A/N: I don't own FFXII. Square-Enix does. Also, this story is an AU fanfic.

It's been three days since Rasler left Dalmasca for Nalbina. Three days since they last saw him. Security at the Palace was tighter than ever. Penelo and Vaan were never seen without two bodyguards present.

King Raminas and Princess Ashelia were worried. Three days, and no word of them failing or succeeding.

"I fear the worst," the King said gravely.

And then, the letter came. True to the King's fear, it was the letter that stated Nalbina's defeat, and that unless Dalmasca wished to sign itself to the same fate, Dalmasca would sign the Peace Treaty offered by the Archadian Empire. The treaty would be signed in the Royal Palace of Dalmasca.

Basch did not return, but the body of Rasler was found.

Ashelia was dressed in black, as she mourned the loss of her husband. "What will you do?" she asked her father.

"My dear, I have no other choice but to sign the treaty," he said.

"You can't!" she cried, "Once the Empire has you sign the treaty, your life will be in danger!"

"My life would be in danger regardless if I sign the treaty or not," Raminas calmly argued, "At least let me die knowing I tried protecting our kingdom."

"Father…"

"Please, Ashelia, I am an old man. Let this be the last thing I do for Dalmasca. It is the only thing I can do.

As if knowing Dalmasca would sign the treaty, the Empire came that day. The day was dark, gloomy, and eerie, as if foreshadowing the events that night.

Vaan made sure he was right at Penelo's side through the ordeal, making sure no stuck-up Archadian stirred up trouble. He was lying in bed, Penelo beside him as she was too frightened by the Imperial soldiers. He shivered as he remembered meeting the Head Consul.

Vayne Carudas Solidor.

He was a tall man, with medium-length black hair, and would have been handsome had it not been for his ruthless and arrogant attitude. He was surrounded by three heavily armed knights, their armed helmets covering their faces. The King and Ashelia were waiting for him by the entrance to the palace, while he and Penelo were hidden. They did not want the Empire knowing their status.

"Do not let yourselves be seen alright?" Ashelia had told the two in a serious-tone, "The Empire does not know that the King of Nabradia adopted two more children. For all they know, they've killed his only heir."

"What should we do if we are seen?" Penelo asked.

"If for whatever you get caught by them, do not tell them your lineage." Ashelia certainly hoped it wouldn't come to that. "Tell them about your life in Rabanastre if you must, but absolutely do not tell them that the King of Nabradia adopted you." She turned to Vaan. "Don't even mention about being related to the Nabradia's, Vaan."

"Copy that."

But unfortunately, Vayne's younger brother, Larsa Ferrinas Solidor, had spotted the two – more like he spotted Penelo – and rushed towards them. The boy was five years younger than Penelo. He had very soft, feminine features, and blue-grey eyes.

"I didn't realize you had more children, my King," Vayne gestured to Penelo and Vaan.

"I do not. My only sons died a while ago. My daughter Ashelia is the only child I have left. Those children over there are my wards." He cleared his throat, "And might I remind you that I am no king of yours, Lord Vayne, as you are all guests to the Palace of Rabanastre."

Vayne raised a finger to his chin, musing thoughtfully. He looked over at his innocent younger brother trying to get the young girl to play with him. He chuckled. He could already tell that little Larsa was smitten already. The other boy, he frowned, would prove to be in the way.

"Hey, leave her alone," Vaan warned.

"I only wish to play," Larsa explained, sad by his denial of play.

"Well, she doesn't want to play with you," Vaan sniffed.

"I believe it is for the lady to decide," Larsa said back.

"Ha! So you think you're all grown up, huh?" Vaan's eyes glinted dangerously.

Penelo gently held Vaan's hand. "Vaan, it's okay," she soothed. After a couple of seconds, the muscles in Vaan's body relaxed. She turned to the young boy. "I'm Penelo, and this is my brother Vaan."

Larsa gave a bow. "A pleasure to meet you. My name is Larsa Ferrinas Solidor." Vaan let out a snort, and immedietly regretted it as Penelo elbowed him in the ribs.

"Would you like to see the garden?" Penelo asked after a pause.

"That would please me very much," Larsa smiled. He went to offer his arm and was surprised when Vaan stomped passed him, taking Penelo with him. Larsa followed them—behind Penelo—like a puppy.

