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.

40. Peace

The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 40

Peace

Chrom stood in front of the full length mirror with an uncomfortable frown on his lips. A warm fire flickered across the room. Which he was grateful for. Winter had come full force in Regna Ferox. Just in time for the army to return to Arena Ferox with General Mustafa and his peace delegation.

One week had passed since that fateful day in the desert. Despite the end of hostilities with the Plegian army, it had been one of the busiest weeks of Chrom's young life. He thought that with the end of combat he would finally have some time to rest. Time to recuperate. Time to properly mourn Emm.

But being the ruler of a nation enveloped in the fires of war did not allow any time for such luxuries. Upon his return to the Longfort, Flavia and Basilio had whisked him away with Robin in order to start drafting peace terms. A long tedious process that even a book worm like Robin grew weary of. When that was done, he began the process of checking up on his Shepherds in the wake of the war.

The ones who were faring the best were Frederick, Kellam, Sully, and Stahl. It helped that those four were originally regular soldiers. They were trained for warfare. Prepared for its trials and horrors. They went about their daily routines as normally as they could.

Frederick was always awake before everyone else. Doing menial tasks that he enjoyed. Such as tending to the horses in the stables or taking stock of the Shepherds supplies. Tedious things that the wary knight lost himself in.

Sully and Stahl both spent their new found free time training hard in the barracks yard. Stahl had heard about the viciousness that the last battle had. How, before Robin and his group arrived, Chrom and the shepherds with him had nearly been overwhelmed. It lit a fire inside of the lax horseman. A fire that he asked Sully to help temper through training. He wanted to be prepared so that if he was ever in a battle that intense, he would be ready. Kellam joined the duo from time to time. But the large man usually remained in the background. Content with his own individual training.

Cordelia and Sumia had rekindled their old friendship. Especially since Chrom had formally made Sumia a Pegasus Knight once the battle concluded. A title that provided Sumia with the validation she long deserved. And provided Cordelia with a companion that she could call upon to help rebuild the decimated corps of knights. Whenever those two were together, they were discussing their plans for new training practices. Which included intensive infantry training as well as aerial combat training. Only the best warriors would be allowed into the Pegasus Knights. For anyone who wanted to join, it would not be an easy road.

The other Shepherds who did not find themselves in leadership roles filled their time with hobbies they loved. Miriel went back to her potion crafting. Ricken threw himself into his magical studies. The young mage would be damned if he was left out of another military campaign.

Surprisingly, Tharja had actually taken a small interest in the boy's progress. Though Chrom was concerned when he heard her mutter how the boy would be an excellent guinea pig for a study of some form or another. Her strangeness was only compounded by her sudden fascination for Robin. Ever since he took on Aversa and destroyed the second Reeking Box, she had found him utterly enthralling. She had started a rather uncomfortable habit of following around Chrom's tactician. Which meant that she was, more often than not, following Chrom around as well. A situation that did not sit easy with the Ylissean Prince. It wasn't that he disliked Tharja, but he still held a mistrust for her. What with her previous allegiances and all.

Gregor had taken a liking to Virion's chess games. He found the pair sharing tea many times as they silently played their game. Robin lamented the fact that he could not join them. But he was now Chrom's right hand man, not just his tactician. And that afforded the capable man with even more responsibilities.

Maribelle, Lissa, and Libra were all extremely busy in the aftermath of the war. The number of wounded was tremendous. The trio had taken upon themselves to lead the enormous medical effort. Hundreds of wounded men and women needed care. Chrom puffed up with pride as he remembered how hard his sister was working. She had really come into her own during the war. She may not have been the diplomat Emm was, or the warrior Chrom was, but she was the healer they all needed. Even Libra offered her great praise. He often offered to instruct her so that her knowledge in the healing arts would grow.

Nowi was one of the most hyper members of the Shepherds after the war. No matter what, someone was by her side, either talking to or entertaining the thousand year old Manakete. Chrom chuckled a little as he recalled Ben's reaction when he learned that little Nowi was actually over a millennium old. He had never seen the man lost for words quite like that before.

"What are you chuckling about?" Sumia asked him as she slid her arms over his chest and pecked a kiss against his cheek.

"Ben's reaction to Nowi." Chorm smiled as he held Sumia's hands with his own.

