Avatar of the Occuria
Warning; This chapter contains a short three paragraph SLASH scene. Easy to skip if that's not the sort of thing you like.
A/N; This is the last chapter as far as the game is concerned but there will be another chapter and an epilogue to go after this one for the underlying arc of the story. Enjoy.
Chapter 10; End of an Era
Hades – Above Arcades
Harry's dreams were filled with pain and the sensation of something boiling in his body but through it all, suffering along with him, was Vaan, his mind shielding Harry's even as his body was forced to suffer through the shifting tides of Myst flowing through the air. He realised just how completely comatose he'd been when he woke and instantly knew he was on a ship. He could feel the rumbling through the bed he was laid out in. The bed itself was comfortable but wasn't as extravagant as his bed at his residence in the capital city. He lifted his head and spotted the two soldiers and two mages on the far side of his room, guarding him in his non-responsive state.
He'd been in the Imperial Towers searching for Larsa only to find out that his older brother, Vayne, had fled the city and taken Larsa with him. Vayne was now a fugitive as far as the Empire was concerned and the Empire itself was under Martial Law under the Magisterial Council, not a state that Harry liked but without a Senate there was little else he could do. It had all been legal even if he had executed two Judge Magisters in the process and imprisoned any of the Council that had disagreed with his side. He couldn't put up with civil war right now.
He'd been talking to Drace over his comms about their moves when something had hit Drace's ship and then seconds later reached them and he'd been slammed right out of consciousness by it. He sat himself up and rubbed at his face before standing. Clearly Vaan, Balthier and the others had succeeded in destroying the Sun Cryst and the Occuria had been right, if he'd gone with them the blast would have killed him.
"How long have I been out?" Harry demanded.
"My Lord Judge Magister, five hours my Lord." One of the Mages announced.
"What ship am I on and where are we?" He demanded as he washed his face under the tap of his wash basin.
"The Hades, my Lord Judge Magister." The same Mage told him. "With the First, Seventh and Ninth Fleet over Arcades."
"Did nobody hear my orders before I went out?" He snapped rhetorically. The fleets had gathered but not moved south to get the Second and they'd been sitting like ducks up here when everything was going to go off over Dalmasca or Bhujerba. He grabbed at his clothing and started dressing. "Summon the Hades' Captain to the bridge and tell him to await me." The group bowed and rushed from the room, clearly seeing his anger.
He pulled up his hood and donned his sword before striding quickly up to the bridge of the Frigate, followed by two soldiers that were clearly his personal bodyguard. Not that he needed it on the Hades because he knew he could trust its Captain and crew. The Captain was already on the bridge with his senior officers and two Judges and they bowed to him as he entered. He ignored them and walked to the front windows and calmed himself even as the Captain approached cautiously. He lifted a hand for silence as the Captain started to speak and he fell silent and took a step back.
Harry shut his eyes and focused on the bond he shared with Vaan and slid along it with half of his mind. He felt Vaan's surprise and saw a flash of concern from Balthier and Penelo who were standing in front of Vaan. They were on the Strahl. "Vaan." He sighed in relief. "Are you okay?" He was speaking too quietly for the Captain or the rest of the bridge to hear his words.
"I'm okay." Vaan told him. "It was you I was worried about. I couldn't stay with you, I was too tired."
"I know." Harry assured him. "I've just woken up. What is happening?"
"The Empire is attacking Rabanastre." Vaan told him and fear was in his tone. Harry frowned. "I thought you said they were under your control."
"I have been unconscious since the Sun Cryst was destroyed." Harry told him. "But the Magisterial Council is in command of the Empire. Any Imperial citizen that goes against it is a traitor and criminal. Vayne has abducted Larsa and I assume he met up with one of the fleets still loyal to him."
"He's got some kind of super ship, Harry." Vaan told him. "It's bigger than Rabanastre. The Resistance is moving to attack it. We've heard some of the Empire's ships have joined with the Resistance to help them."
"Drace has command of my Sixth Fleet, they were watching the Resistance fleet. She must have made decisions while I was out. I will have to go and catch up." Harry sighed. "But my Captains sat over Arcades while I was out. I have three fleets and possibly a fourth as I head south but it will take me the best part of the night and tomorrow to reach you."
"The Resistance attacks at dawn." Vaan told him. "And we're going into the Bahamut, the super ship, to kill Vayne."
Harry frowned, he didn't want Vaan getting hurt but he knew that they could look after themselves and Vayne was no true fighter. "Be careful. I'll get to you as soon as I can."
"Be careful." Vaan ordered him and Harry withdrew slowly and turned his head to look sharply at his Captain who jumped.
"Report!" He snapped.
"Her Ladyship, Judge Magister Drace ordered us to group with the First, Seventh and Ninth and await your recovery before moving south." He told Harry quickly. "Without you we could not order the second to join with us and they are a mere twenty miles south of the city. They heard of their Judge Magister's death and are following standing orders to return to the city."
"Raise their Senior Captain." Harry ordered. "And while I talk to them have the fleet break from its holding pattern and plot a course south at maximum speed."
"Destination, My Lord?" The Captain's expression told him he knew exactly where they were going.
"To Rabanastre, Captain. To deliver the traitor's sentence." Harry declared loudly. "And let it be known that any Captain, ship or crewmember that stands with him shall share his fate."
"Sir, I have Captain Perchenko on comms." One of the crewmen told his Captain.
"My Lord, Captain Perchenko is the Senior Captain on the Duchess, the Dreadnaught and Flagship of the Second Fleet." His Captain told him before motioning to the front screen as he looked back at his crew.
"Dismissed, Captain. See to my orders." Harry told the Captain before looking at the screen as it blurred and then filled with the face of an aging man in the uniform of the fleet.
"My Lord Judge Magister." Perchenko bowed his head but he looked rather lost.
"Captain Perchenko, I have just ordered the First, Seventh and Ninth to set course for Rabanastre. You will issue orders for your fleet to set a course parallel to us and follow the orders issues by my own Captains." Harry declared simply. "Your Judge Magister was executed by the Magisterial Council for treason and for assisting Vayne Solider in the corruption of the Empire. The Council agrees that he must be removed and under law all citizens are obliged to follow those orders. Will you have trouble with those orders, Captain? Or will I and this fleet have to destroy you before we depart?"
The Captain flinched rather visibly but drew himself up. "I've had problems in this fleet, My Lord Judge Magister, and my brigs are full, but I know the law and I know of the underhanded dealings of Judge Magister Talbot. I am a student of the law, My Lord. You will not have trouble from myself or the Captains now in command of these ships."
"My officers will send you the pertinent information." Harry told him. "I expect a fight to overshadow all fights in the previous thirty years, Captain. Make sure your fleet is prepared."
"My Lord Judge Magister." The Captain bowed and turned off of the screen before it died.
"My Lord Judge Magister." His own Captain drew his attention. "I have Judge Magister Drace on the comm. for you."
He nodded and the Captain gestured behind him and quickly Drace's face appeared on the screen. "Baltheon, are you well?"
"I am." He nodded. "The destruction to the east affected my magic." He said in simple terms. "I am recovered. I have assured hierarchy over the Second Fleet and ordered them to join us. I'll arrive with the First, Second, Seventh and Ninth around noon tomorrow."
She frowned. "It couldn't be helped. We needed the Second Fleet."
"What is happening?" He frowned himself.
"Vayne has found or rebuilt himself an ancient battle station and powered it way past anything we've ever seen. I've lost eight scouts to that thing and the fleet that has stayed loyal to Vayne. It'll settle over Rabanastre just before midnight tonight. I don't know what he intends to do with it but he's got thirty-five ships from the third and fourth with him." Drace explained. "I've given the order to merge the Sixth and my own ships with the Marquis and the Resistance but between us we've got too few ships. We can delay whatever he has planned for Rabanastre but not for long."
"I have nearly a hundred ships." Harry shook his head. "We can annihilate him when we arrive but even at full speed we will be late."
"We'll delay him as long as we can." Drace declared and half turned her head to disconnect.
"Drace." He called. "There is a ship called the Strahl. Have you seen it?"
