Final Fantasy 12

TRUE FEELINGS

CHOKE

Fran felt the breath being choked and squeezed out of her. The wood was screaming at her with hatred and fierce denial. It was threatening and angry and through her long life, she had never known the wood to be so full of revulsion . She heard the soul of the wood and its repugnance.

"What have you done?!"

"How could you?! How DARE you! We gave you birth! We are a part of you!"

All she could do was ask herself those same questions. The wood barely spoke to her, but now it screamed. Why? Why was it making her feeling like this?!

"GO AWAY!"

The hand that struck out, was all that the wood needed to abandon her completely. The Hume male fell to the floor and didn't get up.

Giza Plains: Year: 707

The nightmares would never end. He felt the shame and dishonour just as much as the gnawing hunger which growled in his stomach. His wrists and ankles were raw as his thinning skin broke against the bonds that tied him to the cage, his naked body was frail and weak, ribs poked through his skin, excrement, dirt and blood soiled all over him. Only a few times he recalled being taken from his cage and cleaned with the bare minimum of effort or care…they laughed and mocked him, they told him that soon he would die. He gladly welcomed it at times, he hoped that every time he closed his eyes, it would be the last and never again would he endure such agony.

He screamed. He called out for the only thing he was clinging to life for. She would never come.

He was already dead.

Basch woke suddenly, bolting up right in a bed that was too small for him. He was drenched in a horrid sticky sweat, he was choking for breath, his mouth was dry and sore, his bones ached. He felt so weak.

Then he saw her. the young girl was in a bed across the small hut. She was dowsed in a thick blanket, her bunches of white blonde hair released and hanging around her shoulders. Her skin was pale and weakened, but she was staring at him with a fierce determination and worry.

"You're safe…its okay!" she gasped. Had she too heard his horrendous cries in his sleep? Basch could not respond with anything except a deep and fatigued moan. "We're in the Nomad village…Elder Brunoa took care of you…you were quite delirious. Basch…I have to let you know! The Garif….they have Ashe….they are looking after her!"

"Where am I?" he yawned, frowning that the bed he lay on was far too small.

"This is Brunoa's place." Penelo replied. "Her hut was the only one that had a bed large enough to contain you. She remembered all we did to help her before and was only to happy to help. You…you were screaming a lot. I thought you were in agony…are you okay, Basch?"

"Drained. But uninjured. Thank you, Penelo." Basch stretched and got up, until he noticed he wasn't wearing anything. Embarrassment came over him just as quickly as the bed sheets had slipped off him. He scrambled back onto the bed and dragged the sheets over his lap. "Erm…Penelo?"

"I've got my eyes closed." she said. "Your clothes and armour are right next to you. But you should still rest, Brunoa said that..."

"We need to go to Jahara immediately." Basch said as he picked up his clothes and quickly dressed. "The Queen will need us."

"But the Garif are looking after her, there is no rush." Penelo sighed as Basch placed on his Judge's helmet. "Do you HAVE to wear that ghastly thing?"

"Where are the others?"

"Already up, I guess."

"Go and fetch them. We leave now."

"What?! Can I get dressed first?!"

"Of course, but do so quickly."

Penelo nodded, but she did not move until Basch had left the hut. As she dressed, Penelo worried about the recent events. The attack on her and Ashe was obviously a lure for Basch…and having watched him sleep last night was disturbing. Penelo had desperately tried to wake him, but his night terrors were too deep and strong.

Once satisfied with her appearance, Penelo headed for the door. Looking out, she saw that the rains had stopped, but the black clouds overhead threatened to open up at any moment. She could already see Basch's huge bulking form over by the Chocobo pens. He was itching to get away, his obsession was so evident in his body language that Penelo couldn't stop smirking. Even after this time away, Basch hadn't changed at all, he hadn't forgotten his Knightly vows and who he had sworn them to.

"We will take four Chocobos." said Basch to the little Moogle hovering daintily by the pens. "But not that one. It's in heat."

"Of course, kupo!" came the Moogle's feminine squeak. "Poor thing needs to have some…"

"Here's the money…" Basch quickly gave the Moogle a bag of gil and lead the Chocobos out into the open. He held onto two of their reigns, but he was looking round impatiently for the others.

