-Gasp- Another story from me! Wow...this means I'll be working on three at one time. I hope I can manage...really I do. -.-

However! I've been wanting to do a fic for Final Fantasy XII, but I didn't havea plot. Well, after a random spur, I managed to come up with a plot! I think it's nice...but don't take my word for it. You'll have to read it and decide for yourselves if it's good. (:D)

So yes, the pairing is BaschxBalthier. You don't see hardly any of those fics. A lot of BalthierxVaan...I don't like Balthier as a seme. After all, he is "the leading man." Ha ha! Balthier's my favourite character from Final Fantasy XII and at first, I didn't like Basch...at all. I paired Balthier and Vaan up like mose of you. However, after replaying the game...for the third time I realized that this makes a lovely pairing and I must share with the world! The time frame on this is post game and since I'm unfamiliar with the places in Rozarria (considering you never were able to venture there in the game) some places have made up names. But, they mean the same...all the same.

I won't keep you any longer! Do note, however, that I DO reply to reviews! Always have...always will!

Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy XII...though I wouldn't mind owning Balthier.


Part one: Capture

Balthier grunted as another loud crack resounded throughout the area. He cringed as he felt a trail of warm blood slither down his back. Not one to show his emotions, he clenched his jaw and inhaled deeply as another lash was strewn across his bare back. He slumped and swallowed; breath fast and rigid. He groaned when the pain ceased momentarily. He shook his head.

"Something the matter? Don't tell me you've tired yourself out," he spoke calmly, even giving the position he was currently in.

"Shut your mouth, thief," the lasher barked at him in a deep voice as he crack the thick, leather whip.

Balthier slumped against the chains that bound his wrists above his head, his energy depleting as the supposed "interrogation" continued. Somehow or other, just when he and Fran decided to take their scavenger hunts to the territories of Rozarria, Balthier was accused of thievery of a high prized item and was arrested on false pretenses. After confiscating the Strahl, hopes of returning back to Dalmasca in search of aid was lost and Fran was trying to find some form or law that would help release the falsely accused sky pirate. By day three, it was apparent that hope was failing.

In the meantime, Balthier was trying to be forced into making a confession – the result in a confession would mean either life imprisonment by the Rozarrian Empire or, better yet, the worse being sentenced to death. Refusing to take any part of either, Balthier's condition was somewhat lacking in the ability to confess.

He shifted and tried to use some of his remaining strength to hoist himself at least in a somewhat standing position. After taking another deep breath, he looked up at the clouded sky, failing to see any way out of his current situation.

"I'm no thief," he said as he glanced back as much as he could at his captor. "I'm a sky pirate. And, honestly, I have not the slightest clue as to what I stole, exactly. Seeming as how you happened to confiscate my airship before I managed to see anything worth my while."

The only reply he received was the whip cracking against his skin once more. Being publicly tortured in front of other inmates was to the least of his fancy and he rather disliked the consistent mocks and laughter he received. The platform his was currently bound to was one that was much used more or less for hangings, set up in the centre of circle-like prison for all captivators to witness. It was at this that he mused to himself, At least this isn't a public execution.

As he let out a small chuckle at the thought, his mental entertainment was cut short as the leather bit at his skin once again, this time managing to strike the same spot as the previous one, making the slash that much deeper. As his energy continued to drain, he was not sure how much longer he would be able to endure the pain before finally falling into a dark abyss. At least, had that have been the case he would not have to put up with these nonsense accusations for a few hours.

"Want to confess yet, thief? Or can you handle another six lashings?" At this, the lasher smirked, letting out a low laugh.

Balthier swallowed hard. "If I knew what exactly it was I was confessing to, then yes. But seeming as how I have yet to do anything illegal, I'd rather not."

This statement did not go over well with his captor and the whip flew down on his back yet again, this time sending a more painful lash across the middle of his back. It took all what was left of his remaining energy not to shout out in shear agony, his back red, bleeding, and raw from the past few days of nonstop lashings. Only five more to go before he was returned to his cell where he could at least rest for a bit – uncomfortably, but surely. However, the next five seem to drag on forever, whereas the man continued to drive the whip faster and harder with each crack.