"We've not seen a ship by that name." She shook her head.
"If it appears it is men employed by myself." He told her. "It's to be afforded every assistance. At any cost."
"And what purpose does she have?" Drace asked.
"They have been undertaking a mission to put a stop to this entire affair." Harry told her simply. "See that it isn't harmed before I arrive."
"I'll see to it." She nodded. Harry signed off and the communication vanished.
Harry turned to the Captain. "Once we're underway I want a full report on what ships we have as well as any intelligence we've received on the situation. I'll be in my quarters tonight but I'll be moving to the Ninth Fleet's Flagship just before dawn to command from there."
"Of course, my Lord Judge Magister." The Captain nodded.
"Make sure this ship is ready for a fight, Captain." Harry warned.
"She's a good ship, fast and powerful with a crew loyal to you and ready to serve the Empire as it should be." The Captain declared. "We'll do you and the Sixth Fleet proud I can promise you that."
"Good." Harry nodded. "I'll be putting you in command of this ship and four other frigates. You'll take very low altitude protection above Rabanastre. Ensure that nothing gets to the city and provide air support for any ground troops we have to put down."
"Of course, my Lord." He bowed before being called away by his senior officers.
Harry sighed and watched the fleet through the bridge windows for a while before heading back to his rooms to talk to Vaan.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Absence of Hope
Harry had moved onto the Dreadnaught and Flagship of the Ninth Fleet where he and the Command personnel of the combined fleet had moved just before and after dawn as the fleet began to spread out as it passed over Nalbina Fortress to a massive crowd from the city who had come out at the sound of so many ships roaring passed at full speed. He'd decided on the Ninth Fleet's Flagship because its own Judge Magister, Kresden, had been left to be their side's spokesman in Arcades. With the Fleet they also had the Judge Magister of the Seventh Fleet on his own Flagship with a command crew in case something happened to the Absence of Hope during the fight or if Harry split the force in two.
He'd come up onto the bridge an hour before they expected to see the skies above Rabanastre on their sensors but they came into missile range shortly before passing over Nalbina, or at least the eighteen missile frigates did. They were well out ahead of them and opening from the fleet to get shots off as soon as possible and when they hit optimum range they'd stop and take up a defensive formation with another ten Frigates as a fall back. Four of the eighteen missile frigates would flank around the legal Imperial ships with their own escort to hit the enemy from the sides. They would essentially completely surround Rabanastre and Vayne's fleet with ships of the Empire and Resistance.
Harry watched as they hit a hidden marker, or at least the Missile Frigates did. They were within optimal range. They slewed to a stop, went side on and deployed every one of their weapons and started locking onto enemy targets. They were receiving target information from the Sixth Fleet and overlaying that with their own read outs to discern which ships were friendlies and which were targets.
He heard the roar of engines under him as the view changed and the ground vanished as eighty ships pulled hard up into the air to gain altitude and pass over the long range frigates in due course. Only five ships would remain low to head to protect the city amongst all the fighting with his own Hades in command.
"My Lord Judge Magister, we're within broad beam communications range." The Judge in command of the Ninth Fleet informed him.
"Update from the Sixth fleet?" He asked even though they would have informed him straight away anyway.
"No changes, My Lord." The man shook his exposed head. "They are standing out beyond major heavy weapons and sending in fighters. Judge Magister Drace is not confident of the Resistance's ability to withstand the practiced heavy weapons fire from the rebel fleet."
It was ironic that the Resistance had become allies in the last twenty-four hours while an entire fleet of Imperial ships had become rebels. But the entire Empire were calling them rebels now and Vayne had become a rebel leader and usurper in the eyes of the civilians.
He knew Drace would wait for Harry to do the heavy work and they'd slam them between the fleets. "And the Bahamut?" He asked.
"Her energy readings are off the charts, my Lord." The Judge shook his head miserably. "Reports say she's taken out a large number of Imperial and Resistance fighters and sunk a Resistance Cruiser in only a few shots."
"The long range frigates will do the hard work there, Judge." He nodded. "Open up full visual and audio on all channels."
He waited patiently with his hood raised until the screen in front of him blurred and turned grey to show he was transmitting. A scrolling list of receivers on the right showed that every vessel was now seeing his face, including his own and they'd follow his orders instantly without pause for confirmation.
"All vessels of the Rebel Fleet. You are operating outside the law of the Empire. You are in forbidden skies without my permission and are called to surrender immediately." Harry stated simply. "The Magisterial Council has declared Vayne Solider, once Acting Emperor and Consul of Rabanastre, a traitor and outlaw of the Arcadian Empire. By order all citizens loyal to the Empire must demand his surrender or do him harm if he refuses. Ships of the Rebel Fleet. I, Judge Magister Baltheon, Magister and Commander of the Sixth Fleet and temporary Commander of the First, Second, Seventh and Ninth Fleet, and Warden of Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia, hereby order your surrender. Any continued aggression in the name of the Treacherous Vayne Solider, murderer of Emperor Gramis and his Dalmascan Majesty King Raminas, will be met with the full and lethal force of the fleet and authority granted to me by the Martial Government of the Arcadian Empire."
He paused to see if he'd get a response but his only answer was when the receiver listing for the Bahamut flared red and went grey. They'd cut his signal. "The Bahamut has indicated Vayne Solider's intention to refuse surrender. Any Rebel Vessel surrendering is to land on the surface and power down its engines immediately. You have ten seconds to comply."
He gave them the ten seconds but they stood firm, most moving closer together for protection. "Very well. All Imperial Units under my command, open fire on all Rebel Vessels still in the air."
He made a gesture and the connection terminated. The Absence of Hope finally levelled off as two heavy cruisers and four frigates fell in ahead of her just as hundreds of streaks of smoke burst from beneath the bulk of the fleet from the ready and waiting long range frigates. They arced along until they were clear of the fleet before spreading out and arching up towards their targets. He counted it down and another volley was on the way before the rest of the fleet slowed to a halt just inside of target range and the first volley slammed home. About a third of the missiles were taken out by defensive batteries but the rest did major damage spread across the fleet.
"My Lord. Only three of the forty missiles targeted on the Bahamut made it through!" One of the Command staff reported.
"How many by the Bahamut itself?" He turned sharply.
"The rest of the ships only protected themselves, my Lord. All thirty-seven were taken out by the Bahamut." The man informed him in a rush.
Harry watched as the same fate happened to the second volley. "Engage the Rebel fleet at close quarters." Harry ordered sharply as he heard reports coming in across the room in ordered chaos. "Shift all long range missiles to the Bahamut. We're too close now for effective targeting."
"My Lord, the Frigates have taken up close range support to Rabanastre but they are taking heavy fighter bombardment." Someone reported.
Harry watched it all unfold, listening to reports from Drace and Tyrun on the other Flagships. Nowhere could he find the Strahl though. As he watched a Rebel Cruiser lose control and barrel into one of his own frigates he ordered a communications link with the Resistance Flagship. Ondore's face appeared and the noise around him showed that they were right in the thick of it all.
"Marquis, you know of the Strahl?" He demanded and got a nod back just before an explosion rocked the other ship and he saw smoke on their bridge. The Resistance fleet were taking a serious beating as the Rebel fleet shifted away from Rabanastre and between the Bahamut, which hadn't moved an inch, and the Resistance Fleet and away from Harry's own fleet. "Have you seen it?"
"They flew onto the Bahamut about a half hour before you arrived." Ondore told him sharply. "We lost eight fighters to escort it."
"You can't survive long against our ships." Harry declared. "Don't fight needlessly."
Harry cut the connection and jumped down into one of the pulpits and grabbed one of the fighter controllers. "How close can you get fighters to the Bahamut?" He demanded.
"We've been trying to get something through its defensive field. We lose two in three and any shots they get off hardly do any damage." The man told him quickly as he listened to his headset.
Harry put him back to work and moved back to the main command ring where the Judges and senior officers were doing the fine work with the fleet. They had managed to split the Rebel fleet apart into five groups spread out between the two sides of their own fleet. Two Rebel ships had dived out of the fight and landed rather haphazardly and shut down their engines in surrender and ground troops from their own frigates were landing to take the ships.
