Espers' Revolt

(Fanfic version with my OCs in it. Enjoy it! ^^)

Chapter 1 - Break Time

Archades. This wasn't his true home, the place where he belonged, and yet he was here, standing before Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. He came here with the young lord, under the name of Judge Gabranth, which was not his own. Removing the helmet of his armor, he looked down at his new emperor, his throat dry.

"You called?"

Larsa looked up from his paperwork and away from his desk, his eyes settling on Basch. He stood up, grabbing a paper off of his desk and handing it to Basch. "Seems a certain young thief and a certain Sky Pirate sent you a letter," the fourteen year old said. He waited, placing his right hand on his hip while Basch looked over the note.

"Hey Larsa, how's Basch doing? It's been two years and all and I haven't really seen him. He eatin' right? Ah, of course he is! Anyways, me and Balthier were thinkin' about droppin' by soon, if you don't mind. I figured that Basch might miss us. Penelo says that she wants to come along, but Balthier told her that this is a "man thing". Right...Anyways, Basch is the new Judge Gabranth, right? Does he look like you know who? And did he really cut his hair? I guess I'll see for myself, won't I!"

"...And Vaan wrote this?"

Larsa laughed, rubbing the back of his neck as Basch handed him back the letter. "Penelo supposedly taught him, though his handwriting isn't the best in the world...Though you have to give him credit for trying, eh?" The young lord said, before sitting back down at his desk. "I suppose," Basch said, his grip on his helmet tightening.

"I've decided to give you leave."

Basch raised an eyebrow at Larsa as the young teen looked up at his Judge. "You've been overworking, so I'm giving you a vacation. I've arranged a transport to Rabanstre for you," Larsa said, smiling widely. "But my lord--" Larsa held up his hand as he rested his elbows on his desk. "You're going. You've been working far too much lately. Besides, you need to go visit Ashe," he said, chuckling. Basch frowned, before shaking his head. "As you wish..."

He walked out of the room, his thoughts wandering.

What about Lord Larsa...?
Pulling on his red vest, Basch looked down at himself as memories of two years ago flooded into his mind: Meeting Vaan, Balthier, and Fran; seeing Vossler again after so long; being reunited with Ashe; meeting Penelo; Vossler's death; the final battle with Vayne...All of it seemed ages ago, and yet at the same time it felt like it had all happened just yesterday.

He sighed slightly, making his way towards the Aerodome. Well...He wondered what transporation Larsa had meant. Meeting the glances of several brought a twinge of guilt for having to take on the appearance of his twin brother, and he felt like a stranger in his own body, especially considering that he now worn his old outfit while his hair was so short. He knew that these people didn't know that he was the new Judge Gabranth...

He entered the Aerodome, looking about. Normally personal transportation would mean one of the private pilots of Larsa would be here, though he saw none. Who he did see, though, surprised him greatly, and he found himself stopping dead in his tracks.

"Yo Basch! Long time no see!"

Vaan ran up to Basch, grinning from ear to ear. Vaan still wore his old outfit, though he actually had a white shirt under it, which Basch thought made him look much more civilized. Not only that, but Vaan was beginning to grow a beard, with small stuble on his chin.

He looked so different.

"Wow, you really do look like him!" Vaan said, laughing as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Of course he does," Balthier said, walking up to the duo as he shrugged his shoulders. He looked the same as he did two years ago. "Anyways, shall we be heading off to Rabanstre now? I don't wish to keep Fran waiting." Basch looked over Vaan and Balthier before nodding.

(A/N: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. XD Anyways, portraying Basch is harder than it seems, though Balthier and Vaan are relatively easy...Meh.)

This is amazing, Thire!!! Keep up the good work. *_*

Chapter 2 - A Reunion, and Saving a Life

"So, what have you been up to for the past two years?"

Basch looked forward at Vaan, whose head was turned around looking at him. Balthier was currently in the driver's seat of the Strahl with Vaan sitting directly infront of Basch. "Working for Larsa, paperwork and the such, dealing with the senate," Basch said, folding his arms as he rested his head back. "Oh...Sounds boring," Vaan muttered.

They were silent the rest of the trip.

Some time later, Balthier landed the Strahl in the Aerodome before exiting the airship. Vaan followed after him, and Basch left last, stepping out as he folded his arms again. Fran walked up to Balthier, talking to him before walking up to Basch. "It's been a while. Did you ever think about visiting?" She asked, smiling. "I was rather busy in Archades," Basch said, shrugging slightly. "Ah, I see. Attending to the young lord must be tiring," Balthier commented. "Let's go see Penelo. She's at the palace helping Ashe with some things," Vaan said, grinning before running off. Sighing, Basch shook his head, walking after the rambunctious young man. Behind him, Balthier laughed and followed, along with Fran.

Vaan led them to the palace, which looked the same as two years ago. Basch smiled, memories of Ashe's youth here springing up into his mind. Rabanstre looked the way it once did.

