To my awesome readers: Thank you so much for the feedback. It's been quite encouraging. At the same time, it can make me just a bit nervous. I feel like I need to do you all justice for this story! ) Plus, I'm a big Final Fantasy fan and I like to try to stay within the characterization bounds set by the original authors. Sometimes that's difficult when you're in a little fantasy of your own. ) Please keep the information coming; It really helps me; keeps me motivated to continue. Kudos!

3.

The private airship cruiser arrived in the barren desolation of Landis at full moon rise. When the hatch opened, three figures emerged: Nadia, Leith….

…and Gabranth.

Nadia had to help him stay steady on his feet as he was still somewhat weak. His dark blue eyes took in the area with wonder. He glanced at Nadia as he put one hand to the hatchway to keep his balance. "What happened here?"

Since the moment she had raised him with the Nethicite, she had known something was wrong. He had been confused about many things. At first he was so disoriented he acted much like an invalid. After a while, he remembered his name. He remembered her—although it took nearly an hour to even recognize her and another ten minutes of deep thinking to come up with her name. He knew only by looking at Leith that he was his son. Other than that, he was totally lost. Times, dates, places, events…. His memory had died with him and seemed almost unrecoverable. Speaking to him appeared to be very much like speaking to Leith. Everything was taken in wide-eyed wonder as gospel truth, and agreed upon without contestation. Every explanation was accompanied by a 'how', 'why', or 'when' attached shortly thereafter. It was beginning to wear her down. She had imagined the results making him weak for a time, but she never suspected he would lose his memory.

In time, she was able to explain to him that he had been terribly injured and 'unconscious' for a year, and she had healed him with Nethicite. "I remember Nethicite," he said calmly. "What exactly is it's function?" It took the whole flight over to make him comprehend that he had been a great warrior, she was his wife, and they were going home in hopes of regaining his memory.

Even in such a vulnerable state, however, Gabranth was very much as he once had been—a man full of deep thought and pride. She noted him on the flight over studying Leith carefully as he played in the seat behind his mother. "He is a beautiful child," he had commented. "I am glad he has grown strong in my absence."

Now, with their feet on Landian soil, she was beginning to lose all hope. She wondered if the Noah Fon Rosenburg she had loved so would ever truly be back with her. She had believed the sights here would pull memories long forgotten back into his focus. She struggled to answer his last question, fighting back a few choking breaths. "There was a war here," she offered. "You fought very valiantly before it was decimated. We were taken captive together—just over there." She pointed to a slanted burrow with two rusted doors slung open at the top. "Do you remember aught about it?"

His eyes were sad and full of wonder as he shook his head in negative reply. "We led an unfortunate life, it seems."

Her head bowed, and then gradually rested on his strong shoulder in defeat, tears stinging her eyes. "Yes, we are."

Leith ran past them, running about the deserted city for a moment, studying all sorts of abandoned tools, armor, and art.

Gabranth studied her composure for a moment. He knew he should say something to this kind woman who claimed to be his wife, but he didn't know exactly what his former self would have said under the circumstances. "I am sorry I do not remember, Nadia." He got a forced smile as a reply. She was about to say something in return when his head snapped up and he looked sharply at his son, who was picking at a rusty battle-axe blade in the dust. "Leith! Do not touch that! Come here!"

She stared at him in amazement for a moment as Leith complied. He still had instincts of a father, whether he remembered his life or not. When the boy reached him, Gabranth picked him up, looking him over. "Let me see you hands. Good, no cuts. There's naught to entertain yourself with here. Remember what your mother said about war. This is no playground."

"Yes, daddy." The boy kicked softly, and his father released him.

Her eyes were wide and hope began to build in her anew. "Gabranth!" She breathed.

He glanced at her in surprise. He had not imagined he had done any great thing. Her face was full of anticipation and joy all at once. "I think I remember that you hate war." He nodded towards the wastelands of Landis. "Now I see why."

She wiped a quick tear from her eye before he could see it. "Come on," she replied all smiles. "I want to show you something else. There was a shelter you helped build underground before the Archadian invasion. Quite comfortable, as I recall. Perhaps we should see if it's all in one piece, agreed?"

What could he do? He didn't remember anything anyway. "Agreed."

"We'll go back to Archades in the morning." She kept her grip on him taunt as she helped him down the ramp. "Leith, follow."

