Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Wesley had complimented Nadeline on her good traits, in came Grant with some other traits, but they weren’t so positive. At least, not by the way Nadeline had responded to them. He would say that she’s a bit impulsive, indecisive, and hot-headed. Grant would also make a note that she needed patience. Wesley was just about to say something to that, but Nadeline would be the first one to do that. Maybe Grant’s right. Wesley thought to himself as he would see(and hear) Nadeline pretty much tell Grant that if he forgot that she was in the room as she could hear everything he said. He would just state that she could use her mother’s patience. Wesley didn’t know what any of this meant.

As she would approach him, she would state that he just had to meet her mother too. Wesley smiled at that thought. “I’d be honored to meet your mother.” Wesley smiled. Thinking a bit, Wesley spoke once more. “If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of illness does your mother have?” Wesley probably was treading on rocky shores with that question, but his curiosity took over, that much he is willing to admit to himself.

---

For a moment — just a moment — silence took the room. There wasn’t so much as a clearing of ones throat, but that would change. Emiri had let go of the grip of his hand, and she proceeded to climb on top of him. This definitely was a change for the better, at least from where Jaakuna is laying. As she laid up top of him, Jaakuna looked up her and she down at him. Her eyes were so focused, so determined, and as she would speak, Jaakuna listened with the same focus she was giving him.

She would tell him that she didn’t care about the promises or whatever it may be, she just wanted to stay with him, stay by his side. As she would say that, she moved Jaakuna’s bangs from his face and with that their eyes would look deeply into each other. She would touch his cheek and Jaakuna found himself smiling to her as she would do to him. She would kiss him, though only for a moment. Jaakuna could just let her do it this time around. She would pull away just to request, no not request. It was more than that. She was pleading with him to stay by her side.

Jaakuna smiled to Emiri. “Of course. I’ll stay by your side always.” Jaakuna said, laying there, looking at her.

He probably could say more, but why would he need to? He had said all he needed to say. She wanted him to stay by her side and that’s exactly what he’s going to do. He didn’t even want to move from the current position he was in. Just looking at her in the way that she is made him happy. Even if they were not to move from this position all night, Jaakuna wouldn’t care. To have her like this, it truly made him love her even more than he already did as his eyes and smile would make that perfectly clear and known.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

If a day or so ago, someone would have said that Wesley was a lot alike to Grant, Wesley would had probably shot himself or something like that. Though now, as he hears Nadeline speak about Grant, about her father, Wesley can see how he's much like both of them, actually. Wesley, sure, is a gentleman, but he too is popular among the townsfolk of Rabanastre and all of Dalmasca. Wesley even finds himself thinking that he doesn't need to rule Dalmasca. His younger sister is doing a far better job at that than he ever could. "I hate to admit, but I too see the similarities between myself and Grant." Wesley laughed at that thought. Again, he didn't think he would be saying it. "Hearing you talk about your father, I can't help but admit that he sounds a lot like you." He said to Nadeline, "You're very popular, and you very much like to converse with people too." Wesley said with a smile upon his face.

---

As he would look into her eyes, she would eventually do the same, and just state that she needs time. Jaakuna completely understood that. All of this was probably too much, and even more so cause it was pretty much arranged. Of course, Jaakuna had already reassured her that he wouldn't fulfill his promise to Hamut if it meant for her unhappiness. Which is why Jaakuna would just say 'fuck it' to that whole thing. Jaakuna would do that for her — he'd do anything for her. She probably already knew that.

Though, now as she spoke, he listened. Her words entered his ears and etched themselves into his memory. Her description of being married was the same as being shackled? Jaakuna didn't know how to respond, so he didn't; at least not until she finished. It was a good thing too cause as she would do that indeed, her words — at least the tone of them — changed drastically. From comparing marriage to shackles to alluding to the idea of that if she was married to him, Emiri wouldn't mind it. Jaakuna's eyes would widen slightly. Though, in his mind his eyes would widen so much. Is she really hinting at what I think she's hinting to? That thought entered his mind. Jaakuna could say so many things to her, he could do so many things to her, but should he? That's the real question he needs to be asking himself.

