Disclaimer: I do not own rights to this game, its characters, plants, animals, or places featured in the game. Kana however, is mine.
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"Why must it be hot here? The fates are cruel." A sigh escaped feminine lips as the young owner of them took a long drink from her water pouch. The young one licked the water from the corners of the feminine lips and sat in the shade cast from a near bye building, "Though it does make sense. A floating island is closer to the sun."
"Are you lost kid?" The voice had come from seemingly nowhere, startling the young child, "Hey, did you here me,Bhadra?"
The child sitting in the shade looked toward the voice and met with a pair of eyes on another child, "Who are you to call me a kid?"
"Well, from the looks of it I'm taller, older, and plus I'm a boy. Bhadra" He declared proudly.
"Height has nothing to do with it, neither does looks, and how is me being a girl give you say so to call me kid? Oh, and no I'm not lost I'm resting."
"You're not from Bhujerba are you?" He asked, leaning over enough to be just a few inches above being eye level with her.
"No" She stated simply and stood, "Damn. I can't believe I'm shorter than you. Why is everyone taller than me?" She sighed and crossed he arms over her chest, "The fates really are cruel."
"What're you talkin' about, Bhadra?" His eyebrow rose as he asked.
"Nothing," She turned from the boy and pulled the white hood of her long white cloak to cover her dark brown hair and began walking towards the Lhusu Mines, "If I'm right then those Imperials were headed this way and according to my map I'm in…the south end of Miners' End. I wonder if he'll be there. No matter, from what I saw in Rabanastre, follow a judge, find Ashe." With new determination, she began walking north, "I'm eleven by the way."
The boy had a look of confusion at first but then a flash across his face showed he understood then disappointment "Awe man! I'm only ten!"
A smirk spread across her face as she began moving at a faster pace towards the mines. Soon she began running and soon she reached her destination only to halt and hide behind a near bye bangaa. "Damn judges" she cursed under her breath, remaining unnoticed by the bangaa and other civilians.
"That was unexpected." She heard from the man in gold armor before she busied herself with blending in even more.
"Ghis? Here?" She thought before she noticed a boy with long black hair walk by with a young blonde female. Her heart skipped a beat. "So he IS here and he's staying at Ondore's for a while. I wish I could visit him but Ashe comes first." Her head hung lower as the two passed. "We'll meet again Larsa, if the fates are truly against me; Or would such a case be for me?" She shrugged and turned around after the Imperial party passed and noticed four people coming from the mines, "Basch?" Her blood ran cold and hatred pitted itself in her center but she couldn't risk anyone recognizing her however and turned back around. After a few moments of listening to their plan, the blonde boy left and felt a hand grip her arm then turn her.
"Majesty?" asked the blonde man she feared was Basch, and was correct in her assumption.
"Ah, Basch. Long time no see. Kill anyone's father lately? No? How sad for you." She stared at him with anger in her eyes and spoke with such hate that the words seemed to drip from her mouth like venom.
"More fans?" Asked Balthier just to make his self noticed; he IS the leading man after all.
"Kana Amalthea Dalmasca., younger sister and only sibling, to Ashelia B'nargan Dalmasca." Replied Basch as he continued to stare at her surprised that she was alive but cut by the fact that it was obvious she hated him.
"Amalthea?" asked the tall vieran beauty known as Fran.
"Twas my mother's name. My sister loved to use an adaptation of it as an alias when she was younger while she was out of the palace. I however was not in Rabanastre often so I needed no alias."
"It seems that princesses keep falling from the sky." Balthier remarked as he adjusted the cuffs on his shirt then placed his hands on his hips.
"So you've seen my sister?" Kana smirked then frowned "You mind letting me go. My arms have fallen asleep."
Basch, having forgotten his hold on the young princess did as requested and let his hands hang loosely at his side "Majesty, I can assure you, it was not I who murdered your father."
"Forgive me if I find your words difficult to believe. Although…" The wheels began to turn as Kana thought on her situation "I shall accompany you, like it or not. I have a feeling that if I stay with you then I shall find my sister and…I shall find some solace on my father's death. "
"But Majesty…" Basch cut in to attempt to halt her thoughts on being in danger.