"Danver is just coming." said Penelo approaching the smallest of the yellow birds. She petted it lovingly, trying to ignore Basch's impatience. "Balthier should be along soon. Basch…."

"Penelo!"

"Sorry….'Gabranth'…relax…please. We will get to her. When she comes round, she will be so glad to see you." Before Basch could ask, the seventeen year old girl held up her hand. She edged away from the ear wigging Moogle and lowered her voice. "Ashe was woken up a couple of nights ago by one of her servants. Who…I don't know. She was told that "Judge Gabranth" had been wounded. A battle with a fiend out in the Giza plains and that you were said to be near death. Ashe didn't hesitate. She set out immediately to find you. If I hadn't been up and spotted her…she would have gone on her own. I couldn't talk her out of it…well I wanted to get Vaan and maybe some other guards, yet she just wouldn't wait! But when we got here…we searched everywhere! There was no sign of you, no blood or…icky bits…"

"Icky bits?"

"Body parts! There was nothing! We couldn't even figure out what you would be doing here, when you should have been back in Archades. We both knew then that it was a trap. Six Bangaa eventually caught us by surprise. We put a up a fight, but Ashe was injured…then we were both tied and gagged. I don't know what they wanted to do with us, not kill us…I knew that…but one of them had mentioned that someone knew who you really were. Someone knows that Captain Basch Fon Ronsenberg wasn't executed. He still lives and that someone isn't happy at all! If it hadn't been for War-Chief Supinelu we would have been stranded or kidnapped! Basch….what are we going to do?"

"We will go to her majesty." said Basch solemnly. "See her well and safe back at Rabanastre. Then I will find these Bangaa."

"Just you?!" Penelo shook her head. "I don't think so Basch! I want to help you and I know Vaan, Balthier and Fran will join us! Larsa also. Ashe will want to help you as well….she is…she is fond of you, y'know?"

"I am just a…."

"You're fond of her too." Penelo saw his head bow and she knew him aching to contain any kind of acknowledgement, even though his feelings showed through his black Judge armour. "I'm not the only one who's caught on, Basch."

"I am only doing what I have sworn…" he said, turning to the Chocobo and prepping up the saddlebags with supplies. "It is my duty to see her safe, as is the same for Lord Larsa. Nothing more."

"But…" Penelo held her hands to her chest. "You two have been through so much together!"

"As a Knight does for his Queen. No more talk of this, Penelo. We have to leave…"

She was going to carry on, Penelo opened her mouth to say something, but she focused on her Chocobo instead and decided not to press the subject.

Basch's thoughts were weighed by the information about the attempted kidnap of the Queen. It had been a ruse, to get her away from the safety of Rabanastre and to get Basch to follow. Whoever was behind this, was after him, not Ashe. Though it still infuriated the knight that Ashe would be used in such a way and he was determined that it would never happen again.

As for "feelings" and "fondness" between him and the Queen…it wasn't an issue. He never allowed it to be. He had known her all her life, watched her grow and protected her. His feelings would never come before his duty towards her. He constantly reminded himself that he was at heart, a Knight of Dalmasca, his oath still and always would have priority. He would not falter.

"Still here, Gabranth? I almost expected you to be half way across the Ozmone plains by now."

Balthier and Danver had finally come over to them, both men were now more suitably attired for the rains of Giza, yet they still dressed in style.

"That…was amazing!" said Danver as he saddled up onto a much more docile Chocobo. "What you all did….the Quickenings of the mist?! Humes have never been able to tap into such power! How did you know?"

"Fran told us." said Penelo beaming. "She taught us all….except…..Gabranth…how did you…?"

The silence from Basch was an end to the conversation. Danver looked as if he was about to ask again, but he knew that there was more important things to be done. They had to get to Ashe.

Golomore Jungle: Year 686

Blood was everywhere. The ground was slick with it, his clothes were soaked right through to his skin with the crimson fluid and as he slowly staggered to the other side of the courtyard, he knew that some of it was his own. All around him were desiccated and hacked up corpses of Coeurls and Hell hounds, along with the festering heaps that had once been Marlboros. But it wasn't of interest to him any more.

Basch Fon Ronsenberg walked over to the creature still cowering on the floor. This was what brought him into this place. Never had he seen such a vision, even in the stories, his imaginations of what they would look like, never came close.

