Chapter fourteen done! This has moved things up a notch, and I hope you find the twist in the ending quite enjoyable! As always, those who do review, I value your opinions! I love you guys so much! Those who are reading and don't review…common…tell me what you like about it! What do you hate? Any hints for the future? Your feedback would be most welcome and revered!

So enjoy!

Final Fantasy 12

 

TRUE FEELINGS

FAMILY

Archadia Year 695

The two stopped when the doors to the Emperor's private study were slowly pushed open. It was unusual for the Emperor to be seeing anyone so early in the morning, but the two women were more than intrigued to see who emerged.

To their surprise, a young man dressed in the armour of a mere lowly soldier, sauntered out from Gramis' room. The women exchanged amused glances, for upon a second look, this young man was not any typical soldier. He was tall, built like a fortress in his stature and extremely handsome. Even more so by the dirt and grubby smears on his young face.

"I don't like him. Too stern. Too angry." said Drace, turning to watch as the young soldier walked away. He was stopped by a passing Judge Bergan and the women watched carefully as a whispered conversation went on between the two men. Drace received a playful shove from her friend who didn't believe those words, not when the attraction in Drace's eyes was so obvious.

"That is a poor excuse. You would much rather another from the ranks? A scruffy scrawny whelp who would buckle under your command? Or perhaps your fellow male judges could give you some seasoned experiences?"

Drace frowned in disgust and watched Bergan still talking to the soldier. She found it strange, for Magisters never talked to soldiers of low rank in such a manner, it looked far too ominous. Bergan was a man to fear in all aspects, but to even think he would be capable of compassion or love? It was impossible for a man like him.

"That was not funny." she said as her attention focused once more on the soldier.

He was different. Yes, she could see the anger within, but there was something else other than the very pleasing ruggedness of his body that drew her to him.

"Then make up your mind, Drace." Her friend leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. "Your new duties will leave you little time for any…pleasure you want to indulge in. That soldier is a fine specimen, why do you not at least attempt to get him into your bed?"

"Sex for just sex's sake?" Drace allowed a small seductive smile to drift across her lips as a day dream of erotic thoughts about this man flashed in her mind. It was tempting.

"That's all it is ever for." The other woman walked around her, occasionally glancing over at the soldier herself. She bit her lip. "Take him back with you, it's still early and if you don't like what you experience, you need not see him ever again."

"I think that would be too forward."

"Then take things slow. Introduce yourself. Make yourself known."

"If it will shut you up…I will."

Her friend smiled and allowed Drace to lead the way towards the men. As they approached, the soft whispered words coming from Bergan could be heard. He was not berating this soldier.

"You show potential and that is why Gramis has granted you this honoured position. I've heard of your deeds in battle and heard praises from your superiors. Though it is the will of the Emperor, you still have to prove yourself to me, if you think you would ever remain a Judge. Is that understood, boy?"

"Yes, Magister."

Drace felt her steps falter at the sound of such a deep voice on a man so young, but it certainly didn't quell the attraction she was now so obviously feeling. This soldier was to become a Judge as well? He had a lot of potential.

Her friend pushed her forwards, a little too hard, for Drace stumbled once more, her shoes scraping on the polished surface. The conversation was cut short and the two men saw them approach.

"Ladies…" Bergan bobbed his head in greeting. "You are up early."

"As are you." replied Drace's friend.

"There are duties to attend to, as I'm sure you are aware of Eri."

Eri Cellen smiled. It was a smile that Drace never saw often, but it always reminded her of just why this woman was in a position such as hers. She could be just like Bergan or Ghis with such menace.

"Who is this?" Eri asked slyly. "A new member for the elite?"

"The Emperor so wishes it. Eri…Drace…this is Gabranth."

The soldier eventually caught Drace's gaze. She felt her heart almost stop at such intensity in those angry blue eyes. He reached out a hand towards her and she took hold of it to shake in greeting. She felt a gentle tenderness in his touch, despite the roughness of his skin.

"Ma'am."

Drace couldn't help but smirk. He sounded so formal, so strict. She would love to see what he looked like when he smiled. If he did.

"I'm Drace. Judge Magister and protector of the Lord Larsa."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

Drace didn't realise that she and the new Judge were still holding hands and staring at each other in a trance. It wasn't until Bergan gave a grunt of disgust and stormed off, did she startle out from enrapture and slip her hand back down to her side.

"Eri Cellen." her friend introduced herself.

