Kytes

Vaan! Hurry it up or they’ll find us!

Vaan

I know, I know!
Just a little more.
You keep an eye out for me up there, Kytes.
One…two…three more. Right.
Time to clean house.

Kytes

Wow, Vaan.
You got’em all yourself?
Guess I know who to call when something big comes along!

Vaan

Hey, it’s good practice for the desert.
I’m ready for anything now.
That’s enough for today.
You should get back to Migelo’s place, Kytes.
Aren’t you running errands for him?

Kytes

Oops! Heh.
Totally forgot.
You should come, Vaan.
He’s busy today.
Might have some work for you to do, too.

Vaan

I got other “work” to do.
Hey, lock this place up for me, will you?
If Migelo finds out we’ve been down here, he’ll tan our hides.

The Royal City of Rabanastre

Year 706 Old Valendian
Two years After the Fall of Dalmasca

Imperial A

Huh? What’d you say?

Peddler

Yeah sir, you haven’t paid,
And I -

Imperial A

What? Haven’t paid?

Peddler

On second thought, please, sir.
Take it.
It is a gift.

Imperial B

Leave the poor sod be.
We don’t want trouble today.

Imperial A

Your luck, peddler.

Vaan

Oops, sorry!

Imperial B

Watch where you’re going, churl!

Imperial A

What? My pouch!
It’s gone!

Imperial B

The boy!

Imperial A

Get out of the way.

East End

Vaan

What?
Hey, that’s mine!

Penelo

What do you mean “yours”?
You’ve been stealing again.
What happens if they catch you?
We need you to be there for us, Vaan.
You’re no good to anyone if you’re locked away in a dungeon!

Vaan

Oh, what, am I the leader now?
We’re orphans. The first thing you learn is you gotta watch out for yourself.
C’mon, Penelo.
You know it as well as I do.
Hey, you give that back!
What do you think you’re doing?

Penelo

I thought that this money was the people of Dalmasca’s property.
The Imperials stole it from us, so it’s only fair that we take it back.
It’s our duty as Dalmascans.
Well, wasn’t that what you said?

Vaan

Yeah, but I never said anything about taking it back from me!

Penelo

This is for that bread you took the other day.
Just because I help Migelo out every now and then…
It doesn’t mean that you get to eat for free, too, you know.

Vaan

I know that.
You think I like living like this?

Penelo

Well, be careful. You’ll never fly anything if you’re rotting in a dungeon!
Oh, Migelo had some errands that need doing.
He wanted you to drop by his place.
It might be a good idea to lend a hand!

Migelo

Ah, Vaan, I was waiting.

Vaan

Penelo said you needed something?

Migelo

Ah! Had me some packages supposed to be arriving by courier in the morning.
Perhaps he ran into some trouble out in the desert.
Now I’ve no foodstuffs to prepare for the banquet tonight!

Vaan

So you want me to find this courier?
Hey, no problem!

Migelo

No problem?
The desert teems with trouble.
I’d be sending you to an early grave, m’boy.
No, I’ve arranged for some replacement goods from Tomaj over at the Sandsea.

Vaan

So you want me to go to the tavern to pick’em up.

Migelo

Actually, I asked Kytes to do that.
Wouldn’t you know he’s gone missing on me, too. Bah.
I can’t leave my shop, and I’ve Penelo on another chore at the moment, you see.
What I want you to do is to run over to the Sandsea and fetch Kytes back!
What do you say?

Vaan

Sounds wild.

Migelo

It’s easy work, and you’ll thank me for it someday.

East End – The Sandsea

Vaan

There you are, Kytes.
Stop loafing around!

Kytes

Look, Vaan, look!
This is it!
This is why Migelo’s courier didn’t get here on time!

Vaan

“Creature spotted in the Estersand.”
What is that thing?

Tomaj

Ah, Vaan.
Migelo send you, too, did he?
He’s a busy man these days, that Migelo, if I dare say so myself.
I don’t envy him the work, though.
Not a bit.
Quite the affair, throwing a banquet to welcome the Imperials, eh?

