The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 67
A Brother's Pride
Mornings in Chon'sin had to be one of the most serene things in existence. Especially when one woke up in the royal palace. Cynthia blinked her eyes open and stretched her arms high over her head.
Her room was so foreign to her still. Instead of a bed with a mattress, she slept on a very soft mat in the center of the room. Instead of a closet, there was a small dresser with neatly folded kimonos inside. Instead of her room being attached to a long, narrow hallway; her room led out to a grand courtyard.
She uttered a noiseless yawn and scratched the back of her head. Her voice still had not returned. And it was starting to grate on her nerves. Auntie Tharja really knew how to place a hex on someone. But did she really have to make that hex so long lasting? The young pegasus knight shook her head and hopped to her feet.
Oh well. She thought, I can't do anything about it right now.
It was time for her morning routine. A few good stretches to limber up the muscles. A round of push-ups and sit-ups. Then perhaps a nice run through the morning mists that fogged the land of Chon'sin early in the morning. A pegasus knight had to stay in tip top physical shape after all. Flying demanded much from the body.
Once she did her stretches and a brief warm-up, she slid the door to her room open and quietly shut it. The air was crisp and clean. Cynthia took a deep breath and uttered a happy sigh. She was happy with her decision in the end.
It was hard when Luci and the others went back to Ylisse. For the first week or two, she felt a little homesick. She still had trouble stomaching some of the more strange foods Chon'sin had to offer. Raw fish being the one she had to make the biggest adjustment to. But thanks to some patience from her gracious hosts, Yen'fay and Say'ri, she had finally begun to adjust to life in the Chon'sin palace in their capital city of Koto. Her palate adjusted to the strange food. She greatly enjoyed how roomy the kimonos she wore were. And the weather to her was lovely.
That being said, she did not interact with a whole lot of people in the royal palace. She hung out with Say'ri whenever she could. But the Chon'sin Princess had duties to attend to as well. She had to help rule over a province in the Valm Empire as well as take care of the young Prince Kage. She was no longer the governor of the territory. Yen'fay assumed that role upon returning home (to Say'ri's relief). But Say'ri was still in charge of some aspects of the city of Koto while her brother ran the province.
And Yen'fay was not much of a talker. Since she could not talk herself, and since no one really understood her haphazard hand motions, that made conversation with him difficult. She did play with Prince Kage quite a bit. The young toddler often brightened the mood in whatever room her entered. And Cynthia was more than happy to be the babysitter when needed.
Then there was Kage. The older Kage. The one that came back from the future before her and Luci. Cynthia frowned a little as she started her morning run.
Kage had become reclusive. Secluding himself in his own chambers most days or wandering the bamboo forests outside of the city on his own. Cynthia had tried to catch him as he exited the palace, but he either left way too early in the morning, or managed to lose her in the forests before she could catch him.
A huff left her lips as she turned a corner and exited the palace. She jogged out into the greater city. Past the more ancient section housing where some local nobles as well as the vacation homes of the many Chon'sin dynasts were. The ones that ran other cities in the province. Through the market district and commonfolk's corner of the city. Then out to the countryside.
Her quick jog took her further out into the glistening rice fields. All of them flooded from rains the day before. Orange rays of sunlight glinted off of them like jewels. Several of the farmers waved to her as she passed by. And she waved back with a bright smile.
Finally, her road led her to the edge of the great bamboo forest on the city's outskirts. At the very edge of the forest, she stopped jogging and caught her breath. Sweat covered her body. The loose clothes clung to her skin. She brushed some damp hair from her forehead and sucked in deep breaths.
A little break then back home.
Before she could start running again, she heard a small whir coming from the forest. A buzz that hummed like a strange honeybee. Cynthia furrowed her brow and gave the woods a puzzled look. A small smile formed over her lips as she heard the buzz again.
I have you now!
She carefully crept into the forest. Followed skinny dirt trails made by the wild boar that roamed these woods. Finally, she made it to a clearing in the bamboo forest.
Kage stood in the center of the clearing. Cynthia's jaw fell open as she watched him stand completely still in his fighting stance. Knees bent. Body positioned to the side. Glowing blue blade held in both hands with the deadly, humming light directed at his invisible target.
