This chapter contains spoilers through the Tchita Uplands through Draklor Laboratory. So if you've not made it that far in the game yet, you may not want to read this chapter.
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The morning skies began to brighten, the sounds of the seagulls seeking their morning meal echoed over the rolling tides of the ocean. The sun was peeking up from behind the horizon decorating the sky with an array of colors that spread out across the streaks of clouds.
Balthier opened his eyes slowly taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. He looked down at Ashe, who was laying in his arms still asleep, with her head resting gently on his shoulder in peaceful slumber. He smiled and brushed a few strands of soft hair from her face gently waking her. She stirred alittle stretching her arm out over his chest. He smiled as he watched her. Blinking, she looked up at him and smiled.
''Good morning Princess.'' he said softly kissing her forehead. She smiled sitting up slowly.
''Good morning.''she replied, covering her mouth as she yawned. He sat up next to her and looked out at the sea. She leaned against his side taking a deep breath slowly. Balthier looked down at her placing his arm around her. She reached up placing her hand over his that was rested on her shoulder.
''What do you think we should do..?'' her voice was low in question and worry. Lowering her gaze to the sand, she felt a slight sadness overcome her. She didn't want to hide their love, but then again they didn't have much choice, the princess of Dalmasca with a sky pirate, what would the people of her kingdom say to such a match? He sighed tilting his head to the side. He felt a slight weight on his heart, for he knew what she meant.
''It might be best to keep a low profile around everyone else for now, we wouldn't want to complicate thing's any... If that was what you were asking.'' he replied locking his fingers together with hers. She smiled looking down at their hands together.
''It would probably be for the best...'' she said letting out a slow sigh resting her head against his shoulder.
''I suppose we should join everyone else before they wake...'' she said pursing her lips in a frown. Balthier tilted his head, slightly nodding in agreement. Standing up together they dusted the sand off themselves, Balthier stretched taking in a deep breath. Ashe stood staring out at the ocean for a long moment, then looked over at Balthier giving him a slight smile. His eyes met with hers, giving her that suave smile as he approached her slowly, standing before her he stepped closer placing his arms around her. Ashe rested her hands against his chest as he leaned down kissing her lips softly. They stayed like that for a long moment. Ashe didn't want the kiss to end, she wanted to stay here with him in this peaceful place. slowly breaking the kiss, Balthier rested his cheek against hers and sighed thinking to himself. To make it appear as nothing had changed between them around the others, just may be more difficult then he expected.
Ashe and Balthier slowly moved back into the camp to join their comrades. It seemed everyone was still asleep, only a few of the Bangaa hunters were moving about minding there own business. Ashe sighed and sat down under the palm tree next to where Vaan and Penelo were sleeping. Balthier walked over to some crates that were stacked around, sitting down and began to check over his gun. Ashe laughed at herself inside, already she missed his closeness. It wasn't like her at all to feel this way so strongly about someone. But she welcomed the feeling with open arms, for she liked it. Penelo stirred and rolled over. She slowly sat up looking to Ashe, blinking a few times she covered her mouth as she yawned.
''Good morning Ashe.'' she whispered quietly, careful not to wake Vaan. As she looked between Ashe and Balthier smiling to herself, then gazed down at her boots. Ashe's eyes shifted over at Balthier, his eyes gazed up at her, a sly grin crossed his lips as he acted as if continuing to check his weapon over. Ashe wanted to be by his side, sitting next to him just to have the feeling of him close to her. She took a long deep breath closing her eyes in thought, how would everyone really react to them being together..? Would people see it to be a disgrace for the Princess of Dalmasca to love a sky pirate..?
''Ashe..?'' Penelo asked breaking her away from her thoughts. She turned her eyes up looking to Penelo.
''Yes?'' she responded blinking, trying to clear her mind. Penelo looked at her with a concerned expression on her face, tilting her head sideways, she looked down for a moment then back to Ashe.
''Oh... Nothing.. I just thought you were upset by the expression on your face.'' Ashe shook her head giving her a slight smile.
''I'm fine, Thank you...'' she replied turning her gaze out to the ocean. The waves rolled in peacefully along the sands. Ashe smiled to herself as she daydreamed of Balthier's arms around her, watching the tides together. Balthier watched her from where he sat, she just stared out at the ocean silently holding her knee's against her chest. He watched her hair drifting softly in the breeze over her face, the morning sunlight silhouetting her features beautifully... He let out a slow sigh leaning back against the crates and tilted his head to one side as he gazed up at the sky.
The trip across the Tchita Uplands was long, the group had many fiends to battle along the way. Ashe and Balthier found it difficult to find moments alone together, whenever they came close to a touch or a kiss someone would call for them or a fiend would suddenly arrive. Tension was growing and they became weary of their separation.
While fighting a Pyrolisk it swooped in toward Ashe. Balthier acted to be shielding her from an attack by grabbing her pulling her aside from it. As they fell to the ground he stole a kiss from her lips, satisfying his need to touch her. Of course no one had even noticed the kiss. She smiled as he quickly lifted her by the hand guiding her to her feet with a sly grin on his face. Together they ran back into the battle.
