Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Right away, Master Grant.” Iris said as the ship would depart from the Aerodome of Archades. No doubt Emiri and Grant heard the sound of the ship taking flight and jetting off into the skies. “Arrival estimated in twenty minutes.” IRIS said.

---

Wesley knew exactly what was coming. Even with Nadeline’s reassuring smile, Wesley didn’t feel any better. She didn’t know how worse his mother’s side of his family was as compared to Nadeline’s parents. Ayane was just a small fraction of how bad Wesley knew his mother could get, just the fact that Nadeline acted the way that she did to his little sister made it worse for Wesley — at least in his mind that was playing the worst scenario movie — of what Nadeline would react to his mother, especially his mother.

“Well, we’re here!~” Ayane cheerfully sang.

As they would arrive at Wesley’s mother’s house, the door would open, and the sight of a half-naked, big-breasted, blonde woman. “MY SON!!!” She said she then ran very eagerly, and tackled Wesley, smothering him in her white skin, boobs pressing against his face. That would bring him about five feet away from where he was previously. Wesley was trying for dear life to get the woman off and after about three minutes of him yelling out and her refusing to let him go, he got her off and she sat on the stone floor in front of Wesley sobbing. “My youngest son doesn’t love me! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO NOW!?” She dramatically sobbed.

Wesley sighed quite loudly and got up, but not before his mother would get up too and hug him. “Mother please! This is not appropriate!” He shouted. “And what is that you’re wearing?!” He asked her in loud tone.

She broke away from the hug. “Oh this? Your stepfather picked it out. He said it makes me look ten years younger. Don’t you agree?” She said.

Wesley shook his head. “Oh mother..” He just kept on shaking his head. “Mother, there’s someone you should meet.” Wesley said as he guided her to Nadeline. “Mother, I would for you to meet Nadeline, my fiance and your future daughter-in-law.”

“WHAT!?” She shouted and asked, gasping rather dramatically. “HOW CAN THIS BE!? YOU’RE BARELY FIFTEEN!”
“I’m twenty-two mother.”
“WHAT!? BUT YOU LOOK SO YOUNG AND FIT!”
“Not appropriate, mother.”

The annoyance was building and it was obvious on Wesley’s face.

Wesley’s mother looked at Nadeline, examining her, circling her. She would lift up Nadeline’s skirt, examining her butt, she would then firmly grasp Nadeline’s butt. “Hmm, very firm. Good, good.” She nodded in approval. She would then appear in front of Nadeline once more, and squeezed the princesses boobs. “Ah, very soft and supple.” She then clapped and nodded. “You will make a fine wife for my Wesley.” She said smiling. “Oh, by the way, so you don’t call me Ma’am or Misses, my name is Isabella, but people around here just call me Belle.”

Wesley just couldn’t believe what his mother just did. Fondling his fiance and invading her privacy like that. THIS was exactly why Wesley didn’t want to bring Nadeline to his mother without notice beforehand. It was just a total disaster for him the moment she tackled him.

---

As Jaakuna would walk more down the path that led to the Viera Village of Eruyt, he saw the eyes of the Viera all look at him. He somehow knew that they sensed that he had some of Zodiark’s bad juju left inside of him. There was one Viera specifically that was dressed in black attire that eyed him much caution and bow ready in her hand, as if to prepare herself for the event that Jaakuna would attack. Jaakuna tried to pay no mind to them or at least let their looks of worry get to him.

As he was about halfway down the pathway, he was met by three Viera. One was in a red dress, braiding flowers into her hair, the other in silver, and eyed Jaakuna with curiosity. The other, Jaakuna knew all too well. It was Aloa, the one who has helped him out before. It was as if Aloa was Jaakuna’s own personal healer or something. Still, Jaakuna looked at her and heard her speak about how Humes yearn to gain power upon power. She would state that Humes were impatient, but one of the Viera would say that one was not impatient and then the Viera in the silver would mention how Jaakuna’s mist still had traces of her mist.

Her? Oh they must mean… Jaakuna knew they must be referring to Shion. It was with that, that Jaakuna instantly looked down, as if shameful of what has become of him. Still, he would hear Aloa silence the other two Viera and to listen to Jaakuna and see what the story behind him having Zodiark’s power in him was.