A snarl left his lips. He whipped his blade through the air. The bar of light hummed and buzzed as it sliced through the thick, humid morning air. Drops of sweat jumped from Kage's brow as he danced through the clearing. Powerful, violent movements. Hacks and slashes meant to crush an enemy's guard in one strike.
Cynthia forgot about her morning routine as she watched him work with awe. Each strike possessed so much power and ferocity behind it. Each movement looked so fluid and effortless. Her eyes widened as he managed an impossible flip. He landed and continued his duel with his invisible opponent. Blue light whirring around his body at an impossible pace.
One final slash and he paused. Chest heaving up and down. Sweat dripping from his brow down onto the grassy clearing. The blue blade hissed back into the silver hilt in his hands.
She started clapping. Kage jumped. His eyes darted right at her. Once he saw her, his shoulders sagged and he uttered a long sigh.
"Damn it, Cynthia." He grumbled.
The Pegasus Knight hopped into the clearing. A big grin on her face. She gave him another small clap.
Kage rolled his eyes.
"It's not good enough." He replied, "Maul would have ended me if I was actually fighting him."
Cynthia frowned. She pointed at Kage then made a stabbing motion into the air with one of her hands.
Kage arched an eyebrow, "Didn't I already kill him? Is that what you are asking?"
She nodded.
Kage let out a long breath, "When is that stupid hex going to be done." He muttered, "Yes I already killed him. But he is still one of the most powerful opponents I have ever faced. And I caught him by surprise when I killed him. If he were expecting me to fight him, he would have won." Kage frowned, "Then there is Equus."
Cynthia shook her head and mouthed out the Deadlord's other name.
"Right, Dooku." Kage rolled his eyes, "I don't know how you are so comfortable with the thought of him still alive. And around the others no less."
Cynthia shrugged.
"You really trust the other's that much?"
She nodded.
Kage snorted, "You're far more trusting than I am. If that Deadlord were to turn on them, I don't know if even Kenobi could stop him." He rolled his shoulders, "Which is why I am out here training. And I'd prefer to not be disturbed."
Cynthia huffed and folded her arms over her chest. She did not move from her spot.
Kage let out a long groan.
"You aren't leaving until I go back with you, are you?"
Cynthia gave him an innocent smile.
"You're one hell of a manipulator you know that?"
She nodded.
"So all of that is an act!"
She gave him a confused look.
"I guess not." Kage snorted as he clipped his lightsaber back to his belt, "Alright, let's go." He waved for her to lead the way, "I suppose I could take a break for the rest of the day."
Cynthia beamed as him and quickly took him by the hand. She yanked him along the dirt trail back towards the city.
"Hey, slow down. There's no rush." Kage said with a small smirk.
Cynthia shook her head and started working her jaw. She made a motion like she was spooning food into her mouth.
"Oh, no wonder." Kage sighed, "You're hungry."
Cynthia nodded. She skipped along beside him as they reached the main road and passed the rice fields before the open city gates.
The city streets were much more crowded when they both returned. The shops were starting to open for the day in the market district. Farmers from the countryside pulled heavy carts laden with crops into the city. Multiple groups of guards milled about the stone streets. Keeping an eye on the growing crowds that filled the city. Children raced through the nearby alleys. Several elderly citizens sat out in front of their homes and watched the day go by with a smile.
Cynthia grinned ear to ear as she waltzed through the lively city. She spun around and turned to face Kage as they drew close to a canal that ran through the city.
"Yes I know. It's very pretty." Kage chuckled as she walked backwards in front of him, "I grew up here, remember?"
She smirked and spun around again. Kage could not help but shake his head a little and quietly laugh as she continued to marvel at the sights and sounds around her.
But could he blame her? Koto was a marvelous city. Kage remembered all the days he spent running through these streets, much to Say'ri's dismay at the time. He never did care for the rules, even back then. He wanted to explore. To see and experience new and interesting things. Palace life bored him. He did not know how fortunate he had been until he had lost that life.