As Harry watched a massive blast struck out from the Bahamut and seared across the skies over Rabanastre and sliced through one of his own heavy Cruisers which sunk before exploding with no survivors. Its corpse fell quickly to the ground, bumping one of their frigates on the way down and slamming into a wounded cruiser on the ground, one of the Rebels that had lost control of its engines but not surrendered as it turned its batteries into the sky.
"Damage to the Bahamut?" Harry demanded loudly.
"Nothing discernable my Lord." One of the Judges from the sensors reported.
Harry turned to communications. "Inform Judge Magister Drace and Judge Magister Tyrin that they have my Command." Harry declared and the room focused on him amidst the chaos. He turned to the fighter controllers, all ten of them. "Find me the best pilot you've got that can put me on that abomination of a ship."
Shock rounded through the room before the fighter controllers launched into it. "Judge Magister Drace is requesting your intentions." One of the Judges in communications told him.
"Tell her I intend to put my sword through Vayne's throat and take out that ship from the inside." Harry declared before turning for the back. A group of his personal elite formed up but he shook his head. "I can only take three of you in a Remora and I can't ensure your safety."
"Understood Sir." One of the Soldiers, a Captain, declared.
"I can deal with magic, just need three melee fighters to distract their soldiers." The Captain and two other soldiers volunteered.
"My Lord Judge Magister." One of the fighter controllers called to him because he couldn't leave his post. "I've got a volunteer carrier and three escorts to pick you up immediately from the schooner bay."
"Let's go." He ordered and picked up the pace as they headed down one deck and back along the hull and into the open and rather windy empty bay. As they crossed the open bay a Remora stopped harshly just outside the door and rotated its dorsal wings to slide into the bay and open its hatch. It didn't settle though but that wasn't a problem for Harry or his three guards. Harry left them by the hatch as the Remora slid out from the bay and shot off even as the fins righted themselves. Harry turned in the small space to the pilot and co-pilot even as a ship fell in ahead and to either side.
"I've done two runs against that monster, my Lord." The pilot told him quickly before rolling the ship around the top hull of a Cruiser. "If you want a third run I wouldn't mind some of its flak getting distracted if you know what I mean."
Harry looked at the approach. "Put us around the port side of that Cruiser and around the far side of that Cruiser there." He pointed to one Cruiser flank on to the Bahamut on their right and another on the far side moving into position.
The pilot nodded his agreement and turned sharply to the right, his three-ship escort followed after a few seconds, taken by surprise but fell in around them. Harry grabbed the headset from the co-pilot. "Cruiser Araterean, this is Judge Magister Baltheon." Harry declared.
"Cruiser Araterean, go ahead my lord." He got a prompt response.
"I'm on a four remora wing on your port beam, rounding behind the Cruiser Archfire. We're going to swing around your starboard side and then over the top of you to get to the Bahamut with the least time in the open." Harry declared. "Shorten that time in the open as much as you can. Get right against their rings if you can. I need to get in safely."
"Understood, my Lord. Adjusting course now." Araterean declared.
"All Vessels in range of the Bahamut, distract their flak aimers." Harry ordered and watched just before they vanished behind the Archfire as four Cruisers opened fire at the Bahamut at steadily closing range. They'd risk the damage to see Harry make it through safely. He had two seconds of visual before they disappeared against the Araterean's far side but he saw the missile streaks from the long range frigates combine with energy blasts and even smoke bombs erupting around the monolith of a ship. They did a stomach twisting lurch and were up over the top of the Araterean and remarkably close to the Bahamut.
"My Lord!" The co-pilot gasped as he pointed up near the top of the Bahamut. Harry looked up and saw the bright red light expanding in waves of Myst on one of the open decks eight decks from the very top of the Bahamut. It throbbed out in feral waves and his head was filled with the peculiar addition to the song of the Occuria.
"Venat!" The combined voices of the Occuria breathed through his mind. "Kill Venat."
Harry shook his head and pointed up. The pilot jerked on the controls just as they passed under one of the spinning rings and they shot up into the air inside the rings around the ship. Their escort followed and fired missiles and energy shots against anything that caught their attention even as the Cruisers peppered the Bahamut with shots.
"Open the rear hatch." Harry ordered and the co-pilot complied straight away. "I'm going out the quick way when you pass over that open deck. See if you can put my guard down nearby and then get the hell out of here."
"My Lord." The pilot grunted and did another stomach wrenching turn around support struts. "Any second now."
Harry slid back through the haphazardly spinning ship and motioned for the guards to remain. There was no way they could follow him successfully. "Now!" He heard yelled as he leaned out the back. He just got a glimpse as the ship rolled up and over the open deck and he rolled himself out of the back of the ship. Red light flared and Myst crashed through them but it rolled around Harry. He heard something crack and spotted the Remora trailing smoke as he righted himself, drew his Katana and a second later he crashed onto the hard metal deck and pulled up a full buff around him. He glanced to the right as the Remora hit the open deck further around the ship and slid along on its side.
He took in the scene in another second. Venat had taken on a physical form and he was sure he could just recognise Vayne's features and his face mounted in Venat's large chest. He was hovering in a field of red Myst.
In a defensive group on the other side of Venat was a welcome sight. Vaan, Ash and Basch standing point with Penelo, Fran and Balthier behind them. Magic flowed over them with their own buffing spells but they'd all taken a serious battering. Vaan was staring at him in shock.
"Dear Vaettir." Venat's words echoed in all of their minds as well as audibly. "Last of a powerful nation. You should not be content to be subservient to any. Assist me in giving this word control of its own fate."
"Putting Ivalice into never ending war is not the same as allowing them control of their own fate." Harry declared and levelled his sword. His own magic soared up even as Venat took him for a lost cause and struck. The Ultima lashed out unforgivingly and Harry's only option was to endure and retaliate. His own Ultima flared out of his body and clashed filling the air with a bright green blast that struck out through the fleet. He heard a groan through the floor but he was right behind his spell.
Light flared around him as he launched himself from the deck and right at Venat. The Scathe spell speared out over him and Venat took the hit glancingly and then a deeper hit from Harry's Katana before power flexed and Harry was sent flying back towards the others. His Scathe continued on to slice through the Bahamut's armoured sides and explosions rocked the ship.
He rolled with his landing and he allowed himself to roll as he joined Vaan, Ashe and Basch on the leading edge of their group. His hood had fallen down by this point and he stood up. "It's tougher than it looks." He pointed out.
"Just watch those spells of yours unless you bring the great Bahamut down singlehandedly with us still aboard her." Balthier mused.
"Not a bad idea." Harry mused glancing around. "But I doubt that would kill Venat also."
"What can slay a god?" Fran asked.
"A god that must inhabit a human body." Harry mused and the song surged within his mind. "Tethered to a mortal body. Kill the mortal and pull the immortal down along with it."
"About time I got to kill that murdering bastard." Vaan hissed.
Harry twisted his body in warning just as a spear of magic struck out at them. Harry shoved his own magic out and Fran and Penelo's joined his forcing it aside. It slammed through the deck behind them and on into the Bahamut's insides. As soon as it let off Harry rushed forwards along with Basch, Vaan and Ashe and together with Balthier, Penelo and Fran they distracted Venat from using something more powerful.
Harry knew they needed something bigger to deal some serious damage and he grabbed at Vaan's attention even as he moved to defend him. "Summon Shemhazai." He ordered and pushed Vaan back to Penelo and Fran to guard as he focused on summoning. Venat turned sharply as it felt the power rising and Harry flung himself up into the air and slammed his wrist blade into the vaguely human gut of what had once been Vayne. Venat screeched in pain and magic flew around Venat and Harry in torrents. Harry shielded himself and lashed out along his wrist blade with a Flare that turned the blade into a writhing weapon of red and black as he pulled it out.
The distraction worked though and even as Venat fell back with some sort of matter bleeding from the Flare assisted wound in its gut Shemhazai erupted from the side of the Bahamut and landing behind Harry. Power rippled and Venat screeched as its magic was forced down.
