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.

36. Tensions

The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 36

Tensions

Ben stood patiently outside of the small room that had been designated as the war council room by Khan Flavia and Khan Basilio. The two Khan's stood with him. Both were very quiet. Basilio's heavy brow was furrowed. Deep lines crossed his face as he stood deep in thought. The older warrior likely thinking hard about Flavia's description of the events that had taken place. Occasionally, Ben saw his lips moving as he muttered under his breath. Inaudible words that Ben could not hear.

Flavia was not as calm as Basilio. She paced to and fro while in her armor. The red plates were still stained by black ash and scoured by sand. She probably had yet to take that armor off. The ruling Khan had been so busy attending to her wounded men and surviving soldiers that she had not taken time to look after herself. She looked exhausted. Heavy bags sat underneath her sharp eyes. Her dark skin held a sickly pallor. And Ben swore he heard her sniffle a few times.

Perhaps she is feeling ill? Ben thought to himself.

He arrived at the council room first after helping snap Chrom out of his depressed state. While the Prince freshened up, Lissa got back to work with the other clerics and healers. She frowned at the mention of Marth being summoned to the war council. But in the end, the young princess relented. Marth had shown that she had recovered enough of her strength to walk around for a short period of time. But a healer would be present with her at all times during the council.

Robin volunteered to go fetch her. The tactician had taken a liking to the blue haired warrior. He mentioned he wanted to talk about the theory regarding Niman more while helping her over to council. Ben smiled a little at the thought. Robin had a voracious appetite for knowledge. Anything new was something he had to know.

Ben was surprised that Robin had not asked more questions given his thirst for knowledge. The Shepherd's tactician was not someone who allowed loose ends to dangle in the wind. He wanted to have all angles covered in his strategies. And that included knowing how the soldiers executing his plans were doing. While Ben had provided some information to him and Chrom about his personal life (especially when it came to Maul), he had purposefully left many details out.

He was not afraid to tell them about who he really was anymore. Every single Shepherd had more than demonstrated that they were his friends. They risked life and limb to save him and Emmeryn. That was more than even some Jedi did during the Clone Wars.

It was also apparent to Ben that the Empire and the Sith had no presence on this world. It truly was an undiscovered planet. Untouched by the rest of the galaxy. With the exception of his own presence and Maul's dark taint, not a single alien life had touched the ground on Archanea.

Yet still, there was hesitance on his part to divulge the entire truth to his friends. There was still the ever present possibility that the Empire would find this world. And in turn, find him. Anyone connected to a Jedi would be imprisoned or killed. Sidious and whatever new apprentice he eventually will find would make sure of that. The Sith Lord's reach may not extend to Archanea now. However, Sidious had more than demonstrated his power to the Jedi Master. It was not a matter of if Sidious would find this world, but when. Every moment Ben resided on this world was another moment Sidious had to find him. The Force could only hide him for so long.

Then there was Luke. The baby boy was still missing. If he remained away from Ben for too long, he would grow up without any training. His potential in the force was massive. So large that Sidious would no doubt sense it if the boy was not taught to control his presence. If that happened, all hope could be lost for the galaxy.

Ben sighed. He was stuck. After the disaster Maul orchestrated, the others would want to know everything. But he could not tell them everything. If for no other reason, than for their own safety. For now, the less they knew, the better.

He perked up a little when Flavia sniffed loudly. Ben glanced over and saw her taking a whiff of her own armpit. Basilio arched an eyebrow.

"Ben, honest opinion." Flavia said as she stopped pacing, "How do I smell?"

"Through your nose, Flavia."

Basilio choked for a moment then laughed loudly. His deep chortles echoed through the Longfort's long hallway.

Flavia rolled her eyes, "I mean, do I stink?"

Ben smirked, "That depends on your definition of stink, Khan."

Flavia frowned and folded her arms. Clearly irritated and tired.

"Since when did you get sassy?"

"I've always had plenty of sass." Ben shrugged, "I just think you haven't noticed."

"No you haven't." Flavia countered while Basilio continued to roar with laughter, "Would you stop laughing, Oaf!"

"Not a chance, Flavia." Basilio chuckled.

Flavia sighed and let her shoulders fall, "I'm too tired for this today."

"We all are." Ben replied, "But we need to evaluate what exactly happened."

"I'd love to. But it seems the Prince is taking his sweet time to get ready." Flavia folded her arms, "He's lucky you all got to him first. I was just about to run out of patience."

