Disclaimer: I will only say this once: I do not own Final Fantasy 12 or any characters or places related in any way.
She's Broken
by:callide
Prologue
Dear Larsa,
Penelo is missing.
Informing you of this was difficult for me. This letter was a symbol, to me, of failing hope; I am no longer asking in hope, but informing in regret. You were my last hope, that maybe she was with you, but according to the date on your most recent letter you have no idea of her disappearance, let alone of her whereabouts. I was saving you to be the last informed, simply because I didn't want you to worry if it wasn't necessary; if Penelo had shown up, what be the point me telling you what had happened when she could eagerly do so in one of her letters? Much to my deepest and darkest regret, however, I am losing hope each day and am slowly coming to the conclusion that she most likely is never coming home.
There has been a spurt of disappearances in Lowtown Rabinastre, most of which have been of women in Penelo's age group. These events started about 4 months ago, about the same time strange men had begun showing up in the city. Not one of these seventeen women has been seen again alive; two have turned up dead, brutally beaten. I naively went on without even thinking about Penelo's well being (these killings and abductions are not a completely rare occurrence in Lowtown, as sad as the truth is). Then, on one not so bright Sunday 37 days ago, Penelo didn't come home. Maybe my hope would be a little stronger if these disappearances were not an occurrence, or maybe if a dead woman with streaming blond hair, partially covering her open, unseeing, bruised eyes hadn't shown up in my garbage can.
Although my hope of ever seeing Penelo alive again is steadily fading, do not deny that I will dedicate the rest of my life trying to find her. I will try and keep you informed on any leads I may find, but so far I have so little, I don't know where to start. Although I am certain, if she were to show up anywhere but to me, it would be to you, Larsa. You were her very dear friend these past two years and I'm more than certain she trusted you with her life and then some.
This, my friend, you deserve to know and I regret that I am unable to leave here for now to deliver this in person, just in case she comes home. There will always be a just in case. That is my little sister and your friend out there. I won't think twice about speaking for you when I say that we love her. Let us, together, try and remain as hopeful as possible. Try not to forget her, wherever life may take you.
I have tried to make this letter as perfect as possible, the way I know she would have wanted it; the way she made everything she ever sent you. Please, if you hear anything,
My sincerest regrets for your loss, mine and hers,
Vaan