The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 96
A Future Lost, A Hope Found
Severa's hands shook. Her right knee bounced up and down as she sat on a hard, rickety wooden stool. She kicked her left leg out in order to steady herself as the warship she was on rocked a little bit.
Ylissean healers buzzed all around her. Sweeping in and out of different parts of the hull with great urgency. Some ran off to fetch more vulnaries from the stores in the bottom deck. Others ran to assist wounded soldiers lying in hastily constructed tents on the bloody beach. And some came here, into Khan Basilio's quarters where her mother lay broken and bloody. Barely alive.
She sniffled. Her head trembled as she tried to look up at her. No matter how many times she glanced at Cordelia, Severa could not get used to the sick feeling in her gut. Her chest ached as her heart screamed.
Most of Cordelia's body lay beneath blankets, covering her bandaged form. Massive gashes lined her upper arms. An enormous welt lay on her forehead while another gash was stitched up over her right eye. Her breathing was labored. A weak wheezing sound that made Severa want to curl into a ball and cry.
She did not want to look beneath the blankets. Did not want to see the broken state of her mother's body. She already knew the damage. She could see how badly her mother was injured just by looking at the dented armor beside her cot.
Severa gulped as she gazed into the armor. Her reflection warped by the dents and dings all over the breastplate. A shaky breath left her lips.
She did not know how, but her mother was alive. Severa wiped her hand over her eyes as she fought back tears.
I will not cry. She sniffed. A tear dripped down from her eye.
What if her mother did not wake up? What if this was her end? A sharp deviation from the future that would render Severa's existence in this time over. Not even a thought in her parents mind. Hell, her mother had not even fallen for her father yet.
Severa trembled again. Cordelia didn't even know she was her daughter yet. Severa had not brought it up. Could not bring up. How could she? She was still furious with her mother. Furious with her for putting the war against Grima ahead of raising her. Furious about her going and dying in battle instead of fighting with everything she had to return to her family. Severa's hands tightened into fists. She clenched her jaw as more tears bubbled in her eyes.
Was she about to lose her again?
A small knock sounded from the door. Severa expected another healer to come in. Perhaps Libra. The priest took over Cordelia's treatment as soon as he finished his work on the beach. Instead when the door opened, Lucina stepped in.
The door quietly shut behind the Ylissean Princess from the future. Severa sniffed hard and glanced over at her friend.
"Hey." Severa croaked.
Lucina gave her a sympathetic look. She reached for a chair that sat at a desk in the room and dragged it over beside Severa. Lucina took a seat and let out a heavy, weary sigh.
"How are you feeling?"
Severa let out a snort, "How do I look?"
Lucina shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "Pretty bad."
"Then I guess that gives you an idea." Severa replied. She sniffed again and wiped at her right eye.
Lucina gave Severa a concerned look, "It's okay to cry."
Severa vehemently shook her head, "No." She sniffed again, "I can't." A shuddering breath left her lips, "I-I need to be strong. I need-"
"Sev…" Lucina sighed, "This isn't the future. You don't have to be that way anymore."
"You're right!" Severa snapped as some tears dripped from her eyes, "This isn't the future. This is something far worse! At least in the future, I did not have to watch my mom die before my eyes."
"Libra says she will make it." Lucina reassured her. Her voice remaining soft, quiet.
"How can you know that? How can he know that? Has he ever been shot down while flying a Pegasus?" Severa clenched her fists even tighter in her lap, "How do we know my Mom isn't just going to- going to-" She let out a small cry, shot to her feet, and kicked her stool away.
Lucina rushed to her feet and quickly wrapped her friend in a hug. Severa broke down. Tears fell freely as she buried her face into Lucina's shoulder and sobbed.
"I can't lose her again." Severa sobbed, "I just can't- I can't- I mean-"
"I know." Lucina breathed, "I know."
"What happens if she does die?" Severa cried, "What happens if she dies and I'm not born. Will I disappear? Will it be over? Will-"
"No, I don't think so." Lucina pulled away and looked Severa in the eye, "I refuse to believe that. Because your mother is not going to die. Alright? You have to have faith that she will pull through."
Severa sniffed and nodded. She grit her teeth and fought back more tears. Trying her best to regain her composure. She took a deep breath. Slowly inhaling, then quickly exhaling.
"Luci?" Severa took another quiet breath, "What is going on? Why is everything suddenly so wrong?"
Lucina pressed her lips into a thin line, "I don't know." She shook her head and sat back down in her seat, "I don't know how this all changed so radically."
"Do you think it is because of us?" Severa asked. Her face turned white with sudden fear, "Do you think that mom is like this because of me?"
"Sev-"
"Do you think Laurent's mom is dead because we decided to change the future?"
"Don't start thinking like that, Sev." Lucina replied firmly, "We have absolutely no control over these events. We-"
Lucina hesitated. Was she saying this to comfort Severa, or to comfort herself? The same questions had been going through her mind ever since the end of the battle. Ever since Ricken's death even. By coming to the past, did she and her friends really change the future for the better? Or have they made everything worse? Because of their messing with the timeline, Nah was not going to be born. Laurent lost his mother. Ricken died. Stahl and Gregor died. Naga only knew what else could happen now.
And that terrified Lucina. There was no control anymore. No more foreknowledge of events for her to rely on. The future was an enigma with only one thing certain anymore: Grima's resurrection. Beyond that one apocalyptic event, nothing was guaranteed. Her parents were in danger. Ben and Tharja were in danger. Every single Shepherd that was supposed to survive until Grima's rise was now in danger. All because the timeline changed.
Her one advantage was gone. The future was no longer certain. That terrified her now more than ever before.
Lucina took a breath.
"Come on." Lucina nodded, "Let's go sit with the others."
Severa sniffed. She cast an anxious glance back at Cordelia.
"She'll be alright." Lucina continued, "Come on. I'm sure Owain would love to try and cheer you up."
A small laugh left Severa's lips, "He'll definitely try." She took a deep breath, slowing exhaling before nodding. Without another word they both moved towards the door.
Lucina threw the door open. Dooku stood on the other side, one hand raised as he was about to knock. He blinked in surprise.
"There you are." Dooku remarked, "I was hoping you both were here and not with your father."
Lucina arched an eyebrow, "Why are you worried about where my-"
She trailed off as four figures stepped down into the hull from the stairs behind Dooku. Say'ri emerged first. The Chon'sin Princess looked weary. Dirt covered her boots due to days of traveling on the road. Behind her came Cynthia. The Pegasus Rider's face beamed when she caught sight of Lucina. She shoved past Say'ri and barrelled into Lucina. Her arms wrapped her older sister's body in a tight hug.
"Luci!" Cynthia cried.
"C-Cynthia!" Lucina stammered, "How are are you-"
Lucina froze when she saw him. Behind her, Severa sucked in a sharp, panicked breath.
Luke looked different than the last time Lucina saw him. His hair looked neatly taken care of. A bit longer than before, held back in a Chon'sin style. He also looked healthier. His cheeks were fuller. His body less gaunt and more muscular. Life in Chon'sin treated him well. And that made her nervous. How powerful could he be when fully healthy?
She quickly reached out with the Force. Aiming to determine his intentions. When she touched his mind, she drew back in surprise. There was no resistance. No brick wall keeping her from combing through his thoughts. And through those thoughts she detected immense anxiety. Which made sense, he did have a price on his head in Ylisse. But also pain. He was wounded. Something happened when he traveled here with the others. But she could not detect what.
