Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna, Emiri, Nadeline, and Wesley all arrived at the castle, of course the one thing was what were they to do now. Just as they were going to discuss it among themselves, Jaakuna make an acknowledgement of two women passing by them, but it was Nadeline who would point out that it was her mother, Karoline and the Queen of the Underworld herself, Justine(also known as Emiri’s mother). Though Jaakuna wasn’t too happy to see her, he would just bite his tongue.

As Karolina would be happy to see her daughter and the rest of them back, Wesley definitely saw that she was much paler than her usual self. Wesley didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing, but she would definitely make a note that Emiri and Jaakuna also look tired as well. She would also announce that Reia has returned, and that quelled Wesley’s heart a bit. At least she wasn’t going to stay gone in return for Emiri and every other person with an Esper. Still, he was worried about what it seemed like Zodiark’s influence upon everyone.

Everyone would take it in and Nadeline would ask where Lorenzo was and Justine would respond stating that he was waiting for Grant, in the hanger no less. That’s when the suggestion of going all together was brought up and everyone agreed. So, it was with that they headed off to the workshop/Royal Hanger.

---

As Vlyn would defend himself against Savayna by just stating that she should try to have that thing inside her and then say if she would feel the same way. Suffice to say, Savayna would just drop the subject and just in time too cause, as the door opened to the workshop, in came the rest of their friends and two others, Karolina and some other chick.

Lorenzo was obviously worried about Karolina, the rest of the group would rejoin each other and Savayna would make her way near Wesley. “So, who’s the other woman?” She asked in low volume.

“That would be Lady Justine, Emiri’s mother.” Wesley informed her.

Savayna made an acknowledgement of Justine and said nothing further.

As everyone got reacquainted with each other, Grant would go on and state that they stopped at the village of Eruyt and that Aloa told them that they needed to gather the remaining espers to at least stand a chance against Zodiark. Grant was struggling to remember the other two titles. Savayna sighed. “The other two were The Bringer of Order and The High Seraph.” She said.

Jaakuna noticed that Justine seemed to be surprised by the mentioning of the Walker of the Wheel. “Why so surprised about that? Something we should know about that specific one?” Jaakuna asked Justine with a raised brow.

Meanwhile, Wesley was caught in deep thought about the Bringer of Order. He of course heard of that one before, but there was more to it. He remembered actually seeing it with his own two eyes. “The Bringer of Order. I know that one.” Wesley would mention. “It was a long time ago, but according to my family history, The Bringer of Order was one of The Three Guardians that protected my Ancestors. One was Belias, The Gigas, which you obviously have Jaakuna, the second was Zeromus, The Condemner, which obviously you have Grant, and the third.” WEsley’s voice trailed off as he tried to remember the name of the third, “yes, it was Hashmaal, The Bringer of Order.” Wesley would reveal.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When they were in view of Stigma and it was much closer, Savayna couldn’t help but notice the rather large airship known as the Ifrit went over them. Grant made it his mission to catch up to the speed of it, but of course, they wouldn’t stop at the Aerodome. Since this was Lorenzo’s vehecle, they would head to what Grant mentioned was the Royal Hangar, but as they would arrive at it, Savayna saw that it was just a workshop. It was then that they landed and both of them got out. Well, Grant got out and helped Savayna as it was tricky getting out(Savayna found out as he tried previously). Once they did, they were approached by Lorenzo and Vlyn.

Lorenzo would make a note about how there were bumps while riding in The Thorn. No shit Sherlock. She would say mentally. Grant would then make no hesitation and ask where Reia was. Lorenzo would state that she was meeting with the council, as no doubt discussing the shit going down around Ivalice. Savayna couldn’t help but notice that Vlyn was all shaken up. Savayna wanted to laugh, but she actually felt bad for the guy. Though, a very slight chuckle came out.

Savayna would remember what she said to Aloa, and she wouldn’t hesitate right now. “You know, if you hadn’t gotten the reading of the soul we had you examine, we could have foresaw this, Vlyn.” She would not really attack him, but throw in an accusation of sorts.