Looking at them, specifically Aloa, Jaakuna looked lost still. “They’re right.” Jaakuna admitted. “They’re right about how I don’t know what true strength is. Shion defeated me, and by some miracle, purified most of Zodiark’s power within me.” Jaakuna continued, “I don’t even know what I can say to explain why I accepted him. “ He said, “I guess the only thing I can say is that I was greedy, I was desperate, and much like most of men like me, I was foolish.” Jaakuna said. “I thought that I could control Zodiark and use it as I pleased. That was not the case. I--” Jaakuna stopped himself briefly.”--I was distorted. Transformed. Changed into a monster that I barely recognized. I had a terrible nightmare last night about it. I saw my reflection of who I was when I dropped my will to him. I saw what I became and now..” Jaakuna said, shame covering his face and tears forming. “I am just someone that I used to know — a shell and a husk of who I once was.” Jaakuna said as he finished.

As he looked to Aloa, Jaakuna didn’t know if she would help him, but he would ounce out one final sentence. “I was referred here by the Gran-Chief of the Garif. I just don’t know if you’re willing to help me once more.” Jaakuna found himself laughing at that. Aloa has helped him more times than he could count.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

On the Ifrit, Grant would ask Iris if there was any way to find where Jaakuna was heading or where he might be. “Master Jaakuna did not leave behind any specific directions to where he was going.” IRIS responded, but even the AI could emulate the worry tone that Grant had in his voice. “I can look up recent flight records from Airships leaving from Archades. One moment please.” Sounds of beeps would be heard as IRIS was processing the data from the flight records and a loud ding would be heard. “According to the flight records of Arcades’ Aerodome, Master Jaakuna boarded a luxury airship to the Royal City of Rabanastre.” IRIS told Grant.

---

Why me? Oh why me?

Wesley was feeling so much embarrassment at the moment. He didn’t think that they would encounter his family so suddenly. He at least thought that he would have some time to warn Nadeline about how overbearing his family tended to be. However, as it turned out, that was neither here nor there. Ayane, his overly-enthusiastic younger half-sister was right there in front of him, in front of Savayna, and in front of Nadeline, talking to her, introducing herself. What’s even worse, the first impression was not something that of a good one. Nope, Wesley definitely didn’t get that from the way Nadeline acted initially.

Seeing Nadeline present herself with a more calm nature, Ayane raised an eyebrow. Surely this wasn’t the Wesley that her sister Cassandra has told her about. No, this couldn’t be the wild one that had captured her dear older brother’s heart. Ayane found it odd. Still, she smiled at her future sister-in-law. “Oh it is!” She shouted, as she removed herself from a stationary postion and dragged Nadeline by her right hand. “C’mon, the rest of the family’s waiting for you and my dear brother of course~” She happily sang as she would tug Nadeline and Wesley and Savayna followed.

“Oh no, it’s happening..” While he followed them, Wesley was having a mini-meltdown. He was sweating bullets and Savayna looked over to Wesley as she saw him looking all types of nervous. She laughed quite loudly as the two of followed Ayane and Nadeline.

---

After hearing the rather kind and helpful advice from The Gran-Chief, Jaakuna at least found a little of him. He had some hope and that was just enough reason for him to continue on this journey of his. It would lead him into what the Viera just simply call The Wood, but to the rest of Ivalice, it was simply known as The Gilmore Jungle. Jaakuna has came to the Gilmore Jungle a few times, but it was never to visit the Viera. He would pass over it on his Airship through to go other places, but this time was definitely different. Jaakuna knew that much.

Going through the Jungle, Jaakuna encountered enemies, most of them just Hellhounds, so it wasn’t anything major. He was lucky that the stronger enemies that were in the Gilmore Jungle were near the exits. Still, Jaakuna’s mental state was taking a damper on his fighting abilities. Even with his two swords, he found it slightly difficult to kill even the simpliest enemies. Despite that, he seemed to have found his way to where he needed to be. Jaakuna would be in front of darkness that led nowhere, but he knew where it led to. He touched the darkness in front of him and a glyph would appear. Jaakuna slightly frowned, but something odd and welcoming happened. Instead of the glyph staying up there and Jaakuna having to wait for a Viera to allow him to enter, the glyph made a sound and faded. Now, he saw green steps-like glyphs appear, much like in Giruvegan.

“This is odd, but good.” Jaakuna said to himself as he went down the path. Somehow he knew that the Viera knew he was in the neighborhood and they allowed him to enter and so he would.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Being suffocated by her rather large breasts, Wesley was trying all he could to get Ayane off of him and that’s when both of them heard Nadeline yell and order her off with authority. Wesley knew she wasn’t happy and the compromising position he seemed to be in with Ayane wasn’t going to put him in any good wills of Nadeline. Though, Ayane would hear Nadeline and instantly get off and Wesley would gasp for air, breathing in and out, but he did notice Nadeline’s rather cold look upon her face.

