the back gate

"You would have me destroy the Empire? Is this my duty? Is this what you want? I cannot." - Ashe

When Final Fantasy XII was first announced, I immediately took a liking to Ashe. It wasn't because I thought she was super pretty or anything (on the contrary, I don't find her very beautiful). Fact: I like princesses. Ashe is a princess. So I suppose I was a bit bias when I began liking Ashe even though the game was not released.

When I finally got my hands on the game, needless to say, I was disappointed. Not in the game (the game was and is fantastic) but in Ashe's character. She was nothing like what I expected. I suppose I was accustomed to princesses similar to Garnet of FFIX fame, and when I first Ashe in the game, she came off as a stuck-up jerk to me. I didn't like her one bit, since I dislike the conceited type. In any case, my focus shifted to Balthier, who captured my heart oh-so-easily with his charm. Sure, he was arrogant as well, but it was a different brand of arrogance from Ashe.

However, as I continued playing, around the Occuria part (which is rather late in the game), something clicked. Ashe's internal struggle, her conflict with herself, was something I was well aware of, but I never fully realized it until then. The fact she didn't know whether what she was doing was for revenge ... or was it a secret lust for power? Call me evil, but I loved this side of her.

I still can't really say Ashe is a favourite character of mine; that spot has been taken by Balthier, but obviously I don't dislike her anymore. I actually do really like her and she's earned a special spot in my heart.