The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 99
Change in Mindset
Candlelight flickered in the Hierophant's chambers. Warm air drifted softly into the large space. The thin, purple curtains draped alongside the balcony doors shifted lazily in their spot. Caressed by the desert breeze. The heat provided him with comfort. A sense of belonging in a land he never truly considered home, and yet, was his home. This starved land birthed both the flesh of this body and one of the souls that inhabited his mind.
His glowing eyes roved over the words of the book he was reading. A small break from the missives and paperwork he had to deal with as head of the Grimleal. He just finished going over a report from Validar that informed him of the war effort against Valm. So far, all was going according to plan. And with that thought in mind, he curled up on the wicker sofa and decided to enjoy another silly novel. One that brought a pleased smile to his lips. The other two souls did not understand why the flesh enjoyed these simple works. Hell, the part of his mind that still belonged to the foolish boy known as Robin did not entirely know why he still enjoyed these silly novels.
Because they remind you of better times.
Flashes of the old days danced in his mind. The day he awoke to Chrom's outstretched hand. Meeting Ben Kenobi and the Shepherds for the first time. The many battles they all fought together, united as one. Strong because they relied not on one person, but on the strength of each other. An unbreakable bond forged between many different people. Forged in the fires of war with Plegia and Valm.
Bonds shattered by me.
More images, torturous images. Meeting Princess Lucina for the first time. Robin felt overjoyed holding the little princess in his arms upon meeting her. He could still remember the proud smile on Chrom's face. The look of both relief and joy on Sumia's face. He remembered Donnel and Maribelle's wedding and the chaos of it all. Maribelle insisted on making the barn as elegant as a palace. Needless to say, it went about as well as expected.
The Hierophant snorted at the memory. He turned the page and froze as another memory hit his mind. One that caused Robin to roar in his thoughts. Demand freedom.
Her.
A red dress. Bright emerald eyes sparkled in his mind like the gems they resembled. A stunning smile that, even now, made his heart skip several beats. A gentleness in her personality that hid stunning ferocity when pushed to her limit. Ancient wisdom combined with a young woman's creativity. Undeniable love, shared between himself and her.
And a little black haired girl, eager to learn magic. Her mother's eyes stared up at him with adoration and excitement as he knelt to give her his spell book.
He slammed the cover to the novel shut with a snarl. His glowing eyes stared down at the title.
Mad Tales of a Bloodthirsty Falcon Knight: Volume ten of thirty seven. He'd been reading these stupid adventures for several days now. One hand brushed over the front cover. His fingers ran over the red stitching in the leather. It felt so strange to hold a book in this good of condition. In the future, the one he created, they were so hard to come by. He had to settle for less than perfect copies. Damaged covers, missing pages, smudged ink, and illegible text were normal for books in the apocalyptic future he created.
If he remembered correctly, she enjoyed reading as well.
She would have thrown a fit if she saw how books were in the future.
Anger flashed hot in his mind.
STOP IT!
He threw the book with all of his might at the bookshelf. The heavy volume hit the wooden shelf with a hard thunk. The bookshelf shuddered. Several small ornaments along the shelves toppled over. A porcelain vase shattered against the tile floor. Two other books followed it to the ground. One book fell open. The one book he took with him when he returned to the past.
The Hierophant rose and walked over to the shelf. His booted feet crunched on shattered porcelain as he stared down at the open pages.
A picture. A small sketch made with charcoal of the two most important people in this body's previous life. A manakete sitting beside her beloved child, Robin's beloved child.
Trembling fingers reached down and picked the book up. The yellowed pages crunched beneath his gentle grip. He brought the book closer to his face. His burning eyes dulled as he stared at his daughter's face.
He had to wonder, did she make it? Did she follow Lucina into the past, like the rest of the children?
Of course she did. Robin thought in his mind, She never knew my fate. She did not know what I became. What you made me.
"I made you what you wanted to become. What you were destined to be."
The Hierophant's fingers froze as they drifted from his daughter's face towards his wife's. His eyes slowly moved up away from the page towards the shadows dancing against the wall. He saw his own shadow. Hooded and cloaked. And behind it, a winged creature. Long head and massive wings hovered over him like a dark cloud.
"Do you deny your destiny?"
A third figure emerged in the shadows. A slim, tall figure. Humanoid and hairless. Shorter than the beast, but taller than the body. The Hierophant could almost see the smug smirk on its lips.
"No." He breathed, as he closed the book. Hiding the faces of his old life once again.
"Your thoughts betray you."
"That little girl is a weakness. When she is found, that weakness must be uprooted."
Intense fury burst to life inside of the Hierophant as Robin snarled in his head. The Hierophant winced and pressed his fingers against his right temple.
Don't you dare touch her.
"I…" The Hierophant grit his teeth, "This body, still cares about her."
"I suppose that is only natural. You humans are oh so attached to your young."
"He is not human. He is an avatar of ours. His humanity is a shell. We are the core."
"Hm… if that were the case, he would not be longing for both of them right now, would he?" The second soul hummed, "Perhaps he would benefit from a nice little distraction?"
"Eating people."
"No! Not that. We do that enough already. And you will lose your taste for gorging yourself if you overdo it too soon. I meant a different distraction. I'm sure plenty Grimleal priestesses would be more than happy to oblige the highest Hierophant in the Order."
A sudden pang of guilt hit the Hierophant's heart.
"See? I told you. He is very attached."
"All the more reason to destroy them. The only way he can truly become us, is if there is none of him left."
"She is still my daughter." The Hierophant whispered to himself. He carefully replaced the worn book back on the bookshelf. His hand lingered against the cracked spine before it fell away, "That will never change."
"Death is change."
"Does she really have to die?"
The voices were silent a moment.
"What devious thing are you imagining? Because so far, I approve of the direction we are going."
"I do not."
"You only care about destruction, Grima." The Hierophant hissed, "And the Son cares only for power, no matter how it is obtained. But I… I wish to rule." He turned and looked out the open doors to the desert sands beyond the city, "This time won't be like the future. A wasteland is not pleasant to have dominion over. I found it quite dull actually. If I am to actually rule this world, and the people in it, I will need help. Who better to help than my own flesh and blood?"
"Assuming she will join us?"
"Assuming I don't kill her first."
"You won't kill her, and she will join us. After all," He called the book back to him with the force and cracked it open to the charcoal drawing. His eyes glowed like embers as he looked down at the drawing. That ache returned to his heart. And Robin stirred in his mind once again, "Morgan is my little girl."
"She is the avatar's child, not ours."
"I see your reasoning, but the problem will be, how do we do it? How do we find her? And how do we keep her dear, sweet mother from intervening?"
"We can just kill Naga's child."
