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Chapter 6 Ondore

Lamont had left the party, Fran, Balthier, Basch, Vaan, and Auda had reached the first area of the mines. Fran looked back. "It would not seem they follow. We've lost them."

Balthier stretched out, "Much more running about with Bangaa at my heels and I'm apt to give up sky pirating all together."

"Being locked up isn't a deal breaker?" Auda had asked.

Balthier gave her a smirk. "How else would I know the treasure have any value?"

"True enough." She walked out of the entrance first. She hid from view. The party followed her lead. Penelo was out, along with the Marquis. Lamont was walking right to them. Auda spotted Judge Ghis. The Judge looked at Lamont. "I see you've been out walking without the company of your cortege... Lord Larsa."

Vaan spotted Penelo and he was about to walk out. Balthier grabbed his open vest. Vaan looked at Auda. She shook her head.

Judge Ghis looked at Penelo. "We caught her wandering out of the mines. You must take care with such undesirables about."

"I was kidnapped…" Penelo started.

"Silence!"

Larsa walked to Penelo. "If it is a crime to wander on one's own... then I, too, am guilty." He turned his attention to the Marquis. "Marquis. I trust that your estate can accommodate another guest?"

Ondore shrugged his shoulders. "Why not?"

"Judge Ghis, I shall heed your counsel. I will not travel unaccompanied any longer." Larsa grabbed her hand, and led her away from the mines.

Ghis watched, "That was unexpected."

"Thank you, Penelo." Larsa spoke.

"O-Of course."

Vaan watched them leave as well. "What's Penelo doing? And what's the deal with that Lamont?"

Balthier shook his head, "That's no 'Lamont.' Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Fourth son to Emperor Gramis... and brother to Vayne."

Vaan stepped back, "What? That kid!?"

Fran looked at Vaan. "Do not worry. I believe he will treat her well."

"Nobody knows men like Fran does." Balthier had joked. Auda noticed he uses humor to lighten the air. Not a bad thing at any rate.

Basch looked where Ondore once was. "Our purposes lead the same way: to Ondore. We must find means to approach him."

Auda gave an inner sigh; she will have to deal with Judge Ghis wouldn't she. Balthier got Auda out her thoughts. "The Marquis is channeling money to organizations opposing the Empire. We'll start there."

Basch had an idea. "Marquis Ondore announced my execution 2 years ago. If news of my survival were to spread, the Marquis may find his position compromised."

"The men he's been funding bear little love for the Empire. They won't be thrilled to discover that the rumors of your death were, in fact, greatly exaggerated. If we were to raise a clamor to that effect, we might just get their attention."

Vaan had a big grin. "Nothin' to it! I'll just go around town spreading the word. How 'bout this?" He gave a shout. "I'm Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!" A few people looked at him. He turned back to the group. "Well, whaddaya think?"

Balthier didn't seem impressed. "That certainly qualifies as a clamor. All right, Vaan, get to it. For the girl's sake, eh? Oh, and the more people around to witness your little performance, the better. If we're going to reach the Marquis, it's up to you. We'll be waiting here, if you need us."

Vaan ran off. Auda looked at him, "Vaan has always been unique."

Balthier looked at her, and looked at her arm. "Your arm, it's infused with magicite."

"Yes?" She looked at him.

"Why?"

"I lost my arm, and I needed a replacement. The magicite connected the arm to my shoulder." Auda followed Vaan, after he was yelling at people that he was Basch.

Soon enough Vaan was ganged up by several people, and even a grey-skinned Bangaa. Auda went forward ready to fight, when Balthier grabbed her fake arm. "Easy." He led the way to where they were taking to Vaan. They went into the Traven, and into the back. Balthier was the first to walk in. "A shame if they learnt the Marquis trafficked with the likes of you. Agents masquerading as guides. A hideout at the back of a tavern. Not exactly earning high marks for originality, are we?"

The Bangaa looked at Balthier. "Now you've done it!"

"Wait!" The man sitting at the table yelled. Auda walked in, in front of Basch. She saw a few people near a chair, a man who was sitting, and a woman was leaning on him. Auda walked near Fran, and the guy looked at Basch. "So Basch fon Ronsenburg does yet live."

Basch once again explained his story.

"I knew there must be more to it, but to find you at the end of this tale... Ah, to see the Marquis' face when he learns of it."

"I should like nothing more. I would meet him, and see for myself." Basch had answered.

"How say you, my lord?"

One of Ondore's inner circle personnel was in the room, and stepped forward. "There is little to be said. I shall arrange a meeting with the Marquis. We shall expect you at the estate." He led everyone out of the back and into the front, where people were drinking and eating.

Balthier looked around, "Anyone hungry?"


The party stood in an immense room, where Ondore was sitting on at his desk. The person who set the meeting was standing next to him. Basch stood right in front of the desk, and Auda had her attention on Ondore.

Marquis looked right at Basch, and his hands were folded together. "Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg. It was not so very long ago that I announced you had been executed."

Basch nodded his head, "And that is the only reason I draw breath."

"So you are the sword he's strung above my head. Vayne has left not a thing to chance. And?"

"A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands. A woman by the name of Amalia. I would rescue her, but I need your help."

"This resistance leader - this Amalia. She must be very important." Ondore watched as Basch nodded his head. "You understand I've my position to consider."

Vaan's patience had run out. He stepped forward. "Would you let us see Larsa? He's got my friend with him."

