Vaan could say two things about this little adventure.
One: was that his captors were strong.
Second: That if he didn’t obey he would be jerked around like a ratty old doll, courtesy of Vaan accidentally getting in the way when a monster was attacking.
Third: Vaan was NOT a little girl! He could take care of himself! Vaan absolutely hated that he was being protected like he was weak.
‘Okay, well, maybe it’s more than three.’ These jerks ignored him; they mistreated him (not that he wasn’t used to that kind of treatment), and even when danger wasn’t around, they treated Vaan like a little kid!
It. Really. Pissed. Him. Off!
Vaan was actually relieved when they finally saw the entrance to the West Gate. When the trio made it toward the populated area Vaan gasped when he was grabbed by Balthier and dragged into the Aurodrome.
“Hey! We’re not going into the city?” Vaan had hoped to loose them in the crowds.
“Nope.” Balthier said carelessly.
“What about supplies?! Restock?!”
“All on the ship.” Vaan frowned. Well damn, this wasn’t going to work out.
“Come on! Can’t you at least let me say goodbye to the others?!” Balthier paused and gave Vaan an incredulous look.
“What others?”
“The other orphans. We all work and live together. Migelo looks after us.” Vaan explained only to be jerked forward again.
“Hey!”
“Sorry. I can’t risk you trying to worm your way out. For all I know that story could be a ploy to lead us to a place where you can escape, hm?” Vaan looked down to his feet in a pout.
“I’m not lying.” Vaan muttered. Though Balthier was right about the intention, Vaan wasn’t lying.
“Well, if it is true, you can greet them and tell them all about your adventure of being kidnapped by a Sky Pirate when you get back.” Vaan glared at Balthier’s back.
“I hate you.”
“Indeed.”
“You’re just a… Big jerk.” Balthier quirked a brow.
“You’re so very creative.”
“Shut-up.” Balthier made a face of distaste. When the pair finally caught up with Fran at their port Balthier toted the blonde toward the ship.
Vaan’s mouth fell open and he stared in awe as he walked into the chamber. He’d never seen a ship like this, not up close any way. Vaan couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. Balthier smirked.
“You like her, do you?” Vaan nodded absently.
“I’ve never seen a ship up close.” Balthier walked Vaan up to the ship as the door lowered and pulled the teen inside. Vaan gazed around the inside the ship, it was… The greatest thing he’d ever seen, and adrenaline pumped through his veins in excitement when he realized he was going to be in this thing while it took to the skies. Just like he’d always dreamed, although different circumstances would have been much preferred.
“Vaan, sit down.” Vaan moved over and sat down in the chair, immediately jumping when his hands were grabbed and tied behind the chair.
“Hey! Let me go!” Vaan cried when Balthier finished and the man stood in front of him with a quirked brow.
“What? You think I’m just going to risk letting you run a muck in my ship?” Vaan sneered.
“I wasn’t going to! Let me go!” Balthier turned toward the front of the ship where Fran was already seated and getting ready.
“Let’s take off.” Vaan snarled and struggled around in his binds, eliciting an exasperated sigh from Balthier.
“Will you just be quiet?”
“Fuck you!” Vaan snarled and Balthier shook his head as he began to flip switches and the power of the motor began its powerful hum. The boosters began to hiss and the ship began to shake. Vaan jerked his gaze up ahead to the cockpit, just being able to see out part of the front windshield when the darkness split and bathed the entire cabin area with blinding golden light.
Vaan froze and gasped when he realized the ship was beginning to move and the bottom of his stomach tickled when the ship angled backwards, leaning the blonde back in his seat before it shot off into the sky with a surprisingly smooth glide that once again tickled Vaan’s stomach.
When the trio were up in the air, Vaan’s heart was racing and a strange sort of overwhelming glee overtook him.
“Can you guys please let me go?” Balthier ignored him.
“Come on! I wanna see!” Vaan begged.
“No can do.” Balthier finally said and Vaan glared. He was finally in a flying ship, and he could barely see anything! Deciding to be the resourceful teen that he was, Vaan began to work a finger into his wrist band and fetched out a small knife just as wide as the gauntlet. Vaan grit his teeth when he relocated his hands to start sawing at the ropes.
I’ll show him…
It took a few hours of silence with a few words exchanged between Balthier and Fran before Vaan was successful in cutting through one rope, and after that, the wrapped binding fell loose to the floor behind his chair. Quickly stashing back his knife, Vaan watched the two a moment before slinking to the floor when Balthier seemed particularly distracted by something a gage was saying and complaining about bad maintenance, and then quickly disappearing into the hall where the hatch was located.
Standing up against the wall, Vaan saw a door across from him and with a cautious peek toward the cockpit, moved over toward it. Opening the door quietly Vaan slipped inside like the silent clever street rat that he was, and looked around to find himself in a small, but tasteful bedroom. There was just enough space to walk around the twin bed, and there was a closet built into the wall at his left, and a desk against the bed in the larger side of open space, but even that was particularly thin. But what caught Vaan’s attention was the drawn curtain over a small window.
Locking the door Vaan moved over toward the window and pulled open the curtain, gasping as he gazed at the misty white streams of clouds snaking alongside the ship. Down below he saw the planet, and all the green they were passing over. Vaan pressed his forehead to look straight down, in complete awe. He’d never seen so much green land. Only the land outside the western gate ever got green, but it was ugly and swampy. It looked beautiful down there.
“So, have you seen enough yet?” Vaan gasped and spun around, finding Balthier standing at the door with it open, holding up a lock pick. Vaan sputtered and fell against the small square window.
“I-I… Whose flying the ship?!” Balthier walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed.
“It’s on auto pilot. Fran can take care of the rest.” He looked up at Vaan.
“Now, may I ask why it is that you’re invading into my personal quarters?” Vaan floundered. Crap! He had wondered but…
“I just wanted to see! Is that so bad?!” Balthier stood up and walked up to Vaan, trapping him against the window.
“It is, when I tie you up and tell you to stay put.” Vaan glared and Balthier sighed.
“Can’t you be a good boy and be less of a pain?”
“You’re a jerk! An asshole! You’re already kidnapping me! Can’t you be satisfied that I can’t get away all the way up here in the air?!” Balthier leaned on his arm over Vaan’s head, his other arm blocking access toward the door.
“You’ve got quite a mouth, you know that. Perhaps I should get a bar of soap to wash it out.” Vaan glared.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Balthier smirked. Vaan grit his teeth and pushed into Balthier like a football player. Balthier stumbled back a step in surprise but quickly righted himself. Grabbing Vaan’s arm just as the boy was climbing over the bed, Balthier managed to tug the blonde teen back, but as soon as their chests met, the ship pitched and shook violently, throwing both of them off of their feet and onto the bed. Vaan gasped when Balthier’s heavy weight crushed on top of him and wiggled around, but froze when the ship shook again and Balthier braced himself on top of Vaan.
“Don’t move!” Balthier hissed and Vaan stopped breathing in anxiety when everything seemed to calm down. Looking up, Vaan felt his face heat up a little in embarrassment and heart pick up pace when he noticed how close Balthier’s lips were to his face, the good smell of whatever he was wearing, and his warm breath… Slowly, Balthier got up and stood straight. Vaan laid still, feeling slightly confused, and a little ashamed. Just as Balthier relaxed a little the ship pitched to the side and both flew against the wall, Balthier managing just in time to pull Vaan over in front of him so that Vaan, the lighter of the two, landed on him again.
“What’s going on Fran?!” Balthier cried but the door slammed shut. The ship righted itself and both men fell into a heap of tangled limbs on top of each other again on the bed. With a grunt Balthier quickly disentangled himself and moved toward the door, bracing against the wall as he opened the door and carefully made his way toward the cockpit. Vaan carefully followed his example, but another hard jolt knocked him over flat onto his back. Vaan’s head smacked hard, temporarily blinding the blonde in darkness before returning to normal. Vaan groaned and stumbled up, finally making his way to the cabin.
“Get in a seat and buckle up!” This time, Vaan quickly took his old seat and found the restraints.
“What’s going on?!” Balthier was hitting buttons and trying to steady the ship.
“We’re being attacked, that’s what!” Vaan’s heart jumped and his mouth fell open in horror when the front of a ship came right at them, pulling up just in time to grant them a view of its underbelly.
“They’re going to pay for this.” Balthier muttered as Fran took to returning a volley of their own shots.
“This thing has guns?!” Balthier once again corrected the ship’s movements, but something still seemed wrong. Were they… Going down?
“Damn! One of our thruster’s been hit!” Vaan’s heart raced faster than he ever remembered when he realized… They were no longer up in the sky, but falling to the planet…
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Stone 2
The world was hell. Officially. Was this some kind of trial? Vaan began to make out low conversation and the more he roused the more intelligible it became. Groaning, Vaan opened his eyes and tensed when he found the man standing over him.
“Well, looks like sleeping beauty had finally woke.” Vaan looked around quickly, realizing that they were still in the waterways. The small group were camped out on an elevated ledge where monsters and rats were unable to reach, and those that flew were easily taken care of.
“We need to move.” The woman spoke up, walking over and standing by the man.
“I would have liked to have left a while ago myself.” The man said as Vaan slowly rose to his feet.
“You’d better not try to run again.” Vaan scowled and crossed his arms. The man shrugged off the gesture, not at all bothered by it.
“We’d better get going. The waterways here are crawling with monsters. Our presents seems to be bringing all sorts out of the woodwork.” Vaan looked around, fully aware that he was the new kid on the block in the situation. He’d never ventured far into the waterways, thus why he hadn’t been aware of the monsters.
Vaan spotted the passageway nestled between two columns, despite the opening was bathed in darkness the blonde made a run for it.
“Hey! Boy!” Vaan dashed into the opening, not slowing down despite being completely blind. Vaan could only hope he didn’t run into anything, monster or wall. Vaan heard his pursuer again, yelling up at him but Vaan pushed his feet to move faster when a dim light appeared. At the light Vaan saw that their was a turn and took it at a high speed.
“Are you trying to kill yourself!” Vaan growled.
“No! But I’m not being kidnapped!” Vaan found a short flight of stairs and quickly made his way down it, but as soon as he touched base a heavy weight fell onto him, locking his arms to his sides. Vaan cried out and crashed hard into his chest, jarring himself from the impact to the ground when his chin slammed into the masonry.
Vaan groaned as the man shifted on top of him, arms still locked around him.
“You are really becoming a pain.” Vaan groaned again, though this time in woe of having been caught again. The man rose to his feet and jerked Vaan to his feet. Vaan wobbled up and quickly spun around, attempting to punch the elder. The man maneuvered back to avoid the amateur swipe. Grabbing both fists Vaan gasped when he crossed his wrists and held them there down low and squeezing.
“Ow! That hurts!” Vaan hissed and the man chuckled.
“You wouldn’t have this problem if you’d stop trying to escape.” Vaan glared bitterly. The woman came jogging down the steps and the two looked at each other. The man made a motion with his head.
The woman walked over and stood behind Vaan. Vaan could do nothing as his aching wrists were handed over toward the strange bunny-eared woman and then there it was.
A sharp tug and his fists were stuck together with a binding. Great. Now he really was stuck. It’d be a little difficult to run with his arms crossed behind his back. The man smirked as his hand went to his hip.
“If only you’d behave.” Vaan growled.
“You wouldn’t behave either if someone was trying to kidnap you!” The man shrugged.
“Well, since we are going to be together for a while, we might as well get to know one another.” Vaan sighed irately and shifted his wait onto one foot.
“I’m Balthier, Sky Pirate by trade.” Vaan gasped and looked sharply at Balthier.
“Seriously?”
“Why did you think we’d broken into the palace treasury? For our health?” Vaan pouted and Balthier chuckled. The boy was a lively kid.
“The Viera behind you is Fran.” Vaan looked at the woman as she walked over from behind him to stand near Balthier.
“What’s a…. Viera?” Balthier shook his head as Vaan openly stared, most notably at Fran’s ears. Fran crossed her arms and looked back at Vaan before turning toward Balthier when he spoke.
“Explanations later, we’ve got to get moving. The longer we stay the more dangerous this area becomes. So you’ll have to stay close to me.” Vaan took a step back and Balthier sighed as he walked over and grabbed Vaan’s arm, dragging him to follow.
“I can’t unbind you or give you a weapon, so you understand why it’s like this.” Vaan glared as he was forced to follow and the group went back up the steps Vaan had fled down.
“You know, if you keep making that face it just might get stuck that way.” Balthier noted as the trio pushed onward and Vaan grunted indignantly.
“Well you’d be making this same face if you were being kidnapped.”
“Oh?” Balthier cocked an eyebrow.
“I would, would I?” Van tugged his arms as a warning and Balthier sighed before pulling the boy hard and making him stumble forward.
“Hey!”
“We’ve got to move.”
Vaan actually found it in himself to remain quiet for a while and even stopped resisting. Since his being a pain in the ass plan to escape didn’t work, he was going to go with them until they let their guard down and then run for it. Maybe he’d even be able to sneak off at some point. Balthier had already stopped tugging him around, though he walked in stride with the blonde to keep an eye on him. Damn that guy for being so cautious.
Vaan just needed a diversion…
The clash of metal and the cries of fighters made the trio pause. Vaan gasped when he saw a bunch of Imperial soldiers ganging up on a woman. He glanced back at Fran and Balthier who seemed to be watching a moment as well. Vaan cursed, he was torn between wanting to help the woman and wanting to run! It was his perfect chance! They were distracted! The woman barely, but managed to evade a strike of a sword and stabbed the soldier. Vaan grit his teeth and stepped forward.
Balthier saw Vaan’s intent immediately and grabbed the boy, jerking him back and silencing whatever the kid was about to say.
“Oh no you don’t.” Vaan glared at Balthier.
“Why not?! She’s in trouble!” Balthier grabbed Vaan and nodded to Fran as the two quickly went back the way they came to take another route, preferably one without any possible trouble. It was pretty obvious the woman must have been an insurgent, and Balthier would have none of that. He would not get involved in something that he threw aside so long ago.
“We’ll take another path. Fran?” The Viera nodded as she turned to start leading another way.
“This way.” Vaan, in irritation started to struggle around just to demonstrate how against the idea he was.
“What makes you think you have the right to decide what we do, hm? And you can’t throw a tantrum when you don’t get your way either. You’re being kidnapped, remember?” Vaan glowered bitterly at Balthier’s back.
“I can’t believe you left a girl in trouble like that. You’re almost as bad as the Imperials.” Vaan muttered as he stared down at his feet, gasping when he walked into Balthier’s back and jumping a little. Balthier sighed.
“I’m a Sky Pirate. An outlaw. The last thing I need is to add conspiring with Insurgents to my list.” Vaan glared.
“More like heartless monster." Balthier started walking again, tugging Vaan after him.
“It’s Balthier.” Balthier reminded.
Vaan begrudgingly found himself towing after his captors, bitterly resenting Balthier’s cold heart. Vaan had always wanted to be a Sky Pirate, but never one as heartless as Balthier. Who knows what happened to that girl by now!
“We’ll have to be careful from here on out.” Fran motioned toward a long, dark, narrow passageway being held up by wooden beams.
“Old and rusty. Just the way I like them.” Balthier stated offhandedly as he began to move into the tunnel, feeling a light breeze brushing over his skin.
“Good to know we’re getting out.” Vaan followed on behind Balthier, getting quite sick of staring at the back of the pirate.
The tunnel was a long, dark, sweltering hell. You’d think that having a breeze would make it better but even the breeze was warm. Vaan continuously tried to rub at the sweat dribbling down his face and once blinking his eyes rapidly when some liquid tried to make contact with his right eye. Vaan groaned and Balthier muttered something. From up ahead around a bend Fran called back.
“We’re almost there. I can see the light.” Balthier pulled Vaan along.
“About time. I need a shower.” Balthier glanced back at Vaan’s miserable situation and made a note to let the kid have a shower too. Given he could trust the little rat by himself in the shower.
Vaan gasped when they made it close to the bend and the dim light filtering through the inky darkness and splaying on the ground was the promise of heaven. Balthier moved around the bend and both paused when they saw a large wall a ways down, the light seeping through cracks of what appeared to be a large metal door that was propped open ajar. Fran was already over there and inspecting it. The two reached the door, feeling the light breeze struggling through the cracks. Fran looked toward Balthier.
“It’s stuck.” Balthier released Vaan and walked up to the door. The door was open about three or four inches. Really, just enough to tease with the illusion that you might be able to squeeze through-if you were anorexic. Trying to move it Balthier was rewarded with not so much as even a budge.
“Hm…” Balthier looked toward Vaan.
“You boy.”
“It’s Vaan.” Balthier motioned for him to come over and the blonde hesitantly stepped toward the two.
“You’re a clever little thief. How do you think we could get out of here?” Vaan scowled and shifted his hands what little he could.
“Why would I help someone trying to kidnap me?” Balthier sighed.
“If you do, I’ll untie you.” Vaan thought on it a moment. This was exactly what he was waiting for but he didn’t want to chance seeming suspicious. Getting his hands free was the first step toward some kind of trust, and then eventually-escape. Once they trusted Vaan to not escape they slowly give him more and more freedom until he could disappear. At least, that’s what Vaan’s gamble was. Finally Vaan nodded.
“Okay.” Balthier nodded and walked over behind Vaan.
“Good to hear. It’s too hot in here.” Balthier released Vaan, watching the boy move over toward the door and inspect it. Vaan knew already it wouldn’t budge from watching Balthier, but he had another plan.
Going over toward the other side of the door Vaan knelt down on the ground and with only the streams of light escaping the cracks around the door seam he was able to make out extremely rusted and weather worn hinges.
“Do either of you have a knife?” Balthier shook his head and raised his hands as Fran stepped forward and offered an arrow from her quiver.
“Will this help?” Van looked took the arrow and looked at the tip. It wasn’t as good as the flat edge of a knife, but it’d work-hopefully.
Going to work Vaan tried to work his way through the rust to try and lift the middle of the hinge out. It was frustrating to work with what he had and what felt like must have been a half hour later Vaan cried out in triumph. Both Fran and Balthier looked over toward the boy as he stood and started on the higher hinge.
“Once I get this one done we’ll be able to just watch the door fall.” At this, Vaan paused.
“Can you guys brace the door so that it doesn’t flatten on me?” Seeing as how the door was heavy iron, it was natural that being already cracked open it’d fall inward, especially with the winds help. Both Fran and Balthier leaned against the door as Vaan worked.
“Ah! Damn it!” Vaan cursed when he slipped with the arrow and stabbed his hand. Vaan wiped the swelling blood on his pants mindlessly before re-taking up his task.
“Okay, when I say, move back.” Vaan got the hinge almost completely out.
“Okay, now!” The binding popped out and all three moved back from the door that chased after them, crashing with a resounding bang. The three were immediately bathed in the blinding hot desert sun that was typical of the weather surrounding Rabanastre. The trio stepped out and Balthier sighed.
“Out of the water and into the frying pan.” For surrounding them was nothing but tall rocky mountains and ferocious sand winds.
“Oh! I know this area!” Vaan declared and looked toward his left. There used to be an old plant out here that cleaned out the sewage but it went out some years ago. It was all abandoned now.
“It’s a really long way, but if we follow this path we’ll make it back to Rabanastre.” Vaan paused and looked at them, second guessing himself in his assumption.
“I mean, if that’s where you’re wanting to go.” Balthier grabbed Vaan’s arm.
“You mean where we’re wanting to go.” And with that Balthier started to tote Vaan once again while Fran took back her arrow.
“You’d better not lead us in circles or we’ll all die.” Vaan made something akin to a pouting face, and would have crossed his arms like a petulant child if he’d been able to.
“I’m not stupid you know.”
But still, his arms were free, and Vaan was going to take full advantage of the freedom.
“Well, looks like sleeping beauty had finally woke.” Vaan looked around quickly, realizing that they were still in the waterways. The small group were camped out on an elevated ledge where monsters and rats were unable to reach, and those that flew were easily taken care of.
“We need to move.” The woman spoke up, walking over and standing by the man.
“I would have liked to have left a while ago myself.” The man said as Vaan slowly rose to his feet.
“You’d better not try to run again.” Vaan scowled and crossed his arms. The man shrugged off the gesture, not at all bothered by it.
“We’d better get going. The waterways here are crawling with monsters. Our presents seems to be bringing all sorts out of the woodwork.” Vaan looked around, fully aware that he was the new kid on the block in the situation. He’d never ventured far into the waterways, thus why he hadn’t been aware of the monsters.
Vaan spotted the passageway nestled between two columns, despite the opening was bathed in darkness the blonde made a run for it.
“Hey! Boy!” Vaan dashed into the opening, not slowing down despite being completely blind. Vaan could only hope he didn’t run into anything, monster or wall. Vaan heard his pursuer again, yelling up at him but Vaan pushed his feet to move faster when a dim light appeared. At the light Vaan saw that their was a turn and took it at a high speed.
“Are you trying to kill yourself!” Vaan growled.
“No! But I’m not being kidnapped!” Vaan found a short flight of stairs and quickly made his way down it, but as soon as he touched base a heavy weight fell onto him, locking his arms to his sides. Vaan cried out and crashed hard into his chest, jarring himself from the impact to the ground when his chin slammed into the masonry.
Vaan groaned as the man shifted on top of him, arms still locked around him.
