Title: Phantomrider
Author: Jezebel Jai-Braxlin
Summary: Song fiction to Tokio hotels "Phantomrider" Balthier x Fran
Disclaimer: I don't own Tokio Hotel, their music, or Final fantasy 12 and it's characters. This story, however, is mine ^.^
Chapter 1: Phantomrider
Gas and blood
Is all I've got…
The Strahl shot through the sky, followed by many smaller ships. Inside the Strahl, the two captains were struggling with the controls
"I don't know how much longer this can keep going," Balthier whispered.
"The Strahl can make it"
"Yes, but can I?" he quipped.
"I'll make sure of that." Fran's lips curved in the ghost of a smile.
In you I trust
The Strahl ducked down and executed a perfect 180 turn, leaving the other ships advancing in the wrong direction. It maneuvered behind a thick cloud formation and went in for a landing.
The final exits passing by
The Wheels run free
Under me
A shot came out of nowhere and hit the ship from behind. The Strahl thundered and swayed as Fran's hands fluttered across the console. A deep roar came from the engine as the Strahl shifted dangerously.
An identical shot rocked Fran nearly from her seat as the Strahl spiraled. They clung to their seats as they spiraled. The ship was going down.
"Balthier, there are serious injuries to the Strahl."
"No different than usual."
He made to unbuckle himself. Fran laid her hand on his and shook her head. He smiled back at her.
It's you I feel
Something shattered, and the ship rocked around.
A million sparks
Are falling down
I turn the wheel around.
The Strahl crashed onto the ground. The two passengers were startled but were otherwise unharmed.
"I'll get us up," Fran said, jumping from her seat.
"I'll see what I can do from here." Fran paused to look at him but kept moving. Balthier was the frontman of action, but this was different. His whole life had just been grounded. Fran let her expertize in the engine room overtake her growing panic.
Balthier analyzed the multitude of safety warnings scrolling across his screen. It would be a lot to get his girl in the air. Time he never had much of, and even less now. Airships slid down from the sky, a supposed safe distance from the crashed Strahl. He had a decision to make, no time to think, and a hell of a message to leave.
Promises
I scratched so deep
In your empty seat
"Fran! Come here!"
Dark shapes began deboarding in the distance. Time was officially gone.
She stalked calmly into the room, her air of authority clouding her very real fear. "The repairs needed are large, but I can do it in twenty minutes."
He pulled her into an embrace. "We're out of time, dear."
The sky is turning upside down
Her eyes widened fractionally as she glanced outside the window.
"They're here…." She stood taller. "We fight."
Balthier smiled. "No love. I fight."
I turn the wheel around
She pulled back to stare at him.
"You make the repairs, I'll hold them off. If I'm not back by the time you're done…. I want you to go."
She shook her head at him. He grabbed her shoulders gently.
"Hey now. I'm the leading man. Leading men don't die. I only said 'if'"
A shot rocked the ship. They fell around.
I don't know your name
But still believe
He grabbed her hand and helped her up. Then he turned to go. She held on to his hand, forcing him to face her one more time.
"You know you're not coming back, don't you? She all but whispered.
"Hush now." He said solemnly.
Now it's time
For you and me
Time for you and me
Time for you and me
"Balthier, you won't..."
She looked down. He hugged her again.
"You know I have to, or you would have stopped me by now."
The ship rocked again. They retained their balance.
"Fix the ship, then go."
She started to shake her head. He grabbed her face.
"Hey. I'm still here. I'll protect you."
Now I'm here
No more fears
"Kiss me goodbye"
He leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes, a solitary tear slipping through. He smiled and wiped it off with his thumb. He kissed her a little more urgently, then stepped back, sliding his hand off her cheek.
Angel don't you cry
I'll meet you on the other side
"Goodbye, love."
He slipped out.
Goodbye
She stepped to the door to follow him out.
"I fight too."
The door was unresponsive, and as she went to enter the override, steam poured out of the panel.
That sky pirate bastard...
Outside, Balthier approached the waiting ships, Altair at the ready. The thoughts of Fran kept his legs moving.
Kiss me goodbye
Into the light
Like a Phantomrider
I'm dying tonight.
The repairs had taken a shorter time than estimated. As Fran ran back to the main area of the ship, she cursed herself. If she could just get him back inside…
So dark and cold
He was immersed in battle. He was fighting hard, and he was fighting for her. But, surrounded, they grabbed him from behind. They dragged him towards the ship as Ba'gamnan grinned in her direction. She beat on the glass, but even her supreme strength was no match for the Strahls defenses. She was a weapon of the wrong kind. Balthier sent a simple nod in her direction and she screamed her frustration as she hit and kicked anything non-vital. He disappeared into the ships hull, and the lizard bastard gestured wildly in her direction. She looked around the inside of her beloved home, heaving her breaths as she fought for calm. Just as she decided to keep her promise, her eyes fell on his captain's seat. Normal, identical to hers, but it might as well have been a throne. Damaged, now. Something deliberate. She stepped closer to read the carving.
I drive alone
Like a Phantomrider
She slumped into the seat and began the take-off, a fresh tear streaking down.
Can't make it all on my own
The ship started its gradual ascent amid the chaos of others below
Hey! I'm here
With you
I'm here, here
The ship in front of her exploded. All that was left was smoke and flames. All occupants were lost. She stared in shock at what he'd done. "What he'd had to do." She thought. Balthier was gone, by his own hand.
Leave me alone
She piloted away, not really going anywhere. She had no one, after all. Nothing called her back to her old life, and her new life had just blown away. Almost like it was never really there at all.
Phantomrider
Always die on their own
A/N: Hey all! I hope you like it! T'is sad! Random inspiration! YAY! There will be a separately posted sequel about Fran after. Please review!
P.S: If you're wondering what he carved into her seat, it's the lyrics after she notices it.