That name always got the same reaction.

"You are General Cellen's daughter?" he gasped in surprise.

"Judge Cellen. He was given that title. Yes…I am."

"I am honoured, my lady. I have heard stories and tales from many who worshipped him. He must have been a great man."

"He was."

The two words were spoken with a touch of spite. For Eri, there had been no question about her father's status. He was a great man, and heaven help anyone who said any different.

"I wish I had known him."

Those deep words allowed a smile to drift across the serious face of Judge Eri, she bowed her head in gratitude. Drace could see that she wasn't the only one who was liking this Gabranth.

"If you will excuse me, ladies." Gabranth bowed low. "I am in need of some sleep."

He turned to leave and was almost to the far doors when Drace found herself calling out to him.

"You're not going back to the soldiers barracks are you?"

"That is where I reside, ma'am."

"Not any more." Drace sneaked a look to Eri. "What am I doing?!

Eri shrugged her shoulders and tried to hide her amusement behind her hand. When Gabranth still didn't reply, Drace found the strength to walk over to him and take his arm.

"You are now a part of the Emperor's elite. We will find you some quarters in the palace."

"There is no need…"

"Yes. Oh there is definitely a need."

For the first time, Drace saw the signs of a smile on Gabranth's handsome face. As she lead him away, she knew that there was going to be something very special about this man.

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.

Gramis was sitting hunched over his desk. He knew she was there. The room had turned suddenly cold.

"I chose well?" he asked averting his eyes away from her.

"You did very well."

"Then I am pleased. Though I wish it could have been….

"There is no need for wishing. It is done and I approve. Now, only I can carry out the remainder of my orders. You will have no more part in this. Is it understood?"

"Of course."

The old man managed to look up and at last meet the stare of those black evil eyes. He didn't want to know what this creature was planning.

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Rabanastre Year 707

The words and rumours spread quickly. As soon as Ardal Danver had told the council about Basch being alive, uproar and madness fled through the palace, even the city and sure enough, questions and doubts about Ashe were beginning to surface.

Things only got worse when whispered tales of a disgraced knight bedding his queen, finally came to Danver's ears.

"Tell me what you heard!! yelled Talven, his old face so purple with rage. Danver couldn't take his eyes off the man standing before the entire council. Outside the doors, angry protests and screams from a mob were barely being kept away by a few guards, the people of Dalmasca were rioting. "You tell me exactly what you heard!"

The man quivered.

"The traitor captain was the one who destroyed Nalbina Fortress. He killed soldiers and civilians before taking the Queen to Mosphoran." he said. "It was there he…took advantage of her majesty Ashelia. My cousin was in the camp at the time, he told me…it seemed that, forgive me, that the Queen also allowed Basch to do so."

Talven screamed and smashed his fist against the table. The marble table only made him feel worse as the bones in his hand cracked at the harsh blow. The rest of the council members still protested at the news. Such harsh and fuming bile spoke out against Basch. A supposedly dead man was still alive and had somehow convinced their Queen to let him defile her. They were calling out for his blood, just as the crowd outside was.

When he told Talven and the other council members, Danver had left out the fact that Basch was in fact innocent of Raminas' murder and that he wasn't a cold blooded killer. He didn't mention his twin, or the fact that Ashe knew who he was. He didn't mention it, because he believed that Arla spoke the truth. He knew now that Ashe had risked her life to go and rescue him. She clearly held feelings for a man that Ardal could never compare to, but he wasn't going to lose to. His own hate was far too strong now. It was like a slick black bile crushing his heart.

"There is only one thing left to do." he said, softly but loud enough to cut through the rest of the council's still raging rants. Talven turned to him and sneered.

"What do you know about any of this, boy?"

"It's simple." Ardal, who had been standing away from the table, approached it and sat down in one of the unoccupied chairs. He propped his feet rather casually upon the marble surface and pressed his fingers together in a steepled position. "Fon Ronsenberg who we believed was executed for the murder of the King…will simply have to be arrested and killed. For real this time."

"The Dalmascan people will demand it." said another council member, nodding in agreement.

"But what of Archadia?" Talven's teeth ground at the name. "Of Ondore? He told us that Basch was beheaded! They knew and we cannot allow Archadia to get away with this. Emperor Larsa has been harbouring a traitor to those he called allies! He must…"

"What would you suggest then?" asked Danver. "Declare war upon them?"

"If it takes that…then yes."

"Hadn't we better get the Queen back safely first?"

