The Force's Shepherds
Chapter 114
Broken Soldiers
Sumia never got used to the sight of a battlefield in the wake of combat. The smell was always the first thing that made her stomach churn. A rancid mixture of rotting flesh, smoke, burnt earth, and sweating soldiers hung in the air. The horrific scene always followed the smell. As she landed her exhausted Pegasus on the blood soaked, scorched grass near the eastern road, Sumia's heart sank as she saw thousands of bodies littering the ground. Not many moved. Buzzards flew over them as the storms of the previous night faded into the distance and the heat of a humid day washed over the land. A few moans and groans lingered on a faint breeze. Sumia's eyes welled up as she watched several healers weave through the bodies, trying to save who they could, and comfort who they couldn't save.
She quickly reached up and wiped away the tears before the could fall.
Naga why? She thought to herself as she surveyed the destruction. She nudged her pegasus forward, stomach flipping at a terrible sight every few steps.
The battle had been savage. Somehow, the Ylisseans carried the day. Dooku was the one behind their main strategy. It was a dishonorable strategy, but one that saw Sumia and her Pegasus Knights wreak bloody havoc upon the enemy. What little mages they had in their ranks, Dooku placed on the backs of the Pegasus Knights. From there they strafed the enemy ranks as they marched. A deadly aerial assault that sent the Valmese army scattering, only to be ambushed on the ground by Dooku and Mustafa's few hundred men. With nowhere to run, hide, and enemies all around as well as above, the Valmese broke in minutes. It was a complete rout that saw her Pegasus Knights ride down any who tried to escape and capture all who willingly surrendered. In total, they captured nearly six thousand Valmese soldiers, including their commanding officer. Mustafa was keeping an eye on that general personally. One could not be too careful with Valmese military leaders.
She passed by a group of Pegasus Knights sitting on the ground, in a ditch along the east road. Their helms were removed, hair splayed over their faces, necks, and foreheads, covered in sweat. Each one looked exhausted, but happy. They had achieved an overwhelming victory against incredible odds. Whispers of Commander Cordelia being proud resonated throughout the ranks as Sumia rode among them. She could not help but smile whenever she heard that.
Cordelia did a magnificent job rebuilding the pride of the Ylissean military. When they all reunited with the main Archanean army, Sumia would tell her all about the valor of her knights on this battlefield. She was giddy to see the smile on her friend's face upon learning how well they performed under the most dire of circumstances.
She passed another group of Pegasus Knights loitering with some mages near a makeshift water station. The Knights immediately snapped to attention when she passed them by, referring to her as 'Your majesty'. She would quickly smile, nod, and they would go back to resting. They had earned it.
Sumia wanted to stop and speak to the knights longer. She wanted to check on their wellbeing, see how they were all feeling, make sure they were healthy and ready for the swift flight towards whichever army needed help; but she needed to consult the man that really won the day for them. As much as the Pegasus Knights displayed valor, courage, and skill, it was Dooku's strategy that carried the day. The elderly man's ruthlessness and stunning amount of cunning broke an army of ten thousand enemies. The least Sumia could offer was her thanks. Until Chrom got word of what Dooku accomplished, then the old man would be rewarded handsomely.
Where is he?
She rode a few more paces before spotting Dooku. He was kneeling quietly on a large boulder. A position that Sumia assumed was quite uncomfortable for him. But given that the rest of the ground was soaked with either rain or blood, the rock was probably the best spot for him to do his meditations on. At least, that was what she assumed he was doing. He possessed the same powers as Ben, Luke, and her daughter from the future Lucina. All three meditated frequently in order to… do something?
Maybe it is a way for them to refocus?
Her pegasus snorted as she pulled up beside Dooku and hopped off. Her boots sank into the slowly drying earth. She grimaced, wondering if it was a puddle of blood or muddy water she sank into. With a quiet sigh, she stepped up towards Dooku.
When she first approached the old man, he appeared calm, composed, seemingly impervious to the distractions created by his previously chaotic surroundings. But then she opened her mouth to speak to him, and suddenly the old man stiffened. Sweat beaded on his wrinkled brow. His jaw clenched tight and his fingers folded tighter in his lap. A sharp breath rushed from his lungs, and his eyes shot open. Sumia gasped when she saw yellow irises linger before turning to the blue color she and the other Shepherds were familiar with.
That was when Dooku noticed her. Sumia looked worriedly at him as his eyes softened, something she had never seen in the old man.
"What is it?" Sumia asked, heart hammering in her chest. Something was very wrong. Dooku appeared rattled, and the battle did not unnerve him in the slightest. He sensed something go wrong. Was it one of the other armies? Were the Khan's defeated? Sumia's throat tightened.
Chrom…
"I…" Dooku swallowed, "I'm not sure. One moment, I sensed Robin's force signature explode into…" He took a deep breath. For the first time since Sumia met him, Dooku, despite his obvious age, looked old and weary, "The only person I have ever felt with as dark a presence is Sidious himself."
Sumia paled, "Did he lose control again?"
"That's just it." Dooku uncrossed his legs and rose shakily from the boulder. He reached out and steadied himself against the rock, inhaling deep through his nose, "He was in complete control, otherwise his power would not have been so potent."
Sumia looked puzzled, "What exactly is wrong then? Did someone-" She sucked in a sharp breath, "Someone died."
Dooku looked grave.
"Who was it?" Sumia demanded, voice trembling, "Chrom? Lucina? Cynthia?"
"Robin." Dooku muttered, hanging his head, "It was Robin."
Sumia's eyes widened. She opened her mouth but could not find any words to speak. Instead, the queen slumped against the boulder and sank down to a seat.
"Naga…" She breathed, stunned.
"I felt him explode with power." Dooku shuddered, "Then I felt his signature disappear" Dooku ran a hand over his mouth, "But…"
Sumia snapped her gaze up to him, "But?" Her voice trembled as she was nearly on the verge of tears.
Dooku shook his head, "I can't explain it. I felt Robin pass on, but I did not feel any bonds tear. Normally when a force sensitive dies, the bonds they share with people close to them are severed. It is a way for their spirit to move on permanently to the cosmic realm of the force. Robin died, but… I did not sense the bond he and I share, however thin it may be, sever." Dooku rubbed his forehead, "Maybe I am just getting old. It makes no sense to me at all."
Sumia swallowed hard, "Then Robin is-"
"Physically dead… yes." Dooku admitted somberly.
A whimper escaped Sumia's lips. If Robin was dead, then the battle went poorly for their main army at Demon's Ingle. Panic filled her.
"What about Chrom? Lucina? Cynthia? What are they-"
"I sense Lucina's is still alive." Dooku muttered, closing his eyes briefly, "So is Kenobi. Prince Chrom and Cynthia I cannot sense because their presence is mostly weak in the force." He hummed to himself, "I also sense the brat, Luke. He's… greatly distressed. So is Kenobi."
