Author's Note:

Hey! I'm still alive!! I was on vacation and had major writer's block, ugh! But I managed to pull this together and I'm not exactly happy with it but I wasn't in the mood to trash it and start over so I'm posting it! You'll just have to read and let me know how bad I did. Anyways, thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this thus far... you are the best! Oh! And yah for 2900+ hits!! I never would have thought! :D

Disc: I own nothing!

Location Unknown…

"You there! Wake up!"

Rough nudges made by a cold object contacting in her kidney region and the harsh grumbles of the soldier were enough to bring Ashe back into consciousness, albeit a bit groggy. She managed to fully open her lids this time and was startled to find that three Imperials and a Judge surrounded her in the breezy cubical.

A second shove was warranted to her side but proved unnecessary.

"I'm awake!" Ashe snapped, a hasty glare being directed at the culprit.

"Glad to hear it, your Highness," bellowed a deep gruff emphasis from underneath the battle worn Judge helm standing before her disheveled form.

'Highness? How did he know who I am? Wait… where am I?'

Ashe tried hard to remember how she wound up in this place but nothing came to mind as she drew a blank, her head beginning to pound with ferocity.

"Where am I?"

"You're in cell block two nineteen, for the time being. That is all you need to know now," blared the lesser Judge.

Everything seemed so loud to her, the slight clinking and clacking when their armor shifted, the reverberation of their barked orders within those stupid helmets, even the labored breaths wheezing inside her lungs were too boisterous to handle, wincing at each little noise.

"The side effects should wear off with time but for now, the Lord Consul desires the company of your presence."

'Side effects? What is he talking about?'

A harsh snort lead before a bitter reply was spat, "Well you can inform the Lord Consul that I am declining his requisition."

"Oh, you are, are you? Well isn't that just a shame. I don't remember his Lordship's request being negotiable. Men, will you please escort the Lady Ashelia to her destination."

"Yes sir!" chimed the trio, a clamor erupting inside the iron box as they advanced on her tousled figure, roughly yanking the bloody, sewage soaked and soot smeared excuse for a princess off the icy ground and drug her out of the cell.

"Let me go!" she demanded.

"I'm sorry your Highness, I cannot for you are remiss for your meeting. It wouldn't do you any good to stall, now would it?" the soldier taunted, this time something very familiar played at the edges of the Judge's tone and he knew Ashe had caught it when a skeptical eyebrow was raised.

She had heard those words before, out of Vossler's mouth when she would try to drag her feet for those boring royal socials, but this was definitely not Vossler.

Or so she hoped.

Quickly, the Judge turned, in a poorly masked panic, as he made a rapid retreat out of the holding cell and vanished into a poorly lit corridor some paces in front of them.

'That sounded like… No, it couldn't be… he wouldn't.'

She berated herself for her moronic train of thought and focused on finding a way out of this mess. She would be damned if she let these pigs handle her this way!

"I said let me go!"

Ashe growled and began putting forth an effort to break free; throwing a sharp elbow into the Imperial's abdomen on the right as she wildly kicked her feet.

"Ugh!" he grunted but his grip on her arm was unrelenting.

"Get moving!" ordered the guard walking abaft, the only one still brandishing a weapon since he felt she was still a threat even in her half drugged state.

The tips of her gold plated boots scraped loudly down the hallways, the guards holding her securely by the biceps and up above the floor enough so that she couldn't get the footing to fight their restraint.

A sigh of discomfiture exited and her pointless struggle ended, as she became a dead weight in their grip. There was no use in exerting what little energy her physique still held, it was mostly being withered away by the onslaught of invading migraines and by the immune system playing catch up to the entire trauma her anatomy had sustained. She was quite beat up on the outside, flesh wounds as she'd say when she would try to shrug off Vossler or the squad's medic, but there was still a lot more fight to go on the inside, cuts and scratches merely put a damper on the situation but never could, not for one second, hinder Ashe.

The course to Vayne's quarters was an insipid one; only the droning of armored footfall swallowing the lifeless air encompassed them. She listened, to pass the time, to the sounds of her breaths when they echoed inside her eardrums, they were slightly troubled, rasping and seething on the inhale and exhale leaving the sensation of being slothfully suffocated in their wake. It must be the dust in this musky air or something to that effect. She listened to the heavy thumps hammering along rhythmically inside her skull as each and every gush of red blood passed through the many dams within its own stream.