"We can't. If pushed to the edge, Tiki will unleash. And we do not have anywhere near our full strength. That is a battle we will not win." The Hierophant sighed and tore his gaze away from the sketch.
"So we stick to the original plan then? Perform the ritual needed to gain our full power, and force any opposition to surrender or die."
"Hopefully they choose death."
"Yes." The Hierophant nodded, "This path will require patience. Or rather fortuitous luck."
"Or the right group of Deadlords to slaughter Naga's spawn."
"Led by… him."
The Hierophant's heart stopped beating a moment.
"You know if I summon him the endgame must happen." He reminded both souls, "And all of us are unsure of the level of control we hold over that one. He may have surrendered to our will voluntarily, but that has never happened to us before. Not with one as powerful as him. Who knows if he will follow our will. Or if he will follow his own will."
"True. A rogue deadlord of his caliber would make Equus pale in comparison. You're right, we must be patient."
"Unfortunately."
"Tiki will end up joining the Shepherds, we know this to be certain. Given how random events have been lately, I see that as a positive. We can still predict what is coming." He hummed to himself.
The other two were silent for a moment. The Hierophant relished the peace in his thoughts for the few seconds he had them.
"So how do we find sweet, little Morgan?"
The Hierophant furrowed his brow, "I'm not sure." He pressed his lips together and retreated into his thoughts, "I should be able to sense her by now." He muttered to himself. A slight shake of his head drew him back out of his mind, "She will show herself eventually. The Shepherds draw people like Morgan to them. Eventually, she will return to her friends. And when she does, that is when we will make our approach."
"If she joins the Shepherds, we run the risk of her running into this timeline's vessel. Then there is no way you gain her allegiance."
"And if that vessel dies, we will not obtain our full strength."
The Hierophant snarled, "I am aware!" He uttered a heavy sigh, "Just… leave me for now, both of you. I need to think."
The voices did not reply. They actually listened to him for once.
Thank Na- He caught himself before he could think that cursed name. A small snarl crossed his lips. One that faded when his eyes looked back down at the sketch of his old family.
If they did not join, they would die. And he already knew she would not join. But Morgan would. Morgan was smart that way. She would know how the events of the world would be written. And she would flow with the tide, not be swept away by it.
He glanced to the beautiful woman sketched beside his daughter. Part of him filled with hatred, but part of him also burned with love. He closed his eyes. To his shock, the Hierophant felt small tear drip down his cheek.
Weakness.
With a furious cry, he reached back, ready to throw the book as far into the desert as he could. But something stopped him. A nagging thought in his mind kept him from throwing it away. Robin still stirred in his mind. And the damnable tactician and his cursed feelings kept him from doing away with this weakness.
The book fell from his grasp. It hit the floor with a small thunk. This time, the cover remained closed. The Hierophant uttered a long sigh. He shuffled away from the book and returned to his spot on his sofa. His glowing eyes darted over to the novel he had been reading.
He reached out, grabbed the novel, flipped to the page he had been reading, and lost himself in a new world.
Robin blinked as he struggled to get sleep out of his eyes. Morning songbirds whistled throughout the city of Charlet. Sweet little songs that almost made him forget a terrible battle occurred here just a few hours ago.
The stench reminded him. The smell of still burning smoke from smoldering fires, the smell of blood soaked sand and rotting flesh, dragged him out of a happier place and back to a terrible reality. One he hoped a cup of piping hot tea would help him forget for a small moment.
He sighed as he grabbed the teacup in the mess tent and took a small sip. An even longer sigh left his lips as he set himself down in a chair. He did not sleep a wink last night. The medical tent had been hectic all night. It was likely still hectic. The number of wounded from the battle was staggering. Enough for Robin's analytical mind to begin wondering if they brought enough soldiers for the carnage to come.
That's a morbid thought.
He sipped his tea again. The warm, berry flavored liquid washed over his palate and ran down his throat. A small boost of energy hit him as a satisfied sigh escaped his lips. His weary eyes flicked down to the brown liquid in the teacup. He noticed some eucalyptus leaves floating in the mixture.
A pang hit his heart. And suddenly, he was no longer thirsty.
Miriel put stuff like that in the food to help us all recover.
He closed his eyes. A shuddering breath left his lips as the horrid scene replayed in his mind. The bloodlust, his vision red with rage. The thrill of forbidden power coursing through his veins, making him feel unstoppable. The sensation of his blade cutting into Miriel's heart. And the crushing reality that threatened to force him to his knees.
He tried to to pay penance by working with Libra and the other healers all night, despite many saying it was an accident. But he could not bring himself to believe that. It was no accident. He gave into that dark power. He gave into the temptations it whispered to him. He allowed the darkness to take over, just as Ben's master, Qui Gon, warned him not to do. And it took the life of a dear friend.
Robin shook his head and pushed himself away from the table. He left the steaming cup of tea on the table. Water would do for now.
He grabbed a glass of water and sipped it as he marched out of the mess tent. His eyes flicked back and forth as he observed the docks and markets around Charlet's harbor.
The Feroxi worked efficiently, even if their methods looked like organized chaos. Tents were set up in a haphazard manner. But everyone seemed to know where to go. If you were Ylissean, go to the blue and green tents. Feroxi, the red and gray tents. Need a healer? White tents are on the beach. Weapons? Blacksmiths were near the ruined Charlet markets. Just follow the sound of hammers hitting anvils. Supplies? Robin blinked.
Requisitions tents are… He looked around, Somewhere…
He sagged his shoulders and shook his head. Naga, it took everything in him not to go around and start organizing everything. He had been too busy drowning in his own guilt to focus on his actual job last night. And now, the army was paying the price. A camp set up like this was inefficient. Inefficiency could cost the army dearly. And as the army tactician he-
He stopped his thoughts. No, he could no longer be the tactician. Not after everything that has happened. He came to that decision late last night as he gripped the hand of a dying Feroxi Lancer. The woman did not want to be left alone as she breathed her last breath. She had been the third patient to die under Robin and Libra's care. Killed by a lightsaber wound to her abdomen, courtesy of the monster Ben and Dooku called Grievous.
His strategy turned the battle into a meat grinder. And his own actions on the battlefield cost lives of both allies and dear friends. He shook his head again.
I am no longer fit to lead this campaign.
"Bubbles!"
Robin raised his heavy head. Gaius strolled towards him. One of the thief's hands were busy trying to shove a sweetroll into his pocket. The other worked furiously to unwrap a lollipop.
"You know," Robin began, "it would be easier to unwrap if you used both hands."
Gaius shook his head, "Maybe. But then I can't hide this extra roll. Supposed to only have one."
"And how many did you take?" Robin asked, eyebrow raised.
