--This one is going to be a good deal shorter. I'm trying to not drag on the plot, while at the same time revealing some more pointed background information about Gabranth's life; what tilted him over the edge. It also has some definite romance, but I'm trying to save it before it gets too mushy. Please bear with me with these next two updates. After that will be the anticipated climax: Ashe will get into some action, and Larsa will figure out exactly what the whole death plot for Nadia really meant. Oh, and there are a few wild loops in the plot line I think you'll find most interesting. Stay tuned! )--

7.

Basch was busy within his master's consultation room when Nadia Fon Ronsenburg walked in. It was apparent she was not pleased with the reasons why she was here; however, she took it all in a manner of humble acceptance.

As for his part, he had been busy staring out the window for the past thirty minutes while Larsa had tried to write up a speech for Ashe's coronation ceremony. Just thinking about going home was enough to make him whimsical. Mainly Ashe herself came to his mind. Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca. Only a year prior she had won the freedom of her people. Not only that, but secured a relative peace among the three great nations of their time. It seemed not so long ago that he comfortingly had laid a hand upon her shoulder as she announced the freedom she had so yearned for. She was a natural leader. Not only was she of the Dynast King's lineage, but she also was a great warrior, a great provider, and a great judge. He was sure all in Rabanastre welcomed her back with open arms. He only wished he could have seen the look on her face when they threw her the parade. He could almost see the tears in her blue eyes as she smiled; her hand arching as he waved to the crowd. This time of the day, she was probably on the balcony, looking out the window….the same as he was now.

"I should have started this speech days ago," Larsa muttered to him, not noticing Nadia approaching. "Now that I'm in a hurry I'm afraid I have no words."

"My Lord," he nodded to her, as she had stopped to smile at them both.

"Ah, yes, Nadia," Larsa put down his quill pen with a sigh at the words he had written. (It went something like, "We, the people of Archades…") "You have certainly arrived quickly to my summons."

She glanced at Basch. "I've wronged you enough, by lord, the least I can do is show up when you summon me."

His cerulean eyes gleamed as he took her in. "I almost regret passing such judgment, as you have always been entirely faithful to Archades."

She cocked her head, curious.

"If naught else, you supported your husband's occupation—when we both know it would have spared you much to leave for Dalmasca on the first transport out. I have never apologized to you for my brother's aggressive notions. I do so now." He bowed to her genteelly.

She looked shocked, and tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded back. "It was not your fault my lord. But I still need the truth."

"Is that why you pursued such action?"

She hesitated. "It is one of many reasons. Mainly I only missed him."

Basch was confused. They were speaking of something he had no knowledge of. Quite frankly, he would have appreciated being let into the secret. However, he understood it was not his place to interject at this particular moment, so he waited patiently, listening carefully for any clues.

"I see. Well, as you have agreed, it was an error of judgment to use such abilities without my knowledge. Your task was to destroy the Nethicite in the easiest way possible. You betrayed the confidence I gave you when you took such action. You have endangered many, despite your intentions, for the Nethicite is now lost and possible unrecoverable. Do you understand why punishment is necessary?"

"I do, My Lord."

"Do you have any statements for your defense?"

Her eyes turned up to Basch. He had seen that look before, when they had been very young. Confident, prideful belief had been engrained in her. "I normally would say no, as it is apparent there should be no reason good enough to justify my actions," she replied. "But I will say this. The last note I saw my husband on was a bitter one. An uncertainty hovered in my thoughts. It kept me awake and haunted me. Not only that, either. My son adored his father. He was just beginning to recognize the role his father had to play when he died. So I will admit that I did it for myself, for my son. More than that, I did it for the two of you present here now. Nevertheless, I did it mainly for Gabranth."

"I do not understand," Basch replied. "How so? He was dead."

