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A/N: The much awaited return of guess who!

Chapter Eleven: The Bargain

Balthier looked up from the frayed piece of parchment he was reading at the impatient sound his companion made as they traveled through the skies in his ship, the Strahl. He understood how she felt. He did not like his ship being tied up to an obviously larger but far slower ship when he knew full well how fast his ship could go.

"Fran, will you please try not to pace around too much?' he asked her casually who was indeed pacing up and down the back of his ship, her sharp heels making a rhythmic sound against the metal floor. 'I believe you would get another bout of motion-sickness if you do not desist, and we both know what that would do to you.'

Fran tossed her hair at him, which grew past her waist, despite being held up by an intricate headdress. That gesture often told him a lot of things her mouth would not or could not.

Just right now, Balthier knew that that gesture meant she was impatient and irritated and would not tolerate his remarks when in the past she would. Balthier could only smile at this.

'What exactly is on your mind, my dear?' he asked, folding the piece of parchment and stowing it in a place not even Fran knew. It was one of his many secrets. He stood up and stretched.

How long would it take the Imperials get to their destination? Balthier had a feeling they were in the direction to go to Archades, and he would not have minded if they had asked him properly instead of treating him and his partner like mere grave robbers caught in the act.

Well, they had been mere grave robbers caught in the act, but he could still not understand why the Archadian Empire was the one taking them into custody. One, the Imperials had not told them why they were taking the two of them in, and the other was that King Raithwall's tomb was not something that came to their territory. Perhaps it was some of their old friends deciding to play a trick on them, Balthier and Fran knew a person capable of commanding of what seemed to be an entire legion to take them to Archades. But somehow, Balthier did not strike a man like Emperor Larsa to do something this elaborate just to play a joke.

'Sometimes I cannot understand you Humes.' Fran spoke now, her words dripping with annoyance. She rarely let her words tell others how she felt, but Balthier had been with her long enough to read her thoughts, her eyes. But there were times that she was so inscrutable that Balthier wondered if she even felt any emotion at all.

'I do not understand why such a large ship need to haul us away to a place when all they need is to tell me the coordinates and you could fly us there faster than any of these airships.' She continued, resting one of her hands on her hips and throwing her head back again.

Balthier could not resist a chuckle to come out. That chuckle made Fran gaze at him penetratingly.

'And what exactly do you find hilarious in our situation?' she asked him as he moved to sit back behind the pilot's wheel.

Balthier leaned back on his seat and placed his feet upon the wheel.

'Nothing actually.' he said casually over his shoulder. 'It's just that, I've been actually thinking of the same thing.'

He could feel Fran gaze at his back but did nothing to return the gaze. He knew he was not the only one noticing such connections between the two of them. After all, Fran was not even a human, and Balthier would not care to explain the complexities of courtship between his species. And he would not ask about her race either.

When they had met, Balthier had tried to see her like that, a woman perhaps like any other that he would test his charms with. But that sure backfired upon him, which resulted into several embarrassing situations on Balthier's part. After that, Balthier had not attempted to have any kind of relationship with his partner except friendship. It had been refreshing for both of them. Balthier had not any connection with women except physical ones, and Fran had still much to learn about the Hume world. They were perfect for each other to be not with each other. And when moments like what had just happened arrived, it only took one of them to stir the subject away in which the other would follow.

Like now. Fran stared at his back for the longest time before taking her place on the chair beside him.

'Like I said, sometimes I do not understand you Humes.' she spoke with the same annoyance but this time she did not toss her head. Balthier gave her a side-long glance and was surprised to see a small smile in her face.

Balthier just shook his head and leaned back once more. 'That makes the two of us, my dear.'

xoxoxoxo

Vladimir Ortal knew that when he ordered the audience of Famran Bunansa and his party, he knew that he was the one man capable of the job he was about to propose.

He had known Bunansa's father, Cidofolus Demen, even before the scientist was appointed leadership over Draklor. They had both served in the Imperial Armed Forces in their time, both of them decent airship pilots, Cid being there like his father before him, and Vladimir was there because it was necessary that heirs to the Empire should at least serve in the military. That was a time before neither of the men had been changed. Vladimir was less of his ruthless and indifferent self, and Cid was still optimistic and desiring to fight for his country. But after a nasty battle, which left bad memories on Cid, he went into meds, and discovered his passion for science.

It wasn't long until House Ortal took interest of his talents, and also with encouragement from his friend, Cid was given a chance to study more of it.