Vaan had gotten separated from Penelo in the garden. They had agreed to play a game of hide-and-seek, when he found himself lost. The garden wasn't too big, but definitely gave newcomers a run for their money…unless you're Vaan.

Instead, Penelo and Larsa found each other, and decided to sit by the garden's fountain. They began talking, Penelo, who told her story of how she wound up with Vaan, and Larsa, describing the Empire.

"The first duty of the Consul is to maintain order in Dalmasca," he stated as if he had rehearsed it, "My brother - my brother is not one given to failure. Perhaps things aren't going as well as they might be." Slightly disheartened, he bowed his head a little. "But give him a little time, and he will put things to rights. Be not troubled. My brother is a remarkable man."

Penelo watched the water spouts from the fountain.

"He frightens me."

With great surprise, Larsa looked at her. "Why?" How could someone be frightened of his brother? The brother who has given him no more, no less. The brother who promised to restore peace to Ivalice.

Penelo looked ashamed at her response. "I'm sorry," she said, "he is your brother. It's just…you don't understand how much we lost to the war. My friends. My parents." Her most recent thoughts were Rasler and Basch.

"So, you fear the Empire?"

Penelo sat in silence. It was more than just fear. It was hatred. The Empire took everything away from her: her parents, Vaan's parents and brother, and now Rasler, his father, and Basch. Why shouldn't she fear the Empire?

Larsa stood up and knelt in front of her, looking smaller than he already was. "Listen to me," he said, "The men of my family, we are taught to place the needs of others before those of our own. I will see that you are kept from harm. It is my duty to House Solidor."

Penelo eyed him warily. "But how – how can I trust you?"

Larsa placed a hand over his heart. "Because I give you my word," he stood up, "My brother would do no less."

And that's where Vaan found them, sitting by the fountain and playing with the fish.

Vaan felt Penelo stir besides him. Hearing the faint sounds of shouting, he began to wonder what was going on. He carefully got out of bed, trying to disturb Penelo, and walked towards the door. Walking down the hallway he stopped at the corner. The shouts were louder. Seeing shadows dance on the wall to his left, he peered around the corner just in time to see an Imperial soldier get stabbed with a sword.

Gasping, he ran—as quietly as he could—back to his room and shut the door, frantically looking for things he could barricade the door with. But it was too late. The door handle twisted and his heart beat faster and faster. He stood protectively in front of the bed, shielding Penelo from view.

The door slowly opened, and Vaan tensed, ready to pounce. As soon as it opened all the way, he prepared to launch himself at the intruder, but the intruder had already sensed his attack and quickly subdued the boy, placing a hand over his mouth.

"Vaan, it's only me," a familiar low voice softly spoke in his ear.

Vaan stopped struggling. "Basch?" he asked, though the sound was muffled.

The hand released him and Vaan quickly turned around. There stood the bodyguard of Ashelia, the one who went to Nalbina to help. And, unknowingly, the one who had tried to save Rasler. The man had blood on him. He was dirty, and looked like he hadn't showered in days.

"What are—what are you doing here?" Vaan whispered.

Basch motioned to Penelo. "Quickly, wake up your sister," he whispered urgently.

"But why? And how did you survive Nalbina?" Vaan went over to Penelo and gently shook her. "Penelo, wake up!" The girl stirred, before opening her eyes sleepily.

"Hurry up, Basch! We don't have much time!" another voice, Vossler's, was heard on the other side of the doorway.

"The treaty that King Raminas is going to sign is a trap! We need to get you two out of here!" Basch said, "I can't explain much right now. Hurry and wake Penelo up."

Vaan shook Penelo harder. "C'mon Penelo, we need to go!"

"Why?" Penelo said sleepily.

"Can't tell you right now, but c'mon!"

Penelo slowly sat up and stumbled behind Vaan. The sounds of swords clashing against each other immedietly woke her up. "What's going?" she whispered, her eyes slightly showing her fear.

Basch only put a finger to his lips. He led them out of the room where Vossler was waiting. Basch had the two kids in front of him, so that they were sandwiched between him and Vossler. They ran down the hallway where Vaan had first walked down. Vossler checked the staircase, and finding it clear, signaled for them to go.

They ran down the stairs and across another hallway to a double door. Vossler slowly opened one of the doors, and stuck his head out. Looking left and right, he found no imperials. He gestured for them to follow. They ran down a couple more halls and stopped at a floor that had one staircase going up and another going down.

A couple of armed men appeared, but they didn't look like Imperials.

