Fall in Ecstasy

Chapter 11: One-sided Conversations

I recounted the conversation I had with the ghost of Sedara and showed the others the stone to which her spirit was bound. It seemed enough to convince them that I hadn't lost my mind at least, but it didn't solve anything. We still had the remaining stones to find, as well as returning Sedara to her body, and now with Sigmund breathing down our necks.

"What about you, Larsa?" I asked, remembering that he had been the one who initially waved us over. "Have you found anything yet?"

The Emperor hesitated, his expression grim as he glanced meaningfully at Fran standing beside him. She shook her head very slightly.

"No, nothing useful." Larsa replied softly. "I'll…keep looking."

No one seemed in the mood to wonder at the silent exchange between Larsa and the viera, although Basch did appear to be frowning. There was clearly something they weren't telling us, but if it had no bearing on our current situation, perhaps it was just best they keep it to themselves.

We had bigger problems to address anyway, namely Sigmund. There was dissension among us too. Balther was in favor of Vaan's plan to lay low and search for the stones, but Basch was opposed to the idea. It went against the knight's code to run from the enemy and Sigmund was too dangerous to freely roaming the ruins.

No one seemed immediately concerned with Sedara, to my quiet dismay. I was having a bad feeling about all this.

"We should relocate camp before anything else, while we still have time." Kang suggested. He inclined his head beneath the inquisitive stares that shifted in his direction. "This would seem a more ideal location for a base of operations, and it is out of the way so as to avoid discovery until we've made a decision."

Balthier regarded him shrewdly, "Perhaps you're right."

I shifted restlessly on the bench seat I occupied, wanting to say something, but not entirely sure of how to go about it. Vaan noticed and gave me a nudge of encouragement. I frowned and elbowed him back.

"Hey!" He yelped a little too loud. "Just speak up why don't you."

That of course turned everyone's attention on me and I squirmed. Instinct dictated I speak my mind, however silly it was going to sound, "I'll volunteer to go looking for Sedara's body." I blurted out. "Her spirit is in my staff after all."

I averted my gaze to the table, tracing the pattern of the wood with my eyes. It wasn't normal for me to be making bold statements like that. Nor was it a particularly sound plan when you considered what might be up there, but I felt a sense of urgency that I couldn't explain.

There was no immediate contention so I took it as my cue to continue. "Someone might want to scout for Sigmund and his knights. We don't know how many are with him, which we should find out before we do anything else. We can move camp in the meantime."

My eyes shifted anxiously from face to face, awaiting a swift rebuttal.

"I think it's a brilliant idea." Larsa announced when it appeared no one else had anything to say. He was hovering over yet another tomb as he glanced mirthfully between Balthier and Basch, "Perhaps we should delegate leadership duties to Penelo in the future."

"What do you think, Fran?" Balthier called, his arms crossed as he ignored the Emperor's jibe. "Will you do the honor of scouting, or shall I?"

"What about me?" Vaan leapt from his seat indignantly before the Viera could respond. "I can do it!"

Fran stepped forward, shouldering her bow as if she had not heard him. Her eyes met Balthier's, "Show them." She stated bluntly. "I will find the Judge."

Vaan made a sound of righteous anger, only to fall silent as the viera placed a quieting hand on his shoulder. She spoke something into his ear then and his eyes caught mine for a moment, his face turning slightly pink. He quieted and did not speak out again.

The viera nodded in farewell to the rest. Then she mounted the stone pathway that lead back to the shore by the entrance and left without another word.

"What of Penelo?" Larsa inquired fretfully, "Surely you don't mean to let her go alone?

"Absolutely not." Basch cut in firmly. "Someone must go with her."

"Why don't you go?" Balthier suggested smoothly.

The knight narrowed his eyes in a discontented frown. His glance between me and Balthier was indecisive. He looked back at Larsa, but the boy was up to his ears in the book again. Basch shook his head in reluctant resignation, "It is not my call to make."

Balthier eyes had a crafty glitter when they suddenly landed on mine. "Then I shall go in your stead. It is my responsibility as the leading man after all, is it not?"

Anger flickered in Basch's eyes, smoldering at the sky pirate in silence.

