The Sky Pirate's Apprentice - Chapter 5
Title - The Sky Pirate's Apprentice - Rewards and Machinations
Rating - T (M for future chapters)
Characters - Balthier and OC character, Basch also appeared.
Story - Set in post-game two years later between FFXII and Revenant Wings.
Summary - A partner's illness, a vicious foe, a sinister plot and a cursed stone. It's up for the leading man and his new recruit who may not be what it seems.
Disclaimer - This fic is my idea. All Final Fantasy XII characters/plot belong to SquareEnix.
The Whitecap was back to normal two days after the plague of brawls around the pub. At last, it was evening now and everything was in peace as handymen renovated the whole place day in and day out. And the rest of the local patrons were as they used to be, arguing and fighting. They were all on full swing as Gerty the Fiddler sat on the table, as he continued to play his violin cheerfully to make them happy.
Balthier and Liam were at the same table as one of the pretty barmaids who delivered drinks and flirted at them as Balthier gave a sly, charming wink at her. Liam, on the other hand, looked irritated and envious over at him. During all of his adventures, the sky pirate had a charm with the ladies, with his silver tongue, who give one the eye. He had enjoyed them in the past and still forgot them otherwise.
Then another barmaid came straight to them, none other than Enora, her face looked like she was not in a mood as she placed the mugs on the table.
Balthier cleared his throat and gave a simple apologetic look of his charming face to her. "How's Comyn?" he asked in a pause.
"Bedridden with a lump of his head.'' she said sweetly but furiously at him, "And you have no shame-"
He raised his hand like he'd surrendered to her. "Heavens; take it easy." he said cheerfully, "I'm not the one who started the fiasco."
"Yeah, you wish." she replied, "And thank Gods those troublemaking arseholes are gone for good!"
"You mean Druas and Cestmir?"
"Off with some treasure hunting. And I've never seen the likes of their filthy mouths and faces again."Then her eyes beamed to Liam as he went into shock. "So this is your apprentice. Well I'll be-"
Liam went uncomfortable as he stood up from his chair and bowed his head towards her. "Please forgive me, madam. I didn't mean to start over this-"
"He's not doing any harm, darling Enora." Balthier said, "Trust me."
She sneered at him then hesitated. "So you guys are both alive and well."'
"Liam here was to chop down a fiend and he went at it hammer and tongs."'
She turned to Liam again. "Is that right, young man?"
Liam returnd to his seat and cocked his head at her. "I did, ma'am."
The older barmaid smirked. "'I'm impressed. I've never seen a young man with many fighting talents. It's on the house, son." she turned to Balthier. "And you're not."
"What?" Balthier gaped at her.
"Two gil on the table before you leave." It was too late for the conversation to Enora as she walked away.
Balthier sighed as he raised his mug. He toasted with Liam and they drank together as the boy choked on his drink and coughed.
"You're okay?" Balthier asked.
The boy nodded, still coughing, as his waved his hand signaling that he was okay.
They continued drinking the second time as Liam glanced briefly at Balthier, then turned to his mug.
"Is anything wrong?" Balthier asked again with a smile. "And what's the sad look on your face?"
"'It's nothing, really."' he said frowning.
"You don't have to be sad what you've had done." he said as he finished his mug and placed it on the table, "I can't believe you've done brave thing."
Liam smiled slightly. "'I'm born as a steel, sir." his eyes rose to him, "How about you?"
He took a sly grin. "For me as a leading man, I had been beating the drum in order to get my reward."
"You mean our reward." corrected Liam as he leaned forward uncertainly.
He chuckled. "You've changed already while we were coming back from Cieloáh. And I was very skeptical of your fighting skills. Is there someone teaches you in that sort of style?"
"A member of my family who visited at the plantation during the war with the Archadian Empire, he's the one who taught me how to fight." Liam answered. "He's a member of the Order of Knights of Dalmasca."
His eyes surprised on Balthier."That was Basch's company."
"Who?"
"Basch fon Rosenburg," he smiled, remembering his fellow comrade while on a dangerous journey along with Vaan, Penelo, Fran and Ashe. Gods, why I can't stop thinking of her? "He was the Captain of the Order. And loyal protector to Princess Ashelia."
"I've heard he was a traitor for murdering King Raminas...but someone is the real culprit whose responsible." the boy explained on Captain Basch's false crimes long time ago after Dalmasca surrendered to the Empire. "So where is he now?"
"He's at Archades, my birthplace. He served there as personal bodyguard to Emperor Larsa."
Liam raised his brows and grined as he leaned back. "I've learned to fight on my own. And I'm a bird of a different feather."
"You have learned to fly if you want your own." Balthier suggested.
''I should."
"Speaking a bird of a different feather." he said as he leaned forward and folded his arms on the table.
"Are you going to see a friend of your father's?"
"I have to see him tonight after the reward." Liam answered as he drank lightly on his mug.
"'Why tonight? Why don't you visit him tomorrow morning?"
"He's stays all night, Balthier." Then a moment after drink, Liam held his chin. "Whoah..."
"'I think you drank too much ale."' Balthier looked at him suspiciously. "Uh...Liam, young chap?"
Liam shook his head quickly. "No, no. A little." he said quickly and lightly. "Only a little."
Oh Gods, I think I overdid it too much. Balthier thought. So much for celebration.
"Can I ask you a question?" Liam asked casually from drowsy.
"What is it?"
He cleared his throat and went on. "You've been many places around here. What else you're doing important besides treasure hunting? Why are you a sky pirate?"
Balthier took a beat and exhaled. "Just to fly around the world. My life is in the skies, Liam. I made my decision that I wanted to take a true meaning of freedom. You know why I became a sky pirate? Let me tell you my story."
Liam leaned forward as he listened to the leading man's story.
"Long ago, I was sixteen when my father positioned me as a Judge. They were the guardians of law and order in the Archadian Empire were I assigned and served to protect the innocent. Then following shortly afterwards, I ran." he sighed and turned next to the open window watching the full moon over the shore."I ran because of my father's brink of madness and I could not understand what he was saying. I was afraid of him and what would happen next at him who was about to become. Creating himself as a monster. A monster who lost control from a gilded cage. That is why I ran away from him, escaping to the freedom from taking control. Freedom I wanted to settle a new life. Freedom was the way of a living when I became a sky pirate. And the rest is history."
As many ties he cut to the past about him and his father the more he could not let his past go. Looking back he finally saw that his father wasn't insane at all at Draklor, and then he watched him die as he was dissolving away at the Pharos Lighthouse. He believed what Dr Cid was doing was for the best for humanity. Quite ironic, much to for Ffamran Mied Bunansa's dismay.
His stories finished, he tuned to Liam, Liam forced a grateful smile and nodded. "Thank you for sharing your stories, Balthier."
"My pleasure." He grinned faintly and gave a questioning look as Liam's eyes fluttered. "You know, you're the second person who's sharing about my past."
"Really? So who's the first then?"
Then Balthier cut off the conversation. "Liam, I think you need some rest." he told him.
Liam shook his head as he raised his hand, "No, Balthier. Please, just tell me who?"
He looked on his face as his expression grew grave. So he gave him a best shot as he took his voice. "Well, it's about me and the-"
"Balthier darling!" A surprising female voice interrupted and Balthier glanced in her direction.
A pretty redheaded courtesan dressed in elaborate brown and gold silk sari walked at him. She immediately sat on Balthier's knees as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly on his mouth. "Where have you've been all of these days?" she replied tartly.
He laughed sweetly and gave a charming smile. "Neva, sorry I have a lot of business to move on."' he chastened her as Liam gave an inexcusable pause of his face, finished his drink and banged down his mug.
Neva scoffed. "Move on this, move on that. Why don't you move along with me afterwards?" she said huskily as she cupped her hand on his chin and leaned closer to him.
"Dear Neva, I would love the ide-KYAHH!" Balthier suddenly flinched, his voice shrieked painfully as he kicked out his knee while Neva screamed and almost collapsed as she slipped her arms around him.
He grabbed down at his foot as he groaned in pain. It appears that someone had stomped on his foot hard under the table, and then his eyes glared finally as he looks directly to the person who had stomped on him, none other than Liam, sitting there in a proper manner as he watched Gerty the Fiddler flying around the room.
"Sorry." he said unabashedly with a lie. "My bad. I just saw a bug crawling at your foot."
Why you...little arrogant brat! Balthier thought angrily. His teeth clenched in pain.
Then Neva turned to Liam in bewilderment and smiled seductively. "Oh, your new partner I see? Where's your Viera friend?" she asked to Balthier.
"She's taken ill."
"And he's a pretty one, eh?"
