Final Fantasy XII

Not the Nethicite, to You.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Final Fantasy characters or related stuff. No copying, using or posting this story on any websites with out my permission.

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Note: This story takes place at Phon Coast, it contains some Spoilers. So if you haven't made it that far in the game yet, you may not want to read this story.

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It had been a long trip from Bur- Omisace, everyone had grown abit weary for the travel.
The Group approached the Phon coast hunter's camp, the breeze was warm and gentle, the sea was a beautiful crystal blue, splashing gentle waves along the shores. As they stood staring out at the distance, Airships passed overhead catching their attention. Looking up at the passing them Balthier nodded crossing his arms over his chest.

''It would seem we made the right choice, If we'd taken the easy way and come by airship, one of those patrols would no doubt have been quick to roll out the red carpet, We're on the Empire's doorstep now, So we shouldn't have to worry quite so much. But that's no excuse to get sloppy. It is long road to the capital.''

They began making their way closer towards the hunters camp, walking along the sandy ground, Vaan and Penelo began to run ahead of the others excitedly. Fran and Basch walked after them casually.

''I'll race you to the water!'' Vaan said to Penelo as the two ran towards the beach.
Ashe was walking slowly and tripped, to her surprise her hand was caught by a firm yet gentle hand, catching her before she fell. She looked up as she regained her posture, Balthier smiled slightly at her letting go of her hand. She took a few steps ahead and paused.

''Why the capital?'' he asked looking to her. Ashe paused looking at him, raising her fist to her chest.

''The Nethicite, I must destroy it.'' she replied tightening her fist. His gaze met wih hers, his eyes hardened as he studied her expression.

''Are you sure? Are you sure you don't want it for yourself? Use its power to restore Dalmasca - something like that? The best intentions invite the worst kind of trouble.'' he stated to her shifting his weight to one foot, shaking his head slightly.

''Lusting for the ever greater power, blinded by the nethicite.' she paused, her gaze dropped to the sand. ''Is that how you see me...?'' her eyes were filled with hurt and confusion. Balthier turned away from her walking slowly towards the beach.

''It does sound like someone I know.'' he replied as he walked away. Leaving Ashe staring after him. After a moment, she walked up slowly behind him, He stood looking out across the oceans endless blue horizon. Vaan and Penelo could be faintly heard talking in the distance, Fran and Basch stood in the shade of a palm tree watching the two play about in the sand. Ashe stood aside of Balthier silent, he looked over at her, then back out at the water taking in a long deep breath.

''He was obsessed with the Nethicite. It was all he cared about. He'd babble nonsense to aught about but the stones power.'' Ashe listened looking over at him. His eyes were lost in thought, Remembering the past. Penelo and Vaan laughed as they mingled about in the sand far from them. Balthier continued.

''He'd talk about the same 'Eynah' or 'Venat'? No matter. Everything he did... He did to get closer to the nethicite. To understand it. He made airships, weapons... Even made me a judge.'' Balthier looked down turning away. Ashe looked up at him with surprise.

''You were a... a Judge?''

Balthier slowly walked alone, away from were Ashe stood.

''Part of a past I'd rather forget. It didn't last long. I ran, I left the Judges... And him.'' Balthier paused taking a long, deep breath before he continued. ''Cidolfus Demen Bunansa. Drakor laboratory's very own doctor Cid. That's when he lost his heart to nethicite. Lost himself. And I suppose that's when I lost my father.'' he was silent for a moment, his thoughts wandered to his past memories. He glanced over his shoulder at Ashe.

''Don't follow in his footsteps. I ran away. I couldn't stand seeing him like that, a slave to the stone. So I ran. Free at last. Funny I went for the dusk shard.'' He shook his head narrowing his eyes in thought.''How could I have known it was nethicite? And then, of course I met you.'' He sighed looking out at the ocean. ''All that running, and I got nowhere. It's time to end this- Cut my ties to the past.''

Ashe turned her gaze toward the ocean. ''It's hard to leave the past behind. I know'
She stood silent. Balthier turned his gaze over to her. Ashe's gaze lowered to her hand as she looked at the ring on her finger. She thought of the past after she had married her late husband, Rasler. It had been over two years since his death... Balthier shifted slowly by her side as he gazed at her.