Speaking of the swordsman, he continued to be enigmatic. But the aloofness that he once held had faded away. He had taken Emmeryn's death just as hard as Chrom did. And the man often grew sad when her name was brought up. But he had stopped being so reclusive. And Chrom often found him visiting Marth. Which did not surprise the Prince. She had saved his life from Maul's wrath. A bond like that did not just fade away.

Chrom sighed again and let his hands run down the fabric of his formal attire. Sumia giggled in his ear.

"You look handsome."

"I look ridiculous."

"You have to look your best." Sumia tsked, "Chrom, this is an important occasion. You are formally signing the peace deal you negotiated with Mustafa."

"That Robin and Basilio negotiated." Chrom corrected and he sucked in his stomach and adjusted the collar of his shirt, "Me and Flavia were both just kind of there. I don't have the intelligence for that kind of thing."

"Nonsense." Sumia smiled, "You don't give yourself enough credit. General Mustafa now thinks very highly of you. Especially after the peace negotiations."

"A Plegian thinking highly of a Ylissean." Chrom snorted, "I'm pretty sure the previous King and my father are spinning in their graves."

Sumia chuckled, "But that doesn't matter. This is the beginning of a new era for everyone involved. And I can't wait to see it."

Chrom turned around and held Sumia's hands with his own, "And I can't wait to have you by my side for all of it."

Sumia blushed before meeting his lips with her own.

"Alright," Sumia smiled, "We will have more time for that later. You will be late if you don't start walking."

"It's only a few floors away from us." Chrom replied as he moved towards the door, white cape fluttering behind him.

Sumia wrapped her arm over his. She could feel the nerves in him right now. Leading men into battle did not unnerve the Shepherds Captain. But standing in front of hundreds of people and signing a document did? She laughed a little to herself.

"You look beautiful." Chrom smiled as the pair walked down the hall.

Sumia just smiled. Which only made her look even more stunning to Chrom. She was not wearing her armor. Instead opting for a lovely formal gown that was a deep blue color. Matching Chrom's own formal wear.

As they neared the end of the hall, Chrom noticed Robin leaning up against the door frame.

"Took you two long enough." Robin smirked as he unfolded his arms.

Chrom laughed, "Some of us have more than one thing to wear. I thought I told you to put on something other than that coat."

Robin rolled his eyes, "And I did." He opened up his coat, "See. Nice collared shirt and slacks. Just for you." Chrom was about to open his mouth, "The coat stays." Robin finished quickly, "I had it cleaned just for this occasion."

The Prince raised an eyebrow before gesturing a small tear near the hem.

Robin gave a sheepish laugh, "I said cleaned… not necessarily repaired. Feroxi tailors are actually kind of expensive and well, I trust no one with it."

Chrom chuckled before clasping his hand on Robin's shoulder, "You worry too much."

"Worrying is part of my job." Robin replied as he walked with Chrom and Sumia to the Arena's great hall.

"Well there is no need to now." Chrom replied, "The war is over. We won. And soon all of us will be returning home."

"Home?" Robin raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, home." Chrom nodded over at Sumia, "She convinced me to set aside a room for you in the palace."

"It took hardly any convincing at all." Sumia said with a wave of her hand, "Merely a suggestion that helped remind this knucklehead of all you helped us with."

Robin shook his head, "And I'm going to tell you again, you both have already rewarded me enough. I only did my job."

"You won us the war, Robin." Chrom retorted, "That is a debt that I will probably never be able to repay. But at least let me try."

Robin pressed his lips into a thin line, "Fine." He breathed.

"Was that so hard?"

"Excruciatingly so." Robin admitted with a playful smile.

The trio laughed as they arrived in the Great Hall. Bright sunlight streamed into the massive room. Warm fires roared in the hearths to help keep everyone that occupied the space warm. And there was people everywhere. Chrom recognized several retinues of Lords and Ladies from Ylisse. The agreement Chrom and Mustafa had agreed to forced the Plegian army to leave Ylisse entirely. Which allowed any surviving Lords of Ylisse to return to their homes and begin the arduous process of rebuilding the nation. A task that was going to be massive for Chrom once he returned to Ylisstol.

There was one man that approached Chrom that caused a broad smile to cross the Prince's face.

Commander Edward leaned on crutches as Chrom, Sumia, and Robin approached him. The formal clothes he wore were loose on his now thin frame. The siege of Ylisstol had taken a massive toll on his body. When the exchange of prisoners occurred at the border (per the peace treaty agreement), the man was in bad health. Almost unrecognizable. But now, after a week of heavy rest and healing, the Knight Commander was starting to regain his strength.