Gaius glanced around him. He leaned close to Robin's ear, "This is number four."
"Naga, Gaius!" Robin cried before he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"What?" Gaius shrugged as he finally managed to undo the lollipop wrapper. He jammed the red piece of candy into his mouth. Letting it rest between his teeth and cheek, "I skipped the eggs and ham. So I figured that meant I could have a few more rolls."
"That's not how rations work, Gaius." Robin sighed, "Oh who am I kidding, you won't listen to me." He started walking away from the mess tent. Gaius followed.
"What do you mean? I'm listening now, aren't I?"
"You won't apply what you are listening to." Robin droned before uttering a loud yawn. He jammed his hands into his coat.
Gaius snorted, "Now you sound like Benny."
Robin let out a small laugh. Gaius beamed.
"There we go! I got you to laugh." Gaius smacked a hand against his shoulder, "C'mon Bubbles, we need you at one hundred and ten percent. Because you've got to be our tactics… guy… person-"
"Can we talk about something other than tactics?" Robin breathed wearily.
Gaius blinked. His mouth fell open. The lollipop fell from his lips and onto the ground, "Did- did you just say that?"
Robin stopped walking a let his head fall back, "Yes, I did. Now can you grant me that small request?"
Gaius stared at his flabbergasted. He quickly shook his head, bent over, plucked the lollipop from the ground, and brushed it off with his fingers.
"Gaius don't-"
He shoved the red lollipop back into his mouth. Robin closed his eyes and groaned.
"What?" Gaius remarked, "We're in a warzone now. Ain't gonna be easy to get my hands on sugar now. And Anna's jacked her prices up like you would not believe. So," he tapped the lollipop stick jutting out of the corner of his mouth, "can't let it go to waste."
"You don't know if a horse pissed there during the night or not."
Gaius quirked an eyebrow as the pair kept walking. They weaved their way through a patrol of Feroxi soldiers.
"I'm pretty sure I would have tasted that. This still tastes like cherry to me." Gaius replied, "So… something other than tactics? Hm… where are we going?"
"To Chrom's tent, why?" Robin replied.
Gaius pursed his lips, "Pretty sure I saw Blue walking in there earlier. Don't know what she wanted to talk to her old man about, but pretty sure she did not want them to be disturbed. She looked pale though." He chuckled a little bit and jabbed Robin with his elbow, "Do you think he was about to tell Princey that she has a boyfriend?"
Robin snorted, "Naga help whoever the boy is. Chrom may be trusting with his own life. But with Lucina's?" He shook his head, " Falchion is always sharp for a reason."
Gaius nodded, "And, in speaking of future kids," He leaned close again, wrapping an arm around Robin's shoulders, "I figured out who Severa's mother is."
Robin raised his brow.
"It's Cordelia." He whispered.
Robin feigned shock, "No, really?"
Gaius rolled his eyes and let his arm slide from Robin's shoulder. The duo stepped out of the way of a group of Themis soldiers as they guided their horses towards tents with feed.
"Okay, smartass." Gaius drawled, causing Robin to chuckle under his breath again.
"I thought it was fairly obvious, Gaius." Robin replied, "I mean, the hair is a dead giveaway."
Gaius shrugged as they moved past the smithing tents, "She could have been Anna's kid?"
"Oh yeah, Anna having a kid." Robin muttered, "And she no longer wants to be a merchant too."
"Very funny." Gaius deadpanned, "So, who do you think daddy is?"
"Are we seriously discussing this? Cordelia is literally unconscious right now."
"It isn't tactics." Gaius pointed out.
Robin huffed, "I don't know." He admitted.
"Hey, hey," Gaius chuckled a little bit, "Maybe the extra red hair comes from yours truly."
Robin stopped walking and eyed Gaius, "You don't have the balls to go behind Panne's back like that."
Gaius feigned hurt, "That's a low blow." They continued walking, "But you are not incorrect." He hummed to himself, "I've seen how close you two are at strategy meetings." Robin paled as Gaius continued, "Maybe you two eventually, you know… wink, wink, nudge nudge, woo hoo."
"Gaius!" Robin snapped.
"Oh lighten up a little bit. I'm trying to get you to cheer up some." Gaius exclaimed.
"It is a little difficult for me to cheer up at the moment." Robin breathed.
Gaius's playful smirk fell away a little bit. As they neared Chrom's tent, the thief reached out and spun Robin around by his arm.
"Bubbles, listen to me. We know it wasn't on purpose. Okay, shit happens on the-"
"Try telling that to Vaike and Laurent." Robin interrupted with a slight snarl, "Hell, try convincing me that. I'll tell you exactly how it'll go. Not well." He stumbled a little bit as a flash of darkness hit his vision. He groaned and massaged his eyes with his fingers.
Gaius gave Robin a concerned look, "Did you sleep at all, Bubbles?"
Robin shook his head, "Couldn't." He sighed, "Everytime my eyes closed, I just saw it all over again." He clenched his jaw, "I still keep seeing it."
Gaius placed his hands in his pockets, "Is that why you're going to go talk to Princey?"
Robin exhaled. He nodded again.
"You aren't going to do something stupid, are you? I warn you, I can be quite sneaky and I will follow you around."
Robin ran a hand through his brown hair, "I appreciate the concern, Gaius. I really do. But… just let me deal with this for now." He glanced over at Chrom's tent, "I gotta talk to Chrom."
"I think Blue is still-"
"FATHER WAIT!"
"WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE!?"
Both Robin and Gaius froze as two men surged out of Chrom's tent. The first was a blond young man. His long hair was held back in a traditional Chon'sin style. Black robes covered his lean form. Glowing yellow eyes glared back at Chrom as the Ylissean Prince held Falchion to the boy's throat. The Prince's eyes blazed with pure rage. His lips were curled into a hideous snarl as he let the point of Falchion dig into the blond's neck. A small bead of blood ran down the boy's throat.
"Father!" Lucina cried as she emerged from the tent, "Please calm down!"
"Oh shit." Gaius paled, "It's the Kid."
Robin cursed. He quickly marched towards Kage and Chrom. He had the same question bouncing through his mind as Chrom. What the hell was a wanted traitor doing in their camp?
Chrom kept Falcion pressed to Kage's throat. The blond's hands were held up near his head as he tried to indicate he was not armed. But that did not matter to Chrom. The Ylissean Prince grit his teeth as Lucina shouted again and moved to stop any bloodshed.
Kage glared at Chrom.
"Go ahead," Kage hissed through clenched teeth, "Give me a reason to fight back."
"Father! Kage! Both of you please just-"
"Chrom!"
Lucina twirled. An enormous sigh of relief rushed from her lips when she spotted both Robin and Gaius rushing over to them.
"Robin, thank Naga, a little help please."
