Of Love and Loyalty
Author's Note: My sincerest apologizes for not completing this in a timely fashion (holy crap, has it really been over a year?!). I have this bad habit of posting fic before I really should. ;) Also, I am bad about finishing games, and I still have not finished FFXII (it took me 3 years to finish FFX). In any case! Here is the conclusion of "Of Love and Loyalty." When I first started, I had intended it to be a three-part story, but then I got stuck on the second part and I realized it was because of a distinct lack of Basch. So, I excised the middle part and now it is only a two-part story. It's a little choppy and possibly overly sappy, but it's done. Enjoy!
"The prisoners, My Lord."
When she turned to see the newest captives, the world tilted away from her for the second time in her life.
It was him. Basch. The man she had spent the last two years alternately hating and missing. And he was here.
Without realizing it, Ashe found herself walking toward him. She paid no mind to the other captives, she could see him and only him.
How was he alive? How was he here? How could he have left her, all those years ago?
"Majesty--"
She slapped him, hard, before the sound of his voice, which she had yearned to hear for so long, could slip into her mind. Too late.
And he took it, looked away like a guilty man, and she hesitated. Was it true, then? Had he really betrayed them? Her?
"After what you've done! How dare you!"
How dare he come back into her life like that, awakening memories and feelings she had long buried.
"You're supposed to be dead."
She barely stopped herself from saying another thought that ran through her mind: "I wish you were dead."
The Judge's words didn't register and all she could do was stare into the eyes that had haunted her in her dreams. He looked so...so...so alive. And beautiful. And she hated him even more.
"...of the insurgence."
"The Resistance," she bit out.
More words passed and still she stared, and he back at her. And then he was speaking.
"King Raminas entrusted me with a task. Should the time come, he bade me give you something of great importance. It is your birthright: The Dusk Shard. It will warrant the quality of her blood. Only I know where to find it."
"Wait," Ashe said, nearly stepping to him again. "You took my father's life! Why spare mine now? You would have me live in shame?"
"If that is your duty: yes."
His words cut into her deeper than she could have imagined. Her heart, which she thought had no more feeling for him, ached.
And then her world, which had been teetering on the edge of chaos for years, came tumbling down as the boy, Vaan, handed over a critical piece she needed to restore her to her rightful place. But Ashe still stood tall, refusing to show defeat.
"Take them away. Lady Ashe is to be quartered separately," Judge Ghis ordered.
As she passed them, Ashe kept her eyes on Basch, willing him to feel the hatred she felt for him. It wasn't until her cell door closed behind her guards that she faltered. She slumped on the cold, metal bench and gasped for breath as the magnitude of all that had happened finally hit her.
Basch was alive. The resistance was slowly being crushed. Her dream of regaining the throne of Dalmasca was in danger of being smothered. But Basch was alive.
Why did that one thought cause her the most pain? Hadn't she spent the last two years excising him from her thoughts? Hadn't she vowed to hate him for the rest of her life?
But, of course, she could not. Because a part of her wanted to believe he hadn't betrayed her. And, as a consequence, she had practically spent the last two years thinking of nothing but him. And now he was alive and near her and she had touched him.
Doubt crept back into Ashe's mind and she remembered the guilty look on Basch's face after she'd slapped him. And the anger bubbled up again and she clenched her fists.
Her thoughts were cut off as her cell door opened once more.
Vossler entered and Ashe felt relief at the sight of her most trusted protector.
"You are unharmed."
"Vossler, I--" she suddenly staggered.
"Majesty!" Vossler cried, reaching to steady her.
"It's nothing. I'll be fine."
Someone moved closer and she knew it was him.
"You," she practically growled, eyes narrowing. Oddly, she did not feel any satisfaction when he withdrew.
"Come on, come on!" Vaan's voice interrupted. "What are you waiting for? Penelo's still out there!"
"We should hurry," Balthier added. "They won't be long."
Vossler, understanding the gravity of the situation, looked to Ashe. "We will talk later."
Everything that happened after occurred quite quickly. To Ashe's great annoyance, Basch took up his position as Knight as if he had never left and she chastised herself repeatedly each time she caught herself letting him do so without repercussion.
On the Atomos, after successfully leaving the Dreadnought Leviathan, she staunchly refused to look at him as she, Vossler, and Basch discussed their plans.
"Is Bhujerba really the right place to go?" Ashe questioned.
"It seems the best plan for now, Highness," Vossler answered. "We must think on our current situation before assessing further."
"Agreed."
Vossler bowed, then, and took his leave. Ashe, afraid Basch would attempt conversation, quickly turned away and looked out a porthole. She heard his intake of breath and tensed, not relaxing until she could no longer hear his footsteps.
It was too soon. Vossler, it seemed, accepted Basch. But not her. Not yet.
--
Somewhere between when they landed and Vossler's departure, Ashe's heart seemed to soften. Perhaps because, among a group of strangers, he was the only one she thought she knew. But so much had happened between them in so short a time, did she really know him at all?
