Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna noticed that the next of the lights would glow, this one would be of a grass-green color. In some ways, Jaakuna was starting to feel a little better. Maybe it was the relaxed feeling he had or maybe some of Zodiark was already starting to be removed from his body. Regardless of what it was, Jaakuna would listen to Aloa about what exactly it was that the next step would have to deal with. However, before she would explain the next step, she would remind him that having something happen to oneself, be it good or bad, was not a matter of deserving it, but rather it was a question of the will that everyone has within themselves. She would then set an example about power and comparing herself to Reia. She would state that both of them had power in their own way. Jaakuna at least knew that much. Both women were strong, but Reia was politically strong and had power over her people, where Aloa was strong with the wood and how she could heal people. Plus, if the two of the fought, Aloa would win without lifting anything more then one of her legs.

As she finished up her example/lesson, she would reveal to Jaakuna the next step and it was something that he feared he would have to tackle, but he just didn’t think that it would be so soon. She told him that it was dealing with his dependency. She would bring up that it was the reason that Jaakuna came to the Jungle in the first place, it was the reason he abandoned Emiri and everyone else, and it was the reason Jaakuna felt so lost. He had gave into the temptation of Zodiark and cause of that, he lost his own free will, he lost what originally made him a great guy to be around. It was cause he gave into Zodiark that he lost the true light that was his strength. Jaakuna knew that and even when Aloa would say similar things to his face, it just proved it more and more.

As Jaakuna thought about it all, Aloa would ask him what was it that made him go down this path and become so lost. Jaakuna looked down, then up. He didn’t know exactly. He knew that so many things have happened that caused this. “I..don’t know.” No, he’s lying. Jaakuna knew exactly what led him down this path and he just didn’t want to admit it. “No, that’s false. I do know.” Jaakuna’s fists clenched up, his arms shaking, but he tried to control it as much as he could. “I think it all started when I started hearing Zodiark-as-my-dad’s voice calling to me. It was the first time that Zodiark ever lured me into his web. It was then that I followed it into Giruvegan, and the closer I got, the louder the voice got. When I went to him, he appeared as my father, as I’m sure you know.” Of course Aloa knew; she’s connected to The Wood more than anyone. “I let him into my body and eventually he was revived, but that wasn’t before something changed inside me. I felt his influence growing inside me, it was only then in Nabudis that it finally took front and center. It was then that I fully gave myself to him.”

Jaakuna knew all of what he said was the truth, but did he really answer her question? No, he didn’t. He just told her what she already knew. Jaakuna didn’t answer her question of what brought him down this path. “I guess, in all of it, the reason I went down this path in the first place, the reason that I’m so far gone is—” Jaakuna paused, looking at his hands as they shook vigorously(not his choice). “ —is just that I’m afraid that I won’t be able to protect anyone, but most of all that I won’t be able to protect myself.” Jaakuna found himself looking at the ceiling once more as he did before. “I was told to uphold certain images and never show weakness. Hamut told me this in hopes that he would be able to control me. Even when my father was still the emperor, he pulled the strings from behind the scenes and he was grooming my brother and I to be tools for his usage.” Jaakuna admitted. “I was nine when it started, and for thirteen years, I was obedient to him, until I killed my uncle.”

---

He could feel it from her eyes and then he heard her words that pretty much told him that if Clyde did anything to warrant suspicion or betrayal, she would cut him down where he stood at the point of said betrayal. Wesley just smiled, nodded, hugged, and kissed his fiance. That was when they would rejoin Savayna and Clyde who seemed to be in a heated exchange. Wesley arched an eyebrow, but decided against asking what it was about.

“Okay, Uncle Clyde, you can come, but don’t do anything to make any of regret it.” Wesley firmly informed his uncle about the terms and conditions of him coming with them.

“Yeah, yeah. I gotcha’.”[/b] He said as if not really caring, but he did care and understood wholeheartedly.

Wesley sighed and he would just motion everyone back into the house, to which only took then about three minutes to get back to. As they would walk in, everyone instantly shot Clyde a dirty look. They didn’t trust the Black Sheep of the family, especially considering his reputation among them. However, Wesley would offer them a smile and they would all sigh at the same time

“Mother, Ayane, Nigel — everyone — I’m going to the Pharos and Clyde is coming with.” As soon as Wesley said that, everyone in the family started yelling out curse words and just yelling at him for making such a foolish decision as if protesting completely against it. Wesley would start to get irritated at his family. He knew that they would go against it, but he had no choice. His uncle was the only one who could get them to Pharos and in times like this, he couldn’t afford to be picky. “WILL ALL YOU JUST SHUT UP!” Wesley yelled out and gasps were heard. “I know you don’t approve, but Uncle Clyde is the only one that can lead us to The Pharos without anyone — or anything — detecting us.”

As the family heard Wesley, they knew he was right. As much as they didn’t trust Clyde — and who would with a name like Clyde — they trusted him. Isabelle would stand up and walk up to Wesley. She proceeded to hug him. “Be safe.” Belle said as she released her son from her hug. Wesley would just give a determined nod to her.

Though Wesley wanted to leave right away, he needed to do something. “Mother, can I speak to you in private for a moment?” Wesley asked her.

“Of course.” She said

Wesley would lead his mother to another room in her house, away from the family and away from..well pretty much everybody. As the door closed, Wesley took in a deep breath and he exhaled and spoke. “Okay, so it’s like this. I proposed to Nadeline, as you probably already know. Well, I did so without a ring — it was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing, but it wasn’t like I wasn’t thinking about it at the time — and that’s why I asked you to speak with me in private.” Wesley said, “I would like to give Nadeline the ring that father gave to you, if you still have it.” Wesley asked.