"She would have dragged him out of that room by his pretty blue hair." Basilio smiled.

"Absolutely." Flavia nodded.

"Well that was not necessary in the end, thankfully." Ben finished under his breath. His turned his gaze back down the hall and saw a small group approaching them, "There they are."

"About time." Flavia grunted as she tapped her foot impatiently.

Frederick led the small group of Shepherds towards the council room. He still looked as alert and stoic as ever despite the weariness they all shared. Cordelia strode right behind him. Unlike Frederick, she did not wear her armor, preferring the casual clothes she put on earlier in the morning.

Chrom and Robin walked behind them. Leaning against the tactician, one arm over his shoulder, was Marth. Ben swallowed hard. She still looked terrible. Her face was very pale. And he could see pain etched on her face as she struggled to move her legs at a good pace. Robin leaned over and asked if she needed to rest. To which she adamantly shook her head.

Ben snorted.

Stubborn. Maybe she really was trained by me. Both her and Anakin share that trait.

Basilio opened the door to the council room. Slowly, everyone filtered in.

It was a small room. Normally meant for debriefings between the Longfort captains and their soldiers. There was a small table that had been hastily set up earlier that morning at the center of the room. A large map of Archanea was draped over the table. The corners falling off the edges of the wood finish. Dozens of chairs were stacked along the stone walls. In the far wall was a large fireplace that blazed hot and bright. Heating the room up in order to combat the growing cold outside.

Chrom yanked a chair from the wall and set it down for Marth to sit in. The young warrior nodded gratefully before sinking into the wooden seat. A long sigh left her lips once she sat down. Ben could sense she was still in a lot of pain. He noticed Robin giving her a concerned look before taking a seat of his own. Frederick and Cordelia stood near the door. Both acting as guards despite the fact that they were invited for their own input.

Basilio, Ben, Flavia, and Chrom remained standing. Chrom looked much better now than before. His hair had been washed and combed. He did not reek of blood, sweat, or alcohol anymore. His eyes still held a weariness to them. But he held a look of absolute determination on his face. He glanced down at the map of Archanea.

"Invasion plans?" He asked the Khans.

Basilio nodded, "The start of them. But we need to debrief first." The large man's massive hands spread out onto the table, "From the beginning, what happened?"

"You already asked me, oaf." Flavia sighed, "I gave you every detail."

"You gave me every detail from your perspective. But that is not the whole picture. You cannot learn from the mistakes of warfare unless you can see and understand every angle."

Robin nodded in agreement across from him.

Flavia let out a long sigh, "I suppose you're right." She looked over at Ben, "Let's start with the ones who tried a suicide mission."

"Flavia." Basilio growled. His voice low with warning.

Near the door, Cordelia scowled. Marth shifted in her seat, but was otherwise indifferent to Khan Flavia's combative tone.

"No," Ben raised his hand, "Flavia has every right to be angry about that. Our escapade hampered our army's strength and killed the element of surprise that we otherwise would have had. If we had not gone into Plegia on our own, Robin would not have had to send Kage to contact us. Which means-"

"He wouldn't have told Maul our plans." Robin bit back a scathing curse, "I trusted that kid."

"We all did. He was one of us." Chrom said, "But no one is to blame for this disaster. No one here at least. We all played a part in the failure, but the cause for it all lies squarely at the feet of Gangrel and Maul."

"One of which is now dead." Cordelia said from her spot, "Kage sent that demon to hell."

"And good thing too." Chrom nodded, "That is one less threat to deal with."

"He's still out there." Marth breathed glancing up from her seat. She was quiet for a breath. She noticed the concerned looks on everyone's faces, "Kage," She continued, "He's still out there."

"I get the feeling we won't see him for a little while." Ben said as he rubbed his chin, "He left the battle before we could be finished off. And he did not help Gangrel in trying to cut off our escape. It appears his loyalty to Plegia hinged purely on his apprenticeship to Maul. Now that his Master is dead, he has gone rogue."

"Which is more dangerous then?" Basilio asked, "A kid that powerful on a leash? Or on the loose?"

"In the immediate moment, on the loose." Robin said, "He left the battle. I think he has left this war entirely. Still, I will have contingencies in place in case he shows his face again." He glanced over at Ben, "Most involve you kicking his ass."

Ben smirked, "Sounds like a wonderful plan."

"But even with him and Maul out of the picture," Flavia continued, "That still leaves Gangrel, the Grimleal, and the Plegian army."

