UnShaekable (FFXII)

XXII) The Golmore Jungle

The sun is high overhead when our chocobos tire and we're forced to leave them behind in the plains. I stretch my arms over my head, nearly stumbling into Balthier's side when I yawn. He raises an eyebrow; I ignore him, straightening like nothing happened. Vaan rushes ahead of us, folding his hands together behind his head.

"I guess this one was a success!" he says, flashing a grin.

"Wow, I'm impressed, Vaan," Penelo teases, smiling and clasping her hands behind her back.

"I got a good feeling!" the blonde laughs, shrugging. They continue bickering, including Larsa, as we meander towards the looming, dense jungle ahead of us. Ashe and Basch talk quietly behind us, but I still manage to pick up on the conversation.

"An alliance between Dalmasca and the Empire?"

"Reason tells me 'tis the only course. We must void a wasting war with the Empire at all costs. Yet I fear I could not bear the shame. Had I but the strength—"

"A shame perhaps for me and you. But for Dalmasca it is hope!" Basch insists.

"And you can just accept this, can you?"

"After Vayne's ruse I had abandoned hope for honor, yet never did I forget my knightly vows. If I could protect but one person from war's horror, then I would bear any shame. I would bear it proudly."

"I really do hate to eavesdrop," I mutter, slowing to walk on the other side of the princess. Something in her words reminds me of how I used to be, searching only for the riches that would benefit myself in the "good" I did for others. "But Basch is right. Shame is an awfully hard burden to bear, I know. But as you strive to be Queen, you should know already that shame is the least of your problems when so many lives are at stake. Your ruling should not be for your honor, but for what's best for your people." Ashe shakes her head, brows furrowed.

"My people hate the Empire. They will not accept this."

"There is hope," Basch shakes his head, staring at the three youngsters playfully arguing ahead of us. "Hope for a future where we can join hands as brothers."

"And I suppose it starts with those brats," I sigh, cocking my head to the side. Ashe's frown deepens and she turns to face me.

"Your words... I found them incredibly well said as if you've recited them. Where did you come across such a principle as a mere pirate?" I fight my heartbeat as it quickens, my face slowly draining of all color. Quickly, I shrug and hurry my pace to pass her by.

"I thought them up just now, like anyone speaks. Didn't think of me as the pensive type, now did you?"

I force a laugh, distancing myself from them and keeping myself parallelled with Fran's steps. The air grows heavy and laden with moisture, the light of the afternoon fading with the thick canopy stretching over our heads gradually. I have a terrible feeling about this place. It doesn't take long for the jungle to swallow us entirely, roaring with the chirps of crickets and squawks of colorful birds. Balthier's gun cracks loud and clear as he shoots down a squiggling malboro that leaps from the shadows.

"It's so dark," Penelo whispers, huddling close to Basch's side.

"Stick close to the path and all will be well," he reassures her, sword drawn.

A growl rumbles from further down the stone path. I jerk my spear free, raising it defensively as the snarls come closer, surrounding us but obscured by the darkness. My back winds up practically pressed to Balthier's as we stand in a circle, breaths held as we wait. Fran's ears twitch; I stare hard into the foliage. There's a rustle and then all goes silent.