9.

Ashe woke up in a very pleasant mood. She cared very little about whether Gabranth was alive or dead. It did not matter that a Nethicite thief was on the loose. What mattered most to her was that after a day of festivities, the night would bring her coronation ceremony and peace to Ivalice. First off was a chocobo race, and she intended to take everyone by surprise by riding herself.

It was said anyone could enter, as the Jaharan people were sponsoring it and they had no shortage of feathered steeds. Indeed that was true, as hundreds of squawking birds were held at bay by their owners. As she briskly walked up on Basch, he turned to her. Undoubtedly a smile was on his handsome face, though it was covered with Gabranth's garb. "Morning, your Highness."

"And I assume you'll be riding as well?" She asked, taking in the measure of his chocobo.

"I've had some experience," he replied.

She cast him a guarded smile before she was jostled by someone behind her. She turned to see his brother—in full armor—wrestling about with a bright yellow bird of his own. Nadia was standing to his left, trying to hide a smile in her small hand. Ashe shot Basch a questioning gaze. "He wanted to ride as soon as he learned I would be competing," he answered her. "Despite his memory loss he is still fiercely competitive."

She swallowed hard. She didn't particularly care for Basch's brother. Nevertheless, she refused to let him dampen her jovial spirit. "Very well," she replied, pursing her lips together. "It matters not to I."

He nodded.

"Well, if it isn't the inspiringly beautiful Lady of Dalmasca," purred a voice behind them both.

She turned with an obvious smile, confronted by their old ally. "Al-Cid Margrace," she replied. "So you did come."

"Would I miss it!" He shifted his sunglasses further onto his face. Both of his petite servants reached out, thinking he was about to take them off. After obviously ignoring them, their hands dropped. "Every moment of this breathtaking day I will be watching; the least I could do for a woman of your…. responsibility."

Ashe struggled to maintain a diplomatic appearance. She really wanted to laugh so hard it was about to kill her.

Basch bit his tongue hard.

"In fact, I am a man of nature myself," he continued. "The Lady would not object if I rode alongside her in the race?"

She answered without hesitation. "Why of course not, Sir Margrace." She reached behind her, pulling a new Chocobo's reigns over to his hand. "In fact, the honor will most assuredly be mine."

"No doubt." He winked at her over the top of his sunglasses before his two girls helped him onto the saddle.

Basch was glad all at once that he was wearing a helmet that covered the expression on his face. As he settled onto the back of his own bird, staring at the pair, Balthier made his way over. "Competing, are we?"

"Aye."

"I never pondered you as the reckless type."

"Reckless, no. I simply ought to keep my sights on the lady during this unpleasantness of the Nethicite."

"Naturally." Basch turned to look at him at that, but Balthier's face registered no unusual expression whatsoever. "Vaan is competing, too. Very un-pirate like of him, I'll say."

"And you?" Basch replied. "Will you not ride?"

"That wouldn't do!" He scoffed. "Too much squawking; too many feathers. Give me the reins of an airship any day. I don't relish the thought of bouncing about on the back of some flightless pigeon. Besides, someone ought keep their sights on your Young Lord, as you will be busy watching the Young Lady."

The other smiled to himself. "I would entrust no other. Guard him well."

"Not to worry. Safe travels!" He slapped the chocobo on the left wing before backing away to the sidelines with Fran and Larsa. "Fly quick, 'Judge Magister'."

Meanwhile, Gabranth was still struggling to keep his chocobo under control. He finally eased into the saddle, gripping the reins tightly. He gave his wife a nervous glance. His hood felt unusually heavy and cumbersome suddenly. His boots seemed to be slightly big. His palms were sweating in the black gloves. He licked his lips, feeling the sweat trickle down between his shoulder blades. He uncomfortably wriggled. "I believe I always admired these creatures," he said aloud to her. "Gentle, docile, courageous, swift of foot…" He paused at her laughing. Little Leith even began to laugh along with her.

