"Captain, we are approaching the Westersand," said Jeremy over the intercom.

"I'll be there in a moment. Prepare for docking," I said listlessly. I returned the book I was reading to the proper place and slid the bar in place to keep the books from falling. I walked out of my study to the upper level where the bridge was located. Gabriel, Fang, and Alix were waiting for me.

"We've docked and are awaiting orders," said Fang.

"I'll be taking one of the racers to Rabanastre. You guys can do what you will until I return.

"Can I come?" asked Alix. Alix was about four, I took him in when I saw him wandering the streets of Balfonheim alone. He told me that he lived at the local orphanage so I took him in.

"Not this time Alix. Maybe tomorrow," I said. He gave me a disappointed face and scampered off. I adjusted my gloves and shirt cuffs before heading off to where the racers were docked. Before I left, Fang addressed me.

"Be safe Captain,"

"Will do," I replied and continued to the racer docks. I hopped in the first ship I saw and took off for the Aerodrome. I quickly ran through the gate into the Southern Plaza. I heard a gaggle of girls gossiping as I passed by.

"I saw Lord Ffamran enter the Sandsea!" said one.

"When he waived at me I thought I was going to faint!" said another.

"I can't believe he's Archadian! He's the most polite Imperial I've ever met!" said the third. Ffamran, that's a name I have not heard in a long time. I took the moogling to check out the Sandsea tavern. When I arrived he was already leaving. He was surrounded by his escort including a viera I knew as Fran. His golden rifle sparkled in the sunlight as it hung against his back. At that moment I chose to make myself known. I leapt over him grabbing his gun in the process. I could hear the rattle of armor behind me as I kept running. I was surrounded when I ran into a dead end. I could have easily blasted them away. I don't know why I didn't.

I was put in one of the isolation cells at Nalbina. One minute felt like an hour, eventually I lost track of time. After a day, it felt like I was in there a year. On the third day I heard the familiar clink of armor. The guard didn't say a word to me; he literally pulled me out of the cell and shoved me into what looked like a gigantic bird cage. All this for petty thievery. Ffamran followed him and he looked pissed. I was the one who should have been angry. I was for a moment.

"What does Your Majesty want with a petty thief like me?"

"Cease your drivel, Demia"

"Not very friendly are we? That time of the month again?"

"Shut up!" screamed Ffamran, pure fury displayed in his eyes.

"Who pissed in your cereal today?"

"Knock it off! What are you doing here? You should not be here."

"Nothing much, just wanted to say hello to my dear brother," I said, still keeping cool.

"You're dead to me," he said coldly.

"What? Ashamed of your sky pirate sister? Sorry to say but have you looked in a mirror lately? Out of all the people in the world, I should be the one saying that to you, considering that you left me at the mercy of Father. I came here because I still want you alive," I said.

"What are you talking about?"

"There are whispers about an assassination attempt on the Dalmascan and Archadian royal families, and since I sort of fit into one of said families now, I came to inform you."

"What does that have to do with attempting to steal my gun?"

"You don't remember?"

"Remember what?"

"When we were kids, I always wanted to hang out with you, none of the other girls liked me anyway, and they said I was a tomboy."

"Is there a point to this anecdote?"

"I'm getting there. Anyway, I would steal your gun for the rifle team and go skeet shooting. When you caught me at the range, you went ballistic, but you friends thought I had good aim so from then on I would dress up in some of your older clothes and go to the matches as a new member."

"Yes, I remember, Mother went insane when she found out. She sent you to the military academy with me afterwards."

"Her and Father were just looking for an excuse," I started. "They wanted to initiate my training as a nethicite weapon," Ffamran looked gobsmacked.

"So it was you who blew up the manse-"

"On accident," I finished. "I lost control of my powers. Father used me as one of his guinea pigs. Not even one minute after I was born, he fused liquid nethicite into my DNA."

"How did he-"

"I dunno. I only know what he told me. I left because I found out that I was nothing more than a tool. No one really cared if I lived or died. I thought that at least my own brother would care, but you left way before. Now your married to the Queen, might as well let me die here."

"Don't say that."

"Pardon?"