Despite his strangely open demeanor, Lucina remained guarded. At any moment he could change. She knew that. Back in Plegia, when she first confronted him, he changed from wanting to let her go to nearly killing her in an instant. Even as Cynthia embraced her, Lucina kept her wary eyes trained on the Sith Lord standing nervously behind Dooku.
"Why do you look like you have a stick up your ass?" A gruff voice asked.
Brady stepped down the stairs. He nudged Luke, which elicited a snarl from the Sith. Brady quirked an eyebrow the glanced over at Lucina and Severa.
"Oh!" Brady nodded reached for his flask and took a long swig, "You guys are here."
Severa rolled her eyes and moved around both Cynthia and Lucina, "Nice to see you too, Brady." She glanced back at Lucina, "I'll go grab Owain and Laurent, they'll want to be here."
"Just ask Laurent given everything that has-"
"I know, Luci." Severa interrupted, "I won't force him to tag along." She marched up to the deck.
Brady's eyes followed Severa as she stormed away.
"She hasn't changed much." Brady remarked.
"She has only been here for a couple of weeks." Lucina replied as Cynthia squeezed her one more time then broke away.
The Pegasus Knight hopped up and down excitedly, "I'm so happy to see you again! You won't believe everything that has happened. So much fun stuff and not so fun stuff. But mostly fun stuff and-"
"And what the hell!?" Brady suddenly cried out as he got a full view of Lucina. He stormed past Dooku and Luke. Fist clenched tight around his staff. An irritated look on his face. He reached out before Lucina could stop him and tugged her cap away from her arm. A large scowl formed on his face, "You little shit."
"Brady!" Cynthia exclaimed.
"How did you do it this time, Lucina?" Brady seethed as he flicked her cape back over her arm, "Reckless charge into a horde of Risen? Deciding to attack Maul?" Lucina cringed, "Oh Naga, you did something that stupid."
"It was not stupid. It was necessary."
"I agree, it was stupid." Luke nodded.
Lucina pointed a finger at Luke, "You, shut up." Luke snapped his mouth closed. Lucina's eyes drifted over to Dooku, "Do you mind giving all of us some time?"
Dooku nodded, "I shall make sure none of the other Shepherds come over here."
"Ben I don't mind." Lucina reminded him, "But… Frederick, my father, those ones… make sure they steer clear for now." She glanced over at Luke, "I'd rather not have more infighting in our ranks."
Dooku nodded, "Smart decision." He gave Say'ri a small bow then disappeared back up the stairs.
Once he left the hold, Brady frowned at Lucina.
"So, how did you-"
"Don't change the subject." Brady wagged his staff at her, "How many times have I told you not to recklessly throw yourself in danger. If for no other reason, than it pisses me off to have to heal you for stupid reasons." He motioned at her stump, "Hell, I can't even heal that crap." With a trembling hand, he brought his flask to his lips and took a long drink, "Not unless you have the other half?"
Lucina cringed again.
"You didn't even bother to-"
"It was a battlefield, Brady." Lucina interrupted, "And we lost that battle, just so you know. We had to retreat. There was no time for someone to grab what remained of my arm." A Ylissean healer quietly walked down the stairs, gave the newcomers a curious look, then entered Basilio's quarters to check on Cordelia, "You understand that right?"
"What I understand is you tried to attack Maul. And, unsurprisingly, you lost." Brady uttered a weary sigh, "You are just lucky I was not there to scold you right away."
Lucina snorted, "You sound like your mother you know."
Brady drew back, "How dare you!"
Say'ri cleared her throat, "I believe that it might be best if I leave you all alone for now and-" She blinked, "Brady… I just realized something."
Brady sipped his flask, "Yeah?"
"Did you just leave my little brother alone with Priam?"
Brady quickly shook his head, "No." Say'ri eyed him, "I brought him with when I chased after Luke." Brady continued.
"You brought my brother onto a battlefield?" Say'ri growled. She clenched her fists, "Where is he now?"
"I um…" Brady scratched the back of his neck, "Well, there was a giant bunny keeping watch by one of the boats and-"
"You left my brother with a stranger!" Brady recoiled. Say'ri raised a finger, "If one hair on his head is harmed I will- I will-" Say'ri uttered a furious sound then stormed out of the ship to find her little brother.
Lucina glanced at Brady, "You were saying when it comes to stupid decisions."
Brady smacked his lips together, "How about we drop this topic and never bring it up again."
Lucina shook her head and marched past the stairs towards a few crates stacked against the hull. She let out a weary sigh as the exhaustion of the day hit her then slumped down onto one of the crates. She folded one leg over the other then ran a hand over her eyes. Struggling to keep herself awake.
Brady leaned back against the hull. Staff out in front of him. Both hands resting near the jewel on top. Cynthia bounced over and took a seat beside Lucina. Her bright smile still on her face. Luke cautiously followed all of them. He glanced over at Brady.
"Look, you can either be uncomfortable next to me or next to them." Brady snorted.
Luke shook his head and took a seat beside Brady. A long silence filled the air.
"So," Cynthia broke the silence. She popped her lips together, "How have you been, Luci?"
"How do you think she has been?" Brady muttered. He took a drink, "She just got done fighting a damn bloody battle. By the way, what the hell is up with that?"
Lucina uttered a heavy sigh as she hid her eyes with her hand.
"I'd like to know too." Luke nodded, "The battle was not supposed to be that bloody."
Lucina shook her head, "Do you really think I know? I'm just as lost as you two are about all of this."
The hatch to the deck opened and closed again. Luke folded his hands and rested his arms on his knees.
"Well," Luke sighed, "At least the Shepherds are intact."
He instantly noticed a change in Lucina's demeanor. Her skin lost most of its color. Her throat bobbed up and down as she swallowed hard. A nervous action to a statement that she did not want to hear. He reached out with what little force powers he still possessed. She instantly blocked him out.
"Don't try it." She growled.
"I'm trying to figure out why you are so-" Luke drew back, "The Shepherds are not intact, are they?"
Lucina swallowed hard again. She slowly shook her head. Cynthia's smile ran away from her face. Brady froze mid drink.
"Like… did they just break up?" Brady asked. His voice very quiet, "Are some back in Archanea?"
Lucina shivered and shook her head again.
"We've…." Lucina exhaled as she attempted to reel in her emotions, "We've lost four."
Brady's mouth fell open. Cynthia's hands flew to her mouth as horror filled her face. Luke leaned forward, brow furrowed.
"Who?"
"Is ma and pa alright!?" Brady blurted out.
"Mom and dad?" Cynthia gasped.
Lucina raised a hand. That hand dropped when they all fell silent. It kneaded her leg. A nervous tic.
"Ricken," She breathed. Cynthia paled, "Stahl," Brady's jaw tightened, "Gregor,"
Luke closed his eyes and uttered a heavy sigh. Other than Ricken, no parents had been killed.
"And Miriel."
Luke's eyes shot open, "Her as well?"
"Oh no, Laurent." Cynthia whimpered.
Brady bowed his head, "Naga really has abandoned us."
"She has not, Brady."
"Oh really?" Brady barked, "First she allows Grima to come back to life in our timeline. And then she does nothing as our families are wiped out before our eyes. Then, she finally acts, we are given hope by going back in time. Only now, everything has become worse. The Valm war started early. And four shepherds are dead. Two of them parents. And-" Brady smacked the end of his staff into the planks beneath him, "And damn it, Ricken did not even have Nah yet!"
