The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 69
Fell Visions
Kage and Cynthia's journey began in the flat plains surrounding the city of Koto. Rice fields and farms stretched out as far as the eye could see. Even to the nearby coast. But as they trekked further inland, the rice fields broke apart into scattered villages and bamboo forests. Finally, the forests began to rise into sparse, rocky hills. After a few days, the hills abrupt ended. They came face to face with a wall of jagged, rocky teeth. A snow capped mountain ranged that soared over their heads. Craggy, rocky cliffs covered with massive ferns and small trees along the ridges.
Kage paused and glanced up to the clifftops. He and Cynthia would have to scale those cliffs at some point. But for now, it was getting late. He frowned as gray clouds began to gather atop the mountains.
It was going to rain soon.
"We need to set up some shelter." Kage told Cynthia as the Pegasus rider trotted up to him, "We'll start searching for the slavers tomorrow morning."
Cynthia frowned up at the storm clouds. Her pegasus stomped its hoof in the soft earth. Nervous about the impending storm.
Kage jumped off of his horse and yanked his travel gear free from the saddle. He let out a small grunt as he let the gear fall to the ground. His horse shook it's mane. Kage gave the beast a soft pat on the side before he yanked his tent free from his travel gear.
Cynthia hopped off of her pegasus and struggled to pull her travel gear free for a moment. After several strong tugs, she managed to get her travel gear free of her saddle. She fell backwards into the dirt. Managing to kick up a small cloud of dust as she fell. Kage uttered a small sigh and shook his head.
"Always clumsy." He muttered under his breath.
Cynthia huffed and shot back up to her feet. As Kage began hammering some pegs into the ground with a mallet, he heard her rummaging through her travel gear. After a few moments, he glanced over and found the Pegasus Knight sitting down on the ground, arms folded over chest, frustrated.
"What now?" He asked wearily.
She gulped and nodded at her travel gear. She then drew a triangle in the air. Kage arched an eyebrow in confusion. The Pegasus Knight rolled her eyes and clambered over to him. She tapped a hand against his tent, which lay flat on the ground at the moment.
"No." Kage breathed before letting his mallet fall from his hand. A long groan left his lips while Cynthia gave him a sheepish smile. He ran a hand over his eyes, "You seriously forgot your tent?"
Cynthia gave him a nervous nod.
Kage exhaled and shook his head, "I asked you if you had everything."
Cynthia shrugged.
"Did you not bother to triple check?"
Another sheepish, guilty grin.
"Of course you didn't." Kage rolled his eyes. He hammered the last peg into the ground, "Also, when is that damn hex going to wear off?"
Cynthia frowned and shrugged.
"Figured you wouldn't know." Kage snorted, "Wonder what exactly Tharja did. Maybe I can replicate it at some point."
Her armored hand smacked him on the arm. Kage uttered a low grunt as some pain reverberated through his arm from the blow. His arm stung a little actually.
"Alright, alright." Kage said defensively as Cynthia glared at him, "Not a cool thing to say. Got it. You don't like being quiet."
Cynthia huffed and sat down beside him as he worked to set up the tent. Above them, some thunder rumbled in the sky. She gulped and tugged on Kage's shirt. Her pointer finger jabbed at the darkening sky above them.
"Yeah, it's going to be one heck of a storm." Kage nodded as he set up the tent poles and pulled the heavy fabric over them.
Cynthia gave him a pleading look. Allowing her eyes to grow big and innocent.
"A puppy dog face. Really?" Kage snorted, "This tent is meant for one person, Cynthia."
The puppy dog face deepened. Kage glared over his shoulder at the Pegasus Knight.
Now that he thought about it, her armor would start to rust if it got wet. If she was forgetful enough to forget her tent, she would forget to take care of her new armor. Besides, this would not be a short rainstorm. The clouds above them were thick and heavy. They would cling to the mountains for days. Cynthia would need to stay as dry as possible.
Besides, a little water never hurt him.
"Fine." He sighed. She clapped happily beside him then wrapped her arms tight over his body in a big hug. Kage quickly pushed her off, "Don't push your luck."
Cynthia rolled her eyes. She quickly snatched her travel pack and threw it into the tent. She also grabbed Kage's and placed it in what little room there was left inside. She frowned and pointed at Kage.
"Me?" Kage snorted, "A little water won't hurt."
Just as he mentioned water, the first raindrops started to fall from the sky. A small drizzle. Harmless really. Kage glassed up and felt the cool rain hit his face. It actually felt kind of nice. The days had been hot and humid recently. A little rain felt nice. A strong wind cascaded down from the mountains with the rainstorm. Further cooling the hills that sat at the feet of those jagged peaks.
