done something to you that is difficult to talk about. I don't fault you for hesitating. It's a painful memory, no doubt." He gripped Ben's shoulder, "All I ask is that if there is anything important to our mission that you tell me and Robin about it as soon as possible. Trust us. We are your friends."

"More than friends at this point." Lissa giggled, "I've seen how my sis looks at you."

Ben's cheeks flushed, "Um… I um…"

The little blonde girl laughed out loud, "Such a humble guy. You are so Emm's type." She hopped up and down, "Oh my gosh, you could be family at some point!"

Ben felt his stomach flip a little. Family? But he was a Jedi Master. There was no room in the Jedi code for such a thing. No attachments. That was the rule. And while the Jedi Order may be nearly extinct, it was not dead. Not while he drew breath.

But was such a prospect all that bad? There were plenty of young Jedi that left the order during its millennia of existence. Started families and settled down. Some did not even leave the order before starting a family. The most famous example being Grandmaster Bastilla Shan and her child. But that happened thousands of years ago.

Ben shook his head. No, attachments led to the dark side. That is why the Jedi forbade them. He would not allow himself to be tempted by such a path. Not when his destiny was to guard and train the only hope the galaxy had left. Once he found Luke of course.

"Geez, Lissa." Sully chuckled, "Teach me your ways. You've got him redder than a tomato."

"Ha!" Virion laughed, "Our good friend is much to modest." He sipped his tea, "That will go away as he stays with us longer."

"There is no such thing as dignity among us Shepherds." Stahl chuckled.

"Some of us possess a modicum of dignity." Miriel pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"Says the woman who once swooned at the sight a rare plant." Stahl pointed out.

Miriel flushed, "Well um… that was a rare exception."

Chrom laughed, "Alright all of you, enough entertainment at Ben's expense. It's past midday already. Robin, you and I should go meet with Phila and Edward again. They need to know about Ben's intelligence regarding Maul."

"I'll have a small report delivered to you within the hour." Ben said.

But it will have some important omissions.

Chrom acknowledged Ben with a nod.

"Alright, off with you all." Chrom ordered, "And Ben, after you compile your report, if you want to instruct some of the others, you are free to do so."

Ben smirked, "I will do my best to teach them. Hopefully they won't pick up on my own bad habits."

Chrom laughed, "I doubt there are any to being with."

The Shepherds parted. Chrom and Robin walked with Lissa and Frederick into the palace. All four ready to call an emergency war council with Emmeryn, Phila, and Edward. Vaike found his axe and began to challenge Ben to multiple duels. All in an attempt to both learn from Ben, and teach him the ways of the ax. Much to the entertainment of Sully and Stahl. Miriel retreated back into the barracks with Kellam. The large man agreeing to help her move large pots of plants she had gathered to the nearby greenhouse. A recovered Ricken began practicing his spell work on a dummy target. And Maribelle went back indoors. Her heart still heavy from the events in Themis. Ben watched as the young woman left in silence.

He sighed. Someone was going to have to make her talk about what had happened. She had been so quiet about it all. But one could not stay silent like this after the destruction of your home and death of a loved one.

Ben recoiled at that thought.

If he had said that out loud, he knew he would have sounded like a damn hypocrite.

….

Chrom sighed as he walked with Robin out of the council room. Emmeryn had left several minutes before them. Weary and worn down by the long sessions of military strategy and planning. His poor older sister needed a break. But she refused to take one until both he and Phila had forced her out of the room. Chrom could empathize with his sister's exhaustion. The day had been a long one. They had all gone into the council chambers when the sun was high overhead. Now the sun was almost set beneath the horizon. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the twilight sky. A waxing moon dominated the indigo sky above them.

What was supposed to be just a short war council had turned into an hours long meeting. Especially after multiple reports hit them mid conversation.

First was Ben's report on Maul. Chrom shuddered. Their opponent was a psychotic monster.

Cunning was a poor description of the monstrous Plegian adviser. Ruthless was the more accurate term. The man had managed to take control of an entire county in Valm with nothing more than his raw skill, power, influence. He had slaughtered their ruler. Claimed their throne for himself before suddenly disappearing for years. And that was just his political exploits.

Chrom had seen Robin's face pale at the report on Maul's abilities in combat. Apparently the soldier's stories about Ben's abilities were not over exaggerated. He had heard the tales about how Ben had managed to use magic to jump dozens of feet into the air. How he used an unknown lost magic to forcibly push an enemy away from him without so much as touching the man. He had assumed such tales as just that, tales. Exaggerations by the soldiers of the army so that they could have a mythical figure to rally around.