"Admired them? You were scared to death of them. You were thrown and trampled by one when you were six. You've always blanched at the sight of one of those things." She was still laughing as she backed away, taking her place by Balthier.

"Trampled?!" He cried aloud as the race began. By the time he got the bird in motion, he was already twelve paces behind the others.

"Was he really trampled?" Larsa asked her as they watched the competitors fade into the distance.

She couldn't stop laughing. "Not enough to injure him severely, but yes. When they were kids, Basch used to chase him around with a chocobo feather, just to see if his brother would outrun one."

They all began to laugh, then. Even Balthier was enjoying himself, despite the fact that Leith was busily going through the Sky Pirate's pockets.

--- ---

The Senators from Archades were among the last to arrive at the aerodrome. They disembarked in full regal wardrobe: long robes, hoods, and durable boots and chains. The first to step off turned to the other three before the greeter began to approach. "All of Archades counts on this day. There must finally be a peace. The life of Archades must not be diminished."

The second senator stared at the first before responding. His accent was thick and clearly not Archadian. "To be sure; and yet, Archades will not be the only to profit. All of Ivalice will know order."

"Of all about me you are the least I trust or respect," the feminine voice snapped. "Should you betray us now, your punishment will be severe."

"Do not make threats," the third stepped in. "We have all decided on the course of action. Be wary you yourself are not the traitor."

"Traitor?! I have served Archades more diligently than all of you combined!"

"Military expertise means little in the way of loyalty," Offered the fourth. "Or do you forget about Zecht and Ffamaran?"

The Senator spun on him quickly. "I trained all of the Judges, including those fools! I am their Master, and henceforth wiser and more powerful. You should not question my responsibility in this matter at all!"

"A moot point considering the Judges are loyal to the Emperor," Stated the Foreign Second.

"As are we all," inserted the third quickly. "Gentlemen, I believe our escort is advancing." They turned to see the Rabanastre envoy coming towards them rapidly, all smiles and pleasure.

They said not another unnecessary word until they arrived at the Dalmascan castle and shown their quarters.

--- ---

The end of the race determined that neither rival brother, nor sky pirate, nor Queen had won. A man named Sloan from Giza settlement won first place. Basch came in second, and Vaan tied third with Queen Ashe. Jaharan tribals praised their victory as Gabranth finally rode in, close to last, extremely perturbed at the whole situation. "You might have informed me that I cannot ride one of these to save myself," he griped at his wife as he dismounted and shoved away the unfortunate bird.

She laughed at him, ignoring his demeanor. "I did."

"Pray tell me before the race, next!" He eyed Basch as he fussed. "Where is my son?"

"He took a shine to a sky pirate." She pointed to Balthier who had a shadow of a four-year old beside him every spare moment. Leith stood the way he did, copying his gestures perfectly. Nadia laughed as the boy began dusting cufflinks that weren't even there. "I'm concerned that it's going to become a career of his. He got his hands on everything the man possessed, down to the lint in his pockets."

Gabranth shook his head. "Lay no blame on his father. I've not been about the last year of his life."

"It is my fault, is it?" She replied, pretending to be quite put out.

"Basch tells me you are the adventurous type, after all."

She opened her mouth to reply when the incognito twin appeared. "Good ride," he offered his brother his hand.

Gabranth refused to shake it. "You have outdone me."

His hand dropped. "As is common," he teased. He shrugged and began to walk away.

Nadia's husband gave a double take at his retreating form and went after him, objecting to the last statement.

Balthier approached, feebly fending off the four-year old. "Have you misplaced something of yours?" He griped, handing the boy over.

"I apologize. He's taken quite a liking to you."

"Perhaps he is father material," Fran suggested mildly.

Balthier shot her a look of aggravation.

Nadia paused, taking her son by the hand and giving them a concerned look. "Ffam…Balthier… I've been quite concerned about the new owners of the Nethicite. Is there any reason to suspect that it could be the Senate itself that is behind its disappearance?"

