The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 74
Breaking of the Shepherds
Robin grit his teeth as he readied himself across from Ben. Practice sword nestled tight, but comfortable in his hands. A fine sheen of sweat already layered his brow. The dirt in the training yard outside of the Shepherd's barracks pock marked with boot prints. Disturbed by the two training soldiers sweeping movements through the area.
Off to the side, Marth watched the pair work with interest. Robin could not help but notice a sudden change in her behavior. When they all returned from Valm, Marth had been extremely distant. Quiet and aloof. She did not speak to anyone and did not ask to be spoken too. She often faded into the background of the lively Shepherd social gatherings in the barracks.
That changed a couple months ago. Right around the same time as the incident, as Robin came to call it.
It was still a bit of a mystery. After the carnival, guards came sprinting up to him and Chrom as they made their way back to the palace. Residents near the Academy reported a violent disturbance. Strange lights, noises, and shouting. Both the royal monarch and the tactician went to investigate.
Robin furrowed his brow as he waited for Ben to make the first move.
The scene of the disturbance had been strange to say the least. Strange scorch marks had littered the road and walls of the Academy. There was evidence of dark magic casted in the area. At first, both he and Chrom worried some of the academy mages had an experiment go awry.
The next morning they both learned Ben and Tharja had been attacked by something. Ben had been very careful in how he answered their questions. Tharja acted the same way. Not revealing very much other than an assassin attempted to take both her and Ben out. And he used a strange weapon in his attack. Beyond that, no major details. Apparently, Marth drove off the assassin before any serious injuries could be dealt to Ben and Tharja.
The explanation of events still did not sit well with Robin. There was more to the incident than Ben, Tharja, and Marth revealed. But those three were the most stubborn people the tactician knew. They would not reveal any more information unless they wanted to. No amount of questions, coercing, or sweet talking could change that.
So, Robin dropped the subject quickly. Chrom did not. He and Frederick still had an investigation ongoing. No one would get away with trying to kill one of the Shepherds in Chrom's city. The ruler of Ylisse was determined to find and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Robin hoped that something would turn up in the investigation. It worried the tactician that an assassin had so easily slipped into Ylisstol. The assassin could have easily been targeting Chrom or Sumia instead of Ben and Tharja.
Ben lunged at Robin. Tearing the tactician from his thoughts. He quickly backpedaled as he parried a flurry of strikes from the superior swordsman.
"Good. Very good." Ben said as he swept low. Slashing at Robin's shins.
Robin jumped over the attack. Once he landed, he pressed an attack against Ben.
Anytime Robin dueled Ben, he had to marvel at the way Ben fought. Ben's defensive style was nigh impenetrable. No flashy movements or fancy parries. Just pure basics. Easy deflections that required minimal movement. Anytime he watched Ben work, Robin's mind furiously studied his movements.
If the assassin had encountered an armed Ben Kenobi, he would have stood zero chance of escaping. Robin thought.
Honestly, the bastard was extremely lucky Ben had been unarmed for the incident. He saw Ben's silent fury when he mentioned Tharja had been injured in the attack. Robin had only ever seen Ben get angry once. That was during the war with Plegia. When Chrom pressed Ben for not divulging more details regarding Maul. And now that Robin knew about the Force, thinking back to that moment terrified him. He understood the true scope of Ben's powers now. If Ben ever truly unleashed himself, it would be a terrifying sight to behold.
A sharp pain snapped through Robin's hip as Ben's blunt blade smacked against him. Robin jumped back and let out a loud howl. His hand rushed towards his hip as he rubbed a growing, red welt beneath his coat.
Ben shook his head as Robin paced a few steps. Hopping every so often as the sharp pain in his hip turned into a dull ache.
"Your mind is distracted." Ben critiqued as he waited for Robin to ready up again.
Marth clicked her tongue, "You can't be distracted when facing someone like Ben. That is a quick way to being defeated."
Robin rolled his eyes, "My hip is painfully aware of that." He rolled his left shoulder, "And so is my still aching shoulder."
Ben frowned. Robin cocked an eyebrow as the swordsman set his blade to the side.
"I think that might be enough for today." Ben breathed.
"No, no." Robin waved a hand as he sucked in a deep breath, "I can keep going."
"Breaks are important, Robin." Marth pointed out as she rose from her seat, "Besides, if a blow to your hip won't fix your distracted mind, nothing will right now."
Robin glanced back and forth between Ben and Marth.
"When did I get two teachers?" He remarked dryly.
Ben chuckled, "When you went to Marth behind my back in order to learn about the force."
Robin cringed, "Yeah… I'm still sorry about that."
Ben shook his head and patted Robin on the shoulder, "You don't have to worry so much, Robin."
He waved for the tactician to follow him over to a bench. As they sat down, Marth passed both a skin a water. Robin took it and gratefully gulped down the cool liquid. A satisfied sigh left his lips as he pulled the water skin away from his mouth and passed it over to Ben.
What baffled Robin the most right now was how unconcerned Ben seemed about the incident. Sure, to him it might be old news. It happened several months ago now at this point. But anyone else would have been much more paranoid about an assassin trying to kill him and a loved one. Robin could not get it out of his mind. Ben was one of his closest friends. And it worried him that someone wanted him dead.
But who? Perhaps a disgruntled Plegian leader? That was a possibility. Ben had been a prominent figure in the Ylissean army during the war. But if that was the case, then why were no assassins coming after himself and Chrom? They were the biggest decision makers in the war. And as far as Robin was aware, there were no similar incidents regarding Khans Flavia and Basilio up in Regna Ferox.