--- ---

Larsa had followed Basch about everywhere. Even though his rule had been only a year long thus far, he wasn't exactly accustomed to following the orders of someone else. However, Basch's commanding tone demanded respect and obedience, even if laced with honor for his ruler. It was obvious he was not in a talkative mood, so the young Lord did not try for a while. It was only after they had waited on the Strahl for over half an hour at the castle Aerodrome that he chanced conversation. "Lord Gabranth," he stated (as they were in ear shot of other Castle guards about). "Your countenance has changed oddly since this afternoon."

Basch didn't reply, though his eyes shifted to him and he stiffened a bit.

"Does she trouble you?"

His eyes closed slightly, and the tendons running along his jaw bulged momentarily. "I do not believe her intention was to be deceitful," he supposed. "I understand that she desires peace. More than that, she desires to have back someone very important to her. However, she masks her reasons with charges that it will be beneficial for the sake of the empire. In the end, it is only that she wishes him back with her."

"You assume that she's used the Nethicite already."

"I assume nothing, My Lord. I know her. I know she has used it."

Larsa squinted into the sunlight, tucking his tongue between his teeth for a moment. He had known Basch long enough to know when he was troubled, even if he was wearing the mask. "Suppose she's correct. I know for a certainty you have truly missed your former occupation. The Senate is not under my complete control yet. You have done a fine job, but you yet lack the experience that your comrade would have had in dealing with them. If you could return to your former, and he again to me, would it be such a harsh thing?"

Basch noted that his words were carefully masked to not reveal his true identity to the surrounding Archadians. However, the boy's overly-expanded wisdom had hit it's mark.

"If it helps everyone involved, it has done no harm to me that she destroys it before or after."

He looked at his Lord fully for the first time, now. "You miss him, don't you My Lord?"

"He was my protector." He said only, and then fell silent.

'Gabranth' stared at him for a long while, mulling over what he had spoken. What would it hurt for his brother to return? It might have been that everything would work out well. He could return to Lady Ashe—to his home—and Noah could stay where he was most accustomed as well. Both royal houses would have their interests protected. Both would have loyal bodyguards to care for their well-being. Nadia would have everything she wanted. And if she were to destroy the Nethicite after, it would have been all for the good of everyone involved. However, it seemed so simple, so obviously carefully orchestrated, that he knew from experience it would most likely fail. One thing Larsa had said rang more solidly true than aught else….He did not know the Senate. The Senate, who had their hands in every matter from the slums up to the grand castle of Archades, who had spies spread from the entrances of the city on through the opposing empire of Rozzaria, whom the Judges honored (if not obeyed). If the Senate had any suspicions the Nethicite had been used, they would twist any honorable reason to discord, all to forsake the royal position of the Emperor. It was something, unfortunately, that he felt he couldn't control. That is what gave him the fear that was haunting him even now.

A few moments later, the Strahl swooped into port. Basch didn't wait for Balthier to greet him. By the time the walkway gears had disengaged, he was already at the top. Her captain approached him with his usual cocky half-smile, but Basch walked right past him hurriedly. "We need to get to Landis immediately," he flatly stated.

"Pleasure to see you as well," He nodded at Larsa after his sarcastic comment. "My Lord." He bowed in a deep show of respect. Larsa was truly his Emperor by birth, after all.

Larsa had more manners. He smiled at him fondly. "It is good to see you again, my friend. I apologize for the circumstances of our meeting. I do not believe it to be a pressing matter, but Basch feels otherwise."

"I can see that. Well, hold on; you may fill me in about it on the way."

Penelo ran in right about then, giving him a big hug. He took her in with wide eyes, as she had changed so much since he had lastly seen her. The Strahl gave a tiny shake as it took off and they began their route to Landis.

--- ---

The room was relatively comfortable, in fact. It was large and slightly hexagonal in design. The Fon Rosenburg men had made it to accommodate women and children, so extra touches had been added. The floor was wooden slats with a few dusty rugs covering it in case someone had to sleep on the floor. Crystals hung high on the walls to provide light. Underneath them were rows of seven bunks on each wall. There were three escape routes: one from the front, one towards Nabradia, and one towards Jahara on the Dalmascan border. Trap doors along the floorboard provided room for water and foodstuffs. Here remained what was left of the possessions of friends and family who had planned to stay there through the war.