---

As Emiri would climb over him, and stretch in the process, Jaakuna would get up as she announced she was ready. Jaakuna felt a little better, but he still wasn’t at full strength. It was to be expected as he had the King of Espers within him and then forced out. So, the fact that Jaakuna was even standing meant that he had some very high stamina or he was just very stubborn. Whichever it was, Jaakuna would stand up too, and as he and Emiri would walk on by, they would most likely get their weapons as Wesley definitely did.

As they would head out, they beamed through the beaming station and they would exit through the Aerodome., they would pass straight through the streets. Jaakuna would take notice that it seemed that the citizens were better off. At least, compared to what Nadeline and Wesley had told them about how things were in chaos. Like, Jaakuna definitely saw that the Rozarrians weren’t in the best of moods, but it did seem that they were at least neutral on whatever they weren’t at beforehand. Wesley would notice a change in their behavior as well.

When they passed through the poor districts, it wouldn’t be long until they arrived at the front gates and just like before, the guard would step aside when he saw Nadeline. In the minutes that it took for the gates to open, they all found themselves inside the castle, to which Jaakuna would speak. “So, now what?” He asked.

Magik Ther Was

I'll see about posting tonight. :)

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Almost an hour went by and the Ifrit was coming close to the view of Stigma. As it did, Iris would inform the group aboard the Ifrit that they would make dock five minutes from the current time. In response to that, Wesley would wake up both Emiri and Jaakuna and tell them that the Ifrit was just about to dock at Stigma’s Aerodome. When Wesley did that, Jaakuna heard the words, but he didn’t open his eyes fully. It took a few minutes for him to do so, in which he noticed Emiri clutching onto him like a teddy bear. Jaakuna looked at Emiri and he brushed her hair and spoke. “Time to wake up.” He whispered softly into her ear.

---

Further going through the air, The Thorn also was making its way to Stigma as Savayna could see it within her sight, though it still looked a few good minutes away, she could clearly see it. She yawned just slightly. The discussion that her and Grant had about The High Seraph was a short one. He was right about how Nadeline would most likely know more about the titles and such. Savayna would just have to wait until they all were reunited in Stigma and ask her then.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri and Jaakuna were left alone and boy this woman was determined, not that Jaakuna minded. She would break the hold that her and Jaakuna had on each others hands and roll onto the floor and he heard a sound as a result. She would then proceed to roll herself to his bed, lifting herself onto his bed, rolling over him, and snuggled against him. He didn’t mind it of course, but she sure was determined. Jaakuna would just smile and close his eyes. “Silly girl.” He said quietly as his voice trailed into a light snore and there they laid, asleep and snuggling to each other.

---

“Yeah, I noticed it too. It was very slightly though.” Wesley said as he and Nadeline were out of the medic bay and they were talking about the very slight disappearance of Emiri right after she healed Simon. Wesley definitely found it very weird, though a very far-fetched theory came to him. “I have this theory that the more Emiri uses her power — or at least, goes to a certain degree of regressing time on something — she risks losing herself in time itself.” Wesley was probably over-thinking it, but maybe he was actually onto something. “I don’t know if that’s the case. I don’t even know if I’m right about this.” Wesley said as he wasn’t even sure that what he said about his theory was actually the case for Emiri or not.

---

In a matter of minutes, Grant and Savayna were both in the Thorn. Grant would drive off and soon enough they exited through the Gilmore Jungle and above the Ozmone plain they were. Savayna thought about everything and she was still thinking about The High Seraph. “Say Grant, do you know anything about The High Seraph? I feel like I read something really important about that somewhere. I just can’t place it what it was.” She asked clearly frustrated by this.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

They all talked and when Emiri awoke, Jaakuna found himself waking up, but not until he heard Emiri sort of mumble something to him about how the medic bay was becoming something of a second room. Jaakuna laughed, but he felt pain in his ribs as he did so. Obviously too soon for him to be laughing or moving. Jaakuna just didn’t realize how much Zodiark did to him. Jaakuna definitely had usage of all of his limbs, so he wasn’t crippled, not even in the slightest, but he was very, very weak. He definitely couldn’t walk on his own.

Jaakuna would hear Emiri and Nadeline go back and forth about how Emiri is fat(Nadeline’s saying) and how she isn’t(Emiri’s saying). Jaakuna just couldn’t help but laugh at their friendly bickering and Wesley just chuckled. That’s when Emiri would tell Nadeline to take her to Jaakuna’s room, but after Nadeline telling her that she overused her powers, it would seem Emiri backed off from moving. Though, Jaakuna would look to her and hold her hand. “Don’t worry, I’m right here with you.” Jaakuna said.