Finally, after what seemed to be hours, the rope and chain were untied from his wrists and he was carried back to his cell by two armed guards. When they arrived at the destination, they tossed him carelessly inside and shut and bolted the iron-gated door. He lay there in the sand on the floor of his cell and took in deep breaths, trying to conjure up enough strength to at least shift to sit against a cluster of partial ruins but naught a few feet away. Next to his cell were two others, one on each side and each with a few members of the prison. He heard snickering to his left and just as he managed to lift himself to his forearms, he turned his head to see a rather large, bulky man grinning at him as he leaned against the bars that separated them.

"Refused to confess again today, eh?" He laughed as he shook his head. "By the time they're through with you, there won't be anything left." This man seemed oddly amused at the other's suffering.

"If I had something to confess to," Balthier started as he tried to climb to his feet. He managed to make it to all fours before shifting and standing, stumbling slightly when he got a head rush. "Then I probably would have. At least by those matters, I would know what in the world I had stolen that everyone seems so intent on blaming me for."

The man raised a brow as he stared intently at the sky pirate. He nodded before shaking his head. "You have a smart mouth. If I were you, I'd think about keeping it shut before someone decides to shut it for you."

"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, leaning with his shoulder against the small solid rock portion in the corner of the cell. He closed his eyes, wondering if it were possible to fall asleep in such a position. After taking a few deep breaths and stabilizing his breathing, he managed to drift off into a sleep, as non-peaceful as it may have been.

------------------

As Basch roamed around the courtyard of the main tower, he spotted Larsa peering outside the gothic-styled arch into one of the Archadian cities. His armour clinked as he approached the now thirteen-year-old emperor. As of late, with the war over and ceremonies honouring those that perished completed, there was little left to accomplish around the empire, other than making sure the order stayed intact. With the free time, Basch usually found the young emperor in the courtyard, staring out into the city on bright, sunlit days.

"Something on your mind, my Lord?" Basch asked from behind him.

For the moment, Larsa stayed silent as he peered out of the arch. He released a sigh and shook his head.

"On the contrary." Basch gave him a slightly confused look. "Archadia and Rozarria are at peace; Dalmasca is back to being an independent nation; Lady Ashe is well, as so she contacted me earlier this week." He turned to Basch and allowed a smile to grace his lips. "We are truly at peace, are we not?"

Basch returned the smile and nodded.

"That we are, my Lord….that we are."

There was a sound of footsteps coming from behind as another armour-suited Judge walked into the courtyard, his helmet held fast under his arm. He bowed when he saw Larsa, saying 'sir' before standing straight and directing his attention to Basch.

"Gabranth," he said quickly as the other Judge looked at him curiously. "There is a message for you from a Dalmascan – Lady Penelo, as I came to understand it."

Basch exchanged looks and stepped forward, accepting the envelope handed to him by the other Judge. "Thank you," Basch replied, bowing his head slightly.

"Many welcomes," the other replied as he turned and exited the courtyard in an elegant manner.

Basch stared at the letter in his hand, wondering what could have been to such an importance that would cause Penelo to send him a letter – a sealed, private matter it must have been, whereas it was sealed tight with a wax seal with the Dalmascan emblem. He slid his finger under the seal and slid the envelope open; he extracted the paper within and unfolded it, reading over the words carefully. Larsa watched as Basch's eyebrows kitted together in what seemed to be a slight aggravation and concern. He folded the letter back up and glanced to Larsa.

"Apparently there is a problem ensuing in Rozarria that might need further inspection."

Seeing the curious look on Larsa's face, Basch held out the letter to allow him to read it; Larsa accepted with no hesitation and read through it. When he finished, he handed the letter back to Basch and adverted his head off to the side, as if thinking on the matter. After a moments pause, Larsa looked up at Basch and nodded.

"I see no other option," he said sternly. "We must be off to Rozarria as soon as possible – I can see it in your face as well. You doubt it, do you not?"

Basch nodded. "Aye, my Lord. Nevertheless, you cannot leave Archadia without supervision."

At this, Larsa nodded and seemed to ponder what his guardian just said. Finally coming to a conclusion, he stared back up Basch and shook his head. "However, someone must go and resolve this obvious misunderstanding. Judge Rosenburg, might I ask a favour of you?" He nodded and Larsa continued. "Would you travel to Rozarria to claim innocence and return back to Archadia?"

"Of course, my Lord. But what of you? I cannot very well leave your side unattended," he replied, a concerned look playing on his face.

"Please," the young emperor continued, "there are many others that are able to watch after my presence. I do not require a constant bodyguard." At the end of his sentence, Larsa smirked slightly and Basch could not help but to chuckle at the comment.

