Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna agreed with Emiri. After the entire day that they had, both good and bad parts, perhaps heading back would indeed be the best thing for them to do. Besides, the walk back would do the both of them good. So, as Emiri would take his hand, they would exit her old house and head back the way they came. In the amount of ten minutes and about six hundred paces, they found themselves in the middle class district, still hand-in-hand. Jaakuna was smiling and it seemed she was too. "You know, despite what happened with those two men, I'm really glad we took this walk, and I'm really glad you showed me your old house." Jaakuna said as he turned his head and smiled to her. He would then look to the sky. "Maybe someday, when things are better, you and I can visit my old house." Jaakuna said as a single tear formed in his eye. He then began looking back ahead of him.

---

Oh boy, here it was. Savayna was asked the big question. Of course, she expected it. Grant was probably getting angry and he just wanted to know. Savayna didn't know how to respond to that. She wanted to tell him exactly what was going on, oh the gods she wanted to, but how could she put it into words? She had been thinking how she could admit it to him in a way that wouldn't come out corny or anything of the sort. Even now, when she looked at him, she couldn't form the words. "Well, um, you see.." She began, knowing she just had to spit it out. "I'm finding myself, I mean..."She continued, but how could she spit it out. OH JUST TELL HIM! Her inner-self was screaming at her. "I LIKE YOU A LOT!" She blurted, but once she did, her face became redder than a plump tomato. OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! She couldn't believe she said it and even worse, she said it so loud that people were looking at her. Kill me now.

As Wesley looked in shock, he could only imagine the glee that Nadeline was feeling right now. "Well, it seems that we have our answer." He whispered quietly to Nadeline.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline had kicked WEsley underneath the table. He lightly grunted as it actually hurt, but then she would go on to say what Wesley suspected. However, if Grant felt the same was the million-gil question. Though, a guy like Grant would probably not have a freaking clue about what Savayna was struggling to put out there. Wesley chuckled, but he would stop himself after a few little sounds came out in fear that Nadeline would kick him again. "Do you think Grant feels the same way?" Wesley asked in quiet tone.

After Savayna had apologized, she was hoping for some advancement of conversation, but all he said was that it was fine. It's fine? IT'S FINE!? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY! Savayna couldn't believe this guy. All he had to say were those two words(three if you split one of them). Seriously, was this guy not tuning into obvious signs. Shit, Savayna didn't want to go out and say it, but Grant wasn't making it easier on her. "Go ahead and ask. I know you want to." Savayna said just hoping for some real response and not some short answer crap.

---

When Jaakuna made sure that Emiri was fine, she would struggle to get the dagger out of her arm, but she finally did. As that would be concluded, she would go over to one of the guys and pretty much bitch-slap the guy until he woke up. She would ask him why they were here attacking her and Jaakuna. First he said they were here to rob the place and obviously that was false. Then they said something about a high-ranking soldier living here. Again, that was false. It finally took some good old life threats to get the guy to admit the truth. The real reason why they were here was to kill some blonde woman of royalty. Jaakuna was hearing him and he tried to put it together. He kept on thinking about even as Emiri told the guy to get his friends and scram.

When they left, Emiri told Jaakuna that she wished he never had to say that. She acted as if it was bad. JAakuna didn't think it was bad at all. "Don't be silly." He said smiling, then taking her in his grasp. "That was the sexiest thing I've seen you do!" He yelled, lifting her up by the waist, and spinning around. He then proceeded to kissing her.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Grant said/questioned what Savayna had said about his looks, she grew red and just redder. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move — everything about that moment just made her so frozen. Fitting, perhaps as she commands ice, but still it didn't make the situation any better. In her own mind, she was thinking that Grant might have caught on, but then again, with him saying what he said(or didn't say), maybe her whopper of a secret is fine fro how. Though, the relief came from the waiter who gave the special of the night for apps. Savayna had already gave her approval for it.

When everyone approved of it, Wesley would smile. "I guess we'll take that then. " Wesley said.

"Very good then, sir." He said as he bowed his departure to get the food.