She shook her head, causing her hood to fall and her hair to fall from its fixed position then looked at Basch with dull green eyes, "No buts, I wish to see Ashe and I will; with or without your help. Which do you prefer?"
"I…" Basch was, for once, out of words and simply nodded. He knew that he was damned if he did and damned if he didn't and he preferred that both princesses be safe.
"Just as I thought." She smirked then crossed her arms over her chest "But I'm afraid that I would have to make myself scarce if you should meet with Ondore. I ask that you do not tell him you've seen me and I might start believing you Basch." Her eyebrow rose for a moment "Your friend has been gone for a while, shouldn't we start searching to see if he created a clamor?" Kana turned on one of her heels and began walking towards town; the party soon followed.
Upon entrance of town, the party asked as many people as it took to find the lost boy Vaan. Finally, they found the Cloudborne and entered. Kana however didn't venture into the backroom of the tavern but instead searched through the bills on the board. "To young. Ha!" she mumbled "What's my age got to do with my skills? I'm one of Montblonc's finest hunters." she continued with her mumbled complaints until her curiosity became to great and stood close to the door but heard only muffled sounds until the party exited..
"You?" Vaan sounded confused as he left the backroom and looked down at Kana "Wait a minute. Your not…?"
Kana glowered at the blonde teen "No I'm not who you think I am. While I do look much like my sister, I have few traits showing differences, for example: I have darker hair, green eyes, I'm much too short for the age of eleven and as you can see…" She opened her cloak to reveal her black sleeveless shirt holding metallic designs with a slight v- neck and matching skirt that ended halfway between leg and knee, "I prefer much darker colors."
Vaan scratched the back of his head and shrugged "I'll take your word for it."
Kana nodded once then turned toward the door, her knee high boots sounding off with each move of her feet "I couldn't help but overhear that you're going to Ondore's estate. I bid you good luck with that."
"Where is it you will go?" asked Fran, shifting her weight from her left to her right leg and placing a hand on her left hip.
"I shall find another way to find my sister"
Fran simply nodded and turned towards the party as Kana left the tavern.
Kana stood just outside the tavern door and let loose a sigh then covered herself with her cloak and started towards Marquis Ondore's estate. Once at the estate she turned her cloak inside out to reveal the black reverse side and kept within the shadows; thoughts racing through her mind, "This would be easier if I had a vanish mote." Slowly she made her way to the hangar but paused and hid within the nearest shadow. "Larsa's still here? Oh, there's one of Vayne's lap dogs." The young princess continued to stay within the shadows until Judge Ghis and his soldiers boarded the ship "Leviathan eh? Well, they made this easy." A small mischievous smile spread across her face but faded the moment she saw Larsa and the blonde girl she saw earlier. "Damn, seems like he's still taller than me. I have got to find a way to grow."
Shaking her head slightly to rid herself of distracting thoughts, she moved towards the large ship as quietly as possible and waited for Larsa and his guest to board. Once no one was in the hangar she snuck aboard via the cargo hold. Once on the ship she began discreetly roaming about the ship, or so she tried. After roaming the ship at the highest speed she dared to go for a few short minutes, she literally ran into the one person she was hoping to avoid: Larsa. "Uh oh." was all that came from her lips as she fell backwards, catching his held out hand on the way down, causing him to join in the fall as well. "Ouch…" Was the last complaint heard from Kana as she stood with help from Larsa.
At first however, he did not recognize her but as she stood, the hood covering her face fell and recognition came immediately "Kana?" he asked as he rubbed his eyes to confirm he hadn't gone mad, "I-I knew you…weren't dead.."
Kana froze the moment he called her name. How long had it been since she heard his voice? The years were few but it felt like an eternity for her. She opened her mouth to speak but no words formed, not even a squeak left her. She was petrified, not as though she would turn to stone in ten seconds and die but petrified as though the fluttery sensation rutted itself in her stomach and was slowly freezing her from the inside. She looked downward, placed her hands behind her back, and blushed like a small child with a crush; this was how he made her feel however, and she hated sticking in one spot.