Vaan

Welcoming? We should be – ah, whatever.
Say, Tomaj, what’s this?

Tomaj

Ah, don’t remind me.
Got some nastiness out there in the Estersand what’s stopping our couriers…and that means shortages all around.
Thought I’d put up a bill…offer a reward to anyone who can knock that nasty back in its place.

Vaan

Now that’s work. Sounds ten times better than running errands for Migelo.

Kytes

That’s right!
Vaan, you should give it a shot!

Vaan

And you should be getting back to Migelo.
Now, Kytes. He was waiting for you.

Kytes

Oh!
Right, right.

Southern Plaza

Imperial

You there!
Let’s see some papers, boy.
No public passage on account of the Lord Consul’s parade.

Vaan

Oh, gee, that’s too bad.
You see, it just so happens that your provisioner for the fete tonight…he sent me to pick up a few choice morsels for the, uh, Consul’s dining pleasure.
He wants‘em quick..
I got the writ of transit right here.
You see? Signed: Migelo.
I’d just hate to see the Consul upset because his food wasn’t ready on time.
And I’d sure hate to see him take it out on you.

If, because of you, the Consul's food doesn't get made in time, it won't be my fault.

Imperial

The Lord Consul is a great man…and not one to take offense at such trifling…matters…
Move along, boy. Wouldn’t do to keep the Consul waiting.
Right!
Gates are closed after this!

Dalmasca Estersand

Vaan

Galbana lilies?
Never thought I’d see them growing out here.
This’ll make a nice souvenir.
Time to call it a day.

The Royal City of Rabanastre

Kytes

Ah, Vaan! I guess I’m not the only one who got locked out of the city!
I told Penelo about the mark you were going after, and I guess I got her worrying. So the two of us headed out here to find you.
As soon as I stepped out, the guards closed the gates and things got crazy. I haven’t been able to find her since.

Imperial A

Stand back, there!
Back!
This gate’s closed until the ceremony’s over, do you hear?

Vaan

Now what?

Imperial A

Open the gate!
All right, out of the way!

Vaan

Wait a second!
How come you let these chocobos through the gate and not us?

Imperial A

What of it?
This here is a pedigreed parader, boy.

Imperial B

Cost tens of thousands of gil, this one did.
A prettier price than a hundred of you provincials would fetch.

Imperial B

Keep your distance!
We don’t want the chocobos stinking of peasant.

Vaan

What did you say?

Imperial A

Step aside!
Right then, move ’em in.

Vaan

That does it.

Migelo

Ho ho! A fine, fine chocobos you have there.
Yes! Tchita Downs stock, if I’m not mistaken.
Change the soil, change the chocobos.
Am I right?
Yes, yes.
Different soil means different bouquet, too.
Take a Dalmascan Barose wine, eh?
It may lack the flavor and depth of some of your Archadian wines…but it has a certain strength of character.
It’s not bad, really, once you get used to it.
Care for some, sirs?
There’s more than enough for all to cool their throats, of course.

Imperial A

You, let these carts through then we close this gate as ordered.
My mail’s choked with this sand.

Migelo

Don’t give me a scare like that.
You’re lucky that ended where it did.

Penelo

Right. Now’s our chance to go through.

Migelo

Ah, the ceremony’ll be starting soon.
I’d best be hurrying.

Penelo

Okay, well –
Vaan! Wait!
What is it?
Vaan?

Judge

We will have order!
I give you your new consul…
His imperial Highness Lord Vayne Solidor…
Commandant of the Archadian Empire’s Western Ar –
Your Excellency!

Vayne

People of Rabanastre!
Is it with hatred you look upon your consul?
With hatred, you look upon the Empire?

Spit on your Empire!

Go back to Archadia!