Hearing him speak about how he proposed to Nadeline, Belle instantly thought that it wasn’t the most romantic thing he could do. At least, not in the way he was explaining it, but she could tell that he really loved her. Though, she was caught off-guard by his request for the ring that his father gave to her when he first proposed. “Oh, Jonathan..” She said as if remembering her late ex-husband. “Your father was one hell of a man — honest, noble, brave, virtuous, and above all else, passionate. Oh I still remember the way he fu--”

“Mother please!”

“Oh right, sorry.” Belle laughed. She then looked at her son with a serious expression and she ran a hand through her light blonde hair. “As my only remaining son, you are definitely entitled to the ring, but..”

“But?”

“It was stolen.”

Wesley’s jaw dropped and he couldn’t believe it. “What do you mean it was stolen?” He asked half-curiously, half-shocked.

Belle sighed, [b]“Just as I said, it was stolen. It happened about a few weeks ago. Nigel and I were out on our date and when we came back, I wanted to make sure the ring was still there and all, but it wasn’t.” She told him.

“Did you report it missing or anything?” Wesley asked her.

Belle sighed again. “There isn’t any real government around here. It’s a pirate port, so anything that is stolen and reported is just responded by a ‘tough luck’.” Belle annoyingly told Wesley.

Wesley was just dumbfounded by the lack of laws in Balfonheim, but he knew that pirates wouldn’t uphold decency laws around the port. Even still, Wesley was vastly disappointed. He wanted to give Nadeline that specific ring. Sure, Wesley could go to any jeweler and buy a ring and give it to her, but it was so much more than that. The ring that his father gave to his mother was passed down since Raithwall. Raithwall himself crafted the ring from non-harmful magicite, which added to the beauty and overall value for the ring. If someone truly has stolen it, they could retire with the gil that they would get from it.

“Mother, do you have any idea who would want to steal it? Like anyone that you might have made an enemy out of or might hold a grudge against you? Or even anyone who might hold a grudge against our family?” Wesley asked his mother.

Belle thought about it and while there were several people who had a grudge against her and had reasons to hate not only her side of the family, but Jonathan’s side as well. “To just say one name would be a waste of time. There are countless people who are angry with both sides of the family and I don’t even know where to begin on that list of people.” She regrettably admitted.

Wesley angrily sighed. “Okay then, I guess I’ll just have to do it the hard way.” Wesley said, “I will find the ring after we come back from The Pharos of Ridorana Cataract. “Wesley informed her. She just smiled and walked out and joined the others, as did Wesley. This bothered him immensely and he would get to the bottom of it one way or another.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Nadeline straight-out refused to let Clyde come with them, Wesley knew and understood why she would flat-out refuse, but Wesley also knew that they needed his uncle to come along. As much as Clyde gets on his nerves — and boy does he ever — Wesley needed him as Clyde knew the ins and outs of Ridorana. That’s when Wesley would pull Nadeline to the side, about five feet away from Savayna and Clyde. “I know how you feel about him and gods know how I do, but we don’t have a way to get to the Pharos right away. It’ll take an hour at the very least for the Ifrit to get here and we don’t even have that kind of time to spare.” Wesley said, “besides, he has a certain prowess that is key getting through the Pharos.” Wesley said, pretty much urging Nadeline to change her mind on things.

Meanwhile, Savayna was examining Clyde. She couldn’t really place it, but something about this guy looked oddly familiar. It was his eyes. Savayna and him had similar colored eyes. It was also the way he looked at her as he knew her too, but he didn’t say anything. Still, she just felt something familiar about this guy. “Say Clyde, we haven’t met have we?”

Clyde looked at Savayna, hearing her question. He smiled. “Yeah, we’ve met before.” He simply said.

Savayna looked annoyed. “Are you going to tell me.” She asked as she puffed up slightly.

He smiled still. “Not yet., it’s more fun this way.”

---

Sitting there, Jaakuna saw a yellow glow take over one of the dimly-lighted lights. It first flashed, but then it would stay yellow. Jaakuna then faced Aloa, looking at her and she would then tell him about the forth step, which dealt with rejection. Jaakuna found it odd, but he listened nonetheless. She would speak of the rejection one would feel to certain things or events that they did not understand or want to accept. She would also tell him that for Jaakuna to feel the compassion, he must remember the unconditional love within his heart; to get past the rejection he felt, he must recover the passion that he had.

“But to do that..” Jaakuna was not even sure where he needed to begin. From everything that has happened in his life, there were several things that were the object of rejection. First and foremost, being rejected from his home for seemingly killing his father. That was one thing that Jaakuna felt the worst about and because he never had the chance to prove his innocence before just a few days ago, Jaakuna felt rejected from his own family. That was, however, something he was able to get past. It was through the forgiveness of his father that he found the passion in that. Still, that left two other things.

The second thing that Jaakuna felt he had the most rejection in was ever getting close to anyone. Every time he would come into a town or a campsite or just anywhere he would meet a new woman, Jaakuna never stayed with the same woman for more than one night. He would never stay the night with them. Jaakuna was a player through and through. The truth of the matter was that cause of the guilt he felt leaving Savayna alone in Archades and the sorrow he felt about knowing(then) that he killed his father, Jaakuna didn’t trust himself to get close and thus he rejected his own emotions and the notion to ever get close to anyone, but that all changed when he met Emiri. He found that she would change his perspective on a lot of things, especially showing that he could love and that he should trust himself. It was her love that awakened his compassion.

The final thing and probably the worst of them all was when Jaakuna let Zodiark into his body and lost himself. Even now as he was almost halfway through the steps to get cleansed of that monster, Jaakuna remembered how he made Emiri feel. She yelled and cried. Even his friends would react in similar manners. Grant would hold him within arm’s length, prompting him to not do anything that included battles and then there was Wesley who seemed to loathe him, but only now does Jaakuna realize that he was scared for Jaakuna — he was scared that Jaakuna would do something to hurt himself and those he cared about. It was just everything that made Jaakuna reject the possibility that he could be forgiven, which was why he left in the first place. Instead of staying, he rejected their help and in turn, Jaakuna found himself here. Even still, he almost rejected Aloa’s help when he knew he was wrong. He knew he was wrong then and he knows it now.