She looked up at him and there was still fear in her eyes so Basch approached her and laid his sword on the ground, showing her that he wasn't there to harm her. She eventually calmed and rested on her knees. This was a Viera…a wood-dweller, but she looked so young.

Her skin was a light brown mocha colour, her fingers long and claw like. She wore pale blue armour which covered up the bare essentials of her femininity, some parts attached to her legs and arms, but it was her face that enchanted this young Hume. Delicate and small beautiful features were contrasted by piercing red eyes and a pale blue helmet tried to hold back her shocking white hair that flowed past her waist. Long white velvety fur ears stuck out from the top of her head and they kept twitching as Basch got nearer.

"You're….you're a Hume, aren't you?" she said, her voice lilting with a strange ethereal tone.

"Yes." Basch replied.

"You should not be here." The Viera slowly got to her feet and she began to circle round the blood soaked teen with a look of distaste in her red eyes. "The wood doesn't allow it. We don't allow it. How did you get in?"

Basch wasn't entirely sure. Standing at the entrance to this wood, he had felt magics trying to speak in his mind, urging him to turn away and leave, but he had gone in anyway. Basch just shrugged his shoulders, but still the Viera walked round him, her long fingers poking at his arms and body. When a single claw nail caught one of Basch's wounds, he winced with pain and she jumped back suddenly.

The Viera then turned away and went over to the base of one of the trees. She foraged around in the roots, before pulling up a small handful of glittering leaves. When they were torn from the earth, a small gush of purple smoke spewed from where they had grown. She returned and gently pressed the leaves against Basch's wound. He felt a soothing sensation ooze over the wound, but his head was now starting to feel a little stoned.

"It should help it heal…and prevent it from being infected. That is the least I can do, but you must leave! If the others find you out here…it will not bode well."

"Thank you." Basch grinned, he couldn't help it, the plant's effects were giving him a wonderful high. "Are you okay?"

"I am unscathed. You saved my life from the fiends and I suppose I should thank you as well. It was my own fault for getting too deep into the wood. I have to get back to the village…"

"But…but…I have questions to ask!"

"Questions that will not be answered! Humes don't need to know of us!"

"What is your name?"

The scornful detest in her eyes faded, this Viera had never expected such a personal question from the boy. She had thought him to pelt her with requests of Viera secrets and tales, but instead, he was asking about her. She stood in front of him, her head slightly tilted to one side and she tried to get a different perspective on this Hume. Seeing him grin, choking back snorts of laughter, was not what she had ever thought Humes to be like. The plant herb she had given him was not supposed to make him like this.

"Why do you want to know my name?" she asked.

"It's polite. I am Basch. Basch Fon Ronsenberg. You are?"

"I am Jiiryn."

"Jerring."

"That is not how you say my name." she said crossly. Basch started laughing. "Nor is it funny!"

He couldn't stop giggling. The jungle around him was swaying too much, or was that him? But then as the mist filled forest became even more hazed, Basch felt himself slowly toppling over. He remembered vaguely hitting the ground with an almighty thud, before passing out.

Rabanastre: Year 703

"Do something, Captain!!" Arla sneered. "Gods know she won't listen to me! Her father wants her ready in five hours! She refuses to come out of her room, or to even get dressed!!"

Basch wasn't entirely sure of what the lady-in-waiting wanted him to do. At the delicate age of sixteen, the princess wasn't listening to anyone, not even him or Vossler. Arla had quite forcefully strode into the soldier's encampment (some of the men whistling at the sight of a woman traipsing through) and had interrupted Vossler and Basch as they were tutoring some of the younger soldiers. There had been a bit of a shouting match (in polite enough terms when in front of others) between Vossler and Arla, but in the end, it was Basch who was dragged away at Arla's insistence.

Now he was standing outside Ashe's bedroom, surrounded by worried maids and a very angry Arla standing at his side. He knocked politely on the door, but he got no response.

"GO AWAY!" came an angry scream after Basch knocked again. The Captain was only too happy to oblige, he turned round but Arla was in his way, her arms folded and a look on her face that said "Don't even think about leaving."

So he knocked on the door a third time. There was the sound of something crashing from within, fearing that something had happened, Basch forced open the door. He reacted immediately, ducking to the floor as a very large crystal ornament threw past his head and crashed against the wall.

"I SAID……." There came a startled cry. "Captain?!!! What are you doing?!!"

