Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Pleased to hear that the Empress allowed him to speak, Michelangelo did as such. He stood up, He placed a hand into his back pocket, but that seemed to alarm a guard. “It’s okay, not pulling out a weapon.” He said as he put his other hand out as it to calm the nerves of the others. He pulled out a letter. He would open it, roll it out, and it was moderately long.

“Your highness, and princes of Rozarria, in my hand, I hold a letter personally for our ears only. I shall read it aloud.” He said as he cleared his throat, and read it.

Dear Royal family of Rozarria,

By the time this letter is in your ears, my faithful subornidate, Michelangleo von Sicarius has arrived in your capital. I write this to inform you of some information that has came to my attention just recently.

During Archadia’s invasion of Rabanastre, one of my Judge Magisters stumbled upon my dear brother and two ladies he was with. There was a brunette — one who I know not the name of. The other, a blonde, she I found the name out of. Her name is Nadeline Roselia, Princess of Rozarria.

I felt that sharing this could lead to common interests. If you find this information valuable, then meet me in Archades when Michel returns. I expect an acceptance or rejection of my offer.

Sincerely,
Vincent Orgull Darcone, Emperor of the Archadian Empire

As Michel finished the letter, he rolled it up, and presented it to the Empress herself. He would bow and hold the letter up.

---

While the feast itself was grand and on any other day, Jaakuna would want to eat, but there was just something in him that didn’t want to eat. That’s probably why he followed Emiri as she had slipped out. He would make his exit as quietly as he could. He made minimal noise, and he would come to the balcony just seconds after Emiri did.

Joining her at looking at the sky, Jaakuna couldn’t help but really admire the Dalmascan sky. It really was peaceful. The way the clearness of the midnight blue and the whiteness of the stars beamed off of the majestic moon just made looking up at it all the more beautiful. Though, as he glanced over at Emiri, it seemed that all he cared about this night was how majestic she looked.

“You know we’re going have to talk about it eventually, right?” Jaakuna said as he leaned against the ledge back first.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

On Stigma, Michelangelo had thought that he would get red-flagged, but it would seem that the Empress had accepted his request of having an audience with her. Michel was pleased with that. Even still, it was definitely dangerous for him to be in the enemy capital. Any misstep, and he could find himself locked in prison or yet, even worse: dead. He must choose his words carefully.

As he waited outside of the throne room, the servant notified him that he was granted permission to enter the throne room. So, as he did just that, he walked down the red carpet, only to stop before her majesty, Reia Alexandria Roselia. As he would come to a stop, he would see that a few others were within the room. Michel saw and in front of him, he saw the two crown princes of Rozarria: Grant Marshall Roselia and Lorenzo Jeremiah Roselia.

Michel bowed in front of the three in front of him. “I, Michelangelo von Sicarius of the Archadian Empire bare an important message from my lord, Emperor Vincent Orgull Darcone.” He said, still bowing. Michel knew of proper etiquette, and he knew when to speak his name and he knew when to shut up. This is why he is the head of the Stealth Division of the Archadian Empire.

---

The feast went on and while everyone was stuffing their faces(not really but whatever), Jaakuna was spending the minutes admiring Emiri. He didn’t think it was possible, but that dress of hers made her look even more beautiful than she was beforehand.

“Emiri, wow..” He said looking to Emiri, “Just wow, you look absolutely breathtaking.” Jaakuna as he was not even bothering with the meal in front of them. He just wanted to stare at her all night long and if he had his way, he would do just that.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Back in Archcades, The Odin and the rest of the fleet returned, boarding in Archades’ Imperial Army private Aerodome, Judge Ixion and General Savayna depart from the ship and they make their way to Emperor Vincent’s office to deliver their report personally. Usually they would just send him their reports separately and in paper/folder form, but the matters at hand really call for a personal visit. Besides, the information that Judge Ixion has gathered will be truly crucial to his highness.