Gaius drew a dagger from his hip, "I'll help."
"Put that away!" Robin snapped at the thief, "Chrom, let's allow cooler heads to prevail here."
Chrom glared back at Kage. His hands tightened around Falchion's grip. A snarl crossed his lips. Then with a growl, he withdrew Falchion from the boy's throat. Chrom shoved the point of the divine blade into the ground and spun around, hands on his hips as he faced a very nervous Lucina.
"Care to explain?" He demanded, "You know he helped kill your aunt. I have every right to bury Falchion in his heart."
"You wouldn't even get the chance." Kage grumbled as he rubbed at the small cut along his throat from where Chrom pressed Falchion.
Chrom spun and pointed a finger at him, "Don't push it!"
"Father, you can't kill him. I can't kill him. As much as both of us probably want to kill him, it would not be a good idea." Lucina uttered a heavy sigh and shook her head, "He's one of the future kids. We will need him when Grima rises again."
Chrom's eyes widened with mild surprise. Both Robin and Gaius's jaws dropped. The thief looked back and forth between both Lucina and Kage.
"Well… that explains how you two know each other." Gaius sheathed the dagger back into his belt.
Robin smacked his hands over his face, "How did I not pick up on that!? Gah!"
Lucina uttered a weak laugh, "You all have had a lot going on recently."
"Milord!"
Lucina froze. Robin's hands fell from his face as the exact same worrisome though entered his mind. Frederick came rushing from the medical tent on the beach. Worry etched on his face. The Knight would see Kage and immediately move for his sword. If he did that, Kage might react.
"Uh oh." Gaius muttered.
Frederick's eyes landed on Kage. The Knight Commander froze for a split second. He ripped his sword from its sheath. His eyes narrowed on the Shepherds traitor as his knuckles turned white around the handle.
"So, he has decided to turn himself in?" Frederick growled as he cautiously approached.
Kage chuckled darkly, "In your dreams."
"Would you, for once, behave yourself!" Lucina exclaimed, "Sir Frederick, it is not what you think it-"
"Frederick," Chrom let out a heavy sigh. He bowed his head and gave it a small shake, "Stand down."
Frederick blinked, "I beg your pardon milord, but-"
Steel sliding against hardened leather rang out. A katana flicked up underneath Frederick's chin. The Knight-Commander flinched when he felt the steel kiss his skin.
Princess Say'ri had her sword drawn, aimed at Frederick's throat. Her eyes were narrowed. Expression grim and determined. She scowled a little bit as Frederick swallowed hard.
"Your commanding officer ordered you to drop it." She said, voice even and unflinching, "I suggest you listen."
"I-" Frederick gulped again as sunlight glinted off of the perfectly polished katana, "I don't take orders from foreign-"
"No." She nodded her chin at Chrom, "You take your orders from him. And he ordered you stand down, did he not?" Frederick did not reply, "And if you do not, then I will act. For not only is that rogue, rude vagabond my personal bodyguard," She uttered a weary sigh as Kage arched an eyebrow in her direction, "He is also my little brother from the future."
Robin blinked. His eyes darted over to Kage. A sharp breath shot into his lungs.
"Oh Naga." He breathed.
This Kage and Prince Kage were the same person. Which meant… Robin closed his eyes and breathed out a long groan.
Ben's going to be pissed. Robin massaged his temple, I need a drink.
Frederick looked at Chrom. The Prince gestured for the Knight to listen to Say'ri. Reluctantly, Frederick sheathed his sword. But he kept his eyes focused on Kage as a smug grin crossed the young Sith's lips.
"You'll have to wait on collecting that bounty." Kage smirked as Frederick brushed past him.
Frederick glared back, but did not reply. He snapped to attention beside Chrom.
"It appears I am missing some details, milord." He frowned.
Chrom shook his head, "You and me both." He looked over at Lucina, "He's your responsibility. And if he does anything-"
"He'll have to deal with me." Say'ri reached up and yanked at Kage's ear. The Sith let out a startled yelp as she tugged him down to her level, "And obviously he is forgetting the lessons in courtesy that his brother taught him."
"I was not the one who held a sword to someone's throat." Kage hissed.
"You no doubt threatened to." Say'ri hummed as she let go of his ear.
Kage rubbed his ear, "I did not." He mumbled back.
"Is everyone finished?" Lucina interrupted, "Father, if Ka-" She caught herself, "Luke, steps out of line. I will handle it. Besides, he is part of the group of children that came back from the future. I'm in charge of that mission."
"You've done a marvelous job so far." Luke replied dryly.
Lucina glared at him, "And… there are three others with us now. Brady, Noire, and-" She looked around, "Luke, where is Cynthia?"
"Her airheadedness is wandering the camp with Brady. I think they're trying to find Priam. That insane mercenary has to pop up again at some point." Luke answered.
"Priam?" Both Chrom and Lucina wondered out loud.
"An ally. That is all you need to know. And don't accept his challenge for a duel." Say'ri informed all of them, "He lives for that sort of thing." She huffed and folded her arms, "Alright, Prince Chrom, I'm here to discuss the military campaign moving forward. I'm sure you are eager to do so as well."
Frederick arched an eyebrow, "There is a strategy meeting?"
"Yes there is, apparently." Chrom sighed. He glanced over at Robin, "Ben will be along shortly with Flavia and Basilio, come on Robin we should-"
Robin raised a hand, "Actually, Chrom, may I speak with you a moment?"
Chrom gave Robin a puzzled look. The Prince nodded his head and motioned for Robin to follow him into his tent while the others remained outside.
As they stepped into the tent, Robin already heard Gaius starting to try and get a reaction out of Luke. The tactician's shoulders sagged. If the thief got himself hurt, he had only himself to blame. Lucina sharply rebuked Gaius, and the shenanigans stopped swiftly.
At least one of them has a head on their shoulders. Robin thought to himself.
The inside of Chrom's tent was lightly furnished. A small desk sat against one wall. His and Sumia's bed rested behind a curtain that divided their small living space from the rest of the tent. A square table acquired from one of the shops in Charlet sat at the center of the tent. Maps of Valm and different letters and messages were already spread out over it. An inkwell and quill sat unused on top of the maps and letters.
"Busy already?" Robin remarked.
"You have no idea." Chrom groaned, "Hardly slept a wink last night." He leaned up against the table. Concern crossed his face, "I heard you didn't sleep at all."
Robin sighed, "It's not a big deal, Chrom."
"It is." Chrom replied, "You are my tactician. I need you at full health."
Robin drew in a deep breath. He ran his finger along one of the maps. Tracing the outline of southern Valm as he shifted his weight from one foot to another.
"That is what I wanted to talk to you about, actually." Robin breathed.