When the waiter left, Wesley leaned forward to Nadeline, trying to whisper as much as he could. "So, how about the awkwardness with Grant and Savayna?" He said as he couldn't help but quietly chuckle.

Meanwhile, Savayna and Grant looked at each other. She wasn't sure what to say. Should she even say anything to him after she called him hot? Maybe she shouldn't, but she had to say something. "Um, Grant.." Her voice trailed off, "Sorry for before. I mean, punching you on the Ifrit this morning." She said something, but not what she didn't want to. She wanted to tell him that she liked him. Oh the gods, she wanted to, but words wouldn't come out. Fuck my life.

---

As Emiri and Jaakuna looked at each other, she took her hand to his. While it had the same feeling as any of the multiple times she had taken his hand, this one just made the moment all the more better. However, the moment would be cut short as Emiri would shove Jaakuna away and on that instant, he didn't understand why. When he would look to Emiri, he saw a dagger in her shoulder. He didn't know where it came from, but he looked to the door and he saw a man in a dark cloak. He didn't understand why this man was after her or even him. Though, that didn't matter. He hurt Emiri and that is something that just cannot be forgiven. Emiri was prepared, it seemed. Jaakuna heard the sound of metal on metal as another dagger. This one went to the ceiling.

Jaakuna was now in angry mode. He didn't know why these two men were here, but he didn't care. Emiri was hurt and he would induct these two guys into the hall of pain. "I really don't care who you two are, but the fact that you would attack a lady makes me sick, let me not forget to mention that she is my babycakes." Jaakuna stepped forward, fists up. "I hope you blockheads are ready." And with that, Jaakuna took off to the one at the door.

When he darted four paces, Jaakuna had jumped off of his left leg, his body soaring through the air, and a single knee rammed into the assassins' neck. This would cause the man to be sent flying backwards. On top of that, Jaakuna would jump again, and double-foot stomp the guy in the gut, which a loud yelp was released from his mouth and his consciousness gave. Jaakuna would turn his attention to the other assassin. He would wall-run, pressing off with his right leg, spinning his body once and his left leg would kick the man on the right side of his head, sending him crashing into the wall.

With both men knocked out, Jaakuna would make sure Emiri was alright. "You hurt babe?" Jaakuna said as he would ask if she was hurt at all.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Emiri began telling him exactly what this place was and what it meant to her really made him understand why she really despised her mother. Sure, countless years of Justine’s abuse played a hand in it, but her being forced out of her home really made Jaakuna understand it all. It made him understand what exactly that necklace meant to her. It was a key to this house. He understood what Andre meant about how it could give her courage, even if just a little bit. All of it, Jaakuna just began to understand Emiri more and that’s what made him show a smile upon his face. This made him happy that she told him all of this.

When she looked to him, she said that maybe Andre wanted her to come back to this place. Jaakuna definitely agreed with that. “I think you’re right. I think he wanted you to never let go of your roots. Even if you wind up living in some fancy-ass castle or even on a fancy-ass airship, he probably wanted you to find some courage in the fact that you once lived here. As small as it was, I’m sure your father wanted you to remember the time that you and your parents were all happy..together.” As Jaakuna said that, it hit him. What Hamut said, why he made the promise. Hamut wanted the same thing that Andre wanted, though vastly different approaches. “Yes, I am confident that Lord Andre wanted you to remember the times that you, him, and your mother were truly happy.” Jaakuna said smiling to her.

---

Grant and Savayna exchanged looks. Well, it was more like glares. Yeah, it definitely was more like glares at each other. Even still, Savayna wasn’t exactly angry at Grant, not really. She was angry at herself. No, she was confused about what she felt. Even when everything happened, everything that he did to them, and just everything that had happened since then till now, Savayna couldn’t believe she was actually feeling feelings towards him and romantic ones no less.

Why did I have to say anything? Oh why did I have to kick him? Savayna, again, was going off in her head and then she heard it. Oh by the Gods, she heard it. Grant, as unsmooth as ever, complimented Savayna on the way she looked tonight. What should I do? What should I say? I need to do something. I need to say something. Savayna was at it again, but she regained her composure mentally and spoke. “Uh, um, thank you.” She said, though nervousness was on an all-time high. “You look hot too..” Oh god, why did she say that? Why oh why did she say that? Truly, the embarrassment will be the death of her.

