Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to this game or story,
all rights belong to (SQUARE ENIX Developers), but I do own everything that is OC related.
Speech...
Devine / Demonic Speech...
Inner Thoughts / Flashback story / Story progression...
Locations / Time Skip / Description...
"Losing someone can be a hard thing to accept,
and at times cause misery, pain, and sorrow,
but it can also push someone to become stronger,
all in order to protect something even more precious."
Chapter 8
A Life Worth Living For
Continent of Ordalia
The Kingdom of Dalmasca
The Day after the fall of Nalbina Fortress
As the rains continued to fall from the heavens, tragedy had swept across Dalmasca like a plague,
as many Dalmascan families wept for their loved ones who had lost their lives to an unjust war,
even Lord Rasler Heios Nabradia who was a symbol of hope for the people of Dalmasca was now among the fallen.
However, all was not lost as more than half of the Dalmascan army was able to return home to their friends and families,
thanks to the actions of one individual.
Rabanastre
Grand Cathedral
Princess Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca, now wearing a black mourning gown, was presiding over the body of her late husband Rasler,
while King Raminas and Captain Basch were standing a couple of feet away while the High Priest of Rabanastre Grand Cathedral was performing the last rites.
"Blessings of the Great Father Descend and guide your body's return to the earth." said the High Priest,
while Princess Ashelia kneels before her husband's coffin.
"Great Father guide your spirits return to the mother of all, There you shall find peace, Faram." said the High Priest,
as he finished performing the last rites before taking his leave.
"Why did this have to happen…Rasler…RASLER!" yelled a crying out Ashelia, as she laid her head upon Rasler's coffin.
"Sigh, It pains me to see her highness like this." said a somewhat saddened Captain Basch, as he looked upon the state of her highness.
"It wasn't your fault Captain Basch," said King Raminas, as Basch turned towards his king.
"If anything, I am the one to blame, since it was I who allowed Lord Rasler to accompany you to Nalbina Fortress in the first place," said King Raminas.
"You're wrong, old friend, if anyone is to blame for this outrage, it's the Oblivion Organization." said a voice that was all too familiar.
Immediately Captain Basch turned around only to see Ryder standing before them.
"I was wondering when you were going to make an appearance," said King Raminas, without turning around.
"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get here sooner King Raminas, but unfortunately the Oblivion Organization had tracked us down and sent a group
of highly skilled headhunters after us who were hired to kill us or keep us busy long enough for the Archadian empire to attack." said Ryder,
as he came to stand alongside King Raminas and Captain Basch.
"Sigh, I see, so our enemies were two-steps ahead of us once again," said King Raminas.
"Do not despair, your majesty, the Order of the Knights of Dalmasca will rally the remaining army to-," said Captain Basch,
but was immediately interrupted by his King.
"No Captain Basch." said a calm King Raminas.
"Why your majesty?" said a somewhat confused Captain Basch.
After a moment of silence, King Raminas replied.
"Sigh, Listen, Captain Basch and listen well, I have seen far too much death in my lifetime, both friend and foe alike,
thus I will not allow any more of my people to die a meaningless death, you know this better than anyone else Captain." said King Raminas.
After Captain Basch listened to his King's words, he immediately understood what it was like to lose everything,
like when his homeland was subjugated by the Arcadian Empire.
"I understand your grace," said Captain Basch.
"I'm glad you see the situation more clearly Captain," said King Raminas, as Captain Basch showed respect to his king
by putting his right arm over his chest and lightly bowing.
"As for you Ryder, I know you didn't come here in our time of need without another reason," said King Raminas.
"You are indeed correct your majesty," said Ryder.
"Then what is it that you wish to ask of me, old friend," said King Raminas.
After a moment of silence had come between both men, Ryder replied to his king.
"I came here to ask your majesty about a certain relic that was left in the royal families' care, a relic that has been passed down the royal family
since long before the rule of the Dynast King." said a serious Ryder.
After the burial of Prince Rasler Heios Nabradia, Lord Raminas,
King of Dalmasca-and my Dear Friend-had come before the people of Dalmasca,
asking them to bear the unbearable and to remain strong for the sake of Dalmasca herself.
As for the Order of the Knights of Dalmasca, ever brave and Faithful and against their King's wishes to disband,
decided to willingly remain by their king's side and continue resisting the martial Might of the Arcadian Armies,
even though they stood little Chance of Victory.
Soon thereafter, Archadia came forward offering Terms of Peace, Or, as one might rather put it,
Terms of Dalmasca's Surrender.