"One of which managed to summon an army of Risen onto the battlefield." Robin scratched the back of his head, "Did anyone manage to see how Aversa managed to pull that off?"

"A reeking box." Marth answered for him.

There was a heavy silence in the air.

"How do you know that?" Basilio asked, his eyes narrowed at Marth.

"I've-," Marth took a breath, "I've seen them before. They are rather rare magical artifacts. Supposedly infused with the power of Grima himself. They are meant to summon his servants."

"Are you saying the Risen are servants of the Fell Dragon?" Chrom asked, alarmed.

Marth nodded her head, "Who else could create such vile creatures than the most vile of all creatures."

Robin gulped, "But… Grima is supposed to be dead, right? The First Exalt killed him."

"Defeated him." Marth corrected, "Not killed."

"Well that's just great!" Flavia threw her hands up in the air, "Now, on top of the regular Plegian army, we have to deal with an army of Grima zombies."

Ben raised his hand, "We may not have to deal with the Plegian army."

Chrom arched his brow, puzzled. Robin focused hard on Ben. Marth remained silent in her seat. Both Khan's stared long and hard at Ben.

"This has something to do with your negotiations, doesn't it?" Flavia guessed.

Ben nodded, "While negotiating with General Mustafa, I got the sense that there is some serious tension between the army and the Grimleal. Specifically regarding the amount of power the Grimleal hold over King Gangrel."

Chrom looked confused, "What do you mean?"

"What I mean, is that Gangrel and Plegia may be just as much victims of the Grimleal as we are." Ben noted.

Chrom's gaze hardened considerably. Robin gave Ben an inquisitive look. The tactician was deep in thought. Basilio cleared his throat.

"That's an interesting thing to bring up."

"Why?" Flavia asked.

"Because it makes sense." Basilio leaned on the table, "Think about it. The last war ends. No one in either nation wants another war. Gangrel and Emmeryn both take power. Gangrel wants to rebuild his nation. Make it the envy of the world. Emmeryn wants to foster peace whenever she can. Those two should have been allies, not enemies." Chrom narrowed his eyes at Basilio as he spoke. Ben could see the Prince's jaw tightening in anger, "By all early accounts, Gangrel was on the right path at first. Then after a few years, the Grimleal get close to him. To make a long story short, we arrive where we are now. Facing a very dangerous and insane King."

"Are you suggesting that evil bastard may be a victim?" Chrom growled.

"I'm suggesting all of Plegia may be a victim." Basilio corrected, "And that may include Gangrel."

"No!" Chrom slammed his hand on the table before pointing a finger at Basilio, "That bastard killed Emmeryn. I will hear no talk about having mercy on him. His words had her executed by Maul. His actions caused this war that has put my people on the brink."

"Chrom…" Robin breathed, "Basilio and Ben may have a valid point."

"They do." Cordelia nodded, "Before you all arrived, I had to take shelter inside of the Capitol. Without the kindness of an old, blind woman, I would have been killed. She was a former Grimleal mage." Chrom and the others stared at Cordelia, stunned, "The Grimleal experienced a schism so to speak. And it all started a few years after the war ended, when Validar and Aversa tightened their grip on the Grimleal leadership."

Chrom pressed his lips into a thin line, "It still does not justify or excuse what Gangrel has done."

"But it may help us win." Robin countered, "In order to defeat our enemy, we have to know our enemy. We have been hopelessly in the dark about Gangrel, Maul, and the Grimleal this entire time. And now, in the wake of our worst defeat, we gain invaluable knowledge." Robin looked at Ben, "This General Mustafa, what do you make of him?"

Ben folded his arms, "A soldier's general. Puts his men ahead of himself. The honorable type."

"Honor from a Plegian?" Frederick snorted, "Cats and dogs must be sleeping together."

"And the type of General who does not like non-soldiers telling him what he can and cannot do." Ben continued, "He has a hatred for the Grimleal. The only reason he does not act on it is due to a threat against his family."

"The same could probably be said for most of Plegia's senior military leadership." Basilio noted, "The ones that survived the last war at least. I recognize that name, Mustafa. He visited Ferox at some point to witness the selection of a new East Khan some years back. Before your time, Flavia."

"If we were to contact him again, how likely is it we can get him to turn on the Grimleal?" Robin asked.

"By turn I assume you mean start a nationwide rebellion against King and Country?" Ben replied. He hummed to himself, "His family would need security both during and immediately after the rebellion. And there is a question as to how much support such a thing would receive. For all we know, the regular Plegian soldier sees no problem with the Grimleal."

