The moment a lot of you have been waiting for: the reunion of Ashe and Balthier. :D Super tired right now...This chapter feels really long to me. Hm. Anyway, thank you to The Giant Daifuku, HopelessRomanticist and Riku Uzumaki for reviewing chapter eight! Kudos to who can figure what poem Etro's line is from. :D
No matter where she was or who she was with, Lightning was the first to wake each morning. Serah had always grumbled about hearing her wander around the house at the break of dawn, and whenever she and the other l'Cie were camping somewhere on Pulse, Lightning was awake nearly an hour before Fang, who had been notorious for never sleeping. The last to awaken, from what she mostly remembered, were Snow and Balthier, and the two often bumped into each other as they tried to work their way around the camp. It was an amusing, but destructive sight. Though he claimed to be a hero and all that, Snow was damn clumsy.
Now as she stood up from her cot, the morning winds of the Estersand blowing outside the cave, Lightning missed spending time with the l'Cie. But they weren't l'Cie anymore; two were crystallized and three were still in Pulse, while she was in another world with a sky pirate turned monster.
Balthier and Penelo had been awake when Lightning went to bed the night before, as they had since leaving the Golmore Jungle a few days before. The two were huddled against one another beneath a few blankets, Penelo using Balthier's shoulder as a pillow, at the other end of the cave. Lightning pulled the blankets over them so that they were comfortably warm, then left to go clear their path to Nalbina of any fiends.
She should have been happy to see that Penelo was no longer crying every few minutes because her best friend was gone. But seeing Balthier spending all his time watching over the dancer, making sure she was all right, made Lightning feel undeniably frustrated.
"I'm only thinking of Penelo's well being right now," he had said. It was unusual for him to be so focused on the well being of a young girl rather than the will of the gods. Etro had sent Lightning to Ivalice for a reason, and instead of helping her with her mission, Balthier wanted to help Penelo? The Balthier she had met in the Pulse Vestige would have been eager to help her and Etro. What had changed in a year?
Ragnarok, of course. Whatever that beast was up to, it wasn't good. Balthier had been dragged into its grasp unwillingly, and now he was paying the price. Right?
A rustle in the sand told her she was being followed. Lightning smirked and paused her pace. "Should have known you'd follow me out here, Bal—" She stopped, eyes trailing up and down the nervous appearance of Penelo. Her braids were undone, leaving her hair waving and messy, and she yawned out of tiredness. "Penelo, what are you doing here?"
"Balthier's still asleep," the dancer murmured, blushing slightly. "He talks when he's sleeping, did you know that? He was muttering about someone named Ice. Sounded kind of annoyed but happy, but mostly annoyed."
Lightning forced a smile. "Ice is just a pet name for someone Balthier knew back home."
"Oh. Well, I'm sure Balthier will be up soon. I'm a little bit worried about him. Have you noticed how sick he's looked the past few days? I keep telling him to eat the soup I make every night, and I know my cooking isn't that bad, but he won't eat at all."
"Well," she frowned, "just let me handle him. You shouldn't have to worry; he's not your responsibility."
"I guess I'm used to taking care of my friends. But now all Balthier wants to do is take care of me, and I just..." Penelo sniffled. "I just wish things hadn't ended up this way..."
"What do you mean?"
Penelo shook her head, her hair shifting behind her shoulders. "Can we just head out now? The sooner we get to Bhujerba, the better. Balthier will be glad to get rid of me, I'm sure."
"He's worried about you. I highly doubt he's doing all this just to get rid of you..."
"Do you believe that, truly? When he and I were traveling with the others, Balthier always seemed like he was running away from something. We later found out it was his father he was running from, but I can see it in his eyes right now. He's afraid. Something's got him scared."
Lightning narrowed her eyes, lips parted as if to retort, but Balthier walked up behind them with two packs in his arms. His crimson tinted eyes flickered between their faces, studying their expressions, before he brushed past them and headed off for Nalbina. Penelo let out a heavy sigh before joining him, and Lightning only followed out of habit and suspicion.