"I know!" Lucina snapped, surprising all of them. She ran her hand over her face. Worry lines creased her forehead, "I know." She breathed, "But we cannot abandon hope. If we do, then we will lose. That is…" Lucina uttered a shaky breath, "That hope is the only reason we fight. It is the reason we have a chance. We cannot lose it now." Lucina eyed both Brady and Cynthia, "I will need both of you before this all set and done. Stay strong. We will win this fight."
Footsteps neared them. Luke blinked as he recognized a force presence approaching. A small smirk formed on his lips.
"So, you can take care of yourself."
Lucina snapped her gaze towards the stairs. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Noire?"
Cynthia smiled at her friend, "You made it!"
Noire nodded wearily. She trudged towards Brady and slumped down on the other side of him. Brady offered her his flask. Something that she declined.
"One day." Brady muttered, "I will get you drunk."
"Keep dreaming." Noire breathed, exhausted, "Luci how-" Her eyes widened, "Where is your arm."
"She did a dumb." Brady summarized.
"I did not-" Lucina groaned, "I did what I had to in order to save Ben from Maul." Noire paled, "And it did not go very well for me. But in the end, I succeeded in what I aimed to do." Lucina sucked in a deep breath. She leaned back against the hull. Resting her head against the softest wooden plank she could find. All her muscles started to grow stiff, "Noire, how did you manage to find us?"
Noire yawned, "I followed the old man."
"Why didn't you join us if you were following us?" Luke asked.
"Because I did not like the feeling I got from the old man." Noire answered, "It felt too cold."
"That is just how Dooku is." Lucina explained, "He is a very powerful dark side user. Do not cross him."
Cynthia snorted, "Too late, right Luke."
Lucina arched an eyebrow, "Luke?" She glanced across to Luke, "Why is everyone calling you Luke?"
"Cover name since my younger self is a Prince." Luke replied, "Plus… it separates me from that innocent kid. I think it makes both Say'ri and Yen'fay a little more comfortable that way."
"I don't think Yen'fay would care." Cynthia shrugged.
"He probably doesn't." Brady nodded.
"I wouldn't." Noire grumbled.
The hatch opened and closed with a loud click. Two healers marched down the steps, paused on the landing, then marched down to the bottom deck to retrieve supplies. Just behind them, Severa, Owain, and Laurent appeared.
Laurent looked terrible. He did not have his large hat on his head. His short blonde hair was a mess. Heavy bags sat under his raw eyes. Some dry tear stains ran down his face. He shuffled over to the others. Not even bothering to give Luke a wary look. He did give Cynthia a small nod of his head before sinking to the ground between both Noire and Brady.
Brady tapped Laurent's shoulder with his flask. Laurent glanced up at it, reached, and took it. He gulped a large amount of sake, not even flinching as the liquor ran down his throat. Brady patted his shoulder.
"There ya go."
Severa took a seat beside Lucina. She folded her arms. An irritated expression on her face.
"Did he cheer you up?" Lucina asked her.
"He called me Venator." She growled.
"And behold! You are no longer sad!" Owain waved his hands dramatically. A broad smile covered his face. A smile that only grew wider when he saw the blonde haired young man sitting beside Brady, "Is this who I think it is!? Our prodigal son! The fourth member of the Great Justice Cabal has returned to those who hold him dear!"
"Be careful of him, he's evil now." Brady snorted.
"Even better!" Brady's jaw fell open as Owain spoke, "For now, he shall be the darkness to my light. The villain to my hero. The ying to my yang. The rice to my soy sauce."
"He really is an idiot." Severa deadpanned.
Owain threw his arms around a very surprised Luke.
"I am happy you have come back to us, old friend."
Luke hesitated then returned the hug. A small smile crossed his lips.
"Thanks, Owain."
Owain patted Luke's back then drew back, "Now, my friends, my family," He stood in the middle of the group, hands on his hips, "do not be so dour. We may have lost brave companions. Brothers and sisters in arms that we will now mourn, and forever hold dear to our hearts. But we shall emerge from this stronger than before." Owain beat a fist against his chest, "The enemy will not be able to stand against the courage in our hearts and the strength of our bonds. We shall be victorious in the end."
"Ever the optimist." Severa muttered, "Laurent, pass the booze."
Laurent tossed the flask to the red head. Severa opened it and took a long swig. She cringed.
"Sake? Really?" She passed the flask over to Lucina, who promptly passed it to Cynthia.
"Hey, Chon'sin doesn't have firewine." Brady replied, "Wait." He blinked, "I'm on a Feroxi ship."
He tried to get up but Luke grasped his shoulder and pulled him back down to his seat.
"Later."
"Do not get between me and my drink." Brady growled.
"Try me." Luke snarled back.
Brady looked Luke up and down, "I shall wait."
"Thought so."
Lucina rolled her eyes. At least Brady did not trust Luke fully. And judging by Noire's dark glances in Luke's direction, she did not trust him either. She glanced over at Cynthia, who was taking a massive drink of sake.
"Cynthia!" Lucina snatched the flask from her lips.
"What?" Cynthia sputtered. She gulped down the liquid still in her mouth, "It's good."
Lucina shook her head and tossed the flask to Luke. Luke took a quick sip and gave it back to Brady. Brady shook it and frowned.
"Greedy bastards." He muttered, he handed the flask to Laurent, "Here, you have the rest. I'm sure you need it."
"Thanks." Laurent whispered back.
Owain spun around, glancing at everyone, "Hark! I see we are still missing friendly faces."
Lucina nodded, "Yes, we are." She looked over at Noire, "Have you and Brady met up with anyone else?"
Noire shook her head, "The first people I ran into were Luke and Cynthia." Noire scratched at an itch on her brow, "After that it was Brady. From there, we all moved into the royal palace in Koto."
"Chon'sin right?" Severa asked.
Noire nodded, "Yeah." Noire gave Lucina and Severa a worried look, "You haven't come across anyone else."
Lucina shook her head, "Myself, Severa, Owain, and Laurent have been with the Shepherds most of the time we have been in the past."
"Me and dunderhead found them recently." Severa huffed as she folded her arms over her head.
"Venator is correct." Owain declared.
"I am going to break my fist on his jaw." Severa seethed.
"That means we still have many who are unaccounted for." Noire breathed, a hint of anxiety in her voice. She reached up and brushed her fingers along her talisman.
"Yes." Lucina nodded, "As far as I know, Inigo, Gerome, Morgan, Nah, Yarne, Kjelle, and Sa'kura are missing."
"Ah, ah." Brady raised a finger, "Sakura. You know she hates the Chon'sin pronunciation."
Lucina gave him a confused look, "But it's her name."
"Anyways," Noire piped up again, "No leads on them?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"I'm sure they'll turn up eventually." Luke said, "I mean, we could always check the nearest brothel for Inigo. He'd likely be in an empty room."
Laurent choked on the sake. Brady threw his head back and uttered a loud laugh. Laurent started to snicker a little bit.
"You would not be wrong either." Laurent muttered as the alcohol took effect. Turning his cheeks red and causing him to relax a little more.
Noire gave Luke a withering look, "Let's not do that."
"Agreed." Lucina nodded, "Right now, we need to focus on the mission at hand. Our parents are at war with Valm. It has happened early, which we could not anticipate."