She imagined the sour crinkled up, contortion of Vossler's displeasure when he would receive word of her capture and her complete negligence of the situation. Well that is if he was even still alive at this point.

Finally, after some time, Ashe and the three guards came to a halt just outside a pair of extravagant doors, the House Solidor insignia boldly engraved into its flanks with a sumptuous strip of fine gold framing it.

Two concrete raps could be heard as they mirrored inside the chamber when the third Imperial that had been following knocked. A faint reply was given, muffled by the postern, before it was eased open and Ashe was rudely kicked over the threshold by means of a foot to the rear.

"Hey—Ouch! Do you even know how to treat a lady?!" she retorted after landing face first on the floor before slowly pushing herself back up.

She was answered by the slamming of the metal door and then complete utter silence covered the room; and it wasn't the good type either. It was the kind that creped you out because it was too quiet.

The pit of her stomach filled with the flutters of abhorrence and an intense chill shot up her spine. Something in the room felt otherworldly, faint swirls of mist flickered throughout, pale translucent portraits of her standing still, an intrigued but skittish mug plastered on her face, before abruptly fading away. This haze seemed to be attracted to her because no matter where she moved inside that room, another fuzzy, delusional hologram would flash into her view, some of them going as far as to alter her age and physical appearance.

Rather annoyed at seeing herself so weak and defenseless in these images and not being very keen about the feeling it created either, Ashe agitatedly swatted at the battered figures, disrupting the depiction as it twisted and then disappeared.

What in Ivalice was this? Nothing in her teachings or school ledgers had mentioned about this phenomenon, this defiance of physics, nor had it come up in any of the topics set for discussion in the Resistance briefings. It was a complete mystery, everything from how it contained reflective like properties to why it was even in this room, things that couldn't be answered right now.

A quiet shuffle startled Ashe out of her pondering. Gasping, she quickly turned in its direction, finding nothing but the blacked out wall of oaken bookshelves filled with thousands of texts on ancient history and magical folklore. Some of the old books were stacked haphazardly upon a small center table, one having slipped off the pile onto the crummy surface top landing with its dusty cover open and the dirty brown pages fluttering, revealing the many years of use. The quaint piece was surrounded by four over stuffed, and probably ridiculously expensive, wine tinted velvet chairs which looked as if they had been more recently occupied since the one closest to her was left out standing.

Hesitantly, she stalked up to the outward turned seat, sliding timid hands along the plushy fabric upholstering the back; it too was in real need of a good cleaning as a cloud of dust particles evacuated from the material at her touch. Dander filled her lungs when she inhaled, a strong burn igniting deep inside her chest, which was soon followed by stifled gags as Ashe hacked on the filthy air.

"I must apologize for the lack of cleanliness, you Highness," broke a deep Archadian voice from behind her as a cold shiver coursed up her spine once again, making the hair on her neck stand on end, "I had to more recently terminate some of my maids but that should not interest you."

No it didn't interest her, she could care less to what he did with his hired help at the moment, and all she wanted to know was where this place was and how to get out of it.

An aloof snort dripped from her mouth alongside an arrogant retort, "What should I be then?"

"Now, now, Lady Ashelia,"

Ashe visibly cringed; the sound of her birth name oozing from his tongue unhinged her.

"That attitude is ill befitting of you. Especially since you are a Princess, or for that matter, a Queen now."

Refusing to turn round, she snarled, "Who are you to speak of ill behavior? Why are you holding me here?"

A large shadow, if it were at all possible in this dimly lit room, cascaded over Ashe's petite form as the Archadian stepped close and offset, his body heat radiating into her backside from the closeness, which was only a few centimeters away, and leaned his lips down to her ear in response.

"Who, you ask? I am Lord Vayne Cardus Solidor of Archadia. My opinion was merely a suggestion; take it none too seriously, your Highness."

With both hands clasped behind his back, Vayne haughtily curved his position so that his dark guise was visible. His sneering smirk lit up his features, a satisfactory brow raised and the confirmed 'hmm' squeaked through pressed lips upon affirmation of the Princess' well being.

She was very much alive and this would put a major kink into his original plans of conquering Ivalice. But he had an amendment he could put into play and still maintain the objective of his intent.

"But enough of this matter. I have something of great importance to speak of you with," the cocksure grin only becoming wider as he spoke.

"And what could be of greater importance than giving me my Kingdom back?" Ashe flared.

"Nothing, since my proposition is exactly this."

"You would give me back Dalmasca? Free of all Imperial occupancy?" disbelieving his generosity.