The air ship ride was both awkward and unnerving. Both Balthier and Penelo had snuck into the cargo hold, being wanted sky pirates and all, leaving Lightning to wander around and keep an eye out for trouble. Letting Penelo be alone with Balthier at a time like this probably wasn't the best; if he was pale and sickly like before, that only meant that Ragnarok's strength was faltering, which also meant the beast would have to feed soon. But Balthier wanted to protect Penelo - right?
Her heart was racing as she exited the air ship, the crisp air of Bhujerba warm around her. Lightning impatiently waited for Balthier and Penelo to sneak out of the aerodrome, pacing across the bridge leading to the main part of the city. Some of the civilians were taken aback by her appearance, gawking at her like she was some side-show freak. Growling lowly, she gave up and pushed past the crowd toward the aerodrome, only to be knocked off her feet. She felt herself fall into harshly warm arms, and soon Lightning was glaring at Balthier's confident, but weary expression.
"Be mindful of your surroundings, Light," he said with a smirk. Penelo was standing behind him, frowning. "Never know when something might sneak up on you."
Lightning drew away from him and walked off, entering the gates of the Resistance hide-out.
One of the guards at the door recognized Lightning and allowed them to pass, but not before giving Balthier a very curt and vicious glare. Most of the soldiers paid no attention to the three walking through the long hall to the Marquis' manse, apart from the more uncouth and filthy ones that eyed them like fresh meat. Lightning held her head high, fingers twitching toward her gunblade.
She was disappointed to hear that Basch had not yet returned to the headquarters, but Marquis Ondore was expecting her in his chamber. She figured that Basch had told him of her quest, and since Balthier had been a key member of the Resistance the year before, knowing of his survival would be good news, surely.
Lightning pushed the doors open, only to be greeted by a gasp. Ondore was standing behind his desk, and beside him stood a strikingly beautiful viera and the Empress of Archadia, Ashelia B'nargin. Her wide gray eyes were looking at Balthier, filled with tears of anger. Lightning heard Balthier swallow hard.
"You," Ashe breathed abruptly. "You have no right to—show your face in my presence—you, you...!" She scoffed, turning away for a moment before waltzing right up to Balthier and slapping him firmly across him face. He sighed, rubbing his jaw.
"I am not entirely sure what I did to deserve that," he murmured.
Penelo went to Ashe, gently touching the woman's shoulders, but also gave Balthier a stern and disapproving look. "No, you most definitely deserved that, Balthier."
"Now, now," Ondore eased. "I won't have any blood spilled in this room."
Ashe would not listen. She pulled away from Penelo and raised her hand, whipping it toward Balthier again. This time he was faster and grasped her wrist hard, looking her in the eyes. Lightning looked between them, holding her breath, and waiting for someone to speak. But neither Balthier nor Ashe looked as if they had anything to say; their eyes said it all. Ashe's lip quivered, and soon she was embracing Balthier, holding him close as if he could disappear at any given moment.
"Where have you been all this time? Where were you when I needed you?" she asked, tears staining her eyes. "You don't know—you don't understand what I went through after you died..."
Balthier, unsure about his predicament, merely brushed Ashe's hair with his trembling hand. "I am sorry," he murmured. "It wasn't by my choice that I departed this world, and it wasn't my decision to come back. You, over anyone here, must understand the ruthlessness of the gods."
"But it was you who warned me of the gods, of the Stones they longed to have me use! Are you to tell me that all that was a lie?"
"I can't recall ever saying that, so I'll pretend I didn't." Balthier took a step back, lifting Ashe's arms away from his chest. "I am sorry for the trouble I've caused you, Princess, truly I am. But you must know: I am not who you think. I am not the man you knew, the man you..." His voice drifted off into the air, and his eyes vacantly stared over her shoulder.
Smiling tenderly, Ashe lightly touched Balthier's pale face. "What makes you think I am willing to let you go so easily, now that I've found you again?"
