Vlyn jerked awake, eyes blinking rapidly as he looked around. Letting out a rather long yawn, his ears twitched slightly as he looked outside. What caught his attention was a peculiar airship, one he had recognized. After all, it was the biggest clue in finding Jaakuna in the first place. It was the price of having something so unique, so elaborate--it practically gave away your mark. Going anywhere in secrecy was nearly impossible. At this point, the viera stretched and literally rolled out of his bed, hopping up. He exited the bedroom of the suite, encountering a very bored looking Aloa. She was perched daintily on an armchair, her eyes closed.

"[b]Hey, Aloa, it's--[/b]" Vlyn started to speak.

"[b]He's returned.[/b]" Aloa stated, as if she had seen the ship. Unlike Vlyn, she was still attuned to the many Mists that surrounded people. This fiery Mist belonged to that Sky Pirate, no doubt, and he was accompanied by a rather strange Mist. "[b]It would seem he has collected his bounty already. Truly remarkable, I did not think he would catch her so quickly.[/b]"

He nodded in agreement; he was surprised himself. Pleasantly surprised of course, as it meant that Harris would be pleased as well. He continued, "[b]Yeah. Right. Uh, we should probably get that thing ready--[/b]"

[b]So long as we hold this manufactured nethicite, her power will not activate. It also helps us against our bounty hunter as well.[/b]" Aloa spoke once more, holding the stone in question in her hand and showing it to her partner. "[b]I trust you have your piece as well.[/b]"

True, the two had been supplied with manufactured nethicite, but it was a means to control the girl. Would Jaakuna really become a problem? Sky Pirates liked gil, and they had a lot to offer it. Hell, Vlyn was already dreading having to carry it all down; Aloa wouldn't lift a finger to help him. "[b]What, you really think--[/b]"

"[b]A Sky Pirate's heart is to himself only. His desires outweigh everyone else's. I've no doubt that he has seen what she has to offer. The ability to stop time, manifested in a Hume girl. While I disagree with the Empress in referring to a person as a weapon, that is exactly her role. Whoever possesses the girl, possesses the key to the Espers, after all.[/b]" Aloa mused, once more interrupting Vlyn. "[b]The Empress is a fool, however, to think she can control a heart. You can only keep a Hume under wraps for so long before they revolt. What concerns me is the sudden spike in Archadian Soldiers. Should they catch wind of the girl, it would make our task...difficult.[/b]"

Vlyn threw his hands in the air, clearly defeated by the psychic Aloa. "[b]Okay. Fine, you win, you're the best. But I think--[/b]"

"[b]That not only am I getting aggravating, but perhaps becoming slightly less predictable would help you, Vlyn.[/b]" This time she smirked a bit, though it fell as she opened her eyes. "[b]Archades continues to be a thorn in Harris' side. No matter; if things get difficult, we go to the Dynast King's Tomb.[/b]" And with that, she finally stood up, lightly flipping her hair as she raised an eyebrow at Vlyn. "[B]What say you?[/b]"

"[b]Aloa, you're not aggravating. You're downright annoying.[/b]" 

-----

They were there already. She had closed her eyes maybe minutes before, she could hardly call that getting any rest at all. At least with the leisure aircrafts she could get a nice rest. He had to have done it on purpose, she thought. Even getting out of bed was a task in itself. Her body protested as she commanded it to stand, further protesting as she got into her boots (and properly strapped them, lest she finally break her foot). She did pause for a moment; she took her dagger and stuffed it into her right boot. She was groggy, her eyes barely open, though she did somehow remember her bag. All her motivation went flying out the window it seemed, and as she dragged herself through the hall, haphazardly pulling her hair into her usual ponytail, she begged her mind to let the gears work once more.

To her surprise, she was already standing in front of Jaakuna. She actually took a step back, eyes blinking widely as she tried to remember getting up from the bed. She shivered, in part from missing the warmth of the sheets and having shorter attire, and rubbed her arms. She lifted her head, and thought, perhaps once more, she could convince him otherwise. "[b][color=f6989d]I...[/color][/b]" She started, but stopped. Honestly, what could she say? Really? She groaned, scratching her head. "[b][color=f6989d]Never mind.[/color][/b]" She grumbled, crossing her arms like a child who didn't get their way.