(no subject)

[leatheredlion.livejournal.com]

Who: Fran, Balthier, Rinoa, Squall, Vaan & Penelo
When: After the Ball
Where: Rabanastre
What: Walking back to the Aerodrome
Rating: PG-13



Balthier sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked, his jacket slung over his shoulder, his waistcoat unbuttoned, his tie undone and his collar button open. "That was the second worst party I have ever been to."

Rinoa had hold of Squall's hand. Her dress was hitched up with her free hand and a pout was on her lips.

Vaan was covered in scratches but he had Penelo on his back, piggybacking her as he walked back towards the Aerodrome with everyone.

Fran's dress was torn and tattered, covered in a mixture of her own blood and that of the Heartless. Her claws were stained a mixture of crimson and black, a gash sat across her chest, over her heart.

Squall was cut and bloodied, aching all over. "Where the Hell did they all come? I didn't see Mickey..."

Penelo's arms were draped around Vaan's neck. She was covered in scratches and was very tired. Fighting still wasn't really her strong point. Her hands were burnt with Mage burns.

Balthier had hold of one of those bloodied, clawed hands of Fran's and he shook his head slightly. "I haven't a clue. I saw not a single one until you and I met in the maze," he murmured to Squall.

Rinoa yawned widely and held her skirt up off the floor. "You met in the maze?" She blinked a little bit.

Vaan held Penelo safe on his back, leaning his head against hers. "Maybe they've finally decided to take over Ivalice..."

Fran frowned a little at Vaan's words. "It is possible... After the fate that befell Larsa, it is only natural." She replied, not sure if the others even knew about Larsa falling to darkness and the fast that his damned heart was aboard the Strahl.

Squall stopped walking and crouched down so Rinoa could climb onto his back. "Mm. We bumped into each other in the maze center when I went out to clear my head. We were just talking and boom! They attacked."

Penelo closed her eyes, nuzzling Vaan. "Larsa? What happened to Larsa?" She asked, worried for her young friend.

Balthier frowned a little. "Larsa fell to the Heartless, thanks to his darling older brother." He murmured, squeezing Fran's hand a little tighter.

Rinoa climbed onto his back and nuzzled him a little, yawning and sighing right afterwards. "I'm tired of the heartless..."

Vaan gasped at Balthier's words, his eyes widening. "No... poor Larsa..." He frowned, carrying Penelo onwards.

Fran curled her fingers around Balthier's; that wound over her heart beginning to bleed again. The same wound that Balthier had caused when he was a Heartless.

Squall carried Rinoa, nuzzling back. "I'm tired of them too. We'll defeat them soon... we have to..."

Penelo squeaked, burying her head against Vaan's neck. "Oh, Larsa!" She sighed, a few tears rolling down her cheeks.

Balthier sighed slightly. "Do not worry, Rinoa. Squall, Sora, Fran and I shall have everything sorted. We promise." He smiled at the young girl.

Rinoa gave a slight nod, hugging Squall's neck more as they headed into the Aerodrome where many, many people were boarding airships.

"Hn... I feel sorry for Ashe and Snow... they gotta deal with the palace how it is..." He scrunched his nose up. "I think I'll get to helping rebuild what got trashed in the city tomorrow morning."

Fran gave a slight nod. "Mm. But first we all need a good night's sleep to rest our injuries. Tomorrow is a new day, and with it comes new hope."

Squall sighed and continued to carry Rinoa into the Aerodrome, seeing their ship ahead, and of course the Strahl. "Seems this is where we part ways once again. If there is any change with the Heartless, call me."

Penelo clung to Vaan more. "I'll help you, Vaan! If everyone pitches in, the palace will be mended in no time!!"

Balthier gave a nod, leaning in and kissing Rinoa's cheek before kissing Squall's. "You two rest easy. Tell Sora what happened, alright?"

Rinoa smiled with a blush and nodded. "He will, don't worry. See ya, guys!" She smiled up at them all.

Vaan nodded and grinned. "G'night, guys. I'm gonna get missy here to bed. She's drunk as a chocobo on Gyshall Greens." He chuckled before heading off towards the Revenance.

Fran's step faltered a little, but she did not let on. She held onto Balthier's arm, smiling softly at the others. "Sleep well. All of you." She murmured, before turning towards the Strahl.

Squall smiled soft at Balthier. "He'll be the first to know. Take care of yourselves."

Penelo bit Vaan's neck. "Am not drunk." She murmured, hiding her face more, practically falling asleep on Vaan's back.