"Your weapons should be stored just over here," Vossler says, leading the way toward a steel door. The panels instantly slide open to make way for the soldier, revealing a dim room stacked high with open crates.
Vaan surges forward, grabbing his dagger with a grin. He tosses my spear back to me. The numbskulls were too dumb to check my boot, so I've still got my knife. Balthier aims his gun at the wall, testing something I don't understand. As Fran draws her bowstring experimentally, I watch Vossler from the corner of my eye. He mutters something to Basch, an unreadable glint gleaming in his eyes. The knight nods and they part. Frowning, I clutch my spear, grateful to hold it again. My only tie…
"Shall we be off?" Balthier asks, turning to Vossler. The soldier nods, leading the way out the door. Suddenly, he comes to an abrupt stop, holding a hand out to halt us.
"Wait. Before we head out: see that red web of light spanning the passageway?" Ahead, innumerable lasers beams cross over the massive opening to the corridor. "It is a mechanism to detect intruders within the ship. Break one of those beams and an alarm will sound, summoning the guard." He turns to Basch. "The alarm should cease after a time, but it's better to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Come, Her Majesty awaits."
"Got it," I mutter. "Don't touch the red lights."
A bark echoes through the corridor to our left and soldiers and dogs are upon us before we can draw our weapons. They're dispatched quickly enough and we're well on our way to finding Princess Ashelia. This hunt for Penelo's turned into a wild chocobo chase for royalty as well. It seems we'll encounter Larsa again as well. Not that I mind. I'm quite fond of the boy, despite his trickery and his wit.
A soldier catches us every so often and we hurry through the white and blue corridors, quickly taken down by a blow from Vossler's sword or a jab from my spear. Each set of hallways is divided by a dark, square room. Somehow, Vossler knows which path to take at every crossroads; I wonder how long he's had his place here. Taking a deep breath, we slow down to a quick walk for the sake of Vaan's breathless whining.
"How're we holding up?" I ask, looking over at Basch. He nods.
"Fine. It seems I've recovered some energy at the prospect of defending Her Majesty." I nod, playing with the vibrant sash at my side.
"Think we'll see Larsa again?" Vaan asks, looking around warily.
"If he's still with Penelo," I nod. Balthier huffs, muttering something about weasels to Fran.
"Are you two friends or just partners?" the boy asks, grinning up at me.
"Neither," I scoff, earning a suspicious glance from Vossler. "It's… a complicated situation, to be sure. I'll just say that at one point we collaborated to reach a common goal."
"At one point? The boy's hardly twelve," Vossler cuts in, raising an eyebrow.
"Your point?" I fire back, annoyed at his prodding. He leaves it at that, though his walls are raised far over his head and he remains as defensive as ever. Rolling my eyes, I follow along with the group. Knights these days.
The final Judge falls, a mere trainee, an underling. Basch draws his sword from the man's chest, frowning at the blood dripping from his blade. Six bodies litter the room: two Judges, two soldiers, two mages. An odd ambush for a group of runaways. They were easy enough, save for a few bumps and bruises on Vaan's arms. I rub at a pulled muscle in my neck, wincing. The Fates are against me yet again. I put my spear away, watching the shadows of the broad room warily. Vossler stoops down beside a body, pulling out a silver keycard.
"Brig One," he murmurs, eyeing the door across the room. "Looks like we're in luck."
He paces over to the door, armor clinking as he goes. Balthier spares me a glance from the corner of his eye, crossing his arms.
"Still leaving after we retrieve Vaan's girl?"
"Count on it," I mutter, resting my hands on my hips. "No more adventures for me until I get my ship fixed up."
"Aren't you dedicated."
The door slides open and Vossler motions for us to follow him. Inside the brig resides four cells, each barred so tightly there are hardly gaps to see. Quickly, the knight rushes toward the farthest cell, key in hand. I'm shoved into the blindingly white cell by Vaan, piling in with everyone else.
"You are unharmed?" Vossler demands, pacing toward the young woman seated in the cell.
"Vossler!" the princess cries, standing abruptly. "I—" She falters in her steps, unsteady. Vossler catches her shoulders, holding her as she catches her balance. I roll my eyes at their theatrics, crossing my arms.
"Majesty!"
"It's nothing," she shakes her head, "I'll be fine." Basch steps forth, seemingly determined to take a beating. The princess narrows her eyes, rage flashing over her face. "You."
"Come on, come on!" Vaan butts in. "Let's go! What are you waiting for?" He nods toward the open door. "Penelo's still out there!"
