Ok, so here we go. Welcome to chapter 8 of "This Is Who I Am" Reviewing makes you awesome, and as always…enjoy.

This Is Who I Am

Chapter 8

Vaan was sure why he was surprised to find that the inside of the tree was several times larger than the outside was. He was used to magic, but things like this always threw him for a loop. The wishmonger led the way, and Vaan found himself descending a spiraling staircase. He didn't say anything, as he was still more than a little afraid of the wishmonger. Not that that should have mattered…after all, he was about to die anyway. When the staircase finally came to an end Vaan found that they had entered a large room that had polished marble floors and was lit by a massive number of candles.

Vaan looked around wide-eyed, the place was beautiful. The wishmonger had turned to face him, and was gazing at him silently, "Are you ready?"

Vaan nodded, "You promise Balthier will live if I do this?"

The wishmonger nodded, "I will send the wish back with your friends when it is finished, and they must give it to the pirate in order to heal him."

Vaan nodded, "Ok, I'm…I'm ready then."

The wishmonger led him to the center of the room, "Lay upon this table, I wish I could tell you that this will not be painful, and that it will be over quickly…but wishes are not made from such."

"I understand," said Vaan, as he lay himself down on the stone table, "Thank you…for giving me a wish and all."

The wishmonger produced a long, sharp knife, and positioned it over Vaan's chest, "You can change your mind if you want, and you are not bound to do this."

Vaan shook his head, "No, I…I want to do it…for Balthier."

The wishmonger nodded, and plunged the knife into Vaan's chest.

Balthier chuckled, "That isn't going to happen Seraph. I don't believe you have men following Vaan, and I certainly will not be spending any time with you…especially the rest of my life."

Seraph's rage was obvious, "I told you Ffamran…you don't have a choice. You're surrounded, outnumbered…there isn't anything you can do!"

Balthier gripped his pole tightly, and Ashe and Basch were both aware that he was sizing up their situation, wondering if striking out with his weapon would only get them killed.

"Put down your weapons," demanded Seraph, "You can't fight your way out of this one Ffamran."

Balthier didn't move, but he knew Seraph was right…they weren't going to be able to fight their way out. Suddenly an idea hit him…and he knew it was either brilliant or it was going to get them all killed…

He dropped his pole, "All this time I've still loved you only to find out you lied to me all those years ago," he lied, forcing his voice to sound more hurt than angry.

Seraph's expression was hard to read, but Balthier could see the glint of hope in his eyes, "I didn't lie about loving you. I want you to spend your life by my side, Ffamran. I don't want to have to kill you."

Balthier masked his anger with a heartbroken expression, "I guess all that doesn't matter now."

Seraph approached him slowly, and gently lifted the pirate's chin so that their lips met. Balthier forced back the urge push him away and vomit, he forced himself to gently open his lips to let Seraph's tongue invade his mouth. Seraph's arms were around him now, but Balthier still stood rigid, he didn't want to seem too eager…that would alert Seraph to his little scheme. Finally his lips were released, and Seraph wiped away one of the tears that ran down Balthier's face. He assumed they were meant for him, that Balthier was crying either tears of joy or maybe even confusion over everything that had happened between them, he was oblivious to the fact that the pirate's tears were those of disgust for what he was doing.

"Let us go somewhere more private," said Seraph, "We have a lot to discuss."

Balthier nodded, and let Seraph take his hand.

"Balthier what the hell are you doing?" yelled Basch.

Balthier looked back at him, and he knew his plan was working by the complete look of shock on the Captain's face. He had even convinced his comrades that he might want Seraph back.

"I…I won't be long," he said, trying his best to look confused and hurt, "I just need to think a few things through."

Basch and Ashe stood there stunned as Seraph and Balthier walked into the darkness hand in hand, and Balthier hoped that Seraph couldn't feel the dagger that was tucked into the waistband of his pants, if Seraph got that dagger away from him…his plan would backfire with a vengeance.

To Be Continued…

Hope you enjoyed! Don't panic, I know I often kill of our heroes but…well…I'm not gonna tell you the ending…just keep reading…and please Review!