When the four of them would head out of Belle’s house, they would make their way through the streets of Balfonheim Port, going through little turns. Of course they would wave to people who passed by. They would stop and talk to them, but only because Wesley and Clyde were addressed by the residents of the Port. Eventually, they would make their way to Clyde’s house, though it definitely wasn’t like any other houses that Wesley has been in. Then again, he grew up in a castle.
As they approached it, Clyde was brimming with pride. “Well this is my home. It’s not much, but we’re only going to be here for a short while. Just need to gather supplies. Feel free to make yourself at home.” Clyde said as they would enter his house. To their surprise and not to Clyde’s smile, they were met by a male and a female. The male had green hair and same colored eyes and the woman was blonde with blue eyes. “Lannit, Wendy — glad you could make it.” Clyde happily said.
Lannit and Wendy smiled and they noticed Savayna. “Well, ain’t it ol’ Savayna.!” Lannit said chuckling.
“Lannit..” She said acknowledging him, but gave him a look that suggested if he tried to tackle hug her that he would find himself on the floor. Lannit instantly froze up. He was going to tackle-hug her, but that look that she gave him told him to do otherwise.
Wesley(and probably Nadeline) were confused as all hell. “Uncle Clyde, who are these two?” WEsley asked confused.
Clyde turned his head as if surprised. “Oh, these are good friends of mine and they’re the current leaders of Arch Flag.”
“Wait, you don’t mean?”
“Yup, that’s right. They’re the co-leaders of the most notorious Pirate Gang in all of Ivalice and Lannit here is what you would call the leader of Balfonheim.”Wesley was a little dumbfounded. He didn’t even know that Arch Flag had their hands on Balfonheim. “But, how do you know them Savayna? “He asked her.
Savayna sighed and shrugged. “Oh, we’re old pals. Well, at least old pals of golden boy.” She said referring to Jaakuna.
Wesley was even more dumbfounded, but he soon realized that based off of the information gathered, it made a lot of sense. Jaakuna was a sky pirate and his oldest friends are sea pirates. “I guess it makes sense. That still doesn’t explain why they’re here.” Wesley said, diverting his eyes to Clyde, as if asking him.
Clyde smiled. “They’re helping us.”
“By help, you mean..”
“They’re coming too.”
Wesley sighed and looked to Nadeline, as if looking for her approval.
She made it seem like it was that easy. Jaakuna knew it wasn’t and even as he would fight it within himself, he knew that she was right. It just came down to one simple question: Will he or won’t he? As she has stated, Jaakuna has all the tools he needs to move along, but it’s whether or not if he wants to that has him at a stalemate.
Jaakuna remained still, looking at his hands covered in blood. He saw how his anger hurts him and it dawned on him. That was the whole lesson. His anger hurts others and himself. He did out of anger cause he couldn’t protect anyone. He killed his father(at the time) cause he was angry at the words he said, he left Archades cause he was angry at himself for what he had done. Jaakuna was angry at himself emotionally and that was why he couldn’t get close to any woman. Even when he gave into Zodiark, he was angry that he couldn’t protect Emiri, even though it was a nightmare. He was angry, damn it Jaakuna finally realized it.
“I know now.” Jaakuna smiled, and he began to laugh slightly. “I know what led me down the path. I was angry, furious, and above all else, flat out fucking pissed, but not at anyone. No, that wasn’t it. I was pissed at myself for not being able to do anything. I was so pissed that I rejected everything and it’s what eventually led me down the dark path to Zodiark. In turn, I now know that it was my anger that drove me to lose my own free will and my independence.” Jaakuna was smiling and for some reason it felt good for him to just laugh and laugh, he even laid back. The coldness of the wood felt nice and Jaakuna was crying as he laughed, but this was all in a positive way. He felt so relieved. After about three minutes of crying-laughing, Jaakuna sat up in an up-right position and he looked at Aloa. “I choose to move forward. I have to or else my anger will consume me like it did my grandfather. I can’t be like them — I WON’T be like them.” Jaakuna said with the most vindication he ever has shown ever before in his life.
Altered Tundra
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STATUS: idk who is in the right but GRAB THE DICK AND TWIST IT! 6 days ago
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Do you think the reason Jesus Christ doesn't rise again is because we keep putting up crosses and he gets flashbacks on how that went last time?
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Hearing Nadeline state what was already known, but he let her finish. “Oh don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’m more capable than you think.” He said smiling and probably even reassuring her.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
Hearing Nadeline state what was already known, but he let her finish. “Oh don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’m more capable than you think.” He said smiling and probably even reassuring her.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
Hearing Nadeline state what was already known, but he let her finish. “Oh don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’m more capable than you think.” He said smiling and probably even reassuring her.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
Wesley and Belle came back to the main living room where everyone was at and all eyes soon diverted to them as if they were the most important people in the room, but the truth of the matter was just that Wesley’s family were super nosey and they needed to know just about everything and anything that went on with anyone. Wesley annoyingly sighed and shrugged them off, despite how much they were asking him to tell them what he and his mother were talking about. He would not budge, however nor would Belle. She swore that it was between a mother and her son.
As Wesley came to Nadeline, Savayna, and Clyde he smiled. He then looked to his family, giving them a nod, specifically to Ayane, their mother, and her father. He turned to the others and they were off.
“But that’s the thing, I don’t think I can.” Jaakuna said, obviously having a hard time of overcoming his dependency.
Jaakuna wanted to overcome it. In every fiber of his being, he wanted to, but he just wasn’t sure how he could? Was it simply a matter of just remembering back to a time where he was independent and did stuff on his free will? Or was it realizing that he was indeed dependent of people and accepting while making the choice to freely move on from it? Jaakuna didn’t know and the more he thought about it, the more he found it impossible. “I was bred to always be the right prince, but I disobeyed those orders. So, I guess that was my first independent choice, but was it really such a good thing? That choice was running away and not facing my crimes of killing my father. I’m..I ‘m just..”
Jaakuna didn’t know. It tore him inside to think that he couldn’t get past the things he didn’t do to make himself his own man. Sure, he got the forgiveness from his father and the apology from his brother, but was that enough? Could Jaakuna really just accept that and move on? He found himself asking the same questions over and over again, but still he felt the same; lost and feeling unworthy of everything he was given.
“I’m not worthy of any of this..” Jaakuna was starting to break down, his hands repeatedly punching the ground, causing them to crack open and bleed. His hands were covered in blood, knuckled cracked open that the viera would see the white bone and all the while, Jaakuna was screaming out, crying out, shouting out in such sadness and despair. His eyes bleeding tears and those very drops of liquid were landing everywhere within the circle of Jaakuna’s radius. He was just expressing how he really thought he wasn’t worthy of any of this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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