Similar to the last chapter, but from Vossler's viewpoint, and set aboard the SHIVA. There will probably be spoilers, so be warned. I hope people are actually reading this...

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Captain Vossler Azelas struck a bargain with the Empire, and now he pays the price. Forced to fight against his former comrades, one of them in particular sticks in his mind. He will not not harm her; she knows this, and perhaps fights more fiercely for it. As metal hits metal, bullets pierce armour, and Mist becomes magick, he remembers.

He remembers how, on the first day he had met the Lady Ashe, she had been but a bright-eyed child, so blissfully unaware of the cruel world outside the palace walls. She had charmed him from the start, and, as such, he had thought to buy her a birthday present, though he had known her only a few days.

He remembers the time he had taught her to ride a chocobo, laughing along with her as she began to master the skill, and how she had begged to go out riding with him every day (though, of course, her father did not agree).

He remembers that, as the princess grew older, she would occasionally sneak out of the palace in clothes borrowed from her handmaids, so that she may see the world beyond Rabanastre. She had insisted he ride with her, and he could not resist a direct order. Even if he had wanted to.

He remembers how, in the months leading up to her arranged marriage to the Prince of Nabradia, she had forced him to help her 'refine her kissing skills', for she feared she would somehow make a catastrophic mistake on the day. Vossler did not think this actually possible, but he went along.

He remembers that, though he would protest quite extensively whenever she would ask him to participate, he had actually found himself enjoying the sessions, though he knew he must not. He was a Knight of Dalmasca – nothing could ever come of it.

He remembers his inability to give Ashe anything but a brief hug as she left to visit her future husband in Nabradia, and the emptiness and lack of purpose that had filled him after she had left. His regular duties no longer satisfied him, and his friend Basch had remarked that he was half the knight he once was.

He remembers how he had longer to visit her during her stay in Nabradia, and had even considered asking his commanding officer for permission, before realising this estrangement was probably part of Raminas' plan to wean her off her guardian. Vossler had long sensed the King did not approve of their closeness.

He remembers seeing her, smiling and waving with her new husband, as the wedding parade passed through Rabanastre. Though the King had offered him a place in the parade, he had respectfully declined, as, for a reason he could not quite comprehend, he could not bring himself to participate in the event.

He remembers seeing the now-married princess running down the hallways as if she was being chased, before she had thrown herself at him in greeting. He had first expressed concern over her manner, but was swiftly reassured as she bade him defend from the on-coming mass of noble men and women, all of whom were eager to congratulate the Lady on her fine match.

He remembers how, not a month later, he was the one who had to bear the terrible news of Rasler's death, and how he had wished he could say something to console her as she wailed and beat her fists upon his armour in a fit of grief.

He remembers his wonderment that, after bringing the news that her father had been murdered by his most loyal and trustworthy knight – and one of Vossler's few friends, no less – Ashe had trusted him without hesitation, though she knew full well that she would be the Empire's next target.

He remembers how, as they prepared to go into hiding, he had sworn to protect her regardless of circumstance: he realises that, in his haste to end the war with Archadia, he has forsaken this oath.

He remembers how, upon sorting through the new clothes she had purchased, he had initially thought she had somehow forgotten to buy a skirt or trousers, and had instead picked up two belts. He had attempted to inquire about this apparent mishap without offending her, but had been stunned into silence when she replied that the larger belt was, in fact, a skirt, and she liked it.

He remembers making the decision to train her in the way of the great-sword, knowing that the fiery woman would not want to sit on the sidelines while the men he had gathered fought for her cause. He was loathe to put her in the line of fire, but had also wanted to give her some small happiness in these harsh times.

He remembers how useless he had felt when they were separated after the IFRIT's assault, and how he had searched for hours before finally accepting she was either dead or captured. Though he was not a religious man, he had prayed furiously that night that it was the latter.

He remembers how, upon hearing the Empire held Ashe in its clutches, he had been torn with indecision; his heart begged him to abandon his duties and rescue her immediately, whilst his head reminded him that he held many men's lives in his hands. Though he longed to follow his heart, he knew his first responsibility was to the Resistance.

He remembers resisting the urge to hug her as he found sitting in a cell aboard the LEVIATHAN, for fear of misconstruing their relationship to the four people behind him. His relief at finding her alive soon turned to concern, however, as he saw her sway upon standing, though she brushed it off as always.

He remembers his distress at finding her missing in Bhujerba, lost so soon after being reunited. It was at this point he realised the bitter war they had been engaged in for the best part of two years was a war they could not win with force alone, and it was then he had reluctantly forged the best deal he could with the Judges of Archadia.

He remembers, that night around the camp-fire, how she had shared the blanket with him as he stood watch for the others in their party, and how he had considered telling her about the bargain he had struck. He did not, for fear it would ruin the moment, but now he deeply wishes he did.

He remembers how, after their battles with the Garuda and the Esper Belias, she had insisted on bandaging his many wounds, despite his protests that he was fine, and she needn't worry about him. While the rest of the party forged ahead, she had forced him to stay put as she imbued the strips of cloth tied in various places around his body with Regen magicks. Vossler knew her hands lingered longer than was really necessary, but, for once, he did not complain.

He remembers how, as Judge Ghis called his name, Ashe had turned to face him, with such a sense of betrayal that he had desperately wanted to deny any involvement with his former plan, though he had thought he knew he was doing what was best for her.

He remembers all this, and his sword arm slows, giving the blond street rat Vaan a chance to drive his sword through one of the holes the sky pirate Balthier's gun had left in his armour. With that, he falls to the ground, and, though he is convinced he must now be delirious, he swears he sees a flicker of remorse in her face before she turns and strides away.

With only Basch remaining behind, he entrusts the princess' defence to his former friend. Though he knows that he himself is all but finished, and has most likely earned her eternal hatred, he still wants to ensure she gets the freedom she so desires. As Basch turns away, a single tear rolls down Vossler's cheek as he accepts his fate.