"I cannot completely hold its power for long." Shemhazai's words echoed between Harry and Vaan. "Act fast."
Harry nodded and raised his hands. Light flared and lashed out as he formed another Scathe through the air even as the others attacked. Vaan's magic flowed into Harry and his next spell was combined even as the two leapt forwards together. Their magic launched from Vaan's body, the Shock spell lancing along his staff before leaping to Harry's Katana and back again until it built from them both and lashed out at Venat, too distracted by dodging Harry's Scathe to recognise the danger.
It lurched to the ground in pain as the Shock buried itself through its body and Harry and Vaan rolled together as if they'd been fighting side by side for years. Harry felt like he was fighting with both of their bodies and felt Vaan within his own. Effortlessly fighting as one and as two whenever needed. A flare spell struck out over them from behind followed by a series of smaller spells from them all, keeping Venat on the defensive until Harry saw the opening.
In that split second as he went for it he realised that it was Vaan's body that was closest and could take the opening and for a split second there was physically only one of them even to the eyes of the others. Two weapons sliced deep through Vayne's very soul even as two sources of magic rippled together and exploded through both mortal and immortal. Vaan's power to end the mortal life and Harry's immortal roots to strip Venat of his immortality.
Then they were two again and flying back from the blast, weapons flying from their grips as the shockwave lashed at them. Harry grabbed Vaan in mid air and righted them as they crashed into the side of the Bahamut's hull and fell to the ground. The eruption shook the entire ship as the promontory where they'd been fighting shattered apart and took out two of the flying rings along with it. Harry shielded Vaan with his body and magic until it was over.
He stood and pulled Vaan to his feet and heard the Song rejoicing in his mind to show it was over. The others righted themselves, collecting weapons they'd dropped, all bearing new cuts and bruises from being blasted back against the hull. "Is everyone alright?" Penelo demanded and got a round of nods. Balthier raised his gun past Harry's shoulder along the open deck still intact. Harry turned even as he pushed Vaan towards the others.
"My Lord Judge Magister!" The pilot that appeared called and Harry recognised him from the crashed Remora a hundred yards away.
"You survived?" Harry demanded.
"Just us." The pilot shook his head and motioned to the two soldiers, one a Captain, standing waiting. The co-pilot and other soldier had died in the crash obviously. It was then that Harry spotted who the two soldiers were guarding. It was Larsa, looking rather worse for wear. Harry motioned to him and Larsa rushed over to stand in front of him. Harry checked him over carefully but Larsa seemed alright.
Before Harry could respond the deck tipped dangerously and the Bahamut shuddered dangerously and something exploded below them. "The beast is failing." Balthier announced. "We go now or we sink with her."
Harry turned to the Remora pilot and the two soldiers. "These are our allies. Protect them with your lives."
"My Lord." They nodded. Harry thumbed his emergency beacon knowing someone would respond and instantly Drace's face appeared.
"Vayne Solider is dead and the Bahamut is sinking." Harry announced. "We're evacuating. Order the Rebel fleet down."
"They are surrendering now." Drace told him. She made to tell him to hurry but somebody calling her interrupted her. She flinched and her helmeted face turned back to him. "She sinks onto Rabanastre! The Palin won't hold."
Harry flinched. "Order all ships to open fire immediately. Destroy her!"
Harry knew they wouldn't get off in time but he knew the tens of thousands in Rabanastre were more important, especially to Ashe, Basch, Vaan and Penelo. "Run!" Harry called to the others and he and his men followed them down through the ship and the evacuating crew even as the ship shook under the onslaught which suddenly let up.
"It's no good, it's not going to destroy her." Drace announced just as they reached the docked and cloaked Strahl.
"Go." Balthier ordered and shoved Penelo up the ramp and into the ship. Vaan rushed up to start up the engines and Harry sent his own pilot inside. Balthier and Fran shared a look and nodded to one another just before Harry was about to board. The soldiers glanced at him but pulled Larsa up the ramp and out of sight.
"Brother?" Harry frowned when he realised that Balthier had no intention of escaping with them.
"We need to restart the other rings." Balthier declared.
"Haste is required." Fran declared.
"I'm coming with you." Harry declared and turned to a frowning Basch.
"No, little brother. You are not." Balthier shook his head. "Ivalice needs you and Vaan needs you. You cannot leave now that you have your life."
"Theo." Harry winced but Balthier shoved him backwards and Basch steadied him.
"We're wasting valuable time." Balthier declared and turned to run. "Get clear, Harry. Do what your big brother tells you for once."
Harry let Basch guide him back but couldn't move until the hatch was shut. The logical part of his mind told him that his brother was right. Harry couldn't be of help to Balthier in restarted the rings and he was needed elsewhere. But Harry's heart didn't want to lose Balthier, he'd barely spent any time with him and wanted desperately to be with his brother for a long time. To make up for their previous separation.
He pulled up his hood and strode up through the ship as it lifted off. Vaan and his pilot were in the front seats and they were just clearing the slowly sinking ship.
"Where's Balthier and Fran?" Penelo asked as Harry moved up to the controls. His soldiers were staying out of the way with the strangers about and his pilot made to stand for Harry who just pushed him back into his seat.
"They stayed to try to restart the rings." Basch announced and Vaan turned to Harry in shock but knew that with his hood up that Harry was trying to hide his emotions from the Imperials in the room.
"All vessels this is the Alexander. We're going to ram the Bahamut." Harry recognised the voice of one of the few Judge Magisters that had been loyal to Vayne but not present for the fateful Magisterial Council meeting.
"Take us to that ship there." Harry ordered Vaan simply as he pointed to the Absence of Hope. Vaan set a course so they could watch what was going to happen even as he closed with the large Dreadnaught. The Rebel Dreadnaught, Alexander, was angling down towards the Bahamut, ready to sacrifice itself to either destroy or shove the Bahamut away from the crowded city in order to save the people that they had put at risk in Vayne's name.
"My Lord! The rings." His pilot called and Harry spotted it at almost the same time. Another of the rings had flared back to life so now two were running. The computer plotted the course even as the Alexander flared its engines and pulled up out of its dive. The new descent would put the Bahamut down on the far side of Rabanastre and Harry and the others watched as it grinded to a halt and tipped over a little less than three miles from the city. Fires and smoke ravaged it and Harry closed his eyes for a moment praying to the Occuria to find and save Balthier and Fran.
Harry grabbed the communications microphone from between the front seats even as the channels filled with chatter. He overrode them. "All Imperial Ships, this is Judge Magister Baltheon, regroup and withdraw to Nalbina Fortress. All surrendered Rebel ships group and land five miles east of Rabanastre city. First and Sixth Fleet vessels to escort and board all Rebel ships to assume command." Harry declared before looking back at Larsa and keying off the microphone. "Larsa, it's your choice. What do we offer the Resistance Fleet?"
"Now is not the right time to hand back Rabanastre to a foreign fleet." Larsa spoke up and glanced at Ashe. "I promise you the return of your country in due time but the Martial Council under Baltheon is not empowered to form treaties nor surrender land."
"I need Larsa to become Emperor before such changes can be made." Harry explained earnestly. "But that will take a few days or maybe a week to be sorted out."
"I understand." Ashe nodded.
Harry turned back to the microphone and keyed it in again. "To the Resistance Fleet from Judge Magister Baltheon of the Sixth Fleet and Commander of Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia. Under Imperial Edict I cannot permit any non-Imperial units within Dalamasca's airspace. Your fleet must retreat under Imperial Law and this must be enforced by the Magisterial Council until Imperial Edict can be evaluated."
There was a rather tense pause but Harry noted as the Imperial ships began to move enmass. He had to enforce the state of things when he declared Martial Law or he could risk outcry if he overstepped his bounds. The Council's power was limited to the protection of the Empire and until Larsa took over as Emperor then Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia were part of the Empire and he couldn't just give them away.
"Judge Magister Baltheon." Ondore came over all of the channels. "This fleet under my command will comply and exit Dalmascan Airspace. Until you have searched and taken command of your rebel ships we will not disband however."