"I said, don't say that. I still care about you; I haven't thrown all of my past away. Tomorrow you'll be sent to Rabanastre. Now if you'll excuse me, I must inform Ashe of this new development. "

The guards threw me back into my isolation cell where I laid on the lumpy cot, waiting for tomorrow. I traced the tally marks someone else made into the wall; apparently they had survived for two years in this hell. Soon enough someone came to get me.

"Wake up you!" said a soldier.

"You didn't have to bloody kick me!" I shouted. I was chained and escorted to the upper levels where a small Atomos waited. The ride was almost peaceful, with a great view of the sky. When I arrived, I was expecting another group of soldiers to take me to gods know where, but instead a single Viera was waiting in the Aerodrome. I assumed that she was Fran, my brother's partner.

"She's all yours," said one soldier.

"Good luck," said another. I could not help but glare at them.

"Come," said the Viera. I had to jog to keep up with her long strides, which is not easy to do in chains. I followed her down a narrow dead end alley. I didn't like the looks of this. How was I supposed to fight a Viera while I was in chains? I thought I was going to die, all of a sudden the chains around my wrists and ankles vanished. I looked at the Viera with a questioning look.

"Uh…Fran why are we in an alley?" I said nervously.

"Balthier would not have Lady Strahlaria presented to him in chains," said Fran. We left the alley and continued our journey in silence to what I assumed was the royal palace.

When we were only a few blocks away I straightened myself up, and prepared my inner sophistication that I had practiced since childhood.

"Halt! Who goes there!" said a guard.

"Lady Demonalia Bunansa of Archadia," I said with an unmistakable loftiness.

"Sister! Is that you?" called Ffamran who just appeared from a side corridor.

"Ffamran!" I shouted running up to embrace him. For that one moment I felt like I was a little kid again, running to my older brother for a hug.

"Am I forgiven?" he whispered in my ear.

"I forgave you the moment I saw you," I whispered back.

"I am glad you did," he said, and then he grabbed my wrist and proceeded to run down a random corridor. He seemed to know where he was going as I struggled to keep up, running up at least ten staircases. When he stopped abruptly, I nearly went head first into a very solid looking door.

"I'm guessing this is my room," I said, still panting from running up ten floors.

"That it is. Lunch is in two hours. I suggest you clean yourself up."

"No, I'll go like this," I said gesturing to myself. Ffamran looked mortified and literally threw me into the room. I lay on the floor for a moment before finally getting up. The room was huge; it was more of an apartment than a room. It had a main living area, a bedroom, bathroom, and even a small kitchen. I could get used to this. I opened the door to what I assumed was the bedroom.

The bedroom had a queen sized four poster bed and the walls were lined with bookshelves that were packed to the brim. On the bedside table there was a long yet thin box and on top of it was a note in my brother's handwriting.

Demia,

I know you probably thought I had forgotten that today was your birthday, but how could I forget such an important day! You only turn twenty-one once! Anyway, I thought you might need something to remember me by once you've run off again.

Happy Birthday!

From your brother,

Ffamran

P.S. Do you know what our parents were on when they named us? I want to order some or at least have it smuggled in.

I opened up the box and found a gold chain with a fiery orange, heart shaped Dalmascan ruby on it. Our parents always called us Fire and Ice, a term that fit us well considering that we're total opposites. He was fire, and I was Ice. He was always the one that acted out, and I followed orders. He always enjoyed taking things into his own hands. There was also another note attached to the inside of the box.

This pendant is magicked so that only you can remove it.

Despite my dislike of bright and or warm colors, I put on the necklace. It did look rather fetching on me. However, I felt that it would even look more so on someone else I knew. Looking at the time, I ran into the bathroom to take a shower, and the water was so hot and relaxing I didn't want to leave. I quickly washed the grime off with the chocolate scented body wash and strawberry shampoo. If I had taken a bath instead I swear I would have needed several changes of bath water. I toweled off and changed into the clothes on the rack, the shoes felt a bit too big, and the mirror told me I looked like a clone of my brother. I quickly styled my hair, and added the appropriate hair care products. The minute I stepped out of the bathroom there was a knock on my door.

"Demia, are you ready?" called Ffamran. I opened the door and met his eyes. He looked utterly surprised at me for some reason. I noticed he wore a necklace that match mine that was made of a light blue diamond.