Her eyes turned misty, seeming to stare straight through the room into another time and place. "He lived all his life after Landis with such hate," She replied. "I told him not too early before he died that Noah had slowly faded inside of his shell of an Arhadian judge. He was nothing but Gabranth. I had not married Gabranth, and I wanted it not. I only wished to have Noah back. I tried to convince him that he was more than an overlord bent on Dalmasca's destruction, more than a man who hated his brother enough to kill him. He was no doubt struggling with those feelings when he left that day…" She shook her head, trying to clear it out from whatever memory was haunting her inside of her brain. "I never saw him again. From what you have spoken, you would have me believe he redeemed himself. He believed that in one absolute act, he would be forgiven by anyone he had ever harmed, either directly or indirectly. That just isn't so, my Lord. How does everyone remember him? Not as a good man who gave his life for the future peace and stability of Ivalice; They remember him as a cold-blooded murderer who felled their cities and took no prisoners. No doubt this farce of Gabranth living on is somewhat responsible for that. Redemption is never found in the absolute. Redemption is found through time and much hard labor. I am giving him his chance, my Lord. I will never believe it is worth nothing."

When she finished her speech, Basch could have sworn he could hear a pin drop in the room. Larsa looked sorely troubled. In one bold strike, she had just shot down any attempt for him saying she was wrong. No doubt he felt he owed Gabranth something for his sacrifice, and no doubt he felt in part responsible for the image that he had in the eyes of all the people. After all, he had been the one to put Basch in his place; he was the one who had a memorial provided in secret on a secluded hill in a deserted Mount Bur-Omisace. It had been necessary, but no one did believe him a hero. Everyone believed him to be a Judge who was lead hither and thither by the whims of the Emperor he served. He went to the window for a moment, sighing deeply, and then turned to her. "All true, Nadia. He has given himself to a wise woman." He nodded. "Nevertheless, justice is put upon me by anyone who would ever know of such things, by anyone whom the Nethicite might harm. Therefore, I am hereby removing you of your position in Draklor Laboratory. You must never study science or magicks again, as long as you live in the Archadian territories. Do you understand?"

She bowed deeply, taking the judgment with courage. "Yes, My Lord."

"However…."

Her eyes turned up to him in surprise.

"I have heard much wisdom in you over the years, lady Ronsenburg. Your last statement only proves it. You are humble enough to admit when you are wrong, forceful enough to make a convincing argument, and it is no secret that you hate war and yearn for peace within all of Ivalice."

Basch smiled to himself, knowing that some honor was about to be put upon her. It was only right that she deserved it, she who had done so much—for he and his brother.

"I….thank you, my Lord…." She was puzzled, unsure of where this was going.

"In addition to a strong sword and shield that is provided by Gabranth and his kin, I'm afraid a young ruler such as myself lacks experience and wisdom, something a good ruler genuinely needs. This may have been provided in Drace, had she not died so suddenly. However, I beseech you now: Would you accept the position as Royal Advisor, as you will no longer be serving in the field of Scientific Research?"

She looked visibly stunned. A drifting chocobo feather would have knocked her over. How was this punishment? This was double the honor! Her mouth opened and closed. She looked at Basch, as if waiting for him to tell her it was all a mistake, but he only smiled and nodded his head slowly. It was indeed then, all true. Her eyes went wide as she looked back at Larsa, and somehow managed to find her voice. "Y…yes, my Lord…I…"

"Excellent. I shall need my advisor and my bodyguard with me when I travel to the Royal City of Rabanastre. Perhaps it is best, then, if you go and get your family ready to leave in a few hours."

She bowed hurriedly and left, repeating her thanks enthusiastically. Basch smiled at Larsa, pleased. "There are times when I enjoy serving under your orders more than necessary," he told him.

Larsa shot him a sarcastic look. "You thought I would not show mercy."

"I thought nothing of the sort."

They argued good-naturedly for a while, before Basch respectfully reminded Larsa that he should return to his speech before all gift of writing was lost for good.

