Author's Note: First, thanks to all of you who have read and reviewed my story thus far. It means a lot to me that you are enjoying it. Secondly, this chapter is a little bit longer and stronger. Adult content in a sense is involved, so just be cautious. Lastly: The previous chapters were written during my holiday time but as I am now back at work, I may not be able to update as often. But I intend to finish this…be patient!
NOTE: I don't own the rights to the FF12 stuff…etc etc. J
Final Fantasy 12
TRUE FEELINGS
GASP
What have you become? A man with no honour, no love, no name? A man so ashamed with who he has become? A traitor…a feared Judge? War took lives away, it ruined people…how would history remember them?
The mother gazed at her two boys. They were her world, her life and future. The new born twins were so fragile but she knew they would become great. They would be just like their father, so handsome…so strong…true men of Landis. She loved them more than she had ever thought possible.
"Have you decided on some names?" he asked as she cradled both her children tightly to her breasts. She nodded.
The Fon Ronsenberg twins…Basch and Noah. The mother kissed each of them and stroked the already soft golden hair forming on their heads. They would be close, they would grow up to protect each other. They were her boys. Her hope.
Nalbina Prison - Year 705
Had he lost all feeling that seeing his brother like this evoked nothing in his dead heart? Gabranth watched as his twin was dragged from his cage and dumped on the floor. The stench was putrid, he was sickened to his very core to be here…the sight of his brother in such a condition was disgusting and gross.
"For god's sake…clean him up!" Gabranth ordered. "Wash that shit off him and give him fresh water! It's disgusting to see a prisoner in such a state!!!"
Though the guilt remained. He had agreed to go along with Vayne's plan and it was him who had put his brother in this position. So many times before, he had convinced himself that it was Basch who had failed. It was the elder twin who had forsaken their home, their family…it was all his fault.
"He almost died upon us yesterday, my lord." said one of the other guards, breaking Gabranth's concentration. "We've upped his rations slightly, but he's a total wreck. I doubt if he even knows where or who he is."
Gabranth snarled. He never underestimated his brother. Basch was strong…the first born and always the favourite. The Knight Of Dalmasca indeed. He had heard stories of what Basch had become, how he became so great…so loved. Yet what had he done for Landis? What had this great Knight done for his home, for his family?
"He knows." Gabranth sneered. "If only a fraction. But he is staying alive for another reason. His will is strong."
"Lord Vayne told us to break him, sire. We've tried….."
"Has he been told of the Marquis' announcement?"
"Sire?"
"The last remaining heir of the throne of Dalmasca took her own life. Does he know?"
"No…sire."
"Tell him. Tell him that his precious Asheila B'nargin is dead. Dalmasca is dead. He'll have no hope left to help him cling to life."
Yet again, another part of Noah Fon Ronsenberg died. But there were always excuses.
Jahara - Land Of The Garif- Year-707
Ardal Danver was a good man. A typical Bhujerban. He listened well. He understood. Ashe had told him everything that had happened, who Basch was and why the Knight/Judge was so willing to forsake his true identity. Danver asked many questions, but thankfully he never asked the ones that Ashe was always dreading.
"Why, in the middle of the night, did you go to rescue this man, putting yourself at risk?"
"Does he mean that much to you?"
She couldn't answer them. She wasn't quite sure of the answers herself. The time had passed, Ashe didn't realise how long she had talked to him, or even when Danver left. The Queen felt her injuries still draining her and lying back for only a few moments, had turned into hours more of sleep. Once the Garif Healer had allowed it and when she was feeling much more alert and healthy, Ashe left the confines of the hut and went in search of the others.
The sun was setting, deep and intense painting of reds and oranges spread as if over a canvass of blackening sky, yet still the heat was on going. The Elderknoll was quite deserted, which was surprising, but she followed the sounds of the deep guttural speech coming from the Lull of the land. She crossed the bridge and saw a huge fire, around which, all the Garif were gathered. It was an amazing sight to see, for all were dressed up in their finest armour and headgear. Masks were painted with vibrant colours, decorated with beads and leaves…they seemed to be ready for battle, but the speech was not of war. Drums began to beat, then a beautiful lute added, swimming over the booms. Some of the Elders began to chant.
Ashe knew this was something that "outsiders" rarely saw, but her attention was drawn away from the Garif to where Basch was standing. In the same gathering, Basch was speaking quietly to Danver. The two were on talking terms…Ashe even thought she saw Ardal apologise. The guilt came back to her. He was supposed to be the one she was to marry…..he was….
Did she really see that? Ashe snapped her head round as the figure was lead right past her. Several of the Elders followed him and those in their way, parted. Even this had caught the attention of Basch and Danver. Ardal beamed the most excited and boyish grin he could…Ashe saw Basch only shake his head.