“I have rejected so many people and things in my short lifespan. I’ve hurt women by not letting them in, I hurt my family for not facing my past sins and I’ve hurt my friends by not letting them help me. I’m not even sure if I deserve your help, Aloa, but here you are, helping me even when I even rejected you.” Jaakuna said, “You have all the power in the world and yet you still help me. I don’t understand it at all, but maybe that’s for the best. “ He said, “perhaps instead of questioning it, I need to accept it, cause as you said, we reject our emotions and things that people do or things that we don’t understand.” Jaakuna said echoing Aloa. “Perhaps I need to take a leap of faith and believe in what others will guide me to, I now understand that.” Jaakuna said smiling and a single tear would drop from his eye and he didn’t notice it.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“You sure are in a hurry, aren’t you?” Clyde smiled and laughed. He shrugged though and would speak once more. “Rumor around Balfonheim is that Hashmaal is sealed within the Pharos of Ridorana.” Clyde revealed.

“The Pharos huh? “ Wesley asked as he thought aloud. “Then I guess we’re going to have to find some way to get there, either by boat or something.” Wesley said.

Clyde smiled. “Fortunately for you, I can help you.” He chuckled.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh come on Wesley. You didn’t think that my information was going to be totally free, now did you?”

“Don’t tell me…”

“That’s right. I’m coming with you three.”

And there it was. Wesley couldn’t say that he was entirely thrilled about the idea. He knew that his Uncle was a bit of a handful and even more so on adventures. However, Wesley was really worried about Nadeline. Already he has made a bad impression on her and prolonged exposure to him may cause harm to Nadeline’s rationality. Wesley was now foresaw yelling with a chance physical harm. “Gods help us all.”

---

Jaakuna noticed the second of the lights began to glow. This one would glow a rich orange color. Jaakuna would smile as it hinted at the fact that he was progressing smoothly. Though, he would have little time to enjoy that he had already conquered two steps as Aloa began to explain the third step. She would do so by explaining that now Jaakuna must overcome his fear, as in doing so, Jaakuna would have to confront those things that were placed in his heart that caused him to back away. She would state that he must regain that confidence and determination that he had once before.

Overcoming hesitation and solitude was easier for Jaakuna. He knew where he stood on both and he knew that both weren’t going to be good for him. Fear, however, was something of a whole different magnitude. It wasn’t even in the same neighborhood that hesitation and solitude were in. Even as he sat there thinking about it, Jaakuna just didn’t know where he would begin to evaluate exactly what he was afraid of. No, that wasn’t correct. He knew what he was afraid of. It was confronting that fear that had him at a stalemate.

“Fear..” Jaakuna murmured. He stared blankly above him as he leaned slightly back, arms firmly against the ground, supporting his up-right position. For some reason, the hollowed walls of the tree that they were all in gave Jaakuna peace. Gazing up into it gave him the chance to think about it all.

He closed his eyes as he would drift off into a relaxed state. he aspect of fear took his thoughts to a different direction. He found himself remembering his nightmare. It always was synced into his mind and always he would remember it. That was the first time that he actually felt real fear and helplessness. It was, after all, his best hopes came crashing down into oblivion where his worst fears came to life. It was indeed something he never wanted to see. His family and friends dead and the love of his life gone from him. And then that’s where Jaakuna never came back. Before that, he was brimming with all the determination and confidence in the world, but as soon a she let Zodiark into his heart, he lost himself. It wasn’t all at once, but Jaakuna did and just remembering it made him realize how far he had fallen.

“The fear I felt then just grew..” Jaakuna said, as he still remembered seeing his entire family and all of his friends dead, his love gone from him, and Zodiark in him. “It grew into despair and I lost myself. I didn’t think it would happen, but it did. I didn’t trust myself. I feared that I would harm those I loved.” Jaakuna said still eyes closed

Still looking up, and eyes closed, Jaakuna would roll back the memories in his mind, stopping at the exact moment he was confident in himself. The exact memory that Jaakuna was remembering was when he broke back into Archades before he and his friends were cleared of al charges. He was remembering the time that he led Wesley and Nadeline through the Sochen Cave Palace and to Archades and his mission to free Emiri from Vincent’s grasp. This memory was him remembering the determination he felt leading a rescue mission, and in his heart, the confidence he had to successfully pull off such a risky mission.

As he opened his eyes, Jaakuna smiled. It came to him. It was the moments of knowing his fears, but not letting them control him that led Jaakuna to the answer. “I don’t think fear is something that holds us back. No, that’s entirely wrong.” Jaakuna said looking at Aloa. “Fear tells us where the weakness lies and fear tells us what we need to work on. “ He said, “I know now that fear will always exist as long as there is hope, determination, and confidence, but it’s what a person can do to prevent the fears from taking over. I did and it led me to dark corners of my soul.” Jaakuna said, remembering that fear is good as a motivator to improve. “I realize that fear is good as long as I remember that too much of it will ruin my soul.” Jaakuna finished.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As if demanding it of him, Clyde would gladly answer Nadeline. “You sure are bossy, aren’t you?” Clyde said laughing, though he did notice Savayna chuckle his remark. “Rumor has it that all of the espers each, on their own choosing, grant an extra bit of power to whoever controls them. Or rather, who has beaten them in battle and they deem worthy of their strength. The rumor has it that King Raithwall had three Espers — Belias, The Gagas, Famfrit, The Darkening Cloud, and Hashmaal, Bringer of Order.” Clyde said, “Hashmaal has already chosen Wesley, as the Sword of Order is proof of that. “ Clyde said.

