The Force's Shepherds

Chapter 131

The Pawns in Play

His eyes were closed, body relaxed, mind clear, as he lingered in the dark side of the force. Mediation was an exercise he did regularly in order to recenter himself. It cleared his mind, focused his rage, prevented the Beast from gaining total control and unleashing his abilities far too early. Now was not the time for the Hierophant to reveal himself. Now was not the time for him to lay waste to the world and any resistance to him. Patience was required, and in order for him to be patient, he needed to be calm.

For now, his plans had nearly grinded to a halt. The Vessel, the linchpin to all of his plans, was beyond his reach. The limitations of this world's technology kept him chained to a planet that was no longer of use to him. But how to remedy this problem? That was one of the questions lingering in his mind, despite his meditations.

A knock sounded on his door, causing one of his yellow eyes to crack open. Only one person would dare to knock on his door at this time. Every Grimleal mage, every grunt of a soldier, knew not to disturb him during his meditations. The only person he allowed to do so, was Plegia's King, Validar. Why? Well, appearances needed to be upheld, and that thin reed of a man was still Plegia's ruler on the surface. The other reason was because he still had use for Validar. His bloodline remained important, and if the Vessel were to be forever beyond the Hierophant's reach, he would need Validar to continue the Fell Bloodline so that a new vessel could be created. Hopefully at a much swifter pace than last time.

"Enter." He sighed when a second knock sounded against his door.

As he predicted, Validar carefully stepped within the Hierophant's shadowy chambers. The Plegian King shut the door with a quiet click, and remained within arm's reach of it. No doubt hesitant to delve further into the shadows. Even though the Hierophant still had use for him, he did not wish to displease his master. If there was one thing the Hierophant could not discount, it was Validar's penchant for weaseling his way out of death's hands.

"What?" The Hierophant exhaled as he remained seated in the center of his chambers, legs crossed and hands resting on his knees.

Validar cleared his throat, "You have been rather silent as of late, my lord." The King began, "Are all of our plans in that much disarray?"

"Any plans we had have been tossed out the window already." The Hierophant sighed, letting his mind return from his meditative state. He rose to his feet, eyes cracking open. With a flick of his hand, a small fireball shot from his fingertips and ignited a sconce on the wall, bringing light to the large chambers, "It is all in flux, and we need to proceed carefully."

Validar nodded in agreement, "What do we do about the Naga-spawn then? Those damn Manaketes could unveil the secrets of the Emblem to them. Since they possibly know of your-"

"They know nothing." The Hierophant snarled as torch light flickered on the wall. He took a deep breath, reining in his fury, "Nothing concrete at least. I'll admit, my Deadlords inability to capture both the Vessel and the Voice may have compromised us. The Naga-spawn are wary now, especially the Voice, which is why we will tread carefully. We can no longer launch an all out assault, not with Naga's infernal daughter at the Ylissean's backs. I am not strong enough to combat her in this state."

Validar sighed, "Then you may never be strong enough." His face paled a little as the Hierophant narrowed his eyes, but said nothing in return, "The Vessel was killed. It could take generations for a new one to be ready."

"The Vessel is not dead." The Hierophant muttered as he strode over to his bookshelf and started glossing over the tomes, "Merely beyond our reach."

"In death."

A snarl rushed from the Hierophant. He twirled around, eyes blazing at Validar.

"If the Vessel was actually dead then I would likely be as well!" He roared, making Validar visibly shrink near the door. He raked a hand through his white hair and exhaled, once again- through sheer force of will- curtailing the demonic beast within, "I have reassurances that our Vessel is alive, and simply out of reach for the moment."

"How can that be?" Validar asked. The Hierophant turned back to his bookshelf and ran his finger along the many tomes until it stopped on a book about astronomy, "The Vessel may have been powerful but even it could not have withstood the wrath of the Demon's Ingle."

"Yet, he did." The Hierophant plucked the astronomy book from the shelf and flicked the cover open to the first page, "And he was removed from our reach."

"Your reach covers the world, how can-"

The Hierophant flicked his eyes up from his book, silencing the King.

"Whoever said he was on this world?"

Validar blinked, "O-on-?" He cleared his throat, "Are you implying that the Vessel has been transported elsewhere? And if so, by whom?"

"By another entity that I have an… arrangement with." The Hierophant answered carefully, "As for where, I'm not sure. It had to have been someplace with a significant well of dark power. That is the only way something like this could have happened." I lifted the book up to eye level for Validar to see, "And that is what I am trying to research. Unfortunately, this world's limitations in technology and knowledge are becoming more apparent by the day."

Validar's eyes widened. He stepped away from the door and took a seat on a wicker chair near the unlit fireplace. One hand brushed through his narrow beard as he pondered the Hierophant's words.

"So how do we find him?" The King finally asked, daring to make such a blunt question when his master was clearly frustrated.

"I was meditating on just that topic when you so rudely interrupted." The Hierophant growled. He kept the book in the crook of his right arm as he sat down on his wicker sofa, kicking his feet up onto the cushions, "Who is the one person in the Grimleal who has studied the stars, the atmosphere, and flight extensively?"

Now Validar's face descended into a deep scowl, "Her." He answered, voice lowering to a furious growl.

The Hierophant nodded, "Draco and Porcus are hunting her down as we speak. They know their orders."

"Do you trust them to fulfill those orders?"

The Hierophant fell into a very telling silence, "I would prefer Bovis to handle this." He admitted, "But he refuses to answer my call. If I was not so preoccupied with locating the Vessel, I would have already disciplined him." His yellow eyes flicked up from the book now in his lap back over to Validar, "Instruct the Grimleal to start researching ways to… leave… the…"

He furrowed his brow as the dark side of the force stopped churning. A powerful entity swooped into the waters, instantly bringing them to a chilling calm. Within his mind, he sensed the Son recoil as an intense presence, filled with rage and hatred, made itself known through the force. Power surged through the Force. A power that made the Hierophant pause in his reading as it swirled in the force, corralling the tumultuous dark side and bringing it to heel. As if someone was gathering it to them for battle. Willing the force to answer their call, and only their call.

"Interesting…" He set his book to the side and rose to his feet, quickly gliding across the stone floor to the balcony. He reached the balcony railing and stared up at the stars as a hot summer wind blasted Plegia's capital during the night.

