The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 85
Secrets Revealed
Robin awoke with a start. Fires roared around him. Cracked and shattered stone littered once clean streets. He could hear screams all around him. Loud, agonizing screams that caused his hair to stand on end. The air felt hot.
Robin slowly pushed himself up onto his feet. The ground shook. An explosion ripped through the air. The shockwave picked Robin up and tossed him through the air. He hit a crumbling home with a hard thud.
He winced as he felt some bruises form. More screams. More explosions. Hundreds of marching boots clicked against the fiery stone streets.
Where am I?
He shook some fog from his vision. The Exalt's palace burned in front of him. Its many towers rendered nothing but husks of stone. Flames licked at the once pristine white walls. Charring them. The entire courtyard seemed bathed in smoke. Robin blinked.
Wait… how did I get here? Wasn't I just-
He spun around. He was indoors now. He still heard the screams. Still heard the explosions. Bodies littered the throne room. Tapestries hung in tatters along the walls. Ylissean banners lay crumpled and trampled on the ground.
An explosion ripped a gaping hole in the throne room. The throne now nothing more than a pile of ash.
Robin looked around in horror. What had done this? His gaze settled on a group of corpses near the door that led to the palace's private quarters. All of them Ylissean guards. Charred holes burned through their bodies. The causes of their deaths some sort of fire that seared through them.
He examined one wound carefully. His first thought was that some sort of magic caused these wounds. But he had never seen a lightning spell puncture through the human body so cleanly. And fire spells burned. They did not burrow. Wind sliced if given enough power. But it did not char the flesh it hit.
"What the hell?"
He looked up from the corpse. Confusion hit him again. The throne room was gone. He stood in one of the royal chambers. Marth stood in the chambers. Facing away from him.
The images shifted in front of his eyes. As if something was interfering with what he saw. Robin caught a glimpse of Marth spinning around to face someone. He heard a muffled voice bark orders.
The image flickered. Marth now stood in the throne room. Falchion intact. Soldiers fought Risen all around her. And they were losing.
Marth hacked and slashed her way through the Risen. She uttered a battle cry and drove her blade through the face of a large, ax wielding corpse. The image flickered.
She lay broken and battered in royal chambers. An explosion ripped through the room and sent her flying out onto porch outside of the chambers. She lay unmoving among shattered glass, broken stone, and splintered wood. Robin saw soldiers in strange white armor rushing towards her. Strange weapons gripped in their hands. Each movement aggressive and purposeful. Far different from the random, shambling actions of the Risen.
Another flicker. The soldiers fighting the Risen were dead. Marth stood alone. The sound of a structure being torn apart shot through Robin's ears. Forcing him to fall to the ground and cover his head. Dust and rock tumbled to the ground. Mingling with the Risen and the fallen soldiers.
"Bring her to Lord Vader."
The image flickered. The soldiers in white dragged a limp Marth away.
Flicker. Robin stared up at the torn ceiling in the throne room. Terror filled him as six, enormous red eyes looked down at him. Marth took several terrified steps back.
"Perform the ritual!" A voice shouted. One Robin recognized as Laurent.
Robin got a closer look at the monster above him as a bolt of lightning arced through the sky. Fear sent him to his knees.
Grima.
Blue light flooded the throne room. Robin whipped his gaze over to Marth. She sprinted towards a bright blue portal. Risen gave chase.
Robin's breath caught in his throat. He recognized that portal. It was the same portal he saw when Marth first appeared in the forest south of Ylisstol. During his first night as a member of Chrom's Shepherds.
Flicker. Rasping breaths filled his ears. It mingled with the Fell Dragon's dull roar.
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
Ice cold air batted the heat from the fires away. Grima's roar morphed. It became a mocking chuckle. The chuckle coming from a voice Robin recognized.
His own.
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
The cold grew in intensity. He saw a man in black robes and armor. A hideous mask and helmet covered his head. A black cape rested on his shoulders. He towered over Robin.
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
It came from the armored man.
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
"You need my power." A venomous voice said in his mind, "You need me to defeat him."
Robin gulped. To defeat who? This mystery figure? He could hear his own laughter echoing in his mind. Morphing back and forth between maniacal cackles and hair raising roars. All the while, the strained breathing rang out all around him.
"You need us to survive." A beast snarled in his mind, "Our power will destroy your enemies."
"It will save your friends. Just give in."
Robin shook his head. He could feel darkness surging inside of him. The Dark Side of the Force howled in his mind. Roaring triumphantly as it raced through his veins.
He wanted to curl up into a ball. Close his eyes and pretend none of this was real. It wasn't real. It couldn't be real.
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
"Give in to us, Robin. Save your friends."
"Let me feed…"
"If you do not, they will all die. We will spare them if you just let us take control."
"I hunger… I thirst…"
Inhale. Rasp. Exhale.
"Listen To uS!"
He clasped his head in his hands. Mouth open in a silent scream as pain rocked his body. Something took hold of his mind.
"Robin."
The voices hissed. The dark side of the force retreated away. The flickering images he saw stopped. Robin squeezed his eyes closed.
"Open your eyes, Robin." A gentle voice said.
Robin shook his head.
A warm presence flooded his mind. A comforting presence. One that soothed his shaken soul and calmed his mind. The tension in his body faded. His heart stopped pounding. Robin swallowed hard and opened his eyes.
He stood on a road of some sort. A road shrouded in shadows with faint lines of white light along the edges. The road branched off in many directions. In several spots, the road shot off towards a circular portal illuminated in faint white light.
This place felt surreal. Robin took a step forward as he looked around. Puzzled, confused, and still rather afraid.
He paused as he passed one portal.
"Enter the bureaucrats. The true rulers of the Republic. And on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear." A man whispered. Voice croaking ever so slightly.
"I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." A woman demanded.
"Now they will elect a new chancellor. A strong chancellor. One who will not let our tragedy continue."
Robin continued walking.
"It is a great pity that our paths have never crossed before, Obi Wan." Dooku's rich voice slammed in Robin's ears. Paralyzing the tactician.
"What if I told you the Republic is now under the control of the Dark Lord of the Sith?"
"No!" Robin's breath caught in his throat as he heard Ben's voice snapped back at Dooku, "That's not possible. The Jedi would be aware of it."