"Yes, bu-"' asked Balthier in a groan, pressing his sore foot carefully.
"Ohhh!" And she moved toward Liam. She smiling sweetly and giggled. "A fine handsome lad you are."
Neva was next to him as her hands moved slowly around his shoulders and looked down to him. Liam was still sitting next to her as his cheeks flushed red. "What is your name, dearie?"
"L...Liam, ma'am." he answered quickly and slightly alarmed. He looked uncomfortable.
"I'm Neva. Nice to meet you."
Liam trembled as he bowed his head nervously to her, then his eyes rose when his chin was lifted on Neva's fingers to gently meet hers. Balthier turned, a resentful expression on his face, with a sigh for both.
"Nice to meet you too." the boy replied with a stammer.
"So, Liam. Tell me, did you enjoy the treasure hunting with my dear Balthier while I tickle your fancy?" she questioned in a tempting voice to him and lowered her to his giving him a tease. Her other hand was placed against his upper thigh.
Liam closed his mouth and gulped nervously. "Oh! It's...it's very...precariousness, ma'am." he said anxiously. "A..a...and...so it's always passed muster."
The woman chucked. "How sweet of you, dear Liam. Maybe you should come along with me tonight."
"Huh?" Liam startled with his eyes widened, face sweating and shivering his spine. He can feel the touch of Neva's hand slid slowly to meet his manhood, but he was moving slightly away from her. "Ma'...Neva, I...I th...thi-"
"Hey, take it easy." Balthier protested to her. "He's not your type and he's not ready."
Neva stood straight from Liam. She freed her hand from the boy's thighs and folded her arms. "C'mon, you rejected me again like the blonde fella of yours!"
He gave a sly grin. "Don't be spoiled too much, Neva. Seduction is a strictly dangerous key because you're forcing him."
"I'm just trying to make fun!"
Balthier sighed and then with a wicked smile as he decided finally. "'If you want to get over with just go ahead-"
"WHAT?" Liam startled suddenly and causing a jump on his stomach.
"And he's a bird of a different feather."
His eyes gazed in terror, attempting to push the woman away as the dastardly sky pirate continued in his playful tone. "He's not quite of hasty one, Neva. Let him welcome for the celebration-"
"H..h..hold on a minute!" he shook his head quickly, waving both hands in panic.
"Liam my boy." he said in a smirk on his face, "Now it's time to be a fine gentleman."
Neva became impatient, then swinging lazy on her pouch and sighed. Then her eyes surprised to a young man at distance waved his hands at her. "Oh Gods, there goes my date." she hesitated before leaving the two, "I'm going to leave both of you alone."
"Client of yours, I'm afraid." examined Balthier.
Her eyes beamed in a sarcastic way. "He's just a friend."
The leading man raised his brows and smiled.
Neva turned back to Liam, her fingers raised gently on his chin. Her gentle and adoring eyes met his. "Till we meet each other again, dear sweet Liam. Until then..." she gave an air-kiss to him and she left without looking at Balthier, she waved him instead. "See ya, Balthier."
Balthier said nothing and then he smiled again as he watched the flirtatious courtesan walk towards her male friend with hugs and kisses. They chatted and within minutes he offered her his arm as she smiled brightly, as they were walking out they passed a man dressed in a long murrey cloak entering the pub. He stood there from the entrance as he turned his head from left to right, and then he caught a slight direction to him and nodded his head as Balthier in disbelief.
"You wait here." he said as Liam's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"'Who is he?"
"He's the man who sent us a reward for the stone." he explained as he stood off his stool and dropped two gil on the table.
The boy looked briefly over his shoulder to the man who Balthier is talking about. "'Shall I come with you?" he asked as he turned to the sky pirate.
"No, you're a bit drunk." said Balthier, looking at Liam and urging him to stay."'Stay here. In a meantime, I've paid a room for you upstairs. Just take time here for a while before you retire and I'll be back shortly, alright?"
Liam gave him an encouraging nod as Balthier left the Whitecap to meet his client in waiting. He looked in a moment something's going on, or maybe it's the drinking. He just wanted another mug of ale but he felt a heavy restraint on his brain. He tried to wake up, until he almost passed out as he laid his cheek down on the table and moaned to himself.
Enora returned as before and she cleared the empty mugs from their table, and gave a weary look to Liam who was half-passed-out from drinking too much ale. "Liam? You alright?"
"I'm fine, ma'am. Just..a little tired."
"You should go to your room and get some sleep. And where's that Balthier going?"
"He's on business with his client..." he muttered softly as his eyes began to fade to sleep. "He'll...be...b.."
The blonde barmaid sighed as she cleared the mess away and patted him gently on his back. "Sleep tight, son." she said with a gentle kiss on his head and walked away.
-+-+-+-+-
Things were getting hasty for Balthier as he stood outside at the Quayside Court to meet with Medr, the wealthy merchant who hired and promised Balthier the Aeval in exchange as a reward. He was finally delighted as he was ready to depart Balfonheim as soon as possible, before the preparation of the wedding with his Lady Chiani.
I hope he's satisfied. The sky pirate thought with an insecure look of his face.
He'd been doubtful because the word 'wedding' was in his head because of Ashe's marriage to this dastardly Lord Raed. He saw him in person and he was beginning to despise him because of his priggish and selfish nature against the weak. How dare this cruel bastard put a hand on her in marriage, and Balthier fought a bad feeling, he'd been imagining himself to shoot Raed with his shotgun in front of her. Or even worse. He'd die afterwards as a happy man.
Are you sure about this, Ashe? Balthier thought painfully. Are you going to be betrothed to this man? Are you in love with him?
He moved on as he found Medr who is standing there at the dark alley a few blocks from the Court. He moved slowly one step further until someone came toward him.
"Evening, Balthier." Druas said with a proper smile.
Balthier crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Druas, with black eyes and bandages on his broken nose. "Druas, by Gods. I'm not in a mood to fight the lot of you." he irritated casually.
"No, no. I don't mean to start a fight." He shook his head and raised both hands like he'd surrendered.
"Enora told me you'd left." he replied, "So why are you here?"
"My partner and I were on a quick hunt, also I came back to see you-"
He chuckled angrily. "Please, Druas. And don't tell me you're planning to play tricks on me."
"Hey! I didn't plan this."
"Good. Now if you excused me, I have a person waiting-"
"Hold on a minute." the fellow sky pirate laughed sheepishly in his lame but sinister humor, "I've heard you've finally came back from a new partner of yours."
"How the hell did you know?" he frowned.
He raised his brow. "Just people around town. And you've got somethin-"
Balthier flinched his hand away from him. "Back off, Druas. Excuse me I have a-" he walked away from him but Druas blocked him and punched hard in Balthier's stomach.
"Ooops. Sorry..."
"You..." Balthier spurned and coughed as he grabbed his stomach in pain. He moved backward as he was bumped by a snickering Cestmir behind him, grabbing both of Balthier's arms. "...bastard!"
"And also, I've just came from the hunt and I have something for you." Druas said to Balthier and he pulled out a small, black, sharp object. "A souvenir from Cieloáh."
Druas stabbed him in the lower torso as Balthier gasped and fell on his knees to the ground.
Balthier felt his body go disoriented and numb, his eyes went blurry, his cheek pressed against the cobbled stone. Something felt inside him. A strange pain that jolted his body to madness, leaving himself in a shuddering and chaotic state, unable to standing up because his weight went heavier. He was helpless, unable to move or get up to fight. He can hear the echo sounds of Druas' venomous voice before fading away.
"Sorry to ruin your appointment, Balthier." he grinned, "I hope you enjoy the final act as a leading man."
He didn't move a muscle or was able to speak. He just laid there on the cobbled stone. Only left was his fading gasps of his labored breath, and his heart began to slow down. His vision went foggy as he could see Druas bend his knees down and unclasp the leather pouch of his belt. He pulled out the Aeval from the tiny pouch, dangled on his hand as he whistled high and low.
"Save your breath." He smiled gleefully and patted Balthier on the back. His eyes turned to Cestmir. "Stay with him."
Cestmir nodded while Druas fixed his long coat casually and walked straight to the dark alley where Medr waited. "Here ya go, sir." he paused before he tossed the tiny pouch to Medr. "Ah, ah...the reward first."
The man pulled out a heavy, red pouch and showed it to him. He tossed it to Druas, who finally tossed the Aeval to him. Medr opened it and held a colorless stone in the palm of his hand, his eyes gazed in surprise. Druas cursed after he opened the pouch.
"Hey wait a damn minute." Druas said angrily. "Is that it?"
"What?"
"Twenty thousand gil?" asked Druas in disbelief and his eyes widened, "It supposed to be thirty thousand!"