But at least he had memories of this city. Memories of peaceful times. Cynthia did not have those memories. Any she did have were fuzzy and likely difficult for her erratic mind to recall. War was a natural part of life for her. She was born after a war. Raised during a war. Fought during an apocalyptic war as soon as she could hold a lance and ride a pegasus. All she had known was destruction. Burned out husks of cities and towns. Even Ylisstol had not been the sparkling jewel of the world during that terrible future. The city had succumbed to decay even before Grima finally turned his eyes to it. Too weak to handle the influx of refugees and the constant onslaught of Risen. In the end, when the final siege did come, there was not much of a city left to look at.
That was probably why Cynthia loved walking through the streets of Koto so much. She had never seen anything like it before. Never experienced a truly free city. Free from war and corruption. Free from fear and death. Filled with normal people going about normal lives. It amazed her.
After living in that bleak future as well, it often amazed Kage.
They finally reached the steps that led up to the royal palace. The guards stationed at the front smiled and let them pass. Cynthia bounced up the steps while Kage wearily ascended the might stone stairs.
"How do you have this much energy?" He wheezed as the pair reached the top.
Cynthia paused and put a finger to her chin. She thought for a moment, then shrugged.
"Of course you don't know."
"Luke, Cynthia, there you are."
Both turned to see Yen'fay striding towards them. It was odd for Kage seeing the General in anything other than his military attire. Around the palace, especially when other dynasts and nobles were not around, he wore the most comfortable set of robes he could find and allowed his silver hair to flow freely over his shoulders. That appearance changed when there was business to conduct of course. But right now, Yen'fay had free time. And so, he relaxed.
"I have been looking for both of you. Breakfast is about to be served."
Cynthia gasped and clapped her hands excitedly. Kage just shook his head and chuckled quietly as she raced past Yen'fay towards the main dining room in the palace. Yen'fay's eyes silently followed her for a moment. There was an amused look in his eyes before he returned his gaze to Kage. His gaze flicked down to the hilt clipped to Kage's hip for a brief second. Then he nodded and looked up at Kage's face.
"Boundless energy." He said.
Kage let out a weary sigh, "Tell me about it."
A wry smirk crossed Yen'fay's lips. He motioned for Kage to walk with him towards where breakfast will be served. The pair strode silently along the perimeter of the main courtyard. The soft trickle of a water fountain draining into a small koi pond filled the air.
"You often go into the forests." Yen'fay quietly said.
Kage nodded, "I find it to be peaceful. A good place to collect my thoughts."
"They must be very scattered if you need that much peace and quiet to retrieve them." Yen'fay noted as the duo neared.
Kage let out a long, heavy sigh.
If only Yen'fay really knew. Kage had been more than a little confused as of late. And it all stemmed from that night near the Mila Tree. The night he lost to Equus and was rescued by Ben Kenobi. The night he discovered Lucina was actually alive.
He still could not figure out why Kenobi let him live. Why did he not strike him down while he could? Certainly he felt like doing so. He had to have wanted to. After all, Kage helped Maul slay Emmeryn. He assisted in the Exalt's captured. Which led to her execution at his Master's hands. That should have enraged Kenobi. Made him want revenge. Any normal man would desire such a thing.
Instead Ben protected him from the Deadlord. Beat back the Fell Monster and defeated him before that monster could accomplish its mission. Why would Kenobi do that? Did he have some sort of ulterior motive to letting him live? He could not understand it.
Then there was his conversation with Lucina- Marth- in Charlet. That one conversation that really rattled his cage. He had lost his friendship with her. Shattered it with his own actions. It had been a special friendship. One that he had cherished for so long. How foolish of him to think it could withstand his own idiocy. Even Lucina had her limits when it came to forgiveness. And he had moved beyond those limits.
He had lost himself in the three years he had been alone with his Master. Separated from those he held dear. And now that he thought he was free from Maul's influence, he never felt more trapped. Because he could not remember what he was like before Maul. Could not recall how to become that person once again. The poison had sunk so deep into his mind and heart that he felt like he would never be rid of it.
It terrified him.
Yen'fay slid the door to the dining room open. Cynthia already knelt down in front of the short, squat table the royal family dined at. Her knees sank into the soft pillow. Her eyes flicked over to Kage. She patted the spot beside her. Kage sighed and slowly made his way over to her.
