InsaneJournal

Those we Know and Those we Don't, Part 5
You know, speaking of old fics...

This is something I was cowriting with logistika_nyx for the_sandsea on LJ. It has been my turn to write a chapter for, oh, a good six months now? I don't think I would have ever gotten back to it except I was scrolling back through the sandsea stuff trying to see if I had missed any of my fics while updating fanfiction.net, and found the older chapters and thought, "Hey, I should write that."

Links!
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Written in alternating parts with logistika_nyx.

Title: Those We Know and Those We Don’t – Part 5
Claim: Basch
Rating: PG
Themes: 10. Flying, 17. Gamble, 31. Duty, 32. Laughter, 79. Black sheep
Summary: Ashe has been rescued, and Basch wonders about other people wondering about him.

Looking back on his recent reunion with Ashelia, Basch realized that he should have expected the slap on the face. It hadn't surprised him, even then, but somehow (and irrationally, he would admit) he had held out hope that she would have guessed the truth and be less inclined to greet his rescue attempt with malice.

The events of the day seemed to stream by quickly; Vossler's appearance, Ashe's rescue, and the unfortunate loss of the Dusk Shard. And for now all there was to do was retreat to whatever ship Vossler and Larsa had managed to acquire. Basch still wondered at Larsa's role in the matter. The boy was young, yes, and from all evidence sincere enough, but was a Solidor to be trusted? Circumstances dictated that he not look a gift horse in the mouth, but it could cause no harm to silently wonder, and brace for the worst while praying for the best. If the boy was truly in favor of aiding the princess, that could only make life easier.

As promised, the path Vossler ran led them to an empty Atomos, with Larsa keeping watch. There was no discussion as the group arrived, other than a quick nod between the young Solidor and Vossler, as the group began to pile into the small ship. Balthier was first, followed by Fran, who immediately took a place at the controls. It was Vossler's turn next to climb in. Basch paused at the door, offered a hand to Ashelia, but was met with little more than a quiet "hmph." Rather, she shied away from him, leaving herself off balance, and caught Vossler's hand on the inside of the ship as she found her way to a seat.

"Quickly, lest you be caught again," urged Larsa from behind the remaining members of the party, and Basch needed not be urged again to move inside the ship and out of the doorway. He found a place for himself in the back, the farthest from the princess as presently possible; he figured she would prefer it that way. He noted, too, that said seat put him nearest to Vossler, which suited him just as well. There was discussion to be had, though not as much as he would like here within easy earshot of the others.

As the rest boarded and the ship set flying back to Bhujerba, Basch wondered to what conclusion their wager had come. It seemed that, by approximation at least, they had ventured into the same plan at the same time. On the other hand, were Ashelia to decide the result, there would be a clear victor. She accepted Vossler's hand in support, where she would not even look at Basch without hatred.

"A draw, it would seem," Basch concluded in a voice meant for Vossler's ears, though undoubtedly heard by the closest of the others. "Though I suppose I would have to count your method as a bit more elegant than my own." He waited for a response, unsure if Vossler would even remember the conversation to which he referred. Vossler's only reply was a nod, though an unexpected intrusion into the conversation came from the seat in front of him.

"Having a key to remove our shackles was certainly a plus," Balthier commented, seeming not to care what the comment about a draw referred to, and having apparently surmised the meaning of the comment on elegant methods. "I suppose I should thank you," he added, nodding toward Vossler, "as the Captain here seems quite fond of acting without a plan." Basch made no reply other than a slight frown, and wondered if the pirate would ever concede that his lack of a plan had turned out surprisingly well, even disregarding what help they received from Vossler. Most likely not, he decided. Balthier seemed the type not likely to concede anything.

From his fellow knight, the pirate's comment inspired a quiet chuckle.

------

I measure his loyalty to Dalmasca no less than my own.

The words echoed in Basch's head as the group made its way to pay Marquis Ondore a visit. It had certainly been a change of heart from Vossler. Perhaps the fact that he had made good on their bet had changed his mind? If he were still known for deceit in his former comrade's mind, the fact that he had fought for Ashe on the Leviathan would mean nothing. And now he entrusted him with her care.

As for her, she seemed now to try to erase her hatred. She still avoided looking at him as they walked, but no longer appeared as if she would choose to reject his aid. Even so, he was a black sheep amongst the people of her memories, when he used to be amongst the trustworthy flock, and it was difficult to say what the princess would do. For now, he stood back and watched her, and offered assistance where he could.

"Lost in thought again?" a now all too familiar voice observed, Balthier appearing beside him. It wouldn't have been bothersome, provided the sky pirate didn't have such a knack for trying to strike up conversation when Basch would rather be left to his own thoughts. That was what he was used to now, after all, having spent two years locked up alone in a dungeon. Then again, maybe that's why the pirate seemed to think he needed a change.

"Thinking about that Vossler fellow again?" he continued when Basch made no answer to his original statement. "Or," he added with a nod toward Ashe, "Someone else this time?"

"Both," Basch replied simply, "and neither." He hoped, as well as generally assumed, that Balthier would find that answer sufficient. Especially within earshot of the princess, he felt no desire to elaborate. Balthier, indeed, seemed to understand and responded with a nod.

"Well, you look distressed, in any case," he commented, "Not that that's a change. Perhaps that suggestion about Madhu wasn't a bad one after all. I'll find you a bottle once we finish talking to the Marquis."