“Now, Nadeline, it’s not what--”
“Wait!? Did you say Nadeline1?”

And it was with that, Ayane propped him, adjusting her top so that her tata’s were popping out. “I’m so sorry, I did not know that you were HER!” Ayane said as she took Nadeline’s hands. Wesley shook his head, repeating the phrase “Oh no, here it goes,” over and over again. Meanwhile, Ayane had Nadeline’s hands in hers. “I am Ayane Domalois, Wesley’s half-sister, and you‘re going to be my future sister-in-law!!!” She shouted, much to Wesley’s despair.

Wesley, not sure how Nadeline would react, spoke. “Now you know why I wanted to avoid coming here.” Wesley said rather anxiously.

Savayna couldn’t believe it even if she was just right there. What kind of stepsister would tackle their brother and call them Sugar Bear? Was that a weird Dalmascan tradition? Savayna surely wasn’t aware of it. To be honest, she thought it was a little odd that Wesley was dreading the journey to Balfonheim ever since he mentioned it a day or so ago. So, perhaps it was the other side of his family that made Wesley nervous. Regardless, Savayna would eat this all up.

---

As he traversed through the Ozmone Plain, Jaakuna looked around, hands in his red jacket pocket, and at the partly cloudy skies. The way the blue sky was slightly covered from the white clouds and the sunlight shining through the clouds just made Jaakuna feel a little better. It was peaceful and as he seemed to be right in front of the entrance to the Garif Village of Jarhara, he felt nervous. No, that’s not accurate. He felt wary of what was going to become of this visit. Jaakuna just didn’t know if the answers he sought were going to be given to him fully or if there would be puzzles. Yes, Jaakuna just was very wary of what would happen.

Shaking off the nerves, Jaakuna would smile at the sky before turning his attention to the entrance and he walked through only to come to a halt at the bridge. He was stopped by two Garif and they would block the entrance to the bridge.

“Male Hume, why have you come to the Village of Jahara?” The Garif on the right spoke.

Jaakuna looked at him with a lost look. “I--I came for guidance.” Jaakuna said as he was still unsure what he came to Jahara for.

The Garif that first spoke inspected Jaakuna’s frame from head to toe, but more so, he looked into Jaakuna’s eyes, sensing that the man who was in front of him was indeed very lost. “I sense much depression in your eyes. You are lost, you do not know what you want, yet you want to know.” The Garif said. “You may pass. The Gran-Chief may be able to cure your lost soul, young hume.” The Garif said as he would eye the other Garif and they would step aside.

Jaakuna nodded to them and would head into the village as he would go across the bridge and soon make his way through the village. What he saw kind of comforted him. In a way, Jaakuna felt right to be here and he knew that whatever he sought would be answered by the Garif. As he would indeed go more through the village, he saw several Garif of varying size run around, spar, laugh, and just enjoy what company they had. It just further added to Jaakuna’s need to be here.

When he came to the biggest tent in the village, the Gran-Chief, Ubail-Ka would signal him in. Jaakuna would enter, and sit before the old chief. “What troubles you, young one?” The Gran-Chief asked Jaakuna.

Looking at him, and hearing his question, Jaakuna looked down, eyes distant from his old self. “I did something terrible and I don’t know if I can ever come back from it.” Jaakuna said, shaking his hands as they clenched up into fists and were on the ground he sat upon.

The Gran-Chief placed a hand on both of Jaakuna’s. “Child, do not anger yourself, do not feel sadness for your regrets.” He said as Jaakuna would look up. “Allow your consciousness to enter my own and I shall help you, child.” The Gran-Chief said.

Jaakuna would simply nod, tears flowing from his eyes. The Gran-Chief would chant out some phrases in the Garif language and as he would, a glow would be emitted from his body to Jaakuna’s and then he would be able to see what bothered the blonde man. He would see everything from Jaakuna’s time with his friends(every bit of it) and all the tiems they laughed, cried, yelled, cursed, loved — everything. He would experience every moment that Jaakuna has since he first met Emiri till this morning when he left her and his friends. He would see all the events leading up to Zodiark being revived and just everything that happened to his father.

