The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 42

A New Journey

The throne room was always dark. A stark contrast to the bright light that once dominated this room in his Imperial Palace long ago. The the shades over the expansive windows that cast deep shadows all around were there on purpose. He had told the original designer that it was for security purposes. He did not want prying eyes on him as he worked on official Imperial business. The simple minded man believed that story well enough. But the real purpose was to add insult to injury when it came to the Sith's ancient enemy.

Casting the once mighty Jedi High Council chambers in eternal shadow was the last bit of corruption that put a sinister grin on Darth Sidious's face. The great temple was now rotted from within. Fallen and corrupted by the dark side of the force. It became the best place for him to rest in the Force. To wrestle the Dark Side awake and divine what lay in the future from it.

It was during one of those divinations that something very strange occurred. He found his consciousness transported to a place unlike any he had ever heard of before. It was the most strange reality he had ever felt. The best way he could describe it, was as a reality between the one he knew, and the one that only the dead learned of. So when he arrived in that strange grey area between life and death, he was already extremely curious. Then he saw her. The human woman named Lucina.

That was all he knew about her. Just her name and appearance. No origin, no planetary location, not even why she was so significant. He just knew that the Force considered her to be very special. And that piqued his interest. So much so that he had tried multiple times to return to the world between worlds. But to no avail.

So when his attempts to regain entry failed, he threw himself into the forbidden knowledge he had collected over the many decades of his life. He unsealed long closed Sith Holocrons. Hoping that the wisdom and knowledge of the great masters before him would open his mind grant him understanding of what he saw. When that failed, he attempted to pry open what little Jedi Holocrons were left in existence. But even they failed to give him the knowledge he now craved.

Surprisingly, the first lead as to what he saw came not from an ancient Sith text, or a Jedi holocron. Instead, it came from a field report. Dated towards the tail end of the Clone War. An archivist with the Imperial Navy had brought it to his attention just a few days ago. The ignorant officer had called the account so outlandish that it had to be fantasy. A tale about two Jedi Knights and a Padawan Learner skipping through reality and entering an unknown planet named Mortis. And on that planet were three living beings, described as the Ones. Beings so powerful with the Force that they warped the very fabric of existence on this strange, enigmatic world.

It was as if they existed in another reality. Separated but connected with his own. And that led Sidious on a voracious quest to learn more about these Ones. The gods of Mortis. If what he hypothesized was true, then these Mortis gods could very well be the link between the realm of the living force and the cosmic force. And by extension, the bridge between life and death.

But his search for more knowledge had finally stalled. The information gathered on the mythical world of Mortis was scant. Even rarer was information on the gods of Mortis. What little he did learn came from a simple mural carved into the walls of a Jedi Temple on Lothal. But that was just a simple piece of artwork. Not much more could be gleaned from it.

So now, that led him back to the woman he witnessed in the world between worlds. When he saw her, she was afraid. Afraid and in pain. He theorized that this strange world may be a the bridge that crossed life and death. And if that was true, than the girl he witnessed was dying when he saw her. And despite the cosmic force beckoning her to become one with it, she was ripped back into the realm of the living. Away from his sight.

It clicked in his mind. She was the key. The secret to how to overcome death lay with a young woman from an unknown planet.

She must be found.

But this was not a mission that could be entrusted with anyone. As much as he wanted to personally investigate, he was now the Emperor of a galaxy wide empire. Without him, the entire system he had so carefully set in place would collapse. All the progress he had made would be lost. The Empire he built was still a newborn babe compared to the government that it was birthed from. It needed care and attention. No, he could not divert his will away from it.

That was what he had an apprentice for.

His gnarled, scarred hand tapped a small button on his desk. A blue hologram shimmered in front of him. An imperial officer saluted him.

"Yes, your excellency?"

"Send me Lord Vader." The Emperor croaked.

The Officer nodded, saluted, then the hologram shimmered out of existence.

How fortuitous that Vader was now back on Coruscant. The timing of his return was no coincidence. For the past few years, he had had been hunting down what remained of the Jedi Order. And in doing so, became one of the greatest Jedi Killers the Sith Order had ever created. No Jedi could stand against the furious might of Lord Vader. Which pleased Sidious. After the disaster that was Mustafar, he was not certain how effective of a tool his new apprentice would be. But Lord Vader had outperformed every expectation. Passed every test, so far.