No, whoever went after Ben and Tharja did so for personal reasons. For some reason, Robin's mind continued to wander to Maul. Could another one of Ben's old enemies from his Jedi days be after him?
Robin gulped, Could it be Sidious.
Ben mentioned that the Dark Lord of the Sith was still out there. Hunting for him and any other surviving Jedi. Did he finally find Ben and decided to kill him from the shadows in order to avoid suspicion? Judging from how the Sith Lord took down the Jedi Order, that would fit his pattern. Sidious was a puppet master. Preferring to have others do his dirty work while he did the scheming. But that did not mean he was not powerful in his own right. Both Ben and Dooku worried about him. Feared him even.
"Robin?" Ben said, snapping Robin out of his mind again.
"Yeah?"
"What is distracting you?" Ben asked, some genuine concern on his face.
"Meet a pretty girl?" Marth joked.
Robin sputtered, "N-no I-"
Marth laughed a little bit, "I'm just kidding, Robin. There is no need to become embarrassed." She leaned back next to Ben, "I'm curious too though. You have been extremely distracted when training as of late."
Robin let out a heavy sigh and rubbed the back of his neck, "Can you blame me?" He nodded at Ben, "I'm still reeling from the fact that an assassin tried to kill you and Tharja."
A weary sigh left Ben's lungs, "It is nothing to worry about. The assassin is gone. Marth drove him off."
"Gave him a few wounds to worry about as he ran." Marth shrugged, "I would not be surprised if he died in a ditch somewhere."
"That is besides the point you guys." Robin rose to his feet, "An assassin came after you, Ben!"
Ben appeared rather nonchalant, "I am a member of the Shepherds, Robin. An organization that works directly for Prince Chrom. That makes me a prominent person in the Halidom. Prominent people will have threats against their life. There is no escaping from that fact."
"I thought that at first too." Robin countered, "But no one has gone after myself or Chrom. And we are the decision makers in the group. I'm the tactician. He's the military leader and ruling monarch for crying out loud. Not one assassination attempt against us." Robin shook his head, "Whoever went after you did so for personal reasons. And-" Robin gulped, "And I'm starting to worry that Sidious might have found you."
Marth furrowed her brow in confusion. Ben glanced at Robin. Gaze mostly undisturbed.
"It is not Sidious." Ben replied with a small shake of his head.
"How do you know that?" Robin asked, some frustration mounting in his voice.
"If it was Sidious, the assassin would have succeeded. And the attempt would not have been executed so clumsily." Ben rested back against the barracks wall as he sat on the bench, "For all we know, I was mistaken for somebody else and the assassin was after another person entirely."
Robin shook his head, "I don't believe that for a second."
Ben sighed, "Robin-"
"No, Ben. You and Tharja are my friends." Robin argued back, "As my friends, it is my job to worry about you two. Someone wants you dead, Ben. And the only person that I can think of is Sidious." Robin stared hard at Ben, "You need to go to Chrom and talk to him about the guy."
"Who is Sidious?" Marth asked, still puzzled.
Ben was about to reply by saying Sidious was an old enemy. But he held his tongue. Saying that phrase would be just the right thing to set Marth off at the moment.
"A very dangerous individual." Ben replied carefully, "I will explain to you-"
"Oh no, go ahead." Robin cut him off, more frustration bubbling to the surface, "Explain to her now." He folded his arms over his chest, "She saved your life from the assassin. She probably deserves to know."
Ben sighed and shook his head. Marth leaned forward in her seat. Eyes never leaving a now exasperated Ben.
"Sidious is a Sith Lord." Ben began.
"Dark Lord of the Sith. The big boss of the Sith Lords." Robin clarified in an irritated tone, "Maul's master. Dooku's master at one point too."
"Dooku's master!?" Marth cried.
"Keep it down, both of you." Ben quickly hissed, "Dooku is no longer associated with that monster, obviously."
"How do you know that?" Marth asked
"If he was I would have killed him." Ben remarked.
Marth opened her mouth, then closed it, "Fair point." She muttered.
"And," Robin continued, "The guy who turned Anakin against the Jedi. So more than just a dangerous individual. He is perhaps the most dangerous individual in Ben's life."
Marth threw an accusatory glance at Ben. The Jedi Master hung his head and let out a weary sigh.
"Robin. The assassination was not the work of Sidious. He is much too precise to botch an assassination attempt." Ben huffed and rose to his feet, "I think we are done for today. Besides, its almost noon. If I don't bring Tharja some lunch, she is going to forget to eat… again."
Robin frowned as Ben marched away from the training yard. Before Marth could continue talking with Robin, the tactician turned on his heel and marched towards the palace.
Marth blinked and chased after him.
"Robin!"
Robin glanced over his shoulder at her as he stopped in front of the palace doors. The one armed warrior stopped beside him.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"What needs to be done." Robin pulled the door open, "Someone is trying to kill Ben. I am convinced it is someone from his past. If he won't tell Chrom, then I will."
Marth's eyes widened, "Robin maybe-"
"Don't tell me not to." Robin marched into the main hall. Marth followed closely behind him, "I've already made up my mind on the matter. Ben's reclusive nature regarding his past will get someone killed. Likely himself in this case. And I-" Robin pursed his lips, "I would not be able to live with myself if they succeeded and I knew I could have done something about it."
He marched away from Marth. Marth remained near the doors in the palace's empty main hall.
A Dark Lord of the Sith? Marth gulped as she remained in the doorway. Maul's master?