Medr looked in a calm but sinister way. "We've change the subject. Lord Raed cannot raise the payment and he wouldn't spend or gave money to other low life scoundrels or strangers like you-"
"What did you say, you arrogant fuck-" Druas began to draw his sword.
"If you kill me." warned Medr in a polite manner, "My servants will."
Druas spun his head as he heard footsteps beside him, as he was surrounded from both side of the dark streets and alleys by three black cloaked men separated on, preparing their daggers to draw. Cestmir called him to start to fight but the pirate refused as he let his hand away from the hilt of his sword.
He turned his partner and shook his head slowly. He finally turned back to Medr. "Take it and go. And send Lord Raed a special regards from Druas on Balthier, will you?"
"Fine. Then it's settled." Medr turned back to the darkness. "You know what to do."
Druas turned his head again around the streets and alleys where the Medr's men disappeared. He walked back to his partner. "What are you waiting for, you fool? Pick him up! Make sure it's without a noise."
"So where we going to dump him?" Cestmir asked as he picks Balthier up and carry him over his shoulder.
He gave a stern look to Cestmir. "The bloody wharf!" he hissed. "Where else?"
They walked in silence before they reached the wharf until they've spotted a surprising figure coming towards them. Liam stood there with his katana in his right hand.
Druas was both impressed and amused. "Well, well, well. The brat who assaulted us at the pub. So did you tell the sweet virgin Queen of Dalmasca about me, little boy?"
"I don't give a damn of your filthy words, sir. Also your bark is worse than ever." said Liam calmly and angrily, clutching the hilt on his sword. "If you be so kind as a gentleman, control your behavior and out with it."
"Oh my! You're so persistent. " He rose his eyebrow with a cutsey grin of his mouth. "There were a lot of long words in there, boy. And we're not humble servants. So is this what you want? A fight? Huh?"
"Before that." Liam raised his katana and pointed at Druas and his partner carrying Balthier. "Let him go."
Druas and Cestmir laughed. "You are a toughie, eh. What if I said 'no'?"
"Very well."
Then Liam suddenly slipped the gold-rounded necklace quickly on his left hand, dangled it as Druas sudden of his face.
"What the hell did you get this?" he demanded, "That is my medallion and I've been looking all over for it!"
Liam smiled. "Oh that? I'm sorry, sir. Remember at the pub? I found this on the floor while you accidentally worn off during the fight. So I kept this for a while before I sell it to the pawn shop for dozens of gil-"
"If you doin' this, I will kill you!"
"If you kill me," said Liam raised his chin and smirked triumphantly, spun the medallion before he tossed it to the darkness. "I'll throw it someplace else or drop it over there or maybe the wharf-."
"Don't!" warned Druas as Liam stoped spinning. "That thing is the only I have."
Cestmir gave an odd look. "Druas it's only a bleeding necklace-"
"Shut up!" he spat to Cestmir," Put him down."
"What?"
"Are you deaf? Put him down!" he snapped in temper.
Cestmir said nothing as he dropped Balthier on the ground.
"Move away from him." Liam demanded as his katana swayed slightly to the left. "Nice and slow."
The bald sky pirate sighed and walked away from Balthier without kicking or pushing him hard.
"Hand it over to me." said Druas as he held his hand, "Please?"
Liam examined the necklace again. "What's got into this and you, sir? Does that thing have a bad luck? Or is it a gift from your mother who's begging you to come back home, treating you like a little boy?"
"Alright, alright! Enough for that!" he said in a frenzy. "Give it back to me. Now!"
"Oh I get it...that medallion." Liam looked again to the necklace but a medallion with a military high-ranking emblem of the Archadian Empire. "You're nothing but as a judge long ago. Is it?"
"You're wasting your breath, you brat." stormed Druas as he drew his double-bladed sword. He set the Gambit mode and cast the Protect spells on him.
"Shall I do the honor?"Cestmir asked. He also drew his sword.
He glanced to him. "Wait your turn, Cestmir." he snapped again then he turned back to Liam, "Let me try this little punk. And which is the one who got scared away?"
I'm not afraid. Liam took his breath and nodded slowly. Setting his mode and casting the Protect and Bravery magicks spells. And he was ready. "And I don't like the stench of a double-crossing pirate like you."
"We'll see about that!"
Druas screamed in a war cry as he raised his blade and prepared to stop Liam's attack. But Liam struck him first. Then they clashed each other as Cestmir watched their moves. Blade against blade. The swordplay was graceful and furious, Druas attacking, slashing, and hacking, the boy parrying effortlessly, careful and elegantly defensive. Druas broke the onslaught to catch his breath. Liam's eyes were calm and patient, gripping the hilt in his sweaty hands.
And they stood there and walked around slowly face-to-face, waiting to fight again.
"You're weak, old man." said Liam.
"Don't be fooled, boy." noted Druas.
"Your rage has unbalanced you."
"I wasn't aware of that." he sneered, "And I'm not weak!"
"How can a disgraced Judge Magister ended up as a criminal, I wonder." replied Liam.
He chuckled. "You have a shred of history, eh? Well then, yes I was Judge Magister Kadyriath. I served under Emperor Gramis Solidor long long ago before his son took over. I was born with a lust to kill besides justice; as well I killed one of my fellow men without following orders. But I wanted more to followed rules without questions and answers but the Emperor heard my wrath. He stripped off my rank, then he and the Senators sentence me to death for treason, but I successfully escape. Away from justice. Away to freedom at last. Then Vayne took over after the Emperor's death and he came for me. So I followed his orders and serve as a spy against the Resistance and the Rozzarian Army. It was very easy then before Vayne's death and the Empire surrenders. The only thing I have left is the medallion that Vayne handed back to me."
"And now you still serving with other corrupted conspirators like Lord Raed." Liam answered.
"That's right, young fella." He scoffed with a laughed. "You have nothing like other weaklings. He's a very powerful man in Ivalice, got it? And he controlled everything to take over by his own will and then he chooses her, as well as a future husband of the virgin Queen of Dalmasca. He'll do anything to use her as a sweet lovely naked puppet."
Liam glared his eyes at him. "You don't dare calling her a puppet." then he raised his katana to strike him as Druas guarded his blade, staring at one another in a moment through their blades, "And you don't dare calling her a virgin!"
They pushed away and continued clashing their blades violently and roughly. Liam went forward attacking with terrible blows on Druas' sword, holding his ground. Liam used his katana with both hands, and with a rage, he swung a blow on the blade. But in a shocking gasp of his mouth, his katana snaped in two.
"My turn." he laughed triumphantly as he cast Scourge spells on him.
Liam's body collapsed on the ground, shaken and convulsive. Druas stood on his feet with his sword as he grabbed Liam by the collar of his tunic and lifted him up to face him with his left hand. He threw him like a rag doll and Liam crashed into the collapsible boxes. Druas walked towards Liam as he draws his sword to impale him, but the pirate felt something inside his right arm and felt burns around his body.
It was Liam casting the most powerful Flare attacks to ignite him. Druas screamed in terror as his body was in flames, running like hell to the wharf and jumped off into the water.
"You little punk!" Cestmir drew his sword and ran over him.
Thanks to the Super Ribbon that Liam had worn against status effects, he stood his feet and caught his breath in labor. His eyes snapped to Cestmir with surprise.
The bald pirate froze as he was surrounded by air and dark, then he saw a black source of energy behind Liam as Mist called upon him. And then he unleasheed his arms as a burst of a constant stream of sparkling light and ignited as an electrical force like a flying comet firing in front of its opponent. It was dangerously beautiful, the sparkling light that Cestmir dared to see as its struck into eternity.
But Cestmir's eyes widened suddenly as the light began to explode in front around him and then he screamed.
-+-+-+-+-
"What was that?" the guard asked when he saw a light.
Medr came beside him as he also saw a huge flickering light explode in the distance of the wharf then faded away. He turned to Lord Raed. "My Lord?"
Raed stood by himself, guarded by three of his men behind him. The fair young man with aristocratic feature stood slowly and watched the faded light. "Let them be, Medr." he said warmly as he turned away quickly, "They'll do their own."
"We must hurry on, my Lord. Before they catch us."
He scoffed and smiled as he walked on. "Don't so spoiled, my friend. We'll pray for that… ."
"And Ba'Gamnan?" he asked sharply, following him. "We've lost Balthier because of Druas and we were supposed to be bringing him in to this bounty-"
"Let me handle this vile reptilian, my dear Medr." Raed mocked, "We have to move on first, these filthy criminals has no respect to deal with us."