Chrom narrowed his eyes, "No."
"Chrom…"
"My answer is no." Chrom pushed back from the table, "Robin, I-"
"I killed Miriel." Robin sharply interrupted, "I am responsible for that. I am responsible for the bloodbath on the beach."
"The Valmese are responsible for that, not you." Chrom argued.
"But they are not responsible for Miriel. They are not responsible for my actions on not one, but two battlefields now." Robin rubbed the back of his neck. Naga above, it felt so sore right now, "Chrom, what happens if I lose control again?"
Chrom frowned, "Ben reassured me last night that he and Dooku were-"
"What happens if I lose control and another Shepherd dies by my hand." Robin breathed. His voice trembled a little bit. His legs felt a little weak, so he steadied himself against the table, "I can't take that chance, Chrom."
Chrom shook his head, "You aren't going back home. I need you here."
Robin shrugged, "Then put me in a reserve role." He suggested, "I'll… I'll happily work alongside Libra and the other healers. Or have me clean out Pegasi stalls or-"
"Robin." Chrom exhaled, "If you are set on this, then only focus on getting yourself better. Alright?"
Robin nodded his head. He sniffled a little. One sleeve went up to his nose and wiped at it.
"I still don't know why you are so damn trusting." Robin breathed.
Chrom let out a small laugh. He walked around the table to Robin and clapped him on the shoulder.
"It hasn't failed me yet." Chrom exhaled and glanced at the tent exit, "But there is one person in this entire camp I certainly do not trust." He glanced back at Robin, "Did you have any idea that he was-"
"No clue." Robin replied, "I mean… I should have been able to guess, but for some reason my brain likes to not notice some of the details when it comes to people around me."
"Like Ben being an alien?"
Robin let out a small laugh. He nodded his head, "Exactly my point."
Chrom chuckled with him. The Prince looked down at the many maps covering the tabletop.
"So… any ideas as to who can make sense of all of this other than you?"
Robin flicked his eyes at Chrom, "Who else?"
Chrom nodded, "Ben?"
Robin nodded, "He still hasn't told me everything regarding his past. But I know he has a lot of military experience. If you need a new tactician, he is the right person."
"If you say so. I trust your judgement." Chrom agreed.
"Not sure if that is good or bad anymore." Robin sighed as they both moved towards the exit, "But we will see how this goes."
"Everything will work out fine." They paused in front of the tent exit, "Are you going to join Dooku for training now or-"
Robin shook his head, "I'll make my way back over there in a few minutes. I plan on going to visit Cordelia. See how she is doing."
Chrom exhaled, "I need to do that too. But everytime I try, I get pulled in another direction." He sighed, "Oh well. I'll see you later, right?"
"Later?"
"Yeah." Chrom nodded, "I'm sure the Shepherds will get together at some point tonight. Once everything has settled down a little bit. We'll probably march out tomorrow. Might as well check in on everyone."
Robin thought for a moment, then nodded. The two friends stepped out of the tent. As they stepped out, Robin nearly ran into Flavia.
"Whoa! Slow down there." Flavia laughed. She smacked Robin on the arm, "Don't need you knocking yourself out on the armor." She nodded at Chrom as she walked past them into the tent, "How's it going, Chrom?"
"F-Flavia?" Chrom replied.
"Damn it all." Basilio sighed, "Flavia you can't just walk into someone's tent without permission." He brushed past Chrom and Robin.
"You just did it!"
"Naga above!"
Chrom and Robin both chuckled.
"Time to take care of that now." Chrom patted Robin on the back, "I'll let Ben know of his new position when he arrives. You go check on Cordelia, then go to Dooku."
"I will." Robin took a few steps. He paused then glanced back, "Chrom," The Prince hesitated before entering his tent, "Thank you."
Chrom smiled back, "It's what friends do."
Robin gave him a weak smile, turned on his heel, and marched back towards the ship.
Where is that blasted merchant?
Dooku marched through the crowded military camp that occupied the majority of Charlet's harbor and markets. Soldiers wandered all around him. Most focused on fixing any damaged gear from the battle. He could hear anvils ringing as hammers slammed into them. The smiths were certainly busy today. Many soldiers sharpened their blades and axes. The few cavalry in the army worked on their horses. Brushing their fur and dressing any wounds their loyal steeds may have received.
Many Feroxi soldiers rested from yesterday's battle. He noticed several groups sitting beside their tents, pipes between their lips as they puffed on a plant known as Tobacco. Something that seemed utterly disgusting to the Count. Why would anyone willingly inhale smoke? He rolled his eyes.
There are plenty of idiotic cultures in the galaxy. He reminded himself, I can just add the Feroxi to that list.
He flicked his eyes around the tents again. Blacksmith, blacksmith, officer's tent, blacksmith-
"I've got everything you need right here! For the right price, of course!"
Dooku smirked.
And there is my merchant.
Anna's tent was buzzing with activity. It was a small setup. A long table sat in front of a squat, white tent. Merchandise lay all across the tabletop. Vulnaries, weapons, basic supplies, waterskins, even a rare, jarred item of food. Most of her extremely valuable items, such as spell books, lay inside of the tent. Hidden in boxes. Protected by the shortsword on the red head's hip.
Her red eyes drifted past a group of Themis Cavaliers before landing on Dooku. A broad smile crossed her lips.
"Well, well, well," She placed a hand on her hip, "About time one of the Shepherds paid a visit."
Dooku regarded her silently. His own, sharp eyes perused what she had on display. He needed very specific supplies at the moment. Supplies that would allow him to make something Lucina desperately needed. She could not hope to complete her full training with just one arm after all.
Anna leaned against her makeshift counter.
"What can I get ya?"
Dooku frowned. He failed to see what he was looking for. "You don't happen to keep scrap in your tent?"
Anna cocked an eyebrow, "Scrap? Like, metal?"
"No, food scraps." Dooku snarked back.
Anna snickered, "I have plenty of those. As for scrap metal, that might actually be the one thing I don't have. Not very valuable, unless I'm going to sell it back to the smiths. And seeing as how we had to travel over water and I didn't have a lot of room to pack, I did not bring any with me."
Dooku sighed, "A pity."
"Why do you ask?"
Dooku silently looked down on the smirking merchant. She seemed in an awfully cheerful mood at the moment. Quite the opposite of how she acted during the voyage from Archanea.
"Why are you so cheerful all of a sudden?"
"Profits." Anna smirked back.
Ah, of course. Money.
"Are you going to help me add to them?"
"I'm considering it. But unfortunately, you don't have what I require."
"Is that so? Well, you just so happen to be talking to the best merchant there is at getting the right stuff for her customers." Anna glanced down at her fingernails, "You need scrap metal. I can get it, for the right price of course."