Cynthia gave Kage a questioning look.
"Trust me, I'll be fine." Kage reassured her, a slight hint of annoyance in his voice, "You get your rest. I'll wake you when it is your turn to take watch. How about that?"
Cynthia beamed at him and nodded. Without another expression, she dissapeared into the small tent. Kage heard her armor shuffle for a moment. She tossed and turned inside. After several minutes, Kage did not hear anything from the tent.
She fell asleep fast. Must have been more tired than I thought. Kage thought to himself.
More thunder rumbled over his head. Kage sighed and pulled his hood over his head as the rain started to fall harder. He would not find any rest tonight. Not until it was Cynthia's turn to take watch.
His horse and Cynthia's Pegasus both knelt down near a tall tree. Using the leaves to shelter themselves from the storm. Kage smirked. Intelligent animals, both of them. Smarter than he was apparently. Because he chose not to move to a more sheltered spot. But that choice was for a good reason. He and Cynthia had entered the slavers' territory now. Slavers' placed a high value on women. Especially women like Cynthia.
Kage could feel his cheeks heat up a little bit. Both from anger and perhaps a little embarrassment. He probably should not have been thinking about her that way. And the anger stemmed from his feelings towards slavers. Spineless cretins, the lot of them. Nothing more than cowardly scavengers preying on the weak and helpless.
But those scavengers were tenacious in their pursuit for easy riches. If they found his little camp, they would target Cynthia. So he would remain close to their tent. Hopefully his presence would act as a small deterrent. And if not… well… that was what his weapons were for. One for dealing with simple enemies. The other for if things got nasty.
He doubted this mission would end up nasty though. Kage liked to think of himself as quite intimidating. Perhaps he would be able to convince these slavers to give up their current occupation. A few tricks with the dark side of the force were often more than enough to terrify weak men into submission.
But if they held Cynthia and Kage's friend hostage already… they would receive no mercy from him.
Kage folded his legs and hands. The rain soothed his mind as he closed his eyes. He wondered who fell through the time portal near here. It was only one individual. And there had been no accurate description. Not much to go on when it came to their search. Oh well, he would find out soon enough. First he had to deal with these slavers. Then he would find his fellow time traveler.
The dark side of the force woke up inside of him as he called upon it. At first it snarled at him. Reluctant to rise and obey his commands. He whipped the shadows into obedience. The dark side rumbled angrily as it finally followed his will. Allowing him to rest in the force. Meditate upon the events of the past few months
It had been such a whirlwind. First he slayed his master and thought he lost his closest friend to death's embrace. Then he traveled across the sea to Valm hoping for some peace and quiet. Only to get roped up in a desperate rescue attempt that involved his younger self, his older sister, and Cynthia of all people. He had fought dozens of bandits, several Valm soldiers, even one of Grima's Deadlords. And somehow, at the very end, he ended up on the same side as Obi Wan Kenobi and found Lucina alive. Not necessarily unharmed.
His heart still ached as he thought about how different Lucina looked now. Much more gaunt and disheveled. Her missing arm etched into his mind for the rest of his life. She had traveled through hell more than once now. He could not even imagine what that must be like.
Then he tried to get her forgiveness. He had not expected her to forgive him. And he was right. She did not. She did not want to kill him at least. But that bridge had been burned. There was no rebuilding their friendship now. Maybe later in life, when everything had finally settled down and there was a chance to reconcile under friendly terms. But that was likely a distant hope. Even if they reconciled and became friends again, it would never return to how it once was. They would never be very close again.
He furrowed his brow as he took in a deep breath and allowed the force to take the reins in his meditations. All of the anger and pain inside of him boiled to the surface for a brief moment.
He opened his eyes. Kage's heart hammered as a startled gasp ripped out of his lungs.
He was in Ylisstol. Rain pelted down from the sky above him. Soldiers scrambled all around him. Civilians screamed in terror.
"The Risen are here!"
"Everyone to the Palace!"
Kage's head snapped towards the city's main gate. Already barred and shut against a growing army of the undead. Standing on the wall, on top of the gate, was a much older looking Ben Kenobi. Some gray flecks hid inside of his normally blond hair. He seemed far leaner than he remembered as well. But he still held that sense of command about him. The General that had awoken during the latter stages of the war against Grima was in full command of the situation around him.
Standing beside him was… Kage swallowed hard. He saw Lucina standing beside. Looking as regal and determined as ever. But also terrified. He gulped as he realized what memory he was reliving.
The first siege of Ylisstol.
"Lucina." Ben turned to her, "Go back to the palace, help the others rally our reserves."
