You know what they say.

[fealty_to_none]

Who; Balthier(fealty_to_none aaaaand open
What; Balthier out of the fire and back in the frying pan.
Where; A back alley in the marketplace
When; Earlier, this afternoon
Rating; R for mention of torture
Status; Ongoing

Comments

[xxii_thefool]

Something didn't seem right.

Minako couldn't pinpoint at first what gave her such a sudden uneasy feeling - something half-seen out of the corner of her eye, maybe, or a trace of a sound or a smell amidst the usual marketplace scenery. Or maybe it was just the uncertainty of the latest "game" that had her wound up. Whatever the reason, though she'd only come out to the market to do a little bit of shopping, she found herself creeping between buildings with her evoker in her hand, wishing she'd brought her naginata with her.

Once she caught sight of Balthier, however, she forgot her anxiety entirely and a sharp, startled gasp escaped her. "Balthier-san?"

[fealty_to_none]

For a moment there was no movement, barely any sound save for erratic, ragged breathing. It's a while before Balthier registers his name. Groaning, he manages to turn his head.

"Damned illusions..." He pushes himself to his knees. "So help me, I still have strength enough to fight!"

A strength he demonstrates by a blood-stained arm giving out and crashing back down to the ground.

[xxii_thefool]

Eep. "No, Balthier-san, it's okay, you don't have to--"

Minako breaks off mid-sentence when Balthier goes down, rushing hastily forward to duck down and at least attempt to support him. "I'm not an illusion. It's Minako. Do you remember me? We've talked a few times... You don't need to fight right now, so take it easy."

[fealty_to_none]

"Minako?" There was a raspy, hoarse quality to his voice, so very different than the usual smooth easy tones that came naturally.

He blinks, and then squeezes his eyes shut as if to recall a memory. "...Yes. Yes, I remember. It's been months." He sits up again, with relatively more success. "But I remember. There was a box. Odd thing. It... called to me and I had no will to resist." He shakes his head. He doesn't want to think about what came next. "Are you well?"