"Fine." He admitted as he knelt down beside her.
Say'ri had been waiting for them. Along with Prince Kage. The little toddler squirmed in his spot. Struggling to stay still as servants entered with breakfast. Yen'fay quietly thanked the servants as they left them their plates and exited. Just a silent as they entered.
Kage quietly picked at his rice. Say'ri occasionally flashed him a curious look before she took bites of her own food. The little Prince wolfed down his breakfast as fast as he possibly could. More focused on finishing his food so he could go play rather than take his time and enjoy this moment with family and friends.
Yen'fay smirked at his little brother.
"Slow down. Or you will forget how the food tastes."
"I don't forget." Prince Kage shot back with a crooked smile.
Another servant entered and refilled their glasses with hot tea. Yen'fay thanked the servant. Before he left, he called him closer. Kage saw Yen'fay whisper something. The servant bowed low and quickly retreated.
"How was your morning exercise, Lady Cynthia?" Yen'fay asked before taking a sip of his tea.
Cynthia bobbed her head side to side.
"Just decent?" Yen'fay remarked, "Were you interrupted?"
She jabbed Kage with her elbow and smiled at him.
"She found me in the forest. Going about my morning routine." Kage explained for her as he took another bite of food.
"I see." Yen'fay set his tea down, "You were training, yes?"
Kage nodded, "A swordsman must always keep themselves as sharp as their sword."
Yen'fay nodded, "I agree."
Say'ri picked up a slight change in her brother's tone. Which was hard to do. Her brother's voice was normally very even. Never changing. Yet he sounded very inquisitive when it came to Luke right now.
"But you do not train with a normal weapon, do you Luke?"
Kage froze as he picked at his food. Cynthia stopped mid bite. Say'ri paused and cast a nervous look at both before glancing over at her older brother.
The servant from before returned. In his hands was a small, wooden box. Rather plain by design. The servant handed the box over to Yen'fay then shuffled over to Prince Kage. He ushered the little prince out. Concern built in the other three diners.
The wooden box had been polished to a soft shine. But beyond that, it was nothing remarkable. As the servant exited with the Prince, Yen'fay nodded his head in thanks. The door slid shut. Yen'fay placed the box in front of him. He opened the box and reached inside.
Kage's eyes widened. His heart lurched as Yen'fay pulled out a lightsaber that looked identical to his own. He set it down on the table.
"This object always puzzled me." Yen'fay breathed as all eyes remained locked on the lightsaber hilt on the table, "I found it on the same battlefield I discovered Kage on. I did not know what it was. All I knew, was when I activated it, a blade burst forth and cut a tree down in one stroke." He eyed Kage, "Can yours do that?"
Kage gulped but did not reply.
"Please." Yen'fay motioned for him to place his own hilt on the table, "I wish to see it."
Kage drew in a deep breath. He gave Say'ri a worried look. One that the Chon'sin Princess returned. She averted her gaze and stared down at her food. Kage glanced over at Cynthia. The girl looked extremely nervous. Her hands were balled up in her lap as she tried to keep herself from moving out of pure anxiety.
Kage exhaled and unclipped his lightsaber from his belt. He set the hilt on the table.
Both Say'ri and Cynthia's eyes widened. The hilts were a perfect match.
"It's blue, correct?" Yen'fay asked Kage.
Kage pursed his lips and nodded.
Yen'fay plucked his hilt from the table and held it aloft for the others to properly see.
"I did extensive research when it came to this object. This strange blade of light." Yen'fay eyed Kage, "I found that nothing else like it existed. Not in Valm. Not in Archanea. Not in the present. And certainly not in the past." He set the hilt back down on the table. His eyes bored holes into Kage, "Then I witness the exact same object on your person. So, let's just say I am more than a little concerned right now." His hands folded in his lap, "I know you're real name is not Luke. That is a cover. Especially given Cynthia's own confusion every time someone calls you that name. She is quick to correct herself. But not quick enough."
Kage gave Cynthia a weary look. The Pegasus Knight replied with a sheepish look of her own.