"Master!?" Lucina cried, "My place is with you at the front. Defending our people."
"It won't just be Risen crashing against these walls, my apprentice. The Deadlords will come as well. You are not ready to face them yet. And force forbid Grima shows up as well. If I fail to hold the walls you will be our last line of defense. Our last hope."
Lucina swallowed hard. She wanted to protest. Kage could see the arguments bouncing through her mind already. But instead, she nodded and rushed back towards the palace.
"Be ready men!" Kenobi called as archers lined Ylisstol's walls, "They will come like the ocean tide! And they will shatter against us like waves against cliffs!" His lightsaber thundered to life. A great cheer roared out among the soldiers of Ylisse.
"Uncle Ben!"
Kage twirled around. He saw Laurent and Cynthia rushing towards the walls. Cynthia waved up at the Jedi Master.
"What do you need us doing?" Cynthia asked.
"To the Academy, both of you. Help Tharja prepare the defenses there."
"But I want a piece of the action already." Cynthia whined.
"It will be done, Master Kenobi." Laurent bowed, "Hurry Cynthia."
"Awwww." Cynthia stomped her feet, "Putting up sandbags is no fun!"
Kage snorted to himself. Cynthia, always the fun seeker. Always the optimist. Her cheer managed to brighten even the darkest of moments.
"HERE THEY COME!" Kage looked back up the walls. He saw Virion nock an arrow alongside the other archers.
"Hold steady!" Kenobi cried.
Kage felt his body being pulled backwards, away from the battle. Through the barricaded streets and passed panicking civilians. Through the barred palace gate and inside of the palace's main hall.
It looked so much different in the future. The once grand hall no longer held such marvelous splendor. The tall windows were boarded up tight. Weapon racks lined the walls. It had become almost a mini barracks at this point in the war. Soldiers rushed to and fro as a snarling voice barked orders.
"All of you to your posts!"
Kage's spine crawled. Hatred welled up inside of him as Maul hobbled among the hive of Ylissean soldiers. His cane clacked loudly against the marble floor as he strode among the soldiers.
"If those demons break the walls we will be the last defense." Maul growled.
Kage held his breath as his former master passed near him. His breath then hitched as the monster came to a sudden stop.
"So… we made it in the end, did we?" He muttered under his breath.
Kage's face paled. His master sensed his presence. But how? Was he really that powerful? Or was he truly that connected? Did his Master's hold on his mind, heart, and soul really extend through time itself?
Maul chuckled a little, "Oh you foolish boy. If you think you will ever be rid of me, you are mistaken." His yellow eyes bored holes into Kage's ethereal form, "I am a part of you. I exist because you live. And I will forever hold a grip on your mind. After all, you allowed me in there when you begged for my instruction." He uttered a quiet, mocking chuckle, "There is no such thing as freedom for you."
"Lord Maul!" Kage's eyes flicked over to see Lissa, the Exalt at this point in time, striding up to his master, "Battle has been joined. I am going to the front to assist with any wounded."
Maul frowned, "I would advise against such a course of action, your highness."
"I will not hide behind walls and soldiers, Maul." Lissa said firmly, "My sister would not have. My brother certainly would not have. And I will not spit upon their legacy by doing so."
"Then allow me to accompany you." Maul suggested.
Kage's eyes widened. The first siege of Ylisstol had been a devastating one. In the end, the forces of Naga repelled the Risen. Especially after Kenobi slew three of the Deadlords leading Grima's armies. But that victory came at a tremendous cost. Their army had been cut in half. The dead had been nearly innumerable. They had lost the last few Shepherds that day. Virion fell on the walls to the Risen horde. Nowi, the last Manakete, fell to one of the Deadlords. Even the mighty Sir Frederick, fell as he was overcome by a hail of arrows.
But the loss that hit them all the hardest had been the death of Exalt Lissa. The last of the Shepherds other than Kenobi. No one knew how she died. Just that she fell to a horde of Risen that breached a section of the walls near the Mage's Academy. She had been fighting alongside Lady Tharja, who disappeared in the chaos. Likely taken prisoner due to her close ties to General Kenobi.
They had found Exalt Lissa's body among dozens of dying men and mages. Piles of ash was scattered around her. The wounded she desperately tried to take care of all died trying to defend her. And Cynthia had been the one to discover her body. Kage could still hear her screams.
He had barely any time to react to the sudden death at the time. A day later, Maul executed his perversion of Naga's ritual. And he followed his master to the past. Leaving the newly crowned Exalt Lucina to fight for her people alone.
A sinking suspicion sank into his mind as Maul followed Lissa towards the palace doors. His eyes widened in realization as the dark side whipped around his master.