Wesley would look to Nadeline and he tugged her over away from Jaakuna and Emiri. “Let’s leave them alone. They could use the alone time.” He quietly said to her as he pulled her arm slightly

---

Savayna thought that they would be going straight to Stigma, but it would seem Grant had a totally different idea. Instead, they would take a detour to The Gilmore Jungle and by extension, the Viera village of Eruyt. She did think it would make sense, based off of what had all happened to them. Who would have known that the sister of Lola would also be in the same group. That made her think about Michel and how he chose to get himself wrapped up in cahoots with some crazy bitches. At that very thought, she would laugh, but then she thought about how Reia was another crazy bitch, but not the type of crazy that Miss Big Boobs(Lola) seemed to be. Then the thoughts of how every hume who got control of an esper was going to be in danger crossed her mind. She didn’t know what was going to happen, but she knew she wouldn’t back down from it without a very cold fight.

As they would pull up to the Gilmore Jungle and the Viera Village of Eruyt, they would see two viera, one in a red attire and the other being Aloa. Grant would motion Savayna to stay put while he talked to them, but of course she didn’t listen and she followed him after giving Grant a very stern, ‘I’m coming with you and you can’t stop me’ look. When the two of them came to the red dress-wearing Viera and Aloa, the bunny bitch(Aloa) would just announce that Grant had returned just as the other Viera predicted. She would then say that she — and most likely every other viera — that Zodiark was brought out of captivity. She would then say that Ivalice and The Wood trembled.

As Grant and Savayna heard that, he would say/hope that the viera nor the assassins would be coming after him, and Aloa would confirm that the Viera shall not pursue the Humes that possess the Espers, but the assassins, however, remain to be known as they were under Reia’s command to begin with. Speaking of Reia, Grant would ask where she was and Aloa would reveal that Reia went back to Stigma and back to her throne. She would further state that Rozarria stood in chaos.

As Grant would state his real reason coming to the Viera Village of Eruyt, he would request answers about how to defeat the King of Espers, Zodiark. Aloa would reveal the tale of him and say that the gods feared their creation, and that they kept him bound in his prison deep beneath Ivalice as a child and that his strength had increased only further since his original imprisonment. She would also state that the remaining four espers also threaten to free themselves unless they were stopped. She would say to do so, they must conquer The Walker of the Wheel, The Bringer of Order, and the Darkening Cloud, only then will a path to the High Seraph be shown to them. Something in Savayna’s brain clicked. “Wait a minute…The High Seraph..” She mused to herself. “Damn it, where have I read that name? I know it was in some book.” She mused further still.

As she continued to fade in and out of the conversation, the words of Grant asking what would Aloa do, she answered by stating that in time she will return to Stigma, but her people need her at the current present, so she will remain until no longer needed. Savayna just yawned slightly, but it was just cause she figured their business was probably done. She would tug at Grant’s coat. “If we’re done here, we should get going. Jaakuna and the others are most likely almost to Stigma.” She said, though she would turn to Aloa. “You know, that Vlyn character really sucks at telling what soul is whose. He completely missed the mark what we asked him. “ She would say to Aloa as if blaming her for Vlyn’s lack of correctness of sensing out the then Simon’s soul back when it was still under the impression that it was Simon and not the spawn of fucking Satan.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When they all left the labs and walked down the streets, they were given mixed looks. Some were cheers for the clearing of Jaakuna and Savayna’s crimes, some were just dirty looks that three Rozarrians, a Dalmascan, and two Archadians were all walking together — well two of them were being helped — but still, it was odd for some citizens. Jaakuna was being helped by Wesley, who seemed to not mind it one bit. For the most part, the trip back to the Aerodome was a quiet one, well that’s until they got to the dome itself.

When they got to it, Grant stopped. He would say that because of the way that him, Nadeline, and Wesley came to Archades, something called The Thorn would have to be returned or Lorenzo would be mad at him. That’s when Grant handed off Emiri to Nadeline, who seemed to be surprised at how much she weighed despite Grant making it look like she was light as a feather. Jaakuna would never openly admit it, but Emiri was indeed surprisingly heavy for her small frame.

