He made sure to listen intently to Shion, but he caught the disappointed glance from Emiri. He knew how she felt about all of this, but she could probably sense it in the air. Something about this felt like there was no avoiding it. Destiny wasn’t something Jaakuna liked to accept, but when there was a flame in front of him that seemed to be closely related to him, even more than he probably knew. He had a theory, but that wasn’t going to be made public until he had all of the facts.

And as Shion explained that she made this from her own soul and how she didn’t even know who it was going to be fore, Jaakuna scratched his head. “[color=ed1c24]That still doesn’t explain why you think it’s [i]my[/i] weapon.[/color]” Jaakuna stated, feeling like a broken record. “[color=ed1c24]I understand it resembles Belias a great deal and being a primary fire magick user, it makes sense, but you aren’t telling us everything, are you.[/color]” 

“[color=deepskyblue]I’ve told you enough,[/color]” Shion started.

“[color=ed1c24][b]No!![/b][/color]” Jaakuna snapped, cutting Shion off. “[color=ed1c24]If this is truly going to be the one thing that makes me the [i]only[/i] person who can defeat this Venat person, you owe me the [u]whole[/u] story.[/color]” He stated, sternly looking at Shion in her amber eyes.

“[color=deepskyblue]Only isn’t the right word for it,[/color]” She told him quietly.

“[color=ed1c24]Then what word would you use?[/color]”

For the first time in a long time, Shion visibly hesitated for a moment. She seemed to think of quite a few things to say, although for the moment, she said nothing. Her lips parted for a small sigh as she looked at her hand, still contemplating. At that point, Emiri let out a huff, crossing her arms. “[color=pink]Quick to throw your responsibilities at others at a whim, yet someone asks you for the same respect and you say nothing![/color]” She couldn’t help but snap.

“[color=deepskyblue]Of course. This would be the first time I’ve asked someone for anything,[/color]” She replied slowly. “[color=deepskyblue]Although...if I must speak the truth, the phrase I mean to say is...you would be the second choice.[/color]”

Second? “[color=pink]So much for ‘made for him’,[/color]” Emiri scoffed.

“[color=deepskyblue]Because it is. As I said, this was a long time in the making...and at first, I had hoped I would be the one to take him down…[/color]” She closed her eyes, a rather forlorn expression on her face. “[color=deepskyblue]I’m not giving this to you out of a need for the world. I’m giving this to you because I want to.[/color]”

Color Jaakuna surprised. This was the first time that he had actually heard Shion open herself up to him. Actually wanting to do something for him without something in return or having it be her last choice. This was something she actually wanted to do. And yet, as Jaakuna contemplated that, there was still something that was left unanswered. “[color=ed1c24]If you are the first choice and you can’t use it for whatever reason, then tell me why you made it in the first place and for what reason? I think—no, I know—you owe us the whole story. We trust you Shion. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but we do. More importantly, [i]I[/i] trust you. It’s time you return the favor.[/color]” As Jaakuna speak, he could feel it. This...weapon was more than just a weapon. Sure crafted from her own soul, it was something that Jaakuna felt change him, but for the better. 

He likely didn’t understand what it was that he was asking for.  Or maybe he did and just didn’t care. “[color=deepskyblue]That’s not it. I...I wasn’t the first choice,[/color]” She started slowly, though she seemed resigned to it. “[color=deepskyblue]I should have been. There was...hm. I suppose now is as good a time as ever.[/color]” She muttered, closing her palm for the moment, although the marks on her arm remained visible--clearly due to Jaakuna’s will.

She crossed her arms, staring at the ceiling. “[color=deepskyblue]I suppose the truth is...I feel responsible for his rise of power, considering that I let it get so far. Of course, at the time, I was his prodigy.[/color]”

“[color=fff79a]By ‘his’ you are referring to Zodiark--I mean Venat?[/color]” Wesley intervened, musing aloud.