Maul killed the Exalt that night. When she died, the Risen horde pulled back. Those were what the reports from survivors said. That is what everyone heard. Her death caused the Risen to retreat. Satisfied with their efforts.
Did Maul kill Exalt Lissa in order to prevent his own death at the hands of overwhelming numbers of Risen? Kage's fist clenched tight at his sides. It made too much sense. His master would do something that nefarious and selfish.
He felt the dark side of the force whip into a frenzy around him. The environment rippled all around him as his wrath grew.
What he would give to slaughter that monster he called a master once again. To see his life fade away in pain filled spasms. Kage would not kill him so quickly the second time. He would make sure Maul's death was slow and agonizing. He wanted that monster to beg for death by the time he was done. That is what Kage wished for.
A sudden cackle caught Kage's attention. The young Sith spun around. There was darkness all around him now. Deep shadows that he could not see through. He raised his mental defenses and waited for the creature lurking to come to the surface.
"Look at you."
Kage gulped. That voice sounded far too familiar to him. But at the same time, so foreign. It sounded older. Darker. Much more sinister than what he was used to.
The shadows shifted in front of him. Someone walked towards him and paused. Kage's heart jumped to his throat. It was as if he was staring at reflection of himself. Everything about him looked the same. But their presence could not be more different. Kage knew he was afraid. This unknown vision distressed him. His reflection grinned and exuded power the likes of which Kage had never felt before.
"You are afraid of yourself?"
His reflection cackled as the image morphed slowly. Transforming into something hideous. The color in his reflection's skin faded away. His eyes became bloodshot. Body thin and sickly.
But the power Kage felt coming from his reflection was enormous. The Dark side of the Force wrapped around the reflection. Welcoming it like an old friend. His reflection smirked at him
"You are afraid of what you can become. The power you could possess if you only gave in completely." His reflection spread his arms out wide, "Behold! The power you could command if you only let go of your restraints."
The dark side roared around him. Kage gasped and dropped to one knee. The air vibrated around him. The dark side's voice rose to a shrill shriek in his mind. He panted and held his head between his hands. Overwhelmed by the sheer fury around him.
"I am Darth Kage!" His reflection roared, "I am your destiny!"
"No!" Kage cried back. His voice shaking with fear.
His reflection chuckled as it faded back into the blackness.
"Do you wish to see why I am your destiny?"
Sweat beaded along Kage's brow as the darkness spoke to him. Terror started to surface now. Would this vision ever end?
The darkness shifted. Kage found himself back in Ylisstol. Only this time, it was not under siege. This time, it was masked in a dark shadow.
A loud whine shot over his head. Massive explosions followed the whine. Kage jumped and turned around as fireballs shot up from a row of houses. Green lights shot down from two flying machines. More explosions followed the lights as they impacted with the city.
People screamed. Ran to and fro. More lights shot past Kage. Red lights this time. Each one impacted with a different person. Cutting them down as they tried to run. A massacre unfolded before his eyes.
He remained frozen in place as strange soldiers in white armor marched past him. Displaying extreme discipline and exceptional ruthlessness.
"You know your orders men!" One soldier rasped through his closed helmet, "Find the girl. Deliver her to Lord Vader. Eliminate anyone standing in your way."
They rushed into the city. Soldiers tried to stop them. They were no match. The men in white cut them down with ease. Using their strange weapons to blast the Ylisseans to bits. Kage's heart raced.
A chill ran down his spine. Rhythmic breathing filled his ears. A low rumbling sound followed by a sharp rasp. Steady and unchanging. The most unsettling noise Kage had ever heard in his life.
Every instinct in him told him to bury his force signature. Hide! Run away as fast as he could. The dark side laughed at him.
"There is no hiding from this. It is inevitable now."
Kage turned around and came face to face with something out of his nightmares. A hulking giant of a man clothed in black armor. The mask on his helmet a hideous looking thing that sent fear straight up Kage's spine. A red lightsaber ignited in the armored man's hand as Kage stood before him.
"You need my power, because you will face him."
The man in black raised his blade. Kage squeezed his eyes shut. He felt the heat of the blade slice through his ethereal form.
"And if you do not give in. You will lose."
Kage roared as his eyes opened. His lightsaber jumped into his hands. The blade ignited in his grip, vaporizing any raindrops falling near it with a loud hiss. His heart hammered in his chest.
Where was he? Where was the enemy that dared to strike him down? Who dared to mock him and his power?
He spun around and leveled his lightsaber at a person that snuck up behind him.