“You are really becoming a pain.” Vaan groaned again, though this time in woe of having been caught again. The man rose to his feet and jerked Vaan to his feet. Vaan wobbled up and quickly spun around, attempting to punch the elder. The man maneuvered back to avoid the amateur swipe. Grabbing both fists Vaan gasped when he crossed his wrists and held them there down low and squeezing.
“Ow! That hurts!” Vaan hissed and the man chuckled.
“You wouldn’t have this problem if you’d stop trying to escape.” Vaan glared bitterly. The woman came jogging down the steps and the two looked at each other. The man made a motion with his head.
The woman walked over and stood behind Vaan. Vaan could do nothing as his aching wrists were handed over toward the strange bunny-eared woman and then there it was.
A sharp tug and his fists were stuck together with a binding. Great. Now he really was stuck. It’d be a little difficult to run with his arms crossed behind his back. The man smirked as his hand went to his hip.
“If only you’d behave.” Vaan growled.
“You wouldn’t behave either if someone was trying to kidnap you!” The man shrugged.
“Well, since we are going to be together for a while, we might as well get to know one another.” Vaan sighed irately and shifted his wait onto one foot.
“I’m Balthier, Sky Pirate by trade.” Vaan gasped and looked sharply at Balthier.
“Seriously?”
“Why did you think we’d broken into the palace treasury? For our health?” Vaan pouted and Balthier chuckled. The boy was a lively kid.
“The Viera behind you is Fran.” Vaan looked at the woman as she walked over from behind him to stand near Balthier.
“What’s a…. Viera?” Balthier shook his head as Vaan openly stared, most notably at Fran’s ears. Fran crossed her arms and looked back at Vaan before turning toward Balthier when he spoke.
“Explanations later, we’ve got to get moving. The longer we stay the more dangerous this area becomes. So you’ll have to stay close to me.” Vaan took a step back and Balthier sighed as he walked over and grabbed Vaan’s arm, dragging him to follow.
“I can’t unbind you or give you a weapon, so you understand why it’s like this.” Vaan glared as he was forced to follow and the group went back up the steps Vaan had fled down.
“You know, if you keep making that face it just might get stuck that way.” Balthier noted as the trio pushed onward and Vaan grunted indignantly.
“Well you’d be making this same face if you were being kidnapped.”
“Oh?” Balthier cocked an eyebrow.
“I would, would I?” Van tugged his arms as a warning and Balthier sighed before pulling the boy hard and making him stumble forward.
“Hey!”
“We’ve got to move.”
Vaan actually found it in himself to remain quiet for a while and even stopped resisting. Since his being a pain in the ass plan to escape didn’t work, he was going to go with them until they let their guard down and then run for it. Maybe he’d even be able to sneak off at some point. Balthier had already stopped tugging him around, though he walked in stride with the blonde to keep an eye on him. Damn that guy for being so cautious.
Vaan just needed a diversion…
The clash of metal and the cries of fighters made the trio pause. Vaan gasped when he saw a bunch of Imperial soldiers ganging up on a woman. He glanced back at Fran and Balthier who seemed to be watching a moment as well. Vaan cursed, he was torn between wanting to help the woman and wanting to run! It was his perfect chance! They were distracted! The woman barely, but managed to evade a strike of a sword and stabbed the soldier. Vaan grit his teeth and stepped forward.
Balthier saw Vaan’s intent immediately and grabbed the boy, jerking him back and silencing whatever the kid was about to say.
“Oh no you don’t.” Vaan glared at Balthier.
“Why not?! She’s in trouble!” Balthier grabbed Vaan and nodded to Fran as the two quickly went back the way they came to take another route, preferably one without any possible trouble. It was pretty obvious the woman must have been an insurgent, and Balthier would have none of that. He would not get involved in something that he threw aside so long ago.
“We’ll take another path. Fran?” The Viera nodded as she turned to start leading another way.
“This way.” Vaan, in irritation started to struggle around just to demonstrate how against the idea he was.
“What makes you think you have the right to decide what we do, hm? And you can’t throw a tantrum when you don’t get your way either. You’re being kidnapped, remember?” Vaan glowered bitterly at Balthier’s back.
“I can’t believe you left a girl in trouble like that. You’re almost as bad as the Imperials.” Vaan muttered as he stared down at his feet, gasping when he walked into Balthier’s back and jumping a little. Balthier sighed.
“I’m a Sky Pirate. An outlaw. The last thing I need is to add conspiring with Insurgents to my list.” Vaan glared.
“More like heartless monster." Balthier started walking again, tugging Vaan after him.
“It’s Balthier.” Balthier reminded.
Vaan begrudgingly found himself towing after his captors, bitterly resenting Balthier’s cold heart. Vaan had always wanted to be a Sky Pirate, but never one as heartless as Balthier. Who knows what happened to that girl by now!
“We’ll have to be careful from here on out.” Fran motioned toward a long, dark, narrow passageway being held up by wooden beams.
“Old and rusty. Just the way I like them.” Balthier stated offhandedly as he began to move into the tunnel, feeling a light breeze brushing over his skin.
“Good to know we’re getting out.” Vaan followed on behind Balthier, getting quite sick of staring at the back of the pirate.
The tunnel was a long, dark, sweltering hell. You’d think that having a breeze would make it better but even the breeze was warm. Vaan continuously tried to rub at the sweat dribbling down his face and once blinking his eyes rapidly when some liquid tried to make contact with his right eye. Vaan groaned and Balthier muttered something. From up ahead around a bend Fran called back.
“We’re almost there. I can see the light.” Balthier pulled Vaan along.
“About time. I need a shower.” Balthier glanced back at Vaan’s miserable situation and made a note to let the kid have a shower too. Given he could trust the little rat by himself in the shower.
Vaan gasped when they made it close to the bend and the dim light filtering through the inky darkness and splaying on the ground was the promise of heaven. Balthier moved around the bend and both paused when they saw a large wall a ways down, the light seeping through cracks of what appeared to be a large metal door that was propped open ajar. Fran was already over there and inspecting it. The two reached the door, feeling the light breeze struggling through the cracks. Fran looked toward Balthier.
“It’s stuck.” Balthier released Vaan and walked up to the door. The door was open about three or four inches. Really, just enough to tease with the illusion that you might be able to squeeze through-if you were anorexic. Trying to move it Balthier was rewarded with not so much as even a budge.
“Hm…” Balthier looked toward Vaan.
“You boy.”
“It’s Vaan.” Balthier motioned for him to come over and the blonde hesitantly stepped toward the two.
“You’re a clever little thief. How do you think we could get out of here?” Vaan scowled and shifted his hands what little he could.
“Why would I help someone trying to kidnap me?” Balthier sighed.
“If you do, I’ll untie you.” Vaan thought on it a moment. This was exactly what he was waiting for but he didn’t want to chance seeming suspicious. Getting his hands free was the first step toward some kind of trust, and then eventually-escape. Once they trusted Vaan to not escape they slowly give him more and more freedom until he could disappear. At least, that’s what Vaan’s gamble was. Finally Vaan nodded.
“Okay.” Balthier nodded and walked over behind Vaan.
“Good to hear. It’s too hot in here.” Balthier released Vaan, watching the boy move over toward the door and inspect it. Vaan knew already it wouldn’t budge from watching Balthier, but he had another plan.
Going over toward the other side of the door Vaan knelt down on the ground and with only the streams of light escaping the cracks around the door seam he was able to make out extremely rusted and weather worn hinges.
“Do either of you have a knife?” Balthier shook his head and raised his hands as Fran stepped forward and offered an arrow from her quiver.
“Will this help?” Van looked took the arrow and looked at the tip. It wasn’t as good as the flat edge of a knife, but it’d work-hopefully.
Going to work Vaan tried to work his way through the rust to try and lift the middle of the hinge out. It was frustrating to work with what he had and what felt like must have been a half hour later Vaan cried out in triumph. Both Fran and Balthier looked over toward the boy as he stood and started on the higher hinge.
“Once I get this one done we’ll be able to just watch the door fall.” At this, Vaan paused.
“Can you guys brace the door so that it doesn’t flatten on me?” Seeing as how the door was heavy iron, it was natural that being already cracked open it’d fall inward, especially with the winds help. Both Fran and Balthier leaned against the door as Vaan worked.
“Ah! Damn it!” Vaan cursed when he slipped with the arrow and stabbed his hand. Vaan wiped the swelling blood on his pants mindlessly before re-taking up his task.
“Okay, when I say, move back.” Vaan got the hinge almost completely out.
“Okay, now!” The binding popped out and all three moved back from the door that chased after them, crashing with a resounding bang. The three were immediately bathed in the blinding hot desert sun that was typical of the weather surrounding Rabanastre. The trio stepped out and Balthier sighed.
“Out of the water and into the frying pan.” For surrounding them was nothing but tall rocky mountains and ferocious sand winds.
“Oh! I know this area!” Vaan declared and looked toward his left. There used to be an old plant out here that cleaned out the sewage but it went out some years ago. It was all abandoned now.
“It’s a really long way, but if we follow this path we’ll make it back to Rabanastre.” Vaan paused and looked at them, second guessing himself in his assumption.
“I mean, if that’s where you’re wanting to go.” Balthier grabbed Vaan’s arm.
“You mean where we’re wanting to go.” And with that Balthier started to tote Vaan once again while Fran took back her arrow.
“You’d better not lead us in circles or we’ll all die.” Vaan made something akin to a pouting face, and would have crossed his arms like a petulant child if he’d been able to.
“I’m not stupid you know.”
But still, his arms were free, and Vaan was going to take full advantage of the freedom.
Stone 1
Today had been a normal day for Vaan. He did odd jobs for measly pay. Running errands for Migelo, which usually were annoying as hell, and then there was Panelo, always home to bring the headache. The only thing that had been fun was stealing from those guards harassing the man at the bazaar. Of course, that’ s when Vaan’s headache came to chastise him. Vaan really didn’t want to listen. It were times like these that Vaan wished he was free. Free of everything. Of course, Vaan was always wishing he was free. But seriously, did he need this migraine today too?
The only thing of actual interest, and by interest it meant that is disrupted the same repetitious chain of events day after day, and that was the parade for the Emperor’s son who was going to be their consul. Vaan despised how he spoke as if he were a noble, good man. The Empire is what killed their kingdom! And…. Took his brother. Vaan would never forgive them. He swore it.
After the parade Vaan finally made up his mind. That bastard Vayne Solidor was what really spurred Vaan after the incident with the soldiers. He was going to sneak into the palace and find something valuable enough to sell and make some money, better money than he got for all the crappy, but hard labor he always did. Of course, his headache, err, conscience decided to nag at him again. It was almost the same as scraping her nails on a chalkboard. Vaan went on with the conversation, trying to ambiguously hint that he wanted to be alone. When Panelo was done mocking him, Vaan went to see old Dalan, and of course, the man was intrigued enough to sponsor his trip by tipping Vaan off about his crescent stone. It was a bitch trying to power the damn thing up, but once it was done Vaan stubbornly started on his mission to “Robin Hood” the castle.
And that left Vaan where he is now.
Vaan wondered into the drove, looking for anything that looked good. It couldn’t be bulky or something that would be easily noticed was missing. It had been chance really. That he had found it in that statue and was amazed when it just opened up! Vaan walked over and picked out the stone, noting that hiding it there would have been clever if the thing hadn’t come out of it’s own accord. Vaan handled the stone, mesmerized when it gave off a glow.
‘Wow. This is it!’ Vaan realized with giddiness as he tightened his fist over the stone. This thing would definitely fetch him a high price, but as soon as his fist tightened a bright light shot from the stone, shocking the blonde so much he dropped the stone. However, the stone did not fall...
Vaan stared, unable to believe what he was seeing. This was definitely no ordinary stone. It was floating! Vaan gasped and stumbled back a step when a gold beam of light shot into his chest. Vaan froze as he watched, muscles locked in tension as the stone encroached to his chest, and then a warming sensation filled his insides as the stone melted into his skin and disappeared inside. The light quickly faded and the blonde stared down at himself in disbelief as he touched his chest.
‘Wh-what the hell just happened?!’
“You there boy, hand over the stone.” Vaan jumped and spun around, surprised to see someone that definitely was NOT a guard.
“Wh-who are you?!” Vaan gasped as he took a step back. The man was taller than him, older and more broad in physique. His red hair was cut short and slicked back. He looked very classy, stylish, even his clothes looked expensive, unlike the cheap fabric of Vaan’s own attire.
“Formalities later. Hand over the stone.” Vaan’s eyes went wide when he saw the gun strapped on the man’s hip as he held out his hand.
“I don’t have it! …Exactly.” Vaan mumbled, absently touching his chest that still felt warm inside.
“The God’s are toying with us.” Both men looked when from behind the elder man a woman scantily clad in black attire and tall bunny ears entered. The woman crossed her arms over his supple chest.
“The stone and the boy infused.” The man gave the woman a quizzical look and sighed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. After we came all the way here.” His hand went to his hip as he regarded Vaan before looking back toward the woman with the long shock of white hair.
“Is there anything we can do about it?” She shook her head, the wavy strands of her pretty hair dancing over her shoulders.
“Not likely. Though it’s not impossible.” The man looked at Vaan and took a step toward the teen. Stepping back the teen gasped when a sudden loud blaring and red flashing sung through the air.
“Damn.”
Vaan looked around quickly, panicked when he heard soldiers at the closed door on the other side of the room he came from trying to get inside.
“This way!” The man cried as he grabbed the stunned street rat’s arm and towed him out of the room.
“Hey! Lemme go!” Vaan cried as he stumbled after the man. A group of soldiers cut them off after a couple twists and turns down halls. Vaan took the chance graciously and broke free from the mans iron grip to run down a vacant hall while the other two had to deal with the soldiers.
Vaan ran blindly, guessing random directions in a frenzy as he tried to avoid soldiers. He didn’t recognize where he was at all. He was completely lost.
As he ran, Vaan became increasingly aware of the burning in his chest, and how it kept getting hotter and hotter the faster his heart beat and the more scared he became. A sweat had begun to pour from Vaan’s pores by the time he found a large entry onto an outside path. Vaan jogged down it, feeling more and more drained from the raging heat burning through his body, radiating from where the stone entered him. Vaan gasped and came to a dead stop when light flashed through the sky and explosions shook the masonry that supported him.
Vaan started to run again but came to a skidding halt when he saw the man from before coming at him and cursed. Spinning around on his heels he froze when he saw guards coming down the way he’d come.
‘Shit!’ Vaan gasped when he was jerked from behind shoved toward the edge of the ramp. Vaan gasped when he was lifted up off the ground and dangled over what he finally recognized as a full on battle below and above. The palace was under attack.
“Let me go! I CAN’T give it to you!” Vaan cried when he was dropped over the ledge. A scream tore its way out of his throat when he suddenly found his arm grabbed and looked up to see the fellow intruder holding him up while riding on what appeared to be a failing air bike.
“What’s wrong Fran?” The man called toward the woman operating the bike.
“I don’t know. It’s not heading me.” The woman cried as the bike started to dangerously loose ground.
“Don’t drop me!” Vaan cried in desperation.
“Oh shut-up. I have no intension of—“ His retort was cut short into a cry when the bike gave out and all three plummeted down toward the planet.
Vaan groaned as his world faded in from black and wobbled around a few times. Reaching up, Vaan touched his slightly burning chest.
‘What the hell?’ Vaan jerked to alertness when he heard a man’s voice speak to him and for the first time since his fall, noticed that the man and woman were there. Looking around him Vaan recognized that they were deep in the waterways of Rabanastre, the bike totally destroyed.
“So, that stone really is infused with you.”
“Huh?”
“When we fell, a golden light enveloped us. It’s thanks to that, that we’re even alive.” The man explained and Vaan gawked before gazing down and touching his chest.
“I wonder why it happened though…” A loud boom shook the area, throwing down dust and dangerously sized debris toward the group.
“Since it seems like a battle is raging up above, and with the presence of the Ifrit, we’ll have to escape on foot.” The man rose to his feet and looked down at Vaan before offering his hand.
“You’ll be coming with us.” Vaan glared and jumped to his feet before backing away.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” The man sighed.
“Come on, don’t make this difficult.” Vaan had the childish urge to stick out his tongue but suppressed it in favor of spinning on his heels and running down the steps into the inch or so deep water.
“Hey!” Vaan heard him call and then the sloshing of footsteps quickly chasing after him. Vaan panicked and turned up the first staircase he saw.
“It’s dangerous here!” The man called again but there was no way in hell Vaan was surrendering himself!
“Why don’t you just worry about yourself then!” Vaan cried back. He knew this place! The worst he’d ever seen were just rats, which he currently avoided.
Vaan turned a corner and gasped when a sudden screech caught his ear. Vaan froze when he found himself in the way of a charging monster, shield-less and weaponless.
‘Oh shit!’ Vaan jumped when a couple shots went off and hit the monster, startling him to such a degree that the burning in his chest jumped back to life and a bright golden light shot out, killing three more monsters in the vicinity. Vaan watched in horror as the power radiated from his body and flooded the whole short passageway before suddenly dying out. A strong wave of fatigue and grogginess washed over Vaan and he stumbled backwards, collapsing into his pursuer. Vaan weakly stared up in fear of his captor, knowing that his suddenly exhausted limbs were useless now.
“Are you all right?” The words echoed, distorted, and faded as Vaan’s sight darkened and faded inward to black, just seeing the silhouette of the woman approaching with a long bow in her hands.
The only thing of actual interest, and by interest it meant that is disrupted the same repetitious chain of events day after day, and that was the parade for the Emperor’s son who was going to be their consul. Vaan despised how he spoke as if he were a noble, good man. The Empire is what killed their kingdom! And…. Took his brother. Vaan would never forgive them. He swore it.
After the parade Vaan finally made up his mind. That bastard Vayne Solidor was what really spurred Vaan after the incident with the soldiers. He was going to sneak into the palace and find something valuable enough to sell and make some money, better money than he got for all the crappy, but hard labor he always did. Of course, his headache, err, conscience decided to nag at him again. It was almost the same as scraping her nails on a chalkboard. Vaan went on with the conversation, trying to ambiguously hint that he wanted to be alone. When Panelo was done mocking him, Vaan went to see old Dalan, and of course, the man was intrigued enough to sponsor his trip by tipping Vaan off about his crescent stone. It was a bitch trying to power the damn thing up, but once it was done Vaan stubbornly started on his mission to “Robin Hood” the castle.
And that left Vaan where he is now.
Vaan wondered into the drove, looking for anything that looked good. It couldn’t be bulky or something that would be easily noticed was missing. It had been chance really. That he had found it in that statue and was amazed when it just opened up! Vaan walked over and picked out the stone, noting that hiding it there would have been clever if the thing hadn’t come out of it’s own accord. Vaan handled the stone, mesmerized when it gave off a glow.
‘Wow. This is it!’ Vaan realized with giddiness as he tightened his fist over the stone. This thing would definitely fetch him a high price, but as soon as his fist tightened a bright light shot from the stone, shocking the blonde so much he dropped the stone. However, the stone did not fall...
Vaan stared, unable to believe what he was seeing. This was definitely no ordinary stone. It was floating! Vaan gasped and stumbled back a step when a gold beam of light shot into his chest. Vaan froze as he watched, muscles locked in tension as the stone encroached to his chest, and then a warming sensation filled his insides as the stone melted into his skin and disappeared inside. The light quickly faded and the blonde stared down at himself in disbelief as he touched his chest.
‘Wh-what the hell just happened?!’
“You there boy, hand over the stone.” Vaan jumped and spun around, surprised to see someone that definitely was NOT a guard.
“Wh-who are you?!” Vaan gasped as he took a step back. The man was taller than him, older and more broad in physique. His red hair was cut short and slicked back. He looked very classy, stylish, even his clothes looked expensive, unlike the cheap fabric of Vaan’s own attire.
“Formalities later. Hand over the stone.” Vaan’s eyes went wide when he saw the gun strapped on the man’s hip as he held out his hand.
“I don’t have it! …Exactly.” Vaan mumbled, absently touching his chest that still felt warm inside.
“The God’s are toying with us.” Both men looked when from behind the elder man a woman scantily clad in black attire and tall bunny ears entered. The woman crossed her arms over his supple chest.
“The stone and the boy infused.” The man gave the woman a quizzical look and sighed.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. After we came all the way here.” His hand went to his hip as he regarded Vaan before looking back toward the woman with the long shock of white hair.
“Is there anything we can do about it?” She shook her head, the wavy strands of her pretty hair dancing over her shoulders.
“Not likely. Though it’s not impossible.” The man looked at Vaan and took a step toward the teen. Stepping back the teen gasped when a sudden loud blaring and red flashing sung through the air.
“Damn.”
Vaan looked around quickly, panicked when he heard soldiers at the closed door on the other side of the room he came from trying to get inside.
“This way!” The man cried as he grabbed the stunned street rat’s arm and towed him out of the room.
“Hey! Lemme go!” Vaan cried as he stumbled after the man. A group of soldiers cut them off after a couple twists and turns down halls. Vaan took the chance graciously and broke free from the mans iron grip to run down a vacant hall while the other two had to deal with the soldiers.
Vaan ran blindly, guessing random directions in a frenzy as he tried to avoid soldiers. He didn’t recognize where he was at all. He was completely lost.
As he ran, Vaan became increasingly aware of the burning in his chest, and how it kept getting hotter and hotter the faster his heart beat and the more scared he became. A sweat had begun to pour from Vaan’s pores by the time he found a large entry onto an outside path. Vaan jogged down it, feeling more and more drained from the raging heat burning through his body, radiating from where the stone entered him. Vaan gasped and came to a dead stop when light flashed through the sky and explosions shook the masonry that supported him.