"My lord?" Validar asked as he cautiously followed, puzzled by the Hierophant's erratic behavior.

The Hierophant closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He carefully dipped back into the Force, so carefully that he did not even leave a ripple upon the waters. He did not want this new presence to detect him, otherwise he may not get a proper judgement on what, or who, he was sensing. As he delved further into the force, the presence's strength grew clearer until, in his mind, he saw the image of a towering figure clothed in black robes and armor. A grimacing mask and helmet hid his head and face, but the Son within the Hierophant still recognized him.

"Skywalker…" The Hierophant breathed, the corner of his mouth twitching upright as the Son quickly poured his knowledge into his mind. He turned back to Validar, withdrawing from the Force without a hint of his presence being left behind, "Withdraw from the borders."

Validar drew back, "I-is that wise?"

"With what is coming, yes, it is." The Hierophant answered as his lips curled into an even more vile grin. His yellow eyes blazed again, not with fury, but with excitement, "My way off of this world is coming sooner than I thought it would." He strode past Validar and re-entered his chambers. Upon entering, he closed his eyes and whispered new orders to his Deadlords.

Assasination orders.

"What does that mean for us? Who exactly is coming?" Validar pressed, both alarmed and confused by the sudden change in his master.

The Hierophant chuckled, "An old friend is about to arrive. It's been a while since we last spoke. I'm not sure how receptive he will be to us, but I aim to ally with him, and allow the Naga-spawn to make the mistake of antagonizing him."

Validar arched an eyebrow, "Is this newcomer a threat to us?"

"Oh he certainly is." The Hierophant admitted, "But… I believe he will partner with us. After all, he may be a threat, but he is not the threat from beyond our world." He snatched up his astronomy book and tossed it onto his bed, before he also flopped down onto it, a content sight slipping from his lips, "That will be all Validar. Do as I command, and if the Naga-spawn call for help, do not answer."

Validar grinned evilly. He bowed at the waist, then stepped out, leaving the Hierophant to revel in his newfound victory.

Aversa had to admit, she expected to be killed on the spot. In fact, she and Alfred very nearly were. As soon as they both teleported into the Ylissean Throne Room- right in the middle of the Prince's royal court, therefore interrupting a particularly furious noblewoman from Themis, much to the relief then immediate distress of the royal Prince and his Queen upon realizing who exactly emerged right in front of the blustering blond- the royal guards drew their weapons and leveled them right at her and her elderly companion.

Immediately, Aversa raised her hands, which was a poor action to take. While normally a universal sign of surrender, when a dark mage raised their hands, it tended to mean something nasty was about to be conjured. Wisely, the Ylisseans knew that particular bit of information very and well, and thus acted accordingly. The Prince, Chrom, shot from his throne and drew the cursed weapon of Naga, Falchion, from its sheath. The Queen… Aversa squinted up at her as she remained seated on the small dais.

Was her name Sume? Same? Samey? Aversa shook the useless question from her mind. Doesn't matter.

Her dark eyes flicked all around her as she noticed the Ylissean knights in attendance tightening a small noose around her and Alfred. Lances and swords were pointed at them. One knight she recognized as the one who spared her back in Valm, on the Manakete's request. Another knight sprinted out, probably to grab some more help.

The more the merrier I suppose. Aversa locked eyes with Prince Chrom as he took a step down from his throne. Falchion glinted in his grip as he kept it drawn and to his side, I wonder who will manage to strike first? Me… or him?

Alfred leaned over towards her, making a few of the knights surrounding both of them tense up and take a few careful steps forward.

"I assume this is exactly the response you expected?" The old man whispered to her.

Aversa shook her head, "No, I expected us to be killed on sight."

"Ah, then this is a good start then."

"Mostly." Aversa shrugged as she kept her hands raised.

Prince Chrom glowered down at her as he took one more step down from the Ylissean throne. It was odd seeing him in anything other than armor. Then again, she had only ever seen him in battlefield attire, and the last time they had actually interacted was nearly three years ago now. She had to admit, the hotheaded boy she once knew appeared to have matured quite a bit since the start of the Plegian War. He filled out a little more, or perhaps the armor he wore during the War was a bit big? There was a sharpness to his eyes now. Not a sharpness due to anger, like before, but an edge that spoke to experience dealing with people like her. He would not tolerate any treachery, but he also would not strike until she was heard.

However, that did not mean he would give her a lot of time to speak. Aversa watched his jaw work back and forth as his grip on Falchion tightened.

"You have-"

Something dull and hard thwacked Aversa's back. She jumped, uttering a howl as it whacked her back once more.

"You have some nerve!" The noblewoman, Maribelle, roared, "Why, I am in the middle of addressing my good friends, wondering why on earth none of the planning for the ball is going into effect, then you both so rudely interrupt my session in court and-"

"You had to hit only me?" Aversa snarled, resisting the urge to twirl around and hex the woman up to her eyeballs. If she did that though, she would be dead. There would be no chance for her to speak. If what her… her mother said was true, then she needed to speak. Humanity's fate rested on her shoulders at the moment. Why? Well, she was beginning to doubt Morgana's sanity.

"Clearly this was all your idea since you are such a vile wretch of a woman. Especially given your reputation here." The woman folded her arms, "You did assist in my abduction, and the only reason I am not urging you to be strung up on the spot is because I lack rope."

"After hearing about that, I'd think a rope'd be too kind." A young man who was clearly not of noble blood, but wore noble attire snarled. He had a sword drawn in one hand as he stood beside Lady Maribelle of Themis.

Aversa rolled her eyes, "Must we always resort to violence?"

"You always did." Prince Chrom glowered while Queen Sumia remained silent, "Or do I need to remind you of what your people did to my sister, who caused you no harm at all."

"Oh we could get into an endless debate about that, your majesty." Aversa drawled, slowly lowering her hands, "But I doubt we have the time for it."

"You mean you don't have the time for it." Frederick growled, "Considering that as soon as milord gives the word, I will cut you down."

"Oh lovely to see you too, good sir. Should I inform his majesty of how you spared my life and failed to arrest me in Valm?"

Chrom's eyes flashed with surprise, and Aversa chuckled.

"Oh, he doesn't know? Well, Prince Chrom, he had good intentions at heart. Then again, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Perhaps that decision is the one brick that leads you there?"

Frederick snarled and took a menacing step forward, only for Alfred to clear his throat and speak up.