As they appeared in his office, Vincent sits in his chair as he had thusly motioned them to come in. They walked down, with Savayna on the right and Ixion on the left. The sounds of clanking metal could be heard, mainly from Ixion’s armor as the metal was more sturdy and thick than Savayna’s. Even though Savayna’s was lighter than Ixion’s, it still made a metal-clanking sound. As they came to a stop at the steps.

“So, I assume the invasion went as planned?” Vincent said as he sat at his desk in a relaxed manner.

Savayna spoke. “Your highness, I think Judge Magister Ixion should be the one to tell you.” She said looking down. She didn’t want to make him angry again.

Ixion looked to Savayna, he huffed, but said nothing to her. “It did not go as we had initially planned. “ He said.

Vincent wasn’t mad, but he wanted to know what went wrong. “Do tell me what error there was in our plan?”

“The initial attack was successful and even when I went into the palace personally, it was successful, but I ran into some… unforeseen obstacles.” He said as disappointment took over his tone.

Vincent was intrigued. “Unforeseen obstacles?” Vincent curiously asked.

Ixion coughed, “Your brother, your lordship. Him and a couple of ladies got in the way.” He said.

Vincent almost lost his cool there, but he regained his composure. “I see and did you deal with my brother and these two women?” He asked showing restraint in anger.

“I’m sorry, your lordship, but due to our fleet being pushed back, we had to retreat. However,” He said.

“However?” Vincent asked.

“However, I did find out some interesting information.” He said as cleared his throat. “One of the women with Prince Jackson was a blonde by the name of Nadeline Roselia , the Princess of the Rozzarian Empire and third to the throne.” He said, revealing who one of the blonde women were.

Vincent smiled. “This is most excellent. This will definitely work in our favor. “ He said getting up. “Does she know you know?” He asked.

Ixion shook his head. “No, your highness.”

“Good, let’s keep it that way.” He said.

Vincent walked over in front of his desk, and looked at the two in front of him. “I thank you for your report. You two may leave now.” He said as he was leaning against his desk and motioned the two of them to leave.

As they left, Vincent was riveting in the new information he just received. He knew what he was going have to do and perhaps something positive would come out of all of this. Vincent would have to be put in contact with Rozarria.

“Please send in Michel.” He said as he pressed a button on his desk that would send a message to his assistant, which she would send in Michel. Within minutes, Michel would arrive.

“You requested me sir?” Michel said as he bowed on one knee.

“I need your skills.” Vincent said as he had his arms behind his back.

Michel’s eyes widened in joy, but he remained in a calm composure. “I will do whatever you request sir. “ He said.

Vincent was pleased. “That’s good to hear. Now listen up, “

---

6 hours later
In Rabanastre, the streets are full of destruction, but the citizens are still alive, well the ones that weren’t blown to bits. At the very least, they can start to rebuild their city a little bit at a time. It’s the spirits of the citizens that will keep the city alive even in time of disaster. As the citizens will rebuild the spirit of the city, within the palace, there is a feast being in the King’s honor. At the table is the royal family and the three people that at least tried to save the king; Jaakuna, Emiri, and Nadeline.

In the royal dining hall, there is a table that has a bunch of different kind of food on it which includes several main and side dishes and just anything that one can imagine. Above the lighting is prepared by a giant chandelier that just hangs and provides a special kind of light fueled by Magicite that creates a certain luminescence brightness to the room, which just adds to the overall wonderous look the dining room has.

At the head of the table is Prince Wesley. He stands holding a glass.

“I would like to dedicate this glorious meal to my father, Jonathan Rufus Dalmasca. He was a proud, stubborn man, but he loved his country with all of his heart. Even in the last moments of his death, he defended his country and would not tell the enemy anything. For that, I would like to celebrate his memory tonight. Here here!!” He said as he toasted to his father and the man he was.

At the table to the left of him was his baby sister, Cassandra Annalise Dalmasca. She wore a simple black dress laced with white and gold jewels around it. The dress itself was made with silk, so her natural curves were obviously shown. The rest of the family was just her uncles, aunts, and other such relatives. The announcement that the eighteen year old would be named the Princess and ruler of Dalmasca hit her hard, but she will accept it.