Ondore gave Vaan a quick glance. "I'm afraid you're too late. Lord Larsa's cortege has already rejoined the Imperial detachment. I am told they will depart for Rabanastre upon the arrival of the fleet this eventide."

The sound of airships were in the air. Auda looked out the window. The fleet was just outside the night sky. She sighed deeply. "A trap."

Vaan grew angry, and Balthier had to grab the teenager, "What are we waiting for!?"

"For you calm down." Balthier spoke sternly.

Basch and Ondore were having their staring contest. "Captain Ronsenburg. Surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you. Why indeed, you should find the enemy's chains... an easy burden to bear."

Basch became shocked.

Balthier saw him reach to his hip. "Wait!"

Basch looked back. "Sorry. Can't be helped." He pulled out his sword.

Ondore looked at his men. "Summon the guard!" Many soldiers entered the room, and the party knew they couldn't fight. They were handcuffed. "They're to be taken to Judge Ghis." They were carried off to an airship.

Balthier sat in the prison cell, "Might as well make yourself conformable, we will be here all night. By the looks of it, we won't rendezvous with the Judge until morning."

Auda sat down, she looked at her hands, which laid on her knees. It has been 5 long years. And now her past is bubbling up to the service. She closed her eyes, remembering the years she spend in Dalmasca, three with Reks, two getting revenge for his death. If anything, she should stop running from her past. It's time to face it, and it's time to come clean. She looked at Basch, who was sitting in the corner. The fact that Vaan and herself were locked up again, got on her nerves. "Good idea Basch." She spoke with sarcasm.

"Amalia maybe on the fleet. It is known that Judge Ghis handles high up targets. Ondore did what he could do. He helped us out, and he protected his position. If it not for him, we would not be close to her." Basch explained.

Auda rolled her eyes, to her it sounded like she was being scalded at like a little kid. It was possible she took it wrong, and to personal, but this is Auda. Everyone she did, it was always personal. "She maybe. Key word, maybe." She bit her lip. "And if she is not? What's your plan then? Amalia could be anywhere. Maybe if anything the Judge will know a location, but I doubt he will share it."

"Have some faith." Basch reassured.

"Yeah," Vaan agreed, "Penelo maybe on there."

Auda gave out a sigh. "Forgive me; I am not one for faith. I am one of logic. I survived thus far fear by fearing the worst, because the worst always come true. At least logic never fails me."

Vaan looked at the Galbana lily that she gave back. "Why give this back?"

"To give to Penelo, as I told you." She put her head on the wall. "And you needed it more than I right now. Penelo means a lot to you…"


Auda and Vaan were granted time with Reks every day. Auda thought they were used just in case Reks would open up to them, but they didn't care. They had to see him. One day, it was nice and sunny, Auda walked into the room, and Reks was just as pale as ever. He was mute since he returned. She had worn a dress that day, and she had put a Galbana lily in her hair.

She hugged him from behind. "Hi sweetie." She kissed his check. He was staring out the window, staring out to freedom. She walked in front of him and sat on the floor. Her hands were on his lap, and she looked up at him. His eyes were dull, and his hair lost his shine. "Remember our first night? Near the Oasis? Maybe once all this over, and your innocence is clear, we can go on a trip. Where would you like to go? Rozarria? That would be nice, I hear the sunsets are quite romantic. We can have our honeymoon there."

He didn't say anything, still mute as ever.

Auda sighed, and made her forehead touch his so that way he can look at her. "Reks… believe me, no one believes that you helped the traitor out. I know you are still in shock about it, but can't you please respond? I know he didn't just hurt you, and I know you fought so hard to protect us, and Vaan. I am proud of you that you fought for us, for our future…" She grabbed his hand, and moved his engagement ring. "I love you Reks…"

Again there was nothing. She wanted to hear, 'I love you Auda, my little Galbana Lily.' But it was never said. She closed her eyes, and she let her tears fall.

"Reks… Please don't stop fighting… not now." She kissed him lightly. There was a small response, she smiled lightly.


Auda sat up in a hurry. Her heart was pounding hard of the memory of the last thing she and Reks were together. She grabbed her necklace; she was having more dreams about him lately.

"You are awake." Came Basch's voice.

Auda looked at him, his voice startled her. "Apparently, thought you were asleep."

"I was. Bad dream?"

"More of a memory." She let go of the necklace. Basch saw the rings. He understood. "Sorry if I woke you."

"I was awake before you woke up, don't worry." He reassured. "What memory if you do not mind me asking?"

Auda took a deep breath, "A memory of the last time I visit Reks while he was recovering. I all ready told you about how he changed… The price of war huh? It's really not worth it."

"It's hard to let go. That I do know. You are still young, you will have a wonderful life ahead of you." Basch had placed his hand on her shoulder.

She knew he was trying to comfort her. She looked down. "At one time, he was all that I had."

"Vaan did say you lost your memory from whatever happened to your arm. Though you shouldn't dread on that. You have friends now, do you not? You and Amalia are best friends, and you have Vaan."

Auda pulled away and sighed. "You are right. I am sorry you keep on hearing my problems. Amalia would normally be the one… and I to her."

"I don't mind," He gave a soft smile. She noticed that his eyes were soft as well. "We will get her back. Dalmasca needs her as well."

Then soldiers came busting in, waking up everyone else.