Note: This is my first fanfic, it is currently a work in progress, which means there are more chapters to come. Please note, this is a David/Rush romance story, and a hint of Emmy/Irina in later chapters, if this offends you them maybe this isn't for you. Also, I do not own The Last Remnant, David Nassau, Rush Sykes or any other characters who may appear in here. They are all Square Enix's. (I'm just borrowing them...) Please do leave a review, I'd love to know if you liked it, or hear how I could improve.

My Way Home

The young man woke in the depths of the underworld. Lavafender, decidedly not where he wanted to be, however he had no recollection of exactly how he had come to be in Lavafender. He was also in dire need of some healing, although by rights he should not have been here at all, all the others were gone.

Rush toyed with the idea of heading to Royotia, it was the closest city, and with Priam's death Paris, the new lord would welcome him with open arms. Paris had always felt indebted to him for the part he had played in the marriage between princess Charlotte of Balterossa and himself. Paris however, was an extrovert, and would insist on a party in Rush's honour. He couldn't have that just yet; there was someone he needed to see before he could allow word of his return to get out.

With that in mind Rush had headed to Balterossa. Caedmon the leader of the silver falcons was happy to receive him, and the sovani understood Rush's caution. Rush was to stay as long as he needed, Caedmon insisted on this. He was aware of Rush's destination, and also believed there would be a need for secrecy. Caedmon had spent the weeks while Rush was recovering in bed gathering information on events in Athlum since the war of the Remnants had ended. Rush was grateful, both for this, and Caedmon's discretion in doing so.

After two weeks had passed Rush became increasingly anxious to return to Athlum, specifically Athlum castle which had been his home for the best, and most confusing eighteen months of his life. Caedmon however was insistent that he should stay another two weeks. The sovani was a warrior by trade, and, although he was a competent healer, the scars that Rush still bore were evidence that Caedmon's fighting skills would always take precedence over healing

Caedmon returned early from a campaign one day to find Rush pacing the floor:

"Rush, my sources tell me the Marquis has no intention of leaving Athlum in the near future"

At this Rush's cheeks coloured slightly, and he dropped his gaze.

"Um... I..."

The sovani laughed.

"You will be fit enough to travel in two days if you still feel so urgent a need. Otherwise you are welcome as long as is necessary."

The day of his departure Caedmon had news for him:

"I have enquired into recent events in Athlum. You will be pleased to know that the city is in a time of peace, more stable than any of my sources can remember. It would seem however that the marquis has taken the loss of his late companion very badly indeed. His generals are worried about him. He has lost his appetite and seems to find no pleasure in anything"

At this news Rush's heart sank. Dave was the last person he'd wanted to suffer, which was partly why he'd pulled the stunt in the first place. Kellendros couldn't continue to threaten his life if she wasn't around.

Dave had taken him in, and helped him, even putting the search for Rush's kid sister above other, more pressing matters at the insistence of someone he'd only just met. Rush could only wish that he'd had the time, or the courage to be completely honest with him.

Caedmon surprised him by adding;

"I have heard tales of this marquis, I should like to meet him myself. He is reputed to be a great warrior."

"Yeah, Dave's awesome! Nothing fazes him at all. He even put up with me for eighteen months."

Caedmon looked calmly at the young man in front of him, who blushed furiously, realising what had inadvertently been admitted.

"When you return to Athlum I suggest you tell him that."

"Shoot...um, I never really told anyone... I mean..."

"Do not worry Rush, sovanis live long enough to know not to pass judgement over something so fleeting."

Author's Note: Well, so far so good. I hope everyone likes it. I thought all through the game that Caedmon knew more then he was telling, and so here he is. Rush doesn't stand a chance, and confesses almost straight away.