It had been Emmeryn's confirmation of it all that had convinced both Robin and Chrom that Ben was indeed some sort of mage. A very atypical one. And he still preferred his blade in combat. But to hear that there was another with Ben's skill set out there unnerved Chrom. Add in that Ben's equal was among the Plegians, and it made Chrom shudder.

On top of the magic, Maul also possessed nearly unparalleled skill with a blade. Although, Ben did mention in his report that he was not sure how much that had eroded with his obvious physical ailments. But the last time they had encountered each other, Ben had been soundly defeated and barely escaped with his life.

Chrom recalled the duel he had watched in the yard between Chrom and Lon'qu. Someone who could easily defeat Ben scared him. Chrom had no doubt that Ben could defeat him. He had displayed too much pure skill. And the speed at which he fought was nearly impossible for Chrom to follow. Lon'qu's observation was correct. In hindsight, Ben did fight similar to Marth. Just not as hyper aggressive as the masked warrior. That duel in Arena Ferox had been the most difficult fight of Chrom's life. To think that someone else existed that could treat both Ben and Marth like playthings-

Chrom shook his head. Maul would be defeated. He and Robin would make certain of that.

The other reports that followed Ben's eventually took precedence in the meeting. The Plegian army was moving fast. They had cut a bloody swath through western Ylisse. Razing towns and farms as they marched. The one spy they had managed to implant in the Plegian ranks had reported that even mighty Themis had been put to the sword and burnt to the ground. The grand jewel of western Ylisstol was a pile of ash.

Chrom clenched his jaw. Those people, they were innocent! How could the Plegians commit such an atrocity.

"Chrom." Robin said, drawing the Prince away from his enraged thoughts.

"When I meet the Plegians on the battlefield, I will show them no mercy." Chrom growled.

Robin sighed but said nothing.

The tactician was just as disturbed as Chrom. But he was more worried about the tactical side of this war than the personal one right now. Ylisse was in disarray. The army had yet to be fully marshaled. A huge reason why was that Knight Commander Edward had to send out small companies of soldiers in order to somehow slow the Plegian advance so that they could have more time to ready Ylisstol and her army.

Robin frowned. They were in a near impossible situation. The Plegian army was so well prepared. So ready for war. They had all the supplies they needed to feed their army. Their men moved with a ferocity and vigor that would make any commander jealous. Every single Plegian soldier believed in their cause for conquest. A motivated enemy like that was a difficult one to defeat.

He had started to study the last war between Ylisse and Plegia in great detail last night. To say Plegia had a legitimate grievance against Ylisse would have been an understatement. The opening days of the war had been a slaughter in favor of Ylisse. The previous Exalt, Chrom's father, had cut such a massive path of destruction that Robin was impressed with Plegia's resilience. To be able to regather their forces and retaliate spoke to the people's ability in warfare. Perhaps they did match Regna Ferox in that regard.

Robin sighed. In order to defeat an enemy, one had to know their enemy. And the more he learned about Plegia, the more he empathized with their people. That did not mean he empathized with their leaders. Far from it, he thought they were monsters for seeking another war after the destruction the last one had wrought. But he could understand why the common Plegian was so loyal to King Gangrel. The madman had effectively sown a great fear into his people. Convinced them that Ylisse was a great and terrible enemy. That eventually the Ylisseans would invade once again. And the only way to prevent that was to attack Ylisse first.

Fear made a group of people behave irrationally.

"Chrom," Robin began, "I hope that you just mean Gangrel and not everyone."

Chrom stopped in his tracks, "What?"

Robin gulped, "It's just… not all Plegians are evil like Gangrel, Maul, and Aversa. We cannot allow our own fears blind us. Otherwise, we are no better than they are. And all we will do is create more unnecessary death and destruction."

Chrom scowled, "Point noted."

Robin cringed. Chrom did not like that piece of advice. But Robin did not regret giving it. Before being the Shepherd's tactician, he was Chrom's friend. And he would not lie to his friend.

Robin uttered a long sigh before looking up at the stars, "It's a beautiful night."

Chrom was grateful for the change in conversation. He did not like to stay angry at his friend, "It is. But…. unusually quiet."

Robin nodded as they stepped away from the palace and began to cross a grassy courtyard that led towards the Shepherd's barracks.

Just as they turned to head back to the barracks, they both froze.

Standing in the middle of the courtyard, facing an old oak tree, was Marth.

"How did he-"

Chrom ripped Falchion free from it's sheath and pointed it at Marth.