''The choice is yours to make. But don't give your heart to a stone. You're stronger then that, Princess.'' she sighed slowly hearing his words.

''I... I pray you are right Balthier...''

They stood silently together for a long while, staring out across the ocean. The tides slowly rolling in towards the shore. They were enjoying the peaceful moments of tranquility.

Some time later, the rest of the group decided to rest at the camp for the night, They needed a good meal and some rest. Fran sat polishing her bow under a palm tree talking with Penelo, who was leaning against Vaan's shoulder as he slept. The evening skies were beginning to grow dark, Ashe was sitting alone on the steps of a hut, thinking about the nethicite and what Balthier had said. She sighed at her own confusion. Was she really becoming power crazy, obsessed with gaining it? No, She couldn't be losing herself like that. She had to be stronger. For the sake of all she fought for.

Balthier sat quietly alone on a hillside among some large smooth rocks near the beach, watching seagulls fly over the darkening skies. The sun was retreating for the night behind the ocean's horizon. He turned hearing someone approach him in the sand. Ashe stepped slowly along the sandy beach, stopping before him. He looked up at her and nodded, studying her curiously as she stood before him. She took a deep breath as her eyes looked to the ground. He motioned for her to sit down near him. She smiled wryly, sitting a few feet from were he was. She went to say something then paused narrowing her eyes as she looked out at the sea hugging herself. She didn't want to reveal her feelings, She didn't want anyone to see a weakness she has for this man. What would the people of Dalmasca think of the heir to the throne falling for a sky pirate? She had to be strong, have her 'good' image as a Queen. She needed to be strong. Show no weakness. But, then would her image be a lie if she denied the true feelings of her heart? Balthier stayed quiet, waiting for her to collect her words.

''You know... I wanted revenge after the war two years ago, When my father and lord Rasler were killed. '' she spoke in a low tone of voice, tilting her head to one side. ''And now... I have lost my heart...'' Balthier leaned forward locking his hands together on his knee's as he listened to her carefully. She looked into his eyes, biting her lower lip nervously she then continued.

''But not to the nethicite... to You.'' she looked down after she spoke those words. Not sure how he would react to her words. He raised his brow in surprise. He didn't know what to say to her. He stood straight up, but didn't move. He was shaken by her sudden words but held his cool exterior. He never let himself get rattled in any situations. Never had he given his heart to anyone before. He has never had anyone say they loved him like that. Sure he's had ladies in the past, but never was it about love. The sky pirate was nervous, should he ignore her feelings and his own by denying her heart? Ashe shook her head pursing her lips in a frown. Regretting that she had made a mistake by telling him this. That she may have made things uneasy between them. After all, how would a spirited sky pirate care for someone who was to be queen beyond just ordinary companionship? She opened her eyes suddenly feeling Balthiers hand raise her chin as her kneeled down before her. She stared at him, her lips parted but lost for words.

''I have stolen many things..'' he said, his tone smooth and relaxed as He smiled, looking into her eyes. '' But never have I had something stolen from me. And you Princess, have stolen my heart.''

Before Ashe could say anything he gently pressed his lips to hers, lingering in a tender kiss of passion that sent a shiver down her spine. She smiled slowly moving her arms around his neck as his arms slid around her lower back closing the distance between them. Balthier guided her slowly to the ground, his arm under her back, supporting her as she laid back slowly in the sand. He laid down beside her, leaning over her, his hand softly caressed her cheek. Gazing into his eyes she smiled, pulling him down into a kiss.

The skies were filled with stars, everyone had retired into sleep for the night, only the sounds of the ocean waves rolling in and the breeze drifting across the tree's and tall grass could be heard. Balthier rested in comfort holding Ashe in his arms. She was sleeping soundly with her arm rested across his chest, a part of him didn't want morning to come, for he didn't know what may happen, and what the future may hold. What would become of them once she became Queen? They would most likely have to part... And that he did not want to happen. For the first time he has fallen in love, and was not willing to just let that go. It would be quite the story though, 'the Sky Pirate and the Queen'. he smirked watching the ocean tides. Perhaps things would work out. After all, he was a leading man, and she was his leading lady. He kissed her softly wrapping his arms around her. Resting his cheek against her forehead as he drifted to sleep.

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Authors Notes: Thank's for reading, Review's are greatly appreciated!

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