Vaan started to run again but came to a skidding halt when he saw the man from before coming at him and cursed. Spinning around on his heels he froze when he saw guards coming down the way he’d come.
‘Shit!’ Vaan gasped when he was jerked from behind shoved toward the edge of the ramp. Vaan gasped when he was lifted up off the ground and dangled over what he finally recognized as a full on battle below and above. The palace was under attack.
“Let me go! I CAN’T give it to you!” Vaan cried when he was dropped over the ledge. A scream tore its way out of his throat when he suddenly found his arm grabbed and looked up to see the fellow intruder holding him up while riding on what appeared to be a failing air bike.
“What’s wrong Fran?” The man called toward the woman operating the bike.
“I don’t know. It’s not heading me.” The woman cried as the bike started to dangerously loose ground.
“Don’t drop me!” Vaan cried in desperation.
“Oh shut-up. I have no intension of—“ His retort was cut short into a cry when the bike gave out and all three plummeted down toward the planet.
Vaan groaned as his world faded in from black and wobbled around a few times. Reaching up, Vaan touched his slightly burning chest.
‘What the hell?’ Vaan jerked to alertness when he heard a man’s voice speak to him and for the first time since his fall, noticed that the man and woman were there. Looking around him Vaan recognized that they were deep in the waterways of Rabanastre, the bike totally destroyed.
“So, that stone really is infused with you.”
“Huh?”
“When we fell, a golden light enveloped us. It’s thanks to that, that we’re even alive.” The man explained and Vaan gawked before gazing down and touching his chest.
“I wonder why it happened though…” A loud boom shook the area, throwing down dust and dangerously sized debris toward the group.
“Since it seems like a battle is raging up above, and with the presence of the Ifrit, we’ll have to escape on foot.” The man rose to his feet and looked down at Vaan before offering his hand.
“You’ll be coming with us.” Vaan glared and jumped to his feet before backing away.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” The man sighed.
“Come on, don’t make this difficult.” Vaan had the childish urge to stick out his tongue but suppressed it in favor of spinning on his heels and running down the steps into the inch or so deep water.
“Hey!” Vaan heard him call and then the sloshing of footsteps quickly chasing after him. Vaan panicked and turned up the first staircase he saw.
“It’s dangerous here!” The man called again but there was no way in hell Vaan was surrendering himself!
“Why don’t you just worry about yourself then!” Vaan cried back. He knew this place! The worst he’d ever seen were just rats, which he currently avoided.
Vaan turned a corner and gasped when a sudden screech caught his ear. Vaan froze when he found himself in the way of a charging monster, shield-less and weaponless.
‘Oh shit!’ Vaan jumped when a couple shots went off and hit the monster, startling him to such a degree that the burning in his chest jumped back to life and a bright golden light shot out, killing three more monsters in the vicinity. Vaan watched in horror as the power radiated from his body and flooded the whole short passageway before suddenly dying out. A strong wave of fatigue and grogginess washed over Vaan and he stumbled backwards, collapsing into his pursuer. Vaan weakly stared up in fear of his captor, knowing that his suddenly exhausted limbs were useless now.
“Are you all right?” The words echoed, distorted, and faded as Vaan’s sight darkened and faded inward to black, just seeing the silhouette of the woman approaching with a long bow in her hands.
I'd Rather Forget Chapter 4
I Never Knew Love (Until Him)
“I will not have you spreading anymore lies, Ffamran!” the elder archadian cried, slamming his fist on his work desk. The dark eyes moved to glare at me, and I shuddered in fear, my armor making slight chiming sounds as I slowly backed away. Father never believed me when I told him about the other Judge Magisters’ treatment of me. I am sixteen, almost a man, and yet he still treats me like an attention seeking child! Even with the evidence engraved into my neck, and Gabranth’s own testimony of my treatment! My time in the healer’s room did not even deter him, after the wraith’s attack upon the judge magister and I.
My vision was blurred by tears now, as I held my helmet tightly, knuckles going white with the tightness of my grip. Cid was sighing about something, I did not know what as my attention was on how much trouble I was in for disturbing him with ‘silly talk’ as he called it. Shifting my feet, I stared at the floor, slowly turning to leave quietly, but the entrance of Ghis and Bergan made me stop in my tracks. I had only noticed their feet at first, with my head lowered, but recognizing their boots, I quickly looked up, moving out of the way. Looking as regal as usual, Ghis walked past me, while Bergan sneered at me from the doorway, blocking any chance of escape.
Father had gone back to sitting, and was sighing now, which worried me. The subtle pinch of the bridge of his nose, and the tapping of his nails on the desk was increasing the anxiety within me. What was he up to?
The answer came quickly as he looked at Ghis. “Is the spare quarters within your suite prepared?” he asked coldly, and my heart sank, fear in my eyes. Any and all respect for the man dwindled right then. He was no longer my father, but an insane monster.
“No…” I whispered, backing away. My nightmare was becoming worse.
Both of them were sneering at me when my back hit the bookshelves. “Yes,” Bergan nodded at Father. “We can move him in immediately.”
Eyes wide, I tried to move past Bergan, quickly grabbed, even while kicking and struggling. My fists were hitting his back feebly, ignoring the laughs that were coming from Ghis. My father was shaking his head at my actions while I screamed at Bergan to put me down. “No! Father! Don’t leave me with them!” Tears were falling from my eyes; my father’s betrayal was devastating me and I was completely stunned, though it was not enough to prevent me from continuing to fight off my captors. The situation was so terrible; it left me wanting to go seek solace in Gabranth’s embrace, perhaps even Drace’s. She always had a hot cup of cocoa ready…even if she usually made them for the little prince.
He waved them – the judge magisters, and my cries of mercy – off with a flick of his hand, and they left with me, still kicking to break free. “Should be fun, eh Ffamran?” Ghis said, walking alongside Bergan. One of his gloved hands reached up to grab my chin, looking into my eyes with the cold ones of his own. “We’ll be able to beak you in our own bed tonight.” The small laugh from them both made me cry harder as I was carried to their rooms. My tears were gliding down my cheeks, and onto the leather gloves of the judge. The sound was like rain, making the gloomy mood even darker.
It was then I decided it was time to get out of here; I had to think of a plan of escape. I could no longer trust my own family, and in this position, where my guardian handed me to the ones that harmed me, not even the people I did trust could save me now.
Slowly, a hand began to grope my thigh, working its way up to my ass. Choked sobs came from me, and all I could say was;
“Please…no…”
“Balthier! Wake up! You’re having a nightmare!” The light, feminine voice rang in my ears, startling me from my sleep. Opening my eyes, I stared into the brown ones of the princess, and winced, finding a small bruise on her cheek. I must have hit her in my sleep. Giving her an apologetic look, I reached out to touch it.
She jumped a little in surprise more than pain. Smiling, she breathed out a sigh of relief, seeing that I was calm. “The others and I were worried about you.” Looking away, blushing, she added, “I’d barely noticed you were having a fit until I felt you hit me. Fran was the first to notice, and was trying to wake me up so we could wake you.” It was then I looked over her shoulder to find Basch and Fran kneeling there, both of their eyes were on me, and now I was blushing in a deeper shade then the princess.
Looking away from all of them, I sat up, pulling my knees close to my chest. “I apologize…” I did not know what else to say. Tell them that I had, had a nightmare about my father sending me to my demise? How he would not believe me in my time of need? How he’d helped the devious judge magisters’ ruin my life? I kept my eyes focused on the wall of Sohen Cave entrance, avoiding looking at them.
Gentle hands pried me away from my corner though, lifting me away from the side of the cave. As I was about to growl in annoyance until I found dark blue eyes looking into mine with determination, and worry. “’Tis not your fault, Balthier…” he spoke softly, holding me close to him. Looking to where I previously was, I noticed the princess had moved away to allow him to comfort me. A swift overlook of the entrance told me that the orphans were awake now as well, watching the captain and me with avid interest.
Quickly, I hid my face in his chest, listening to the comforting pulse of his heart. If I could have crawled under a rock at that moment, I would have, but the captain’s strong embrace prevented any quick escape. Squirming, I tried to indicate to the older man that I was feeling quite uncomfortable with my current situation, and he seemed to catch my drift.
He set me on my feet near his own bedding, looking to the others. “We can discuss it later, as being here is clearly bothering him. We need to get moving, so everyone, each, freshen up, pack up, and let’s go.” I nodded behind him rummaging through the food sack, and pulling out something for myself to eat for breakfast.
They watched me apprehensively, Fran being the only one brave enough to take the bag from me. I merely sat there, eating the succulent fruit quietly.
It all went smoothly from there, though the orphans were the quickest ones to pack and leave. It must have been their questionable excitement to see the imperial city. I stretched, standing in the bright sunlight of Old Archades, noticing Vaan and Penelo ahead. Basch and Ashe came up behind Fran and I.
“-but we’re in more like a sewer…” the distinct sound of the thief’s voice, as he spoke to the young dancer, carried to my ears, and I had to comment on his words.
“Even empires have need of sewers.” My hands moved to my hips as I slowly began to walk towards them. “The runoff from Archades proper pools here; those who lack papers to live in the city itself. The mighty who have fallen…and the fallen who would be mighty. Their eyes never leave Archades.” Much like yours…I wanted to add, standing almost next to the boy who had perched himself up high.
“I guess it must be a lot nicer then this place.”
“Oh, to be sure,” I had to hold in a laugh, “Archades reeks of a different filth.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I watched him hop off his perch, everyone surrounding me. I was the only one who knew Archades well enough, and they relied on me to get them to Draklor, sadly. “Let’s be off. We can follow our noses to Draklor…” Uncrossing them, I looked in the direction of proper Archades and began to walk, listening as everyone kept in step behind me. My determination to get this over with, and be as far away from the dreadful city only outweighed Princess Ashe’s determination to reclaim her throne.
I separated myself from the group, talking to some of the people, knowing what was to come at the end of it. Rushing about, I found every person, listening to every detail of juicy information I could get. In Old Archades, as well as with the proper one; information was as good as a pouch of gil. It could also get you good money.
As I began to cross the bridge that lead to the other side of Old Archades, Basch held me back. “What are you doing, Balthier?” everyone but Fran looked confused as to what I was doing.
“Information is like money here. You’ll see once we make it to the end…” with that, I continued on, not telling him who I was dreading on seeing at gates of Archades. More people would be on the way to Archades, and of course…him.
Once we were at the entrance, I watched, only slightly amused as Vaan attempted to get in. As quick as he went up, they sent him back off, as he did not have the necessary paperwork. Out of all of us, I was the only one with the papers, and I did not want them all to know that the son of Cidolfus Bunansa was in Archades again. It would create an uproar that we did not need. As well, rumours would reach my father faster than I could keep them in check.
Slowly, I began my pace back to the other end, noticing how the others were watching me. They followed behind at a leisurely pace, unsure of my actions, though Fran probably had an idea.
As I passed a corner, a familiar man came out of nowhere. “Having trouble getting into Archades?” he asked in a low purr, and I could not help but roll my eyes.
“Oh wonderful. Enter the streetear.” Just the man I was looking for. “Hello, Jules.”
“Ffam - ” I gave him a quick glare as he began to say my real name, halting him quickly. “Balthier.” With a sly smile he corrected himself quickly, smart man. “I can see you’ll need my help.” The smirk made me want to hit him, but I just stood there.
“What’s going on? Who is he?” Vaan’s voice rang behind me, and I turned to see the group (sans Fran) watching curiously. The viera was familiar enough with the streetear.
“He is a dealer in information. You tell him something, and he’ll give you help, or money.” I jutted a thumb in the man’s direction. “As I had said earlier, information is as good as money here.”
“So, thousand five hundred gil for my services.” He stuck out his hand expectantly.
Groaning inwardly, I looked to the others. “He’s reliable, so trust me with this.” At that, I pulled the desired amount out of one of my side pouches, handing it to him.
“As I know you’re the one with enough knowledge to have his ear to the ground, tell me, what have you heard?”
“Man on the other end of Old Archades has miraculously attained himself a good amount of money.”
“Perfect…Beasley’s lost a big amount of money he’s been scrapping together. Go find him, and tell him. He’s likely to be at…” listening to the instructions, I took off at a jog to find the depraved man.
Once finding him, it was a matter of telling the fallen man, and watching what would happen. With that task out of the way, I went back up the upper half, and had to dive into the safety of the boxes Jules was sitting on with the others as the Imperials ran past. A couple of commoners were yelling, “’Ey! ‘Tis a fight! Beasley’s gone wild!” The information worked.
With a quick smile to the streetear, I went to the gates again, the others following eagerly. I did not even hear a word about the legality of our actions. Though I knew Jules was not far behind. It would not be a difficult task for them to cross. I had nine Pinewood chops, and a Sandalwood for myself. It was enough to get myself across and them across after some shopping as I knew that taxi’s required either a million gil, or nine pinewood chops (or a sandalwood one, but those were rare, I was lucky that I’d saved up my pinewoods earned as a teen). You could keep them of course; just having them was a writ of transit in Archades. Sandalwood got you into more places, thus, when we arrived, I handed the nine to Jules, explaining to him to hand them to the group, as I had business to attend to.
As we walked along the road, the orphans going ahead to explore the imperial city, the thief running ahead with Penelo walking calmly behind him. Basch, Ashe, Fran and I all stayed behind. The city was nothing surprising to us. Especially to me.
Listening as they chattered, Basch striding up to talk to them, I watched the Princess. During our journeys, her opinions of him seemed to change. From a traitor, to a loyal knight once more. I could almost admire her ability to forgive him, while he was the one accused of killing her father.
He is too much of a tame lion, with a good heart to do such a thing. During Vossler’s death, it could be seen; his loyalties were in the people, not the location…
“You seem troubled…” the soft voice murmured next to me.
Looking up at Fran, I crossed my arms, looking forward again. “I need to check on something…” I whispered back, refusing to look at her.
“…You are going to see him are you not?” the musical tone of laughter in her voice could be heard. My mouth twitched slightly, refusing to smile. She knew me too well. As well as she knew the man I sought outs habits too. “I will watch them then, and take care of your shopping…as well as that rat, Jules. You just make sure that he is in face there.”
Nodding, I passed Ashe, walking to the taxi. I could hear them all making questioning noises, and trying to speak to me, but a hushed sound from Fran ceased it. My stride turned to a jog as I rounded the corner from their sight.
He always had lunch in the same spot. Many times I had caught Gabranth eating at the other side of Archades. The excitement boiling in me was making me feel as if I was about to burst. My heart was racing, and all I could think about was finding the taxi, and making it into my mentor’s arms.
The Judge Magister had a routine. Wake up, dress, go for breakfast, reports, check the troops, lunch…about this time was his lunch time. When I was young I would follow him there, he would get me something, we would talk, and he would send me on to my father. As I grew older, my time with him grew longer; he was my shelter from reality…still is. One of the few peoples I could trust…during the past six years…only two people have been added to those ranks; Fran, and Basch. Before, it was only Zecht, Gabranth, Drace…and Zargabaath. Years and only six people in the world I can trust with my life. Not so comforting when you think of it.
Holding the Sandalwood chop out, I entered the taxi without a word, ignoring the rude sound the driver made. Sitting, I stared out at the imperial city. The quiet ride left me to think, and my main thoughts were…should I be doing this? Should I be abandoning the party to seek a judge out? He could get the information from me and stop what we are doing! Though, I am a strong man in interrogations; against Gabranth I am weak.
The stop jolted me from my thoughts, scowling as the driver yelled; “end of the line mister!” Hopping to my feet, I stepped out, Tsenoble – the grand upper level of Archades – before my eyes.
Strutting away, I followed my nose and my heart to the cafes…and there he was, out of his judge’s armor. He was merely in a black sleeveless turtle neck, leather pants, and steel toe boots with his favourite meal before him. I could turn back now, knowing he would be gone by the time the others came back. I could run discreetly for the higher parts of Tsenoble, wait away for him to leave, and return. But how lonely he looked made my feet move towards him.
He did not even look up as I approached his table, eyes focused on the paper he was reading. I considered leaving, until;
“And your purpose in standing there and watching me is? Kindly tell me who you are, and what you want.” Swallowing, I lowered myself so I was sitting on my heels, looking up at him now.
“Merely to visit an old friend…” my words were soft, quiet. If it was not for how he turned, wide eyed to stare at me, I could have sworn he did not hear me.
His mouth opened a few times, nothing coming out. We stared in silence, the wide, blue eyes like those of Captain Basch’s observed me, until he finally spoke. “F-Ffamran?!” it was an uncharacteristic squeak, and I could not help but smile, nodding.
“Yes…it me Gabranth. I was in town, and could not help but visit you…” smiling weakly, I leaned against the thigh closest to me. Closing my eyes, I tried not to cry, feeling the rapid heartbeat beneath me. He was as stunned by this as I was. “I know this is sudden…I just had to see you…”
Ungloved fingers moved to run through my hair, comforting me. “Things must be easier for you at least…Bergan and Ghis are dead…” he laughed softly, and I blushed, looking away. “Sadly, Zecht ran away, and Drace is dead too…”
Eyes wide, my head flew up to stare at him. “I – I knew about Ghis and Bergan…but Drace is gone too?!” I choked out, voice going hoarse.
“How did you - ?” obviously he refused to answer about Drace until I replied.
“I was in on their deaths…I was with the Princess at the time of Ghis’s foolish death, and Bergan’s murder…” Coughing into my hand, I looked away, only turning back to him when his hand took my chin, turning me to him.
The blue eyes were cold, but quickly softened. “Then I assume you know where Basch Fon Ronsenburg is.” It was not a question, but a statement.
“You’d be correct. But I will not tell you. He looks surprisingly like you, you know.” I smirked a little, watching him for a response.
A little smile came to the man’s face, as he closed his eyes, nodding. “He mentioned having a twin did he?”
I stood, moving to the seat across from him, to tell him of how I knew. Leaning in close, I spoke in a hushed voice; “A brother of one of the soldiers you killed attacked Basch when we were escaping the Nalbina Dungeon’s. When his cage landed, he helped us in our journey out. Though, along the way, with some persuasion, he explained to us the reason for his determination in his belief of his innocence. I only believed him, knowing who you are, and what Vayne is like.”
Sighing, he rubbed his face, watching me with tired eyes. “He is right. I am his younger twin. Though neither of us has acknowledged the other in years…that’s not counting the time he spent in Nalbina. So…we’ve never reached out to each other in a loving, or brotherly way since we separated…after the fall of Landis, and he chose to aide Dalmasca. It seems that both of us have kept the others existence a secret to our comrades though.”
“Understandable,” I nodded. “Who would want to tell their country, especially if they are of high standing, that they have a brother, ney a twin, in the enemy country? It would make it difficult…though motive to attack if you hate them…and perfect if they still harbor feelings of affection.” I gave him a pointed look, but he looked away, refusing to answer.
“He still cares, does he?” finally speaking, he covered his mouth, not looking at me, but at the table.
“He hasn’t said anything…but I can tell. He’s a loyal man, with not much else left.” Sitting back, I sighed, knowing the party, mainly the princess, were the last things he had in life. Without Gabranth, it would be difficult for him to regain Dalmasca’s trust. Though, Ashe’s trust would be a great assistance.
“…So you came to scold me, tell me that you’ve killed your nightmares, and all around terrorize me? Ffamran, you have not changed much.” He chuckled, pulling back to smile at me.
Scowling a little, I blushed. “Would you stop calling me Ffamran? It’s Balthier now. I got rid of that name when I left…and it’s not my fault that Ghis has never been the smartest of men, or that Bergan decided to kill us after his brutal murder of the Gran Kiltias.”
The smile softened his laughter ceasing as he reached out to stroke one of my cheeks. “You have never taken teasing well, have you? I could have murdered them myself for leaving you in such a state. They could never make a good joke that didn’t end in tears for you…I remember how Zecht and Drace would always tread lightly about you to make sure you never began bawling your eyes out…and until your Archadian birth certificate says that your name is Balthier, I will forever call you Ffamran. You were born with that name, and will live with it until I die.” Gently taking one of my earrings into his grip, he inspected it quietly, leaving me to mull over what he had said.
“It seems that you are not the only one with a ‘to the death bed’ promise with me. Though Ghis was the…’luckier’ of the two.” When he gave me a confused look, I continued, “They both seemed intent on keeping me as a sex slave. Though, died before they could throw be over their shoulder like the barbarians they are, and drag me back to Archades. And that’s not including how determined they are to rape me at every chance they got. Bergan, however, only got a few minutes, a kiss, and a grope out of me before his death. My inner kindness won out, when he was dying, and he took his chance, and told me of his intentions. Ghis, though, took me to a place in private, sent the others off and…” I shuddered at the memory, rubbing my arms as a feeling of dirtiness washed over. “I seem to attract the worst sort of people…if I knew what it was that attracted those sorts, maybe then I could find a way to stop it.”
Unwrapping myself, I ran a hand through my hair, blushing as I noticed how he was staring at me, quietly, with a dark look in his eyes. “Sorry to unload all this on you so suddenly…I should probably go.” Making a move to stand, I was startled as he grabbed one of my hands, still thinking, but refusing to let me go. Taking his hand, I placed mine over his, smiling a little. “Finish your lunch. I’m sure you’ll want to be out of the area when your brother comes. He is on his way, as I promised the group I would meet them at the Taxi stop.”