She turned on her heel and marched off to find Ben. This was not a discussion he could dodge. Not with her. She had never heard of Sidious before. Not even in the future. If someone that powerful was hunting Ben, she needed to know the full story. Every single detail.
Then she would decide if she joined Robin in sounding the alarm, or help Ben continue his deception.
Chrom let a goofy grin spread over his lips. He reached down into the crib in his room and let his fingers tickle Princess Lucina's belly. An action that elicited loud giggles from the baby girl. Chrom chuckled with her as she laughed loudly.
"Who's a funny girl?" He cooed as he stooped over the crib.
These were the moments he absolutely relished. Spending time with his family was a rare luxury for him. It had started becoming less rare now that the Halidom had finally become somewhat stable again. But the nation still reeled in some areas from the lighting fast invasion executed by the Plegians during the war over one year ago. So many refugees remained in the Capitol. Each one needed help finding an area to resettle that had not been completely ravaged by the Grimleal and the Plegian military. All of them had some sort of grievance to bring before him when he held court. And every desperate story reminded the young monarch of the herculean task he had before him.
So when he had a chance to step away from the throne and be with his little girl, he cherished it. Right now, he was supposed to be eating some lunch before returning to his duties. Instead, he marched to Lucina's crib and played with her.
She had learned how to sit upright, crawl, and babble out some incomprehensible noises over the past few months. Sumia claimed that the Exalted bloodline allowed her to have a very intelligent mind. Lissa was quick to remind her that Chrom was the father. A joke both laughed at. Chrom even chuckled along with them. He never did care for being the smartest in the room.
Lucina sat upright and gave her father a bright, starry eyed look. Chrom's face parted into a large grin.
"I wish I could take you out right now." He told her, "But I need to get back to work soon. And mommy wants you in there when no one else is around."
Sumia was off with Cordelia reviewing the latest batch of Pegasus Knight recruits. Ten in total. Some of the finest warriors Ylisse had to offer. They would undergo grueling training underneath Wing-Commander Cordelia. Chrom was extremely impressed by how well the Pegasus Knights had been rebuilt by the red haired commander. A force that had been decimated during the war, now stood at nearly one hundred strong. Each rider was elite in all facets of combat. From aerial combat to ground assaults. Even archery. Cordelia wanted her Knights to be the greatest warriors on the continent. Even greater than Plegia's Grimleal or the Feroxi Lancers.
Phila would be proud. Chrom thought.
"Are you gonna be a pegasus knight someday?" He asked Lucina, "Are you?"
The baby girl blinked at him, not sure exactly what he was saying.
"You gonna fight with a sword like daddy?"
She held up her hands to him, wanting out of the crib.
"That's right, you are!" Chrom grinned, "Daddy's going to teach you how to kick ass with Falchion."
The sound of Robin clearing his throat made Chrom spin around in surprise.
"I'm pretty sure if Sumia heard that she would not be very happy." Robin said with a grin.
Chrom exhaled, "Probably not. But it's true." He brushed some of Lucina's blue hair with one hand, "Once she's old enough I'm going to train her. Just like my father did for me."
Robin smiled, "It'll be a wonderful day when that does happen."
"Absolutely." Chrom noticed some worry in Robin's eyes, "What is the matter?"
Robin exhaled, "I came to talk to you about the incident."
Chrom blinked, "Oh."
He crossed the room and shut the door to the room. He then waved for Robin to follow him over to a sofa near a large window. The curtains were thrown open. Chrom sent a cautious glance outside before closing the curtains.
"You never took an interest in the investigation before." Chrom noted as Robin sat down on the sofa.
Robin sighed, "I hoped Ben would open up to me on his own regarding the matter."
"And has he?"
Robin shook his head, "Nope. And my own anxiety over the assassination attempt is growing by the day."
"Mine too." Chrom snorted, "I've actually taken some security precautions regarding who can come into the palace during court. Frederick is rather proud of me at the moment."
Robin chuckled, "He should be. And it is about time you added some caution to your life. You're a father now after all."
Chrom gave him a wave of his hand, "I know that. And the precautions are more for Sumia and Lucina than they are for me."
"Still progress." Robin joked, "Frederick and I will drink to that."
"I'm sure you will." Chrom chuckled as he sat down next to Robin, "Alright, what is it you wanted to tell me?"
Robin took a deep breath. Chrom could see some concern in him. Even a touch of guilt in his eyes as he flicked them nervously back and forth.
"I," Robin pressed his lips together. Debating whether or not to go through with this for a single moment, "I think the assassin was sent by an enemy from Ben's past."
Chrom furrowed his brow, "His past?" A frown ran over his face, "That is a possibility. Frederick and I have considered it. But we know next to nothing about his past save for a few people he mentioned. Almost all of them dead."
"He told me about one that isn't dead. An enemy he and Dooku are both afraid of."
Chrom's eyes widened.
Robin took a deep breath, "Some guy named Sidious. He is the architect behind the destruction of the Jedi Order."
Chrom gave Robin a puzzled look, "I thought the person who wiped out the Jedi was Ben's old apprentice Anakin?"
Robin nodded, "Anakin carried out the orders of Sidious." Robin sucked in a sharp breath, "And before Anakin swore fealty to Sidious, Sidious had trained Maul."
Chrom's face darkened significantly, "What?"
Robin nodded.
"When did you learn about this?" Chrom asked.
Robin gulped, "A few months ago. The day of the carnival actually."
Chrom ran his hands over his face as he reeled in surprise.
"So you found out about a still living enemy of Ben's, one that he is actually afraid of, on the same day someone tried to kill him and Tharja."
Robin nodded.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Chrom cried.