But this would be a new test for the young Sith Lord. This was not a Jedi hunt. And it was not a mission to quash a resistance that sprang up on some backwater world. No, this was a delicate mission. One that would require patience, precision, and efficiency.

Sidious frowned as he felt Vader's presence nearing the throne room. He would need assistance.

The doors to the throne room hissed open. Vader's heavy, booted feat stomped across the rich, scarlet carpet. Once the towering apprentice was a few feet away from his Master, he knelt down and bowed his head.

"You summoned me, my master." Vader's deep baritone boomed through the circular room. Followed closely by the harsh rasp that resulted from his respirator.

"Rise, my friend." Sidious beckoned.

Vader returned to his towering height.

"I trust your last mission was successful?"

"The Jedi that was infesting the planet of Kashyyyk has been dealt with. Any rebellion among the Wookies died with him." Vader replied.

"Good. Very good." Sidious replied with a please grin, "I hope you have had time to rest. For the next task I have for you will not be as easy."

He could sense some hesitation from Lord Vader. He was curious, but cautious. A far cry from how he was when he was first appointed a Lord of the Sith. Failure and the fires of Mustafar had burned away any recklessness and replaced it with cold efficiency and ruthlessness. Sidious could not help but grin with pride. He may never reach his full potential, but Lord Vader was his greatest accomplishment.

"Tell me," Sidious rose from his seat and swept around his desk. He began to walk towards the door, and Vader followed him, "Have you had any visions of late?"

He heard Vader's breath hitch ever so slightly. The guard on his mind was thrown up as well. Oh yes, he had visions. Ones that he did not want his Master to know about. Ones that betrayed the fact that Anakin Skywalker still lived deep down in the recesses of Vader's mind.

But those visions were not his concern.

"Strange visions." Sidious clarified as they exited the throne room and began to stride through the darkened halls of the Imperial Palace, "Visions of unexplained phenomenons? Unknown worlds? Enigmatic figures?"

Vader glanced over at his Master, "I have not."

"Strange. Normally, you are much more prone to such things than I. A fact that I am loathe to admit to." Sidious let out a small exhaled, "I have had such a vision, Lord Vader. One of a human woman, unknown to me. She was caught in the grey area between life and death. And before death could grasp her, she was ripped back into the world of the living."

Vader was stunned. He could sense it. Good, he was saying the right things to his apprentice. Drawing him in so that this mission would become an obsession.

"I was able to learn of the woman's name. Lucina." Sidious continued, "I know not what world she resides on, nor how she managed to cheat death. But what I do know is that the Force deems her to be very special."

"You believe she is the key to learning how to cheat death?" Vader asked as he stopped walking. Outside, the constant buzz of Coruscant filtered through the thick walls. Creating a low hum in the air.

"I do." Sidious nodded, "She must be found."

"Where do you wish for me to begin?" Vader asked.

"I believe there may be a connection between the realm I witnessed her in and the world of Mortis." Vader tensed, "I seem to recall Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker had an encounter with that strange planet. Perhaps using what he learned from the gods of Mortis can help us discover the location of this Lucina."

"And therefore discovering the secrets of life and death?"

Sidious placed a gnarled hand on Vader's armored shoulder, "Precisely, my friend. I trust this task to you. Take your 501st and scour the stars. Do not rest until her and the world she lives on is found." Sidious paused, "Lord Vader, this is a very delicate mission. I want this woman brought to me alive and unharmed. Also, your normal commander will not have the intellect for such a puzzle."

"I believe Admiral Yularen to be more than capable of assisting me." Vader countered.

"The Admiral is being assigned to oversee Imperial intelligence." Sidious said, effectively shutting down Vader's argument, "I am assigning you a Naval Captain that has caught my attention. His creativity and unorthodox intelligence will be more helpful than an elderly admiral's experience in this matter. I assure you of that."

"The name of this Captain?" Vader asked.