I refused to meet either man's gaze, opting to stare furiously off into space. Balthier's bizarre behavior was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. This was taking it beyond any of his previous antics and he was doing it on purpose I was certain, but why? Just to get Basch riled up? It didn't make sense.

Then Balthier laughed. He actually laughed, as if there was something funny in all this! I glared at him, but he was not looking at me. He was watching Basch with as much amusement as I'd ever seen his face possess. Basch, on the other hand, appeared as if he might tear the sky pirate limb from limb if he spoke another word.

Vaan was observing the spectacle in confusion and alarm. He kept looking back and forth between the two as if they were both insane, and I have to say I was inclined to agree.

This was getting us nowhere.

"Good God Basch," Larsa exasperated loudly, looking up from the book in obvious irritation, "Quit dawdling and go with her. That is a command, Judge Gabranth."

"You know what," I began, irritated, "Why don't you both go look for the stones and Kang can come with me. Maybe that will make you all happy." I glanced at the bangaa hopefully, "Unless you don't want to. I'll go alone if I must."

Without so much as a pause to think it over the bangaa came to stand beside me, his head tilting ever so slightly in my direction. "I would be honored to accompany you." He stated calmly.

"Thank you." I murmured and squeezed his rough, scaled hand in my own.

Kang simply nodded.

"Then it's settled." Larsa concluded with a sigh, though he didn't appear very happy about it. In fact he was glaring at Basch rather heatedly as he added, "If it would not be too imprudent, I would like to continue researching while camp is moved."

Balthier, who was already on his way out, slowed to a halt and rolled his head back with slight impatience, "As you are still the Emperor we can hardly say no." He remarked snidely and glanced at Basch. "I expect you'll want to stay with him as well?"

Basch had barely opened his mouth when Kang beat him to it, "I will stay." The bangaa declared and regarded Basch reassuringly. "If danger should come, I will sense it long before you ever would."

"Very well." The knight agreed.

"Let's get on with this then." Balthier implored. "We haven't all day."

The four of us set out briskly from the library and entered the dark passages that led back to the valley under a veil of subdued silence. Tension was so thick in the air that I thought I even heard it crackle a time or two. We really needed to get a handle on that.

I swear my patience with the male sex was teetering on the edge of a knife. Did they all have to be so insufferable at the same time? Vaan had not reached that point, merciful gods, but given enough time he probably would.

We were all stressed of course, which was largely to blame for the bad tempers. No one wanted to be stuck down here with the distinct possibility that we would never get out. That Sigmund was now in our midst only served to make matters worse.

It was hardest on Basch. Larsa was the future of the Empire and it was Basch's job to ensure his safety, which was looking rather doubtful at the moment. There was also a personal vendetta between him and Sigmund due to the manner in which the traitor had escaped the first time. It would not set well with Basch to let him escape a second time, and that was a distinct possibility.

There was the little matter between us too. Finding time to have a private conversation around here was impossible even without the added bonus of Basch avoiding me. The whole thing was ridiculously stupid too.

It served no purpose to behave like this and it was hurting our friendship, which didn't deserve it. I missed his company and his conversation. I missed the ease with which we had always interacted before, when we had been friends and comrades.

How had everything gotten so confused and twisted? I didn't understand. It made me feel foolish and stupid, like I had somehow missed something in all of this and it was my fault.

I had always harbored feelings for him. It had been a silly crush of course, but I was never silly about it. I liked him for the right reasons. He was strong and brave, and he treated everyone with kindness, no matter their age, station, or race. He never spoke down to me like Balthier sometimes had.

After we parted ways, I found out just how much it hurt to miss him. I think that was when I finally realized how deep my affections really were. Then it was too late.

But I would have kept it to myself anyway. I was too young then and I had felt certain that his heart was already someone else's, and there was Vaan to consider too. Only, when Basch never returned to Dalmasca, I began to wonder.

Someone jabbed in the ribs, startling me back to reality. I glanced sideways, biting back an angry retort as Vaan fell in step beside me.

"What?" I whispered. We had dropped back to the tail end of the group.

"You look like you've got a lot on your mind." He observed, his eyes searching mine in a moment of clarity. "You never did say what was bugging you."