Now having the time to just absorb it all, Jaakuna spoke. "You're my everything Emiri. I want you to want this not just for me, but for you too." Jaakuna said looking deeper into her deep, violet eyes. "If you want the time alone, I'll give you that, if you need me by your side, I'll never leave you, and if you just want to embrace me, I'll be right here." Jaakuna said. He was as serious as he's ever been, but there was more to that. His heart was fully out there. It was perhaps more out there than ever before.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Was she serious? Wesley was half-joking when he was musing aloud about meeting Nadeline's father. Truth be told, Wesley is a little nervous about meeting her father. He doesn't know much about the Roselia Royal Family, but having met Grant, Wesley could only assume that Nadeline's father has to be something along those lines. Still, as he looks to Nadeline, he couldn't help but want to find out for himself. Besides, her saying that she's never introduced any of her boyfriends to her father really made Wesley think about how close they really were — and only in a few short days no less. As Wesley thought about that specifically, his mind went to Emiri and Jaakuna and how they only knew each other for a day or so later than Wesley and Nadeline have and they're pretty much engaged. Perhaps with all that has happened, Wesley shouldn't question how quick it takes for all of them to fall for each other.

Coming out of whatever train-of-thought he was just in, Wesley looked at Nadeline, he was so close to him that he wasn't surprised that she didn't kiss him. Perhaps she didn't want to risk her Uncle Grant catching them again. "I would love to accompany you to Rozarria." Wesley said, "I do think your father will like me. I mean, if his brother can, then how different could he be?" Wesley was in his Jaakuna mode again. Oh gods, why is this happening more often?. Nadeline took a step or so back stating that her father would like him, more or less. "I think it will be very interesting at the very least." Wesley said chuckling.

---

Even though no words were spoken, silence spoke volume. Jaakuna knew that Emiri wasn't all that happy with him at the moment. For some reason, he just got that very vibe from her lack of words. It wasn't like Jaakuna expected her to be jumping in joy. No, but he just kept on finding himself hoping for more of a reaction from her. Even when he first told her about what the secret was, she didn't react in the way she would. She didn't start yelling or anything. She didn't throw things, she didn't cry, jump in joy — nothing. All she did was merely state 'is that all'. Like, Jaakuna doesn't know how to work with that. Even now, as she laid on the bed, arm over her eyes, she said pretty much the same thing, that she didn't know what to expect. Didn't know what to expect? Jaakuna didn't know what to feel after she said that. What did she really think Jaakuna was going to say?

Jaakuna laid down on the bed too, on her right side, and locking his fingers with the ones of her other arm. He then turned his head to her. "I know all of this isn't what you probably wanted to hear. The gods know that it's something I didn't want to be true, not in this way at least."Jaakuna said still looking to her. "If this truly makes you unhappy, I don't care what my Grandfather will do to me, I'll forsake the entire promise." Jaakuna continued, "Seeing you unhappy is worse punishment than whatever harm my Grandfather or Brother could ever dare to dream to do to me." Jaakuna said deeply looking into her eyes.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Of course he did." It wasn't like it was out of bounds for his grandfather to just do something like that. Though, that wasn't what had Jaakuna in a state of shock. Sure, hearing his grandfather sending his blessing or whatever to Emiri was all fine and dandy, but what Jaakuna found the most shocking of all of this the limited reaction out of Emiri. He didn't expect her to get ultra mad or ultra happy, but he expected more than what he was getting. He thought she would at least know what it really meant. Though, maybe she didn't. Of course she didn't. How could she? She only met Hamut that one time and as he always is, he was charming.

As JAakuna came to the realization that his grandfather was so charming with Emiri, he just sat down...laughing. "You really don't know the magnitude of this, do you?" He said, head low, arms low, and voice low. "A promise made to my grandfather is one that you don't just brush off as nothing." He said still in the same position. "It's true that I would have indulged the idea of marrying you, but not like this — not this way. In my head and in my heart, I imagined us dating, and then me taking you to the first place we met and proposing to you there. I imagined making it your choice, making it the one thing you can look back and say it was your happiest day of your entire life." Jaakuna just couldn't bring himself to look at Emiri now. "I didn't want it to be like how it was with you and Grant. You know, arranged, and no choice whatsoever." Jaakuna found the strength to look to Emiri. "I just want you to want to marry me cause of our feelings for each other and not cause of some stupid promise I made to my grandfather." Jaakuna said,

He looked to Emiri with curious eyes. "What exactly were you expecting me to say?" He asked her.