Sidious smirked. He could sense Vader's displeasure. His apprentice had a long history with Admiral Yularen. The two fought side by side during the Clone Wars. They knew how each other thought. What tactics the other preferred to use.

But Yularen was a rigid thinker. He was not suited for this endeavor.

"His name is Thrawn." Sidious answered, "You will find him at the Shipyard, overseeing the outfitting of the ship I had commissioned for him." Sidious began to walk ahead of Vader. He had an address to make to the Imperial Senate. And he did not want to be late, "Lord Vader, I expect nothing but success in this mission. Any failure will be dealt with most severely."

"I will not fail you, Master."

Vader bowed, stepped past his master, and made his way onto the turbo lift. As he disappeared from view, Sidious paused and took a breath.

"Now, who to entrust with hunting down the last of the Jedi?"

….

Mustafa sat anxiously in his chair as the Plegian military council convened in the royal palace. Today was the day that every general, captain, and nobleman in attendance both anticipated and dreaded. The trial of Mad King Gangrel.

It was a grim atmosphere in the palace. The Grimleal had not sent any representatives to the trail. And still, even with their absence, their dark power hung in the air like a thick fog. It was as if they had more of an impact without showing up than they would have if they did.

The people had turned against the Grimleal, for now. And that was good. But they were all still very afraid of the dark mages, despite their sudden lack of power and leadership. It would not be long until those fiends found a new Aversa or Validar to take the mantle of High Priest. Mustafa prayed that maybe, the grunts of the order had their eyes opened to their folly with the end of the war. And that they would choose a High Priest who had Plegia's best interest at heart. One who would bring the Grimleal back to what he believed was their original purpose. Servants of the people. Just as the next King should be as well.

He stiffened in his seat as the doors to the Palace swung inward with a loud groan. Two of Mustafa's best soldiers dragged the Mad King into the main hall.

Somehow, the Mad King looked even more haggard and crazed than before. His brown hair was long and stringy. It hung over his eyes like shredded curtains. His eyes that at one time blazed with a feral madness, now looked hollow and sunken. The mark of a defeated man. But what was most unnerving about the Mad King's appearance, was his silence. The defeated tyrant had not spoken a single word since he awoke bound in chains in the custody of Regna Ferox's soldiers and their Ylissean allies.

Mustafa had personally tried to question the man. Aversa had disappeared from the battlefield. She had been the muscle behind the Mad King's power. He suspected that Gangrel knew where that witch had fled to. But he was disappointed when the King did not give him the answers he sought. Without her and the Grimleal's support, Gangrel would have lost his grip on power long ago. There had to be some sort of arrangement in place so that if one fell, the other would rise and take their place. But now was not the time to delve into conspiracies.

"Gangrel," Mustafa's voice boomed through the Great Hall, "You stand accused of multiple crimes against humanity. Both against the people of Ylisse and the people of Plegia. You stand accused of inciting a war. One that thankfully, was not as disastrous as the last. But the blood of the dead are on your hands. You stand accused of neglecting your duties as King of our nation. Of being a self serving tyrant. Hell bent on feeding your own ambition and madness, instead of serving the people who placed on the throne. How do you respond to these charges?"

Gangrel's hollow eyes looked up at him. And the venom behind his gaze shot Mustafa like an arrow through the chest.

"If you think I am the only one behind all of this, you are mistaken." Gangrel's whispered. Just loud enough so that Mustafa could hear him.

Mustafa leaned forward in his seat, "Care to explain, Mad King?"

Gangrel snorted, "Mad King? Is that what I became?" He shook his head, "Damn me to hell already, Mustafa."

The large general scowled, "We shall judge you according to the law. And only after you answer the military council's questions." He saw Gangrel beginning to laugh under his breath, "Do you think this is a farce?"

"Oh the grandest of them." Gangrel raised his gaze so that his haunted eyes stared directly into Mustafa's, "If you think I will be alive by the end of this little game, well… you are a victim of some rather wishful thinking."

Mustafa narrowed his gaze at the man. He rose from his seat and stepped down so that he stood over the Fallen King.

"If someone is trying to kill you, tell us. We will not allow it to happen."

Gangrel began to chuckled.

"Is it the Grimleal?"

