Altered Tundra

Magik Ther Was

Hearing that voice echo through his mind, Frankie thought he was on some type of shit that only junkies would take. Then again, Frankie didn’t know of any drug that froze an area and projected some kind of heavenly voice into one’s mind. So, obviously Frankie wasn’t right in that area. Still, he found it extremely odd that this guy would say that the world needs him and the other seven or eight people around. This sounded like something straight from the Power Rangers or The Avengers, except this wasn’t a television series or a comic book series. This was real life and Frankie seemed to find himself immersed in this craziness.

As he would speak more about how the lot of the people gathered were chosen by this guy and that they have all accepted the job. Funny, Frankie didn’t remember saying yes to any kind of job, especially one that revolved around magic. Though, the more he thought about it, the more Frankie started to realize that his new gifts of gathering more information than he ever had in his entire lifetime was starting to make sense. Like, he never was able to get as much information as he had in the last month in the five years he’s been in the Information business. Perhaps the hillbilly was right and that something of the supernatural(or whatever the guy called it) was happening beneath Frankie’s nose and he didn’t even know about it.

On the mention of the eleventh hour, that made Frankie look at his phone and he just couldn’t believe that over an hour has almost elapsed. To him, hearing the man speak to him and the others around, it only seemed like ten minutes at most. Something else also got his attention. The whole thing about ‘it’ beginning. What was that supposed to mean anyway/ Was this guy talking about the end of the world happening at eleven O’clock? If so, then was Frankie supposed to be on-board? He didn’t know and this was just way too much information for Frankie to take in all at once.

Frankie rubbed his head as he just felt like he had the worst headache of all. His blonde hair would be roughed up in the front, and some bangs would float over his eyes. Frankie would use his hands to brush them back to the back where they were and he breathed in as if stressed. He would look around and saw no one had said anything yet, so he would have to break the ice. “So, what? Are we supposed to just blindly follow you just cause you say the world is going to be ending?” Frankie said obviously not believing a single word. “I’m all for this supernatural, magical hoop-lah, but you got to give me more than that if you want me to just go with you.” He said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As they watched Jaakuna and Justine walk out of the work shop, Nadeline would just mention that this was the time where they all would split up for the evening. Wesley slightly caught the looks that Nadeline and Karolina were giving each other and before he knew it, Nadeline had taken his hand and pulled him along to show him her room. He would notice the looks he got from both Karolina and Lorenzo, one of careful acceptance and one of stern refusal(guess which did which look?). When Karolina would tell Lorenzo to not bother them, the refusal look on his face subsided…for now.

When the two pairs, and Emiri, departed they would see Jaakuna and Justine standing there talking. Meanwhile still in the workshop, Grant would ask what Savayna wanted to do. She knew what she wanted to do, but she was so embarrassed to say it right out that, well she didn’t know how to put it, so she would just say it. “How about you show me your room as well.“ She bluntly said.

Jaakuna looked to Justine as if he was about to have a breakdown of some kind, he gathered himself and he would just speak his mind. “I know you do not think highly of me, especially the way that we met. I won’t blame you if you were to scowl at me or slap me or whatever it is that you feel about me.” Jaakuna just spoke and he didn’t stop, “I just want, no — I need you to know that I’m not that kind of guy. By that, I mean I’m not the kind of guy that just spits out disrespectful words towards people that I just met. I mean, I’m not anymore, not since your daughter has opened up my heart and mind. “ Jaakuna said as he continued,

“I don’t know if the two of you are ever going to be able to work whatever friction is between you two, but I just need you to know that you have such a wonderful daughter. She is full of love and life.” Jaakuna was almost done, but he spoke even more still. “When all of this stuff with the espers is done, I’m going to propose to her properly. I’m not going to half-ass it like everything I’ve done for the majority of my life.” He said, obviously shocking Justine. “And my greatest hope is that, when this is all done, that we — myself, Emiri, you, and Lord Andre — can all sit down and talk about…well everything, the good and bad.” Jaakuna said and he finished.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The plan was set. They would go to Nabudis, but first Jaakuna and Emiri would have to rest. It was safe to assume that the both of them weren't at full-strength, and JAakuna agreed. He knew he was barely at half-strength and that wouldn't do anybody good if they were to go to Nabudis right away. Besides, both Nadeline and Grant wanted to see how things were to play out between Reia and the council. WEsley also was interested. If he was to be married into the Roselia family, he would also have to give interest to what goes on with his future Aunt-In-Law.

Even though Jaakuna wanted to sleep right now, there was something plaguing his mind for a while now. He knew that if he withheld it any longer, he would not have the chance to do so again. Or rather, he would not have the courage to seek it out again. So, as he made up his mind, Jaakuna would approach her. "Lady Justine, I have something I must speak to you about." Jaakuna wasn't sure if she would speak with him, but he would walk away from the group and he would head outside the workshop.

Wesley did wonder what that was about with Jaakuna wanting to speak to his other future aunt-in-law, but if he had to guess, it probably had to do with Emiri. Wesley would wonder more, but he wouldn't let his mind be overtaken by it.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

If there was anyone to be surprised at what Justine and Karolina just said, it would be Jaakuna and Emiri. First off, it was revealed that Karolina and Justine were in the Rozarrian army under Andre’s command and they were both nurses. That was much to everyone’s surprise, especially Nadeline and Emiri’s. That was where Nadeline’s White Magick skills came from(Karolina being a nurse, that is). Justine would further say that they went forth into Nabudis and fought a beast that looked like any ordinary Hambata(yeah cause that’s something anyone says everyday).

Everyone listened as Justine said to combat the strange Humbata, she contracted Chaos. Of course, gasps were going all around the room and Jaakuna first had to wonder that how could one contract an esper. He didn’t know that they were running a protection service. Regardless, Jaakuna wouldn’t say nothing nor would Wesley or Savayna. They would all just listen further as Justine said that in exchange of asking for his help, Chaos would submit some of his own powers into Justine. The confusion was upon her face as she told them and she revealed that the thing that Chaos gave to her was the power that which was passed down to her own child — the power to manipulate time.

At this point, Jaakuna could not believe it. Seriously, if he hadn’t heard this himself, he would have never believed it. Truly, this was a shock to him just as much as it was to Emiri. That’s when Jaakuna looked to Emiri. Jaakuna couldn’t possibly even begin to imagine how she felt about all of this. Jaakuna thought his family was complicated, but now he was just realizing that Emiri’s was right up there with his, if not just a little more. Jaakuna would speak back to Justine. “Wow, I had no idea.” Jaakuna, like Emiri, was also speechless about the matter. Though, he found it within himself to utter more words. “We will be sure to use this information wisely.” He said.

As everyone was trying to process it all, Nadeline would ask Wesley if he remembered where Hashmaal was. Wesley had to think about this. He remembered the general location, but not specifically. He knew of one person who might be able to tell him though. “I don’t know where exactly, but I do know of someone who can tell us.” WEsley said “but for that, I must venture off to Balfonheim Port.” He said almost as he dreaded going there.

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.