And then the glow stopped. The Gran-Chief placed a hand under his chin and hmm’d. “My child, you have had a busy two weeks.” The Gran-Chief chuckled. “You’ve loved, you’ve cried, and you’ve hurt. Everything you have done led up to this very moment, even giving into The Dark Esper’s power. All of it has led up to this very moment.” He continued. “You have lost your reason to fight, and where love should be, disgrace and shame rests in your heart.” He said scooting over to Jaakuna and placing a hand over the young man’s heart. “I sense something, young Archadian. You have a tough road ahead of you.” He said as he rubbed around Jaakuna’s chest, feeling for the pulse and the heartbeat. “Lingering deep inside you is the fire you once had, the fire that aligned your soul with the ones you love.” He said as he stopped his hand on Jaakuna’s central chest area. “Ah yes, a one Emilia Inaibi. She has your love, yes?” The Gran-Chief asked.

When Jaakuna heard all that the Gran-Chief had to say, his eyes widened on the mention of Emiri. “Y-yes, she does. I love her with all of what’s left of my heart.” Jaakuna said as if he had given up on the notion of love. “I-Is there anything you can do to help me, Great Elder of the Garif?” Jaakuna asked almost with pleading eyes and voice.

Removing his hand from Jaakuna, the Gran-Chief looked at him. “Your fire is there, it calls to you, Jackson of Archadia. It begs for you to return to who you were before. It wants you to let go, but you can’t cause of the darkness you feel. That much I have sensed since you came to the Ozmone Plain. I sense the same darkness you gave into still lingering inside you and it demands you abandon those who love you unconditionally.” The Gran-Chief said, “To find yourself once more, you must rid your body of this darkness once and for all.” He finished.

Jaakuna looked at the Gran-Chief. “And how can I do that? “ Jaakuna asked.

The Gran-Chief shook his head. “I know not how to, but a highly-respected Viera whom I know can help you should know how.” He said, thinking back on this specific Viera. “She and I go way back to a time where I was still young.” He said sort of laughing.

Jaakuna raised an eyebrow. Oh gods, don’t let it be her..

“Former Tribe Leader of the Viera, Aloa.” He said, “I trust you know of her.”

Jaakuna was not shocked in the least. He was just shocked that he expected himself to be. “Yeah, I know her. We’ve ran into each other quite a few times.” Jaakuna admitted.

The Gran-Chief laughed, coughing cause he was a little too much. “That is who you must seek out, Young Jackson.” He said.

Jaakuna sighed and would stand, bowing to the Gran-Chief. Jaakuna wasn’t at all sure what would come of his meeting with Aloa, but he did know one thing. If she couldn’t help, then Jaakuna was truly fucked. Before he left, Jaakuna would shake the Gran-Chief’s hand. “Thank you, sir. You at least gave me purpose to continue on and your observations of my fire has helped me at least a little bit.” Jaakuna said. The Gran-Chief nodded to Jaakuna as he watched the blonde youth walk out and head out towards the Viera Village of Eruyt.

that's so meta || character storage thread

Name: Cerden Celebrindal
Age: 49
Gender: Male

Personality:
While in the empire, Cerden was that kind of guy that always was about the mission and he didn't care what it took to get the job done, as long the mission was completed. In some aspects, Cerden was down-right brutal and above all else, he was completely loyal to the empire. He obeyed every order that The Emperor gave to him, even the ones that caused near genocide to some races. Cerden took it without questioning The Emperor's motives. He was a loyal general, and when something really horrific happened, Cerden's outlook on the empire began to dwindle. His loyalty became faltered and everything that made him who he was began to shift. Cerden questioned everything, but just the little stuff at first, but then that's when his humanity began to surface. He began to show compassion to those wronged and destroyed by the empire. Soon, Cerden began to be sympathetic to the so-called enemies of the empire.

When he defected from the Empire and betrayed his brother, Cerden began to adapt a certain front to himself that slowly went from being aware of the empire's evil ways to doing all that he could to stop them. Of course, his traits of being completely loyal to a cause somewhat dwindled. He now has become more relaxed and easy-going as compared to the past. Some might even say that Cerden has gone into such a way that he is quite lazy. Those people are right, though. He presents himself in a relaxed-like manner. Though, that's only cause the last ten years have taught him that life was short and that being super-serious all the time ruins one's complexion and outlook on life. Speaking of which, his has changed as he tries to enjoy himself more. Still, he will turn his fighting mode on should the situation call for it.

When one gets past that all, Cerden is driven by what he must fix. He betrayed his brother and he feels now that he must fix it. This has caused a certain edge to Cerden to be clouded underneath his relaxed and almost lazy-like mannerisms. Underneath that all, he is focused beyond belief, so don't let his near-unmotivated front confuse ya.