His chuckling grew in volume.

"Is it Aversa?"

Gangrel shook his head.

"Worse." The Mad King laughed. His eyes drifted towards the rafters of the Great Hall.

"Then who, Gangrel? Who is trying to silence you? Who is trying to keep you from helping your people?"

An unnatural shriek shot through the air. A feeling like hot fire brushed past Mustafa's neck. He could feel the skin cooking as a red flash zipped beneath his vision and slammed into Gangrel's chest. A smoking hole erupted where the red flash hit the Mad King. The man's eyes widened in pain before he fell backwards out of his chair.

The military council erupted in fury and panic. Numerous captains and generals were barking orders at their men. Demanding that the one who cast a spell at King Gangrel and General Mustafa be found and brought before them. Mustafa knelt down beside Gangrel as the king struggled for breath. He did not bother to call for a healer. The charred hole in Gangrel's chest told Mustafa that there was no hope for the Mad King. He would die.

Gangrel's lips parted into a twisted smile. The light began to fade from his eyes.

"He... is ready."

….

Ben took a deep breath as he meditated in the guy's room of the Shepherd's barracks. It had been two weeks since the Royal Wedding. Two weeks since Sumia and Chrom officially became family. And over a month since the end of the war between Ylisse and Plegia. During that time, he had struggled to adjust to the feeling of peace. When he wasn't feeling completely restless, he was either meditating or searching.

So far, his investigation into the many orphanages that had sprung up Ylisstol had yielded nothing. There were plenty of baby boys. But they were all the wrong age or did not match his physical description of baby Luke. His search was fruitless. And it was causing a great deal of frustration to build up in him.

He took that frustration out one of two ways, by meditating or by training. He needed to do both. Meditation helped clear his mind. Cured the restlessness for at least a few hours. And he really needed to train. The difficulty of the war weighed heavy on his mind. He was still not used to his body's newfound youth. It was as if he had been returned completely to his capabilities as a Padawan. His connection to the Force felt weaker. His abilities as a swordsman were lacking compared to what he was once capable of.

Ben frowned and massaged a small gash that was still healing on his forearm. He got it during the last battle of the war. A Plegian soldier got lucky. That should never have happened. He shook his head and took a deep breath.

Rest in the Force.

"Obi Wan…"

His eye twitched as he heard Qui Gon's voice. He took another deep breath.

There is Peace.

"You can't just ignore me, Obi Wan."

Ben let out a frustrated growl.

"What now?" He asked out loud.

"You're not getting anywhere just sitting here, Obi Wan."

"I'm not just sitting here. I'm meditating."

"You are one long, deep breath away from falling asleep." Qui Gon chided, "If was there I would have yanked on your braid already."

Ben snorted, "Joke is on you." He rose to his feet, "I don't have a braid anymore."

"You may as well have with how childish you have been as of late."

Ben frowned, "Childish?"

"Yes, childish. I told you to trust the Shepherds. Have you listened to me yet?"

Ben grimaced.

"You have not."

"They know I'm a Jedi."

"But they do not know what that means."

Ben grabbed his cloak and threw it over his shoulders, "They know enough."

"Obi Wan, being silent about who you are will only harm them and yourself."

Ben strapped his rapier to his hip. "No, being silent about who I am will keep them safe. If the Empire ever does arrive here, they can play ignorance."

Qui Gon was silent for a moment.

"Do you really believe that will save them?"

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose as he stepped outside, "Well, its not like they would believe me."

"Believe you about what?"

Ben almost jumped out of his own skin. He turned and narrowed his eyes at the eavesdropper. But relaxed when he saw Robin leaning up against the barrack's wall.

"Oh, it's just you." Ben breathed.

"Yup. Just me." Robin waited a moment, "So, what will I not believe?"

"Oh that, well," Ben scratched the back of his neck, "I was just talking to myself."

"Sounded like a pretty intense conversation." Robin replied, "You can trust me you know. If there is something you need to tell me. Just say it."

Ben sighed, "Well…I'm-," Should he say something. Qui Gon was no doubt listening. He was always listening. No, not yet. "I'm about to leave actually."

"Leave?" Robin drew back, "And go where?"