That caught his attention, as his head darted up, eyes fixed on mine. “Basch is in Archades?!” it was a hushed hiss, blue eyes narrowed. I nodded, and he released me, pulling his lunch together.
“We are on our way to Draklor. He has no intentions of disturbing you, but I don’t want any fights right now…especially when we would lose out. A small party in Archades stands no chance.” Standing there, I waited for him to finish, before straightening himself to stare into my eyes.
“Your reasoning is understandable, Ffamran, though you should have warned me sooner. I have no intentions of crossing his path at this time, like you have to intentions of us seeing each other right now. We must see each other again soon. Just don’t get into trouble, okay?” he pulled me in for a heartwarming embrace, which left me breathless. Moving away quickly, he held his paper in his mouth for a moment, which drew a giggle like sound from me.
Rolling his eyes, he pulled it out, and stuffed it under his arm. “I must go. They will be startled to have me back so early, but I can handle it. Just make sure they don’t get caught here. Many people here are smarter than you think.” With that said, he ran for the elevator which would escort him up to another Taxi service.
Smiling, I sat once more, considering getting myself something to eat as I wait for the others to arrive. I could not tell anyone what just happened, though I could be told to Fran some time…
The passing Taxi’s distracted me enough, yawning as I waited patiently. Knowing Jules, he probably worked all their gil out of them. They have probably gone on a wild goose chase as well. Hopefully, they had enough time to do some shopping, and sell the loot collected in the Cave. I would have to have a long discussion with the streetear about priorities, and screwing around with good friends, and their companions. I have known him since I was young, back in the days when I was living in the imperial city. He has, and probably will always be this way. A bit of a pity, though understandable for a man of his situation.
My attention was caught, as I was brought from my thoughts as a new Taxi arrived, the young thief stumbling out. Standing, I began to stroll over, watching the rest of the troupe step out, Jules not far behind. Fran’s sharp eyes watched for me, ears twitching.
When she finally caught sight of me, she guided them in my direction as I stepped towards them, chuckling at how tired the orphans looked. I was right; Jules sent them on a wild goose chase. Probably out collecting chops for him, I bet. Shaking my head, I approached, ready to get a story I was expecting out of the group;
“What took you so long?"
“I will not have you spreading anymore lies, Ffamran!” the elder archadian cried, slamming his fist on his work desk. The dark eyes moved to glare at me, and I shuddered in fear, my armor making slight chiming sounds as I slowly backed away. Father never believed me when I told him about the other Judge Magisters’ treatment of me. I am sixteen, almost a man, and yet he still treats me like an attention seeking child! Even with the evidence engraved into my neck, and Gabranth’s own testimony of my treatment! My time in the healer’s room did not even deter him, after the wraith’s attack upon the judge magister and I.
My vision was blurred by tears now, as I held my helmet tightly, knuckles going white with the tightness of my grip. Cid was sighing about something, I did not know what as my attention was on how much trouble I was in for disturbing him with ‘silly talk’ as he called it. Shifting my feet, I stared at the floor, slowly turning to leave quietly, but the entrance of Ghis and Bergan made me stop in my tracks. I had only noticed their feet at first, with my head lowered, but recognizing their boots, I quickly looked up, moving out of the way. Looking as regal as usual, Ghis walked past me, while Bergan sneered at me from the doorway, blocking any chance of escape.
Father had gone back to sitting, and was sighing now, which worried me. The subtle pinch of the bridge of his nose, and the tapping of his nails on the desk was increasing the anxiety within me. What was he up to?
The answer came quickly as he looked at Ghis. “Is the spare quarters within your suite prepared?” he asked coldly, and my heart sank, fear in my eyes. Any and all respect for the man dwindled right then. He was no longer my father, but an insane monster.
“No…” I whispered, backing away. My nightmare was becoming worse.
Both of them were sneering at me when my back hit the bookshelves. “Yes,” Bergan nodded at Father. “We can move him in immediately.”
Eyes wide, I tried to move past Bergan, quickly grabbed, even while kicking and struggling. My fists were hitting his back feebly, ignoring the laughs that were coming from Ghis. My father was shaking his head at my actions while I screamed at Bergan to put me down. “No! Father! Don’t leave me with them!” Tears were falling from my eyes; my father’s betrayal was devastating me and I was completely stunned, though it was not enough to prevent me from continuing to fight off my captors. The situation was so terrible; it left me wanting to go seek solace in Gabranth’s embrace, perhaps even Drace’s. She always had a hot cup of cocoa ready…even if she usually made them for the little prince.
He waved them – the judge magisters, and my cries of mercy – off with a flick of his hand, and they left with me, still kicking to break free. “Should be fun, eh Ffamran?” Ghis said, walking alongside Bergan. One of his gloved hands reached up to grab my chin, looking into my eyes with the cold ones of his own. “We’ll be able to beak you in our own bed tonight.” The small laugh from them both made me cry harder as I was carried to their rooms. My tears were gliding down my cheeks, and onto the leather gloves of the judge. The sound was like rain, making the gloomy mood even darker.
It was then I decided it was time to get out of here; I had to think of a plan of escape. I could no longer trust my own family, and in this position, where my guardian handed me to the ones that harmed me, not even the people I did trust could save me now.
Slowly, a hand began to grope my thigh, working its way up to my ass. Choked sobs came from me, and all I could say was;
“Please…no…”
“Balthier! Wake up! You’re having a nightmare!” The light, feminine voice rang in my ears, startling me from my sleep. Opening my eyes, I stared into the brown ones of the princess, and winced, finding a small bruise on her cheek. I must have hit her in my sleep. Giving her an apologetic look, I reached out to touch it.
She jumped a little in surprise more than pain. Smiling, she breathed out a sigh of relief, seeing that I was calm. “The others and I were worried about you.” Looking away, blushing, she added, “I’d barely noticed you were having a fit until I felt you hit me. Fran was the first to notice, and was trying to wake me up so we could wake you.” It was then I looked over her shoulder to find Basch and Fran kneeling there, both of their eyes were on me, and now I was blushing in a deeper shade then the princess.
Looking away from all of them, I sat up, pulling my knees close to my chest. “I apologize…” I did not know what else to say. Tell them that I had, had a nightmare about my father sending me to my demise? How he would not believe me in my time of need? How he’d helped the devious judge magisters’ ruin my life? I kept my eyes focused on the wall of Sohen Cave entrance, avoiding looking at them.
Gentle hands pried me away from my corner though, lifting me away from the side of the cave. As I was about to growl in annoyance until I found dark blue eyes looking into mine with determination, and worry. “’Tis not your fault, Balthier…” he spoke softly, holding me close to him. Looking to where I previously was, I noticed the princess had moved away to allow him to comfort me. A swift overlook of the entrance told me that the orphans were awake now as well, watching the captain and me with avid interest.
Quickly, I hid my face in his chest, listening to the comforting pulse of his heart. If I could have crawled under a rock at that moment, I would have, but the captain’s strong embrace prevented any quick escape. Squirming, I tried to indicate to the older man that I was feeling quite uncomfortable with my current situation, and he seemed to catch my drift.
He set me on my feet near his own bedding, looking to the others. “We can discuss it later, as being here is clearly bothering him. We need to get moving, so everyone, each, freshen up, pack up, and let’s go.” I nodded behind him rummaging through the food sack, and pulling out something for myself to eat for breakfast.
They watched me apprehensively, Fran being the only one brave enough to take the bag from me. I merely sat there, eating the succulent fruit quietly.
It all went smoothly from there, though the orphans were the quickest ones to pack and leave. It must have been their questionable excitement to see the imperial city. I stretched, standing in the bright sunlight of Old Archades, noticing Vaan and Penelo ahead. Basch and Ashe came up behind Fran and I.
“-but we’re in more like a sewer…” the distinct sound of the thief’s voice, as he spoke to the young dancer, carried to my ears, and I had to comment on his words.
“Even empires have need of sewers.” My hands moved to my hips as I slowly began to walk towards them. “The runoff from Archades proper pools here; those who lack papers to live in the city itself. The mighty who have fallen…and the fallen who would be mighty. Their eyes never leave Archades.” Much like yours…I wanted to add, standing almost next to the boy who had perched himself up high.
“I guess it must be a lot nicer then this place.”
“Oh, to be sure,” I had to hold in a laugh, “Archades reeks of a different filth.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I watched him hop off his perch, everyone surrounding me. I was the only one who knew Archades well enough, and they relied on me to get them to Draklor, sadly. “Let’s be off. We can follow our noses to Draklor…” Uncrossing them, I looked in the direction of proper Archades and began to walk, listening as everyone kept in step behind me. My determination to get this over with, and be as far away from the dreadful city only outweighed Princess Ashe’s determination to reclaim her throne.
I separated myself from the group, talking to some of the people, knowing what was to come at the end of it. Rushing about, I found every person, listening to every detail of juicy information I could get. In Old Archades, as well as with the proper one; information was as good as a pouch of gil. It could also get you good money.
As I began to cross the bridge that lead to the other side of Old Archades, Basch held me back. “What are you doing, Balthier?” everyone but Fran looked confused as to what I was doing.
“Information is like money here. You’ll see once we make it to the end…” with that, I continued on, not telling him who I was dreading on seeing at gates of Archades. More people would be on the way to Archades, and of course…him.
Once we were at the entrance, I watched, only slightly amused as Vaan attempted to get in. As quick as he went up, they sent him back off, as he did not have the necessary paperwork. Out of all of us, I was the only one with the papers, and I did not want them all to know that the son of Cidolfus Bunansa was in Archades again. It would create an uproar that we did not need. As well, rumours would reach my father faster than I could keep them in check.
Slowly, I began my pace back to the other end, noticing how the others were watching me. They followed behind at a leisurely pace, unsure of my actions, though Fran probably had an idea.
As I passed a corner, a familiar man came out of nowhere. “Having trouble getting into Archades?” he asked in a low purr, and I could not help but roll my eyes.
“Oh wonderful. Enter the streetear.” Just the man I was looking for. “Hello, Jules.”
“Ffam - ” I gave him a quick glare as he began to say my real name, halting him quickly. “Balthier.” With a sly smile he corrected himself quickly, smart man. “I can see you’ll need my help.” The smirk made me want to hit him, but I just stood there.
“What’s going on? Who is he?” Vaan’s voice rang behind me, and I turned to see the group (sans Fran) watching curiously. The viera was familiar enough with the streetear.
“He is a dealer in information. You tell him something, and he’ll give you help, or money.” I jutted a thumb in the man’s direction. “As I had said earlier, information is as good as money here.”
“So, thousand five hundred gil for my services.” He stuck out his hand expectantly.
Groaning inwardly, I looked to the others. “He’s reliable, so trust me with this.” At that, I pulled the desired amount out of one of my side pouches, handing it to him.
“As I know you’re the one with enough knowledge to have his ear to the ground, tell me, what have you heard?”
“Man on the other end of Old Archades has miraculously attained himself a good amount of money.”
“Perfect…Beasley’s lost a big amount of money he’s been scrapping together. Go find him, and tell him. He’s likely to be at…” listening to the instructions, I took off at a jog to find the depraved man.
Once finding him, it was a matter of telling the fallen man, and watching what would happen. With that task out of the way, I went back up the upper half, and had to dive into the safety of the boxes Jules was sitting on with the others as the Imperials ran past. A couple of commoners were yelling, “’Ey! ‘Tis a fight! Beasley’s gone wild!” The information worked.
With a quick smile to the streetear, I went to the gates again, the others following eagerly. I did not even hear a word about the legality of our actions. Though I knew Jules was not far behind. It would not be a difficult task for them to cross. I had nine Pinewood chops, and a Sandalwood for myself. It was enough to get myself across and them across after some shopping as I knew that taxi’s required either a million gil, or nine pinewood chops (or a sandalwood one, but those were rare, I was lucky that I’d saved up my pinewoods earned as a teen). You could keep them of course; just having them was a writ of transit in Archades. Sandalwood got you into more places, thus, when we arrived, I handed the nine to Jules, explaining to him to hand them to the group, as I had business to attend to.
As we walked along the road, the orphans going ahead to explore the imperial city, the thief running ahead with Penelo walking calmly behind him. Basch, Ashe, Fran and I all stayed behind. The city was nothing surprising to us. Especially to me.
Listening as they chattered, Basch striding up to talk to them, I watched the Princess. During our journeys, her opinions of him seemed to change. From a traitor, to a loyal knight once more. I could almost admire her ability to forgive him, while he was the one accused of killing her father.
He is too much of a tame lion, with a good heart to do such a thing. During Vossler’s death, it could be seen; his loyalties were in the people, not the location…
“You seem troubled…” the soft voice murmured next to me.
Looking up at Fran, I crossed my arms, looking forward again. “I need to check on something…” I whispered back, refusing to look at her.
“…You are going to see him are you not?” the musical tone of laughter in her voice could be heard. My mouth twitched slightly, refusing to smile. She knew me too well. As well as she knew the man I sought outs habits too. “I will watch them then, and take care of your shopping…as well as that rat, Jules. You just make sure that he is in face there.”
Nodding, I passed Ashe, walking to the taxi. I could hear them all making questioning noises, and trying to speak to me, but a hushed sound from Fran ceased it. My stride turned to a jog as I rounded the corner from their sight.
He always had lunch in the same spot. Many times I had caught Gabranth eating at the other side of Archades. The excitement boiling in me was making me feel as if I was about to burst. My heart was racing, and all I could think about was finding the taxi, and making it into my mentor’s arms.
The Judge Magister had a routine. Wake up, dress, go for breakfast, reports, check the troops, lunch…about this time was his lunch time. When I was young I would follow him there, he would get me something, we would talk, and he would send me on to my father. As I grew older, my time with him grew longer; he was my shelter from reality…still is. One of the few peoples I could trust…during the past six years…only two people have been added to those ranks; Fran, and Basch. Before, it was only Zecht, Gabranth, Drace…and Zargabaath. Years and only six people in the world I can trust with my life. Not so comforting when you think of it.
Holding the Sandalwood chop out, I entered the taxi without a word, ignoring the rude sound the driver made. Sitting, I stared out at the imperial city. The quiet ride left me to think, and my main thoughts were…should I be doing this? Should I be abandoning the party to seek a judge out? He could get the information from me and stop what we are doing! Though, I am a strong man in interrogations; against Gabranth I am weak.
The stop jolted me from my thoughts, scowling as the driver yelled; “end of the line mister!” Hopping to my feet, I stepped out, Tsenoble – the grand upper level of Archades – before my eyes.
Strutting away, I followed my nose and my heart to the cafes…and there he was, out of his judge’s armor. He was merely in a black sleeveless turtle neck, leather pants, and steel toe boots with his favourite meal before him. I could turn back now, knowing he would be gone by the time the others came back. I could run discreetly for the higher parts of Tsenoble, wait away for him to leave, and return. But how lonely he looked made my feet move towards him.
He did not even look up as I approached his table, eyes focused on the paper he was reading. I considered leaving, until;
“And your purpose in standing there and watching me is? Kindly tell me who you are, and what you want.” Swallowing, I lowered myself so I was sitting on my heels, looking up at him now.
“Merely to visit an old friend…” my words were soft, quiet. If it was not for how he turned, wide eyed to stare at me, I could have sworn he did not hear me.
His mouth opened a few times, nothing coming out. We stared in silence, the wide, blue eyes like those of Captain Basch’s observed me, until he finally spoke. “F-Ffamran?!” it was an uncharacteristic squeak, and I could not help but smile, nodding.
“Yes…it me Gabranth. I was in town, and could not help but visit you…” smiling weakly, I leaned against the thigh closest to me. Closing my eyes, I tried not to cry, feeling the rapid heartbeat beneath me. He was as stunned by this as I was. “I know this is sudden…I just had to see you…”
Ungloved fingers moved to run through my hair, comforting me. “Things must be easier for you at least…Bergan and Ghis are dead…” he laughed softly, and I blushed, looking away. “Sadly, Zecht ran away, and Drace is dead too…”
Eyes wide, my head flew up to stare at him. “I – I knew about Ghis and Bergan…but Drace is gone too?!” I choked out, voice going hoarse.
“How did you - ?” obviously he refused to answer about Drace until I replied.
“I was in on their deaths…I was with the Princess at the time of Ghis’s foolish death, and Bergan’s murder…” Coughing into my hand, I looked away, only turning back to him when his hand took my chin, turning me to him.
The blue eyes were cold, but quickly softened. “Then I assume you know where Basch Fon Ronsenburg is.” It was not a question, but a statement.
“You’d be correct. But I will not tell you. He looks surprisingly like you, you know.” I smirked a little, watching him for a response.
A little smile came to the man’s face, as he closed his eyes, nodding. “He mentioned having a twin did he?”
I stood, moving to the seat across from him, to tell him of how I knew. Leaning in close, I spoke in a hushed voice; “A brother of one of the soldiers you killed attacked Basch when we were escaping the Nalbina Dungeon’s. When his cage landed, he helped us in our journey out. Though, along the way, with some persuasion, he explained to us the reason for his determination in his belief of his innocence. I only believed him, knowing who you are, and what Vayne is like.”
Sighing, he rubbed his face, watching me with tired eyes. “He is right. I am his younger twin. Though neither of us has acknowledged the other in years…that’s not counting the time he spent in Nalbina. So…we’ve never reached out to each other in a loving, or brotherly way since we separated…after the fall of Landis, and he chose to aide Dalmasca. It seems that both of us have kept the others existence a secret to our comrades though.”
“Understandable,” I nodded. “Who would want to tell their country, especially if they are of high standing, that they have a brother, ney a twin, in the enemy country? It would make it difficult…though motive to attack if you hate them…and perfect if they still harbor feelings of affection.” I gave him a pointed look, but he looked away, refusing to answer.
“He still cares, does he?” finally speaking, he covered his mouth, not looking at me, but at the table.
“He hasn’t said anything…but I can tell. He’s a loyal man, with not much else left.” Sitting back, I sighed, knowing the party, mainly the princess, were the last things he had in life. Without Gabranth, it would be difficult for him to regain Dalmasca’s trust. Though, Ashe’s trust would be a great assistance.
“…So you came to scold me, tell me that you’ve killed your nightmares, and all around terrorize me? Ffamran, you have not changed much.” He chuckled, pulling back to smile at me.
Scowling a little, I blushed. “Would you stop calling me Ffamran? It’s Balthier now. I got rid of that name when I left…and it’s not my fault that Ghis has never been the smartest of men, or that Bergan decided to kill us after his brutal murder of the Gran Kiltias.”
The smile softened his laughter ceasing as he reached out to stroke one of my cheeks. “You have never taken teasing well, have you? I could have murdered them myself for leaving you in such a state. They could never make a good joke that didn’t end in tears for you…I remember how Zecht and Drace would always tread lightly about you to make sure you never began bawling your eyes out…and until your Archadian birth certificate says that your name is Balthier, I will forever call you Ffamran. You were born with that name, and will live with it until I die.” Gently taking one of my earrings into his grip, he inspected it quietly, leaving me to mull over what he had said.
“It seems that you are not the only one with a ‘to the death bed’ promise with me. Though Ghis was the…’luckier’ of the two.” When he gave me a confused look, I continued, “They both seemed intent on keeping me as a sex slave. Though, died before they could throw be over their shoulder like the barbarians they are, and drag me back to Archades. And that’s not including how determined they are to rape me at every chance they got. Bergan, however, only got a few minutes, a kiss, and a grope out of me before his death. My inner kindness won out, when he was dying, and he took his chance, and told me of his intentions. Ghis, though, took me to a place in private, sent the others off and…” I shuddered at the memory, rubbing my arms as a feeling of dirtiness washed over. “I seem to attract the worst sort of people…if I knew what it was that attracted those sorts, maybe then I could find a way to stop it.”
Unwrapping myself, I ran a hand through my hair, blushing as I noticed how he was staring at me, quietly, with a dark look in his eyes. “Sorry to unload all this on you so suddenly…I should probably go.” Making a move to stand, I was startled as he grabbed one of my hands, still thinking, but refusing to let me go. Taking his hand, I placed mine over his, smiling a little. “Finish your lunch. I’m sure you’ll want to be out of the area when your brother comes. He is on his way, as I promised the group I would meet them at the Taxi stop.”
That caught his attention, as his head darted up, eyes fixed on mine. “Basch is in Archades?!” it was a hushed hiss, blue eyes narrowed. I nodded, and he released me, pulling his lunch together.
“We are on our way to Draklor. He has no intentions of disturbing you, but I don’t want any fights right now…especially when we would lose out. A small party in Archades stands no chance.” Standing there, I waited for him to finish, before straightening himself to stare into my eyes.
“Your reasoning is understandable, Ffamran, though you should have warned me sooner. I have no intentions of crossing his path at this time, like you have to intentions of us seeing each other right now. We must see each other again soon. Just don’t get into trouble, okay?” he pulled me in for a heartwarming embrace, which left me breathless. Moving away quickly, he held his paper in his mouth for a moment, which drew a giggle like sound from me.
Rolling his eyes, he pulled it out, and stuffed it under his arm. “I must go. They will be startled to have me back so early, but I can handle it. Just make sure they don’t get caught here. Many people here are smarter than you think.” With that said, he ran for the elevator which would escort him up to another Taxi service.