"And it is deadlier." Luke grimaced, "Which means for some reason, the Valmese are much more competent than before."
Cynthia raised a hand, "Question. Do you think that Deadlord had something to do with that?"
Lucina jumped upright in her seat, "Deadlord!?"
"Where?" Severa snarled.
"Hol'up." Brady waved a hand, motioning for everyone to simmer down, "The hell are you talking about, Cynthia?"
"There was a Deadlord on the battlefield." Noire answered for her, "He fought both the old man and my father."
Lucina's eyes widened, "If he warranted both Dooku and Ben's attention then he is certainly a threat." She rubbed her chin, "But I cannot bring myself to believe he commanded the enemy forces. Why would the Valmese side with the Risen? It doesn't make any sense."
"I have a feeling that there is something else at play in all of this." Luke said, "Something none of us can sense just yet." He eyed Lucina and Noire, "All three of us know there is darkness hovering all around us. But it manages to keep its origins hidden. Its intentions unknown. And with how sharply everything in the timeline has deviated, we cannot discount anything anymore."
Lucina was loath to admit Luke was correct. But he was right. The deviations in the timeline meant nothing was certain anymore. That included the major powers at play in the world. For all Lucina knew, Valm made a pact with Grima and his followers in order to more easily defeat the Archaneans. A shiver ran up Lucina's spine at the thought.
"We'll have to be extra careful." Lucina breathed, "All of us."
Everyone nodded around her. Noire uttered another small yawn.
"Alright, so," She looked at Lucina, "You've been around the parents for how long now?"
Lucina shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "Three years now."
Brady nodded, impressed, "And you've managed to keep everything a secret for that long. I would raise my flask to you but the nerd has it."
"I am not a nerd. I am a scientist." Laurent slurred.
Lucina's eyes flicked back and forth. Luke furrowed his brow as she hesitated to reply. A pit formed in his stomach.
"Oh Naga, Luci did you really-"
"I had a Cynthia moment, okay." Lucina replied defensively.
"Hey!" Cynthia cried.
Brady went slack jawed. Noire reached for talisman and wrapped a hand around it. A knot formed in her throat.
"They know?" Noire whispered.
Lucina nodded, "I slipped up with both Ben and my father. At that point, the secret got out." A shaky breath left Lucina's lips, "They know that I am from the future. They will know all of you are from the future as well. It is up to you if you want to extend the relationships any further than that."
"So they don't know who belongs to who then?" Cynthia asked.
"We don't belong to anyone." Severa replied with a role of her eyes.
"You know what she meant, Sev." Brady grunted. A hint of nervousness flashed in his eyes, "Oh Naga, that means Ma might know who I am." A loud laugh left Luke's lips, "Shut up!" Brady cried. Beside him, Noire snickered as more confidence formed inside of her thanks to her talisman, "And quit with the creepy dark mage laugh."
"Can't help it." Noire snickered, "When Lady Maribelle sees how you are she's going to have a fit."
Brady shrank in his seat, "Yeah, don't remind me."
"This is most grand news!" Owain declared, "I can claim my parentage to both father and mother. Relationships shall be renewed! And we will be stronger for it!" An excited gleam entered his eyes, "I can duel my father as a man now."
Severa snorted, "A man. Now that's funny." A yawn escaped her lips. She smacked her lips together and blinked as sleep attacked her, "This has been nice and all, but I'm tired."
"Really?" Cynthia chirped, "I'm wide awake."
"They've just gotten through with a battle, airhead." Brady sighed, "And we've kept them up for too long." He nodded at Lucina, "Where do you want us to stay given his situation?" He nodded his head at Luke.
Lucina frowned as she thought for a moment, "Remain here. Basilio won't stay in his quarters because Sev's mom is in there."
Cynthia blinked, "Why is Auntie Cordelia in another man's room?"
"Injuries Cynthia." Brady groaned, "Get your mind out of the gutter."
"Oh!" Cynthia gave Severa a sheepish look, "Sorry."
"I expect it from you at this point." Severa rose to her feet, "Luci, I'm staying with my mom tonight."
"I don't blame you." Lucina nodded, "Rest well." Severa walked away towards Basilio's quarters, "Laurent? Are you ready as well?"
Laurent gave her a small nod, "My father needs me now."
"And you need a rest." Lucina stressed, "Come on." Lucina got to her feet, "I'll walk with you. Are you coming Owain?"
"I shall stay and keep Venator as well as our newfound companions company!"
Lucina shrugged, "Sounds good." She and Laurent started up the steps. As they walked, Lucina heard something that made her stop in her tracks, spin around, and charge back down the stairs.
"So, Luke," Cynthia said, "Wanna go find a spot to sleep with me?"
Today was nothing short of a disaster. Ben uttered a heavy sigh as he lay in his hammock. Eyes staring up at the hammock above him, where Tharja lay. The Dark Mage equally as despondent as him.
Sure, they were victorious in battle. The Valmese retreated en masse from Charlet. They gained a foothold on the continent and could not surge out of the city. But if every battle was going to be as devastating as this one, how far could they move inland? How many hits could the Shepherds take before crumbling and declaring enough? Ricken's death was still a raw wound for many of them. That wound grew wider with the deaths of Stahl, Gregor, and Miriel.
Ben turned his head. Three empty hammocks hung where the Shepherds slept. Vaike was curled up in Miriel's hammock. The large warrior finally fell asleep only a few moments ago. But he did not snore happily. His dreams likely fitful nightmares of battlefield horrors. Laurent left with Severa not long ago. Something about Lucina wanting to speak to him. Laurent reluctantly left his father.
Hopefully Lucina will try to comfort him. Ben thought as he tossed over in his hammock once again.
Most of the Shepherds collapsed from exhaustion as soon as the battle ended. Many dragged themselves to their ship and slumped into the hammocks. Both physically and emotionally weary. Despite their victory, there was no revelry. No liquor was poured. No food cooked. Just silence and sleep. The day's events weighing heavily on everyone involved.
Ben knew Chrom was still awake. He was likely still meeting with the Khans over how best to proceed. Sumia tried to get him to rest, but he refused. Lissa and Maribelle were both with Libra on the beach. All three worked in the hastily set up medical tents on the sand. Doing everything in their power to save wounded soldiers. And while they all worked, Ben dragged himself to his hammock and attempted to fall asleep.
But sleep would not come. Anxiety kept him tossing and turning. Worry clenched his thoughts with an iron fist.
Grievous commanded the battle for the Valmese. No wonder their defense was so stout. Ben did not hold the former droid general in high regard. He had more cowardly than courageous tendencies. But he did not doubt cyborg's capabilities as a battlefield commander. There was a reason Dooku trusted a large portion of the Seperatist war effort to him. When not consumed by his self preservation instincts, Grievous could be an extremely dangerous opponent. Many dead jedi attested to that.
And somehow, Grievous seemed stronger now than when Ben faced him before. It took the combined strength of himself and Dooku to drive the General back. Even then, he managed to maim Dooku. Luckily, Dooku's new body seemed quite impervious to permanent harm. But the fact Grievous managed to land a blow at all likely stunned the Count. It certainly shocked Ben. Something coursed through Grievous's new body. A power that already bolstered his dangerous abilities. But he could not place where it came from, or who put it there.
A long sigh left Ben's lips. He reached up and rubbed his eyes. How could he feel so tired yet unable to fall asleep?
