A/N: Hey all, apologies for taking so long again. Here's the final part of Sound of the Underground! I'll leave a longer author's note at the end, and as usual, please enjoy! :Meresta
Summery: The sound of perfection can only be heard, by the ones willing to die for it.
Rating: T
Warnings: AU, malexmale pairing, language, blood, violence, use of medication, suggesting use of alcohol.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XII, or Final Fantasy XII; Revenant Wings.
Sound of perfection.
-In the end, all remains a dream-
The royal city of Rabanastre was not faring well. The rains had an heavier impact than first calculated, and decreased the amount of seasonal products significantly. Most shops stored their goods in basements, which were all flooded to the level where water rose till your waist.
With less products to offer, the prices had to be put up, causing even the richest of people to count their Gil twice before spending it. No one wanted to pay the high prices anymore, and the illegal traders above Lowtown got busier every day. They weren't the only ones who had to steal their living though.
The children of Lowtown had to survive without the help of Balthier and it was painfully noticeable by the way Vaan retreated, and Penelo cried at night. The result was that they had to live on what they stole only, and Vaan had to go up more and more to fulfill their daily needs.
The merchants above weren't stupid, and found their goods missing a lot more than usual. Their annoyance and hatred for the rats from below grew stronger and the number of thrown vases grew with it.
Kytes tilted his head, trying to concentrate and listen.
"I hear footsteps.." He said, and Penelo sighed.
They waited, and just a few seconds later the sound of shattering vases rang through the worn down halls. Because of Kyte's blindness, his hearing had improved a lot, which made him able to hear whenever people approached the entrance. This had come in very handy, as now Kytes could warn the others whenever danger came close. They listened a little longer, to make sure that was all, then Filo ran towards the entrance, followed by Penelo.
"Three times a day.. it's like they are trying to set a new record.." The blond girl said wistfully, as she picked up the shards and fragments from the ground.
"At least now no one gets hit anymore, that's good right?" Filo had always been the sunshine underground.
"No one gets hit because Kytes is blind, Filo. I'm not sure if that's good."
"You could try to see things from the good side though.."
The last shards were thrown into a crate, and Filo brushed the dust of her arms and legs.
"I.." Penelo started, but as she was trying to get up, her eyes rolled back and she collapsed to the ground, her words disappearing in blown up dust.
Filo shot forward and managed to prevent her head from hitting the ground, her eyes widening when she felt how hot Penelo's skin was. Her breathing was uneven and small sweat drops hid in her hair. The raven haired girl laid her down gently, before running back to the main hall, passing Kytes on her way to Vaan.
He was sleeping, as he had just returned from above. Filo dropped down next to him and shook him violently.
"Vaan! Wake up!"
His eyes opened and he blinked, but when he noticed the serious look in Filo's eyes he sat up immediately.
"Filo.. what's wrong..?"
"Penelo, she fell down, she feels very hot Vaan, I think she's sick!"
"Where did she fall?"
"By the entrance."
Vaan's eyes widened, worried.
"Filo, did you leave her there?"
"Yes, I came to get.. you.." As she answered, the young girl realized the mistake she had made. Before she could form any more words, Vaan had sprinted off towards the entrance, an echo of Penelo's name carried along the humid air. Filo remained, unable to move, just staring at the space before her. She wasn't even blinking.
When Vaan arrived, his relief couldn't have been greater. Apparently, the people above hadn't noticed her yet and had kept their guns to themselves. He lifted her from the ground, and carried her away from the entrance back to the main hall.
"Kytes, will you get Filo please?" The wheat blond said more than asked. The boy nodded and got up to do as he was told, not even asking where she was first. Vaan laid Penelo down, when her eyes opened with much difficulty. She saw Vaan, and blinked. He needed to know what happened.
"V.. he.."
"Don't talk." Vaan felt the skin of her forehead, shocked at her temperature. "You have a fever, please stay quiet." He checked her body for wounds, when he noticed the fabric near her wound was drained with blood. Carefully, he removed it from her skin, and he clamped a hand over his mouth when he saw her leg.
"Vaan, we're back." Kytes said as he and Filo walked up closer.
"Good, we need water." Vaan said, a little unsteady.
Kytes went to get some, as Filo took a good look at Penelo.
"That doesn't look good.." She said, and Vaan nodded.
"I think it got infected."
Filo held back a sob. She was relieved that her friend was still alive, but if her wound really did get infected it would kill her anyway.