"The dark side of the force has clouded their vision my friend. Hundreds of senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious."
Robin's took a shallow breath. Sidious, the name of the man Ben feared most. The name of the man who wiped out the Jedi Order.
What does this all mean? Why was he hearing all of this?
A third voice croaked through the air. It held a sinister quality to it. Hidden beneath a layer of false good intentions.
"The Dark Side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural."
"Is it possible to learn this power?" A young man asked.
"Not from a Jedi."
"Robin."
Robin spun around as he heard the warm voice from before speaking to him. He froze in place.
He could only describe the person as a ghost. An ethereal aura surrounded the robed body of a middle-aged man. Long brown hair haloed in bluish white light crowned his head. A neatly trimmed beard lined his chin. Weary, wide eyes looked at Robin with both kindness and understanding.
Before Robin could open his mouth to ask a question. The ghost spoke.
"What you have just heard are whispers of the past. A past that led the universe to where it is today. This past belongs to the man you know as Darth Sidious."
Robin gulped, "Wh-who?" He spun around, "Where am I? Who are you? What in the hell is going on?"
"My name is Qui Gon Jinn."
Robin's eyes widened.
"Ben's master?"
Qui Gon's ghost nodded.
"But… but you're dead?"
"Physically yes. But I am very much alive in the Force." Qui Gon replied, "I never intended to intervene like this Robin, but I fear events have moved to where I must. This takes a great deal of effort on my part to do. So unfortunately, I cannot answer many questions. All I can do now is give you both instruction and a warning."
Robin's heart beat anxiously in his chest.
"Sidious is coming. His apprentice moves closer to your world. He will find it soon. You must be prepared."
Robin gave Qui Gon a confused look.
"What do you mean Sidious is coming? What do you mean by my world? And- and how can I prepare when I know nothing about Sidious?"
Qui Gon gave Robin a comforting smile, "You already know what you must do Robin." The fringes of Robin's vision grew hazy, "Robin… before you go. Do not give in. Keep the bonds with your friends close. You do not need the dark's power to be victorious."
Qui Gon's ghostly visage faded away. The soft white lights outlining the many portals and paths around Robin winked out. Consciousness faded.
He finally got some sleep.
….
First Maul. Chrom could see that demon's red and black face in his mind still. A burning visage. Forever ingrained in his memories. Snarling teeth and blazing eyes filled with hate and contempt. The monster responsible for the death of his sister would never leave him. He would always see the demon. Always see his sneer as he cut his sister down. Always remember that Ben could have done something to stop him, but didn't.
Then someone attacked Ben and Tharja. Attempted an assassination in the city he called home. A mysterious figure using a strange magic, or weapon. Something that everyone refused to explain to him out of both ignorance and stubbornness. It infuriated Chrom at the time. And now, it made him even more furious. That assassin could have targeted anyone he cared about. It could have targeted him, Sumia, and Lucina. Still could since they never found a body. He wanted to know who sent the assassin. He wanted to know who the assassin was. Ben knew all of that. And he refused to reveal any information… again. Only that time, they all got lucky. No one died.
Chrom's fist balled up at his sides as he stormed down the cold corridor of the Khan's palace in Port Ferox. A smaller residence. Meant for the Khan, a squadron of soldiers, a few servants. Which made the Shepherds space rather cramped. But at this moment, Chrom did not care. If nothing else, the cramped living arrangements made its so Ben could not avoid him this time.
This time, another old enemy of Ben's appeared. He knew it was one of that damnable man's old enemies too. The glowing swords, lightsabers as he heard them called, were a dead giveaway. They were the weapon used by Maul. And both Ben and Dooku wielded similar weapons as well. That alone proved Ben knew the monster that attacked them in Plegia with the horde of Risen..
He knew the monster that killed Ricken.
Sorrow mixed with rage filled Chrom. Flashes of Ricken's fallen form rushed through his mind. The youngest of the Shepherds lay dead in Plegia. The brightest of them, the most positive, slain by a foe none of them could fight. None of them, except Ben.
He did not even hesitate when he reached the third door on the right in the long corridor. Chrom gripped the doorknob and shoved the door open.
Tharja sat on the bed. Head bowed. Slender fingers running along the leather cover of a spell book. Ricken's spellbook. Other than the boy's hat, it was the only thing they managed to recover before having to flee from the Risen.
We could not even take the body. Chrom thought as he clenched his jaw.
Tharja did not even raised her head to acknowledge his arrival. And he did not blame her. All of the Shepherds mourned Ricken. They all raised a silent toast to him upon their return to Port Ferox. Maribelle had been beside herself with grief, given the fact that Ricken at one time saved her life. Nowi was inconsolable. Ricken was her closest friend. And she watched him die.
But Tharja seemed the most out of sorts, in Chrom's eyes. She became even more quiet than normal. Her relationship with the small group of Shepherds that traveled with Ben and Robin allowed a more adventurous, friendly (if you could call it that) side of the dark mage to come out. But in the wake of Ricken's death, she retreated back to the silent, brooding figure they all met during the Plegian War.
Ricken had been one of her students. The student she held the most pride in. Chrom recalled speaking with Tharja a few times in the past few months. They were always stiff conversations. Awkward given his and Ben's animosity at the time. But he always asked how her students were doing. Both out of genuine curiosity and courtesy. And of all her 'urchins' she raved about Ricken the most. She labeled him a prodigy. Gifted with magic. Powerful beyond his years. A true student of the craft. Destined to become a powerful sorcerer or mage, depending on the path he chose in the future.
A path no longer available. For that prodigy now lay dead in the Plegian sand.
Chrom's anger abated for a moment when he saw Tharja's shoulders shudder briefly as she clasped Ricken's spellbook in her hands. The dark mage did not do well at expressing her own emotions. Well, she expressed anger, frustration, and annoyance easily enough. Those expressions usually involved a petty hex. She usually buried any other emotions beneath a layer of brooding and silence. Chrom felt somewhat surprised to see her so visibly shaken. Then again, she probably did not expect anyone to come barging into her and Ben's room at this time of night.
"Chrom?"
The anger returned. Chrom's eyes flicked over to Ben. The damned man sat on a wooden stool in front of a small fire in the fireplace. His eyes were red and puffy. Chrom could see some tear stains beneath his eyes. Not very visible. But in the flickering firelight, Chrom could see them.