"You look ever more like a great Exalt." Edward grinned as he clasped Chrom's hand with his own.

Chrom bristled a touch at the title but still smiled, "I don't know about that. I think I'm a better soldier than politician."

"Both require experience. Of which you will get plenty, I assure you." Edward turned to Sumia and smiled warmly at her, "You look absolutely stunning, milady."

"I'm not a Lady yet." Sumia reminded him with a smile as she embraced the commander.

"Once we return to Ylisstol that is going to change." He nodded over at Chrom, "You are a lucky man."

"You don't have to say that twice." Chrom replied.

Edward's attention then turned to Robin. The man grabbed Robin's hand and gave it a firm shake.

"I heard about the genius of the Shepherd's tactician. If only I had listened to you from the outset."

Robin shook his head, "Who knows what would have happened. I am just grateful that in the end, we are all standing here now." He took a deep breath, "Now that this war is over, I can get back to my original goal."

"That being?" Chrom asked.

Robin tapped his temple, "Finding my lost memories."

The doors to the Great Hall opened. Flavia and Basilio both strode in. Each Khan exuded absolute power and authority within this space. Their heads were high, strides filled with purpose. Armor polished to a mirror-like shine. An image meant to intimidate enemies, and comfort friends.

Flavia reached the group first. And once she did, she gave Robin a rough slap on the back. Almost knocking the small tactician to the ground.

"You clean up nicely." She said, "I never thought I'd actually see that mane on top of your head combed."

"Seeing as the barbers were all unavailable, I had to settle for combing it." Robin coughed as he tried to get air back in his lungs.

Flavia threw her head back and laughed, "You can thank the oaf for that."

Basilio cleared his throat, "Do you see any hair on this head?"

"If there was any it would be grey, old man." Flavia snorted.

"Yes. From having to deal with your antics for the past few years." Basilio said with a roll of his eyes.

"You love my antics and you know it." Flavia replied with a wave of her hand.

Basilio let out an amused grunt before he took Commander Edwards hand.

"It has been a few years Knight Commander." Basilio said, "I'm glad to see your health improving."

"It must have been a few years." Edward replied, "I seem to recall you being shorter than what you are now. Or maybe I shrank with my advancing age."

Basilio uttered a deep laugh, "I'm sure once you are healthy again, you can still provide a good fight."

Edward shook his head, "I have a feeling my fighting days are over." He looked at Chrom, "It is time for a new generation to take the lead. I will be there to offer my advice. But once this whole affair is over, I think I shall retire." He gave Khan Basilio a playful look, "You should consider the same. I hear the fishing in Regna Ferox is fantastic."

"Fishing? Fantastic? Bah!" Basilio remarked, "I'll just as soon strut out with a cane than let Flavia have her way with the nation."

"Hey!" The younger Khan snapped causing the others to laugh.

The door to the great hall opened once again. All eyes turned to see the delegation from Plegia striding into the massive space. At the head was General Mustafa. His the leather straps on his armor had been oiled to an impressive sheen. The iron plates that covered his shoulders and stomach were polished to perfection. And the bone decorations on his pauldrons had been bleached so that they shone as bright as the snow outside. A group of other Plegian Captains and Generals followed him. But from what Chrom and Robin could see, not a single member of the Grimleal accompanied the General.

"You think that is a good or bad thing?" Robin wondered.

"I'm not sure." Chrom muttered, "Regardless, we now have peace. And the Grimleal are not going to get in the way of it."

"I hope you're right." Edward said, "Those mages were terrors on the battlefield. I've never seen magic like that in my life. And I never wish to see it again."

"Mustafa is tightening the leash on them, per the peace treaty." Chrom reminded them all. The Prince looked over at the Plegian General as he engaged in formalities with other military leaders, "He'll make a good king."

"If the Plegian people make him their king." Robin said, "And if he even accepts the role."

"I hope he does." Basilio breathed, "He can't do any worse than Gangrel."

Chrom nodded, "Speaking of the insane tyrant, is he still silent?"

Flavia scowled, "Not a peep from him. You'd think someone with a brain as addled as his would be singing like a canary. And not just about Grimleal secrets, but anything that came to mind." She shook her head, "Dead silent during his trail. And even more silent in his cell."

Chrom huffed, "I still believe we should execute him."