Lord Raed made his own plan to deal with this bounty hunter on Balthier's demise. Ba'Gamnan, who survived the fall into the Nam-Yensa Sandsea and no one believed, especially Balthier, that the cold-bloodied brute of a Bangaa could have died so easy. And happily, though. Even the Empire saw no more need for the bounty hunter's service and placed a bounty on his head due to his temper and unstable nature being a selfish trouble. Now he was looking for revenge and before he challenged and surprised Balthier and his friends again on the Auracite at Lemurés, he met Lord Raed at Rabanastre during his own scheming game of chess, using Queen Ashelia as a pawn on the Aieval in exchange on marriage. It was a simply despicable plan to bring the Queen's throne and the monarchy down to Raed's power and bring the sky pirate to Ba'Gamnan face-to-face than place a bounty on his head.
Raed and his men kept going as they marched down to the docks where his private boat was tied nearby. They reached an intersection when two pirates arrived to block their path. Raed's guards got ready to draw their swords as Medr came to join them.
"Sorry, did you called us filthy?" said one of the pirates.
"Yeah, I've it either." said the other.
"You pirate bastards stay back or you're both dead!" he demanded to them.
A third older pirated smirked as he came from above, playing with his sword like a cane, "You and your men are not allowed here, sir. It's private property."
"And your precious boat over there is ours now," the first pirate chucked as he pulled out his large Bowie knife. "I'm afraid you have to go back where you came."'
"We'll see about that." he sneered venomously as he turned to the guards, "Take them! Show them no mercy!"
The three sky pirate set their swords and attacked. And they took on three opponents with each of their styles on a brutal sword fight. They parried as they cast magicks on Protect, and then they glissades and disarmed, the younger pirate uses his blade with fists.
"Let's get out of here!" Raed yelled.
Raed, Medr and the fourth guard moved away from the flash of swords as they ran quickly to the docks. The guard moved quickly to inspect the boat first, so he turned before he suddenly warned them, a single dart strike through his throat. He choked in spasms and finally he died as his lifeless body hit the waters.
Medr and Raed were the only ones left alive, they armed and made their swords ready and then they waited as a single silver shuriken flew over at Medr. It was a direct hit in his arm to free his sword from his hand as he sank to his knees. A red masked warrior came from the darkness as she drew her katana, Raed carefully reached for his small pistol but Medr warned him.
"Go, Raed!" he grunted in pain to him. He stood up and picked up his sword as he tossed a small pouch to Raed. "I'll handle this! Go!"
Raed cursed but had no choice; he nodded at him and ran to his boat. The masked woman moved slowly as Medr stood completely still, pulling the shuriken out and throwing it back at her but she dodged it. They began as their swords clashed each other. Sleek, fast and deadly. Medr has experience on swordsmanship, being more flexible and quick tempered. But this fight looked tough and difficult. The woman was more skillful and clever than he. Medr's face was cut, a sleeve of his coat was torn and his left arm was still bleeding, he suddenly screamed as he thrashed down at her. She parried the blow from him, whirled to slice his stomach then next his lower back as he almost fell. He stood up again as he laughed hysterically with a cough of blood in his mouth, finishing off the opponent one last time.
He was defeated and exhausted, trying to stand up but he was cut deep on his lower heel. He caught his breath in labor and stared at her. He took his last laugh then fell dead to the ground.
Raed was at the control bridge, patiently as he worked the controls. Unaware a sword moved slowly behind him. Without warning, he froze and felt a large blade against his neck. "Lord Raed le Rivalen, I presume." a deep muffled male voice rang out as Raed swallowed in shocked and raised both of his hands away from the controls. "Turn around." The voice ordered.
He turned slowly to a man in a black and silver armor: a sleek helmet with curved horns, and his black cape worn behind him with an insignia of the Archadian Empire. Dark and noble, but not sinister. The Judge Magister stood with his sword pointed towards Raed.
"Judge Gabranth." Raed said in a noble manner. "What a splendid surprise."
Basch von Rosenberg, Lady Ashe's loyal knight and now Emperor Larsa's bodyguard, said slowly, meditatively and cautiously. "Lord Raed le Rivalen, Earl to the House of Rivalen. Chief Whip of the Dalmascan Parliament. Elected to the Royal Chancellor. Consort to the Queen of Dalmasca. And also, branded a traitor and treason."
"You memorized everything."
"I'm taking you down."
"You don't have to take me in, Your Honor. The Queen doesn't believe of those deceitful things you've fabricated it."
"Don't be mocking me, sir. She knows everything on your behalf. And we knew who you are." he said angrily. "I hereby arrest you for conspiracy against Her Majesty and the people of Dalmasca."
He shook his head with a faint smile. "Don't do this to me, Gabranth. We made a deal, remember?"
"From the very beginning, I don't deal on conspirators and schemers like you. I know everything about you and your history like the suspicious death of your father-Viscount le Rivalen. I've already told to the Queen before you offered your deal to me." the judge sneered.
"How fortunate I am." he scoffed easily, "You're cannot arresting me, Your Honor. No one taking over from me because I'm a very powerful man and they'll help me out of the court you'll see."
"You're too late. I've already know everything, Raed. Bribery, blackmail, and scheming, kidnapping, murder...you name it. And all of your followers are in custody from Empire's hands now. They confessed about you. And you're the only one left, sir."
"Now then, shall we?" continued Basch as he tilted his sword to him.
Raed said nothing to the Judge Magister as he walked backwards from him very slowly. And then he smiled. He rushed away from him, as he finally burst himself from the bridge and to the boat deck before he reached land to the docks. Unfortunately, he ran clumsily as he tripped over a rope anchor. It splashed overboard as the rope tightened and gripped one of his feet as Raed screamed. He was snatched into the waters, and pulled by the anchor through the depths of the Naldoan Sea.
Basch emerged from the bridge and ran quickly to the deck as he heard Raed's screams and the water splashing. He walked to the rail and looked down as he saw the bubbles of air coming out of the water. Within minutes every single bubble disappeared into darkness. He sighed as he almost seized him on purpose and relief.
Before he walked back to the docks to join the others, he looked down to the wooden floor of the deck and found a small pouch. He picked up the pouch and opened it as the Aieval dropped onto his palm. He gasped his breath with bewilderment and preoccupied. He placed it back finally in his safe hands as he walked away.
-+-+-+-+-
Cestmir's body convulsed as he lay on his back but it felt like moving and crawling without standing up. Liam rushed toward the fallen Balthier as he dropped to one knee beside him. He lifted his head and shoulders, cradling him gently in his arms.
"Hang in there, Balthier!" he breathed in a whisper to him.
Balthier caught up his breath with labor, his face sweating and his body not moving and numb. "Liam...A..." his voice stammered timidly while his eyes opened slowly, "Ash..."
"Please, don't talk!"
Footsteps came closer as Liam looked up and his eyes widened in terror with a gasp of breath. The stiffed, soaked and after-burned Druas catching his dying breath, carrying his old sword stood inches from him and Balthier before he raised his sword easily. He gave him a feeble grin and laughed with a wicked tongue like a wild animal.
Enrage as hell, the speechless Druas lifted his sword to strike them down, but he froze suddenly as Liam stood in gaze, protecting Balthier in his arms. Like a pinch of a pin cushion, a Sleep spell cast came from behind him. Druas' face transfixed as he collapsed sideways on the ground.
The red masked woman stood behind him after she cast the spell. "That should do it." she said in a cheerful voice. She looked down at them with a serious look of her eyes. "What happened?"
"I think he's been drugged or poisoned." Liam murmured weakly, "Please do something!"
She bent down next to Liam as she placed her hand on Balthier's forehead. She pulled a small vial from her pouch and opened the cap quickly: she poured carefully the liquid into his mouth.
"Is he going to be alright?" Liam asked sadly.
She nodded."He'll be fine." she said, "Judge Gabranth is here at the Port and he's on his way."
"He's here?" The boy sighed, "Thank the Gods."
"'I'll tell you later what happened to Raed." the masked woman stood up quickly, "In the meantime just stay with him. I'm going to find Gabranth to lend a hand to you both."
As she hurried to the other wharf to locate the Judge Magister, Liam turned back to Balthier. He stroked his hair then his face.
Balthier's eyes opened carefully, he reached his hand to brush Liam cheek as Liam gasped in shock. Lovingly and softly.
"You'll be alright." the boy whispered, "Help is on the way."
Then his eyes closed again as Liam shook his body gently. He was asleep peacefully and still breathing. The strength and the life was still with him.
"Balthier," he repeated softly in a whisper, still holding him. Then he brought him closer, hugging Balthier's body against his chest, arms around him and crying softly. "Please, sir! Dear Gods, please don't die!"
Balthier was asleep and in the silence. His heart began to slow. He can hear the voice he remember from long ago. A voice that pleaded with hopelessness.