As Wesley listening to his uncle, he couldn’t help but wonder what exactly the espers endgame was for doing that? If they truly were doing it for a reason, then Wesley wanted to know what that reason was. He knew that Hashmaal told him about the Sword of Order and he even gave him the Lion Seal. Wesley just didn’t know what it all really meant. As Wesley thought about that, Savayna was a little shocked and angry. She has an esper of her own, but she hasn’t gotten any additional confrontation from Mateus aside the initial acknowledgement that she got from him when she beat him back at the Stilshrine of Miriam. “So, just wait a damn minute. If the Espers are the ones who choose their owners/masters/whatever, then how come I haven’t gotten any notice of this?” Savayna said as she lifted her right forearm and the glyph of Mateus flashed.

Clyde smiled and chuckled. “Maybe Mateus doesn’t think you’re ready.” He said rubbing his neck. “I don’t know. I’m only speaking of the rumor.” Clyde said sighing and then he looked to Nadeline. “That clear enough for ya, princess?”

---

As one of the little lights became deep red, Jaakuna heard Aloa speak about the second step of tackling his solitude. Oh this was something that Jaakuna not only didn’t want to think about, but he didn’t think would come up so soon. Him leaving all of his friends and Emiri to go soul-searching was something he felt he needed to do. When he heard Aloa explain what he needed to tackle, he realized that was everything he didn’t remember. He thought that if he went on it alone, it would be for the best. Everything that Jaakuna thought was the right thing to do actually was the wrong way to go about it.

“I thought it was the right thing, with me leaving them and doing it on my own. I just thought that if I left them out of it, if I just didn’t include them in it, then perhaps it would all just be better.” Jaakuna knew that he was wrong. He needed his friends, his family, and he needed Emiri. He didn’t know it at the time, but when he is forced to sit down and think of all the wrong choices he made because he thought were the right ones, Jaakuna was able to evaluate the decisions he made in his life.

As he looked at Aloa, he smiled. Jaakuna wasn’t necessarily smiling at her, but rather smiling at the fact that he was wrong and it took him this long to realize it. No, he’s not just thinking about this day and how he left everyone. No, he definitely wasn’t thinking about that, but rather, Jaakuna was smiling as he thought about three years ago and leaving Savayna and his brother. Sure, when he left, it was out of fear that he thought he killed his father, but perhaps it was just Jaakuna wanting to be alone. It didn’t help that the airship that he chose to take was one he could be alone in. It took him three years on the run to gain companions. It was first Emiri, but then Nadeline came along. It made Jaakuna happy to have friends aboard his ship. It seemed even better that Wesley and Savayna also came along. Everything that happened even opened up forgiveness from Jaakuna to Grant and vice-versa. Yes, Jaakuna remembered that he became stronger and happier when he had friends he could surround himself with and a woman he could cherish and protect.

“I understand now.” Jaakuna said. “Being alone only causes grief and shame and it is with those two things that darkness crawls in. My bonds are my strength. I realize that now.” Jaakuna said smiling to himself.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Clyde had arrived to the house and the surprise that not only he brought, but his exchanging of words with Wesley overtook the house and the eyes of the family were all on the two of them. Though, that was when Nadeline stood up and stepped between Wesley and Clyde. Wesley definitely had a look of surprise on his face and the rest of the family would look on as Nadeline explained it to Clyde that she was the only one that required his assistance and would state clearly that Clyde probably was one that didn’t give out such information out for free.

Wesley was impressed with Nadeline at this point, but Clyde just smiled. “Honey, just roll it back.” He said sighing. “I have no interest in your Rozarrian money. If I did, don’t you think I really would be here in front of the princess and not go straight for your dear Aunt Reia?” He smugly told her as he would motion her to the side. “My business has to do with my nephew.” He said as he and Wesley were right in front of each other once more and their height was almost identical as Wesley just came about four inches shorter to him.

As Wesley and Clyde were facing each other, everyone in the room, including Savayna, were watching them intently. The family knew how Clyde got when he was in a mood to bother everyone and in the two years that it was since Wesley visited them, the two of them always got into some heated exchanges, so of course they were all worried.

Clyde laughed, “I’m not interested in fighting you Wesley. Actually, I’m here to help you free of charge, regardless what your little blonde girlfriend thinks.” Clyde said. Wesley was surprised and as was the entire family, but they were relieved as they all let out a sigh of relief. “Let’s do this in private.” Clyde said as he would leave, motioning Wesley and Nadeline to follow, but of course, Savayna would follow.

As they were outside and a few good dozen feet away from the house, Wesley would eye his uncle as he spoke. “So, why don’t you tell me why you’re looking for Hashmaal?“ Clyde asked Wesley.

Wesley looked at his uncle, then to Nadeline as if wanting to get an idea of what he should tell him. He then sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure you’re aware of what’s been going down around Ivalice. Well, it’s the cause of the King of all Espers, Zodiark. He was released and if we don’t get the remaining espers to our side, we fear that the end of Ivalice is imminent.” Wesley told him.

Clyde nodded, releasing sounds of understanding. “Okay, that’s all fine and dandy, but don’t you remember about what happened with Hashmaal and..” Clyde was cut off

“Yes, I remember, how could I not! Father was almost killed when he tried to..”

“And what makes you think you can?”

“I’m different from him and Hashamaal..”

“Hashmaal what?” Clyde asked raising an eyebrow.

Wesley looked to his uncle and took his Sword of Order out. “He gave me this, the Sword of Order.” Wesley said.

Clyde couldn’t’ believe it. No, he knew what the sword was, but he didn’t understand that Wesley was one of them “I see. Well, you’re right, Wesley.” Clyde said closing his eyes and smiling.