“[color=deepskyblue]Yes.[/color]”

Emiri’s eyes widened considerably, though she instinctively walked up to Jaakuna, taking his hand in hers nervously. Grant raised his eyebrows, interested, though he seemed more intrigued than surprised, though once again he would catch Keiran’s too-giddy smile. So he knew. Nadeline looked curious as well, though she wasn’t entirely sure how to respond.

Jaakuna would take only a moment to think about what she said. It was shocking, to say the least but that didn’t stop him from wanting to know the whole truth. “[color=ed1c24]Please continue, Shion.[/color]” Jaakuna uncharacteristically remained calm, letting Shion continue with her tale.

“[color=deepskyblue]You’re probably too young to remember, but I come from a town that no longer exists thanks to your country--Nepal. The short of it is that after its destruction, I developed a craving for more power. And so I went to him, to the false Zodiark. But...I suppose the truth is a bit more complicated than that. That is indeed how it began...though I was not alone in my hunger. It was primarily myself and two others named Rio and Avria...and Zodiark--Venat would decide to give us our ‘gifts’. I had no trouble with it--I still believe I exceeded even his expectations. But power only leads to greed...Rio would not have it that I was stronger than he.

When we were young, he was an idealist. But he was also extremely protective, he wanted to be the hero everyone worshipped. I think...with power, he became obsessed with the idea. I didn’t see it until I had surpassed him. I never thought he would turn his blade on me...It’s chilling to see someone you love to raise a blade at you.[/color]”

Emiri shifted uncomfortably from one heel to the other, her eyes darting at Jaakuna nervously. Shion would continue, either not noticing or not caring. “[color=deepskyblue]He was always kind...I truly thought we would be together far longer than we were. I still believe that Venat had given him more power on purpose, and it drove him to insanity. He would slay Avria before my eyes...and I took it upon myself to kill him. Venat was...satisfied to see my suffering. His sadism knows no bounds.[/color]”

She seemed to catch herself, shaking her head. “[color=deepskyblue]I suppose the truth is that I had hoped Rio would help me slay Venat, but...that wasn’t how things were meant to be. I would forsake the power given to me, instead forging a blade from my own soul...but it isn’t enough. For someone that lives and breathes for battle, there’s only so much one can do. It isn’t until you gain a certain passion...a zest for life itself that you can see what power actually is. Perhaps, if I had an Esper to guide me, I would have gone to face Venat by now. But I decided...it was best left in someone else’s hands. You grew. You changed. So I took my sword, combined it with the Occuria’s power, and forged your weapon.[/color]” She said, shrugging. “[color=deepskyblue]Satisfied?[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]‘Satisfied’ isn’t the right word for it.[/color]” Jaakuna laughed at the irony of things. In their physical appearances and assumed mannerisms, Shion and Jaakuna were different from one another, but just as much they were different, there were similarities between the two. 

Still, the tale she told did answer some questions he had, but the name Rio stuck out to him. And the name of the Forgotten Village of Nepal was something every student of the Archadian Imperial Army learned about. There was a lot of things in Archadia’s history that, when they looked back on it, they regretted—most of which were under Emperor Vayne Solidor’s rule. Following the undertaking from the Darcone family, Jackson’s ancestors tried to correct them. Though a few slips in the cracks, there was a silver lining when Lady Guinevere had went from Judge to Emperor and made harsh calls regarding old policies that had still remained in effect from the Solidor era, such as mining oil from the Sandsea furnaces. It was deemed inhumane and in violation of a treaty with Rozarria. It was a show of goodwill between longtime rivals. However, there was a lot of animosity between the two already. And the constant trekking into Nabradia didn’t make anyone feel any better. 

When Guinevere's son, fifteen-year-old Niles Darcone took over her role after she passed just ten years after she assumed leadership. He was a ruthless bastard, they said. Jaakuna couldn’t believe exactly what his motives were, but he wanted to control more of Nabradia’s territory, which led to the first Ivalice Civil War with Archadia against Nabradia and Dalmasca. This conflict lasted for ten, gruesome years, and cost a collective of five-hundred-thousand lives. It caused so much death that some often refer to it as The Naught of Nabradia. Many smaller countries, villages, and towns were brought to their knees. Either they showed support for Niles or they got destroyed and pillaged. Some bent the knee and some joined the opposing side, but one was so defiant that they were wiped off first. 