"Must your hair always look like you rolled out of bed?" he said.

"What? I like the messy look." he shook his head at me and sighed.

"You never change." I started to take off the necklace he gave me and put it around his neck while putting his around mine.

"That's better. It suits you more than me."

"Shall we go?" he offered me his hand which I took and led me to the dining room. We walked in a comfortable silence as I thought about how relieving it was to have him by my side, instead of always being alone, for once.

I walked into the dining room feeling a sense of dread; I always did hate meeting royalty, even if she was my sister-in-law.

"You must be Ashe," I said. I immediately took a dislike to her, she looked like a snob.

"I did not know you had a sister," she said to Ffamran, giving him a severe look.

"We had a bit of a falling out," he said, brushing her off. At that moment a guard walked in with two children following him, thank the Gods for small favors. They took seats at the table as Ashe greeted them.

"Nice to see you Vaan, Penelo," she said. A moment later, another guard entered. "Yes, Private?"

"Lord Larsa and his cortege will be arriving in thirty minutes. Would you like me to bring them straight here?"

"Of course," she said stiffly as she dismissed him. I looked up from my food to see both Vaan and Penelo staring at me. Either they wanted something, or I was eating like I had been starved for three days, which I was.

"Can I help you?" I said as politely as I could muster. The boy called Vaan instantly opened his mouth to elicit a response.

"We just didn't know Bal- I mean Ffamran had a brother," he said. A brother! I kept my mouth shut lest my temper get the best of me. My parents didn't call me "Fire" for nothing. Thankfully Penelo stepped in, giving Vaan a slap on the head.

"You don't know who that is!" she exclaimed. Vaan looked lost. "And you call your self a sky pirate! It's Strahlaria!" I was stunned to think that these children were sky pirates.

"You're a girl!" he exclaimed. I gave him a glare for being rude. Gods I hated children sometimes. Ffamran grabbed my arm as a reminder to calm down. It did not help one bit. I stood suddenly and walked briskly out of the hall, charging past Larsa who was standing outside. I glared at Gabranth as I passed. I continued to walk until I reached the gardens on the top floor. The desert wind blew across my face and whipped my hair about as I stared at the clouds. Eventually, I started to calm down and sunk onto a bench enjoying the view. After about five minutes I heard footfalls.

"I knew you would be up here," I held my head in my hands as he spoke.

"I am not meant to be around people. It would be better if I left."

"Nonsense, you just need practice." I heard him sit next to me on the bench.

"I need to go into exile, or have your forgotten that I'm no longer considered human."

"Humanity is relative." he grabbed my hand, "Come on, Larsa is dying to meet you."

"Vaan and Penelo had something to do with that."

"Probably, I stopped paying attention after a while, or it could be the fact that you nearly ran him over."

When we returned to the hall, I received more stares than ever, even Gabranth and Zargabaath stared. I looked into Gabranth's eyes and something seemed off about him. I took my place at the table and conversation continued. Everyone ignored me for the most part, but I couldn't help but interject when the subject of keeping peace was brought up.

"Perhaps a treaty could be drawn up between Archadia, Rozzaria, and Dalmasca." said Ashe.

"Sounds like a good idea, Lady Ashe," said Larsa, who looked entirely different than what I remember.

"It's not going to work," I said. Everyone looked at me.

"What Ivalice needs is a council. Not a piece of paper. There can be representatives from Rozzaria, Archadia, Dalmasca, Bhujerba, Balfonheim, the Garif, the Viera, and even the Moogles," I said.

"She makes sense. We could stop wars before they start with a council," said Larsa in agreement.

"What should we call this council?" asked Ashe, looking at me in distaste.

"Ivalice United," I said triumphant, Gabranth gave me a look.

"Milord how would we go about organizing such a thing?" asked Gabranth, or whoever he was because he was not Gabranth. His voice was completely different, and Gabranth would never ask such a question in front of others. I turned to my brother and whispered in his ear.

"That is not Gabranth."

"I wondered when you would figure that out," he said

"You knew!"

"Everyone knows. Maybe even Zargabaath."

"Then who is he?"

