Ok, so this one isn't gonna be easy to finish because we've had a lot of buildup between Balthier and Seraph, I hope the end result won't be disappointing. Since I make this stuff up as I go, even I don't know how it will end right now. All the same little housekeeping rules (rating etc.) still apply. Please review, and enjoy!

This Is Who I Am

Chapter 7

"How do you know who I am?," Vaan stammered, silently hoping that the wishmonger wouldn't come any closer.

The wishmonger let out a low chuckle, or at least that's what it sounded like to Vaan, "Foolish Hume. I am the wishmonger, I know of most of the goings on in the world."

"Will you help us?"

"Wishes are not free child," said the wishmonger, "Nor do they come cheaply."

"I don't suppose wishes cost gil, huh? What will it take for you to save Balthier?"

The wishmonger settled down into the misty grass, "For a wish powerful enough to stop death the cost will be high. Wishes are not easy to make, they cannot be sold cheaply."

Vaan was getting irritated, "How much? I'll pay anything."

The wishmonger looked him over warily, "Only your life would be enough payment for such a wish."

Vaan didn't hesitate, "Fine. As long as Balthier is saved."

"No Vaan!" cried Penelo, "You can't! Balthier wouldn't want it this way anyway…don't do this!"

Fran took a step forward, "I offer my own life for the wish," she said, "Vaan is but a child, and Balthier is my partner. I will shoulder this burden."

The wishmonger shook his head, "I am sorry Viera, but it must be the boy. Only the boy's undying love for the sky pirate, coupled with his sacrifice will be enough to make the wish."

Penelo had started to cry, "Why? Why does anyone have to die?"

"Child," the wishmonger whispered soothingly, "Wishes are rare because of what they made from. It takes a great deal of pain, heartache, and love to form a wish. Now, were he wishing for a new pair of shoes it might only take a little sacrifice. But he is wishing for a life, and that life has to come from somewhere in order for it to be given."

Penelo's tears didn't stop, but she didn't question the wishmonger any further.

Vaan gave her a reassuring hug, "It'll be ok Pen, I promise." He looked over at Fran, "Don't let Balthier blame himself for this," he said, "Tell him I love him, and that I'm more than willing to do this. Take care of him, I have a feeling he's going to need it. If I'm giving up my life to save his, don't let him just take it away himself because of me."

The Viera nodded, "I admire your courage, Vaan. Don't worry, I will take care of Balthier, he will not harm himself, I will make sure of it."

Vaan nodded and gave Penelo one last squeeze, "Let's get this over with," he said, turning to face the wishmonger.

The wishmonger bowed his head in acceptance, "Follow me into my tree, child. Your companions must wait here."

Vaan tore himself away from the sobbing Penelo and followed the wishmonger through the dark opening of the tree.

The silence of the Pharos was almost eerie to Balthier as he, Basch, and Ashe entered. He knew that both Seraph and his father had to know that he would be coming, and he had almost expected to be met by them outright. They had barely stepped inside when the place was flooded with a bright light. For a moment Balthier couldn't see, but as his eyes slowly adjusted he began to see a dark figure before him.

"I knew you'd come," said Seraph as he stepped out of the shadows and into the light, "Although I did expect you before now."

"Hello Seraph," sneered Balthier, "Or shall I call you Garem?"

Seraph smiled, "I see you've done a little digging around."

"It doesn't matter who you are. I came here to kill you."

Seraph chuckled, "You won't kill me Ffamran. I know you, I know you loved me and you won't be able to do it."

Balthier didn't say anything, and Seraph turned his attention to Ashe, "Well, well, well," he chuckled, "What? No hug for your little brother?"

Ashe's disappointment was clear on her face. Until now, she had hoped against hope that Seraph wasn't really Garem at all. "What's happened to you Garem?" she asked, "I would not have thought you capable of such things."

Seraph began to laugh, "Oh dear sister of mine! What have I done that is so very evil? After all I was cheated out of my throne, you've given me no choice but to kill you…though believe me," he said, feigning sorrow and placing a hand over his heart, "It really saddens me to have to do so."

"You'll not touch her," interrupted Basch, "You'll have to go through me first."

Seraph looked annoyed, "I assumed as much Captain Ronsenburg."

"You're signing your death warrant," threatened Basch, "I will kill you."

"No," sneered Balthier, glancing back at Basch, "He dies at my hand."

Basch nodded, "As you wish, though killing him is a pleasure I hate to give up."

"Enough talk!" bellowed Seraph, "I have an offer to present you with Ffamran, and I suggest you take it. Even now I have men following your little thief, men who will kill him brutally unless you accept what I offer."

Balthier tensed visibly, "I think I'd rather kill you than make deals."

Seraph smiled, "If I die, so does your thief."

"I don't believe you."

"Then kill me and find out."

No one moved, and Basch and Ashe looked to Balthier, ready to follow his lead no matter what he chose to do.

"What is this offer?" asked Balthier through clenched teeth, "Not that I'll accept it…I'm just curious."

Seraph took a step closer, "Marry me, and take your place beside me on my throne. Do this, willingly…I might add…and I'll let the boy live."

Balthier spat in Seraph's face, "Never!"

Seraph backhanded the pirate, bringing a small drop of crimson to his lip. Basch moved forward to intervene, but a hoard of imperial guards emerged from the shadows. They were completely surrounded. They had walked straight into a trap.

"I'll enjoy killing him," growled Seraph, "And killing the princess…and you'll still live out your days by my side Ffamran. You had a choice, now you don't!"

To Be Continued…

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