So, a really long one this time, this may be a pattern.

Either way, enjoy over four thousand words!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Vaan lead Basch through Lowtown, to the northwest, toward the stairway to Rabanastre. Once above ground, they headed south toward the shopping district; ultimately toward the Sandsea. Where would you look for a sky pirate if not a bar?

Basch stopped just outside the Sandsea and looked ahead.

Vaan tracked his line of vision and saw a group of young children running around. Not a parent in sight.

"A lot of kids lost their parents in the war. Mine - mine had already died before that. The plague took them both."

Basch put his hand on his hip. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. It's been five years now. After that, I lived with my friend Penelo and her family. Then… Then the war came."

"I am sorry."

Vaan sighed and looked up at the older man. "You don't have to keep apologizing. Really, it's all right. I know it wasn't your fault. I see that now." He sighed and subtly glanced at R. "You didn't kill my brother." He looked up at the red banner hanging from the building, the flag of the Empire. "It was the Empire." He looked back at Basch. "My Brother trusted you. And he was right."

R was shocked. "Vaan…" For the thief to go from exploding at the mention of Basch to publicly supporting the man in a span of a few days, it was amazing. R was proud of Vaan.

The two men climbed the stairs to the second floor of the Sandsea. At the top, Vaan stuck out a hand to Basch; the universal signal to wait.

At a table not far away sat Balthier and Fran. Balthier seemed to be arguing with Migelo while Fran watched. She saw Vaan and Basch but said nothing.

"As I said, a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding!? What I am understanding is that they took Penelo because of you!"

Vaan intervened, "What? What about Penelo?"

Migelo turned to face him, obviously upset. "Oh, Vaan! They've taken Penelo!" He took a steadying breath. "And there was a note - for this Balthier! Come to the Bhujerba mines, it said."

Fran spoke up, "It's Ba'Gamnan. He was in Nalbina."

"If anything were to happen to that sweet child - why, I've her parents' memory to consider! You're going to go to her aid, and that's that! It's what you sky pirates do, isn't it?"

Balthier sneered at the merchant. "I don't respond well to orders. You do know that the Imperial fleet is massing at Bhujerba?"

The two stared at each other, unwilling to compromise.

Vaan glanced at them both. "Fine, then I'll go! You at least have an airship, don't you?" He turned to Migelo, "Just get me there, and I'll find Penelo myself."

Basch also joined the group. "I'll join you. I have some business there as well."

"An audience with the Marquis, by chance?" Balthier quipped.

"Balthier, just take us and this is yours." Vaan held out the stone.

R gasped, "Vaan, no!"

Fran propped her head up on her hand. "The gods are toying with us."

Balthier groaned and got up. He began to leave with Fran following. "Make yourselves ready. We leave soon.

"Right!" Vaan, Basch, and R joined them.

Balthier waited for Vaan at the bottom of the stairs. "Ba'Gamnan's note can only be referring to the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. We'll leave at once. When you're ready, meet me in the aerodome. I should imagine it's still by the west gate… We weren't in Nalbina all that long. Do be quick. I'd like to save your girl and be rid of this headache as soon as possible."

Vaan walked up to where Balthier was waiting for him. "Bhujerba's on the sky continent of Dorstonis, and the magicite mine we're looking for is in Bhujerba. If we're looking to save the girl, we start there. You ready to go?"

Vaan nodded.

"You do realize that once we've left, you may not see Rabanastre for a while. Once we leave there'll be no looking back."

"I'm really ready."

Balthier smirked. "We make for the Lhusu mines in Bhujerba. Seems I took on more baggage in Rabanastre than I'd planned… Well, let's save your girl and be done with it. Come on.

The group headed into the hangar, where Balthier paused to let Vaan and Basch admire his ship. "This is the Strahl." He glanced back at Vaan. "She airship enough for you?"

Vaan pushed ahead of them for a closer look. "The Strahl… You really are a sky pirate!" He turned to gape at Balthier in awe.

R was also getting a closer look. "She looks Archadian. The Strahl… This wouldn't happen to be the prototype that was stolen from Draklor Labs a few years back, would it?"

Balthier answered Vaan. "Well the headhunters certainly seem to think so." He spoke up, "What's the good word? Is she ready?"