"Everyone, I urge calm." The elderly mage stated, raising his hands as his billowy robes fluttered with each move of his arms, "This is not the time to bicker."

"I'd say we are far beyond the point of bickering." Chrom growled, "You both have exactly thirty seconds to tell me what you are doing here and why I should not order your arrests."

Aversa blinked, "Arrests? For what, justice? As if I'd receive any sort of fair process within these walls."

"Like my sister did within yours?" Chrom growled, teeth clenched tight.

"Chrom…" Queen Sumia breathed, only for Chrom to raise and hand.

The Prince leveled his sword at Aversa specifically, aiming the tip at her heart. Aversa glanced at the glinting, perfectly polished metal. She could feel her heart beating faster as the Prince took another step down the dais, a step closer to plunging the sword through her chest.

"Talk." Chrom growled.

Aversa bit back the urge to continue her scathing remarks, "I think my friend Alfred, who had nothing to do with your sister's demise, should do the talking."

"Twenty seconds." Chrom snarled.

"It's impossible to explain in twenty seconds, your majesty!" Alfred exclaimed.

Chrom flicked his eyes over to Alfred, "Ten seconds."

The circle of knights tightened around the two mages. Alfred threw his hands in the air, exasperated.

"Well I certainly cannot explain in ten seconds."

"Do your damn best, old man!" Aversa hissed, now she was feeling nervous.

"Oh, I'm back to being the 'old man' again. I thought you and I finally built up a mutual respect after your mother nearly tore your head off."

"I'll tear your head off if you don't start yapping about the actual problem we're facing!" Aversa growled back.

"Five."

"What do you expect me to do, give him the short version?" Alfred cried.

Aversa uttered a frustrated sigh, "I expect you to die alongside me now."

Chrom took one more menacing step forward. Queen Sumia rose from her throne, concern and suspicion written on her face as she carefully observed Aversa and Alfred. Just before Chrom could order the pair to be arrested, the doors to the throne room burst open.

"I will speak for the Mages!"

A hush fell over the knights and the royals as a powerful voice thundered through the cavernous throne room. Aversa carefully glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes widened as two manaketes strode into the throneroom. One was Lady Tiki, the one she helped rescue in Valm. The other appeared younger, but at the same time, had a curiously round belly beneath the heavy dress she wore. That one had a pout on her lips as she trailed along behind Tiki. The Knights parted as Tiki strode to the center of their circle. She stepped around both Aversa and Alfred, getting between Falchion's point and Aversa's heart.

Tiki flicked her green eyes down at Falchion, then back up at Chrom.

"I suggest lowering the weapon, your majesty." She said, tone light, almost joking, "I doubt anyone wants to clean blood out of the rug."

"I don't think the servants would mind cleaning the witch's blood." Maribelle sniffed.

Tiki flicked her eyes over to Maribelle, "I wasn't referring to her." Maribelle paled a little bit as Tiki cleared her throat, "I tend to want those that saved my life to live a nice long life themselves, your majesty. And not only did Aversa save me from a Deadlord, she helped save Robin too." Chrom's gaze narrowed at Tiki and Aversa, while Alfred's jaw fell open beside his fellow dark mage, "I'd say that more than merits a moment to speak?"

The Prince kept up his wary demeanor, but it was clear to Aversa that Tiki's input held great sway in this throneroom. Rightfully so, the Naga-spawn viewed her as a conduit to their deity after all. The reaction would be similar if they were in the Plegian throneroom and the Hierophant strode in. Well… there would probably be much more fear than reverence in that particular case.

"Frederick," Chrom said, "Is what Tiki says true?"

Aversa tilted her head a little bit, So, even after the Voice vouches for me, he is still cautious. How interesting.

The anger burned slower, but once it started, it would not be doused quickly. The boy she knew from the border pass was still within the Ylissean Prince, it just took awhile for him to wake up. Such a shame; she was just beginning to have a little more respect for the brat.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Frederick shift uncomfortably.

"Yes, milord." Frederick sighed, "What Lady Tiki says is true. This Plegian mage indeed helped rescue both Lady Tiki and Robin from a Deadlord."

Aversa smirked over at Frederick as he spat the admission out like a foul taste on his tongue. Sumia inclined her chin, the Queen remained silent as the others handled this matter. It was one of the few times Aversa actually got a good look at the young woman. She'd heard the rumors, especially in the wake of Valm's defeat, of the Ylissean Queen who flew into battle against impossible odds and claimed monumental victories. She seemed much more restrained than her husband, but she carried a reputation just as hefty.

I still need to be careful.

Chrom lowered Falchion, his intense gaze never leaving Aversa, "Very well." He breathed. He nodded over to Frederick and the knights stood down, but all of them remained on edge, "Why are you both here?"

Aversa finally exhaled. She did not realize she had been holding her breath. Tiki turned around and took a seat on one of the steps leading up to the Throneroom. The little manakete followed suit, trying her best to mimic her older companion, but not managing to stay still at all. Every few seconds, she'd squirm and her pout would grow. She leaned up to whisper into Tiki's ear, and the older Mankate placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, appearing to quietly admonish her, which made the younger Manakete fold her arms grumpily.

Just before either Alfred or Aversa could open their mouths to speak, the doors to the Throne Room opened again. Four figures strode into the throneroom. Aversa recognized three of them. The first was the Knight that quickly retreated upon her and Alfred's arrival. The second was the infamous Mad Swordsman, Ben Kenobi. His beard had gotten longer since the Plegian War, and he actually looked comfortable around his fellow Ylisseans for a change. Quite a lot must have happened in the years since the War ended.

An older gentleman with perfect posture and a powerful stride walked shoulder to shoulder with Kenobi. There was a darkness wrapped around him that contrasted tremendously with both Kenobi and Lady Tiki. At his arrival, Aversa noticed Tiki's lips dip into a slight frown, but she said nothing.

Finally, following the two men, was a little dark mage Aversa instantly recognized. This time, she could not resist the urge to speak.

"Well, well, well, little Tharja." The black haired mage glared back at Aversa as she followed Ben and the elderly man over to Tiki, "It has been some time. How does being a heretical traitor feel?"

"I don't know." Tharja shrugged, "How does being enslaved to a god that couldn't give a damn about you feel?"

Aversa grit her teeth at that. Before she could respond, Alfred gripped her arm.