My nose wrinkled in agitation as I noted the others rapidly pulling away. Vaan was intentionally slowing the pace, "I told you it was nothing." I insisted.

"Oh come on, we both know that's a load of—"

"For the love of Faram, let it alone, will you?" I snapped.

Vaan drew away, startled and hurt, and I immediately regretted my words. Then his expression hardened and he lashed out defensively, "How can we? It's hard to ignore when you and Basch are constantly walking on eggshells around each other. What's going on?"

There were certain things that I prided myself in being adept at hiding, but feelings of this nature, unfortunately, were not among them. Especially when it was Vaan asking. I spun away sharply and marched after the others, but he was right behind me.

"You two have been acting weird ever since you got here." Vaan accused and dove in front of my path, halting me in my tracks. "Don't tell me there's nothing going on, because I know there is, and everyone else knows it too."

My face flushed as I was force to meet his gaze, "We had one minor altercation, that's all."

Vaan was not giving up though. "What kind of altercation?"

I swallowed hard and averted my eyes to the side, fretting. I usually told Vaan everything – that's what family was for, but this? I took a deep breath, "He kissed me, alright?"

His mouth fell open and his brow furrowed together incredulously, but no words came out.

"When we were leaving Dalmasca – I meant to go by myself, but…he came after me. It was nothing. Just for show I guess." I shrugged nonchalantly, but the quiver in my voice must have given me away for Vaan pounced the moment I finished.

"You are in love with him." He concluded shortly. There was no speculation, no disbelief in his eyes, but cold, hard understanding.

My lips parted slowly, but I couldn't muster the courage to deny it when I knew it was probably true. The blush in my cheeks had reached my neck and further, but I didn't say anything.

Vaan shook his head, his expression softening. "Why though?" He pleaded earnestly. "Why Basch?"

I looked him in the eyes, "Why not, Vaan? He's always been good to us, hasn't he? He would die for us, wouldn't he?" I sighed, closing my eyes for a time. "He's been a true friend in every respect, and I love my friends dearly. You have no idea how hard it was for me to lose that after he left."

This time I was able to get around Vaan before he could stop me. I'd barely taken five steps when I heard his footsteps chasing after me again. I didn't expect the sudden grip on my wrist or the force with which he pulled me around, jarring my shoulder, but I managed to twist out of his grasp and face him.

To be fair, Vaan appeared suitably horrified at his overly vigorous treatment, but it didn't excuse his behavior. The fury with which he had spurred himself to make such a risky advance faltered and he averted his fuming gaze to the ground.

"If you have something to say, then say it." I demanded.

Vaan caught my eye with a huff of indignation and blurted out unceremoniously, "He's old enough to be your father!"

That's it?!I blinked in sudden comprehension. Is that why Basch is pushing me away?

My hands clenched and unclenched at my sides as I composed myself from shouting into his face. With a deep breath I met his gaze determinedly, "Actually, no, he's not. My father was 30 when I was born."

Vaan blinked in bewilderment and then the meaning finally registered. His feet shuffled nervously and he looked away, "Are you sure about this?" He asked skeptically. "I mean, I always thought that we…you know…would be together."

I frowned, groaning inwardly, "We are, Vaan, and we always will be because we're family."

He squinted thoughtfully and scrutinized me up and down. A spark of jealousy flickered briefly behind his eyes, "Well, not by blood. I'd be crazy not to notice you, wouldn't I?"

I leveled him with an exasperated glare, hands on my hips. "You treat me like an adorable little sister, Vaan. Forgive me if I don't feel exactly flattered."

He rubbed the back of his neck, brooding. "Maybe you're right." He mumbled. "I just…I never gave any thought to the idea that you might not always be here. It kind of blind-sided me. Now if it had been Balthier, I might have understood, but Basch?"

"Balthier?!" I repeated incredulously. "Are you insane?"

Vaan squirmed and scrambled for something to say, however feeble in nature, "But Basch...he's so old!"

"Oh don't be an idiot, Vaan." I replied in agitation. "He's the most honorable person we know. If Basch and I hadn't fallen down here the first time, maybe things would've been more distant between us, but they're not. He saved my life you know. I might add that he's also single. What more can you ask for in someone?"