The moogle mechanics nodded and came down the gangplank, nodding as they left.

Vaan nodded and started in on Balthier. "So, is she armed? How fast is she? Could she take the Ifrit?" R laughed at his antics.

Balthier boarded his airship and looked around. "I suppose I could tell you, but…" He turned and beckoned to Vaan, "wouldn't you rather see for yourself?" The pirate smiled.

Vaan smiled back and ran on board.

Balthier and Fran strode efficiently to the cockpit. "Fran, our course." He sat in the pilot's chair.

Fran was his copilot and navigator. "The shortest way's over Dorstonis."

Basch joined them. "How flies Bhujerba?"

Vaan and R joined them as Balthier replied, "Oh, she's free as can be, for now."

"The Empire took notice when they announced the Princess's unfortunate suicide and your untimely execution."

Basch stepped forward. "If it becomes known that I am alive, the Marquis will lose their favor."

Balthier was trying to prepare the Strahl for flight. "I try to steer clear of such things." He flicked a switch. "Right, it's time to fly." Vaan and Basch took seats behind the pilots. R settled beside Vaan. "And no wagging tongues or you're like to bite them off."

Balthier and Basch watched armoured Imperials run through the aerodome. "Easy."

"He's not here!"

"Keep looking!"

Balthier spoke quietly to Basch. "Remember, you're a dead man. And no names."

Basch nodded. "Of course."

The group of rescuers walked out of the aerodrome and across the bridge that connected it to the Skycity of Bhujerba. Fran was in the lead with Balthier slightly behind, explaining things to the members of the group that had never been there. "The Lhusu Mines are just up ahead. Though, I do hear there's not much left there these days."

Suddenly there was an inquiry from behind them. "You're on your way to the mines?"

They all turned. A boy was standing at the railing of the bridge, looking out at the floating continent. He turned and approached them with easy grace. "Then please, allow me to accompany you. I've an errand to attend to there."

Basch looked at him shrewdly. "What manner of errand?"

"The boy took a measured step as Basch watched. "What errand? I might ask the same of you."

Balthier shrugged. "Right, come on then."

Vaan looked at the pirate. "What?"

The boy smiled up at Balthier. "Excellent."

Balthier's eyebrows were furrowed. "Do me a favor and stay where I can keep my eye on you. Should be less trouble that way."

R saw the boy glance behind them at a pair of Imperials. He didn't doubt that Balthier and Fran saw it too.

"For us both."

Vaan crossed his arms. "So what's your name?"

"Oh I - I'm Lamont."

R frowned at the obvious lie. Not at the lie itself but this amateur could get the group caught.

Vaan nodded. "Don't worry. I don't know what's in that mine, Lamont, but you're in good hands." He smiled. "Right Basch?"

Basch and Balthier gaped at each other, then at an apologetic looking Vaan, then sighed.

R groaned.

With that, they all continued to navigate the twisting streets, avoiding streets with Imperials. All in all, It didn't take long for the party to reach Lhusu Square.

There were miners everywhere. They were all out in the square instead of mining. Vaan wondered if something was going on in the mines.

R leaned toward the thief. "I would assume that the bounty hunters spread news that there was a monster or disaster in the mine so that they wouldn't be in the way."

Vaan nodded and lead the group into the mines. He stopped almost as soon as he got inside and saw the huge golden archways.

R floated up behind him. "Gorgeous aren't they? When I was young I would always look at pictures of Bhujerba when I was supposed to be studying. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Ivalice, definitely the most beautiful city now that Nabradia is no more."

Balthier was the first to catch up to Vaan. "The Lhusu Mines: one of the richest veins in Ivalice."

"Under Imperial guard, no doubt." Basch commented.

Lamont stepped forward. "Actually, no. With but few exceptions, the Imperial army is not permitted in Bhujerba. Well, shall we proceed?"

Balthier and Basch shared a glance as Lamont walked off.

R whispered in Vaan's ear, "That boy is not who he says he is. No average boy, even if they're from the Empire, knows that much about the movements of the Imperial army. And the way he talks…"

Vaan glanced around to make sure he wouldn't be heard. His voice was barely a breath. "What about it?"

R was frowning. "He talks like a royal."