That would give Ondore the time necessary to ensure their freedom under Larsa's reign. "That is agreed, Marquis Ondore." Harry declared and cut the line before watching as his own pilot called for permission to dock in the schooner bay on the Absence of Hope as she moved towards Nalbina. Harry wanted the ships out of sight before they tried to clean anything up. Vaan guided the ship carefully into the bay and she barely fit.
"Report back to your commands." Harry ordered the three Imperials. "Inform the Fleet staff I will join them shortly."
"My Lord Judge Magister." The pilot bowed and led the two soldiers out.
Harry slumped into one of the chairs and pulled down his hood as soon as they were alone. "Never a dull day." He mused just before Larsa appeared and hugged him tightly.
"Harry, you put my Empire under Martial Law!" Larsa complained and Vaan snorted in amusement.
"Your brother didn't give me much choice." Harry shook his head. "It was that or let him seize emergency powers and obliterate everything under Venat's name."
"You alright?" Penelo checked as soon as Larsa pulled away.
"I'll be fine." Harry stated as he stood. Vaan stood too and glanced at Larsa before ignoring him and launching himself at Harry and held onto him tightly.
"I'm sorry I can't stay with you, Vaan. I want to but I need to be in Arcades right now." Harry whispered to him. "But I'll come find you when my new Emperor allows me to depart from his side."
"I know you have stuff you need to do." Vaan whispered back. "I'm sorry about..."
"The Occuria do not sound saddened by what happened." Harry shook his head. "I expect Balthier and Fran proved hardier than a sinking ship. They will find us in time. Balthier never strays far from his stolen ship."
Vaan pulled away and smiled at him warmly. Larsa laughed but didn't comment on the obvious pair. "Princess Ashelia." Larsa turned to her. "I wish to do what is necessary but as Harry has pointed out there are ways things must be done. If Harry were to simply give you what you want and free the three nations to their own citizens he would be breaking every law he has used to take control of the Empire from my brother, Vayne, and allow his opposition to petition his decisions and possibly make accusation against him for abuse of power."
"I understand that." Ashe nodded.
"I need to return to the city and establish a senate capable of running the Empire and once they elect Larsa as Emperor I can drop Martial Law and hand the Empire to where it should be. With Larsa as the proper and rightful Emperor he can return Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia back to their people and you can reclaim your throne." Harry pointed out.
"So in the meantime I ask you to return to Dalmasca and lead your people in everything but name." Larsa told him.
"You must operate from the shadows until Larsa announces his intention to free your country." Harry drilled into her. "Otherwise it is considered an uprising and I'd hate to have to come and tell you off."
Ashe laughed before she could stop herself. "I will operate under the guise of the leader of the Resistance for the time being. We will be ready when you are able to release us from the Empire." Ashe nodded and turned to Larsa. "I thank you. And I look forward to exploring a much better relationship then what we have experienced from the Empire."
Harry took Larsa's shoulder under his hand. "Come on, little Lord. We have work to do."
"You won't be able to call me that once I'm Emperor you know?" Larsa teased.
"Brat." Harry mused.
"Hey!" Larsa complained.
"Baltheon?" Ashe called to him. "Thank you also. I'm not sure how I'll be able to publically say that in the future."
"I know, your Highness. My reputation will not change." Harry shook his head before leading Larsa out of the Strahl and to join an escort waiting for them. He and Larsa watched as the Strahl boosted out of the bay and shot off into the air.
"I'll need you at my side, Harry." Larsa told him quickly as they looked out at the sky for a moment, still private away from their escort. "But I won't keep you from Vaan for long."
Harry ruffled his hair rather than respond and for once the boy didn't argue the treatment.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Five days later
Harry hung his head back to watch a passing Cruiser from the First Fleet as it headed north towards the First Fleet's base on the outskirts of the city of Archades. He had a lot of work to be done in the city since he was still heading up the Magisters in the ruling of the Empire but today the new Senate, voted in by the public, would be sworn in and after they were settled in Harry would meet with them and declare his opinion that Larsa be named Emperor and therefore the most powerful person in Ivalice. Until they declared him Emperor they had no real power as they couldn't do anything with Harry in power. Yet Harry wasn't permitted to stand down until the Senate had elected a new Emperor.
It was true that the Senate could elect someone other than Larsa to be Emperor but it would be political suicide since almost every Archadian citizen in the Empire was calling for Larsa to take up the position and calling Harry a hero for his actions. There had been very few problems with those that had stood by Vayne in his final assault, mostly crews just doing as they were told. A few had been kicked out of the military and shamed for their actions when they were found to have had a choice. Others were in prison for their actions, mainly captains and only a few officers had retained their posts.
Harry's fleet, the Sixth Fleet, were sitting in the air just north of Nalbina Fortress, still doing their job and keeping an eye on the Resistance Fleet for the Empire. The Hades and Ifrit Cruisers, the Damocles and Vanguard Frigates and the Vengeance Missile Frigate were a small fleet to be watching a place only just involved in war but Harry wasn't worried since the Rozarrian Empire had dropped to its lowest alert state in two decades.
Today though it was his job to help prepare Larsa for his new life-long job. One that he hoped to be there to support for as long as he could. Already Larsa had promised that as soon as things were stable and Bhujerba, Nabradia and Dalmasca were back in their own hands that he would give Harry the Sixth Fleet at the least to pursue his last remaining relative on Earth and Harry was already planning to that end but he didn't want to leave Ivalice until he knew where his brother was and definitely not without Vaan and Balthier at his side. He knew he could take a hundred ships through the portal at Giruvegan but according to the sound of the Occuria in his ears he didn't think his cousin was in danger and perhaps just a few people through the portal would work better.
The guards at the gate to the Imperial Towers braced and saluted him and he walked through the doors and up the stairs to wake his lazy little surrogate brother. Larsa was, as expected, lying in bed and uncaring that Larsa had started sleeping naked he picked him up and dropped him back onto the top of the bed, ignoring the squeak. Harry laughed and hoped that Larsa, Emperor or not, would never change.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Six days later
Harry stood tense next to the large ornate throne of the Emperor of Archadian Empire. He was in his normal black cloak with the hood up along with all the Judge Magisters of the Council arrayed on either side of the throne as the large crowd watched Larsa slowly walk up the aisle towards his new throne. He was still the smallest person in the room but he walked with a certainty of purpose that took Harry's breath away and Harry knew right then and there that Larsa would be a brilliant Emperor. The fanfare and cameras hailed his slow approach along with the muttering of the crowd and Harry's eyes shifted to take in Larsa's guests at the front on his left. Al-Cid Margrace was easily recognisable with a small victorious smile on his lips and at his side was his grandfather, the Emperor of Rozarria, and around them a few dozen Rozarrian dignitaries, there on Larsa's invitation. Lots of work had gone into convincing them of their safety at this event but Al-Cid had gone out of his way to make it work.
Thus the only security in the room itself was the Judge Magisters and security throughout the city was high with both Archadian and Rozarrian soldiers and ships though the Rozarrian ships had taken steps to come across as peaceful as possible.
Larsa reached the front of the room and turned to look at his audience from in front of his soon-to-be throne. Harry, as the current leader of the Empire stepped forwards and accepted the Imperial Crown from its cushion. It wasn't the late Gramis' crown which had gone to the grave with him as was tradition but one of Harry's making for Larsa to wear.
Harry said the words needed and Larsa spoke his oath to the people of Archadia and twisted the words to involve the entirety of Ivalice in his oath much to the obvious appreciation of everyone there. Harry smiled down at him where Larsa could see under his hood. He set the crown on Larsa's head and took a step backwards down the three steps as Larsa sat down on his throne. Harry slipped down onto one knee.
"On behalf of the Magisterial Council of the Empire of Archadia I swear our allegiance to Emperor Larsa Solidor and swear to uphold the laws of this land wherever Archadian citizens roam." Harry bowed his head slightly as all of the Judge Magisters slipped down onto one knee with a chorus of 'we swear'. Harry looked back up as they rose. "I, Judge Magister Baltheon, Commander of the Sixth Fleet and warden over the Kingdoms of Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia, and guardian of the powers seized by the Magisterial Council in these recent times of trouble do hereby release those powers to the rightful Emperor of the Archadian Empire." He stood as the ripple of sound travelled over the room. Harry had just stood the Council down after they'd seized control and Larsa was now officially the most powerful person in Ivalice. "You will do me proud." He declared only loud enough for Larsa to hear.