“[color=ed1c24]Nepal,[/color]” Jaakuna said as if in disbelief. “[color=ed1c24]You can’t be from Nepal. That was...[/color]” Jaakuna shook his head, trying to gather his thoughts. “[color=ed1c24]It was destroyed three hundred years ago.[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]Two hundred ninety-four years ago,[/color]” Shion corrected him with a straight face.

Nadeline blinked a few times, a hand to her chin. She peered at Shion, examining her face. Not a single wrinkle in sight--she couldn’t have been that much older than her own mother. “[color=coral]You’re telling us you’re three hundred years old?[/color]” She asked in disbelief.

“[color=deepskyblue]Three hundred and two,[/color]” Shion corrected Nadeline, her expression unchanging.

Grant’s jaw dropped. He looked positively bewildered--how was that possible? “[color=pink]Do viera even live that long?[/color]” Emiri asked, trying to make sense of things. “[color=pink]I thought that was biological…[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]I’m not a viera,[/color]” She corrected Emiri. “[color=deepskyblue]I’m still a hume...mostly,[/color]” She coughed at her last word.

“[color=coral]That’s not possible! The longest a hume has ever lived on record is only a hundred and ten years![/color]” Nadeline couldn’t help but burst out, clearly baffled.

“[color=lightblue]Might want to write it down in that great big book of everything you carry around.[/color]” Savayna said to Nadeline. “[color=lightblue]Now it’s three hundred and two years--maybe add about forty to fifty years.[/color]” She looked at Shion, sizing her up from her face to her body. “[color=lightblue]Yup, definitely fifty.[/color]”  Shion gave Savayna a glare in return.

“[color=fff79a]Lady Shion, I have to admit that you kept your form in your...experienced age.[/color]” Wesley stated, choosing his words carefully.

“[color=teal]Mistress, does my father know about this?[/color]” Michel asked curiously.

Shion stopped glaring at Savayna long enough to answer Michel, “[color=deepskyblue]I don’t know. Ironically, I’ve always found myself attracted to older men...fate can be cruel,[/color]” She lamented for a moment, lightly flipping your hair.

As much as she wanted the conversation to get back on track, Emiri couldn’t help but ask, “[color=pink]So you’re...immortal? Was it a spell? Pact with the gods? How is your skin still so flawless?![/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]You can do anything so long as you’re determined enough,[/color]” Shion replied cheerfully, giving Emiri a fake smile. “[color=deepskyblue]Eat right, drink lots of water, and exercise~[/color]”

“[color=pink]That’s...not a real answer, is it?[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]Does it matter?[/color]” She asked, dropping the act almost immediately.

[i][color=darkorchid]I actually want to know why, too…[/color][/i] Grant lamented mentally.

“[color=fff79a]You told us this much, so might as well as tell us how you lived this long.[/color]” Wesley added, feeling as though it was moot to stop now. Grant was eternally grateful for Wesley’s equal curiosity.

“[color=deepskyblue]It happened after I was forced to kill my beloved,[/color]” Shion stated, her hand to her heart. “[color=deepskyblue]To be torn away from your lover is worse than death--and so rather than die, I am cursed to roam Ivalice...forever suffering from heartache…[/color]”

“[color=pink]That’s not it either, is it?[/color]” Emiri asked, deadpan.

Shion raised her eyebrows, pointing at the brunette. “[color=deepskyblue]No. But if you don’t watch your step, that’ll be where [i]you[/i] end up.[/color]”

“[color=coral]I beg your pardon?[/color]” Nadeline asked.

