By the gods!! This took forever! Not only did I have the worst case of writer's block ever!! -- but high school just ended for me and Graduation's this Saturday. I DON'T WANT TO GRADUATE! ;.; You all remember that song "Graduation" by Vitamin C? It came out in the 90's. Well THAT'S the song that I can't get out of my head!! -curses 1000 times over-
Anyway. Odds are, you all don't care. But that's the reason I havent' worked on this in so long: S-T-R-E-S-S. So! You all had some questions, so let me reply to everyone who reviewed!!
Black Night Luster: Hey! I got "On the Road" up long before I got this chapter up!! Ha ha. Does that make me a bad person? O.o And stop stalking me!!
3: Ah-ha! Thankies! I love you! Lol! But yeah! I can't agree more! That makes me so agitated! -meanie face-
Atthla: I am SO happy to hear that! You don't understand how much! Lol! And the reason that they keep referring to Basch as "Judge Gabranth" is because since :MAJOUR SPOILER: Gabranth was Basch's twin brother and ended up dying defending Larsa from Vayne, no one else knew that he died. So Basch took over Jude Gabranth's identity to hold the same position and to protect Larsa. Help?
Clap-For-Carolyn: Ha. I didn't like Basch at all when I first started playing! XD I feel so horrible!! But I fell in love with him and Judge Gabranth at the end of the game. So, I replayed the game, all the while swooning over Basch and Balthier. I'm such a fangirl!!
Tohari: Ha. When I first started the game, I was entranced by the graphics and the opening movie had me on the edge of my seat. I CRIED WHEN RASLER DIED!! T.T I know that was in the first 10 minutes during the opening, but he was cute and he was sweet! You can't blame me!! I hope you'll go back and play it!!
Miss Sushii: You know...I've been in AP English for 4 years and not ONE of my sensei's told me that. Strange, no? After all the short stories I've written and crap not one sensei told me! Can you believe that? Had it not have been for you and 3 other people from my other stories, I don't think I ever would have found out. So, you have my thanks!
Concise Complexity: Ha. A lot of people seemed to have liked how it started out. O.o And how did Fran manage? I can't tell you because that would spoil this chapter!! T.T
Etrixan: Well, ya gotta play Balthier right! It's what makes him so cool!! It's hard trying to work with him, though, because so many OC things happen, but I have to keep him in character! Ya know?!
RandomSoul: Well! I kept writing! Took a while...but I did it!!
Medicca: B-But if I let him out, then I'd have to plot to work with! Lol! That's a horrible reason!! Anyway!!
Amy: Thank you!
And now that that's all done! Onto the disclaimer and then the story! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Man...I want to own them, but I don't. Especially Balthier. -snicker-
Part three: Cellblock
"So you are aware of our dilemma."
"Very much so."
The reply came back in a thick Spaniard accent. Al-Cid sat behind a large desk, his fingers laced and his chin sitting upon them. Figuring that perhaps the head of Rozarria might be able to have a hand in proclaiming the sky pirate's innocence, Basch went to see Al-Cid in hopes of some assistance. Yet, even Al-Cid could have naught to do with the release of Balthier and Basch was beginning to wonder if he could do anything at all.
"You see, my hands are tied and I cannot have a hand in the laws of the Rozarrian Capitol Prison."
Basch released a sigh and shook his head before looked back to the head.
"Yet there must be something that you are able to do. As head of Rozarria, you are also in charge of the prisons in the region? How are you able to naught have charge?"
At this, Al-Cid sighed and put his hands down, taking to his feet. He walked to the front of the desk before leaning back on, arms crossed.
"The prison itself has its own head and that area of law does not rest in my hands. I cannot make an exception to this law under any circumstances without being condemned by the council."
"Even if the man they have accused is innocent?"
"Even more-so. Until innocence is proven, the law abides that one is a condemner until proven to be otherwise stated. I have no say in how this law is carried out – wrongfully or other."
There was a long moment of silence as Basch tried to take in everything which he just heard. In Archadia the law was the exact opposite: one was innocent until proven to be otherwise. But even still, the more they dawdled, the more likely that Balthier's fate would be chosen for him.
"Judge Gabranth, I do have one small query to which I must ask." When Basch nodded, Al-Cid continued. "Have they yet to discover what this item was that was taken?"
