QUOTE(aorin @ May 11 2007, 10:41 AM)

And final verdict, Ashe stayed on the deck with Basch. :: throws confetti:: Fran, Balthier and Nono went down to the cockpit to fly the Strahl. Kytes, Filo and Tomaj stood together at one side. Vaan and Penelo at the front while Ashe stood in front of Basch at another side of the ship.
I'm glad you feel better about the ending. It does seem that the ending needs a few viewings in order to warm up to it. After like seeing it about 4 times, I still think it's a bit meh, but I've come to terms with it.
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And the fangirl squeals with joy over the discovery, also I notice in the credits, they placed Ashe forlourn solo pic below Basch's pic. She was staring up... and to me, it looks as though she was staring at him. Haha... another crazy fangirl note, but I think SE deliberately place the pictures according to that sequence. Why else would they do such a thing? I mean, this is just like FFXII where we wonder why Ashe and Basch sequences basically comes after one another.
It really does look like she's looking at him which is just great.

And thanks for that Ashe/Basch pic you posted. Dayuuum! Tell him what you really feel Ashe

. If only I know how to make good icons out of those.
After play-throughs and seeing the ending and credits a few times, I'm gonna conclude that Ashe and Basch have feelings for each other. But both are very duty bound and stubborn to ever admit that to one another. Also, their situation isn't helping. Basch's identity is still a secret. To a lot of people he's an Archadian judge. From Filo and Kyte's reaction to Larsa, I'm assuming that most Dalmascans feel the same distrust for Archadia. I don't think the relationship of their queen and an Archadian judge would be a popular one.
I agree with you aorin that this sequel doesn't really tie up the loose ends in XII. It's not just Ashe but I feel Basch as well. I still would like to see him get his identity back and be credited for what he has done and sacrificed for the sake of peace. I wonder if they did that on purpose so that if they decide on another sequel then they still have a lot of material to work on. I'm crossing my fingers that the new Ivalice Alliance title yet to be announced would be the "proper" sequel to XII.