“[color=deepskyblue]The more I think about it, the more you remind me of him,[/color]” Shion admitted. “[color=deepskyblue]Kind and gentle...and yet, a thirst for power unlike any other. You’d do well to watch yourself, Scion of Time. Or that could very well be your fate.[/color]” Emiri froze in place. She wasn’t sure if Shion was being serious or not, but it definitely struck a chord. Was that really how others perceived her? She took a step back, uncomfortable. Shion clucked her tongue, seemingly deciding to change the subject--or rather, return to the topic at hand. “[color=deepskyblue]I made a pact. Until that pact is fulfilled, I will continue to live in Ivalice.[/color]”

“[color=coral]With whom?[/color]”

Shion placed a single finger on her lips. “[color=deepskyblue]That’s a secret.[/color]”

Jaakuna found himself quiet during this whole ordeal. He had been trying to remember where he had heard the name Rio before. He knew he heard it from Vincent and his father when he was younger. “[color=ed1c24]Your...Rio wouldn’t be Rio Corona, would he?[/color]” Jaakuna asked, still unsure if he was even right.

Savayna jerked her head around and looked towards Jaakuna. It seemed as though he might’ve caught on. She was surprised that he had actually paid attention to the history lessons during their younger days. Weirder things have happened, so maybe she shouldn’t be all that shocked.

“[color=deepskyblue]The one and only,[/color]” Shion confirmed his suspicions rather wistfully.

“[color=ed1c24]Now it makes sense.[/color]” Jaakuna felt like he was just hit with a big hand right in the fact. “[color=ed1c24]The one who nearly drove Archadia to its brink and almost sacrificed [i]everything[/i] my ancestors worked towards and everything that Emperor Larsa hoped would be his legacy. Your…[i]beloved[/i] nearly brought Ivalice to its knees. And for what? For power? For useless power to make himself feel strong? He wasn’t strong, Shion. I’m sorry to tell you this, but I’m sure you know this more than anyone. He was weak because he thought power gained through a false prophet was real power.[/color]” 

The more Jaakuna spoke, the more he was understanding everything and why this was meant for him. But also he was beginning to understand why this was his responsibility. He got that now. Rio Corona, known for his strength and unyielding bravery in the wars he commanded, was no better than Vayne Solidor. Hell, at a time, he was no better than Jaakuna was.  But that was a time when Jaakuna was lost and sought for answers. Now it was clear.

“[color=ed1c24]To defeat this false prophet, one has to have been one of his willing puppets and overcome his influence. I understand now.[/color]”

Shion imitated the sound a bell makes, wagging her finger with the sound. “[color=deepskyblue]Ding! Ding! We’re fortunate you’re able to catch on eventually,[/color]” She stated, though her expression fell back into its usual, more serious tone. “[color=deepskyblue]And so here we are. Will you take it?[/color]” She asked as she would stand from the bed, extending her hand out to him.

Jaakuna nodded, getting closer to Shion as he looked at it intently. This was one of those once in a lifetime moments where  a man came face to face with their destiny. And though he knew he had to take it, there was one more hint a doubt. He understood, yes, but the doubt still lingered. Shion would take her outstretched hand, beckoning for him to take it. Whatever doubts he had, he needed to accept them, and move on.

He knew he should, but Jaakuna’s mind still kept him from accepting it. No, he had accepted that he was the one to kill Venat. It was obvious to him that he was the only one left alive who could do it, but something else kept him from doing it. He wasn’t sure if it was his fear of what would happen should he take this power or how it might change him. Something about it all was...overwhelming. There was also one last thing about Shion’s story that Jaakuna needed to know. Though, before he would ask that last question, he looked around the room. “[color=ed1c24]I understand everyone is curious, but I need to speak to Shion alone.[/color]” Jaakuna stated rather surprisingly.

Nadeline nodded in understanding as she would stand, smoothing out the wrinkles in her shirt. “[color=coral]Alright, we’ll give you some time, then,[/color]” She stated, pulling both Grant and Keiran with her, giving Jaakuna a smile as she would shove the pair ahead of her. Grant gave a (soundless) protest, though he did let out a yelp as Keiran would accidentally step on his foot. He blamed Nadeline, though he had little time to protest as Nadeline would continue to push them both out into the hallway.