"We should hurry," Balthier calls from the doorway, warning in his tone. "They won't be long."
"We will talk later," Vossler nods, urging the princess out of the room. As we pass the cells, one catches my eye and I stumble forward, pulling Vossler to a halt. "What is it?"
"You just gonna let them sit here and rot?" I ask, nodding toward the caged moogles to our right. He raises an eyebrow.
"How do we know they can be trusted?"
"Oh, Fates above!" I hiss, exasperated. I mutter irritated curses under my breath as I pluck the keycard from his fingers and free the moogles. "Now go!"
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't—" Ashelia starts.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't give me reason to despise you of all people," I snap, cutting her off. "I've had a rather awful few days, so if you don't mind, let's hurry up and get out of this hellhole."
Stunned, she and Vossler watch as I pace past, leading the way into the next room. Just as we enter, an alarm begins to blare, dim red lights flashing through the ship. Basch steps forth.
"Majesty. We will cut you a path."
"I will not place my trust in the sword of a traitor!" the princess protests, throwing her fists to her sides and stomping a booted foot on the ground. I raise an eyebrow.
"What a brat," I mutter, shaking my head. Balthier spares me a slight smile, wiping it off his face before said brat can notice.
"Yet trust his sword we must, traitor or no," Vossler insists. "I see no other way." The princess sighs, stubbornly staring at the ground as her defender continues. "We track back, commandeer a ship, and make our escape." He turns to me, motioning for me to move. "Run along."
"Sounds like a plan," I grin, grabbing Vaan's wrist and running ahead. If they want to see me as a child then fine, I'll play the child. I doubt I'm much older than Vaan; we could create chaos for those stuck-ups if we wanted. He laughs, keeping up easily.
"Time to save Penelo!" he cheers. I nod, pulling my spear free and driving it clear through the first enemy we come across. The Empire's armor's finicky as of late; far too many weak spots. I suppose Vayne hasn't had much time to preview clothing with his new job overruling Rabanastre. Fortunate for us.
The way to the front of the Leviathan is chock full of Imperial hoplites, simple soldiers we take down easily. Alarms blare loud enough to deafen us, leaving my ears ringing and my head throbbing. It's a continuous wailing whine that follows us down the same corridors we rushed before. Ashelia swings a massive sword about, blocking blows with her blue shield and counter-attacking. A warrior princess. Interesting. I eye the bright pink… skirt she wears. It's a wonder that that rather short bit of material even stays on. Shaking my head, I turn my eyes back toward our enemies. Focus, Shae.
We hurry into the next division block only to spot a pair of people rushing through the shadows. I ready my lance only to recognize Larsa and "Vaan's girl," Penelo. The girl skids to a stop upon seeing her friend, relief overcoming her features.
"Vaan!"
The two orphans rush together, embracing tightly. I sigh, resting my weight on one hip and crossing my arms. There's my duty done. Still, even just seeing the two together reminds me far too much of Dern and me when we were young. My heart stings and I tear my eyes away. Bet they're even around the same age as we were.
"It's okay. We're okay," Vaan assures her, pulling her closer. Larsa spares me a glance before walking past them briskly.
"Ghis knows you've escaped. You must hurry," the boy says, stepping up to Ashelia. Upon seeing her hesitation, he turns to face Vossler. "You are Captain Azelas. You will follow me. We must reach the airships before they do."
"You would let us leave knowing who we are?" Vossler asks, frowning.
"Apologies," I interrupt, "but Lord Larsa is not nearly as… stuck up as you may believe." Larsa smiles, looking up at the princess.
"Lady Ashe, by all rights you ought not even to exist." He motions to Basch, who stands tall behind her. "That you and Captain Ronsenburg were made to appear dead is like a hidden thread laid bare. Your actions hereafter will put at that thread and we will see what it unravels. This is our chance." He watches her earnestly, blue eyes shining brightly. "We must see this through, and get to the bottom of it. I believe 'tis for the good of Dalmasca and the good of the Empire."
"Very well, then," Ashe replies gently after a moment's pause.
"Thanks, Lamont," Vaan says sharply, eyeing the boy. Larsa turns to face him and nods, swallowing hard. Nervous?
"Er, I must apologize," he starts, bowing his head. With that, he hurries toward Penelo, digging into his pocket. "Penelo, for you. May it bring you good fortune." He hands over the glowing blue nethicite he held in the Lhusu Mines. She takes it with a smile, Vaan watching on with an adorable frown.