"Now's not the time." Alfred muttered. He gave Tharja a curt nod. Tharja furrowed her brow, puzzled, and did not return the gesture. Alfred cleared his throat, "Well then, I suppose I actually have time to explain now?"

Chrom sighed, turned around, and sank back into his throne alongside Sumia. The Prince kept Falchion out its sheath. He lay the flat of the blade over his lap and waited for the two Dark Mages to start talking.

"I'll take that as a yes." Alfred cleared his throat, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we come here not on behalf of Plegia, but on behalf of Lady Morgana the Black."

"She's alive!?" Tharja cried, stunned.

Alfred looked quite puzzled at that declaration, "Well, yes, why wouldn't she be?"

Tharja stared stunned at the older mage, "I was told by my mentors that she died just before I became a Grimleal."

"Who exactly is Morgana the Black?" Sumia asked, raising her voice for the first time while her husband remained deathly silent beside her.

"The former High Priestess of the Grimleal." Alfred explained quickly, "Currently, the Grimleal's most wanted and dangerous heretic, alongside myself and Miss Aversa here."

"Heretic?" Tiki replied, "Your order cast you out?"

"Not exactly voluntarily, in my case." Aversa grumbled under her breath.

"We left, your graces." Alfred conceded, "I followed Lady Morgana in her quest, which upset her husband, the High Priest and current King of Plegia, Validar."

Chrom's eyes widened. He leaned forward in his seat, brow furrowed as he continued to quietly listen to the elder dark mage. Sumia took a deep breath. She nodded over to Frederick.

"I think it is best if we convene court for now."

Frederick sputtered, "B-but milady, your guards and knights-"

"Are not required." Chrom sighed, agreeing with Sumia, "If these two try anything, I'm sure you, Ben, Dooku, or Lady Tiki will move to stop them." He glanced over at Maribelle and Donnel, "We can continue later."

Maribelle sniffed, clenching her parasol tight, "If you weren't technically the Exalt, Chrom, I would protest being kicked out. But…" She sighed, "I suppose I could use a moment to take a breath. The road was long and I have been quite irate as of late."

"You could say that again." Donnel said with a small laugh before offering his arm to Maribelle and walking out with the rest of the knights. Leaving the royals, the manaketes, Ben, Dooku, and the mages to their small council.

Once the doors shut, Chrom nodded to Alfred to continue.

Alfred bowed his head, "Lady Morgana, firstly, sends her greetings, and regrets her inability to come in person. If she were to leave our hideout, Validar and the mysterious Hierophant would surely detect her and throw all of our hard work into jeopardy. That hard work, of course, is what we are here to discuss." Alfred coughed into his hand as he took a breath, "Currently, Lady Morgana has been actively working against the coming return of the Fell Dragon Grima for over a decade now."

"Hold on," Ben spoke up, "The High Priestess of Plegia working against Grima?"

"Yes, quite unbelievable, I'm aware. I was stunned when she approached me in the Temple Archives so many years ago, but in the end, the work she is doing could save all of humankind from the horrors to come." He took another heavy breath, "The work is an ark, a transport vessel the likes of which this world has never seen. It will be able to carry roughly half a dozen, maybe a little more, human beings away from this world once completed."

Ben's brow furrowed, "Away from this world."

"Beyond the stars, Ben Kenobi." Alfred replied.

Aversa noticed a flash of concern go across the swordsman's face. Dooku also looked a little alarmed as he cast a sidelong glance at Ben.

"Beyond the atmosphere?" Ben asked, seeking to clarify.

Alfred nodded, a small smile gracing his wrinkled lips, "Why yes, sir. Do you perhaps have knowledge pertaining to the subject. If you do, maybe you can translate some of the more technical terms should they need explaining."

Ben ran a hand through his hair, "Please um… continue." He said with a gesture.

Alfred glanced up at Sumia and Chrom. Both nodded for him to keep speaking.

Alfred nodded back, "Yes, well, the Ark is nearly complete. However, we lack one crucial item: a power source. We were unable to come up with any solution other than pure magic energy. The problem is, we cannot produce enough magical energy within the human form to sustain the necessary requirements of the ark. Only one species on this planet has the reserves to do so." His aged eyes fell on both Nowi and Tiki.

Tiki furrowed her brow as she looked at the two dark mages with suspicion, "Manaketes." She answered.

Alfred nodded, "And as of right now, you are the only two Manaketes we know of."

Aversa could see the wheels turning in Tiki's mind as she pondered Alfred's words.

"Are you aware Grima's vessel was…" Tiki took a breath to steady herself a moment. Nowi brushed her hand against Tiki's for a brief moment, "Killed during the Valm war?"

Alfred nodded grimly, "Lady Morgana is aware."

Aversa blinked, "Vessel? What vessel? What are you talking abou-"

Alfred raised a hand, motioning for her to be quiet, "It was need to know information, Aversa."

"And yet, despite that, you and your mistress still believe that Grima will return?" Tiki pressed further.

Alfred sighed, "I think we are both smart enough to know a little fire and ash will not be enough to stop the Fell Dragon permanently."

Tiki nodded in agreement. Without skipping a beat, she turned her head to Chrom, "I guess I must go investigate this ark."

Chrom blinked, "H-hold on! How do we know we can trust these two?"

Tiki shrugged, "I trust them. And if they double cross me, well… I haven't had breakfast today, so there's that."

Aversa's stomach flipped, Breakfast? Is she threatening to eat us?

Chrom rose to his feet, sheathing Falchion as he stood, "You aren't going alone then."

"You need to remain here." Ben said quickly, "Both you and Sumia have a Ball to worry about, and I doubt the nobles will appreciate their ruler skipping out, even if these circumstances seem quite important."

Chrom opened his mouth to protest, thought for a moment, then smirked at Ben, "You're just trying to save me from Maribelle, aren't you?"

"Oh most certainly." Ben chuckled back, "Robin is not here to hold your hand now, so I'll have to when I can. Since you have to be here, I shall go."

"Now you just want to get out of the Ball." Chrom sighed.

"That too." Ben replied with a wry smirk, "If you need someone to protect Tiki, not that I think she needs it, I will accompany her to meet Lady Morgana."

"You won't be going alone you two." Tharja breathed, stepping up beside Ben, "You might need some magic to get out of there."