“[color=fff79a]Very well. I hope you will be able to decide one way or another.[/color]” Wesley said to Jaakuna, offering the blond Archadian a smile.  Savayna would look at Jaakuna longingly before just nodding to him. There seemed to be nothing else to say. And shortly, they would follow Nadeline out of the room and into the hallway.

Emiri looked at Jaakuna with a concerned expression, though it seemed she wasn’t sure what to say. She reluctantly looked at Shion, who simply gave her a rather intense (and admittedly cold) stare. Emiri frowned, though she seemed defeated, Shion’s words still ringing in her ears. She tried to give Jaakuna a smile but ended up giving up, instead simply walking right out of the room.

Jaakuna would stop Emiri from walking out, making sure she looked at him. “[color=ed1c24]It won’t take long, then I’ll come find you, alright?[/color]” Jaakuna gave her a reassuring smile followed by a quick kiss.

She was speechless, although at least she nodded, able to return his smile as she would leave. Shion watched her for a moment, though she wouldn’t speak until the door was closed. “[color=deepskyblue]Venat would have made it so the two of you would have fought. He enjoys that situation,[/color]” She said as she would give Jaakuna her attention. “[color=deepskyblue]I warned her, so i suppose I should warn you as well. He’ll use any means necessary to cause you pain...and if it means using her, he won’t hesitate.[/color]” She paused for a moment, letting out a sigh. “[color=deepskyblue]What exactly is it that you want to know so badly you’d have the rest of your comrades leave?[/color]”

He let out a deep breath and looked at Shion. “[color=ed1c24]So you can be completely honest with me, or did you not think I wouldn’t notice.[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]You’ll have to be a little more specific than that.[/color]”

Jaakuna sighed, “[color=ed1c24]you should know, of all people, I know when Venat’s mist has infected a soul. It happened to me. It happened to Emiri. [/color]” Jaakuna would say, pointing to Shion’s abdomen injury. “[color=ed1c24]As you are with a lot of things, you’re  rather skilled at hiding from those you do not wish to worry. Making it seem like it was just a flesh infection, but you and I both know that the reason you can’t hold onto your soul weapon--the real reason you have to give it to me now--is because if you keep it any longer, it’ll become infected.[/color]” Jaakuna deduced, “isn’t that right?”

Shion actually smiled, crossing her arms. “[color=deepskyblue]And here I thought the princess was the only one to notice. Admittedly, it wouldn’t even be too much trouble, however…[/color]” She half-shrugged, clearly motioning towards her blackened arm. “[color=deepskyblue]Courtesy of your girlfriend, my hand was forced--no pun intended. I was given a week to live--three if I used magicks. So either my pact will have me bear unimaginable pain...or I’ll drop dead in another two days. We can see which will happen first.[/color]”

Jaakuna usually didn’t hate to be right, but this was one of the few times where he truly did hate his gut feeling. And as he had one single thought on his mind--two if you count the question he had in mind--Jaakuna knew that this was going to involve more than he would want it to, but, like Emiri did for her, Shion has forced Jaakuna’s hand. “[color=ed1c24]Since your time is precious, I won’t bore you with politeness.[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]The fact that you’ve managed to stay relatively pleasant was a dead ringer that it wouldn’t last,[/color]” Shion replied in earnest. “[color=deepskyblue]Out with it already, then.[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]Two things: First, I want to hear the full story of this pact you have.[/color]” Jaakuna practically demanded of her. “[color=ed1c24]And given your state of health and the odds of you seeing it through is unlikely, I suppose I will have to, along with accepting [i]my[/i] weapon, I will bear your burdens.[/color]” Jaakuna let out a sigh. “[color=ed1c24]I don’t know how we got here, but if you can’t do it, then I will avenge your friends and your people. As an Archadian, allow me to do this. It might not be able to make up for the horrors you have gone through--the horrors you continue you go through--but, at the very least, it might be able to provide you with some comfort in your final days.[/color]” Surprisingly, Jaakuna actually sounded almost like a man of honor and not some quick-witted knuckleheaded idiot.