"He could not have." Chrom answered Robin, "You!" he barked at Marth, "How the hell did you get in here!? The palace is closed off right now."

Marth turned to face them. A grim expression was on the visible portion on his face.

"I'm not here to harm you." Marth gripped her own Falchion, "But there are others who do not share my intentions."

Chrom narrowed his eyes at Marth.

"Please," Marth pleaded, "You must listen to me. If you don't, the Exalt's life could end tonight."

Chrom face twisted into a snarl, "Explain how you got in here. Then I'll listen."

Marth put a hand to his hip, "The hole in the wall, along the eastern section."

Chrom's jaw fell open, "But… but I'm the only one who knows about that! I made that whole when I was training."

Robin gave Chrom a stupefied look, "You busted a hole in a stone wall while training?"

"It was an accident." Chrom defended.

Robin gulped, "I'm glad I decided to train with Ben and not you."

"Now that you know, will you listen? Please, there is not much time." Marth interrupted.

Before Chrom could answer, Robin stepped forward.

"What is going on Marth?" Robin asked, "You said something about the Exalt's life being in danger?"

Marth nodded, "I… it may be crazy to believe but… but what if I told you I knew things about the future?"

Chrom blinked, "I'd call you mad."

"But I'm telling you the truth!" Marth cried, "Tonight, there is a plot to assassinate Exalt Emmeryn. And before you say anything else, I'm going to prove it to you."

He drew Falchion and held it out in front of him. Chrom gripped his own Falchion tighter. Still unnerved by the sight of his blade, or an amazing copy of it, in the hands of another warrior.

"I'm about to save your life. From him."

The bushes near the wall rustled. Chrom's eyes widened as a man in black, leather armor charged across the yard at him and Robin. A wicked dagger in hand. Murder written in his eyes.

Marth grit his teeth and flipped over the assassin. As she landed behind the assassin, she brought Falchion down. Cutting through the man's back. The assassin uttered a gurgling cry before falling to the ground. His blood stained the green grass an ugly scarlet.

"Believe me now?" Marth asked.

Chrom could feel his heart stop beating in his chest. The weapon in the assassin's hands was of Plegian design. He could feel his hands starting to shake with both fear and fury.

"Emm." He breathed, "Robin we need to get to her room, now!"

Robin nodded. Just as they were about to sprint away with Marth, the bushed rustled again behind them. A second assassin emerged and uttered a vengeful cry. Marth twirled. Steel flashed in front of his eyes. A gasp escaped his lips as he tripped backwards. The blade missed his head by millimeters. The very tip sliced through his mask like a knife through butter. As the mask fell to the ground, it revealed the youthful face of a surprised woman.

Chrom growled and charged at the would be assassin. Falchion sliced a hideous arc and cut into the assassin's ribs with a sickening crunch. The assassin cried out before falling dead beside his comrade.

Chrom yanked Falchion free and turned to look at 'Marth.'

Robin stared stunned at Marth. As did Chrom.

"You're a woman?" Chrom said.

Marth uttered a small laugh, "Took you all long enough. Honestly, I wondered how long I could keep that charade up."

Robin could feel his eyes twitching. How? How did he not notice? It seemed so obvious now. The unnatural sounding voice. The slight build and somehow dainty walk. It wasn't because he was an extremely skinny man. Marth was a woman. A stunning woman with pale skin, long blue hair, and striking blue eyes. He smacked his forehead.

"Good grief, I need to pay attention more." He groaned.

"But what the act?" Chrom asked.

Marth raised a gloved hand, "No time. The plot has begun."

In the distance, Chrom could hear the steel clashing. It was coming from the Palace's front gate. His eyes widened. The plegians were bold attacking head on like that.

"Robin! Alert the Shepherds."

"Right!" Robin said before sprinting towards the barracks.

Chrom looked at Marth, "You're coming with me."

Marth nodded and ran after Chrom. The duo burst into the palace and sprinted towards Emmeryn's room. The sounds of combat grew louder as they got closer. Chrom swallowed hard. The assassins were already this deep into the palace?

He could feel his heart sinking in his chest. A lump was forming in his throat.

Naga, please let me get there in time.

And Chapter! This is now officially the longest chapter of this story. That's why it took a little longer to put together. It would have been even longer, but I'm opting to cut this part of the story into at least two parts so it is not as rushed. We are going to be having a lot of things happen in a very short span of time. I want to make sure all the angles are covered and done well. That being said, this was very fun to write. I got stuck for a moment, but then the idea of Ben training Robin hit and I ran with it. Now we get back to the main action. I wonder how this will go now that Ben is in the mix? Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!