---

Wesley smiled at what Nadeline had to say. He did feel for her. Growing up as royalty definitely had it perks, but there was also some bad things to it as well, as Nadeline had pointed out. Wesley found himself wondering how her father was like. Including all that she said, it definitely seemed like the man was both very protective and also a fair man. Wishing your daughter to marry for love given what his position of power would be is definitely something to admire. At least, as far as Wesley is concerned. "It seems like your father is a good man. I can just tell by the way you're talking about him." Wesley couldn't help himself. "I do wonder what the man would think of me." Uh-oh, Wesley was going into his Jaakuna-influenced mode. First it started with the jokes, and now it was escalating with cockiness and arrogance.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Nadeline would go on and saying how she was requested to go back to Rozarria, Wesley didn't know how exactly to feel about that. He was happy for her that she would be able to see her family again, but to be called to her home and by a message was certainly something that wouldn't be good, not even in the slightest. Though, WEsley would put that at the back of his mind and focus on what she said about Jaakuna and Emiri going off. It truly could go either way. If it went south, the things would get awkward for everyone. However, if it went the way that Nadeline said so, then indeed the union of an Archadian and Rozarrian could truly bring some kind of peace to Ivalice. Sure, it wouldn't become anything permanent, not in this day and age, but it could very well bring peace for this generation. Even now, as Wesley thought about that, he also would think about him and Nadeline. It wasn't like marriage was automatically on the frontlines of his thoughts, but he did have to wonder about that as well. Perhaps one day, yes, but Wesley just wanted to keep the option open.

"Yes, truly if the two of them had married, it would indeed bring peace." Wesley said, "how about you, NAdeline? Does the thought of being married entice you as well?" He asked her.

---

The silence from the elevator was so unbearable, but Jaakuna didn't blame her for not talking. Ever since the allusion that Jaakuna was leaving something out earlier in the evening, Emiri has been on his ass about telling. She surely didn't take it too kindly that he quickly changed the subject when they entered the Sochen Cave Palace and probably liked it less when he kissed her earlier. Yes, it truly was that kind of unavoidable discussion. It wasn't like there was anything bad to it. Sure the way he did it, Jaakuna knew it would sound bad to Emiri and maybe ruin her thoughts about him as well. Maybe Jaakuna was a fool to agree to such terms from his GRandfather, but if he didn't, Emiri would have died — he is sure of that. Jaakuna also said yes cause, in some part of him, he really does want to marry her.

Sighing, Jaakuna sat down on the edge of his bed, looking to the floor. By this time, Emiri had made her way to the edge of his bed as well. He looked up, and would just speak. "Okay, so here it is. " He said. "When I found out that Vincent had taken you, I was pissed, and I mean really pissed. I cried, I shouted, I yelled — I did just about everything that I possibly could. It took Wesley and Nadeline to bring me out of my rage to make me see how dire things were." Jaakuna said as he proceed to stand up. "I had to go to my grandfather — Judge Magister Bahamut Ira Darcone — and ask him for help. It wasn't something I wanted to do, oh the gods it was the last thing I wanted to do, but I did and it worked." Jaakuna said slightly laughing at what he had just said. "Nadeline, Wesley, Ixion, and myself met up with him in Rabanstre and I told him that I needed to rescue you. Of course, he denied, but after I pretty much pleaded with him, he would accept, under one condition." Jaakuna said as he sat back down. "Before I tell you, I need you to understand that I would have done it way before he would have requested it of me. "He said gulping. "He requested...no, it's more like demanded, me to marry you and rule Archadia with you by my side." There, he said it, Now how was she going to react? How could she react? Jaakuna just laid the biggest bombshell on her in a while.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was just so wonderful to be back on the Ifrit as Jaakuna would head to the Kitchen. He did wonder what Emiri and Grant went off to do, but Jaakuna was just too damn hungry to really give it his full attention. If it was anything too serious, Jaakuna was positive that Emiri would be able to handle it. Besides, Iris would inform him should it get out of hand. Regardless, however, Jaakuna found himself in the kitchen and he was just so hungry, but he also felt so lazy. So, JAakuna would just go in the fridge to see what exactly left over there was to eat and that's where he stumbled upon some Mac and Cheese that had been left over from a week ago. Jaakuna knew that it was still good by the way the orange-ish color was still on there. So, he would pop that into the oven and nuke it for a few minutes until the cheese was bubbling and the noodles were nice and warm for him to eat them.