Aversa sneered back at her, "As if your pathetic excuse for hexes could do anything."

Tharja's gaze darkened, "Perhaps you'd like to experience one of them?"

Ben put a hand on Tharja's shoulder, "Perhaps we could avoid any aggressive confrontations until absolutely necessary?"

Tharja flicked her eyes over to Ben. A begrudging sigh slipped from her lips, "Fine."

"If I may be so bold as to request both Manaketes join us?" Alfred asked, folding his hands in front of his heavy, purple and gold robes.

"Where I go, Nowi goes." Tiki nodded, "Especially in her condition."

"Condition?" Alfred wondered before noticing the swell in the younger Manakete's belly, "I see there are three Manaketes then."

"Don't get any ideas." Chrom growled.

"I am not a nefarious man, your majesty. Only a studious one." Alfred replied, "Those four are as much as I can transport safely anyways. Give me one moment to prepare."

As Alfred prepared, Chrom moved from his throne over to Tiki and Ben. He cast a suspicious glance at Aversa, who met his glance with a sharp glare before Alfred beckoned her to assist him with something.

"Where's Lucina?" He asked Ben first, "She said something about going to speak to you earlier this morning."

"We spoke, she's with Noire at the moment."

Chrom nodded, "Good." He took a deep breath as he folded his arms, "Do you trust them?" The Prince asked Ben, his voice hushed so only him and Tiki could hear.

"Alfred, mostly." Ben replied, "I did not sense any nefarious intentions. As for Aversa, I don't trust her even if her intentions seem somewhat friendly." He turned to Tiki, "You?"

"If nothing else, we fight our way out." Tiki shrugged,

Ben blinked, "Well… simple enough plan then."

Chrom chuckled at that, "The simplest plan, and it almost always works, doesn't it?" He patted Ben on the shoulder as Alfred called over to the four Shepherds, "Be careful."

"We will be." Ben nodded.

"And I'll have spots saved for you at the Ball." Chrom said as Alfred gestured for them to form a ring along with Aversa around him.

"Of course you will." Ben sighed, laughing under his breath as Alfred muttered a spell.

Bright, golden light enveloped them all. Chrom shielded his eyes, and in a flash, they were gone.

Ben blinked as the golden light that suddenly swallowed his entire vision winked out. Spots filled his vision as he was temporarily blinded. His stomach rolled over, and he felt some bile creeping up his throat. A few heaving gasps rushed in and out of his lungs as he suddenly felt off balance. He reached out and felt Tharja's reassuring hand grasp him by the wrist.

"Take a deep breath." Tharja instructed, "The first time is always rough."

Ben inhaled deep as his world became a little less blurry, "Kriff, I didn't think anything would be worse than Anakin's flying."

Tharja snickered at that, "Welcome to teleportation magic."

As his vision cleared, Ben caught sight of stone ruins surrounding him, Tharja, Tiki, Nowi, Alfred, and Aversa. The ruins looked ancient. Some stone blocks were worn away at the edges, rounded off by centuries of snow piling up then melting away on their surface. Currently, the snow only existed in light patches, leaving small streams of icy water running down the stones and through tufts of rough, spiny grass. Boots clicked against rocks and hard soil. Tiki drew up alongside Tharja and Ben. Nowi walked impatiently by her side.

"This place seems oddly familiar." She muttered.

Nowi shrugged, "It's old."

"It's ruins." Tharja scowled, turning her gaze to the right, where Alfred and Aversa stood, "This isn't exactly a great hiding spot."

Alfred glanced back at Tharja, a knowing smirk on his lips, "Apologies for any confusion. Sometimes," He waved a hand, and a shimmering portal appeared in front of him, "you've gotta be extra careful."

He waved a knobbly hand, beckoning everyone to follow him and Aversa into the portal. Ben hesitated a moment, sensing something off about this place, but when Tiki and Nowi strode ahead without batting an eye, he and Tharja followed.

For a moment, the world shimmered around Ben as everything turned murky again. Then, everything solidified once more, and he found himself standing in a long, icy tunnel, slick with snow melt. Standing before them, dark robes trimmed with gold and shadowy purples, was a middle aged woman. Her jet black hair had small streaks of gray hidden with the dark locks. Her emerald eyes widened a little in surprise when she saw two more people than expected enter the tunnel. Her hands tensed in front of her, but she kept an amicable look on her face.

"I see you were successful Alfred, Aversa."

Alfred bowed his head, "Indeed we were, Lady Morgana."

A small smirk crossed the woman's lips as Aversa strode up beside her, "I judged correctly."

"You got lucky." Aversa retorted as she disappeared down the tunnel, her part of the mission complete.

A small sigh slipped from Morgana's lips. She shook her head then turned to address the Shepherds now entering her home, "Welcome." She locked eyes with Tiki and Nowi, "I am most honored and gracious that you decided to trust my emissaries."

Nowi pouted again, "I'm guessing we aren't going to eat anyone, Tiki?"

Tiki tapped Nowi's shoulder, "Not yet. Depends how this goes." She cleared her throat, "It is good to meet you too, Lady Morgana. I apologize if I am unfamiliar with you, there was an ocean between us for a long time."

A good natured smile crossed Morgana's lips, "An understandable hurdle. In the end, I am glad you have not heard of me. That means I am doing my job well." She glanced past the Manaketes and stared down Ben and Tharja, "I recognize a Grimleal mage when I see one, child."

Tharja stared at Morgana with a look of utter awe. For the first time in his life, Ben witnessed Tharja duck her head towards someone out of respect.

"Lady Morgana," Tharja breathed, "It is… an incredible honor to speak with someone of your legendary status."

Morgana guffawed at that, "Legendary? I assumed Validar would try to make me infamous."

"He most certainly did, but tales of your experiments and exploits are something I still admire." Tharja replied.

Morgana smiled a little at that before turning to Ben, "And you are?"

"Ben Kenobi." He replied, bowing a little at the waist. One has to be respectful to their host after all.

Morgana inclined her chin, "That is a name I certainly have heard through the grapevine." She confidently strolled up to the group, emerald eyes fixated on Ben, "My spies have brought me reports for a while about a swordsman with unknown abilities and an otherworldly weapon of choice. The Mad Swordsman, they all call you." She hummed to herself, "You don't seem mad to me?"

"That nickname was born out of jest, I assure you."