"So that leads us back to an old fashioned invasion." Chrom nodded, "Good. The less Plegians I work with, the better. How do we plan on attacking?"

"If we attack, we lose a chance to gain allies within the country." Robin countered, "Allies we will need in order to sustain an invasion of a desert land."

"If what you say is true, then we will be liberating these people from Grimleal tyranny!" Chrom exclaimed, "They should drop to their knees and thank us then."

"Your father said the same exact thing." Basilio growled.

Chrom fell silent. Ben could see his jaw shifting and clenching as he fought the urge to lash out at Basilio. Basilo seemed to notice too. The older warrior lowered his gaze at Chrom.

"Alright, Ylissean," Basilio pointed a finger at Chrom, "It has now become painfully apparent to me that you never learned the cost of war from your old man's actions. You invade any nation, you are not liberators. You will be an invader. An enemy coming to steal and kill from the people. Any king can spin it so that their nation will fight hard. Gangrel may be mad. But he is not stupid. If we conduct a prolonged invasion, we play right into his hands. As well as the Grimleal's. It's perfect propaganda for them."

"Watch what you say about my father." Chrom snarled.

"Your father was an invader. Not a liberator like your history books like to say." Basilio said with a harsh grit in his voice, "If you want to be a good ruler, better than he was, you'd do well to learn from his mistakes. Your sister did."

Marth was deadly quiet as the group argued. She glanced up and saw Robin thinking hard. His brow was furrowed and he was humming to himself. Before anyone else could say something, Marth spoke up.

"What are you thinking, Robin?"

All eyes turned to the tactician. Robin looked up at everyone.

"An all out invasion is out of the question." Robin said, "The Plegians are more experienced in warfare. Even if we win the initial battles, they will dig in. At that point, the Grimleal have all the information they need to make sure the populace never surrenders. They will claim that it is another Ylissean purge but using Feroxi soldiers. As much as you don't like that Chrom, that is what will happen." Robin sighed, "Hell, that is what I would do in order to conduct a proper defense. Make it as untenable as possible for the invading army to remain and eventually the soldiers will tire out. And the enemy will be forced to leave. It's what happened in the last war."

"So what plan do you have in mind?" Flavia asked, "Just retake Ylisse and let the Grimleal fall on their own?"

"That will also be a long drawn out conflict." Robin noted, "Plegia won't give up Ylisse easily. And if they can summon Risen at will, then the last thing we need is more battles. No… we need one battle. One strike in which we cut the Grimleal, and Gangrel, from power."

"That's risky." Basilio whistled, "We lose, we're through."

"But if we win, we win." Robin reiterated, "No invasion. No need for an occupation. At that point, someone like Mustafa will take power since the Plegian Military will be the most powerful force left."

"How do you know the Grimleal do not have some other dark mage that can rise up to claim Aversa's role?" Flavia asked.

"Do you really think people as power hungry as Validar and Aversa would tolerate rivals?" Robin asked, "I'd say no."

"You've got a point there." Ben nodded.

"They tolerated Maul." Chrom pointed out.

"Because Maul was beyond both of them." Marth said.

All eyes turned to Marth. The young warrior saw Ben's face visibly pale for a brief moment. Marth held her tongue for just a split second. Should she start speaking about this? If she did, what would the ramifications be? Anything she did or said now was going to drastically alter her mission. Naga, her mission had already changed dramatically since the start.

"What do you mean?" Robin asked.

"Maul was more powerful than both of them?" Chrom asked, stunned.

"Individually, absolutely." Marth breathed, "Together, they could have stood a chance. But Validar died before that possibility could occur."

"How?" Flavia asked, "How was Maul stronger? Was he some Grimleal mage we know nothing about? Like an evil sage or something."

"You could say that." Ben breathed.

Marth gave the man a look of surprise as he spoke up.

"Maul is-was- a Sith Lord." Ben continued.

"And what exactly is a Sith Lord?" Robin asked.

"A Sith Lord is the opposite of a Jedi." Ben said, "And I am a Jedi. The two groups are very old enemies."

Both Cordelia and Frederick's eyes widened as they grasped what Ben was saying.

"That would explain some of his hatred for you." Robin thought out loud.

"It would explain almost all of it." Chrom said, "What else have you not told us, Ben?"

Ben sighed but shook his head. He could not tell them. It was not safe for them. Ignorance was safety right now. The less they knew, the better.

"Fine." Chrom pushed away from the table, "Keep your secrets. But I will not forgive you if they cost us another life."