"This citizen," Talven pointed to the civilian. "Has said that Ashelia willingly slept with the man who killed her father! What does that tell you?! She is in leave of her senses, she cannot possibly make any decision now for the future of Dalmasca!

Danver knew that Ashe wasn't crazy. She just wasn't in love with him. The chaotic images of her being with Basch rotted his gut and twisted his once peaceful and compassionate mind. Jealousy seethed within him, jealousy was killing him.

Before, this gentle Bhujerban man would never had stooped so low as what he was about to be. He would never be so jealous as to end another's life. Now, She had changed all of it.

"We need to wait until Ashe gets back here." said Danver. "We owe her the chance of explaining herself."

"Explaining herself?" Talven shook his head. "The fact that the people know already, won't change their…"

"She is our Queen and we will give her the opportunity to give her side."

"And if she defends Ronsenberg? If she admits that she has….bedded him?"

Danver already felt that she had by abandoning him. But a new idea formed in his mind.

If Ashe were to come back now, no doubt with the Magister traitor in follow, it would take but a simple threat to make her conform to his wishes. He would marry her and the execution of Basch would see to that. She would have no option but to adhere to what he ordered. The people would be told she was ill and that she was in no fit state to have staved off the murderer's advances. After all, some captives were known to establish feelings towards their abductors.

Yes. He would play the ever dutiful husband, defending her and helping her back to health as it were. If Ashe even protested or tried to go against them…the news of her health failing once more would leak to the public. Danver would hold the power. He would keep this woman for himself, even if she didn't love him back. She wouldn't have a choice.

"I think." Ardal smiled. "That everything will work out all right."

"All right?! one of the other members squealed a little to loudly. "This is a mess! Dalmasca is falling apart and it would never have happened if she left to go after that false Magister!"

Would it? The black evil night was tearing everyone apart. It was sending the whole of Ivalice crazy. Even if Ashe had been here, it wouldn't have stopped the fights and murders in all this chaos.

"Of course." Danver sighed, as everything became so clear to him now. "We wait for her Majesty's return and take action from there. As for Archadia…their time will come."

"And Ondore?! Your father was friends with him, did he know that Ondore lied about Basch?!

Before Danver could even reply to that, the doors were thrown open. The screaming of the crowd outside became louder, but it only lasted long enough for a messenger to scramble through and slam the doors shut behind him.

"My lords!" gasped the frightened man. "Bhujerba! By the gods….Bhujerba!"

"What?! The mention of his home caused Danver to get to his feet.

All attention was on the messenger. His face was pale white, his armour and clothes were ripped, no doubt desperately trying to get through the mob. He had scratches on his face and arms, but that was nothing to the look of pure horror on his features.

"Speak man!" Danver roared, as a fearful dread accompanied his anger. "What news of my home?!

"It's gone!" cried the messenger. "It's sunk beneath the Naldoan waves! It's been destroyed!"

"Impossible!! Danver screamed, his face pulsing with seething denial. "Even if Bhujerba was to fail and fall, the paling would prevent….

"It was shattered! It was broken and split!" The messenger shook his head hard. "It crumbled into pieces and fell to the oceans depths! It's gone!"

"The marquis….my father…? Danver clenched his fists so hard, he felt the pain of his nails digging into his palms.

"I saw some ships flee…but…I know not of Ondore or your father."

The room became deadly silent. Ardal couldn't even hear the Dalmascan public outside the walls. He couldn't hear the shouts of those who had managed to get into the palace. He thought of his home, he thought of what his family and the people of Bhujerba had to go through as they plummeted to their deaths. Their fear, the terror and pain…he didn't want to imagine it any more. More than anything, he wanted to leave right now and witness it for himself.

But no.

"Deal with her first."

She was quite adamant. Though it was never a voice, not to him. It was just the pure hatred and anger that the presence brought to him. He only guessed at what the feelings actually meant.

Ashe. He had to deal with Ashe. If his home was gone now, then Dalmasca was the only thing left.

Now, more than ever, Danver knew that Ashe wouldn't marry him when she came home. Not of her own accord, not when she still lusted after this Captain Basch. So, he had to do what he thought was right. And that was to eventually take the throne of the Dynast Queen away from her.

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Balfonheim Port Year- 707

Rikken thought he was going mad, just like the rest of the pirates in this crazy town. He peered over his shoulder, to catch a glimpse of the insane brawls, fights and attacks going on in the town. The shots of gunshots could be heard, smoke and howling cries filled the air, but his attention was focused mainly towards the ocean.

