UnShaekable (FFXII)

XII) Seeing It Through

ABOVE YOU WILL SEE A MEDIOCRE LITTLE DOODLE OF SHAE... ALSO, SORRY FOR THE ULTRA LATE UPDATE. SHOW WEEKS ARE PURE EXHAUSTING CHAOS XD

The Atomos comes to the smoothest stop its bulky figure can handle, shuddering into a space in the aerodrome. Most likely, it will be spotted and taken back by the Imperials at some point. Here we have Balthier and Fran's ship waiting on the other side of the station, glimmering, gleaming, and begging to be explored. I shudder at the cool air of the sky city and watch Penelo rush past, curled blonde pigtails bouncing with every step.

"Balthier, your handkerchief," she says in a soft voice, holding up the folded, embroidered cloth the sky pirate handed over before we were taken away to Nalbina. A trip that already feels like it took place months ago. "I thought you might want it back."

"I shall wear it close to my heart," Balthier replies warmly, flashing a charming smile and taking the handkerchief from her open, offering hands. With that, he presses a hand to his chest, gives a slight bow, and shoots Vaan a wink over the swooning girl's shoulder. I glance over at Basch only to be met with tired blue eyes. He opens his mouth to speak when Vossler motions for him to join in on a conversation with Ashe. I sigh, exchanging an exhausted look with Vaan as Balthier saunters closer.

"It would seem they share a serious discussion without us," Fran sighs, shaking her head and crossing her arms. "How disappointing. After all we have done."

"Princesses will be princesses," I shrug, looking back at the trio muttering to each other in exasperation. "At least, if she is who she says she is." Vossler gives a final nod and turns, leaving. Vaan frowns, tilting his head.

"Where's he going?" he asks as Ashe and Basch join us once more.

"He will return," comes the knight's simple reply. "We are to speak with Ondore in the meantime."

I drag myself along behind the others, spear rested on my shoulder as I hold its slender form loosely in my hand. Vaan shouts something about remembering where to go and he takes the lead as Balthier falls back to walk beside Fran. I watch Ashe shoot Basch sidelong glances full of distrust and bitterness every so often. Quite the character, isn't she? Somehow Balthier winds up strolling alongside me, stretching his white-sleeved arms over his head before he watches me with languid eyes.

"Prepared to leave us behind for your rather... tiring endeavors?" he asks, raising an eyebrow. I sigh, shooting him a flat, unamused look.

"I don't know, if I'm to be honest. I find this whole ordeal to be quite interesting." My eyes fall to the sandy pavement. "That, and I have a feeling that won't be the last we see of Larsa." I cock my head to the side, keeping my voice low. "Frankly, this story would be much better if this Ashelia turned out to be a fake."

"Better," he repeats indisbelief, shaking his head.

"And you?" I raise an eyebrow, watching him keep his steady, strong stride as we round corners and weave our way through crowds. "You and Fran seem to move as a separate unit. Why in Ivalice are you still tagging along?"

"I'd like to see how this all plays out," he shrugs, tracing a finger along the pointed, precise edge of his sideburns absently. His eyebrows pull tighter for a split second; seems the pirate found an imperfection. "I find it quite intriguing, this tale. The perfect story for a leading man."

"You and your big head," I huff, rolling my eyes. The sainikah at Ondore's gate grants us entry with a slight bow, nodding for another guard to guide us to the Marquis.

The whole ordeal is far too familiar, what with us waiting hours on end for night to fall before Halim Ondore has time to visit with our party. I spend the time restlessly pacing the room, trying to talk myself out of following this team of rebels. The spotlight is the opposite of what I need. However, this is the perfect device for keeping Jonan away. All seriousness aside, the tale unfolding in the presence of these princesses and knights and churls is quite an interesting one I may like to see a tad more of. Finally, I stretch my sore muscles and move to the Marquis's office to watch Ashe try to convince the stubborn man of her necessities.