"I heard a crash." he said, getting up and looking at the broken ornament. He was more than grateful that he managed to avoid injury. "Are you well….?!"

The princess was sitting at her dresser, looking at the mirror and not caring at all that her brushes, make-up and other belongings were now in a huge heap on the floor. On her bed, a dress made of the finest Nabradian silk had been screwed up into a ball. Some of the maids had rushed in and were fretting over it's state. Ashe tutted in disgust and went back to looking at herself in the mirror.

She had grown into a slim and shapely teen with platinum blonde hair just touching her shoulders, her stature and poise was of a true lady, but she was acting completely the opposite. The disgusted grimace on her face made her look six years old again.

"Princess!" Arla gently pushed Basch aside and walked up to the young royal. "What is the matter! The royal party will be here soon and you're not ready at all!"

"I don't want to go!" snapped Ashe. "I know what you and father have planned and I will not agree to it!"

"But it is a good match for you, highness!" Arla replied.

"A good match?" Basch was confused.

He had not seen much of Princess Ashe, for she had suddenly ended her battle training with him and Vossler and was keeping away from them both. The past two years, she had also been so formal with him, calling all the Knights by their ranks. Basch was a little relieved at that, for he had never been too comfortable with the king's daughter being on first name basis.

"Captain!" Arla was about to hurry Basch out of the bedroom, but Ashe got to her feet and addressed him directly, completely ignoring her lady-in-waiting.

"They are going to betroth me to Nabradia's king's son!! They've planned to marry me off to some BOY I don't know and have never met!!"

"Oh."

"OH?!" Ashe was furious. "OH?! Well thank you Captain Ronsenberg for your wonderful advice! If my father or any of you are expecting me to go along with this farce, then you can think again! I will decide who I marry in the future! If I even choose to!"

Ashe stormed away and over to her balcony. With an angry shove, the silver doors flew open and the blinding light of the sun burst in upon the room. Ashe walked over to the edge of the balcony and leaned on the marble rail. Her breathing was deep with sorrow and agony ,her slender fingers clasped around her mouth, shivering with intense and flaring emotions. This was not what she wanted, it could never be.

The princess noted the two behind her, but in a stance so royal and stoic, Ashe would not acknowledge them. Her gaze lingered over her father's city. Rabanastre, Dalmasca…it would be hers. But to be wed to a boy she didn't know, she would never accept that.

The quiet lasted for too long. The tension in the air was building amongst the three of them, but Ashe could no longer bare their irritating presence. Eventually, the young woman turned away from the city and as she clasped her hands in front of her, Ashe gazed at her protector.

"You will tell my father that I will not be attending the ball, tonight." she said, commanding. "He will not change my mind."

"Will I be able to persuade you to just attend for a few minutes? If you don't like it, you can come back here."

No. Her whole body tensed with defiance at the request. Had he not heard what she had said? There was no way she was going and her decision was final. She was adamant that her father's scheme to marry her off to Nabradia's prince would not be put into action.

Ashe moved back to the balcony, her silence giving Arla and Basch the only answers they were going to receive. So they left her to wallow in her anger. She stood overlooking the city for a long while, her rage not diminishing at the site of such a glorious place, instead as she thought more and more of this arrangement, the more livid she became. This was against her wishes and she would have no part in it. It was her decision to marry, when she was ready and not at her father's say so. Deep down inside her, Ashe felt a scream building up, a fury of rage wanted to cry out and howl for the whole city to hear. Instead, she bit her lip and allowed tears to stream down her cheeks.

For the first time in her life, Asheila B'nargin, hated being who she was. She didn't want to be royalty or the heir to the throne, for people demanded too much of her and took little heed as to what she wanted or needed. The pressure from her Father was breaking her up and she had no one to confide in.

Except one. She had purposely stayed away from him, ever since she had developed her childish crush. Her training with Basch had gone well, but her concentration had waned and she couldn't keep up with the lessons. She intended to stay away from him as much as possible, but in doing so, Ashe had cut herself off from one who had always been there for her.

Ashe wiped her face free of the tears and walked back into her room. She noted the broken ornament by the door and a horrible shame came over her when she realised it had been Basch that she had thrown it at. She tided up the broken pieces and set out to find the Captain. She didn't need to go far.

