THE PRICE OF HONOR

Disclaimers: Final Fantasy XII and all other related characters, events, etc. do not belong to me.

Overall Story Notes: (minor spoilers) The story is about Gabranth and Larsa so in my story, Gabranth DID NOT die in the end of the game. :)

Chapter Notes: Chapter 10 begins a few weeks after the events of the previous chapter. By now, the main party has gone from the Phon Coast, through the Tchita Uplands, up Old Archades, and are finally in The Imperial City of Archades.

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Vaan ran forth excitedly, ahead of the others, once they entered the Imperial City of Archades. The sights and sounds of the busy city were all new and all too stimulating for the aspiring sky-pirate.

"You're gaping like a fish out of water!" Penelo laughed, but she seemed to share the same enthusiasm, though not as much.

Vaan cocked his head to one side, fingers laced behind his blonde hair. "I'm just checking out the city. Even if it is the Empire."

Penelo walked over to where Vaan was standing and let a small smile rest on her lips. "You've changed, Vaan. You were always marching to your own beat... almost like you were impatient, even. In a good way."

"Maybe it's because I've seen more now. Never imagined I'd ever come this far away from home."

There was a moment of silence between them, both teenagers taking in the marvel of the Imperial City—both curious and perhaps, a little apprehensive. Ashe seemed to be restless, Basch moreso, Fran was non-chalant, and Balthier looked as if he was sick to his stomach with the way he shifted edgily with what looked like a scowl on his usually smirking lips.

Vaan was the first to ease the growing tension within the group. "Hey, Larsa's here in the city, isn't he? He's a tough one, I wonder how he's doing."

Balthier abruptly stopped in his shifting, stiffening slightly, but was quick to regain his composure.

"You were always a touch soft, Vaan." Penelo said affectionately. "You know what's amazing? I always thought I'd go my whole life without meeting people like the Princess, or Lord Larsa. And here we are, in the Capital!"

Vaan scratched the back of his head. "I know! It's a little over my head sometimes."

Basch snaked from behind Vaan before patting the smaller boy on the shoulder. "Good, Vaan. You've come to understand the difficulties of serving royalty."

Penelo gave the Captain a mischievous look. "That wasn't a complaint, was it, Basch?"

Basch straightened his back and cleared his throat, looking away from the girl's impish look. "Right. Let's get moving."

"Hey, don't change the subject!"

"Right." Basch crossed his arms against his chest as he looked at Ashe, together with Balthier and Fran, who were a little behind them. The said group only looked at Basch and the two teenagers silently, pleasant smiles on their faces.

Vaan and the others began to proceed a little further into the Capital City before Balthier abruptly stopped in his tracks. "We go our separate ways here, Vaan. I've some business to attend to. We'll meet again later."

Vaan looked up in surprise. "Huh? Hey—"

But the sky-pirate was quick in his step, and he ignored Vaan as he disappeared into the Archadian crowd—almost as if he belonged there. The blonde boy looked up to Fran who only shook her head and gave her version of a smile. "He will be back. Do not worry."

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"Tell me, Zargabaath, to whom do I owe the pleasure of a Judge Magister's request for an audience with a mere sky-pirate such as myself?" Balthier's voice was laced with sarcasm as he leaned his hip on the wooden wall by the far side of the rented room of one of Archades' more elusive inns. He crossed his arms to his chest as he narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the armoured Magister who stood at the far side of the small room.

"I have come to ask... for your aid Ffamran Mied Bunansa." The Judge's voice sounded tense, even through the steel of his helm and Balthier could not help but raise an eyebrow at this—as well as the free use of the name he had left behind.

"My... aid? And what has led you to believe that I would be so willing to aid a Judge Magister—as you represent everything that I detest, everything that I have left behind?" Balthier bit out the words as he flexed his ringed fingers instinctively—a habit that belied his agitation. "And, know well that Ffamran Mied Bunansa has long died. My name is Balthier."

"You cannot deny who you were Ffamran. Who you were... and who you still are." Zargabaath walked over to where the sky-pirate was standing, the grating of his armour almost unbearable to the former Judge.