"It's okay," Basch reassured the children, "They're soldiers of Dalmasca, the few who survived the fight in Nalbina."

"I'm going to head up," Vossler stated, "The longer we wait, the closer the King is to his deathbed."

Basch nodded. "Right." He gestured to the men. "You all go with him, the rest of you come with me." He looked at Vossler. "I will come back as soon as I get them to safety."

Vossler nodded, before he and his men trudged up the stairs.

Basch turned to Penelo and Vaan. "Let's go."

They reached the main floor, and were about to head to the doors when they were spotted by Imperial soldiers.

"Stop them!" one of them shouted.

Basch and his men quickly jumped in front of the children, shielding them from any of the attacks.

Penelo and Vaan stood frozen with fear.

"Go!" Basch grunted as he parried an attack.

But the fight blocked the pathway to the doors. The only way they could reach it is if they went in headfirst. They weren't risking it.

Basch stabbed one of the Imperial soldiers, realizing the situation. "Run!" he ordered, "Get outside the Palace as quick as possible!"

Penelo and Vaan were all too keen to heed his orders, backtracking their way back, but getting lost. They found themselves in the kitchen. Penelo let out a small cry when she ran into a figure, smaller than her.

"Penelo?"

She looked at whom she had run into. "Larsa! What are you doing here?"

"I was hungry, what are you doing here?"

"We need to leave, now," Vaan interjected, "Your soldiers are attacking us."

Larsa stuttered. "Wha-what? Impossible! But why would Archadian soldiers fight you?"

"Probably the same reason why they attacked my family," Vaan snarled, "Now get out of our way."

Vaan pushed past the boy, Penelo in tow, before Larsa spoke up.

"I was hoping to eaves drop on the treaty," he said, "but I got hungry on the way."

That got Vaan's attention. Eavesdropping, eh? Vossler was heading towards that room to save King Raminas. If he followed the small boy, he would be able to help Vossler and the rest of the Dalmascan knights! This was his chance! His chance to help fight for Dalmasca and Nabradia!

"Can you take us there?" he asked the young boy, who was startled by his change of mood.

"Um…yes, I guess."

Penelo glared at Vaan. "Vaan, Sir Basch told us to get out of here!"

"Penelo," Vaan said to her quietly, "This is my chance to prove myself. " He kept his eye on Larsa who was too busy looking though the iceboxes. "My chance to fight for Dalmasca and Nabradia. I'm going to avenge my family, your family, Rasler, and everyone else who's lost someone because of the war."

"But Vaan—"

"You've always been telling me that I needed to start acting like a prince, Penelo. Don't deny me the opportunity now. Please."

Penelo was torn. On one side, he was justified, but on another, he wasn't. Besides, what if he was killed during the fighting? She would be alone. Her eyes began to tear at the thought, but she bravely held them back.

"Okay. Larsa can lead the way."

Larsa led them back up where they came from. They reached the designated floor with the staircase where Vossler and Basch had split up. Two of the heavily armored guards that had been flanking Vayne were guarding the staircase.

"Judge Bergan and Drace," Larsa mumbled underneath his breath. He turned to Vaan and Penelo. "I'll distract those two and lead them away from here. When we're gone, you two head up the stairs. I'll try to catch up with you later." With that, he sauntered towards the two Judges.

"Good evening Judge Bergan, Judge Drace."

"My lord! What in Ivalice sake are you doing out at this time of day! Don't you know this place is dangerous at night?" The two guards wasted no time in escorting Larsa back to his room.

"Really? Rabanastre? Dangerous at night? I thought that…" Larsa talked as they walked away. Penelo and Vaan had to squeeze themselves hidden as they walked passed their spot.

As soon as they were out of sight, Vaan pulled themselves out. "C'mon, they're right up these stairs."

The two hurried up the stairs. Thankfully there were no more soldiers around. Rounding on the hall that lead to the double doors, they stopped as they saw that one of the doors was slightly opened. Vaan signaled to Penelo to walk slow, and they tiptoed towards the doors.

The air was silent.

Within an arms length, Vaan turned to Penelo. "Stay here," he told her in a hushed voice.

"No—don't leave me here," Penelo panicked. She didn't want to be alone!

"I'm just gonna scope things out first." He gently put his hands on her upper arms leading her over to a statue, hiding her. "It's awfully quiet in there, I'm worried."

"Then maybe you shouldn't go! Let's get out of here, Vaan."