Balthier was dressed in strange dyed robes, deep dark colours of the Garif smattered with whites and yellows. On his head was a version of the Garif mask that didn't cover his face, showing face paints smeared over his youthful features. The mask had horns so long, that Ashe was surprised that Balthier could even stand up in it. The Sky pirate was also carrying the Jaya stick, it too had been dressed up for such a ceremonial occasion.
"What is going on?!"
Ashe almost screamed at Penelo's voice right beside her, instead the Queen gently took her friend's hand and squeezed it.
"I don't know….some kind of ritual or…."
"It is the choosing of the new Great Chief!!" Penelo let out a high pitched squeak, which only got a cringing reaction from her Hume companions. "By the gods!!!"
"But…."
Ashe was interrupted by the sudden increase of volume of the Elder's chanting. It rang so loud, echoing, strange but also so powerful and moving. She didn't understand the words, but the feeling was still there…tears swelled in her eyes. This is was a very special occasion.
When the chanting finished, even Danver and Penelo were moved to tears. Basch was standing with his head bowed close to his chest, Ashe knew that it too had stirred something within him. Yet, all the Garif's attention was on Balthier.
"Shall we commence?" Balthier shook the stick, the feathers and beads adorning it rattled. "Garif, you are strong…you are brave….but you are lost. No wise man to lead you…(shake of the Jaya) No Guide to show your path…(another shake of the Jaya stick) but as honoured warriors of the ancient Jahara, the time is nigh…for the Great Chief to step forward!"
The Garif responded by howling, their heads all tilted back to the sky and their arms opened out towards the fire. Could this ritual become any more intense? Ashe felt so out of place…this wasn't for her, she didn't feel worthy to witness a ceremony such as this, (how would Balthier be feeling?), yet she looked and listened on until there was silence once more. The crackling of the fire and the heat from it's flames made the sticky humidity in the air even worse, yet all attention was on the Hume Sky Pirate in, as Balthier would term it… "fancy dress."
"Step forward…GREAT chief Supinelu!!!"
There was more howling, in a tone of applause. The Humes all clapped their hands as a very bewildered Supinelu stepped forward. Although Ashe couldn't see his features, she could tell that he was very shocked at this address. He must have felt unworthy at this new position, for he glanced over at a group of Elders. One of them should have taken this honour. The drums and lute began to play once more, albeit in a more jovial and upbeat tone, as Balthier took off his robes and placed them around Supinelu's shoulders.
"Why did you choose me?" Ashe heard the new Great Chief ask Balthier. "I am a War-Chief…never has one of my clan been made leader of the tribe!"
"I chose you because you are worthy, my friend." said Balthier, struggling as he took off the helmet. "Your people respect and love you. They wanted you for their Great Chief and I cannot disagree. You've earned this, you deserve this. I was honoured to be allowed to name the choosing."
"Although part of me says that I do not deserve this, I shall accept nonetheless." Supinelu rested a huge claw on the young Hume's shoulder and nodded in acceptance. "Never before has a non-Garif been allowed to take part in the Choosing. But the Great Chief before me spoke of you from your last visit. He was impressed by you and had requested this. It was a great honour. Remember it, Balthier. I am glad that you and her majesty did not leave and joined with us on this special moment. My predecessor was a great Garif, I shall not let him down. Tonight we all shall celebrate his memory and for a new beginning for our people."
"That's what I was hoping you would say." Balthier grinned and rubbed his hands together. The grin widened even more when three youths brought a large barrel to the fireside.
That night, Ashe had relaxed and enjoyed the company of the Garif. The more time she spent in their company, the more she learnt that this proud and ancient race was just like any other when it came to celebrating life and enjoying themselves. The drinking was not new to the queen, for the last time she was here, the Garif had insisted on throwing a "party" in her honour before she had set out to Bur-Omisace. She had no idea that Balthier had left such a lasting memory on the old Great Chief.
Tonight she allowed herself a little indulgence. She was pleased to see Penelo joining in as well, dancing to the music and wowing the Garif with her graceful performances. Balthier joined her, but after a while the effects of the wine was very evident in the two, as they stumbled and staggered rather than walked or danced. Ashe's own mind was hazed and she had only drunk half a cup.
The Elders had conversed with her, they were pleased that they had now finally gotten a new leader and a new purpose for their Tribe, Supinelu even discussed a more open friendship with the Garif and Dalmasca. But as ever, Ashe couldn't stop thinking about her own new adventure ahead of her.
It was all down to one man's honour…a name that needed to be kept secret. Someone was threatening that secret and threatening the stability that now existed between Dalmasca and Archadia. Who could it be? Why would they want to shame her or Basch?
Basch? Where was he?