"The orphanages have revealed nothing." Ben replied, "And I cannot just sit here while-"

"While your son is Naga knows where." Robin finished for him, "I'm sorry. I've been so caught up in the war, and the aftermath of it, that I forgot about that."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Robin." Ben smiled as the pair walked towards the Palace gate. The two gate guards nodded to both of them as they exited the compound and entered the main city, "It is not your problem to worry about."

"Well I am worried about it." Robin responded, "You're my friend, Ben. Your problems are my problems."

Ben shook his head. If Robin knew the full extent of this particular problem, he would not be saying that. They both swiftly made their way towards the Market district. Once there, Ben purchased a leather bag and began buying supplies for a long, extended journey.

"So…" Robin smacked his lips, "You plan on going alone?" He asked as his eyes wandered over a display of knives that Ben was also perusing.

Ben nodded.

Robin frowned. He reached into his pocket and withdrew several silver coins. He pointed at a rudimentary knife. Not fancy by any means. But one that would undobutely serve him well.

"That knife please."

Ben gave Robin a curious look. Robin was a tactician and a mage. Most people in those professions did not buy knives. They bought books, quills, and ink. Maybe a few alchemical ingredients every now and then. But not a knife.

"What's the look for?" Robin asked, "I'm going to be needing it."

"Why?" Ben asked with some trepidation.

"Cause you aren't going traipsing through Archanea on your own." Robin answered.

Ben opened and closed his mouth, "Robin this not-"

"My problem? Yeah, well I already said that it is. The entire reason you joined the Shepherds in the first place was because you wanted to find your son. The war and my crazy strategies distracted you from that goal. Consider this me paying you back for all of the help you gave me." Robin took a breath, "And besides, I've got three other reasons for wanting to get out of Ylisstol."

"And those would be?" Ben asked as they crossed the market over to some of the food stalls.

Ben's eyes roved over the delicious looking fruits. But he avoided those in the end. They would not keep very well on the journey. And they were very expensive. The war had caused Ylisstol to have a limited harvest. The less expensive foods were all grains and a few dried meats and nuts. And those were the things that would last.

"One, I'm a tactician, not a military man."

Ben arched an eyebrow, puzzled.

"Chrom offered me a military commission." Robin explained, "I told him I'd think about it. But…" He shook his head, "I don't see myself as someone who is going to make a living out of fighting wars."

"But you just did that."

"That was different." Robin argued.

"How so?" Ben asked.

"Because it was the right thing to do." Robin answered, "I don't just want to go to war for war's sake. If I have to be a military tactician, it has to be for a damn good reason."

Ben nodded in agreement, "The military life is not for everyone. Trust me, I know."

Robin gave Ben an intrigued expression, but he did not pursue the matter any further. He still had a hard time justifying turning down Chrom's offer. It pained him to make that decision. He knew Chrom would make sure he was taken care of. That he was well compensated and given as much freedom as possible. But he also knew that a commitment to the Ylissean military was not one to be taken lightly. Frederick was the Knight-Commander now. If Robin joined the Ylissean military, Frederick would be his direct boss, not Chrom. While the tactician did consider the knight a friend, he did not really want to have that kind of relationship with him.

"Reason number two." Robin continued. He tapped his head, "I still have none of my old memories."

Ben finished paying for some dried ham, nuts, and corn. He thanked the vendor and returned his attention to Robin.

"You hope to trigger your memory by traveling?"

Robin shrugged, "Maybe I run into something that will restart the brain." Robin bought an apple from a fruit vendor and took a large bite. Savoring the sweet taste. He finished chewing then continued, "And lastly, I'm worried about Marth."

Ben glanced over at Robin. A mischievous smirk was on the swordsman's face.

"It is a professional relationship!" Robin cried.

Ben nodded but was not convinced.

"And well, she left without saying goodbye."

"Yes, your sorrow over her not saying goodbye really does display a professional relationship." Ben teased.

"Ben I swear I will thunderbolt you where you stand." Robin hissed.

Ben's only reply was a good natured chuckle, "I understand what you meant, Robin." Ben took a breath, "I worry about Marth as well. She left without any notice. Not even a letter telling us her intentions."