"He likes to jump from Pegasi mid air." Nowi piped up with a toothy grin.

"And that is why." Ben admitted while Tharja snickered by his side.

Morgana smiled a little, "I would say so. A sane man does not do such a thing." She took a deep breath, taking a step back from Ben, "However, we must end the pleasantries. You all are not here for small talk, and we do not have time for much of it." She turned on her heel, "Follow me, and watch the ice. It gets slick this time of year."

Ben glanced over at Tharja. A giddy smile rested on her face.

"Excited?" He asked as they all followed Morgana down the tunnel.

Tharja glanced over at Ben, "Very. Do you have any idea who that woman is?"

Ben blinked, "Someone exceptionally powerful and probably very independent, like yourself."

Tharja grinned at him, "Absolutely. She was… vilified by the Grimleal hierarchy, but when I looked into her works further I couldn't help but be fascinated. She was such a brilliant researcher and mage. It's no wonder they failed to capture or kill her once she was declared a heretic."

"Do you have any idea why she was declared a heretic?" Tiki whispered back to them as they followed Morgana and Alfred.

Tharja shrugged, "No idea. No one actually knows within the Grimleal, other than Validar and perhaps the Hierophant."

Tiki nodded, "Interesting."

She did not say anything else as they continued down the tunnel. Eventually, the sound of their footsteps echoing off of the icy walls was drowned out by loud sounds of construction. Ben heard the oh so familiar, but oh so foreign sound, of electricity and fire welding metal together. The tunnel began to widen as the noises grew louder, until finally it opened up into an enormous cavern with icy stalactites dangling precariously from the ceiling. What Ben saw within stole his breath from his body.

"Impossible..."

His pace quickened, catching Tharja off guard. Before she could catch his hand, he shouldered his way past Tiki and Nowi, brushed by Morgana and Alfred, and approached the crude starship sitting in the cavern. Workers crawled all over it. Some paused in their work to observe the newcomers, but once they caught sight of Morgana, they all returned to their work, diligently putting the final pieces together. Some polished the metal while others inspected it to make sure all the seals and welds were in place.

Ben stared up in awe at the ship. Morgana furrowed her brow as she drew up alongside the stricken Jedi Master.

"Are you alright, Ben Kenobi?"

Ben ran a hand through his beard. One finger pointed up at the ship, "Wh-where did you learn how to build this?"

Morgana furrowed her brow at Ben's strange behavior, "We recovered a strange artifact from the ice when we arrived here, it is why we began this project in the first place."

Ben's entire body froze, "Artifact?"

"Is this the Ark?" Tiki interjected as she stepped up beside Morgana, green eyes taking in the ship, "This is what will take us beyond the stars?" She glanced over at Ben, noticing his ghostly pale complexion as he stared up at the Ark with a look of stunned awe, "Ben?"

Ben ducked his head, one hand running over his scalp, "It's a damn consular ship." She heard him mutter, thanks to her more sensitive hearing. He raised his head and turned to face Morgana, "Where is this Artifact?"

Morgana furrowed her brow, "You seem quite distressed, Ben Kenobi. Are you feeling unwell?

Ben waved off her concerns with a trembling hand, "Just… this artifact? What is it, and where is it?"

Alfred cleared his throat, "You all may follow me. Morgana and I will explain the finer details as we walk."

Alfred and Morgana led the group away from the ship. As they walked away, Ben lingered a moment longer, eyes glued to a ship designed in a manner he had not seen in over two decades. The last time he flew on one of these ships, he and Master Qui Gon were on their way to negotiate with the Trade Federation over the planet of Naboo. He felt like an old ghost was haunting him with every glance he took at the ship sitting within the massive cavern.

Tharja's hand brushed against his. Her fingers laced with his, pulling him out of his racing mind and reminding him that he was in fact supposed to be following someone to see the Artifact. Tharja looked at him, concerned, as he finally turned to follow Morgana, Alfred, Tiki, and Nowi down a smaller tunnel out of the main chamber.

"Are you alright?"

Ben uttered a heavy, shuddering sigh. The slight shake he gave Tharja was all the answer she needed.

"You've seen that before?" She whispered.

Ben nodded carefully, "A consular class cruiser." He glanced over his shoulder one more time before a bend in the tunnel obstructed his view of the craft, "Light, fast, and rather advanced, even with their crude construction of it. How in Naga's name did they…"

Ben trailed off as they all congregated into a smaller chamber, clearly set up like a strange laboratory and workshop. Various tables and benches lined the icy walls, with lots of instruments and notes scattered across them. Sitting on a central table, half of its outer shell melted away by a powerful spell, was a Republic probe droid. His eyes roved over the bulbous main body before trailing down to the long, tentacle-like metal prongs at the base of the probe's body.

"This is the Artifact." Alfred explained, "Everything we learned from it, we applied to the ship, including various plans discovered within a sort of… knowledge storage the likes of which I never thought possible. It's purpose to me is entirely unknown and-"

"It's a Republic Probe Droid." Ben spoke up, stepping forward and running a hand along the shell of the droid until his fingers brushed against the curled, melted durasteel plating where a spell ripped through, "Designed for both exploration and possible first contact." He glanced over at a stunned Alfred and a skeptical Morgana, "That is why there is a data bank within it. It was designed so that whoever it found, or whoever found it, would be able to make sense of the visitors to follow."

Morgana furrowed her brow, "Visitors?" She glanced over at Tiki as the Manakete pursed her lips, "What is he going on about?"

Tiki cleared her throat, "Ben Kenobi isn't exactly from this world."

"I call this planet home now." Ben strode around the table so he could get a better look at the inside of the probe droid, "But I am not from here at all. I'm from the civilization that constructed this, and that drafted the original plans for what you are building out in the main chamber."

Ben stuck his head into the ruined probe droid's shell while Morgana's eyes widened. Fascination rushed through her as she observed Ben Kenobi reach into the droid and carefully withdraw one of the small, green chips with microscopic wires and smaller chips placed within it. He handled the piece with tender care, reached for the table behind him, and grabbed an empty leather pouch to put it in.

"What was that?"

"The droid's memory bank." Ben explained, "If you were able to reverse engineer an entire starship from this droid and it's data, I should be able to somehow figure out who sent it here and why." He furrowed his brow further as he studied the droid, "Why would the Republic send a probe droid here?"