Smiling, I sat once more, considering getting myself something to eat as I wait for the others to arrive. I could not tell anyone what just happened, though I could be told to Fran some time…
The passing Taxi’s distracted me enough, yawning as I waited patiently. Knowing Jules, he probably worked all their gil out of them. They have probably gone on a wild goose chase as well. Hopefully, they had enough time to do some shopping, and sell the loot collected in the Cave. I would have to have a long discussion with the streetear about priorities, and screwing around with good friends, and their companions. I have known him since I was young, back in the days when I was living in the imperial city. He has, and probably will always be this way. A bit of a pity, though understandable for a man of his situation.
My attention was caught, as I was brought from my thoughts as a new Taxi arrived, the young thief stumbling out. Standing, I began to stroll over, watching the rest of the troupe step out, Jules not far behind. Fran’s sharp eyes watched for me, ears twitching.
When she finally caught sight of me, she guided them in my direction as I stepped towards them, chuckling at how tired the orphans looked. I was right; Jules sent them on a wild goose chase. Probably out collecting chops for him, I bet. Shaking my head, I approached, ready to get a story I was expecting out of the group;
“What took you so long?"
I'd Rather Forget Chapter 3
Take Me Away
When I woke, it was to shuffling of feet, and orders being called by Basch. Sitting up, I noticed everyone was working, but me. I could feel my cheeks flushing in embarrassment at not being awake to help them. Why didn’t they wake me to assist them? I was used to working on little sleep, and while I might sometimes get cranky, it was no big deal. So why were they moving about as if it didn’t matter that I continued to sleep?
Sitting up, I watched Basch prepare the morning’s meal, Fran rolling together hers and Basch’s belongings. Beyond her, on the other side of the hall, Vaan, Penelo, and Ashe were all conversing and packing their own things. They only noticed I was awake when Fran jumped, noticing I was now sitting up. It seemed that her hearing would occasionally fail when it came to me, and she was distracted. Then again, she is used to me making noises in his sleep. It must just be because I have not spoken yet. Usually if she woke up before me I would complain about her not waking me. This would be no different.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked, yawning and stretching my arms, giving her and the ex-knight a dark look. Judging by the accusing look the princess gave Basch, it was likely his and Fran’s collective idea. Arms now crossed over my chest, I stifled a second yawn, eyeing her in an annoyed manner.
“You needed more sleep. Now rest some more. We will be venturing deeper into the cave, and you will need all the rest you can get. I can see more nightmares coming, and your sleep will be plagued till we escape here. Because of this, you rest now, in preparation for later.” Running long fingers through my tousled hair, she gave me a soft smile. “Rest Balthier, we’ll wake you when it’s time to eat.” Picking up my toy from where it had moved to during my sleep, she placed it in my arms, gently pushing me back onto the makeshift bed.
Nodding reluctantly, I rolled over on my side, watching Basch smile thankfully to Fran out of the corner of my eye. Sighing, I cuddled up close to the stuffed doll, pulling the blanket tightly over my shoulder, burrowing deep into the covers. Thankfully it was warmer then outside my cocoon, so sleep wouldn’t be a hard goal to reach. Despite the urgings of my motherly companions though, I didn’t want to sleep. I’d would rather be helping them cooking and packing up then sleeping till time for food.
While last night’s dream was a content one, who knows what the one to come would be like. A loud sigh escaped my lips as I held Gabranth tightly in my arms. Eyes closed, I bit my lip, hoping for the best…
“Captain Azelas, take them to Shiva.” Judge Ghis ordered as he greedily inspected the nethicite. Being the son of the researcher into nethicite, I should have known it would be such a thing. How stupid of me. Even the one I’d sought in the castle was nethicite, the very thing I’ve been avoiding all these years. It seems when you run from your past, it will catch up with you quickly. “They should have leave to return to Rabanastre soon.”
Turning, we all began to speak, until he spoke up again. “Leave that one with me for a moment,” halting in terror, I felt all eyes on me, though my back was to the despicable Judge. Straightening my back, I swallowed, turning to approach the man I loathed of my own will. Everyone but one imperial left, Vossler I could see, out of the corner of my eye, was at the door. I wanted to hurt him with all my might, for supplying a power hungry country with what it seeks. Meeting the Judges gaze, I crossed my arms impatiently, wanting to know what he wanted me for. I could tell he recognized me, though I didn’t want to voice it in front of the others. They wouldn’t know or understand why.
“A want you to assess its power.” Ghis moved over to one of the lab workers.
“Were our orders not specified that we return the stone for testing?” The worker sounded suspicious. I was too, hearing this.
“I will not chance returning, with a stone that is yet unproven.” The judge retaliated, handing him the stone.
Once the worker was gone, he turned back to me, a cruel smile on his face. “So, Cid’s boy has resurfaced. Last I heard of you, you were off pirating castles. Saving damsels now?” As he moved closer to me, I quickly backed away, nearing the window, I climbed up onto the sill, swallowing as he continued to draw closer. “As fretful about me as ever, I see.” He licked his lips at that, and I blushed, wishing the others were still here. At least then I could prove to be stronger than this fear burrowing in my gut.
A gloved hand reached up to stroke my face as I watched Vossler, out of the corner of my eye try to intrude. He was quickly shunned away by the one in the room, and I held back a whimper. My last hope was gone now, and I was left with this maniac.
Hugging my knees, I tried to make myself as strong as possible as he chuckled. “Please, let me go back to the others,” begging eyes looked into his, turning wide with fear as he removed one of his gloves, slapping me with it. Blood trickled down my cheek as the metal on the glove sliced through my skin. The now free hand moved down my body, and to my horror, he grasped my ass, the other hand slithering around to grab the other side, lifting me off the still. “Put me down!” I cried, writhing in terror. Punching his shoulders, I whimpered as his lips connected with mine. I could feel his hard length pressing against my leg, he was growing excited by my fear.
I was bent over a nearby desk, hands feeling me from behind, making me whimper pathetically. “I could order for all your friends to go…” He purred in my ear, one hand removing my pants. I sobbed as he continued to remove my clothing, the bare hands spanking my ass. “Send them away, and keep you here…Bergan and I have really missed you. You’re screams, cries, whimpers…” The hands parted my ass cheeks, and a finger slid in, “I could even as your father to sell you to me as a slave. I’m sure Vayne would allow it.”
“No! Please!” I screamed, trying to pull away. He pinned me down with all his weight. Ordering the lusty eyed soldier over, he told the man to hold my hands, and that he could to anything he wanted to my mouth.
“He’ll be out of fight soon, rest assured.” The judge sneered, fingers running through my hair. I sobbed as both removed their pants, the guards erect cock coming into view. “Please…no…” I was hopeless now, even as Ghis began sliding the familiar length into my ass, and I clenched about it in memory. It was the cock that had raped me so many times as a teen, and now, it plagued me again, raping me mercilessly. And just like the old times, it was with out any preparation.
It felt as if Ghis’s length was splitting me in half, the pain was so tremendous. Clinging to the guard, I was about to scream, but found my mouth full of his throbbing member, chuckles erupting from both men. Crying, I rocked between them, the relentless Judge slapping my ass, as if I were a child in need of punishment. Though this was no punishment worthy of a child, and only the kind a malicious pervert would deal out.
The guard merely busied himself tugging on my hair. He grunted small orders to me, treating me as if I were an unwilling virgin, or some flighty whore in need of guidance. Being neither, I wanted to make him stop it, but the force of both of them holding me in place prevented that.
The sudden flow of semen into my mouth made me choke as the guard came, leaving only Ghis, who was still pounding into my broken, unwilling body. The guard pulled away, sitting down as he tucked his spent member into his trousers. Patting me on the cheek, he waited, just like I, for the Judge to finish his torture of my anus.
The grotesque man was panting heavily above me as he began to reach climax. It was a disgusting symphony for the ears, their pre and post-orgasmic sounds. Hands over my ears, I grimaced, licking the guard’s semen from my lips as I waited for the man to finish. It should be soon though, knowing Ghis’s age, and how he was currently pounding into the unprepared young man he’d been dreaming about. It was disgusting to know Ghis had been longing for me all these years…
Once he finally came, back arched, pounding into me one last time, he staggered back, holding himself steady against one of the walls. Quickly I began pulling my pants on, covering my eyes as silent sobs broke through me. I’d have to compose myself before I went back to the others. Act as if I didn’t just get raped. They wouldn’t care…I was just the silly sky pirate to them. They’d only assume I was asking for it. Only Fran would console me…in her cold viera ways.
Before the judge could say anything, or even reach out to grab me, I ran for the door. Filthy and torn again, I sought out solace in the only place I could, Fran. She was beyond those doors, and I had to get through, to have her hold me, and tell me that everything was alright. If I had the strength, or even the bravery, I’d take the guards sword, and kill both of them as they lay in post-orgasmic bliss, but deciding against it, I stayed facing the door. Opening the door to the dock, hands out to be cuffed, I was faced with the sorrow filled eyes of the Dalmascan Captain.
“I’m sorry…I should have help…but they wouldn’t let me…I’m sorry.” He said, while trapping my hands.
“Not a word of this to the others.” I snarled, baring my teeth in anger. Only Fran, my rapists, and I should know what took place. Having him being one of the ones that knew kept me on edge, and wary. Would he think I was someone who was easily taken advantage of? Or would there be an unusual, awkward amount of sympathy to come from the man? I hoped not, though I also hoped never to see him again after leaving the dreaded ship, and Ghis.
Shoving my way past him, two large viera ears came into view, and long lithe arms almost embraced me as they pushed past the soldiers in her way. She was a comforting sight, and I nearly fell to my knees crying. A cock of her head to the side, and sad eyes, I could tell she knew what had happed, and it made me hurt inside more. I had to tell her, just had to…
“Balthier! Wake up!” The familiar voice of the viera sounded urgent and alarmed. Odd almost as at this time as it rang in my ears. Why would she be telling me to wake up during such a time…?
“Wake up, Balthier!”
A soft slapping sensation woke me from my slumber, and I blushed, looking up at my worried companions. Coughing, I rollded over to look at the ground blushing as they all continued to stare in fear at me. It was more fear with Ashe, Penelo, and Vaan though, as if I might attack them for listening into my nightmares. With Basch and Fran…their eyes showed genuine concern for me. Rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes, I felt an odd wetness on them and pulled them back, finding them tear soaked, as expected. So it had all been a dream. Though real as well, being a recollection of the time before Captain Azelas’s betrayal. It was a rough time for all of us but the orphans at that point, with Basch and Ashe consoling each other, and Fran consoling me. The mourning and sadness lasted for days before we could finally move on, though everyone disguised it as plan making time…
“You were having another nightmare…” Basch murmured, taking out a cloth and cleaning my tearstained eyes. “Writhing and crying…we were worried about you.”
Rolling onto my back, and quickly sitting up, I hugged my knees to my chest, looking warily at the youngest ones in our group. They didn’t move away though, wanting to know about my nightmare as much as Basch and Fran did. Swallowing, I finally spoke in a shaky voice, “it was Judge Ghis…another one about Judge Ghis raping me…though this time was more recent.” Resting a cheek on one knee, I closed my eyes as Basch’s fingers began running through my hair in a calming manner.
They all waited for him to continue, I could see Ashe holding her breath. They all, aside from Fran, wondering at what point recently could I have been raped by Ghis. One of the viera’s hands was rested on my shoulder, and I took it, grasping it for some of her strength. I’d need it for this confession.
“Aboard the Leviathan, after it was confessed that Captain Azelas was betraying us, and before we were shipped off to Shiva. When he’d asked for me to stay behind…he raped me then. I was lucky to get out. He wanted to keep me there as a plaything, like he used to.” Tears ran down my cheeks as I buried my face in my knees, sobbing silently. The memories building up hurt, though the incident was past. “I was fortunate that when we came upon Bergan, he was incapacitated before he could do anything to me.”
The blinking, confused eyes of the captain looked down in confusion at me, “but you still stayed behind.”
I nodded, remembering that day;
When I’d checked him, he seemed unconscious; I thought luck was on my side as I spoke with the others. Make foolish plans to head for Archades, all thanks to my big mouth, and watch the flirtatious Al-Cid hobble out of the temple. Everything was fine, though I wanted to go back, Fran close behind me, to take one last look at the Judge before we had to leave. Let the Kiltias pray for their fallen, peaceful leader alone, with only the refugee’s to comfort them. It was a sad thing that had happened here because of this man today. Thankfully, nothing more would happen with him dead.
Standing up, I made to leave.
“Ffamran…” a small voice called for me as I began to step away from the nearly lifeless body of the fallen judge. Stopping in my tracks, I watched the viera ears before me twitch. She’d heard it too. Breathing deeply, knowing the man could do nothing to me in this state, I looked over my shoulder at the dying Judge.
“Move on without me,” I called ahead to them, “I catch up momentarily!” With that, I spun on my heels, approaching the Judge. Falling to my knees, I looked into the familiar eyes, as a weak hand reached up to run fingers through my hair. Wincing at the contact, I felt a shudder run through me as he chuckled low in his through, coughing through it.
The weak hand pulled me down so our noses barely touched it. Fear was building up in me, as well as nervousness at his intentions. Lips connected with mine, and I couldn’t resist the whimper that escaped me as the hand wound around my neck holding me there. One of my hands steadied me, sitting on his chest, feeling the slow rise and fall of the dying man’s chest. Pulling back I stared into the cold eyes. “I’ll never forgive you, you know…” I murmured against his lips as he laughed.
“Matters not, I regret nothing.” The hand in my hair moved to my buttocks, and I could not help the gasp that escaped me. Quickly stumbling away, I shuddered as he let out a choked laugh, “you’re still the frightened rabbit you were as a boy, only more handsome. I just wish I could have lived a little longer to break that tight hind end of yours again.”
Gasping at those words, I quickly stumbled to my feet, eyes on the verge of tears. He and Ghis would never change, and they’d die as they lived; power hungry and filthy perverts. Fran was at the door, she’d seen everything, and as I ran to her, she gently wrapped an arm about me. I held back the tears, swallowed, and composed myself before moving on to leave for the rough journey ahead.
“Balthier!” The soldier chuckled, and I blushed returning from my reverie.
“I apologize, I was thinking. Back after fighting Bergan, I’d returned because he’d called me by my true name, and I wanted to see what he needed from me. It appeared molestation was on his mind, I am fortunate by then we’d already incapacitated him. Thus, all he could get was a kiss, and a grope of my hind end. Though I’m sure he got a splendid view when I left. Both of them proclaimed to have wanted to keep me around though. Lady Luck is ironically smiling upon me, and yet at the same time, shunning me away.” I scowled, resting my chin in one hand, pouting.
They all laughed with me, though some of them looked nervous. I didn’t blame them, such a topic must be quite awkward, especially when they thought I was such a tough, brave, pirate. Sadly, I had to break their image of me by falling to tears at my own misfortune. “May we eat now?” I asked softly, wanting to move on and get out of the terrible place as quickly as possible. We still had some time to trek through, and I wanted to get through it quickly. I’d feel better once we were in Old Archades, among the rejects that the high city threw aside to wallow in their own self pity, and foolish hopes. Many a time when I’d gone there, they’d said I was lucky to be born into money. Little did they know how unlucky I was to be raped at every chance by lusty Judges.
Basch nodded, pulling back and helping me up. I stiffened at the hand around my waist, but relaxed quickly, blushing as the ex-knight kissed my forehead in reassurance. He would not harm me; I’d have to realize this sooner or later. The sooner the better with how our relationship was growing to be more close and this I feared the most. How would he react to having a broken heart given to him so willingly? A heart that suffered years of breaking, torment, wear, and tear, left to bleed and never fixed. Could he fix it for me? Make the world seem right?
Though, I was tempted to pull away, alienate myself out of fear of rejection from the captain, but his grip on my waist prevented it. I was dragged to the pit, the meal out before me, and set down. There, he set a plate in my hand and began serving the food to me as the others cautiously approached.
“We make leave as soon as he is able.” Basch announced flatly, as if challenging anyone to question him. Wondering why he said that, I looked over my shoulder to find the Princesses mouth open, as if about to speak. As I eyed her, she shut it quickly, storming off. Her heart was in this, but me being only a sky pirate, and the estranged son of a mad man…she didn’t care what happened to me; only her Dalmascan people. Which would be why she’d run to protect Penelo.
Feeling slightly shunned, I hugged my knees again, working slowly eating my food as Ashe glared at me childishly. “Ignore her. She worries too much about what we have to do for this quest. Makes me wish she were a child again, so I could be the one to worry…” Basch sighed, seating himself next to me. “Her love is in her kingdom and its people, and you being an Archadian…”
“I was gone long before the invasion, and Nabradia’s fall.” I looked stiffly from him, to her departing form, “I’d run away about four years before the war, I’m more pirate, or inhabitant of Balfonheim then an Archadian.” Fingers went through my hair, and I tried to shove the insistent man away. He wrapped an arm about my waist, holding me close as I pouted.
“Aye, but she needs to work on realizing that not every Archadian is evil, and that not every Rabanastran is kind.” Resting his forehead against mine, he grinned, making me blush. How was it this man could have such an effect on me?
Coughing, I pulled away, focusing on the prepared meal before me. Eating quietly, I listened as the others crowded around, beginning conversation now that I was not feeling hostile. When it turned to the cave, I looked at them all. “We need to see that we are prepared. The Archadian’s and others locked powerful beings in here; the Mangragora’s were merely little wanderers that hunters would stumble upon. There are other dangerous beings in here, far worse than even the Imps and Zombies in the opening of the cave.” They all looked at me, as if curious as to how I knew. “Ghis had thrown me into a room not far from here. To see if I could escape, I went the other way…I soon found out a wraith was in there, and ran from it. Exiting into the other area…I came upon headless beings, and other such terrors. Running back into it…I was lucky I survived. Gabranth had found me missing and came to see where I was…He found me on the floor bleeding. He didn’t kill the wraith, merely picked me up and ran.”
A sigh escaped the princess, “so we prepare for a possible wraith?”
“We get as strong as we can, and supply up on restoratives, and strong weapons…though in our location, ‘tis best to focus on strength, treasures, and stealing restoratives. Use as little as possible, and our magic’s as much as we can. It’ll help us for the trek ahead.” I forked a piece of meat into my mouth, eyeing her out of the corner of my eye. She was a bit too determined at the moment on destroying Archades…or at least seeking revenge. I once had been, but the ones I sought revenge on were dead, and I was still fitful at nights.
“How good are you for the journey?” She asked quickly, making me want to hurt her. Rush, rush, rush, the princess needed to get laid. And I knew a Rozzarian prince, and a Rabanastran thief who’d be only too delighted to see up that skirt of hers. Though I’m sure Vaan only goes unconscious while she’s in battle formation to get said peek. Basch? Whenever she bends over he turns redder then a Rogue Tomato. I can even see Penelo blushing at times. It’s amusing though, Fran is wearing less, and it’s Ashe everyone’s fussing over the clothes of.
“Good enough, though I’d recommend depending on Fran more than me. I may freeze in the middle of battle, and I wouldn’t want that to happen.” A strong need for alcohol was running through me, and I hid my face in my hands momentarily. Emotionally I was drained, and with Ashe pressing for our journey to move on, things only grew worse.
“Don’t pressure him Ashe!” I heard Penelo cry from just across the pit from me, “he’s our only way in, and he might back out if you hassle him. Just give him a few minutes. This is all probably very stressful for him. How would you feel in his place?” The dancer’s hands were on her hips in a chastising manner as she glared at the older woman.
I smiled thankfully at the young orphan as Ashe choked a little, hands over her mouth in shock. A blush rose into her cheeks, and I rose, handing my cleared plate to Basch. “I’ll pack my things, than help you with the rest.” Quietly, I went back to my spot, picking up and dusting off the blankets.
The next while went by quietly, with everyone pulling back camp and moving on. Fran insisted on going on before me, and I couldn’t help the blush coming to my cheeks. I felt weak and helpless as she healed Basch, and Penelo. Vaan and Ashe were merely silent as they walked along side me, the princess giving me nervous glances as if I were going to lash out at her for pressuring me. I wouldn’t though, knowing she had her kingdom in her best interests. Pirates were just a mere nuisance; one of the common ideas between Dalmasca and Archades. We were left only to Balfonheim, making things rough as the port grew over populated by pirates, and would be pirates.
I was contented in my walking though, privately inspecting the tensing in Basch’s calves as he killed a headless beast. The way Fran shook her hair. The knights strong arms, thick thighs, sweaty neck, pulsing muscles. Cocking my head to the side, I was aware Vaan was talking to me, but not what we was saying.
Shaking my head vigorously, I turned a deep red, looking at the young pirate in training. “Yes?” my voice was weak, even to my own ears, and I couldn’t help but sneak another look at the object of my attentions. He cut down another pest, gesturing for us to keep up, Ashe quickly running ahead.
I followed the orphan keeping pace. Recognizing the area, my breathing halted momentarily. Opening the doors ahead, fight the monsters, walk through…fight the wraith. “We draw close!” I called to them, hugging myself and hoping we were strong enough. Poised at the door to the creature, I shuddered in fear. They entered before me, Basch, Fran and Penelo immediately moving in on the ghostly enemy. It hovered above them, and when it multiplied, I wanted to cry. There was now more than one thing before us to kill us all, and destroy my only friends.
Thankfully, we defeated it, and I fell to the ground, shuddering in fear. Basch ran over, taking me into his arms, whispering soothing words in my ear, trying to stop the flow of tears coming from my eyes. I sobbed into his shoulder, ignoring the annoyed scoff coming from the princess.