“About what?” Wesley asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re different from your father.” He said looking at Wesley. “You are one of the Chosen Ones.” Clyde said chuckling as he didn’t think that of all Raithwall’s descendents, Wesley would be the one. He was for sure that he or even his father would have been the one, and yet, here they were, discussing that Wesley was the one.

---

Quietly being led by the Viera, Jaakuna saw that they were heading deeper and deeper into the jungle as he felt the magicks getting somewhat thicker around him. They would easily kill beasts that would cross their paths or halt their advancement. The walk would come a stop as they seemed to be at a deadend. Jaakuna was about to say something, but Ryua would place her hand out and magicks would spring out. Jaakuna saw that a door was revealed and as it opened, the cracking and squeaking of it entered his ears, as they did into the tree that the door belonged to.

As they would walk into the tree, the doors closed behind them, thus eliminating any added light from the Jungle. That was when lights lit up the path and they would head to the center. As they reached it, Mtra and Ryua would motion Jaakuna to place his weapons on the ground. He nodded and did as they told him to do. He then joined Aloa in a sitting position. Jaakuna instantly felt something overtake him. It was a good feeling. This was something that was so soothing, as if being in a hot spring or being licked by White Rabbits. Just for some reason, Jaakuna felt utterly relaxed.

As Jaakuna let his center become relaxed in every sense of the word, he would notice a glow from the vile of Dream Powder and how the staff was being placed over it. He then noticed that the Dream Powder was coming out in puff-like bits, and causing the staff itself to glow. The puffs themselves would solidify in time and would appear as if they were circles of white lights. Jaakuna couldn’t help but gaze in wander. Just the atmosphere the tree had and how the lights added a nice glow to the darkness of the room made Jaakuna even more relaxed.

Jaakuna noticed the lights were following Mtra and eventually the lights would surround in orange and white. Noticing that, Jaakuna heard Aloa starting to speak. She said that the process of cleansing himself of Zodiark would take seven steps, the first in which would be hesitation. Jaakuna raised an eyebrow, but then heard her speak that Jaakuna must not rely on what he knows, but rather go on his basic instincts and remember his potential.

Jaakuna closed his eyes, breathing in slowly and deeply. He held that breath for a few seconds, composing himself, and he let it out slowly and in controlled breath. “Don’t think, just react..” He murmured to himself as he remembered something that happened a while back. It was the time he was with Emiri. “There were a lot of them..” Jaakuna’s almost sleeptalking-like words came out. He was remembering, but not thinking. He was feeling the memories, the emotions that he had in moments with Emiri. “Her touch, her heart..” Every second that passed, Jaakuna was drawing closer and closer to the memory he wanted to access. “It was…on the Ifrit.” Remembering the multiple times him and Emiri felt each other’s heart, Jaakuna went back. There was one time specifically that he had a firm grasp on. “It was…yes that’s it.” Jaakuna found it and now he would take hold of that memory.

It was morning, Jaakuna and Emiri were in his room. He woke up first and saw her sleeping. His emerald circles looked into her near-amethyst ones. She was still soundly sleeping, so he held her close to him, whispering her name as he felt her heart. She woke up, slowly opening her eyes. She saw him and gasped loudly, startled by him watching her sleep. Jaakuna smiled as he was pushed away from her. They talked and she would suggest a shower together. He was shocked, but happy. He agreed and they stripped nude. A shower together embracing each other closer. Each movement they made, each stroke they did — it was all mutual.

Jaakuna opened his eyes, as he remembered it. The potential he had, the hesitation that he didn’t have back then — it was realized. As Jaakuna had opened his eyes, he looked at Aloa.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Back still turned, Jaakuna still looked at the Viera and the two aside Aloa shot him dirty looks. Jaakuna understood why they did. He pretty much insulted them and called them fools. Perhaps he was just mad at the suggestion that he should give up all love in his heart and perhaps he was just angry at himself for just everything that happened. Jaakuna didn’t know what it was, but he would turn to face them just as they shot him one more look before disappearing into the deeper regions of the village.

As he was left alone with Aloa, she would let him have it. She would mention that she was failing to see why Jaakuna would aim his anger towards the ones that actually were trying to be helpful to him. By now, and as he should be, Jaakuna was feeling even worse than he did when he initially came to the Viera. He knew that everything of what Aloa said was true, even the fact that she took a low blow at him about how he was the one to dig into, as she said, the pool of Zodiark’s darkness. And that’s what reminded Jaakuna why he came to the viera in the first place. Aloa continued speaking, stating that should he leave, both his shame and guilt will stay with him and Emiri’s fate sealed. That opened Jaakuna’s eyes to the truth. He truly was foolish. Maybe he did overreact just a bit. He had a tendency to do that.

As Jaakuna’s full attention was to Aloa, he saw the two Viera that left on Aloa’s cue return, bows in hand and handing her a staff of blue and brown and gold and an orange vile. Jaakuna could only assume that the vile was the Dream Powder, but then Jaakuna’s thoughts went to what Aloa mentioned beforehand. He thought about how she said that he would need to drop all connections to his heart to heal himself of Zodiark. Even after all of what he said, it truly was the only way. That was when the two Viera would leave, Aloa about to follow them only to state that it was Jaakuna’s choice. That was something that Jaakuna was afraid of. Even more so, he perked up slightly about how Nadeline would be disappointed in Jaakuna and not the other way around to Aloa.

Jaakuna was pondering on what he could do. He saw Aloa look at him, as if waiting for him to make his decision. Jaakuna didn’t know what the right thing was that he could do. If he didn’t go, he sealed any chance of Emiri possibly getting free of her curse, but then on the flipside, he would have to give up connections to his heart. It was a losing situation no matter which way he sliced it. As he looked at Aloa, Jaakuna thought he was seeing things. His mind was definitely playing tricks on him cause he saw Belias right in front of him. That’s when Jaakuna seemed to be transported to pure white void, much like the time he initially got Belias.