"Chrom…" Robin sighed.

"I mean it." Chrom said. His voice stern, "You complained that you had no information on Maul in order to effectively combat him. Yet you, Ben, knew everything about Maul. That beast killed Emm. He is dead now. But he could have been killed sooner if you had just told us what we needed to know. And maybe Emm would be alive if that had happened."

"You don't have to remind me of that!" Ben snapped suddenly.

Marth jerked upright in her seat as several chairs jostled around the room. Chrom fell silent as an invisible pressure filled the room. Ben glared hard across the table at Chrom before taking a deep breath. He blinked, surprised by his own outburst.

"I apologize. I… I let my emotions get the better of me."

Basilio cleared his throat "I think it might be best to call it a day. We're all exhausted and angry. Everyone rest for now. We will reconvene in a few days." He looked at Robin, "If you want to-"

"I will fine tune plans to engage Plegia." Robin said, "You don't have to worry about that."

"Good." Basilio nodded before looking at both Ben and Chrom, "In the meantime you two, make peace. You both lost someone close to you. The last thing either of you need is to fight each other."

"I'll make peace once Gangrel is dead." Chrom growled, "Until then, there will be no peace."

He turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. Frederick hesitated, then followed the Prince out the door. Robin sighed and ran a hand through his unruly hair.

"No rest for the tactician." He muttered before opening his spellbook and burying his nose in it as he walked out of the door.

Basilio and Flavia both nodded at Cordelia, Marth, and Ben before exiting. Flavia uttered a loud yawn that reverberated through the walls as she strode out.

Cordelia glanced at Ben. It was a sympathetic look. But also one that pleaded with him to reconsider his secrecy. Without a word, she slipped out.

Marth stared across the room at Ben. She let out a small grunt as she shifted her weight in her seat.

"I suppose you agree with the others?" Ben asked her as he tapped his fingers against the table.

Marth sighed, "I shouldn't talk. I'm just as guilty of keeping secrets as you are."

"Like the one where I might be your master?" Ben asked her.

She stiffened. Damn it, she had forgotten about that. During those desperate moments where Ben was about to die, she had called him Master. During those fleeting moments where death embraced her body, she admitted that he was the one who trained her. Which probably sounded ludicrous to him.

She opened her mouth to reply, but Ben held up a hand. Silencing her.

"You do not have to explain yourself." Ben pushed away from the table, "I'm not sure I'm ready to hear the truth of all of this yet." He glanced at the chairs that had jostled throughout the room, "I'm clearly not myself right now. The last thing any of us need is for me to grow more… unhinged."

"You need to meditate?"

"More than you could imagine." Ben sighed as he ran a hand over his face, "And all our energy needs to be focused on defeating Plegia." He gave the girl a small smile, "We will discuss what happened, what was said, once that is done. Fair?"

Marth let out a sigh of relief, "More than."

"Would like help back to your room?"

Marth shook her head, "I'll sit here for a few moments. The fire feels nice."

Ben nodded, patted her shoulder, then left. Once he was gone, Marth sat in silence. Her mind pondering the events of the past few days and the council.

More importantly, her mind was still trying to process what she saw when she had died. She could remember it all. Every single detail in vivid detail was burned in her mind.

The world between worlds. Just what was that place? Was it a realm between life and death? A realm of the Force? She had seen so many things there. Events that had taken place far in the distant past. Figures that she did not recognize. Maul in his youth. Ben as he cried over the fallen form of an opponent he once called brother. All of that on its own was difficult to wrap her mind around.

But then there was the last two things she saw. First, the decrepit dark figure that reeked of the dark side. The only time she had ever felt that afraid was when she laid eyes on Grima himself. And not only did she see him, he saw her. None of the other visions or images noticed her. She could not explain it. Was he an entity of the dark side? Some manifestation of its power?

Then there was the last bit before she awoke for the first time. The white bird perched on her shoulder. The comforting presence it held as it rested with her. Was that how she returned to life? What was that bird?

"That was an eventful council."

Marth jerked upright. Pain lanced through her body. She hissed and sank back down in her seat as Tharja slipped into the war council room.

The Plegian mage glanced down at the map on the table. She clicked her tongue.

"Someone needs to tell these Feroxi to be more careful with their plans. The wrong set of eyes seeing this could destroy any hope of success."

Marth glared at Tharja, "You were spying on us?"

Tharja gave her a wicked smirk, "At first I was following. But then it became spying because you all were taking so long."