"Alright, alright." Vaan held up his hands in surrender. "You can hardly blame me for being a little jealous though, you know. After all we've been through."

"You never tried." I said shortly. "Don't blame that on me. "

Vaan shook his head demurely, "My bad." He glanced at me then, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "You should know though, that as your sole remaining brother figure, it is my duty to antagonize anyone pining for you."

"You'd best save your breath then." I answered bitterly and started down the path again. "He isn't going to pine for me. Come on. We better catch up with them before they start to worry about us."

The words had no more than left my mouth when a violent quake struck the valley and sent both of us staggering away from the path's edge to safety. Dirt, pebbles, and chunks of stone rained down for an entire minute as the fierce trembling continued. When it finally subsided, I felt something akin to dread crawling up my spine; I knew this feeling from somewhere.

"What was that?" Vaan piped up anxiously.

"I don't know," I murmured, but I had a pretty good idea. "Let's hurry."

We caught Basch and Balthier at the bridge, both of which were on their way back to look for us. Vaan and I exchanged a sheepish glance as we scrambled up to them, panting and red-faced.

"What happened?" Basch asked pointedly and looked at me. A shadow of memory hovered over his eyes.

He had recognized the quake too.

"It's my fault." Vaan wheezed before I could answer, "We got to talking and fell behind. That's all. Let's go."

Balthier regarded the younger man ruefully, "Give a heads up next time." He said and the two of them headed across the bridge in front.

Basch and I fell in step behind them under a tense silence born of apprehension. I peered over the side at the water swirling ominously below and swallowed hard. Hair sprang up on the back of my neck as I imagined what might be lurking beneath the surface. A gloved hand gently grasped my arm and I flinched before realizing it was only Basch.

I exhaled shakily as my heart sank back into its rightful place

"Careful." He murmured and pulled me away from the edge. "I fear now would be an especially bad time to take a swim."

I laced my fingers through his instinctively and took a step closer, "I won't fall." I maintained weakly, hesitating, "Do you really think…?"

Basch smiled grimly, "It would not surprise me at this point. After all, what would our reunion be without the squid?"

"Oh, I hope you're wrong." I moaned.

"As do I." He replied quietly.

We stepped off the bridge, dodging a pair of ghosts that were wondering the palace's inner courtyard, and slipped inside quickly. It was a mad dash to throw camp into the nearest provision pack they found thereafter. I was grabbing things randomly when a zodiac stone that I hadn't seen before came rolling out of a sock, a dirty sock.

I let out a yelp of surprise and reached out to catch it before it hit the ground. Three pairs of eyes glanced in my direction as I examined the red, oddly shaped stone in stunned silence. Inside it was the sign of Scorpio.

My gaze shifted between Balthier and Vaan reproachfully. "Care to explain this?" I inquired and held the object up for their inspection.

"Ah, that," Balthier smiled smoothly and plucked the stone from my hand. He handed it abruptly over to Basch. "I believe you're going to need this."

Basch, who appeared as equally perturbed as I was by this latest development, lifted the stone cautiously. As he did it began to glow.

Meanwhile, I stood up, my mouth agape in indignation as I pinned Balthier with an expectant glare, "Why you lying…" I advanced on him angrily, until Vaan entered my peripheral vision, at which point my anger shifted, "Both of you!"

Vaan blushed deeply and averted his gaze to the ground with a dejected, "Sorry."

I resumed my attack on Balthier with renewed vigor, jabbing a finger into his chest, "How could you?" I demanded. "All of our lives are on the line and you're going behind our backs! How many of them do you have?!"

For once Balthier appeared mildly embarrassed, but he made a good show of covering it up. He rubbed his chin, feigning a thoughtful expression, "Including yours and assuming that both gatekeepers each have another one, all but 2 of the 12 are accounted for."

I hesitated, brow scrunched pensively as I did the math, "You found 7 of them?" I blurted out, "How?"

Balthier shrugged, "The treasure room beneath the throne. There were twelve pedestals, 7 of them full."

Something he said didn't make sense, "But, what do you mean mine? The stone I have is Sedara's."

