IX
The Call
Regina Spektor

It started out as a feeling, which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought, which then turned into a quiet word
And then that word grew louder and louder, till it was a battle cry
I'll come back, when you call me
No need to say goodbye…

"He will be okay," the healer had said. Her Spiran was clumsy but she seemed quite certain. "Rest. He needs sleep. He will wake up."

"When?" Baralai had asked, but all he'd received was a helpless shrug. Potions could only do so much – now it was up to Gippal to heal, and Baralai wasn't sure he could stick around until that happened. There were bound to be people chasing them, and they had to split up – it had been their plan even before they had been betrayed. There was no point in being conspicuous by staying together. Paine had already gone before he'd even woke up, and he knew he had to do the same.

"I'm sorry," he said, gripping Gippal's hand a little too tightly, not knowing whether or not Gippal could actually hear him. "I have to leave." Gippal's face was so peaceful, his body so relaxed, that it was almost a shock to find his unresponsive lips warm.

The white mage said nothing of the kiss though her eyes widened a little, and Baralai looked up, daring her to comment. "He will live," was all she said.

"Take care of him, then," Baralai answered, and pressed five hundred gil into her hands – it was all he had on him, but he could walk the Highroad. "Whatever he needs."

He would find Gippal again, if it took him the rest of his life, he would. But right now the important thing was staying alive long enough to do that – and to take revenge, if he could. But this wouldn't be the end; Baralai was sure of it.