War's Luminance.

Chapter II: The Feud

Author's Note: Ooh, Balthier has taken his first step in this chapter. But something happens, that will cause destruction to both Archadia, and their lives! Read on, and review!

Somewhere in Ivalice. Midnight. On the way to Dalmasca.

He stumbled along his way, losing concentration as Larsa made his way towards Dalmasca. It has since past a day, but he had not reached Dalmasca. Tired and exhausted after battling uncountable fiends during his journey, the young Lord needed a good rest. His eyelids slowly came down upon him, but Larsa had to keep going. It was probably the best time to move on, noticing that there were fewer fiends at night in this…grassland. Stopping to rest against the smooth bark of a tree, Larsa dug up a map with paper yellowed due to age, and scanned the area. It was too dark to see anything, and he was about to fall asleep just resting against the tree like this.

"I can't…rest. My country…" he murmured to himself like a drunken. Before he knew it, fatigue finally overcame him and he slept, standing against a tree with his head lolled to one side. No thought seemed to be able to penetrate his mind. No, he would not allow it to disturb his rest. But faraway from where he had once been, Archades was under attack.

The Empire of Archadia. Half an hour past Midnight.

"…and so, they lived happily ever after."

She tucked her sleeping child into his blanket and closed the book shut, smiling. A tear slid down her face as she watched him, ever so peaceful for the first time.

"Brssshhh!"

Something hit the ground outside with tremendous force that the cup set upon the table crashed into a million glimmering pieces. She could hear children screaming, and many citizens panicking. Pandemonium broke out in the city, as a meteor had crashed into the city square, burning many houses down to ashes.

"In the name of Archades, what has happened?" the mother carried her child out of bed and dashed for the door, hoping to survive this battle with the Somonians.

"The Gods above! Protect us from harm! We pray that our King will return with troops to battle those fiends!" a Senate cried out as he helped evacuate the people of the country. His sad, old face, aged with years, looked around the area and placed his arms into the long sleeves of his white cloak. Many shadows of corpses were seen in the flames, as they were slowly cremated by the glowing orange fire. The heat was intense, as it reflected the serene days of Archadia's past. Even before the war that they declared with Rozzaria and Dalmasca. He stood there, as the fire crackled within the great ball of earth that sizzled along with the desperate cries for their King.

Rabanastre, Dalmasca. Late Morning. City Square.

"I repeat, 'By order of Lady Ashe B'Nargin Dalmasca', you are to make your way to the Royal Palace. Her Highness has urgent news to settle. I will personally escort you there." Basch announced to the four of them, through gritted teeth.

For the past few minutes, Vaan had been trying to weasel his way out of this round. Not wanting to fight anymore, he wanted to spend the rest of his life in Rabanastre, slacking all day long and pocketing gil from others.

"Even if you disagree with the Queen's order, you still have to follow MY order. I still have yet to get you back for stealing my gil. Therefore, you will now be forced to join us on our next journey, or I'll make sure that something will happen to you." Balthier threatened, in a cool tone of voice.

Vaan glared at him furtively, not wanting to give in.

"C'mon Vaan! It's Lady Ashe we're talking about. She needs our help!" Penelo tugged at his arm like a little kid, jumping up and down excitedly.

"If it is the Queen that needs our help, I will gladly render aid." Fran said. She was always rather straightforward, and that scared Vaan too much. She walked out of the area and stood besides Basch, putting a hand against her waist.

"Penelo! Don't pressure me!" Vaan swatted her aside.

"Leave him alone. We shall make our way there now, Captain." He grinned devilishly at Basch.

"Follow me then."

All four of them walked off, with Penelo looking behind to see if Vaan had followed. He stood there, still in the same position. Then, he ran toward her, still having a sour look on his face. Penelo gave him thumbs-up as they headed towards the tall building in the center of Rabanastre. Its turrets reflected phantasmagoria from the sun's rays, along with remnants of last night's rains giving off the colors of a rainbow, the symbol of a promise.

Somewhere in Ivalice. Early Afternoon. On the way to Dalmasca.