The interaction between the two had left Penelo confused - more so than she already was. She had just met Larsa a few hours ago and learned of his relation to Vayne. She was frightened at first but Larsa was different from Vayne. From her observations, Larsa bears kindness and compassion whereas Vayne has little emotion. Now she was meeting someone Larsa obviously knew but the girl seemed shy around him. She looked familiar and carried a familiar name as well. It was that moment that Penelo placed the girl with one she had seen many years ago, of course the girl was much younger then, but the dull eyes and her long dark hair were still the same. The girl she was thinking of was one who would help Migelo but no one knew where she came from or where she went after volunteering.
After a few seconds of silence, Larsa reached toward Kana in an attempt to grasp her hand. In hesitation, she returned the gesture and held his hand in her own: gloved fingers intertwined. Why she did this she didn't know but the light blush across his cheeks and the charming smile he used to give her made her confidence return little by little. "Come, there is someone I wish for you to meet before she departs."
Kana's head nodded slightly as she was led the few feet to where Penelo stood. Her head slightly tilted as she looked upward toward the older girl, "You look familiar." Words had finally returned to her but, she felt terrible for not being able to speak to the young boy holding onto her hand, "You…work for Migelo don't you?"
Penelo nodded, "You were a volunteer when you were younger weren't you?"
Kana smiled, "You do remember."
Larsa looked from Kana to Penelo then back to Kana, "You've already met? It is a small world."
Both girls looked at him then back to each other then down at their feet, "I don't remember her name though." They said simultaneously.
Larsa paused for a moment and smiled once more "Well then. Penelo, this is Kana. Kana, this is Penelo."
Before either girl could respond however, the ship began moving, which caused Kana to begin panicking. She had failed in sneaking onto the airship by being caught by Larsa and she had failed in finding Ashe. Larsa saw her panic, which was a feat in its own for he knew her eyes hardly ever changed from their dull appearance. He held onto her hand firmly to assure her she need not worry: He would handle the situation. "It was only a few days after your father's death that you and your sister disappeared. It was that day that I vowed to see you and never let you go again." Were his only thoughts as he began leading the two throughout the ship.
Soon the trio reached the room of which Larsa had been assigned to stay. "Please, make yourselves comfortable." The two girls nodded and sat in nearby chairs with Larsa taking the middle one, "Kana…I" before he could begin his sentence however, the alarm began to sound. This caused panic to once more course throughout the princess. Larsa however was not about to let her disappear again so instead of letting her run throughout the ship alone he pulled the two girls upwards and out through the halls. Eventually the trio met with the party that caused the alarms to sound.
Penelo halted due to Larsa stopping in front of her and turned to see why "Vaan!" with this she moved to embrace him with a speed that a Viper from the Ozmone Plane would be jealous.
"It's okay. We're okay." Came his relieved reply as the two hugged.
"Ghis knows you've escaped. You must hurry," voiced Larsa as he walked to the group.
Upon seeing her sister, Kana released Larsa's hand and moved towards her. She was then taken by surprised as Ashe held her close; it was the first time Ashe had hugged her in her life. "Sis…" was muffled into Ashe's chest as Kana returned the embrace.
"Kana, you will go with Larsa. You'll be safer with him than with me." Ashe commanded as she gently ran a hand through the younger sister's hair.
"But…I haven't seen you since…" Kana did not finish her sentence for she hated remembering why they left in the first place.
"I know but you must listen to me at least this once."
Kana nodded and reluctantly let go of Ashe and stood at Larsa's side once more.
"You are Captain Azelas. You will follow me. We must reach the airships before they do." Larsa gently took Kana's hand, knowing that it pained her to leave Ashe at such a time.
"You would let us leave knowing who we are?" Asked Vossler, surprised that someone from the Empire would let high-ranking resistance officials leave.
"Lady Ashe. By all rights you ought not even to exist but you and Captain Ronsenburg were made to appear dead is like a hidden thread laid bare. Your actions hereafter will pull at that thread and we will see what it unravels. This is our chance. We must see this through and get to the bottom of it. I believe 'tis for the good of Dalmasca, and the good of the Empire."