Wesley couldn’t focus on Savayna and Grant. Though as awkward as they may be, he wanted to focus on Nadeline. Like, how could he not? She was the single most beautiful woman in the room. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Wesley was about to compliment her more, but then the waiter came by.

The man was probably around late teens, slick hair colored blonde. He had striking sea-green eyes and his outfit was the standard: black slacks, black shoes, a white, long-sleeve dress shirt and black vest over it. The waiter had a writing pad in his hand. “Hello, my name is Dominic and I’ll be your waiter this evening?” Dominic spoke with grace and formality.

Wesley looked to the waiter. “Hi Dominic, and thank you.” He responded.

“What can I get you four? Maybe some appetizers?” He suggested.

Wesley looked to Nadeline, then to Grant, then to Savayna, and then back to Nadeline. “I think that sounds lovely. What’s the special?”

“We have a wonderful Five Bean Salad imported straight from Dalmasca and the freshest Salmon rolls straight from Stigma’s very own waters.” He said.

Wesley’s mouth was already watering. He would turn to the other three. “That sound good to you?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Savayna simply said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

In the time that it took for them to shower at least slightly from the saltiness of the water, the four of them — Wesley, Nadeline, Grant, and Savayna — had found themselves at a restaurant. It was pretty fancy, by the looks of it. At least, for a couple of pairs of rich-ish people. The dress that Savayna had on was just the norm as she would look around and see people wearing some fancy clothing as well. She wouldn’t think it was that odd for her to be wearing something this fancy such as her dress. Even Wesley’s attire was something that women would swoon over and men would just be envious of.

As they were enjoying their time, Nadeline would ask what was wrong with Grant and Savayna as they were both being exceptionally quiet this evening. Savayna instantly jumped a bit. Does she know already? Damn it Savayna, you should know better than to show this kind of weakness! THINK OF A RESPONSE! Her fears of being found out about her feelings for Grant — whatever they might or might not be — she had to say something. “Oh, I’m quite fine actually. What makes you think there’s anything wrong? There’s nothing wrong.” She was going on like a chatter monkey. Oh god, I’m gonna be found out. In her mind, she was panicking beyond belief. She turned her gaze to Grant who was calmly sipping his water. HOW THE FUCK DOES HE NOT SEE IT!? Savayna, angry that Grant didn’t catch onto what she had been hiding, she lightly kicked him in the shin under the table. Oh god, why did I do that? NOW HE’LL MOST LIKELY FIGURE IT OUT!

Wesley looked to Savayna, seeing her acting weird, but he would just ignore her cause right now he wanted to focus on how beautiful Nadeline looked. She always looks stunning, but something about tonight and the way the light glistens upon her skin was making her just even more stunning. Wesley took a sip of his water and set down the glass. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” He said.

---

When the group had all gone off to their separate locations, Jaakuna and Emiri were roaming the streets. They walked hand-in-hand, and just admiring the lights and the buildings. At least, that’s what Jaakuna was doing. He definitely liked the look of this place. Though, he had to think about how Emiri was feeling right now. There was no doubt in his mind that this must be divided for her. She is obviously glad to be back home, but as they continued down the streets, the quality of the neighborhood would go from middle class to lower class. It would actually get to the point where Jaakuna began to see deteriorating houses.

When they continued down that street, they came to a stop at a specific house. Jaakuna would follow Emiri’s lead as they would go into the house as they would walk through the lawn and make their way to the front door. Using the key on the necklace that Andre had asked Jaakuna to give to her, Emiri would use it to unlock the door. And now Jaakuna realized everything that Justine was alluding too. It’s not like Jaakuna agrees with her methods, not even in the slightest bits, but he at least understands why she’s so desperate to stay in her status. Still, Jaakuna didn’t think that gave her the right to treat Emiri the way that she did. In any case, Jaakuna followed Emiri through the house as they came to the sight of a mirror that no doubt had dust all over it, but the mirror itself was decorated with some lovely designs.