"Does that mean they lost?" Sumia asked, voice trembling as it barely rose above a whisper.
"I do not know, your majesty." Dooku snarled back. Sumia recoiled, causing Dooku to close his eyes again and take a calming breath, "I cannot sense the outcome of the battle. Everything is extremely murky in the force. But…" He pursed his lips, "I believe our best course of action is not to link up with the Feroxi, but instead to immediately move southwest towards Demon's Ingle."
Sumia raked a hand through her hair. Her fingers got caught in a snarled knot near the back of her head. She grimaced and yanked her fingers free. A sharp breath shot through her lungs as she struggled to hold back tears.
Robin was dead. One of her closest friends, someone who was practically family to her and Chrom, was dead.
Naga help us.
"Your majesty." Dooku's level voice slipped into her ears. With it came a surprising wave of calm that washed over her mind and allowed her to think clearly, even if it was only for a brief moment, "You must make a decision. And we have decide what to do with the prisoners."
Sumia gulped and nodded. She was still the commander of this mission. Every soldier on the battlefield, from Dooku and Mustafa to the simple mages and pegasus knights, were looking to her for leadership. Now that she was in this position, she marveled at how Chrom, Frederick, Cordelia, Ben, and… and Robin, all kept their sanity. She could understand how Robin unraveled in the wake of the Sea Battle and Charlet. She felt like curling into a ball and sobbing right now after just one bloody battle and the loss of a friend.
She did not have that luxury. Now, with Cordelia out of commission, she was the leader of Ylisse's Pegasus Knights. She needed to wear the same mask of determination that Chrom and the others wore when faced with war. With a final deep, shuddering breath, she rose to her feet and raised her chin.
"Dooku, your advice led us to victory here. I would be foolish to ignore it now. If you believe it is best we fall back to Demon's Ingle, then that is what we shall do." She took another deep breath as another calming wave hit her mind, "I will send a squadron of Pegasus Knights north still to inform the Khans of our actions. As for the Valmese prisoners…"
She faltered mid thought. What to do with the thousands of enemy soldiers taken prisoner? She could not march multiple days southwest with them. Not with the small force she had. They did not have the provisions to care for such a large amount of soldiers. Not unless they allowed the enemy soldiers to keep their own supplies, which would be a risky move.
"Normally, I would advise a mass execution." Dooku admitted, shocking Sumia, "But… seeing as how that is greatly frowned upon and how it is against your nature, an alternative may be to eliminate their General and destroy their morale. From there, bring them along in a forced march. It may not be very humane, but you will have control over-"
"I will not subject another person to such cruelty." Sumia hissed, surprising Dooku with her anger, "Enough people have died today. I am not going to add to the body count because it is convenient."
"Then what will you do, your majesty?" Dooku asked.
Sumia furrowed her brow. Indeed, what would she do?
"I am going to speak to the Valmese General now." She stated firmly, marching up to her Pegasus and mounting it.
Dooku inclined his chin, "If you plan on negotiating, I advise against it. You already hold all of the leverage."
"We shall see." Sumia replied, snapping the reins to her pegasus and quickly trotting across the battlefield towards the position where Mustafa held the Valmese General captive.
The Pegasus Knights planted a small stake in the ground to tie the General too. And she looked none to pleased about it. Under any other circumstances, Sumia would have regarded the enemy general as a stunning woman. But now, tied up to a stake in the middle of a bloody field, dried blood caking her forehead and armor, she looked like any other exhausted soldier. Yet, there was still a burning defiance in the General's eyes as Sumia approached.
Mustafa bowed to Sumia as she dismounted her Pegasus.
"Your majesty." The older Plegian rumbled.
He appeared to be the least distressed person on the battlefield. Something he likely had experience to thank. His bare torso had several scrapes and bruises, but he was otherwise unharmed. An oiled cloth rested on the head of his battleaxe while he leaned against it. Resting his weight on the ax and allowing his older body to catch a breath.
"General Mustafa." Sumia nodded. She turned her gaze to the Valmese general, "And General-"
"Heh." The woman spat some blood into the dirt near her legs, "Still calling me by my rank? You Ylisseans are a strange bunch. If the positions were switched, I'd be calling you a damn whore, or, if I was in a good mood, a wench." Sumia frowned, causing the woman to utter another dry laugh, "But here we are, I'm the one tied up, at your mercy. And you are the victor. If I had my helm, I'd tip it to you."
"I'm not here to gloat." Sumia replied, her voice lacking her usual kind tone and warmth. Replaced by a sudden sense of command she knew she needed in this moment.
"Oh really?" The woman spat some more blood into the dirt, "Gah, bloody lip! One of your knights really can deliver a punch." She sighed, "Fine, my name is Pheros."
"General Pheros." Sumia repeated, "I am-"
"Queen Sumia of House Ylisse, yeah I know who you are. I'd be stupid not to know. Any good general worth their salt knows their enemy. Although, I clearly did not know you well enough since you kicked my army's ass." Pheros admitted, "So why are you here? About to deal me the death blow? Execute me so you may demoralize my men? Sounds quite out of character for you." She grimaced as she knelt before Sumia, hands tied to the stake behind her back, "Or… perhaps I really don't know you at all, and you are going to kill all of us?"
Sumia shook her head, "No, I am not going to kill you or your men. I actually have a proposal for you, General Pheros."
"Oh? A proposal?"
"Yes." Sumia nodded. She glanced over at Mustafa. The old Plegian watched the conversation carefully as he cleaned blood and gore from his ax blade, "I will spare you and your men, I will even allow you to march free of binds alongside my army, weaponless of course."
"Of course." Pheros nodded with a slight smirk.
"In exchange, when we regroup with my husband's army, you will swear your allegiance to him."
Pheros raised her brow as she regarded Sumia silently. Then she broke out in loud laughter. Mustafa arched an eyebrow as Pheros threw her head back and laughed louder. A sputtering cough came from the General's lips, and she spat in the dirt again.
"That is a funny one, your majesty." Pheros sneered back, "You Ylisseans are stranger than I thought. Stupider than I thought too. Do you have any idea what the Conqueror does to traitors?"
"No." Sumia replied, "But we are going to beat the Conqueror. So I guess you have nothing to worry about on that front?"
Pheros's eyes widened, "You seriously think you can win?" She shook her head, "Damn I want to laugh, but I can't. Not at something like that. Listen, you seem like a very sweet girl. And I'm sure you would make an excellent queen, or ruling governor of a territory in the Conqueror's empire. Do yourself and your family, your people, a favor, and fall on your hands and knees before the Conqueror. I'll be damned if I do that to you when all you have proven to me is that you can execute a good ambush."