Appearance:

Cerden

Cerden has a rather tall frame. His height borders almost seventy-seven inches, which averages around six feet and five inches. His weight matches his height perfectly and it comes at just over two-hundred-and-fifty pounds. Or if someone is going by the kilogram system, it’s just past one-hundred-and-ten kilograms. With that in mind, it should be no surprise that Cerden’s build is definitely muscular, but it’s nowhere near the level of being bulky. Some might even say that his build represents that of an top-notch athlete or something of the like.

Cerden’s non-build features are as to be expected. His skin tone is definitely human and it’s of a creamy mocha color. Of course, his age shows as his skin shows aging, but for his age, it seems to be on a rather attractive note. His eyes are piercing red, showing the feeling of seriousness and a huge undertone of relaxed. His hair is around shoulder-length, to which he keeps flowing straight. His hair is of silver and white shade. It’s hard to tell the difference between the two, though.

Cerden’s attire isn’t really anything to out of the ordinary. Actually, it’s quite simple when one really thinks about it. He wears a matching longcoat and pants along with boots and gloves all black and grey throughout. Each are tied down by several belt-like materials of dark brown color. Underneath it all, however, he has lines that seem random go all around his body, his lower half, upper half, face — everywhere has these lines connecting and making new lines.

Faction:

A former general of The Empire, now a neutral party. He will sometimes take part in what the Unbound Hearts are doing, but for the most part, Cerden is a guy who is neutral and only after one thing: His brother, Nomis.

Weapon:

Brother's Requiem
Once belonging to his father and forged with magic-infused titanium, Cerden's two weapons take the form of a normal-sized sword and a short sword/long dagger. Both are identical to each other in every way and they appear to be two halves of the same weapon. The obvious difference is that one is shorter than the other. Still, that doesn't disprove the fact that they seem like to be two halves of the same thing. Cerden carries — and uses both — with great pride. It's the one thing that he can smile happily about his memories of his late father.

Powers/Abilities:

Glass Manipulation

Much like his adopted brother, Nomis, who can manipulate a special kind of metal called Taint, Cerden can manipulate glass. Some call it just a sub-power of Sand Manipulation or Earth Manipulation. Those people are correct, but Cerden can bypass the traditional means of creating glass through hardening sand. He can create glass from his own magic. He can manipulate pre-existing glass and expand it to whatever he desires. Cerden has also been known to multiply the amount of glass that he can create or manipulate. He’s even shown to be able to create constructs of glass or surround it around his weapons or even his body, which he refers to as Glass Armor. Cerden can also move the glass with his mind and even shape it to which he can ride it as if like air or water. He can also breakdown glass into shards and guide them where he desires it to go.

Cerden’s skill with Glass has been acclaimed by not only his brother, but his associates that they dare not anger him cause the amount of usage and the potency of it is all tied to his emotional state. If in a good mood, his powers are more stable and he is in control of how much goes into one attack. However, if his mood is anything but that, then all hell breaks loose. His glass becomes rough-around-the-edges, which is not a good thing considering that rough glass cuts through solid materials like it’s butter and it doesn’t leave a clean aftermath either. Usually, shit will get real bloody real fast.

Expert Tactician and Strategist

Due to his long stint in The Empire, Cerden has shown that he is able to plan ahead of his opponents, which was one of the main reasons that The Empire first got him. Of course, it was cause of what he did with his brother, Nomis, but that’s irrelevant to this specific skill of his. He’s also been very aware of what his opponent would do before they would do it and be able to come up with complex plans that would more or less ensure his victory. He can also adapt to almost every situation in the event that the original plan he set in motion doesn’t go as had set it to be.

During his time with The Empire, it was being this good at coming up with plans that he was no doubt one of their top generals, just because he had such prowess of coming up with full-proof plans. It might even be why he has a big bounty on his head cause he was such a big asset to The Empire. While that’s true, anyone he aligns himself with knows his face and they know of his abilities in this area.

Supernatural Condition

Some say that Cerden’s feats of physical prowess stems from his foster father experimenting on him or just a natural gift that he’s had since birth. Some say that he came into contact with supernatural forces somewhere down the road. Whatever it might be, it all comes to the very fact that Cerden’s physical prowess is unlike that of any normal human being or anything. His body has been forged to exceed human limits and as such, every ounce of strength, endurance, and other such things are at a level that is, quite literally, supernatural and unheard of. The range of his supernatural feats can go form being able to react faster to almost anything to being able to last longer in a fight than most. It even goes into how he fights with weapons, specifically bladed weapons. Just about everyone one can imagine that has been upgraded to the supernatural level, odds are it is.