"Captain fon Ronsenburg. He is impersonating his brother until Ashe clears his name." I remembered the plot to kill Raminas that took place years previously. As always Vayne was behind it. Just like in Nabudis, At least Zecht could leave, unlike me. At that moment, I prayed that Ashe never found out about my past. Not even Ffamran knew certain details.

"Excuse me, I've had a rather long day, and must retire to my chambers," I said as I began to get up from my seat. As I left the room, I could feel half a dozen pairs of eyes on me. I arrived at my quarters absolutely bushed as I made my way to the bedroom. I didn't even bother to look for a change of clothes as I flopped onto the bed, completely exhausted from keeping up my façade all day.

I sat in a large sitting room. For a moment, I forgot where I was until I heard loud conversation. Ffamran had brought over his friends…At least he had friends. The flopped down on the sofa opposite me, chatting about something. I had just resumed reading my book when the door opened again. Father had come home.

"Ffamran, take your friends outside. I need to speak to Demonalia," said Father. Ffamran quickly obeyed, and soon I was alone with him. I stood from my chair and Father took my seat. I knew it was his favourite; I took a knee in front of him like I was supposed to and saw that his eyes looked upon me with abhorrence. "You have been target shooting with excellent aim I hear," he said, I used all of my self control not to show any fear. Why was I afraid anyway, I was the weapon, right? All of a sudden, I could feel the cool metal of Father's gun pressed at my forehead, my eyes followed the barrel of the gun to look at the person that hated me so.

I awoke with a start, memories of that day still flooding my head. Cold sweat dripped down my face, and my hands were shaking. I needed some air. I headed to the garden on the roof of the palace. My shaking hands clutched at the railing as the cool desert breeze blew into my face. I knew I looked rumpled, but no one would be up at this hour. My eyes closed and I enjoyed the wind on my face until I heard footsteps. I turned around to face who It was and saw the false judge stairing at me. My body immediately tensed, he looked exactly like his brother, except for the scar that ran over his left eyebrow.

"If you would rather be alone, I'll leave," he said, his voice wasn't cold at tll unlike the real Gabranth.

"I could probably use the company, I've been alone far too long," I said. What the hell was I doing? I should hate this man! He took a place hext to me leaning on the railing, my knuckles would have been white had my gloves not been covering them.

"You know who I am," He said. I feared what would come out of my mouth so I only nodded. I could feel his eyes on my profile, as if he was inspecting me. I started to feel uncomfortable, so I turned to him.

"Can I help you?" his eyes were gentle and reminded me of the sky instead of ice. Even though we just met, there was something I liked about him.

"Are you well?" he asked. He must have noticed my disheveled state, not to mention the probable dark circles under my eyes. I looked away, not being able to handle his gaze.

"I will be, If I am lucky," I said. He looked at me in confusion. He took one of my shaking hands that were still unbelievably tense in both of his. I could feel the warmth from them seep through the thin cotton and into my cold skin. For a reason unknown to me, my heart started to quicken. Was I nervous?

"I must apologize," he said, I raised an eyebrow in confusion, "My brother has wronged you many times. I could tell from the fear in your face when you first saw me," He read that in my face? My acting skills must be going down the toilet.

"No need to apologize. What's done is done," I said. He looked into my eyes as if he was trying to see my soul, and for a moment I saw a flicker of hurt in them. He politely kissed my hand and departed, leaving me to my thoughts.

I walked slowly to the aerodrome. I boarded the racer that I had brought with me ad flew to the sky fortress. As I was in the air, I couldn't help but think of what had happened in the garden. How could he have known about my animosity? I glared at him, but anybody in Dalmasca would have. Why did my heart want to jump in my throat when he took my hand? Why am I even thinking about this? I hope Ffamran knows what this feeling is.

"Strahlia you're late!" yelled Alix when I docked.

"I know, I 'm sorry, Alix," I said. Gabe and Fang came running into the dock looking out of breath.

"We will need to stay in Rabanastre awhile," I said, "I am just gathering a few things."

"Can I come this time?" asked Alix. I nodded my head and he yipped with joy.

"Pack for a week," I said and he hurried off to his room. I started for my own quarters when Gabe grabbed my shoulder.