Belias stood in front of Jaakuna, and shook his head. “You are the one who defeated me, I pledged my life to you. I swore to fight for you with my life and you repay my loyalty by accepting the Lost King into your body.” Belias’ voice was full of disappointment.

Jaakuna was at a loss, but maybe Belias knew of everything that had happened. “I have no words that express my regret for doing that, but he left me no choice. I had no alternative. If I didn’t, I wou--” He was cut off.

“Jaakuna, all you needed was to trust my power. My strength would have gave you true purpose, but instead you went to the one that could wipe my brothers and sisters out.” Belias still spoke with much displeasure.

Jaakuna didn’t know that Belias felt so strongly about the actions of Jaakuna. “I-I didn’t know..” That’s all he had to say.

“You can make it right.”
“How?”
“Follow the Viera, cleanse yourself and give away your heart.”
“But if I do that, everyone will be lost to me…”
“Trust in yourself. You are the Chosen One, Jaakuna. You felt it, no?”
“You mean?”
“Yes, that flash. It was the seed being planted from my fire.”
“What does that mean?”

It was with that, much to Jaakuna’s confusion, he was brought back to the sight of Aloa and the other two Viera. Jaakuna shook whatever just happened off and with much curiosity from Belias’ words, Jaakuna followed. He uttered no words as he was lost in his thoughts, but merely wondering what exactly what the seed that Belias spoke of was.

---

The laughter and all the yelling(happy yelling) just gave Wesley a headache and it made him happy. This was the only time that Wesley felt happy around his family. He heard Nadeline say that it was wonderful to have such a big family. Wesley smiled and agreed, but for some reason he found himself sad over this. No, sad wasn’t the right word. It was more he was angry. Was he perhaps angry at his mother for abandoning him and his father. Or was it his father he was angry at for letting his mother desert them? Wesley didn’t know, but he wouldn’t fret on those thoughts. He did, however, have the company of his love and his family, so what was there to really be sad about? Nothing, that’s what.!

“I agree and I am thankful that a certain uncle of mine isn’t here. He always makes things…uncomfortable.” He said in a high tone, as he had to at least make sure Nadeline heard him.

As everyone was laughing and shouting in enjoyment of each other’s company, the door slammed open and there was a man in sight. Everyone looked and Wesley instantly stood up as if in anger. “Well, it looks like everyone is here.” The man spoke smiling.

Angry, Wesley stepped forward. “Uncle Clyde! What are you doing here?!” Wesley shouted.

“Wesley, is that you?” Clyde asked, inspecting Wesley. “Well damn, it is you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming. I would have brought Lianna too.” Clyde said laughing loudly.

Wesley’s teeth were grinding against each other. “You son of a bitch! That’s not funny! You know she is bed-ridden. How you were able to convince her to take you back is beyond me.” Wesley said taking a step forward. “Now, tell me what are you doing here!?” Wesley repeated his earlier question, but in louder volume.

Clyde smirked. “A little birdy told me that you’re here looking for Hashmaal.” He smirked still.

Gasps were heard through the entire house. Wesley’s family were shocked. “Wesley, is that true?” His mother said.

“Oh, mother, I..” Wesley said, “Yes, it is.”

“But that would mean..”

“That’s right!” Clyde intervened. “He’s going to need MY help!” He was laughing.

Wesley was just so beside himself right now. He gritted his teeth in anger and just didn’t want to resort to ask for help from the one person that the family hates more than anything in the world.

Desolation Row(Altered Tundra and LimeyPanda)

I hope you like my post. I threw a few things that could be addressed, should you want to. :3

Desolation Row(Altered Tundra and LimeyPanda)

As he suggested to Beth that they go to an underground Mixed Martial Arts fight, Chris saw the look on her face. If he had to guess, she was legitimately surprised and shocked. Chris didn’t think it was anything out of the ordinary. Any chick he would invite to those things would jump at the chance. Maybe she wasn’t into the whole guys-beating-each-other-up-for-money-or-the-kicks thing. Though, Beth didn’t seem like a woman that Chris would often surround himself with. However, he did think something was wrong with her. She looked like she was in her own thoughts for a minute(at least). He would wonder if what he suggested really was that bad.

As he pondered about that, Beth would agree to it, but not until she took a shower, which Chris understood. She probably hasn’t showered since at least yesterday before they heist. She then said that she would be in the shower for twenty minutes and told Chris he was free to do whatever he wanted. “How generous of you.” He sarcastically replied as she departed to the stairs and went for her shower.

Chris thought about her suggestions and while watching Tv sounded all good and dandy, Chris thought this would be the time to make a call. Chris would go looking around for a phone and found one in a room just to the left from the kitchen. Dialing the number he needed, he placed the phone to his left ear. It would ring three times and deep, almost rugged voice answered. “Hey man!” Chris said.

“Fists!? You have a lot of nerve calling me.” Replied the man on the other line.

“Now, now, don’t be like that. “ Chris said as if trying to get his charm to work.

“What do you want? You know I’m on a tight schedule.” He replied.

“Okay, so here’s the deal. I went on this heist with that getaway driver Inks, right? Well, I thought it was going to be easy pay, but little did I know that it wasn’t even money. All we got was this artifact with two gem-like stones — one as blue as ice and one as red as fire — and the weirder thing is that somehow Inks and I got superpowers.” Chris explained to the guy as he was sitting on the couch.

“YOU MEAN THAT WAS YOU TWO1?” The deep-voiced man shouted.

“Yeah, that was us, but does this thing ring a bell, Damian?” Chris asked.

“I’ll put some feelers out, but you should really turn on the news. It’s all over.” He said and with that the call hung up.