As Jaakuna would take it out of the oven real carefully, he began to eat it. Taking his spoon, and as each bite went into his mouth, he would let out a slight orgasm of sorts in response of how good it really was. Jaakuna was really enjoying his meal, so much so that the others could very well hear him let out these moans. Wesley certainly heard him and he thought that Jaakuna was cumming or some type of shit like that. When Wesley would peak over, however, he would see that Jaakuna was just eating his meal. He just shook his head and turned back to Nadeline who was giving him the same look that he had given Jaakuna. As he would begin to finish it up, Jaakuna would go to the sink and rinse the rest of it away. He would then take a towel and simply wipe his mouth to rid it of the excess food. Jaakuna would then let out a moan as he would stretch his arms into the air.

When Jaakuna was finished, Emiri would approach him. She would simply tell him it was his turn. Jaakuna looked into her eyes and he knew exactly what she was alluding to. Jaakuna wasn't surprised. She wanted to address this when they got into the clear and obviously she was done with Grant. "Fine then. Let's go to my room for this though." Jaakuna stated as he would motion Emiri to follow him.

Wesley would see Emiri and Jaakuna head off to the elevator and most likely to his room. Wesley smiled. "It seems he's going to tell her, Nadeline."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The moments were quick. Everything happened so suddenly, such in minimal amount of time, and yet it felt like forever. First came the three spells to throw off the enemy, which it did as the Stopga would stop them all, the Sleepga would put all but Levi sleep, but Graviga would press Levi to the ground so hard she could barely move. As that would happen, in a few simple motions, everybody was hooked in by each others hands and about fifty paces later, they were in the clear and away from Levi or any of her men.

As they were in the clear, Emiri’s ability stopped and they were in real time. Jaakuna looked to Emiri. She seemed incredibly worn out. Jaakuna just knew that was too much of a task for her, but he was so proud of her. “Emiri, that…that was amazing.” Jaakuna’s amazement was followed by a short, yet succulent kiss as he would grasp her head with his hands. Of course, it was in front of everyone.

As the kiss would go on, Wesley would cough. “I believe we should get going. They won’t wait around forever, you know?” Wesley said hoping to ease whatever awkwardness there would be from Jaakuna and Emiri kissing.

Jaakuna pulled away and blushed. “Oh yes right, of course.” He said. Jaakuna would press his jacket. “Iris, are you nearby?”
“Yes Master Jaakuna!”
“Beam all five of us please. We’re ready to leave this hell hole.”
“Right away sir!”

As that conversation was short, the lot of them were beamed up. Blue and gold magical particles surrounded them and as they shot up, in seconds they would be at the beaming station aboard the Ifrit. “Oh how I missed you baby.” Jaakuna said as he went on all fours and kissed the cold, steel ground. After a few kisses, however, Jaakuna would stand up, much to the coughing of Wesley.

“Iris take us way from here.”
“Any desitnation, sir?”
“Not here.”
“Right away.”

Iris would say as the ship would leave and sounds of a thrusters going ultra-fast could be heard.

Back on the Tchita Uplands, time stopped and the spells wore off and as that happened, Levi would look around and not see the group. What’s even worse, she would hear something in the sky and as she would look up, nothing was there, but she knew it had to be an airship of some kind. “Very clever.” Levi smiled.

Her men would finally get out of the groove of the spell and look to Levi. “What now maim ?” One of them asked.

Levi was both happy and angered. She was happy to have such clever prey, but her men were annoying her. She would turn to them, smiling. Though, she would say nothing. She reached both of her hands out, and between her fingers were weaves of Water Magick. In seconds, she would manipulate them to shoot at all six of her men, striking them quick with venom-induced water tendrils. She would then smirk. “This will be fun.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Wesley and Jaakuna just looked at the position that they and their friends found themselves in yet again. Not only were they now faced with the enemy, but to make matters worse, one of them was a judge. Wesley has heard of this judge. They say that she’s one of the most dangerous because she does not take sides, but only goes in favor to those who have something that’s in it for her. Jaakuna remembers this woman more than anyone else he remembers being around when he still lived in Archadia. He remembers Levi being the backstabbing bitch that she always is. He remembers her persuading him to betray his father, his brother, and he even remembers her making a move on him.