Finally they reached the entrance to the cavern leading into the capital city Archades. As they walked through the dimly lit passage, Ashe looked around, stepping quietly along the damp ground, stale air lurked about the place as the group came to a halt. Ashe looked over at Balthier, as his eyes met with hers, he gave her a charming smile, she turned her head away trying to suppress her smile but kept her eyes fixed with his.
''Hey, are you sure this rabbit hole's really the way into Archades?'' Vaan suddenly asked Balthier. He crossed his arms over his chest, taking a deep breath having to take attention away from Ashe, he looked to Vaan, tilting his head to the side shifting his weight.
''Better a hare unseen then a rat in a trap. Then again, if you'd prefer to go knocking on the front gates, be my guest.'' he retorted staring blankly at Vaan.
''But what about once we're inside? Won't the city watch find us?'' Penelo asked concerned. Ashe shook her head slightly.
''We'll do what we can to blend into the crowd. Our names may be notorious, but our faces are not far-known.'' she stated looking to Penelo. Vaan nodded in agreement.
''True, true. You're out princess, and we didn't even recognize you.'' Vaan replied making a point. Ashe stared at him for moment, huffing as she walked by him.
''I noticed.'' she replied in a haughty tone, obviously feeling alittle offended as she walked off. Balthier shook his head giving Vaan a brief blank, yet scornful stare as he uncrossed his arms passing Vaan, and followed after Ashe. It took the group quite some time before reaching the exit into old Archades, they walked up a filthy run down ally as Vaan complained about the foul stench that lurked about the area.
After finally getting into the city of Archades, Vaan ran forth excitedly marveling at the grand city. The buildings towered high into the sky and the streets were filled with many people as they moved about shopping. Ashe stood aside of Balthier as he watched Penelo and Basch walk over to Vaan. Ashe had noticed Balthier seemed more tense since arriving in Archades. Slowly she stepped closer to him, he looked down at her giving her a faint smile. She knew it must be hard for him to be back here, so close to Draklor laboratory, so close to Where his father was, and the past he had run away from. Carefully she placed her hand on the inside of his arm standing close against his side. Giving him a reassurring smile as she looked up into his eyes. His smile brightened alittle as he stared down at her. They stood silently together watching the others, both with smiles on their faces.
After a short while they continued walking deeper into the city. Balthier stepped away from Ashe and walked ahead near the others, turning he looked to Vaan.
''We go our separate ways here, Vaan. I've some business to attend to.'' he paused briefly glancing over at Ashe. ''We'll meet again Later.'' turning he began to walk away.
''Huh? Hey-''. Vaan said stepping forward to follow after him but stopped. Balthier ignored him and continued walking off leaving Vaan confused.
The rest of the group wandered around Archades for awhile trying to earn passage into the higher part of the city. It was abit frustrating as Vaan ran around trying to impress the aristocrats for some chops. Ashe sighed as she slowly walked along the streets. She felt uneasy, not only did she not know where Balthier was, and if he was alright, but also because he wasn't with her. She missed his presence, his teasing remarks, the way he gave her that suave, sly, charming grin. She missed him by her side...
The group sat riding the city cab into the upper city, Vaan and Penelo stared out the windows talking quietly to eachother. Ashe smiled slightly watching the two, she wished that she could share that same openness with Balthier. She sighed as the cab came to a stop. Stepping out, they were greeted by none other then Balthier. Ashe smiled seeing him, though he seemed rather annoyed. But now wasn't the time to ask why. They moved on down the street towards the entrance of Draklor laboratory, a few guards ran by reporting to their superior. Vaan looked to Basch as they stood around the corner at a distance watching the soldiers.
''You think they're on to us? '' he asked quietly looking over his shoulder to Basch, who just shook his head sighing.
''It would seem not, though this makes our task more difficult.'' he replied as they turned back away from Draklor. Balthier turned and looked to Vaan as they walked.
''Certainly took your time getting here, didn't you. Off seeing the sights, perhaps?'' he implied sounding abit annoyed. Vaan shook his head.
''Not likely, Do you know how long it took to get the chops to get here?'' he replied shrugging his shoulders slightly. Balthier narrowed his eyes as a slight look of confusion crossed him.
''What's that? But I gave Jules some chops...'' Balthier said shaking his head, placing his hand on his hip. He looked up seeing Jules the streetear. Jules shook his head walking towards them, a sleazy grin plastered on his face.
''Tsk, Tsk..A squad of judges has been sent to Draklor. You'll find the service at the entrance a rather difficult preposition, I'm affraid.'' he said looking at Bathier sideways.
''Your doing no doubt.'' Bathier replied sharply, walking towards the man. The two continued to talk out of earshot from the rest of the crew. Ashe stood watching Balthier, she could tell he was annoyed, holding his frustration inside. Minutes passed before Balther walked back to the others, telling them of the new plan.
Balthier and Ashe sat beside each other inside the cab. Balthier was annoyed by Jules, he always had a way to pull at all the wrong strings. He thought many times over of just striking him...
''So, this Jules, Is he some old friend of yours, Balthier? You two seemed... Close.'' Vaan asked him curiously. Balthier shifted uneasily in his seat. His eyes narrowed as he looked across to Vaan.