“I wonder how he ever survived Ghis and Bergan coming after him if he just flinches at being around a wraith.” She sighed, shaking her hair from her eyes.
Pulling back, I glared at her, “Ghis only held a sword to my neck that day, I didn’t expect him to recognize me. Bergan was dying by the time he recognized me. The wraith was a wild being that I thought would kill us all…like I thought he would kill Gabranth and I those years ago.” I stared at the floor solemnly now, playing with the soldiers vest.
“Ashe, while he may not have the strength you have…he has a unique one of his own, relating to his own situation.” Fran’s calm words made me smile a little as she rested a hand on the princess’s shoulder, calming her rage. “Yours is the strength of a fallen queen, and widow. His…is one of a broken man. You face yours with anger, his with fear. Your strength is moving on in life…his is facing his fears. I would say he is being pretty strong having made it this far without running in fear terror, no matter how many times I am sure he has thought of it.”
The lady’s eyes were on the ground now, and I could see she was contemplating the viera’s words. Slowly, she turned to me, taking a deep breath, “I’m sorry Balthier. I just wish to be done with this as soon as possible. I don’t want my people to be stuck in a profitless war any longer. I want to see them free of empire rule.” Tears fell from her eyes as she fell to her knees, crawling up next to Basch and embracing me. I was surprised by this, and giving Fran a thankful look, I used my one available arm to embrace her.
Suddenly the rest of them, even Fran, ran over to join in on the embrace. I could feel Vaan behind me, sandwiching me between him and the soldier. Penelo then came up next to the princess with Fran on my other side. Tears began to flow freely from my eyes now at this sudden display of love, and caring. We were a team for once, together without any fighting…or any of Vaan’s silly remarks. Though I had a feeling it would come up soon.
To my luck, it didn’t, we pulled apart, and moved on. I held Basch’s hand nervously for a moment, before he broke off, moving on to watch ahead of us. Swallowing, I stayed behind, hugging my shoulders once more. This time, Ashe and Vaan walked alongside me proudly, smiling away, and comforting me when I jumped. It was a welcome change from the glares, and scared looks. I would have to thank Fran some time.
The lift up to the dreaded Old Archades entrance came into view, and I fell to my knees, whimpering. Quickly, Basch lifted me, carrying me through. Weakly, I punched his chest as we moved on, glad there were no more beasts, or rare powerful beings. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I listened as Ashe unlocked the door to the entrance, whimpering lightly.
We were in the passage I’d been raped in. Everyone stopped as I wiggled, Basch setting me down on my feet. Slowly, I moved to the spot where they’d taken me many times before, a hand on the wall as I inspected it. In some places I could still see blood, making me want to vomit what food that was in me out. On the floor, I noticed some shredded clothing, and too my horror even long deep claw marks where I’d struggled to get away. Sticking a fist in my mouth to stifle the scream, I fell against one wall, sliding down it.
They all ran over, each one taking turns to give my living nightmare a disgusted look. “We rest here, and then move on.” Basch spoke, silencing Ashe and I’s protests. “Tis in your best interest Balthier. You need to face your nightmares, and here it is.” Lightly, he ran a hand through my hair, drawing a small sob from my lips. Quickly, he pulled me into an embrace, ignoring me as I punched his shoulders.
Oh how I could have killed him at that moment.
Setting up camp, they all ignored Ashe and I as we sulked near the entrance to the lift. We were equally unhappy with the arrangements. I’d rather stay in Old Archades, and she’d rather move on to Draklor. As the time moved on, I rested against the wall.
Dinner went by uneventfully, and I fought slightly as Fran and Basch put me to rest. With a loud huff, I curled up against the wall, a light whimper escaping my lips. The soldier embraced me from behind, Gabranth hugged up against my front. It was a small comfort, in the terror I was sleeping in.
When I woke, it was to shuffling of feet, and orders being called by Basch. Sitting up, I noticed everyone was working, but me. I could feel my cheeks flushing in embarrassment at not being awake to help them. Why didn’t they wake me to assist them? I was used to working on little sleep, and while I might sometimes get cranky, it was no big deal. So why were they moving about as if it didn’t matter that I continued to sleep?
Sitting up, I watched Basch prepare the morning’s meal, Fran rolling together hers and Basch’s belongings. Beyond her, on the other side of the hall, Vaan, Penelo, and Ashe were all conversing and packing their own things. They only noticed I was awake when Fran jumped, noticing I was now sitting up. It seemed that her hearing would occasionally fail when it came to me, and she was distracted. Then again, she is used to me making noises in his sleep. It must just be because I have not spoken yet. Usually if she woke up before me I would complain about her not waking me. This would be no different.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked, yawning and stretching my arms, giving her and the ex-knight a dark look. Judging by the accusing look the princess gave Basch, it was likely his and Fran’s collective idea. Arms now crossed over my chest, I stifled a second yawn, eyeing her in an annoyed manner.
“You needed more sleep. Now rest some more. We will be venturing deeper into the cave, and you will need all the rest you can get. I can see more nightmares coming, and your sleep will be plagued till we escape here. Because of this, you rest now, in preparation for later.” Running long fingers through my tousled hair, she gave me a soft smile. “Rest Balthier, we’ll wake you when it’s time to eat.” Picking up my toy from where it had moved to during my sleep, she placed it in my arms, gently pushing me back onto the makeshift bed.
Nodding reluctantly, I rolled over on my side, watching Basch smile thankfully to Fran out of the corner of my eye. Sighing, I cuddled up close to the stuffed doll, pulling the blanket tightly over my shoulder, burrowing deep into the covers. Thankfully it was warmer then outside my cocoon, so sleep wouldn’t be a hard goal to reach. Despite the urgings of my motherly companions though, I didn’t want to sleep. I’d would rather be helping them cooking and packing up then sleeping till time for food.
While last night’s dream was a content one, who knows what the one to come would be like. A loud sigh escaped my lips as I held Gabranth tightly in my arms. Eyes closed, I bit my lip, hoping for the best…
“Captain Azelas, take them to Shiva.” Judge Ghis ordered as he greedily inspected the nethicite. Being the son of the researcher into nethicite, I should have known it would be such a thing. How stupid of me. Even the one I’d sought in the castle was nethicite, the very thing I’ve been avoiding all these years. It seems when you run from your past, it will catch up with you quickly. “They should have leave to return to Rabanastre soon.”
Turning, we all began to speak, until he spoke up again. “Leave that one with me for a moment,” halting in terror, I felt all eyes on me, though my back was to the despicable Judge. Straightening my back, I swallowed, turning to approach the man I loathed of my own will. Everyone but one imperial left, Vossler I could see, out of the corner of my eye, was at the door. I wanted to hurt him with all my might, for supplying a power hungry country with what it seeks. Meeting the Judges gaze, I crossed my arms impatiently, wanting to know what he wanted me for. I could tell he recognized me, though I didn’t want to voice it in front of the others. They wouldn’t know or understand why.
“A want you to assess its power.” Ghis moved over to one of the lab workers.
“Were our orders not specified that we return the stone for testing?” The worker sounded suspicious. I was too, hearing this.
“I will not chance returning, with a stone that is yet unproven.” The judge retaliated, handing him the stone.
Once the worker was gone, he turned back to me, a cruel smile on his face. “So, Cid’s boy has resurfaced. Last I heard of you, you were off pirating castles. Saving damsels now?” As he moved closer to me, I quickly backed away, nearing the window, I climbed up onto the sill, swallowing as he continued to draw closer. “As fretful about me as ever, I see.” He licked his lips at that, and I blushed, wishing the others were still here. At least then I could prove to be stronger than this fear burrowing in my gut.
A gloved hand reached up to stroke my face as I watched Vossler, out of the corner of my eye try to intrude. He was quickly shunned away by the one in the room, and I held back a whimper. My last hope was gone now, and I was left with this maniac.
Hugging my knees, I tried to make myself as strong as possible as he chuckled. “Please, let me go back to the others,” begging eyes looked into his, turning wide with fear as he removed one of his gloves, slapping me with it. Blood trickled down my cheek as the metal on the glove sliced through my skin. The now free hand moved down my body, and to my horror, he grasped my ass, the other hand slithering around to grab the other side, lifting me off the still. “Put me down!” I cried, writhing in terror. Punching his shoulders, I whimpered as his lips connected with mine. I could feel his hard length pressing against my leg, he was growing excited by my fear.
I was bent over a nearby desk, hands feeling me from behind, making me whimper pathetically. “I could order for all your friends to go…” He purred in my ear, one hand removing my pants. I sobbed as he continued to remove my clothing, the bare hands spanking my ass. “Send them away, and keep you here…Bergan and I have really missed you. You’re screams, cries, whimpers…” The hands parted my ass cheeks, and a finger slid in, “I could even as your father to sell you to me as a slave. I’m sure Vayne would allow it.”
“No! Please!” I screamed, trying to pull away. He pinned me down with all his weight. Ordering the lusty eyed soldier over, he told the man to hold my hands, and that he could to anything he wanted to my mouth.
“He’ll be out of fight soon, rest assured.” The judge sneered, fingers running through my hair. I sobbed as both removed their pants, the guards erect cock coming into view. “Please…no…” I was hopeless now, even as Ghis began sliding the familiar length into my ass, and I clenched about it in memory. It was the cock that had raped me so many times as a teen, and now, it plagued me again, raping me mercilessly. And just like the old times, it was with out any preparation.
It felt as if Ghis’s length was splitting me in half, the pain was so tremendous. Clinging to the guard, I was about to scream, but found my mouth full of his throbbing member, chuckles erupting from both men. Crying, I rocked between them, the relentless Judge slapping my ass, as if I were a child in need of punishment. Though this was no punishment worthy of a child, and only the kind a malicious pervert would deal out.
The guard merely busied himself tugging on my hair. He grunted small orders to me, treating me as if I were an unwilling virgin, or some flighty whore in need of guidance. Being neither, I wanted to make him stop it, but the force of both of them holding me in place prevented that.
The sudden flow of semen into my mouth made me choke as the guard came, leaving only Ghis, who was still pounding into my broken, unwilling body. The guard pulled away, sitting down as he tucked his spent member into his trousers. Patting me on the cheek, he waited, just like I, for the Judge to finish his torture of my anus.
The grotesque man was panting heavily above me as he began to reach climax. It was a disgusting symphony for the ears, their pre and post-orgasmic sounds. Hands over my ears, I grimaced, licking the guard’s semen from my lips as I waited for the man to finish. It should be soon though, knowing Ghis’s age, and how he was currently pounding into the unprepared young man he’d been dreaming about. It was disgusting to know Ghis had been longing for me all these years…
Once he finally came, back arched, pounding into me one last time, he staggered back, holding himself steady against one of the walls. Quickly I began pulling my pants on, covering my eyes as silent sobs broke through me. I’d have to compose myself before I went back to the others. Act as if I didn’t just get raped. They wouldn’t care…I was just the silly sky pirate to them. They’d only assume I was asking for it. Only Fran would console me…in her cold viera ways.
Before the judge could say anything, or even reach out to grab me, I ran for the door. Filthy and torn again, I sought out solace in the only place I could, Fran. She was beyond those doors, and I had to get through, to have her hold me, and tell me that everything was alright. If I had the strength, or even the bravery, I’d take the guards sword, and kill both of them as they lay in post-orgasmic bliss, but deciding against it, I stayed facing the door. Opening the door to the dock, hands out to be cuffed, I was faced with the sorrow filled eyes of the Dalmascan Captain.
“I’m sorry…I should have help…but they wouldn’t let me…I’m sorry.” He said, while trapping my hands.
“Not a word of this to the others.” I snarled, baring my teeth in anger. Only Fran, my rapists, and I should know what took place. Having him being one of the ones that knew kept me on edge, and wary. Would he think I was someone who was easily taken advantage of? Or would there be an unusual, awkward amount of sympathy to come from the man? I hoped not, though I also hoped never to see him again after leaving the dreaded ship, and Ghis.
Shoving my way past him, two large viera ears came into view, and long lithe arms almost embraced me as they pushed past the soldiers in her way. She was a comforting sight, and I nearly fell to my knees crying. A cock of her head to the side, and sad eyes, I could tell she knew what had happed, and it made me hurt inside more. I had to tell her, just had to…
“Balthier! Wake up!” The familiar voice of the viera sounded urgent and alarmed. Odd almost as at this time as it rang in my ears. Why would she be telling me to wake up during such a time…?
“Wake up, Balthier!”
A soft slapping sensation woke me from my slumber, and I blushed, looking up at my worried companions. Coughing, I rollded over to look at the ground blushing as they all continued to stare in fear at me. It was more fear with Ashe, Penelo, and Vaan though, as if I might attack them for listening into my nightmares. With Basch and Fran…their eyes showed genuine concern for me. Rubbing the sleepiness from my eyes, I felt an odd wetness on them and pulled them back, finding them tear soaked, as expected. So it had all been a dream. Though real as well, being a recollection of the time before Captain Azelas’s betrayal. It was a rough time for all of us but the orphans at that point, with Basch and Ashe consoling each other, and Fran consoling me. The mourning and sadness lasted for days before we could finally move on, though everyone disguised it as plan making time…
“You were having another nightmare…” Basch murmured, taking out a cloth and cleaning my tearstained eyes. “Writhing and crying…we were worried about you.”
Rolling onto my back, and quickly sitting up, I hugged my knees to my chest, looking warily at the youngest ones in our group. They didn’t move away though, wanting to know about my nightmare as much as Basch and Fran did. Swallowing, I finally spoke in a shaky voice, “it was Judge Ghis…another one about Judge Ghis raping me…though this time was more recent.” Resting a cheek on one knee, I closed my eyes as Basch’s fingers began running through my hair in a calming manner.
They all waited for him to continue, I could see Ashe holding her breath. They all, aside from Fran, wondering at what point recently could I have been raped by Ghis. One of the viera’s hands was rested on my shoulder, and I took it, grasping it for some of her strength. I’d need it for this confession.
“Aboard the Leviathan, after it was confessed that Captain Azelas was betraying us, and before we were shipped off to Shiva. When he’d asked for me to stay behind…he raped me then. I was lucky to get out. He wanted to keep me there as a plaything, like he used to.” Tears ran down my cheeks as I buried my face in my knees, sobbing silently. The memories building up hurt, though the incident was past. “I was fortunate that when we came upon Bergan, he was incapacitated before he could do anything to me.”
The blinking, confused eyes of the captain looked down in confusion at me, “but you still stayed behind.”
I nodded, remembering that day;
When I’d checked him, he seemed unconscious; I thought luck was on my side as I spoke with the others. Make foolish plans to head for Archades, all thanks to my big mouth, and watch the flirtatious Al-Cid hobble out of the temple. Everything was fine, though I wanted to go back, Fran close behind me, to take one last look at the Judge before we had to leave. Let the Kiltias pray for their fallen, peaceful leader alone, with only the refugee’s to comfort them. It was a sad thing that had happened here because of this man today. Thankfully, nothing more would happen with him dead.
Standing up, I made to leave.
“Ffamran…” a small voice called for me as I began to step away from the nearly lifeless body of the fallen judge. Stopping in my tracks, I watched the viera ears before me twitch. She’d heard it too. Breathing deeply, knowing the man could do nothing to me in this state, I looked over my shoulder at the dying Judge.
“Move on without me,” I called ahead to them, “I catch up momentarily!” With that, I spun on my heels, approaching the Judge. Falling to my knees, I looked into the familiar eyes, as a weak hand reached up to run fingers through my hair. Wincing at the contact, I felt a shudder run through me as he chuckled low in his through, coughing through it.
The weak hand pulled me down so our noses barely touched it. Fear was building up in me, as well as nervousness at his intentions. Lips connected with mine, and I couldn’t resist the whimper that escaped me as the hand wound around my neck holding me there. One of my hands steadied me, sitting on his chest, feeling the slow rise and fall of the dying man’s chest. Pulling back I stared into the cold eyes. “I’ll never forgive you, you know…” I murmured against his lips as he laughed.
“Matters not, I regret nothing.” The hand in my hair moved to my buttocks, and I could not help the gasp that escaped me. Quickly stumbling away, I shuddered as he let out a choked laugh, “you’re still the frightened rabbit you were as a boy, only more handsome. I just wish I could have lived a little longer to break that tight hind end of yours again.”
Gasping at those words, I quickly stumbled to my feet, eyes on the verge of tears. He and Ghis would never change, and they’d die as they lived; power hungry and filthy perverts. Fran was at the door, she’d seen everything, and as I ran to her, she gently wrapped an arm about me. I held back the tears, swallowed, and composed myself before moving on to leave for the rough journey ahead.
“Balthier!” The soldier chuckled, and I blushed returning from my reverie.
“I apologize, I was thinking. Back after fighting Bergan, I’d returned because he’d called me by my true name, and I wanted to see what he needed from me. It appeared molestation was on his mind, I am fortunate by then we’d already incapacitated him. Thus, all he could get was a kiss, and a grope of my hind end. Though I’m sure he got a splendid view when I left. Both of them proclaimed to have wanted to keep me around though. Lady Luck is ironically smiling upon me, and yet at the same time, shunning me away.” I scowled, resting my chin in one hand, pouting.
They all laughed with me, though some of them looked nervous. I didn’t blame them, such a topic must be quite awkward, especially when they thought I was such a tough, brave, pirate. Sadly, I had to break their image of me by falling to tears at my own misfortune. “May we eat now?” I asked softly, wanting to move on and get out of the terrible place as quickly as possible. We still had some time to trek through, and I wanted to get through it quickly. I’d feel better once we were in Old Archades, among the rejects that the high city threw aside to wallow in their own self pity, and foolish hopes. Many a time when I’d gone there, they’d said I was lucky to be born into money. Little did they know how unlucky I was to be raped at every chance by lusty Judges.
Basch nodded, pulling back and helping me up. I stiffened at the hand around my waist, but relaxed quickly, blushing as the ex-knight kissed my forehead in reassurance. He would not harm me; I’d have to realize this sooner or later. The sooner the better with how our relationship was growing to be more close and this I feared the most. How would he react to having a broken heart given to him so willingly? A heart that suffered years of breaking, torment, wear, and tear, left to bleed and never fixed. Could he fix it for me? Make the world seem right?
Though, I was tempted to pull away, alienate myself out of fear of rejection from the captain, but his grip on my waist prevented it. I was dragged to the pit, the meal out before me, and set down. There, he set a plate in my hand and began serving the food to me as the others cautiously approached.
“We make leave as soon as he is able.” Basch announced flatly, as if challenging anyone to question him. Wondering why he said that, I looked over my shoulder to find the Princesses mouth open, as if about to speak. As I eyed her, she shut it quickly, storming off. Her heart was in this, but me being only a sky pirate, and the estranged son of a mad man…she didn’t care what happened to me; only her Dalmascan people. Which would be why she’d run to protect Penelo.
Feeling slightly shunned, I hugged my knees again, working slowly eating my food as Ashe glared at me childishly. “Ignore her. She worries too much about what we have to do for this quest. Makes me wish she were a child again, so I could be the one to worry…” Basch sighed, seating himself next to me. “Her love is in her kingdom and its people, and you being an Archadian…”
“I was gone long before the invasion, and Nabradia’s fall.” I looked stiffly from him, to her departing form, “I’d run away about four years before the war, I’m more pirate, or inhabitant of Balfonheim then an Archadian.” Fingers went through my hair, and I tried to shove the insistent man away. He wrapped an arm about my waist, holding me close as I pouted.
“Aye, but she needs to work on realizing that not every Archadian is evil, and that not every Rabanastran is kind.” Resting his forehead against mine, he grinned, making me blush. How was it this man could have such an effect on me?
Coughing, I pulled away, focusing on the prepared meal before me. Eating quietly, I listened as the others crowded around, beginning conversation now that I was not feeling hostile. When it turned to the cave, I looked at them all. “We need to see that we are prepared. The Archadian’s and others locked powerful beings in here; the Mangragora’s were merely little wanderers that hunters would stumble upon. There are other dangerous beings in here, far worse than even the Imps and Zombies in the opening of the cave.” They all looked at me, as if curious as to how I knew. “Ghis had thrown me into a room not far from here. To see if I could escape, I went the other way…I soon found out a wraith was in there, and ran from it. Exiting into the other area…I came upon headless beings, and other such terrors. Running back into it…I was lucky I survived. Gabranth had found me missing and came to see where I was…He found me on the floor bleeding. He didn’t kill the wraith, merely picked me up and ran.”
A sigh escaped the princess, “so we prepare for a possible wraith?”
“We get as strong as we can, and supply up on restoratives, and strong weapons…though in our location, ‘tis best to focus on strength, treasures, and stealing restoratives. Use as little as possible, and our magic’s as much as we can. It’ll help us for the trek ahead.” I forked a piece of meat into my mouth, eyeing her out of the corner of my eye. She was a bit too determined at the moment on destroying Archades…or at least seeking revenge. I once had been, but the ones I sought revenge on were dead, and I was still fitful at nights.
“How good are you for the journey?” She asked quickly, making me want to hurt her. Rush, rush, rush, the princess needed to get laid. And I knew a Rozzarian prince, and a Rabanastran thief who’d be only too delighted to see up that skirt of hers. Though I’m sure Vaan only goes unconscious while she’s in battle formation to get said peek. Basch? Whenever she bends over he turns redder then a Rogue Tomato. I can even see Penelo blushing at times. It’s amusing though, Fran is wearing less, and it’s Ashe everyone’s fussing over the clothes of.