The group descended multiple flights of stairs before R alerted Vaan of Imperials in an adjacent corridor. The ghost led them around the group to spy on them from behind.

Lamont spoke up after he watched them go. "Halim Ondore IV, the Marquis of Bhujerba. The Marquis served as mediator at the negotiations of Dalmasca's surrender. It appears he is somewhat less neutral now."

"They say he's been helping the Resistance."

"They say many things."

Balthier crossed his arms and looked down at the boy. "You're certainly well informed. Who did you say you were again?"

Vaan interrupted, he knew the boy was lying but it hadn't hurt them so far and that was all that mattered. "What difference does it make? We have to find Penelo."

Lamont gazed after the desert boy. "And Penelo is your-"

Vaan stopped and turned to look at the younger boy. "She's a friend. She was kidnapped and taken here." He ran ahead of the others.

R chose then to speak. "I must admit that I was also curious of your relationship with this Penelo girl."

Vaan sighed. "She really is a friend. A close friend. We've been friends since we were little. I lived with her family for a while. She's practically my sister. A lot of people think that we'll end up as a couple but that's not how it is between us." A pause. "Why?"

R was grinning. "Just wondering."

The Lhusu Mines were much darker and gloomier than those golden archways portrayed. There were tracks on the ground for carts and there were Steelings everywhere. There were also skeletons to fight.

After a while Vaan whispered to R. "You're definitely right about him not being what he appears. No ordinary boy could afford to keep throwing hi-potions at us like he's been doing. He talks like a royal, knows about the Imperial army, and he has money. Possibly Archadian nobility?"

R just smiled as the group fought a Skull Defender.

The group continued on through the mines, fighting as they went. At one point they found a Killer Bow, which Fran proceeded to use. They also found an Assassin's Dagger, which Vaan took a liking to.

Not long after that, they came upon a huge empty cavern where the walls were shining blue.

Lamont was the first to venture in and inspect the ground. "This is what I came here to see." He took a sparkling stone out of his pocket.

Neither Vaan nor R had ever seen anything like it. "What's that?"

Lamont looked up at the other boy. "It's nethicite. Manufactured nethicite."

When Vaan looked to R for clarification, the ghost shook his head. He didn't know. "Nethicite?"

"Unlike regular magicite, nethicite absorbs magickal energy. This is the fruit of research into the manufacture of nethicite. All at the hands of the Draklor Laboratory."

R noticed Balthier's assessing gaze.

Lamont got up and wandered toward a wall. "So this is where they're getting the magicite."

Balthier began to walk toward the boy. "Errand all attended to then?"

Lamont didn't even look away from the wall. "Thank you. I'll repay you shortly."

"No, you'll repay us now. We have too much on our hands to go on holding yours."

Lamont turned at the sharper tone.

"So where did you hear this fairy tale about "nethicite"?" Balthier was close, causing the boy to backtrack, "And where did you get that sample you carry?" He finally stopped. "What do you know about the Draklor Laboratories?" He had the boy pinned between a rock and a hard place. "Tell me: who are you?"

Vaan interrupted, "Balthier-"

A loud, snarling voice was heard. "You kept us waiting, Balthier!" The group turned to see a number of rather hostile-looking bangaas. "You slipped away in Nalbina. We missed you!"

R swore. "Ba'Gamnan and his bounty hunters."

Ba'Gamnan started up a chainsaw. "First the Judge, and now this boy. The whole affair has the smell of money. I may have to wet by beak a little."

"Keep your snout in the trough where it belongs. This thinking ill befits you, Ba'Gamnan."

The bangaa snarled, "Balthier! Too long have I gone unpaid! I'll carve my bounty out of that boy!"

Vaan ignored the threat to his safety. "Where's Penelo? We're taking her back!"

Ba'Gamnan jeered at the Dalmascan, "The girl? Why keep the bait when you've landed the fish?" He was swinging his saw emphatically. "We cut her loose on the way here and then off she ran, crying like a babe!"

Lamont hurled the chunk of nethicite at the bangaa, stunning him.

They were in action, Lamont ducked down to grab the nethicite as they ran and the rest followed. Balthier pushed the headhunter over as he passed.

The hunters took pursuit.