"Thanks," the girl replies softly, tucking the stone away somewhere in her tight yellow bodysuit.
"Let us go," Larsa says firmly, looking up at Vossler. He and Basch share a look before nodding. Vossler takes off with the youngest member of House Solidor and Penelo takes his place.
I turn and follow the group, watching Vaan and Penelo converse quickly and eagerly as we head for the glass door to the port launch of the ship. Fran towers over me to my left, sparing me a glance before looking over my head to study Balthier. They certainly possess an interesting dynamic. The door slides open and we rush to get to the spare ships on board the Leviathan.
"Such a great shame." I look up sharply to see the Judge Ghis pacing the rafters over our heads. "I must confess: I thought you the one who would help us restore peace to Dalmasca. The clink of armor greets my ears and I turn to see Imperial soldiers blocking off our exit. "No matter. We hold proof of your royal lineage. A maid of passing resemblance will serve our purposes now." He raises his hand, a burning red and blue ball of energy forming above his palm. "As for you, my dear…" The light floats up above our heads, swelling and swirling. "The Empire requires you no more!"
He throws one heavily armored hand forward, outstretched toward us. I wince, ducking my head as the light bursts. It rushes toward Ashe only to dissipate at the last second. Blue streaks flow through the air, flowing toward the blonde girl in front of me. I peer down over her shoulder, watching the nethicite in her hands glow brighter than it ever has before.
"What was that?" Penelo asks, breathless. Balthier looks up at me.
"The nethicite." His green eyes linger on the stone, something well-guarded reflecting behind the scenes as a slight frown pulls at his lips. Ashe breaks past Basch's grasp roughly, running forward and skidding to a stop before the Judge.
"Your Majesty does not disappoint!" the Judge shouts gleefully. "Ever quick to spurn an honorable surrender, as was your father." Rage burns behind her blue-gray eyes.
"You know nothing of my father!" she shouts, throwing her fists down at her sides. With that, she pulls her broadsword free and Basch rushes to stand at her side, blade drawn.
The Judge chuckles, drawing both a sword and a bladed semicircle of some sort. I grip my spear with both hands, waiting for him to make a move. Quick to defend his friend, Vaan rushes toward the three soldiers behind us. Sighing, I turn on my heels and follow him. The first moves to bring his sword down over my head; I raise my spear to block the blow before shoving back and using my newfound momentum to turn sharply, holding the tip of my weapon to the joint in his armor, right at his throat, before driving it clean through. Choking, he falls to the ground, blood dripping thickly between the cracks in his armor.
Turning the next, I roll under an attack and parry the next, hurrying to jab at him. This soldier, however, refuses to go down as easy as his comrade. No matter. I jump back and out of his way as he swings again, trying to get behind him. No such luck.
Just as I rush to reconfigure my plan of attack, he leaps forward and brings his sword down over my head. I hardly have time to block the blow with the guard on my left wrist, and even then, I stumble back onto my rear, blood trickling down my fingertips from where the blade sliced clean through the light piece of armor. Vaan takes over just before I drag myself to my feet, surprising my attacker from behind and taking him out with one skillfully executed slice.
Nodding my thanks, I hurry to help the others fight the Judge. The crack of Balthier's gun echoes through the empty spaces of the ship. The Judge dives toward Ashe, striking her shield with such force she stumbles back and nearly loses her balance. Basch takes his chance to get a good hit it, striking against the man's armor as hard as possible. The Judge knocks him back with a swing of his clawed crescent, opening a shallow cut across the knight's collarbone.
I manage to circle behind him, swinging myself up onto higher ground before diving down and kicking my boots into his back. He falls forward, rolling to his feet unsteadily. Vaan rushes forward, dagger raised. Predicting the Judge's next moves, Balthier hurries to pull the thief back. The Judge lunges forward, lashing out with blade and spike alike. The sky pirate ducks under a swing, swift to fire back immediately.
Dazed, Vaan stands and staggers backward, knocking into an unsuspecting pirate. Balthier's knocked off his steady stance, losing his balance just as Ghis moves to attack him again. Instantly, Fran's there, bow raised to block the strike. Before she recovers from the power of the blow, he slashes upward with his alternate weapon, slicing deep along the length of her arm. Gritting my teeth, I snatch the upturned end of his tall collar and jerk him backward. Ashe takes advantage of the opening, slamming him with her broadsword.