Fear shot across Cynthia's face as Kage's lightsaber hummed centimeters from her nose. Rain pelted against her armor as she stood across from him. The glow of his blade lit up her pale face in the darkness. Kage breathed heavily. Yellow eyes blazed at her for a few moments. Then it all came crashing back on top of him.
"C-Cynthia." His arm fell and his lightsaber fell from his grasp into a growing puddle in the mud. It deactivated as soon as it touched the mud at his feet.
She kept staring at him wide eyed and afraid. Kage gulped and cast his eyes down at the ground.
"I-I-"
She surged into him. Wrapping her arms tight around his shivering body. Her head rested against his chest as he froze in place. The rain picked up in intensity. A quiet tink rang out from Cynthia's armor every time a drop hit just the right spot. Kage uttered a shivering breath.
"I'm sorry." He breathed, "I-"
Cynthia's hand shot up and pressed against his mouth. Silencing him. She gave him a stern look. A questioning look. She wondered what was wrong?
Kage swallowed hard as she still did not let go.
"I-" Kage gulped, "I had a really bad vision."
She arched an eyebrow.
"No not a nightmare. A vision." Kage peeled her off of him, "A series of them actually." He shivered again and felt a sniffle race through his nose, "Urgh, damn this rain!"
Cynthia plopped down in the mud near him. The Pegasus Knight not caring one bit if the rain soaked her or if the mud dirtied her armor. Lightning flashed above them. More thunder rumbled. The mountain peaks shook as the sky cracked. Kage uttered a long sigh as he sank down to a seat as well. He sneezed and sniffed the damp air again.
Cynthia nudged his arm with her elbow. She motioned for him to keep talking.
"I-" Kage swallowed hard, "I saw the first siege of Ylisstol."
Cynthia's face paled. He could see she still had a hard time with that memory as well. It had been her first full scale battle. She had just turned old enough to help the defend the city. The fires of war scarred her that day. She did not speak a word to anyone after they found her sobbing beside Exalt Lissa's body. Her own armor dented and cracked from Risen attacks.
She gulped and gingerly took Kage's hand.
"Yeah." Kage breathed, "It was as bad in my mind as it was back then." He uttered a shallow breath, "I even encountered my master in the vision."
Cynthia furrowed her brow and frowned.
"He noticed me." Kage gulped, "He said that I would never be rid of him. That he would always be a part of me. That my mind would always belong to him." He started trembling in the rain again. Kage could not tell if it was from fear or because he started to feel a slight chill in his body, "Gods, that is a terrifying thought."
Cynthia gave him a sympathetic look. Kage glanced over at her.
"Yeah, its silly. I know."
She shook her head. It was not silly at all.
Kage wiped some rain from his face as it continued pouring down. The horse and pegasus both snorted beneath their tree. Neither caring about the downpour around them. Kage sighed and shook his head.
"You need to get back in the tent before you catch a cold." He told Cynthia with a slight sniffle.
The Pegasus Knight frowned. She shook her head and pulled him upright.
"What do you think you are doing?" Kage asked before sneezing hard.
Cynthia pulled him towards the tent. As she did, Kage called his lightsaber to his other hand and quickly clipped it to his belt.
She ducked inside the tent and pulled him in with her. For some reason, Kage felt his cheeks heat up rather quickly as she did this. Cynthia shifted as she laid down on his mat. She pressed her back against one side of the tent as she laid down on her side. She nodded for Kage to lie down opposite of her.
He could see a slight, pinkish tint to her own cheeks as Kage reluctantly lay down across from her.
"Well, I guess there was room for two." Kage muttered as he felt Cynthia's travel gear jabbing into his back, "Not the most comfortable fit though."
She snickered a little. Silently of course. Not a sound could leave her mouth due to that infernal hex. For some reason, Kage wished that damn hex would go away. He did miss her voice a little bit. It reminded him of a simpler time. Back when he did not have to worry about Maul's influence or Lucina's judgement. Back when the dark side of the force did not hold such a firm grip over him and his destiny. Back when they were both little kids running around with their Justice Cabal.
Cynthia held up two fingers.
"Vision two?" Kage asked.
She nodded.
Kage gulped. His face paled a little bit as he recalled that one.
"I was in a dark place." He recounted, "No light. Just shadows. Then I saw… a reflection across from me. I saw me, but it was not me. It was what I could become." Kage gulped, "The reflection held so much power. So much control over the dark side of the force. It forced me to my knees."
Cynthia listened carefully as he spoke.
"It said that it was my destiny. That I could not avoid it because of the third vision."
He hesitated. Cynthia jabbed his shoulder with her fist. A light jab. Not meant to hurt him. But to encourage him to continue.