Robin shook his head, "I've got a feeling she's getting herself into a mess she won't be able to get out of."

"You feel like she is about to do something rash?"

"If by rash, you mean track down Kage." Ben's face hardened considerably as Robin spoke, "Then yes, I do think she is about to do something very, very rash. And I think it is our responsibility to make sure she doesn't get herself killed. Who knows what Kage is capable now at this point?"

Ben nodded in agreement, "So we will be searching for Luke, Marth, and your memories."

"Luke?" Robin echoed, "Is that-"

"Yes, that is his name." Ben answered reluctantly.

"Luke." Robin nodded, "Alright. The amnesiac will try to remember that."

Ben laughed a little. He purchased a flint and stone as well as a book of matches from the market before finally deciding to return to the barracks and gather his own personal effects. Which were very few in number, but there were a couple shirts that he did like. When the pair returned to the Palace, Robin went to work on packing his own gear. By the time they were both ready to travel, the sun was starting to set.

But the onset of evening was not going to deter Ben. He had already lost enough time staying in Ylisstol searching through orphanages. Luke had to been found as quickly as possible.

Robin was waiting for him down in the yard. He nodded at the tactician.

"Last chance to stay." Ben said.

"Not a chance." Robin shook his head.

Both turned to walk towards the exit. Only to find the way blocked by the other Shepherds.

Robin blanched as he received a hard stare from Chrom.

"Uh…"

"Not even going to say goodbye?" The Prince asked as he folded his arms.

Robin cringed. Ben raised his hand.

"To be fair, I was pressuring him to hurry up." Ben took a breath, "I'm worried about Luke."

"Your son." Chrom nodded, "Yeah, I would be to." He strode up to Robin and gave the tactician a large hug, "I'm a little disappointed your answer is no."

Robin chuckled, "I figured as much. But I don't think I'd be able to ride a desk. Not after all of the craziness we have been through."

Chrom smiled, "At least you have a damn good reason." He gripped Robin's hand, "There is always a place here," He glanced at Ben, "For both of you."

"Absolutely." Sumia nodded.

Robin smiled. Ben remained silent. Still shocked beyond words at the generosity Chrom displayed.

The pair were about to start walking again when Tharja stepped away from the other Shepherds and planted herself right next to Robin.

"Uh…"

"I'm coming too." The Dark Mage said.

"Tharja, that's really not-"

"Try to stop me." Tharja narrowed her eyes at both Robin and Ben.

Ben felt a nervous bead of sweat run down the side of his face. Robin paled considerably.

"I wasn't going to try and stop you." Robin gulped.

The dark mage gave him a small smirk, "I'm glad."

"I'm going too!"

Gaius burst out from the other Shepherds and put himself besides Ben. He elbowed the swordsman playfully.

"Gaius, that may not be the best idea." Ben sighed.

"Why not?"

"Because I may get arrested due to your antics." Ben answered.

"Ok. Let me rephrase." Gaius put his hands together, "Do you both trust me to behave myself here in the Exalt's palace?"

Ben and Robin both glanced at each other.

"He's coming with." Robin nodded.

"Oh absolutely. If he doesn't we will end up getting a letter from him while in prison saying that he stole Sumia's crown or something." Ben agreed, "Someone has to keep an eye on him."

"And that someone will be me." Panne drew up beside Gaius, "Because for some reason, he will only listen to me."

"Only because you're so adorable, Whiskers." Gaius replied with heavy sarcasm.

Ben clapped his hands together, "Alright, no more. If this keeps up, we will be marching with the entire Ylissean army."

Chrom chuckled, "Probably." He gave Ben firm handshake, "I wish you the best of luck, Ben."

Ben smiled, "Thank you."

Chrom sighed, "Well, Shepherds," He nodded at everyone else blocking the path out of the palace, "I think it's time we got out of their way."

