And…we're…back. I should write chapter 18 of "The Edge of Forever" before updating this one, but…oh well. Hope you enjoy, and please review!

The Shattering

Chapter 2: Cold, Dark Eyes

Balthier glanced around the interior of the Strahl as if he'd never seen the ship before in his life, "This is…mine?" he asked finally, his voice somehow smaller sounding.

Basch sighed, "Yes Balthier, the Strahl is your pride and joy."

Balthier nodded, his eyes wide, "I like it."

Basch shook his head, "Sit down, let's see if you're hurt. I'm not sure where the others have run off to."

Balthier sat down, "The others?"

"I'll explain later," grumbled Basch as he knelt in front of him, "Right now I need you to do some explaining."

"Explaining?"

Basch's head was beginning to throb, "I need you to tell me what happened to you."

Balthier glanced around nervously, "I can't remember."

"What's the last thing you do remember?" Basch pressed, "What's the last memory you have before not knowing?"

Balthier sighed, "I don't know…home maybe."

Basch looked up at him warily, "Home?"

Balthier nodded, "I…I think so. It's all just so blurry."

Basch frowned and began to unbutton the pirate's white shirt, which was ripped, filthy, and a little bloody, "Tell me about it."

"Tell you about what?"

"Home," said Basch as he gently pulled the pirate's shirt off and tossed it aside, "Tell me about where you come from."

Balthier hesitated, "I'm not sure. It's just a feeling really."

"Focus," urged Basch, "Focus and tell me what you remember."

Balthier shook his head, "Eyes…cold…dark eyes. Empty eyes…staring back at me."

Basch frowned, "That isn't much to go on."

"It's all I can remember. I'm sorry."

"Not your fault," said Basch, "You don't seem to be injured…you should get cleaned up though. I don't think I've ever seen you this dirty."

Balthier nodded and Basch realized he had to show him where the shower even was. The timid shell of a pirate followed him slowly, stopping constantly to ask what something was or where something had come from.

"Just let me know if you need anything," said Basch as he pushed open the door to the bathroom, "I'll bring you some clean clothes."

Balthier hesitated, as if he were afraid to enter the room, "Will you stay?" he asked suddenly, and Basch thought he heard a hint of fear in his voice.

He sighed, "I guess…if that's what you really want…"

Balthier nodded and Basch faced the opposite direction until he heard the glass door of the shower clink shut. He wasn't sure what had happened to Balthier, and seeing the pirate so unlike himself was unnerving.

"Basch?" he heard the other call over the sound of the spraying water.

"What is it Balthier?"

"What happened to me?"

"I have no idea," said Basch, "I need you to tell me that remember?"

The shower door opened a tiny crack, and Balthier peered out, "No…I mean…before."

Basch stared at him blankly, "What are you talking about?"

Balthier turned off the water as Basch threw him a towel, "These scars…they're old…there are a lot of them."

Basch took a step towards him, and noticed that yes, the pirate's chest was covered with horrible looking scars, "I don't know Balthier. You've always kept your life a very private thing. Or at least you have as long as I've known you."

Balthier frowned and nodded, "So the things I can't remember…there probably isn't anyone who knows that stuff…that could remind me?"

Basch shook his head, "I'm sorry…We'll figure something out though. Don't worry."

Balthier didn't say anything for a long while as Basch led him to his room and grabbed him some clothes. He was surprised when Balthier passed up his customary vest, choosing instead to leave his white shirt untucked and partially unbuttoned. He also did not bother to gel his hair or to put on the jewelry that Basch had never seen him without.

"You should probably rest," Basch offered, "We'll figure out something when the others get back. They'll be glad to see you are…safe."

Balthier sat down on his bed and drew his knees up under his chin, "Do you know how old I am?" he asked suddenly.

Basch pulled a chair over from the desk and sat down in front of him, "No. I don't."

"What about my full name?"

Basch shook his head, "I've never heard you called anything other than Balthier. Balthier the sky pirate."

Balthier seemed shocked, "I'm a sky pirate?"

Basch nodded sadly, "You really don't remember anything do you?"

"I was born the moment I walked out of that alley and saw you standing there. Before that there was nothing but darkness," said Balthier, and Basch could understand why the pirate was so afraid.

"You need to sleep," said Basch, he didn't know what else to say. He got up and turned towards the door to leave.

"Please don't go."

Balthier's voice was too scared and small, and Basch closed his eyes, not knowing what to do.

"You want me to stay here?" he asked finally.

Balthier nodded, "I…I just don't want to be alone."

Basch sighed and sat down on the bed, "I'll stay until you fall asleep, but don't panic when you wake up…I won't be far."

Balthier laid down reluctantly, "Thank you."

Basch forced a smile to his lips, he didn't know what to say to make the other feel better, but he didn't have to say anything…Balthier was already asleep…clutching desperately to Basch's hand…

To Be Continued…

Hope you enjoyed! Please review!