"Very well, then." Was her only response.
"Thanks "Lamont."" Voiced Vaan, walking from behind Larsa
"Uuh. I must apologize." Larsa briefly let Kana's hand go and gave Penelo a piece of the manufacted nethicite he had taken to carrying. "Penelo, for you. May it bring you good fortune."
"Thanks." The blonde girl took the nethicite in both hands causing Vaan to look between the two and scratch his nose to stay his curiosity.
"Let us go." Larsa held a firmly gentle grasp onto Kana's hand once more and began pulling her into the direction of the ship's hangar for the escape ships. He looked at Vossler then towards the party, Vossler nodded towards Basch and in receiving a nod in return, Vossler began to follow Larsa.
Once again, she had lost Ashe: her only sister and, for two years, her only family. Yes, she had spent a great deal of time with Larsa as a child but she had no choice in the matter, not that she would change her childhood. She stared at the back of the boy she had grown to care for as he led her and Vossler towards the airships. It had been for to long since they ran together like this. The three finally reached the airships and boarded the nearest one, the vessel being more an atomos than actual airship. Vossler busied himself with the controls and made it ready to lift. Larsa sat in the navigation seat while Kana took the seat behind him.
Vossler looked towards the two children, "Lord Larsa, Lady Kana. Please remain here." And with that, he left the vessel to retrieve Ashe and her party.
Kana watched Vossler run from the dinghy airship then moved her attention to the front and was met with light blue eyes staring into her: confusion and hurt plagued is eyes, but a joy overcame his face.
"Kana, why did you disappear?" He asked, turning in his seat to face her and sitting on his knees to move himself closer to her.
"I didn't know what to do. I'm…sorry Larsa. I didn't mean to give you such a scare." Shame took her and her eyes moved from his to her lap.
Larsa reached out and gently lifted her head with his palm cupped on her cheek. He could feel his glove become slightly moist as she let a single tear escape; despite this, she smiled sincerely towards him which he returned with the innocent smile she adored. Larsa however knew she adored his smile, but he knew she'd never say such a thing. Voicing her emotions was not something he knew her to do. Slowly, he could feel himself moving closer to her; unable to stop himself. He continued to close the distance between them, pausing a few inches from her to take in the sweetened scent that she had obtained as a permanent smell. He had always loved the scent of the Galbana Lily perfume she wore.
Green eyes met blue as Kana moved closer as well. They were now few inches apart from each other. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her lips; nervousness rutted itself in her center. Kana began to feel lightheaded – as if she were in a dream. At first she thought her mind was being cruel but upon close inspection, the two were now less than an inch from each other: and continuing to close in.
Footsteps were then heard approaching them and soon were on the entrance stairs. Before anyone was inside enough to notice them, the two pulled from each other as quickly as they could: Kana hitting her head on the head rest and Larsa nearly loosing his balance as he chose to remain sitting on his knees to face her.
Kana rubbed the back of her head and hunched over from the sharp stinging pain. Ashe took notice and bent down next to the youngest of the party on the ship and gave her a questioning look. Kana could only blush from her near first kiss but decide to point at the head rest and feign embarrassment. She then breathed a sigh of relief as Ashe decided to not press further and simply sat next to her. Sitting up in her seat, the blush on her face deepened as she took in the sight of Larsa once more for he wore a light blush upon his cheeks: he was slightly frustrated that they were interrupted at such a moment – he had almost attained his first kiss and what more from the lips of the girl he longed for.
"I am sorry but I cannot accompany you off the ship. Judge Ghis would be, if he is not already, suspicious of my disappearance." Larsa spoke firmly to hide his dismay. As he removed himself from his chosen seat, he knelt next to Kana and took her hand in his own then planted a soft kiss upon the soft material of her black glove. This provoked a light blush to appear upon her cheeks but when he stood and whispered into her ear, her face had become more scarlet than the head of a Deadly Nightshade. With a heavy heart, Larsa slightly bowed and left the skiff, wishing that his princess could be with him.