Jaakuna was dressed in some fancy Formal wear that he hated wearing, but he had to for this special occasion. “Damn, I hate formal dinners like this.” He said as he leaned to Emiri, who was sitting next to him to his right, and Nadeline was next to Emiri. “Don’t you hate them too, Emiri?”

---

When Michel heard what Vincent had to say, he was in shock, but the more that he talked to him about how Prince Jackson was running around with one of the princesses of the Rozarrian Empire, Vincent thought it would be a good idea for Michel to go to Stigma, the capital of the Rozarrian Empire and somehow work out a temporary truce between the two empires to get what they wanted. It would be interesting to say the least.

As he neared Stigma in his unbranded Airship, Michel pulled into the area where Airships go. As he pulled in, and proceeded to walk through the entracne of Stigma’s Aerodomehe was stopped by Rozarrian officials.

“State your name, occupation, and business on Stigma.”
“Michelangelo Von Sicarius. I am the head of Archadia’s Stalth operations, personal assistant to General Savayna Glacie-Darcone. I was sent here on urgent matters on behalf of his majesty, Emperor Vincent Darcone. I have…information that I think the Empress herself would like to hear.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna had admitted something quite personal and no doubt a surprise to Emiri. It was only a half of a minute and Jaakuna was still in…some type of mood that made him just feel so surreal. Maybe it was just what he was feeling and telling the one he loves all about or maybe it was just him almost dying that put all of this into perspective. Regardless, Jaakuna knew what he felt and he wasn’t going to back away now. When he was just about to say something, he heard what Wesley said about wanting to join the group.

What Nadeline said about the matter was true, but then again, Jaakuna can sympathize with the man. The two of them were on similar boats. Jaakuna fled Archadia when his father died and the prince here wants to do the same thing. However, Jaakuna was in a very different situation. “Hey, if you want to leave your people and live on the run with us, that’s fine with me, but shouldn’t you appoint a leader for your country first?” Jaakuna said as he turned to Wesley. He did know that there would be some kind of process, but was it really logical for Wesley to abandon his home in the time of need? Jaakuna didn’t really know.

Hearing the words of Jaakuna and Nadeline. He knew they were right, but thankfully he had a sister who would be next in line for the throne. “Worry not, I have myself a baby sister who will take the throne. I will set up arrangements for her coronation. I also have to make arrangements for my father’s cremation.” He said putting the Dusk Shard in his pocket. “Give me 12 hours, I will have everything settled for my departure.” He said, “Until then, I personally invite you three to stay in the palace as my many thanks for your service to my people and the kingdom of Dalmasca.” He said, offering them a place to sleep for the night as evening looms over the Kingdom of Dalmasca and its Royal City of Rabanastre.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna didn’t know whether the kiss went on for one second or one minute, he just embraced it. The day has been long, and Jaakuna almost died. He probably should sit down or at the very least, rest, but kissing Emiri seemed like the only thing he wanted to do right now. She had pretty much saved his life and he was just so happy.

After a minute or so, Jaakuna found the control to pull away, but he was just looking into her eyes. He didn’t know when the next time would be that he would have a close call with death. He thought he was going to die just now. “Emiri, I love you.” He said it! He actually said it and he felt good about it. Just saying it aloud again, and not in anger, was truly something wondrous. “I just don’t want to waste any more time. If the events of today taught me anything it’s that life is short and if you don’t seize it, then regrets will be had.” He said. He was just overtaken by emotions and made some lightheadedness, but he didn’t give a fuck.

On the other side of the room, Nadeline and Wesley were talking. Well, it was more like she was talking and he was listening. He started to calm down, as Nadeline had pointed out. She was right. He needed to be calm for all of this. And then she said it. The murderer of his father — the former King of Dalmasca — was Judge Magister Ixion, the Lightning Falcon. He got up.