"Following?"

"Yes. Following you, Obi Wan Kenobi, and Robin."

Marth narrowed her eyes.

"Why were you following us?"

Tharja shrugged as she slid around the table towards a stack of chairs.

"I was following Obi Wan and Robin in hopes of observing some things about them. Those two are extraordinary after all. And well-" She blushed a little, "Robin is rather easy on the eyes, isn't he?" She waved her hand dismissively, "But that is besides the point right now. I was following you because of our deal."

Marth raised her brow.

"Don't tell me you have forgotten." Tharja said as she placed a chair in front of Marth and took a seat, "I agreed to help you. In exchange, you tell me about the Force." She leaned closer to Marth, "Everything about the Force."

Marth frowned. Dammit she did make that deal, didn't she? At the time she had been desperate for help. And she had hoped that Tharja would conveniently forget about it. Apparently that was too much to hope for.

"It's a difficult thing to explain." Marth replied, trying her best to dance out of the situation.

"Oh, no, no." Tharja snickered, "You're not getting out of your end that easily. Don't forget, if I really wanted to, I can break into your mind. Given how weak you currently are, it would be easy."

"Given how many warriors are in this building, I'd say you would have hardly a one percent chance of surviving the attempt." Marth snapped back.

Tharja smirked, "Maybe. But it might be worth a try."

Marth stared down Tharja. The mage stared back. Amused by Marth's defiance.

She was correct. Marth was in a weakened state. Tharja could very easily break into her mind and glean whatever information she wanted from it. Marth simply did not have the stamina or strength to mount an effective defense right now. She barely had enough the last time Tharja tried to do that.

The blue haired warrior let out a long sigh.

"The Force is," She began reluctantly, "The Force is unlike any magic in existence. Mostly because it is not necessarily magic."

Tharja arched an eyebrow, "Not necessarily magic?"

"Right." Marth nodded, "The Force is magic. And it is more. It is… it is life itself. It is the energy of the universe. The very thing the binds us all together." She gave a wistful smile as she recalled a saying her master you to tell her, "It is the invisible ties that bind all living beings together."

"You act like the Force is a living thing." Tharja noted as she opened her tome and grabbed a piece of charcoal hidden in the empty pages.

"That is because it is. It isn't a tool to be used and abused like conventional magic. It is a companion. A helper."

"Is that what your Master taught you?" Tharja asked, "According to my own observations, Maul liked to use the Force as a tool."

"Maul used a perversion of the Force. A side of it that is known as the Dark Side of the Force." Marth explained.

"And what is the difference between the two sides?"

Marth pursed her lips, "You have to understand the nature of the two sides to understand the differences. As far as I know, the Force is very attuned to the emotions of the user. Maul accessed the dark side by tapping into his anger and hatred. It is a quick and easy path to power."

Tharja hummed to herself as she scribbled notes down in her tome.

"And the other side?"

Marth took a breath, "The Light? Well… the light is the opposite of the dark." She let out a frustrated sigh, "It's very difficult for me to explain. I am not very well versed in all of it. My-my master died before I could complete my training."

"And your master is?"

Marth narrowed her eyes at Tharja. That was information she was not giving up.

"I'm tired."

Tharja's eyes sparkled dangerously. But then an amused expression crossed her face. A dark chuckle left her pale lips before she shut her tome.

"Yes, you are." Tharja snickered, "We will continue another time. In the meantime, rest. We can have a longer session when you are fully recovered." She opened the door and smiled, "Oh, Libra is on his way here. He is probably worried sick that his number one patient is out and about. Have fun with that."

Marth's eyes widened as Tharja quietly left the room. Before she could make any attempt to leave the room under her own power, Libra burst in.

"What is this I hear about sparring lessons and war councils!?"

Marth felt a nervous bead of sweat drip down her forehead. It was going to be a very long night.

….

Robin groaned.

"Damn it all, Virion."

Across from him, the frilly archer chuckled then leaned back in his seat.

"It's been a while since we played a game," He smirked triumphantly, "You have gotten rusty."

"I've gotten stupid." Robin replied, his tone glum. He let out a sputtering breath and stared down at the chess board, "I'm hopelessly screwed."

"Probably." Virion smiled before taking a sip from a glass of Feroxi firewine.

Robin furrowed his brow at the game board. Any move he made would result in the loss of his queen. Once that happened, Virion would make short work of the rest of his remaining pieces. His King would have nowhere to go. Then it would be checkmate.

Robin shook his head and decided to just move a pawn forward.