"But this is not about her." Yen'fay continued, "This is about you, Luke." He narrowed his gaze at Kage, "Tell me about yourself. The truth this time."
Kage swallowed hard. He took a deep breath and ran a hand over his mouth.
"I think I have overstayed my welcome." He moved to rise from his seat.
"He is Kage!" Say'ri blurted out.
Kage froze as he tried to rise. Cynthia looked at Say'ri with shocked, wide eyes. Her mouth fell open. Her head snapped over to look at Yen'fay's impassive face.
"Brother," Say'ri took a breath, "This may be difficult to believe. But," She nodded at both Kage and Cynthia, "These two are from the future. They have come to stop a great evil from destroying the world. And Luke is…" She snorted, "I still don't believe it myself at times. But he is our little brother. I can feel it in my own heart despite my disbelief."
Kage shot to his feet. He really had overstayed his welcome.
"Thank you both for your hospitality but I think it is time I-"
Yen'fay slowly rose to his feet. Kage froze in place as the taller man blocked his exit. The General stepped towards Kage. His sharp eyes hard and unwavering as he stared hard at the younger man. Cynthia gulped beside Kage. Kage meanwhile, tried to meet Yen'fay's gaze, but found himself unable to.
Damn it all, Say'ri. He thought. I am a dead-
Yen'fay threw his arms around Kage. Kage tensed for a minute, unsure of what exactly to do. He glanced over at Say'ri. The Princess had an equally surprised expression on her face as her eldest brother embraced her youngest brother. Kage gingerly wrapped his own arms around Yen'fay. They embraced for several quiet moments.
Yen'fay pulled away for and clasped a firm hand behind Kage's neck. He stared hard at Kage.
"I am proud of the man you have become."
Kage heart jumped in his chest. He felt some tears starting to bubbled to the surface. It took all of his willpower to keep them down. He uttered a choked gasp and nodded.
Yen'fay backed up from Kage, turned on his heel, and marched out of the dining room. The lightsaber hilt still out of its box, on top of the table.
Both Cynthia and Kage stood in silence beneath the overhang of the palace roof. Rain pelted down onto the courtyard in front of them. Showering the carefully tended to gardens with enough water to cause a small flood inside of it. Rivers of water drained off of the stone shingles above them and flooded down onto a small, stone wall that lined the edge of the garden courtyard.
For some reason, the heavy rain felt peaceful. The moist air smelled soothing. And Kage really needed peaceful and soothing. The Dark Side of the Force whipped around him. Snarled like a caged animal inside of him. And he was desperate to hold it back right now.
Yen'fay thought of him as a good man. His older brother immediately accepted him and called him a good man. He was proud of him even. Kage hung his head. If only he knew the full extent of his sins. What he had done in his Master's name. What he had done for power.
A small hand wrapped around his as he stared out at the rain. Kage blinked and glanced down at Cynthia. The Pegasus Knight had not averted her eyes from the rain either.
A long sigh left Kage's lips. He turned his gaze from the courtyard to the closed study at the end of the corridor.
"You think I should go talk to him?"
Cynthia gave his hand a small squeeze.
"I don't know if I'm ready to do that just yet."
She squeezed his hand really hard. Like a vice. Kage hissed and yanked his hand back.
"Ow ow!" Kage cried, "Alright, I get it. Better to get this over with right away." He huffed and kicked at a rock that had drifted from the courtyard to the rock way. The small pebble bounced back out into the rain.
She gave him a small smirk then patted him on the shoulder. Next, Cynthia skipped ahead of him towards Yen'fay's personal study.
"Oh no." Kage hissed, "No, no." He snatched her hand and pulled her back.
Both of their cheeks heated up as she slipped and hit his torso. Her body pressed into his. Both of their blushes deepened as they remained frozen for a split second. Kage gulped and quickly pushed himself back.
"You cannot go in there with me." He said, pointing a finger at her.
Cynthia frowned at him.
"This could end up being a very personal conversation."
She folded her arms and tapped her foot.
"Look," Kage pinched the bridge of his nose, "I know I said I might not be ready for this, but I don't need you hold my hand."
His protests came too late. Cynthia snatched his hand again and dragged him towards the study door. Determined to help him through what might come next. Her way of trying to be a good friend. Kage rolled his eyes as she knocked on the door.