The sky pirate arched a challenging brow, "Is it?"

"Well I thought…" I stopped as I recalled the staff's first reaction to my touch. Maybe not. "Why is her spirit attached to it then?"

"I'd venture a guess that the one in your possession was originally hers, but it has been transferred to you." Balthier explained. "Her body is likely linked to a second stone, which will be the one she takes control over once she is revived."

"Uh, guys?" Vaan called from the entrance, a bulging provision pack slung over his shoulders, "We should probably get going."

Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.

"And the other six stones?" Basch inquired calmly as we departed the palace.

The sky pirate flipped one out of his pocket – a blue Aquarius, for us to see. "Fran, Vaan, and I all have ours. The other three are in my bag; one for the Emperor, one for Dalmasca's general, and one for the traitor."

Basch frowned darkly at the ground as we crossed the courtyard, "This will not end well."

Balthier nodded astutely, "When one plays with fire, someone undoubtedly gets burned. Let us hope it is only a minor singe in our case."

"That still leaves two stones missing though." I pointed out.

"Indeed." Basch intoned flatly. "We can only hope that either Sedara or Jovan knows of their whereabouts."

The wailing ghosts of the valley were gathering in droves when we reached the other side of the bridge. They stared around each other with frightened, lifeless eyes, their voices trembling with uncertainty. It was if they were waiting for something dreadful to occur.

"I don't like this." I murmured as we wove carefully around them.

"I think a change in pace is in order." Balthier announced and hastened into a jog.

Everyone else followed suit.

We had just reached the top of the marble staircase in the running of the gauntlet when the second quake struck. It jerked the ground clear out from under me and I reeled forward, barely catching myself. The others were faring no better, but we were all on our feet.

A great, resonating shriek filled the valley and I thought my head would explode. The specters went berserk, fleeing in all directions, heedless of the living. My hands were clasped tightly over my ears against the horrible sound, but even that couldn't sufficiently muffle their screams.

Frigid gusts of wind brushed passed me in the wake of the fleeing ghosts as I dodged them. Somewhere in the middle of the chaos I remember glimpsing Basch out of the corner of my eye falling down. Vaan fell next. When the ground finally quit shaking and the last of the ghosts disappeared, all went quiet.

Balthier and I stood looking at one another briefly, the only two still standing. Basch and Vaan were frozen on the ground, having been touch by passing spirits.

"I'll carry Vaan to the library." The sky pirate said and winked. "I don't imagine you'll mind keeping your knight company while the effects wear off."

What Balthier said barely registered in my brain. I had already hastened to Basch's side and was sinking to my knees. His eyes were fixed on a spot high above us, unblinking. It was as if time had stopped for him while the rest of us continued on.

I shivered and reached for his hand.

One would have expected it to be like ice the way in which he appeared frozen, but it was not. I looked up as Balthier was walking away with Vaan draped in his arms and inhaled sharply. My gaze drifted back to Basch's still and unresponsive form, wondering.

Could he hear me? Balthier never said whether a person was lucid when this happened. It didn't appear so.

It was easy to speak my mind here when there was no danger of being rebuffed. There was a pretense of being heard by someone in this case, so I could pretend that I wasn't really talking to myself.

"Well, here we are again," I began, examining our linked hands and thinking that this was oddly like that one time I'd been rambling off to him while he slept, "You know, you probably don't remember this, but I once said that I thought the idea of you and Ashe was romantic."

I paused and bit the inside of my lip. This had the distinct feeling of talking to an empty outhouse, but I was already in the middle of my story – might as well finish what I'd been about to say.

I leaned over him until his eyes were aligned with mine and for a split second I almost lost the courage to continue it felt so real, but I swallowed my fear and forged ahead, "I believe I've changed my mind. In fact, I think it's a horrible idea." I sat back on my heels and sighed. "I was kind of jealous of her actually, but I knew at the time that I was being silly. You see, I thought…"

My chest tightened and I took a deep breath, forcing the emotion back down my throat.

"Well, I thought that it would stop once we parted ways," I explained quietly, "But it didn't go away – it got worse…and I kept thinking of how stupid I must be to not let go of something that wasn't even there,"

Tears of frustration trickled down my face and I swiped them away in irritation. I wasn't even paying attention to the time that passed. I just rambled on.