"...come back...come back..."
Rating - T (M for future chapters)
Characters - Balthier and OC character, Basch also appeared.
Story - Set in post-game two years later between FFXII and Revenant Wings.
Summary - A partner's illness, a vicious foe, a sinister plot and a cursed stone. It's up for the leading man and his new recruit who may not be what it seems.
Disclaimer - This fic is my idea. All Final Fantasy XII characters/plot belong to SquareEnix.
The Whitecap was back to normal two days after the plague of brawls around the pub. At last, it was evening now and everything was in peace as handymen renovated the whole place day in and day out. And the rest of the local patrons were as they used to be, arguing and fighting. They were all on full swing as Gerty the Fiddler sat on the table, as he continued to play his violin cheerfully to make them happy.
Balthier and Liam were at the same table as one of the pretty barmaids who delivered drinks and flirted at them as Balthier gave a sly, charming wink at her. Liam, on the other hand, looked irritated and envious over at him. During all of his adventures, the sky pirate had a charm with the ladies, with his silver tongue, who give one the eye. He had enjoyed them in the past and still forgot them otherwise.
Then another barmaid came straight to them, none other than Enora, her face looked like she was not in a mood as she placed the mugs on the table.
Balthier cleared his throat and gave a simple apologetic look of his charming face to her. "How's Comyn?" he asked in a pause.
"Bedridden with a lump of his head.'' she said sweetly but furiously at him, "And you have no shame-"
He raised his hand like he'd surrendered to her. "Heavens; take it easy." he said cheerfully, "I'm not the one who started the fiasco."
"Yeah, you wish." she replied, "And thank Gods those troublemaking arseholes are gone for good!"
"You mean Druas and Cestmir?"
"Off with some treasure hunting. And I've never seen the likes of their filthy mouths and faces again."Then her eyes beamed to Liam as he went into shock. "So this is your apprentice. Well I'll be-"
Liam went uncomfortable as he stood up from his chair and bowed his head towards her. "Please forgive me, madam. I didn't mean to start over this-"
"He's not doing any harm, darling Enora." Balthier said, "Trust me."
She sneered at him then hesitated. "So you guys are both alive and well."'
"Liam here was to chop down a fiend and he went at it hammer and tongs."'
She turned to Liam again. "Is that right, young man?"
Liam returnd to his seat and cocked his head at her. "I did, ma'am."
The older barmaid smirked. "'I'm impressed. I've never seen a young man with many fighting talents. It's on the house, son." she turned to Balthier. "And you're not."
"What?" Balthier gaped at her.
"Two gil on the table before you leave." It was too late for the conversation to Enora as she walked away.
Balthier sighed as he raised his mug. He toasted with Liam and they drank together as the boy choked on his drink and coughed.
"You're okay?" Balthier asked.
The boy nodded, still coughing, as his waved his hand signaling that he was okay.
They continued drinking the second time as Liam glanced briefly at Balthier, then turned to his mug.
"Is anything wrong?" Balthier asked again with a smile. "And what's the sad look on your face?"
"'It's nothing, really."' he said frowning.
"You don't have to be sad what you've had done." he said as he finished his mug and placed it on the table, "I can't believe you've done brave thing."
Liam smiled slightly. "'I'm born as a steel, sir." his eyes rose to him, "How about you?"
He took a sly grin. "For me as a leading man, I had been beating the drum in order to get my reward."
"You mean our reward." corrected Liam as he leaned forward uncertainly.
He chuckled. "You've changed already while we were coming back from Cieloáh. And I was very skeptical of your fighting skills. Is there someone teaches you in that sort of style?"
"A member of my family who visited at the plantation during the war with the Archadian Empire, he's the one who taught me how to fight." Liam answered. "He's a member of the Order of Knights of Dalmasca."
His eyes surprised on Balthier."That was Basch's company."
"Who?"
"Basch fon Rosenburg," he smiled, remembering his fellow comrade while on a dangerous journey along with Vaan, Penelo, Fran and Ashe. Gods, why I can't stop thinking of her? "He was the Captain of the Order. And loyal protector to Princess Ashelia."
"I've heard he was a traitor for murdering King Raminas...but someone is the real culprit whose responsible." the boy explained on Captain Basch's false crimes long time ago after Dalmasca surrendered to the Empire. "So where is he now?"
"He's at Archades, my birthplace. He served there as personal bodyguard to Emperor Larsa."
Liam raised his brows and grined as he leaned back. "I've learned to fight on my own. And I'm a bird of a different feather."
"You have learned to fly if you want your own." Balthier suggested.
''I should."
"Speaking a bird of a different feather." he said as he leaned forward and folded his arms on the table.
"Are you going to see a friend of your father's?"
"I have to see him tonight after the reward." Liam answered as he drank lightly on his mug.
"'Why tonight? Why don't you visit him tomorrow morning?"
"He's stays all night, Balthier." Then a moment after drink, Liam held his chin. "Whoah..."
"'I think you drank too much ale."' Balthier looked at him suspiciously. "Uh...Liam, young chap?"
Liam shook his head quickly. "No, no. A little." he said quickly and lightly. "Only a little."
Oh Gods, I think I overdid it too much. Balthier thought. So much for celebration.
"Can I ask you a question?" Liam asked casually from drowsy.
"What is it?"
He cleared his throat and went on. "You've been many places around here. What else you're doing important besides treasure hunting? Why are you a sky pirate?"
Balthier took a beat and exhaled. "Just to fly around the world. My life is in the skies, Liam. I made my decision that I wanted to take a true meaning of freedom. You know why I became a sky pirate? Let me tell you my story."
Liam leaned forward as he listened to the leading man's story.
"Long ago, I was sixteen when my father positioned me as a Judge. They were the guardians of law and order in the Archadian Empire were I assigned and served to protect the innocent. Then following shortly afterwards, I ran." he sighed and turned next to the open window watching the full moon over the shore."I ran because of my father's brink of madness and I could not understand what he was saying. I was afraid of him and what would happen next at him who was about to become. Creating himself as a monster. A monster who lost control from a gilded cage. That is why I ran away from him, escaping to the freedom from taking control. Freedom I wanted to settle a new life. Freedom was the way of a living when I became a sky pirate. And the rest is history."
As many ties he cut to the past about him and his father the more he could not let his past go. Looking back he finally saw that his father wasn't insane at all at Draklor, and then he watched him die as he was dissolving away at the Pharos Lighthouse. He believed what Dr Cid was doing was for the best for humanity. Quite ironic, much to for Ffamran Mied Bunansa's dismay.
His stories finished, he tuned to Liam, Liam forced a grateful smile and nodded. "Thank you for sharing your stories, Balthier."
"My pleasure." He grinned faintly and gave a questioning look as Liam's eyes fluttered. "You know, you're the second person who's sharing about my past."
"Really? So who's the first then?"
Then Balthier cut off the conversation. "Liam, I think you need some rest." he told him.
Liam shook his head as he raised his hand, "No, Balthier. Please, just tell me who?"
He looked on his face as his expression grew grave. So he gave him a best shot as he took his voice. "Well, it's about me and the-"
"Balthier darling!" A surprising female voice interrupted and Balthier glanced in her direction.
A pretty redheaded courtesan dressed in elaborate brown and gold silk sari walked at him. She immediately sat on Balthier's knees as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly on his mouth. "Where have you've been all of these days?" she replied tartly.
He laughed sweetly and gave a charming smile. "Neva, sorry I have a lot of business to move on."' he chastened her as Liam gave an inexcusable pause of his face, finished his drink and banged down his mug.
Neva scoffed. "Move on this, move on that. Why don't you move along with me afterwards?" she said huskily as she cupped her hand on his chin and leaned closer to him.
"Dear Neva, I would love the ide-KYAHH!" Balthier suddenly flinched, his voice shrieked painfully as he kicked out his knee while Neva screamed and almost collapsed as she slipped her arms around him.
He grabbed down at his foot as he groaned in pain. It appears that someone had stomped on his foot hard under the table, and then his eyes glared finally as he looks directly to the person who had stomped on him, none other than Liam, sitting there in a proper manner as he watched Gerty the Fiddler flying around the room.
"Sorry." he said unabashedly with a lie. "My bad. I just saw a bug crawling at your foot."
Why you...little arrogant brat! Balthier thought angrily. His teeth clenched in pain.
Then Neva turned to Liam in bewilderment and smiled seductively. "Oh, your new partner I see? Where's your Viera friend?" she asked to Balthier.
"She's taken ill."
"And he's a pretty one, eh?"
"Yes, bu-"' asked Balthier in a groan, pressing his sore foot carefully.