"Enter." Yen'fay called from inside his study.
Cynthia slid the door open and poked her head inside. She gave Yen'fay a big, bright smile.
"Cynthia." Yen'fay nodded at her. He saw Kage behind her, "Kage."
It sounded so strange to hear Yen'fay call him that name. He had been very young when Yen'fay passed away in the future. Say'ri never talked about it much. But he did not recall his older brother's voice very much. Kage had grown used to his brother calling him Luke.
Also, it still felt strange that the General had been so accepting of Say'ri's story. So accepting of his and Cynthia's story. Not a peep or shred of doubt from Yen'fay. Just trust. It still stunned Kage.
Yen'fay motioned for both to take a seat in the simple chairs across his desk. Kage awkwardly sat down while Cynthia slumped in her seat and leaned back. A loud, relieved sigh left her lips.
"A little sore, Lady Cynthia?" Yen'fay asked with a light chuckle.
Cynthia pinched her fingers together and nodded. She uttered another sigh and massaged her right leg as she sat in her seat.
Yen'fay folded his hands on his desk. Eyes leveled at the two future children.
"So," He breathed, "An apocalyptic future?"
Kage gave him a subtle nod, "Yup."
"How apocalyptic?"
Cynthia spread her arms out very wide.
"That much." Kage snorted, "It is… a very grim future."
"Which must have driven you down the path you took." Yen'fay said as he looked at Kage.
Kage lowered his gaze, "Say'ri told you I see."
"A little bit." Yen'fay leaned back, "But my opinion of you has not changed."
"How?"
Yen'fay narrowed his eyes, "How?"
"How could you accept everything so- so easily." Kage asked, "For that matter, how can you possibly be proud of me after everything I have done? How could you even believe that I am that little toddler that is taking a nap right now?"
Yen'fay chuckled, "You both snore alike for one." He drew a deep breath, "I knew you were special the moment I found you guarding Say'ri in the forest that night we met. I knew there was something familiar about you. Do you know how I knew this?"
Kage shook his head, confused.
"Only family protects someone the way you protected Say'ri that terrible evening." Yen'fay explained, "When a warrior fights for those he cares about, he becomes the greatest of warriors. Your past may be dark, Kage. You may have been mislead and led to do evil by a monster. But you are not an evil man. And you proved that the first night I met you. That is how I can accept all of this so easily."
Yen'fay reached into his desk and withdrew a small black bottle and three glasses.
"But I still need a small drink in order to take it all in." He smirked at Kage, "I'm sure you do as well. Sake?"
Kage let out a heavy breath, "Sure."
Cynthia hopped excitedly in her seat.
"Are you even old enough for this?" Kage asked her.
She stuck her tongue out at him.
"I think this is a special enough occasion. And I'm sure she is if her friends let her follow you so willingly." Yen'fay chuckled as he poured three glasses.
Cynthia and Kage both grabbed their glasses. Yen'fay raised his and took a small sip. Kage followed suit. Cynthia on the other hand let her ambition show. She downed the entire glass in one gulp. A dry wheeze left her lungs as the alcohol burned down her throat.
Both Kage and Yen'fay chuckled.
"You're supposed to sip it, Cynthia." Kage snorted.
She tossed her hands in the air in frustration. Another dry wheeze left her lips. She pounded a fist against the center of her chest as she tried to catch her breath.
"I thought you already knew that." Kage chuckled.
Yen'fay smirked at the pair as Cynthia tossed a flurry of hand motions at Kage. None of which the boy understood. Kage rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"I can't wait for that hex to be gone." He muttered.
"Yes. Because then I can hear her side of events regarding the future." Yen'fay leaned back in his seat. One hand rotating his glass. The Sake inside of it swirling gently as he reclined, "For now, I wish to hear yours. How does the world supposedly end?"
Kage took a deep breath. Should he tell him? If he said anything, he could run the risk of altering the timeline significantly. Then again, Cynthia already let the secret spill to Say'ri. And so far, nothing bad had happened. And Yen'fay was clearly a better secret keeper than Say'ri.