Vayne

There was little point in asking.
But know this: I harbor no idle hopes of frustrating that hatred.
Nor shall I ask your fealty.
That is the due of your fallen king, and rightly so.
King Raminas loved his people.
Strove to bring you peace.
His was a rule worthy of your devotion.
Even now, he remains among you, protecting you.
His ardor for the peace and weal of Dalmasca falters not.
I would ask only that you do your king honor.
Together, let us embrace the peace His Majesty would surely desire.
Two years now divide us from war’s bitter end.
Yet still its shadow looms over all, stifling the infant peace.
A pall only you may cast off!
Achieve but this one thing…and your hatred of me, and of the Empire, will grieve me not!
I will stand fast. I will endure your hatred, suffer your slings and arrow.
I will defend Dalmasca!
Here I will pay my debt!
I swear it now!
Though King Raminas and Lady Ashe be gone, they stand ever at the side of their people.
In honoring peace…you do honor to their memory, and to Dalmasca.
What I ask, I ask plain.
My hopes now rest with you.

Judge

Is Rabanastre to your liking, my lord?

Vayne

It is magnificent!
Take this cathedral, for instance.
Elegant, yet whimsical in its execution.
A stunning example of Galtean architecture.
I hope Lord Gramis might one day look upon it himself.

Judge

The patron of this evening’s banquet, may it please Your Excellence.

Migelo

I am Migelo, Your Highness.
It is truly a profound honor to make the acquaintance…of our future emperor, Highness.
The people of Rabanastre join me in welcoming –

Vayne

That’s enough of “Highness.”
Though indeed I am our emperor’s son, I am no prince.
Archadia’s emperor is freely chosen by her people.
I am but an elected official and nothing more.

Migelo

I meant no disrespect.

Vayne

Now that I think on it…
I would not have you address me as Lord Consul, for that matter.
Henceforth, I am a citizen of Rabanastre.
Why don’t you call me Vayne?

Migelo

Eh, I could not.
That would not be right.

Vayne

You are overly fond of formalities.
I’ve just the remedy for that.
Tonight you will join me, and we shall drink until you call me by name.

Vaan

How can he stand to bow to him like that?

Penelo

Vaan, you just do not get it, do you.
He’s not doing it because he wants to.
You know what would happen if he didn’t?

Vaan

I know.
It’s just –

Penelo

So, what would you do different?

Vaan

I don’t know.
Well, I’d do something.

North End

Penelo

Vaan?
Vaan! You haven’t heard a single word I’ve said, have you.
This place has changed so much.
It’s like it’s not even Rabanastre anymore.
Like the Empire is swallowing it whole.

Vaan

Hey, Penelo. That fete tonight.
You think they’ll let us in?

Penelo

Are you crazy?
It’s in the palace, and we don’t have an invitation, if you hadn’t noticed.

Vaan

So…
How are we getting in?

Penelo

As if I’d know.
Why not ask Migelo to get you in?
Or go see Old Dalan in Lowtown.
Why the sudden interest, Vaan?

Vaan

I told you!
I’m going to take back what’s ours!
Give back to Dalmasca.
C’mon, what do you think?
If I find something, and it fetches a good price, how ’bout I, uh…I buy you all dinner!

Penelo

Oh please! You know as well as I do the first thing you’d buy is an airship!
All hail Vaan, sky pirate of Dalmasca!
It’s got a nice ring to it!
Stay outta trouble!

Vaan

Hmm.
An airship.
I dunno.
Maybe.
But not through Migelo.
Time to pay Old Dalan a visit.

Lowtown / South Sprawl – Dalan’s House

Dalan

Ah, if it isn’t Vaan Ratsbane.
Come for a tip on how to skewer something bigger and in armor?
By the east gate?

Vaan

What, you already heard about that?

Dalan

Wise I may not be, but well–informed I am.

Vaan

They’ll get what’s coming to them someday, believe me.
But that’s not why I’m here.

Dalan

Do tell!

Vaan

I want to know how to sneak into the palace.
They’ve got to have some great stuff in there! Thought I’d partake.