"I..kept telling her.." Vaan said, his voice shaking.
"Vaan?"
"I kept telling her Filo, but she wouldn't listen!" He closed his eyes, fighting back tears and Filo put her hand on his shoulder. She wanted to tell him it will be okay, but they needed a miracle for that to be, and they already had one today. Then she remembered.
"Vaan, please go to him." Filo said softly.
"..What?" Vaan appeared confused.
"The man who brought food, please go to him. He can help, right?"
"But.. Penelo wouldn't want that.."
The raven haired girl raised her voice.
"I don't care what she wants!"
"Filo.."
"She'll die Vaan.. you know she will.. I don't want that.."
Vaan looked at his sleeping friend and sighed, when Kytes returned with water. He and Filo started to clean the wound, as the oldest got up.
"I'm going up tonight." He said, and both Filo and Kytes, knew who he would be looking for.
He had waited a while before climbing up. It was dark outside, the only source of light being the moon, as there were no streetlights in this part of town. Vaan took a look around, unsure of where to search. He tried to remember the places he had been before, when he got an idea. Careful of where he stepped, he headed for the place Balthier had took him. The Aerodrome.
Unfortunately, Vaan had no clue on how to pick a lock and Balthier was no where to be seen. For a moment, the wheat blond felt himself panic a little. He didn't stop walking, only to find himself lost in the big city of Rabanastre. Desperate, his walk became a run and he ended up outside of town.
There, in shady night light, stood an airship he had seen before. Lights were out inside, but Vaan didn't think twice. He ran up, placed his hands beside his mouth and started screaming.
"Balthier! BALTHIER!!"
A small light went on, and soon the airship opened. A very sleepy Balthier found his way down the stairs towards Vaan.
"Vaan?.. What's wrong.." He said, still half asleep.
"You have to help me.. us.. Penelo, she.."
"Penelo? Is she-"
"I think her wound got infected and she has a fever and we can't treat her-"
"Stay calm Vaan." Balthier said, giving him a comforting look.
That was when Vaan stopped panicking for a moment to look at the man before him. They hadn't seen each other for what seemed like months, but his eyes were still as beautiful. He had missed him, so much.
"Balthier.." Vaan allowed Balthier to hold him, the brunet kept him close and patted his hair softly.
"Now, why don't you come inside and tell me what it is you need." He said, trying to sound reassuring. Vaan nodded, and followed him in the airship.
Had there been different circumstances, the wheat blond wouldn't have done anything other than stare at the interior of the ship, but there simply was no time. Inside, he saw a tall woman with dark skin, silver hair and bunny ears, sitting on the sofa. She looked gracious and calm, as if she knew what was going on. Vaan didn't know what to say.
"Ah, Vaan, this is Fran, my partner in pirating. Fran, Vaan."
The woman smiled warmly. "I have heard about you." She said. "Tell us what is wrong."
"Filo told me that Penelo fell down, and when I got her she wasn't conscious anymore.. She has this, very bad wound on her leg but she always cleans it with dirty water and now it got infected.. If we don't do something.."
The woman got up.
"Can you take me to her?" She asked, still sounding as gentle as before. Vaan seemed confused, but nodded. Balthier got up as well, stacking a few potions and some bread to take along.
"Filo! Kytes! We're back!" Vaan shouted, before climbing down. Balthier, as usual, didn't need any help with the destroyed stairs, and even Fran found her way down with ease. They ran to the main hall, where Fran immediately took place next to Penelo. Filo didn't ask any questions and moved away, explaining to Kytes Vaan had brought help. Then, she noticed the man standing next to her friend. Vaan saw her staring and remembered he hadn't introduced them yet.
"Eh.. Filo, this is Balthier." He said nervously.
"Did you give us the food?" She asked, a little shy. Balthier smiled at her.
"Yes, that would be me." When he noticed her uneasiness, he took the bread and potions from his pouch and handed it to her. She smiled brightly.
"Thank you!"
"What do you think, Fran?" Balthier asked his partner.
"She is infected, it is spreading through her body. The fever is getting worse, to fight it." The woman held her hands above the wound and concentrated. A soft, white light emitted from her hands and sank into the infected flesh. Kytes could feel the warmth coming from the light, while Filo and Vaan stared in amazement.
"Is that..magic?" Kytes asked.
"Yes." The woman answered. After a few more seconds, she removed her hands. "This is not enough."