"Grima is resurrected." Kage said bluntly. Yen'fay narrowed his eyes, "The heroes and rulers of this time fail to stop it. They die in the attempt. Ever since that first defeat, the living have been fighting a losing war against the Fell Dragon and his undead armies."
Yen'fay pursed his lips, "Do you know how this comes about?"
Cynthia shook her head.
"No, we don't." Kage breathed, "What I do recall, is that Ylisstol was one of the last human strongholds that stood against the growing tide. We were led by Cynthia's sister, Lucina."
"Or Marth as she likes to be known now."
Cynthia and Kage's eyes both widened.
"A safe guess. One that you both now confirmed." Yen'fay sipped his drink, "There are not many people with naturally blue hair in this world. With the way Cynthia and Marth interacted with each other, it only made sense." Yen'fay nodded reassuringly at both of them, "Do now worry. All of these secrets are safe. Though I would not go talking about this beyond these walls. And I would not lose the name, Luke, Kage. There are eyes and ears beyond these walls that I do not control."
Kage nodded, understanding the warning. He glanced at Cynthia. She was deadly serious as well.
"I'm glad you both understand." Yen'fay breathed, "So, how did you two manage to return to the past? For that matter, are there more of you?"
Cynthia bobbed her head.
"There are more of us. How many, I do not know." Kage began, "Lucina was able to send Cynthia and the others back to the past with a ritual given to them by Naga. I was not there for this. My master, Maul, devised a perversion of the same ritual with the help of something he called 'Dathomirian Magic'."
"I've never heard of it." Yen'fay furrowed his brow.
"No one has. I don't know where it comes from or even what it is. I just know that it is evil. Maul managed to twist the ritual into something extremely painful. Only he and I could pass through that portal. It nearly tore our bodies apart in the process. But we survived. We performed that ritual almost three years before the others. And as such, arrived three years earlier than the others. The ritual's perversion made the portal unstable."
Yen'fay nodded, taking in all the information that he could.
"Cynthia," He glanced at the blue haired girl, "How many made the crossing with you and your sister?"
Cynthia started counting on her fingers. When she reached ten she frowned, held up ten, then lowered one hand and raised it once again with just three fingers.
"Thirteen." Yen'fay nodded, "It is a minor miracle the time portal held out that long then."
"I'll say." Kage breathed.
"And the others are unaccounted for with the exception of your sister?" Yen'fay asked Cynthia.
Cynthia shook her head and held up one finger.
"You found one other."
She nodded.
"Who?" Both Kage and Yen'fay asked.
Cynthia looped her fingers around her eyes.
"Oh, Laurent." Kage muttered, "The others found him I'm guessing."
She nodded and smiled as she let her hands fall.
"But the other time travelers are still missing?" Yen'fay asked.
Cynthia nodded her head.
"Interesting." Yen'fay finished his drink and set his glass down, "It is good you both came to talk to me."
"Why?" Kage asked.
"I just received a report from our province's western border." Yen'fay explained, "Slavers have begun operating in the region. I need them taken care of. And right now, I cannot spare the men. Especially since the Emperor is more focused on rebellions than on actual criminals."
Kage arched an eyebrow. Cynthia gave him a curious glance.
"And this pertains to the others how?" Kage asked.
"The report mentioned strange lights near where the slavers operated. Including one great light shaped like an eye. It faded away after what looked like a single person fell through it." Kage and Cynthia gaped at Yen'fay, "I had no idea what it could be until you two told me your story."
Cynthia practically jumped from her seat. In the process, she managed to trip on the chair leg and fall face first to the wooden floor. Kage sighed and shook his head while Yen'fay offered a good natured chuckle.
"I think she is ready to get going, Kage."
Kage smirked back at his older brother, "Luke, remember?"
Yen'fay smirked, "Good catch. Will you require any assistance?"
Kage shook his head as he got to his feet, "I doubt it."
Cynthia shoved herself back to her feet and slipped backwards into Kage. Kage managed to catch her just before she could fall flat on her back. She gave the boy a sheepish grin.
"I might need some help handling her."
Yen'fay chuckled a grabbed some parchment and an inkwell.