Basch shook his head. "No. I do not even believe that Balthier himself knows of this prized item which they claim he has stolen."
"I see…," he trailed off as he put his hand to his face, obviously lost in thought. When he came back to his senses, he looked up at the Judge. "Well then, I will see if I can set up a meeting between you in the head of prison. Maybe you will be able to convince them that our sky pirate is indeed without fault. But I do tell you now that just being a sky pirate is reason enough for them to find damnation against him."
Basch raised a brow. "Why would that be? Certainly there is no fault with such a matter."
Al-Cid sighed. He rubbed the back of his head, trying to find a way to word what he wished to say. With all respect, he did not know if there was a way to word it correctly…or at least lightly. Finally, he shook his head and stared at the Judge.
"Choosing such a…a path to follow; most of the council frowns down upon the mere thought of a sky pirate and they will do anything to make sure he is thrown in a prison. Even you know that those that are such take pride, yes?" He watched as Basch nodded. "However, throughout Rozarria, most of the destinations one is to travel will discover that practice to be impugned. Very few people of that profession reside here in Rozarria and if they do, they try to avoid being noticed at all costs. The way that even the imperials see them is nothing more than scum set out to take the most treasured of their items with no moral value whatsoever."
Basch sighed and looked off to the side. "He is damned, then. But," he looked back to Al-Cid. "There must be something that can be done to assure his release?"
The other shook his head. "I will make naught a guarantee as to that; nevertheless, I will see what I can do."
Basch bowed. "I thank you."
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Crack!
Balthier slumped against his binds the moment the last lash hit his skin. Besides being in this situation for accusations, he received a lovely forty extra lashings for hitting a prison guard. Give or take, he had every right to. A fight had broken out while he was on his way to the platform and when the guards opened the inmate's cell, one of them hit the guard, grabbed his weapon and, after repeatedly hitting the guard with his own weapon, took off running out of his cell. He ended up running right into the two guards that were assisting Balthier to the platform and when he was trying to get the guy off of him, Balthier ended up punching a guard in the groin.
When the bangaa that performed the 'interrogation' was informed about Balthier's actions, the sentence was forty lashings on top of the twelve he received to aid in his confession. He was barely twenty lashes in when he began drifting in and out of consciousness. The repetition of the slashes across his already red and bleeding back was increasing in pain tenfold and he was not sure how much longer he could withstand. He grunted again when the whip made contact and his eyes stung from holding back. He hoped that he would pass out just so he could avoid the pain; but the hoarder knew better and every time Balthier would drift off, they struck the whip as hard as they could.
By the end, Balthier could not even stand and had it not been for the fact that he was carried back to his cell, he would have been unconscious on the platform itself. The cell door opened and he was tossed in. Unlike before, he did not bother to try and force himself to stand. He was oddly comfortable in the position he was in and had no trace of want to shift in the slightest. He did not even bother to look up at the usual inmate who felt the need to mock him the moment he reentered his cell each and every time.
"You do realize that at the rate you're going, you're not gonna last another round," they started. "You'll end up dead before you even confess. Just do it and get it over with – whether or not you stole anything."
"If I…do that," Balthier began between breaths, "I'll…never be pardoned…."
"And you'd rather die than just fake a confession?" Though it was a question, the guy stated it more like a sentence. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life. Thought, I'll admit, I bet it would give this prison higher ranks if they were able to imprison and condemn a sky pirate." The guy suddenly began laughing. "You're never going to get your pardon! I'd give up now while you're able."
When he finished his statement, he turned and walked back to the other side of his cell.
Balthier thought on this matter for a bit before the fatigue washed over him and he fell in unconsciousness.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"If one were to discover we were one in the same, a way out may become an unavailable option."
"And until then?"
"Our paths are separate and shall remain so. A flaw is unable to be found."
After talking with Al-Cid, Basch left to visit the local tavern and see if he could upturn any information about the laws of Rozarria, yet surprise found him when he discovered a vierra doing the exact same. When he did manage to locate Fran, he went to see if she found any useful information from the locals, only to discover she had as much luck as he did. Nevertheless, it was from her he discovered the full story of what had happened and it was this way that he discovered how Balthier had explained it was no less than covering the truth.