"I did not think it was relevant at the time." Robin defended, "Besides, Ben made me swear not to say anything to a soul." Robin rubbed his hands together between his legs, "I actually feel… rather guilty going behind his back like this."
"Well it is a good thing you did." Chrom remarked as he rose from the sofa and paced a little in the room, "Someone as dangerous as Maul, perhaps even more dangerous, is out there. Naga, it is hard to fathom."
Robin nodded, "I agree."
"We have to confront Ben on this."
"We can't." Robin replied.
Chrom narrowed his eyes at Robin.
"You know as well as I do that Ben is extremely private regarding his old life. He will not divulge anything to us. The only way we will learn more is if he wants to tell us about Sidious." Robin sighed, "Besides, I already told him my suspicions. But he is adamant that Sidious was not involved."
"How can he be so sure?"
Robin snorted, "He thinks if Sidious was involved he would have died. He claims Sidious is not sloppy enough to let him escape an assassination attempt unscathed."
Chrom's frown deepened, "This monster is that dangerous?" Chrom rubbed his chin, "How have I never heard of him." Chrom's mind raced, "For that matter, until we met Ben, I had never even heard of a group of monks called the Jedi before. Did you?"
Robin pointed at his head, "Amnesiac, remember?"
"Oh right. My bad."
"No problem." Robin furrowed his brow, "That is strange though. You are royalty. You had to have some of the best tutors in the Halidom teaching you."
Chrom rolled his eyes, "I did. Don't remind me. Those lessons were rather painful, boring exercises."
"Those tutors never mentioned a religion called the Jedi? Or even the Force?"
Chrom shook his head, "Not a word." He rubbed his chin, "When we first met Ben, I thought his powers were just some sort of lost magic. But if an entire religious order practiced using the Force, then that cannot be the case."
"And that order was recently wiped out according to Ben." Robin furrowed his brow, "Now that I really think about, there are a lot of holes in his story."
Chrom nodded, "And that concerns me."
"How so?" Robin asked.
"A person who lies about their life has something to hide." Chrom noted, "I've learned that from having to deal with politics for the past year and a half now."
Robin nodded, "But what is he hiding? And why?"
Chrom nodded, "Those are the big questions aren't they?" He placed his hands on his hips, "Secrets like this could get him killed."
"And now its not his own life at stake. It's Tharja's too." Robin noted.
Chrom pursed his lips, "We could confront him by not confronting him."
Robin gave the prince a bewildered look.
"Hear me out." Chrom said, "We simply hint that we know he is lying. Maybe by signaling to him that we know he is not being truthful, he will open up a little more. Clear the air, so to speak."
Robin sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "That is a possibility." Robin sank into the sofa, "But… I don't know if that will work."
"We can only try." Chrom replied, "This is for his own good now. Someone is targeting him and Tharja. We need to make sure they are safe."
Robin nodded, "I agree."
Chrom waved for Robin to follow him, "Come on."
Robin blinked, "Where are we going?"
Chrom opened the door to the room, "We're going to find Ben and get this over with."
"Wh-what?" Robin stuttered, "Now wait, we should probably go into this a little more prepared."
Chrom did not hear him as he marched down the hall. Robin sighed and hung his head. He already had a very bad feeling about this.
Ben smiled as he strode out into the forests south of Ylisstol. In his right hand was a small basket filled with a few sandwiches and some fruit. His other hand rested in his pocket as he leisurely strolled down the road towards the clearing where Tharja instructed her ten students.
This had become part of his daily routine. An action he greatly enjoyed. Tharja often forgot to eat when she taught her students. The dark mage became so thoroughly engrossed in being a good teacher of dark magic that she would forget about her own needs until Ben showed up to remind her.
He laughed a little to himself. Tharja had dreaded teaching the urchins, as she called her ten students. While she appreciated Ben's actions and solution that allowed her to reside in the Mage Academy, she was not thrilled by the thought of teaching students.
After a few weeks though, Tharja warmed up to them. She still referred to the group as urchins. Though not in a derogatory way anymore. More in a loving, teasing way. Albeit, still intimidating for the students. They did not know her as well as Ben did. He knew she was just toying with them now at this point. Which was why he never questioned her methods.
Tharja was an excellent teacher. And it showed in how her students performed. The Headmaster had been extremely skeptical of having a dark magic class. But now, Headmaster Byron raved about how disciplined Tharja's ten students were when it came to their studies beyond dark magic. He was blown away by how far ahead the ten became in terms of raw power and ability compared to the rest of their classmates. So much so, that Byron even approached Tharja asking if she was willing to take on more students. Which she declined. She thought the selection process was the best way to go about this. That way, only the most skilled and deserving students were allowed access to such dangerous and forbidden knowledge. Although now, Byron swore to include her in the selection process for the next class once she deemed her first ten students ready.
Ben sensed the familiar, shadowy presence of dark magic in the air as he neared the clearing. He stepped off of the main road and wound down a narrow dirt trail. After a few more minutes of walking, he arrived at the wide clearing.
The ten students were lined up in a row in front of stone targets. Each one had a large, heavy, black book in their arms. Books Tharja herself procured with the help of Anna. They were mostly empty so that the students could fill its pages with their own notes. But the first few pages were filled with Tharja's own handwriting. Rules for dark magic littered the first two pages. Warnings and consequences regarding improper casting followed them. Then there was one beginner level spell in the tome. Flux, a basic dark spell that any dark mage should be able to master, according to Tharja.