Dalan

Not one to mince words are you, boy.
The Empire protects what’s hers.
That means the palace and all the treasures inside.

Vaan

That’s why I’m gonna do it!
To take back what’s ours!

Dalan

So our champion of the sewers aspires to noble action.
Admirable.
Perhaps I can help you.
Ah, now that I think on it, there was a rumor, yes.
A secret passageway into the palace vaults, a door and a magicked stone to open the way.

Vaan

That’s it! This is exactly why I came to talk to you first, Dalan.
So…where’s this, uh, magicked stone?

Dalan

Eh? Oh, I’ve had it for years.
If I can remember where I’ve tucked it away…

Vaan

I’ve heard all I need. So this, uh, Crescent Stone.
Can I have it?
Then I can find that secret passage into the palace, right?

Dalan

Not much of a listener, are you…
The Crescent Stone has lost its magicks. Without the power of a sunstone, it will be of little use.

Vaan

Right. So, where can I get one of these sunstones?

Dalan

You seek Giza Plains. Speak with the nomads there.
You will find your sunstone.
Leave by Southgate and continue south.
Their village is not far.
There are like to be beasts on the plains, so be careful, m’boy.

Vaan

You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be back before you know it.

Giza Plains

Masyua

Have you come to see the dark crystals?
Not everyone takes well to the heat of the Giza Plains.
…Ah, so it is a sunstone you seek!
You’ve come to the right place. They can only be made here in Giza.
They’re quite valuable, though, so we can’t go handing them out to just anyone who happens to wander through our camp.
You see, we make and sell sunstones to earn the money we need to survive.
Still, perhaps we can come to some arrangement…
Would you hear my offer?

Vaan

Sure.

Masyua

The making of sunstones is a chore we give to the children of our camp.
They roam the plains, traveling from dark crystal to dark crystal, drawing the light from the crystals into shadestones.
One of these children, Jinn, has not yet returned.
He left carrying our supply of shadestones.
If you’ll find Jinn for me and tell him to come back to the camp, you may take one of the sunstones he’s made in return.
Some of the children said they might have seen him to the south of the camp. You may want to speak with them yourself before leaving.
Please, find Jinn and tell him to return at once.

Vaan

Penelo?
What are you doing here?

Penelo

I could ask you the same!
Though the answer’s pretty clear: no good.

Vaan

What? I’m being good.

Penelo

Hmm, Is that right?
So then you wouldn’t mind if I, say, tagged along, would you?

Vaan

Huh?

Penelo

Oh, don’t worry.
Migelo’s busy with preparations for the fete up at the palace.
Why, I’m free for the whole day.
Well? Let’s get going!

Crystal Glade

Jinn

Yeah, my name’s Jinn…
What’s it to ya?
Masyua wants me to come back to the village, huh?
Hmm, that could be a problem. Let’s see…maybe my leg’s better now.
Nope, no good – still hurts. I tripped running from some monsters…guess I pulled something. I’m never gonna get any sunstones made like this.
I just needed to make one more to be finished for today. I didn’t want to head back short, so I thought I’d give my leg a rest and try again.
Why are you out here looking for me, anyhow?

Vaan

(Explain the situation.)

Jinn

So you need a sunstone, huh?
Well, if Masyua doesn’t mind, I’ll give you a shadestone. But I’m still not sure I can walk yet – you’ll have to turn it into a sunstone, okay?
Don’t worry, I’ll tell you how. You do know that we use dark crystals and shadestones to make sunstones, right?
There’s your shadestone. As for the dark crystals, you’ll find them all over the Giza Plains. This stone right here beside me is one of the smaller ones.
The bigger crystals have something inside that soaks up sunlight and shines really bright.
See that one over there?
If you take that shadestone I just gave you and bring it near one of those shining dark crystals, it will absorb the energy from it.
There are four shining dark crystals in Giza right now, If you have trouble finding ‘em just stop and scan the horizon.
There’s no way to tell how much energy you can draw from any one crystal without trying. You shouldn’t need to use all four, though.
This gauge will show you how much energy the shadestone’s absorbed.
When it’s full, you’ll have yourself a sunstone!
Once you’ve made the sunstone, bring it to me.
I’ll make sure it’s up to snuff.
I’ll go ahead and mark the dark crystals on your map, too. See you back here when you’re done!

