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Chapter 28: Wu's Nests

Stiff muscles and an aching head was what Basch awakened to in the morning after their arrival at Clan Centurio in Rabanastre. It had been a long time since he felt such fatigue and it took him a few more moments to realize it was because he was not accustomed to traveling that far without sleep and with little rest. Here, alone in the room given to him graciously by the moogle Montblanc did the Judge Majister allow himself to groan aloud.

When he did gather strength to straighten up and leave the bed, he found that his window, offering a view of the Royal Palace, showed that it was dark still outside.

Sighing this time, knowing that he would not be able to sleep even if he did try, he looked about for his clothes and his weapons, silently grateful for the opportunities for the bath that this temporary respite offered. Knowing that he was about to meet with the Queen of Dalmasca once more after the fete did not ease his heart. On the contrary, his head ache grew worse. He knew that as a former Knight of the Order, the Queen would expect that he still act as one around her though he maybe a Judge Majister in the employ of Archades.

He wondered if the Queen had gotten over her natural reluctance in opening up to people, in sharing her burdens which she had been indeed reluctant to tell anyone, not even her own husband, as he recalled. In this, he was doubtful. Basch most often times saw that in this reluctance, he and the Lady Ashe shared the same mind.

For he too, had been trained to be reticent, since he began training back in his homeland, in Landis, in Nabradia, with his brother. He remembered that he had always been the lesser when it came to this lesson, which Noah had always proved to be more adept to withdrawal than he was. He remembered that as a child he wondered at the aloofness of their father when it came to battle, how a man could possibly be numb to emotions had been difficult for him. He was always, as Noah had teased him, the sunny child, and the boy who delights in the sand and in the crashing of the waves upon the Cliffside, the noise. Whereas Noah, he would pleased with the quiet the silence, the softness of the breeze. But in each other they found comfort, and each other did they confide, until that faithful day when all of Landis was destroyed against the power of Archades when the King would not yield and the brothers, so young then and dejected, had left for separate ways.

Noah had stopped calling himself Noah, and chose to don a much more Archadian-sounding name. A name that Basch came to learn years after he had joined the Dalmascan army. Gabranth. Even now, after all these years, Basch still did not like the name. It spoke little of the Noah he knew and told him all the changes that his brother undergone through out the years, under the Empire. At first, Basch continued to call him by his birth name, when they had a chance meeting two years after parting ways. Noah then had just been accepted into the rigorous training of becoming of Judge Majister, whereas Basch, signed up for the Dalmascan Order of Knights after an incident in Nalbina Fortress where the Captain of the Order had some difficulty with the Imperials that were marching through Mosphoran Highwaste.

They met, under the cloak of darkness, in the Fortress, the two brothers who look so much alike. Basch knew that either of them could have handled the situation better. But that had been almost ten years ago, and they were young, driven to emotion and not yet taking control as their training years later would prove despite all teachings in Landis.

Basch remembered accusing Noah of turning his back on his country by joining the very Empire that destroyed their homeland. He remembered his anger in seeing Noah in the black steel of a judge, so fast, in two years, and accusing him of having no heart, no respect for the dead that now lie in the ashes of their country for serving such a destructive Empire.

Noah had replied calmly to this by saying all Empires are destructive, whether inside or out, and he, Basch had no right to accuse him of any disrespect after choosing the losing side. He assured Basch that he had other plans, and not just to become a hound of the Empire.

Basch knew that Noah's temper, once riled, could not be held back lest he found its mark and he had wondered then what kind of plan would his twin have for the kingdom they hated the most.

Noah had shaken his head before walking away. 'I can no longer tell these things to you, brother. I can no longer share plans to the weaker of my blood like a boy once did to his twin when he could not see where the Wu's nests were, or the Gigantoad's spawn lay hidden. I am no longer Noah, but Gabranth, soldier of the Empire. I am no longer a twin.' And to prove it to Basch, he had removed his helmet, and the latter saw. Saw what he did to his golden locks and Basch knew that he could neither convince Noah to tell him of his reasons let alone his plans for the Empire. Instead, Basch had shaken his head in return.

'May you live forever, Gabranth.' Was all he said, knowing very well that in Landis that is the highest form of insult a man can make. For in Landis, they were taught that the best way to die was in the battle field, and not of the workings of time. A test of true courage is to be able to take that step. That was the last time Basch saw Gabranth until their meeting at Nalbina Fortress and the former was imprisoned for the latter's deception.

Presently, Basch Fon Ronsenburg splashed water upon his face, trying to rid himself of the headache that was still pounding on his head even after all the remembrances of past lives. This seemed to be an exceptional painful headache for the Judge Majister even screwed his eyes in order to master it and as a result he did not hear the knockings on his bedroom door until the voice was heard.

'Basch?' Penelo's voice though soft, was distinguishable through the door. 'Are you awake?'