But he ignored her. "Just stay here, Penelo," he repeated, "Once the coast is clear, I'll give you a signal."

Penelo watched, helpless, as Vaan slowly pushed the door that was open. When it was wide enough for him to enter, he cautiously walked in.

The room as dimly lit, but not so dark that he couldn't see. There was a large table in the middle that had a map of Ivalice on it. Looking around, Vaan gasped. Dead soldiers belonging to both Dalmasca and the Empire littered the floor. He felt his heart skip a beat. Swallowing painfully, he saw the outline of King Raminas in a chair. Upon getting closer, his eyes shot wide open, and his breathing constricted.

King Raminas was dead. He was slumped over, blood seeping from a wound on the left side of his chest.

"You're Majesty…" he managed to get out. All he could was stare, his eyes not believing what he was seeing. How could this have happened? Where was Vossler? Or better yet, where was Basch?

Suddenly feeling a presence behind him, he whipped around to the face of Basch, when a sharp pain filled his body. He looked down and saw a sword impaled in his stomach. Staggering, he looked back up at the now-bloodied face of the person he had trusted.

"Basch, w-why?" he choked, "Our King…what—have you done?"

The knight's face was emotionless. He was dressed in the armor of the bodyguards that Vayne had. "The King of Dalmasca intended all along to sell Dalmasca to the Empire. His Majesty was a traitor." Vaan grunted in pain as the sword was pulled out. He fell to the ground, trying to stay awake.

He watched a battalion of Archadian soldiers storm in, and heard them restrain Basch.

()()()()()()

Penelo was waiting patiently behind the statue Vaan had hid her behind. There was no sound, and that could have either been a good thing, or a bad thing. He could have been ambushed, and not given the chance to yell, or he might just be fine. Either way, what was taking him so long? She peeked her head out from behind the statue, deciding on whether or not she should go in.

"Hurry, you fools! Unless you want to face the wrath of Lord Vayne, or better yet, Judge Gabranth!"

She quickly ducked her head back behind the statue as a myriad of Archadian soldiers rushed past. Archadian soldiers? Hadn't they just fought them? Where did they all come from?

"Seize the insurgent!" she heard a voice shout from inside, and started to panic. They've found Vaan!

Quickly and quietly, she hurried to the door, and immedietly stopped. Peeking behind the door she saw the soldiers wrestle with a large man. Vaan was lying on the ground, motionless, blood seeping out from underneath him.

Vaan!

He was struggling to stay awake. He managed to lift his eyes to the door and made eye contact with her. Wincing, he mouthed the words "run," to which she furiously shook her head. With a groan, Vaan rested his head back on the ground, passed out.

When the man was subdued, they stepped back to reveal Basch. Penelo's breath hitched as she forced her gasp back down. She didn't understand. Why was Basch dressed like the judges of the Empire?

"Well, so much for peaceful negotiations," she heard a familiar voice say. Vayne stepped out from the shadows and walked in front of Basch.

"We'll never surrender to you! We are not cattle to be sold by a traitor-king!" Basch declared.

Traitor king? What was Basch talking about? Trying to get a better look in the room, without giving herself away, she saw King Raminas atop his throne, a sword impaled in his chest. This time she covered her mouth with her hand as her eyes glossed over with tears. She studied herself on the other door; she couldn't bring herself to watch anymore.

"But the war is over, my dear captain. You have lost. Dalmasca is the property of the Empire, now. And to think, we intended to let you keep some of your sovereignty, out of respect. But now you've gone and ruined that. Haven't you, Captain?" Vayne said coolly.

"We will never bow to you!"

"And the people of Dalmasca will hate you for it," Vayne countered. He waved his hand. "Take the captain away."

She heard the rustle of movement, and the groans of the restrained man. Taking another look into the room, her eyes widened as she saw Basch standing before Vayne.

"You've played your part well," Vayne said in an approving tone.

"With the King out of the way, Dalmasca is under the rule of the Empire," Basch said with a nod.

Penelo felt a cry rise up within her, and struggled to restrain it. Basch! That traitor! How could he! How could he kill the father of the woman he was bound to protect with his life! Her heart stopped at his next statement.

"And I have disposed of the boy, just as you wanted."

She felt a fury building. And Vaan! He killed Vaan too! But…it was Vayne who ordered him to do it! Once again, the Empire had managed to take everything away from her. But what of Lady Ashe? Surely she wasn't captured. Penelo hoped the other woman managed to get away.