To his credit, Basch seemed to understand that she needed her space. He said nothing, did nothing but shadow her. He was letting her choose when they would interact.
Arguing with her uncle had been difficult and, in that instance, Ashe had wished Basch would voice his opinion. However, she could not fault him for maintaining his silence. Imprisonment had prevented him from knowing the state of the world, after all.
She expected him to lecture her after she stalked out of the room, but he remained silent, supporting her only with his presence.
"Say something."
"What would you have me say, Highness?"
"Do you agree with Ondore?"
Basch contemplated his answer. "To an extent, I do."
Ashe was silent for a long while. "I...understand what he is saying."
"But you cannot sit idle."
She stopped abruptly and turned to face him. Surprised at how close he was, Ashe involuntarily stuck her hand out to stop from colliding with him. The ruffles of his shirt barely touched the tips of her fingers, but that feeling alone caused the breath to leave her. For a long moment, the pair stared at each other, both similarly affected by their proximity. With what looked like reluctance, she watched in silent wonder as Basch took a half-step backwards.
Ashe lowered her hand and an awkward silence settled between them.
"I..." she began, her voice cracking. She cleared her throat and tried again. "I cannot sit idly by when the means for my return are so close at hand."
Basch nodded. "I will assist in any way I can, of course. If you so desire."
Ashe could only nod, not trusting herself to speak, before turning and resuming the walk to her chambers in silence.
--
Stealing a ship wasn't exactly part of royal training, but Ashe had not spent her time as part of the resistance idly. She was confident she could pilot the ship if she could only figure out the controls...
Sighing in frustration, Ashe didn't know whether she felt more unease at attempting to steal Balthier's ship or in not telling Basch her plans.
Vaan's appearance only made her feel worse and then the pirates joined in. She had never been so relieved to hear Basch's voice until that time, for it proved a point in her mind as to the extent of his loyalty.
"Kidnapping royalty is a serious offense."
His eyes were on hers, but she saw no accusation.
"It won't do much to lower the bounty on your head," he said to Balthier as he passed the other man.
"How much is the price on your head these days, I wonder?" Balthier mused, partially to himself.
Ashe half expected Basch to kneel in front of her and, had the situation been slightly different, was sure he would have.
"Allow me to escort you in Vossler's place."
At that moment, Ashe realized Basch was trying to earn the right to be by her side as he had so many years before. He was duty-bound to protect her, but he was asking her permission and she found she wanted to give it.
Ashe nodded and the tension in the room lifted. She almost smiled at the look of relief that passed through his eyes.
The trip to the Dalmascan Westersand, though short, was much different than the trip to Bhujerba. Ashe left the main cabin after several moments, preferring the more secluded sections of the Strahl.
"Majesty?"
She looked up, surprised, and nodded, allowing Basch to approach.
"You don't agree with my choice, do you?"
"I admit it was not my first thought," he said, avoiding her gaze. "But, you must do what you need for yourself."
She smiled, then, recalling a conversation in years past.
Basch stepped closer. "I have not forgotten what we...spoke of those years ago. I meant it then as I do now, Your Highness."
"But you still don't agree?" she breathed, voice unintentionally softer.
He shook his head. "Vossler knows much more than I of the circumstances surrounding the resistance, as do you. I can only hope I am able to protect you and your legacy now as I could not these past two years."
His total faith and conviction in her warmed her heart and for a very long moment they stared at each other.
"I...appreciate your assistance and your encouragement," she said. "It has been...difficult, these past years."
At that moment, the Strahl dipped slightly, throwing them off balance. Basch braced a hand on the bulkhead near her, the momentum causing him to lean forward. Once more, Ashe reached her hands out and as she felt the heat of him upon her fingers time seemed to slow down.
"I believe we are making our descent." Basch's voice was barely a whisper.
"The Dawn Shard awaits," she remarked.
For a long moment, neither moved until slowly, Basch stepped back, introducing space between them.
"I shall ensure we have the proper supplies before we begin our journey."
And then he was gone and Ashe was left to pull in a shaky breath.
Two years he had been gone but within the span of a moment it had all washed away.
--
Vossler's return bolstered Ashe further. With two former Knights of the Order by her side, surely her chances were greater.
But she had held the Dawn Shard in her hands for only a short while before Vossler's betrayal stole it away from her.
It seemed unfair that in just a few short days, she faced the man she thought betrayed her country, redeemed him, and then shunned another who had been her constant, loyal companion during the hardest trials she had ever had to endure.
"Who are you, Vossler, to talk of trust?" she asked with the same vehemence she'd questioned Basch previously.
"A son of Dalmasca..." she heard behind her.
It wasn't until later, in the safety of their Lowtown hideout, that Ashe understood.
"May I approach?" Basch asked, tentative.
She nodded.
"If my presence disturbs you..."
"No, Basch, it is fine. I know, now, your loyalty is, and always was, true."
"Do not think too poorly on Vossler. He was a true son of Dalmasca."
"He said that, but I don't fully understand. How could he...why would he betray me if he was a son of Dalmasca?" she asked.