"Unhhh…"

Larsa stirred in his sleep quietly, finding himself drenched from head to toe. He lay sprawled on the ground, hair in a mess and clothes sticking to his body. He sat up, and rubbed his eyes, tasting rainwater on his tongue. Noticing a piece of paper sticking out from under his right leg, he jerked it out to find his map soaked. The ink was barely visible, and he would have trouble finding his way to Rabanastre.

"This is not going as I have planned. I've let Archadia down! How can a King rest peacefully, even through rain, when his country is in distress?!" Larsa shouted out loud. Standing up, he grabbed the soggy map and made his way to who-knows where, praying that he would be able to find a village where he could buy a new one, and perhaps, ask for directions. It would be even better if he could hire a chocobo. It would not be so tiring then.

"Where is this place…?"

His feet sunk into the hot sand, as the sun shone down upon him mercilessly. It was the worst time of the day to go out in the desert like this. Especially when he was dressed with at least two layers from head to toe. Grimacing, and beckoning himself not to give up halfway, he pushed through the sand, step by step as each one got heavier. Wild wolves were seen frolicking around, along with some cacti catching a nap in the heat. Unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt, Larsa made his way to the South. Although his map had proven to be useless after the night's torrential rain, he still had a basic sense of direction. By following the path of the humid breeze, he should be able to reach Dalmasca before sunset.

Rabanastre, Dalmasca. Around three in the Afternoon. Royal Palace.

"Lady Ashe, I have obeyed your orders and brought the four of them back into your presence." Basch bowed, as they stood in the audience chamber before the Queen. Ashe sat at the head of a long, rectangular shaped table, sipping some wine from a silver goblet. Setting it down, she observed them. They have not changed much since the past year, except that maybe Vaan seemed a little more…immature than before.

"Please, take a seat. I expect Lord Larsa to be arriving any moment."

Balthier's eyebrows rose. "Larsa is coming? Why would he? I'd bet he has to fulfill his 'kingly' duties, not having much time to waste to pay us a little visitation here in Dalmasca."

"Larsa? Really? He's coming! Vaan, Larsa's coming! Oh, that would be awesome!" Penelo squealed with enthusiasm, practically bursting with joy. Fran, however, kept silent, as she awaited more information from the Queen.

"No, Balthier, Archadia is in trouble. I have heard from him through a letter that he had kindly written, saying that a country far in the North of Archadia has begun their plans to conquer his land. He needs help, and he is coming over to discuss with us his decisions, and also, most possibly, that we have to aid him in battle." Ashe explained.

"Eh, why do you have to say Balthier's name so nicely?" Vaan exclaimed, noticing that whenever she mentioned his name, she seemed to say it carefully, at the tip of her tongue. It sounded lighter, and much more soothing than other words that she had spoken to them. Penelo glared at him, knowing the obvious reason.

"As I was saying-" Ashe tried to keep her face straight and her temper from flaring,"- the country is called Somonis. The people there are terrible fiends, so do watch out. They might decide to attack Dalmasca too, if they find out that Larsa is seeking our help. Do not let this secret out, of you shall be punished as I deem fit." She finished proudly, eyes surfacing over all of them, particularly staying at Balthier for a few more seconds than the rest.

"When is he coming?" Fran questioned.

"He should be arriving soon, although I am not too sure of the exact time, myself. Please, relax and have a drink. I shall send the guards to inform you when Emperor Larsa has settled in." Ashe pushed her chair back gently and stood up, waiting for the rest to leave before her.

"Hey, there's a rooftop balcony, right? Let's go, Vaan!" Penelo jumped up and dragged him up the stairs to the balcony. Basch shrugged, and followed them, along with Fran who lazily tagged behind them, not sure of what else to do.

"Why don't you join them?" Ashe queried the pirate. He turned around to face her. Ashe's heart began to beat twice as fast, and her face gave off a radiant glow as he approached her. She had never felt this way towards anyone before, maybe…except Rasler. He, was the one that Ashe had really loved. Not because of their arranged marriage to strengthen ties, but also because their affection for one another had grown increasingly, and it surfaced. As fate decided, he had to be killed in the war. She looked downwards, and twisted her fingers together, examining the silver ring that hugged her third finger. Balthier had returned it to her last year, and Ashe was very grateful towards him for that. But it made her think.

"Am I still faithful to Rasler? Or is my heart with Balthier?"

"Princess? Princess…?" he shook her out of her daydream.