"The third vision, I was back in Ylisstol. It was under attack. But not by Grima. And not by Risen." Kage breathed, "I saw an army of soldiers in white armor massacring the city." Cynthia's eyes widened. Her face paled as he spoke, "They said they were searching for someone. That no one would be allowed to stand in their way. That they had to deliver their target to someone named Lord Vader." Kage swallowed hard and shifted in his spot, "Then I turned around and came face to face with the most terrifying person I have ever seen. Ever felt even."
Cynthia furrowed her brow and raised two fingers up over her head. Her version of horns.
Kage uttered a small, amused snort, "Yes, more terrifying than Maul. He held far more power than Maul. And at the same time, was so much more disciplined and… just terrifying. That is the only way I can really explain it. The vision ended when he cut me down with his lightsaber."
Cynthia gave Kage a worried look.
Kage shook his head, "Bah! It's only visions." He shrugged, "One is but a memory. A… painful one for sure. But that's all."
Cynthia frowned and shook her head. She could tell he was distressed. Somehow she could just tell. He did everything in his power to mask his own anxiety and yet she could see right through the mask.
"Even silent you are one hell of a manipulator. You managed to get me to talk about this crap." Kage grumbled as he adjusted himself in his spot. He sniffled again, "Damn rain." He mumbled and wrapped his arms close to his chest, "Is it cold out or is it just me?"
A scarlet blush raced over his cheeks as Cynthia scooted closer and nestled beside him. Kage's mouth suddenly felt dry. She smiled and glanced up at him. A deep blush on her own cheeks as well.
"If Luci saw this right now-" Kage started.
Cynthia rolled her eyes and let her head fall beside his.
"She'd kill me you know." Kage said with a very nervous smirk, "Hell, she might want to kill me already."
Cynthia shook her head. She pointed at herself.
"You'd stop her?" Kage uttered a small laugh, "How thoughtful of you."
Cynthia gave him a strange look.
"You think I'm being sarcastic?"
She shrugged. Kage uttered a small snort.
"Maybe a little bit."
Her armored elbow jabbed him right in the ribs. Kage winced and coughed a little bit.
"Do you forget that you have armor on when you do that?" Kage hissed.
Cynthia blinked. Her lips parted into a sheepish smile.
"You do?" Kage rolled his eyes as she pressed closer into him. The cold evaporating away as she did so, "If I wasn't around to remind you of this stuff, force help the world."
Cynthia snickered silently. She knew he was right. Kage chuckled. He felt his own nervous guard diminish a little bit.
"Feels a little warmer now." Kage whispered.
Cynthia smiled at him.
Before he could say anything else, she leaned up and placed a small kiss on his forehead. Kage's face felt like it was on fire at that moment. Before he could react, or even try to ask what she was thinking, Cynthia rolled over and turned away from him.
Kage blinked. He carefully ran a hand up to his forehead and brushed the spot with his fingertips.
What the- when did? What? Huh? But… huh?
He felt utterly bewildered at the moment. More than a little confused. Where the hell did that kiss come from? And why did he suddenly feel so bashful about it?
He gulped. Since when did Cynthia make him feel nervous!?
He ran his hands over his face as Cynthia's breathing steadied out next to him.
I don't even know my own mind anymore!
Thrawn tapped the controls on the table in front of him. His emotionless face did not show a hint of anything he was planning. A small cluster of holograms stood on the checkered table. A large group of officers stood around the table. All of them relaxed and grinning. Small chatter filled the officer's mess hall. Credit chips clinked in some hands as they all watched the Dejarik game with anticipation.
Across from Thrawn sat a young officer who dared to think an alien could not possibly be intelligent enough to rise to the position of Admiral. The young Junior Lieutenant had loudly proclaimed that Thrawn had to have manipulated his way to his current position. That no one, least of all a Chiss, could ever match true Imperial intelligence and skill.
Thrawn had no doubt the boy hoped to get a sharp reaction from him. After all, that was all his grandiose blustering was about. Attention seeking drama. Thrawn detested such things. Felt it to be an extreme waste of time and energy. Well, the young officer was certainly surprised when Thrawn did not lash out or reprimand him.
Instead, Thrawn kindly challenged him to a game of Dejarik.
And now, the boy understood. Now the Junior Lieutenant knew just how out of his depth he really was. Thrawn opened the game with the first move. And with that single move, he had taken command of the board. This young officer could not counter a single move he made. Each move the lieutenant made was clumsy and reactionary. Easy to predict. Within minutes, Thrawn had defeated the last enemy piece.