I sniffled loudly, "I wouldn't let it go…because I knew I'd see you again someday and I was going to wait however long it took."

It was right about then that Basch twitched. My head jerked up in surprise and I hastily wiped the last remnants of tears from my face. The flush creeping into my cheeks I couldn't hide.

Basch turned his head slowly to look at me as if he'd been there the entire time, listening to my every word. My heart lodged so far into my throat that I couldn't breathe. I stared back at him, mortification gradually stealing over me.

Had he heard me? Of course not! Are you sure? I gasped with an almost inaudible whimper. No.

Oh my gods…

Timing is truly everything. At the first echo of approaching footsteps I looked up and spotted Fran coming toward us. I cast one agonizing glance back at the man now sitting up beside me, his eyes boring into me with such intensity that my skin burned. Then I bolted.

It wasn't until I'd dived into the cover of darkness in the library passages that I realized I'd left behind my portion of the camp. I came to a halt in one of the anti-chambers and slammed my back against the wall where it was dark enough that no one was likely to see me. No one, except Fran.

How could I be that stupid? I cursed myself once, twice, a dozen times over and over. They would be showing up any minute and there would be no escape then. Unless I sprinted for the library, nabbed Kang, and hustled back out to search for Sedara.

That was a good idea. It wasn't going to happen, but it was a good idea.

I heard Basch and Fran entering the passage just as I darted from the chamber. They were moving faster than I anticipated. Fran likely had news to impart, which meant she wasn't going to take her time in getting back.

They weren't as close behind me as I had feared it turned out. I was well across the stone path to the center dial of the library by the time they emerged from the passage on the far side of the library. Everyone was waiting edgily for us to show.

I made a b-line for Vaan as soon as I spotted him, ignoring Balthier's sharp glance in my direction. I wasn't about to explain why I'd left my pack.

Larsa promptly intercepted me, clasping my hands in his affectionately, "I'm so glad you're all safe. I heard that it was quite the ordeal getting back."

"It wasn't too bad." I smiled with false enthusiasm. "How is Vaan?"

Vaan fired a glare at Larsa's back as he was walking up behind us, "I'm fine."

I frowned, confused, and looked at Larsa questioningly, "What did you do that's got his feathers all ruffled?"

Larsa blushed as he hesitated to answer, "Ah, I didn't…realize that one was still conscious while under the paralysis."

It was all the confirmation I needed to send me to the last depths of despair. I strangled a groan at the base of my throat and spun away abruptly, hiding my face in shame.

A hand came to rest lightly on my shoulder, "Penelo, is everything alright?" Larsa asked, concerned.

"I'm such an idiot!" I whined.

Vaan appeared on the other side of me from Larsa, "So what did you say?" He asked, his eyes twinkling mirthfully.

"What?" Larsa looked between us in bewilderment. "What did she say to who?"

"Basch, you idiot." Vaan retorted. "Who do you think!"

The Emperor's face brightened with enlightenment. He looked at me, his grin widening with mischievous intent, "What did you say?"

"Nothing!" I ground out angrily and stalked away from them, silently fuming.

It was around that time that Basch and Fran arrived, the latter carrying my portion of camp. I stared at it dismally and hung my head as I dragged my feet to stand beside Kang. My staff was leaning up against the table behind him – stupid of me to leave it there.

I composed myself after a moment and lifted my gaze. Basch was looking right at me. It took everything I had not to look away. He wasn't angry, but he wasn't happy either. In fact, he kind of had the look of someone on the hunt.

"What news?" Balthier asked.

The world outside blurred into a fuzzy nothingness until all I could see was the knight standing across from me. I held his gaze, as if I could interpret his every thought studying his face. Only I couldn't.

Fear and uncertainty seized the back of my throat and I bowed my head, breaking the contact.

"Five." The viera had replied. "They lost many getting here."

"Those aren't bad odds." Balthier murmured. "Are they staying put?"

Fran nodded. "They mistrust this place."

