Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It’s been five hours since Vincent had ordered the killing of Emiri, Jaakuna, Grant, Wesley, and Nadeline. When he did, Levi was the one that would respond to that very order and sadly for her, she did not succeed. She of course got a head and a half chewed out of her from Vincent. He was not happy, and she knew he wouldn’t be. He was severely angry when he initially gave off the order, so this failing of her just added to that. Levi would take it all in silence. She would not speak unless she needed to. When he was indeed chewing her out, Levi could only think about how she was going to catch her prey. Once Vincent had finished giving her an earful, he dismissed her harshly. Of course she bowed to him and left.

After Levi left Vincent, she was approached by First Judge Hamut. “Can I help you, Judge Hamut?” Levi asked looking to him as she was outside of Vincent’s office.

‘Walk with me.” He said motioning her to follow him.

Levi would follow him without question. She did wonder what the First Judge would want with her. According to everyone else in Archadia, they viewed Levi as a snake, which is a compliment to her, actually. Levi uses the title of being a snake to her advantage. No one would know when she’ll double-cross someone or not. Though, as she followed Hamut, she would be led to a room just a floor down from the Seventh Floor — or also known as the floor that Vincent’s Office is at.

As she would enter it, the room itself was decorated with the top-of-the line Archadian design. The walls were plastered with a glorious and radiant blue and gold paint, laced with the Archadian Imperial Army Emblem throughout the room. The floor was graced with red and gold carpeting, drapes hung from the ceiling of royal blue and gold color with tassels hanging from the bottom of it. Furniture wise, there was desk near the balcony and several chairs were spread across the room. There were a few tables to go with those chairs.

When Levi was led in by Hamut, she could see that she was not the only one in the room. Also, she saw Forth Judge Magister Isaiah Ixion Darcone and Second Judge Magister Francis Fenrir Von Sicarius. Now Levi was intrigued. What exactly where four of the five judges doing all gathered together? Even more so, she found herself just wondering why Hamut brought her with him in such a secretive way.

“We’re all here.” Hamut said sitting at the desk.

“So, Hamut, you want to tell us why we’re all gathered here?” Francis said, raising an eyebrow to Hamut.

“I, too am curious grandfather.” Ixion would state.

“Yeah, out with it old man.” Levi pretty much demanded that of Hamut.

Hamut would chuckle and then clear his throat. “Okay then, I guess it’s time I explained myself.” He said as he looked upon the three judges, his single eye looking at them as his head was in a position where his fingers were covering most of it when his head was resting on them “I called you all here simply for one reason. To dethrone my grandson.” Hamut simply state.

Francis and Ixion were in shock. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing. “Grandfather, what are you talking about?”

Before Hamut would speak, Levi would just laugh uncontrollably. Her laughs would prompt Francis and Ixion to look back at her with expressions that would say ‘what is so goddamn funny?’ Levi would eventually stop laughing, though near the end of it, she still had slight chuckles. “Do you really need him to explain it any further? The great Hamut wants to plan a coup “ She said as that’s obviously what Hamut was saying.

Francis turned back to Hamut. “Please don’t tell me you’re serious, Brandon? Surely you jest.” Francis was in a bit of disbelief.

Hamut laughed at Francis’ words. “I’m sure I don’t. My grandson Vincent has ruled far too long and I, for one, am not going to sit idly by while he runs my country to the ground.” Hamut stated as he stood up.

Ixion was still in a bit of disbelief, even more so than Francis. He just couldn’t believe what his grandfather was saying. Even after hearing his reasoning, how would it even happen? Even more so, who would rule in Vincent’s place. It was all just too much for Isaiah to handle. “Please, Grandfather, you must rethink--”

“I most certainly will not! I am tired of my foolish grandson making all the wrong decisions. Archadia has been driven in the wrong direction for so long. It’s time that we Judges finally stand up for our beliefs.” Hamut stated.

Ixion understood what his grandfather was talking about, but he didn’t like it.

Levi stepped forward. “I don’t care about your reasoning for doing this. I’m already in.” Levi said smiling.

Francis looked to Levi with a glare of sorts, then turning back to Ixion as he would see the confused look on the boy. Francis then thought about how this could go — both north and south — and it all could just be interesting. Then, he would turn his gaze to Hamut. “Should Isaiah and myself agree to do this, how do you plan we go about it and who would you have rule in his place? It is my understanding that the only people who could are Vincent’s older brother, Jackson and his much older half-brother, Roman — both of which are going to be difficult to persuade, mainly Jackson.” Francis stated.

Hamut smirked. “You’re very informative, Francis. You’re right on all counts. Those are the only two who can step up to the plate. And yes, you’re right about Jackson being a bit difficult, but Roman would be easier I think. It’ll be easier once I inform him myself about everything.” Hamut said.

Francis smiled. He didn’t think Hamut had thought of everything. “It seems you indeed have taken this all into consideration.” He said, “very well then, I will too join in on this, as I am also growing tired of your grandson’s idiotic actions.” Announced Francis as he pretty much said he’s in on the coup.