'Yes, Penelo.' Basch replied before leaving the bathroom to open the door and greet her. 'Is there something wrong?'

'Well, Vaan and I were talking to Montblanc and about the thing we wanted to do when we got here?' she paused mid-sentence. 'Maybe I should just come in, in case somebody overhears us. Or, uhm…Larsa's door hasn't opened also and I'm getting a little worried, he's usually a light sleeper. I don't blame him if he's more tired than ever, but still…" Penelo broke off when Basch opened the door to stop her ramblings.

" You need not be worried. Lord Larsa will wake up eventually.' Was all Basch said as he stepped aside to let her in to his room. ' No doubt that our journey from Phon Coast to Rabanastre had greatly tired him, despite his strong spirit.' He added at the unconvinced expression on Penelo's face.

Presently, she nodded and looked about his room. ' Montblanc says he has a proposition for us. To meet with Ashe I mean. Vaan told me to fetch you so you can add your opinion.'

Basch nodded gratefully at Penelo and Vaan's respect in his opinion. He remembered that during their previous journey, it had been the Lady Ashe who made all the decisions, and though Vaan and Penelo could have chosen to leave, they did not, and had provided an invaluable aid to their quest.

' Vaan does not like what Montblanc is asking, but…' Penelo started but another voice was added into the mix.

'Perhaps Vaan has good reason to dislike the moogle's condition.' Larsa entered the room, fully awake and dressed in the clothes Vaan gave him at Phon Coast. He had obviously been awake earlier than either Basch or Penelo because he looked as if he came from outside with the windswept state of his dark ebony locks.

'Larsa!' Penelo cried her hands to her cheeks in distress. 'You left the clan hall without us!'

Larsa offered a small smile and a shake of his head. 'I've been walking around Muthru Bazaar with the Viera Krjn. She has helped me acquire information as to where the Lady Ashe is today.'

'Has this information proven to be useful so that risking your exposure is of little consequence?' it was Basch who spoke this and both Larsa and Penelo were surprised at the tone he used. It was like a father scolding his son for misbehavior. Larsa, however, refused to be ruffled.

'As a matter of fact it did. We have knowledge to believe that the Queen is staying in Rabanastre as of the moment. She usually frequents the sky-city of Bhujerba during the first months of her reign, but now she has people to negotiate trade-treaties with the Marquis. However, like any respectable member of royalty, getting an audience with the Queen is rather difficult and we cannot announce that we are here if we do not want to draw the wrath of whoever is after me. Perhaps Montblanc has something for us.'

Vaan chose that moment to arrive, his face contorted into an uncharacteristic frown. Penelo looked at her partner concernedly. 'Vaan what's wrong?'

The former made an impatient noise that sounded like that of another sky-pirate they know of. 'Montblanc's conditions are kinda steep.'

'What price does he ask for a meeting with the Queen?' Larsa asked immediately while Penelo looked surprised. Montblanc usually gave in to their requests without question, why then was he asking for some sort of payment now?

'He wants us,' Vaan indicated Penelo and himself. 'To train some new hunter under his care. Apparently, this hunter is failing miserably on hunts and Montblanc asks that as the two top hunters of his clan, we train the girl.'

'A girl?' Basch could not help asking. Penelo's look of surprise turned to speculation. 'What's wrong with that?' she asked the room at large.

'Can't you see Penelo? We would have to drag this girl everywhere around us, and much as we would be risking both our lives and hers half the time, we can't afford to carry baggage that will not be able to help us. It would make everything harder.' Vaan explained, still with the frown on his face, and Basch nodded his agreement, once more surprised at the wisdom Vaan held in his words.

'What's so hard about that?' Penelo now asked. 'I thought that we agreed to talk to Ashe and stay here for a while. Larsa, especially needs the rest.'

Vaan sighed exasperatedly while Basch and Larsa exchanged looks. Penelo suddenly felt like an outsider.

'Look of it this way Penelo,' Larsa interceded because Vaan looked as if his temper might go awry. 'We did agree to meet with Lady Ashe but no doubt, there will be news that I am alive. Soon they, my enemies will look for me, if they are not doing so now, and no doubt, Rabanstre would be one of the places they will look for me. I cannot stay in one place for too long.' The Emperor explained patiently though there was regret in his words.

'So we can not well afford to drag a girl who could be worse than the worst hunters of the Camp, do you see?' Vaan added.

'There is no reason to snap at me Vaan,' Penelo for once snapped, irritated. ' I think I can train this girl if this the only way we can talk to Ashe. So she won't be any bother to you would she?'

The three men raised their eyebrows at the tone Penelo was using and it was enough to make her blush. 'I mean,' she added hastily. 'If that is the only way we can see Ashe…'

She was interrupted however when a hunter of the clan came in announcing that Montblanc had some news for them. Vaan sighed and thanked the hunter before looking over to his companions.

Larsa nodded, understanding the speculative look on Vaan's face.