"Hey Basch, come on!"

Snapping out of his reminiscing, Basch entered the palace, glancing at Vaan for a moment before looking around. Yes, it was indeed the same as all those years ago.

"Basch, you're back!"

Penelo came rushing down the stairs and flung herself through the air towards Basch, who swiftly moved to the side to avoid being tackled. Penelo, instead of her intended target, tackled Vaan to the ground, causing the young man to groan in pain. "Penelo, get off...of me...please. You're...killing me..." Huffing, Penelo stood up, dusting off her clothes.

Ashe, meanwhile, calmly walked down the stairs, a small smile on her face. "Welcome back to Rabanastre, Basch," she said. She walked up to him, watching as he bowed. "My Que--," he began, but was cut off as she raised her hand. "We're friends. Just because I am royalty does not mean that you have to address me as such."

Laughing, Balthier walked up to the two, draping his arms around their shoulders. "I'm sure Queen Ashe has some spare time to come have a drink at the Sandsea," he said, briefly winking at Basch, who narrowed his eyes at the Sky Pirate. "I'm afraid not. I must be getting back to working on paperwork...It was good seeing you again Basch." With that Ashe turned around and headed back up the stairs.

"Then does the 'honorable Judge Gabranth' have spare time?" Balthier asked, looking at Basch. He sighed, pulling Balthier's arm off of him. "This is my...vacation, after all. Let us head to the Sandsea," Basch said, turning around. He headed out of the palace, Balthier and the others following close behind.
"It hasn't changed..."
"At all."

Basch narrowed his eyes at Balthier, who was chuckling softly as he walked past Basch. "Now now, calm down," Balthier said. He glanced around, and was surprised when he spotted a Viera talking with the owner of the Sandsea, Tomaj. "You know her?" Balthier asked, looking at Fran. "She looks familiar, though I don't believe that I have talked with her," Fran said, folding her arms.

"Tomaj, please."
"I told you no once."
"Tomaj!"
"No."

Deciding the leave the possible lovers to themselves, Basch and the others sat down at one of the tables. Penelo had run off on an errand, so it was only Basch, Fran, and Vaan accompanying Balthier. After ordering a round of Bhujerban Madhu, they began talking with eachother. It was mostly Balthier telling Basch about the new treasures that he had found. The Madhu came, and Basch contently listened as he drank.

"Tomaj, I have to leave. I don't care if you get mad, but I need the gil--"
"Freva! A monster like that is probably even stronger than you!"

Basch glanced at Tomaj and 'Freva', frowning slightly. From what he was hearing, Freva was a Hunter. Vaan was two years ago as well. What monster could they be speaking of? Turning his attention back to Balthier, he caught the Sky Pirate saying "...and that's how I found quite a few crystals." Relaxing back slightly into his chair, Basch finished his cup of Madhu and set the cup down, listening to Fran as she chastised Balthier for over-exaggerating the story. Basch chuckled. His friends hadn't change at all over the two years either.

Freva stormed past just then, hitting Vaan's leaned back chair and causing it to fall backwards, Vaan going with it. Wtih a yelp, Vaan hit the floor and became dazed. Freva paused, turning around and kneeling slightly, grabbing Vaan's hand and pulling him up. "I'm sorry. Excuse me for knocking you down." She rushed to the door and was out in a flash. Tomaj sighed, walking forward until he stood between the door and Basch's table. "She never listens to me." Turning around, he looked at Vaan, who was picking his chair back up. "Ah, Vaan, hello!" Tomaj walked over to him just as Vaan sat back down, and the younger Sky Pirate looked up at Tomaj with a grin.

"So, what have you and your friends been up to lately?" Tomaj asked, taking the free seat and resting his elbows on the table. "Oh, just the usual! Adventuring and stuff," Vaan said. He took a sip of Madhu. "So, what's up with you and the Viera?" Vaan asked, looking at Tomaj. "Oh, she's been living in Rabanstre nearly as long as I have. She's a member of the Dalmascan Army, though she's a Hunter as well. Her and I are in a...relationship. Anyways, she got this new petition specifically asking for her help. I took a look at it and told her not to go. Of course she didn't listen to me, as usual," Tomaj said, sighing. "She's a soldier? She doesn't seem like one," Vaan commented, finishing off his Madhu. "She is. And a good one at that."

"Tomaj! Where is my sword?"

Tomaj stood up as Freva stormed back into the Sandsea, arms folded. Tomaj chuckled, nodding his apology to Vaan before walking up to Freva. "It's behind the counter. You forgot to grab it," he said. "And you didn't think it a good idea to remind?" She asked, chuckling. Walking over to the counter, she reached behind it, pulling out a Mythril Blade from behind it. Strapping it around her waist, she walked back out, glancing at Basch curiously before closing the door. "Ah, always in a rush," Tomaj said.

Basch narrowed his eyes.
Freva sighed, placing the palm of her hand on her swords' hilt. "Let's see...The mark should be around here somewhere...," She muttered to herself.