"You misunderstand. He is a son of Dalmasca," Basch tried to explain. "A son of Dalmasca will do anything for the betterment of Dalmasca, even at the demise of its leaders."
"What?" Ashe said, brow furrowing in confusion.
"Vossler has always valued the state of the country itself over its people," Basch explained. "He was no less loyal than I, his means were just...differently oriented."
"So, you are saying he felt that a deal with the Empire was the fastest route to restoring Dalmasca as a country with a proper heir on the throne, no matter the sacrifice?"
Basch nodded.
"To be fair," he continued, "Your well-being was of utmost priority. Without you, Dalmasca had no future. Thus, he lived with the chance that you could be discovered and harmed every day."
"What of you?" she asked, almost not wanting to know the answer.
This time, Basch did kneel before her.
"My duty is to you, Your Majesty, and, as the last remaining heir, you alone. I will protect you, no matter the cost."
"Is my station the only reason you protect me?"
"No," he admitted, eyes cast down. "I...I protect you for it is my wish to do so."
Ashe moved away, then, needing a bit of space. His adoration and loyalty to her was both comforting and slightly overwhelming.
Idly, she twisted the ring on her finger and a stray thought passed through her mind.
"Did...did you see anything when we were in the Dawn Shard's chamber?" she asked abruptly.
"Highness?" Basch rose to his feet, a confused look in his eyes.
"I saw an...apparition," she started. "Of Rasler."
A pause. "Did he speak to you?"
"No, he just...looked at me."
Basch said nothing.
"You don't sound surprised or alarmed."
"It is not unheard of for loved ones to reappear in times of great stress or importance."
Ashe turned and regarded him. Had she loved Rasler? For certain she had been fond of him. He had been kind to her and would have made a good husband. But their marriage had been arranged for the benefit of both their countries. Love was not the primary factor.
"Perhaps," was all she said. "It is probably nothing. In any case, what is our next step?"
Ashe looked at him when Basch did not respond.
"Are you well?"
He looked up as though she had interrupted a thought. "My apologies. I was thinking of what plans Vossler may have had."
"It is probably best to rally the resistance members in Rabanastre and collect what information they have. We have several trustworthy contacts."
Ashe made to move to the planning desk when the room suddenly spun and she stumbled. A moment later she found herself leaning against him, her hands clutching at his forearms.
"Are you all right?" Basch asked, his breath warm against her ear.
"It is nothing."
"You said that before."
"I just...I just need to rest."
Yet neither moved. She looked up at him, pleasantly surprised at his closeness. And suddenly she was swept up in his arms as he cradled her close and carried her to her bed.
"As I have mentioned before," he murmured into her hair, "you must take care of yourself, Highness."
Ashe grabbed his hand when he made to move away and pressed her cheek to his palm.
"I have had no one to remind me of my duties," she whispered.
"Nay, that is not true," she amended, looking away and dropping his hand. "For I have thought of nothing but you and the words you said to me since we parted."
She expected him to move away, to resume his position as the proper knight. Instead, he pulled her to him in an embrace and Ashe found herself clinging to him.
"Not a day passed that I did not think of you, Majesty. Not a day passed that I did not fault myself for leaving you in such a state. When I heard, in my imprisonment, all that had occurred, I wished for a way to get word to you."
"But that was their plan, was it not?" Ashe pulled back to look into his eyes, now haunted with memories.
"My disgrace was the means for their triumph."
"This war has shamed us all."
Ashe placed her hands on his cheeks and touched her forehead to his.
"Would that we could right all the wrongs the Empire has wrought," she whispered.
"If it is My Lady's wish, it shall be done. I could do nothing for you these long years. I have vowed to myself never to allow that again."
"And what would you vow to me?"
"Highness?"
Ashe looked long and hard into Basch's eyes. In them, she saw the loyalty she knew was true and had never wavered. In them, she saw hope, determination, and the knowledge he would do anything if it brought them a step closer to fulfilling her dreams. And in them, she saw a glimmer of something she had not realized she, too, sought.
"Never leave my side. Not again."
"I--"
Ashe stopped him with a finger across his lips.
"The day you left, a part of me died. All I held dear was gone: my family, my country...and you. I could not bear that again."
"Then you will not," Basch vowed.
She embraced him once more and as they pulled away they both hesitated, a hairsbreadth apart. Tentatively, she moved just so and her lips barely brushed over his. She felt his intake of breath and then his lips were on hers, gentle but sincere.
He seemed to hold her as if she might break and Ashe, too, wondered if she was not caught in an impossible dream. But Basch was here, with her, and for the first time in many years, she felt right.
Basch pulled away first. "You should rest," he whispered, running his thumb lightly over her cheek.
"Stay with me."
"Always."
When Ashe woke the next day, Basch was, indeed, still with her, albeit sleeping quite uncomfortably in a chair beside her bed. But he was still there and, for a short while, that was all that mattered to her. Together, they would reclaim the throne. Together, they would avenge all the wrongs the Empire and dealt them. Together.
The End.