A spell that they were all in the middle of practicing. Ben had observed the student's slow steady progress over the past few months. And he was impressed by how swiftly they had improved. Each one had gone from having the spell backfire badly in their faces, to casting the dark magic with relative ease. Although a few still had trouble generating the proper magic in order to cast the spell.
Ben spotted Ricken as he effortlessly fired a flux into his dark. Hitting the target right in the bullseye. The flux's shadowy form exploded against the stone then faded away into the air. The only evidence of its existence were large cracks in the stone target.
"Well done, Ricken."
Ben smiled as Tharja walked down the line of her students. Her sharp eyes carefully observing each one as they slowly followed the instructions and incantations in their spell books. He laughed a little as she snatched a student's arm just before they messed up the spell. She said a few quiet words to the student. The student paled, gulped, then attempted to retry their casting. Tharja turned away from the student and spotted Ben standing at the edge of the clearing.
A small smile formed over her lips.
"Take a break, urchins." She said.
There were a few relieved sighs as the students closed their tomes. Ricken looked a little disappointed. But when he spotted Ben at the edge of the clearing, he waved at him with a wide grin.
Tharja strolled over to Ben.
"Took you long enough." She smirked before craning her head up to kiss him.
Ben laughed a little as he pecked her lips, "I took the long way."
"You always do." Tharja replied with a little laugh, "So, ham or turkey?"
"Ham."
"Good." Tharja nodded, "I was craving ham."
"I thought so."
Ricken rushed over to Ben and Tharja. The young mage gave Ben a quick bow.
"It's good to see you again, Ben!" Ricken beamed.
Ben smiled back, "You as well Ricken. I trust you are keeping Tharja on her toes."
"Absolutely!" He pulled his tome close to his chest, "I'm hoping that I can start learning a new spell soon. This dark magic stuff is so fascinating. An entire school and ideology of magic that I never thought I would learn is now in my grasp!"
"Ever eager." Tharja said as she took a seat in the grass with Ben, "But you must master Flux first. I will not have you moving on to a Nosferatu until that is done."
Ricken's shoulders sagged, "I know. I'm trying."
"Do or do not. There is no try." Ben remarked as Tharja smirked over at him.
"Yeah." Ricken sighed, "Oh! Ben! Have you thought about Headmaster Byron's proposal?"
Ben blinked in surprise. He had forgotten about that. Byron wished for him to possibly take a teaching position as well at the Academy. The Force was deemed a lost magic by most of the scholars at the Academy. Byron wanted Ben to instruct students in its mysterious ways. Ben had declined at first. But Byron had been persistent ever since. Even suggesting that he would be content with Ben just writing his knowledge down in a book.
Ben knew he would not be content with just that, but he entertained the idea a little bit. Writing his knowledge down would help train Robin if he decided to take the tactician into more serious training. And Lucina would absolutely appreciate the knowledge as she began her journey into Knighthood.
"I'm sure Anna has a book for you."
"For an outrageous price." Ben snorted before bit into his sandwich, "But I will admit, I am considering the idea."
"You'll teach the Force at the Academy!" Ricken cried with delight, "That is amazing!"
Ben nearly choked on a bite of his sandwich, "Slow down, Ricken." Ben said after he managed to swallow, "The Force is not that easy to learn."
"Neither is dark magic."
"I think Ben means you need to have a predisposition to the Force in order to properly learn it." Tharja explained.
"A predisposition?" Ricken sighed, "Aw darn! And I'm guessing such people are rare."
"Extremely rare." Ben said, "So far, I have only encountered five definite force sensitives. Two of them live at the palace."
"Marth and Robin?" Ricken asked.
"Yes." Ben nodded, "You have noticed me instructing both haven't you?"
"I may be taking notes." Ricken admitted sheepishly.
Tharja tsked, "Focus on one school of magic at a time Ricken. Master one before moving on to another. Your skills will grow better that way."
"I know! But it is just so interesting. A lost magic being taught right in front of the barracks. It is a treat to witness." Ricken furrowed his brow for a second, "Who are the other three?"
"Dooku is one of them. But he is a former Jedi, like myself."
"He is!?" Ricken cried.
Ben nodded, "He left the order long before I reached mastery." Ben pressed his lips together, "Kage is one of the other two." Ricken's face darkened, "Then the last one is dead, Maul."
Ricken furrowed his brow, "That really runs the gambit on personalities. You, Robin, and Marth are all so good. Dooku I don't know much about. He seems pretty neutral to me. And then Kage and Maul were so vile!"
Ben nodded, "Such is the dual nature of the force. And if I tell you anymore, Tharja will start yelling at me for distracting you from your current studies."
"You know me so well." Tharja snickered as she finished her sandwich, "Go be with your fellow urchins, Ricken. I want to sit alone with Ben for a little bit."
Ricken eyed both of them, "You don't plan on doing anything gross in front of us, right?"
Ben snorted hard as he struggled to hold in a loud laugh. Tharja's face reddened before she started muttering under her breath. Ricken gulped and scampered away. Fearful that Tharja was about to place a hex on him.
"Something gross?" Ben chuckled as he leaned back on his elbows.
"I think he means this." Tharja pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss.
Ben sucked in a deep breath once she pulled away from him.
"That was rather gross."
Tharja slapped him across the chest. Ben laughed quietly as she folded her arms over her chest.
"You enjoyed it."
"Oh absolutely." Ben chuckled.
The pair sat upright as they saw Marth marching towards the clearing. Ben furrowed his brow in mild confusion. He reached out with the force and drew back in surprise when he sensed her mental walls go flying up.
"Is something wrong?" Tharja asked.
"I don't know."