Strong Alignment to Earth Magic

Possibly due to his Glass Manipulation power or just his overall connection to the earth, but Cerden has proven capable with Earth Magic and/or manipulating the earth with his magic. Though he seems to be not as well versed in this type as he is in Glass Manipulation, it’s still pretty high up there and he uses it quite often in battle.

Healing Magic

More of a necessity for Cerden. Since he has been on the run from The Empire, he had to learn how to heal his injuries that of which his supernatural body could not. As such, he took up healing magic. He isn’t able to heal wounds that would put him on death’s door, but he is able to use it to such a length that allows him to be out of harms way.

Bio:

Haunted by a dark past and grave mistakes he has made, Cerden tries as much as he can to fix them, which has sent him on a quest to undo said mistakes. To do that, he will have to find the one person he must fix even if it costs him his life.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

From when they exited the Ifrit and went through the Imperial City of Archades, the trio of Wesley, Nadeline, and Savayna would swiftly make their way down Old Archades and into the Sochen Cave Palace. Of course it was full of fiends, but the more that they went through this place — the current one being the third time — they found it a lot easier to traverse through. The monsters seemed weaker. Or maybe it was because they were getting stronger. Wesley’s newfound Earth magick made it easier for him to defeat them quicker and Savayna’s ability to freeze enemies on whim made it easier. Wesley would even notice that Nadeline’s powers have increased quite the amount. Even the ghouls that they faced, which usually were hard for Nadeline to defeat, she seemed to get them into death with little effort.

When the trio had exited the Cave Palace, they would see the Tchita Uplands, which as always, was divided in appearance. Half of the area was full of lush, green grass and the other half with muddy, almost swamp-like grounds. Still, Wesley cared not for the way it looked. His full attention would be to go southeast of the location of it they’re currently at and head to the Cerobi Steppe, to which they will arrive at the Port of Balfonheim.

Continuing on, the trio would make their way through the uplands, killing enemies as they went. They would come across some Malboros and other monsters that fit the Tchita Uplands’ theme of muddiness. Wesley did like the soothing breeze that the Tchita Uplands seemed to have today. It brought him some much-needed comfort as he would lead the two ladies into the Cerobi Steppe, to which had a very interesting contrast to the Tchita Uplands. It was more rustic than the dividing landscape that the uplands had. Still, the trio would not have the time to stop and enjoy the scenery. There was still a lot of ground to cover.

Traversing through the Steppe, the trio would go through the first area. Savayna looked around and looked to Wesley. “What’s this area called?” She asked.

Wesley looked around and he remembered this area. “Old Elanise Road. It’s very famous to the residents of Balfonheim Port.” Wesley said sounding really nostalgic. Savayna would look at him raising an eyebrow, but would not press that further as they would continue onward.

As they came out of the first area and came into the next one, Savayna would ask again and Wesley would respond by saying that the area that they were in was called Crossfield and that it had three areas to which it could be entered in. Wesley would then tell Savayna and Nadeline that the place was the center of the Steppe, but the direction they needed to go was south and into the Journey’s Rest, to which they would arrive after ten minutes of walking and killing as minimum monsters as they could. While at Journey’s Rest, they would do as the title of the area suggested and rest for about five minutes. They would just catch their breath and drink up on some water and eat some of the rations that they had tucked away in their bags.

When they were done, the trio would make the final march through Terraced Bank and after three short minutes of sprinting through, the final area of North Liawell Hills would come to their sight. Wesley would start to show slight anxiety as Nadeline most likely saw and Savayna noticed it as well. However, Wesley put on a brave front and led the two ladies on a straight trek through the area, fighting monsters and other hunters only when approached by them. Though, the hunters wanted to prove their strength against the group. Of course, they were easily overpowered by the trio, but especially since Wesley’ would just launch them miles away using Earthquake and Tremor, which prompted laughs by all three of them and cheers from Nadeline.

“Well here we are..” Wesley said as if dreading it. The sight of Balfonheim came and as they walked through the area that led to the Steppe, Wesley stood there(the two ladies were walking still) and he couldn’t believe that she was here. He most certainly thought she was at least in Dalmasca or somewhere else not here.

“SUGARBEAR!!!!” A bubbly girl cried out, running to Wesley, and hug-tackling him to the ground.