Lord Raminas, King of Dalmasca soon set out for Nalbina Fortress – now under Archadian Occupation – to affix His Seal to the Emperor's Treaty of Peace.
The King had quickly departed His Royal City of Rabanastre when the Remnants of the Order made their Return.
And not a Moment too soon, for a terrible Revelation had awaited them,
The Treaty would be signed,
with Steel and Writ in Royal Blood.
Nalbina Fortress
The North Ward
"You, there, can you hear me?" said a faint voice.
"It's as I feared, they're slowing us down." said another faint voice.
"Do not say that, not all of us are here for love of battle, he fights to defend his homeland." said the now recognizable Captain Basch.
"Your name," asked Captain Basch.
"Reks, sir, my name's Reks," said a now conscious Reks.
"Good, Reks," said Captain Basch.
"You bore a few cuts, but you are still whole, well can you stand?" said Captain Basch.
"Yes, sir." said a now conscious Reks, as he quickly pushed himself up off the wall that he was leaning against.
"Think you can still fight?" said Captain Basch.
"I'm fine, sir," said Reks as he quickly stood at the ready so that his superior wouldn't be worried about him.
"How old are you, Reks?" asked Captain Basch.
"Eighteen, sir," said Reks.
"Young, family?" asked Captain Basch, as he was trying to help Reks open up to him a little.
"My brother is all I have left, sir; he's two years younger than I, living away from Rabanastre," said Reks.
"So young," said a contemplating Captain Basch.
"You're old enough to be a man, but you still shouldn't be forced to wield a sword," said Captain Basch.
"No sir, I want to fight, for my homeland and for my parents, besides, I made a promise to protect those that are important to me,
even if it costs me my life, sir," said a determined Reks.
"It's time, Basch! Save the discussion for later, we must reach the king before they act! Or all our efforts will be in vain."
said Captain Basch's comrade in arms.
"I'm aware of the situation," said Captain Basch, when suddenly a group of imperial soldiers had appeared.
"We've found them!" yelled an imperial soldier.
"Over there!" yelled another imperial soldier.
"Vossler, go ahead! I will handle this rabble," said Captain Basch, as he stood in the for-front while Vossler's men made their escape.
"Godspeed," said Vossler, as he put his hands together to show respect to his comrade in arms before taking his leave as well.
Afterwards, Captain Basch slowly turned towards the imperial soldiers that were coming at him and before anyone knew what happened,
Captain Basch had quickly and effortless cut down each and every imperial soldier that attempted to kill him and the only thing that Reks could do
at the moment was stare in aha at the Captain's skill.
"Steady, Reks, keep your wits about you and you'll make it, we move!" yelled Captain Basch, to the rest of his men.
As Reks, Captain Basch and the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers were making their way towards the Nalbina apartment complex,
the Captain suddenly came to a stop along with the rest of his men.
"Captain?" said a questioning Reks, as he looked at his Captain before quickly noticing where his superior was looking
and saw an Archadian Air Cutter Remora hovering in the moonlight, not to soon after the air cutter made its descent towards them in order
to block their advance towards the apartment complex.
"Split up and attack from multiple fronts!" ordered Captain Basch, as Reks and the other Dalmascan soldiers moved as ordered
to surround the enemy Air Cutter, while also trying to avoid the incoming enemy fire.
"Look out, it's getting ready to fire." said one of the Dalmascan soldiers, as the air cutter fired a volley which had hit a couple of the Dalmascan soldiers.
"Is everyone all right." said a concerned Reks.
"They'll be fine Reks, just focus on the enemy in front of you!" said Captain Basch.
"Yes sir!" said Reks, as he and the other Dalmascan soldiers got into position and began attacking the enemy Air Cutter with everything they had.
After enough damage had been dealt to the enemy airship, it started to shoot out electricity in all different directions.
"Stand back," said Captain Basch, as he slowly walked forward towards the enemy before using his limit break Fulminating Darkness to blast
the enemy airship to the point where it could no longer fight.
"Antlion, this is Tonberry, my engines are hit, she'll not hold out much longer!" said the Archadian pilot, to his squad commander.
"We receive you, Tonberry, you've leave to retire, well fought." said the Archadian squad commander.
"My thanks, Antlion, Tonberry disengaging!" said the Archadian pilot, before quickly bugging out of the area.
"Reks, are you all right." said a somewhat concerned Captain Basch, as he saw how his subordinate was trying to ketch his breath.
"I'm fine, sir," said Reks, as he gathered his wits and pushed forward.