Something was worrying him. It looked different.

"Okay…I'm going to fucking snap in a moment!" said Elza, as she reloaded her guns. "Those bastards come near us again, I will shoot them! Some more!"

"Don't make me piss you off." said Raz as he quickly herded some frightened children into the safety of their barricade. Elza flashed him a smile and began firing once again. Those crazed loons that were pillaging this town were not backing down.

"Rikken! Are you going to help or not?! she cried.

"Does the ocean look funny to you?" he asked, as he slowly loaded his own gun.

Elza thought he had gone completely nuts. Now was not the time to be thinking of the ocean. With some friends and colleagues driven insane by this night, they had to retain what control they had left. They would not give into the anger and hate, even though it whispered to them in the back of their minds.

"It's the ocean!" she snapped back. "It doesn't matter!"

"The tide is out."

"It normally is!"

"No…. Rikken strained his eyes and the more he focused, the more frightening the sight before him became. The tide of the Naldoan ocean was out in the evening, but this was far beyond anything he had ever seen. It was still going. The water's edge sank back, dragged far out beyond, revealing the dirt floor beneath it. He saw the fish, stranded and struggling for breath, even other aquatic creatures were now revealed to the air, dying as the water was drained away from them. Then he heard the silence.

As the town still boiled with fury, Rikken heard the silence from the fading ocean. He could only see earth, there was no sound of his sea…no calling or genteel lulling of the waves, no soothing sight of the endless depths. Yet he still stood standing, watching the impossible as the ocean disappeared before his eyes. It filled him with such fear that his hand was trembling as he clutched at his gun.

"I think it's time we left." he muttered, as Elza, Raz and few others struggled to keep the peace of the horded town. They didn't reply. The gun shots still rang out, their cries and orders to each other never ceased. Still the water vanished revealing the darkness beneath. "Guys…we should get to the ship…NOW!"

His last word caused both Elza and Raz to turn round. The horror in their eyes was enough to invoke choking gasps of fear from their throats.

"Oh fu….

An almighty boom and crack thundered in their ears. The ground shook beneath their feet and as all of Balfonheim quaked, the fighting finally ceased. Everyone felt it, but those who could not see the desert before them could not react quickly enough.

The earth was splitting, cracking wide open.

"Get everyone onto the ships!! yelled Rikken as he tried to control his own panic, "Children, families! Get them on to our vessels immediately! We've got to leave!"

There was no arguing. Elza and Raz obeyed Rikken immediately, and soon others followed their lead. A swarm of panicked citizens were lead to the only ships not docked in the Aerodrome, there were only three by Reddas' old Headquarters, not nearly enough room for all. But as the breaking earth vibrated louder and harder, those who heard Rikken's frightened yells all rushed towards their only hope for survival. The Aerodrome was too far away and the majority of those in the centre of Balfonheim would not think to flee now. Until it was too late.

The last thing that Rikken saw as the door to his ship closed, apart from the huge chasm forming where the ocean had been…were the faces of those he had to leave behind, of those he could not take him with them, as his home was swallowed whole.

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Transport ship - Year 707

She looked so frail and sad, just like everyone else that were packed into this small vessel. But she was the only one of her kind here.

A deathly gaze looked out of the window, as she pressed herself against the wall and pulled at the blanket that was her only attire.

Just like everyone else onboard, she had been crying. There was not a single person on this craft who didn't shed any, but hers seemed to be deeper. It seemed as if her grief would surely usurp what life remained in her shaking body. Her ears were drooped, the radiance that had once glowed on her skin, was gone and now she was a deathly pale. There didn't seem to be any kind of life in her.

Fran was constantly shaking. She couldn't recall how she and Nono had gotten to this craft, but all she did know, was that so many couldn't fit in here. She had heard the screams and pleas of the terrified Bhujerbans, she had wanted to stay and allow someone else to take her place. The desire to remain and drown with the rest of them was too much. At that exact moment, she wanted to die.

The absence of the wood, of it's song and comfort was a never ceasing hollow in her new pounding hume chest. It still called for her to end her life. An ancient and ethereal past fought with the wrecking hume feelings she couldn't contain. So many questions as to why the Wood had done this to her was cluttering up her mind, causing the throbbing pain in her head to become so much worse.