"And your price?" Dooku asked.
"Depends on the metal. Are we talking steel? Iron? Copper?"
"All of the above. As well as miniscule amounts of silver, gold, and platinum."
A low whistle sounded from Anna's lips, "What kind of project requires those? That kind of metal is not cheap to get."
Dooku eyed her, "What I do with it is none of your concern." Never let the merchant know the purpose of your purchase. Especially one as wily as Anna, "Can you acquire the materials I need? I particularly need the copper to be wire. Not a solid block."
Anna put a finger to her chin, "It is a good thing there are a lot of smiths around. That'll knock out the iron, steel, and copper fairly easily. As for silver, gold, and platinum, I'll see what I can do. But-"
"But your price, yes. What is it?" Dooku asked.
Anna hummed to herself as she thought for a moment, "Depending on how much you ultimately end up purchasing, we can settle on at least seven thousand."
Dooku resisted the sudden surge of surprise in him.
"Seven thousand?" He echoed back, voice level.
Anna nodded, "You want the best, you need to pay for the best."
"And why don't I just cut out the middleman and get the materials myself?" Dooku remarked.
Anna chuckled. She pushed back from her counter and folded her arms.
"Because you need to stick close to Robin. Which means you don't have the time to go hunting for pieces of scrap metal. Let alone rare pieces like gold, silver, and platinum."
Dooku furrowed his brow. A wily merchant indeed. But nothing the Force cannot assist me with.
He allowed the force to reach out and touch Anna's mind. Pried it ever so gently open in order to plant the proper persuasive suggestion into her thoughts. His fingers swept in front of his body.
"You will accept one thousand." Dooku said, voice monotone yet commanding.
Anna's eyes glazed over momentarily. For a moment, she said nothing.
To Dooku's shock, she shook her head and blinked.
"Wh-whoa." She uttered a weak laugh before massaging her forehead, "A little dizzy there. What were you saying, Dooku?" She eyed him with excitement, "Are you trying to negotiate? I warn you, you won't win."
Dooku's mouth fell open ever so slightly. Did this red head just resist the mind trick? He shook his head slightly and tried again.
"You will accept one thou-"
"Look, Dooku, I don't know what," Anna exaggerated his hand motions, "this is. But if you're trying to… I don't know, visually distract me during these negotiations, it won't work." She sucked in a breath, "Wait a moment!" She narrowed her eyes. A smug smile crossed her lips, "You just tried to use the force on me, didn't you?"
Dooku inclined in his chin, preferring not to answer.
"You did!" Anna's smile widened, "Just like Ben tried to do too. Ha ha! That's funny, he didn't tell you your weird mind magic doesn't work on me."
Dooku scowled. He tried to fold his arms. Then remembered he only had one arm at the moment, "Consider yourself lucky that I consider you a valuable comrade."
"Then I am lucky. Because I now know that Ben isn't the only one that can do that mind trick, you can too." Anna's eyes sparkled, "I'm changing my price."
"You can't do-"
"Seven thousand, and you help me sell some of my merchandise using your mind trick."
Dooku's jaw fell open. Anna reached up and twirled a lock of her hair around her finger.
"Told you I'm the best." She smirked.
Dooku grit his teeth. This aggravating merchant proved to be worse than a Toydarian. Or even a Hutt. What kind of mental fortitude could a mere human, not trained in the force, possibly possess in order to resist the force's mental prowess.
One influenced by greed and greed alone.
"You will not parade my powers about for your own personal gain." Dooku hummed.
Despite the fact that I do somewhat admire the bold suggestion.
Anna sighed, "You and Ben are no fun, you know that? Fine, seven thousand and you have a deal."
"Three thousand." Dooku snapped back.
Anna snorted, "Yeah, how about I get you some fool's gold instead of the real thing." Dooku scowled back. Anna was undeterred, "I'm telling you, my bottom line is going to be seven thousand."
Dooku let out a heavy sigh. The mind trick was not going to work. He could break all of the rules and subjugate Anna to his will, but the other Shepherds would not take kindly to that. Kenobi certainly would not approve. And in his current physical condition, Dooku was not eager to get into a duel with Kenobi. The Jedi Master may not be as guarded around him as he once was, but that did not mean he lost his vigilance.
"Fine." Dooku begrudgingly agreed.
Anna clapped her hands, "Wonderful!"
An idea popped into Dooku's mind. One that would give him a verbal lashing from Maribelle, but he could handle one of those.
"Just inform Duchess Maribelle of my purchase. I'm sure she can cover it."
Anna eyed Dooku suspiciously, "Are you sure about that?"
"Positive." Dooku nodded. He looked down at the various items on the countertop. In the end, none interested him, "I shall return when you have the materials I required."
"I'll have them as soon as possible." Anna waved. She reached under her counter and struggled to hoist a massive battleaxe up, "GET THIS BATTLEAXE!" The head fell off of the shaft, "Mildy used!"
Dooku turned on his heel and marched away from the Merchant's tent. A flare of anger burned in his mind at the failed barter. Perhaps he was suffering from lazy work ethic like Kenobi. This planet seemed to make him feel far more relaxed than it should. Granted, being the equivalent of an apex predator among these primitive humans meant he did not have to worry so much. But pride dictated he did not allow his abilities to slip in quality.
It was a good thing he had a new training partner.
Now where is Robin.
He stretched out with the force. Why make things difficult by asking people where they last saw the tactician when he could easily sense the boy. Robin had yet to learn some of the more intricate aspects of the force, such as hiding one's own signature. So finding him among the sea of soldiers would be fairly easy.
Dooku immediately sensed multiple force signatures, all of which he knew. He could sense Lucina and Luke in close proximity to each other. The young Jedi knight was probably keeping tabs on her old friend turned enemy, turned friend once again. A smart decision. Luke had a temper and a bit of a chip on his shoulder. If the wrong person frustrated him, then an ugly encounter could play out. And Lucina would be there to prevent such a thing.
He sensed Kenobi right away as well. His presence felt much more subdued. No doubt due to him actively keeping his own signature down so that Dooku could not find him easily. Little did he know, he was not very successful in his efforts. But Dooku would allow him to have such a minor victory.
He sensed Prince Kage as well. The young boy's signature was as bright as a star. It flickered in the force. Dancing like the flame on a candlestick. Young and untrained. Lacking any control but also lacking menace. A blank slate for the future.
A fifth signature puzzled Dooku. He was not aware of a fifth force sensitive in the area. Upon further inspection, he noticed that this signature seemed rather weak. Untrained and unfocused. Young, but not as young as Prince Kage's. Dooku paused in front of Khan Basilio's ship as he tried to determine who's signature he was sensing.