As for Nadia, she returned to her residence in a joyful mood. She couldn't imagine things going any better. Whatever happened before, whoever stole her Nethicite, she could care less. All that mattered now was Noah was with her and her son would have a father and an uncle. There would be consented peace in Ivalice in a few days' time. And finally, she could get some rest since even before Landis. She smiled warmly at Gabranth as he glanced up at her from entertaining his son. Everything would finally be settled. She would get her answer soon enough. Until then, she only wanted to enjoy these moments.

--- ---

Balthier had nothing in particular to do in Archades. The only thing he could do was re-live some unpleasantness, so he preferred to idle by, doing whatever he wished. Fran had been in a somewhat sour mood since they had met up with Gabranth—though he would never be able to figure why. He would have normally spent some time in the bars with her, but her present disposition was making it more than difficult. During these times, he enjoyed a nice bottle of spirits on the stern of his airship. But alas, fate wouldn't even allow him that.

He came around the corner, whistling to himself, cradling the bottle in his hand. The label said it was a good ten years old. Perfect! As his notes died off, however, he put his hand on his hip in aggravation. "Don't you have your own airship?" He asked Vaan, who apparently hadn't heard him come in the holding bay.

The young man blushed fiercely, pulling away from an equally pink Penelo. "Oh…h…hey, Balthier!" He brushed at his lower lip, glancing at his partner. She turned around and walked around the corner quickly to avoid any further embarrassment. "Me and Penelo were just talkin' about…"

He put up his hand in aggravation, silencing him. "Please spare me the details." He gave Vaan a sideways look for a moment. When had this happened?! Part of him wanted to congratulate the boy on finally making a move for his girl. The other part was totally put out about his choice of locations for the job. "You know you are a sky pirate now. You have an image to keep up. You don't see Fran and I carrying on such nonsense."

From out of the blue, Fran exited the Strahl from the ramp that separated he and Vaan. She gave Balthier a sideways glance before sticking her little pointed nose in the air, walking away in a huff.

Balthier and Vaan watched her walk out in little trippy steps angrily. "What's she so mad about?" Vaan wondered aloud.

Balthier glanced down at the spirits in his hand before raising his eyes to Vaan. He suddenly had realized why Fran was in such a foul humor. He needed a drink very badly. "Split it fifty-fifty?"

Vaan grinned.

--- ---

The battle at Nabudis had taken much longer than expected. It had waged on a full month, now. Even with Prince Rasler based in Rabanastre, it seemed as if he was with his people in spirit. They fought for their aging king, bravely dying like martyrs for their cause. Lord Vayne had begun to grow most impatient. His father, His Excellency Gramis Solidor, had recently put him in charge of the Imperial forces. As his first march in the campaign, he chose Nabudis. Gabranth fought valiantly for Vayne, though he had recently taken his older brother's lives. Drace was most upset and had absolutely refused to come along, pleading with the Emperor to remain and aid Larsa in his governmental training. Poor Gabranth wished he had such luxury. The battle was beginning to wear on him.

On the fateful day that Rabanastre lent aid, Gabranth was in the Catoblepas airship. From there, he coordinated the air strike with the ground forces that Zecht was in charge of. They were not doing well against the Rabanastre fleet. Apparently such resistance was spearheaded by a new Captain based only a little further than Nabradia. Everyone knew in their hearts who this new Captain was. It put Gabranth in even a much darker mood, so that the messenger approaching him from behind literally prayed before disturbing him.

"Your Honor…"

"I have no time for your idle words!" Gabranth cut him off sharply. His voice was edgy, even with the muffled effect of his helmet.

He bowed humbly. "But, my lord. I was asked by Lord Larsa himself…"

"Signal in Zecht on the east perimeter. It appears here to be the only gap." Gabranth was pointing to a chart in front of the communications officer. It was apparent that he was paying no attention whatever to the messenger.

He cleared his throat, trying once more. "Your Honor, please…"

"Out with it, man, before I lose my patience!" Gabranth spun on him, clenching a fist in anger.