Ashe looked around, but there was no sight of the "Judge." Earlier she had seen him talking to the Warriors, even learning some new fighting techniques from them, but he had just vanished.
"I'm sorry."
Ashe was startled as Danver interrupted her thoughts. Ardal was standing before her, holding his cup in both hands and with a shameful look upon his face. He sat down on the ground next to her, allowing a brief few minutes to pass as they looked deep into the fire in silence.
"I didn't mean to lose my temper." Danver said eventually. "Your Uncle had told me and my father first hand what "Basch" had done…everyone knew eventually and I couldn't stand it….to see him there and….
"I understand."
"But I still do not. Gabranth killed your father…the Judge, the supposedly law Magister of Archades, took your father away from you…but Basch assumed his role? He wore his armour, took his name…after everything you know….how could…?"
"Because he is Basch." Ashe said. The reply sounded right to her, she felt the truth in those words. Yes, when she had seen him in the armour, she hated what his brother had done, but no. She never hated him. Not now.
"He is a good man." said Danver. "I see that now."
Is that all that could be used to describe Basch Fon Ronsenberg? A "good" man who had witnessed the fall of his homeland, the killing of his parents? A "good" man who had strived to save so many lives…her brothers….Rassler….yet all he got back in return was pain and agony? A "good" man who was so devoted to her father, that he took the blame for his murder and rotted in hell where death nearly claimed him. A "good" man who forgave everything his twin did to him…a "good" man who accepted everyone's hatred of him? No. He was more than just a "good" man.
"We will go back to Rabanastre in the morning." Ashe said. "From there on, the Captain and I will try to find out who is behind this."
"I'm still worried, Asheila." Danver said, his fingers wrapping around hers. Ashe shivered, she didn't want to hold his hand, it didn't feel right. "You are Queen of Dalmasca…you shouldn't put yourself in such danger. You should stay at the palace with me…surely you trust Captain Basch to undertake this task himself?"
"I do." Ashe sighed. Once again her "fiancée" was repeating his fretting worries about her safety. She wasn't going to be coddled or fussed over in the palace, Ashe wasn't going to change who she was now, not after everything she had been through. Though she felt sorry for this Bhujerban man. When she had first met him, she thought him sweet with his charm and his shows of affection, how could she have refused him when he was so nice to her? Unlike the others who had "fought" for her hand in marriage, his affection and love was genuine. She could not deny that, but she could not love him back either. She had told him what she was like, she had told him that she needed to do things for herself and that was something Ardal Danver couldn't accept.
"Then stay with me." Danver said. "We can spend time together…properly…I'll cook you a meal.."
"You cook?!"
"I will cook you a proper Bhujerban delicacy and we can have music and….."
"Ardal….." Ashe's fingers pressed against his lips, silencing him. "I can't."
He didn't say anything back. There was great disappointment in his face, a look of such regret that Ashe hated herself for doing this to him. Their marriage was to take place in only a few weeks, yet she distanced herself from this man so much…surely he knew? He must know that she didn't feel for him as he did for her? At that moment she wanted to end it all now, tell him that she didn't love him and didn't want to marry him…but the horrible knotting ache in her chest kept her words inside.
"You can't stay." Danver slipped his hand out of hers and ran it through his thick brown hair. "Who am I to argue with the Queen of Dalmasca when she has already made up her mind?"
"I need to go with him, Ardal. I cannot allow Basch to carry this burden alone and neither will Penelo and Balthier. We have all experienced so much together…it's hard to describe when you've seen so much battle and death…all of us owe this for Basch. He needs to…."
"You don't need to explain, Asheila. I know. Though I wish it weren't so. I wish to remain with you always…I want to come along as well, but I know that I am no fighter."
"I don't need you to fight…" Ashe said
I need someone who makes me feel alive…who annoys me…who sends me so crazy… who makes me laugh…who makes me scream.
"What else can I be for you?"
Be a friend, someone who supports me…who will do what is right for Dalmasca. Someone who will do what the people need but not what I want. Marry their Queen.
"Be who you are, Ardal." Ashe replied with a weak smile. "I won't ask you to change."
"Nor will I ask any different of you…Ashe."
The kiss he planted on her lips, took her completely by surprise. It was so full of love, that she badly wanted to be able to respond in equal measure, but nothing stirred inside. She could not respond.
Relief washed over her, when the Garif's music blared once more across the village. Danver pulled away from her and the two of them focused their attention towards the central fire.
Penelo was trying to dance with a very old and frail Elder, both were intoxicated, but they were laughing so much, everyone was laughing, that soon all were dragged in and forced to dance as well. Two (female?) Garif warriors hauled Danver and Ashe into the circle and for a moment, Asheila B'nargin revelled in the experience and intensity of this tribal community.