"Surrendering already?" Virion chuckled.

"I'm slowly learning when to tuck tail and run." Robin replied before leaning back in his own seat and taking a long gulp of firewine. He cough hard once he removed the glass from his lips, "Ouch."

"They made it extra fiery today, my friend." Virion grinned.

"No kidding." Robin coughed again and pounded a fist into his chest, "That burns."

Virion made his move. The queen was gone.

"So," Virion began, "What do you think?"

"About what?" Robin asked as he studied the board. He knew it was a hopeless endeavor. But damn it he did not want to admit total defeat just yet, "My hopelessness as a tactician? How I got completely outclassed by Maul and Aversa? Maybe how Chrom and Ben are almost at each other's throats over secrets and heartbreak? The monumental task of orchestrating a decisive final battle that must occur on our terms?" Robin ran a hand through his hair, grabbed his glass, and drank it dry, "Where do I begin?"

Virion nodded as took Robin's glass and poured him another drink.

"What about Marth?" Virion asked.

Robin pursed his lips before bringing his glass to his lips.

"What about her?"

"I saw you two getting frisky in the yard."

Robin's eyes bugged out of his skull as firewine ran down his throat. He began to choke. He coughed hard as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Come again?" He gasped before falling into another coughing fit.

"Oh come now, Robin. You must see it. Two young people. Both very attractive, working together. One teaching the other how to fight properly. And being thoroughly amused in the process."

"I think you are reading way too much into it." Robin replied with a slight laugh.

"Nonsense!" Virion cried, "If there is one thing the archest of archerers knows it is-"

"Archery?"

"No! Women! The fairer sex. The beautiful flowers of our world that us barbaric men must pursue."

"Ever the poet." Robin deadpanned.

"Thank you."

"But my relationship with Marth is strictly professional."

"Sure it is."

"Virion." Robin eyed his friend.

"Robin." Virion grinned ear to ear.

Robin narrowed his eyes, "You enjoy making me uncomfortable way to much."

Virion laughed some more and took another drink. He let out a satisfied sigh before resting his head on his hand.

"Very well, if you do not want to discuss the thorny flower that is Marth, which one of our lovely ladies do you fancy."

Robin snorted, "I've been a little too busy to fancy anyone."

"I don't believe that for a second." Virion replied, "Come on now, there must be someone that has caught your eye. Enticed that incredible personality and mind of yours."

"Yes," Robin replied sarcastically, "My incredible personality and mind. Both of which are plagued by a very bad case of long term amnesia. I totally know what I like and don't like in a women." Robin sipped his drink, "For all I know, the old me in my previous life would fall for a Plegian sorceress from the Grimleal."

Virion's eyes sparkled, "We do have one in our company now you know."

Robin froze, "Don't get any ideas, Virion."

"I don't have any ideas." Virion smiled, "Only observations and experiments. And from my observations, you and Marth would be a very-"

"No more!" Robin cried.

"But think of the love you both could kindle! It would be a flame that would never stop burning!"

"Virion!" Robin exclaimed, "She is literally recovering from death! Not an injury. Death! As in the supposed to be permanent kind." He shook his head, "No more firewine for you after tonight."

Virion laughed hard, "Like you can stop me."

Robin's shoulders sagged, "I can't even beat you at a game of chess."

"My point exactly."

Robin chucked a pawn at Virion, causing the archer to laugh even more. Virion continued to roar with laughter for a few more minutes before finally taking a deep breath. Once he did, he noticed the distressed expression on Robin's face. The seriousness his friend had. Virion's smile slowly ebbed away.

"Robin?"

"Virion," Robin sighed before leaning back into his seat and running both hands over his face, "What the hell am I to do?"

Virion set his glass down.

"About?"

"About Chrom and Ben." Robin sat upright again, "Those two are still grief stricken. They can deny it all they want. But I know. I can see it. Ben hides it very well. But he snapped today at Chrom. And well-" Robin let out a frustrated sigh before taking another sip of firewine.

"That bad?"

"His magic literally encompassed the room." Robin answered as he set his glass down on the table, "It hung in the air like a damn fog. It felt like there was a pressure in the room. Like something was pressing down on me at all sides. I have never felt or seen anything like that before. And I've certainly never seen Ben lose his temper like that before."

"He is normally very mild mannered." Virion nodded in agreement.