Ben swallowed hard and returned his attention to the flames, "Why are you-"
"You know damn well why I'm here." Chrom snarled through clenched teeth.
Ben closed his eyes. He remained silent. An unmoving statue upon his stool. Breathing even.
Chrom's eyes flashed with rage. Did Ben decide to start meditating now!? Of all times!?
"Open your eyes right now, bastard." Chrom growled.
That got his attention. Ben flicked one eye open. He glanced over at Chrom. The Ylissean prince pointed an accusatory finger at Ben.
"You knew."
"I-"
"You knew who that monster was!" Chrom roared, "Just like with Maul. Just like with whoever tried to assassinate you and Tharja, you knew who it was! Or what it was, given how nightmarish it was!" Chrom placed his hands on his hips and shook his head, "Go on, say it. Say it now! Who was that monster?"
Ben pressed his lips into a thin line, "An… an old enemy."
"There it is." Chrom seethed, "Just like Maul. Your deceptions, secrets, and lies killed another person." Ben flinched at Chrom's accusation, "Do you see why I demanded to know? I knew something like this would happen!"
"You could not have known this would happen." Ben whispered back.
"Oh really?" Chrom snapped.
"Yes." Ben's voice started to rise, "Because I could not have known this would happen."
"You are lying to me yet again!" Chrom declared with a dismissive wave of his hand, "What will it take for you to start saying the truth? Who is going to have to die for that to happen? Me? Robin?" Chrom gestured to the grieving dark mage on the bed, "Tharja?"
Ben's eyes flashed. The first bit of emotion Ben showed during this entire conversation. In that moment, Chrom knew he crossed a line. The Prince exhaled and shook his head. Some of his rage subsided as he felt Ben's angry gaze.
"Ben…" Chrom rubbed his weary eyes. The march was exhausting. Made even more tiring due to the burden of grief upon all of their shoulders, "For the love of Naga, say something. Anything to convince me that I am wrong."
Ben remained utterly silent. Chrom cast his eyes up and let out a loud, defeated sigh.
"Why would I expect any different?" Chrom muttered, "Don't expect me to work with you in this war, Ben Kenobi. You-"
"Obi Wan."
Tharja's soft voice rang through the air. Chrom noticed Ben's face pale considerably as she spoke.
Her dark eyes looked up from Ricken's spell book. They were red with tears. Defeated and discouraged. Her hands trembled a little as they rested on the leather binding in her lap.
"Stop this already." Tharja breathed as she struggled to maintain her composure, "This… this standoff will only lead to more death, Obi Wan. You… you need each other in this war. We must defeat the Valmese. We must defeat whoever is raising these Risen. We-" Tharja choked for a moment, "We cannot allow Ricken's death to be for nothing. And that-that means… means finally letting the mask fall."
Tears brimmed in her dark eyes. Ben rushed from his stool to her side. The dark mage's shoulders shuddered as she buried her face into his shoulder and silently cried. Ricken's spellbook held tight against her chest.
Chrom did not feel as angry now. He could not tear his eyes away from Tharja's grief. Her sorrow hit him like a sledgehammer. The Prince let out a heavy breath then sank into a wooden chair near the fire. He let his head fall back against the back of the chair.
"Is Obi Wan some sort of Plegian, Dark mage thing?" He asked bluntly.
Ben froze as Tharja cried. He glanced down at her. For a split second, Chrom could see serious conflict on his face.
Ben sighed, closed his eyes, and placed a soft kiss on top of Tharja's head.
"Obi Wan," He began, "is my name."
Chrom narrowed his eyes as he stared at Ben.
"Obi Wan Kenobi." Ben let out a small snort, "Jedi Master of the Jedi Order. Member of the High Council. General in the Grand Army of the Republic. Last survivor of a now extinct religion. And a fool of a man."
Chrom frowned. Jedi Master? That he knew. The Jedi were the group of monks Ben claimed to have once been a member of. And apparently they were led by some sort of High Council, of which he had also been a member of. Something that was difficult for Chrom to believe given Ben's age. But General in some Grand Army? That was a new revelation.
Ben noticed his confusion.
"Chrom," Ben sighed. Tharja pulled away from Ben. She gave him an encouraging nod, "I am… I am not who you think I am."
"Obviously." Chrom frowned as he leaned forward. Elbows resting on his thighs. Chin in his hands as he kept his gaze on Ben, "What did you mean by General in the Grand Army of the Republic?"
Ben swallowed hard, "The Grand Army of the Republic was an army of clone soldiers commissioned to fight wars for the galactic republic."
Chrom blinked. Galactic Republic? He recalled some of his lessons as a child. Some mages hypothesized that their world and the stars resided in a large group called a galaxy. It was just a theory, but one that gained traction among the academics at the Academy.
"Are- are you claiming to be from the stars? An alien?" Chrom asked. He scowled, "You better not be mocking my intelligence."
"Why would I do that now?" Ben asked, "My-" He struggled a moment, "My worst fear has already been realized. Someone close to me died… again. Because of my own inaction and stubbornness." He leveled his gaze at Chrom. And unblinking look. Completely serious. Not a hint of deception in his eyes, "I am a human from the planet Coruscant."
Chrom furrowed his brow.
"If you doubt me," Ben breathed, "You need only ask Dooku for more information. He's also not exactly of this world either." Chrom's eyes widened in surprise, "Dooku is from Serenno. But he also lived on Coruscant for some time."
Chrom stared stunned at Ben. He was completely serious about this. He was not lying or mocking him. This was the truth. The Prince leaned back in his chair, mind reeling.
"You're an alien." Chrom breathed, eyes wide.
Ben nodded.
"That…" Chrom gulped. His arms hung slack at his sides, "That would explain the strange weapons and powers I guess."
"And the old enemies." Ben breathed, "None of which I ever expected to see here."
Chrom frowned, "Why?"
"Because this planet is unknown to the rest of the galaxy." Ben explained, "If it was known, then it would have already come under Sidious's influence. And would therefore be a part of the new Galactic Empire, which he rules."
Chrom's jaw slowly fell open, "Galactic Empire." Chrom rubbed his face with his hands, "Do you have any idea how insane this sounds?"
"Why do you think I didn't say anything?" Ben replied.