Marth came to a stop in front of both of them.
"Sidious. Explain, now."
Ben paled a little bit. Tharja glanced over at Ben then turned her dark eyes on Marth.
"Watch your tone, Marth." Tharja said, her voice low with warning.
Ben sighed, "No, she has every right to ask. We agreed there would be no more secrets between us."
"I wish I was part of this agreement!"
Ben's blood went cold in his veins. Tharja's jaw tightened and Marth's face paled as Chrom and Robin both marched into the clearing. The students nearby all started to nervously glance at each other as they watched the adults gather off to the side.
"Chrom? Robin?" Ben said, perplexed by their sudden arrival.
"Tharja dismiss your students." Chrom said, his voice firm, "We need to have a long chat with Ben."
Tharja eyed Chrom suspiciously. Her eyes then fell on a very guilty Robin. Robin averted his gaze from her own. Tharja craned her chin up.
So Robin said something he should not have. Interesting. Tharja thought as she rose to her feet.
She quickly dismissed her students. Telling them all to enjoy a small break before they returned to their normal lessons. They all quickly scattered. Most of them thanking Tharja for her time and wisdom as they left the clearing and hurried back to Ylisstol. Ricken lingered for a moment. But both Tharja and Chrom shooed him away.
Once all of the students were gone, Ben uttered a heavy sigh.
"Robin I told you it was nothing to worry about."
"Well I don't believe you on this one." Robin countered.
"Quite frankly, I'm with Robin." Marth nodded in agreement, "If this Sidious person is after you, then we need to be prepared to face him."
"He likely sent an assassin after both of you after all." Chrom huffed as he turned away from both Tharja and Ben in order to gather his thoughts. Chrom raked a hand through his hair then turned around, "Ben, be honest with me. And when I mean be honest, I do not mean skirt around the truth. No half truths now. I want to know what is going on."
Ben furrowed his brow. Chrom was beginning to tread on rather dangerous ground.
"What do you mean?" Ben asked, feigning ignorance.
"Your past Ben!" Chrom exclaimed, "I've known you for almost two full years now. And yet, I know almost nothing about you beyond your great skills with a blade, your strange powers, and your general personality. And that is starting to become dangerous." Chrom took a deep breath as he tried to keep himself calm, "First it was Maul. An old enemy that nearly killed all of us. Now there is an assassin after you. And I learn about another enemy named Sidious. One that is even more powerful than Maul! Taught that monster even! Was responsible for the destruction of your Order."
Chrom wagged a finger, "And speaking of your order, I have even more questions regarding that but I first want to hear the truth about Sidious. I want to know what we might be facing if he ever comes after you."
Ben's gaze hardened. He could sense Tharja tensing up beside him.
"Tharja, why don't you-"
"I'm not leaving." Tharja hissed as she stayed by his side. Her dark eyes focused solely on Robin.
Ben sighed as he got to his feet, "Chrom this is none of your concern."
"None of my concern!?" Chrom exclaimed, "Your old enemy killed my sister! And now his teacher is lurking out there somewhere. How is that none of my concern!?"
"Because if he ever does come after me, none of you will stand a chance against him." Ben replied sharply, "And I certainly would not either."
"Why?" Chrom asked.
"Why?" Ben parroted.
"Yes, why?" Chrom scowled, "Do you honestly believe that after everything we have all been through together we would not find some way to combat this evil?"
"Sidious is beyond anyone, Chrom." Ben replied, trying to keep his own frustration in check, "Not a single Jedi could best him. I certainly cannot no matter how powerful I may become."
"Then explain what we need to do to combat him!" Chrom cried, "How do we stop someone like that? How do we make sure he cannot get to you?"
"You remain ignorant!" Ben shouted back. Surprising Chrom, Marth, and Robin, "All of you! Ignorance is safety when it comes to my past and the enemies that lurk within it." Ben let out a heavy sigh, "At least that way, if he does come looking for me, and I am forced to run, you can deny even knowing me. You will stand a chance with that lie."
Chrom gave Ben a look of utter disbelief, "Do you really think I would follow such an idiotic plan? Ben, you are a Shepherd. You are more than a comrade. You are my friend. Hell, if Emmeryn lived, you would have probably been family at some point. I will die before I let anyone harm those I care about. And the Shepherds are foremost on that list. Along with Sumia and Lucina."
"Then if you really want to protect them, you will stop asking questions." Ben replied as he took a deep, calming breath, "I think I am done with this conversation."
Metal rang out as Chrom pulled Falchion free from its sheath.
"Don't you move." Chrom warned, "You are not going anywhere until I get some answers."
Robin gulped and leaned over to Chrom.
"Um Chrom, we have really deviated from the plan." Robin whispered nervously.
"To hell with the plan. Maul was the most dangerous enemy we have ever faced. He was an enemy from Ben's past. If more enemies are going to rear their heads, then I want to know how to stop them. And he knows how." Chrom leveled Falchion at Ben, "Especially right now. Because right now, I have a little girl lying in her crib at home. I don't hold my own life in my hands anymore. I hold hers as well. And you are the same way Ben. It is not your life you gamble with anymore. You risk Tharja's too!"
A sudden pressure built up in the air as Ben kept his back turned to the Prince. Tharja gulped and took a hesitant step towards Ben. Robin noticed Marth go extremely pale as the pressure continued to build.
"Ch-Chrom." Marth stammered, "I think this line of questioning has gone far enough."
"No, it has not gone far enough." Chrom snapped back, "Ben! Answer me damn it! Are you really going to risk our lives like that!? Are you going to risk Tharja's like that?"