As soon as she opened the door, she came face to face with the tall Knight. Ashe felt her cheeks flush, she should have known that he wouldn't have left completely.

"Captain."

"Princess….you've been crying. Are you…?"

Damn him!!! Ashe felt her rage boil up once again.

"I'm fine!" she snapped. Ashe turned back into her room and allowed the Captain to enter. When he stood paused in the doorway, standing so rigid and looking extremely uncomfortable, Ashe couldn't stop the smirk from appearing on her lips. "Come in!! I promise I won't throw anything at you."

"That is pleasing to know, Highness." Basch replied, though he still didn't move from his spot. "But I think it is….improper for me to be in……"

"GET IN!"

The shock of having the teenager yelling at him in such a manner, forced Basch to enter her bedroom. But he kept a respectable distance, staying near the door which was left open. The royal was certainly riled up more than usual and she was needing someone to talk to, but to him? He was not keen on discussing problems with the princess, they tended to be too personal.

"Captain…." Ashe slumped down onto her bed, looking at the dress that her maids had tried to un-crumple. "I don't like being told what to do…you've known that."

"Yes, Highness."

"The fact that my father has chosen me a suitor has made me so angry!!! Surely who I marry would be my choice?"

"Yes, Highness."

"So why is EVERYONE insisting that I marry this….this prince?! Doesn't no mean no?"

"Yes, Highness."

"OH for the love of the gods, Captain! Stop saying that!!!! I need advice! I need your council! Say something more than two worded sentences!"

"Yes…High…" Basch inwardly cursed himself. "Have you talked to your father? Does he know how you feel about this?"

Ashe nodded. She had tried talking to her father, but he had become just as annoyed with her temper as others had been and refused to carry on the discussion.

"All I can offer in terms of advice, princess…" he said. "Is that you attend the ball. Meet Prince Rassler and see…."

"Sorry? Who?"

"Rassler….he is the son of…."

"You know him?!!!" Ashe was getting angry again and Basch also noticed that she had easy reach of a small wooden jewellery box. He edged a little closer to the door.

"I have met him, aye." Basch said. "A fine young man."

"You've met him and didn't tell me about this?!!"

"I didn't know you were betrothed to him, but if you meet Prince Rassler…you can make up your own mind if you want to go ahead with the marriage."

"I don't want to get married!!" Ashe sneered. "Why can't people understand that?! Arggh!! I hate how this is all making me feel! I hate all this constant nagging and reminders of duty! I don't want any of this!!!"

The jewellery box flew across the room, thankfully, it went straight out of the window instead of in Basch's direction. Where or who the box eventually hit, Basch wasn't worried. His attention went back to Ashe and it was impossible to miss the streaming tears gushing from her eyes. Instinct told him to go over to her and comfort her, but his feet would not move. He would not get closer.

"Princess….."

"I'm okay…" she sniffed, gently wiping her tears away. "I guess I'm overreacting a little."

"If this situation is really upsetting you…." Basch cleared his throat. "Perhaps you would like to come down to the training quarter and continue with your lessons? It might help alleviate some of this anger you're feeling. Besides…Vossler and I would be honoured to carry on teaching you."

The smile on the young girl's face was a relief to see. Ashe got to her feet and approached him, no longer angry or upset, but pleased that he had offered to help. She gazed up at him, her eyes still glistening with remnant tears, with a look of adoration and respect.

"I would be honoured, Captain." she said. "Yet I must apologise for ceasing those lessons and being so distant. Also…I'm sorry for my temper and for nearly hitting you with that ornament. I am not myself."

"Are you feeling ill?"

Ashe tried to stifle her laugh with her hands but a snigger burst through her fingers. She gave Basch a friendly shove as she laughed, quickly moving away from him as she realised that instead of being angry, she was once again, in his presence, becoming infatuated. She had forgotten what his company did for her, his voice, those eyes…..

"I am not ill, Captain." she tried to speak with a more authoritive tone, but she couldn't stop grinning. "It's just my…..my time."

"Time?"

"Of the month??!"

One thing Ashe loved to do, especially when she was younger, was to make her two protectors, uncomfortable. Teasing Vossler had become a hobby when she was five and six, but now, seeing Basch Fon Ronsenberg reacting like this was a moment she would never forget. His eyes widened in horror, his face went bright red and he turned immediately and headed for the door.

"I will wait for you, outside." he stammered.