Chrom snapped his gaze up at Ben, "Why didn't you?" Chrom got to his feet, "Ben, did you think I would not believe you? Did you think I would cast you off for this?"
A flash of guilt flashed over Ben's face.
"Really?" Chrom felt some hurt in him, "I believed Robin when he said he was an amnesiac. And there is no way of definitively proving that. For all I knew, at the time, Robin was pulling an elaborate act. I know that is what Frederick believed. Yet, I took him in. I believed him. What made you think I would not do the same for you?"
Ben pursed his lips. Tharja flashed him a questioning look.
"That is… a fair point." Ben admitted.
"Did you really think that little of me?" Chrom asked.
"At first that was my reasoning." Ben defended, "But then, after Maul's arrival… it became more about keeping everyone safe and-"
"And this same old argument from before." Chrom cut him off, "Damn it, Ben- er- Obi Wan- er-"
"Ben is fine." Ben sighed, "That is how you know me. You don't have to change that now."
Chrom paced a few steps, "Alright." He scratched the back of his head, "Ben, you are our comrade and friend. Whatever danger you face, we face as well. And we will face it together. Just as we faced Gangrel and Maul together. Just as we are now facing the Valmese together. And just as we will face the Risen together." Chrom pressed his lips together, "I'm assuming you don't want the others to know about this just yet?"
Ben shrugged, "I don't know how to go about that right now."
Chrom nodded, "I think I'll let Frederick, Cordelia, and Robin know. They deserve to know given their positions both among the Shepherds and in the Ylissean military. As for Flavia and Basilio, I think I'll let you deal with that one on your own. You do technically work for them now."
Ben sighed, "That will be an interesting conversation when that happens. But… now is not the time."
"No. It is not." Chrom stopped his pacing. The rage he felt earlier evaporated away completely. Ben's true identity sent shockwaves through him. But it still did not entirely explain everything, "Ben? What was that thing that killed Ricken?"
Ben swallowed, "That thing was General Grievous."
"Was?" Chrom asked.
Ben nodded, "I killed him during a conflict several years ago known as the Clone Wars. Blasted him with a blaster pistol so many times he combusted."
Chrom arched an eyebrow,
"Blaster pistol?"
Ben sighed and waved his hand, "Later. Anyways, Grievous is supposed to be dead."
"So was Maul." Chrom pointed out.
"Yes. But Maul came back a few years before I showed up on this planet." Ben explained, "I knew he was around. I just did not think he would end up on this planet at all. I still don't know how he managed to find his way here. Like I said, this planet is unknown and likely uncharted." Ben snorted, "Naga, I have no idea how I ended up here either."
"You don't?" Chrom asked as he gave Ben a puzzled look.
Ben shook his head, "One moment, I'm fleeing the empire in an escape pod with Luke. The next, I woke up outside of the Southtown. And Luke was gone. I still have not figured out how or why that happened."
Chrom gave Ben a small smile, "Well… it's a good thing it did in the end. Otherwise, we never would have had your help against Plegia."
"If I never showed up, Maul may have never come here." Ben pointed out, "Same with Grievous."
Chrom shook his head, "Don't… don't start that."
Tharja slipped her hand into Ben's, "If you had not shown up, I'd probably still be with the Grimleal." She snorted, "Maybe I'd be dead. Killed fighting some Ylisseans during the final battle of the war." She gave him a comforting smile, "You said so yourself. Grievous is supposed to be dead. You could not have known he would show up and-" She took a quick, calming breath, "and attack us."
"Speaking of which." Chrom continued, "If he is supposed to be dead, how is he alive?"
"I have been trying to piece that together myself." Ben replied, "I planned on asking Dooku that very same question at some point."
Chrom gave Ben a puzzled look, "Asking Dooku?"
Tharja gave him a small nod, "Another supposed to be dead, old enemy."
Chrom mouth fell open, "I'm sorry, what was that?"
"Dooku is not an enemy anymore." Ben clarified, "He's just a pain in my ass now. And a constant headache. But yes, he is also supposed to be dead."
"How many dead people from your past are alive now?" Chrom asked.
"Too many." Ben remarked, "There is also Jango Fett. Our assassin. All three of which I have no idea how or why they are alive."
Chrom reeled. That made three living-dead men. Or in Grievous's case, monster. He rubbed his forehead. Trying his best to absorb all of this new information.
"I think we need to discuss this further another time." Chrom muttered.
"I think you might be right." Ben nodded in agreement. He folded his hands in his lap, "Only Robin, Frederick, and Cordelia?"
Chrom nodded, "I'm not sure how to discuss this with the others yet. They will know, at some point. But I think it would be best if you told the entire group yourself." Chrom ran a hand through his hair, "Hell, I don't know how I'm going to tell those three any of this."
"Just take it one thing at a time." Ben advised.
"Probably best." Chrom exhaled, "First the start of another war. Then Validar and the Hierophant. Then…" Chrom grimaced, "Then Ricken. And now, I find out one of my Shepherds is an alien." Chrom let out a sound of disbelief, "I'm living in some sort of insane dream."
The Prince moved towards the door. As he wrapped his hand around the doorknob, he paused.
"Um," He glanced back at Tharja and Ben, "Ricken's service is going to be tomorrow afternoon. The other Shepherds should have arrived from Ylisse by then."
"Anna, Laurent, Miriel, and Vaike?" Ben asked.
Chrom nodded, "Yeah." Chrom opened the door, "Both of you get some rest. It's been… it's been a very long year."
Ben nodded, "It has."
Without another word, Chrom shut the door behind him. Once he was gone, Ben let out a breath he had not realized he had been holding. His body went slack and as an enormous weight ran away from his shoulders.
Tharja's finger brushed his shoulders.
"Ben?" She breathed.
Ben reached up and took her hand in his.
"Thank you, Tharja."
….
Marth did not consider herself a drinker. She often found the taste of liquor to be atrocious. It felt like fire running down her throat before burning in her gut. A feeling she did not enjoy. She also did not care for the other effects booze had on the body.
Where she came from, she always had to be alert. Constantly aware of her surroundings. Danger lurked in every shadow and faint ray of sunshine where she came from. That danger usually being a Risen grunt or even a Deadlord.