Vaan looked at Balthier, worried.
"What are you trying to say Fran?" The brunet said impatiently.
"She will need this every day."
Just as Balthier was going to offer a daily visit, Vaan shot forward and dropped down next to Fran.
"Then teach me!" He begged more than asked. "Teach me how to do it, please.."
The woman raised an eyebrow at the boy, then turned her gaze to her partner. He simply shrugged, silently stating it was her choice to make. She tilted her head.
"Are you sure?"
"My brother.. he used to teach me before he, well, left.. I never got to mastering it though.."
Fran nodded.
"Very well then, but you will have to come with us. I cannot teach here."
Vaan shot a concerned look at his younger friends, who only smiled in agreement. He returned the smile and faced the Viera with determination.
"Then what are we waiting for?"
---
The trust of Filo and Kytes meant a lot to him, and Vaan was more determined than ever. Fran took him back to the airship, and they sat down at the table in the living quarters.
"Since you already know the basic ways, we will need to focus on the flow of your magic."
"The.. flow?" Vaan asked unsurely. He didn't want her to think he was unable of doing this.
"The movement of magic within your body. You need to guide it to where it has to be. Here, I will show you."
She moved her hands together, and looked at them calmly. Soon, a soft white light appeared between them, gently floating up and down. Vaan stared in awe.
"You have to guide the magic to your hands and command it to do your will." Fran thought about a way to explain it in terms that would seem more fitting for the young man.
"It is just like commanding your arms and legs to climb a wall."
Vaan nodded, understanding what she meant. He held his hands together in a similar way, and closed his eyes to concentrate. He could feel the warmth of his own magic flowing through his body in direction of his hands, but it wouldn't come out. It felt like the light was stuck inside his body.
"It's not working.." He said, a little disappointed.
"I understand your haste, but you are skilled. All you need is the patience to match your talent."
Vaan looked down.
"Hey.. Fran.."
She eyed him in question.
"You and Balthier are pretty close, huh?"
Fran smiled knowingly.
"It is nothing but you he speaks of."
A deep blush spread on Vaan's face, as Fran headed for her room.
"Keep practicing."
The wheat blond nodded again, and closed his eyes to get back into concentration. He would learn this spell and cure Penelo, and everything would be alright again. It had to be.
Underground, Balthier had been exposed to the most tiring question-and-answer session of his entire life. Especially Filo didn't seem to be so shy anymore and asked away as the questions rose in her mind. The children were fascinated by stories of pirates and treasure, the sound of freedom made their heart ache in longing.
"I'm going to be a sky pirate one day." Filo said, her voice strong and her eyes dreamy. Kytes nodded silently, showing he agreed. It made Balthier smile.
"I am certain you'll be the best of pirates Ivalice has ever seen."
They talked throughout the night, and when morning fell, all three of them had fallen asleep.
---
"Ouch! What are you doing?!" Vaan moved away from Fran, as far as the sofa would let him. His hands shot towards a small cut on his left knee. The Viera sighed and placed one of her arrows back on the table.
"We need to be faster." She placed her hands over his knee, and soon the white light reappeared. Vaan watched in amazement as the wound closed on it's own. Afterwards, she grabbed the arrow again and made another small cut in his skin. Vaan flinched.
"Now, heal it."
"..But-"
"You can do it, concentrate."
"I.." Vaan looked down at his knee, a small drop of blood trickled down his leg. He sighed. "Alright."
It took him half an hour to heal his wound completely, but he had left a small, barely visible scar. Fran had left the room, and Vaan shot a hesitant look at the arrow on the table. He took a deep breath, before taking it and drawing another small line.
Penelo was counting on him. Everyone was counting on him. He had to get this right.
---
"Easy.." Balthier whispered, as he carefully placed the potion at Penelo's lips, a strong arm supporting her back. She took small sips, feeling the warm fluid fight the infection within her body. Her eyes opened and she tried to speak.
"..th.."
"Don't talk."
"V..Vaan.."
"He's working hard to save you."
"I.."
Balthier made sure she swallowed all of it, before putting the now empty vial away. He laid her back down and sat beside her as her eyes closed again.
"I seem to have caused quite some trouble for you." He knew Penelo couldn't respond in this state, which was probably why he wanted to say this now. "I don't know of the life that goes on here, I'll admit." A sigh spilled over his lips. He felt like he was asking a king for the hand of a princess.
"But I, well.." He coughed. "I like Vaan. I like all of you, for that matter."