However, the one thing that gave her hope, was the thought of Balthier. Thinking of him, gave her some strength, a drive to continue on through this agony, and even now as she was surrounded by grieving people, Fran felt some of the turmoil inside her fade. She longed for the ship to land, she wanted to find him, for she knew that it would be him who would help her. He would make life worth living.

A small furry paw gently patted against her leg. Fran briefly gave the little Moogle a quick look, but continued to look out at the black.

"Fran, kupo." Nono whispered, his squeaky voice so full of grief. "The pilot has agreed to take us to Nalbina. If you think that is where Balthier and Penelo have been taken…"

"It was where the Bangaa said they were taking them."

"Of course." Nono sighed. His tiny eyes starred around at the packed passenger bay and they glazed over at the awful sight of so many people breaking down and wailing. Grown men were weeping, women were screaming as they clutched their children tightly in their arms but no one else could give them the comfort they all so desperately needed. Everyone here had lost someone, everyone was feeling the guilt that they had survived. Nono felt it too.

Fran tore her gaze away from the window and addressed her companion.

"I thank you…for helping me, Nono." she said, her voice barely above a faltering whisper.

"Mistress Fran…I could never let anything happen to you. You and Master Balthier have been so good to me, kupo! I should get you some clothes…aren't you cold?"

She was terribly cold, a sensation in all her three hundred and plus years of life, that she had never experienced until now. Fran didn't like it.

"Clothes would be nice. Thank you."

But before Nono could do anything, there came a cry screaming louder than those of the passengers. It only invoked a panic amongst the survivors. Nono and Fran rushed to the cockpit of the vessel and they immediately saw what had startled and frightened the Bangaa pilot.

"Nalbina has been destroyed!" The Bangaa woman cried. "No!! NO!"

The woman pilot began to make a high pitched keening noise, a remorseful sob as tears trickled down her long nose. Her partner was just as shocked. The hume man was stunned at the ruins of what had been his home, his mouth was open and in such fierce denial, his head was shaking from side to side.

"What has happened?! Who could have done this?! wailed Nono. "First Bhujerba and now this?! Is this the end of the world, Fran kupo?"

"Ivalice is being culled." said the Viera, as she slowly approached the front viewer. Her head tilted slightly to one side and her arms wrapped around her abdomen. "The unworthy and weak are being purged to make this world whole once again, but Nalbina is not the work of the Goddess. Nalbina's destruction is of an Esper's doing. A very powerful one."

"You know this, how, kupo?"

"A feeling. A memory of past stories. This day was coming…"

"What are we going to do?" asked the Bangaa pilot. "I was hoping to bring the survivors here where they could…oh my god…what are we going to do?"

"We have to find Balthier." said Fran.

"Do you think he survived this attack?" asked Nono.

Fran didn't think he was here, not in the charred remains of the fortress. No, he wouldn't be here. Fran leaned forward and pressed a long hand against the glass viewer. Her sight was still as sharp as any Hume's could be, and even with black against black, she could see the smoke trailing away from Nalbina and towards the Mosphoran Wasteland.

"We go to the Babbling Vale." she ordered. "Now."

The conviction and strength in her voice received and immediate response from the Bangaa and her partner. They weren't going to argue with a Viera woman, who's eyes were now pulsing with red fury.

Mosphoran Waste - Year 707

He only heard the shot as Ultima's holy magic was about to rip at his mind . When he eventually saw her on the ground, blood drenching her body and the earth beneath her, the pain he felt was much worse. His eyes widened in horror, his legs gave out completely and he fell to the dirt ground with a cracking shatter at his knees. Barely able to even crawl, his body shaking and his eyes stinging with such anguish, he scrambled as fast as he could to her body.

"ASHE!" Penelo's screams sounded like distant muffles in his pounding ears. As he wrapped his arms around Ashe, pulling her close to his chest, he couldn't hear Jiiryn or feel her arms as she tried to pull him away. He couldn't even hear his own roaring cries. There was her blood on his face and hands as he clutched her lifeless corpse to him, that and the tears that streamed down his cheeks. He clasped her lifeless face to his chest, shaking and denying that any of this had happened. He called for her to wake up, he begged for her to open her eyes, but the Queen of Dalmasca's eyes remained shut. Her body was turning cold.

All his life, everything he had fought for and defended…everything he was, was now nothing but a numbed sickened shell of a man.

Not even Zodiark was challenging this man's grief.