His answer came as Noire, one of Lucina's friends, inched her way down the gangplank and onto the dock. She uttered a swift, quiet greeting to Dooku before quickly marching into the main camp, bow and quiver slung over her shoulders. Dooku cocked an eyebrow.
Her as well?
He blinked when he finally detected Robin. A small smile graced his lips as he realized Robin was on the same ship he was standing beside. Dooku marched aboard Basilio's ship then stepped below deck.
The door to Basilio's cabin was open. Robin sat on a small, wooden stool inside of the cabin. Sitting on an identical stool beside him was Severa. Both were busy watching the wounded Wing Commander, Cordelia. Dooku hesitated before entering the small room.
He cleared his throat, grabbing both Severa and Robin's attention.
"D-Dooku!" Robin stammered.
Dooku frowned as he looked at Robin. The tactician looked like a mess. Heavy bags sat under his eyes. His shoulders were hunched, posture stooped. As if he was carrying a heavy load on his shoulders. It looked like he was on the verge of falling asleep any second. But he forced himself to remain awake.
Stubborn youth.
"I hope you have not been trying to avoid me." Dooku hummed as he stood in the doorway.
Robin blinked, "N-no just-" He yawned, "I just came here to check on Cordelia. She still hasn't woken up yet."
"Given the extent of her injuries, I'd call it a miracle if she ever does." Dooku replied.
Robin's gaze hardened. Beside him, Severa bowed her head. The young girl's hands balled up in her lap. Several tears dripped from her eyes onto the wooden floor. Robin gave her a small rub on her back before rising from his seat. He marched over to Dooku and paused beside him.
"Quit being such an ass." Robin growled.
Dooku arched an eyebrow, "I'm only stating a fact. I hope the Wing Commander has a swift recovery, she is an invaluable warrior. But we must be prepared for-"
"Just step outside with me before you upset Severa more than she already is." Robin leaned closer Dooku, "That is her mother, asshole." He hissed.
Dooku blinked. He cleared his throat and bowed slightly to Severa, "My apologies, Miss Severa. I did not mean to offend you."
Severa did not reply. The red head reached out and gently rested her hand over Cordelia's. The Wing Commander's chest rose and fell in weak breaths. Dooku reached out with the force in order to sense her condition.
Cordelia's life force felt very faint. But she clung to life with a tenacity that he had to admire. Dooku still felt surprised that she even survived the battle. Being shot down from the sky at the speed she had been flying, without any outer shell to protect her beyond her own armor, would normally kill a human being. The fact that Cordelia was alive was a testament to her own strength of will and the skill of Ylissean healers.
Without another word, Dooku followed Robin out of the room and up onto the ship's main deck. The sun sat high in the sky. Dooku glanced up. Nearly noon. At some point, each company would receive their orders. If the Khan's and Ylissean Prince were wise, they would immediately cut into the heart of Valm. Keep the enemy off balance with an aggressive offensive. Sitting here in Charlet was only a waste of valuable time and resources.
"I am surprised you are not in the middle of a meeting with the Khans and Prince Chrom." Dooku stated as he and Robin walked across the deck towards the bow of the ship.
Plegian sailors moved around the pair. Some scrambled up nets towards the top of the mast. Others worked on repairing the damage dealt to the ship during the battle. But none paid the tactician and the Count any mind.
Robin let out a heavy sigh, "I resigned my post."
Dooku gave Robin a surprised glance, "I doubt the Prince allowed that."
"He did on one condition." Robin replied, "That I focus all of my time and effort on fixing whatever is causing me to lose control in battle." He paused at the bow and faced Dooku, "I don't want to kill another one of my friends."
Dooku hummed, "The Dark Side of the Force is a treacherous mistress to the uninitiated and the foolish. You happen to be both." Robin bristled, but did not reply, "Lucky for you, I am willing to help you fix both of those problems."
"Ben said you were not going to train me in the Dark Side." Robin replied.
"He is correct." Dooku nodded.
"Then why bother? Wouldn't it be safer to stop training me so my powers stop growing?"
Dooku sighed, "I have a feeling that would only exacerbate the problem. Your powers have been growing regardless of training, have they not?" Robin furrowed his brow as he pondered Dooku's words, "When did your force powers first manifest?"
"That I can remember?" Robin frowned, "The tail end of the war with Ple-" He shook his head as he recalled his brief duel with Validar in the Exalt's Palace, "No, when I fought Validar in the Exalt's Palace. When he tried to assassinate Exalt Emmeryn. I had no business going up against someone as powerful as him."
"And yet you did."
"Not only did I fight him, I held my own, albeit briefly." Robin explained, "Looking back on it, I tapped into something during that fight. I did not understand what it was at the time."
Dooku nodded. He rested his hand on the deck railing.
"Do you recall what brings about these sudden explosions in power?"
"What brings it out?" Robin pursed his lips, "It's always in battle. I've never had it happen outside of the battlefield before. And…" Robin paused, "And I'm always terrified when it does happen."
"Terrified for yourself?" Dooku asked, "Or for others?"
"What do you think?"
Dooku nodded, "And that is why I will not be training you in the Dark Side." Robin gave Dooku a confused look, "Feelings like that are easily manipulated, Robin. And a master in the Dark Side will play those emotions to their advantage. Whether we like it or not, Sidious will eventually find this planet. When he does, we all will have to face him. And if he encounters someone like you; someone who is susceptible to the Dark Side and its temptations, not because you want to use that power for personal gain, but because you want to use that power to save others; he will destroy you. He will twist you into the very thing you aim to destroy. He did it to Skywalker, and he can do it again. What I aim to teach you is how to combat such temptations of power. And the mindset of Vaapad, while not easy to learn and practice, is perfect for such a thing."
"Mindset?" Robin asked.
"Yes, mindset. That is first and foremost what Vaapad is. A state of mind, where you brush against the Dark Side and the negative emotions within it, then channel those very feelings against your opponent. Master Windu, a former colleague of mine, invented the technique because he struggled with the very same thing you do. An unfettered darkness that threatens to destroy who you want to be." Dooku took a breath, "During your training, I'm also hoping to uncover what may be causing these flare ups in raw power. Because outside of those moments, your power is nothing if not mediocre."
Robin rolled his eyes, "Thanks for the compliment."
Dooku uttered a small chuckle, "You're quite welcome. And don't expect much more." He glanced at Robin, "Now then, go and pack your things."
Robin gave Dooku a puzzled look, "Why?"
"You and I are leaving."
"What!?" Robin cried, "But, we can't just leave. We can't go back to Archanea. Not now."
"Who said we were going to Archanea?" Dooku replied, "I am well aware we cannot sail back now. The ships need to remain here in case this invasion fails the army needs to retreat back home. You and I are going out ahead of the army." Dooku looked west, "Towards the Mila Tree."