Penelo seemed to have fallen asleep, and he smiled.
"So, I'm afraid I can't leave."
Saying it out loud when the only one who could have heard it was fast asleep, may be like cheating, but Balthier felt better anyways. It's been quite some time since he first met that boy covered in dust, and he didn't want to let him go again. The warm feeling this knowledge gave him took some time to get used to.
He pulled the covers a little further over Penelo's sleeping body, and left to get some rest himself.
---
While sleep hit the ones below, the tavern above was busy in meeting. Many angry voices shouted in chaotic harmony, all wanting the same thing.
"I'm gettin tired of those kids nicking our goods! What are they good for anyway?"
"Aye, I've lost quite some profit thanks to those dirty rats and the rains ain't making it better!"
Humming and several 'aye's' floated through the smoky room.
"I'd say we get rid of them, for good!"
The men started cheering, raising their drinks high, willing to drink to destruction.
"Do we all agree?"
Even if there were people that didn't, everyone knew they wouldn't speak up. If they did, they would get shot where they stood.
"Perfect! Then, tomorrow it is!"
Satisfied shouts and clinging of glass were heard, as the underground slept on.
---
When Vaan woke up that morning, Fran was already waiting outside. He still hadn't mastered the spell, but Fran wanted to check up on Penelo to see if the potions were doing any good. He quickly got dressed and followed her back. When they were halfway, a loud bang disrupted the morning air, the buildings around them seemed to shake.
Fran's eyes shot to the direction of the sound, her ears seeming to move a little. Before Vaan could ask what was going on, she started running.
"Fran! Wait up!" Confused, he ran after her.
They arrived near the broken stairs, to see two men light what seemed like explosives. Fran halted immediately.
"Stay back, they have more." She said, holding her arm in front of Vaan to prevent him from getting in sight.
"What are they doing?!" Vaan shouted, panicking. When the men moved to light the other ones, Fran took an arrow and shot one of them down. The other yelled in shock, looking around to see the where the arrow had come from. When he couldn't find it, his fear got the better of him and he started running. A second arrow stopped him from reaching his home. Suddenly, a strong male voice was heard.
"FRAN, QUICKLY!" Fran seemed to be a little relieved to hear her partner shout. She ran towards the entrance, followed by Vaan, as Balthier lifted the still unconscious Penelo up. Fran grabbed her wrists and pulled her to daylight. Once in her arms, she took a few steps back to wait for the others. After ensuring Penelo was safe, Balthier ran back to get the other two children
"They.. I .." Vaan stuttered, comprehending what was happening. They were attacking them. He had to do something, but his feet were nailed to the ground he lived under. How could anyone..
BANG!!
Everyone flinched as the second explosion came. Balthier coughed away the dust creeping up his throat as he heard the side halls collapse.
"FILO! KYTES!"
"Balthier! We can't get through!"
The pirate looked in the direction of the sound, to see a pile of rocks blocking the way. He ran up to it and started to throw them aside as fast as he could. A small hand reached out to him and he grabbed it, carefully pulling Kytes out of the rubble. Filo followed soon after, and Balthier pushed them in direction of the exit.
"Quickly, get up. Follow Fran, ok?"
"But-" Filo started, worried.
"There's no time, move!" He yelled, and the children ran.
Balthier moved the final rocks to clear his own way, and headed for the exit himself. The main room was too dark to see anything, and where Kytes and Filo knew the way blindly, he didn't. He tried to feel his way along the destroyed inner walls, when the third explosion hit the ground above him.
Vaan had come to senses and he helped Filo and Kytes up, showing them the direction Fran went in.
"Balthier!" Kytes said, his lifeless eyes trying to look at Vaan. "He's still down!"
"Don't worry, I'll get him, just go!" The children nodded and ran off, as Vaan jumped down. The last explosion had destroyed the stairs completely, leaving nothing to climb.
'Please be ok, please be ok, please be ok..'
He couldn't lose him. Not like this. He had too many things he wanted to tell him, too many dreams he wanted to share. Too much love in his heart, meant for him only. It just couldn't end like this.
He ran towards the main hall, to see nothing but dust, fallen rocks and crumbling walls. He tried to keep himself from panicking and focused.
"Balthier! Are you in here?!"
A barely audible cough leaded Vaan around a corner, where he found Balthier. He quickly ran towards him, but halted when he saw the brunet's condition.