There was no sign of Basch. She looked for him amongst the crowd, but he was simply not there. She began to worry.
The night had turned into early morning, most of the Elders had retired, but still the Youthful warrior Garif stayed strong and sung many chants for their old departed Great Chief. Penelo had fallen asleep outside her tent, Danver had gone to bed hours ago…Balthier however stayed up with the others. Still boasting…very drunk…but Ashe also heard him talking of Fran.
Perhaps they shouldn't have been involved in this ceremony. It was plain to see that Balthier wanted to get back to his "partner"…they all had priorities that they had ignored. More important matters needed to be tended to but instead they had decided to stay for the party.
She felt disgusted. Ashe had hated herself for forgetting the last few days, hated that she had been lead into such an easy trap and nearly killed herself. Why hadn't they left straight away and gotten this sorted?
She wondered around the village. She crept further away from the Lull, music and drunkards and found herself walking towards the Sogoht banks. The sound of the great river flowing through such a desert amazed her. When she knelt down to the waters, Ashe dipped her hand in and found it pleasantly warm. It felt so inviting and clean, tingling against her skin, the river beckoned for her to bathe and sink beneath it…but something caught her eye.
By the bridge post, she saw him sitting alone, starring off to the desert beyond the Jahara. Next to him was the black chest piece of his brother's armour, along with the helm…thrown down as if unwanted. Discarded.
"Basch…"
He tilted his head gently to the side as he heard his name, but he never looked round. He didn't acknowledge her further. Ashe slowly walked up to him and when she placed herself beside him, she was disheartened to see him flinch and keep his back to her. By his feet was a cup of wine, still full to the brim and untouched.
"Basch."
"Majesty."
"Why are you here alone? Didn't you enjoy the party?"
"I needed to be on my own. I have nothing to celebrate."
His voice was croaking, saddened and low and still Basch would not look at her or show his face. Ashe hated that, she edged closer, but Basch moved away from her.
"Please…I mean no disrespect highness, but I would prefer to be by myself."
"Are you feeling sad?"
"Majesty…I just…"
Ashe had enough. She was fed up with his distance and his cold demeanour, so she grabbed his arm and forced him to look at her. At that moment, she wished she hadn't. She had known he had been through such horrible things in his life, she knew him well enough that Basch didn't like to let others see him in such a vulnerable state. His face was frowning with anguish, his short cropped hair that had normally been slicked back was now ruffled and pulled into a scruffy mess. But his eyes were red and puffy…had he been crying? Never had he bared such emotions, nor had he allowed tears to fall for dead comrades…for her brothers…for anyone. He was always so closed in. Now, his whole body was shaking, his breathing was hard and deep, choking back the feelings that he never hoped to reveal. He could no longer be strong, no longer the hard rock he was known to be. She gasped and her hand covered her mouth, trembling. Basch's reaction was even worse. He was angry.
"I wanted to be alone!" he growled. "I didn't want anyone…especially you…to see me like this!"
"Why?!" Ashe cried. She tried to touch his arm again, but he shrugged her away. "Why be alone?! Talk to me! Tell me what is troubling you!"
"I cannot."
Basch ran his hands over his face in furious frustration and went to get up and leave. Ashe was not having any of this. She wasn't going to let him walk away, so she pulled him back down and shoved him hard against his shoulder blades.
"How dare you!!" she hissed. "After everything you have done for me, do you really think that I wouldn't understand?! Stop being a Knight in my service and allow me to be your friend! Allow me to help you, Basch!"
"I cannot allow nor accept you as anything other than my Queen." Basch said, "What I need is to find out who knows that I am still alive, what I need is to keep war from raping Dalmasca once again. We should not have stayed for this Garif ceremony. We have been careless."
"Then let us go now. You and I. We'll leave word with the others that we've gone on and we can do this together!"
Her words appeared to have calmed the man. He pondered her idea and Ashe noted he was struggling with the decision. She knew why. Leaving so suddenly, just the two of them would offend the others, however it was what the both of them wanted. Ashe had regretted staying for the Great Chief choosing, seeing Basch in this state only made her want to leave as soon as possible. Yet he would be uncomfortable, as he always was, in her presence. The journey would not be an easy one. Still Ashe wanted to go.
"Basch…answer me." she said when she could no longer bare the aching silence. "Let us go. Now."
"And what of your wedding?" he replied. "What will Danver…or indeed any of your council say when they hear that you've gone off on some errand…with me?"
"This is more important. The wedding can and will be put on hold for the moment. Danver will understand."
"He won't be happy. Neither will the Council. They'll demand that you come back."
"Are we going or not…" Ashe swallowed hard. "Captain?"
His stature changed. His body no longer slumped in anguish upon hearing his old title. He hadn't been called that for a long time and the pride showed in his face, if only a little.