"Well, now we just have to decide whether to confront him now, or wait until Penelo and Kang have brought the gate keeper back. " The sky pirate concluded. "Any thoughts?"

"I would suggest that Penelo and I depart now." Kang announced unexpectedly. "Time is not a privilege we have and our task is already set."

Balthier nodded. "I agree. We'll all meet back here if we can." He began, "If not, best of luck to us all."

I was grabbing my staff when Vaan spoke up, "Shouldn't we send more than two?" He asked, troubled, "We don't' even know what's up there."

"I'll go." Basch stepped forward without a moment's hesitation.

I straightened, pivoting around to stare at him in surprise. He wasn't looking at me though.

Balthier smirked dryly, "Well, there you have it. I expect that means we'll be staying put until you return. Can't have the Emperor out and about, now can we?"

"That would be wise." Kang confirmed.

"Be careful." Larsa chirped.

"Oh, Kang? You might need this." The sky pirate retrieved something from his pocket and tossed it towards the blind bangaa.

Kang caught the blue green stone smoothly, his lips forming a smile that was akin to the devil's grin. "May the gods watch over us."

Basch lingered behind as Kang and I mounted the stone path and departed the library. I peeked over my shoulder and saw him exchange a few words with Balthier. Then the sky pirate nodded a farewell and Basch bounded up onto the path behind us.

I turned back around and narrowly missed colliding into Kang's back as I was stepping down onto the grass. "Oh!" I exclaimed, jumping to the side, "Sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

The bangaa chuckled and ruffled my hair gingerly. "I will take rear guard." He murmured and brushed passed me, waiting for Basch to catch up.

"Ok then." I trailed off and started walking, staff held firmly in hand. I could hear Basch's footsteps as they gained ground from behind me.

He fell in step next to me, a faintly roguish smile playing at his lips as we stole the same sidelong glance at each other. "While I normally would not object to your walking in front of me, as your backside is infinitely better to look at than Balthier's, and I dare say Kang's as well, I would feel more at ease if I led."

I blushed deeply, not even bothering to form a coherent reply – I probably couldn't have if I wanted to.

Kang snorted from somewhere behind us. "Don't like tails, do you?" He inquired. "I find that deeply insulting."

"It's not the tail, my friend." Basch returned cordially. "It's more to do with being of the wrong sex in general, though if it makes you feel any better, the tail is an improvement over Balthier's ass."

I gasped, "Oh, that's so revolting!" I couldn't resist what came out next though, "I rather think Balthier has a nice derriere."

Basch grunted derisively, his face twisted in an annoyed scowl, "Naturally."

"Best viewed at a distance." I clarified, before adding very quietly, "I never really cared much for him you know. Not that way. And while we're on the topic, no, I didn't like Vaan that way either."

Before he said anything I felt Basch's fingers weave through mine snugly. My heart skipped a beat and my stomach suddenly felt ticklish inside. Then he lifted my hand and brushed his lips against my knuckles; I could have melted had we not been walking.

"I know." He said.

We emerged into the valley and lifted our gazes skyward. It felt like ages since I'd seen the actual sky. I felt a shiver at the thought that I might never see one again.

Somewhere up there was another gate and that's where we were headed.

"Basch?" My voice sounded strange to me as we resumed our trek.

"Yes?" Basch's eyes were still trained ahead, surveying the valley.

"Can I have your handkerchief?" I asked. "I'll give it back."

Basch faltered a step, his brow lifting a fraction higher than normal as he glanced at me. His expression softened and he reached into his pocket, revealing the familiar square of fabric. "I expect you to take good care of it." He warned with faux intensity.

"I will." I smiled back.

Author's Notes: Well that was kind of bad. Nothing happened in this chapter. I'm totally derailing. Next time I decide to post a fanfic I'm writing the whole thing beforehand and then posting it. I can't believe it took me this long to update. I'm pretty disgusted about that too. Me and life still aren't on good terms right now – that's my only excuse and a poor one at that. Sorry guys. I promise a much faster update for next chapter.

By the way, Faram is like the head honcho Gods according to what I read. I believe I butchered his name in an earlier chapter in fact.

Reviews are the highlight of my existence. Thank you for sticking with me. Take care,

Faerlyte.