“I see.” Wesley walked over to the throne, passing by Jaakuna and Emiri, who no doubt followed him. “I heard almost all of it. He was after the Dusk Shard.”Wesley said as he reached into his father’s pocket and there it was. “Funny, the guy didn’t know it was there at his grasp the whole time. “ He said holding the Dusk Shard. “ And here is one of three Defected Nethicite that all three empires strive to have, and in this room, two of them are present.” He said. “Yes, Jaakuna, I know you have it — I’ve always known.” He said. “But alas, I do not wish to have it, but I do wish to offer you my thanks, and I will see to it that your crimes are cleared and covered up from public knowledge.” He said, promising to clear the charges. “However, I do wish to accompany you on your journey. I want to see to it that whatever war is going on does not end in my country’s downfall.” He stated, waiting for the responses of the three in the room.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna heard and felt every bit of it. He heard the cries from Emiri, he felt the pain of losing blood at a fast rate. He could hear the prince yell out for his father, but he couldn’t move. Despite everything, Jaakuna was paralyzed. The worst part was that he felt every bit of the pain from the lightning that held him still. He couldn’t move and he just didn’t know what to do.

Then it happened.

Jaakuna felt something. It was a bunch of somethings. First it was the curaga spell from Nadeline, but it seemed to only ease the pain for a bit. Then, he felt Emiri. He felt her emotions flowing into him, and then his skin somehow repaired itself. It was her ability. It was back and this time it saved his life. Then, there was another curage spell. Jaakuna could move, he could stand, but he still felt weak. It was still too early for him to be up, but still he was at least able to stand.

“I’m alive?” Jaakuna looked around as he felt his body. “Emiri, y-y-you saved my life.” His face was full of shock and happiness. He was probably still out of it, but he couldn’t help himself. He hugged her, and proceed to kiss her. He was truly grateful to her.

On the other side of the room, Nadeline had went over to Wesley to comfort him. He was so out of it, he didn’t even know what to do. His father was dead and by right, he should be king, but he didn’t know what to do.

“Who--Who did this?!?!” His stuttering was mixed with crying of sadness and yelling of anger. He just couldn’t decide which he was more of: sadness or anger..

---

As Judge Ixion appeared on the ground floor of the Royal City of Rabanastre, he would walk a bit more until the Odin was in sight. In seconds, he was beamed up. As he walked from the beaming station and he walked his way through the ship, it would take him about ten minutes to get to the cockpit where Savayna was waiting for him.

“Judge Magister Ixion, welcome back sir!” She said.

Ixion smiled. “Thank you Savayna.” He replied.

“Were you able to obtain the Dusk Shard?” she asked.

He sighed. “No, I am afraid not. Your former husband got in the way of that and his two friends as well.” He expressed.

Savayna was livid. “Jaakuna was here!?” She yelled and asked at the same time.

Ixion sighed in annoyance. “Oh, calm it down. He didn’t have it either, but I did learn of some pretty interesting information.” He mused.”

Savayna looked interested in this information. “What is that sir?”

He stood watching the skies as the remaining fleets of the Archadian Empire returned to Archadia. “Princess Nadeline Roselia was with your ex-hubby.” He said smiling.

“Who?” She asked not knowing who this woman was.

Ixion chuckled. “A very important person within the Rozarrian Empire. “ He replied.

“And why is that important, sir?” She asked.

Ixion smiled. “Well, we could use this to our advantage.” He replied. “We will report this to his majesty, Emperor Vincent. I’m sure he will find use of this information.” He said.

The ships would arrive to Archadia within an hour’s worth of time.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna didn’t know what to do. Even hearing Nadeline speak wasn’t doing him any good. Just seeing the situation he is in gets him even more angry, but what is he to do? There was literally nothing he could do. There was no loophole he could figure out to get Emiri out of this mess. Jaakuna would either have to let Emiri die and live with that his entire life or give up the Dawn Shard in hoping it would get her out of harms way. Then, it hit him. He had an idea.