"Aye….your Majesty. We will go now."
Basch rose to his feet and then held out his hand for his Queen. He lifted her up, pulling her a little too hard as she stumbled against him. Her hands clung onto him for support, her face so close to his chest that she could breathe in his hot sweaty scent…she could feel his heart pumping out of control. Or was it her own?
Basch stepped back, breaking the contact. He stood stunned for an awkward moment but then turned and picked up the armour that had still been sitting on the floor. The two of them said nothing further, they didn't look at each other as they headed back to the village.
Don't let anything happen. Not now. Not yet.
When you are ready.
Rabanastre - Year 707
She was like a zombie, her red eyes staring in horror at nothingness, her body twitching at any close contact. Vaan didn't know what to do, he felt so helpless seeing Fran like this. He tried to get any kind of response from her, but the Viera blanked him and everyone else who tried to help.
She sat on the edge of the bed, holding onto her stomach and rocking backwards and forwards muttering something under her breath. Her skin was clammy with sweat, her jaw clenched as if restraining immense pain. Vaan wanted to do something for the Viera, but his attention was drawn to the reason as to why he was keeping his distance.
Larsa had finally regained consciousness and was being attended to by a palace healer. His face now sported a huge bruise on his cheek and his lip was cut and swollen. Vaan felt guilty, though he didn't know why. Balthier had known Fran wasn't feeling right and he had told Vaan to keep "checking up on her." Why had he listened to him, when it was so obvious that Fran was more than "not herself."
"I'm sorry." he said again to the young Emperor.
"It is not your fault." said Larsa kindly. He winced as the healer cleaned the blood from his lip.
No, thought Vaan. It wasn't my fault. Not entirely.
"Do you know why she's like this?" he asked, as Fran began to pull at one of her long furry ears. She was tugging it so hard that Vaan thought it would be ripped from her very head. "Why is she doing this to herself?"
"I am unsure." said Larsa. "I haven't known many Viera, but this is not typical behaviour for her kind. I would suggest that a Viera from the city be called in…she might know who…"
"Golomore!!!!"
It didn't sound like Fran's voice at all. A high pitched and rasping voice seethed from her lips and her eyes were now pulsing with anger and tears streamed down her whitened cheeks. She was in a fit of madness it seemed, her long claws still tearing at her ear, another shaking around her belly.
"They will not talk to me any more! I CAN'T STAND IT!"
Vaan had only heard Fran scream like this once before. The nethicite as it burned had scorched her. It drove her insane, yet there was none around now. This rage was something else, it was as if a soul was being shredded into tiny pieces, leaving only nothing behind. Fury and sadness howled to the heavens, but it got no reply.
"ANSWER ME!!!"
The silence from her cry was devastating. Fran curled up into a ball on the edge of the bed and continued to scream. Her hands tightened around her ears and pulled so hard that blood squeezed tiny drops through her hair.
"We've got to do something!" cried Vaan. "We've got to…..oh my god…!!!"
The blood was soaking the sheets around her. It stained her legs and skin, it oozed from an unknown wound and wept onto the floor. Then, Fran started laughing.
"I know what to do now…I know where to go."
Place - Unknown Year- Unknown
"Can you hear me?"
He couldn't reply. He thought he had been alone, there couldn't possibly be anyone else here in this darkness. Where would they be in this pit of hell? He saw nothing, he felt everything…his life was draining. His hope was fading.
"Don't give up. Not yet. I have not forsaken you."
The voice sounded distant, as if it came from over thousands of miles and through dimensions. There was no light through his eyes, no saintly brightness, but the voice was godly.
"You can't die. Not yet. I won't let you. You are the future."
The future? What could he possibly do except die? There was no future for him.
"Dalmasca needs you. I know you can save her….I know you will not fail…you are my only hope. To stop this madness you must be there for Dalmasca. Be there for her. For me. It is all I want…for my world. Save it. Save me and Ivalice shall prosper."
He had heard the words. Through blood and agony, seeping and festering wounds, he became delirious and only thought of the voice as the onslaught of madness.
"The others are wrong. They always have been. I only want what's best for my world. My land. For Dalmasca."
Rabanastre Year - 704
"The first time. The one true time when the world stops for you. Two people become one, body and soul and all of Ivalice and time would halt for that perfect moment."
"I now pronounce you man and wife."
Never had he thought it would come to this. Seeing her embracing her new husband gave Basch mixed emotions. He was swelling with enormous pride at seeing the daughter of Raminas so happy, but at the same time, sadness cut deep into his heart.
She was her mother's daughter, an angel of the gods in her wedding dress. As the music played, Ashe and Prince Rassler walked down the long aisle past the guests, smiling and waving…Basch couldn't avert his eyes. The little girl he had known was now a woman, beautiful and radiant, voluptuous and exquisite. Breath taking and gorgeous.