Wesley’s face being dug into the girl’s rather large breaths and he was crying out for help. He would muffle out the words “Ayane…stop…you‘re killing me…”, but it was of low volume and the two girls were at least a ten feet away, but Savayna was the one who noticed that Wesley wasn’t with them. She then looked behind her and saw Wesley being hugged to death(literally) by some girl in a bikini. “Um, Nadeline..” Savayna said as she pointed her finger behind her towards Wesley and the woman currently hugging his head and suffocating him under her rather large breasts.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Wesley had just gotten his Sword of Order, he would only have that. He felt that it was all that he needed for the journey ahead. Even more so, he just didn’t think that having a shield anymore was what suited him, not now at least. Perhaps it was being granted the Lion Seal or given a weapon that belonged to his ancestral father, King Alistair Raithwall, who used it to bring peace during his era and Wesley knew that he would do the same in the current era. After he strapped the Sword of Order on his right waist, he would make his way to the Beaming Station.

Savayna too would make her way to the Beaming Station following Wesley as she got her Ice Queen Sword and her Crystal Ice Shield, to which she placed around her left arm. As she followed Wesley, Savayna became lost in her thoughts. She wanted to say more to Grant, but she would probably just come off as some petty, jealous bitch. It wasn’t like she wanted to feel like this, but knowing that they’ll be alone together — Grant and Emiri that is — something under her skin just crawled at the thought. She knew that all it would take was one thing, be it a slip of Emiri into his masculine arms or Grant seeing how venerable she was, and then the two of them might just be in each other’s arms, kissing, hugging. The thought made its presence known on Savayna’s face as she arrived at the Beaming Station.

When Savayna arrived, Wesley took notice to how uneasy she seemed to be. “Is everything alright?” He asked her.

She lightly gasped, and her cheeks bared moderate redness. “Um, it’s nothing. I mean, I hope it’s nothing.” She said flustered and nervous.

Wesley smiled and eyes were closed. “Don’t worry, I’m sure nothing will happen.” He said.

Eyes opened and a sound escaped her mouth. “I don’t know what--”

“About Grant and Emiri.” Wesley said, “I’m sure nothing will become of them while we are away.” He said.

“What makes you think I’m worried?” She retorted.

Wesley chuckled. “Do not try to hide that you’re worried something might happen; it’s written all over your face.”

Savayna’s face became even more red. She didn’t know that it was that obvious. “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. If you can find me out..” She said as she thought back to when she spoke to Grant. “Then surely he..” She was panicking.

“Just relax Savayna. Grant loves you. Sure, once upon a time, I’m sure he loved Emiri, but that’s ancient history. Besides, even if Grant were to act upon his feelings, Emiri’s heart belongs to Jaakuna and only Jaakuna.” He would try to ease her worry.

Savayna knew that he was right, but there was still that lingering thought that she wouldn’t be thinking like at all and that she would respond to Grant with a regretful kiss or something. Then again, the thought of why she doubted Grant’s loyalty to their — Savayna and Grant — relationship began to creep on her. She then looked at Wesley. “You’re right, Wesley.” Savayna said smiling gently.

Wesley would nod and smile back and see Nadeline come in. “Okay, now that we’re all here, let’s go.” He said as the three of them would step into the Beaming Platform and in seconds they would be out of the Ifrit and en-route to Balfonheim.

---

From the time that he got some much needed advice from the Bartender at the Sandsea Tavern in Rabanastre, Jaakuna followed her guidance and would make his way over to the Village of the Garif. He didn’t know if he was going to find what he was looking for there, but he knew that it was at least a place to start. He did find himself wondering about Emiri. He wondered how she was doing and even with the message he left for her and the others, would she understand? Was she angry at him for leaving even though he promised he would talk it out with everyone in the morning? She had to be livid with him. Or maybe she was just so depressed cause he left. Jaakuna didn’t know, but he couldn’t stay with her or with his friends until he figured out what he needed to figure out.

As he was about halfway through the Giza Plains, Jaakuna looked up and he didn’t think that the rain would bring such a sadness to the plains. Perhaps it was also cause of the way he was feeling too. He had just came off of a battle with Shion who had purified him of his Zodiark powers. Jaakuna was happy that she did, but there was also a part of him that felt empty without it. Maybe Jaakuna felt that he was leaning so much on Zodiark’s power that without it he didn’t feel like himself. Either that or after he got stripped of them, he was exposed to the harsh truth that using Zodiark’s terrible powers made him not himself. Whatever it was, Jaakuna would just struggle on.