His expression turned thoughtful. His eyes drifted until they rested on Ashe and Larsa, who were talking a few yards away. "Not unfathomable," he admitted. "They have been known to stretch the rules a bit. I must admit, though, it would not explain why they were out to murder you." He took a step back almost unconsciously, away from Leith's outstretched left hand.

"I've been thinking on that," she replied as she picked up her son to keep him from Balthier. "If they were so meaning on killing me only, would they not have tried again by now? It is obvious that the intent was to retrieve the Nethicite only."

"Or perhaps it was merely a prelude to a larger plan," Fran replied.

Both looked at her. Balthier's face registered slight pride, as if to say, 'that's my Fran for you'. "You have been granted Lord Larsa's favor," He offered.

She hesitated, looking up at the sky for a moment. "You think they are trying to get to Lord Larsa?"

He shrugged. "I merely state the particulars."

Fran shook out her long hair with a toss of her head. "There has been much discontent in Archades since the halt of the eastern advance."

Right about then, Gabranth walked up, in a hurry to back to the palace after his defeat. "I will bring it to His Excellency's attention," she said quickly. "You both have my thanks." After that, they left.

Balthier looked at his partner in admiration. "We make quite a team, you and I."

"I agree." Instead of smiling in return, she gave him a look that made his blood curdle and walked away. He began to go the opposite direction, but halted in mid-step. Never in his life had he seen Fran act in such a preposterous way. He was, quite frankly, weary of dealing with it. Therefore, despite premonitions that he should leave her be, he turned and followed her. He vowed to get to the bottom of the situation before the ceremony that night. He just couldn't go on living with Fran's displeasure. When Fran was upset, no man could stand.

--- ---

Gabranth didn't remember most of the trip to Ridorana. What he did remember was thinking over his life. Every turn held a mistake, a grievance against him. For Landis, it was not surrendering as his wayward brother had implored. As much as he blamed Basch for the felling of his homeland, it was as much his own fault. To add insult to injury, he aided the empire that had destroyed his homeland. He had become a Judge thinking to protect Nadia and his people, and he only had become a stranger to them both. He had killed his best friend and comrade in the hopes of doing something noble. His son hardly knew him at all. And to top it all off, his actions had put the only person who cared about him the most in a disastrously ill state.

And why could he blame himself? How dare he blame himself! If Basch had not promised such glory and then abandoned them all, none of these events would have happened in the first place. Landis would still be standing, despite being occupied by the empire. He would be going on hunts and tending farmland back home instead of raiding homes and plundering countries. Watching, no doubt, Nadia playing with his kids instead of fading away in a hospital in enemy territory. It was a good thing, too, that he was on his way to confront Basch. Perhaps if he made his brother pay…if he could snuff out what was left of his failed life…justice would finally rest in his heart. They may even reward him for murdering his own family in Archades. After all, the Empire festered familial hatred. What more could be expected from a ruler that murdered his own kin for the sake of the Empire? He thought with some irony about how a murderer could become a hero in that nation.

Furthermore, Princess Ashelia Dalmasca's constant resistance brought on more trouble than he thought necessary. There had been no end of turmoil since she had raised her pretty head again. Did she not know what a madman Vayne was? He who did not hesitate to carry out his father's order to snuff out his own brother's lives? He who would not think it wrong to do so to Larsa? Surely war meant nothing to him. This lovely Ashe brought him a challenge he dared not refuse. If the heir to the Dalmascan throne were to disappear, no doubt a time of peace—never mind how brief—would be his once more.

He knew what he had to do. He was Judge Magister, and he must bring justice and peace. However, he could hear Nadia's voice in his mind, could see her eyes in his mind. She would never be able to forgive him if she knew he was responsible for killing his own brother, never mind the only leader of the resistance against Archades. Despite her living there, despite her working for the weapons researcher, he knew she hated Archades with every bone in her body. And why not? They had taken everything from her—even him.