Nadia watched through weary eyes as Noah wandered about for hours in wonder, occasionally stopping to touch something. Poor little Leith had gone asleep an hour ago in his mother's arms. She had given up on asking her husband if he recognized any of it, as it was apparent he had only a mild recollection. As he put it, "Like looking at a picture of a place you've never been, but immediately knowing it's location".

She only held out an hour longer than Leith. Resting against the wall of a bottom bunk, her boy in her lap, her eyelids grew heavier and heavier until they sank altogether. Noah turned about on his heel. "Those trap doors," he said, pointing. "Those were my idea, weren't…?" he paused when he noticed her eyes were closed, and her breathing was deeper.

He approached her with great caution and sat down to observe them for a moment. Why couldn't he remember? He was trying so hard! If not for himself, he was definitely demanding it for his family. Although he couldn't remember a thing about their times together, his heart always leapt when he saw them, his stomach felt warm. They must have been special to him before he had been wounded. He ran a hand over Leith's hair in wonder for a moment. He smiled to himself at the boy drooling on his mother's supporting arm. His eyes found Nadia. He tried to remember anything at all about her. He close his eyes and dug down deep into his mind to find the answer….

And in his mind, Nadia, hair a mess, scratches and scars, begging him. Then, she standing with a man who looked exactly like him, only younger. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek; He remembered something about jealous anger, hot inside of his chest. Another memory was shorter, yet more real than others. Her hair was pulled back, and she held her baby close to her. His son.

His eyes opened again. Memories were elusive, almost untangable. But the ones he did receive all seemed centered about three very prominent people: Nadia, Leith, and the man who looked just like him. Carefully, he reached out with two fingers of his left hand and ran them gently, fondly, down her jaw, shoulder, arm, wrist….His hand halted when it reached her hand, where her ring was nestled on her finger. He looked at his own ring that matched.

He was troubled deep inside. Something told him he was needed somewhere, that he had to find something long abandoned. His mind was too restless for sleep, so he made his way outside to the ruins of Landis. Memories long abandoned began to stir slightly within him. He only saw flashes: The river, where they did most of the work. The governor's old, stately house upon the hill. There's where he killed the soldier by snapping his neck. That's where he and the man who looked like him argued. Nadia worked at the Technick shop, which was just to his left. And here was where everyone died or was captured.

When he found himself able to think clearly again, he started walking. Though his breath was shallow and his heart raced, he dared not stop. The answers lay somewhere beyond—and he was eager to find them.

--- ---

It was some time later that Nadia jumped at a noise she heard within the dimly lit room. She was groggy and some bit confused, as she didn't realize she had fallen asleep at all. Leith lay resting on her arm. Parts of her felt numb from being in one solid position for far too extended a time. She gently leaned Leith over on the bed and then stood, searching the room. "Gabranth?" She called gently. "Is that you?" She heard it again—a soft clash, as if someone were just outside in armor.

The man came into a focus, and she realized to her horror that it was not Gabranth at all. He was dressed in full body armor, in a helmet that looked very much like a wolf's. Two swords hung on each side of his belt. She recognized him immediately as the New Judge—Ralis. The thing that frightened her most was that he was not alone. Behind him came in a dozen other men—all Archadian—dressed for battle. He did not say one word to her, but merely looked around the room for a moment. He was probably remembering that, as a cadet, he had stormed into this very room and killed any resistance. He tilted his head at her with a soft chuckle. "Take the boy," he ordered.

"No!" She cried, running backwards to wake him. Leith was already awake, however, and she bumped into him on the back-step. "Run!" She told him, shoving him towards the Jahara escape.

"But Mommy!" His eyes were frightened, and he began to cry.

"Don't let them catch you! Run! Now!"

When the soldiers advanced, she charged her magick that Gabranth had taught her to use and sprayed the warriors with a Firaga spell. For a moment, smoke clouded up the room. She coughed hard and backed away, blocking the entrance to the Jahara escape.

The little boy was obedient enough and managed to get a good head start before the smoke and flames cleared. When all was done, about eight were left standing. "They warned you were an avid magick user, my lady," he purred. "Good thing we were all carrying Tetra Elementals. Thank you for your kind healing."