“Good enough, though I’d recommend depending on Fran more than me. I may freeze in the middle of battle, and I wouldn’t want that to happen.” A strong need for alcohol was running through me, and I hid my face in my hands momentarily. Emotionally I was drained, and with Ashe pressing for our journey to move on, things only grew worse.
“Don’t pressure him Ashe!” I heard Penelo cry from just across the pit from me, “he’s our only way in, and he might back out if you hassle him. Just give him a few minutes. This is all probably very stressful for him. How would you feel in his place?” The dancer’s hands were on her hips in a chastising manner as she glared at the older woman.
I smiled thankfully at the young orphan as Ashe choked a little, hands over her mouth in shock. A blush rose into her cheeks, and I rose, handing my cleared plate to Basch. “I’ll pack my things, than help you with the rest.” Quietly, I went back to my spot, picking up and dusting off the blankets.
The next while went by quietly, with everyone pulling back camp and moving on. Fran insisted on going on before me, and I couldn’t help the blush coming to my cheeks. I felt weak and helpless as she healed Basch, and Penelo. Vaan and Ashe were merely silent as they walked along side me, the princess giving me nervous glances as if I were going to lash out at her for pressuring me. I wouldn’t though, knowing she had her kingdom in her best interests. Pirates were just a mere nuisance; one of the common ideas between Dalmasca and Archades. We were left only to Balfonheim, making things rough as the port grew over populated by pirates, and would be pirates.
I was contented in my walking though, privately inspecting the tensing in Basch’s calves as he killed a headless beast. The way Fran shook her hair. The knights strong arms, thick thighs, sweaty neck, pulsing muscles. Cocking my head to the side, I was aware Vaan was talking to me, but not what we was saying.
Shaking my head vigorously, I turned a deep red, looking at the young pirate in training. “Yes?” my voice was weak, even to my own ears, and I couldn’t help but sneak another look at the object of my attentions. He cut down another pest, gesturing for us to keep up, Ashe quickly running ahead.
I followed the orphan keeping pace. Recognizing the area, my breathing halted momentarily. Opening the doors ahead, fight the monsters, walk through…fight the wraith. “We draw close!” I called to them, hugging myself and hoping we were strong enough. Poised at the door to the creature, I shuddered in fear. They entered before me, Basch, Fran and Penelo immediately moving in on the ghostly enemy. It hovered above them, and when it multiplied, I wanted to cry. There was now more than one thing before us to kill us all, and destroy my only friends.
Thankfully, we defeated it, and I fell to the ground, shuddering in fear. Basch ran over, taking me into his arms, whispering soothing words in my ear, trying to stop the flow of tears coming from my eyes. I sobbed into his shoulder, ignoring the annoyed scoff coming from the princess.
“I wonder how he ever survived Ghis and Bergan coming after him if he just flinches at being around a wraith.” She sighed, shaking her hair from her eyes.
Pulling back, I glared at her, “Ghis only held a sword to my neck that day, I didn’t expect him to recognize me. Bergan was dying by the time he recognized me. The wraith was a wild being that I thought would kill us all…like I thought he would kill Gabranth and I those years ago.” I stared at the floor solemnly now, playing with the soldiers vest.
“Ashe, while he may not have the strength you have…he has a unique one of his own, relating to his own situation.” Fran’s calm words made me smile a little as she rested a hand on the princess’s shoulder, calming her rage. “Yours is the strength of a fallen queen, and widow. His…is one of a broken man. You face yours with anger, his with fear. Your strength is moving on in life…his is facing his fears. I would say he is being pretty strong having made it this far without running in fear terror, no matter how many times I am sure he has thought of it.”
The lady’s eyes were on the ground now, and I could see she was contemplating the viera’s words. Slowly, she turned to me, taking a deep breath, “I’m sorry Balthier. I just wish to be done with this as soon as possible. I don’t want my people to be stuck in a profitless war any longer. I want to see them free of empire rule.” Tears fell from her eyes as she fell to her knees, crawling up next to Basch and embracing me. I was surprised by this, and giving Fran a thankful look, I used my one available arm to embrace her.
Suddenly the rest of them, even Fran, ran over to join in on the embrace. I could feel Vaan behind me, sandwiching me between him and the soldier. Penelo then came up next to the princess with Fran on my other side. Tears began to flow freely from my eyes now at this sudden display of love, and caring. We were a team for once, together without any fighting…or any of Vaan’s silly remarks. Though I had a feeling it would come up soon.
To my luck, it didn’t, we pulled apart, and moved on. I held Basch’s hand nervously for a moment, before he broke off, moving on to watch ahead of us. Swallowing, I stayed behind, hugging my shoulders once more. This time, Ashe and Vaan walked alongside me proudly, smiling away, and comforting me when I jumped. It was a welcome change from the glares, and scared looks. I would have to thank Fran some time.
The lift up to the dreaded Old Archades entrance came into view, and I fell to my knees, whimpering. Quickly, Basch lifted me, carrying me through. Weakly, I punched his chest as we moved on, glad there were no more beasts, or rare powerful beings. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I listened as Ashe unlocked the door to the entrance, whimpering lightly.
We were in the passage I’d been raped in. Everyone stopped as I wiggled, Basch setting me down on my feet. Slowly, I moved to the spot where they’d taken me many times before, a hand on the wall as I inspected it. In some places I could still see blood, making me want to vomit what food that was in me out. On the floor, I noticed some shredded clothing, and too my horror even long deep claw marks where I’d struggled to get away. Sticking a fist in my mouth to stifle the scream, I fell against one wall, sliding down it.
They all ran over, each one taking turns to give my living nightmare a disgusted look. “We rest here, and then move on.” Basch spoke, silencing Ashe and I’s protests. “Tis in your best interest Balthier. You need to face your nightmares, and here it is.” Lightly, he ran a hand through my hair, drawing a small sob from my lips. Quickly, he pulled me into an embrace, ignoring me as I punched his shoulders.
Oh how I could have killed him at that moment.
Setting up camp, they all ignored Ashe and I as we sulked near the entrance to the lift. We were equally unhappy with the arrangements. I’d rather stay in Old Archades, and she’d rather move on to Draklor. As the time moved on, I rested against the wall.
Dinner went by uneventfully, and I fought slightly as Fran and Basch put me to rest. With a loud huff, I curled up against the wall, a light whimper escaping my lips. The soldier embraced me from behind, Gabranth hugged up against my front. It was a small comfort, in the terror I was sleeping in.
I'd Rather Forget Chapter 2
Long Awaited Dream
My arms wrapped tightly about me as we walked about the sunny grassland. All that could be seen were the regular creatures; wolves, tortoises, toads, snakes, cats. I wasn’t among the main team at the time, so I had no need to worry as Vaan and Basch walked beside me, eyes ahead of them as the girls battled through a pack of cats. I winced hearing the crack of Thundaga, breathing deeply as Fran curaga’d Penelo and Ashe’s pain away. The knight and thief before me barely noticed my apprehension.
Being in the Tchitia Uplands made me very nervous; we were close to Balfonheim, which was the length of the Cerobi Steppe away, though that one was known to be more dangerous so we would have to trek it later. Sadly, at the same time, we had to go through the Sohen Cave Palace; it was on our way to Archades, where I was to face my father. The memories of what the judges did to me in Sohen cave still stood vividly in my mind, making me want to retreat. Take Fran’s hand, and run to Balfonheim, forget the Princesses mission. I’d be safe from nightmares in Balfonheim, where I could drink my woes away.
Listening to them talk, I heard Basch call my name. Quickening my pace, I jogged to stand next to him, “we need you up front. Remember we’re trying to strengthen ourselves equally, so no one falls behind.” I nodded, knowing the hidden words. He didn’t want me to get lost in my thoughts, in case we came upon something too big, and they needed my healing abilities. I don’t know why they didn’t give them to one of the little ones, but I didn’t ask. It was our location that was riling me up, not how they sapped my MP because they wanted to run around killing anything in their tracks. Nodding to Fran as she joined the group, I walked by her, pulling out my gun and ammunition. They were upon a group of Malboro’s and I sighed inwardly, mentally counting the amount of healing items we had. Watching them easily slay the creatures before being affected by any sort of ailment, a followed, shooting and healing where I needed to as we made it to the cave.
“You sure this rabbit hole is really the way to Archades?” I heard Vaan sigh, almost like a groan, as we entered, looking about.
“Better a hare unseen, then a rat in a trap.” I replied coolly, stepping close to the young Dalmascan, looking down at him. “Then again, I you’d prefer to go knocking on the front gates of the city, be my guest.”
“But what about once we’re inside?” Curse Penelo for being the smart one. Details, details, what did it matter? “Won’t the city watch find us?” Basch and Ashe had their eyes on her, seeming to agree with what the teenager said.
When Ashe spoke, she seemed solemn, as if she was close to defeat. “We’ll do what we can to blend in with the crowd. Our names may be notorious, but out faces are not far known.”
“True, true, you’re a princess, and we didn’t even recognize you.” Vaan approached her, and arms crossed, I resisted the need to smack him across the head. The young man needed to learn a lesson on how to speak to women! Honestly!
“I noticed,” the princess held a harsh tone in her voice as she walked away, Penelo covering her mouth, almost embarrassed by her friends word. How can she stand him? I can only wonder.
“We’re remembering the hunt right?” I asked them all, arms still crossed as I watched the zombies and imps patrol the labyrinth that was the cave entrance. Though this was the Tchitia entrance, we were still far from the Old Archades one. The man who’d assigned the hunt had given us a key to the door, meaning we would be able to get through.
“Of course,” Ashe scowled, and I sighed, the woman was too high strung for this. Understandable of course, but rather annoying at times, especially when it made Basch more stressed as well. While the signs of him being stressed were not noticeable, after being around him long enough, I’d begin to notice them and wish she’d calm down.
“You need a break.” I rested a hand on her shoulder, “you’ve built up your strength enough, Basch can come out and assist us.” She was about to speak, but I shook my head. “If we should come upon the hunt, we can either call upon Fran for assistance in keeping him up. Otherwise, rest, you’ve worked hard enough.” Nodding to the soldier, I continued to walk, ignoring the small giggle Penelo let loose before skipping up to follow next to me. Basch jogged ahead to take the lead, and the brunt of the damage we would be receiving while going through the caves. The distractions of battle were a welcome thing as we walked through the tunnels. It kept me unaware of the memories pressing for my attention.
Once they opened the door, and came upon the Mandragora’s, I pushed Penelo behind me. “Send Fran forward. We’ll call for you if we need you.” I murmured, watching Basch try to memorize their pattern. Once the viera was at my side, I ran up next to the soldier, eyeing the group of creatures cautiously. Listening as Basch cast dispelaga, I shot the closest one of them, listening to the release of Fran’s bow behind me.
When the battle was over, I breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against one stone wall for support. “We should continue to explore, see how much farther we can go.” Basch murmured, sitting on his heels next to me, absentmindedly curing a small wound on my leg. Fran had been mending her own, whilst I was too busy with the soldiers to notice my own pain.
Whispering a small thank you, I slowly slid down the wall, thankful there were no beasts here to fend off. Sitting for a moment, I cocked an eyebrow, curious at how they were all looking at me. “Is it okay if we rest a moment before continuing on?” My tone was dark, but I couldn’t help it. This place was a living nightmare for me, and they were too busy focusing on their mission.
It seemed Basch noticed how in pain I was on the inside, and he nodded. “We may rest for a moment, and build up our strengths before moving on.”
Fran nodded as well, shaking her hair from her eyes. “We must build up our magicks, and see if there is a rejuvenation cryst about.”
I couldn’t stop the laugh at Vaan’s shuddered, the others chuckled a little, as the young man complained. “Last time we found one in a creepy place, it was a bug instead!” He whined, looking as if he were going to stomp his foot in protest.
“Aye, but crystal bugs are stationary, they do not move.” Basch shook his head, “if we needed time to heal, all we need to do is move out of its attack range.” Everyone nodded, even me as we eyed the sighing thief.
“We rest here tonight, once we find the cryst. There should one here.” Fran extended a hand to me, lifting me up. Brushing myself off, I stalked past them, not wanting to really speak to anyone. I would have rather not spent a night in the cave, but it seems everyone was determined to. Being out numbered wasn’t pleasant, and rather than taking my anger out on someone, I am just going to find the nearest beast to hurt.
To my dismay, the only one I came upon was a crystal bug in the guise of a rejuvenation cryst. Sighing, I pulled out my gun as Basch and Penelo ran past, attacking the angered creature. As usual, I merely sat back, curing and attacking whenever needed. Amazingly, it wasn’t much. Seemed we’d strengthened up a good deal while out in the uplands. Once finished, I stalked silently away back into the large space where we’d fought the Mandragora’s, ignoring any call for attention. I was in too much of a bad mood for their comments, and tomorrow was likely to be worse. How could it not be? I was going to be up all night with nightmares after sleeping where they took place.
Laying out our things on the ground, I took my sleeping bag to one corner of the hall, curling up with my things. I wouldn’t be able to take out my stuffed toy tonight, as there was company present to see. Pushing the bag, with it in it into the corner of where I was sleeping, I hugged my knees to my chest, trying not to look fretful as I watched them approach their things, Fran’s eyes clearly on me. She whispered something to the knight, gesturing to me, and I couldn’t help but huddle further into my corner, pouting slightly at the grumbling my stomach made. We hadn’t eaten since venturing off that morning, so it was obvious I’d be hungry now. Though, I didn’t feel like eating, I would have rather fallen asleep, to a dreamless night. I’d welcome it with open arms.
My viera partner approached, reaching out and running her fingers through my hair, laughing softly as I closed one eye to look up at her with annoyance. “You will not bring your companion out tonight?” I blushed, realizing what she was talking about, shaking my head vigorously.
“No, I’d rather not lose my dignity.” Resting my chin on my knees, my eyes scanned the soldier’s boots with mild interest, not wanting to look up into their sympathetic eyes. The soldier had been working more and more information out of me in the time of our travels. Though, it was only that I had a stuffed toy I slept with, that I’d not received much sympathy in the past, and other basic things Fran knew. No details. Never any details.
“You sleep easier with it. Please, Balthier, spare what little dignity you can, and bring it out…” Her voice is soothing, but I won’t give in. Not until Basch, with all his stubborn determination, reaches behind me, and pulls out the little plush doll of Judge Magister Gabranth. Hugging my knees tighter, I buried my face deeper in the valley between my legs and chest, feeling the tears coming from my eyes. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, growing worse at the startled noise Basch made, and how I could hear the others approaching.
“Wh…who gave you this…?” The man’s voice was hoarse; when I looked up I found his own eyes on the brink of tears.
“The judge magister himself, he made it for me to calm me during nights he wasn’t there. He, Zecht, Zargabaath, and Drace were like my protectors. Though, Zargabaath was in charge of the army, Zecht regularly sent off, and Drace was busy with little Larsa. Gabranth was my main aid in times of need. In the beginning I would come to his office crying, after he’d found me trembling in the court after one nightmare of course. When my father began punishing me severely for waking him after these terrors, Gabranth had made me that, hoping it would calm me when he was sent off on tasks…it did.” Taking it back from him possessively, I pulled off the little felt helmet, smiling slightly at the cloth face. “He once told me I was more like his son then Cid’s. When I was readying to runaway, he was the one that cried the most…that’s the only thing I regret about leaving. Hurting him.”
“Someone’s always hurt when you run away…” Basch murmured, lowering himself to one knee, running his fingers through my hair in a comforting manner. Ashe, Vaan, and Penelo were silent as Fran and the soldier tried to comfort me.
“Is he going to be okay?” The young dancer’s voice was soft as she rested a hand on Basch’s shoulder, her eyes focused on me, making me flinch nervously. “Maybe we should get out of here, and find another way into Archades.” Both her an I ignored the annoyed sound the princess made, most of the group concerned for me, the Archadian’s, well being.
Shaking my head, I sighed, “no, the best way is through here. It leads to Old Archades, which is a short distance from the royal city. Any other way is difficult.”
Frowning, Basch looked me right in the eyes. “Then Fran and I are best to rest here with you to make sure nothing goes wrong. The others can sleep elsewhere in here. At least some of us are going to get some sleep.” He rested a finger on my lips before I could speak, looking to the others. “Go, Fran and I will watch him.” Shooing them off, he turned back to me. “I’ll get our things, you just get settled.” Nodding, I began undoing my vest, blushing at how Basch watched me, remembering vaguely how only Fran had ever watched me remove it. The first time she’d told me how she was amazed I could get it off so quickly with how the latching went.
I listened as the soldier coughed, turning to approach the pile of things, leaving me to my undressing. “Should we eat before resting?” I called to him, listening absently as Fran went through my bag for anything else I would need to survive the night.
“It would be wise, we’ll need the strength.” Nodding, Basch went through the bag of food stuffs, calling to the young ones. They ran over, I had to hold back a smile at how Ashe reminded me of a peasant girl with how she acted when she was calm. I knew she would go back to being royalty when this was over, and how it would break Penelo’s heart, but being like this made me glad I followed. I could do without the nightmares though…
Feeling Fran wrap a blanket about my shoulders, I yawned, hugging the toy to me tightly as I stood, kicking my shoes to one side. I’d worry about my pants once sleep time came, right now; I was hungry, and feeling more sociable then before. Which was to my benefit, it would assist me in forgetting my location. “Should I pull out the food?” I asked Basch in passing.
“Vaan’s on it. You just sit down and rest.” Smiling a little, he continued on, leaving me feeling a little useless. Though I knew he didn’t mean to, I just liked having something to do with myself instead of sitting idly waiting.
Seating myself, I sighed; watching Vaan drag the Courel’s corpse over, listen to him mutter about sending Penelo out alone. Cocking my head to the side, I observed Ashe, who seemed interested too. “What was she sent out for?” Just the thing I wanted to know and it was good she asked.
“Fire wood.” The thief grunted, finally bringing the meat to its destination, wiping the sweat off. “Hold on a sec if you’re going after her. I’ll follow you out.”
Remembering that Fran and I were their healers, I immediately had to butt in. “Aren’t you going to bring Fran?”
“We can get Penelo to change her gambits. Don’t worry.” Smiling reassuringly, she ran off, ignoring Vaan’s yells. It appeared that she was more concerned for the young dancer’s well being, then for how close he was to joining her.
Laughing softly to myself, I jumped at the hand suddenly placed upon my shoulder. Breathing deeply, I looked up into Basch’s apologetic eyes, resting one of my hands on his. “Would you like to place the rocks down for the fire pit?” His voice was soft, filled with concern. Nodding, I shakily brought myself to my feet, brushing off the dirt. Staring at his shoulders, I had to push aside the brooding thoughts of how small I was, and strode past, tying the blanket about my neck like a child’s cape. Fran alone brought on enough of those ideas; I didn’t need another to make me feel depressed. Though, I was sure if I warmed up to him enough, he would be like another Galbranth for me. I just had to remember it was Basch I was talking to, not a Judge of the Empire.
It was not long after that I’d collected together the rocks to make the pit, and the younglings came in, each carrying stacks of wood in their arms. They set the pieces down, watching as I set the circle of stones for them to place the wood in. “Did you bring ones for us to cook the meat on?” I asked no one in particular, merely hoping to receive a reply.
“I saved the spit from the last fire.” Basch spoke, kneeling next to me as he began setting the wood in the circle. The others couldn’t do it as Penelo was busy removing splinters from her comrades. Her hushed reprimands indicated that she had done this sort of thing before, and knew how to not receive an injury. Unlike me, who had lived a high, privileged life, and never knew hard labour until I was about sixteen. Even then, due to my sheer laziness, and spoiled history it was difficult to get me to lift a finger. Few of my mentors were capable of getting me to.
Galbranth, Zecht, and Zargabaath were the main three. Drace spoiled me in my mother’s place, and Ghis and Bergan preferred to torture me. Thus, when it came to anything I truly needed to get by in life, my three mentors were there. It is true how Galbranth is more like my father. Through my training, he was the one to wake me, dress me, teach me, and encourage me, everything my own father forgot to do.
Left to my own brooding, I sat back in my corner. Dinner had been delicious, and I’d have to remember to ask Basch where he’d learned to cook sometime. Better than many of the Archadian cooks I’d been through, that was for sure. Though, they thrived more on decorating common meals. Basch’s, while not all appealing in appearance, were exotic in taste, and exquisite in taste.
Patting my full stomach, I leaned back in my blankets; the one Fran had given to me wrapped about me as I admired the ceiling. Hearing footsteps approach, I noticed it was darker, and that two figures were growing close. Fran’s high heels clicked on one side, the soldiers thudding footsteps on the other. A comforting reassurance, as rarely did I have people sleep this close to me. Fran usually slept further away, but it seemed with the knight’s kind urgings, she drew closer, each one within reach should I, or they, need to reach out for comfort, or in comfort.
Curling up in a ball, I held the little stuffed toy tightly to me, tucked in my own cocoon of blankets. Within a few minutes I could hear Basch’s snoring on one side, and Fran’s soft murmurs of sleep on the other. Closing my eyes, I breathed softly, the last thoughts being of the brave knight, and his brother.
“Why are you leaving?” He approached me from behind, as I packed my things in my room. The gloved hand rested on my shoulder, halting my progress. Breathing deeply, I looked up into the sad blue eyes, only outmatched by the sadness in my own.