Ben's reaction was a blur. Chrom reeled backwards just in time to avoid the edge of Ben's rapier. The Prince continued to backpedal as Ben unleashed an all out assault on the stunned Prince.
Chrom felt his back smash against a tree across the clearing. He managed to parry a few more swipes from Ben's rapier before he felt the metal tap his neck.
Chrom gulped. He did not even see Ben make that move. Did not even have time to react to it. He knew Ben was a spectacular swordsman. But the sheer skill and speed he just displayed was not even human. Chrom felt some sweat form on his brow as the rapier remained dangerously close to his throat.
"Could you keep up?" Ben's low voice snarled at Chrom.
Chrom gulped and carefully shook his head. Even as his eyes bored holes into Ben.
"Then imagine that, except you are dead by the first move. You would not have even seen Sidious lift a finger against you." Chrom swallowed hard, "You would have simply fallen to the ground. Your life's blood staining the earth. And that would be a merciful death when it comes to Sidious."
Ben lowered his rapier from Chrom's neck. The Prince's shoulders sagged. He lowered Falchion to the side as Ben took a few steps back from Chrom. Across the clearing, the others watched with fear, shock, and awe. No one had ever defeated Chrom so quickly in a duel before.
"If Sidious ever comes, he will only come for me." Ben explained, "Not for you. Not for your family. But he will harm all of that if he becomes aware that you have helped me in any way, shape, or form. That is why you must remain-"
"Are you that blind Ben?" Chrom interrupted, "What do you think we have been doing all this time? Hell, Robin even went with you on a yearlong quest to find Luke. Who all of a sudden isn't your son, but is the son of your dead apprentice." Chrom swallowed hard as he stepped forward from the tree, "We have already helped you Ben. We all already know you and call you friend. You expect me to deny that when such a day of reckoning comes?"
Ben swallowed hard. He sheathed his rapier.
"I expect you to do what is best for your family, Chrom." Ben breathed, "And if that means denying you ever knew me, or even pointing Sidious in my direction then you must do that. I would not be able to live with myself if he found this place, found me, and decided to kill all of you because of me. All of you-" Ben choked for a moment, "The Shepherds have become like another family to me. I-" He glanced back Tharja, "I've met someone I love because of them. And I cannot bear the thought of Sidious-"
"Then help me prepare for him." Chrom cut him off, "Help us, help you, Ben." Chrom extended his free hand to Ben, "We can fight him together."
Ben stared at Chrom's outstretched hand for a moment. Force, he wanted to take his hand. But he could not. If he did, then he would have to admit to everything. Have to admit to the deception he had put on. Have to tell Chrom everything regarding the galaxy, the Jedi, the Sith, and the Clone Wars. All of it would be beyond unbelievable for the Prince. No, he could not.
"Chrom," Ben breathed, "Sidious will kill all of us." Ben swallowed hard, "There is no preparing for Sidious. He is the dark side of the force incarnate." Tharja's eyes widened as she and others slowly approached and listened in on the conversation, "If you think what I can do is unbelievable, then you have no idea what Sidious is capable of. There were Jedi Masters far more powerful than I could ever hope to be that challenged him. Only two lasted longer than a minute against him. Grandmaster Yoda and Master Windu, perhaps the two greatest swordsmen in the order. And both lost. Windu died. Yoda… Yoda barely survived."
Ben pursed his lips and put his hands to his hips, "If I tell you about my past, then others will learn about it as well. Rumors will circulate. And Sidious will hear them. Then it is a certainty he will find us. I cannot risk that Chrom. I cannot risk your lives like that."
Chrom lowered his hand. Ben could see the betrayal in his gaze. The pain from one of his friends refusing to trust him.
"Very well then." Chrom swallowed hard, "You will be compensated for all you have done for Ylisse. There is a plot of land reserved for you a few miles south of here. You're free to have it. But…" Chrom shook his head, "Until you learn to trust us, you are no longer one of my Shepherds."
Ben's heart dropped in his chest. Chrom did not say another word as he brushed past the stunned swordsman. Robin tried to stop Chrom from walking away, but the Prince just strode past him in silence.
Marth watched Chrom walk away with wide eyes. She glanced over at Robin.
"I'm… not sure this was worth it." Marth whispered to Robin.
Robin shook his head, "It wasn't."
"At least you both recognize that." Tharja glowered at the two.
"Tharja." Ben breathed, "None of this is their fault." He hung his head, "I need to go gather my things from the barracks I guess."
"You can stay with me until you have a place of your own." Tharja said quickly.
Ben brushed her hand with his as he walked past her. He did not say a word in reply. His heavy footsteps echoed through the clearing as he marched back towards the city. Tharja turned on her heel and rushed after him. Leaving Robin and Marth alone in the clearing.
Robin swallowed hard.
"I screwed up." Robin muttered as he hung his head. "I really screwed up."
"We all did." Marth said. The one armed swordsman patted Robin's shoulder. "Come on. You and I should be the ones to break the news to the others."
Robin gulped. The others. Oh Naga, the others. There would be so many questions. Accusations and curses thrown in all different directions. Ben had been one of the best Shepherds. A great friend to all of them. No one at the barracks would take this news well.
And I led Chrom to kick him out.
Robin bowed his head and fought back tears.
What have I done?
Tharja stared into the small mirror she acquired a few weeks ago from Anna. She removed her golden hair piece and allowed her jet black hair to fall freely over her shoulders. Once that was done. She grabbed a brush from her nightstand and started to gently run the bristles through her hair.
She paused in her nightly routine and glanced over at Ben as he sat silent on her bed.