Jaakuna stepping forward, Ixion still had his blade to Emiri’s neck. “Okay, I have it here." Jaakuna reached into his pocket. Ixion smiled.

“Good, bring it here.” He said.

Jaakuna walked forward, standing about three feet in front of Ixion. Ixion would let her go, as Jaakuna started to pull out the Dawn Shard, not the Dusk Shard. Then at the slightest moment, Jaakuna rushed forward in one leap. He pressed his right hand on Ixion’s sword arm , gripping the blade itself. Even though his hand was cut, he would allow Emiri to get away, but not at a great cost. Ixion would shove his hand through Jaakuna’s right left shoulder, and an electrical charge would be induced into his shoulder, sending so many watts of electricity into it. Jaakuna screamed in agony and pain. When he fell to the ground, shaking from the feeling of being paralyzed, he saw Emiri was able to get away and she was right behind Nadeline. The feeling of relief overtook him.

“You good-for-nothing shit!” Ixion said and then he got a call from his headpiece.

---

The forces of Archadia and Dalmasca were at each other’s heads, neither of them wavering. When one of their ships would be defeated, the other would lose one. It was a back and forth battle. From the Dreadnought Odin and the Royal Warship Valefor each in command of their respective empires, it would seem that neither side would even bust an inch. However, that was until one special ship came in to save the day.

In the sky, the legendary ship Ifrit had came in to save the day. Shooting off very powerful beams of plasma and magick, it would seem that the Archadian forces were being pushed back. Within the Valefor, Wesley couldn’t believe his eyes, but then again, Jaakuan did promise he would help. Wesley was surprised though. He thought that Jaakuna would have taken the chance to flee, but maybe he was wrong about that guy.

“Okay men, don’t let up. Back up the Ifrit.” He ordered.

The orders were met with absolute unison and loyalty. The fleet of the Royal Army was pushing forward and the Archadian Empire, especially Savayna were getting nervous.

Aboard the Odin, Savayna was incredibly nervous. She was so nervous that she was pacing around. She couldn’t believe that the Ifrit was actually coming to save the day for Dalmasca. To think that one of their best ships that was in Archadia’s control was being used against them. This truly was a bad situation for the empire to be in.

“Dammit, what are we going to do? Judge Ixion will surely have my head for this.” Savayna said as she stood in the cockpit, just watching as half of their fleet was being taken down.

The Ifrit was the sole reason that Dalmasca was able to have a fighting chance. The ship itself was firing and firing, moving at speeds that no ship could ever hope to reach. And yet, when Wesley would see, he had a funny feeling.

“Patch me through to the Ifirit.” Wesley ordered one of his men in the cockpit of the Valefor.

“Yes sir!” The man replied as a comm link was patched through.

“Jaakuna are you there?” Wesley asked.

Jaakuna was not there, but Iris was. “Master Jaakuna is busy at the moment.” Iris responded.

Wesley was intrigued, but very confused. “Ah okay, and pray tell, who is it I am currently speaking to?” Wesley asked.

Iris responded. “I am Iris, the ship Ifrit’s AI.”

An AI huh? That’s truly wondrous. Wesley truly was astonished that such a thing existed in the world. Archadia might be the spawn of the devil, but they truly are visionaries in technology. “I see, and where would Jaakuna be now?” He asked.

“Master Jaakuna, Lady Emiri, and Lady Nadeline are currently in the Royal Palace.” Iris responded.

Wesley’s eyes widened. He didn’t know what to think, but he knew his business couldn’t be dealt with here. He had to go to the palace. So, without a moments notice, he rushed to the beaming station where it would automatically take him to a beaming station over in the royal palace. Within seconds he was teleported into the palce and he was just a few minutes away from the throne room. He heard voices, so he crept up and listened in.

---

As Jaakuna laid flat on the ground, static electricity showing all around his body, Even worse, blood seemed to be pouring out of the deep gash in his shoulder. Jaakuna was not in a good shape, not at all.

Meanwhile, Ixion got a call. “Yes, what is it?”