The others parted. Vaike pounded his chest as Robin and Ben made their way past him. Miriel smiled and asked them both to bring her back some rare plant specimens if they were able to. Lissa was on the verge of tears, but she held them back and bade them both safe travels. Lon'qu just nodded at Ben and Robin. His silent acknowledgment was enough for all of them. Frederick, Sully, Stahl, and Kellam gave the group warm smiles. Nowi was crying. Gregor and Ricken were by her side, trying his best to cheer the little Manakete up. Virion and Maribelle gave the group a bow and curtsy. Libra offered a silent prayer for the travelers. As well as a wish of luck.

Cordelia was the last one to send them off. Ben actually paused. Her hands were tucked behind her back as she stood in front of him.

"I had a feeling you would be leaving." She said.

Ben nodded, "Luke is out there somewhere. I have to find him."

Cordelia sighed, "I wish I could tag along. But… Wing-Commander duties call. I'm going to have the lovely joy of sitting at a desk evaluating soldiers for the next few months. Yippee."

Ben chuckled with her. Cordelia took a deep breath and brought her hands out from behind her back. Cradled in her grip was the new javelin she had designed.

"It's light and small, so it shouldn't weigh you down too much."

Ben gave her a stunned look. He gently took the weapon from her hands and twirled it in the air.

"It turned out perfect." Ben smiled, "But I can't take this."

"Take it." Cordelia argued back, "I'm going to have more made. They'll be standard issue by the time you get back. I guarantee it."

Ben gave her a soft smile.

"And make sure you do come back." Cordelia pointed at Robin, "The barracks won't be the same with you all gone."

Robin waved at her, "You worry too much! We'll be fine."

"Yeah Red. I'm sure we will make plenty of visits." Gaius said.

Ben nodded, "Well… thank you, Cordelia."

"Don't mention it." Cordelia replied, "Now, you better get going before the sun sets. Otherwise you won't get far."

Ben smiled, turned on his heel, and followed Robin and the others out of the palace gate, and onto the road that led to a new journey.

….

Kage had forgotten how beautiful the land of Chon'sin was. It was small country along the southeast coast of the land of Valm. Years ago it had been absorbed into the Valm Empire. Conquered by the great Emperor Walhart. But even after it's fall to the Valmese Empire, the land had not lost its natural beauty.

The cherry blossom trees were in bloom. Green rice fields stretched out for miles around as Kage made his way towards the largest settlement in the little nation. Each rice field was worked by dozens of natives. Toiling in the warm sun in order to provide food to their families.

Bamboo forests rose up far in the distance. Every inch of those thick woods filled with creatures that had never been seen beyond the borders of this land. Bears that had white and black fur. Cranes that were as tall as any man and sported lush, bright feathers that were coveted for their beauty. There was even the occasional tiger spotted roaming the thickets.

The settlements of this land were also incredible compared to the ones in Archanea. More often than not, they were adorned with flowers the colors of which were indescribable. Even now, after so many years being away, it took Kage's breath away. The beauty of the world around him was enough to make him forget about all of the pain and hardship he had experienced. Even if it was just for a small moment.

It had not taken him long to finally reach the land he had once called home. The sea captain he hired made it to the eastern coast of Valm in record time. Kage rewarded him handsomely for accomplishing such a feat. Once he was on shore, he purchased a map and swiftly cut his way south east. And now he stood at the open gateway of the city he had grown up in.

He weaved his way through the stone streets towards the palace that sat on a hill above the rest of the city. As he walked, he noticed several people pointing at him. Some were curious. It was not often a foreigner, much less one from Archanea, came to visit this land. Others were more wary. And some, were out right threatening.

The threatening ones carried swords and wore traditional Chon'sin armor. Members of the military, no doubt. Probably on leave from the Valm conquests. As long as they did not bother him, Kage would leave them alone.

"Hey!"

He stopped probably as one of the soldiers cut him off and pushed his shoulder.

"What are you doing here, Ylissean?" The man growled.

Kage smirked under his hood, "Bold of you to think I'm from Ylisse."

"You clearly are. The blonde hair is a dead giveaway." The man sneered, "We don't want your kind here. So why don't you turn around and go back the way you came."

"My kind?" Kage echoed, "I was not aware that I had a kind. And I will go where I please."

He attempted to step around the man. But this fool was determined to get himself killed.

The man drew his sword and held it out, pressing the flat of the blade against Kage's chest.