Kana did not watch him leave. She did not wish to see him go. Her heart began to ache with every fading step he took. Head hung low, Kana banished all negative thoughts and concentrated on what had happened before her sister and party arrived, "I can't believe we almost…Bad timing you are a bastard. Damn the fates! All this time apart and that's all we receive?" Her thoughts depressed her more and more as she continued to wish the moment had lasted a little longer, "I'll find you, my little princess." Her lips twitched as she recalled what he whispered – using the name he gave her as children, "And I'll find you, my shining emperor."
Ashe had taken notice of the lingering blush that her sister had carried all the way to Bhujerba and was quite curious. Needless to say, Penelo and Vaan noticed as well. Vaan shrugged it off, he didn't understand girls. They confused him: Penelo was no exception. Right know, the look on Penelo's face caused such confusion. She was looking sympathetic? Yes, sympathetic; the entire ride was full of silence and glances from Penelo to Kana. Vaan decided not to think further on the subject as the ship landed and everyone left the atomos.
"Perhaps you forget all that Ondore has wrought." Said Ashe, Kana leaving her trance from the flight and noticing they were standing next to each other.
"I do not forget, Majesty. It was by his counsel, dangerous though it may have been, that we were able to free you. You must meet with him, your highness, and give ear to his words. He may act in league with the empire, but his heart is not." Answered Basch.
"It is as he says. I ought not have kept Ondore at so great a distance for so long a time. I have played the fool! " Vossler added to aid Basch in convincing the queen to visit Ondore with Basch.
"You were only being cautious." Said Ashe to comfort Vossler.
"Majesty, I would ask you for some time. On our own, we struggle in vain to restore Dalmasca. I must search out some other way. Until I should find it, I would have Basch remain at your side. Doubt him you may, but I measure his loyalty to Dalmasca no less than my own."
"I know you would not speak so lightly. Very well." Ashe nodded as she spoke and placed a hand on Kana's shoulder. Kana looked at her with an eyebrow raised but if Ashe were going then she had no choice in the matter.
"Keep her well. Go to Ondore and there await my return." Vossler spoke then turned after receiving a nod from Basch and left.
Kana silently seethed as she walked next to Ashe towards Marquis Ondore's estate. She didn't feel like having a family reunion; he preferred the company of Ashe over her and Kana had no interest in visiting people who didn't like her. Why the man didn't take a liking to her has always left her baffled; She never did anything to offend the man. Kana surveyed her surroundings; Vaan and Penelo were behind her while Basch was adjacent to Ashe which was to her left. This left Fran and Balthier walking ahead of them. "Perfect." Was the only thought in her head as they neared the entrance to the estate. As the party became closer, they passed through a small crowd – Kana took her chance and slowly went to her right…and kept walking. "It worked! Now to get out of here before they notice." Kana quickly hid inside one of the shops along the straight.
While passing through the small crowd, Ashe noticed a strange cold on her right side. She dared to look down and found what she feared was true – Kana had ran away again. How the child became so sneaky was beyond her but she gave chase in the direction she knew was the only way of escape. Basch took follow after the elder sister which caused Vaan and Penelo to follow in curiosity. Fran and Balthier waited, using the excuse that she may come back that way to avoid a goose chase.
Ashe stopped at the end of the street, "Now is not the time Kana. Why must you do this to me?" She sighed in frustration.
Basch gently laid a hand on her shoulder "Lady Ashe, we have not the time. I believe she will be fine."
Ashe simply nodded and turned back towards the estate. Penelo noticed a saddened expression on the elder princess' face and for the first time, children confused her. She didn't understand why Kana would run away and decided it best not to ask. She then placed a hand over Vaan's mouth to keep him from asking "It wouldn't be a good idea." she told him and began walking ahead of him.
Vaan scratched the back of his head and shrugged then began to follow Penelo but was halted by a paper that had landed on his head. He grabbed the paper and began to read:
Vaan,
Please tell Ashe that I'm sorry but I cannot be at her side just yet. Better yet, give her this letter.
Kana.
Vaan looked towards the sky and noticed a shadow on top a building leave his view. He looked at the note then back at the building and nodded. This was another moment where Vaan was but the confused teen.