Anger was his worst enemy. And he couldn't stop the uncontrollable rage welling up inside of him. He could still see her lying in the hospital ward, victim of everything evil since Landis. He felt the need to strike out at someone, anyone. Ironically, he was on his way to Ridorana to do just that. He would goad the Princess into a fight. In destroying her he would quell the Insurgence. Basch would come to her aid. This would allow him chance to make Basch pay for his crimes, once and for all. War would be averted, Larsa would be safe, and the war criminals would be dealt with. Afterwards, he would help Lord Larsa take action against his brother Vayne. Larsa would bring peace to the nation. In that peace would stand he and his family, finally happy. Once Nadia could see what good his being a Judge had done, she would forgive him. She had to. It was his only hope in retrieving his honor.

--- ---

"Such strength…inhuman!" Now he knew what Drace had meant by those words. Every muscle in his body had ached from the strike from Venat. He mused to himself that it was what he justly deserved for striking out in anger. He had wanted to kill Cidolfus Demen Bunansa, and he didn't even know exactly why. He only remembered wanting revenge for every unpleasant thing that had happened to him up to that point. Still, the pain from Venat's blow was nothing compared to the pain he was feeling now.

What had happened? He struggled to retain the information. He remembered approaching his brother from the back, slowly making his way in for the strike. He knew his brother heard him, so he paused, waiting for Basch to react.

"So…you have lived."

Gabranth licked his lips, feeling pain run inside and out. "I am Judge Magister." He had told himself in his mind that he had honor, pride, and power. He had stumbled on nothing in particular, feeling another sharp pain pierce him from his back to his naval. He caught his breath hard, shakily standing tall again. "Even in disgrace." In his mind, he saw Nadia's shocked eyes as he yelled at her. He could see her lying in the hospital ward, sickened by the realization of what he had done. "My just reward for aiding the Empire that destroyed my homeland!"In the furrows of his mind, the hatred for his brother began to turn inward instead.

His brother had taken a step forward. For a moment, Basch's hate had faded as well, leaving pity in its wake. "Gabranth. Do not blame yourself anymore."

But pity was for the weak, the foolish, and the failures. Why should he blame himself? Basch was the one that had failed! Basch was the one that had abandoned he and Nadia to misery in Archades. "Silence! All was stripped from me!" He had said something else…what had he said…? He couldn't remember. He did remember suddenly realizing that it was true that he blamed himself, even more so than his brother.

There had been a battle…again…When it was over, he remembered not being able to breathe very well, and wanting very much to cry. His brother's voice: soothing, comforting, "Let this end…Noah."

His breath was hot under his mask. He had wanted to tear it off and fall on the cool titanium, just for a little while. If Nadia were here…oh, if Nadia knew of the choice he had made right then…to forgive… "I have no right to that name."

"Then live," His brother had told him. "And reclaim it."

He had known he had to live, at least for a little while.

What had happened next? Oh, yes. Larsa had been in danger. He had fought Vayne. How did he get injured…?

The blade had hit him in his mask, tearing off half. How ironic. Half Gabranth, half Noah. It was then that he had decided. He had to sacrifice himself for everyone: For Larsa, so that he may live; For Nadia, so that she would have faith in him again; For Leith, so that he could be raised in peace; and for Basch—so that they would again be brothers. A thought occurred to him at that moment; the first words that Nadia had said in Archadian confinement. He had said the words aloud to Vayne, relishing the thought: "Even a stray has pride."

What then? Oh, yes…that is where this pain came in. He had been injured. But it mattered not. He had asked his brother if Larsa was a good master. His brother had said yes. He had found redemption at last. That is all that mattered.

That, and the fact that his same brother—the one he once hated--was now gripping his hand tightly; Undoubtedly praying that his twin hold on to what was left of his existence. Basch wanted him to live. After all he had done, he was forgiven. That, he supposed, was redemption enough.

---

Alright, everybody! I'm working double-time to finish this thing. I'm estimating my next update to be by the end of the week. Three chapters left, and I feel like they will fall in pretty quick succession. Thanks for your patience; I had to get this just right. Much gratitude for the feedback; please keep it coming. It keeps me motivated and inspired. Happy reading!