During his study, Cid was lucky to fall in love with a beautiful Archadian, a female that was obviously perfect for the young scientist, because he was in a state of a mess, which Cid had credited as symptoms of love. Vladimir had laughed at that. But maybe that was also the reason why he himself never married.

It was later, when Vladimir was older and House Ortal had fallen into merely some seats in the Senate, did he learn that Cid was appointed a lab at Draklor. And it was also then; when he was about six-and-thirty years, Cid announced he was about to become a father.

Vladimir had paid his congratulations, despite his dislike of children. He had been happy for his friend, as his character permitted.

Then everything seemed to drift away, years past and they got much older; the last thing he had heard from his friend was when he was nicknamed 'Demented Cid' and falling in love with Nethicite and its powers, which soon brought him to his end

Vladimir did not mourn for his friend; he was not that kind of man. But he did pay his respects to Cid's lab, his home after his son left at the age of nineteen. It was there did he learn about a certain something, which he thought would aid him greatly in his quest for power.

Sadly though, this something was not to be easily found lying about in the streets. If he had interpreted Cid's works right, the thing he was looking for was found in a distant place, probably filled with traps, though great treasure might also have been buried with it. Vladimir had no dealings with pirates himself, since he thought only of them as a nuisance, but this time, he thought he could need some of their services.

Vladimir Ortal watched as the hangar gates opened and the air was filled with the roaring noise of an airship coming in for a landing. He watched silently, his arms folded, his steely eyes betraying no emotion, his face set.

He had met Cid's son back when the child had been nothing but a little boy, and had not seen him since then. He did not know how this son was now like, whether or not he still had loyalties to his country or not. It was best for Vladimir to probably be on his guide.

The ship that the Ifrit was towing was by far smaller than it. Vladimir himself had not seen an airship quite like it, though he suspected that it was generally Archadian design.

The Senator continued to examine the ship for a few more minutes, noticed the dual-movable wing design, which was rare in airships. His attention from the ship was diverted however, when he heard voices coming from the opening hatch of the ship. Vladimir had been standing in the hangar in such a way, as when ships land, he would not see the people disembark because he was on the wrong side to greet them. Like in the situation now, the hatch of the smaller ship had opened, and Imperials who saluted at him before fetching their prisoners started to lead whoever was inside out.

'Seems like ages since we've been here last, eh Fran?" a young man's voice came from inside the ship. It was a cultured voice, and bore faint traces of an Archadian accent. Vladimir did not move from where he stood, but continued to stand where he was. He was after all, a man of power. Men of power did not usually greet his employees.

A few more minutes and the young man came into view. At first, since Vladimir could only glimpse the back of him, the Senator noticed the light brown hair that reminded him of Cid. Vladimir was not disappointed to discover that the young man that his men were leading was truly the son of Cid Bunansa, the likeness between the two men was astonishing.

Senator Ortal waited for the Imperials to present him to him before he spoke.

'Captured upon your orders Senator.' spoke one of the more-important looking Imperials to him as the party stopped before the older man.

Vladimir continued to look at the young son of Cid Bunansa, to his surprise, he could not read him as easily as he could other men.

'Have we been captured upon the Emperor's orders too?' he spoke rather casually, a small smile playing upon his face.

'You seemed to have inherited your father's levity.' He spoke for the first time, his voice hoarse.

A look of surprise came about his face before being replaced by the same indifferent look he had on. 'Oh, you knew my father didn't you? This should be interesting.'

The Imperial who spoke earlier seemed to gather himself up in righteous indignation. 'Have some respect! You are speaking to a Senator of the Archadian Empire, pirate!'

Balthier gave the soldier a sidelong glance before shrugging elegantly. 'There is no need to be impolite after all. All you need to do is ask.'

The Imperial judge made a sound as if he wanted to reply but a look from Vladimir silenced him.

'The Emperor did not send for you here,' Vladimir spoke again, drawing the attention of Balthier once more. 'I did,'

Balthier seemed to look upon him as if deciding on something before shaking his head.

' So this is not an elaborate joke then?'

Vladimir merely looked at him with no expression on his face. 'I have a job for you.'

'What kind?" the sky pirate prompted immediately.

'Are you interested?' Vladimir countered.

Balthier merely shook his head and raised his hands, which were bound by shackles. 'I have never met an employer who binds their future employees into service. I assure you, these are not necessary.'