Now it was her turn to scoff at him. “[color=deepskyblue]I have too many things to do before I die. Don’t go writing me off so easily,[/color]” She scolded him as she would glare. After a moment, it would soften slightly. “[color=deepskyblue]This is no longer about revenge. My home will never come back. My family will remain dead. Nothing I do will ever bring Rio or Avria back; they live only my memories. If it’s personal, it would be making sure Venat dies and I get a chance to dance on his grave for all his wrongdoings.[/color]” She placed a hand on her cheek as she spoke, though she let out a sigh. “[color=deepskyblue]Besides...I will take responsibility for my own suffering. If you’re going to take on anyone’s burdens, it should be [i]hers[/i].[/color]” She told him, looking at the door once more.

He let out an annoyed groan. It became evident to him that she became pig-headed in her old age. “[color=ed1c24]Usually when someone offers to make another’s last days easier for them, they say--oh, I don’t know? [i]Thank you[/i].[/color]” Jaakuna clearly was irked by her stubbornness. “[color=ed1c24]I am not trying to write you off, Shion. Anyone who knows you wouldn’t dare do anything like that, but maybe see it from [i]my[/i] perspective. I am trying to right the wrongs my ancestors did. You are the sole survivor of Nepal and I am the heir to the Archadian Empire. We both have the power to do something great and wonderful here. So, maybe instead of fighting me on this and holding onto whatever notions you have of bearing the burden of your people on your own, allow me to share those burdens. I’m not asking you as Jaakuna Hinoko, the Sky Pirate who has given you one too many headaches; I am asking you as Jackson Darcone, rightful Emperor of Archadia.[/color]” Jackson took Shion’s hands as if pleading with her but without actually begging. “[color=ed1c24]Let me help you.[/color]”

“[color=deepskyblue]What a serious expression. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were about to propose to me.[/color]” She raised an eyebrow at him, though she would look him right in the eye. For a moment, she would say nothing, although she would nod. “[color=deepskyblue]I’ll have to add to the deal, then. If I tell you about the pact, not only will you take your weapon, one of the first things you should do is take care of that problem in the hallway,[/color]” She would tell him, looking back at the door. “[color=deepskyblue]I can’t ask for much, but if that problem is taken care of, then I can help Aloa in her search.[/color]”

Problem? Jaakuna wondered what she meant. He gave her a raised eyebrow expression of his own, curious by what she meant. The thought of Emiri came to him, but what if that wasn’t just it? Jaakuna had to think about it, though he simply brushed it aside. Had he gone deep into thought, he’d space for hours. 

“[color=ed1c24]You mean Emiri, right? She’s hardly a problem.[/color]” Jaakuna assured her.

“[color=deepskyblue]She is a problem,[/color]” She corrected him. “[color=deepskyblue]Kind and gentle...and with a thirst for power. As they say, the best intentions are the most dangerous. Watch her carefully. Stay by her side. And whatever happens...if it comes down to it, you’ll have to be the one to keep her safe.[/color]” She seemed to change her thought mid-sentence. 

There was obviously something he was missing, but Jaakuna knew all too well that when Shion said something, no matter how crass it came across, it was right. Before he would have fought her on it, but he knew all too well about the dangers of Emiri. Regardless, he simply would nod. “[color=ed1c24]I won’t let her end up like Rio. You have my word.[/color]”

Shion closed her eyes, though she would take a few steps back away from Jaakuna. She extended her good hand, though rather than Belias’ Sigil, another foreign symbol would appear. This one, however, would appear not only on her arm, but her chest, legs, and two marks on her cheeks. She opened her eyes, though rather than amber, they shined red. “[color=deepskyblue]It’s time I told you about the pact. Though it’s easier shown than explained,[/color]” She stated as she approached him, her hand extending towards him, a single finger hitting his forehead.