"Ohhh!" And she moved toward Liam. She smiling sweetly and giggled. "A fine handsome lad you are."
Neva was next to him as her hands moved slowly around his shoulders and looked down to him. Liam was still sitting next to her as his cheeks flushed red. "What is your name, dearie?"
"L...Liam, ma'am." he answered quickly and slightly alarmed. He looked uncomfortable.
"I'm Neva. Nice to meet you."
Liam trembled as he bowed his head nervously to her, then his eyes rose when his chin was lifted on Neva's fingers to gently meet hers. Balthier turned, a resentful expression on his face, with a sigh for both.
"Nice to meet you too." the boy replied with a stammer.
"So, Liam. Tell me, did you enjoy the treasure hunting with my dear Balthier while I tickle your fancy?" she questioned in a tempting voice to him and lowered her to his giving him a tease. Her other hand was placed against his upper thigh.
Liam closed his mouth and gulped nervously. "Oh! It's...it's very...precariousness, ma'am." he said anxiously. "A..a...and...so it's always passed muster."
The woman chucked. "How sweet of you, dear Liam. Maybe you should come along with me tonight."
"Huh?" Liam startled with his eyes widened, face sweating and shivering his spine. He can feel the touch of Neva's hand slid slowly to meet his manhood, but he was moving slightly away from her. "Ma'...Neva, I...I th...thi-"
"Hey, take it easy." Balthier protested to her. "He's not your type and he's not ready."
Neva stood straight from Liam. She freed her hand from the boy's thighs and folded her arms. "C'mon, you rejected me again like the blonde fella of yours!"
He gave a sly grin. "Don't be spoiled too much, Neva. Seduction is a strictly dangerous key because you're forcing him."
"I'm just trying to make fun!"
Balthier sighed and then with a wicked smile as he decided finally. "'If you want to get over with just go ahead-"
"WHAT?" Liam startled suddenly and causing a jump on his stomach.
"And he's a bird of a different feather."
His eyes gazed in terror, attempting to push the woman away as the dastardly sky pirate continued in his playful tone. "He's not quite of hasty one, Neva. Let him welcome for the celebration-"
"H..h..hold on a minute!" he shook his head quickly, waving both hands in panic.
"Liam my boy." he said in a smirk on his face, "Now it's time to be a fine gentleman."
Neva became impatient, then swinging lazy on her pouch and sighed. Then her eyes surprised to a young man at distance waved his hands at her. "Oh Gods, there goes my date." she hesitated before leaving the two, "I'm going to leave both of you alone."
"Client of yours, I'm afraid." examined Balthier.
Her eyes beamed in a sarcastic way. "He's just a friend."
The leading man raised his brows and smiled.
Neva turned back to Liam, her fingers raised gently on his chin. Her gentle and adoring eyes met his. "Till we meet each other again, dear sweet Liam. Until then..." she gave an air-kiss to him and she left without looking at Balthier, she waved him instead. "See ya, Balthier."
Balthier said nothing and then he smiled again as he watched the flirtatious courtesan walk towards her male friend with hugs and kisses. They chatted and within minutes he offered her his arm as she smiled brightly, as they were walking out they passed a man dressed in a long murrey cloak entering the pub. He stood there from the entrance as he turned his head from left to right, and then he caught a slight direction to him and nodded his head as Balthier in disbelief.
"You wait here." he said as Liam's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"'Who is he?"
"He's the man who sent us a reward for the stone." he explained as he stood off his stool and dropped two gil on the table.
The boy looked briefly over his shoulder to the man who Balthier is talking about. "'Shall I come with you?" he asked as he turned to the sky pirate.
"No, you're a bit drunk." said Balthier, looking at Liam and urging him to stay."'Stay here. In a meantime, I've paid a room for you upstairs. Just take time here for a while before you retire and I'll be back shortly, alright?"
Liam gave him an encouraging nod as Balthier left the Whitecap to meet his client in waiting. He looked in a moment something's going on, or maybe it's the drinking. He just wanted another mug of ale but he felt a heavy restraint on his brain. He tried to wake up, until he almost passed out as he laid his cheek down on the table and moaned to himself.
Enora returned as before and she cleared the empty mugs from their table, and gave a weary look to Liam who was half-passed-out from drinking too much ale. "Liam? You alright?"
"I'm fine, ma'am. Just..a little tired."
"You should go to your room and get some sleep. And where's that Balthier going?"
"He's on business with his client..." he muttered softly as his eyes began to fade to sleep. "He'll...be...b.."
The blonde barmaid sighed as she cleared the mess away and patted him gently on his back. "Sleep tight, son." she said with a gentle kiss on his head and walked away.
-+-+-+-+-
Things were getting hasty for Balthier as he stood outside at the Quayside Court to meet with Medr, the wealthy merchant who hired and promised Balthier the Aeval in exchange as a reward. He was finally delighted as he was ready to depart Balfonheim as soon as possible, before the preparation of the wedding with his Lady Chiani.
I hope he's satisfied. The sky pirate thought with an insecure look of his face.
He'd been doubtful because the word 'wedding' was in his head because of Ashe's marriage to this dastardly Lord Raed. He saw him in person and he was beginning to despise him because of his priggish and selfish nature against the weak. How dare this cruel bastard put a hand on her in marriage, and Balthier fought a bad feeling, he'd been imagining himself to shoot Raed with his shotgun in front of her. Or even worse. He'd die afterwards as a happy man.
Are you sure about this, Ashe? Balthier thought painfully. Are you going to be betrothed to this man? Are you in love with him?
He moved on as he found Medr who is standing there at the dark alley a few blocks from the Court. He moved slowly one step further until someone came toward him.
"Evening, Balthier." Druas said with a proper smile.
Balthier crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Druas, with black eyes and bandages on his broken nose. "Druas, by Gods. I'm not in a mood to fight the lot of you." he irritated casually.
"No, no. I don't mean to start a fight." He shook his head and raised both hands like he'd surrendered.
"Enora told me you'd left." he replied, "So why are you here?"
"My partner and I were on a quick hunt, also I came back to see you-"
He chuckled angrily. "Please, Druas. And don't tell me you're planning to play tricks on me."
"Hey! I didn't plan this."
"Good. Now if you excused me, I have a person waiting-"
"Hold on a minute." the fellow sky pirate laughed sheepishly in his lame but sinister humor, "I've heard you've finally came back from a new partner of yours."
"How the hell did you know?" he frowned.
He raised his brow. "Just people around town. And you've got somethin-"
Balthier flinched his hand away from him. "Back off, Druas. Excuse me I have a-" he walked away from him but Druas blocked him and punched hard in Balthier's stomach.
"Ooops. Sorry..."
"You..." Balthier spurned and coughed as he grabbed his stomach in pain. He moved backward as he was bumped by a snickering Cestmir behind him, grabbing both of Balthier's arms. "...bastard!"
"And also, I've just came from the hunt and I have something for you." Druas said to Balthier and he pulled out a small, black, sharp object. "A souvenir from Cieloáh."
Druas stabbed him in the lower torso as Balthier gasped and fell on his knees to the ground.
Balthier felt his body go disoriented and numb, his eyes went blurry, his cheek pressed against the cobbled stone. Something felt inside him. A strange pain that jolted his body to madness, leaving himself in a shuddering and chaotic state, unable to standing up because his weight went heavier. He was helpless, unable to move or get up to fight. He can hear the echo sounds of Druas' venomous voice before fading away.
"Sorry to ruin your appointment, Balthier." he grinned, "I hope you enjoy the final act as a leading man."
He didn't move a muscle or was able to speak. He just laid there on the cobbled stone. Only left was his fading gasps of his labored breath, and his heart began to slow down. His vision went foggy as he could see Druas bend his knees down and unclasp the leather pouch of his belt. He pulled out the Aeval from the tiny pouch, dangled on his hand as he whistled high and low.
"Save your breath." He smiled gleefully and patted Balthier on the back. His eyes turned to Cestmir. "Stay with him."
Cestmir nodded while Druas fixed his long coat casually and walked straight to the dark alley where Medr waited. "Here ya go, sir." he paused before he tossed the tiny pouch to Medr. "Ah, ah...the reward first."
The man pulled out a heavy, red pouch and showed it to him. He tossed it to Druas, who finally tossed the Aeval to him. Medr opened it and held a colorless stone in the palm of his hand, his eyes gazed in surprise. Druas cursed after he opened the pouch.
"Hey wait a damn minute." Druas said angrily. "Is that it?"
"What?"
"Twenty thousand gil?" asked Druas in disbelief and his eyes widened, "It supposed to be thirty thousand!"