Harry returned to his place directly on the right of the throne where Larsa had demanded he stand and Larsa rose again. He gave a short speech about the peace he hoped to bring to the Empire and to Ivalice and he spoke of his intentions for lifelong peace and open friendship with the Rozarrian Empire. Harry looked at the Rozarrians as this was said and noted that the Emperor and most of them seemed to like that idea and only a couple looked wary of the idea. Harry would be in contact with Al-Cid about them to make sure nothing untoward happened. Finally Larsa finished up by announcing his intentions to release Dalmasca, Bhujerba and Nabradia back to their people and called publically for any rightful heirs to the Dalmascan or Nabradian thrones to meet him on the steps of the Rabanastran Palace in three days for Larsa and Baltheon to hand Rabanastre over to them.
Harry smiled at the roar of appreciation and soon he was walking out onto a low balcony of the Towers with Larsa to see the sight of millions of people crowding the streets of Archades and hundreds of ships which barked out the first round of a forty-gun salute. Thousands of shots were fired up into the air from all the Imperial Airships and units across the Empire and down over Nalbina Fortress as Harry's own ships announced to Nalbina and Rabanastre that Larsa was now Emperor.
"You'll head down to Rabanastre tomorrow." Larsa told Harry.
"Already to the orders, Larsa?" Harry smirked down at Larsa as he waved to a cheer between two rounds of salutes.
Larsa laughed. "Only ever a request to you." Larsa promised him. "And never shall I not listen to your advice. But you deserve to go see to Vaan. I know you miss him."
"I speak to him each night in my mind." Harry admitted, uncaring that Larsa knew of his bond to the young human. "But it is more that I wish to seek out evidence of Balthier and Fran."
"You'll be taking the Typhon on its maiden voyage down to Rabanastre." Larsa told him. "I've spoken to Judge Magister Drace about its posting and we agree that the Sixth Fleet, so honoured in this last war, deserves a Carrier Dreadnaught as its flagship. As your flagship."
"If you say so." Harry shrugged.
"You deserve a flagship beyond any other." Larsa declared. "And for everything you have sacrificed and all the risks you have taken to preserve peace you deserve the most powerful ship ever created by this Empire. You deserve all to know of my gratitude." Harry remained silent. "Did you know that the men of the Sixth Fleet are considered heroes and you are considered the greatest Judge Magister this Empire has ever known? A Judge Magister like that deserves the best."
"And when the three Kingdoms return to their rightful heirs?" Harry asked. "What will the Sixth Fleet do then?"
"I intend to offer Ashe your services in ensuring the safety of Nabradia and Dalmasca and so you'll keep the sixth fleet with you over Nalbina until the Dalmascans can man their own ships powerful enough to fend off smugglers and pirates." Larsa nodded. "And it'll be you I look to if anything happens that I need dealt with for I trust you beyond anyone I've ever known."
"You may be Emperor now, Larsa." Harry sighed. "But you'll be my little brother for all time and I'll always love you as such."
"I know." Larsa turned to him briefly as the salutes stopped. "And you know I see you as my big brother and always have loved you as such."
Harry stuck around for the entire series of ceremonies before leaving Larsa to his formal dinner so he could prepare to leave in the morning with the Typhon.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two days later
Harry had left the Typhon over Nalbina amongst the awe-inspired whisperings of the population over its immensity. It wasn't just a Dreadnaught but a Carrier too, like the Alexander before her but without the failings of the previous carriers. No longer was it weakened by the openness of fighter docks. She was a massive Dreadnaught, almost twice the size of any other Dreadnaught with just as much firepower as a Dreadnaught, with the long range missiles of the missile frigates and finally two hundred Remoras on quick launch systems that shot them from doors in the hull that protected the bays from external attack.
He'd taken a scout ship from Nalbina to the airship dock at Rabanastre for his first visit since before the battle with the Bahamut. At least this time nobody was trying to arrest him. He noted the Strahl in the docks as well but according to the docks it was signed for by Vaan and not Balthier. He headed on into the city amongst stares and whispers and as he reached the gate he was joined by an honour guard of half a dozen.
He decided the resistance in the lower city would be his best bet since they wouldn't have move up just yet since Imperial Soldiers technically still governed and protected the city and Harry knew Ashe wouldn't cause trouble right now. They headed down into the lower city as he talked to a couple of his men.
"Any idea where the Resistance meets?" He asked the Sergeant.
"There are always a couple of guys hanging around the western tunnels." The Sergeant told him. "Officially we don't know they're Resistance of course, My Lord Judge Magister."
"And unofficially?" Harry asked.
"We keep out of their way, My Lord Judge Magister." He declared.
"That's well…" Harry trailed off when he spotted a work of graffiti on the wall of a warehouse. "Now that's interesting." It was a painting of a black-cloaked figure, clearly meant to be him, with his sword hanging down at his side covered in blood. Around his feet were what was clearly meant to be a pile of dead bodies, Dalmascan bodies.
His guard gasped at the image. "We heard of graffiti down here, My Lord Judge Magister, but this one is new."
"Ignore it." He declared and turned to continue through the lower city only to come round the next corner and find a similar mural but this time it was only half complete and a small boy was standing on a box as he tried to finish it. Before Harry could stop them his Sergeant was ordering his guard forwards and in seconds they had the boy gripped between them.
"Easy now, Sergeant." Harry ordered as they hauled the boy before him. "He's just a kid defending his city."
"My Lord Judge Magister…" The Sergeant started. "The men won't…"
"They will do as I order." Harry told him harshly. "This boy isn't to be harmed." The Sergeant bowed his head. "But for now he'll accompany us. The Resistance can keep an eye on him and make sure he gets into no further trouble." He pulled the young boy to his side, keeping a gauntleted hand on his shoulder to keep him under control.
They turned a few more corners but rather than reach their destination they found a dozen Imperial soldiers blocking the way into a warehouse. His Sergeant called out to them and they turned and spotted Harry and braced themselves. Harry spotted Resistance members beyond them and a fleeting glance of Ashe and Basch further inside. He moved through his troops and into the warehouse where two more of his own soldiers were standing guard over a tied up young man in a black cloak and covered in blood and grime. "And what is it you've found, My Lady?" Harry asked, getting everyone's attention.
"Baltheon." Ashe greeted and Harry turned his head as he spotted Vaan and Penelo against a side wall. Vaan looked desperately like he wanted to jump Harry but was restraining himself. He'd known Harry was coming today from when they'd spoken last.
"Kytes?" Penelo interrupted and the boy under Harry's hands cringed.
"That is his name is it?" Harry asked in amusement, his hood covering his smile. "We found him desecrating the walls down here. I think my men wanted to lock him up somewhere. I doubt they would have harmed him overmuch."
"Kytes! You promised you'd stop that!" Penelo gasped. Harry pushed the boy over to her and Vaan grabbed him in a hug, muttering into his ear. Kytes looked ready to cry but Harry recognised the way that Vaan and Kytes were together. They'd grown up together and Kytes saw Vaan as an older brother.
He turned away from the scene and back to Ashe and Basch before he moved closer. "How have things been?"
"Quiet mostly." Ashe nodded. "But as you've probably already seen, your reputation…"
"Is speaking for itself." Harry finished for her and moved to stand in front of the young man. He was perhaps Harry's age and was seemingly oblivious to what was going on around them. Harry took in the cloak and the stitching in particular before looking back at Ashe. "You see it?" She nodded to tell him she knew he was talking about the corpses they'd found in the Crystal. "Where did you find him?"
"He was found by one of your patrols right here in this warehouse." Ashe told him. "They came to speak to us about it. Looks like he's come up from the lower tunnels and probably the Barheim Passage." Ashe informed him. "He's talking gibberish but it seems he got lost down there, maybe separated from the others in his group."