Then a different pain stabbed like a red hot poker in the centre of Basch's back. It was as if someone had skewered him and injected molten hot lava into his body. He howled with such agony as the pain was pumped through his veins, his vision was seared with roaring red and eventually some of his muscles in his body were torn as the spasms ripped them apart. He fell down next to his queen's body, the red finally turning to black as he lost consciousness.

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As soon as the gun fell from his shaking hands, Balthier felt a haze in his mind.

"What have I done?"

His feet staggered. His back impacted hard with a tree behind him and as he slowly sunk down to the ground, he felt a tightening in his stomach. He felt sick, his body began to wretch and heave, desperately trying to spew up the terror festering within him.

He didn't notice the sudden blinding flood of intense light and he certainly wasn't expecting a group of black clad Archadian soldiers approaching with haste to the woman he had just shot. In fact everything was a blur to the sky pirate.

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"Give it to her!" bellowed a commanding voice. "And will someone shut that girl up?!

Penelo was still kicking and punching at the two soldiers who now held her in their arms. They were struggling to control this raging young woman, but she wasn't going to let them. Her queen had been killed and they had attacked Basch with such ferocity that Penelo felt her own rage unleash.

She had tried, but the erratic flailing of her anger did not have any form of control. When the floodlights pierced the gloom, and the Archadians came from nowhere, Penelo's katana had been knocked out of her hands before she could even focus. She was grabbed roughly by one and lifted off her feet as another tried to bind her hands and feet.

Even Jiiryn had been taken by surprise. From travelling in the nightly darkness, to being suddenly bombarded by a torrent of light, it was enough to blind them all. The Viera woman had been flattened to the ground and five soldiers had to wrestle her into submission, her hands were also bound.

Both the women were dragged away from Basch and Ashe's body, their view blocked as a line of soldiers formed around the two of them. Something was going on, Penelo could just about see that the soldiers were tending to Ashe's body, but what they were doing exactly, she didn't know. Though one man was standing over Basch. In his hand was a long stick object, it was silver but it had two very small prongs on the end. When the solider dug it into Basch's unconscious form, there was a loud crackling electrical whine and a shot of white light seared over him. His body thrashed and convulsed in agony even though he was unconscious. Penelo screamed.

"Leave him alone!! LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Penelo wailed as she squirmed in the arms of her captors. A fist managed to break free before it could be bound and she clawed with anguish and hate at the soldier. It didn't do anything except piss the guy off. "You didn't have to hurt him like that! He only want to be by her side! Leave him alone!"

"Gag her!"

Penelo heard the voice, the deep booming tones that were muffled beneath a helm. A Judge.

But still as she kicked and punched hopelessly at the soldiers thick black armour, Penelo felt the hurt. Ashe was dead, there was so much blood and Balthier had pulled the trigger. Why? Why?! Tears and snot covered her face, and she howled for Basch to be all right. Jiiryn was just as hysterical.

"Get up! Basch! Please! Get up!" Jiiryn pleaded.

"Shut that Viera bitch up!" Sure enough the Judge came to into her view. He was not like any Penelo had seen under Larsa's rule. The devilry in his armour was more frightening than any of the others she had met in the past.

As she finally broke from exhaustion and the choking sobs, Penelo felt the tight binds wrap around her ankles and wrists, the tough leather digging into her skin. Then a horrible and foul smelling cloth was stuffed into her mouth and tied around her head. Silencing her screams for the most part.

"Take her away." Penelo watched as the Judge ordered some more of his soldiers. She noticed some of them were trying to block her view, but one had picked up Ashe's bloodied corpse and carried her away. There was a brief few seconds as Penelo tried to break free, her tears streamed so hard that her eyes were hurting. They didn't have to take Ashe's body. They could have left her! Why were these people doing this?! Her screams were muffled by her gag, but that didn't stop the hurt she was feeling.

"I would bind the pirate if I were you, Judge."

The atmosphere went cold. As Penelo and Jiiryn had become heated and worked up, striving to get themselves free, now their heat and sweat was replaced by cold. Dread and fear.

Penelo endeavoured to find the source of this, but all she could see were shadows that were cast by the floodlights.

"It seems this hume has taken things too far."

"I think we got here in time, my lord." replied the Judge.

"Good. What about my friend?"

"This device is amazing. It certainly effects your kin inside him. He's dormant right now. "

"The weapon tunes to the weakness of the individual, certainly an effective means of torture against my kind, but it is not important right now. We will take him to my mother. She wants him in a fit state to talk and to understand her. So give him a healing potion before he dies of those injuries, but don't give him the chance to retaliate. Keep him docile. "

"What about the others?"