"I wish you both a safe journey." He breathed, "Return home soon."
Kage smiled as Cynthia grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him out of the room.
"We will!"
The black stallion snorted and stamped its hoof in the dirt as Kage finished strapping his saddle onto its back. The young Sith brushed a gentle hand along the beast's flank. Calming the animal almost instantly. Once his horse had calmed down, Kage threw his travel gear up on the saddle and strapped it into place.
As he tightened the leather straps, he did one final check over his gear.
Tent, check. Cooking supplies, double check. Can't have cold food on the road. That always makes a journey miserable. Regular sword, check. Provisions, check. He patted his hip and felt his lightsaber beneath his black cloak.
Emergency weapon. Check.
Another horse snorted across the stables. Cynthia came trotting down the row on the back of her white Pegasus. A bright smile on her face.
Say'ri had helped her purchase new armor since her old armor had been ruined in battle. It was in the traditional Chon'sin style. Light, metal plates overlapping each other to form an nearly impenetrable surface. Cytnhia beamed down at him as she hefted her lance in her right hand. Her other hand patted her travel gear on the back of her saddle.
"All set?" Kage asked.
Cynthia nodded.
"Good, let's get going."
"Luke wait."
Both Cynthia and Kage turned to see Say'ri striding into the stables. Kage sighed and glanced at Cynthia.
"Give us a minute." He asked.
Cynthia frowned.
"Please."
With a reluctant sigh, Cynthia trotted out of the stables. She waved at Say'ri as she passed by the Princess. Say'ri smiled and waved back. Once Cynthia exited the stables thought, Say'ri's smile dissapeared.
"Luke."
Kage glanced at her from the other side of his horse.
"Yeah?"
Say'ri took a deep breath.
"Yen'fay might trust you outright but-"
"But you don't." Kage replied, "I understand why you wouldn't." He put his foot into the stirrup of his saddle and heaved his body up onto his horse, "After all, I've done some pretty bad things."
"They are more than bad things, Luke." She let out a heavy breath, "I'm still trying to come to terms with it all. If you are this way then does that mean-"
"No." Kage snapped quickly, "I will not allow the toddler to become like me. Maul is what made me this way. And I plan on staying near until he arrives. And when that monster does arrive, I'll be here to greet him."
"To kill him again?" Say'ri asked.
Kage nodded, "I get to kill the bastard twice. I'm looking forward to it."
Say'ri cringed, "And… and that is why I'm having trouble trusting you. You are so violent and-"
"Dark?" Kage asked, "Well, trust me. I don't like it much myself."
Before Say'ri could reply, he snapped the reins to his horse and trotted out after Cynthia. The Pegasus knight smiled at him and waved back to Say'ri as the pair rode out into the Chon'sin countryside.
Say'ri watched as they quickly became dots on the horizon. More storm clouds brewed in the west. Their journey would be slowed thanks to the coming storm. She did not know whether to feel worried or glad that Luke would not be in the palace for the next few weeks.
Besides, anyone Yen'fay outright trusted was someone Say'ri chose to be very wary of. Yen'fay trusted the Conqueror. Trusted the Valm military. That military conquered their home and slaughtered their parents. How could she ever trust Yen'fay's judgement after making those kind of decisions?
She rubbed her arms as a cold wind blew in from the coming storm. Making her shiver. The Conqueror would have to die at some point. But would anyone finally have the courage to try and form an effective resistance? Perhaps it was time for her to break off and try.
But then she had Kage. The bright spot of her life as an imprisoned Princess. She could not just leave him. She was all that boy had. Say'ri closed her eyes and shook her head.
As much as she did not want to admit it, her duty was here. And she would see that duty through. The people in Chon'sin were her people. They would need her when the time came for Yen'fay to leave on the Conqueror's orders. The Dynasts would look to her to lead the province when another rebellion cropped up.
Maybe then she could finally rally them.
And chapter! A smaller chapter, really focusing in on these four characters and thier fun little story. Say'ri has thoughts of rebellion on her mind. Yen'fay seems to fully trust Kage and Cynthia. And our two members of the Justice Cabal ride off to deal with slavers and possibly save a friend of theirs. This is going to be fun!
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!