"I am not like you Zargabaath! I am not a hound of the Empire! If there is nothing you wish to discuss, I will take my leave. I have almost forgotten my distaste at seeing a Magister, I must thank you—bitterly—for reminding me."

Balthier turned to leave, but Zargabaath stopped him with a gloved hand around the sky-pirate's wrist. "Forgive me Ff—Balthier, I have spoken beyond bounds. I asked for us to meet, not to rub salt on wounds long inflicted, but to ask for aid—as I have found in my hands... a most delicate situation."

Balthier raised a hand to his chin, it was unlike Zargabaath to ask for aid—least of all from a sky-pirate, former Judge though he was. The vagueness of his words did nothing to mask the gravity of whatever it was that distressed the Magister. "Speak Zargabaath, and I shall listen."

With a deep sigh of relief, the Judge released his hold on the other's wrist before he seated himself in one of the room's wooden chairs. Zargabaath then removed his helm and rested it on the table, the heat in the room almost stifling him. He cleared his throat before he finally spoke. "Lord Larsa Ferrinas Solidor, brother to Vayne and heir to the throne of Archades, has been placed under my charge. Weeks have passed since the late Emperor Gramis' demise, and it seems... that the young lord has not come to terms with his Excellency's passing."

Balthier nodded, suddenly concerned, as he also seated himself by the table. He bid the older man to continue. "He has been unlike himself—remiss in his studies, negligent of his duties... it is as if the melancholy has gripped him and has succeeded in subduing his spirit. The Lord Larsa I now protect is nothing of his former self—and it grieves me to see him as he is now."

"I do not understand how any of this concerns me... though I am deeply troubled, as I have taken a liking to the boy." Balthier rested his chin on an open palm, waiting for the Judge to go on.

"I believe that it is in the young lord's best interest that he should leave the palace—at least for a while. The death of his father, as well as— certain subsequent events—have taken its toll on Lord Larsa. Aged as he may seem in mind, he is but a mere child. As his guardian, I beseech you to take him under your wing!"

Brown eyes went wide in surprise and alarm. "Surely you do not intend to put the Solidor child in my care!" Balthier shook his head, almost in disbelief at what Zargabaath had asked of him. "You may have forgotten, Zargabaath, that I am a sky-pirate. I am no governess, it is beyond my capabilities to act as guardian to your future Emperor."

"I can entrust him with no other. You left the Ministry when you had the opportunity and have kept your honor, though others may see it differently. But I trust you, by whatever name or occupation you might assume. I have been with you in battle and I have deep respect and belief in your capabilities."

Balthier laughed dryly. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Zargabaath."

"Decide with haste Balthier, we have not much time." The older man hissed under his breath.

"I do not believe you are in the position to rush—"

A sharp knock on the door interrupted their hushed conversation, and their heads turned sharply in its direction, almost simultaneously. Without another word, Zargabaath rose stiffly and made to open the door.

"Zargabaath, I see no reason for you to leave me in a room by myself—if you are attending to your duties, I have every right to—"

The young lord's voice died in his throat when his eyes fell on the equally dumb-founded sky-pirate who was seated by the table. Cobalt eyes went impossibly wide as he beseeched the Judge Magister with his silent, wide-eyed stare.

Balthier pushed himself off the chair and ran ringed fingers in his clipped, dark blonde hair. "It seems that my decision has been made for me." The sky-pirate gave Zargabaath a pointed look before his gaze softened when he turned to look at the young boy. "I shall take him as you wish, but my services are never for free."

"You shall not be pursued by the Imperials as long as I can hold them, but beyond that, I cannot say. Now go! There is not much time Bunansa!" Zargabaath's whispered harshly, urgency seeping into his words.

"B-bunansa? Surely you do not mean Dr. Cid's—"

Balthier quickly grabbed Larsa by the wrist and pulled the boy a little too hard towards him that the Solidor heir almost fell forward. "We shall speak later. For now, we take our leave. Zargabaath—I hold you to your word."

"Zargabaath! What is happening-?" Larsa tried to free himself from Balthier's grasp, but the strength by which the sky-pirate held his wrist was surprisingly firm. "Are you to leave me as well—as he did?" Tears began to well up in already sunken cobalt eyes, but the Judge Magister looked away—he could no longer bear to see his young lord like he was.