Penelo didn't hear anymore. For the soldiers parted and unblocked her view. She could see the Judge pouring the potion over Basch's body, but it was rather the young boy that was approaching her now, that caught her attention. He was only about six years old, yet he was the source of all this terror. Se could hardly look at him

The soldiers threw her down to the ground, Penelo winced as she felt her shoulder twist at an awkward angle, but even though she was too scared to want to, she looked up. She recognised that face. She knew who this was..

The boy reached down for her with a small hand. Penelo tried to recoil at his attempt, she tried to wriggle away from him, but those black eyes and the misty cold that swathed from him, froze her still. She trembled so much as he got closer, though when he touched at the small protective pouch that hung from her belt, the smile that came back to Penelo was evil and bile.

"So it is you who has control over the little traitor."

Penelo closed her eyes. Don't look at him!

"My mother will be more than pleased to know we have Her back. For Shemhazai's lies and deceit will cost Her dearly. "

His hand ripped the pouch from Penelo's belt and walked away with her Esper.

"Penelo! Look!"

Jiiryn's sudden whisper, caught the young girl by surprise, but when she looked in the direction that the Viera was nodding her head to, she felt hope in this bitter cold. She could see Basch moving.

"He's all right."

Penelo saw a single tear flowing down Jiiryn's cheek.

"He's all right."

Landis Year - 676

The little boy ran through the Ashelia fields with such excitement and elation.

He knew his brother was behind him, catching up with him with every second, but Basch did his best to pull some of the more thicker blooms forward. When he released them, his brother would receive the flowers full on in the face. It would slow him down.

But it didn't.

They reached the tall blossom tree at the end of the field at the same time. Their hands whacked hard against the trunk, followed by their bodies. The tree shook, sending a shower of white petals floating down on top of them. The whole air was a breeze with the petals from this field and plant life. As the scent and delicate flowers drifted in the wind, the air was filled with fragile silk fluttering petals that danced and soared all around them. For miles there were great swirls of them and indeed all over the rural parts of Landis. This was the beauty of all of Ivalice, or so Basch always thought.

"I won!" said Noah, as he and his twin gasped for breath.

They slumped down to the warm cut grass. Around this tree, it had to be cut, or else, where could someone get a great view of this land? Sure, running through the fields with the grasses towering way above your head was a great place for games and adventure, but it was here that you could rest and soak in all that Landis had to offer. But for now, the boys were too busy competing once again.

"No! You didn't…it was a draw!"

It looked as if Noah was going to get into another tantrum again. It wasn't something he wanted to deal with now.

"Okay…you won that game." Basch sighed. "So it's a tie."

"Last challenge!" Noah beamed proudly.

"Okay. The last challenge will be….

"To climb this tree! To the top!"

Basch shook his head.

"No! Father said we're not to climb it!"

"Why?"

Basch wasn't exactly sure. Their father hadn't gone into any detail as to why they couldn't climb this particular tree, but Biran Fon Ronsenberg normally had a good reason for saying so. Though as both the identical twins got to their feet and starred up in awe, Basch felt a desire to go against his father's wishes.

After all, what harm could it do? Trees were there for climbing!

"Okay…we'll do it. Whoever doesn't get to the top, to that branch.. Basch pointed at their finishing point. "Will have to help father muck the Chocobos out!"

"I can safely say that it won't be me!" Noah chirped confidently. Noah then began his mocking "dance." He hopped from one foot to the other, waving his arms in Basch's face and sticking out his tongue. It was accompanied by some "Basch is gonna lose, because he is a loser!" and other assorted phrases about how he was going to beat the slightly older twin. Though Basch just waited for his opportune moment.

His foot lashed out.

"DEAD-LEG!" His boot kicked against Noah's shins and when he saw his brother fall to the ground, he immediately leapt onto the lowest branch and he began to climb. He was laughing in his triumph.

Noah didn't cry. Which Basch thought he would do. Instead there was an anger in his twin's eyes, an anger at being injured and deceived. So as Basch climbed higher and higher, each branch bending under his weight, all he could do was take a look and grin at his sibling on the ground. Noah should have seen that one coming! After all, Noah had done the same when they started this whole competition.

But the youngest was more than angry and Basch was not expecting him, to do what he did next.