"He has crimes to answer for in Plegia. Mustafa was insistent on that." Robin reminded Chrom. Much to the Prince's displeasure, "There had to be some give in the negotiations. Giving the Plegian's their tyrant to do with as they wish was part of that."

"I still don't like it. Especially since the Grimleal is still sem-intact." Chrom frowned.

"You all need to stop worrying so much." Sumia smiled, "This is a day to celebrate." She took Chrom's hand, "Come on. I'm sure the General wants to get this underway."

Chrom let out a long sigh, "And I just want to get this over with."

"Then we best get started."

….

Cordelia was grateful that the ceremony was short. Standing at attention with the other leaders of the Ylissean military was uncomfortable. And, while the armor she now sported was fancy, it was neither practical nor comfortable. Too much focus went into the decorative features rather than making it actually wearable. When the formal signing of the peace treaty had ended, she rushed off to the barracks, shed the heavy plates off, and donned regular clothing once again.

A long sigh left her lips as she set her aching feet into the soft leather riding boots she loved. Naga, they felt so good on her aching feet now. She bit back any complaints though. The other shepherds (with the exceptions of Maribelle, Lissa, and Virion) all looked painfully uncomfortable in formal attire. Poor Vaike had tried multiple times to shed his shirt and let his manly pecs breathe. It took some very personal, well placed threats from both Miriel and Tharja to cow the burly man. And while he shrugged off the threats from Miriel, he blanched considerably at Tharja's threats.

Although, Tharja was no better herself. Her idea of formal attire was donning a new, long, black cape trimmed with gold to her already revealing outfit. Cordelia wondered how she could wear such a thing without freezing.

Maybe she keeps herself warm with a hex? She thought as she withdrew a notebook and pen from the small desk in her room.

Other than Vaike, most of the Shepherds behaved themselves. And by most, that meant everyone with the exception of Gaius. The thief just could not help himself. Thank Naga Panne was there to keep him on a very short leash. The Taguel was able to intimidate the man enough to keep him from snatching every single piece of jewelry he laid his eyes on. However, he did manage to steal several diamond bracelets and, somehow, a gold plated toe ring. Of which Cordelia did not want to hear the story. And all of which, he was forced to return with a long apology. That part she did witness, and laughed at.

She chuckled under her breath as she cracked the notebook open. The pages were littered with notes. Each one regarding the restructuring and rebuilding of the Pegasus Knights. Then there were a few pages dedicated to more personal projects. Specifically a new type of javelin Cordelia wanted to have constructed. One that could soar farther and more accurately so that future Pegasus Knights did not have to engage in dangerous, close quarters combat as often.

She tapped her pen against the pages. Her mind had gone blank as she stared at the beginnings of her design. With a frustrated huff, she closed the notebook.

"I need some fresh air." She muttered.

She strode out of the barracks and into the snow covered training yard. Notebook in one hand, her sword in the other. Across the yard was a small smithing station. If she could not focus on her designs, then she would focus on improving the equipment she had right now. A little work did wonders to clear the mind.

As she strode through the snow, she glanced around the yard. It was completely empty.

Everyone else must be resting still. She thought to herself.

But just as she was about to reach the forge, she caught a glimpse of a single figure, perched on a stone block near the Arena Wall. A person that had not been present at the formal signing of the peace treaty.

Cordelia smiled a little at the sight of him sitting peacefully, alone.

"Ben!" She called. His eyes cracked open, "You know the others are probably inside having a good time. You should join them."

Ben snorted, "I've been to my fare share of formal parties with foreign dignitaries. I'll pass this time."

"Oh come on." Cordelia remarked, "You were an important part of our victory. Chrom would want you there."

Ben shook his head, "I played my role and that was all. Besides, this is not my moment to have. It is Chrom's. Without his leadership and determination, we would never have won this war."

Cordelia shook her head as she flopped down in the snow beside him, "You don't give yourself enough credit. You were the one who saved all of use from getting captured by Mustafa."

"I give all the credit to Mustafa for that one." Ben replied with a small smile.

"I don't think I can." Cordelia replied, "Not after you showed me how can you read minds and such."

Ben snorted, "I cannot read minds at will. And enough about me. Shouldn't you be at the party, Wing-Commander Cordelia?"

Cordelia let out a long groan, "Don't remind me."

Ben chuckled, "Don't fear the role. You will make an excellent commander."

"If by excellent you mean the only one qualified for the job, then thank you." Cordelia remakred.

