UnShaekable (FFXII)

VI) Deals and Acquaintances

The sun slowly begins to turn itself over our heads, signally the oncoming afternoon. The heat swelters around us, raising ripples of heat waves across the ground. Even Balthier's face has reddened a bit, beads of sweat trickling down the side of his tanned face. Fran, in that metal getup of hers, looks uncomfortable at best. I manage to haggle a drink from Vaan's canvas water bag off of him for a few gil, the very same gil I stole from him in the sewers. That replenishes my energy enough that I'm leading the group, running here and there to see the sights of familiar desert blooms or rock formations. Familiarity brings both joy and sadness and I'm not sure how to handle it but when the others start to poke with their noses, I back off.

Finally, the city looms on the horizon, reviving my traveling companions. Soon enough, the hard green brick of the East Gate meets the heels of my boots and I nearly shout a cry of relief, wishing I could throw myself at the nearest bangaa and strangle him in a hug. This whole fiasco is over and it's time for me to find my older purpose: rebuilding my life's work from the very beginning. By life's work, I mean a mere four years, but that's a fifth of my life at this point, so I'll count it.

"I thank you," Basch finally says, tearing his eyes away from the city to look back at the four of us. We come to a stop, gathered in a not-quite circle. Balthier rests his hands on his hips.

"I'd avoid crowds if I were you. In this town, you're still a traitor, you know."

"The Resistance will surely find me soon," the captain mutters, looking back at the broad, solid iron gates leading to the city. He turns to face Vaan. "Fates willed that we meet again. I would pay respects to your brother." With that, he turns and leaves us to face our own tribulations. Balthier turns to Vaan.

"You're a fugitive now, too. Stay low for a while." He glances at me, staring at the spearhead towering over my own head for a moment. "I suppose you're used to being on the run by now." He nods toward Fran and the two start to leave. Vaan frowns.

"Wait! What about the stone?"

"Do as you like," Balthier mutters, tossing a glance over his shoulder. "That stone's ill-favored."

"We feel regret," Fran continues. "We sought that stone and found ourselves only worry."

"You offering it?" Balthier asks, watching the boy carefully with sharp green eyes.

"It's mine," Vaan replies firmly.

"Then why'd you ask?" Balthier grumbles, turning forward. "Our regards to your girl."

"Then there's no need to pick another fight," I point out, motioning to the two pirates. Fran stands a moment longer.

"We stay in Rabanastre a while," she explains, looking back and forth between me and Vaan. With that, she's on her way, taking long strides on her tall, sharp heels.

"The best of luck to you," I smile, bowing dramatically. Vaan grins, nodding.

"Yeah. You too, I guess. Have fun... pirating."

"We'll see about that," I huff, nudging his shoulder. "Take care, Vaan. Don't get yourself into too many more heists. I won't be there to dig you out of Nalbina next time."

He doesn't bother to point out the fact that Fran found our exit point as I leave, taking my time so I can lose Fran and Balthier in the crowd. I hope to never see either again. The likes of them always keep me on edge. And the way Balthier practically mentored Vaan... It almost worries me that the boy will take it too seriously and wind up in the worse kind of trouble. I head toward the bizarre of Rabanastre, meandering through the crowds and taking care to let my loose, sun-bleached hair hide my face.