"And what if I told you we have already defeated not only you, but General Yen'fay as well?" Mustafa's eyes widened behind Pheros as Sumia spoke, "Would that have any affect on your decision? Seeing as how, with his defeat, his sister and my ally, Say'ri, will take over his army?" She noticed Pheros's brow furrow, "And from what I gather, Walhart's army is mostly conscripts while Yen'fay's is a professional fighting force. Which do you think will win?"
Pheros's jaw shifted back and forth, "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Sumia asked, folding her hands behind her back and pacing a few steps near Pheros, "How would you know? How would you know that I haven't received a message already saying Yen'fay surrendered because he could not bear to fight his own family." She saw a flash of worry dance in Pheros's gaze, "That is something he would do, isn't it? Oh, then there is also the Voice of Naga factor. I'm sure there are already hundreds, if not thousands, of Valmese deserters moving towards my husband's army. Ready to do battle and regain their freedom." Sumia looked down on the quiet General, "The tide of the war has changed General. Will it carry you out to sea, or deliver you to shore?"
Mustafa's jaw hung open a little bit as he watched Sumia work. He quickly snapped his mouth closed before Pheros could notice his shock.
Pheros winced, spat, then cleared her throat.
"So, by swearing allegiance to you, I will be fighting on your side. Along with Yen'fay and his army?"
Sumia nodded, "And the Voice, don't forget her."
Pheros slowly nodded. She thought for another moment, "My men will be spared?"
"I will even share provisions with them so that they are comfortable during the march."
Pheros pursed her lips. Sumia maintained the look of command she had been maintaining. But in her mind, she was scrambling to think of a backup plan in case this failed. As much as she appreciated Dooku's tactical knowledge, the last thing she wanted to do was wet her blade with more blood today.
Pheros cleared her throat and spat in the dirt.
"Can you get a damn healer to fix my mouth already then?" Sumia's heart soared as she realized a small victory. Pheros flashed Sumia some broken teeth through a pain smile, "I'm tired of gargling my own blood."
"I'll take that as a yes." Sumia nodded, "And I will send a healer over immediately." She nodded to two Knights guarding the general. The knights untied Pheros, "Address your men. My adviser, Dooku, will be there to listen in." She glanced over at Mustafa, "General, walk with me."
"Uh…" Mustafa replied. He picked up his ax and rested it on his shoulder, "Sure."
Sumia spun on her heel and marched away from Pheros with Mustafa trailing just behind. Once they were out of Pheros's earshot and eyesight, Sumia let out a loud exhale and rested her hands on her knees.
"So…" She glanced up at Mustafa, "How'd I do?"
Mustafa blinked, "Um… amazing for such a risky move."
"Really? Oh good, I was scared I screwed that up." Sumia admitted with a slight laugh, "All of that bravado and confidence and whatnot. Thought about it from a book I've been reading. Wyvern Wars: Terror at High Noon," Sumia exhaled again, trying to calm herself down, "Highly recommend by the way."
"So you just negotiated not only a surrender, but a partnership, based on a book?" Mustafa asked, planting the butt of his ax in the ground as he tried to piece together everything that just occured in the past few minutes.
"I channeled a character." Sumia admitted, "The funny thing is, that character ended up dying." Mustafa paled, "So let's hope that doesn't happen now." She took a step forward, let out a sharp cry, and nearly fell face first to the dirt. Mustafa reached out and caught her.
"It's a good thing you didn't trip out of nervousness when speaking to Pheros." He grunted as he helped the Queen stand back up.
"I-I-I'm not nervous." Sumia stammered, "It's the… the… the boots. Yes! I need to um- get them- um- adjusted again. I thought Chrom did that already but apparently not." She finished with a sheepish laugh.
Mustafa uttered a rumbling chuckle and he shook his head, "You did well, your majesty. I'm guessing we are heading south instead of north?"
Sumia nodded, "Yes. A squadron of Pegasus Knights will fly with all haste north and inform the Khans. And we are going to move south immediately."
Mustafa nodded, "I'll inform the men." He turned away. Before walking off, he glanced back at Sumia, "D-don't leave our fates up to a book again please."
Sumia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "I'll remember that."
Mustafa nodded and strode off. Once he was gone, Sumia's shoulders sagged. She trudged over to her pegasus and ran her hand along its muzzle.
"You believe the boots story right?"
The beast nodded.
"That's right."
A Jedi is forbidden from forming attachments. With that came other rules. A Jedi should not miss another person, a Jedi should not grieve, a Jedi should not mourn. For anyone who dies becomes one with the Force, and they live forever in the cosmic realm invisible to the naked eye. As Master Yoda often told Jedi struggling with such things, attachment leads to jealousy, and jealousy carried the shadow of greed.
But Ben… he struggled with grief many times. In the wake of his Master's death, he grieved briefly, then turned his full attention to training Anakin. To fulfilling his Master's final wish. Then he lost Satine, but any mourning for her had been brief. There was a war to fight, Sith to destroy, and a Republic to make whole again. When he failed Qui Gon, when he failed Anakin, he grieved for a long time. It took the combined efforts of Robin, Chrom, and Tharja to pull him from that depressed state of mind and bring him back to some semblance of his old self.
One of those three was gone now, and it left him feeling numb. Robin is… was… his closest friend on this world. It took a long time for Ben to figure out why they were so close, but he finally started to understand not long ago.
When they both met they were two lost souls. Robin was literally lost, without a single memory to guide him forward. His only guidance being the help of kind strangers. Ben was lost mentally, spiritually even. It took that same group of kind strangers to help him find his way once again. They bonded through their similar circumstances at first. Then Robin's similarities to Anakin strengthened their bond. There were moments in training, in battle, in simple relaxing times, where Robin reminded Ben so much of his old Padawan learner. It was as if someone gave all of the good parts of Anakin to another person and placed him in Ben's life as a way to move on from the heartache that occured on Mustafar.
And he failed him. Ben shuddered as Cherche guided Minerva to a landing at the base of Demon's Ingle, where the rest of the soldiers, both Ylissean and Valmese, had gathered. There was no fighting between the two shaken armies, but there was obvious tension. The Valmese eyed the Ylisseans nervously, but did not move to attack. The Ylisseans shifted to and fro, weapons drawn, waiting for the first Valmese to charge and continue the battle.
Minerva let out a roar as Cherche landed with Ben and Tiki. Once the Wyvern touched the ground, Tiki jumped off and rushed into the Ylissean ranks, disappearing from his sight. Ben lingered a moment longer, glancing back behind him at the erupting volcano. Any shred of hope that Robin survived died when he saw another violent explosion rock the mountain, sending more ash and fire flying into the air.
"Ben?" Cherche spoke softly in front of him, "I suggest dismounting. Prince Chrom is probably waiting for you."
Ben gulped, "R-right."
Force, Chrom… Ben forgot all about him. The Prince did not know of Robin's fate yet. He and Robin were also very close friends. Ben jumped down from Minerva's back and ran a hand over his face.