Medr looked in a calm but sinister way. "We've change the subject. Lord Raed cannot raise the payment and he wouldn't spend or gave money to other low life scoundrels or strangers like you-"
"What did you say, you arrogant fuck-" Druas began to draw his sword.
"If you kill me." warned Medr in a polite manner, "My servants will."
Druas spun his head as he heard footsteps beside him, as he was surrounded from both side of the dark streets and alleys by three black cloaked men separated on, preparing their daggers to draw. Cestmir called him to start to fight but the pirate refused as he let his hand away from the hilt of his sword.
He turned his partner and shook his head slowly. He finally turned back to Medr. "Take it and go. And send Lord Raed a special regards from Druas on Balthier, will you?"
"Fine. Then it's settled." Medr turned back to the darkness. "You know what to do."
Druas turned his head again around the streets and alleys where the Medr's men disappeared. He walked back to his partner. "What are you waiting for, you fool? Pick him up! Make sure it's without a noise."
"So where we going to dump him?" Cestmir asked as he picks Balthier up and carry him over his shoulder.
He gave a stern look to Cestmir. "The bloody wharf!" he hissed. "Where else?"
They walked in silence before they reached the wharf until they've spotted a surprising figure coming towards them. Liam stood there with his katana in his right hand.
Druas was both impressed and amused. "Well, well, well. The brat who assaulted us at the pub. So did you tell the sweet virgin Queen of Dalmasca about me, little boy?"
"I don't give a damn of your filthy words, sir. Also your bark is worse than ever." said Liam calmly and angrily, clutching the hilt on his sword. "If you be so kind as a gentleman, control your behavior and out with it."
"Oh my! You're so persistent. " He rose his eyebrow with a cutsey grin of his mouth. "There were a lot of long words in there, boy. And we're not humble servants. So is this what you want? A fight? Huh?"
"Before that." Liam raised his katana and pointed at Druas and his partner carrying Balthier. "Let him go."
Druas and Cestmir laughed. "You are a toughie, eh. What if I said 'no'?"
"Very well."
Then Liam suddenly slipped the gold-rounded necklace quickly on his left hand, dangled it as Druas sudden of his face.
"What the hell did you get this?" he demanded, "That is my medallion and I've been looking all over for it!"
Liam smiled. "Oh that? I'm sorry, sir. Remember at the pub? I found this on the floor while you accidentally worn off during the fight. So I kept this for a while before I sell it to the pawn shop for dozens of gil-"
"If you doin' this, I will kill you!"
"If you kill me," said Liam raised his chin and smirked triumphantly, spun the medallion before he tossed it to the darkness. "I'll throw it someplace else or drop it over there or maybe the wharf-."
"Don't!" warned Druas as Liam stoped spinning. "That thing is the only I have."
Cestmir gave an odd look. "Druas it's only a bleeding necklace-"
"Shut up!" he spat to Cestmir," Put him down."
"What?"
"Are you deaf? Put him down!" he snapped in temper.
Cestmir said nothing as he dropped Balthier on the ground.
"Move away from him." Liam demanded as his katana swayed slightly to the left. "Nice and slow."
The bald sky pirate sighed and walked away from Balthier without kicking or pushing him hard.
"Hand it over to me." said Druas as he held his hand, "Please?"
Liam examined the necklace again. "What's got into this and you, sir? Does that thing have a bad luck? Or is it a gift from your mother who's begging you to come back home, treating you like a little boy?"
"Alright, alright! Enough for that!" he said in a frenzy. "Give it back to me. Now!"
"Oh I get it...that medallion." Liam looked again to the necklace but a medallion with a military high-ranking emblem of the Archadian Empire. "You're nothing but as a judge long ago. Is it?"
"You're wasting your breath, you brat." stormed Druas as he drew his double-bladed sword. He set the Gambit mode and cast the Protect spells on him.
"Shall I do the honor?"Cestmir asked. He also drew his sword.
He glanced to him. "Wait your turn, Cestmir." he snapped again then he turned back to Liam, "Let me try this little punk. And which is the one who got scared away?"
I'm not afraid. Liam took his breath and nodded slowly. Setting his mode and casting the Protect and Bravery magicks spells. And he was ready. "And I don't like the stench of a double-crossing pirate like you."
"We'll see about that!"
Druas screamed in a war cry as he raised his blade and prepared to stop Liam's attack. But Liam struck him first. Then they clashed each other as Cestmir watched their moves. Blade against blade. The swordplay was graceful and furious, Druas attacking, slashing, and hacking, the boy parrying effortlessly, careful and elegantly defensive. Druas broke the onslaught to catch his breath. Liam's eyes were calm and patient, gripping the hilt in his sweaty hands.
And they stood there and walked around slowly face-to-face, waiting to fight again.
"You're weak, old man." said Liam.
"Don't be fooled, boy." noted Druas.
"Your rage has unbalanced you."
"I wasn't aware of that." he sneered, "And I'm not weak!"
"How can a disgraced Judge Magister ended up as a criminal, I wonder." replied Liam.
He chuckled. "You have a shred of history, eh? Well then, yes I was Judge Magister Kadyriath. I served under Emperor Gramis Solidor long long ago before his son took over. I was born with a lust to kill besides justice; as well I killed one of my fellow men without following orders. But I wanted more to followed rules without questions and answers but the Emperor heard my wrath. He stripped off my rank, then he and the Senators sentence me to death for treason, but I successfully escape. Away from justice. Away to freedom at last. Then Vayne took over after the Emperor's death and he came for me. So I followed his orders and serve as a spy against the Resistance and the Rozzarian Army. It was very easy then before Vayne's death and the Empire surrenders. The only thing I have left is the medallion that Vayne handed back to me."
"And now you still serving with other corrupted conspirators like Lord Raed." Liam answered.
"That's right, young fella." He scoffed with a laughed. "You have nothing like other weaklings. He's a very powerful man in Ivalice, got it? And he controlled everything to take over by his own will and then he chooses her, as well as a future husband of the virgin Queen of Dalmasca. He'll do anything to use her as a sweet lovely naked puppet."
Liam glared his eyes at him. "You don't dare calling her a puppet." then he raised his katana to strike him as Druas guarded his blade, staring at one another in a moment through their blades, "And you don't dare calling her a virgin!"
They pushed away and continued clashing their blades violently and roughly. Liam went forward attacking with terrible blows on Druas' sword, holding his ground. Liam used his katana with both hands, and with a rage, he swung a blow on the blade. But in a shocking gasp of his mouth, his katana snaped in two.
"My turn." he laughed triumphantly as he cast Scourge spells on him.
Liam's body collapsed on the ground, shaken and convulsive. Druas stood on his feet with his sword as he grabbed Liam by the collar of his tunic and lifted him up to face him with his left hand. He threw him like a rag doll and Liam crashed into the collapsible boxes. Druas walked towards Liam as he draws his sword to impale him, but the pirate felt something inside his right arm and felt burns around his body.
It was Liam casting the most powerful Flare attacks to ignite him. Druas screamed in terror as his body was in flames, running like hell to the wharf and jumped off into the water.
"You little punk!" Cestmir drew his sword and ran over him.
Thanks to the Super Ribbon that Liam had worn against status effects, he stood his feet and caught his breath in labor. His eyes snapped to Cestmir with surprise.
The bald pirate froze as he was surrounded by air and dark, then he saw a black source of energy behind Liam as Mist called upon him. And then he unleasheed his arms as a burst of a constant stream of sparkling light and ignited as an electrical force like a flying comet firing in front of its opponent. It was dangerously beautiful, the sparkling light that Cestmir dared to see as its struck into eternity.
But Cestmir's eyes widened suddenly as the light began to explode in front around him and then he screamed.
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"What was that?" the guard asked when he saw a light.
Medr came beside him as he also saw a huge flickering light explode in the distance of the wharf then faded away. He turned to Lord Raed. "My Lord?"
Raed stood by himself, guarded by three of his men behind him. The fair young man with aristocratic feature stood slowly and watched the faded light. "Let them be, Medr." he said warmly as he turned away quickly, "They'll do their own."
"We must hurry on, my Lord. Before they catch us."
He scoffed and smiled as he walked on. "Don't so spoiled, my friend. We'll pray for that… ."
"And Ba'Gamnan?" he asked sharply, following him. "We've lost Balthier because of Druas and we were supposed to be bringing him in to this bounty-"
"Let me handle this vile reptilian, my dear Medr." Raed mocked, "We have to move on first, these filthy criminals has no respect to deal with us."