Where exactly is here? He thought to himself, once again realizing, for what felt like the millionth time, that he had no idea where he was in relation to the rest of the galaxy. For all he knew he was far beyond the outer rim, into wild space, or perhaps even the unknown regions. He did recall the Republic sending Probe Droids out into those regions on numerous occasions.

"Did Sidious send it?" Tharja asked, her voice hushed in the cold chamber.

Somehow, Ben's blood ran even colder than when he first observed the Ark. His eyes went wide as he looked down at the probe droid. It was not a newer model, but it lined up with models produced before the Clone Wars. Which meant Palpatine, or someone in his administration, would have been the one to authorize its mission.

"Did it activate at any point?" He asked Alfred, voice trembling.

Alfred furrowed his brow, "Y-yes it did. We're still unsure how but-"

"Kriff!" Ben hissed, backing away from the probe droid and pacing back around the table, towards Tharja, Tiki, and Nowi.

"Bad?" Tharja asked.

Ben sucked in a deep breath, raking a hand through his beard as he struggled to breathe, "If it activated, it would have sent a signal of some sort, which would ping off of the closest Republic- or now Imperial craft- to it."

"Is that what the antenna is for?" Morgana wondered, flicking a finger against the thin strip of metal on top of the Droid's bulbous body.

Ben nodded, "As long as it did not malfunction, then it would have transmitted its location for as long as it was active." He gave Tharja a grave look, "Which means the Empire is aware that a probe found life on a previously unknown planet."

Tiki frowned, "This Empire you speak of, are they dangerous?"

Ben exhaled, "They wiped out the Jedi Order." He steadied himself against the table as the reality of the situation slammed into him like a turbolaser, "As far as I'm aware, I'm the only survivor of the old Order. Which means they will be actively hunting me down."

Morgana remained silent as she observed the Jedi Master. His pale face told her all she needed to know. This Empire terrified the Mad Swordsman. This was a man who willingly leapt from flying Pegasi, stared down Risen hordes, and helped defeat a million man Valmese Army against all odds, and the Empire terrified him.

"The leader of the Empire is a man named Sidious?" She asked, recalling Tharja's first question.

Ben nodded.

"How much of a threat is he?"

Ben uttered a sound that was somewhere between a scoff and a hopeless laugh, "Grima would have some competition."

Morgana paled, "That… shouldn't be possible? Is he not human?"

"He may as well not be." Ben breathed, "I don't think I've ever sensed a more powerful being in my life. Then again, I've never had a chance to gauge Grima so I can't really compare the two."

Alfred leaned close to Morgana's ear, "Then that means we have two possible cataclysmic threats."

Morgana nodded, "Indeed we do." She cleared her throat and spoke louder, "It is a good thing you all decided to trust me then. The Ark is nearly complete. Final preparations are being made, and we've even started loading provisions into the cargo space. However, we lack one thing."

"A proper power source." Alfred picked up for her, "We thought we could divine one from the Artifact-" He coughed, "Probe Droid, I mean. Apologies for my absence in proper terminology."

"The last thing we're worried about is terminology right now, Alfred." Tiki replied with a gentle, but urgent, tone.

"Yes, yes." The elderly mage agreed, head bobbing up and down, "We were unable to figure out a power source from the Arti- erm- Probe Droid. Our initial solution was to use pure magic power, as it is the source of quite a bit of energy in the world. However, that solution proved unworkable due to the lack of magical reserves in actual human mages. Not even Lady Morgana, with the assistance of over two dozen other mages, could possibly control enough magical power to sustain the Ark. After much deliberation, debate, and study, we both concluded that the only creatures on this planet capable of producing enough magic to power the Ark were-"

"Which is why you sought us." Tiki finished for him, glancing down at Nowi.

Alfred nodded, "Precisely. Manaketes, such as yourselves, are quite rare. So when we caught word of a young Manakete roaming the deserts of Plegia, well-"

Nowi's eyes widened, "You were the ones trying to capture me!?"

Ben sucked in the sharp breath, "They were the ones we helped kill."

"Yes," Morgana gave Ben a sideways glare, "You were. I lost many good, loyal mages that day in the desert."

"Well, to be fair." Ben argued back, "Your mages weren't exactly the most forthcoming with their reasons, nor were they especially friendly."

Morgana scowled at that, but decided to say nothing in return. Petty disagreements needed to be cast aside right now. Greater threats lay on the horizon, and they both rapidly drew closer.

"Yes well…" Alfred tucked his chin, "It probably could've been handled better. But, when we lost Miss Nowi to you Ylisseans, we refocused our efforts on finding another Manakete. That is when we located you, Tiki, the Voice of Naga, in Valm."

"I sent Aversa and a team of mages to retrieve you." Morgana explained, her hands pressing into the tabletop as she leaned against it, "But, Grima apparently intervened."

"Deadlords." Tiki nodded, "Three of them in fact. One of whom provided me with an immense amount of… discomfort." She finished with a slight snarl. She took a deep breath, "They were intent on keeping me on the Mila Tree. Thanks to Aversa and Robin, I managed to escape and join the Shepherds."

A wave of sadness washed over Morgana at the mention of Robin. Tiki clued in on it immediately, despite the sorceress's best efforts to disguise how she felt. The powerful Manakete was starting to wonder why the woman looked familiar. She carried herself in a similar, academic, yet powerful manner as Robin. Her mind drifted back to when she and Robin delved deep into the tactician's mind, and to the one book Robin opened, where there was a dusty, faded portrait of a young woman with jet black hair and emerald eyes.

"Are you-"

Morgana took a deep breath, "Robin was my son." Ben, Nowi, and Tharja's eyes widened, "It is… good to know his last moments alive were spent alongside such great companions, helping him fight against the forces of evil." She swallowed hard, averting her eyes and casting them down to one of Probe Droid's long appendages, "We… um… we mention all of this to you, because we need you Lady Tiki, Miss Nowi, to power the Ark, so that a select few humans can escape this world should Grima rise."

"Or should this Empire you fear, Sir Kenobi, arrive." Alfred added in.

Ben laughed under his breath as he folded his arms, "I'm not a Sir, Alfred." He inhaled, "And this is not my decision to make."