''Close enough for fisticuffs... Driver! Faster, if you please. I would be loathe to expend any of the violence of my present mood on my companions.'' Balthier's voice was tinted with anger. He was normally good at keeping his cool exterior, but he was truly angry. Vaan avoided looking at Balthier, he didn't want to upset him any. He and Penelo just kept to themselves gazing out the window whispering to each other. Ashe stayed silent... She didn't know what to say to Balthier, perhaps she best not say anything.
Balthier Quietly took a deep breath, he was really irritated by the events of the day, and what was to come. He glanced over at Ashe, she was silent, He could see that she was deep in thought, he didn't mean to make her feel as if he was angry with her in any way. He sighed taking hold of her hand, invisible to the others line of sight. She looked up at him, he just gazed out the window silently. Ashe pursed her lips closing her eyes, lacing her fingers together with his.
The cab came to a stop, the group quickly exited running towards Draklor.
''Where to?'' Vaan questioned looking to Balthier.
''Come. This way.'' he replied nodding ahead as he kept moving forward into Draklor.
Entering Doctor Cid's chambers on the 67th floor, Balthier looked around slowly, the place was a mess. things were knocked over and files were scattered all across the floor. Walking over towards a desk he gazed down at some papers.
''The Jagd Difohr was it..? Six years... And ever since you got back, this... What madness found you there?'' Balthier spoke quietly to himself, his eyes shifting as he reminisced of the past. His father despised him for what he was, yet a part of Balthier still cared for his father, even though he wasn't the same man he used to be. The room was filled with tension, the air felt heavy around them and everyone was on edge, not knowing what to expect next. Ashe saw Bathier was trouble as he stared down at the desk and began to move over towards him. Suddenly they heard the soldiers sound the alarm to drop the bulkheads.
''They found us!'' Vaan said turning his eyes towards the door quickly. Fran looked up as the alarm sounded. She didn't flinch hearing the alarm of the guards. Her mind weighed the circumstances.
'' Cid's earlier visitor, more like. We should lie low for now.'' she said looking to Balthier. He crossed his arms over his chest narrowing his eyes. A stern look crossed his face as he moved for the door.
''No, we'll use their confusion. We need to find Cid now.'' he replied walking out the door. Ashe, Vaan and Penelo followed quickly after him, Fran just stared at him for a moment before following along with Basch.
Balthier walked into one of the control rooms to switch the bulkheads while the others stood guard and checked the other rooms in the corridor. He sighed as he walked over towards the switchboard, the large machines screen glowed red as he stared up at it. Balthier paused placing his palms on the cold metal surface and leaned forward closing his eyes. It was hard for him being back here, with each minute that passed by he was closer to having to see his father again... The door opened behind him, he turned his head looking over his shoulder. Ashe paused for a brief moment looking to him, the door sliding shut behind her, she locked her hands together infront of her as she moved over to him. He felt a slight relief seeing her, straightening up he took a deep breath giving her a slight smile then began looking over the switchboard. Ashe rested her hand softly on his arm. As she stood beside him, He turned to face her, she could she the uneasiness, the hurt and confusion in his eyes that he tried to so well to hide. She didn't say anything, she just wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him, He embraced her close against him. Closing his eyes slowly as he buried his face against the side of her neck, and she buried hers into his. Things were hard on him right now, but having her made it all more clear, and easier to cope.
''Hey, Ashe..! Basch and Fran are back..!'' Vaan called suddenly through the door as the others were returning from down the corridor, Ashe sighed breaking away from Balthier's arms.
''Guess it's time to go..'' she said softly. He nodded as he turned pressing the switch to change the bulkheads. Walking towards the door he quickly turned to Ashe, gently he placed his hands against the sides of her face pulling her into a passionate kiss. She placed her hands on his shoulder as they kissed. After a brief moment, Balthier paused a moment after breaking the kiss, he still held her close pressing his cheek to hers, and whispered quietly into her ear.
''I love you, Princess.'' her heart skipped a beat hearing those words from him, the soothing sound of his voice made her heart ache for him all the more. She smiled shutting her eyes tightly.
''And I love you, Sky pirate..'' she replied in a soft whisper as he moved to look into her eyes for a brief moment, a slight grin appeared at the corner of his mouth.
''Let's go...'' he said softly taking a deep breath as they turned to the door. She nodded to him taking a deep breath herself as she straightened her posture preparing to face they others. She was glad to have seen the resolve that was in his eyes. Balthier walked out the door nodding to Vaan and Penelo, a stern and confident expression on his face. Ashe stepped out of the room behind him and followed after them. She kept stride along side of him as the four made their way down the corridor towards Fran and Basch. Fran looked to Balthier as he approached, he nodded firmly to his companion as they moved ahead. They were close to reaching Doctor Cid, it would be hard confronting his father again after being gone for so long, it would be quite the task. Doctor Cid was not the man he once knew, not the father he once had. The nethicite had changed him, made him someone else... He glanced over to Ashe at his side as they all walked towards the elevator, he raised his brow thinking to himself, he could face anything, as long she was by his side.
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