Vayne gave a nod of approval. "I can see that."

"And what of the girl?"

Vayne gave the Dalmascan traitor a smile. "Oh, I think she'd make a fine gift for my younger brother, don't you?"

He turned his gaze to the doors, making eye contact with her. Basch followed his gaze. With a gasp, Penelo ran.

She flew down the staircases, not caring if anyone – Imperial soldier or not – saw her. She just had to get out of here!

She rushed past Larsa, who was making his way back up the stairs. Confused, he proceeded to call after her.

"Penelo? Penelo! Penelo—wait, what's wrong?" he shouted, and began to follow her.

Shoot. That was the last person she wanted to see. She pushed herself to move faster. She stopped at the railing of the floor above the main floor, trying to catch her breath. Just as she was about to continue, metal arms wrapped around her waist, restraining her.

"Hold, my Lady," the voice was familiar, yet unfamiliar.

She twisted around and was surprised to see Basch wearing an armored helmet. She noticed dried blood upon his chest. Vaan's blood. With fire in her eyes, she pulled back her hand, and whacked the helmet as hard as she could.

Now, a judge's helmet is durable, that much is true. Unfortunately, being made of metal, there was the drawback of the loud metallic ringing sound when an object struck hard enough.

Basch immediately released Penelo, ripping off his helmet and trying to soothe his ears and head. Shaking his head, he saw Penelo making a run for it, and lunged for her. But Penelo, with her lithe dancer body, managed to dodge him by a hair.

Stopping halfway on the staircase, she jumped over the rail and on the main floor, and made a mad dash to the doors leading to the outside. She couldn't see where she was going, she just let her legs carry her.

Stopping for another rest, she lifted her head at the sound of water. She was in the Palace gardens, the fountain where she and Larsa talked, to be exact. Walking up to the fountain, she stared at her reflection in the water in deep thought.

Where could she go? She couldn't go back to Nabradia. Someone was bound to recognize her as the princess. If the Empire hadn't taken an interest in her, she could've easily lived out on the streets of Rabanastre, running errands for shopkeepers and what not. But that was no longer an option. Maybe she could go live in the Giza Plains and become a Nomad. She and Vaan read about them in their 'History of Dalmasca' class.

At any rate, she couldn't stay in Dalmasca.

She watched as another face in the water appear. Basch. His helmet was off. Jerking her head up to look at him, she found herself swiftly restrained by the man. Not finding an escape route, she could only glare at him.

"Traitor," she spat.

He made no response or acknowledgement.

"Ah, good, you've managed to get her." They turned to see Vayne and Larsa entering the fountain area. "I was beginning to worry that he was caught up in all the fighting."

If Penelo were a tiger, her fangs would be bared. She glared at the elder Solidor, but he only smirked. She opened her mouth.

"Lady Ashe—"

"Is dead," Vayne interrupted.

Penelo's eyes widened as she tensed. Lady Ashelia? Dead? But how?

"The poor woman was still mourning the death of her Lord Rasler. And when we told her of the death of her father…I am afraid it was too much for her," Vayne explained, having the gall to look sad.

"You killed her," Penelo spat, "You killed her! You drove her to kill herself!" Tears were streaming down her face.

"Penelo," Larsa whispered, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Don't talk to me," she hissed at the younger boy, making him flinch, "You're just as guilty. You're the reason why Vaan…" she sobbed, shaking her head. She couldn't finish her sentence.

"I…I don't understand. What is she talking about, brother?" Larsa gave his older brother a look of confusion.

Vayne's face was stoic. He put a gentle hand on Larsa's shoulders before walking towards the restrained girl. She had her head down as he stood before her. Putting a finger under her chin, he gently tilted her head up, holding it up to his gaze. She sniffed as he used his other hand to gently wipe away her tears.

"I am afraid that your friend was in the way," Vayne said to her. She raised her eyes to meet his. On the outside, they were filled with warmth and care, but behind that, they were cold and ruthless. "Larsa, I am afraid that Lady Penelo has no where else to go. What say we invite her to live with us?"

Larsa's face brightened. His happy face was like a breath of fresh air with all the fighting and death that filled the air.

"Can she? Really?"

Vayne smiled and nodded his head. "And we'll build a place for her near the Phon Coast."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful, brother!" Larsa said with delight. Suddenly, he had a puzzled look on his face. "But why build a place for her? Will she not live in the palace with us?"