"Did I embarrass you, Captain?" asked Ashe, chuckling softly.

"Not at all…I…."

"You were getting all flustered because I was talking about womanly things…weren't you?" She was trying hard not to burst out in any more hysterics. Basch shook his head and muttered something under his breath. "I'm sorry. You were trying to help me and I respond by making you feel awkward."

"There is nothing to apologise for, your Highness." Basch responded, still with his back turned. "I am here to serve."

"That's good!" Ashe quickly rushed to her bed and from underneath it, pulled out her favourite weapon. It had been a while since she had used it, but she never neglected in its care. Holding the sword and it's sheath close to her chest, she brushed past the captain and went out into the corridor. Again, Basch did not move, so the princess turned back. "You can move, now. I won't talk about those….things again."

"I am relieved." Basch lifted his head and the two of them walked together down the hallway.

However, Ashe couldn't resist pushing that little bite more.

"So…Captain. Tell me…what's sex like?"

Ashe never stopped laughing as Basch collided straight into a wall.

Jahara - Land Of The Garif - Year: 707

Danver had never been to Jahara before. The heat was unbearable, certainly more humid than Dalmasca and Bhujerba. Dust and sand also kicked up into the air as they walked up to the bridge. Seeing the tall masked creatures made the young man gawp in astonishment. The Garif were taller than Gabranth, giants with strange armour and weapons, immensely intimidating. In fact, seeing the Judge next to the Garif guards, Danver thought Gabranth to be quite similar to them. The horned helm and masks were very demonic, designed to be threatening and menacing to enemies, not to allies. Danver couldn't help but feel very nervous in their presence.

The nervousness almost became panic when the two Garif guards objected immediately to their presence. They said that Humes weren't welcome here at this time, but there came a call from across the bridge and a Garif with a more elaborate and decorated mask approached.

"They are welcome here!" he said. He stopped in front of Basch, the small head of the Garif, turned as piercing yellow eyes gazed at Basch's own metal enclosure. Then the creature spotted Penelo and he rushed up to her. "Lady Penelo! You are safe! I am pleased that you returned with help. I am guessing that this Judge is also one of your acquaintances."

"Yes…it's…." Penelo was about to say Basch's name, forgetting that Danver was not aware of who he really was. "This is Judge Gabranth….protector of Emperor Larsa and friend to the Queen."

"I am War Chief Supinelu." said the Garif to Basch, even though he already knew who this colossal being was. "Welcome. Balthier…it is also good to see you again."

"Naturally." replied the sky pirate.

"I am her majesty's fiancée." piqued up Danver. "I need to see her now."

"Of course." Supinelu nodded. "She is in the care of one of our Healers. She is sleeping at the moment but I will take you to her."

The War Chief took the party across the bridge and into the village. Basch had noticed that it hadn't changed much from when he was here last. The youths were all still in training by the river Sogoht, their loud snorting and heavy blows were more vicious than Basch ever learnt and further up on the hills, the Elders were all seated around small fires deep in meditation or quiet conversation. Supinelu took them through the lull of the land, some of the Garif who remembered Penelo had greeted her, but both Basch and Danver were keeping up a very quick pace, wanting to waste no time in getting to the Queen.

Basch knew the way, he crossed the second bridge into the Elderknoll before Supinelu could even direct him there. The Garif War Chief was a little confused, but Danver saw Penelo quickly muttering something to him. The Garif nodded in understanding and quickly caught pace with both the Judge and Danver.

"Her majesty is in the Great Chief's hut before you." he said. "Sadly our great chief passed away only a few weeks ago and we are all preparing to select a new Great Chief."

"I am sorry." said Balthier sincerely. "The Great Chief was a good laugh…wise fellow too."

"Thank you."

By the time Penelo and Balthier got to the bottom of the Great Chief's hill, both Basch and Danver had already reached the top and gone inside. A few moments later, they too reached the top of the hill. The Garif Healer came out and quietly conversed with Supinelu. Balthier was about to enter the hut when Penelo gently grabbed his arm.

"I think we ought to wait." she said.

"Oh really?"

"I do. Besides, it will be too crowded."