It was true, yes, that it had not been more than a few minutes that he and Fran were in Rozarria that Balthier was arrested, but there was more to it than that – much more.
When they were trying to land the Strahl, the area had become blocked off and they were forced to make their landing in the sands of the Rozarria desert. Before they were even able to land the airship, Rozarrian imperials had the airship surrounded. When Balthier and Fran stepped out, they told the male sky pirate that he was being arrested for stealing from a Rozarrian Judge and since the military in Rozarria held just as much political power as the ruler himself, there truly was nothing Al-Cid could do.
When he claimed he stole nothing and tried to resist, the imperials became violent and after having practically having him down where he had no energy to move, they reported to Fran that if she tried anything, she would be tried as an accomplice. As Balthier was taken to the prison, the imperials "escorted" her on an imperial ship back to the city and she was told that the Strahl would be held until further notice.
With things going as they were, odds were that Balthier would be convicted and forced to spend the remainder of his time in a capitol prison.
Basch shook his head.
"I must go."
"Back to the prison?" she asked, though it was more of a statement. He nodded. "I will continue to aid in search, but I do not promise anything."
"Many thanks."
And with that, he turned on heel and left the tavern, wondering if he could get back in to check on the sky pirate's condition.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The brunet awoke to a sharp, searing pain in the middle of his back. His throat tensed and he wanted to yell out in pain, but his pride would not allow it and he jerked his head to see the legs of a guard.
"Wake up, thief," they said as they dug the heel of their boot harder into the sky pirate's back.
"I'd gladly stand if someone was not trying to break my spine," came his reply, his usual sarcastic tone flooding his voice.
This was answered by the guard lifting their foot and then slamming back down onto the mid-portion of his back. He groaned and sat back on his knees.
"There. I'm vertical. Are you pleased?"
He was not given a reply. The guard seemed distraught and he turned to face back towards the open iron gated door. "You have a new roommate."
Balthier scoffed. "Lovely. I'll be sure to give him a proper welcome, then."
There was some grunting coming from the other side of the gate, but the prison guard was in the way and Balthier was unable to see around him. As the other person was brought in, Ffamran Mid Bunansa only rolled his eyes and turned back to face the sand in front of him – the impression from where he had been lying was able to be seen. As the guard that stood next to Balthier shifted, he went to the other and undid the binds that held his hands fast. He exited the cell with the two guards that escorted the new person into the cell and as he shut and began locking the gate back, he spoke to the prison mates.
"You'd keep your precious room to yourself, but we just received a convicted felon and we needed the extra cell." He finished just as he turned the key, locking the gate. He looked up into the cell. "Don't cause any trouble or you might just find yourselves in confinement."
Balthier's reply was just putting up his hand and waving it in a manner of dismissal. The guard hit the iron bars with the holster of his weapon, causing them to clang before he walked away.
As his new roommate watched the guard walk off, he adverted his gaze to Balthier who did not bother to even look up at him.
"What? No welcoming party? Is this how you treat your new cellmate?"
Balthier said nothing. He pulled his head up to stare at a crack of sky that could be seen out near the platform.
"I would bid a 'good day,' but that seems rather pointless in this scenario."
There was a moment's pause as the man continued to stare at him, eyes not trailing. Sighing, Balthier turned his head to face the rather large inmate, his new cellmate, which, ironically enough, was the same man from the cell to the left.
"Enjoying yourself, are you?"
"Quite, actually. Wondering what all you can do with your back in its current state," the man said with a strange snicker.
"I'd rather not find that out," he replied, debating whether or not to lie back down and try to go back to sleep.
"That makes one of us," the guy said under his breath as he continued to eye the sky pirate.
Ignoring the comment, Balthier sat back on his heels before standing up. He stretched slightly and walked to the iron bars that separated the cell from the platform, thoughts wondering if he could get out of the next session.
As the man continued to watch him, he commented again. "Think we'll have to break ya of that spoiled little attitude."
Once again, the brunet chose not to reply, ignoring him and all off his obscene gestures. He wondered how long it would take to pressure the guards into transferring him to a different cell – preferably any one other than the one he was in. With all do respect, he was not fond of the current arrangement.
His thoughts were jerked when a hand gripped his shoulder and he was forced to turn around.