Vaan

That’s that. Nothing to it!

Penelo

Let’s take it back to Jinn and see what he says.
I hope we did it right.

Vaan

Sure, let’s go.

Jinn

Hey, you’ve got a sunstone! Let’s take a look.
Hmm, seems okay to me. Not bad for city folk.
So here’s what happened. Masyua’s always warning us to stay away from the werewolves, right?
Well, a bunch of us decided we’d have a little contest – see who’s the bravest.
It started out as a lark, but Tott said that none of us kids living on the plains should be scared of monsters… I guess I got carried away.
Don’t let any of the grown-ups know, though, okay?
Anyway…my leg’s felling better now. Let’s head back to the village.
I’ll race ya – try and keep up!

Masyua

Jinn made it back home safe and sound. He is a good boy, but how his mind wanders! He never thinks of the worry it causes me!
I’m sorry if he was any trouble. Please, take these with my thanks.
Jinn gave you a sunstone, yes? I hove it may be of some help to you.

The Royal City of Rabanastre

Lowtown / South Sprawl

Penelo

Hey, Vaan?

Vaan

Emm?

Penelo

It’s been a long time since we did anything together. Too long.
I had a really good time.
Well, I should probably get back to the store.
Actually, I was kind of supposed to be watching the place for Migelo.
And, Vaan–
Try to stay out of trouble.
For me?
I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here.
If something happened to you.

Vaan

I’m not going anywhere. Okay?

Penelo

That’s what I wanted to hear.
See ya later.

Vaan

Sorry, Penelo.

Lowtown / South Sprawl – Dalan’s House

Dalan

Oh ho! So you’ve got a sunstone, have you?
Hand it over, m’boy, and I’ll use it to give the Crescent Stone back its magicks like I promised.

Dalan

Now you’ll be wanting to know how to sneak into the palace, eh?
First, you go to Storehouse five.
You know the one.
Two doors she has.
Now the right takes Vaan Ratsbane to his territorial hunting grounds in the sewerbotton…but that’s not the way you’ll go.
No, you’ll take the left door, down into the Garamsythe Waterway.
The waterway leads to a stair, the stair to the palace cellars.
That’s your way in.
But don’t go counting your gil just yet, m’boy.
Getting into the palace was the easy part.
The way into the treasury is carefully hidden.
That’s where this Crescent Stone comes in.
The magicks it bears can open the hidden door to the treasury, you see.
Listen, Vaan, for the words I shall speak are most important, and not to be forgotten.
Do you understand?
“The signet yearns for sunstone’s strength, to light the clouded way.”
Once in the palace, you’ll find the signet tile.
Very important.
Give to it the sun’s power, and it will light your path.
Very well. Oh, a warning: be aware that if you’re caught…you’ll spend the rest of your short life rotting in the Nalbina dungeons.
So look sharp, m’boy.
And don’t go running off before you’re ready.
Plans freshly hatched have a habit of tumbling from the nest…straight into the hunter’s stewpot.

Beneath Rabanastre – The Garamsythe Waterway

Insurgent A

Squads 3 through 6 are in place. They stand ready.
So far the Imperials haven’t noticed a thing.

Vossler

Then go now and hurry the others.
By nightfall, we must ensure all our men are in place.

