6 Months Later

Day Of Vayne's Defeat

It was over. Vayne was dead. They were free.

The breath that had been held by all in anticipation and fear was released in merriment and relief. Sadly, this did not apply to everyone, especially those aboard the Strahl. Fran and Balthier had snuck away to ultimately destroy the Bahamut, much to their friend's utter horror and their allies' utmost astonishment. But those were not the only losses suffered. Two aboard had lost a sibling. Vayne's younger brother Larsa of twelve years was finding himself an emperor, the one to now step in and clean up the disputes and destruction caused by his reckless brother. But the loss of the next was even more devastating. Basch's brother Noah, Larsa's protector, Judge Gabranth had passed on. His last request being that Basch may step in as Larsa's protector and take up his position.

When Noah rasped out the question in a feeble whisper all Basch could do was nod and accept. Even if his brother had lead a life of lies, murder, and devastation he still felt an overwhelming sense of pity. They were bound by blood; there was nothing that could break that. Not even his love, for Ashe.

The flight to the airship base was silent, everyone felt numb and disbelieving. The day of Victory, had never tasted so bitter. Basch stayed by his brother's side, even as his final breath was drawn, still holding his hand, not knowing whom he was trying to comfort. Meanwhile, Larsa had made his way to the cockpit of the airship to be with the rest of the group, almost afraid to be near the corpse of his former Judge.

Ashe slipped past Larsa in the doorway, nodded in his direction, then continued to where Basch still kneeled. At the sound of her feet behind him he turned his head, then looked up. She drew a quick breath. His eyes pierced right through to her soul. She had never seen them look so confused, filled with such anguish and sorrow that he looked almost, human. She couldn't help noticing that he was still clutching his brother's hand with both if his in desperation that he might be alive.

"Basch," she cooed in a soft voice, trying to comfort him with the tone of her voice rather than a long sentence of empty words that he had heard before. Placing a hand on his shoulder as she remained standing behind him. To her surprise he released a hand that was holding his brothers and rested it on her own, letting her know he acknowledged her presence and her unspoken understanding. His hands were ice cold despite the heat of the room. They remained that way until a noticeable bump and a small yelp from Panelo, signaled that Vaan had landed the Strahl.

Vaan, Panelo, and Larsa exited the ship quickly, standing outside to enjoy the fresh air that had been denied their lungs while on-board only to find themselves greeted by a massive cheering crowd.

Ashe squeezed Basch's shoulder lightly to let him know she was about to depart when she felt her fingers become pressed firmly into his shoulder. He didn't want her to go.

She paused for a moment to gaze down at him in pity. Tugging her hand slightly he released it reluctantly. She proceeded to kneel next to him, observing him intently.

"Come," she whispered

"There is nothing we can do for him now," she tugged at his arm lightly

"There will be a proper greiving time" she stood again.

Looking absolutely defeated he rose and stood silently over his brother for a moment,

"Such is the life of a warrior," he thought,

"No matter the loss, no matter the horror, no matter the fear, no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the sacrifice we must move on."

With that fresh in his mind he turned to follow Ashe and exit the Strahl to be embraced by the arms of the people and the rays of the cruley shining sun.

I'm sorry this wasn't a very good chapter. My creative and regular insparation seems to be at an all time low .