What do I even say? He exhaled again and cast a wary look across the field towards the nearby Valmese. Many were starting to sit down in the long grass at the base of the mountain, weapons sheathed. None appeared ready to continue the battle. For that, Ben was grateful. He could not fight anymore today. His heart was too heavy, body too exhausted, and mind too shaken to draw his blade and kill again.
"Ben!"
He froze beside Minerva. Chrom rushed towards him. Sweat and ash covered his face. Even more dirt and ash caked his blue hair, making it look gray. Worry was written in his eyes as he hurried towards Ben and Cherche.
"Cynthia and Luke touched down without you guys and I feared the worst." Chrom breathed. He glanced over at Minerva, "Where's Tiki and Robin?"
Ben gulped, "Tiki walked into the army."
Chrom nodded, "She's safe, good. And Robin?"
Ben's face turned grave, "Chrom-"
The Prince's face dropped, "Ben, where is Robin?" He asked again, voice lower.
Ben uttered a shaky gasp, "He bought us time." His eyes started to mist and he bowed his head, trying his best to hide his grief from Chrom, "He's gone Chrom."
Any strength Chrom had left in his body left him. His eyes watered and he staggered back a step, bracing himself against Minerva's scaly body.
"That-" Chrom shook his head, "No, we need to go up and-"
"We can't go up there Chrom." Ben breathed, "Look at the mountain." Demon's Ingle shook once more, making Chrom's face ashen, "I saw him fall, Chrom. I saw him challenge three deadlords then be consumed in the fire. And-" Ben choked, "And I need to go."
Ben spun away and marched as quickly as he could away from the army. He could hear Chrom calling his name, shouting for him to come back, but he did not turn around. In his mind he did not hear Chrom. Instead he heard the rushing flow of lava, the bubbling of magma, the superheated wind of a planet far away from this one.
He saw Anakin burning alive at his feet once more. Screaming at him. Shrill cries filled with pain and hatred filled his mind. The terrible memory was replaced by a fresh one. The sight of Robin letting out a defiant cry as he held the Deadlords at bay before being consumed in the volcano's fury. His heart ached as he stepped further away from the armies. The mountain shook again, forcing his misty eyes to look up at the pillar of ash and smoke ascending even higher into a darkening sky.
I failed another.
He sank to his knees and hung his head, shoulders shuddering as he started to cry. Tears streamed down his face as he looked up at the mountain through bleary vision once again.
"I'm so sorry." He shook his head and tore his gaze away once again, staring down at the grass in front of him.
Footsteps rushed towards him from behind. He could not tell if it was friend or foe. In this moment, he did not care. That changed when a body slammed into his back and slender arms wrapped tight around his chest.
Tharja sobbed into his back. He felt her tears stain the back of his ash covered shirt as she shuddered against him. In that moment, his own tears dried away and he quickly reached up and gripped her hand with his.
"Is he-is-" Tharja sniffled, "Is he really-"
Ben nodded his head. Tharja whimpered and buried her face into him.
"I'm sorry." Ben breathed, doing his best not to choke on his own words, "I couldn't save him." He shook again as a few stray tears dripped down his cheeks, "I lost another one."
He felt her head shake against his back. Her small hands spun him gently around to face her. Ben's entire body sagged when he saw Tharja's face. Tear stains ran like rivers through a land of gray ash, smoke, and dried blood. She looked like she had been through hell. Looked like how he did when he finished fighting through the fires of Mustafar.
How did I let it come to this?
Tharja shook her head again, "You did not lose Robin." She reached up with her hands and cupped his cheeks, "You never lost him. Robin did what he did, because he cared for all of us. He cared for you. That is not the actions of someone you lost."
Ben's jaw clenched as Tharja's thumbs rubbed circles in his beard.
"Don't despair." Tharja breathed, resting her forehead against his, "We will-" A shaky sigh left her lips, "we will mourn him. And we will miss him terribly. But Robin would not want us to blame ourselves for his decision. You know that."
Ben swallowed hard, "He was a far greater Jedi than I could ever be."
Tharja exhaled, "Only because you taught him how to be great."
Ben's eyes misted again. The mask of weak strength broke and he let his head fall into her shoulder. Sobs wracked him as Tharja held Ben close and cried.
Cynthia's right leg bounced incessantly as she sat on her saddle, now removed from her exhausted Pegasus. Her hands were folded in front of her face. Fear, worry, sorrow, a mixture of feelings she had not felt in a long time bubbled inside of her. She sniffled as a stray tear ran down her cheek. She quickly reached up and wiped it away before looking up at the stars twinkling over her head.
The battle ended hours ago. Both the Ylissean and Valmese armies were in some sort of strange peaceful stalemate. Neither side moved to attack the other. They all stayed apart, a long channel of grass resting between them. A no man's land no one dared to cross for fear of being captured or killed. The only person who dared to move across that empty space had been Luke. Once the battle ended, he jumped off of Cynthia's pegasus and sprinted across, searching for Yen'fay and Say'ri, since they could not find his older sister in their ranks.
That happened hours ago. Now… now she sat by herself on her saddle. Her pegasus rested beside her. The rest of her friends were busy. Brady and the other healers arrived around an hour ago and started treating whatever wounded they could. Noire stood watch near no man's land, an arrow nocked in her bow at all times. Severa was probably helping Sir Frederick get rations to the soldiers that survived and were capable of eating. Inigo and Owain were helping her work. Laurent joined the healers in treating the wounded. And Sakura, well, she did not know where Sakura was. She was probably doing something to help out too.
And all Cynthia could do was sit and worry. Worry for Luke, for her sister who sat captured somewhere on the other side of no man's land, for her mother who led a near suicidal mission to the north, and for her father who she had not seen at all since the battle concluded. She knew he was alive, otherwise someone would have found her and told her otherwise, but she feared he was hurt. Despite that worry, she was not able to stand and search for him in the quiet, tentless camp. She found herself stuck in place, waiting for Luke to come back.
He'll come back. Cynthia thought. She sniffed as she struggled to hold back tears, He's Yen'fay's brother. The enemy won't hurt him.
In the back of her mind, she knew she was lying to herself. The enemy tried everything in their power to kill Luke on the battlefield. She remembered watching his lightsaber whirl around him like a deadly blue pinwheel. She could still feel the knot in her throat as she remembered him battling the deadlords from above the battlefield. As her mind drifted back to the terrible battle, she found her breath quickening and her pulse racing. Her leg bounced furiously and her fists tightened in her lap as she tucked her chin to her chest. A ragged gasp rushed from her lips as tears threatened to cascade down her face.
I never want to be in something like that again. She thought with a quick shake of her head. She sniffled and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand as she recalled all of the death, destruction, and fear, Never again.
Footsteps drew near her. Cynthia sniffed and glanced to her left. She whimpered when she saw Chrom moving towards her. Without even thinking, she surged off of her saddle and barreled into him. As soon as her father wrapped his arms around her, sobs erupted from her. Chrom gently rubbed her back as he held her.