Vladimir looked at him, who in his part had the same inscrutable look upon his face. This young man was not like Cid at all, whom he remembered had been easy to read.

Nevertheless, Vladimir motioned with his hands and the soldiers around them moved to remove the shackles that bound the young Bunansa and his companion.

It was then did he realize and notice the companion that followed the renegade Archadian.

He had heard of their species, but he had not known that her kind would travel in the open with a hume, despite the rumors that the young Bunansa was traveling with one.

Viera were generally reclusive and withdrawn even within their kind. Vladimir had heard about the long rabbit-like ears all Viera posses but he had known about their stature and otherwise exquisite beauty.

This Viera for example had skin the color of rich almond, or perhaps like the bark of trees that had been bathed in the sun. She stood a few inches taller than both men, which was credited perhaps to her elaborate armor that nevertheless revealed most of her skin. Her ears were tipped with black fur where otherwise they were snow-white, like the rich thick locks that fell to her waist.

The Viera stared at him with ruby red eyes with a button-like nose that only added to her rabbit-like appearance. Her eyes spoke age though her physical body did not.

'We shall talk somewhere safe.' Vladimir spoke looking away now from the viera and leading them inside.

' I see Archades has not lost its hospitality at any rate.' Balthier remarked rather dryly.

Vladimir looked past his shoulder to the two following him. 'I knew your father.' he said in attempt to get Balthier speaking. He did not know this young man yet, and the best thing perhaps to talk to him was about one they both know.

'So I figured.' the sky pirate remarked still with a dry tone.

'Ahh, yes.' Vladimir spoke, feigning remembrance. 'I forgot you were estranged. Nevertheless, no doubt it pains you that he died.'

Balthier made an impatient noise. 'Is this part of your attempt to see how exactly can you tempt me to a job? Genealogical talks and all that?'

'Forgive me,' was all Vladimir said.

They had reached an office. There was silence as they entered the dim-lit room even when Vladimir moved to stand behind the desk and motioned for the two to sit in chairs opposite him.

'I have expected that you would have more people traveling with you.'

'Oh?" Balthier remarked folding his arms and declining the chair. 'You have had dealings with pirates in the past?'

Vladimir just shook his head and folded his arms as well. 'I have heard news about you.'

'Then you would have also learned that I need only one partner to be with me.' Balthier replied just as lightly with a motion towards Fran.

Vladimir did the smallest motion to glance at Fran but did not break under Balthier's gaze.

'You are more eccentric than your father with your taste in women.'

'Fran is my partner.' Balthier replied still lightly, but with a firmness that suggested he should not go there. 'She is a wonderful mechanic, excellent in any weapon but a terrible cook. Qualities that I do not look for a spouse, though I don't suppose you would have any say about it if I did, despite knowing Doctor Cid and all.' he looked up as he straightened up his cuffs.

Vladimir met his look with a smile of his own. 'I have been too assuming. Perhaps your partner could leave us gentlemen to talk about this business proposition I have for you?'

Balthier raised an eyebrow. 'Too delicate for a lady's ears eh?' was the only thing he said, despite the flashing of his eyes. The sky pirate said nothing after but merely looked back at Fran who nodded, though a frown was in her face. She exited the room.

'So,' Balthier spoke once he heard Fran's footsteps go out of earshot. He folded his arms once again and looked at the Senator fully for the first time. 'What exactly is this proposition you have and what makes you so sure I would take it?'

If Vladimir was surprised, he showed no signs of it, but merely nodded. 'How shrewd. I have an item that I wish for you to retrieve.'

'Something you lost?' Balthier asked.

Vladimir merely shook his head. ' Something I want.' He reached inside his cloak and revealed pieces of parchment. He threw them down at the desk.

'Compliments of your father.' Vladimir said now, his voice losing all friendliness, to be replaced by something colder. 'It seems that, the Dynast-king relics are not the only Deafacted Nethicite here in Ivalice. '

Balthier just regarded him with another raised eyebrow.

'According to your father, ' Vladimir continued. ' There is a different type of nethicite that goes by the name of 'Shadow'. The Shadow Nethicite is far older and therefore far more powerful than all the previous nethicite. It says in his works that with the Shadow Nethicite would provide the wielder with a power greater than all relics combined. Ancient power that had long been not used.'

'How do you know this nethicite is not just a myth?" Balthier spoke, his tone cold. He still remembered the last time nethicite participated in his life and he had seen great men fall because of their desire to have it.