"He reminds me of how he used to be." thought a contemplating Captain Basch, before noticing another group of imperial soldiers coming towards them.
"There they are!" said one imperial soldier.
"Stop them!" said another imperial soldier.
After Reks, Captain Basch, and the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers dispatched the group of imperial soldiers,
they soon pushed forward once again into Nalbina's apartment complex.
"Vossler, eh, where are you," said a concerned Captain Basch, as he and Reks stopped for a moment
while the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers moved on ahead.
"What if Captain Azelas has fallen?" said a questioning Reks.
"Don't talk such nonsense, Vossler's laughed in the face of death far too many times for him to stop now, Men like him don't die in places like this."
said an agitated Captain Basch before calming himself once more.
"Forgive me, sir, I didn't mean-," said Reks, before he stopped himself from saying any more.
"It's alright Reks, for now, we must make haste to reach the king, we will take him to safety," said Captain Basch, as he and Reks continued forward.
"Is his majesty unharmed?" questioned Reks.
"He'll agree to an unconditional surrender, they wouldn't dare touch him until the wax on his seal is dry," said Captain Basch.
"But if we arrive after he's signed the treaty then-," said Reks, but was interrupted by his superior.
"Wait," said Captain Basch, as he was listening to the sound of a large group of enemy soldiers making their way towards them.
"Quickly, Reks, this way!" said an urgent Captain Basch, as Reks and the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers began running through the apartment complex,
while quickly cutting down any imperial soldiers that got in their way.
"Where do we go from here, Captain!" said Reks, as he was out in the forefront of the group.
"The stairs to the right will take us up to the high hall, where his majesty awaits!" said Captain Basch, as he, Reks and the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers
had quickly ascended the stairs towards the high hall, however, more imperial soldiers had begun to close in on them.
"Intruders!" yelled an imperial soldier.
"Don't let them escape!" yelled another imperial soldier.
"Damn it, they just keep coming, at this rate we won't be able to make it to his majesty in time." thought a desperate Captain Basch,
until he saw Reks stop suddenly, before turning around and taking a defensive stance.
"Sir, we have little time, you must go to the king, I'll handle this!" said a determined Reks, as he quickly looked at his superior,
who seemed to be hesitant about leaving his subordinate behind to be facing overwhelming odds.
"Go now!" yelled a serious Reks.
"Fight well, Reks," said Captain Basch, as he quickly left to ketchup with the rest of the Dalmascan soldiers who went on ahead.
"Mother, Father, Uncle, Vaan, Penelo, Ashe, Rasler… please lend me your strength!" thought a determined Reks, as he countered the first imperial soldier
before knocking his shield out of his hand before bringing his sword down slashing through the imperial's armor and spilling his blood in the process.
The next two imperials came at him at the same time, so Reks utilized both his shield and sword to block both attacks, afterward, Reks countered by
letting one of the imperial soldiers slip past him before quickly spinning and slashing the imperial's armor from behind which ended his life.
However, the last imperial soldier had just as quickly knocked Rek's sword from his hand, but Reks quickly grabbed onto the imperial soldier's shield
before getting in close and bashing the last remaining imperial soldier in the face with his own shield before grabbing onto the disoriented imperial
and throwing him over the railing.
"AHHHHHhhhhhh!" screamed the imperial soldier, as he fell a long way down before hitting a flight of stairs that was coming up through the middle,
causing blood to spill forth from every part of his armor.
"Sorry." said a quiet Reks, before picking up his sword and gathering his wits before pressing on.
"The Captain and the others shouldn't be too far ahead, I just hope they made it to his majesty in time." thought a worried Reks,
as he came to a set of doors that were slightly open.
"This should be it." said a relived Reks, as he passed through the opening of the door only to find a massacre.
"By the Gods," thought a shocked Reks, as he saw allies and enemies alike dead in their own pools of blood, however,
his attention was immediately diverted towards the king.
"Your Majesty…" said a speechless Reks, as he saw his king dead, with his hand holding onto his chest from where he was stabbed,
but before Reks could comprehend any further due to his shock, he quickly turned around only to come face to face with his Captain.
"Captain why, our king, what have you done?" said a questioning Reks.
"The king intended all along to sell Dalmasca to the empire, his majesty was a traitor." said an impassive Captain Basch,
as he passed by Reks, who now had a blade stabbed into his gut.
"Captain I…," said Reks, before falling to the floor.
"Seize the insurgent." said a voice with authority, as a large group of imperial soldiers, rushed in.
"Milord," said an imperial soldier, as a group of imperial soldiers subdued Captain Basch.