“Judge Ixion, you have to leave! We are losing and if we don’t get you real soon, I’m afraid you will be left behind!” Savayna said.

“I understand. I will be there shortly” He said closing out of the call.

He looked down at Jaakuna and then to the two ladies. “It’s a shame that we couldn’t continue this, but I must depart. We will meet again.” He said as in a flash, he disappeared.

When the Judge left, the prince came in , hearing almost everything, but he still didn’t know what happened. He walked in and from across the room, he saw his father dead on the throne. “FATHER!!!” His yell would come to a surprise to the three in the room. Wesley dropped to his knees as he would start to sob.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna didn’t know what to do. He wanted to pummel his cousin for even threatening to kill Emiri, but he knew if he took another step forward, that would surely be the death of her. He didn’t know what to do. Even, it seemed that Nadeline didn’t know what to do. She was probably just equally as shocked and angered at Ixion for taking Emiri in such a way.

Ixion looked at his cousin and the blonde. He just smiled. ‘So, now it seems I have your attention.” He said turning his gaze to the brunette in arm then turning back to two staring at him with anger. “Now, would you two do me the kind favor of telling me where I can find the Dusk Shard?” He asked with a rather genuine smile on his face.

Jaakuna looked towards Nadeline, and then he reached into his pocket and he still had the Dawn Shard. Dusk Shard? Could that be another Defected Nethecite? Jaakuna couldn’t make sense of it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I never heard of such a thing. And besides, I wouldn’t tell you even if I did.” Jaakuna said snapping at his cousin.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna was slowly getting back up, he could feel a tingling sensation through his right shoulder. It hurt like a mother! He couldn’t really do anything in his condition and he knew that. Perhaps he was done or maybe he just needed to buy his time until he could finally get up and rejoin the fight.

On the other side of things, Ixion had just got done using his counterattack and it would seem that for the most part it was successful, as seen by Jaakuna being down and out. However, he saw the blonde lady using the spell shell, which fended off the needles of lightning until they faded off into flickering bits of light. When that happened, Ixion barely even saw the brunette come in for an overhead slash, but thankfully for him, he caught onto her attack just in time.

Sidestepping the girl, she would fall off-balance as she came into contact with the ground and in a single motion, Ixion punched her in the back, and took her and wrapped his free arm around her neck, pulling her back against his front. He placed his sword near her neck as well. She was actually somewhat being lifted off of the ground. “Now, it seems I got your little friend.” Ixion said smiled. “What will you do now?”

Jaakuna saw, and something in him arose. He didn’t know if it was the addreniline of him seeing Emiri in trouble or if it was his feelings for her overtaking him, but he popped up, and he was going to attack, but Ixion held his sword to her neck even more.

“One more step and she’s dead.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna had deflected the lightning spell, he nor Emiri were out of the woods just yet. He knew that Ixion was only getting started and that he would try whatever he could to get Jaakuna and his friends down for the count. As he would prepare for anything, Jaakuna felt a healing sensation go through his body. He didn't know what it could be until he saw that it was the healing spell known as Regen. Jaakuna looked back at Nadeline and saw that she was the one who had done that. He nodded towards her as she would soon come in, as Emiri would follow her lead, for a stab. Jaakuna would join them as he would go as well with a stab. He would follow their lead and for Ixion, he had three people attacking him.

Ixion saw and he smiled. He was actually quite happy that the three of them would attack all together. The first round of attacks were easy to deflect, but the second round actually took him by surprise. He actually seemed to be on the defensive. He would hold his sword in a defensive position, but he would soon find out that with three people attacking him, it was harder to defend. He then gathered lightning magick all around his blade, coating it to make it stronger and sturdier. As he did that, he was able to wave his sword, sending needles of lightning magick, colored gold, at the three of them.

Jaakuna would get hit in the shoulder, spinning a few feet back. The way he spun was that he was above the girls and his body spiraled and he would land five feet behind them. Whether the other two would get hit would just be a matter of their timing of dodging.