They ran at a swift pace through the faintly glowing caverns. "We'll not be able to take them all! Fight who we must, leave the rest." Balthier spoke as if he were just out for a stroll instead of running for his life.

Gijuk was the fastest of the hunters but he didn't manage to significantly injure anyone.

It was on the bridge with the near army of skeletons that they finally caught up to Lamont, though the young boy stayed ahead. Vaan realized the boy was headed back to the Lhusu Square where there were too many people for the hunters to take action. He grinned and sped up accordingly.

Two or three areas later, Fran stopped running so Balthier stopped running. The others followed suit. If Balthier, running for his life, had stopped then they were safe.

Fran glanced around. "It would not seem they follow. We've lost them."

Balthier yawned and stretched, "Much more running about with bangaas at my heels…and I'm apt to give up sky pirating altogether."

R snorted rather inelegantly. "Oh I highly doubt that."

Forging on, they made it out of the mine with little trouble, save fighting of the steelings, skeletons, and a slaven.

In the square proper, the group was forced to stop and hide immediately.

Lamont kept walking, headed straight for the Imperials. There was even a Judge present.

R whistled lowly. "So now we find out who little Lamont really is. It seems as if you were right to say he's Archadian, Vaan."

The Judge spoke to the approaching boy. "I see you've been out walking without the company of your cortege… Lord Larsa."

Balthier shook his head in exasperation.

One of the soldiers moved to show a girl to the young Lord.

Balthier was barely able to catch Vaan before he gave away their cover.

The Judge explained her presence, "We caught her wandering out of the mines. You must take care with such undesirables about."

Penelo's head shot up and she shot a pleading look at the Judge. "I was kidnapped-"

The Judge abruptly turned. "Silence!"

Larsa calmly walked between the two. "If it is a crime to wander on one's own…" He stopped to face the Judge, "then I, too, am guilty." He turned to face Ondore, who was also present. "Marquis. I trust that your estate can accommodate another guest?"

The man glanced at the Judge. "Why not?"

The boy nodded content. He turned to his companion, "Judge Ghis, I shall heed your counsel. I will not travel unaccompanied any longer." He turned to the girl and led her away by the hand. He looked up at her with a smile, "Thank you, Penelo."

The baffled girl nodded. "O-Of course."

Vaan watched them go and turned to puzzle it out. "What's Penelo doing? And what's the deal with that Lamont?

"That's no "Lamont"" Vaan turned to the sky pirate "That's Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Fourth son to Emperor Gramis…and brother to Vayne."

Vaan took a double take. "What!? That kid?"

Fran attempted to calm him. "Do not worry. I believe he will treat her well."

Balthier shrugged and turned to Vaan with a grin. "Nobody knows men like Fran does."

"Our purposes lead the same way: to Ondore. We must find means to approach him."

Vaan tuned out the others in favor of brooding.

R floated next to him. "Don't worry too much about Penelo, Vaan. From what we've seen of this Larsa, he'll keep her safe until you get to her. I'm sure you noticed the silver pendant around his neck; he's a white mage, bound not to do undue harm. He's likely informing her of your recent actions."

Vaan hummed. "R, how long have you been a ghost?"

Said ghost frowned. It was not a pleasant question. "About two years I think. Larsa would have been too young to be considered at the time. Vayne was mobile but remained in the shadow of the Emperor. Neither were targets."

"Did you know my brother?"

"Where did he fight?"

"His first big fight was the Battle for Nalbina. Basch was his Captain."

"Ah. No, I unfortunately did not make it to that particular battle. My last battle was at Nabradia. I fought along side Basch. He was almost in time to save me. An archer, it was."

"I noticed you said you fought with Basch, not under him. You must have been important." Vaan fished.

There was a pensive silence for a time.

"R, will you ever tell me who you are?"

A wry smile. "Perhaps in time."

They were now in Lhusu Square proper. Basch seemed to be pondering something. "Marquis Ondore announced my execution 2 years ago." He turned to Balthier. "If news of my survival were to spread, the Marquis may find his position compromised."

Balthier agreed. "The men he's been funding bear little love for the Empire. They won't be thrilled to discover that rumors of your death were, in fact, greatly exaggerated." He glanced to his right, at Vaan. "If we were to raise a clamor to that effect, we might just get their attention."