"Quite right, sir."

Figuring it would be better to arrive by regular flight than by an Archadian airship, Basch boarded the flight to Rozarria, dressing in the complete suit of armour, noting that he was, indeed, an Archadian Judge. Seeing this in Rozarria, he assumed he could gain access to the imprisoned sky pirate. He took the letter out once again and read it back over, not exactly sure he caught the full meaning. The letter was addressed from Penelo, but she spoke of receiving an unnamed letter that turned to be from Fran, asking if there was anything that could be done.

His eyes reread the words on the paper:

Basch,

I know that getting a letter to you is easier than having one sent to Larsa, since it more than likely would not make it to Larsa until a week from today – what with security measures and whatnot. Besides, I'm sure he has enough to deal with and does not need any other burdens on his shoulders at the moment.

However, there is a problem. I received a short, scribbled letter from Fran stating that she and Balthier are in Rozarria. Apparently, Balthier's been accused of thievery and has been taken to a Rozarrian prison somewhere in the middle of a desert. Their airship's been confiscated and at the moment they're not allowing free-ranged airships into their territory. Vaan and I have already tried without luck and now the ship's failed and we're in the midst of repairing it. I'm sure it's nothing serious, but just to be safe, is there any possible way you are able to get Balthier out of prison? Whether or not he truly stole something (and knowing how he is, he more than likely did), is beside the point.

The exact location of the prison Fran did not send, but they're not allowing her to leave the territory either. That's the gist of it…and all the information she had sent me.

If you are able, please check and help him if needed.

Current Ship-Hoarder,

Penelo

He folded the letter back up and placed it back inside the slit of his armour. He sighed and rubbed his forehead, wondering why the sky pirate always had to get into some form of trouble or other no matter where he went. It was only a few months ago that they discovered he was, indeed alive and quite well. Basch had only met up with him twice since then: he came to Ashe's coronation and then a few weeks later delivered a rare find to Larsa, figuring the young emperor deserved a small trinket of gratitude.

Since, however, no one had really heard from him or Fran other than Penelo and Vaan who would occasionally go with them on hunts for some treasure. He figured that Balthier would more than likely return whatever it was he had stolen and be released from the prison and when he, Basch, arrived, he would find a quirky sky pirate who once again escaped trouble by only the nicks of his hair.

-------------------

As the aircraft began pulling into a port, Basch stood and began heading to the exit door – there were not many people coming to the empire, mainly those that were either visiting or returning. As he abandoned the aircraft, he was greeted by three Imperials of the Rozarrian Empire. They approached him and bowed.

"Judge Gabranth," the one in the middle spoke as he stood straight. "We were notified of your arrival and asked to greet you here at the docks. What brings you to Rozarria on such little notice?" The imperial's accent was a thick Spanish accent, much like that of Al-Cid, who too was a Rozarrian – oddly enough, one of the only ones Basch had met face-to-face.

Basch shifted his helm under his arm and gave a slight bow before replying. Given the conditions, he assumed the politer he was, the higher the chances he had for figuring out exactly what the situation was with Balthier and Fran.

"I am here strictly by orders of Lord Larsa to uncover a greater aspect of the situation with the Archadian sky pirate that we hear is currently under your guard." He hoped the way he worded his phrase would allow the imperials to give him more information, and if they had none to supply, perhaps they would take him to someone who might be able to assist his need.

Suddenly, the imperial's face grew stern and he stood completely straight, arching his back in the process. He cleared his throat before replying. "The sky pirate is currently held in the capitol prison and is allowed no company until given confession."

After his reply, the imperial gave a hard swallow when he saw the obvious annoyed expression on Basch's face. He shook his head and continued, "However, given the circumstances that you are an official Judge of Archadia, permission of law allows you visitation rights."

Basch inwardly smirked, seeing what just a look can do. It was obvious that this imperial was a bit new to the job; otherwise, he would have suggested seeing a Rozarrian Judge. Nevertheless, the imperial took him outside the docks and asked if he was comfortable riding a chocobo to the middle sands where the prison lie. Basch reported this would be no problem and within minutes he was on back of a chocobo and headed off towards the Rozarrian Capital Prison.


So! What did you think! This is my second Final Fantasy fic, but my first Final Fantasy XII fic! (I ove Final Fantasy VIII...I'm a sucker). Reviews are welcome! Remember, I do reply to all reviews! Want a question answered? ASK ME! Lol!

Love ya!