He had hardly spoken for the past few hours. He did manage to eat something. Which Tharja was thankful for. Far too often, when someone became engrossed in their own mind, they would refuse to eat. So Ben had not become too gloomy yet. But she could still see Chrom's decision wearing on his mind.
The decision made her blood boil. Chrom was lucky she was more concerned about Ben in the intial aftermath. Otherwise, she would have hexed the Prince up to his eyeballs. Robin was even luckier. She still considered him a good friend. The temptation to hex him had been great. But Tharja managed to resist that urge as well. If for no other reason than to set a good example for her urchins.
"Well," Tharja breathed as she set her brush down and undid the clasp on her cape. She carefully hung the cape up on a peg in the wall near her desk, "Now you don't need an excuse as to why you are sneaking out of my room in the morning anymore."
She heard Ben snort a little bit. But that was all the reaction she received. Tharja let out a heavy sigh. She turned towards the bed and took a seat beside Ben. The dark mage placed a gentle kiss against his cheek before resting her head against his shoulder.
"Am I doing the right thing?"
Tharja blinked. It was the first time he had said a full sentence since that terrible moment in the forest clearing.
And it was a very poignant question. One she was not sure how to answer. She supported Ben's decision to not reveal anything about his past. Especially the more unbelievable aspects of his previous life. She hardly believed it herself. If it was not for the fact that she had literally seen his memories, then she would have written him off as a delusional madman. A scenario that very likely could happen if Ben ever told Chrom and the others the full truth.
If what Ben said about Sidious was true, then Tharja also believed he was correct. Sidious's power was enormous. She never witnessed the Dark Lord in any of Ben's memories. But she could sense a dark, oppressive atmosphere hanging over the final two memories they walked through together. The Jedi Temple massacre and the duel on Mustafar. She could feel a puppet master pulling strings in those memories. And if she, someone who barely understood what the Force even was, could sense Sidious' presence in Ben's memories, then she could only imagine how terrifying the Sith Lord really was.
She even witnessed the incredible power of Grandmaster Yoda in one of Ben's memories. Saw how skilled the little green man was with the force and the blade. If he could not defeat Sidious, then who could?
Ben needed to lay low. Needed to hide and start a new life as a new man. That was why he changed his name. Why he refused to speak about his past to anyone. She was the only one he ever fully trusted with that information. Marth- Lucina- recently learned about some of it. But Ben had not even told her the full extent of the horrors and wonders beyond their atmosphere.
Ben could not hide from Sidious if everyone knew him as an alien from the stars. A freak that could perform wondrous magic tricks with a power called the Force. Tharja could understand that reasoning.
But she also understood Chrom's argument. Could see why the Prince wanted Ben to be honest with him. Chrom was an extremely loyal man. He loved his friends as if they were his own flesh and blood. His own family. And he considered Ben to be part of that close knit group. He would die before he allowed one of them to be harmed on the battlefield.
Once Chrom learned about Sidious, he would do everything in his power to protect Ben. To help Ben fight back if Sidious ever came. But that resistance would be futile in Ben's eyes. Ben was right. Chrom would be unable to keep up with someone of Sidious' caliber. It would not even be a fight. It would be a slaughter. A massacre the likes of which Ben already witnessed once before.
Tharja brushed her fingers along his arm.
"I think you need to do what you feel is right." Tharja breathed, "And if this is the way it must be, then so be it." Tharja glanced up and pulled his face so that she looked right at him, "Just know that I will be by your side through it all. You will never face any of these challenges alone."
Ben exhaled then nodded. He still appeared very conflicted. But her support helped ease his mind.
"I think…" Ben pursed his lips, "I think I might take up Byron on his offer now."
"Oh?" Tharja quirked an eyebrow, "Are you going to become an educator, Ben Kenobi?"
"No, not that." Ben said with a small laugh, "My teaching days are over. I think I am going to write down my knowledge. Preserve some Jedi teachings for those that come long after me."
Tharja smiled, "I'm sure the headmaster will be thrilled to hear that."
Ben nodded. He rested his forehead against hers and pulled her in for a long, deep kiss. Tharja threw her arms around his neck and sank back into her bed. Pulling him down on top of her.
Ben uttered a sigh as he stopped kissing Tharja for a moment. The dark mage stared up at him with half lidded eyes.
"Ben," She breathed, chest slowly rising and falling, "Did you mean what you said out there today?"
Ben swallowed hard, "That I love you?"
She nodded.
Ben gave her a small smile then kissed her deep, "I meant every word of it."
Tharja smiled. Then she laughed a little bit.
"What is so funny?" Ben asked.
"I always thought hearing those words for the first time would be in a much more romantic setting than a grassy field with stone targets on it."
Ben chuckled. He placed a kiss against collarbone.
"Well." Ben kissed her lips again, "I love you."
Tharja beamed. She grasped the back of his head and pulled him closer to her.
"Ben?"
"Yes?"
Tharja uttered a light gasp as he placed another gentle kiss against her neck.
"I want to hex Chrom."
Ben froze and glanced back up at her face. There was a terrified expression on his face. One that made Tharja start to snicker uncontrollably.
"Please don't."
And chapter! There we go folks! The last interlude chapter before we kick off the Valm war. And the war could not come at a worse time for our heroes. Ben has been kicked out of the Shepherds until he decides to trust them with his past. A harsh move on Chrom's part. But one I feel like he probably would have made in this situation. This will give us some nice, juicy conflict for the Valm war among our heroes. Ooooh, I'm excited!
Anyways, it let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!