Balthier knew what the young woman was hinting at, but peering through the curtain door and seeing the two men standing so close to the bed, he thought the place was already crowded as it was. He noted Ashe fast asleep on the bed, covered only by a large animal pelt, she looked very pale and weak, but she was at least resting. Balthier wouldn't admit it to anyone, but his real reason for coming along, was to see Ashe safe. He had liked her upon their first meeting, she was a strong character and worthy of her current title. He had been honoured to have been called her friend.

Upon seeing the Queen, he finally relaxed, if only a little, for now he had to get some information from Supinelu. Basch would be expecting it.

Neither of the two men spoke as Ashe lay sleeping. Danver approached the bed and gently sat at his Queen's side. Basch didn't know this man well, but seeing the concerned look upon his youthful face, he could tell that Danver did indeed feel for Ashe. There was a longing love in his gaze, he even trembled as he took hold of Ashe's hand and squeezed it affectionately. Basch felt as if someone was twisting his innards. More than anything he wanted to be at her side, offering support, but instead he stayed where he was, unable to move, unable to breathe. Was he jealous all of a sudden? Those stupid "feelings" were getting in the way once again, Basch was allowing his long relationship with the Queen to affect his judgement. But still those strong emotions and desires to be where Danver was sitting was overwhelming.

Move. Move dammit, push that boy out of the way…take her hand…hold her…be the one who she sees first….take off your stupid helmet…show her you came for her. Show her you care.

As always, he could not allow himself to give into his raging feelings. All he had been through in his life, his oath and loyalty reminded him that he mustn't jeopardise everything he had struggled for. A nagging reminder also kept shouting in his head that she was his Queen…..too young…..that nothing would or could ever happen.

Ashe stirred at the sensation of Danver's touch. She moved slightly in the bed, her eyes barely able to open. Even with her dishevelled hair and tired features, she looked beautiful. A woman so regal and glorious that she was as Basch had always thought of her. This was the Lady Dalmasca…she was the land and the people. She was everything his honour strove to defend.

"Don't move, Milady." Danver softly whispered to her as he stroked some of her hair out of her eyes. "You still look weak."

Groggy and tired, Ashe looked up and then around at the rest of the room. Ashe took hold of Danver's hands and allowed him to sit her up, but she never looked at him.

"Basch…."

The look of disappointment was plain to see on the young man's face, but that quickly changed to confusion at the mention of this name. He knew who "Basch" had been…the Knight who betrayed his country and killed his king…why did she say this name?

"His name is Gabranth, Asheila." said Danver, softly "Not…."

Basch moved forward.

"I am here, Highness." he replied.

"What?!" Danver shot up from the bed, totally confounded at what he was now hearing. He looked straight at the Judge, as Basch finally took off the horned helm. Judges of Archadia rarely showed their faces to the main public, it gave them their feared or respected edge, but Danver saw the face of this man and immediately recognised him. "YOU!!?!"

Basch stormed straight up to Ashe's bedside and went down on his knees, completely ignoring Danver in his enraged state.

"You are feeling better, Majesty?" he asked. Ashe bobbed her head in response, even though she wasn't as bright as her usual self. "I am aware of what has happened, Penelo informed me. We must get you back to Rabanastre before I…."

Danver couldn't believe what he was seeing or hearing. This gentle man, a Bhujerban known for his kindness and compassion, was feeling incensed.

"YOU are supposed to be dead, TRAITOR!" Danver yelled, his handsome face washed with red hatred. "You were executed for the murder of the King of Dalmasca!!! How is it that you still live?!!!"

"Danver…please…." Ashe begged. "You don't….."

"You knew about this, Asheila?!" Danver shook his head furiously in disbelief. "You knew that the man who killed your father was alive? How can you stand this, how can you sit there and BARE to be in the same room as him?!! Captain Basch Fon Ronsenberg is a traitor to this country and to you!!!"

Danver turned to Basch who was still on his knees by the bed.

"Get up."

Basch growled. "Not again. Not now…I don't need this."

"GET UP!!" yelled Danver.

The sound of him shouting caught the attention of Balthier, Penelo and the two Garif. They rushed in, just as Danver lunged at Basch, throwing himself on top of the "Judge" and attempting to drag him out of the hut. Balthier pulled the screaming Bhujerban away from Basch, the youth spitting obscenities in his native tongue.

"I take it…he's found out who you are then." said Balthier as he struggled with Danver in his arms.