"Now who is not giving themselves enough credit?" Ben smirked.

Cordelia narrowed her eyes at him, "You are turning my own point back around on me. And I don't like that."

Ben shrugged, "Then I guess you have to get better at arguing."

Cordelia let out a small laugh, "Can't. No time." She cracked open her note book and flicked through it, "See all of that. That is the shit storm that is going to hit me once we get back to Ylisstol."

Ben placed his finger so that it stopped the pages from turning. Right on the page with her new javelin designs.

"And this?" He asked.

Cordelia grimaced, "A personal project that has stalled. It's not important."

"Sure it is." Ben replied, "Let me see."

"No."

"I insist."

"You can't be insisting anything, Ben Kenobi." Cordelia shot back.

"Do I have to use a mind suggestion."

"Ha!" Cordelia barked, "I'll just see through it eventually like I did the last time." She saw Ben raise his brow and give her a pleading look. With a long sigh, Cordelia relented and opened the page, "It's a new javelin design I'm working on." She said as she handed him the notebook.

Ben focused on the design. His inquisitive, studious eyes running over the various measurements and design features of it. He ran a hand over his mouth, fingers brushing through the beard that had been slowly growing over his face.

"This is very good." Ben said, "Genius even."

Cordelia bristled and snatched the notebook back.

Ben blinked, "What did I say?"

"Don't call me that." Cordelia snapped.

"What?" Ben asked, "Genius? Why not? It's true. The design is remarkable."

"I just-" Cordelia let out a heavy sigh, "I don't think of myself as a genius. And I don't like it when people refer to me as one."

"Why is that?"

Cordelia eyed Ben. She shifted in her seat to face him.

"Story for a story." She answered.

"Pardon?"

"I'll tell you why I hate being called a genius." Cordelia clarified, "In exchange, you tell me a little more about yourself."

Ben frowned, "I'd hardly call that a fair exchange."

"Are you so sure of that, Mr. Enigma?" Cordelia remarked.

"Enigma?"

"We hardly know anything about you, Ben!" Cordelia exclaimed, "And we have fought side by side through a whole war. Forgive me for wanting to learn a little more about a friend."

Ben blinked in surprise. Even Cordelia was calling him a friend? Honestly, it still shocked Ben that so many people on this world thought so highly of him. His goal when he arrived had been to keep as low a profile as possible.

I've failed in that regard.

"Fine." He relented.

Cordelia nodded, "Alright," She cleared her throat, "I was the youngest to ever join the Pegasus Knights. As a result of that, Commander Phila paid a little extra attention to me. Both to keep me from screwing up too badly, and to groom me so that I could keep up with the more seasoned Knights. She also kept me close by because she thought I was very intelligent. A genius, so to speak. And so, the other Pegasus Knights began to refer to me as Little Lady Genius." She let out a long, heavy breath, "The teasing and taunting at that point was relentless. I was mocked for everything from my appearance to my javelin technique." She shook her head and cursed under her breath.

"I'd say your comrades were quite spiteful." Ben remarked.

Cordelia nodded, "Yes, they were. But I eventually earned their respect. I used my talent and combined it with hard work so that I could become the best Knight in the ranks." She let out a small snort, "I guess being Little Lady Genius paid off in the end."

Ben nodded, "Well, I can assure you, when I called you a genius, I meant it as a compliment. It was not to mock you."

"I know. I know." Cordelia huffed and rubbed her arms, "I'm just a little sensitive. That's all." She cleared her throat. Anxious to move onto another subject, "Alright, your turn."

"My turn?" Ben pursed his lips, "I don't even know where to start."

"Well, since we are on the topic of geniuses," Cordelia began, "I'm sure you were considered one by your peers."

Ben uttered a sharp, sarcastic laugh, "Sure I was."

"I'm serious!" Cordelia cried, "I mean, you are the best swordsman I have ever seen. And two of our comrades are Chrom and Lon'qu. Both of which are peerless at their crafts. You have a crazy magic that no one understands, including Miriel and Robin. And, for Naga's sake, you can read minds! I think that defines genius."

"Then would you believe me if I said I was regarded as rather talent-less when I was younger." Ben replied.

Cordelia eyes widened, "Your lying."

Ben shook his head, "I was… honestly very unimpressive at using the Force in my youth. I did not have a significant natural affinity for like my fellow peers at the Temple. I was passed over by every master when it came to apprenticeship."

"All except one."