"Shh…" He breathed, embracing his daughter, "It's okay. Cry it out."
"I was so scared!" Cynthia bawled, "I-I'm still so scared!"
"I know." Chrom rested his chin on top of her head, "I'm still scared too."
Cynthia sniffled against him, "Did you cry too?"
Chrom swallowed hard. He slowly nodded, "I did, yes. We…" He grimaced, "We lost Robin today."
Cynthia's eyes widened, she jerked her head away from his chest and stared at her father in disbelief.
"Robin is-" Another sob rocked her body and she buried her face into him, "Naga, no! No! This wasn't supposed to happen!"
"I know." Chrom breathed.
"Who's next!?" Cynthia cried as she gripped him tighter, "Is it going to be Uncle Ben? Auntie Lissa? You and mom? Luci?"
"No!" Chrom said sharply, "I won't let that happen." He gently lifted her chin so that she looked at him, "You already lost all of us once before. I will fight with everything I have so that you will not lose us again."
Cynthia shook against him, "I-I want to believe you but-" She gulped, "I can't. No one was supposed to die in this war. But now Ricken, Miriel, Stahl, Gregor, and Robin-" Cynthia exhaled and shook again, "I'm scared."
Chrom closed his eyes as he kept hugging her. They remained silent, embracing each other for a few more moments before Chrom sighed and pulled away from Cynthia. Cynthia sniffled and wiped at her eyes, trying her best to keep more tears from falling.
"We're all scared." Chrom admitted, "Hell, I'm terrified right now. I'm afraid for our friends, for you and your sister, for your mother." He pursed his lips, "But… the measure of a hero is how they react to that fear. Do you rise up and overcome it, or do you let it win?"
Cynthia raised her head and sniffled.
"I want to be a hero." She mumbled.
Chrom smiled softly and brushed a stray tear from her cheek, "You already are."
A Valmese soldier shouted from across no man's land. Cynthia froze while Chrom instinctively reached for Falchion. His hand fell away from the divine blade when he saw two nervous Valmese soldiers guiding Lucina across no man's land over to him and Cynthia. He quickly reached out and caught Cynthia by the arm before she sprint out into the open, towards Lucina.
The Valmese pushed Lucina across the imaginary line separating the two armies, then quickly backed up towards their own lines. As soon as they let go of her, Lucina sprinted towards Chrom and Cynthia. Cynthia broke free from Chrom's grip and embraced her, sobbing into her older sister's shoulder.
"I'm alright, Cynthia." Lucina breathed. She glanced over Cynthia's shoulder at her father, "What happened? I saw the volcano erupt and I-" Lucina gulped, "I felt some terrible things in the force."
Chrom bowed his head, "Robin is dead." Lucina paled as Chrom pressed his lips into a thin line, "Your mother is leading a separate mission to the north. And the Khans are further north delaying the Conqueror's army for us."
Lucina swallowed hard, "I-I heard rumors. Heard some important people died but-" She shook her head, struggling to find the right words to speak, "Robin was not supposed to die."
Then again, no one was supposed to die during this entire war. Lucina reminded herself, Luke was right. Nothing is certain anymore.
"Did you see Luke over there?" Cynthia asked, "And Say'ri?"
Lucina shook her head. Before she could open her mouth to say anything, sorrow ripped through the force. The Dark Side roared to life across no man's land. Lucina spun around and shoved Cynthia behind her. Her one good hand hovered over the old scabbard that held her Falchion's shards inside of it. For a split second, she did not know what was causing such a dark pulse in the force. Then her heart jumped to her throat.
"Luke…" Lucina breathed, face pale as she realized he was the one in absolute pain.
"What's wrong?" Cynthia tugged on Lucina's sleeve, "Luci?"
"Luke is-" Lucina caught herself. Her father and Cynthia were already worried enough, "Stay here." She told them.
"Where are you going?" Chrom asked.
"To find Luke."
Cynthia moved to follow, but Lucina stopped her with her hand.
"It's safer if you stayed away right now." She warned her sister.
"Why?"
"You can't go alone." Chrom said sternly.
"I can handle Luke if he gets out of hand." Lucina replied.
"Do you fear that happening?" Chrom asked, brow furrowing as his hand twitched towards Falchion.
"He won't!" Cynthia exclaimed quickly, "Luke is a good man he wouldn't-"
"I believe you, Cynthia." Lucina interrupted, "I just do not trust the dark side. Right now…" Lucina grimaced, "Just stay here, both of you. If- if you are really concerned, then if I'm not back in thirty minutes, tell Ben. He'll find me."
Chrom frowned, "I still don't think you should go looking for him alone. If he won't do something, a Valmese soldier could-"
"The Valmese are not fighting us now." Lucina stated, "I have a feeling they are done fighting us. Yen'fay is… something is wrong with him right now. I do not know what, but he personally set me free. Did not say a word when he did. If they haven't attacked now, then they won't attack at all."
Chrom's frown never wavered. She could tell he wanted to go with her. It was the protective instincts he developed ever since he learned she was his daughter from the future. But to his credit, Chrom also recognized that Lucina was capable of taking care of herself. With a reluctant nod, Chrom agreed to let her go.
"Thirty minutes." Chrom warned, "Then both Ben and I are coming to find you."
Lucina nodded, "Thank you." She glanced at Cynthia one more time, "Go sit with the others. I'm sure Cordelia wouldn't mind some company. It's not healthy for you to be alone right now." She glanced up at Chrom, "Either of you."
Before either could argue, Lucina turned on her heel and marched towards the empty plains to the south of the two armies. That was where she sensed the dark side roar to life. That was where she sensed Luke in pain. Not physical pain, she would feel the dark side act more defensive if he was in physical pain. The dark side felt extremely aggressive and angry, which was why she demanded Cynthia and Chrom stay away while she tried to speak to Luke. She was not sure of his mental state while wielding this kind of dangerous power. If he was as unstable as she feared, then at least she could handle his powers for a little while without the need for help.
She had to walk a ways from the armies before she found him in sitting in the tall grass. Dirt, both large clumps and small specks, rotated around Luke as he sat still in the grass. The Dark Side of the force surrounded him like a shadowy cocoon. A protective shell that he always retreated into when overwhelmed or afraid.
"Luke?" Lucina cautiously approached him from behind, "Are you-"
He stiffened in front of her. The dirt stopped rotating around his body. Each individual speck of dirt, small rock, and blade of grass hung in the air.
"It's me." Lucina gulped, "I sensed something and came to che-"
"She's dead." Luke whispered.
The dirt, rocks, and grass all fell simultaneously back to the ground, startling Lucina. She froze where she stood as Luke looked back to her. Tears filled his yellow eyes.
"Say'ri is dead." He whimpered.