"Observant as ever, Balthier." replied Ashe. "I don't blame him for being angry, but I don't have the time to explain everything to him. Take him outside….I'll speak to him once he's calm. Penelo…go with him….please…"

"But…."

Penelo saw the "look" on Ashe's face and she knew that the Queen meant business. When Penelo and the Garif followed Balthier out of the hut, Ashe grabbed up the cover and wrapped it around her. She slipped off the bed and crouched down next to Basch. He was a little dazed and so she reached out tentatively to touch him, but Basch recoiled and moved away.

"You've cut your hair." she said, smiling softly as she repeated words he spoke to her years ago. "A pity."

"Someone else knows I am alive…" he muttered. He leaned up against the wall of the hut and tried to catch his breath back, but it was very difficult to do so, when his Queen was so close to him and wrapped only in an animal skin blanket. Her skin was showing through…her legs, her bare shoulders, her back….the cover even slipped a little to just above her breasts…. Basch knew that he shouldn't be in here. He shouldn't look or glance….he had to get away from her. Everything conflicted, everything became confused as she came closer.

"There are some people who do know who you are…Uncle Halim…a few members of his staff…"

"Perhaps I should let you get dressed, your Majesty." said Basch.

"Your death is known to all in Dalmasca and in Ivalice….if it were to become public knowledge that you were not executed, then all that we have done and fought for will be ruined. I will no longer be able to remain Queen. We must find out who this person is and…"

"I intend to find out, Highness. I shall endeavour to make sure you keep your title. Dalmasca needs you…"

"I will help you."

"You need not."

A disgusted grimace screwed up her beautiful face and she rose back to her feet. She couldn't believe that he had just said that, didn't he know her? Hadn't these past years meant anything? She would never be helpless, she could not stand back and allow others to fight. Ashe would not allow him to do this alone.

"You forget who you are speaking to." she said, keeping her back turned to him. She heard him struggle back to his feet, the metal sheaths of his armour scraping together made her cringe. "I will accompany you…WE will do this together. Is that understood?"

"I understand, Highness."

Everything became silent. Ashe couldn't say anything further, she couldn't even turn around and face him. If she did, she knew that she would be lost once again. Time had been good to him since they had last met, his face was still as handsome as ever with his broad jaw matted with soft golden stubble, his muscular body so strapping and bulking…the scar…the one scar scratched across his face, so clear and so deep.

"Then that's settled." she eventually stated.

Ashe finally had the courage to turn around. Her heart almost stopped. Even without looking at him, she had known his face so clear in her mind. Their eyes met, but was their any feeling within his gaze other than his obvious anxiety. What was he thinking? What could she say?

"I shall take my leave of you." Basch said gently.

"Please, Captain. Thank you."

Are you okay? Are you hurting?

Can I just hold you for a moment?

She had risked everything. All clear thinking on that one night had vanished and the ruler of Dalmasca had gambled her life for a man she knew she could never be with. A man so much older but who had been there through her whole life. A man she knew she could depend on?

Don't leave. Please don't.

"If you wish…I can talk to Lord Danver…" Basch said as he lifted up the flaps of the door.

"He will not speak to you, now he knows who you are. I will have a word with him and I know he will understand. He is a good man, Basch."

"I know. He loves you very much."

But I don't love him.

Rabanastre -Year 707

The pain. Her body felt like it was being ripped apart, everything inside tore with searing agony, she couldn't bare it. Fran fell to the floor screaming, clutching at her stomach and jerking in constant spasms. The wood was doing this to her, taking out its wrath on one who they had given life. It seemed now they would take that very life away.

"You abandoned us. You left us when we needed you, to be with others…Humes. You are no longer Viera! You are not a part of us anymore!!"

Thinking that death would eventually come, the pain suddenly ceased, leaving only an empty shell of what had once been a Viera.

Nabudis Wastelands - Year 712

"Do you really think we would let you leave with them? You are pathetic…you are weak. Nothing. A nobody. Leave the boys with us…you know that they will be safe."

That he could not believe. Though his life was fading, he never lessened his hold on the two four year old children. They both clung to him with such strength, their cries were quietened by his promises and his actions, they knew he would not fail. They knew who he was.

"She doesn't love you any more. She never did."

That was the wrong thing to say. A grin spread across his face and he shielded the two boys tightly as the Final Eclipse engulfed everything in sight.