"Yes, Dalmasca could be yours once again."

"Could? In exchange for what?" she flatly asked, her eyes narrowing at the hollow offer.

"In exchange for your cooperation with the Archadian government. Dalmasca will be released into your leadership and will remain a territory of Archadia."

"Ha! And take orders from an Imperial? From you?! I refuse!" Ashe disputed, her hands balled into tight fists at her sides.

"You would throw her away? As well as a grand Imperial army far superior in strength and numbers than your own? You would have all of Archadia at your side. And you choose to decline? Why?"

"I do not throw her away, Dalmasca is merely out of hand's reach. I assure you, she will be secured along with my throne once again but not through means of your twisted generosity. Though your armies show of strength, their numbers do not scare nor impress me in the slightest. They will all fall just the same in time. Dalmasca will live on and vacant of Archadian influence as long as I shall live!"

A triumphant gleam lit up in her features as the defiant princess boldly held her ground.

"Hmm, I see there will be no persuading you. T'is a shame, I was hoping to put your leadership qualities to a much better cause but I will have to sadly remain disappointed."

"Disappointed indeed. Are we finished here? If you would be so kind as to return me to my Kingdom, I have some important matters that need to be dealt with. First order of business would be ridding Dalmasca of your Imperial dogs," she added not allowing her audacious glare to leave its mark.

With a smirk, Vayne released a minute chuckle. This Dalmascan princess was a fiery one that was for sure. He would have to toy with her more often; she was rather entertaining when it came to political negotiations.

"Yes, your Highness, we are finished here. As for your request to return to your throne, I cannot do that. I will have my guards escort you back to your cell and tend to your wounds. Possibly a change of wardrobe would be in order too since your current one has been extremely soiled," Vayne offered while snapping two white gloved fingers signaling for the guards to enter.

"I can tend to myself, thank you very much!" Ashe retorted just as the three guards who had dragged her down here trudged in.

"Yes, sir?"

"Escort the Lady Ashe back to her cell and retrieve someone to heal her wounds. Make sure she receives a change of attire and a full meal. Wouldn't want our guest to feel neglected now would we," he ordered as his last sentence came out in more of a coo than a command.

"Yes sir!" all three saluted then proceeded to take Ashe roughly by the arms and push her quickly out of the study.

"Ow! Do you mind?!" she cried.

Something from the soldier's metal glove had pinched the thin skin of her underarm but they could have cared less as they continued on.

Moments later they approached the arch-shaped doorway of her cell, it was not a very inviting picture with iron barred and padlocked doors decorating the walls.

Once more, Ashe was forced to enter her cell room with the not so needed help of that metal boot as her healing cheek crashed into the hard floor.

"Hey! I'm very capable of walking into a room on my own! Remind me to kick you in the derriere and let you see how it feels!" Ashe fumed. Her answer was the cell door being loudly slammed in her face and the click of the lock, leaving her to her thoughts.

"Hmph… Hey!"

Petite giggles, stifled by a tightly placed hand, filled the cool, peaceful Dalmascan night air. It came from behind, almost startling him out of his day dreamy state and triggering him to turn round, entering an alert stance. With his Broadsword at attention, he hastily scanned the grounds of the palace gardens.

No threats came into view. All that stood present in the tall river grass field was a small blonde headed figure, not more than ten. The golden moon shined brightly that night up within the starry sky, cradling the youngster within its arms causing her to gleam ever so slightly inside its comforting embrace.

She was an angel, an angel not yet grown enough to spread her wings and still not strong enough to even fly. She just stood there helpless, her porcelain skin drinking up the moon's heavenly rays, with nothing else but a sheepish smile, a pair of shy blue eyes that peaked out through a messy quaff and a thinly weaved cotton night gown that gently rustled with the gentle breeze.

"Your Highness. It is late! May I ask why you are out?" he inquired rather confounded to her awkward behavior.

Another quiet giggle was smudged from her lips.

"But Captain Basch, I couldn't sleep. So I thought that I could keep you company for the remainder of your watch," the little princess beamed with hope filling her dainty cheeks.

He released a heavy sigh; "It's dangerous for you out here Lady Ashe… especially at this hour. May I suggest that her Highness return to her chambers and try retiring for the night again?"

He didn't want to hurt her feelings since he felt honored that she would even consider choosing him to be her friend and that she was also taking into thought about his well being more often than himself. But… she was royalty and he, her protector, so with a high-risk threat of an invasion on this particular night, it was out of the question. He just couldn't chance the princess falling into enemy hands; she would be the bargaining chip and surely would be hurt in the process, something he would never forgive himself for.