Thrawn smirked a little as he heard credit chips exchanging hands around him. He leaned back in his seat and watched the stunned expression on the lieutenant's face carefully. The boy studied the board intently before uttering a long sigh and raking his fingers through his carefully combed, black hair.
"Damn it." He muttered.
Thrawn uttered a soft chuckle, "Your first mistake was reacting to what I did. You want to set the terms of engagement when it comes to this game. Keep your opponent off balance. No matter what it takes. Then they will be more focused on containing your moves instead of actually combating you. You will win the game before the second move can even be placed. Instead of doing that, you allowed me to dictate the rules of engagement. As such, you placed yourself at an immediate disadvantage. Keep that in mind next time."
Off to the side, Captain Vanto smiled. His palm cradled a large amount of credits in his right pocket. Nothing like knowing who would win in order to win all of the money. No one could challenge Thrawn at a tactical game. He had tried many times. And every time, the Chiss Admiral won. And every time, just as he now did with the Lieutenant, he educated Vanto on his mistakes and how to correct them.
Despite the young officer's initial disrespect, Thrawn still sought to mentor him. Vanto stood up a little taller. He had the pleasure of being the aide to what may be the greatest admiral in the entire galaxy. Greater than Yularen. Perhaps even greater than Tarkin.
"Now then," Thrawn pressed a few buttons on the table, the game board reset, "Shall we go again?"
"Perhaps you require a more challenging opponent, Admiral." A deep voice rumbled.
The officers in the room all stopped smiling. Any relaxed chatter died instantly. Vader's heavy footfalls echoed around the officer's mess. Faces turned pale all around Thrawn as Vader stopped and stood behind the now shivering lieutenant.
"Lieutenant, I think we will postpone our match for now." Thrawn said. His voice monotonous.
"Y-yes sir."
The lieutenant rose from his seat and gave Lord Vader a quick bow. He stepped to the side. The towering, armored man paused, glanced around the room, then took a seat across from Thrawn.
"Have you played Dejarik before, Lord Vader?" Thrawn asked.
Vader's rasping breaths rattled through the room, "I have."
Thrawn smirked, "Good. Then we can get started immediately."
Thrawn set up his pieces on the holotable. Vader did the same. Thrawn carefully studied the way Vader set up his pieces. He appeared to be going for an aggressive approach. Which meant he would likely take the first move.
"Your move, Admiral." Vader rumbled.
Or not. Thrawn thought with a mild sense of apprehension.
He could already tell Vader was a much more skilled opponent than the lieutenant. The skill gap became even more apparent after a couple of moves. Thrawn leaned back in his seat and rubbed his chin as he studied the pieces on the board. He had already lost one to one of Vader's attacks. His aggressive strategy kept the Chiss on his toes. A well played game so far.
He wondered how Vader grew so adept at tactics. Who was the man behind the mask? He had to be someone with military experience of some sort. His dossier backed that assumption up. Whenever the Emperor sent Vader to a world, that world submitted. And Vader accomplished his tasks with blunt force and brutal efficiency. Typical of a military man used to fighting in harsh conditions.
Perhaps he was a veteran of the Clone War? That was certainly a possibility. But Thrawn had studied multiple commanders and admirals from that war. Even a few Jedi Generals. None of them had the raw aggression being displayed by Lord Vader. None that is, except for two. Jedi Generals Pong Krell and Anakin Skywalker.
And well, Pong Krell was certainly dead. Killed by his own men after betraying the Republic during the Battle of Umbara. That was well documented.
General Skywalker's death however, was not well documented. It was shrouded in deep mystery. Buried under layers of government red tape. The only public information available was that the famous General died at the Jedi Temple. Defending it against the 501st legion he once commanded.
Or did he die there? Thrawn wondered.
The presence of the 501st was no accident. And Vader now helmed the elite legion of soldiers. Most of them still clone veterans from the past war. Those clones would not take kindly to some random imperial being placed over them.
Then there was Vader's obsession regarding the late Senator Padme Amidala. The Naboo senator did not have any known romantic associates. But she did have a few close friends. Two of them being Jedi. Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Thrawn's sharp mind began to put the pieces together. Perhaps it was possible that Skywalker survived. Not because he was that powerful, but because he was on the right side of the Jedi Purge. A Jedi Traitor even.
Still, Thrawn could not be certain. But there was one way to test his theory.
"Lord Vader," Thrawn began, "Were you in the Emperor's service during his time as Chancellor of the Republic?"
He could not see Vader's expression behind that mask. But his hesitance spoke volumes.
"I was." Vader finally answered.
"Oh. Then you got to see first hand some of the more virtuous sides of the Republic. Chancellor Palpatine certainly embodied those things."