"One man alone in that Passage stands little chance of getting through unscathed." Harry nodded and crouched down in front of the bound man. "Do you have a name?" The man just stared at him. "You name?" He demanded, using his power to force an answer from the near-catatonic man.
"Blaise Zabini." He whispered.
"Are you from Ivalice?" Harry demanded getting a surprised gasp from all the rest in the room, except for Ashe, Basch, Vaan and Penelo.
"No." Blaise declared.
"From Earth?" Harry asked getting a small light of recognition in the young man's gaze.
"Yes." Blaise told him.
"And why are you here?" Harry demanded.
"To make a foothold." Blaise told him weakly.
"An invasion!" Ashe gasped.
"Explain." Harry demanded but as it wasn't a direct question he couldn't force the answer but it seemed Blaise was just giving answers willingly now.
"Our Master sent teams through the portals to gather information and create a foothold and find a way to return." Blaise told him. "The teams never come back but we were sent through and ended up…" He shuddered. "So many corpses trying to kill us." He tried to move but the ropes contained him completely. "I got separated and got lost until I found this place."
"So there are others down there somewhere." Ashe muttered.
"If they survived. Those at the Crystal were dead." Basch pointed out.
"Take this one up to the Palace, clean him up and feed him." Harry announced to his own soldiers. "We might learn more from him once he's more alive."
"Organise search teams, search the city for more of these men." Ashe ordered and while the Resistance soldiers nodded the Imperial men muttered to one another and shifted anxiously. Ashe spotted this and winched before looking at Harry. "With your permission my soldiers will join yours in a search."
"A good idea." Harry nodded so that Ashe could save face in front of his own soldiers. "Sergeant, help the Resistance search every inch of this city. Use every soldier we have here and call for reinforcements from Nalbina. The Emperor arrives in two days and I won't have this threat in this city."
"Of course, My Lord Judge Magister." He declared. Harry glanced at Vaan who was holding tightly to Kytes to keep him under control. Harry couldn't do anything right now though as much as he wished otherwise. He had business up at the Palace and then he'd take a turn around the outer defences and during that walk he'd make a visit to Reks' grave once again.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two hours later
Harry walked into the newly empty docking bay and eyed Vaan and Penelo as they looked over the scene. Harry sniggered, making them both whirl around on him. "Harry!" Vaan cried his joy as he spotted Harry without a guard. He crossed the gap and wrapped his arms around Harry in an instant and Harry hugged him back.
"Hey, Vaan." He muttered before tilting his head down to kiss him lightly on the lips.
"Someone stole the Strahl." Vaan muttered miserably.
"And how could someone do that when only three people have access codes?" Harry asked in amusement.
"You mean Balthier and Fran?" Vaan looked up hopefully. "Balthier gave me codes but other than me it has to be them right?"
"Exactly." Harry grinned. "Well since you're grounded for now do you fancy coming and staying with me up at the Palace?"
"Night in the Palace?" Vaan laughed. "Better than behind some boxes in the lower city."
"What about Kytes and the others?" Penelo pointed out.
Harry shrugged. "It will look weird if I bring that many kids up into the Palace. Especially with how people in this city see me."
"You go with him." Penelo laughed. "I'll go look after the brats."
Harry bowed his head to her before pulling up his hood to take Vaan up to the Palace for the night. It was merely moments after passing Vaan through security and getting into his rooms before they were naked and curled up together in Harry's bed.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Two days later
(AN; Not too graphic but still a SLASH M-rated scene if you want to skip.)
Harry stretched as he woke up and noticed instantly that Vaan wasn't using him as a pillow as normal but was pushing himself up on one arm and looking down at him. Harry smirked as his eyes opened to see Vaan looking over his sculpted torso with hunger. His smirk turned into a smile and he ran his left arm up over Vaan's naked back before pulling him over onto him and delved into a kiss, his body awakening to match Vaan's own state of arousal.
"You have to be up right now?" Vaan whispered.
"I've got some time." Harry smiled and nibbled at Vaan's neck as Vaan lifted his hips and fumbled for a moment. Harry stilled his movements as he felt the slick lotion he and Vaan had gotten a few days ago as Vaan slicked up his cock before pulling himself up to straddle his stomach. Harry simply watched in awe as Vaan lifted himself up, angled Harry's cock up towards him and then slowly impaled his entire length up into himself. Harry sat up to kiss Vaan's chest and neck and then delve into his mouth. He worshiped Vaan's body for almost half an hour before they both climaxed together and laid together to recover for a while longer before Harry had to get up in order to get ready to meet Larsa.
(End Scene.)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Later
Harry kept himself close to Larsa through all of the whispering crowds that gathered in the streets. As much as Harry would have loved to make his own security much more subtle than this he just wasn't going to take the risk of Larsa being hurt. As much as everyone with any sense knew that Larsa would be good for the entirety of Ivalice there would be one or two at least that wanted revenge on the Empire for the last few years and especially for what had happened to Nabradia. Harry expected attempts on his own life but he could handle that and while Larsa had proved himself capable with a weapon when travelling with Vaan's group he didn't trust Larsa to stay safe all the time.
So if he had to place hundreds of Imperial Soldiers around to ensure his safety then he'd do so to ensure the peaceful future of Ivalice. There was no way in hell he wanted to be in charge again. And that wasn't even going into Harry refusing to allow anything to happen to his surrogate little brother. Their procession stopped at the base of the steps up to the Palace where Harry could easily make out Ashe standing with Resistance members, all dressed formally. Harry glanced around and made out Vaan and Penelo off to one side, not taking part but still wanting to see it and with them stood a cloaked and hooded figure. How Basch had gotten through security with that hood up though was beyond Harry. Probably with Ashe's permission.
He walked up the steps with Larsa, ignoring the crowd muttering at his presence and Harry realised why Basch wasn't being included. The general population still believed Basch to be dead and beyond that a traitor and King-slayer.
They reached the top of the steps in view of the massive crowds and Harry moved to one side to show he was there only as escort as far as Rabanastre need be concerned. Politically he was there because until Larsa handed over Dalmasca in a few moments he was still the Imperial Commander over the three countries.
Harry bowed to Ashe as Larsa did the same but Ashe didn't make Larsa stand before her, knowing that that would offend the Empire. Harry knew Ashe wouldn't hold any Imperial actions against Larsa personally and knew that being polite about this would go a long way in speeding up the building of peace in this world.
"Princess Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca." Larsa smiled in greeting.
"Emperor Larsa Solidor." Ashe smiled back and Larsa took her hand and kissed it.
"Shall we keep this simple?" Larsa asked so that the crowd couldn't hear him. She nodded. Larsa raised his voice and turned to the crowd. "It is the decision of the Archadian Empire that, regardless of any hostilities between our Empire and the Kingdoms of Nabradia, Bhujerba and Dalmasca over the last three years, that it is the destiny of this country, and its brethren countries, to be free of rule. To be free to make their own futures."
Larsa waited for a round of cheers to settle down. "It is in this name of freedom and in the idea of peace throughout Ivalice that I, with the agreement of the Imperial Senate and the Magisterial Council, that Dalmasca, and her brethren Kingdoms of Nabradia and Bhujerba, be returned to the rule of their original Royal Families." The cheer that followed was louder than any other Harry had heard expect for the cheering outside of the Imperial Towers the week previous. Larsa turned back to Ashe who straightened up, now as Queen of Dalmasca through inheritance and of Nabradia by marriage.
She waved regally to the cheering crowds and Larsa stood by her side. "It is my intention, your Majesty…" Larsa started.
"You can always call me Ashe." She told him with a smile over at him.
"Alright." Larsa laughed. "As I was saying. My intentions are to try to repay your country and especially Nabradia for the damage caused under my father's reign and under Vayne's manipulations."
"We don't want charity." She told him. "We'd rather learn to stand on our own feet."
"That said I'd like to offer the services of the Imperial Army in defeating the monsters that have overrun Nabradia and to stand in as security as it is rebuilt or until you can build back up your own forces to take over." Larsa told her. "Also engineers and builders, as many as I can spare to rebuild the structures."
"That's generous of you." She told him but there was a smile on her lips.