"And Chrom is not." Robin continued, "Chrom is a good guy, obviously. But he lashes out easily. Especially when someone who, in his opinion, deserves it." Robin sipped his drink and folded his legs. Their game of chess long forgotten from his mind, "And in a way, Ben does deserve Chrom's ire."

Virion nodded, "His knowledge could have stopped Maul from slaying the Exalt."

"My thoughts exactly." Robin agreed, "But… there has to be a damn good reason he never shared that knowledge. Ben does not strike me as the type of person to keep a secret just for the sake of keeping a secret. I think he's hiding his knowledge because he is afraid."

"For himself?"

Robin shook his head, "No. Ben was ready to lay down his life for Exalt Emmeryn. I think he'd do the same for any of us. He regards us all as friends now."

"Then he is afraid for us." Virion concluded.

"But why?" Robin wondered out loud as he jumped from his seat and paced over to his desk.

The desk had paper strewn all over it. A quill and empty inkwell sat in the top corner. Notes were scribbled on some of the paper. But most of the ink had gone into the two tomes on the desk. One was his spellbook. The notes within detailed little tips and tricks he had learned (or relearned) for casting the spells. But the other tome was something else. Something new he decided to try. A journal. A way to organize his always running mind.

He snatched the leather bound book from the shelf and flipped it open. Once he got to right page, he tossed the book over to Virion.

Virion glanced at it.

"You have a profile on Ben?"

"I have a profile on everyone." Robin replied, "It helps me figure out strategies."

"What does mine say?"

Robin gave Virion a weary stare.

"I'm curious."

"Just read." Robin replied before taking a long sip from his drink.

Virion cleared his throat. His eyes ran along the long lines of ink below Ben's name and a rough sketch of his appearance.

"You are a wonderful illustrator." Virion remarked.

Robin shrugged but said nothing.

Virion's playful smirk slowly dropped into a small frown. He flipped the page to see Robin's profile on Lon'qu.

"How do you have more information on the silent swordsman of our little company than on Ben?" Virion wondered out loud.

"And now you see the dilemma." Robin said, "Ben's profile is bigger. But it is only comprised of little bits and pieces. There are massive gaps in everything."

"Like how his magic works." Virion noted.

"Or where he learned to fight with a sword? And who taught him?" Robin continued.

"Where he is even from." Virion remarked, his brow raised both with intrigue and surprise.

"How he knows Maul." Robin said.

Virion glanced up at Robin, looked down at the profile, then back up at Robin. He jabbed a finger at the page.

"You have it here that they are old enemies. Perhaps rivals."

"Yes, but how?" Robin countered, "And why? Scratch that, I got piece of the 'why' puzzle today."

"Really? Do tell." Virion said as he passed the book back to Robin.

Robin took another drink then leaned forward in his seat, "Maul, was something called a Sith Lord. A Sith Lord is the enemy of a group of people called the Jedi." Robin tapped his rough sketch of Ben, "Ben is a Jedi. By his own admission."

"That is first I'm hearing about any of this." Virion said, "Why would he not tell us? Something like that would make it obvious that Maul was out to get him not Emmeryn. If we knew that, we would have kept Ben far away from the Exalt."

Robin nodded in agreement, "I want to press for more information. But I have a feeling I'm just going to be met with a wall of silence."

Virion nodded in agreement. He fell into silent thought for a moment. Then he snapped his fingers.

"What?"

"Ask Marth." Virion suggested.

Robin narrowed his eyes at Virion, "I'm not about to court her Virion."

"No! No! I'd love it if you did, but that is not the point I'm trying to make right now." Virion replied, "Marth fights like Ben does, right?" Robin nodded, "So they both must have received the same type of instruction. Therefore, is Marth a Jedi as well?"

Robin thought for a moment. As Virion's point began to sink in, his eyes slowly widened in realization.

"Virion, you are a genius."

"You are most welcome." Virion smiled, "For the revelation, and for the opportunity to spend more time with your beloved Marth."

Robin slammed his glass down and pointed at Virion.

"I will throw this entire board at you! And I won't miss!"

Virion began to laugh uncontrollably again.

"No need for that, my love struck friend." Virion swept the board clean and began to reset the pieces, "New game?"

"Yes! And I will win!"

And chapter! More of a filler chapter again. Reestablishing some relationships and setting the stage for the next part. We were going at a breakneck pace before. I wanted to slow it down a little and give the characters some room to breathe for a moment.

It appears Ben's secrecy is starting to wear on the Shepherds. Especially on Chrom and Robin. And Ben is still not totally himself. But we did see a bit of that old sass come back for a moment. Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!