"Personal space, mind you," he said as he went to take a step back but ended up hitting the iron bars.
"I think you're going to have to understand who's in charge here, thief," the bulky man said harshly, glaring at the twenty three-year-old man. "There's a few rules you need to get through that pretty little head of yours. First one: if I speak to ya, ya better reply. Second: Keep up that attitude of yours and I'll rip your voice box out. Third: since we'll be rooming together, whatever I tell ya to do, you better do it or that platform out there won't be the only thing you'll have to worry about. Are we clear?"
"Could you repeat the first one? I don't think I heard that one correctly."
That could have gone over better. His reply was a large hand slamming the back of his head against the bars.
"Don't screw with me, you sky pirate scum or they'll be carrying ya out of this cell in pieces. Got it?"
The only thing he was able to reply with was 'un,' but that seemed suffice and the man released his hold on Balthier's head. He shook his head the moment it was let go, seeming to have gotten a head rush.
"Now let's start this over," the man started as he took a few steps back from Balthier. "Come here."
Head dizzy and the feeling of an oncoming headache, Balthier felt no need to have that happened again and stepped forward where he was just about a foot away from the guy. The man nodded.
"That's better."
Balthier held his head with his right hand, shaking it slightly, trying to rid the current dizziness. Not seeming to care whether or not the brunet just keeled over or not, the bulky man crossed his arms before speaking again.
"Kneel down."
Thinking he did not hear him correctly, Balthier looked at him, one eyebrow raised. "Sorry?"
"Do I have to repeat myself? I said get the hell on your knees; what do you not understand about that?"
Balthier did not move; he just stood, looking at the man with his usual calm expression, one eyebrow raised as if trying to challenge him.
"I would rather not. Quite unsanitary down there, you know."
This did not go over well and the man brought up his hands, wrapping them around Balthier's throat, pushing him against the iron bars. The sky pirate took naught a liking to his new position and brought his left hand up, grabbed the man's right hand and turned, shifting to where he now had the man's arm pinned behind his back.
"I don't take too much to having my air supply cut short," he said calmly as he shifted forward, having the man's front forced against the bars. "So I suggest we not repeat this little incident," he finished by giving the other a harsh shove before taking a few steps backwards.
However, when Balthier turned back to face the front of his cell, the man popped his shoulder as he glared up at the back of the sky pirate.
"You filthy thief," he growled.
Before he even knew what happened, Balthier's entire upper body was slammed against the front bars to the cell. The back of his head was gripped before his face was bashed repetitively against the iron bars. Not even able to utter so much more than a groan, he was thrown backwards into the sands in the cell, a lovely gash now against his forehead and nose flowing freely with crimson liquid.
His head spun and vision became blurry – he could not even see his surroundings; they were spinning too much.
"You want to do this the hard way, then that's fine by me," the man growled as Balthier felt pressure on his torso. His mind could barely function, but he was pretty sure he could feel his leather pants trying to be removed. Mind somewhat functioning, he was aware enough to bring up his leg and give a nice hard kick to the man's stomach. As his cellmate fell backwards, he rolled over onto his side, trying to stand back up. He wiped some of the blood that was still streaming from his nose as he tried to gather back to his feet; however, his head was spinning so fast that he could not even make it to all fours without falling back down.
When he heard the man behind him shout something, an adrenaline rush flooded throughout him and he managed to quickly scurry to his feet. No sooner was he back to his feet that he was shoved against the bars again, this time the back of his head being slammed into them. While he was dazed, the other took the opportunity to try and force his leather constraints off again. His head pounded with pain the constant free flow of blood from his nose and head was not assisting the matter in any way.
He heard the man curse and one of his legs was forced up. He tried to protest, but was unable to form words other than 'ung un nnng.'
There was a loud rattling from the front of the cell as one of the guards hit the bars with their blunt weapon.
"Hey! Knock it off in there! And thief, you have a visitor!"
Hearing the guard, the man backed off and let Balthier fall who immediately scurried back to his feet and to the front end of the cell. He gripped the bars and set his head against them, slumping and panting.
"Balthier!"
Balthier pulled his head away from the bars to look up at the blurred figure of Basch fon Rosenburg. A feeling of relief swept through him and he set his head back against the bars.
"Do tell me you're hear to have me released," he said, breath fast, but voice oddly calm. He closed his eyes, trying to focus.