"I hope you know what you're doing," he said

"I do," I said and continued on.

I punched in the access code for my rooms and made for the wardrobe. I grabbed several shirts and pairs of slacks in various colors. And stuffed them into a suitcase. I walked to the closet and added some vests and jackets. I pulled out the dresser drawers and threw in the necessities, including several pairs of leather gloves. I straightened my self up in the bathroom and no longer looked like someone who hasn't slept in a week. When I made it to the dock Alix was waiting with his bag in his hands, he was also dressed in his best clothes. When he saw me he bolted onto the ship.

I put the luggage on the rack ant set out for Rabanastre. Alix fidgeted in his seat with exitement.

"Where are we staying?" he asked.

"The Royal Palace, so you must be on you best behaviour," I said.

"Will I get to meet the Queen?"

"Most likely." Alix fidgeted more with nervous energy.

When I got to the palace with Alix, the guards stopped us.

"Can the palace accomadate another guest?" I asked

"Of course Lady. Is he your son?"

"No," I said, hiding my surprise, "I am doing a favor to his mother by watching him." The guard took a knee to look Alix in the eye.

"He shall be led to a room," he said. A guard came prancing to the gate.

"Lady Ashe and Lord Larsa request that you meet them in the confrence room," I gave Alix a reassuring look as I left and he followed a guard to his room.

The confrence room consisted of a large poliched table and many chairs. Larsa and Ashe sat near the head of the table as I took a seat. Gabranth stood behind them both. I felt cornered.

"You have information on an assasination attempt?" asked Ashe.

"Worse, Rozarria has the nethicite," I said

"Their labs aren't as sophisticated as Draklor. They will not be able to use it," said Larsa.

"They have help from some rogue Archadians. So I have come to offer my services."

"What services do you speak of? Thievery?" Ashe asked harshly.

" Of course not. I come to offer you protection. I was created to use nethicite."

"Created? Are you not human?" asked Larsa.

"I am not," I said keeping my cool. Losing control of my powers was not an option.

"You are human, Demia. I never want to hear that again," said Ffamran as he stepped out of the shadows.

I looked down at my hands and flexed my fingers. I noticed that Gabranth was looking at me strangely.

"Can humans do this?" My hand started to produce a light coating of mist and glow. I waved my right hand and the table exploded. Another wave and it was whole again. Larsa loked bewildered while Ashe looked severely threatened. Fran, who I had just noticed standing in another corner, her ears twitched.

"How can you…" I cut Ashe off by sliding one of Father's journals to the other end of the table. Ffamran raised an eyebrow in question. I stood from my seat and made a swift exit to the gardens. I laid in the dry grass, content looking at the sky. I must have fallen asleep because I awoke under the stars. I started to make my way to my quarters when I heard noise coming from a cracked open door. It sounded like an awfully heated conversation between Ashe and Ffamran. I pressed myself against the wall to better listen in.

"I don't want her here, Balthier," said Ashe

"Why? She's my sister, Ashe. I cannot and will not banish her from my life again," said Ffamran. I felt touched that he wanted me included in his life.

"She is a living weapon! She could bring down all of Dalmasca in one fell swoop!"

"It's not her fault!" he sounded flustered, on the verge of losing his not ao great patience and temper, "She didn't ask for it! You read Cid's words yourself!" I knew I shouldn't have given them the journal but the words wouldn't come and never would.

Hearing enough, I silently storm the rest of the way to my rooms and packed every thing up. I only needed one bag. I sat at the small writing desk in the sitting room and searched for parchment. I dipped the pen in ink and began my letter.

Dearest Brother,

This shall be the last you ever see, or hear of me. No one wants a ticking time bomb in the palace now do they? I only have one request, take care of Alix. I know he will never be heir to the throne, but you could care for him better than I. However, should he want to leave for the sky, let him. After all, the sky is the second of life's greatest adventures. I do not wish to cause strife between you and Ashe, so it is best I leave. Do not worry, I will not rob your citizens blind. I wish you luck in your further endeavours.

Your loving sister,

Strahlaria, commander of the sky fortress Rinoa

P.S. Do not blame yourself, a distance was always meant to remain between us.