"Another step, and you and I will have a problem."

Kage grit his teeth. His hand drifted towards his own blade strapped to his hip. He dared not draw his lightsaber. That would attract the wrong kind of attention. Before he could rip his blade free and cut down the idiot, a woman's voice barked out over the crowd.

"What manner of disturbance is this?"

Kage glanced over and froze. Striding towards him and his assailant, was a Chon'sin noblewoman. Her jet black hair was held back by a thick piece of white cloth. Beyond that strange article of clothing, she wore an ornate kimono that was common for someone of her station. Kage quickly turned away from his attacker and executed an expert bow to the woman. At her side was a little boy, no more than a year old, wearing black robes. A sweet treat was gripped in one hand while the other held Say'ri's.

"P-princess Say'ri." The attacker stammered.

"Do you mean to put off guests in such a way?" She asked harshly, "I thought soldiers of my brother's army were cut from a finer cloth."

The man gulped.

"Make certain that I do not catch wind of any more trouble from you."

"Yes, your grace." The man gave Kage a harsh glare before quickly retreating away.

Kage took a deep breath then rose from his boy.

"Thank you for your timely intervention, your majesty."

"Majesty?" She eyed Kage carefully, "I am surprised someone from such a far away land knows of our customs. But such an occurrence is most welcome."

Kage nodded, "It is not the first time I have traveled to Chon'sin, your majesty."

Say'ri gave him a small smile, "It pleases me to hear you decided to return. Travelers do not come here often. Much less, travelers from Ylisse. Pray, tell me your name. I wish to erase the slight one of my brother's men gave you."

Kage raised a hand, "It was no trouble. If he tried anything then well… I would probably be leaving the city with a bloody sword."

"Fie!" Say'ri cried, "You would be commended for dealing with an out of control brute."

"Big sis." The little toddler tugged on Say'ri's sleeve, "Are we going home now?"

Say'ri sighed, "Yes, little brother. Just give me a moment."

Kage smiled at Say'ri, "Cute kid. But I can't help but notice he does not look like someone from Chon'sin. Was his father a foreigner?"

Say'ri shrugged, "Perhaps. I know not his parents origins. My brother found him in the aftermath of one of the Conqueror's battles. He took pity upon the child and adopted him into our family."

"Really?" Kage smiled, "I am pleased to hear the rulers of Chon'sin are so kind and generous."

"A flatterer are you?" Say'ri noted, "Be careful with that. Too much could put a person off. May I inquire your name, sir?"

Kage nodded, "Luke." He answered, "And I know your name, your majesty. But not the little Prince's."

"I'm Kage!" The blonde haired boy cried.

Say'ri gave the boy a broad smile, "He's still learning to talk proper. And still learning his manners."

"It's no trouble at all." Luke said with a warm grin, "I thank you for telling that soldier to piss off." Say'ri chuckled a little, "And well, I look forward to enjoying your city. I plan on staying for a while."

"I'm glad to hear that. Perhaps we will meet again soon. Until then, I bid you a good day."

"You as well, Princess Say'ri." Luke bowed low again as Say'ri nodded and walked towards the palace with little Kage in tow.

As they strode up the hill, Luke's gaze lingered on the little boy a little longer. He had timed his arrival perfectly. Yen'fay had already found him and brought him to live among the nobility of Chon'sin. In a few years time, the Ylisseans would arrive on the continent. When that war was over, he would meet Lucina for the first time.

His chest ached at that memory. So much so that he pushed it from his mind. With a small growl he turned on his heel and marched to the nearest in. He was tired. And honestly, a warm bed and a strong drink did not sound like a bad idea.

And chapter! BOOM! What everyone long suspected is in fact true! Kage is indeed this universes' version of Luke! It was about time I officially confirmed it in the story. But how about that little twist of where he is at as a little boy? And one more thing… isn't he supposed to be a baby according to Ben? Is the Force doing some time shenanigans with our favorite Jedi Master? You will all find out eventually, I assure you.

But perhaps, more pressing of all, Sidious has ordered Vader to being searching for Lucina. And Vader always succeeds in his missions. How long do our heroes have before the Empire reaches their home, I wonder?

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