Vaan grinned and walked closer to the planning duo. "Nothin' to it! I'll just go around town spreading the word. How 'bout this?" He posed dramatically and waved a hand in the air. "I'm Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!"

The people nearby all stopped to look at the young man claiming to be a supposedly dead king slayer. Fran shifted uneasily.

"Well? Whaddaya think?"

Balthier's voice was dry. "That certainly qualifies as a clamor."

It occurred to Vaan that Vaan would prefer to go unnoticed.

R was amused. He mouthed the word clamor. Where did the pirate find these words? Why didn't they sound ridiculous when he said them?

"All right, Vaan, get to it. For the girl's sake, eh? Oh, and the more people around to witness your little performance, the better. If we're going to reach the Marquis, it's up to you. We'll be waiting here, if you need us."

R snorted. "So basically he refuses to be associated with this. Although, I suppose a sky pirate doesn't need this sort of attention."

Vaan just grinned and ran off.

Four men surrounded Vaan. "You. Boy. You will come with us."

Vaan was subtly dragged off and not much later thrown into a dimly lit room. "This is the one, Havharo. Says he's Captain Basch he does."

A man sitting at the head of a table scoffed. "He would sooner pass for the King."

Vaan turned to stare incredulously when the bangaa stomped in anger. "I knew he weren't no captain! That was a mean trick to be playing."

"If at trickery it ended, it would end well enough. But why this boy, and why Captain Ronsenburg?" Havharo seemed to be the leader. "An explanation is due, and I will hear it. The Empire's hounds grow passing bold indeed."

His show of calm superiority was ruined when he jumped at a voice that he likely didn't recognize. "A shame if they learnt the Marquis trafficked with the likes of you."

Vaan grinned. R did the same. "Dramatic entrance, check."

Balthier refused to back down. "Agents masquerading as guides. A hideout at the back of a tavern. Not exactly earning high marks for originality, are we?"

"Now you've done it!" The bangaa snarled.

"Wait!"

Basch stepped forward from the shadows.

"So Basch fon Ronsenburg does yet live."

There was a brief explanation of recent events.

The man nodded. "I knew there must be more to it, but to find you at the end of this tale…" he laughed, "Ah, to see the Marquis' face when he learns of it."

Basch agreed. "I should like nothing more. I would meet him, and see for myself."

Havharo turned his head, "How say you, my lord?"

An older looking creature shook it's head. "There is little to be said. I shall arrange a meeting with the Marquis. We shall expect you at the estate."

"Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg. It was not so very long ago that I announced you had been executed."

"And that is the only reason I draw breath."

The Marquis leaned forward and clasped his hands. "So you are the sword he's strung above my head. Vayne has left not a thing to chance. And?"

"A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands. A woman by the name of Amalia. I would rescue her, but I need your help."

"This resistance leader- this Amalia. She must be very important."

Basch bowed his head, right arm across his chest, hand over his heart. A bow of fealty.

R frowned. "He's being quite obvious. Balthier and Fran have surely puzzled it out."

The Marquis rose from his chair. "You understand I've my position to consider." He walked off.

Vaan went after the man. "Would you let us see Larsa? He's got my friend with him."

The Marquis turned. "I'm afraid you're too late. Lord Larsa's cortege has already rejoined the Imperial detachment. I am told they will depart for Rabanastre upon the arrival of the fleet this eventide."

Vann sighed.

It was now dark, ships could be heard in the night sky.

"What are we waiting for?" Vaan thrashed around.

"You to calm down." Balthier restrained him.

"Captain Ronsenburg."

Basch looked to the Marquis.

"Surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you. Why indeed, you should find the enemy's chains…an easy burden to bear."

Basch's eyes widened.

Balthier had apparently been listening, as had R. "Wait!"

Basch turned to him, all business. "Sorry. Can't be helped." He drew his sword.

Ondore pounded his cane on the floor. "Summon the guard!"

A dozen armoured men ran into the room.

"They're to be taken to Judge Ghis."

Vaan panicked. "Hey, wait!"

R hushed him. "Quiet! This is Ondore's plan to get you to As-Amalia. Judge Ghis must have her captive. Larsa is also with Ghis so chances are that Penelo will also be there. Relax and go along with it."

That was all it took for Vaan to sag in his chains.