When Nadeline took Emiri, Grant would then just depart alone, but Savayna wouldn’t have that. “Where are you going?” Jaakuna asked.

“Where do you think dummy? I’m booking a ride with Grant.” Savayna hissed back.

Jaakuna tilted his head a bit. He didn’t realize they were that close already. He would just shrug.

Meanwhile, Savayna had caught up with Grant. “Hope you don’t mind I’m coming with.” She said as she happily went with Grant and even hooked her hand with his and the rest of the group saw as she did. Eyes were widened and glances were each exchanged.

While that was happening, the rest of the group would then head off to the Ifrit. Thankfully for them, IRIS had been keeping tabs of all the communications on Archades and when she heard that Jaakuna and his friends were cleared, she booked herself into the Aerodome’s docking bay. Within three or four minutes, everyone was in the medic bay and Jaakuna and Emiri were laying down in the two beds resting up. By this point, however, the Ifrit had already set a course to Stigma. An hour would be the estimated time of arrival.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

And there it was, but it was shorter than Jaakuna would have thought it would be. He thought she would had prepared a speech on just how wrong he was, how foolish it was of him to come to Archades, but nope. All she had were a few words on the matter and then she would just drop it like a hot potato. She would then say that there were more pressing matters and that the problems in the countries would have to be left to their leaders. Jaakuna raised an eyebrow at that, but he wouldn’t respond to it.

As Isaiah would help Jaakuna to go over to Vincent and his father, he would look to them both. “Father, I..I have to go.” He said almost regrettably.

Simon closed his eyes and smiled. “Jackson — or is it Jaakuna now? — you are a man now, you have your own life, and you even have yourself a fine woman. I am so proud of you.” He said as a tear dropped from his right eye. [b]“So go, do what you must. I will be here waiting.” Simon said giving Jaakuna a reassuring smile.

Vincent would look to Jaakuna. “Don’t worry, I will be here with father. “ Vincent said.

Jaakuna was stunned, but happy. “Thank you father and brother, I won’t let you down.” Jaakuna said as he would then speak again. “But, when Vincent isn’t here, who will guard you?” JAakuna asked.

Isaiah would speak. “I will. I owe it to you.” Isaiah would then set Jaakuna on the chair and turn to Wesley. “When this is all said and done, I will happily go with you and face any punishment that you or your sister will deem worthy of my crimes against your family.” He said.

Wesley should be happy. If this were a few days ago, he would be jumping in joy, but now? He’s half-happy, half-confused. He wanted to accept Isaiah’s future surrender, but how come he couldn’t? Wesley would just put on a false smile. “And as a Prince of Dalmasca, I accept your future surrender, Judge Isaiah Darcone.” He said acknowledging it, but he didn’t like the feeling in the pit of his stomach.

When that was all settled, Wesley would help Jaakuna up and when someone got Emiri, they would be off. To the Aerodome where most likely they’ll find the Ifrit.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Truly, everyone was surpirsed to find out about Roman taking over as Emperor and Grant would even ask Vincent if he was alright with that. Vincent would sigh loudly and stretch as he stood up. “Of course I’m not, but it’s out of my hands. Hamut — I mean grandfather — is holding all the cards, and you all can’t say that I didn’t do some terrible things to you, especially to you Jackson. Oh the gods, I almost killed you.” Vincent looked down, ashamed of himself.

Jaakuna would stand up with the aid of Isaiah. “It’s in the past. Besides, you weren’t yourself.” Jaakuna said brushing off any pass transgressions. “Plus, we have father back and that’s really why you went all crazy in the first place, right?” Jaakuna said. Vincent smiled and just nodded.

Wesley would think about what their next course of action should be. If what Vincent and Jaakuna said was true, then Roman will be under Hamut’s watchful eye. Wesley didn’t know the man personally, but of what he found out, it would be safe to assume that should he know about Simon’s revival, he would move heaven and Ivalice to get to him. Wesley would then consider the Viera and what that Meli chick said and everything that happened there.