Chris sighed, but Damian was not known to go against his word. He trusted the man, so he would turn on the Tv once he found the remote. He gripped the remote in his hand firmly and placed his thumb on the power button. The TV would flash and turn on and it was lucky for him, it was on one of the many news channels and it just so happened to be on the Daily Bugle’s news sation and J. Jonah Jamison was on and he was talking about the bank heist.

“Usually the news would be about Spider-Man and how everyone just loves him, but yesterday around six PM, the Bank of America on Seventh Street was robbed. According to several eye witnesses, there were two robbers and they made away with a secret artifact that officials are saying is false, but here’s my problem with it. What was up with the fire and ice left at the scene? Ten cops were murdered and there was even one witness who claimed that there was a man of large height claiming that he wouldn’t hurt her. That just rubs me the wrong way, I just--” Chris had heard enough. He shut off the TV.

Chris definitely had a bad feeling. He already had been found out and what was even worse, he didn’t even know what they risked their lives to get. He just couldn’t wait for the next day to come around. If they didn’t find out what the artifact did or what it was, Chris feared that they would be caught in due time. On that thought, Chris noticed that about fifteen minutes passed, so that meant Beth would be down any minute now. He definitely knew that going to the fight was a risk.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

About twenty minutes went by. All the cousins would get to know Nadeline. Or at the very least, get used to her and get their high energy out of the way. Once they got comfortable around her and Savayna, the energy was more relaxed, but loud bursts were heard from time to time. Wesley was sitting next to Nadeline and his mother Belle, half-sister Ayane, and step-father Nigel. Savayna was between Cousins Mel and Al, both eyeing the Ice Queen flirtatiously. Savayna was about to punch them, but Nigel would stand up.

Clearing his throat and taking his glass up, he had all of the family’s attention. “It’s not every day that Wesley comes to visit us. I wish it was more often, but I cherish the moments I have with my stepson when he’s here. Unlike before, this is different. He has brought with him the newest addition to our family. Even though we might not be recognized by the royal family of Dalmasca, we are still HIS family.” Nigel said. “So, in celebration of his bride-to-be, I raise my glass to the Princess of Rozarria, Nadeline Lenore Roselia Dalmasca. You are as bit of family as my sailor buddies from my youth.” He said raising his glass.

All the cousins, uncles, aunts, and guests would all say, at the same time “HERE HERE!”

Wesley downed his drink, armed around Nadeline. After he got used to his family again, Wesley was smiling, laughing, and even crying, though they were tears of joy and just being happy to be around his family.

---

Jaakuna heard the Viera speak about what he said to them, about his determination to protect not only his friends, but to prevent Emiri from ever fading away again. That’s when one of the Viera would say that cleansing one’s self was not an easy task and that one with a faint heart could not do it, but a mention about Jaakuna’s love caused him to not only raise an eyebrow, but smile in the process. A brief mention of how the Espers’ magicks go back into ancient times, probably even more ancient than that of King Raithwall. Still, the viera would assure Jaakuna that there was a way.

As Jaakuna listened further, the one in the red dress would state that they have Dream Powder. Jaakuna raised both brows as he has heard of such stuff. It was rare, even for him. Jaakuna never once in his three years of being a sky pirate even got close to finding one vile of Dream Powder. He shouldn’t be surprised. The Viera are mysterious and have access to mysterious items. Jaakuna’s positive surprise quickly turned into negative anger, the kind of anger that could only be brought to the surface by suggesting something that the viera talking did. What she suggested was that Emiri shouldn’t exist. His nostrils flared up, eyebrows sinking lower, and teeth grinding. Jaakuna was mere seconds away from tearing that Viera in half, but Aloa and the other viera stopped the one in the silver dress. This caused Jaakuna to stop his anger, at least the part that wanted to kill the bunny.

When the red dress-wearing Viera told Jaakuna what the other one meant, his heart sank. Jaakuna was in disbelief that he had to disconnect himself from anything in his heart. That would mean the love he had for his friends, the love for his family, and probably most important, the love he had for Emiri. In such disbelief, Jaakuna began to walk backwards, but he stopped himself, grabbing his head, shaking it, uttering “no,” repeatedly. The more he repeated it, the more it got louder. After a minute of doing that and probably defeaning the Viera in front of him, Jaakuna shook his head once more.

“Do you even hear yourself? You’re saying that to obtain my strength, I have to rid myself of the one thing that GIVES me my strength.” Jaakuna spoke as if trying to convince THEM. “I know you three are ancient Viera and you probably know all about magick and the mist and that’s cool, but you’re fucking stupid if you think I’m going to buy any of this!” JAakuna’s voice was loud as fuck. “To think that I have to give away everything that has made me strong, even the parts that are not really that good, is not only unheard of, but it’s completely preposterous.” He was on a warpath. “I came to the Garif, who sent me here, to find myself, to find the reason that I lost. I poured my heart and soul out to you three — two of you who are strangers to me — and you say that to find MY strength, I have to give up everything in my heart!?”

JAakuna was pacing back and forth and then he was right up close and personal to the Viera who suggested it. “Let me ask you this, oh great Viera, have you ever wondered what the touch of someone who you would die for does to you? Or how about finding out that after three years of thinking you killed your own father and it turned out it wasn’t him? “ Jaakuna’s emotion was so high at this point that his voice was cracking, almost as if he was about to angrily cry. “I bet you can’t.” He said, “You say that us Humes are greedy, selfish, and above all else, seek strength upon strength. Well, you’re goddamn right about all of that. We’re selfish cause we don’t want to feel the pain of loss and we’re greedy cause if we lose what we have, it’s gone from us for good and we’re left as empty shells, just as I was — am — just as I am.” Jaakuna turned around, back facing their fronts. His head looking down, he saw the darkness below him.

