me: kay, i just finished writing chapter 5, but i wanted to go ahead and get this chapter started when i had the time. at the moment, i can't respond to any reviews i got on chapter 5, because i haven't posted it yet. Also, i have kidnapped Balthier, because he's so damn sexy. Balthier! disclaimer!
Balthier: you know, the others will come to get me pretty soon, and when they do-
me: DISCLAIMER!
Balthier: okay! ff-kh-luvrgrl doesn't own the final fantasy franchise or any of the characters, no matter how much she wishes she did. don't sue.
me: On with the fic!
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chapter 6: Back in Rabanastre
dates written: September 4, 2007
September 6, 2007
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((Vaan's pov))
Entering Migelo's Sundries, I look around for Penelo. Where is she? Kytes is here, but no Penelo. I walk over to Kytes.
"Vaan, is it really you?" he asks excitedly. No, it's the ruler of Rozzaria. Of course it's me! "I heard you got took off to Nalbina!" I scoff at this.
"The Imperials'll need more than a dungeon to stop me." Kytes stares at me in amazement, eyes as big as saucers.
"You broke out of a dungeon? Woah!" I look around quickly, but no one seems to have been listening. Still you never know...
"Hey, try to keep it down, wouldya? Penelo isn't here, is she? Out on a delivery, maybe?" Kytes shakes his head, and my stomach plummets.
"Nope, haven't seen her all day. Not like her to up and skip out on work like that. Migelo's not here, either. He went running off somewhere a little while ago."
I sigh, shoulders slumping. "So much for my big welcome. Guess everybody's busy."
Kytes shrugs, shaking his head. "I got my hands full watching the shop... and Old Dalan had something for me to do, but I can't get away."
"Old Dalan, huh?" I say thoughtfully. "Tell you what. I'll go see him for you."
"Really?"
"Well, nothing better to do."
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"Well, well. Look who we have here! Heard you were sent off to Nalbina?" Old Dalan says, a twinkle in his eye.
"And I got out of there as fast as I could," I reply. "But it was all worth it Dalan." In more ways than one, I add silently, thinking of Balthier.
"Here," I say, holding out the stone. "Look at this!"
"My, my, my. Quite a treasure you've got there."
"Well, you know, I couldn't have done it without your help," I tell him. Or without Balthier's help.
"So, there is more to this gutter-churl than first meets the eye. Vaan, I've an errand: a simple favor to beg to you. I was going to ask that Kytes go, but I should think that you ought to do. No- no, I think you're just the one." Old Dalan pulls something from behind him. "There's a fellow by the name of Azelas, and I need you to bring this sword to him."
"That's- that's a sword of the Old Order!"
"Speak my name when you arrive," Old Dalan goes on. "That should be enough to get in to see him." He hands me the sword, which I hold carefully. "I've made a note on your map showing you where he can be found. Mind you, you are to deliver the sword personally."
I nod. "I will. Hey, Dalan? Could I get you to do something for me? I need to find out where Penelo is. I wanted to show her what I got from the Palace, but I haven't been able to find her anywhere. Can you let me know if you hear anything?" Old Dalan nods to me, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. as he had told me once before, he may not be wise, but he's very well-informed.
"You can just leave that to me."
"Thanks, Dalan."
As I walk away, I hear Old Dalan speak to himself. "And so it is done. But will it be enough to remind him of what the order once meant?"
I want to go back and ask him what he's talking about, but I get the feeling that I wasn't supposed to hear that. Hey, I'm not that dense. Well, most of the time, anyway.
I follow my map to the location Old Dalan marked. A man stops me from going in. After I tell him Old Dalan sent me, though, he steps aside and lets me enter. I stop though, when I hear voices arguing.
"Then what of Ondore's proclamation?" one man says. "Did they fool even the Marquis?"
"What if a Judge killed the King, not the Captain?" A second man argues. They're talking about Basch! "That would explain everything, wouldn't it?"
"Then the Captain would be brother to a Judge!" A third man retorts. "How are we to trust such a man?"