"Well so much for peaceful negotiations." said the recognized Vayne Solidor.
"We'll never surrender to you; we are not cattle to be sold to a traitor-king!" said a defiant Captain Basch.
"But the war is over, my dear captain, you have lost, Dalmasca is the property of the empire now, and to think, we intended to let you keep
some of your sovereignty, out of respect, but now you've gone and ruined that, haven't you, captain?" said Vayne Solidor.
"We will never bow to you!" said a still defiant Captain Basch.
"And the people of Dalmasca will hate you for it, take the captain away," ordered Vayne Solidor, as the imperial soldiers forced a resisting Captain Basch
out of the room, while Reks, on the other hand, was barely conscious, and was beginning to black out.
"Rasler... Ashe… Penelo… Vaan… I'm… Sorry" thought Reks, as his world went dark and the pool of blood from his wound turned the Chocobo feather
that was hanging around his neck, from a pure white to a stained dark crimson red.
Pretenses of peace left by the wayside, the Archadian forces resumed their advance toward Rabanastre; Dalmasca's doom had been decided,
To make resistance would serve no end, with this foremost in my thoughts.
I, to the people of Dalmasca:
"Sons and Daughters of Dalmasca, I bid you lay down your arms and raise songs of prayer in their stead. Prayer for His Majesty King Raminas, ever merciful,
a man devoted wholly to peace.
"Prayer, too, for the noble Princess Ashe, who, wrought with grief at her kingdom's Defeat, has taken her own life."
"Know also that Capt. Basch Fon Ronsenburg, for incitement of sedition and the Assassination of His Royal Majesty, King Raminas,
has been found Guilty of High Treason and put to his Death."
"They who at this late Hour chooses still the sword are cut from the same cloth as the Capt. Traitors who would lead Dalmasca to her Ruin."
Dalmasca's Surrender without Terms
was soon to follow.
Rabanastre Royal Palace
Ashe's personal Chambers
A Few Days Later
"How could it have come to this" said a depressed and saddened Ashe, as she looked at herself in a mirror while remembering the conversation
she had with Captain Azelas.
"What do you mean my father's been murdered!" said a shocked Ashe, as Vossler stood before her.
"I don't know all the details your majesty, but it seems that Captain Basch Fon Ronsenburg was the one who killed your father," said Vossler.
"How can that be possible, you have to be lying, Captain Basch Fon Ronsenburg has served my family for years," said a disbelieving Ashe.
"There was a witness your majesty, a volunteer soldier by the name of Reks who was stabbed by the Captain, and is in critical condition," said Vossler.
"Reks… it can't be." said a whispering Ashe, as the news of her father, was bad enough, now one of her precious friends
had been taken away from her by the very same man.
After hearing the horrifying events that had taken place, Ashe had quietly taken her leave towards her room and shut herself off from the rest of the world.
"First Rasler, then my father, and now Reks." said a still depressed and saddened Ashe, as she stood up from her chair and made her way towards the
balcony that overlooked the city of Rabanastre.
"The Moon's quite beautiful tonight." said a somewhat smiling Ashe, as tears began to roll down her cheeks. Afterward's Ashe pulled out a small blade
that she had on her person and positioned it over her breasts or more specifically her heart.
"I wish I could've seen Vaan and Penelo one last time, but it's probably just wishful thinking of a wishful princess." thought Ashe,
as she closed her eyes and brought the blade down towards her heart. After a few moments, Ashe felt nothing, no pain, no blood, nothing,
thus she opened her eyes once again only to see darkness covering her eyes along with the feeling of another person's hand holding onto her hand
that held the blade that was to end her existence.
"Who are you, release me this instant." said a confused and struggling Ashe, as she tried to break free from her unknown assailant,
who quickly took the knife from Ashe's hand and just as quickly pulled her back into her room before pinning her to her own bed.
"Who are you, are you another one of the empire's assassins, were you hired to claim my life, if so hurry up and be done with it,
the empire's already taken my love, my father, my friends, and even my country!" said a grief-stricken Ashe.
"How could you have given up so easily your majesty, you're not the same Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca I once knew?" said a male voice.
"Who are you?" said a questioning Ashe, as the mysterious individual removed his hand from her eyes only to find out that it was Ryder,
her father's closest friend and ally.
"I know how you must feel at the moment your majesty, but you must bury your hatred and grief and live on," said Ryder, as he let up on her royal majesty.
"How dare you, you know nothing of my hatred or grief," said Ashe, as she looked at Ryder with a detestable look on her face.