Lucina's eyes widened. That explained all of the pain she felt radiating out of him. Wordlessly, she tiptoed her way over and sat down beside Luke.
Luke hung his head, hands balled up tight in his lap as he struggled to contain the dark side.
"I'm so sorry." Lucina muttered.
Luke sniffled, "D-don't be. It's not your fault."
Lucina gulped, "Can't help but think it is." He took a deep breath, "If I hadn't messed with the timeline-"
"Then everything we knew in the future would have happened again." Luke replied, breaths trembling as he spoke, "But still… why her?"
Lucina gave him a sympathetic look, "I don't know, Luke." A flash of worry shot through her, "Was it Yen-"
"No." Luke grit his teeth. The Dark Side rumbled like an angry beast around him. Pressure built up in the air, pressing down on Lucina as she sat beside him, "It was Excellus." His eyes blazed as all of the sorrow he felt turned to pure hatred, "If I see that worm again, I'm going to kill him. I swear I will. That cretin has destroyed my family in two timelines now. He took me away in our future. Now he has taken Say'ri from me." Lucina's throat bobbed as she dipped into the force and stared into a black abyss inside of Luke. Luke glared at her, "You better not try to stop me."
Lucina swallowed, "Luke, I-I can't pretend to know what you are feeling right now. And I won't lecture you on what you should and should not do. That is not my place. Besides, I felt the same thing you are feeling when I lost my parents in the future." Lucina pursed her lips, "But… my master told me-"
"Do you think I give a shit what Kenobi has to say about this?" Luke snarled. He stormed up to his feet, dark side rumbling and rolling like a violent storm inside of him, "What could he possibly know about any of this? Damnable Jedi, he'd tell me not to seek revenge. Is that the advice you were about to give me!?"
Lucina remained quiet as Luke raged in front of her.
"It is." Luke snarled. He stomped a few steps away, the force continuing to pulse around him, "Damn hypocrites, both of you." A stab of hurt shot through Lucina as Luke spat those words out, "What did you do when I nearly killed you in Plegia? You sought revenge against me. And your master," Luke shook his head, "He killed his own apprentice for what he did to the Jedi Order. Tell me how that is not revenge."
"That is justice."
"Are they not the same!?" Luke roared. He took a deep breath as he saw a brief flash of fear cross Lucina's features, "If I say it pretty like you and Kenobi, then will it not be considered revenge? I want justice. I will kill Excellus and call it justice. There, that makes it just!" Luke growled, "Invoking Kenobi's wisdom as if it is something great, something that will apply to me, damn foolish of you. That man held nothing but contempt towards me my entire damn life! Refused to train me, despite the fact that I am stronger than you!" He nodded to himself, "I am stronger than all of you. And I will continue to get stronger until those I care about are never in danger ever again!"
"I heard something very similar once before."
Luke and Lucina's gazes whipped behind them. Ben slowly approached them. He looked like he had recently cleaned himself up. Ash and dirt still caked his clothes. But his face had been washed, although his eyes were red and raw from tears.
"What are you doing here?" Lucina asked, "I told father thirty minutes."
"And you thought he would listen?" Ben replied, "He came to me immediately and said you wanted fifteen minutes."
"Of course he did." Lucina sighed.
Ben nodded and glanced over at Luke. The young Sith seethed as he glared at the Jedi Master.
"Where did you hear it before?" Luke snarled as he started pacing back and forth, "You both are not capable of stopping me from getting revenge on Excellus. I will kill him."
"And that will bring Say'ri back?" Ben replied.
Luke roared, "Obviously not! But damn it all, it will feel amazing when I cut that worm's head from his shoulders!"
Ben nodded, "Yes, it probably will." Ben took a few more steps forward, a finger brushing against the corner of his mouth, "But once you go down that road, you will never come back from it."
"Oh yes, because once someone falls to the dark side they stay that way forever." Luke spat back, "I've heard it before from you, Jedi. Don't lecture me. You have no idea what it is like to lose family. None!" Luke inhaled sharply through his nose as the dark side thrashed even more violently around him, "I will do everything in my power to protect those I care about. Nothing will stop me!"
"You will become the very thing you want to destroy if all you live for is vengeance." Ben warned, voice shaking a little bit as his own composure started to waver. Lucina remained silent as she watched the two men talk, "And you cannot control who lives and dies in this life. If you think you have that power, you are no better than the tyrants who took Say'ri."
Luke let out a violent scream. His lightsaber thundered to life, forcing Lucina to take a nervous step back. She had never seen Luke like this before. This was no ordinary rage emanating from Luke. This was nothing like the fury she felt when he fought on the battlefield, or even when he fought her in Plegia. All of that anger had been reluctant. As if he was being forced to use the one aspect of the force he actually understood and hated doing so. But this anger she felt right now, this was raw hatred. This was unleashed rage that wanted to rip everything apart, friend or foe.
Luke pointed the tip of his blade at Ben, "If you stand in my way-"
"Luke stop it!" Lucina cried, moving forward only for Ben to stretch out and arm and hold her back.
Luke glared at Lucina. The fury in his gaze softened a moment as he looked at her. His rage filled glare returned to Ben.
"For her sake, don't make me kill you."
Ben's eyes widened briefly. The blue glow of Luke's lightsaber washed over him as Luke took several steps forward, bringing the tip of his blade mere inches away from Ben's chest. The Jedi Master raised his hands slowly up.
"Luke please-"
"I'll do it!" Luke growled, tears bubbling in his eyes as the lightsaber shook in his hands, trembling closer to Ben's chest, "I'll kill you if you try to stop me!"
Ben closed his eyes and uttered a heavy sigh.
"You are so much like your father."
Lucina blinked. Luke stopped shaking as he glared hatefully at Ben. He grit his teeth as he hesitated in front of the Jedi Master.
"What?" Luke growled.
Ben swallowed hard, "Your father said nearly those exact same words to me." Ben met Luke's gaze, "He even believed he could stop those he cared about from dying if he became strong enough. That mistaken belief led to his downfall."
"What do you know of my father?" Luke snarled, hands shaking as he gripped his lightsaber, "I never knew my parents. Yen'fay found me in the middle of a battlefield, they probably died there. So how could you know them?"
Ben shook his head, "You are walking the same dangerous path Anakin did."
Lucina's eyes widened. Luke froze in front of Ben. Ben remained motionless, hands near his head as he stayed calm in the face of Luke's wrath.
"What are you-"
"Your name is Luke Skywalker." Ben breathed, "And your father would not want you to fall like he did."
Lucina reeled behind Ben. Her master was claiming to know Ben's father. Not only know him, but-
Luke's father was Master Kenobi's former apprentice!?
Confusion filled Luke, forcing away his blind hatred as he regarded Ben with suspicion.
"What game are you playing, Kenobi?" Luke asked.