"Ben?" Tharja muttered sleepily. She rolled over in her hammock and looked down at him, "Can't sleep either?"
Ben let out a small laugh, "I don't think you are having the same problem."
"Magical exhaustion tends to do this." Tharja muttered, "This is not going to be a nice, natural sleep. It'll hurt in the morning."
"Like a bad hangover?" Ben asked.
Tharja nodded slightly.
"Do you want to go see Libra about it? I'm sure he could give you a vulnary or something to help."
Tharja thought for a moment. Again, she nodded.
Good. Ben thought.
Tharja needed someone to check up on her. She pushed herself way too hard in battle. Especially recently. Magical exhaustion, from what Ben researched, could be extremely dangerous for a mage. Life threatening even. And Tharja consistently edged close to that line whenever engaging in battle.
So, he wanted to make sure she was okay. This also gave him an excuse to go to the medical tents. Robin did not come with the Shepherds to their hammocks after the battle. He remained on the beach. And Ben had a feeling he would find Robin doing something to distract himself from the horrors of the day. Horrors that affected him much more acutely than others.
He and Tharja slipped out of their hammocks then tiptoed their way up to the top deck. Even this late into the evening, the harbor buzzed with activity. Lanterns lit up the decks on every Plegian ship. Skeleton crews roamed the top decks. Repairing any damage the ships received in the battle. Feroxi soldiers stood guard on each ship.
Ben gave the guards near the gangplank a small nod. They saluted him and let him pass. Ben and Tharja quickly strode down the gangplank and onto the docks.
The docks were choked with supplies offloaded from the ships. Medical supplies were rushed to the tents on the beach. Smithing tools were carried towards open areas on the main market street, where more tents were erected. Some were command tents for the individual army companies. Others were tents meant to keep the army functioning. Mess tents for hungry soldiers. Supply tents for rations and field equipment. Two smithing tents were set up. Ylissean and Feroxi smiths were already working hard to repair damaged armor and weapons. Both Ben and Tharja weaved their way through the crowded street down to the beach.
They went for the largest medical tent. When they entered Ben felt pain flicker through the force. Wounded and dying men lay in cots lining the tent walls. Healers moved between each cot. Their staves glowed a bright green as they tried to repair wounds and soothe pain. At the end of the tent, a fountain of blood burst from one wounded man.
"Robin!" Libra shouted, "Help me here!"
Robin jumped away from a different cot. He grabbed a white sheet from a rack and pressed it against the open wound. Libra grit his teeth as he uncorked a vulnary.
"Open it."
Robin grimaced and pulled the rag away. Libra dumped the vulnary onto the wound.
"Pressure."
Robin pressed the sheet onto the wound again. The wounded soldier let out a cry. Libra's staff glowed as he hastily tried to stop the bleeding. Ben and Tharja slowly approached as the man's cries grew quieter. Until finally, he fell silent. Libra's staff flickered. The glow faded away. He gave Robin a shake of his head.
Robin uttered a frustrated snarl before he pushed himself away from the dead man's cot. He spun around and noticed both Ben and Tharja. A mixture of emotions flooded his face. Fear, anger, worry, then relief.
He uttered a heavy sigh and moved towards a water basin filled with bloody water. Robin dipped his blood soaked hands in and tried to scrub the grime from his fingertips.
"You two should be sleeping." He muttered. He rolled the sleeves up to his coat and scrubbed at his forearms.
Ben sighed, "So should you."
Robin shook his head, "Can't." He flicked bloody droplets from his fingertips then wiped his hands on a clean towel, "I need to distract myself. If I don't distract myself then I think about it. And if I think about it-" He paused, "I might go crazy."
Ben nodded, "Do you have at least a minute to talk?"
Robin hesitated. His eyes glazed over as he relived the last few dreadful minutes of the battle. He gulped and gave Ben a small nod.
"Libra, I'm stepping out for a moment." Robin called.
"Very well." Libra replied, "I appreciate your help so far Robin."
Guilt flashed over Robin's face. He did not reply. Instead, he spun on his heel and marched towards the exit with Ben and Tharja in tow.
The cool night air was stark contrast to the heat inside of the medical tent. Cleanup was still underway on the beach. Feroxi soldiers finished gathering the bodies earlier in the evening. Now soldiers combed the ground for salvageable weapons, armor, and equipment. A few soldiers sat on crates near the medical tent. Pipes in their mouths and smoke slipping from their lips. Robin felt tempted to join them, but instead, he walked past toward the sea wall.
He paused at the wall and glanced up it.
"I can still see it Ben." Robin swallowed hard. He glanced back at the Jedi Master and the quiet Dark Mage, "What is wrong with me?"
Ben pursed his lips, "I am not entirely sure myself."
That did not reassure Robin. The tactician uttered a heavy sigh, one hand raked through the back of his head.
"You sure you can't scry me, Tharja? Maybe you'll find something?"
Tharja shook her head, "I tried immediately after, remember? Something is in there, and it did not like me sniffing around."
Ben gave Tharja a surprised look, "What did you detect?"
Tharja shrugged her shoulders, "Honestly, I'm not sure. It's dark, that much I can say for certain."
Ben furrowed his brow.
"Ben," Robin leaned back against the sea wall. He hung his head, "I'm at a loss now." He glanced up at the Jedi Master, "I-I can't even trust myself on the battlefield. I can't trust my own mind anymore. How can I be the army's tactician like this?"
Ben closed his eyes. Robin had a point. If his mind was under as insidious of an assault as he and Tharja suspected, then Robin had no business leading the Shepherds into battle.
"You can't." Ben admitted. Robin swallowed hard and cast his eyes to his feet, "Not until we figure out what is going on."
"Do you think we can?" Robin muttered, "Before it strike again? Or… or before one of the Shepherds decides I'm-"
"Don't even go there." Ben warned.
"If anyone makes a move at you they will feel my wrath." Tharja snarled.
"They'd be justified." Robin breathed, "I killed one of our own."
"You weren't of sound mind." Ben argued back.
"Does it matter?" Robin countered, "I still did it. I still gave in to that power and let it control me. I still killed Miriel." A shaky breath left Robin's lips, "Naga… I still killed her."
Ben placed a hand on Robin's shoulder, "Robin look at me."
Robin gulped. He raised his gaze.
"We will figure this out." Ben reassured him, "You have my word on that."
Robin nodded. He exhaled, tension leaving his shoulders.
"Thanks Ben, Tharja." He muttered. Ben's hand slipped from his shoulder. Robin wiped at his eyes with the sleeve of his coat, "Ben?"
"Yes?"
"I think we need to cancel any training until this is solved." Ben frowned as Robin spoke, "I have a feeling this problem will only grow the more powerful I become in the force."
"You need control Robin. Pausing your training will not give you that." Ben argued back, "And… Dooku and I discussed this very topic after the naval battle. We both came to an agreement. He is going to take over your training."
Robin's eyes widened, "I-um-what? But… he's a Sith. I would think that is the last thing I need at the moment."
"No, he is exactly what you need." Ben said with great reluctance, "Dooku will not train you as a Sith. He will train you in the light still. He was a Jedi for decades before falling. There is much knowledge he can give you. Including knowledge on how to deal with this power inside of you."
"How so?" Robin asked, some eagerness filling his voice.