“If getting my so-called strength means giving up everything that makes me who I am, then to hell with it. To hell with cleansing myself of Zodiark, and to hell with you all!” Jaakuna’s head turned around, his eyes showing his resolve, and for a second a flash of white and red was seen. No doubt the Viera saw it. Jaakuna would look directly at Aloa. “I can’t believe you would surround yourself with such fools.“ He said, eyes looking directly at Aloa and only her and his words had to sting a bit. “Nadeline would be sick to her stomach with you.” Jaakuna said turning his head, about to walk away, but he wouldn’t take a step as he wanted to hear what excuse they could bring up such cringe-worthy words.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When his mother was done doing what she always does when Wesley brings home a girl, Wesley eyed his mother as if wanting to properly warn Nadeline before she does something like that again. Wesley knew that Nadeline couldn’t have liked Belle fondling her like she did just a moment ago. Wesley knew that much just by seeing how surprised his fiancé was. Though, he did hear Savayna laugh it up as she was doing that. Wesley would pay no mind to the blonde to the right of him.

Belle looked at Wesley and heard the blonde in the blue dress. She eyed that one and smiled. She was pretty, but her Wesley had eyes for the princess Nadeline and that’s all she cared about at the moment. “Come all, let’s go meet the rest of the family~” She cheerfully sang as Ayane would follow.

As they went into the house, over twenty people, all with hair color across the board — blonde, black, brown, red, blue, green, tie-dye — just everyone had such colorful hair. Wesley waved to everyone and as if on cue, all of them shouted “WESLEY!”, which nearly deafened him, Nadeline, and Savayna. Wesley’s embarrassment at the moment was on an all-time high with no chance of clearing.

Belle would spin around and point out the family from left to right. “Okay, so here’s who everyone is, starting with the cousins.” She said as she would point to the black-haired folks, “We have Mel, Al, Stu, Nick, Bran, and Elaine.” She said as she went to the brunettes and redheads, “Here we have Uncle Lester, Aunt Simone, Uncle Ken, Aunt Alison, Uncle Damon, Aunt Angie, Uncle Fred, and Aunt Sue.” She said proceeding to the rest, who were the blondes and other assortment of hair colored people. “Grandma Winny, Grandpa Olaf, Peter, Maddie, and Selena.” She said as she finally came to a stop in front of a rather bulky, and medium-height man. He had orange hair that was spiked, loads of facial hair, and muscles that would make a bodybuilder look bad. He wore dark red pants and a white tank top. “This is my fabulous husband, Nigel.”

“Nigel.” Wesley said as he gave the man a nod.

“AHAHA! Wesley m’boy, get over here!” He said as Wesley would and Nigel gave him a noogie. Wesley would put on a rather irritated face as his hair was all messed up, but then as Nigel would release him, he would see all of his family.

“So uh, hey guys..” Wesley would timidly speak.

Everyone eyed Wesley, but then the attention went to Nadeline. It was like the eyes of prairie cats moving to one person to another. They all looked at the blonde princess and it took wacky Uncle Lester to step forward. Uncle Lester was fat, had blue hair and green eyes. He wore a suit that was of same colors. “You are Nadeline. We welcome you to our clan!” He said, voice odd and up there in the bizarre.

---

Jaakuna listened as the Viera in the silver assortment of clothing would tell Jaakuna a story about Shion, and how her life was also tragic. He would hear the Viera tell him that she came from a city in the now lost kingdom of Nabradia called Sempal, which was acquired by Archadia. Jaakuna really didn’t know what to think of the story. It was definitely tragic and when she would tell him that after Senpal declared independence from Archadia, they wiped it off the map and Shion was forced to reside in Archades. Jaakuna felt his stomach turn. He couldn’t’ believe that his father would do such a thing. Actually, he could, as his father at the time was under the watchful eye and manipulation of Hamut.

Jaakuna would listen in on the parts about how Shion demanded payment for her deceased brother and sister. To which Jaakuna would begin to understand why the comparisons between himself and Shion were made. They both sought power, but unlike Jaakuna, she got it from outside resources instead of borrowing it from someone else. Jaakuna knew that was the gigantic different between the two of them, even when the silver-dress wearing Viera would state that Shion proved herself to the gods and in that they offered her their strength, to which she denied. Jaakuna was now in more understanding about Shion and in the process, Jaakuna began to understand himself. Perhaps this was what The Gran-Chief was meaning by how the Viera could help him. Even when Aloa would speak about how him surviving his fight with Shion was no small feat. Even more so, Aloa would state that Shion has yet to show her true power. The Viera in the red dress would add that Shion using Ultima’s light was different from Jaakuna giving into Zodiark’s darkness. She would then state that when Jaakuna figured out the difference, true strength would be granted to him.

Jaakuna had so many things to address, and think about. However, the Viera in the silver dress would tell Jaakuna that he would need to rid himself of Zodiark’s mist. An empty look became Jaakuna. “I don’t know how I can though.” Jaakuna said, “I thought if I visited the Garif, they could do it, but the Gran-Chief guided me here to the Viera — to you lot.” Jaakuna was so unsure of what to do as in regards to rid himself of Zodiark.

That’s when he thought about what Aloa said about what he wished to do. He didn’t know. No, that was false. He did know. Jaakuna knew what he wanted to do, but could he still? Perhaps he could, but the real question was will they have him back. “I wish to protect those closest to me and to not let any harm come to them no matter the kind. “Jaakuna spoke as if his reason to continue on was starting to come back. “I want to rid myself of this shame that I feel deep within my heart. No, I need to rid myself of it.” JAakuna’s voice was just getting louder and louder and thriving with passion and confidence. “I want and need to prevent her from ever fading away.” And there it was. Jaakuna found his reason. Or maybe he just admitted what he wished. Yes, he did admit it. He admitted that he wanted to prevent Emiri from ever fading away from him from her cursed power.