Alcohol number her senses. Numbed her connection to the force. Left her vulnerable. She hated that. Vulnerable meant weak. Vulnerable meant dead. An outcome she could not afford, even now.
But damn it, she needed a drink. Not a sip of wine or a glass of cider. No, she needed something to numb the hurt in her.
Thank you Sully. She thought as she brought the flask of harsh feroxi firewine to her lips.
She winced as the fiery liquid washed over her palated and burned hot trails into her stomach. A harsh cough left her lungs as she struggled to catch her breath.
She sucked in a sharp breath then coughed again. In order to stop the coughing, she did what anyone else would have done in her situation.
Drink some more.
She gulped down another long drink. Her eyes squeezed shut as a hiss left her lips. She shook her head and set the flask down on the stone wall in front of her.
"Damn." She breathed, already feeling a little woozy from the drink.
But not numb yet. She wanted to forget it all already. She wanted to forget her failure.
Ricken was dead. And she failed to prevent it. Even worse, he died when he was not supposed to.
A knot formed in her chest. It traveled from her aching heart to her throat. Rendering the simple act of taking a deep breath difficult.
Ricken's death had far reaching consequences. Consequences that even the other Shepherds knew nothing about. He had yet to grow up. Yet to meet his wife. Yet to- Marth swallowed hard and let out a shaky breath.
"I am so sorry, Nah." She whispered, breath misting in the frigid Feroxi air.
A frozen wind rushed from the Port Ferox harbor and swept over the small walls around the West Khan's palace. She shivered. Without a second thought, she brought the flask to her lips again and downed all of it. Pushing past the burning sensation and allowing the numb euphoria to wash over her.
That euphoria never came. The numbness evaded her as well. Instead, the pain only grew worse. All she could see was Ricken. His terrified expression as he faced down a monster from their nightmares. Her own desperation as she rushed to his aid, only to be taken out of the fight by a single blow from the monster.
"I should have done more." Marth breathed. Her grip on the glass flask tightened. Her teeth clenched as she smelled alcohol on her breath, "I could have done more."
She saw the reptilian eyes of her enemy. Red, filled with predatory instincts and dark hatred. Red eyes. The eyes of a Deadlord. The eyes of her enemy's chief servants.
With all of her strength, Marth threw the flask out to the street beyond the walls. She heard it shatter against the frozen cobblestone road.
"Why didn't I do more!?" She screamed before sinking to her knees and balancing her shivering body against the wall with her one arm.
Tears streamed down her cheeks. She was supposed to be a Jedi Knight now. She was supposed to be a peerless warrior. Deemed ready to face the greatest challenges by her master. But when that challenge arrived, she hopelessly failed. And Ricken died. And an old friend of hers may have gone with him.
Stoic Nah. The half manakete, half human who was far more intelligent than her age should have allowed. Far more mature as well. Always a voice of logic and reason among her band of friends. The antithesis of Cynthia for sure. Never acting on impulse. Always rationally plotting her course. Someone Marth relied on for level headed advice and honest friendship.
Gone now, because she failed to protect her father.
She slammed a fist against the stones in front of her. The pain from the blow did not register at first. So she hit the frozen stones again. And again. And again. One more time, and she saw some bright red flecks splash against the rock. Her knuckles stung. Fingers ached. Her arm buzzed.
"Marth?"
She rested her forehead against the stone wall. Why couldn't she be left alone tonight?
She closed her eyes even as Chrom approached her. Instead of turning to look at him, she reached out with the force in order to assess his intentions. A half hearted measure. She personally did not care why he was out here in the cold with her.
She sensed concern. Worry for her. That was all surface level. Dig a little deeper, and she sensed profound confusion. Remnants of fury replaced with reluctant understanding. A small sliver of betrayal mingled with a surge of relief. She thought he would be angry. He had apparently been furious about Ricken's death. So much so, that as soon as she woke up, he stormed away from the infirmary in the palace and marched to Ben's room in order to get answers.
Her drunken mind raced and her eyes snapped open.
He went to demand answers!
Chrom sighed then leaned against the wall, gaze facing out towards the distant harbor. The Feroxi managed to restore operations to the vital port rather quick. That was in large part due to the Valmese's reluctance to destroy the harbor. It provided an easy place to land their ships. So they wanted it to remain intact. The Feroxi military managed to bring it back to full operations and more. Most of them worked to ready the harbor for the arrival of the Plegian fleet. Once the fleet arrived, they would determine their next course of action.
That should happen soon. Chrom thought before glancing over at Marth.
She stared at the wall in front of her. Forehead still resting against the cold stone. Shoulers sagging in defeat.
"It was not your fault." Chrom said.
Marth closed her eyes and shook her head.
It was her fault. She swore to all of them that she would save them. She would save the future. She would prevent the deaths of their parents and make sure Grima was defeated once and for all. And she broke that promise.
"Marth," Chrom sighed. He reached a hand down to her, "Come on. Stand up already. Being down there does you no good."
Marth glanced at his outstretched hand. She hesitated, then grasped it. She swayed as she got to her feet. Head swimming and spinning both from the sudden rise and from the alcohol in her veins.
Chrom snorted as she took a step back to balance herself.
"Drinking?"
Marth flushed with embarrassment.
"If I didn't have so much on my mind, I'd probably be doing the same." He admitted, one hand brushing some frost from the wall as he leaned against it. He tapped his fingers along the bare stone, "In the end, this is no one's fault."
Marth gave him a surprised look, "I- I thought you blamed Ben? Or… even me because-"
"You had no way of knowing that monster would be there." Chrom interrupted, voice stern. "And…" He let out a sigh, "Neither did Ben."
Marth gulped. Chrom's words helped the pain a little bit. But she still blamed herself. Still thought she could have done something, anything, to prevent Ricken's death. She could have made him search the basement instead. She could have gone with him upstairs in the fort. Fought against the monster with him. Made sure he was not alone.
Chrom shook his head then stared back out at the silent city.
"You're thinking too much. I learned the lesson I am about to share with you the hard way during the Plegian war." He grimaced as he relived the memory of both Phila and Emmeryn's deaths, "You can't bear burdens on your own. And you can't shoulder blame for things beyond your control. If you start doing that, you will lose yourself." He let out a long breath, "I nearly did at one point." Marth gave him a stunned look. Chrom let out a small snort, "It took Robin's friendship, Ben's wisdom, Lissa's loyalty, and Sumia's fist to get me out of that mess."