"Oh, I think the Palace life is a bit too dull for her. It wouldn't be much fun, wouldn't you agree?" Vayne said as he walked over to Larsa. "Besides, you will be able to play with her anytime you want."

Larsa's eyes went wide. Being confined in the palace, and not knowing any other children, the idea of Penelo as a play-mate was very appealing to the young boy. "Any time I want?" Larsa asked, his big eyes filled with excitement. Vayne chuckled and nodded.

Penelo wanted to protest, but she found that she just didn't have any more strength. Everything happened so fast, and she was tired and confused. But most of all, she was alone. Feeling fatigue hit her like an airship, she closed her eyes and leaned against Basch, who proceeded to pick her up bridal style. Fast asleep, she missed what Vayne said.

"I believe our job here is done. Gabranth, take Lady Penelo to the Ifrit. We leave for Archades tomorrow."

"Yes, my Lord."

()()()()()()

It was a prison. Despite its beautiful design, the house was a prison to Penelo. She wasn't allowed to go outside, unless Larsa—Lord Larsa—was with her. The house was basically a tower, and the door was always locked. Larsa and Vayne both had a key, and she thought that Basch might have had one as well, but maybe Larsa had let him borrow it for that moment.

It was built near the Phon Coast, and she was close enough to hear the tides crash into the sand, the seagulls cry in the winds, and felt the gentle breezes. The only odd thing was that it was built in a small place where no people or monsters came. And to make matters worse, it was too close to Nalbina for her. The place she saw as her home.

She sighed and looked out a window that gave her a beautiful view of the coast, remembering when she was first placed in the tower. She had woken up in a bed, hoping everything was a dream, but was disheartened when it wasn't. She had tried to get out of the tower, only to find that it was locked.

And then Larsa came to visit her, wanting to know how she faired. But she didn't speak to him. In fact, she didn't want to speak to him.

"Penelo, I don't understand why you're so troubled?" Larsa, who bore a sad look on his face, told her.

Penelo let out a bitter laugh. "How could you? You didn't lose anything. You don't even have to be afraid of losing everything. Not with that brother of yours."

"What are you talking about?"

Penelo looked Larsa dead in the eye. "You're brother killed Vaan."

His eyes widened. "N-no. My brother is an honorable man. He would never do such a thing!"

Penelo looked away. "No. He didn't do the deed. But he ordered Basch to…that traitor." She added the last part with disdain.

Larsa frowned. "Penelo, I told you before. As a member of House Solidor, we men are taught to place the needs of others before our own."

"So whose needs was your brother placing in front of his need for Dalmasca?" Penelo pointed out, "You're brother is nothing but a liar, a deceiver, and a murderer."

Larsa's eyes darkened.

"My brother is a remarkable man! He wants what's best for everyone! I will not have you speak about him in that manner or tone."

But Penelo would not back down, what more did she have to live for? "Or what? You'll have me killed?" She watched as Larsa had a pained look on his face, and shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry Larsa, but I have nothing left. You…no the Empire…have taken everything from me. They've taken everything and destroyed it.I don't expect you understand that."

Larsa's mouth formed a straight line. Still bitter about her comment about her comment about his brother, he turned to leave.

He didn't come back for a while, and for a while, she thought that maybe she'd been too harsh with him. It was weeks until he came to see her again, and she asked him a question.

"When we first, you told me you'd do everything in your power to protect me harm. That it was your duty to House Solidor. Did you really mean that, or was it just a lie?"

She didn't receive an answer, but she knew she had hurt the poor boy's feelings. It wasn't fair to Larsa. He was too young to understand what was happening, and what had happened. But at the same time, so was she. Her family didn't deserve to die, Vaan's family didn't deserve to die, Rasler, King Raminas, all of them didn't deserve this.

But the one thing that Larsa didn't understand, was that she was alone.

A/N: So what did you think so far? I think you'll find that this story will have a Tangle twist to it XD except modified of course. I absolutely adore Balthier/Penelo pairings. And making one with a twist from Tangled seemed perfect! Again, this is my first AU fanfic, usually I do crossovers, but never have I done something like this.

For my followers of my other stories, have no fear. Naruto/TP, Naruto/SS, and Naruto/FFX are still in the works and I am diligently working on them. Their chapters happen to be significantly longer compared to the chapters of this story. I will update as soon as I can!