Ben swallowed hard, "Your father was Anakin Skywalker, my apprentice when the Jedi Order still existed." He took a deep breath, "Like you, he was incredibly powerful, and incredibly volatile. But… he was a good man, up until he feared losing those he loved. Then he-" Ben choked a little bit as he remembered what happened to his one time brother, "he became an unrecognizable monster. He sought revenge against those who had never wronged him. He sought power to destroy enemies that did not exist. He even believed he could grow strong enough to stop people from dying." Ben flicked his eyes at Luke's lightsaber, "I have learned, after speaking to both your father, and Dooku, that the fall almost always starts with good intentions in mind. But intentions mean nothing when your actions are wrong. Killing Excellus will feel good, yes. I will not deny that. But will it end there? Or will you seek to kill the Conqueror next? Then who? Yen'fay, for not stepping up and standing against Walhart? Myself and Chrom, for not making sure Say'ri lived through this battle even though we could not control what happened? Lucina, for daring to go back in time and change the timeline? Cynthia, for helping you grow close to Say'ri once again?"
"I would never hurt them!" Luke snapped back, voice cracking as tears welled in his eyes.
"Not now." Ben replied, "You haven't gone that far. But you are close to taking that dangerous first step. Then you, like your father, will be gone. And nothing but death will stop your fall." He eyed Luke carefully as the boy's lip quivered, "You have seen what revenge does to your family, to those you care about." Luke's eyes widened as he stared at Ben, stunned, "You saw what it has done to Yen'fay… and to Say'ri. I saw what it did to your father. Don't make the same mistakes they made, Luke."
Luke shuddered. Through bleary eyes, he stared hard at Ben and Lucina.
"I would never hurt them." He whimpered.
"Then put the saber down." Ben breathed, "Let us help you."
Tears rushed down his cheeks. All of the strength left Luke's arms as he lowered the lightsaber and let it fall to the earth, blue blade hissing back into the hilt when it left his grasp. Lucina brushed past Ben and wrapped Luke in a tight embrace. Luke shuddered as sobs wracked him.
"She's dead." Luke whimpered as she cried.
"I know." Lucina replied, calm voice trying to soothe the grieving sith, "But she is not gone. She lives on in the force, and she will always be watching over you."
Luke whimpered again and buried his face into Lucina's shoulder. As he cried, Lucina looked back to Ben. Her eyes widened as he saw him slowly walking away, head bowed, his presence in the force shuddering as he struggled with his own emotions.
Is it all true? She thought as she watched her master walk away.
"I'm sorry, Luci." Luke shook, "I'm sorry for everything."
"I know you are." Lucina exhaled, "Let's go find Cynthia. She's worried about you."
Luke sniffled and nodded. Before he could reach for it, Lucina used the force to call his lightsaber to her hand. She held it for a moment, contemplating whether or not to keep it, before ultimately deciding to hand it back to Luke.
Luke sniffed and stared at the outstretched blade, surprised.
"I trust you." Lucina nodded, "You said you would never hurt us. I believe that."
Luke swallowed hard. With a trembling hand, he grasped the hilt from her hand. Lucina smiled softly and nodded for him to follow her back to their army.
"Come on. Before anyone else decides to check on us."
Luke uttered a strained laugh and nodded. As he walked beside Lucina back to their now hastily made army camp, he furrowed his brow and glanced over at Lucina.
"Kenobi said that my father was his apprentice? Do you think he was telling the truth?"
Lucina pursed her lips, "Why would he lie about that?"
Luke shook his head, "I-I don't know." He thought hard for a moment, "I'll have to ask him about it."
"Later." Lucina looked up and saw Cynthia rushing towards them with Chrom waiting further back, "For now, someone wants to see you."
Luke broke away from Lucina, allowing Cynthia to barrel into his arms. The young Jedi Knight quietly stepped away as her old friend and her younger sister embraced at the edge of their camp. A smile crossed her lips in the night as Cynthia craned her head up and kissed Luke. Despite the horrors they all experienced during the day, she still felt a small sliver of hope for the future. Luke kept himself from descending into the darkness. They would all be there to help him fight back against those urges.
Perhaps there is some light today.
The golden glow of Excellus's teleportation magic evaporated away, but his glee did not. As he arrived in his quarters within the Conqueror's palace he uttered a loud cackle. Thrill filled him. Oh how delicious his actions were! He had broken the unbreakable General Yen'fay. Finally passed that damnable man and rendered him a useless husk to be cast aside. Princess Say'ri's death would put him in a melancholic state so intense that there would be no way he could lead his armies. Leaving him, Excellus, to assume command of Valm's greatest army.
The Conqueror likes to think his army is better. Excellus snorted to himself as he marched over to his desk and grabbed a book of matches, But a million men an army does not make. General Yen'fay's force would rip them apart if given the chance. His men are actual soldiers, not conscripts.
He saw the proof for that theory at Demon's Ingle. Even with only a few thousand of his actual host, Yen'fay broke the Ylisseans. If the damn volcano had not erupted, then the Ylisseans would have been wiped out entirely.
Excellus struck a match and lifted it towards a candlewick, And then I could focus on much larger goals.
"Excellus."
Any glee he had rushed away as a snarl pierced the darkness. A cold wind slammed into his closed windows, shoving them open and snuffing the flame out before the candle could be lit.
"Please, tell me, I'm curious." Excellus remained rigid as the voice snarled behind him. Cold sweat formed on his brow, shivers ran down his spine as he sensed darkness incarnate occupying his quarters, "What are your larger goals?"
Excellus spun around. Two pin pricks of yellow light from the eyes of a monster glared at him from a chair across the room. In the shadows, Excellus barely made out the form of his master, the Hierophant. Fear shot through the fat man as he trembled before the powerful man.
"I-I-" He swallowed hard, "Well, my larger goals are your goals of course. I am merely a servant for you will."
A low chuckle emanated from the shadowy figure across the room. The Hierophant waved a hand, and the wick on one of Excellus's candles burst to life, showing the white haired man glaring at him.
"You know, I would believe you. You are cowardly enough to try and pull the wool over my eyes so you could just live a little longer." The Hierophant leaned forward in his seat, "Except you did the one thing that has thrown all of my plans into chaos. Every carefully laid step has been upended, because you are too damn stupid to do your job."
Excellus bristled despite his fear, "St-stupid!? I am not an idiot. I am Emperor Walhart's tactician. I have fooled him into thinking I serve-"
"If you think you have fooled that specimen of a human, you are a greater idiot than I thought." Excellus choked as the Hierophant interrupted. The white haired man rose to his feet, somehow towering over the terrified tactician despite being across the room. A shadow crept up the wall behind the Hierophant. A shadow in the shape of a massive black dragon, "You were a useful idiot for a time. But… your usefulness has run its course, now that I know your only goals are to fulfill you own ambitions."
"I-I-" Excellus dropped to the floor and prostrated himself before the Hierophant, "My lord! What have I done to displease you? Give me a chance to redeem myself."