Marth arched an eyebrow, "Sumia's fist?"
"You'd be surprised what an accidental punch to the jaw can do." Chrom said with a small laugh.
Marth let out a small chuckle as well.
"Don't worry, I won't punch you." Chrom continued.
"I wouldn't blame you if you did." Marth muttered, "I should have been there to help, Ricken."
Chrom frowned, "Did you not hear what I just said."
Marth shook her head, "My master told me something similar at one point. But he also taught me there are lessons to be learnt from the past. Especially from mistakes. While…" She swallowed hard, "you're probably right, I shouldn't carry a guilty burden. At the same time, I must learn from this. I must get stronger. There is too much at stake otherwise."
Chrom nodded in understanding, "Your master was a wise man then."
Marth snorted. If only he knew who he was talking about. He probably wouldn't be saying that if he did.
Marth cleared her throat. Ready to change the subject.
"So, you went to speak to Ben."
"I did." Chrom said with a nod.
Marth fidgeted a little bit. Nervous about what he learned. Did Ben say anything regarding himself? If he did, how far did he go? And did he accidentally let anything slip about her? If he did, then she was not certain what the repercussions would be. But they probably wouldn't be good.
"If you don't mind me asking, wh-what about?"
Chrom gave her a hard stare, "I'm not sure I should say."
Marth felt some relief. Good, he did not bring up her real identity. Which meant he did not know that. Ben at least managed to keep that secret. But his lack of anger towards Ben told her another truth.
"You know now." Marth let slip before slapping a hand over her mouth.
This is why I don't drink!
Chrom narrowed his gaze at her, "You knew?"
Marth flicked her eyes back and forth, "I uh…" She hung her head, "yes." She admitted, seeing no other option but to admit the truth.
"And you didn't say anything because?"
"Because it was a mutual exchange of secrets." Marth replied, "Ones we both swore to keep." Marth let out a huff as Chrom frowned at her, "I'm not someone that goes back on my word."
Chrom worked his jaw then gave her a small nod.
"I can respect that." He pushed himself away from the wall and rubbed his hands together. The night only grew colder the later it got, "How much do you know? Because I barely scratched the surface and I have no idea what to think about it all."
Marth let out a small chuckle, "Well, if you are doubting him, don't. Ben is telling the truth regarding this."
"How are you so certain?"
Marth gave her surroundings a cautious glance.
"Dooku." Marth answered, "I asked for confirmation, and he gave it. Enjoyed dredging up Ben's secrets actually. He found many of his stories very amusing."
"Makes sense he would enjoy spilling Ben's secrets. Given their," Chrom cringed, "strange friendship."
Marth snorted, "I'm not so sure you can call it that. More like a reluctant partnership since both realize they are up against a common enemy."
"Sidious." Chrom nodded, "Ben did not say much about him."
"He still doesn't." Marth replied, "But I think part of that is also due to a lack of information. I don't think Ben ever truly knew Sidious. Which would explain some of the gaps in his explanation about him."
"And Dooku?" Chrom asked.
Marth gave Chrom a quizzical look, "I haven't brought it up with him yet. Not without Ben around that is. Although… he does fear Sidious. That much is clear."
"Both do." Chrom shuddered a little bit, "With how powerful they are, it makes me wonder what kind of monster Sidious really is."
Marth nodded grimly. She glanced down at her feet, "Speaking of monsters, what do you think of… you know."
"Grievous." Chrom snarled.
Marth snapped her head up, "That's its name? It has a name!?"
Chrom nodded, "It does." He folded his arms, "Another old enemy from Ben's past. One he swears he killed. And he has no idea how he came back from the dead."
Marth felt her heart stop beating. Ben swore he killed Grievous. He also said that Dooku was absolutely supposed to be dead as well. Jango Fett was supposed to be dead. Two of those three actively attacked the Shepherds. One of those three managed to kill a Shepherd. All were raised from the dead by a power unknown to the others. Fear rushed through Marth. Her suspicions were correct. They were all Deadlords.
But that was impossible. Grima was not supposed to be even close to that level of power at this point in time. He was supposed to be a mere shadow waiting to be awakened. Barely capable of calling forth small armies of Risen. Not able to summon Deadlords at will. Grima could only do that if he could tap into his massive reserves of power.
So how were Deadlords around right now?
Chrom gave Marth a concerned look, "Hey, are you okay? You look a little pale?"
No, she was not okay. Deadlords prowled the land. Grima's lieutenants hunted the Shepherds. And unlike the future, they were enemies from Ben's past. She did not know how they fought. She did not know their capabilities or personalities (if they still possessed any). She did not know their intentions or their missions. She was in the dark regarding their greatest threat. How was she supposed to save them all if she could not fight off such powerful enemies?
Before she could answer Chrom, the force pulsed. A warning shot through her mind. She heard a whistle on the wind. Chrom seemed to notice the strange noise as well. It drew closer. Faster and faster. The whistle became a whoosh. Marth looked behind Chrom and saw a fireball of some sort rocketing towards them.
"Father watch out!" Marth yelled.
She grabbed Chrom and yanked him to the ground. The strange projectile slammed into the wall near where Chrom had been standing. An explosion ripped through the air. Shards of stone and hot flames nearly engulfed both of them. But the shockwave sent the pair flying through the air, off of the walls.
Both Chrom and Marth landed hard on the frozen ground in the small courtyard. Feroxi guards shouted alarms. Those alarms quickly fell silent as several strange screams shot through the air. Marth used the force to make her body recover quickly. She opened her eyes and saw one of the last Feroxi guards cut down by a shrieking bolt of red light.
Two jets of fire flew threw the air. They emerged from an armored man. An armored man Marth recognized.
Jango Fett. Ben and Tharja's would be assassin.
The Deadlord leveled two strange weapons at her. He took aim. Marth felt the force let out another warning cry.
She grabbed Chrom and rushed behind the stables just as two red blaster bolts shrieked through the air and slammed into the main building.
Chrom still reeled from the explosion. Some gashes had opened up on his arms from where stone shredded his skin. Parts of his shirt were burnt from the explosions. But he seemed otherwise unharmed.