"Forgive me, my lord, but it is in my best judgment that this be done." Zargabaath proceeded to wear his helm before handing Balthier a rather hefty bag of Archadian gold. He bowed low to the Solidor heir. "Please, do not think ill of me Lord Larsa."

Zargabaath then turned to Balthier, who still held the young lord firmly. "Protect him best you can. Now be off with great haste Ffamran!"

Balthier clicked his tongue as he made his way to the door, gun on his shoulder and the Solidor heir in tow. "Your stubbornness belies your age Zargabaath. It's Balthier. Do not forget it next we meet. Farewell."

Zargabaath watched in silence as the sky-pirate whisked the young lord out of sight, almost bonelessly collapsing on a wooden chair that creaked beneath the weight of his armour.

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"I have asked the inn-keeper to bring up your meals. I have also instructed him to cater to whatever else you may need." Basch cupped Larsa's face in his large hands. "However, you may not leave this inn or do anything which might bring attention to you. Lord Larsa, you must understand our situation."

Larsa nodded his head and looked back at Basch's intense gaze. "I understand G—Basch. Do not worry, I shall be alright." He raised a small hand to touch a much larger one which rested upon his cheek. "Now hurry, the others are already waiting for you."

No sooner had the boy said it before Balthier unceremoniously burst into the room with a curious Vaan right behind him. The sky-pirate raised an eyebrow at the Captain, but merely smirked. "Well if you don't mind, Captain, if you're done pampering our young Emperor-ling, it's best that we be off at once."

"Yeah, let's go old man! You're taking too long!" Vaan jested as he leaned on his intertwined fingers behind his head. He turned to Larsa and gave the young Solidor a wide smile. "Sorry you couldn't join in the adventure; the grown-ups said it would be too dangerous for you. But hey, don't worry Larsa, I'll tell you all about it when we get back! I bet it's going to be great! So sit tight here, alright?"

Larsa laughed, he had always been fond of Vaan's lively spirit. "I am looking forward to hearing everything of your adventure Vaan. Send my well-wishes to the rest, I pray for your safe return."

"We shall see you soon Emperor-ling, best you behave yourself till we get back." Balthier ruffled the boy's black hair affectionately before seeing Vaan and Basch to the door. The older man cast another look at Larsa before nodding slightly. "We take our leave Lord Larsa."

When the door finally closed and the sound of footsteps died down, Larsa made his way to his room and threw himself on the bed. Everything had gone quite well since Zargabaath had "handed him over" to the sky-pirate, and the rest of the party was more than glad to take him in—much to his delight. He was very fond of Vaan and his friends, and Basch had been more than obliging during the past few days. The inn they had chosen to stay in was one of the more expensive ones in the city, all thanks to the gold that Zargabaath had given Balthier—enough to feed a family for years—so the pirate said. The accommodations made everyone quite happy. It was as if everything was almost alright. Almost.

The weeks that followed the demise of his father, Emperor Gramis, had taken its toll on him. Weeks of crying till there were almost no more tears to shed left Larsa with a perpetually gaunt face with swollen eyes. His hair was dishevelled, going whichever what way if Basch had not taken the liberty of brushing it a few times when they had the chance to be alone. The weight in his chest seemed somewhat lighter as of late, but every time he thought about him, it was as if nothing would ever go right anymore.

Larsa pursed his lips which had already begun to quiver, but no tears came—there were no more tears to shed. However, the dull ache in his chest intensified and Larsa pulled his knees to his chest to somehow ease the pain. Weeks passed with excruciating slowness. Weeks of cold stares, empty silence, and being deadpanned with a mechanical "Yes, my lord" every time he tried to speak to his then Judge Protector made Larsa feel empty and abandoned.

"Was it all just a lie then? Was Vayne right all this time? Is love... is love, truly my mistake?"

Larsa rolled restlessly on his bed and heaved a deep sigh. He felt as if he wanted to cry, but he was too tired of doing that. Too many nights of wasted tears and whispered prayers have gone unanswered, perhaps it was time to finally let go. It was as if Gabranth had already made his choice, and now, so must he.