As the tree was quite supple, even a six year old's weight could cause the trunk and it's branches to sway. Noah Fon Ronsenberg used as much of his weight as he could, to make the tree more than just sway. It rocked, it moved and poor Basch was struggling to keep a hold.

"NOAH! Stop it! You'll make me fall!"

"You kicked my shins! You cheated!"

"Stop it! Noah…I can't hold on any more! This isn't funny!"

"It wasn't funny when you kicked me! It hurt!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Just stop rocking the tree!"

"Will you admit defeat for your cheating?! Will you help father?"

"Yes! Yes!" The panic was clear in Basch's voice. He felt nauseous. His vision began to spin, he couldn't focus. Noah gave the tree once last shove and then proceeded to walk to the edge of the Ashelia field.

Basch reached for another branch, something to steady himself for the descent. However, his fingers failed to grasp it and instead of going slowly down of his own accord, Basch plummeted straight to the ground. It all happened so fast, but the shocking crack to his head was the last thing he recalled. That and his brother's terrified screams.

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"So…Basch, Noah…what have you learnt?"

Basch mumbled back to his father as he and his brother both prepared to muck out the Chocobo stables. Biran scowled until both of his sons looked up at him with such sad apologetic gazes.

"Not to go climbing Sherrin trees in the spring." they both chorused.

"And why is that?" Biran was now trying hard not to laugh. He had done exactly the same thing when he was younger. Sherrins were notoriously deceptive in their flexibility. His fingers gently cupped over his broad bearded face and instead of snorting in laughter, he pretended to cough.

"Because they're not strong enough to support hume weight at this time of year." said both of them, once again in perfect unison.

"Good. So heed my words in the future."

They nodded together.

"I'm glad you understand, but, you're not getting out of these chores. I want new hay bedding in here, along with water and gyshal greens for the birds. All before dinner. Is that clear?"

"Yes, father."

He smiled. It was a smile that both boys admired. It was one that seemed to say, despite everything they did, the fights and silly pettiness, he still loved them. Even if he was making them work.

"We're sorry." said Noah as he picked up a water bucket. "We were only playing."

"I know." Biran ruffled Noah's short cropped hair. "But just be thankful your mother didn't hear about this. You would be in bigger trouble."

Both the boys shuddered at the thought of their hysterical mother lecturing them constantly and non stop about the dangers of Sherrins. They both looked at each other and sighed with relief.

"If you need any help, just ask me." said Biran. "I'll be out in the top field. And boys?"

"Yes?"

"No fighting."

With their father gone, both Basch and Noah began their work. For a couple of six year olds, it was tough, but it made always them strong. It made them bond more and instead of scrapping and shouting, the co-operative chores brought them closer.

After several hours, when Biran brought the Chocobos back in, both Basch and Noah stood by one of the chicks as it drank from the water. Basch stroked it's soft gentle fluffy down, whilst Noah ripped up some gyshal for the little beast.

"I'm sorry." Noah said when the chick started to eek excitedly at the sight of the greens. As it began to eat from his fingers, Noah looked to his brother. "I'm very sorry."

Basch rested a hand on his brother's shoulder. It wasn't possible to stay too angry against his younger sibling. Okay, he was older by only a minute or so, but Basch still felt like he had to protect and look out for him. When they fought, it was intense and the kick in the shins didn't help either. Fighting with his twin was something he never liked doing. It always felt wrong.

"I'm sorry too….Noah."

Unknown - Year 707

There were signs of light as his eyes slowly fluttered open. It was all still quite fuzzed and he felt extremely numb. He remembered the pain, but now there was very little feeling in his body. He didn't know where he was, he couldn't recall how he had even gotten from Mosphoran.

As Basch strained to focus, he could at last make out his surroundings. It was a cell, not at all like his cage in Nalbina. Everything was clean, far too clean. Turning his head (the numbness now replaced by a piercing headache) he saw that it was bare and one of the walls was completely transparent. There was a guard standing with his back to him but that wasn't what caught his attention.

His eyes widened in horror as the kneeling boy before him, pressing his hands against the glass, starred back at him, with deep black eyes. He knew him. The hair was the wrong colour, but this child looked so much like him.

"Noah…?

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Judge Eri Cellen walked into the room and sat down next to her sister. There was long silence as she gazed back at Larsa and Vaan with a smile on her face. The two twins had no doubt been waiting for this moment.

"My lord Larsa…" Eri began, sighing heavily. "Let me tell you a little story."