Marth clenched her teeth as Chrom shook the cobwebs from his mind.
"What was-"
"This guy again." Marth snarled as she unsheathed her sword.
Panic seized her as she heard Frederick and the other Shepherds rousing inside of the palace. If they came out of those doors now, they would be met with a hail of… whatever that Deadlord fired at her and Chrom. They would not survive. She would fail even more of her friends. Break even more promises.
"No." She snarled.
"Marth wait!" Chrom cried.
Marth sprinted out from cover. Two blaster bolts screamed at her. She ducked beneath one and sidestepped another.
She rushed Jango Fett. Before the deadlord could dodge her, Marth swung her blade.
Her arms shuddered as the Deadlord swung his arm at her blade and caught it with his strange, metal gauntlet. He leveled a pistol at her.
Chrom uttered a battlecry. Falchion shimmered out of the corner of her eye. The divine blade slashed into the pack on Jango's back.
Marth let out a startled cry as the pack powered on. Twin jets of fire shot out from the pack and lifted Fett into the air. His flight seemed erratic. Completely out of control. But he was stable enough to holster a weapon and point a fist at her.
A cable shot out from his wrist. The grappling hook on it grabbed Marth by the tunic and yanked her into the air after him.
"Marth!" Chrom bellowed as he rushed towards the stairs on the palace walls.
The doors to the palace burst open. Marth heard Frederick and Cordelia sprint out, weapons in hand. The other shepherds followed them. But she did not have time to look over at the group.
She saw the wall coming closer. Marth squeezed her eyes shut and braced herself.
Her body slammed into the stone wall. Bones shifted in her chest. Wind rushed out of her lungs. Sharp pain wracked her body. But the flying did not end. Jango's out of control jet pack dragged her along the rugged walls and up higher into the air.
A streak of red light shot down at her. Marth swung herself to the side. The red bolt slammed into her right shoulder. Marth let out a loud howl. It felt like someone jabbed a hot poker into her shoulder. And the poker only became hotter with time.
She glanced at the wound and saw a charred hold in her shoulder.
Only the second worst wound I've ever had when it comes to that arm. She thought before wincing.
She sensed more danger rushing towards her. Marth swung hard as she avoided another blaster bolt.
The outline of a building filled her vision. Marth's eyes widened. Jango was going to try and smash her against wood and stone. Bludgeon her to death.
She willed the force to her. With strength that surprised even herself, she curled her body and slammed her feet against the building. Jango rocketed upwards. And Marth ran up the side of the building, the cable snagged on her tunic pulling her after him.
As she neared the roof, she planted one foot into the building wall. The force pulsed through her. She rocketed up into the air. The cable went slack as she closed the distance between herself and Jango.
The Deadlord seemed surprised when she came face to face with him. Before he could raise his blaster and shoot her, Marth bashed her head against his helmet.
An action she immediately regretted. But she did not have time to linger on that regret. As her head pounded, and a gash started to bleed above her eye, Jango's jetpack exploded.
They both careened down towards the steep roof of a Feroxi house. Marth grit her teeth, closed her eyes, and willed the force to slow her descent.
She still hit the tiles on the roof hard. A couple cracked beneath her body. Marth let out a loud, pain filled cry as more ribs shifted.
Jango slammed into the tiles. Nearly breaking the roof when he landed. His armored form slid down the slick tiles towards the edge. The cable went taut and yanked Marth after him.
They both slid down the roof then over the edge. Marth cried out then hit the ground just after her did.
She felt dazed. Her sword was no longer in her grip. She must have lost it when she hit the roof. Pain rushed through her body with every breath she took. Nevertheless, she pushed herself back to her feet. Refusing to give in to defeat. Refusing to allow the Deadlord to claim the life of another friend.
Jango staggered to his feet as well. His armor scuffed, even dented in several spots. His visor cracked from where Marth headbutted him. One pistol missing from its holster. The other still grasped firmly in one hand.
Jango tapped his wrist. The cable snapped free from his arm. Marth grit her teeth as she stared down the deadlord. Her own eyes focused on the lone red iris she saw behind the cracked visor.
She charged. Jango raised his arm. A jet of flames shot out from his wrist. Marth slid beneath the fire and swept his legs out from beneath him.
Jango hit the ground. Marth pounced on top of him. She rained two punches down onto his helmeted head before he caught her hand and flipped her onto her back.
Marth struggled beneath the Deadlord. She froze when she felt the hot muzzle of the blaster pistol press against her chest.
Red light filled her vision. But the only pain she felt came from her broken ribs.
Marth remained frozen in place as a red lightsaber jutted out from Jango's chest.
"I think that is enough from you, old friend." Dooku said before yanking Jango back away from Marth.
Dooku pulled his blade free, then drove it through Jango's back a second time.
Jango Fett shuddered.
"When he hears of this… you will be dead." The Deadlord snarled, struggling to maintain form as his toes and fingers turned to black ash, "Your life is forfeit."
Dooku frowned, "When he hears?" He let out a small chuckle, "Jango, I'm afraid you are mistaken. Your master already knows."
He pulled his lightsaber free. The Deadlord crumbled into a pile of black ash.
The Deadlord's presence faded away. Whisked away to wherever his fell master lingered. Marth stared dumbstruck at both the ash and Dooku for a moment before letting her head fall back against the frost covered street.
"Ouch." She groaned.
Dooku's lightsaber hissed off.
"Typical." Dooku tsked, he reached out a hand. Marth winced as she took it. Dooku hauled her to her feet, "I should have expected such recklessness from one of Kenobi's students."
Marth rolled her eyes, "I should have expected ungrateful snark from one of my Master's old enemies."
"Oh you understand our relationship very well, don't you?" Dooku replied with no shortage of smug satisfaction.
"Marth! Dooku!"
The pair looked up the road. Chrom, Frederick, Ben, and the other shepherds sprinted towards them. All with weapons at the ready. When they realized the threat had passed, Libra shot out from the group and started working on Marth's wounds with his staff.
Marth hissed as she felt the charred wound from the blaster bolt slowly seal.
"You're getting better at healing those." She winced.
"Thank you." Libra said with a small smile, "But I would prefer if you avoided these kinds of injuries. Now, I suggest you sit down before you pass out. Lissa! I could use your assistance. Maribelle, fetch some bandages please!"