"Ah, it is Queen now. I am no longer a Princess, dear Balthier."

When Ashe realized what she had said, she flushed a light pink, and moved a few steps back. The guards around the area began to turn their helmets, in time for a fascinating show to watch. But they were asked to leave the next moment, after the Queen noticed that they probably needed some privacy, to be alone.

"It seems what Penelo has said is true." He smirked, standing reasonably close to her.

"Wh-…What's true?" she stuttered, pretending not to hear anything and brushing a strand of stray hair aside with a sheepish smile on her face. Ashe sent mental screams through her mind, as she tried to keep her cool. But it was difficult when he was so close to her…

"Princess…Have I ever mentioned your eyes are beautiful? They swirl, and drown. They cause one to fall into a deep trance…" he murmured.

Ashe was not sure what happened next. All she knew, was that she was certainly dreaming. Yes, dreaming.

When their lips touched, a fiery sensation seeped through her body, sending tingles up her spine as she felt every single thing about him. She had never noticed anything about his eyes, but they looked so brilliant to her now. Sparkling with all the radiance she had never known about. Her heart soared with happiness, but then, she felt…something wasn't right.

"I-I'm sorry!" Ashe broke away from the kiss and ran out of the audience chamber, close to tears, leaving a stunned Balthier still standing in the same position. He was shocked, very shocked.

Eyes turned into a shade of dark brown, and his jaw tightened. For the first time, Balthier had experienced heartbrokenness. "Is Ashe rejecting me?" he sat down on the step, scratching the back of his head as he wondered why, such a love could be confounded so easily.

Rabanastre, Dalmasca. Half past four in the Afternoon. East Gate.

The hustle and bustle of people moving about caught Larsa's attention, as he entered the arch-shaped gate. Not trying to get his hopes up, he turned to one of the guards, a small smile forming upon his features for the first time during his journey.

"May I so kindly inquire; is this the city of Rabanastre?"

"Yes, sir. You can tell from looking at the structure and the people. Rabanastre has a-"the guard began to introduce the city to Larsa, but he stopped as Larsa broke him off, with surprise.

"Could you take me to the Palace? I am Emperor Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. I seek an audience with the Lady Ashe."

"Oh, my Lord! I did not know it was you. Pardon me, for my impudence. I shall escort you there."

Taking the lead, the soldier led Larsa into the Palace, and from there, the guards in charge of the area led him back into the audience chamber, where he saw Balthier, still seated at his corner, with a livid expression on his face.

"Ah! Balthier, it's been a long time. What in the name of Archades has happened to you? You look terrible." Larsa rushed in, stopping a few meters before him.

"It's something that does not concern you. Matters of the heart. You would not want to intrude, would you, Emperor?" he snapped.

"I understand it is not in my position to question you. Let it be. Time will heal all wounds." Larsa said comfortingly, as he sat down on one of the chairs beside the Queen's throne.

"Lady Ashe and her Companions have arrived."

The rest of the party trooped into the room, with Vaan looking even more irritated than before as he sat far away from the rest, until Ashe commanded him to come closer, or he will not be able to hear much and get confused. Ashe was rather uncomfortable, as she noticed Balthier; all upset and agitated whenever Larsa suggested some plans to defeat Somonis.

"This is going nowhere." Balthier huffed with annoyance as he pushed his chair back gruffly and stormed off without a word. Larsa, however, stayed as calm as possible, not showing any signs of emotion or reaction towards that. He suspected something went wrong between him and Ashe, but he was not going to intrude, like what Balthier had said, although it may mean his country's defeat or victory. He was an excellent fighter, and Larsa was contemplating of putting him in charge of his army for a short period of time during the war, for he, the King himself will be in charge of the Imperial Fleet.

"I think…It is getting late. All of us should get some rest. Please, the guards will escort you to the guests' rooms. Make yourselves at home." Ashe picked it up from there, although she sounded odder than ever. Fran exchanged looks with Basch as they left the chamber.

"Now what do I do? I've messed up. Balthier thinks I dislike him, and Larsa's country is in danger. I need to patch things up with him in order to help Larsa. But how? I just can't…love him enough. I…I still remember…Rasler."

Ashe sunk down against her bed post, hugged her pillow and cried.