As Wesley was thinking about that, Jaakuna would turn to Nadeline, as he would have Isaiah help him to her. He looked at her and spoke. “Okay, let me have it. I know you want to.” Jaakuna said ready to take any sort of ‘I was right and you were wrong’ speech from Nadeline. Hell, he was half-expecting to hear it from just about all three of them(Nadeline, Grant, and Wesley).

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Emiri stepped forward to Simon and Jaakuna scooted the chair back, he would only watch as Emiri would place her hands upon Simon and he would begin to notice these little changes in his complexion. Very soon his health came back. It took a few minutes and everybody watched as she would work her magic. Jaakuna certainly was amazed and Vincent couldn’t believe his eyes. This was the first time he was seeing her powers at work and boy was he glued to the sight.

During the three minutes, Savayna and Grant were on the floor, as it was Savayna’s fault this time and not Grant’s. He would tell her that he was surprised that when she used the pocket watch that he told her to use if she was ever in trouble, he didn’t expect to see the king of espers. She laughed a bit at that, but then she would press herself off of Grant’s body and stand up as Grant would most likely do the same thing.

As the three minutes were up, the group all watched as Simon’s face was at a point where it wasn’t ill-looking. Jaakuna nor Vincent couldn’t believe it. Not only was their father back, but he was back with them. As Simon would open his eyes, Jaakuna just took his eyes off of him for a moment and saw that Emiri was unconscious. He would get up to see if she was okay and he still felt the weakness from Zodiark. He fell to his knees. Isaiah would help Jaakuna up.

“Cousin, you’re still too weak to move on your own.” Isaiah said worried for his cousin.

“Emiri..what happened to Emiri?” He asked.

“Jaakuna, worry not.” Wesley said, “she just exhausted herself. Rest will undo it, so just concentrate on your father.”

Jaakuna listened to Wesley and he would turn back to his father, whose eyes were fixated on both of his sons, he sat up just a bit, aand he would speak. “Vincent…Jackson..what’s going on?” Simon asked them clearly confused.

“Father, what’s the last thing you remember?” Vincent asked.

Simon thought about it. “I remember asking you two boys to come into my office and then…” Simon was gripping his head. “I..don’t recall anything thereafter.” He said.

As Vincent thought about what he said, Jaakuna looked at his father. He didn’t even know what to say, where to begin. He was just so happy to see his father again. “Father, I..” Jaakuna began to speak.

Simon turned to Jaakuna. “Jackson, my son, what troubles you?” He asked him genuinely worried.

Jaakuna didn’t say nothing, he just hugged his father. Tears were flying from his eyes and Jaakuan cried. He didn’t want to say anything, he just cried. Simon patted his son, and then took his head to where he could look at him. “Jackson, it’s okay. I’m here my son.” He said just hugging his son.

After a minute or two of Jaakuna letting it all out, he broke free of the hug and wiped away his tears. “Father..you’ve been out for three years.” JAakuna would say.

Simon’s eyes were widened. “What do you mean?” He asked.

“Jackson is right, father. What you last remembered was three years ago. You’ve been here in the Draklor Labs ever since. ”Vincent said.

Simon was in a state of shock. Not only could he believe it, he just didn’t understand. “How did I get here and how did I end up in a coma?”He asked.

Vincent didn’t know how to answer that because he actually didn’t know, but Jaakuna did. “Grandfather did this to you. He stuck your soul into Giruvegan and then Zodiark, the Keeper of Precepts, latched onto it. I brought him here not knowing who he was — he claimed to be you — and it was only thanks to..well my wonderful girlfriend, Emiri.” He said pointing over to Emiri, who was still unconscious in Nadeline’s arms. “She was able to restore you to the very moment you last remember.” Jaakuna told Simon.

Vincent couldn’t believe it and even more so, Simon couldn’t believe it. Both of them were in a state of shock, but Simon would pat Jaakuna on the back as Jaak looked down. “Do not feel sad, Jackson. I am back now and that’s all that I need to know. How you got me back matters not. I have my two sons--” He was interrupted.

“Don’t you mean three?”
“Ah, yes of course I do. Roman is here, is he?”

Vincent and Jaakuna nodded.

“I would much like to see him.” Simon said.

Vincent looked down. “He’s meeting with Grandfather.”
“What for?”
“To take my place as emperor.”

Surprised by this news, everyone would most likely let out a gasp of surprise.