'You are willing to risk this, your Excellency?' Basch's deep voice was added into the mix. 'Can there not be another choice?'

Vaan shook his head. 'I would have loved to show you the secret entrance to the Palace through Garamsythe Waterway, but Ashe had it blocked ever since I told her I stole the Dusk shard from the Palace Treasury.' This time he did not look angry but sheepish.

Penelo rolled her eyes exasperatedly. 'Serves you right for stealing. You did deserve getting thrown down at Nalbina.'

'Hey, if I didn't steal that nethicite then I wouldn't have met Balthier and Fran,' Vaan protested. 'But then, we would not have learned Basch was alive and…'

'I would not have gotten kidnapped by those Head Hunters!' Penelo interrupted.

'Then I would not have met you,' came Larsa's voice and Penelo reddened instantly after the effect off his words sunk in.

It was Vaan's turn to roll his eyes exasperatedly. 'Come on, stop your flirting and we can talk to Montblanc about our decision.' He walked out the room, knowing full well that Penelo was still red and Larsa avoided meeting anyone's eyes before he followed Vaan.

XOXOXO

"So have you come to a decision, kupo?' Montblanc asked cheerfully, perched on top of the desk in his office. It was a strange sight to see him in this office, as he usually spent his time on the Clan Hall itself, watching over his hunters, but the moogle thought that the conversation that was about to be discussed was better if did not reach any unnecessary ears.

'We have,' Larsa spoke in his calm voice. 'Vaan and Penelo have agreed to train your newest member in exchange for a meeting with the Queen of Dalmasca.' He ignored Vaan's sigh and Penelo's hiss as Larsa met the moogle's eyes straight.

Montblanc, rather than appear to be as severe as he would have wanted, began jumping up and down, his pompom bouncing along with him. 'That is good news, kupo! I knew you would not have let me down!'

'So where is this hunter?' Vaan asked in his usual blunt way and made Penelo sigh once again in exasperation.

'I shall call for Yvelle at once!' Montblanc replied and immediately a messenger was set out. 'You know, kupo, she greatly admires you and Penelo. She came to the Clan not but a month ago, and honestly, though she does not believe it, she has great potential, kupo.'

'Why then isn't she winning any marks?' Penelo asked hesitantly and it was Vaan's turn to sigh.

'Oh,kupo.' Montblanc looked worried. 'Let's just say that she is not that experienced as the rest of the Clan is kupo. Though I assure you, kupo, she can be taught. She has an amazing knack for majicks though she has learned little spells.'

Vaan was silent now, knowing full well that any more reactions from him and Penelo would be prepared to punch him. But how was he supposed to teach a novice hunter to become an expert hunter? He himself had no proper training, unless you count the little training period he and his brother Reks used to do at the sewers. Other than that, every mark they had faced was thanks only to luck perhaps and chance. He can tell right now that this hunter was more than what they bargained for and was wondering if he could come up with a plan to leave this girl somewhere alone.

Before he could say anything, however, the door opened softly and in stepped the hunter whom they had been speaking about.

It was Basch who first noticed her, as he was closest to the door, and his impression was that if the moogle had not told them she was a hunter, he would not have expected she was.

A young woman stood there, perhaps a little older than Vaan and Penelo, but immediately, the Judge Majister could tell that her face was not of one whom enjoyed hunting, or hurting anything for that matter. Dressed in typical Rabanastre fashion, with the absence of the array of colors, the young woman wore all white, from her trousers, to the shepherd's bolero that stopped above her midriff. Her complexion was not that of a tanned Rabanstran but someone far paler. Though that was not what was the most striking about her. What was most striking was that she had long dark blue hair gathered at the back of her head like a Viera and the brightest violet eyes. A high-cheek boned face revealed her shyness as she gave one hesitant look at the lot of them gathered at the office before lowering her head.

'Kupo,' Montblanc said through the silence after Yvelle's entrance. 'I would like you to meet my latest member, Celeste Yvelle. Yvelle, kupo, these are…'

But Yvelle was not listening anymore. Her heart was pumping wildly against her chest like last night, faster even than that. To think that Montblanc came to her early that morning to ask that would she like to train under Vaan and Penelo, knowing how much she wanted to have proper training, was still very surreal to Yvelle. What's more that Vaan and Penelo agreed to Montblanc's request! Yvelle knew that she would have to work very hard in order not to be a burden to her mentors. She remained silent however, all throughout Montblanc's introduction, and Vaan's inquiries about their meeting with the Queen. However, when the meeting with the Queen was mentioned and that they were to go at once, Yvelle was worked up again. To think she would be traveling with her idols and meet the Queen of Dalmasca all in one day!

When Penelo leaned towards where she stood hesitantly by the window to ask kindly if she could pack all her things to meet them outside before they leave for the Royal Palace, Yvelle took that opportunity to leave and try to compose herself, trying to ignore the beating of her heart, or the shaking of her hands as she left the room.