Ben nodded, "Master Qui Gon." Cordelia could see the sudden change in Ben's demeanor. He looked sad. Not sorrowful, but just sad. Regret filled, "He chose me to be his student. And I was forever grateful to him for that. But I was-" he bit his lip, "I was stubborn and much to rigid for his style of teaching. You could say he was my opposite. By the time he finally began to get through my thick skull and really leave his mark with his teachings, he was killed by Maul."

"And then your order was wiped out." Cordelia breathed.

Ben nodded grimly, "That they were. And somehow, I'm alive. The one without any of the talent lived. While the most talented Jedi all died. Ironic how that turned out."

"Not at all." Cordelia said, "That tells me one thing. You outworked everyone else. And that hard work helped you surpass everyone. And it led to your survival. You are a grinder, Ben Kenobi. And for that, you have my respect."

Ben smiled, "Thank you. And you have mine for being a humble genius."

Ben saw her recoil a little again.

"Don't reject your gifts, Cordelia." Ben advised, "Many are not born with such talents. Embrace them and use them. Combine them with your incredible work ethic. And I think you will become the greatest Wing Commander the Pegasus Knights have ever seen."

Cordelia was blown away by his comments. Her? The greatest commander ever? That thought never even crossed her mind. She hoped to just be good. Successful enough to rebuild and eventually hand the reins to a more capable successor. She felt her cheeks heat up a little.

Ben got to his feet, "It's a little cold out here now. Shall we go indoors."

"S-sure." She said with a whisper in her voice.

Ben smiled and began trudging through the snow

"So… with this whole peacetime thing now a reality, what happens now?"

Cordelia shrugged, "We all go back to Ylisstol. Chrom is-" Cordelia sighed, "Chrom is going to marry Sumia."

Ben arched an eyebrow, "You don't sound all too happy about that?"

"I am!" Cordelia countered as she kicked some snow with her feet, "I am extremely happy for Sumia. It is a dream come true for her. And Captain Chrom seems very happy."

"But…"

Cordelia sighed, "Is it that obvious?"

Ben smirked at her. Cordelia reddened and shoved him hard.

"You're reading my mind again!"

"Not at all. I'm sensing your feelings."

"That's just as invasive you know!" Cordelia snapped with a stomp of her foot.

"Pardon me for being a little concerned for a friend." Ben replied with a small smile.

Cordelia huffed and folded her arms, "I guess I always harbored a bit of a crush when it came to Chrom. But he never noticed."

Ben opened the door for both of them. The warm air that the massive Arena provided indoors was a welcome change. Ben had not realized how long he had been sitting outdoors meditating. The cold had sank far down into his skin and bones. So much so, that when the warmth from the Arena's halls hit his skin, he felt goosebumps form.

Cordelia sighed beside him, "Oh well, I guess. Love is not for everyone."

Ben shook his head, "I disagree with that. You will find someone eventually, Cordelia. And when you do, that man will be very lucky."

Cordelia let out a small, embarrassed laugh, "Well… we will see if that actually comes true first."

A loud crash rang out down the hall. The noise came directly from the common room the Shepherds all shared. There was a flurry of angry shouts, curses, then a thud. Followed by Vaike's booming laughter.

"It looks like everyone is back from the formal party." Ben noted.

"And the after party has begun." Cordelia pinched the bridge of her nose, "Sully and Vaike are already drunk. I guarantee it."

"Shall us, the adults, go supervise them?" Ben smirked.

Cordelia took a deep breath, "You know what." She pushed the door to the common room open, "Let someone else worry about that for a change."

"GAIUS YOU DAMN THIEF!" Panne roared as Cordelia opened the door.

"Heeeeeelp! The rabbit is trying to kill me!"

"I told you to return all of the jewelry!"

"But it was so shiny!"

Ben sighed as Gaius sprinted out of the room, followed closely by a furious Panne. Once both dissapeared down the hall, Robin stepped out. Face red, chest heaving up and down

"Gaius! Just hold on a little longer!" Robin stormed past both Cordelia and Panne, "How many fires do I have to put out in one day!?"

Ben looked across the door at Cordelia, "Whiskey?"

"Maybe something a little stronger."

….

The other Shepherds were not going to be happy. Especially Libra. The monk would probably have a full blown panic attack once they found out she had decided to leave. But Marth could not stay. That was no longer an option for her. The war with Plegia was over. Hopefully, now that Chrom was ruler of Ylisse and Mustafa was in charge of Plegia, peace would last for a little while.