"It is selfish in nature." Larsa smiled back. "After this war and the civil unrest caused by my brother I'd very much like to give my Empire a project of this magnitude to focus its energies on."
"And it is Al-Cid's intention to offer similar assistance." Harry spoke up from behind them. "I would advise you to accept whole heartedly as it will give the two Empires common ground to work together and create the kind of ties we must cultivate."
"There is another matter." Larsa trailed off. "We can of course speak more about this later with your chosen court however I wish to pre-warn you of my suggestions so you can prepare your responses."
"I expect you've suggested these to Harry already and I've come to trust his judgement." Ashe turned to Harry briefly. "And I've come to trust his intentions towards my country."
"I'm pleased you can once again call this your country." Harry told her. "But he has mentioned this one to me."
"I wish to offer you the Sixth Fleet with Harry in Command to protect your skies in the coming months until your own fleet has a chance to train." Larsa told her. "And their experience to train new pilots and form a well-establish fleet."
"You believe us to be under threat now?" She asked Larsa but it was Harry that spoke up.
"Smugglers and pirates have always been a problem for my fleet in the last two years." Harry told her. "How that will change now cannot be said but I assure you that if the Sixth Fleet just leaves then it will increase in frequency."
"Then I am in mind to accept." She nodded with another smile and wave that set off the crowd again. None of the crowd or even her Court could hear their conversation and Ashe was avoiding looking directly at Harry which Harry couldn't blame her for. He could make out glares amongst the crowd for him standing so close.
Harry's head looked down as his bracer bleeped at him and he raised the screen up to see what was going on. A mass security alert had just been set off. "Report." He hissed. The response was rather garbled, whoever they were they were running and in a fight.
"That's Sergeant Carter on patrol in the tunnels, My Lord Judge Magister." Another signal connected to his own. The Captain in charge of security.
"Put the city on alert." Harry ordered. "All units check your locations, standby units move to all entrances to the lower city and down into the tunnels." He ordered as Ashe realised something was going on. His soldiers started up the steps towards them but Larsa motioned for them to just secure the steps as the crowd grew disturbed at the reaction. They soon realised something was happening.
Ashe's own Resistance were moving towards her and Harry ignored them. "Judge Magister Baltheon." She raised her voice. "I give you permission to take whatever steps you believe necessary to secure the safety of your Emperor, your Imperial Citizens and this city and her people."
Harry bowed to her just as his bracer lit up again. "My Lord Judge Magister, squad F here, we've encountered a group of black cloaked and hooded men wielding some kind of light beam. We lost two before we withdrew to report. They are heading for the lower city."
"Pull back until you can regroup with the other squads." Harry ordered. "Don't engage but try to keep them in sight. Avoid the lights they use and try to get in close if combat is your only option. They are not well versed in melee combat." He hailed all Imperial units. "All units not engaged in protection details coordinate in the lower city, cut off all entrances to the tunnel systems and liaise with squad F. I will ensure the safety of the Emperor and the Rabanastran Queen and then join the fight."
"We'll be safe here." Larsa told him with a frown.
"Not your place to decide." Harry declared simply. He glanced at Ashe. "Nor yours." He cut her off before raising his bracer. "Damocles and Typhon, this is Judge Magister Baltheon, close with Rabanastre at full speed and send the Imperial Cutter to pick up Emperor Larsa and Queen Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca from the front steps of the Palace."
Larsa was talking with Ashe and she resigned herself to being protected. Harry whistled loudly at his own soldiers who were stopping Vaan, Penelo and Basch from approaching and they turned and let them through with a single gesture from Harry. Harry informed them of the situation. "I'm coming with you." Basch declared.
"Me too." Vaan nodded.
Harry accepted knowing better than to argue before looking at Penelo. "You can go with Ashe and Larsa then." He declared and she nodded. She was a good fighter but she wasn't a natural like Vaan and Basch.
Just then the clouds roiled overhead and the Damocles burst down through the low cloud cover. A small cutter shot from the clouds next to it and slammed down towards the Palace, pulling up to settle behind them on the flat gardens of the Palace. The Damocles Frigate hung low over the Palace ready to unleash its guns on any surface contacts that Harry told it to and just as soldiers were preparing to take the Queen and Larsa to the cutter the Typhon appeared down through the clouds making them bubble and roil against its hull. Remoras shot from its sides to patrol the city as the loud throb of its skystones held it aloft.
"Oh hell!" Vaan gasped. "What is that?"
"The strongest airship in Ivalice." Harry declared. "Larsa gave it to me to be flagship of the Sixth fleet." He raised his bracer and hailed the Typhon's Captain. "Captain Atlan, you have command of all surface units, coordinate a full search of the city for any of these intruders while I go down and deal with them."
"As you wish, My Lord Judge Magister." A voice replied quickly. Harry took off with twenty of his troops as well as Vaan and Basch, taking the closest entrance down to the lower city which was flooding with his men. Rabanastran citizens were being corralled up to the upper city under guard and his men were setting up perimeters around the couple of entrances down into the Barheim Passage.
"You think these are the group that Blaise guy warned us about?" Vaan asked.
"Probably." He nodded. "They must have realised there was a gathering today or one of my increased patrols down here flushed them out of some sort of temporary hiding place."
"My Lord Judge Magister." A soldier rushed up to them. "Only the warehouse is seeing activity but they're attacking it head on. We've got a hundred soldiers fighting them. Our Mages have formed a defence against some of their spells but some of them we can't fight against."
"And their melee protection?" He pressed.
"Pathetic." The soldier nodded. "If we can get close enough."
"Let's go." Harry declared even though he knew the fight would be over with one way or another before they got there. In the end only a couple of the enemy were unconscious when he arrived but the other score were dead, mostly by arrows, guns and swords. Clearly his Mages had focused on protecting them from these intruders' magical attacks but that hadn't been fool proof and he'd lost a dozen or so men. "Search the tunnels and make a blockade at a choke point outside the city limits." Harry ordered one of the Judges. "You can have one hundred men to ensure the checkpoint's integrity until I can form a series of patrols further into the tunnels."
"What about the other end?" Vaan asked.
"I'm not too worried about anything managing to climb out of that hole." Harry shook his head. "But I've already upped the guard there and they will have already been put on alert by now." The original alert would have reached Nalbina and the entire Sixth Fleet.
They left his men to the clean-up and made sure the few enemy prisoners were searched and properly secured. They'd question them in time. They were walking back to the surface when Harry turned to Basch. "I noticed you weren't with Ashe earlier."
"I'm not trusted by the upper Resistance." Basch sighed. "And most people believe me to be a dead king-slayer. Like your reputation here I don't see that changing."
"Do you know what you will do then? Protect her from a distance?" He asked.
"I don't know yet." Basch looked a little lost.
"I have a suggestion for you." Harry looked him over carefully and Basch looked up hopefully. "Your brother…" Basch flinched. "He was a Judge and sworn to protect Larsa and he did so. If you must remain dead then I make the suggestion that you take on his oath as your own. I need someone I can trust to always be by Larsa's side. Someone that understands how important his safety is and someone I know would hold that duty until his last breath."
"He's not been declared dead?" Basch asked.
"Only a few even knew his true identity." Harry shook his head. "But his name can be taken on by someone of his stature and you were both very much alike."
"I…" Basch started and Vaan touched the older man on the arm to comfort him. "I think I'd like that. He and I made different choices but he saw in Larsa what I couldn't see in the Empire as a whole. I'd like to think his sacrifice didn't go to waste." He was silent until they were out under the sun once more and then he turned to Harry again. "I'll talk to Ashe. I need her permission to leave like this."
"I understand." Harry bowed his head. "But I hope you do decide to do it. There are few men I trust more than you, Basch."
"And you were my only companion for almost two years." Basch laughed.
Harry laughed and led them up to the Palace and the two ships humming as they hovered over the city. The Typhon was truly a sight to see, especially with so many smaller ships flitting about around her. If these people from Earth, 'Death Eaters' according to Blaise, wanted to stir up trouble then they'd have ships like the Typhon to deal with.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
End Chapter