"You're staring, Captain." hissed Vossler nudging him against his armour. "Bow your head!"
Basch did so and got a painful wrench in his neck as a result. Looking down, gazing at the dazzling glare of his polished boots, Basch missed the new couple walking past. He never moved, until the King, council and other guests were out of the church. The other guards behind them were dismissed by Vossler, but his friend stayed, shaking him gently by the shoulder.
"You can relax now, Basch." said Azaleas. "She's gone."
The younger captain breathed a heavy sigh of relief, but Vossler was not looking relieved.
"I would be cautious…" he said. "A Knight of the Order staring at his future queen in such a manner would not be viewed kindly. Especially by the king. What are you thinking Basch?"
"What are YOU thinking, Vossler?" Basch replied, gritting his teeth.
"That Basch fon Ronsenberg is harbouring feelings for the princess."
Basch laughed, genuinely amused by his friend's assumptions. Though deep down, he felt sickened as for the briefest of moments…seeing Asheila in that dress, standing in the golden sunlight…he had become enamoured. He had felt something besides his duty and responsibility to her, a feeling that he had never really felt before.
"I hold Princess Asheila in high affection." Basch said. "Yet only in the manner by my stature."
"Of course, Basch." Vossler smiled an irksome grin. "As do I. Just don't let it become more than that."
"It cannot become more."
"Good. Tonight we have other duties to attend to, but I will tend to them tonight."
"The fighting in Nabudis is getting worse?"
"Basch, enjoy this evening along with the other men. We leave in the morning. "
"I will be there."
Vossler nodded and the two of them walked out into the courtyard. The sky was still filled with the Asheila petals, billowing like silk in the wind and dousing everything in sight with hues of white and orange. The two men stood in the storm of flowers, hearing the distant music for the newly wedded couple…Rabanastre was celebrating…Dalmasca was cheering for this marriage and joining. Yet they knew that Archadia was getting closer to their boarders than ever before. War was looming.
Vossler marched off down the stone pathway but Basch walked out to the centre of the courtyard and sat himself down on one of the benches.
He allowed his eyes to close, his hands rested in his lap and he stayed so still, allowing the petals of the flowers to settle on him. The smell was so much like home that Basch hated for not going to Landis, to see what it had become. His thoughts strayed to Noah. What had become of him? Had the two of them faced each other in battle and not known it? Was Noah dead? No. Basch knew that his twin was alive, he could feel it. Yet he did not feel the anger towards Noah that he had when he was younger. He wanted to find him.
"Captain."
The voice disturbed his peace and when he opened his eyes, through the flower rain, he saw Arla standing before him. She had her long black hair braided into many plats and silver ribbons threaded through the strands. She was wearing a long silver sleeveless dress, that clung to her very curvaceous body and as he looked at her, Basch found Arla quite attractive. There was no scowl or frown on her face, which was unusual, instead it was replaced with a big happy smile on her lips.
"Lady Arla."
Basch rose to his feet and the petals that had lain to rest on his metal armour, drifted off him and the joined the masses on the ground. For a moment, there was just the Knight and Lady In Waiting, standing together in the courtyard, silent, staring at each other , shy yet bemused. Basch's hands couldn't keep still, Arla couldn't stop playing with hair, awkward glances, awkward smiles. The silence dragged on.
"It was a lovely service." Basch said at last, clearing his throat.
"Lovely was an understatement…" Arla sighed. "But…yes…it was beautiful. I actually wanted to thank you Captain Basch."
"Thank?! Me? No disrespect but you NEVER…"
"If you hadn't befriended the young Prince Rassler…if you hadn't persuaded her highness to go to the ball…they never would have met. This day would never have come and those two young people owe so much to you. I wanted to say thank you….even though I've been so horrid to you over the years."
"That…my lady…was an understatement."
Arla laughed. Then she gestured for Basch to follow her. The two of them walked along by the church and headed in the direction of the main palace. The music was playing louder, the wedding party had commenced.
"Very well…I've been REALLY horrible to you and Vossler!" she said. The two of them nodded and gently greeted other passers by as they walked. "I've never made your jobs easy when it came to protecting Ashe."
"No…but we both succeeded. Princess Asheila now has a husband and a bright new…future ahead of her."
"Why did you pause when you said that?"
Basch was caught for a moment as a group of children were running around trying to catch as many of the petals as possible. Their laughter and squeals of delight were a wonderful sound to hear, but when he looked up, Basch saw the sky ship above, dropping the flower petals onto the city. He knew that tomorrow, that he would be off to fight for Nabudis, more battle and death…would Rassler be taken to the front lines so soon after his marriage? Would the young man be expected to leave Ashe on their wedding night and go to defend his homeland?