Lord Raed made his own plan to deal with this bounty hunter on Balthier's demise. Ba'Gamnan, who survived the fall into the Nam-Yensa Sandsea and no one believed, especially Balthier, that the cold-bloodied brute of a Bangaa could have died so easy. And happily, though. Even the Empire saw no more need for the bounty hunter's service and placed a bounty on his head due to his temper and unstable nature being a selfish trouble. Now he was looking for revenge and before he challenged and surprised Balthier and his friends again on the Auracite at Lemurés, he met Lord Raed at Rabanastre during his own scheming game of chess, using Queen Ashelia as a pawn on the Aieval in exchange on marriage. It was a simply despicable plan to bring the Queen's throne and the monarchy down to Raed's power and bring the sky pirate to Ba'Gamnan face-to-face than place a bounty on his head.
Raed and his men kept going as they marched down to the docks where his private boat was tied nearby. They reached an intersection when two pirates arrived to block their path. Raed's guards got ready to draw their swords as Medr came to join them.
"Sorry, did you called us filthy?" said one of the pirates.
"Yeah, I've it either." said the other.
"You pirate bastards stay back or you're both dead!" he demanded to them.
A third older pirated smirked as he came from above, playing with his sword like a cane, "You and your men are not allowed here, sir. It's private property."
"And your precious boat over there is ours now," the first pirate chucked as he pulled out his large Bowie knife. "I'm afraid you have to go back where you came."'
"We'll see about that." he sneered venomously as he turned to the guards, "Take them! Show them no mercy!"
The three sky pirate set their swords and attacked. And they took on three opponents with each of their styles on a brutal sword fight. They parried as they cast magicks on Protect, and then they glissades and disarmed, the younger pirate uses his blade with fists.
"Let's get out of here!" Raed yelled.
Raed, Medr and the fourth guard moved away from the flash of swords as they ran quickly to the docks. The guard moved quickly to inspect the boat first, so he turned before he suddenly warned them, a single dart strike through his throat. He choked in spasms and finally he died as his lifeless body hit the waters.
Medr and Raed were the only ones left alive, they armed and made their swords ready and then they waited as a single silver shuriken flew over at Medr. It was a direct hit in his arm to free his sword from his hand as he sank to his knees. A red masked warrior came from the darkness as she drew her katana, Raed carefully reached for his small pistol but Medr warned him.
"Go, Raed!" he grunted in pain to him. He stood up and picked up his sword as he tossed a small pouch to Raed. "I'll handle this! Go!"
Raed cursed but had no choice; he nodded at him and ran to his boat. The masked woman moved slowly as Medr stood completely still, pulling the shuriken out and throwing it back at her but she dodged it. They began as their swords clashed each other. Sleek, fast and deadly. Medr has experience on swordsmanship, being more flexible and quick tempered. But this fight looked tough and difficult. The woman was more skillful and clever than he. Medr's face was cut, a sleeve of his coat was torn and his left arm was still bleeding, he suddenly screamed as he thrashed down at her. She parried the blow from him, whirled to slice his stomach then next his lower back as he almost fell. He stood up again as he laughed hysterically with a cough of blood in his mouth, finishing off the opponent one last time.
He was defeated and exhausted, trying to stand up but he was cut deep on his lower heel. He caught his breath in labor and stared at her. He took his last laugh then fell dead to the ground.
Raed was at the control bridge, patiently as he worked the controls. Unaware a sword moved slowly behind him. Without warning, he froze and felt a large blade against his neck. "Lord Raed le Rivalen, I presume." a deep muffled male voice rang out as Raed swallowed in shocked and raised both of his hands away from the controls. "Turn around." The voice ordered.
He turned slowly to a man in a black and silver armor: a sleek helmet with curved horns, and his black cape worn behind him with an insignia of the Archadian Empire. Dark and noble, but not sinister. The Judge Magister stood with his sword pointed towards Raed.
"Judge Gabranth." Raed said in a noble manner. "What a splendid surprise."
Basch von Rosenberg, Lady Ashe's loyal knight and now Emperor Larsa's bodyguard, said slowly, meditatively and cautiously. "Lord Raed le Rivalen, Earl to the House of Rivalen. Chief Whip of the Dalmascan Parliament. Elected to the Royal Chancellor. Consort to the Queen of Dalmasca. And also, branded a traitor and treason."
"You memorized everything."
"I'm taking you down."
"You don't have to take me in, Your Honor. The Queen doesn't believe of those deceitful things you've fabricated it."
"Don't be mocking me, sir. She knows everything on your behalf. And we knew who you are." he said angrily. "I hereby arrest you for conspiracy against Her Majesty and the people of Dalmasca."
He shook his head with a faint smile. "Don't do this to me, Gabranth. We made a deal, remember?"
"From the very beginning, I don't deal on conspirators and schemers like you. I know everything about you and your history like the suspicious death of your father-Viscount le Rivalen. I've already told to the Queen before you offered your deal to me." the judge sneered.
"How fortunate I am." he scoffed easily, "You're cannot arresting me, Your Honor. No one taking over from me because I'm a very powerful man and they'll help me out of the court you'll see."
"You're too late. I've already know everything, Raed. Bribery, blackmail, and scheming, kidnapping, murder...you name it. And all of your followers are in custody from Empire's hands now. They confessed about you. And you're the only one left, sir."
"Now then, shall we?" continued Basch as he tilted his sword to him.
Raed said nothing to the Judge Magister as he walked backwards from him very slowly. And then he smiled. He rushed away from him, as he finally burst himself from the bridge and to the boat deck before he reached land to the docks. Unfortunately, he ran clumsily as he tripped over a rope anchor. It splashed overboard as the rope tightened and gripped one of his feet as Raed screamed. He was snatched into the waters, and pulled by the anchor through the depths of the Naldoan Sea.
Basch emerged from the bridge and ran quickly to the deck as he heard Raed's screams and the water splashing. He walked to the rail and looked down as he saw the bubbles of air coming out of the water. Within minutes every single bubble disappeared into darkness. He sighed as he almost seized him on purpose and relief.
Before he walked back to the docks to join the others, he looked down to the wooden floor of the deck and found a small pouch. He picked up the pouch and opened it as the Aieval dropped onto his palm. He gasped his breath with bewilderment and preoccupied. He placed it back finally in his safe hands as he walked away.
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Cestmir's body convulsed as he lay on his back but it felt like moving and crawling without standing up. Liam rushed toward the fallen Balthier as he dropped to one knee beside him. He lifted his head and shoulders, cradling him gently in his arms.
"Hang in there, Balthier!" he breathed in a whisper to him.
Balthier caught up his breath with labor, his face sweating and his body not moving and numb. "Liam...A..." his voice stammered timidly while his eyes opened slowly, "Ash..."
"Please, don't talk!"
Footsteps came closer as Liam looked up and his eyes widened in terror with a gasp of breath. The stiffed, soaked and after-burned Druas catching his dying breath, carrying his old sword stood inches from him and Balthier before he raised his sword easily. He gave him a feeble grin and laughed with a wicked tongue like a wild animal.
Enrage as hell, the speechless Druas lifted his sword to strike them down, but he froze suddenly as Liam stood in gaze, protecting Balthier in his arms. Like a pinch of a pin cushion, a Sleep spell cast came from behind him. Druas' face transfixed as he collapsed sideways on the ground.
The red masked woman stood behind him after she cast the spell. "That should do it." she said in a cheerful voice. She looked down at them with a serious look of her eyes. "What happened?"
"I think he's been drugged or poisoned." Liam murmured weakly, "Please do something!"
She bent down next to Liam as she placed her hand on Balthier's forehead. She pulled a small vial from her pouch and opened the cap quickly: she poured carefully the liquid into his mouth.
"Is he going to be alright?" Liam asked sadly.
She nodded."He'll be fine." she said, "Judge Gabranth is here at the Port and he's on his way."
"He's here?" The boy sighed, "Thank the Gods."
"'I'll tell you later what happened to Raed." the masked woman stood up quickly, "In the meantime just stay with him. I'm going to find Gabranth to lend a hand to you both."
As she hurried to the other wharf to locate the Judge Magister, Liam turned back to Balthier. He stroked his hair then his face.
Balthier's eyes opened carefully, he reached his hand to brush Liam cheek as Liam gasped in shock. Lovingly and softly.
"You'll be alright." the boy whispered, "Help is on the way."
Then his eyes closed again as Liam shook his body gently. He was asleep peacefully and still breathing. The strength and the life was still with him.
"Balthier," he repeated softly in a whisper, still holding him. Then he brought him closer, hugging Balthier's body against his chest, arms around him and crying softly. "Please, sir! Dear Gods, please don't die!"
Balthier was asleep and in the silence. His heart began to slow. He can hear the voice he remember from long ago. A voice that pleaded with hopelessness.
"...come back...come back..."