"Freva! A monster like that is probably even stronger than you!"

Hearing Tomaj's words in her mind, she shook her head. A simple mutated Wild Saurian? It was nothing that Freva couldn't handle. She had faced much stronger foes before.

She continued walking, her feet lightly touching the sand. She spotting a dark reddish-green tail and drew her sword. That was the monster she was looking for. The petitioner had called it the 'Rampager'...Freva wondered why. Advancing slowly, she examined the creature before her eyes. Scars and cuts marked its body. Its skin was the same dark reddish-green color as its tail, and when she caught a climspe of its eye she could tell that they were a sickly brown.

Holding her sword tightly, she walked up behind the Rampager, eyes narrowed in concentration. She raised her sword, ready to strike, but as she was about to the monster spun around, its tail slamming into her stomach and sending her flying backwards. Twisting around in mid-air, she barely landed on her feet, and already her stomach and sides ached. Tomaj was right--this was a strong beast.

She gritted her teeth and charged forward, jumping into the air to avoid being hit with the beasts' tail. She swung downwards, slashing its back before landing on it. She jumped off, rolling across the sand before jumping to her feet. The beast roared, angry, before charging towards Freva. As she was about ot dodge to the side, the beast spun around, its tail lashing out and yet again striking Freva, this time in the chest. She was flung backwards, sliding across the ground. Once she came to a stop she turned around onto her right side, coughing up blood.

The beast advanced.

Just as she thought she was done for, a figure appeared out of no where, jumping off of the incline. Wielding a spear, the man thrust his weapon downwards. The spear was planted into the Rampager's neck, and it roared, stomping and shaking, trying to get the man off of its back. The man pulled his spear out of its neck and sliced it. He jumped off of the beast, landing on the ground as the beast crumbled to the ground.

"Are you okay?"

Freva looked up the best she could, watching as the man came closer. Upon seeing his face, she recognized him. She sat up to her best ability, and the man held out his hand. She grabbed it and was pulled up. She wobbled slightly, though kept her footing.

"...Captain Basch?"

(Got permission from Zorua to add in Zorak Falcluda.)
Chapter 3 - Healed and heading out.

Zorak was tired of walking. He made his way towards East Gate, ready to go out and train in the Estersand. He had heard about some monster running amock there, but he was sure that a Hunter had already taken care of it. Looking at the large, grey gate, he paused. Was this really such a good idea?

Just then the gate opened, and Zorak's eyes widened as he spotted an injured Viera being held up by a man. The man's right arm was wrapped around the Viera under her arms with her left arm over his shoulder. She was bleeding pretty badly, and Zorak was wondering how she could walk, especially since there was blood dripping from the side of her mouth.

"What'd you do, let a wolf nibble on you?"

The Viera glared at Zorak, moving away from Basch as she stomped over to the Faas-Bangaa. "You little--" She stopped, falling to her knees as she wrapped her arms around her stomach. Basch walked over, wrapping his arms under hers and pulling her up. "I suggest you keep your words to yourself," Basch said.

Zorak snorted, looking away as Basch and Freva walked past. "Rude," Freva muttered under her breath. Basch nodded in agreement.
"Freva!"

Tomaj ran into the hospital room, stopping beside Freva's bed. The Viera up at him, but frowned when she looked at the expression on his face. "I told you not to," he said, leaning over the side of the bed to look at her. "I know, and I'm sorry," she said quietly. "You should be thanking Basch. He did save your girlfriend," Vaan said, stepping into the room. Penelo slapped the back of his head as she followed him in. "Be nice!" She said.

"He's right though. If Basch hadn't came, then I would have most likely died," Freva said, chuckling quietly. "I'll thank him later. What I want to know is if you're feeling alright," Tomaj said, looking at Freva expectantly. "Hurts. Alot," she said, laughing as Tomaj frowned heavily. "Oh, I know! I'll heal you," Penelo said, walking over to Freva's bed. "Luckly for you I know White Magick!" Penelo added.

"Okay...Curaga!"

A green light, faint, but there, surrounded Penelo for a moment. A faint white light appeared around Freva, and the Viera flexed her arm. "Thank you," she said, looking at Penelo. The hume smiled, waving as she ran off. "No problem! Vaan, come on, we're going to miss the meeting with Balthier!" Vaan, with a sigh, followed Penelo out. Freva stood up, closing her eyes and smiling at Tomaj.
He encountered her again at Migelo's Sundries.

She was buying Potions and talking with Migelo, laughing slightly. Basch walked up to her, clearing her throat. She looked behind her should to see Basch standing there, and Freva smiled widely. "Basch, hello," she said happily. "I assume that Penelo healed you?" He asked. Freva nodded. "I'm heading out to Nalbina to see a friend. It was...nice seeing you again," she said. She headed out the door, and Basch placed his hands on his hips with a sigh. "She's quite the traveller," Migelo commented.

(Short but sweet.)