When they came to a stop to the mirror, Emiri would look at Jaakuna through it and asked him to guess where they were. Jaakuna knew the instant that he saw her use the key. “This was your old home, wasn’t it?” He simply asked.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Inside the changing room was definitely an earful for Savayna and while some things that both Nadeline and Karolina had said, it still didn't make things better, but it did answer her questions. She would take in every single word that Nadeline and Karolina spoke and take it right to the heart. She didn't know what she was feeling or how deep said feeling went, but she would just let thing happen as they will happen. She would just nod to Karolina, who by now was brushing Emiri's hair. "As much as it could, I guess." Savayna shrugged.

When Jaakuna finished teasing Wesley about going on his date, it wouldn't be long until the ladies would also come out and everyone would leave and the night's events will reveal itself to them as they would look forward to it.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It really didn't take long for the group and the old people(Lorenzo and Karolina) to all get changed into the clothes that they first came to the beach in. Actually, only about five minutes until they all were changed into their clothes. First out came Jaakuna and Wesley as they appeared near the exit to the beach. They would wait as the ladies would take their sweet-ass time. Jaakuna looked to the city and it looked so wonderful with all of the lights brightening the streets of Stigma. Jaakuna actually wouldn't mind going with Emiri and checking out the place that she grew up in. Maybe she could even inform him of some of the stuff that makes this place wonderful

As Jaakuna would wonder about that, Wesley was caught up in his own train-of-thought as he would soon think about his double date with Nadeline and also Grant and Savayna. He couldn't help but feel very nervous about this. Granted, it's a double date, but it's still their first date. Besides, Wesley was just having Lorenzo's words in the back of his mind. The words of how if she doesn't have a good time, he'll come for Wesley. The Dalmascan prince shakes that thought off.

In the Female Changing Room, the ladies were proceeding to get into their regular clothes. Savayna noticed Emiri and Nadeline sort of playing with each other(non-sexually of course). She would make a rude comment here, but Savayna was distracted. She actually found herself thinking about that one moment that her and Grant had when he had her in his arms. She didn't understand why she kept on thinking about that one moment. Okay, maybe she did, but the reason why was just completely absurd, right? She would nervously shake it off and actually raise a question to Nadeline. "So Grant, does he ever show himself having a good time?" She said that so randomly and so out of the blue and she even turned her head away as she asked that, scratching her face and red as a Rouge Tomato. "I mean, like..will he show himself have a good time for our date?" Wait, did she say their date? No, she meant Wesley and Nadeline's date and them just coming along as guests. Yeah, that's what she meant.

Jaakuna would stretch his arms out, letting out a moan as the release of the cracking bones felt so good. "So, you nervous bout that date tonight?" Jaakuna asked Wesley as he finished stretching his arms.

Wesley laughed slightly. "Just a bit." He admitted.

Jaakuna grabbed Wesley and pulled his head in close. "Oh relax. You like her right?" He said with a grin.

Wesley was red, but Jaakuna brought up a good point. "I do, a lot actually." He admitted.

Jaakuna released Wesley. He laughed and socked him somewhat lightly in the arm. "Then just enjoy yourself and have fun. Do that and you'll get lucky." Jaakuna said winking.

Wesley, surprised at Jaakuna's innuendo, looked to him. "I'm not--I mean, I wasn't expecting it.." He said, not able to find the words. Jaakuna laughed and smiled, but mainly laughed.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Lorenzo and Karolina made their way over to Grant and Savayna, first the two brothers would exchange looks and some words and then the fight for title of King of the Beach would be decided. It would finish off as Grant, with a grabbing of Savayna’s ass, and much to her raising an eyebrow(she was liking it secretly) and he hoisted her up into the air. Following that, Grant punched Lorenzo in the face, which caused him to fall back into the water and as a result, Karolina as well. Not long after, Savayna came down and Grant caught her in his arms in a bridal carry. Savayna by this point was all red.