"Considering I hardly remember you, there shouldn't be anything stopping me from leaving." He paused, studying her face carefully. "Though, I must say...Yours is a face I should remember."
Lightning had had enough. She left the room in a hurry, clenching her fists at her sides and grumbling. She didn't have time to watch two star-crossed lovers be reunited. No, she had to go to Etro's shrine and figure out just what in the world she was supposed to do.
Though, she wouldn't admit it out loud: witnessing Balthier's honesty to Ashe hurt too much.
She had been to the shrine countless times, and yet no matter how hard she tried to avoid it, Lightning always got lost in the Lhusu Mine's depths. Nethicite, now dim and dead, lined the walls like little lights guiding the way, and the dirt was caked with prints of the fiends residing within. Taking a deep breath, Lightning climbed down a flight of rough stairs, hoping this was the right place.
Etro's throne was there at the end of the hall, bright and shining like the moon on a clear night. It had only been at least a week since she ventured here, and already vines had entwined the shrine, almost like snakes around the neck of their prey. Lightning bowed before the throne on one knee, lowering her head.
"I'm at a standstill, Etro," she spoke quietly. "I found the man I came to see, but he's not the only reason I'm here. I ask you now: tell me of my task."
Silence.
"What is it you sent me here to do? Protect your legacy? I don't understand. Please, divine Etro. What did you mean that the time of the gods has fallen?"
Again, there was silence. But a gentle, melodious tune drifted through Lightning's ears, beckoning her to look up from the ground. She did so, holding in her breath and slowing her heart beat. Her reflection stared back at her, angelic and holy, but unlike her, the reflection was smiling.
"It sates itself on the life-blood of fated men, paints red the powers' homes with crimson gore. Black become the sun's beams in the summers that follow, weathers all treacherous. Do you still seek to know? And what?"
Lightning pressed her hand to the throne's arm rest. "What do you mean? It sounds like you're talking about the destruction of a world..." she whispered. "Life-blood of fated men...Etro, do you mean—"
"It comes."
She whirled around the instant she felt warm, steamy breath against her neck. Ragnarok was perched on the gate over the throne, staring at Lightning with dark red eyes, red like blood. It blinked every now and then, but made no movements to strike her. The beast appeared to be tame until she saw the green, sickly blood dripping from its jaw. Lightning grimaced; at least Balthier wouldn't be so ill-looking now. Ragnarok nodded its head, still watching Lightning with interest.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "I thought you'd be happy to be with Ashe, Balthier. At least that's what it looked like. But what do I know—you're better off with her."
Ragnarok tilted its head, bearing its teeth, then slowly climbed down the gate. Lightning then remembered what Balthier had told her: he and the beast were two separate beings.
"Sorry, I didn't mean..." Lightning bit her lip. "What am I saying? You're a monster. You can't even understand me. Just go back to whatever meal you were just eating, okay? I'm busy here."
What happened next was quite strange. Ragnarok pawed at the dirt, looking down as if it were ashamed. When Lightning hesitantly moved forward a few paces, the beast perked up and went back to staring at her with those dark eyes. She, though she knew she'd regret it later, reached out her hand and ran her fingers across Ragnarok's rough skin. It nudged her hand with its nose, a low purring sound flaring from its throat.
"You're not so terrible, are you?" Lightning muttered thinly. "The fal'Cie brought us to believe you were some monster hell-bent on destroying Cocoon. Balthier did say you had a mind of your own, too."
Ragnarok's looming form fizzled away, leaving a very disorientated Balthier behind. He was breathing heavily, on all fours and appearing as if he were going to be sick. His stomach was partially distended from all the flesh and blood he had consumed while running around as Ragnarok, and the vile liquid was smeared all over his face. Lightning held out her hand to him, a smile failing her lips.
"Whatever that beastie made me eat," Balthier moaned, "was probably worse than the time I dared myself to try malboro..."