Jaakuna looked at Levi with an angry expression across his face and was about to say something, but then Grant would speak as she had previously addressed him. He would just state how it would be a good thing to see her, but something about not having the time. Jaakuna would agree with Grant. He didn’t think he would ever agree with him, but alas here he finds himself doing just that.

Wesley would look at what they were to deal with and about six soldiers and magi — three of each — and Judge Levi herself. Truly these were unfavorable odds, but Wesley has seen worse. Of course, that very thought made Wesley think back to the 20+ soldiers and Magi that he and Grant had to deal with. That was not a fun experience, but it did work in their favor only because of Vlyn and Aloa. This time, however, they only had themselves and their friends to help in the fight.

Jaakuna heard Emiri make a note at how she has her power and they could still escape. Jaakuna liked that idea and he knew he wasn’t at full strength himself. Plus, he wasn’t all that used to using a spear, at least not yet. Wesley would also take in that suggestion. He definitely wasn’t at full strength. Perhaps it would be best, but how far would they be able to get with her power.

“What say you Jaakuna?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to fight — at least not in my condition — but Emiri..”

Jaakuna’s gaze would turn to Emiri as his main concern was how much of herself it would take out of it for using her ability with so many people. Jaakuna would turn to Emiri. “If you can handle it, then yeah, we can get out of here using your ability, but only if you’re absolutely sure.” Jaakuna quietly said to her.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

They were almost home free. It was just a few steps more and they would be out of the hell hole they were previously in. When Wesley and Jaakuna would begin those final steps, Jaakuna would look back and while Nadeline was following close, it would seem that Grant and Emiri were talking about something. Wesley would also notice it. He would just wonder what it could be about, but Jaakuna would think and act differently. A severely angered expression would appear on his face and Wesley would hear Jaakuna curse some very bad things about Grant under his breath. He didn’t hear all of it, but he made out the words “Asshole”, “Fucking Bastard”, and the sentence “I’ll rip his fucking throat out.”

Wesley would stare at Jaakuna with widened eyes and his head would shake in disappointment. He would say nothing, but he would just shake his head at Jaakuna. Though, Wesley did now wonder what exactly the two of them could be talking about. Regardless of that, however, the two of them would catch up to the group, and out from the Sochen Cave Palace the emerged and into the sunlight of the Tchita Uplands they would appear.

“We finally made it.” Wesley said smiling.

“About fucking time!” Jaakuna said, smiling as well.

As the group would just bask in the joy of being out of Archades, out of the Sochen Cave Palace, and just out of the way from Vincent, the victory would be cut short as clapping would be heard and out from behind them(they were facing the entrance/exit to the Sochen Cave Palace), and as it would be revealed, several soldiers and magi of the Archadian Imperial Army would be revealed and right in the center of all of them would be the Third Judge Magister, Leviathan Necfedeles.

“You lot sure took your sweet time getting here.” Said Levi, helmet on. She would look to Grant. “Prince Grant, good to see you again.” She said laughing.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Everything was just unbelievable. NAdeline creating that huge hole, and just everything about it. Wesley didn't think she had that much power within her, but Nadeline had been able to keep up with the likes of Jaakuna and Wesley, so perhaps the display of her feats are just blooming later than usual. Regardless, Emiri suggested to everyone that they should get going. JAakuna agreed to that and WEsley did as well. They both would nod and everyone would head off in the direction to the exit.

After heading down a single pathway down the center, the group would take on beasts of all kinds. Wendigos, Imps, Crystalbugs — just about any all kinds of creepy crawlies that would find themselves in the groups way. It wouldn't be that long until they actually found themselves heading closer and closer to the exit/entrance to the Tchita Uplands. Wesley and Jaakuna led the charge naturally as they would point out the light at the end of the creepy cavern. "It seems we're almost home free my friends!" Wesley pointed out as he looked towards the light.