Ben folded his arms, "There was a Jedi Master in the order who also had a darkness in him. Instead of letting that darkness control him, he invented a style of combat and a state of mind that allowed him to channel his darkness. Allowed him to use it without it corrupting or controlling him. His name was Master Windu. Dooku sparred with him frequently. He even managed to pick up bits and pieces of his philosophy in the process." Robin appeared stunned, "You won't get the full instruction, unfortunately. Even Dooku does not know the intricate mysteries of Vaapad to their fullest extent. But he can help you build a foundation."
Robin's mouth fell open. A way for him to channel the darkness? Was that really possible? He thought he was already channeling it whenever he lost control? Was this just a new way for him to grow stronger while also not falling to the darknesses poisonous sway? Uncertainty filled him. But also, excitement. There was a chance he could correct all of this. He would never be able to atone for Miriel's death. But he could at least try to be better. And this new philosophy, Vaapad, gave him that chance.
He nodded, "Dooku agreed to this?"
"He suggested it." Ben replied, "And, of course, myself and Tharja will be here if you need us Robin."
Some tears filled Robin's eyes. He sniffed and wiped at his eyes again.
"I don't deserve friends like you."
"Nonsense." Tharja replied. She walked up and embraced Robin, "Say something like that again, and I will hex you."
A small laugh left Robin's lips. He nodded and ended his embrace with Tharja.
"I'm… um…" Robin took a breath as he tried to reel in his emotions, "I'm going to go help Libra some more."
"Make sure you get some rest at some point. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day." Ben reminded him.
"I will." Robin nodded. He started walking back to the medical tent, paused, and turned back to Ben, "Ben! Thank you."
Ben nodded, "Your welcome, Robin."
Robin marched for the tent. When he disappeared back into the medical tent, Ben let out a sigh. He rubbed his forehead.
"Hopefully this doesn't spectacularly backfire."
Tharja smiled at him. She leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek, "It won't."
Ben smiled back at her. Their hands intertwined. It was time for both of them to rest. The pair made their way back towards the docks. Several Feroxi and Ylissean soldiers smiled and nodded to them as they passed. They smiled back. Despite the devastating losses, it appeared most of the soldiers were still in decent spirits. Khan Flavia's and Basilio's charge into the main city likely helped morale. Their attack had been devastating. Breaking the Valmese defense and forcing any enemy soldiers to flee.
Ben and Tharja stepped back onto the docks. As they walked past Basilio's warship, they noticed something rather curious.
Panne stood near the warship. And a young, blond boy was in her grip. She held him up in the air by his ankle. An annoyed and perplexed look on her face.
"Why do you have long ears?" The boy asked, "Are they fake? Do you eat carrots? Are you part bunny?"
Panne did not answer his questions.
"How come you are so hairy? Do you shave? My brother Yen'fay shaves. He let me use shaving cream once. It felt funny. Have you met him before? I know you met Say Say."
Ben's eyes widened. Tharja sucked in a sharp breath.
"What is he doing here?" Tharja asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Ben gulped.
The pair quickly moved towards Panne.
"Did you know Rosanne speaks a different language?" The little boy continued. Panne grit her teeth. One eye twitched as she struggled to contain her annoyance, "Do you speak a different language? Is that why you aren't talking? Do you speak rabbit?"
"I. Am. Not. A. Rabbit." Panne growled before setting the boy down on the dock.
The boy cocked an eyebrow, "But you look like one."
"Panne!"
Panne snapped her gaze over to both Ben and Tharja. A relieved sound left Panne's lips.
"Thank Naga." Panne picked up the boy and shoved him at Tharja, "Take him, before my migraine gets worse."
"Why are you only wearing underwear?" He asked Tharja.
Tharja backed up a little bit, "I am not prepared for this." She muttered to Ben.
"Panne, what is going on?" Ben asked, "How is he-"
"I don't know who this small child is? All I know is that his sister is someone named Say'ri, an important person because she left him with me and went to speak with the Prince." She sniffed, "He was originally left here by some random priest, who was following Dooku towards Basilio's ship. And since then, I have been getting badgered with inane questions all night."
"What does inane mean?" The boy asked.
"You're inane!" Panne snapped.
"Calm down, Panne." Ben took the boy from her hands, "We'll take it from here."
"We will?" Tharja blinked.
"Thank you, Ben." Panne let out a relieved breath, "I could not take much more." She quickly scampered away. Back towards the Shepherds warship.
Both Tharja and Ben watched her rush off. Tharja glared at Ben.
"So, he's here."
"He is, and now we can't leave this spot because Say'ri will come back for him." Ben concluded.
A frustrated breath left Tharja's lips, "We aren't getting any rest tonight, are we?"
Ben uttered a slight chuckle, "Apparently not."
"Who are you?" Prince Kage asked Ben suddenly. Ben blinked, "Why do you not shave? Do you like being hairy?"
Tharja snickered as Ben set the prince down.
"My name is Ben." He told the little Prince, "I am a friend of your sister."
"You are?" Kage gave Ben a puzzled look, "How come she never talks about you? Are you actually a stranger trying to kidnap me?" Ben paled. Tharja covered her mouth as she stifled a laugh, "I've had that happen to me before. They didn't get far. Sir Luke and Lady Cynthia helped save me. They're on the boat right now."
Footsteps marched down the gangplank before Ben could register what Kage said. Ben glanced up. Lucina and Laurent moved down the gangplank. Both froze halfway down. Lucina's eyes bugged from her skull as she saw Ben standing with Prince Kage. Tharja narrowed her eyes at both Lucina and Laurent. Already suspicious of their activities.
Lucina gulped.
"M-master I-" She stammered as Ben frowned at her, "I can explain."
"We had coitus." Laurent lied drunkenly.
Lucina's cheeks burned. "N-no! No we did not!"
Tharja inclined her chin, "Laurent's drunk. I believe Lucina." Her frown deepened, "So that begs the question, what is going on in Basilio's ship?"
"Shall we find out?" Ben smirked over at her. He picked Kage up and held him with his right arm. He and Tharja marched up the gangplank.
"Uh! Well you see, there is er-" Lucina stepped aside as Ben and Tharja marched past her.
"It seems my lie failed to convince them." Laurent muttered.
"Obviously." Lucina muttered. She turned and chased after Ben.
She caught up to them as Tharja threw open the doors that led below deck.
"Ben! Tharja! Wait it may come as a surprise but I need you to slow down and-"
Ben bumped into someone at the bottom of the stairs. That someone jumped back with an alarmed sound. One hand rubbed her forehead after it collided with Ben's chest.
"S-sorry." A brown haired girl muttered, "I did not… mean… to.."
Ben eyed the girl. Tharja looked at her suspiciously. She was not a part of their invading force. The girl did not wear Feroxi armor. She did not wear Ylissean colors. Instead, she wore a forest green outfit. A large, black bow was slung over her shoulder. A quiver was strapped to her back.
It took Ben a moment, but he recognized her.
"Well, hello there." Ben smiled. The girl's face paled, "I suppose I should thank you for shooting Grievous in the eye."
The girl turned on her heel and sprinted away. Ben felt confused.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Noire!" Lucina hollered, "Damn it." Lucina stepped down the last step. She exhaled, "Noire meet Ben, Ben meet Noire. She's a bit shy."
"Aha!" Ben and Tharja whipped their gazes over to a stack of crates behind the stairs. Owain waved his hands over at them, "Two of the Shepherds' finest have arrived! Come one and all, let us greet them!"