"Let's just get back to the Marquis' place," Lightning said. "I'm sure Ashe is worried about you, since you apparently ran out on her again."
He cracked a smile as she pulled him up, allowing his arm to drape over her shoulders. "Not jealous, are we?"
"You wish, pirate."
They tentatively departed the Lhusu Mines without any interruptions, as all the fiends were too fearful of Ragnarok to even crawl around out in the open area. As she practically dragged Balthier, she couldn't help noticing how his hold on her was loosening by the minute. She figured he was just exhausted, but there was a greenish tinge to his half-lidded eyes. Lightning stopped walking as soon as they reached the high stairwell leading to the city.
"Balthier," she said, watching him lean a hand against the wall. "Are you feeling all right?"
He shook his head, wincing. "No—the fiends in there...They've got nethicite embedded in their blood and skin," he murmured, then stumbled to the brick with Lightning quickly rushing to his side. "It's poisonous to humes—at least if they deliberately consume too much...Damn Ragnarok, you should have," he winced again, this time gritting his teeth, "known that..."
"Get up, then, the Marquis must have something to cure—"
"No," Balthier gasped, wrapping his fingers about her wrist. His skin was now milky white, dark violet veins visible underneath. "It's too late now—it was all a trap..."
On cue, a squadron of Imperial soldiers hustled down the stairs, swords and arrows at the ready, led by a low-ranking but vile looking Judge. Lightning unsheathed her gunblade and stood over Balthier's withered form. Ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen...There were definitely more soldiers than she could handle, so this looked to be a worthless battle. Balthier was in no condition to fight or flee, though, and she wouldn't dare leave him behind. Lightning met the gaze of the proud Judge, and she could just imagine the hungry smirk beneath that helm. If she managed to take him down, the others would surely follow.
"You've led us on quite a chase, Balthier Bunansa—famed sky pirate and now murderer," the Judge said with a throaty chuckle. "You can't fake your death here, not now. And don't think of running, either. Judge Magister Mateus is very eager to see you."
"Named a new Judge, have you?" Balthier asked, stumbling as he stood up. "Is Vayne that paranoid with belief I'm out to kill him?"
"Where have hidden Lady Empress Ashelia? Lord Vayne knows she ran off with you—or have you already slit her throat and drunk her blood like wine?" The Judge drew his swords. "No matter; you'll be coming with us. Judge Mateus will gladly take pleasure in interrogating you."
"I don't give a damn who Mateus is," Lightning snarled. "He's not getting his hands on Balthier, not while I'm around."
"Then we'll just have to take care of that, won't we?"
Lightning swung her gunblade upward in time to block a flurry of magick infused attacks soaring her way, then motioned her fingers to beckon the Imperials to her. The first few fell with little to no effort on her part, hardly making her break a sweat. But the Judge was upon her, slashing at her with dual blades that looked sharper than the average dagger. She skid across the brick to avoid his blades, though one managed to slice a fair gash on her upper arm. For once she wished she hadn't lost her ability to cast magick, and Balthier wasn't any help at all. Lightning cut down another Imperial and glanced at Balthier, only to find he had vanished. Caught in a moment of worry, she left herself vulnerable and the Judge struck her down, kicking her in the gut.
"Hellcat," the Judge spat, stabbing his sword into her left shoulder. Lightning cried out, gritting her teeth to stop herself from screaming any louder. "You insurgence felines will learn your lesson soon, once Judge Mateus gains command of the Magistry."
Suddenly the Judge yelled out in agony and collapsed, and Balthier pulled his clawed hand from out of the man's back. He licked the blood from his hands, grinning twistedly.
"You Imperial dogs will learn your lesson sooner."
Balthier's grin contorted into a tight snarl, hissing with pain as he fumbled to his knees. Lightning tried to sit up, but she too found it hard to stay focused. Everything was spinning, but she could faintly make out the clashing, rushed steps of the remaining Imperial soldiers. She could barely utter a word as she watched Balthier get hoisted away into the darkness, and then everything drifted into a sweet, silent night.