Hamut was pleased. He turned his attention to his grandson in the room. “Isaiah, you’re the only one who has yet to agree. This cannot happen unless you’re on board too.” Hamut stated.

Ixion was still divided on joining in. On one hand, he wanted his cousin out of power, but at what cost? He did love Vincent cause he was family, but he didn’t want him to be dethroned just like it was nothing. There’s also the matter of recent events and how he found out that there’s a slim chance of his Uncle Simon being alive. The pressure was on Ixion to do what it appeared to be the right thing at the moment. He didn’t know what to do.

Hamut could see the trouble in the boy’s eyes. He would speak on that. “I know you’re confused, but this IS for the best. It’s better for you, for me, for everyone in this room, and for your country. “ Hamut said.

Ixion now felt so pressured into doing it, but he had no choice. “Fine, I’m in.” He said agreeing, though there was still some reluctance in his voice.

“Good, now we’ll start by purposely failing at any task that Vincent will give any of us.” He said, “But for now, we depart and pick things up tomorrow. Understood?”

Everyone gave a nod to Hamut as they each would depart from the room and Hamut would stay in it. “Soon everything will go according to plan.”

---

The morning was here and boy was it early. In Jaakuna’s room, there laid Emiri and Jaakuna — under the covers and cuddled up to each other. They were facing each other, wrapped in each other’s arms. Bodies were so close to each other that their heads were nearly against each other. Their lips were actually pressed against each other. If someone were to walk in, they would only see from their arms and up as they were both under the covers. As they laid there, Jaakuna slowly woke up, blinking his eyes a few times and there he saw Emiri. He dared not move. He did not want to move from this current position. Even if he wanted to, he would probably wake up Emiri on the slightest movement. So, he was definitely stuck for the time being.

Meanwhile, down below, everyone was just getting situated to the morning light. They would each find themselves waking up at different times and in different ways. Wesley didn’t know about the others, but it would seem he was the first one to be awake. So, like the day previous, he would start by making some coffee, prepared a good breakfast that included Cockatrice Eggs(fried), Dire Wolf Steak(medium rare), Wild Wheat Bread(butter on the side), Viera Potatoes(from the Viera homeland, and an assortment of chopped fruit. No doubt the smell would bring everyone to the kitchen.]

As everything was happening, at the Medic Bay, Savayna found herself waking him. After a full day of being out of action, she was finally at full strength and she found herself allured by a familiar smell. She plopped up from the bed she was on and groggily walked her way to the kitchen. It would only take her a good five or so minutes to walk to the kitchen, but before she could even get to the kitchen she would bump into some one. That woke her up. “Oh, sor--” When she looked up at who it was, her eyes widened, fists clenched up into balls. “YOU!!!” She shouted as she threw her left arm up to his face and POW! Right in the kisser it went.

Magik Ther Was

I welcome it with open arms and a stack of money. :3

Magik Ther Was

Kissshot said
That's a similar theme to what I was planning, so I like it. I intended to just start with everyone receiving an invitation or letter or whatever trope I decided was best before having them follow through with it, but that's the same idea, only it starts us off quicker.

Most likely we'll all start in NYC or any other well-known American hub, just because I think it's more likely for such an odd bunch to meet and congregate there

Edit: Sorry for any weirdly worded sentences or run ons, I mostly respond to the OOC on my cell

I don't know about anyone else, but for my dear Frankie, that works perfectly since he is, after all, a somewhat-big time Wall Street dude. :D

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Nadeline would begin to answer Wesley’s question about her mother’s illness. It seemed that she didn’t have the specifics, but Grant would step in on that department. Wesley listened to Grant and soon he began to feel really bad for both of them. He could handle it if his own mother was in that condition. Wesley just now realized how strong Nadeline and Grant really are. For them to not be broken and down cause of her mother and his sister is amazing. Grant would finish and say that she was getting better on some days.

Wesley would speak about it, but Nadeline would just go on to say how her mother is one of the most beautiful woman of all in Rozarria and then she would make a comment on how her and Emiri are lucky. Wesley chuckled at that. “Ah yes, I would be inclined to agree with you, Nadeline.” Wesley chuckled nervously, knowing that Grant would no doubt shoot him a ‘I’m watching you’ look. Wesley would cough slightly. “Your Aunt Justine is Emiri’s mother, correct?” He asked Nadeline.

---

She would look at him some more and he would do the same to her. She would then take her index finger and trace it along his lip. Jaakuna would just look at her while she did this. Then, as she would take away her finger away from his lips, she would then replace it with hers as a deep kiss was planted. Jaakuna had given these kinds of kisses for a while now, so it was weird for him to be on the opposite end of it. Not like it was a bad kind of weird. He felt relaxed, he felt happy. The fact that she was the one kissing him meant a whole lot to Jaakuna. Maybe others would see it as him being too submissive, but he saw it as her finally realizing the he’s the one for her. Jaakuna had known she was the one for him, but now she returned the favor truly. In a response to her kissing him, Jaakuna wrapped his arms gently her lower back. He wouldn’t tug her closer or anything. It was just something that felt completely natural. He would let her take charge this time.

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."