"It was nothing." Basch put on a small hopeful smile and then slipped his hand into Arla's. She was startled at such an open display of affection from this man, but she accepted his hand and held on tightly. "Tonight…I think we should enjoy ourselves."
"Anything you had in mind?" asked Arla gently biting her lip to hold back a laugh.
"Erm…" Basch stammered. "Yes. There will be a fine meal…some music…possibly dancing…"
Why was she suddenly grinning? He didn't understand.
"I have to leave for the Nabudis boarders tomorrow…" he said, still confused as to Arla's strange behaviour. "I cannot stay for the…
"Then…we'd better enjoy ourselves, Captain Fon Ronsenberg!"
He had no idea at all.
Jahara - Land Of The Garif - Year -707
"FRAN!!!!!!!"
Balthier woke from the screaming in his head. He didn't know where he was, only that he was lying in a circle of Garif youths and a single passed out Moogle. The drinking had seriously doused his brain, but his dreams were filled with her. It had been awful, she was screaming and crying…blood was flowing from her and all over her naked body. She was in agony and calling out for him.
"Fran!" Balthier felt sick. As he tried to sit up, his stomach churned violently, but his head was still reeling from the agony of the Viera. "FRAN!!"
His shouting soon woke up the Garif. They did not seem at all effected by the dehydration of alcohol, as they stood laughing at Balthier and the little Moogle. Where the hell did she come from?
"Relax, friend Balthier!" said one of the youths. "You are safe still in our village! Once again, you have proven our beliefs about Humes untrue! You proved yourself worthy beyond doubt, in the Choosing!"
Balthier groaned and when he tried to get up, he staggered straight into a tree. He didn't care about that any more, he wanted to get back to Rabanastre. He had to see if Fran was all right, even though he knew deep down that she wasn't.
"I need to tell the….."
"BALTHIER!!" The Sky Pirate winced and fell back down to the floor by the tree.
Penelo came running up to him, her face was ashen white with worry. Or had she too indulged too much?
"They've gone!" she cried, when she saw that Balthier could at least understand.
"Huh?"
"Basch! The Queen! They've gone!! So has Danver!! They left without us!!! We should hurry, we can catch up with them before they get to Rabanastre!"
"No."
"NO?!"
"You and I are not going to Rabanastre." Balthier ran cold sweating hands over his face, which unknown to him, smudged more of his face paint into his beard and skin. Penelo looked worried and confused, she even looked to the Garif to see if they knew anything, but it was only Balthier who replied with a series of choking and gasping breaths to keep his stomach from retching. "Ashe and the other two have gone back to deal with the problem of someone spilling the beans about Basch. You and I…we have business in Eruyt. We're going to Golomore."
"Is it something to do with Fran?!" asked Penelo. "Is she hurt? Because if she is we need too…"
"Something has gone seriously wrong." groaned Balthier. "We need to get going…"
The sky pirate tried to regain his footing, but he slipped and went crashing to the ground once more. He didn't know or even care that he had nearly flatted the little Moogle. All he could see were his dreams…of Fran bleeding in his arms, her screams begging for him to take her life. To end her misery and pain.
He would not fail her. Fran was more to him than he ever let on and he would never, in all of the hells, take her life. She was a part of him and he could feel her slipping away. He had to bring her back.
Rabanastre - Year- 704
This is what she had been waiting for. Her whole body was throbbing and tingling with excitement, her hands were trembling, perspiration was beading on her face and chest, she felt so eager. But she was so worried. How could she be? Would she even know if she was any good? Fear started to replace excitement as her hand tentatively touched the door handle from the bathroom. He was waiting for her…her husband, her prince…he was waiting….for HER.
"I've…not done this before….I'm still…"
"I know. It's okay. If you don't want to do this then…"
"I want to. With you…I do…but I…."
"It will be all right. Just…take your time."
How long had she been in the bathroom, changing out of her ball gown and into something a little…a lot…more revealing? Was he still awake? The night had dragged on and it was very late by the time the couple departed from the party. Her father had known that glint in his daughter's eyes and had allowed her and Rassler to go. So why was she hesitating now? She loved Rassler and did want to make this night special…but she didn't know why she was so afraid.
The first time, Arla had told her, the world stops for you. With someone you really love. Time will stop…it felt like it had already.
Ashe finally built up the courage and pushed open the bathroom door. She was not disappointed.
"My god….you are so beautiful."
Rassler rose up from the bed and approached his wife. His eyes gazed at her with passionate wonder and then he ran his fingers through her silky hair. Ashe tried to control her raging feelings, she closed her eyes and felt Rassler's touch caress her shoulders, her cheek…then his lips pressed on hers, full and warm. She fell into bliss.