She looked around quickly for some sort of defense. She knew nothing about fighting. Her main expertise was science, and along with that, technicks. She knew not of the difference between a broadsword and a dagger. In response, she cast as many technicks would save her for the time being, and then found a pillow to throw at his face while she tried to dive away.

He caught her on the down stroke.

She fell hard as the armored fist caught her in the shoulder blade. "Where did you conceal the Nethicite?" He asked.

She rolled over, got to her elbows, and backed away. "I have no Nethicite."

"You lie," he replied. "My reports say you have used it of late. Where is it?"

"I swear," she argued, "I have no Nethicite! I left it all under lock and key back at Draklor lab. I had no need of it here."

He reached over and grabbed her shirt, hauling her to her feet. "My orders are to destroy you. If you'll not tell me where the Nethicite is hidden, I will have no choice but to do so slowly. It is the only substance capable of either destroying or glorifying the empire. I will have it to bring to my superiors, or else!"

Her eyes fell over the other soldiers, who all watched in unfeeling fascination. Somewhere outside, her boy was running for his life. Noah was out there—he could be anywhere—wandering aimlessly about without any recollection of his previous existence. She had sought to give her family justice and peace, and she had only caused failure. Basch had been right. The Nethicite was nothing but trouble. "Gabranth!" She shouted, loudly.

"He won't help you now," he shouted, grabbing instead for her throat. He held her there, suspended in mid-air. Her eyes widened as she fought for breath. "Tell me where it is!" He paused. "I'll kill your son."

Her face filled with undeniable fury and frustration. She couldn't have been able to tell he was bluffing. In reality, the senate wanted the boy alive. She was too busy surviving to ascertain the untruthfulness behind his words. "Rot in hell," she managed.

"Gabranth!" Shouted one of the soldiers quickly, in a panic. That's when Ralis turned to see Judge Magister Gabranth come through the door in full armor, followed by Lord Larsa and his companions. "What should we do, sir?"

"Kill them all!" He snarled, tossing Nadia away from him. She gulped for air. Basch continued to advance on them.

"But sir! Lord Larsa….You are the guardian of the throne!"

"Hence I say kill the wretch! We're all dead if he catches us here. I am Judge Magister! Kill the traitors by my word!"

It was then that the world went into a complete blur as Nadia struggled to keep her consciousness.

---

"Noah!" Basch shouted to his blood-saturated brother. "We are being overwhelmed!"

"No!" He shouted back. "We can hold our own here!"

Basch shook his head sadly as one of his companions fell down dead in front of him, and he had to spend his sword again on his slayer. "Landis is dying! We need reinforcements if we wish to hold against them."

His brother stared at him in disbelief. "You'll never make it in time," he argued.

"Perhaps not today. We withdraw; we seek the might to quell their forces. If naught else, we shall be avenged of the blood here spilled." He paused, drawing Noah aside to a secure wall behind the perimeter. "I say we surrender," he announced. "There is no shame in sparing our companion's lives. I will go to Dalmasca to gain more forces. The king there is already in opposition to the empire. He will help."

Noah shook his head. "King Raminas is a senile old fool who cares more for the delights of his daughter than the burdens of war."

"I believe in him. He has offered support to the surrounding nations…"

"We began this war together. You want to leave now, brother?" He stared at him in disbelief. "All of this was your idea. You were sure we could hold."

"I was wrong, Noah."

"And what if you are wrong also about this matter?" He shook his head. "No. You do as you think you ought. But I will not surrender. I will defend my country. I will avenge my father's blood. And I will not hand over Nadia to their kind to be ripe for the taking."

Basch caught his retreating brother's arm and pulled him back. "They did not attack with airships. Even if they had, the paling fell two hours since. We cannot hold our own any longer. The barricades will not stand! If we continue to fight this battle, we will all be carcasses slain by morning."

"Even if I felt you were right, I cannot ask my people to do that. They have pride!" He hit his chest. "I have pride! I have honor! These are two things they cannot take, no matter how they mean to take us. For those rights, I will die, my brother. But I will not die today. Ask the men what they wish now. I invite you! See if they take up your plan!" He went to leave again, but once again, Basch stopped him.

His eyes were sad as he gazed at him. "I must go. I have vowed to defend Landis, and defend her I shall. With greater numbers we have greater chances of winning."

Noah shook him off. "Do as you wish, coward."

With that he ran quickly to the front lines, leaving Basch to drown in his own despair.