Sweating under the smoltering heat of the city, Vaan scanned the marketplace. He was sitting on a ledge above one of the stands that were set up everyday. He took a bite of the pear he stole from a fruit stand, the juices were heaven as they slowly slid down his throat. It'd been a boring day of doing nothing, dodging Imperial soldiers, and sewer rat exterminating. So Vaan just sat and pouted in spite of himself. He knew he was going to get it from Penelo for taking that pear, if she found him, so what was the point of doing anything.

He inched along the ledge and found a pipe on the side of the building. Rubbing the dust from the building in his hand he grabbed a hold of the pipe and slid down. Not only was bored out of his mind, but he was still mourning the loss of his brother, Reks. Reks and Vaan grew up together as orphans. A few years after their parents died, they were taken in by Penelo's family. She was like a sister to them, hence Penelo's need to berate Vaan like a child. Reks then left to fight in the war. He never came back. Vaan had always been shaken by it and never really fully recovered.

As Vaan walked down the hot streets he stumbled, bumping into someone, knocking both of them to the ground.

“Sorry,” he said quickly hoping it wasn't a soldier. When he looked it was Viera. She glared at him with her peircing brown eyes. She was beautiful, as were most Viera. Her skin was the color of tanned leather, her hair was long, white and flowing, and her ears stood up out of her head. She was distinct, though, because her outfit was black and revealing, very different from what the Rabanastre Vieras wear.

“Watch where you're going!” She shouted. She got up and stood like a giant over him. A man walked up to her. He had short brown hair and wore a light white cotton shirt with a collared vest. His eyes were a dark brown. Upon closer examination he wore lots of jewels, including earrings, colored rings and bracelets.

“What's going on, Fran.” He said. Vaan was surprised to hear an English accent come from his lips. As if he weren't attractive enough, he thought.

“This hume ran into me.” the Viera the man called Fran said.

“I said I was sorry!” Vaan protested. He got up and tried to stand his ground. The man stood between Fran and Vaan. Vaan's eyes and his eyes met. Vaan trembled but was able to hide it.

“It's alright. Fran has a tendancy to be a little hostile.” the man explained. “My name's Balthier.” Vaan felt himself swoon a little. He looked he saw right on Balthier's hip was a gun. His hand was hovering over it, but Vaan had a feeling there was no need for Balthier to use it on him. Vaan snapped back to reality when he heard his voice.

“What's your name? Are you listening?”

“Yeah, sorry. It's Vaan.” Balthier nodded and grinned. Vaan looked over at Fran, she seemed to have calmed down, but she still was looking at him by the corner of her eye.

“Fran and I came here to get our airship repaired.” Balthier explained.

“An airship?!” Vaan interrupted. Vaan had always wanted to have an airship of his own. He had only been able to see them flying in the sky above him. “Are you a sky pirate?”

“Somewhat.” Balthier said, eyeing Fran with a cautious look.

Vaan really wanted to see Balthier's ship, but he didn't know what he was thinking. This good looking guy, a possible sky pirate and a his viera come to Rabanastre. This was his chance to see a real airship, up close. For some reason or other, he didn't know why, he didn't want to. He felt that he could trust Balthier.

“Vaan, was it?” Balthier said, getting Vaan's attention once again. Vaan nodded. “If you want to see our ship, just ask.”

Vaan stood astonished. “But... how did you...”

“We'll be here for a few more days.” Balthier interrupted. He smiled at Vaan and then left with Fran down the street. Vaan was left there stunned, and with an uneasy feeling in his stomach.