Robin furrowed his brow, confused.
"May I ask why?"
"Because I said so." Dooku replied, tone stiff, "And because I know you, Robin. If you remained with the main army, and a battle occurred, you will not be able to resist the temptation to enter combat. Your own tactical mind will see the errors and seek to correct them while engaging the enemy. If this explosion of rage and power is connected to battle, then the last thing we need is for you to be anywhere near a battlefield. Especially if your goal is to not harm your friends." Dooku paused for a moment, "We will go to the Mila Tree. It is apparently sacred to people in these lands, so it is unlikely a battle will occur there. And no matter which way the Shepherds march, they will have to pass by that tree. Which means we can rejoin them at some point. So do not worry, we are not abandoning your friends. We are just making certain every factor is in our favor. Now, go pack your things." Dooku turned on his heel and marched off the ship, "I will be waiting at Charlet's front gate."
"Wait!" Robin cried as Dooku marched away, "Does Ben know-" Robin trailed off as Dooku kept walking. A heavy sigh escaped Robin's lips, "Why do I even try?"
The Naboo royal palace always had a serene feeling surrounding it. The building, topped with many domes and spires, was the model of both beauty and tranquility on Sidious's home planet. The waterfalls that cascaded from its sides, down the cliffs into the swamps and jungles around Theed, always sparkled in the sunlight. Making the city gleam like a pure diamond.
But now, the palace was scorched. The floors bloodied and marred by blasterfire. Several spires were smoldering ruins. Holes were torn into the domes from blaster fire. The waterfalls were dry. The Palace turned from calm and inviting place, into a grim tomb.
The Queen's royal guard fought to the bitter end to protect her from Sidious and his Imperial Stormtroopers. But they could not hope to hold out against the might of the Empire.
The Queen was dead now. Sidious ordered her death personally. He had yet to select a replacement. Although, maybe he would not select a Queen. Perhaps it would be better to place Naboo under the Moff system of government. He already had several candidates in mind for the position. And such a system allowed him to have much more control over the rebellious system.
A small cry of pain dragged Sidious out of his thoughts. His attention returned to his apprentice. She sat in a sturdy, metal chair. One hand balled up in a fist on her lap. The other hand currently being reattached by a medical droid.
He could feel pain radiating out of her as the droid's many arms and devices connected the nerve endings in her hand to the ones in her wrist. Each little movement sent shots of pure agony rushing through Morgan's body. Sweat beaded on her brow and dripped down her face. Ragged breaths rushed from her lungs as she fought to keep herself from screaming.
Sidious did not allow the droid to numb the wound. This was her punishment for failing to measure up to Master Windu. And in Sidious's mind, this was a light punishment. After all, there were not many who could hope to defeat such a powerful Jedi Master. But he had hoped Morgan would be able to perform better than she had.
Then again, Windu is more experienced with both the force and a lightsaber.
Sidious frowned to himself. Lightsabers, he hoped the Sith could eventually move on from such pathetic devices. In his mind, drawing a lightsaber as a force sensitive was a sign of weakness. A signal to an opponent that one's control and mastery over the force was not significant enough to be relied upon in battle. A true Sith was beyond such a tool.
But Morgan was not a true Sith, yet. She was merely an apprentice. One with a self proclaimed title. She had not even been knighted by Sidious. Perhaps it was too much to expect her to match powerful Jedi Masters without the assistance of a lightsaber.
It is a good thing she followed his orders and obtained one of the dead Jedi's blades. He smiled a little bit as one hand reached into his robes. His fingers ran along the smooth silver hilt. He could feel the crystal inside hiss at his touch. Morgan would corrupt this blade. And she would have a formidable weapon to pair with her spells and natural force ability.
Morgan yelped again. This time, the medical droid was busy reconnecting the muscle fibers, tissues, and ligaments. She squeezed her eyes shut and hissed out sharp breaths. Her teeth were clenched tight as one of the droids arms tugged on a ligament and attached it to her wrist.
"NAGA ABOVE!" Morgan cried out before biting down on her sleeve.
Sidious grimaced.
Her tolerance for pain could use some work.
Footsteps approached the room. Sidious turned his head to see Commander Cody striding into the small infirmary inside of the palace. The old clone commander snapped to attention and saluted the Emperor.
"Your excellency, the rest of the insurrectionist have been rounded up. We are awaiting your orders."
Sidious eyes gleamed with delight. Perhaps it had been a mistake to prematurely retire Cody from combat. The Clone proved to still be an extremely capable leader on the battlefield. And judging by the swiftness of the victory on Naboo, he and his apprentice worked well together.
"Good." Sidious croaked, "I will make a decision in due time. Have you found any more Jedi?"
Cody shook his head, "No my lord. We have reason to believe all of the Jedi except their leader were eliminated."
Sidious smiled beneath his deep hood. That was actually better results than he could have hoped for. According to the account of Morgan's surviving Death Trooper, it had been Morgan's actions that led to the Jedi's deaths. She almost single handedly killed six Jedi Knights. Although, the Grand Inquisitor did claim responsibility for one Jedi Death. But Morgan's Deathtrooper assured Sidious that he got lucky.
Morgan screamed. Sidious's eyes blazed as he felt the dark side of the force thrash within her. Cody shifted uncomfortably beside Sidious.
"Is she going to be alright, my lord?" The clone asked.
Sidious glanced at the commander, "She will be. Thank you for your report, Commander. You are dismissed for now."
Cody saluted and marched away. Morgan bellowed out another scream as more nerves were reattached. Her face turned pale as she struggled to maintain consciousness. The droid stopped its work and turned to look at Sidious.
Sidious shook his head. Morgan may have eliminated six Jedi, but she let the greatest of them escape. Mace Windu was a new threat Sidious did not anticipate. One that made him feel rather uneasy. Although he regarded her work here as successful, she still failed to eliminate all of the Jedi, as he ordered.
And if orders were not completed to his desires...
Morgan screamed. She buried her face into her sleeve as the droid attached the last nerve. Her small body heaved up and down as she struggled to catch her breath. Sweat caked her brow. Her fist was clenched tight in her lap. Knuckles white with strain. Sidious grinned.
… Punishment was necessary.
And chapter! We are back to Ben, Robin, and friends now. Although we did get a small update on Morgan and Sidious torwards the end there. And we finally get to see the Hierophant once again. I wanted that scene to show there is still a bit of Robin fighting for control inside of the monster. I hope I succeeded in that regard. As for this chapter as well as the next one, they are going to be mostly set up chapters. The focus will mostly be on character interactions rather than shoving the plot forward. Although, we will get to the Mila Tree very soon, I promise.
Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!