Insurgent A

Sir

Insurgent B

Sir

Lowtown / North Sprawl

Kytes

Hey, Vaan! I finally worked out how to get the door on the left side open! I hope there’s somethin’ in there besides rats…
I wanted you to go in first, so I waited for you to come before openin’ it.
Well, that’s one of the reasons I waited…
Thing is, I’m gonna need some special tools to open the door… Gonna need you to go fetch ’em for me.
I know, I know. Not the most exciting thing to do, is it? Heh, Heh.
I’m just messin’ with ya. I’ve got everything I need ready to go! Hang on while I open it…
Hmm, let’s see… Yeah, that should do it…
Huh?
Ungh, Urgh. Angh!
Hrooph!
It’s open! Now we’ve got a whole ’ nother place to explore!
Oh, and I almost forgot. Take these with ya before you go. No tellin’ what’s down there…might come in handy.

The Royal Palace of Rabanastre

Cellars

Imperial

Have you gathered up all of the occasionals?
…Good.
You’ll be on clean-up duty when the fete’s over. Wait here until we’re ready for you.
No one goes to the upper floor until we give the order. Step out of line and you will be punished.

Imperial

Wait here until I’ve further directions for you.

Palace Servant

…What’s he doing? Trying to go upstairs?

Palace Servant

Trying to go upstairs, ain’t you! I know…
Yer hungry! I don’t blame you. An empty stomach’d make me want to crash the fete, too!
No, no, no use tryin’ to hide it! Look here, I’ll help you out.
Okay, so press □ to call the guard. I’ll handle him when he comes, and you make for the stairs!
Ah, get too close and he’s liable to notice you. Let’s give ’er a try!

Vaan

Hey, bucket head!

Palace Servant

Now’s yer chance! Get goin’!

Lower Halls

Vaan

What was is Old Dalan said? “The signet yearns for sunstone’s strength, to light the clouded way.” But there was more… Oh yeah!
“Once in the palace, you’ll find the signet tile. Give to it the sun’s power, and it will light your path.”
Looks like I’ve got a signet to find.

Vaan

Well, that takes care of the secret passage.
Now where’s this treasure…
Hey, watch it! Guess it’s not leaving me much choice.

Balthier

Quite a performance.

Vaan

Who are you?

Balthier

I play the leading man, who else?
Fran, the magicite.

Fran

Now then.
I’ll take that.

Vaan

No you won’t.
I found it. It’s mine.

Balthier

And then when I take it from you, it’ll be mine.
Exit stage right.

Fran

The gods do not smile on us.

Balthier

I like it better that way.

Vaan

What’s going on?

Balthier

The Ifrit, en?
That’s quite an entrance.
Impeccable timing. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were waiting all along.
Stop running!
End of the line!
You have something that belongs to me.

Imperial

More this way!

Balthier

Fran! Let’s move!
Off with you!

Vaan

Let go of me!

Balthier

Keep this up and I will!
What’s going on, Fran?

Fran

I don’t know.
It’s not heeding me.

Balthier

I don’t have time for this.

Vaan

I – I’m slipping!

Balthier

Not good!

Garamsythe Waterway

Fran

What happened?
Our hover didn’t just drop –
It disappeared.

Balthier

Bah. Forget it.
Even if we could fly…the Ifrit’s playing with fire, and I’d rather not get burned.
We’ll go the old-fashioned way.
Not many viera where you come from, thief?

Vaan

It’s Vaan.
Sorry.

Balthier

Well, Fran is special…in that she’d deign to partner with a hume.

Fran

Oh? Like a sky pirate that chooses to steal through the sewers?

Vaan

Pirates?
You’re sky pirates?
So you have an airship?

Balthier

It’s Balthier.
Listen thief – Vann.
If you ever want to see your home again, you do exactly as I say.
Myself, Fran, and you.
We’re working together now.
Understood?

Vaan

Don’t even think you’re getting this.

Balthier

The thought never crossed my mind.