Lissa marched from the group and helped Marth sit down against the wall of a house. Frederick and the other Shepherds remained wary as Chrom stepped forward.
"You saved me." He said.
Marth gave him a weak smile, "You're welcome." She let her head fall back against the wall as pain and weariness started to take hold, "But… let's not make a habit of it anymore."
Chrom chuckled, "We won't." He leaned close, "You shouted something earlier."
Marth furrowed her brow. Did she?
Her face paled. She forgot all about her pain. Her breathing quickened.
WHY DO I HAVE TO SHARE BLOOD WITH CYNTHIA!?
"We'll talk about it later. Rest for now." Chrom said.
"Are you alright, Marth?" Ben asked, a tad breathless from his mad dash out of the palace, "What happened? Who-"
"Fett, Kenobi." Dooku answered.
Ben gave Dooku a surprised look, "And you-"
Dooku shrugged, "It was semi-satisfying being the one to gut him for a change."
"Where is he now?" Frederick asked.
Dooku nodded at the pile of ash, "Apparently, our assassin may also be a Risen."
"Like the monster in Plegia?" Lissa gulped.
Maribelle returned and handed a roll of bandages to Lissa as well as an elixir. Lissa forced Marth to swallow the elixir then proceeded to start bandaging her shoulder.
Dooku nodded.
"If it is a Risen, then it could come back." Frederick frowned.
"It will." Chrom nodded, "So we need to be on guard at all times. No one is to be alone anymore. Not even in Ylisstol. We stand a better chance against such enemies with help by our side." Chrom let out a heavy sigh, "Frederick, help Libra and Lissa get Marth to the infirmary. Everyone else, back to your rooms. The fleet should arrive tomorrow evening. Which means we will all be very busy."
"Gotcha boss." Gaius nodded. He looked past Chrom at Marth, "You're one tough kid, Blue."
"Indeed." Panne agreed.
"I think it might be prudent for a pair of watchmen to preside over the palace tonight." Virion suggested, "Lon'qu, care to join me in the first watch?"
The Feroxi swordsman gave him a silent nod.
Chrom gave Virion an approving nod, "Good idea."
Frederick and Libra hauled Marth to her feet. Ben helped as well. As Marth staggered towards the palace, she leaned near Ben.
"Chrom knows." She whispered hoarsely.
Ben furrowed his brow in confusion as she limped away. Helped by both Frederick and Libra. Of course Chrom knew. Ben told him that he was an alien. Marth surely knew that by now. Chrom had been the one to alert them all to the attack. He was with Marth when Jango ambushed them.
Chrom knows? Ben thought hard for a moment.
The answer hit him. Chrom didn't just know about his origins. He knew about Marth's.
Kriff.
….
The Hierophant suppressed a shudder. A chill ran down his spine as he lounged on a wicker sofa in his chambers. Another novel in his hands. This one another old favorite of his. One that brought waves of nostalgia to his mind.
Shanty Pete and the Haunted Pirates. A surprisingly entertaining read. A fun adventure mixed with moments of fear inducing tension. Nothing more than a time waster that he oh so loved.
A hot breeze drifted through the open windows into his room. The flames atop the candle near his sofa flickered. The Hierophant scowled, eyes never leaving the page.
"Did you do it?" He asked.
His Deadlord, Draco, bowed his head low as he kneeled before the Hierophant.
"The girl intervened."
The Hierophant turned a page.
"Be more specific." He commanded.
"The future girl."
The Hierophant's yellow eyes flicked up from the page. He stared hard at his Deadlord.
"Did she?" He set the book face down in his lap, "And did you manage to eliminate her at least?'
Draco did not answer. The Hierophant let out a long, disappointed sigh.
"I gave you a simple task." He set the book to the side and folded his hands in his lap, "And you still manage to mess it up."
"I would have killed her." Draco defended, "But Equus stopped me."
The Hierophant frowned, "Did he now?" His thumbs intertwined as he pondered Draco's report, "Equus grows bold. To openly defy me in such a way." He grit his teeth. Fists clenched in his lap, "When I have him before me, I will tear his will apart."
The Hierophant rose to his feet, "But for now, we must focus on other matters." He glanced to a dark corner in the room, where his other Deadlord, Tigris waited, "You are going to Valm." He ordered the mechanical monster, "Meet up with Excellus there. Make the Shepherds' lives a living hell when they invade."
Tigris bowed. The Hierophant's magic shimmered into a bright yellow disc beneath the Deadlord's feet. With a bright flash of light, the Deadlord was gone.
"What will you have me do, Master?" Draco asked.
The Hierophant hummed to himself, "They will be very cautious now."
Yes, very cautious. The Shepherds were reeling from the loss of one of their own. Tigris saw to that. And despite Tigris failing to kill Prince Chrom or Ben Kenobi, the Hierophant was still pleased. The boy's death will drive a wedge between the two. A divided enemy is an easily conquered one. And they will be divided, and weakened from a bloody war with Valm. Leaving the world his for the taking.
"Let them destroy themselves now." The Hierophant grinned, eyes flashing with delight, "The Prince and the Jedi will be at each other's throats. And we shall reap the rewards of such conflict."
His mind drifted to other matters. Aversa had yet to report back to him at all. It had been nearly a year since she left on her mission to find and destroy the heretical high priestess, Morgana. Given that long stretch of time, the Hierophant had a feeling the girl was dead. A pity too. She would have been a valuable tool if she managed to succeed and survive.
"I have a different task for you." The Hierophant said. Draco raised his gaze, "Go into the ice fields of Regna Ferox. There is a certain Witch I need eliminated."
Draco nodded. Teleportation magic burst to life beneath his kneeling form. In a bright flash of light, he was gone. Leaving the Hierophant alone once again.
Once he was alone, the Hierophant let out a long sigh and sank back down into his sofa. He reached for the book and cracked it open to a page he marked. A small smile crossed his lips. Shanty Pete had a twisted sense of humor.
"Truly a lovely read, Sumia." He muttered with a small sense of delight, and sadness.
And chapter! Robin meets Qui Gon. Marth takes a beating from Deadlord Jango but also manages to help drive him off. And Ben finally unveils the truth to Chrom. And the Hierophant continues to scheme and plot. This is gonna be good!
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed. Have a nice day!