When Lorenzo yelled out in clear anger, Grant would simply state it was a test of trust. All the while, inside Savayna’s mind, she had so many thoughts going through it. Oh my god, he touched my ass. Oh my god, he’s carrying me like a bride. Wait what am I saying? No, I can’t actually be thinking about him in that way, though he does have big arms and he is pretty cute. WAIT NO! All those thoughts running through her head and all Savayna could do is look up at Grant, wanting to just smooch on him, but she couldn’t. Or maybe she wouldn’t? Perhaps it was more like that she shouldn’t. Whichever the case, she didn’t. Instead, she would force herself down. “So, uh, good job.” She said walking away, trying to fight her hormones.

Meanwhile, Nadeline clung to Wesley, even while on the beach. She would state that she was being reminded of the Giza Plains and Wesley smiled at how that seemed so long ago, considering what has all transpired since then. “I told you remember? Didn’t matter what it was, I will protect you, Nadeline.“ He said as Karolina caught up to them and asked if Nadeline was alright. With a grin to Wesley, she would assure her mother that she was alright now. Wesley smiled back at her. For a brief moment, they were lost in each other’s gaze. Then, after that moment passed, Savayna just walked into them, not even knowing they were lost in their own world. With Savayna doing that, it caused Wesley to lose the grip of Nadeline and she would fall on her booty and Wesley would looked slightly shocked.

Jaakuna and Emiri eventually made their way back to the beach. Jaakuna was depressed that they didn’t win, but he didn’t really care about that right now. Wesley looked to Savayna. “What was the meaning of that?” He asked, expressing his annoyance.

Savayna was not all there. “Oh…I didn’t..Sorry..” She was so lost within herself right now. So flustered by Grant and what happened.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was on like fucking Donkey Kong. Wesley and Lorenzo were holding their respective ladies up, Nadeline and Karolina were trying their best to knock each other off. While it was indeed going to be an even match, Wesley happened to gaze upon Karolina briefly and he saw a certain mischievous grin that he was all too familiar with. Well, we lost. Wesley knew it and in about a minute or so, it would happen as Nadeline was not sent off of Wesley’s shoulders, but she was sent so far off that it looked like she went to the deep end. Wesley could only look in shock at how far she was sent. To even make it worse, her parents, each in their own way, were demanding him go after her, which he wouldn’t fight it.

Jaakuna and Emiri were going to try their best to get Savayna off of Grant’s shoulders or make Grant lose his footing. Jaakuna would notice that Emiri would try to shove Savayna off, but Savayna would meet the shoving with a block and Savayna would very firmly grab upon Emiri’s tits. She squeezed and squeezed. Jaakuna looked up in horror. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” He shouted out as, to his surprise, Jaakuna lost his footing. “Oh shit..” The next thing he knew it, Jaakuna was butt-first on the sand and Emiri has half-hanging off of his shoulders and face planted in the sand. “We lost.” Jaakuna said ashamed.

Meanwhile, Wesley had dove into the deeper regions of the water, and soon he found himself gripping Nadeline with both arms as she was in a horizontal position to his vertical frame. They would find themselves in shallow waters and he still had her in that position until he brought her to the shores. He turned his head down. “You okay?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

With everyone all partnered up and ready to go, Lorenzo would take the time to address the rules. Unlike the Beach Vollyball game they played, there would be no using of magic. Jaakuna, Savayna, and Wesley all agreed that would be for the best. Besides, since there’s Magicite around, they would be propelled up into the air rather quickly and not to forget to mention how damaged their bodies would be when propelled. Lorenzo would go on to state some other conditions that included no whining, crying, complaining, grabbing swimsuits, or begging for mercy. Wesley chuckled at this. He wouldn’t do any of the sort. When the terms and conditions were set out, everyone(falsely) accepted. Who really reads the Terms and Conditions anyway? No one that’s who. Besides, this game would be a lot more fun than the last one just simply for the reason that no one can cheat this time.

And thus it began.

Wesley would slightly run as he would head to Lorenzo and Karolina. If they were to get someone out first, it would be the best players of the game. Besides, Wesley also wanted to gain the title King Of The Beach. Meanwhile, Jaakuna and Emiri would go to Grant and Savayna. With him running over there, it would give Emiri the chance to try and knock off Savayna. However, Savayna was a pro at keeping her balance. She wouldn’t go down so easily.