"I know it more than you could possibly imagine your majesty," said Ryder, as he showed respect to Ashe by putting his right arm over his chest
and taking a knee in front of her while bowing his head.
"Please, just listen to what I have to say," said Ryder.
Flashback
A Few Days before the Signing
"Are you sure you're ok with accepting their terms Raminas." said Ryder as he stood alongside his longtime friend and king while overlooking
the Royal City of Rabanastre from the palace balcony.
"Sigh, I am very reluctant to go, however, if it means the safety of the people of Dalmasca, then I am willing to do what is necessary," said King Raminas.
"Even if this necessity means your very life, you know very well that the Oblivion Organization will most likely be there," said Ryder,
with somewhat of a contemplating look.
"I know what the cost might be, and I'm willing to pay that price, however, my daughter must not share the same fate as I, thus, as a final request,
I ask of you not as a King or friend but as a father to take my daughter and flee the city when the time comes." said King Raminas,
as he closed his eyes to feel the warm breeze of the desert blow against his skin.
After some time had passed between Ryder and Raminas, Ryder had turned around and started walking towards the double doors
that led towards the palace exit; however, he stopped for a moment to speak.
"I'm truly sorry for what has happened Raminas, because of what you did for us sixteen years ago, I know now that I'll never be able to repay this debt
that I owe you, and the suffering and pain that I have brought upon-." said Ryder, but was immediately interrupted by King Raminas.
"Enough Ryder, there is nothing for you to apologize for, neither you nor your companions were ever at fault here, in fact, its thanks to you that
I now see the world in a better light." said King Raminas, as a moment of silence had once again come between both men.
"Thank you for everything Raminas, and May the gods watch over you on your journey," said Ryder, as he began to walk away once more.
"Goodbye and farewell to you as well, my old friend." said a quiet King Raminas, as he continued to look over the Royal City of Rabanastre with pride.
End of Flashback
"I see, so my father knew all along what would happen." said a now understanding Ashe.
"Yes your majesty, it's why he tasked me with getting you and the last of the order out of Rabanastre," said Ryder, as he stood up once again.
"Alright then, I'm in your care," said Ashe, as she stood up from her bed.
After saving the princess from herself, Ryder and Ashe quickly gathered Vossler along with the remaining order and quickly but quietly
made their way towards the Southgate where Ryder had purchased quite a few Chocobos from Miss Gurdy
Rabanastre
South Gate
"Alright everyone, pick a Chocobo and get ready to move out." said Ryder, as he started to get a bad feeling that things were going to well.
"Vossler," said Ryder, as he got the attention of Captain Azelas.
"What is it," said Vossler, as he was on his Chocobo along with Ashe next to him on her own Chocobo.
"No time, take this and go." said a hurrying Ryder, as he gave Vossler a parchment, before turning around while grabbing onto his sword from his lower back,
as Ashe, Vossler and the rest of the order saw skeletal specter's in armor appear out of dark portals.
"GO NOW!" yelled Ryder, as the skeletal foot soldiers began to charge at the fleeing group, however, Ryder used his magick to cast a wall of flames
separating himself from Ashe, Vossler and the rest of the order.
"RYDER NO!" yelled Ashe, as she tried to turn her Chocobo around only for Vossler to block her path.
"Don't your majesty, he's doing this to make sure you escape," said Vossler, as Ashe turned her head from Vossler back towards Ryder.
"Besides, someone of his caliber can't be killed so easily," said Vossler, as Ashe continued to look at Ryder before closing her eyes really hard before yelling
"RYDER, I ORDER YOU TO LIVE THROUGH THIS NO MATTER WHAT, THAT'S AN ORDER FROM THE FUTURE RULER OF DALMASCA!"
yelled a strong spirited Ashe, before she, Vossler and the rest of the order took off into the night.
Ryder at that moment could only smile at Ashe's proclamation.
"That girl's got allot nerve proclaiming such a thing." said an approaching dark skeletal specter in armor with a sword in hand.
"Maybe so, but that's what makes a life like mine worth living for," said Ryder, as his eyes turned a blood red and a dark mist surrounded his body,
as he stared down the large group of skeletal specters with no fear.
To Be Continued
Author's Note: Like, Love, Hate, Favorite, Follow, Don't care. Any feedback or ideas for the story so far would very much be appreciated. :)
P.S: I know I haven't updated like I should, however, my college courses this semester have been keeping me from writing as much.
Hopefully before the year ends I will try to get another Chapter out before then.
Until the next Chapter, this is Reaper-Team-Alpha.