She let out a pain filled grunt as she shouldered the bag she had packed. Traveling through the countryside was going to be treacherous. Now more than ever. The end of the war would see a surge in bandit activity. The criminals would be looking to take advantage of the weakness in both nations. It was a prime opportunity to start thieving, raiding, smuggling.

Her mind drifted to a blonde haired boy as she closed the door behind her with a quiet click.

Kage… he was still out there. It was likely he was on the run right now. He was one of the most wanted men in Archanea now. Chrom had placed a price on his head so enormous that no bandit would pass up the opportunity to turn him in for the gold. He was considered a Ylissean traitor. A spy. Someone worthy of capital punishment.

If anyone tried to do it, they would die. She had witnessed Kage's skills first hand. He had progressed so fast in such a short amount of time. At one point in their relationship, she was at least able to keep up with him in a duel. In the end, he always won. But it was not a dominating victory like the one at Gangrel's Palace.

Marth had no doubt that was because he had fully fallen to the dark side. Maul had been pushing her old friend in that direction for so long. It was only a matter of time till Kage gave in. This version of Kage she was now faced with was terrifying. Both in demeanor and sheer power.

And now, she was going to hunt him down. If there was anyone that could take him on, maybe even talk him out of whatever insane path he was following, it was her. If Master Kenobi confronted the boy, it would only lead to a savage duel. One whose outcome she was not certain of. At least if she found him first, he would talk to her before trying to kill her.

And if it did come to blows, Marth knew she would not last long. Her weapon was destroyed. Shattered into pieces by Maul's lightsaber. That fact still caused an ache to rush through her heart. That weapon was more than a simple sword to her. It was irreplaceable. And in her frantic rush to save her Master, it was destroyed.

At least I lost it doing something right. She thought, Instead of something stupid.

"Going somewhere, Blue?"

Marth froze as she passed beneath Arena Ferox's main gate. She wheeled around and saw Gaius hiding in the shadows. She opened her mouth to hiss at him, but Gaius placed a finger on his lips.

"Keep it down. I'm hiding."

Marth arched an eyebrow.

"I really pissed Whiskers off."

"Ah." Marth replied with an understanding nod. She waited for a moment, "Are you going to-"

"Stop you? Pfft! Like I can. Even with one arm, you would probably kick my ass. You've got that crazy magic on your side after all." Gaius whispered, "But before you go, I do have to ask, why are you going?"

Marth let out a long sigh, "My part here is done, for now. I have more important matters to deal with."

"Like that blonde haired bastard?" Gaius guessed.

Marth grimaced, "Yes."

The thief nodded, "You know, this is the part where I should probably say, 'oh no! You can't go alone! You can't go at all! Let me be your sidekick on some wild, dangerous adventure that'll probably kill us both'."

Marth found herself chuckling a little.

"But, I'll be honest, that's not me." Gaius smirked, "So," He rummaged into his pocket and pulled out a bright green lollipop, "My favorite flavor, Green Apple. Perfect amount of sweet and sour."

He flicked it over to Marth. Marth caught the candy and eyed it, surprised.

"For the road, Blue." Gaisu smiled.

"I smell you, Man-spawn!" Panne's voice rang out through the night air.

Gaius pressed his back to the wall, "Not a word, please."

Marth nodded, "Lips are sealed."

He mouthed a thank you to her before slipping into the shadows of Arena Ferox. Once Marth was sure the thief was gone, she took a deep breath and began walking again. A few steps out she stopped and looked down at the lollipop in her hand.

Why not?

She used her teeth to rip open the wrapper. The candy dangled from the corner of her mouth as she continued down the road into the wilderness. In the distance, a snowstorm was brewing. And she was heading right towards it.

She uttered a weary sigh as she caught sight of the storm on the horizon

"You're already making this difficult, Kage."

And chapter! I guess you could say this is the end of part one, so to speak. If you want to break Fire Emblem Awakening up into parts that is. Although I do have one more chapter planned that deals with the aftermath of the Plegian-Ylisse War. I have it outlined. Now I just gotta create time to work on it!

Anyways, it was about time the Shepherds had a happy moment! So here we go! Shenanigans and smiles. Nothing better. There will be a few interlude chapters before we start the Valm arc. Gotta build up those supports after all! I'm excited to keep this story going. It has been so much fun to write. I hope you all are enjoying this as much as I am.

Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!