704
She had been nice to him all evening and Vossler had constantly cautioned him about her. Though Basch knew what Arla was like, he still enjoyed her company. The two had always been at loggerheads and it was a pleasant enough experience to be doing something other than having her shouting at him. She told him about her life, Amalia and Arla even opened up about Ronnah…how his death affected her and how she had perceived the man she blamed for his death.
"I was wrong about you." she said as they walked the corridors together. "I knew then, but I still hated you."
"Many people hate me." Basch replied.
"No!" Arla grabbed hold of his arm and gazed up at him with admiration. "Everyone is in awe of you, Captain. I hear it in the palace every day…soldiers worship you, the king reveres you, the council respects you and the women…the women love you."
Basch laughed. It sounded preposterous. Women…he knew very little…saw them even less. How could they love him? A man always off fighting, so closed off and distant? Arla noted that look in his eyes.
"Have you looked in a mirror?"
"Aye. Everyday."
"You are a handsome man…what woman in Dalmasca, who have heard of the heroic Basch Fon Ronsenberg , wouldn't want to be with you?"
"That would be the wine talking, Milady."
They stopped outside a door, Arla pausing to reach for the handle. She still clung to Basch's hand as she pondered the past and the next couple of hours? She had hated him, jealous of his standing with everyone, bitter that he had not been able to save Ronnah in battle. Yet her fondness for the royal prince was but a distant memory. The wine was hazing her mind, but looking at the tall man from Landis, so bulky in his armour, so handsome, she would not throw this opportunity away so lightly.
"Come in." she said. It was not a request.
"I should not…I have to be up early to leave for…"
It had been a long time since a woman had kissed him. Arla had reached up for him and tasting her lips and mouth against his own, urges he had repressed were beginning to surface. Basch allowed the kiss to continue, her arms wrapping around his neck, his hands resting on her bottom. He began to swell.
"Come…in…" Arla gasped in between breaths as she pulled at his long hair.
"Yes…I…"
The door crashed open and the couple fell inside. Their hands wouldn't stop ravaging each other, Arla's dress was ripped in two and Basch felt her skin boiling with heat at his touch, her body thrusting and pulling for more. He was caught up in the moment…to be with a woman…to make love…to embrace such ecstasy before battle…he wanted it. He needed it.
Piece by piece, his armour was pulled off him and thrown to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her naked body and directed her towards the bed. They wouldn't let go and they fell down in an entanglement of limbs.
704
His touch was so tender against her skin. His lips kissed all over her shaking body, enticing her, enthralling her. Ashe felt joyful tears building up in her eyes as Rassler gently laid himself on top of her. Ashe gazed up at her husband and reached a hand to stroke his cheek, her fingers laced up his jaw and ran through his hair, then they ran down his back, her nails lightly teasing his spine.
The weight of him on her, the feeling their naked bodies made her hold her breath. Her eyelids fluttered shut and she felt his lips once again caress her mouth. The tears began to fall once more.
704
The embrace became more intense. Basch felt himself going out of control. A passionate rage took over him as Arla yanked his hair back so hard he felt a growl moan from his throat. He responded back with a hard kiss, only to have her bite hard against his lip. Arla laughed and pushed back hard, flipping him over onto his back. She straddled him and then raked a single finger along the scars on his chest. For a moment, there was a look upon the woman's face, of fear at the sight of these wounds, but then she leaned forward and kissed on scar that ran just below his neck. She did the same to each on his torso in turn…each kiss a loving press, completely different from the en-crazed wrestle that had preceded. It felt so wonderful, never had Basch been treated with such tenderness. Until Arla reached down, further south.
704
However…none of this felt right. The moment wasn't what it was supposed to be. Time never stopped, the connection was not there.
"No!" They cried. "Forgive me…"
Their words ended everything.
"I can't do this. I'm so sorry."
Nabudis Wastelands - Year 712
He couldn't move, he was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. He tasted it in his mouth, gushing and choking with every breath. The screams sounded in his ears, they hated him, cursed him and spat every vile word known from the beginning of time. The gods themselves had unleashed their fury and all he could do was smile. He felt tiny fingers cling to his hand and there was, for the first time in a long while, a satisfaction, great pride…great love.
"Basch! Basch! Don't leave us! Help is on the way!"
The sweet Viera's voice echoed in his ears.
"Take them back…" the words gurgled with breaths of blood. "Save them…don't let her down."
"Basch! I don't want you to die! Hold on, please! Hold on for a little longer! The others do know…"
"Take them back to their mother! NOW!"
The insistent roar was all that was left of his strength, yet as he looked up, he saw the Viera slowly leading the two children away. His hope and love would not die. Not like him.