Vladimir just shook his head. 'Draklor researchers had interpreted this nethicite to be found in the rich mines of Henne.'

'Draklor researchers?" Balthier asked, barely hiding the surprise in his voice.

Vladimir only nodded. 'Of course, my boy. You did not expect Draklor Laboratory to end just because you father died did you? Rest assured, Draklor is still alive today, much as it has been for the past years.'

'And how does the Emperor feel about this research that had been going on?" Balthier asked now, his tone returning to normal.

Vladimir nodded again. 'What the Emperor doesn't know won't hurt him.'

'Ahh,' Balthier nodded as well. 'So Archadia is not as well as it hoped, I see. Still very much desiring to destroy itself from the inside. I would have thought that having such an idealistic Emperor at her head, she would have changed.'

'Archadia is power.' Vladimir spoke for the first time with passion in his voice. 'She does not bend to the fetid fantasies of an adolescent fool. She stands because of power, and she will fall if she does not have it. Archadia needs power. She will not bow down because of one person who is afraid to hold that power. She will-"

"Yes, yes." Balthier interrupted him much to his irritation. "I see your point, old man."

"Then you will get this Nethicite for me?"

Balthier made a tsking noise and a shake of his head. 'Now I said no such thing did I?' He folded his arms again. 'What price are you willing to pay for such a quest?'

Vladimir regarded him with a wry smile. '50 million gil. Is that a price enough for you?'

Balthier nodded and gave a look as if he was attempting to consider the offer. 'From the Archadian treasury is it?' he asked with a look that seemed to suggest greed. Vladimir did not reply.

'Shall I send for your ship to be released then?" he asked the young man, who had adopted a pensive pose, hand below his chin and nodding every now and then.It seemed to Vladimir that it was not so hard to convince this young Bunansa into working for him. However, Balthier looked up at Vladimir's words. A frown suddenly appeared in his face.

' Look, I do not trust you.' Balthier said without hesitation. 'Not that the prospect of money hasn't tempted me and all, and I am materialistic at some respects, but I am not so materialistic that I want to aid an ambitious man to destroy the peace that I have been enjoying of late.'

A change seemed to come over Vladimir's mien at Balthier's words.

'Rest assured also, Frammran, I do not trust you.' Vladimir spoke in a soft tone that was less of a hiss that otherwise was still menacing. 'My offer, is not one that could be refused. You will do this, whether you would want the money or not.'

'Oh, really?' Balthier folded his arms and raising his eyebrows yet again. 'So the true colors come out then. But what exactly is me stopping from doing so?'

'You are still the most wanted sky pirate out there, despite your 'heroics' during the previous war. You would not want to spend your lifetime rotting in a cell that you could not possibly escape from do you?'

Balthier snorted and shook his head. ' And here I thought you trusted my abilities and capabilities. Still,' he replied. 'That reason is not enough for me to be your minion.'

Vladimir flashed him a smirk that would have otherwise chilled the bones of a lesser man.

'Perhaps this should appease your disapproval.' the Senator pressed a button on the desk to reveal a screen at the opposite wall.

'I believe you have visited Golmore Jungle.'

Balthier made an impatient sound. 'I do not share Doctor Cid's love for fauna and flora.'

'Indeed?' Vladimir sounded surprised. 'It would not matter then, if you find out that Draklor Laboratory is monitoring the Viera civilization there?'

The Senator motioned to the screen at Balthier's confused look. Sure enough an image of Eruyt village flashed on the screen. Not only Eruyt village, but also other Viera cities that otherwise called Golmore home.

'It would not surprise you also that if you turn down this bargain, Draklor would not hesitate to use its weapon technology to annihilate this race and make your companion the only one left?' Vladimir continued. Balthier turned around to face him again, this time a glare in his eyes and a deeper frown on his face.

'I do not take kindly to blackmail.' was the only thing he said though Vladimir detected the force behind his words.

'I do not use that often either Frammran.' Vladimir answered, this time his voice lighter than it what was. 'Not if one follows what I want willingly.'

Balthier met his cold hard eyes with his steely angry ones. 'And this quest shall go unnoticed by the Emperor?'

Vladimir smirked again. 'It shall, unless you choose to tell it to anyone close to him, which will forfeit the bargain nevertheless.' he looked at Balthier steadily now. 'So, do we have a deal?'

Balthier's reply was just a cold-hearted glare, a look that one would have if they were forced into doing something they did not have the urge to do.