"I already gave you one chance." The Hierophant stepped towards Excellus. A dark, rumbling chuckle sounded in the room. Just low enough so that only the two of them could hear it. Excellus's stomach flipped as the demonic laugh rang in his head, "I don't give worms like you two."
"What have I done to deserve this?" Excellus cried.
A squeal of fear ripped free from his lips as an invisible force lifted him into the air and pinned him against the wall over his desk. A rush of wind howled in Excellus's ears. The invisible force squeezed his entire body, rendering him motionless as he hung suspended in the air over his desk. His mouth hung open in a quiet scream as the Hierophant's eyes blazed with anger.
"You killed my vessel." The Hierophant hissed.
Excellus's heart stopped in his chest, "V-vessel?" He paled, "You mean… the Princess-"
A rope shot across the room and coiled around Excellus's neck. He wanted to move his hands to stop it from tightening around his throat, but he could not move. The rope tightened around his throat then shot up to a wooden beam in the ceiling. The worm's eyes bugged from his skull as the rope looped over the beam then tightened. The invisible force let him go, he fell, then jerked to a sharp stop. Any air rushed out of his lungs, and he could get no air to return. His legs kicked desperately and his hands scratched at the rope wrapped around his throat.
"You are still too stupid to realize what you have done. I told you to make sure the Valmese lost this war, and yet you did something that may have guaranteed their victory. Now I will have to correct your mistakes." His eyes blazed, "My first correction," The rope slackened, allowing Excellus to inhale a pitifully small breath, "is to consume you."
"Wait! WAIT! PLEASE!" Excellus shrieked.
The shadow shot out of the Hierophant. A hungry growl rumbled throughout the room. The Hierophant's eyes blazed as he watched Excellus scream. The fat in the Worm's body evaporated away. His skin turned to paper. Blood and guts shriveled up within the quickly drying husk. And he lived to feel all of it. Pain filled, terrified, beady eyes looked at the Hierophant, searching for mercy. Clinging to some hope that he, the rat, would somehow find a way out of this trap.
But you are not a rat. The Hierophant thought, You are a worm on a hook. Prey to be consumed.
"And I am hungry!"
A sickening crunch filled the air. The husk of Excellus fell to the floor with a dry thump. Another cold breeze drifted into the worm's quarters, putting out the candle and blowing away Excellus's body as it turned to ash. The Hierophant exhaled as the shadow receded away from where Excellus once stood.
"Satisfied?"
"Hardly! That creature was all fat. Quite chewy."
The Hierophant let out a quiet laugh, "But he will sate that hunger of yours for a moment longer." He looked down at the notes and messages on Excellus's desk. Eyes quickly committing to memory everything he saw. He smirked when he saw assassination plans for the Conqueror. He clicked his tongue, "Excellus, your ambition knew no bounds."
"Are we going to act now?" Grima growled in his mind, "Shall I feast upon the world?"
The Hierophant raised his gaze from the desk and stared at the shadow climbing up the wall in front of him. Before he could answer, a voice that had been noticeably absent spoke up.
"I would delay such a rash action."
Grima snarled, "Where have you been!?"
"Searching the currents of the force. Working, unlike you."
The Hierophant arched an eyebrow, "Searching the currents of the force?" He moved away from Excellus's desk towards the windows. There was no moon tonight. A few stars twinkled between dark clouds, but otherwise it was a pitch black night.
"While you were gone, our vessel-"
"Is not entirely gone."
The Hierophant froze. Grima's snarls abruptly ended.
"There is a chance?"
"He is not in this world anymore. Currently not even on our plane of existence. But I did not feel his essence merge with the force. He still lingers. No doubt thanks to my presence within him."
"No wonder we still exist." The Hierophant mused, "If the Vessel perished, then we would have as well. Timelines aside, our powers are forever linked. That is why we need him in order to be whole once again."
"What does that mean for us?"
The Hierophant furrowed his brow, "Our search must begin anew." He thought for a moment, "You said he was no longer on this world, Brother?"
"I did?"
"What other worlds exist beyond this one? And if he is beyond the stars, where are the likely places he could have ended up?"
"If he resurfaces with physical form, he will be drawn to a nexus in the force. There are not many of those. Unfortunately for us, they are quite difficult to reach from here. A lack of space faring technology is limiting us."
The Hierophant uttered a heavy sigh as he looked up at the few visible stars above him.
"So we must wait for an opportunity to present itself."
"I hate waiting."
"I have a feeling we will not have to wait long."
The Hierophant froze as, in the back of his mind, he heard artificial, labored gasps. In his mind's eye, he saw a towering figure clad in black armor and a black mask. The Dark Side of the force was wrapped around him like a black cloak. Power and authority exuded from the figure. Pain and rage lived inside of it. And with each passing moment, its power grew clearer. It was getting closer.
The Hierophant chuckled to himself.
"I look forward to meeting this one."
"He will be an extremely satisfying morsel."
"And he is our ticket off of this world. Our way to finding the Vessel once more."
"Then we will be patient." He took a deep breath, "For now, summon the Deadlords we have. We need to ensure Walhart's defeat."
"Are you about to set them loose against the enemy?"
Grima chuckled, "More souls for me to feast upon. They can redeem themselves that way."
"Exactly." The Hierophant nodded.
Several pillars of black ash formed behind him. Tigris appeared first with a furious roar erupting from his masked face. Simia formed next. Her green skinned face remained emotionless as she stood still before her master. Porcus appeared beside her, a snarl on his lips as rage boiled inside of him. Bovis appeared from a pillar of ash last. A smirk rested on his pale, sickly face as his hands wrapped around the black tome, Imhullu.
"You four will enter the next battle with a group of Risen by your side." The Hierophant informed them, "Wreak havoc on both sides, but I want the Ylisseans to be victorious. If you can, wipe out the Valmese, slaughter the Conqueror, and kill as many Ylisseans as possible."
Tigris snarled, "Kenobi-"
The Force slammed into Tigris, knocking the metal clad creature to his knees.
"You will do as I command, or I will rip your soul away and replace you with another!"
"And I will relish in feeding upon you."
The others swallowed hard as they sensed the Hierophant's power. The Hierophant glared at all of them.
"Fail me again, and all of you will cease to exist." He spun on his heel and faced the window once again, "On your way."
All four Deadlords glowed with bright gold light, then winked out of the room. The Hierophant exhaled as soon as they were gone.
"Soon…" He muttered then nodded, "The Vessel will be mine once again. Not even his death will stop me."
And chapter! This was actually a difficult chapter to write, especially since it was a follow up to last chapter. There were a lot of different perspectives I could have shown all of this from, and there are more still to look at, but we also need to keep everything moving. Lots of juggling. But, I think it turned out okay. I hope you guys think so too. Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed! Have a nice day!
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