He turned to Tiki, who stood in silent thought beside the Artifact, brow furrowed, green eyes glued to the ruined droid. Nowi lingered beside her, one hand resting below her swollen belly as she reached for Tiki's left hand and clenched it tight. Ben could sense the nervousness within both Manaketes, though more so in Nowi than in Tiki. Now that Nowi knew who her potential captors were, she was very on edge. Her left hand constantly drifted towards a small pouch on her hip, before slowly falling away. As if she was debating grabbing something important from inside of it.

Tiki lifted her eyes to Morgana.

"How does it work?"

A relieved sigh rushed from Morgana's lips, "I take that as an agreement to help us?"

"Tentative agreement." Tiki replied, "I want to see how this works before I throw myself headfirst into this. Especially for Nowi's sake, since she is-"

"Yes, quite." Alfred nodded in agreement, "Hopefully we will only require one of your services."

"Yes, hopefully just me." Tiki breathed.

"Let's pray that to be the case." Morgana agreed, "If you would all please follow me. We will board the Ark, and see if our mad plan actually works."

As they all slowly walked out of the tunnel, Ben glanced back at the Probe Droid. His mind raced a million light years a minute, rushing through the whirlwind of events that just happened. One moment, he was living a content, quiet life in Ylisstol with his daughter from the future and Tharja; the next moment, relics of his past rear their ugly head once more, only this time the danger was greater than ever before. Sidious knew something was here, and he would be very curious about an unknown planet with signs of life on it. Someone from the Empire would be here, soon. This all lined up far too easily with the string of visions he, Dooku, and Lucina were having lately.

As he followed the rest of the group back to the main chamber, a sinking feeling sat in his gut, and his heart pounded in his chest.

I've got a very bad feeling about this.

It took them long enough, but after weeks of searching, weeks of waiting for Porcus to use the Force to search for their targets, a pair of Deadlords finally found what they believed to be the hideout of the Grimleal heretics. A set of ruins, ancient and crumbling, buried deep in the northern ice fields of Regna Ferox. Just beyond these ruins lay an expanse of ice, permafrost, and frigid waters from a sea that lined the northern coast of the frozen country. Thankfully, Draco had both his armor, and his undead form to fend off the freezing temperatures. Despite it being Summer, he could still tell there was a sharp chill in the air. The wind alone would have made him shiver if he was actually flesh and blood, and not just a mere servant of his Master.

Both Draco and Porcus remained hidden behind a series of broken towers, blending into the shadows they cast, as they watched a group of six people suddenly emerge from a bright golden light. Evidence of teleportation magic. Advanced stuff, if Draco recalled correctly. He had only ever witnessed his master use such abilities before.

Upon seeing the six figures, Porcus reached for his lightsaber and readied himself to attack. But something did not feel right for Draco. He reached out and gripped Porcus by his right arm, holding the overeager Deadlord back.

"What are you doing?" Porcus hissed, yellow eyes blazing with raw fury at the Mandalorian Deadlord, "Kenobi, the Voice, and one of our targets is there! This is our-"

"This is not the hideout." Draco's muffled voice cut him off sharply, "And our main target is the heretic, Morgana. This group are merely pawns on the board."

"Pawns?" Porcus hissed, "Kenobi is one of the reasons I am like this." He jabbed his chest, "Enslaved to a Master I did not desire."

"Me too." Draco reminded Porcus, causing his companion's fury to shrink a little bit, "But we have a job to do. The mission comes first, regardless of our own personal feelings on the matter." He turned to observe the group again as the elderly mage glanced back to speak to the rest of the small group at the center of the ruins, "I learned that the hard way."

Porcus sniffed, "You enjoy Master's leash far too much."

"And if you don't start to enjoy it, he will send you back to the void." Draco slowly turned his head so he could glare at Porcus through his tinted visor again, "Are you anxious for that to happen?"

Porcus growled back, but that was his only reply. Apparently, the aggressive Deadlord had a bit more sense than Draco thought.

As Draco observed their potential quarry, his tinted visor focused on the figures of Obi Wan Kenobi, and the Voice of Naga. Both were highly sought after prizes for his Master. Perhaps they could end up being secondary objectives for this mission. Once Lady Morgana was killed, along with the traitorous mage Aversa, he and Porcus would attempt to capture the two and bring them before the Hierophant. His Master could decide what to do with them at that point.

The mission first. Draco reminded himself, instincts from his old life as the galaxy's best bounty hunter once again kicking in.

He furrowed his brow as he watched the old man wave a hand. A shimmering portal appeared in front of the two heretics and the four Shepherds. One by one, they stepped through the portal. As Ben Kenobi stepped through, Porcus uttered a frustrated snarl.

"Now look at what you have done." He shoved Draco's shoulder, "They got away!"

"Not at all." Draco replied, tone even, despite his displeasure with Porcus's brazen actions. One of these days, he'd put a blaster bolt through the arrogant ex-Jedi's skull, "They just showed us how we are going to get to Lady Morgana." He drew a blaster pistol, "But we shall require our Master's assistance."

Without a second thought, he aimed his blaster pistol at Porcus's head, and blasted him between the eyes. Right as Procus's limp body hit the frosty ground, the portal closed behind their six new targets. Draco paid Porcus no mind as his companion's dead body turned to black ash on the ground. Killing him was the swiftest way to send a message to their Master that they would require assistance at this point. They both accomplished their main jobs: to locate the traitors and their possible hideout. Now the final attack needed to be executed, and he felt his Master would know how to best handle the heretics, the Jedi, and the Voice.

Besides, He thought as he turned around and took a leisurely seat against the tower he was hiding behind. He holstered his still smoking blaster pistol, glanced at the scuff mark on his silver shoulder pauldron, and scowled, I intended to kill the bastard anyways.

And chapter! It's all building up now! We've got a showdown setting up in the frozen wastes of Regna Ferox, within the old Ruins of Time. Ben is starting to realize just how screwed they all are, and a Royal Ball is about to commence once a certain group from Valm finally arrives after a few months traveling across the ocean and overland. I'm sure Cynthia and Luke are going to be thrilled to see everyone again! (Oh, and there is the matter of a certain ISD moving fast towards our heroes). This chapter ran a little longer than initially intended, so you all are going to have to be just a little bit more patient for the good stuff to really kick off. With that being said, I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! Over 130 chapters of build up is now about to start paying off! And you all have made this possible, so thank you so much for that!

Anyways, let me know what you all think of this chapter! As always, I hope you all enjoyed it! Have a nice day!

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