"V..Vaan, is that you?"
"Balthier!"
The older man exhaled, his body weakening against the wall, as Vaan appeared in blurred sight. He ran towards him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, trying to lift him up.
"Quickly, we have to get out of here! Can you stand?"
Balthier's head hung, and he slowly shook his head.
"I.. can't move."
"You have to try Balthier, please!"
Vaan desperately tried to pull him up again, but it wasn't working.
"Vaan.. go.."
Young hands weakened around Balthier's body, and Vaan dropped down on his knees.
"I.." He said softly, tears held in his voice. "Don't respond well to orders.."
Balthier managed to face him, and attempted to smile.
"You've b..been spending too much time with me.."
Vaan shook his head, knowing there was nothing left he could do for the both of them. Still, he couldn't leave him.
He loved him.
Carefully, he extended his hand towards the brunet's face, aching to touch, to comfort, to love. Grey eyes trailed down his body until they reached the gaping wound, a sharp rock had hit his stomach. Balthier pressed his hand on it, trying to keep the blood where it belongs. Vaan placed his other hand over it, his eyes finding the ones half-lidded and pained. It had to be now.
'Please, let this work.'
Gradually, a soft white light got caught between their hands, working it's way into the bloody flesh, closing it slowly. Vaan wasn't sure if he had enough strength to heal him completely, but he'd go on till it killed him. Their eyes still locked, his other hand was drawn to Balthier's skin. Vaan stroked him gently, feeling tears leave their trail without sympathy. He cried.
"..Vaan..."
"Don't talk.."
Vaan's hand brought him closer, as their temples touched. Their eyes closed, breaths rushed, all touches panicked. They needed to be close now, refusing to die without knowing what it would have felt like. The healing spell made Balthier slip away, drunk on the warmth he was given. The wheat blond noticed him balancing on the edge, rubbed his skin against his, slowly moving so their lips were but a breath apart. He opened his eyes to find him staring back, needing, wanting him to be closer.
Even closer.
Vaan parted his lips, breath coming out in gasps as the spell was draining him of his energy. Both their right hands still clasped over the wound, their left ones desperately seeking more contact.
Balthier closed his eyes, arching a little to get his lips closer to Vaan's. He had to. Vaan gave in, shyly capturing those lips in a kiss, so needy it became painful. Heads tilted, tongues met, ever so cautious and delicate. Not hurting, just touching, kissing, feeling, taking in all they could get. They had to.
Then, they noticed. They felt it. Rain.
Rain, coming up slowly, leaking through the blown up roof Lowtown offered, evolving into small streams of water, rejected by the dried out dirt. Puddles were created as the drops fell quicker, as the lovers kissed on.
They parted, breathless, drained. Balthier watched through troubled eyes how his love collapsed before him, how the white light weakened, then died. He'd go everywhere Vaan would go.
"I.." His last bit of energy, he spent saying words he wished could be said in different circumstances. He felt himself slip away, couldn't stop his eyes from closing.
"..love you so much."
They were no words. They were whispers. Whispered by a man, thought too proud to love. Too proud to care. Too proud to die.
Vaan heard them. They were the last sounds he could register, treasure, before the lights went out inside.
They were perfection.
Fin.
Author's Note
After a lot of stalling, messing with the plot and rewriting, the ending of Sound of the Underground is finally here. It might not be as satisfying as some had hoped it to be, but this story has taken on a direction of it's own, it seems x3 This whole fic was an experiment for me, writing in a genre different from what I'm used to and trying out new things. I hope you have all enjoyed reading it, as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Thank you time;
solidsoul, CuriousDreamWeaver, kawaii-no-kitsune, difficile., shiroi-kamaitachi Cho-Serake, MyraHellsing, chernevog, Pyro_Arc_Fire; For reviewing and giving me your opinions! As usual, you guys kept me on track, thanks!
Everyone who favorited this story/added it to story alerts; For letting me know that you enjoyed reading what I wrote!
All readers; For reading! Thanks!
Ah, I feel so cheesy now x3 I'm sure you'll all get the point =) As for a sequel, no plans have been made yet, so all suggestions are welcome if you have them. During next week (promise!) I'll start posting another three-part I wrote some time ago, my first FFXII fanfic. There's no 'real' pairings in there, but some are _very_ obviously hinted ;) I'd say it's a little bit of everything, so if you'd like, please check it out once it's there. For now, I'm off again! Take care everyone~!
:Meresta