Disclaimer: I do not own any FF characters, plots, or anything, or I'd be MAKING games, instead of writing about them!

Author's Notes: Aye, Chapter 11 already! I thank all who reviewed/alerted/faved my story, and I'm really sorry for my delay in updating this! Afterall, in my REAL life, I've been busy!

ME: Yep, you've been SO busy playing Dragon Quest 8, huh?

SD: YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO KNOW! .....Great, secret exposed....actually, I've really been busy, but I've become lazy on writing....sorry....=(.

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Chapter 11:

"Brandishing a New Name."

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Bast:

It was nighttime, as I watched the crackling fire pop melodically. Winter "volunteered" for me to be the Midnight Gaurd, which left me watching out for anything that would cause harm to my flock, or more-less, HER flock. Miranda, and Jason were cuddled together beside the fire, as they slept comfortably. Fran was leaning up against a rock, as her long, rabbit-like ears twitched with every sound that was made in the night air around her. Winter was sleeping on Rio's warm, and soft belly, as the huge, cocky cat purred contently. She was so beautiful when she was sleeping...she looked, and probaly felt at peace with everything. I could only imagine the pain, and hurt that racked that woman, afterall, I experienced something similar, although not as tragic. I was finally alone with naught, but my thoughts. I looked back at the circle where I visited with my Grandfather, Basch fon Ronsenburg, a few hours ago. Even though he died so many years ago, as I was talking to him, it seemed as if I'd known him all of my life. I closed my eyes, as our conversation replayed in my mind's eye....

(FLASHBACK TO EARLIER THAT DAY.)

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"You know, boy...I just can't seem to get over the fact that you look just like me when I was still wet behind the ears!"

"Really, Grandfather?"

He nodded, as he smiled gently, looking a bit more serious than before.

"You know, I can see you from my resting place, you slashing, and hacking your way through this battle. I was nicknamed, "Blade" back in my Army days, because I slashed, and hacked any threat down with ease, and I never grew tired of the sword I wielded proudly. You seem to do that too, but, you're better at it than I was. I would like to give you something, something that I treasured, even during my Darkest days. Whenever I felt like I couldn't escape, or win, I'd think back why I was given my nickname: "You'll slash your way to gain anything, including Freedom.". I want you to carry on my name, "Blade.". Bast "Blade" fon Ronsenburg. Yeah....that's perfect!"

I smiled, as I accepted the name. I put my Real name away, and I became "Blade", in honor of my Grandfather.

(PRESENT TIME.)

"Bast? Umm...are you okay?"

I was jolted out of my "mind movie", to see Baby pink eyes gazing at me. Miranda smiled, as she crept closer.

"I couldn't help, but to feel a new aura about you...something has changed your life. I had to, so, I pryed into your mind, and I saw Basch, and you talking. I would definitely keep "Blade" as a nickname! It fits you, and if I were to receive such a keepsake that was so precious from your Grandfather, I'd use it for the rest of my life!"

I gasped, she knew all about it, and she actually liked it. So I wasn't the only one that did like it.

"Really? You think it's that fitting for me?"

She sat down, and smiled mischieviously, while snuggling up beside Jason's chest.

"I think it makes you sound so hot..."

She winked at me, and fell back asleep beside Jason, as she intertwined his hands in her's. I chuckled lightly to myself at her wording, maybe it did fit me well enough to put away "Bast" for a while. I looked up to see Fran stretching, and scratching her long ears, as she relieved me of my duty. With a newfound name, and renewed strength, I fell asleep with a new look on things.......

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Winter:

"It is as if he has accepted the name..."

I smiled in my sleep, as Rio's mind-waves told me Bast had accepted the name that Basch loved so dearly. I remember him telling me stories about his nickname, how he earned it, and how it kept him going at times. It fit him perfectly, and how happy I was that Basch gave him something to have that he treasured.

"Thank you, Basch...."

As I went back to sleep, I could've sworn I heard:

"You're welcome, Wintermina...."

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SD: I want to say something!

"Blade" is "Bast". I did not change out people, just gave him a new nickname. Bast=Basch is too hard for myself, and others to discern from, and since "Blade" did give him some spice, I changed it! I want to let you know! See ya next round!

ME: You Mean old goat! What about me?

SD: Okay, ME will see you too....
ME: Yayness! =D

SD: REVIEW PLEASE!