I folded up the short letter, addressed it, and left, taking my bag and leaving no other sign of my presence.

The city streets were deserted, and the lamps were long extinguished. The aerodrome would still be open at this hour to private owners. I set off for the Westersand, where Rinoa was moored. When I docked, the main battery was shut off for the night telling me that both Fang and Gabriel were asleep. I prceede to the top floor where I plugged in coordinates that would take me outside of an old family manse in Bervenia. It woul take at least three hours before we arrived so I slowly walked to my private cabin for a long shower.

Once inside, I stripped while heading to the bathroom. The tile floor of the shower stall shocked the bottom of my feet. The hot water nearly scalded my skin and I could feel some of the tension in my muscles dissipate. I couldn't help myself and let out a small sigh of relief. Once my fingers started to prune, I toweled off and dressed in my silk pajamas. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep so I walked to my study. I placed my hand on what seemed like an ordinary wall and glyphs swirled around as the wall opened. A snack tray filled with various foods and a small pot of tea sat on my desk, waiting to be eaten. Gabriel must have known I was here and brought me food. I sunk into the wing backed chair behind the desk and poured myself a cuppa.

I awoke to the beeping of the intercom and a stiff neck. Luckily, I avoided the usual lapful of tea, due to my loose grip and inability to finish the cup before falling asleep. The intercom beeped again and I pressed the button on the desk.

"Commander," It wasGabriel, "We have arrived."

"Thank you, Gabe. You and Fang may take leave."

"When shall we return?"

"I'll let you know," I said, and hurriedly left my study to get dressed.

The Bervenian estate was much larger than the house in Archades. I walked up to the door and rang the bell. Barbara, one of the maids, answered the door.

"Miss Demonalia! You're home!" she said. I was not amused. "I shall prepare your room. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Not right now, Thank you for offering," I said and walked straight to the music room.

In the Dalmascan royal palace Balthier came running into the confrence room surprising Lady Ashe and Lord Larsa.

"She's gone!" he shouted.

"Who is gone?" asked Larsa.

"Demia! Thanks to my malevolent harpy of a wife!" Balthier slammed Demia's letter onto the table, "She heard what you said last night!" Balthier stormed out of the room leaving every one confused.

Ashe walked into her bedchamber to find her husband dressed in his old travel wear and fastening on his second belt, his gun was already strapped to his back.

"Where are you going, Balthier?" she asked haughtily.

"Bervenia," said Balthier as he walked past her, fastening his sword to his hip. He let the door slam shut as he made to find Basch. He was walking down the main corridor at a calm but brisk pace when he tripped over someone.

"Watch it!" he shouted. Balthier looked at him, trying to figure out who he was.

"Who are you?"

"Alix," said the four year old nervously. Balthier took a knee to look into the child's eyes so he didn't intimidate him.

"Alix, do you know who I am?" The young boy stuck out the tip of his tongue in thought before replying.

"I think I've seen you picture before, in the Cloudboune," he said, than a look of realization crossed his face, "You're Balthier!" he shouted.

"Keep it down!" urged Balthier, "It's Lord Ffamran now," he said, masking his disgust.

"Sorry sir," said Alix, bowing his head, "Uh…Lord Ffamran, have you seen Strahlia? I'm afraid she left without me," the boy started to cry.

"She would never leave you. She is just a bit upset at the moment," Balthier turned his head as he heard the sound of some one in armor approaching.

"I hear that Demia has gone missing," it was Basch. Balthier nodded his head and turned to the boy.

"Go to the sundry shop and ask for Vaan and Penelo, they should be able to entertain you." Alix gave Balthier a look than ran off, trusting his judgement. Balthier rose to his feet to face the judge.

"Lord Larsa has permitted me to assist in your search," said Basch, receiving a look, "Fran has offered to take my place in the meantime"

"Why would you wish to assist me? Is there something I need to know about?" Balthier cringed as a screeching noise filled the hall and looked at Basch appraisingly. "You like my sister."

"I have no idea what you speak of," more screeching filled the air. Balthier raised an eyebrow.

"Whatever you say," said Balthier as he took of for the Strahl with a smirk across his face as he heard Basch hurrying to catch up.