"M…my…Sir! Lord Larsa wished me to tell you that your son was born only a few moments ago. He hoped it would give you incentive to finish and come back to Archades!" After delivering the message, he stepped back in a safe distance—he thought—from Gabranth's reach.

He hesitated for a moment, clearly not knowing how to react. Behind the mask, his lips parted and his eyes went wide. Then, ever so slowly, a soft twinge of a smile came assuredly through. 'I knew it would be a boy,' he thought, looking down at the iron grating on the floor. Then he looked sharply at the messenger. "Nadia? His mother?! How is she?"

"Lord Larsa reported that she is well—resting after the great ordeal."

"A son!" He exclaimed, grabbing the messenger by the shoulder. He chuckled, slapping him on the shoulder jovially.

"No doubt soon to be a welcome addition to our cause," the messenger replied, finally stepping away.

The chuckle died on his lips. The very thought made him shudder. His son? In war? He turned back to the communications board just in time to see the blinding flash of light that came from the east perimeter. Only a few minutes later, Nabudis was obliterated into nothing but smoldering ash and cinders.

--- ---

He surveyed the damage. He felt a hard pang inside of his chest as he gazed over Nabudis. There were no prisoners to take, no refugees to chain and lead away. Everything had been destroyed in one bold stroke. He shut his eyes to the sight of the burning bones of the fallen. The air smelled like seared flesh and polluted smoke. It took everything within him not to gag on the sensation. Lord Vayne walked up beside him as Gabranth stared about in shock, agape in wonder. His helmet was the only thing that preserved his measure of dignity before his men. "Hmm.." Vayne tilted his head to one side, gazing at the debris. "Good work, faithful hound," he told him.

"What?!"

"Such a fate is deserving of those who would not bend knee to the Archadian throne. Peace, Gabranth, demands a stern image."

The young Judge Magister shook his head as the last building shook on it's foundation and crumbled, rolling flames casting heat over the party; the few men surveying away from them ran a pace away to protect themselves. Zecht was missing. His brigade had reported in, saying they had heard nothing of him since he had used the Nethicite. No doubt he had abandoned the mission and left, head tucked in shame. Part of Gabranth despised him for being so cowardly. The other part—he sighed as he thought of it—despised himself for not doing the same. His faith in Vayne was shaken. Though he knew he must serve him, he no longer felt he could serve him with a complete heart.

"Does it pain you to see such destruction?" Vayne asked him.

He kept his voice neutral carefully. "It reminds me much of Landis."

Vayne nodded in satisfaction at his answer. "Fear not. Your retribution will soon come quickly. All that is necessary will be deemed acceptable at that time."

"Yes, my Lord." Gabranth bowed to him. Just as he turned to board Catoblepas again, he caught a flash of steel from the corner of his eye. He turned on instinct, pushing Vayne out of the way and catching the weapon himself.

Though he was wearing armor, the piercing weapon cut a ribbon on his side that burned with a fire not unlike that of the city before him. He stumbled back for a moment before drawing his own blade. Before he realized what had happened, the last remaining Nabudis citizen laid slain by his own hand. He glared at the corpse as he touched his bloody ribs. "Are you safe, my Lord?" He asked Vayne. He pressed his palm into the wound, casting a cure spell on himself. He could feel the torn flesh begin to knit a bit.

"Good work, Gabranth. Your ruthlessness would do well in my kingdom." Giving the wound a look that seeped disdain and disgust, he stepped past Gabranth and into his own warship, his ever-faithful Judge Bergan waiting at the entrance.

Gabranth cast one last neutral gaze to the victim before boarding his own ship and departing for his homeland…Archades. Safe within it's borders that very evening, he enjoyed the company of his fatigued wife and newborn child. The only time he thought of Nabudis was when his wound pained him a bit; he thought of the citizen in hate. Otherwise, it was if nothing had happened at all. Thus was Gabranth's new conscience.