"Virtuous things?" One officer scoffed, "I don't remember the republic being virtuous."
A few others laughed with him.
"You seem to forget that the Republic senate had been a rather diverse governing body." Thrawn pointed out. Silencing the laughter, "True, most of them were very corrupt. But there were a select few that were truly great senators. The Chancellor was one of them. There was also Senator Organa of Alderaan. I believe he still serves now, does he not?"
Vader gave him a small nod.
Thrawn pursed his lips and moved his next piece. A quick attack against one of Vader's pieces. One that he defeated. The field was level once again.
As Vader observed the board, Thrawn cleared his throat.
"Oh yes, there was also Senator Amidala of Naboo."
He saw it. A very small pause in Vader's movements. Heard the slight hitch in the man's robotic breathing. Thrawn smiled to himself. He was getting somewhere now.
"I recall studying her briefly while I was still a member of the Chiss Ascendancy." Thrawn said, "Her calls for peace during the build up to the Clone Wars were admired by my people. She seemed to be one of the few level heads in the Senate."
"A foolish, level headed senator." Vader replied.
His tone was not forceful though. He did not believe his own words. How curious.
"Perhaps. Upon careful study, civil war did seem inevitable in the galaxy. The republic had become far too corrupt to be allowed to continue." Thrawn hummed to himself, "I wonder, if we had more senators like Padme Amdiala, would we have avoided such a horrific conflict?"
He could feel Vader's gaze burrowing into him. But Thrawn remained completely impassive. Emotionless. Not betraying a hint of amusement due to his prodding. He knew Vader was skilled with the Force. And through his studies, Thrawn knew force sensitives could sometimes comb through the mind of another individual. He was treading on dangerous ground right now if his suspicions were correct. So he had to remain neutral in order to avoid any of Vader's potential fury. The Emperor's favoritism would only protect him so much.
"It is a shame she died." Thrawn sighed, "She would have likely assisted greatly in the transition between the Republic and the Empire."
"She would not have." Vader suddenly blurted out.
Thrawn arched an eyebrow, "Oh? What makes you say that Lord Vader? I think of Senator Amidala as an advocate for peace. Surely she would want to assist in creating a smooth transition of power?"
Vader did not reply. Instead, he made his next move. Thrawn exhaled a little bit. Now Vader was attempting to avoid his prodding. That spoke more to Thrawn than any reply would have. The Dark Lord was uncomfortable. Which meant the subject of Padme Amidala was rather sensitive for him.
Yes. It was entirely possible that Skywalker and Vader were the same person.
"So, Lord Vader. Did you personally know the late Senator?" Thrawn asked, "You must have spoken to her frequently during your service to the Chancellor. After all, he was a close confidant of hers for some time. Even when she was Queen of Naboo."
Vader abruptly rose from his seat. He towered over Thrawn. Thrawn remained calm. Neutral. Not betraying any hint of his suspicions to Lord Vader.
A buzz sounded from the comm link on Thrawn's hip. Thrawn uttered a slightly annoyed sigh.
"Yes?" He said into the comm link.
"Sir, we are preparing to launch probes into the nearest star cluster. Initial scans report one possible life bearing planet. But it may sit on the edge of the correct zone. We are not sure yet."
Thrawn took a deep breath, "Launch the probes. I will be back up on the bridge to observe the initial readings in a moment."
He clicked his comm link off and looked up at a clearly fuming Lord Vader.
"Shall we continue our game another time?"
Vader did not reply for a moment. He almost seemed confused. Perhaps he was. Thrawn did not give him any clues regarding his suspicions. That must frustrate the dark lord to no end.
Oh well. Thrawn thought, He will have to try harder next time.
"We shall." Vader finally replied.
Thrawn rose and smoothed out some wrinkles in his gray uniform.
"I look forward to it." Thrawn folded his hands behind his back as he strode out of the officers' mess. Eli Vanto rushed after him.
"I assume your line of questioning had a purpose beyond small talk with him?" Vanto asked Thrawn after the duo reached the turbo lift.
Thrawn glanced over at his aide, "I don't know what would ever give you that impression."
Vanto furrowed his brow as he followed the admiral onto the turbolift. As the lift closed and rocketed up to the bridge, the Commander noticed something rather baffling on Thrawn's face.
A victorious smirk.
And chapter! This was another interesting chapter to write. Cleary Kage is dealing with some demons in his head. Maul continues to haunt him. And the dark side still tempts him. Good thing Cynthia is there to knock some sense into him right? And Thrawn continues to peel back the layers on Vader. Much to the Dark Lord's discomfort. That was a very fun little interaction to write.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!