"Hmph! I just said that I wasn't sleepy! I think you need to clean your ears out more Basch. I want to stay here and help you! I can take care of myself!" Ashe protested puffing her chest outward and placing her fist on her hips haughtily, trying hard to look tough.

Basch chuckled at the sight, "I bet you can but not tonight. There have been threats to breach our security and it is imperative that you return to the safety of the castle walls."

"B- But… I came all that way. I tried so hard to sneak pass the guards to get here so that I may help you. Now you don't want me here… Am I not worth anything to you anymore?" the child glowered pitifully as if her favorite Giza wolf pup had run away.

His stern face softened, melting into one of compunction, instantly wanting to take back his words but he knew better. The princess was good at playing head games and was very stubborn to give up.

"Lady Ashe you mean a lot to your mother and father. You mean a lot to Dalmasca and to its citizens as well," Basch preached.

"But what about you, Basch? Don't I mean a lot to you too?"

Tears had begun to sparkle at the brims of her eyes as she fought hard to keep them from flowing over.

"Yes, Lady Ashe… you mean a lot to me as well. Rest assured," he replied trying to calm the upset girl in front of him.

"Then I can stay?!"

She quickly ran up to him, her face lit up with excitement, and clasped her hands tightly together like she was getting ready to beg for him to let her stay.

"No."

'SLAP!!'

"Wha?"

Confusion riddled Basch's face as his right cheek stung horribly and the shadow of the young Ashe's agile retreat flickered away in the distance, a definitive path appearing after each footstep she left.

A clear sign of shock etched his face as he quietly muttered to himself, "What did I ever get myself into?"

The Barheim Passage…

Pitch black faded into an opaque ambiance as Basch hesitantly opened his eyes. Everything around him that he could see was a different shade of gray, the fine details and crisp edges lost to the blurriness he was experiencing. A bittersweet silence plugged his ears, not a single noise he could hear except the deafening ring inside of his head, growing louder and louder with every throb.

A low grunt was expelled as he wrenched his eyelids closed hoping to rid the intensified screaming inside his brain. It was becoming so extreme that Basch thought he would have to bash his own head in to cease it until suddenly… it stopped and a wave of relief washed over his entire body relaxing him.

Not knowing what exactly had happened and afraid that the pain would return, he listlessly peeked from behind his closed lids to see that everything was as it should be. His vision renewed, nothing was blurred or distorted anymore, and only clean, clear and crisp images flooded his view. No more shrieking could be heard, only the small chunks of brick and rocks that tumbled and the anemic groans of his new visitors lain around him.

"Ugh, man my head," whimpered the teen in the near distance.

"Are you alright?" the rogue inquired, "Here, take this."

"What is it?"

"A potion! What does it look like? Now take it already, it will help that blaring migraine that you no doubt have."

Slowly Basch rolled himself into an upright position, crouching as he began to get the feeling of his tired bones touching the hard ground and the feel of having to support his own weight once again. His muscles protested, trembling from their lack of exercise and balling into tight knots as they cramped under the sudden burden. He rubbed at his arms and wrists that were also throwing spasm fits of their own, wincing whenever he came into contact with the nasty cuts created from his chains…

'Wait… they're gone! The chains… I'm free! They must have broken upon the impact'

His hands immediately flew up to his neck; franticly clasping at his shoulders and chest in search of the ghastly harness he had hung from. But to his excitement, he found the uncomfortable contraption absent and nothing but the red, aggravated and cut up flesh was touchable.

'Thank the Gods… freedom!'

The effort was made to stand but with no progress as Basch weaved from side to side, remaining in a squatted stance. It had been two long years since his exhausted feet had caressed any form of solid ground, always being carried or drug to and from his cage between his torturing sessions. Two excruciating years since his legs had to sustain any kind of ballast, their demur lessening with time as the constrictions were messaged away and the muscles soothed. Two tormented years since he had had any amount of freedom, any kind of laxity to do as he wished and it felt good to have it all back.

Ok well what did ya think? Yeah I know I was going to try and make the two meet in this chapter but I just couldn't do it all in this one so I ended here... Sorry!! I will try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible and I can promise you that Ashe and Basch will be reunited in the next chapter! My favorite part... the slap!

Thanks again! Please be kind and leave a review!!

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