Judge Ghis staggers into one of the nearby support columns, hitting it so hard his horned helmet clatters to the floor to reveal an aging, wrinkled face and thick gray hair. Wincing, he clutches his head with a groan. I wait, spear ready to bury itself in his side as I walk backward slowly to stand just ahead of Fran. She looks a bit off balance, hot blood dripping heavily from her arm as she clutches it to herself.
The door behind us opens and I turn to see Vossler sprint toward us, now in what I assume is his own heavy armor rather than the Imperial garb he adorned before.
"We secured an Atomos!" he calls, coming to a sudden stop, ready to lead the way. "Come!"
"An Atomos? All skiff, no ship," Balthier sighs, sounding utterly disappointed and dismayed. "Hardly fitting for a leading man." He eyes Fran's arm.
"So I can fly it then?" Vaan asks hopefully.
"Are you mad?" Fran asks sharply, clutching her arm tightly as she runs past.
In the docking station, a blocky, clunky ship awaits. We pile inside. Fran moves to sit in the copilot's seat; Balthier catches her shoulder, shaking his head.
"There should be a way to fix you up in one of these compartments." The viera looks positively peeved, red eyes narrowing sharply, but she listens anyway. Balthier looks over at me, giving a resigned sigh. "Let's see if you were telling the truth, then, shall we?"
"No reason to lie," I grin, sliding into the copilot's seat. The control panel is all too familiar. I know what's what before Balthier even figures out how to start ship. "There." I nod toward a lever and a cluster of switches circling it.
"I thought as much," he murmurs, switching the engines on, eyes flitting over the board. "What I was searching for was the release on…"
I reach across the board, pressing a rectangular panel on the edge of the panel. A small compartment pops open, revealing a copper key that I snatch up quickly and turn it in a hole before slamming my palm down on a silver button. The station holding the Atomos in place releases, allowing us to finally hover freely. Balthier watches, eyebrows raised before he shakes his head and goes back to concentrating on his duty of flying the ship.
"I suppose that will do."
"Can we go faster?" Penelo begs, leaning down between our heads.
"Not yet," I reply, shaking my head. "Get down, all of you."
We drift out of the station. I hold my breath as we head straight toward a group of ships coming to land in the Leviathan. Balthier all but hides his face by staring down at the board as we drift past and I practically beg the Fates to keep recognition away from the eyes of the Imperials docking. We clear the gap scot-free, breathing a collective sigh of relief.
"They passed," Ashe breathes, straightening again.
"Had we gone too fast, they'd have noticed," Fran says to Penelo as the girl tentatively touches her arm, whispering a healing spell under her breath. The wound on her arm slowly closes, the skin knitting itself back together and leaving no marks behind. Only streaks of blood prove there was ever a laceration.
"How long do you think it'll be before we arrive?" I ask, looking over at Balthier. His brows pinch together, eyes locked on the skies as we pick up speed.
"An hour, at the most," he replies, glancing at me. His eyes narrow slightly but he turns back to the clouds before I can read the meaning behind the look.
"Can Penelo and I look around?" Vaan asks suddenly, hanging between me and Balthier, excitement bursting from his bright eyes.
"I don't see the harm in it," I shrug, flipping a switch on the board that opens up the ship's ventilation. Forgot these Imperial sots turn everything off before they leave. The two run off almost immediately. Ashe sighs, looking at Basch sharply before crossing her arms.
"Let's go talk," she says shortly, leaving the room abruptly.
"Good luck," Balthier calls to Basch as the knight moves to leave. Under his breath, he adds, "You'll need it."
"You have my thanks," Basch replies, stepping out of the room. Fran stands behind her partner silently, scanning the controls and labels and lights.
"Well," Balthier breathes, turning to me with an eyebrow raised. I merely raise mine back, waiting as I lean back in my seat. "It seems you have a talent for learning new ships rather quickly." I roll my eyes at the suspicion in his voice.
"I stole a model like this once," I explain, crossing my arms. "Me and D—my partner." I shake my head. "Abandoned it somewhere once we'd used it to make our escape. I'm almost sure the consul had it taken back."
"The consul," Balthier repeats, his voice taking on a surprised tone. I force a sad excuse for a smile on my face.
"I told you I have big enemies."
"And what did you do to invoke the wrath of a member of House Solidor?" he presses. Fran watches me steadily, gauging my reactions and responses. I maintain my laid-back façade, raising my impenetrable walls and turning to face the sky I've longed to touch for so long with a soft smile.
"That, my friend, is a secret I'll never tell."