Balthier

Ah, Vaan. There’s something I want to check before we set out.
As I thought. You don’t know much about gambits yet, do you?
Listen carefully – I don’t care to repeat myself. For each gambit, you can combine one action with a target for that action.
Example: you can arrange that Cure be cast on an ally whose HP falls below fifty percent. Useful, that.
Of course, one error of judgment, and you could well find yourself throwing punches at that same ally.
If you ’ve a good head on your shoulders, it should come easily enough. Hmm…I fear a more detailed explanations is in order.
…
We’re like to come across new actions and targets, so don’t be afraid to experiment with new gambit combinations.
But don’t put all of your faith in any one combination. With each passing day, the world finds new and exciting ways to kill a man.
Be flexible! If you find yourself up against beasts that don’t take well to fire, create a gambit to cast Fire on nearby foes.
Likewise, should we face a creature that uses poison, a gambit to cast Poisona on poisoned allies just might come in handy.
A bit much to take in? Don’t let it worry you – you’re in good company.
Yes, these sewers are thick with the bones of others who had similar “difficulties.”
Let’s be off then, shall we?

Balthier

Insurgents. Most like they thought to take advantage of a lax watch while the fete’s on…to feed the good consul a length of steel for his supper.
I should think Vayne used to such hospitality.
Clever. He used himself as the bait to draw them near, and then sent in the air brigade.
A fine, bloody banquet.
Hmph. I daresay I’ve soiled my cuffs.
If a dungeon’s waiting for us at the end of the night, it had best have a change of wardrobe.

East Sluice Control

Ashe

Who would be next?

Imperial

Close ranks!
Bring her down!

Vaan

Jump down!
Hurry!

Imperial

She’s not alone!

Fran

Our ranks grow by the hour.

Balthier

And our troubles with them.

Vaan

You all right?

Ashe

Thank you.

Vaan

I’m Vaan.
And this is Balthier and –
Hey!
What’s your name?

Ashe

Amalia.

Vaan

Amalia, huh?
Nic to meet you.

Ashe

There were others with me…

Fran

I’m sorry.

Ashe

No…

Vaan

Huh?

Balthier

Oh, now isn’t that impressive.

Vaan

Don’t get any ideas.
I said it’s mine.

Balthier

I’m afraid the jury’s still out on that one.

Ashe

You stole that?

Vaan

Yeah!

Fran

Have you finished?
When the guards don’t report in, they’ll come looking for us.

Balthier

If they aren’t already.

Vaan

You should come with us.
Better than being by yourself.

Ashe

Very well.

Vaan

What’s wrong with her?

Balthier

You have a lot to learn before we even get started on your thievery.

Vaan

What’s that mean?

Ashe

The situation requires I accept such help as I find.
Though it be from thieves.
I shall accompany you until we find my companions.
No longer.

Balthier

Let’s think of her as a “guest,” then.
Unlike Fran or myself, our “guest” probably won’t be taking orders from anyone anytime soon.
And she’ll leave when she pleases.
So, we keep to our affairs, and she to hers.
I doubt we’ll find her wanting in valor…being such an upstanding member of the insurgence.

Ashe

Resistance.
Well, what are we waiting for?

Overflow Cloaca

Imperial

Stand where you are!

Balthier

Now is not the time.

The Royal City of Rabanastre

They’re the thieves who stole into the palace.

Is that what the commotion last night was about?

Ashe

They think me some common thief.

Balthier

Better than a common assassin.

Ashe

These people have done nothing.
Release them.

Vaan

What are you doing?

Ashe

Don’t interrupt me, I’m thinking.

Penelo

Wait!
He didn’t know what he was doing!
You have to let him go! You have to!

Vaan

Penelo!
Sorry.
That dinner’ll have to wait.

Penelo

I told you!

Imperial

That’s enough!

Penelo

Leave him alone!

Balthier

Hold onto this for me, would you?
Just until I bring Vaan back.

Imperial

On your feet!
You, over here!

Balthier

All right, all right.
Edgy, aren’t we?

Gijuk

It’s Balthier, my brother.

Ba’Gamnan

What does that philanderer think he’s doing?
I was to kill Balthier, not those addle-pated Imperials!