Suddenly, all arguing ceases. After a few seconds, I hear a fourth man: "Now there is the Basch I remember."
"Then will you fight again at my side?" Basch asks him.
"His word alone convinces me of nothing!" the first man declares.
The second man is more easily convinced. "I'd take his word over that of a mouthpiece Marquis'!"
"Then you name Reks liar with him," the third man states. Time to make my entrance.
"MY BROTHER WAS NO LIAR!"
Basch seems surprised to see me, but he recovers quickly and adds "Just the opposite." I look at him in surprise. "Reks was the witness they needed," he explains. "They had to make it appear as if I'd killed the king- Reks bears no blame. The fates have willed it." I give him a small, thankful smile.
"So this is Reks' brother," says the fourth man, who then takes the sword from me before I can stop him. "Your words may convince this child," he says, and I bristle with anger. I am not a child! "but they weigh too lightly on the scales for my taste. Our paths will remain separate."
"Do you not think Amalia worth saving?" Basch asks him.
"I hold men's lives in my hands. I must see foes in every shadow. The night we moved against Vayne, he knew. I will not chance such disadvantage again. I must treat you as I would Ondore- as I would treat any abettor of the Empire."
"Then what will you do? Hold me here in chains?"
Basch and the man stare at each other for a long moment before the man tosses the sword to Basch, who catches it firmly.
"Some things never change, do they," Basch states.
"Listen to me, Basch," the man says. "Your cage may have no bars, but it is a cage. The eyes of the Resistance watch unblinking."
"Let them watch. I know something of cages." Basch retorts, then leaves. I follow him hesitantly.
"That's right," I say to myself out loud. "Amalia's in the Resistance." Basch looks at me.
"Then you know her."
"Sort of. We met just before we got sent to Nalbina. I've known nicer people." He chuckles a little.
"Our paths keep crossing, yours and mine. It's more than a coincidence."
"It's annoying," I state flatly. I'm half kidding.
"I'm sorry," Basch says, sounding sincere. Oops. guess he didn't realize I was only half-serious. "Allow me one last annoyance: a favor to ask. I want you to take me to Balthier. Even caged birds need wings." I don't bother telling him that I was going to go see Balthier anyway.
"That makes us even."
"Even?" he questions.
"Nor Nalbina." At his still-questioning look, I explain. "We couldn't have done it without you."
On the streets of Rabanastre, we overhear someone saying they saw a handsome man and a viera at the Sandsea. I wonder who they could be? (I'm KIDDING! Jeez, how stupid do you think I am? ...okay, don't answer that...)
As we walk along, I see Basch unintentionally slow down, staring at the kids on the streets.
"A lot of kids lost their parents in the war," I tell him. "Mine- mine had already died before that. The plague took them both."
"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."
I stop and look at him. He stops, too, and gives me a slightly questioning look. "You don't have to keep apologizing. Really, its all right." I take a deep breath, then continue. "I know it wasn't your fault. I see that now. You didn't kill my brother. It was the Empire. My brother trusted you." We start walking again, and as we enter the Sandsea, I add, "And he was right."
As we enter, I see Migelo on he second floor 'talking' (yelling) at- uh-oh - Balthier and Fran. Mostly Balthier.
"As I said, a misunderstanding," Balthier says placatingly.
"MISUNDERSTANDING?! What I AM understanding is they took Penelo because of you!" Migelo yells at him. What's going on?
"What? What about Penelo?" I ask, worried. Hey, she is my best friend!
"Oh, Vaan!" Migelo says, seeing me. I see relief flash over Balthier's face. I think he was worried that the Imperials might arrest me again. I turn my attention back to Migelo, who has started speaking again. "They've taken Penelo! And there was a note- a note for this Balthier! Come to the Bhujerba Mines, it said."
"It's Ba'Gamnan," Fran says. "He was in Nalbina." That head hunter! He took Penelo!
"If anything were to happen to that sweet child- Why, I've her parents' memory to consider! You're going to her aid, and that's that! It's what you sky pirates do, isn't it?" Migelo says, not really asking.