By the time Jaakuna made his way through the Giza Plains, he came to Ozmone Plain. The last time he was in this area of Ivalice, it felt like a lifetime ago. Though, in all truths, it was only about six or seven days ago. Still, Jaakuna knew that the Garif were only a good three to ten miles away and even more so, perhaps his answers to all of his soul-searching questions would get answered.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It would seem that both Emiri and Grant agreed to the idea that Wesley brought up of them staying in Archades, specifically the Ifrit and the rest of them — Nadeline, Wesley, and Savayna — would go to Balfonheim Port on foot to further the mission of gathering the rest of the espers. Wesleyreally couldn't say much in response to them, but he would give a nod. "Then I guess first the three of us should get our stuff ready." Wesley said looking to everyone. "Nadeline, Savayna — we'll meet at the Beaming Station in ten minutes. We must make haste." As he said that, much like the former Commander he was, Wesley trotted off as he would leave the group and just go get ready.

As she watched Wesley head off, Savayna looked to Grant. She really didn't have many words to say aside from what she was feeling and she knew that would be not-so good idea to say them, considering they were of nothing but jealousy. Though, with that being true, she just looked at Grant, as if wanting to say something. Anything. "Take care of her." That's all she found the strength to say. From her mouth, supportive words came, but her eyes bled of jealousy and of the need to want to speak such jealousy, but she didn't.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When it was decided that Wesley, Nadeline, and Savayna would head to the Port of Bolfonheim and that Grant would stay with Emiri, Savayna would peek over behind the wall and see Emiri and Grant still in each other's grasp. WEsley would notice what Savayna was doing and he would tug at her, causing the blonde to release a mild yell. "What's the big idea pulling me like that?" Savayna said, almost yelling. WEsley just shook his head and released an annoyed sigh.

Wesley would motion Savayna and Nadeline to follow him back into the Dining Room, where they would see Emiri and Grant. He would sit down at the table, and sigh, but then he spoke. "Savayna, Nadeline, and I will go to Balfonheim port." Wesley would inform them, "You two stay here and wait for Jaakuna." He said specifically looking to Emiri. "I know when he's done doing whatever it is that he set off to do, Jaakuna will come back to you, Emiri." Wesley said with the most gentle smile he could offer.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Why was she feeling such jealousy? Seriously, Savayna hadn't felt such feelings since she found out about Jaakuna and Emiri. While she still has deep feelings for Jaakuna, they're more that of a sister-brother/best friend-type of feeling. It was much different with Grant. She loved him and that jealous, selfish, shallow part of her was hating the fact that Emiri was crying in his arms and that WEsley pretty much made her and Nadeline leave them alone. Even as Nadeline would pretty much explain the situation, what she said — no, more like how she said it — just made her even more upset than she actually was. Handle her? What does that mean? Savayna definitely didn't like the way Nadeline said that. Was Nadeline meaning in a sexual way? Gods know that Grant and Emiri have a history and with Emiri's emotional state, who knows what she'd do in a time like this.

When Nadeline corrected herself, it didn't make Savayna feel any better. Just the fact that Grant might fall into whatever temptation there might be with him and Emiri alone made her shutter at the thought. Still, she knew Nadeline was right and despite whatever feelings of jealousy and complete paranoia she had at the moment, she had to put them to the side. "You're right." Savayna simply said. Wesley would look to Savayna and then to Nadeline, thinking about just everything. "I think that would be best. Emiri needs someone with her, so that she's not totally alone in her pain." Wesley said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When the recording that Jaakuna left for everyone else finished, they all would take it in their way. Of course, there was a silence after it finished, but with Nadeline’s rather awkward cough as she cleared her throat, she would point out that Jaakuna wasn’t forced to leave and that he did so on his own free will. Even more so, she would further say that they should continue with their mission of getting the remaining espers. Wesley agreed and so did Savayna.

Grant would look to Wesley and ask him that he said someone in Balfonheim could help them. “Yeah, something like that.” [/b]Wesley sighed.

When he got up, Savayna did as well as did the others, but they would instantly take notice to Emiri he seemed to be still in response to the recording Jaakuna left. Wesley would take notice that she would wobble and then fall, landing in Grant’s arms. She would then utter some words. Wesley couldn’t make them out, but the next thing that everyone knew was that she would start to sob into Grant’s chest and hug him. Everyone looked at her with sad faces. Savayna was sad for Emiri, but she couldn’t help but feel a ting of jealousy, but that’s probably just because Emiri was hugging Grant. She had no right to feel jealous, and yet there she was.

Wesley would tug at Nadeline and Savayna, bringing Savayna close to him and Nadeline. “Let’s give them a minute alone.” He whispered to them as he would lightly tug them away from the Dining Room. Savayna didn’t want to, but she didn’t really have much of a choice.