"You already did that, dumbass." A rough looking young man in priest robes muttered. He reached for a bottle of firewine and brought it to his lips. After taking a long sip, he set the bottle down, "And you and I are the only ones here to say hi to them."
"Then we must wake our comrades, Luke and Cynthia! The Justice Cabal shall give proper introductions to great Master Kenobi and Lady Tharja!"
"Are Luke and Cynthia singing again?" Prince Kage blurted out.
"Singing?" Owain wondered out loud.
"Ah shit, kid what did I tell you about talking about that?" The priest grumbled. He rose to his feet and motioned at Ben, "Here I'll take the brat."
"I'm not very inclined to give him to you." Ben replied with no small amount of worry.
"Brady just sit back down." Lucina sighed.
Brady grumbled under his breath. He sat back down in his spot and grabbed the bottle once again.
Lucina took a deep breath.
"Before you get too suspicious, they are with me." Lucina told both Ben and Tharja.
"They're from the future as well?" Tharja asked.
Lucina nodded, "Noire and Brady both are." She blinked, "Brady!"
"What!?" Brady snapped back.
"Go grab Noire."
Brady paled, "Are you sure that is a good idea?"
"Just do it." Lucina sighed, "I'd rather not fight about this."
"Shall I grab Cynthia and Luke?" Owain asked, "And Venator?"
"Leave Sev alone with her mom." Lucina replied, "And if you want to grab Cynthia and Luke go ahead." Lucina's frown deepened, "Those two shouldn't be alone together anyways."
Ben's gaze followed Lucina as the clearly tired woman took a seat on a crate. She rested her head in her hand and uttered a long, weary sigh. Ben pressed his lips into a thin line as he set Kage down.
"Stay close alright." Ben told the boy.
"Okay." Kage nodded.
Ben smiled back. He patted the boy's head then moved to sit beside Lucina. Tharja gave a wary glance to her surroundings then took a seat beside him. Her eyes darted over to Kage as the boy sat down on the floor. Her gaze then shot over to the hammocks. The other children from the future marched over. Cynthia's hair appeared to be a bit of a mess. Luke's cheeks were beat red. And Owain had an awkward look on his face.
Cynthia saw Ben. An enormous grin broke out across her face. She surged towards him and wrapped the Jedi Master in a hug.
"Uncle Ben!" She cried. She broke away and wrapped her arms around a very surprised Tharja, "Auntie Tharja! I can call you both that now because you know about Luci!"
Tharja's flicked her eyes to Ben, "Get this child off of me." She hissed.
Cynthia uttered a nervous laugh and quickly backed away from Tharja, "Sorry. I forgot you both aren't really the touchy feely kind of people."
She looked over at Luke and Noire. Both lingered further away than the others. Brady moved past them and retook his seat.
"Noire, Luke," She waved at both of them, "Come say hi to them already!" Cynthia beamed, "You both are going to love Noire!"
Tharja arched an eyebrow as the archer meekly followed behind Luke. Luke appeared nervous, rightfully so. While Ben did not hold any hostility towards him, Tharja still remained suspicious of him. He knew she could hex him into oblivion. So he treaded lightly around her for that reason.
Noire on the other hand seemed to be anxious for a completely unknown reason. Perhaps she was just a fearful girl. In which case, Tharja already did not like her very much. Noire's eyes darted to everyone except at Ben and Tharja.
Ben put up a friendly appearance than Tharja. The Jedi Master nodded at both future children.
"It is good to see you again, Luke." Ben said, "And it is a pleasure to meet you Noire. Again, thank you for shooting Grievous. That helped out in our battle immensely."
Noire gulped. She muttered something under her breath. Tharja rolled her eyes.
"Speak up, damn it!" Tharja snapped.
"Your welcome!" Noire cried.
Brady chuckled to himself as he brought his bottle to his lips again, "So, you're parents that figured it all out first." He raised the bottle, "Here's to you two. Clearly smarter than the rest."
"Brady, just shut up. You're drunk." Lucina sighed, "And Cynthia, you better not have been doing what I think you were."
Cynthia gave Lucina a nervous look, "We um- we-"
"She enjoyed every second of it." Luke said smugly, causing Brady to spit out some alcohol.
"Do you have a deathwish?" Brady asked Luke.
"Everyone calm down." Ben said. He glanced at Lucina, "Is this all of your friends from the future?"
Lucina shook her head, "Some are still missing. We don't know where they are. But this is a large group of us." She nodded her head at Brady and Noire, "They've been with Luke, Say'ri, and Cynthia for the past year now."
Brady raised his bottle, "It is good to see you both again. Firewine?"
Ben exhaled, "You know what, sure."
Brady grinned, "Damn, you never would have said yes before."
He tossed the bottle over to Ben, who deftly caught it and took a sip. He then smiled over at Tharja and offered it to her. Tharja shook her head and laughed a little bit. She took a sip as well.
Noire stared at both of them, slack jawed.
Ben took another sip then tossed the bottle back to Brady. Brady smiled and nudged Noire's shoulder with the bottle.
"Do you want-"
Noire sntached the bottle and took several long gulps of Firewine. Brady's mouth fell open in shock. Then a laugh rumbled out of his chest.
"About damn time." He chuckled.
Noire gasped when she pulled the bottle from her lips. She shakily handed it back to Brady then pulled her knees close to her chest. Her blue eyes remained glued on the smile on Tharja's lips and Ben's hand wrapped around Tharja's.
"So, Lucina," Ben glanced at her, "How do you plan on introducing them to Chrom?"
Lucina gulped, "I have no idea. I'm hoping you can help with that. Especially given Luke's situation."
"Ah yes. That bounty has gone up recently, according to Frederick." Ben nodded.
"Lovely." Luke sighed. Cynthia sat down beside him and rested her head on his shoulder, "If they try to kill me, I will fight back."
"It won't come to that." Ben reassured him, "I'll make certain of that. But you need to be on your best behavior. And you certainly need to make amends somehow."
Luke snorted, "I don't think I can."
"But you will at least try." Ben said firmly.
Luke rubbed his thighs. He gave Ben a slow nod, "Alright."
Ben nodded back. He returned his attention to Lucina.
"How are Laurent and Severa?"
Lucina closed her eyes, "Not good. We managed to distract them a little bit. But they won't recover from this for some time." Lucina worked her jaw back and forth, "They both already lost their parents once before. Now Laurent has lost his mother again. And Severa's mom is severely wounded. Honestly, I am amazed they are holding it together this well."
"They're both tough." Brady remarked, "In their own ways of course."
Lucina nodded, "No matter what, we will be ready for the next part of this campaign." She told Ben, "All of us are dedicated to assisting the Shepherds in whatever way we can!"
"My fell sword hand stands ready to deal death to the enemy!" Owain declared.
"Eh, I'll ax a few." Brady muttered then took a sip of alcohol.
Noire remained silent. She gulped and nodded. Her gaze still focused on her parents and their intertwined hands.
"Good, good." Ben breathed, "Well, Tharja, shall we?"
Tharja eyed Noire for a moment. Noire shrank beneath her penetrating stare.
"Tharja?" Ben asked again.
Tharja blinked, "Hm? Oh, yes." She rose to her feet with him.
"Rest, all of you." Ben told them all, "It will be a long day tomorrow."
"We will." Lucina nodded.