"By the gods, Balthier, you require immediate aid!" Basch said as he turned, as if to find someone – anyone willing to assist. He had urge just to break into the cell…had they not have been made of cast iron.
Balthier swallowed and shook his head. "Trying to get aid in this prison? One must be out their right mind."
Basch turned back, eyebrows furrowed upwards, an angered look on his face with a look of depression set in as well. He reached his hand through the bars of the cell and wiped some of the blood from his ally's head away.
"We're trying all we can, Balthier." Basch paused, waiting to see some movement of recognition from the other. When he nodded, Basch continued. "I've spoken with Al-Cid about the situation, but as it would seem, Rozarria's imperials have just as much power. We have been searching in hopes of finding a loophole, but as of late, there does not seem to be one."
Balthier took in another deep breath before standing straight and opening his eyes, his vision becoming right. He brought up his hand and wiped blood from his nose and staring at it for a moment before bringing his hand back down and wiping the blood on pants. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms, blinking twice before deciding to speak.
"So I don't suppose there is a way to speed up this process?" He watched as Basch shook his head. He glanced off to the side before bringing his gaze back. "Contrary to what you see, this prison is not nearly as glamorous as one is lead to believe and if, oh say, a falsely accused sky pirate was to be released within a short time span, I do believe that would make a rather joyful scene." He raised his eyebrows when Basch said nothing, only gave him a remorseful look. "Time is of the essence, you know."
"Apologies." Balthier raised a brow. "Time if of value and yet it seems—"
"—that this hare is going to have to wait to find a break in the fence," Balthier said, finishing the sentence with one of his usual analogies. He sighed and kicked some of the sand with his left foot. "It would not be nearly as challenging if this hare wasn't trying to ward off a snake."
When he finished, Basch glanced to the other man in the cell who was leaning against the small rock portion of the wall watching as he and Balthier spoke. He seemed, to Basch, rather impatient – over what, he was not quite sure. Either way it could not have been a good thing. He brought his attention back to the sky pirate when he shifted and went to wipe his nose again with the front of his hand and then wiped the gash on his forehead with the back.
Basch looked down for a moment and seemed to be searching for something within the armour. When Balthier glanced to see what it was he was searching for, Basch found the item and held it out to him. Balthier took the piece of burgundy cloth and gave the Judge a queried look.
"I know it's not much, but it is the only thing I am able to do…," he trailed off as he watched Balthier nod, getting the gesture.
Just as he was about to reply with thanks, an arm limped around his shoulder and he scoffed, looking the opposite direction of the other.
"Having a conversation here, if you don't mind," the brunet said as he removed the man's arm from around him. "Quite rude to interrupt when one is indulging in such a matter, don't you agree?"
He saw Basch's concerned look as he stared at the bulky, bald-headed man behind his ally. Balthier sighed, shaking his head in an annoyed manner.
"Well, as I remember it, we were in the midst of something before so rudely interrupted," the man said with a leer.
Balthier brought up his hand that held the piece of cloth to hold his head.
"True, but that wasn't in mutual agreement; this, however, is and, if you don't mind, some space would be very much appreciated." He grabbed the man's hand and removed his arm from around him, taking a sideways step opposite of him.
Everything seemed to be happening at once when a guard came up to Basch.
"Judge Gabranth, I have just received word from Master Al-Cid and he beckons you at once to meet," the guard said, giving a shifty-eyed glance towards the two inmates.
Basch nodded and brought his attention to Balthier.
"Balthier—"
"Allow no time spared, Gabranth," Balthier interrupted. "The sooner you take care of this nonsense, the sooner I can be back in Archadia. It seems rather fitting, does it not?"
Basch only nodded and began walking with the guard who was escorting him to the exit of the prison. As he took his leave, he glanced back to the brunet's cell. Balthier's position had been abandoned and all he saw within the cell was an arm stretching out before quickly concealing itself behind the small rocked corner.
Drum roll, please! -drum roll inserted-
And--
That's the end of part three!! Ha ha. A little more violent, but you know, this is rated 'M' for a reason! Okay. It's 11:30 and I gotta be up at 8:00 am for Graduation practice.
Peace out, homies! Don't forget to tell me if you liked it or not!!