The characters, place names and overall theme in this piece are based on the Playstation 2 game “Final Fantasy XII”. It has been condensed and written in my own words however all rights are reserved by Sony Entertainment Inc and Square Enix Ltd.
Ashelia B’nargan had a vision – a free Dalmasca with peace, freedom and sovereignty restored. Looking down at the void Dawn Shard she held in her hands, she wondered what price had to be paid for the realisation of this vision. For as long as she remembered, she had felt in control of her life and her duty to Dalmasca as the only remaining heir, but her world had crumbled in so short a time and now she was faced with a decision of great consequence. Should she use the Dusk Shard and follow her sense of duty to restore order; or listen to Balthier who remained ever faithful by her side. His words forever burned in her heart, “Use the dusk shard Ashelia B’nargan, and all that you fight for will be for naught!”
Her journey had taken them across Ivalice through the Nabreus Deadlands and the jungles of Golmore and though tired and weary, she was completely focused on the task ahead of her. As she stepped onto the platform, she was immediately transported to the beings that had forced her voyage from her homeland to Giruvegan, where she was promised answers.
“We are Occuria. We offer you that which you seek. Take thee the Treaty Blade, and cut from the Sun Cryst the shard that is rightfully yours”.
“And what will I do with this new shard?” she asked, “the power within the stone is enough to destroy all of Ivalice. All I wish is for Dalmasca to be free from the tyranny of the Empire. Can I control the shard? Can I wield it?”
“Nay!” came a familiar voice from behind her. It was Balthier. “Heed my words Ashe. The shards and the Occuria will bring nothing but disaster for us all. Listen to what screams through your veins and through your heart. Take thee the Sword of Kings and destroy the Sun Cryst. The Empire is at war with Rozarria. They will tire of Dalmasca and in the meantime, I will be as ever by your side, fighting for your cause. You are the Queen of Dalmasca. Let us cut ourselves a new path. What say thee?” Balthier grinned and stretched out his hand.
Ashelia was overcome with emotion. Two swords had suddenly materialised in front of her. She had to make a decision now. Use the Treaty Blade and cut her piece of the Sun Cryst – the price of Dalmasca’s freedom, or use the Sword of Kings to destroy it forever and take her place as Queen of Dalmasca to fight the Empire by her own means, with Balthier by her side.
She reached for the farthest sword. Though smaller than the other, it was much heavier than anticipated and she was almost overwhelmed by its weight. “My destiny is my own!” she whispered as she brought the blade down against the Sun Cryst.
When the mist and light around her had finally subsided and with the Occuria silenced, Ashe sheathed the sword and looked for Balthier. He stood in the distance grinning, as handsome as ever with his arms outstretched.