"I don't respond well to orders," Balthier replies. "You do know that the Imperial Fleet is massing at Bhujerba?"
"Fine, then I'll go!" I say, frustrated. She's my best friend! "You at least have an airship, don't you? Just get me there, and I'll find Penelo myself!" I know he probably won't agree to it, but it's worth a shot...
"I'll join you," the silent-until-then Basch states.
"Huh?" Jeez. I have SUCH a way with words.
He glances at me. "I have some business there as well."
"An audience with the Marquis, by chance?" Balthier asks.
"Balthier, just take us and this is yours," I say, holding out the stone. His eyes widen slightly for a moment, and he thinks it over before nodding.
"Make yourselves ready. We leave soon."
I smile triumphantly. "Right!"
"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 Aerodrome. I should imagine it's still by the West Gate..."
What, like it'd move? Yeah, right!
Balthier continues, "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."
I nod, and he and Fran leave to go get their ship ready. Basch and I go to various shops, buying better equipment, getting new magicks and techniques, and stocking up on potions and the like. (Who knows what we'll need?)
When we're through, Basch and I make our way to the Aerodrome, and find Balthier and Fran waiting for us outside of it.
"Bhujerba's on the sky continent of Dorstonis, and the magicite mine we're looking for is in Bhujerba," Balthier informs me. "If we're going to save your girl, we start there. You ready to leave?"
All of this "your girl" crap is starting to get on my nerves. I nod to him and Fran. "I'm ready."
"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." Balthier says, telling me what I already know. (Remember, I'm not nearly as dense as I seem. Well, not always.)
"I'm really ready."
He nods. "We make for the Lhusu Mines in Bhujerba. Seems I took on more baggage in Rabanastre than I'd planned..." He shakes his head after a moment, snapping himself out of his thoughts. "Well, let's save your girl and be done with it. Come on."
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me: it's done! i think it's a bit longer than the other one, but i could be wrong. anyways, last night i checked my stats, and saw that chapter 5 already had 52 hits and four reviews! that the fastest i've ever gotten that many reviews! (i think) also, I've never had that many reviews with that few hits! (in relation to one another) chapter five had only been up for a day and a half when i checked the stats.
my review from Komikitty:
Aw, no kissing. (pout). Oh well, there's always next chapter, and there wasn't really room for it in the dungeons was there? But yay for Basch! Maybe now Balthier will have some competition...Or Vaan might. Either way, I look forward to your next update.
sorry there was no kissing in this chapter either. originally, balthier and vaan were going to talk somewhere private (meaning mostly kissing, but a little talking), but it just didn't fit in to the story. sorry! hmm, basch as competition... as much as I love Basche (my second fave pairing in this game), i think i like this idea... ((evil laugh))
Balthier: oh, crap...
my review from Ranchdressing:
yay! i'm so happy you updated! and i'm sorry my review got you whacked by Peter... (do it again Peter! lol) i don't want you dead-because if you died, i wouldn't be able to read such a pwn some fic! and about that BalVaan hater, try to ignore reviews like that. they tend to eat away at you until you finally decide to snap.
((dazed)) i had to take a break before answering this, because my head hurt quite a bit from having Peter whack me so much... (lol jk... kinda) thanks for the compliment, and i totally know what you mean (about the evil reviews) i've stopped a story before because i was insulted so much.
my review from Heaven's Valentine:
This was a great Chapter! I hope you keep this going!!
well, so far, i'm continuing! I hope I keep this going to - it's kinda easy, because i have most of the story already written for me, but it's also hard because i have to fit in a bunch of other stuff and i have to change a few small elements, such as how they say something, or if they do something extra (like Balthier winking at Vaan.) I guess, all in all, it's one of the tougher fics i've written, but at the same time, it's easier to write the chapters more quickly, as i know basically what's going to happen. i'll try to keep the chapters rolling out!
Peter: ((whistles)) long review. and what a rant.
me: it's not a rant!!!!!
my review from Iamhappytojustbealive:
You updated! I wove you! (glomps)!
yup! and here's another update! love you too!