“I can’t live like this anymore, Galbranth. I need to leave this place. I’m tired of father blaming me for things out of my control, I’m tired of Ghis and Bergan’s torture, most of all I’m tired of all the others soldiers ridiculing me. I wanted to work with airships, not become a Judge, and have to follow orders. I hate orders!” Hugging myself, I fell onto the neatly made bed, knowing Drace had probably come in while I was asleep and made it. She would usually tend for me even though she was only assigned to be Larsa’s caregiver. The little boy didn’t seem to mind though; I was like another big brother to him.
The Judge was silent for a moment, watching as I carefully set the toy he gave me into my bag. “You could stay with me.” He choked out, getting onto his knees, and taking my hands into his. “Please, Ffamran, just don’t leave us. Even if many others don’t care, it would break Drace and I’s heart.”
“It’s Balthier now.” I said coldly in response to my true name. “And while I will deeply regret leaving you two, I can’t stay here much longer. Wild birds can’t survive in cages.” Running fingers through his hair, my head darted to the window, finding the viera I was to be leaving with there, tapping the glass with her long nails. “Excuse me,” moving quickly away from him, I opened the window, letting the silver haired beauty in. “You’re early.” One eyebrow cocked, I smirked as she shook her hair from her eyes.
“I grew tired of waiting. The humes simple amazement at having a viera in their presence is bothersome. They do not know when to stop staring.” A slight scowl on her lovely features, she stood, waiting patiently now. Not bothering to comment on my company.
Nearing him, I smiled sadly. “My partner is here, as you can see, I still have some packing to go through. Tell Drace I am sorry for leaving without saying good bye, but it had to be done.”
“What of the others?” Galbranth asked quietly, staring at the floor.
“Zecht and Zargabaath can receive an apology too. But Ghis and Bergan can rot in the Sohen Cave for all I care.” Snarling, I shoved the last of the possessions I would need into the bag.
I hadn’t heard him stand, and I couldn’t resist jumping once I was pulled into strong arms, held close in the warm embrace. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you in time…” He murmured softly in my ear.
“Not your fault…” Patting his hands, I pulled away, closing my back. “Good bye,” I nodded to him, following Fran out the window. “And I’m sorry.” Swallowing hard as I left, my heart broke, as my last sight of him, was the first time I’d ever seen the Judge cry.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
“Balthier!” Feeling clawed hands on my shoulders, I quickly woke to find the knight, and my partner leaning over me with concerned expressions. Groggily, I sat up, holding one hand to my dizzy head. Staring at them, I was glad to at least know it wasn’t a nightmare, the fact was held up by the echoed snoring of the thief.
“What is it?” I yawned, cocking one eyebrow.
“You were talking in your sleep. We were worried.” Basch ran his fingers through my hair.
“Just a dream.” I shrugged, “not a nice one, but better then a nightmare. I dreamt of Galbranth. The only bad part about it was remembering how he cried when I left.” My eyes stared at the toy in my hands, sighing deeply as I hugged it to myself.
Nodding Fran rested her head on my shoulder. “I remember he was desperate to keep you with him.”
Feeling Basch lay on my legs, I smiled a little. “Now that you know I was only talking to the Judge in my sleep, may I rest again? I am likely not to get another good night’s rest for a while.” They chuckled at that, unanimously agreeing that I needed rest, and going back to their respective spots. Smiling myself, I curled back to rest, curious if I’d have another good dream or not.
My arms wrapped tightly about me as we walked about the sunny grassland. All that could be seen were the regular creatures; wolves, tortoises, toads, snakes, cats. I wasn’t among the main team at the time, so I had no need to worry as Vaan and Basch walked beside me, eyes ahead of them as the girls battled through a pack of cats. I winced hearing the crack of Thundaga, breathing deeply as Fran curaga’d Penelo and Ashe’s pain away. The knight and thief before me barely noticed my apprehension.
Being in the Tchitia Uplands made me very nervous; we were close to Balfonheim, which was the length of the Cerobi Steppe away, though that one was known to be more dangerous so we would have to trek it later. Sadly, at the same time, we had to go through the Sohen Cave Palace; it was on our way to Archades, where I was to face my father. The memories of what the judges did to me in Sohen cave still stood vividly in my mind, making me want to retreat. Take Fran’s hand, and run to Balfonheim, forget the Princesses mission. I’d be safe from nightmares in Balfonheim, where I could drink my woes away.
Listening to them talk, I heard Basch call my name. Quickening my pace, I jogged to stand next to him, “we need you up front. Remember we’re trying to strengthen ourselves equally, so no one falls behind.” I nodded, knowing the hidden words. He didn’t want me to get lost in my thoughts, in case we came upon something too big, and they needed my healing abilities. I don’t know why they didn’t give them to one of the little ones, but I didn’t ask. It was our location that was riling me up, not how they sapped my MP because they wanted to run around killing anything in their tracks. Nodding to Fran as she joined the group, I walked by her, pulling out my gun and ammunition. They were upon a group of Malboro’s and I sighed inwardly, mentally counting the amount of healing items we had. Watching them easily slay the creatures before being affected by any sort of ailment, a followed, shooting and healing where I needed to as we made it to the cave.
“You sure this rabbit hole is really the way to Archades?” I heard Vaan sigh, almost like a groan, as we entered, looking about.
“Better a hare unseen, then a rat in a trap.” I replied coolly, stepping close to the young Dalmascan, looking down at him. “Then again, I you’d prefer to go knocking on the front gates of the city, be my guest.”
“But what about once we’re inside?” Curse Penelo for being the smart one. Details, details, what did it matter? “Won’t the city watch find us?” Basch and Ashe had their eyes on her, seeming to agree with what the teenager said.
When Ashe spoke, she seemed solemn, as if she was close to defeat. “We’ll do what we can to blend in with the crowd. Our names may be notorious, but out faces are not far known.”
“True, true, you’re a princess, and we didn’t even recognize you.” Vaan approached her, and arms crossed, I resisted the need to smack him across the head. The young man needed to learn a lesson on how to speak to women! Honestly!
“I noticed,” the princess held a harsh tone in her voice as she walked away, Penelo covering her mouth, almost embarrassed by her friends word. How can she stand him? I can only wonder.
“We’re remembering the hunt right?” I asked them all, arms still crossed as I watched the zombies and imps patrol the labyrinth that was the cave entrance. Though this was the Tchitia entrance, we were still far from the Old Archades one. The man who’d assigned the hunt had given us a key to the door, meaning we would be able to get through.
“Of course,” Ashe scowled, and I sighed, the woman was too high strung for this. Understandable of course, but rather annoying at times, especially when it made Basch more stressed as well. While the signs of him being stressed were not noticeable, after being around him long enough, I’d begin to notice them and wish she’d calm down.
“You need a break.” I rested a hand on her shoulder, “you’ve built up your strength enough, Basch can come out and assist us.” She was about to speak, but I shook my head. “If we should come upon the hunt, we can either call upon Fran for assistance in keeping him up. Otherwise, rest, you’ve worked hard enough.” Nodding to the soldier, I continued to walk, ignoring the small giggle Penelo let loose before skipping up to follow next to me. Basch jogged ahead to take the lead, and the brunt of the damage we would be receiving while going through the caves. The distractions of battle were a welcome thing as we walked through the tunnels. It kept me unaware of the memories pressing for my attention.
Once they opened the door, and came upon the Mandragora’s, I pushed Penelo behind me. “Send Fran forward. We’ll call for you if we need you.” I murmured, watching Basch try to memorize their pattern. Once the viera was at my side, I ran up next to the soldier, eyeing the group of creatures cautiously. Listening as Basch cast dispelaga, I shot the closest one of them, listening to the release of Fran’s bow behind me.
When the battle was over, I breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against one stone wall for support. “We should continue to explore, see how much farther we can go.” Basch murmured, sitting on his heels next to me, absentmindedly curing a small wound on my leg. Fran had been mending her own, whilst I was too busy with the soldiers to notice my own pain.
Whispering a small thank you, I slowly slid down the wall, thankful there were no beasts here to fend off. Sitting for a moment, I cocked an eyebrow, curious at how they were all looking at me. “Is it okay if we rest a moment before continuing on?” My tone was dark, but I couldn’t help it. This place was a living nightmare for me, and they were too busy focusing on their mission.
It seemed Basch noticed how in pain I was on the inside, and he nodded. “We may rest for a moment, and build up our strengths before moving on.”
Fran nodded as well, shaking her hair from her eyes. “We must build up our magicks, and see if there is a rejuvenation cryst about.”
I couldn’t stop the laugh at Vaan’s shuddered, the others chuckled a little, as the young man complained. “Last time we found one in a creepy place, it was a bug instead!” He whined, looking as if he were going to stomp his foot in protest.
“Aye, but crystal bugs are stationary, they do not move.” Basch shook his head, “if we needed time to heal, all we need to do is move out of its attack range.” Everyone nodded, even me as we eyed the sighing thief.
“We rest here tonight, once we find the cryst. There should one here.” Fran extended a hand to me, lifting me up. Brushing myself off, I stalked past them, not wanting to really speak to anyone. I would have rather not spent a night in the cave, but it seems everyone was determined to. Being out numbered wasn’t pleasant, and rather than taking my anger out on someone, I am just going to find the nearest beast to hurt.
To my dismay, the only one I came upon was a crystal bug in the guise of a rejuvenation cryst. Sighing, I pulled out my gun as Basch and Penelo ran past, attacking the angered creature. As usual, I merely sat back, curing and attacking whenever needed. Amazingly, it wasn’t much. Seemed we’d strengthened up a good deal while out in the uplands. Once finished, I stalked silently away back into the large space where we’d fought the Mandragora’s, ignoring any call for attention. I was in too much of a bad mood for their comments, and tomorrow was likely to be worse. How could it not be? I was going to be up all night with nightmares after sleeping where they took place.
Laying out our things on the ground, I took my sleeping bag to one corner of the hall, curling up with my things. I wouldn’t be able to take out my stuffed toy tonight, as there was company present to see. Pushing the bag, with it in it into the corner of where I was sleeping, I hugged my knees to my chest, trying not to look fretful as I watched them approach their things, Fran’s eyes clearly on me. She whispered something to the knight, gesturing to me, and I couldn’t help but huddle further into my corner, pouting slightly at the grumbling my stomach made. We hadn’t eaten since venturing off that morning, so it was obvious I’d be hungry now. Though, I didn’t feel like eating, I would have rather fallen asleep, to a dreamless night. I’d welcome it with open arms.
My viera partner approached, reaching out and running her fingers through my hair, laughing softly as I closed one eye to look up at her with annoyance. “You will not bring your companion out tonight?” I blushed, realizing what she was talking about, shaking my head vigorously.
“No, I’d rather not lose my dignity.” Resting my chin on my knees, my eyes scanned the soldier’s boots with mild interest, not wanting to look up into their sympathetic eyes. The soldier had been working more and more information out of me in the time of our travels. Though, it was only that I had a stuffed toy I slept with, that I’d not received much sympathy in the past, and other basic things Fran knew. No details. Never any details.
“You sleep easier with it. Please, Balthier, spare what little dignity you can, and bring it out…” Her voice is soothing, but I won’t give in. Not until Basch, with all his stubborn determination, reaches behind me, and pulls out the little plush doll of Judge Magister Gabranth. Hugging my knees tighter, I buried my face deeper in the valley between my legs and chest, feeling the tears coming from my eyes. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, growing worse at the startled noise Basch made, and how I could hear the others approaching.
“Wh…who gave you this…?” The man’s voice was hoarse; when I looked up I found his own eyes on the brink of tears.
“The judge magister himself, he made it for me to calm me during nights he wasn’t there. He, Zecht, Zargabaath, and Drace were like my protectors. Though, Zargabaath was in charge of the army, Zecht regularly sent off, and Drace was busy with little Larsa. Gabranth was my main aid in times of need. In the beginning I would come to his office crying, after he’d found me trembling in the court after one nightmare of course. When my father began punishing me severely for waking him after these terrors, Gabranth had made me that, hoping it would calm me when he was sent off on tasks…it did.” Taking it back from him possessively, I pulled off the little felt helmet, smiling slightly at the cloth face. “He once told me I was more like his son then Cid’s. When I was readying to runaway, he was the one that cried the most…that’s the only thing I regret about leaving. Hurting him.”
“Someone’s always hurt when you run away…” Basch murmured, lowering himself to one knee, running his fingers through my hair in a comforting manner. Ashe, Vaan, and Penelo were silent as Fran and the soldier tried to comfort me.
“Is he going to be okay?” The young dancer’s voice was soft as she rested a hand on Basch’s shoulder, her eyes focused on me, making me flinch nervously. “Maybe we should get out of here, and find another way into Archades.” Both her an I ignored the annoyed sound the princess made, most of the group concerned for me, the Archadian’s, well being.
Shaking my head, I sighed, “no, the best way is through here. It leads to Old Archades, which is a short distance from the royal city. Any other way is difficult.”
Frowning, Basch looked me right in the eyes. “Then Fran and I are best to rest here with you to make sure nothing goes wrong. The others can sleep elsewhere in here. At least some of us are going to get some sleep.” He rested a finger on my lips before I could speak, looking to the others. “Go, Fran and I will watch him.” Shooing them off, he turned back to me. “I’ll get our things, you just get settled.” Nodding, I began undoing my vest, blushing at how Basch watched me, remembering vaguely how only Fran had ever watched me remove it. The first time she’d told me how she was amazed I could get it off so quickly with how the latching went.
I listened as the soldier coughed, turning to approach the pile of things, leaving me to my undressing. “Should we eat before resting?” I called to him, listening absently as Fran went through my bag for anything else I would need to survive the night.
“It would be wise, we’ll need the strength.” Nodding, Basch went through the bag of food stuffs, calling to the young ones. They ran over, I had to hold back a smile at how Ashe reminded me of a peasant girl with how she acted when she was calm. I knew she would go back to being royalty when this was over, and how it would break Penelo’s heart, but being like this made me glad I followed. I could do without the nightmares though…
Feeling Fran wrap a blanket about my shoulders, I yawned, hugging the toy to me tightly as I stood, kicking my shoes to one side. I’d worry about my pants once sleep time came, right now; I was hungry, and feeling more sociable then before. Which was to my benefit, it would assist me in forgetting my location. “Should I pull out the food?” I asked Basch in passing.
“Vaan’s on it. You just sit down and rest.” Smiling a little, he continued on, leaving me feeling a little useless. Though I knew he didn’t mean to, I just liked having something to do with myself instead of sitting idly waiting.
Seating myself, I sighed; watching Vaan drag the Courel’s corpse over, listen to him mutter about sending Penelo out alone. Cocking my head to the side, I observed Ashe, who seemed interested too. “What was she sent out for?” Just the thing I wanted to know and it was good she asked.
“Fire wood.” The thief grunted, finally bringing the meat to its destination, wiping the sweat off. “Hold on a sec if you’re going after her. I’ll follow you out.”
Remembering that Fran and I were their healers, I immediately had to butt in. “Aren’t you going to bring Fran?”
“We can get Penelo to change her gambits. Don’t worry.” Smiling reassuringly, she ran off, ignoring Vaan’s yells. It appeared that she was more concerned for the young dancer’s well being, then for how close he was to joining her.
Laughing softly to myself, I jumped at the hand suddenly placed upon my shoulder. Breathing deeply, I looked up into Basch’s apologetic eyes, resting one of my hands on his. “Would you like to place the rocks down for the fire pit?” His voice was soft, filled with concern. Nodding, I shakily brought myself to my feet, brushing off the dirt. Staring at his shoulders, I had to push aside the brooding thoughts of how small I was, and strode past, tying the blanket about my neck like a child’s cape. Fran alone brought on enough of those ideas; I didn’t need another to make me feel depressed. Though, I was sure if I warmed up to him enough, he would be like another Galbranth for me. I just had to remember it was Basch I was talking to, not a Judge of the Empire.
It was not long after that I’d collected together the rocks to make the pit, and the younglings came in, each carrying stacks of wood in their arms. They set the pieces down, watching as I set the circle of stones for them to place the wood in. “Did you bring ones for us to cook the meat on?” I asked no one in particular, merely hoping to receive a reply.
“I saved the spit from the last fire.” Basch spoke, kneeling next to me as he began setting the wood in the circle. The others couldn’t do it as Penelo was busy removing splinters from her comrades. Her hushed reprimands indicated that she had done this sort of thing before, and knew how to not receive an injury. Unlike me, who had lived a high, privileged life, and never knew hard labour until I was about sixteen. Even then, due to my sheer laziness, and spoiled history it was difficult to get me to lift a finger. Few of my mentors were capable of getting me to.
Galbranth, Zecht, and Zargabaath were the main three. Drace spoiled me in my mother’s place, and Ghis and Bergan preferred to torture me. Thus, when it came to anything I truly needed to get by in life, my three mentors were there. It is true how Galbranth is more like my father. Through my training, he was the one to wake me, dress me, teach me, and encourage me, everything my own father forgot to do.
Left to my own brooding, I sat back in my corner. Dinner had been delicious, and I’d have to remember to ask Basch where he’d learned to cook sometime. Better than many of the Archadian cooks I’d been through, that was for sure. Though, they thrived more on decorating common meals. Basch’s, while not all appealing in appearance, were exotic in taste, and exquisite in taste.
Patting my full stomach, I leaned back in my blankets; the one Fran had given to me wrapped about me as I admired the ceiling. Hearing footsteps approach, I noticed it was darker, and that two figures were growing close. Fran’s high heels clicked on one side, the soldiers thudding footsteps on the other. A comforting reassurance, as rarely did I have people sleep this close to me. Fran usually slept further away, but it seemed with the knight’s kind urgings, she drew closer, each one within reach should I, or they, need to reach out for comfort, or in comfort.
Curling up in a ball, I held the little stuffed toy tightly to me, tucked in my own cocoon of blankets. Within a few minutes I could hear Basch’s snoring on one side, and Fran’s soft murmurs of sleep on the other. Closing my eyes, I breathed softly, the last thoughts being of the brave knight, and his brother.
“Why are you leaving?” He approached me from behind, as I packed my things in my room. The gloved hand rested on my shoulder, halting my progress. Breathing deeply, I looked up into the sad blue eyes, only outmatched by the sadness in my own.
“I can’t live like this anymore, Galbranth. I need to leave this place. I’m tired of father blaming me for things out of my control, I’m tired of Ghis and Bergan’s torture, most of all I’m tired of all the others soldiers ridiculing me. I wanted to work with airships, not become a Judge, and have to follow orders. I hate orders!” Hugging myself, I fell onto the neatly made bed, knowing Drace had probably come in while I was asleep and made it. She would usually tend for me even though she was only assigned to be Larsa’s caregiver. The little boy didn’t seem to mind though; I was like another big brother to him.
The Judge was silent for a moment, watching as I carefully set the toy he gave me into my bag. “You could stay with me.” He choked out, getting onto his knees, and taking my hands into his. “Please, Ffamran, just don’t leave us. Even if many others don’t care, it would break Drace and I’s heart.”
“It’s Balthier now.” I said coldly in response to my true name. “And while I will deeply regret leaving you two, I can’t stay here much longer. Wild birds can’t survive in cages.” Running fingers through his hair, my head darted to the window, finding the viera I was to be leaving with there, tapping the glass with her long nails. “Excuse me,” moving quickly away from him, I opened the window, letting the silver haired beauty in. “You’re early.” One eyebrow cocked, I smirked as she shook her hair from her eyes.
“I grew tired of waiting. The humes simple amazement at having a viera in their presence is bothersome. They do not know when to stop staring.” A slight scowl on her lovely features, she stood, waiting patiently now. Not bothering to comment on my company.
Nearing him, I smiled sadly. “My partner is here, as you can see, I still have some packing to go through. Tell Drace I am sorry for leaving without saying good bye, but it had to be done.”
“What of the others?” Galbranth asked quietly, staring at the floor.
“Zecht and Zargabaath can receive an apology too. But Ghis and Bergan can rot in the Sohen Cave for all I care.” Snarling, I shoved the last of the possessions I would need into the bag.
I hadn’t heard him stand, and I couldn’t resist jumping once I was pulled into strong arms, held close in the warm embrace. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you in time…” He murmured softly in my ear.
“Not your fault…” Patting his hands, I pulled away, closing my back. “Good bye,” I nodded to him, following Fran out the window. “And I’m sorry.” Swallowing hard as I left, my heart broke, as my last sight of him, was the first time I’d ever seen the Judge cry.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
“Balthier!” Feeling clawed hands on my shoulders, I quickly woke to find the knight, and my partner leaning over me with concerned expressions. Groggily, I sat up, holding one hand to my dizzy head. Staring at them, I was glad to at least know it wasn’t a nightmare, the fact was held up by the echoed snoring of the thief.
“What is it?” I yawned, cocking one eyebrow.
“You were talking in your sleep. We were worried.” Basch ran his fingers through my hair.
“Just a dream.” I shrugged, “not a nice one, but better then a nightmare. I dreamt of Galbranth. The only bad part about it was remembering how he cried when I left.” My eyes stared at the toy in my hands, sighing deeply as I hugged it to myself.
Nodding Fran rested her head on my shoulder. “I remember he was desperate to keep you with him.”
Feeling Basch lay on my legs, I smiled a little. “Now that you know I was only talking to the Judge in my sleep, may I rest again? I am likely not to get another good night’s rest for a while.” They chuckled at that, unanimously agreeing that I needed rest, and going back to their respective spots. Smiling myself, I curled back to rest, curious if I’d have another good dream or not.
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