With that thought in mind, Larsa drifted off to sleep.

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The sound of rain pattering against the glass woke Larsa from his light slumber. The boy rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he walked over to the window. For a moment he just stood there, watching the rain... he had always liked the rain, but only because Gabranth was there to countenance his traipsing out in the palace gardens when it did. Now it only reminded him of the deep sorrow he felt.

Acting on impulse, Larsa left the room and all but ran down the stairs, only to be stopped by the inn-keeper herself, a stern, heavy-set woman. "No, no, no dearie. Master Basch and Master Balthier made it abundantly clear that you cannot leave the inn. No sir, I simply cannot let you pass."

"I only wish to go to your garden. If you wish, you may watch me—as I do not plan on going elsewhere milady."

A thoughtful look passed upon the woman's face. "But it's raining now, surely you do not want to go out in this rain?"

"I do. Please, let me pass." Larsa's tone left no room for argument and the inn-keeper inwardly sighed. She shook her head but let the boy go to the door leading to the inn's garden out back. "Be sure to wash up after you run around in the rain so you don't catch a cold dearie. Master Basch will be quite upset if he learns about this."

Ignoring the warning, Larsa made his way to the back garden, walking tentatively out into the rain. The water splashed on his face as he looked up at the sky—it was still light out. The cold rain washed over his face, down his cheeks and neck, and seeped into his tunic. This feeling, Larsa thought, had almost left him. The young lord walked further out into the garden, feeling the rain wash over him. He ignored the cold as he looked up at the sky, and all the feelings came back like a tidal wave, and he began to cry.

Again, the tears came, hot and burning as they rolled down his cheeks, merging with the rain that poured from the sky. All the pain welled up in his chest and soon, soft sobs escaped the young lord's lips. Crying—again he was crying... that was all he could do about these feelings inside him that were once reciprocated. All they were good for now was this—to be a reason to weep in the rain.

All he cared about were the emotions which raged within him, and the feel of rain cascading down his soaked onyx hair and pale skin. He had not felt so much despair. Larsa did not know how long he stood there, drenched in the rain—crying and unfeeling of the cold.

"Lord Larsa! Lord Larsa, are you out here?" A frantic voice broke the young lord from his reverie and he turned his head in the direction of the inn.

Perhaps it was the darkness that came with the setting sun, the rain falling on his face, or the tears that blurred his vision—but in that blur, he saw golden hair and a face that made his chest burn. He blinked away the rain and the tears, but in the haze of the rain he only saw him—standing beside him under the torrent.

Larsa ran to Basch, almost knocking the captain over with force by which the boy clung to him—fingers curled tightly in his tunic. Basch could only wrap his strong arms around the boy, he could tell by the latter's breath that he had been crying; and by how soaked his clothes were—he knew Larsa had been crying in the rain for quite some time. But those things were for some other time, right there and then he felt that this was all the boy need. Comfort.

"D-do you know... the reason why I stand in th—the rain... w-when I... when I am sad?" Larsa managed to choke out as he looked up again at the darkening sky. Basch merely shook his head. "It is because when I cry under the rain, I feel as if I am not alone—as if the sky is crying with me... and no one else will know that I am crying."

The sorrow in the boy's tone gripped at Basch's heart and he instinctively pulled him closer, burying his face in the onyx boy's hair. "You are not alone Lord Larsa... I am here... I shall always be here."

Larsa finally met Basch's eyes with his own swollen cobalt ones, and for that moment, the older man felt as if Larsa looked at him as if he was someone else.

And in that rainy twilight, Larsa Ferrinas Solidor, the heir to the Archadian Empire and Basch fon Ronsenburg, fallen Captain of Dalmasca, with quivering and hesitant lips—kissed.

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Don't kill me for the last part!

Sorry I was unable to upload a chapter last week, the new semester was harder than I expected!

This chapter was a little harder to come up with because I couldn't exactly jump back into some Larsa and Gabranth loving after that fiasco in the last chapter.

Don't worry though, someone is bound to come looking for Larsa soon enough. :)

Thank you for all the new reviews, they keep me happy and inspired. Please don't hesitate to drop me a line, I really do appreciate everything. Comments and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Till next chapter.

Seph