Ben smiled back at her. He gave all of them a small bow, then walked with Tharja out of the hull and back onto the deck. When they disappeared up the steps, Noire uttered a ragged sigh.
"They were holding hands." She breathed.
Brady nodded, "Sure did surprise me." He nudged Noire with his knee, "I'm surprised you didn't say anything."
"I'm not." Luke admitted.
"What could I say?" Noire replied, "Hey mom, dad, how are you? You guys are holding hands. That didn't really happen in the future. Oh, by the way, I'm your daughter." She tucked her knees closer to her chest, "I have a feeling that wouldn't go well."
"You're overthinking it." Brady remarked, "Besides, there is only one way to find out what they would think."
Noire gulped, "I don't know."
"Noire." Lucina leaned forward in her seat, "It is up to you if you want to tell them. But I will say, Ben and Tharja will figure it out on their own eventually. Perhaps it is best if you just do it now?" Noire paled, "They're different in this time Noire." Lucina continued, her voice reassuring, "And… and with how everything is going, there is no guarantees anymore."
A sober silence filled the space. Brady took a deep breath. He grunted and nudged Noire again.
"Go introduce yourself to your parents already!"
Noire surged to her feet and rushed up the stairs after them.
Noire burst out of the hull of the ship. When she reached the top deck, she froze. Her blue eyes landed on her parents as they slowly walked towards the gangplank. Her mother's head rested on her father's shoulder. Their hands intertwined still as they walked together.
It felt so strange to see them like this. She knew her parents cared about each other in the future, but they were never this close. Her father kept to himself. Remained very aloof. Did his best to take care of her and her mother. But the war came first. Her mother regarded Ben as a scientist regards an experiment. Something to pry information out of rather than a genuine romantic relationship. Whenever her parents were together in the same room, her mother would ask her father more questions about the force. And her father would never answer.
Noire gulped. Her hands shook. Her knees knocked together as fear twisted her gut around. She was tempted to just turn around. Disappear back below deck. This was a mistake. They did not need to know about her, right?
Lucina's words bounced through her mind. Nothing was guaranteed anymore. Her thoughts drifted to Laurent and Severa. Laurent would never be able to be with his mother again. She was dead in both timelines now. And Severa could only hope and pray that her mother pulled through. Severa did not even tell Cordelia about her true relationship with her yet. The amount of regret Noire would feel if she stood in Severa's shoes would be tremendous.
Noire took a deep breath and reached for her talisman. She closed her eyes. Memories of how her parents were in the future flooded her mind. Her heart ached. She could not lose this chance.
"B-Ben!" Her voice squeaked out.
Ben and Tharja stopped at the top of the gangplank. Ben glanced back at her. One eyebrow raised in mild confusion. He whispered something to Tharja. Noire's heart hammered in her chest as her mother nodded then continued down the gangplank.
One parent at a time then. Noire gulped as she shakily stepped towards Ben, I don't know if that is more or less nerve wracking.
She stood a few feet away from Ben. A soft wind drifted in from the harbor. Noire suppressed a shiver that came both from a slight chill and nervousness. Her fingers brushed her talisman again.
"Yes Noire?" Ben asked.
Noire closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Panic raced through her heart. How exactly was she supposed to do this? How did Lucina do it?
She had a Cynthia moment. Something I now don't have the luxury of pulling, kriff!
She let her hands fall to her sides. One hand brushed against the small pouch on her hip. The pouch that contained her lightsaber. Noire blinked.
"I-I-" Noire swallowed hard.
She unbuttoned the pouch and reached in, fingers wrapping around the cool metal hilt. She took one more deep breath. Failing to calm her nerves in the process. But she had gone too far now. This was happening. No going back.
She withdrew the lightsaber from the pouch. Her hand trembled as she held it out in front of her. Each breath she took came and went in rapid succession as she struggled to contain her nerves. No amount of magic from her talisman could keep her from feeling afraid now.
Ben eyed her warily for a moment. Then his eyes widened as he recognized the hilt in her hand. He gently raised his own hand and plucked it from her grip. Noire's arm fell. Her fingers buzzed. Her hands shook at her sides.
It feels a little difficult to breath all of a sudden.
Ben ran his fingers over the hilt. It appeared older than he remembered. Weathered and worn. A few shallow scars ran along the once fine metal finish. His fingers drifted over the black ridges that made up the center. Down to the sturdier pommel. Finally his thumb hovered over the activation button. He pointed the emitter up and pressed down. The sapphire blade burst to life, startling Noire. She took a step back and gulped.
Ben stared at the blade. Eyes wide as he studied the blue plasma. His gaze flicked past the blade to the trembling girl in front of him. The lightsaber deactivated.
Noire gulped and bowed her head. She wrung her hands in front of her. This was getting too much to bear. She needed to just go back below deck. Think of some excuse to leave.
Before she could, Ben spoke.
"Where did you get this?" He asked.
Noire gulped, "I-I-I-uh well you see-" Noire clenched her hands tight in front of her. Ben's gaze did not leave her, "L-Luke has one. Well it came from, Luke. But I got it because well-because-well-" She gulped and finished under her breath.
Ben arched an eyebrow, "What did you say?"
"It was my father's." Noire muttered a little louder.
It did not register for Ben at first. Noire said the weapon belonged to her father. Ben rolled the hilt over in his hands.
It sank in. Ben looked down. This was his blade, his lightsaber. He remembered building it after the Battle of Geonosis. Remembered retrieving the crystal he needed in order to finish its construction. He thought Luke had it. Remembered Luke using it to kill Maul. He never considered that another from the other timeline could be in existence.
He raised his gaze from the hilt to Noire. Noire kept her eyes down.
"I um… figured it should get back to its owner." Noire muttered.
Ben stared spellbound at the teenager in front of him. If the girl just came up to him and claimed to be his daughter, he would have had his doubts. He probably would have probed her mind to determine if she was lying or not. But she presented this weapon as proof. And it was all the proof he needed.
"I remember making this weapon." Ben breathed, "I made it after I lost my second lightsaber." He laughed a little bit as he held the hilt and both hands, "Stupid loss as well. I got captured by the enemy while I was spying on them."
He chuckled a little bit again. A slightly nervous laugh. But also one that brought forth mixed emotions. This girl in front of him, the nervous wreck, was his daughter from the future. Just as Lucina was Chrom's daughter. This girl was his.
"It… it has seen many battles." Ben continued, "Many tragedies and triumphs. Some of which I did not witness."
Noire quickly glanced up. Surprise filled her as Ben held the hilt back out to her.
"I think it belongs to you now."
Tears bubbled up in Noire's eyes. With a trembling hand, she reached out and grasped the hilt. A tear dripped down her cheek. Then another. Finally she surged forward.
Sobs wracked her frail form as Ben wrapped his arms around her. Ben held her close.
"It's okay." He whispered, "It's okay."
She clutched at him. Did not want to let him go. Her tears stained his shirt. And she did not care. And from the sounds of things, he did not either.
Ben smiled down at her then placed a small kiss on top of her head.
"I'm happy to finally meet you."
And Chapter! This chapter gave me some issues. It was actually kind of difficult to write out. But in the end, I think it turned out pretty well. We get a bunch of the future children interacting for the first time. We start to see how Robin is feeling about what happened in the battle. And, Noire and Ben finally meet. That was a fun part to write. We'll see where we go from here.
Anyways, let me know what you all this of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!