Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Emiri told him that she felt sad being in her own house, Jaakuna strangely was relieved at that. It wasn’t that hwas happy or anything, but at the very least, she remembered the feeling of being in her old house. So, that just meant that they had a point where they could build it upon. There was also the fact that she held his hand that seemed to make Jaakuna smile softly. Jaakuna would then hear her on about how she said that Jaakuna had said that she was happy in her old house, but she just felt sad looking at everything.

Jaakuna sighed slightly. “You were happy here, when you lived with your parents. Your mother didn’t like it as she wanted you to have not to worry about what she had to worry growing up, so when your father got a promotion with the Royal Army of Rozarria, as his family, you and your mother were moved into the Castle.” Jaakuna said as he told her about how she was happy with her family in her old house. “From what you told me, when you and your family moved out this house, things changed. Your father was away a lot and your mother became very strict.” Jaakuna said as he found himself remembering the conversation that Emiri had with him about her mother and the house. He also was remembering how mad Justine was when he told her off and how livid she was at him for doing as such. Yeah, he definitely didn’t make the best impression on her.

As Jaakuna would finish his inner-thoughts and remembering, he looked at Emiri, though he would sigh as if disappointed. “I was hoping we would get more from coming here, but at least the feelings are coming back.” Jaakuna said trying to stay optimistic. “Okay, then let’s get out of here and head somewhere else.” Jaakuna said pulling Emiri with him, gently of course. They would just exit the house and walk the way they came.

---

As Nadeline started to heal Lannit and Wendy’s wounds, Nadeline would ask Wesley and Savayna a question that they wanted to reply negatively to, but they knew that they couldn’t. Despite on whether or not it was a trap was irrelevant. They originally set out to get Hashmaal and even though there was a high chance of them walking right into a trap, they couldn’t afford to turn back now.

“It’s probably a trap. Hell, I’m sure it is, but we have no choice but to move on.” Wesley said. “You heard what Aun--I mean Levi, said. We were not to be harmed until this floor, so as long as we keep our wits about us, we should be alright.” Wesley spoke less certain.

Savayna shrugged. “I’m ready for whatever.” She lazily stated.

Wesley would smile and look to Lannit and Wendy. He was going to say something, but Lannit would wave his hand. “Go, we’ll be fine. Nadeline has more or less stopped any further bleeding on our wounds, so all we need is to rest our bodies and we’ll be fine.” Lannit said, assuring Wesley.

Wesley would just nod and he would motion the two ladies to follow him. Whatever was going to be laid and waiting for them, they would take it head on.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When she would ask him what was supposed to happen now that they were inside her old house, Jaakuna looked at her slightly sad that nothing was popping into her mind. He would have thought that coming to her old house would surely at least bring back some kind of memory or feeling to her, even if it was something familiar or whatever. “My intention of bringing you back here was hoping that you would remember how happy you told me that you were here with your parents and your aunt.” Jaakuna said as he kept on looking at Emiri. “Is there nothing about this place that you remember? Like, not even a feeling of familiarity?” Jaakuna asked as he wanted to know if there was anything that came to her.

---

“Madness?” Levi echoed Nadeline, smiling and looking genuinely surprised. “Oh no, not madness. This is the truth. Wesley is my nephew, I his aunt, and soon to be yours, my future niece-in-law.” Levi smiled, laughed, and then licked her lips.

Lannit and Wendy just couldn’t believe it. They’ve been silent for most of the surprise that was Levi and everything that followed. They both remembered Clyde having some woman with them, but neither of them would have imagined that that woman was Levi, not even counting the fact that they married before she killed him. “You crazy bitch!” Lannit shouted to Levi.

Wendy looked to Lannit and she agreed. “It’s one thing that you marry our friend and kill him, but to parade yourself in his body as him is the last straw.” Wendy said, “Honey, let’s show this bitch why we’re the top dogs of the sea!” Wendy said smirking and Lannit nodded.

As Levi would smile, Lannit and Wendy began to emit auras of magick. Lannit’s was green and Wendy’s had a yellow color. Both auras would expand to which both were converging with each other, and the auras’ colors would blend each lending the same color to Lannit and Wendy. They would then launch themselves forward, propelling at fast speed. In the same moment that they would launch, they would respectively deliver a single punch to Levi. The Snake Lady would counter it a raising of her left arm and to the surprise of Savayna and Wesley, black tendrils rose up.

“Wait, that’s not..” Savayna said as she looked to Nadeline and Wesley.

“LANNIT! WENDY!” WEsley called out, but it was too late.

As the tendrils of darkness would raise up, they would constrict Lannit and Wendy up in the air, cutting their skin as it did. Levi would then laugh evilly. The blood dripping from their bodies would definitely be seen and Levi licked her lips. “You never know where you’re going to get help, now do you?” Levi said as she eyed the now bleeding Lannit and Wendy and she looked to the other three, proceeding to walk closer to them.

Wesley held his stomach, but raised up his Sword of Order. He definitely wasn’t fit to fight, but he would if he had to. Savayna had her sword out and it was practically oozing out with Blizzaja-level power. “Come at us, I dare you!” Wesley said practically daring Levi to do as such.

Levi smiled and sighed. “I would love to, but I am not to touch a hair on any of your heads — well, not yet anyways. My master has many plans for you. He just ordered me to get you three this far without harming any of you.” Levi said.

“Who’s your master?” Wesley asked.

“In due time, lovelies.” She simply said as her body would soon fade away in a cloud of black and purple smoke, gone from their sight.

When Levi went away, the tendrils that constricted Lannit and Wendy went back into the ground, thus causing their bodies to crash onto the ground(they were about five feet in the air beforehand), but it had done its damage. They had severe cuts all along their bodies. “Nadeline, do you think you can heal them?” Wesley asked Nadeline.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Jaakuna told her that it was time for them to jog her memory, Emiri would look at Jaakuna as if he had lost it. She would follow the look up with a question as to where they were and how exactly it would help her memory come back to her. Jaakuna smiled at Emiri. “This is your old house, the one that you lived in before you and your parents moved. You brought me here and told me that it was the last time you remember you and your family being happy.” Jaakuna told her.

Jaakuna was hoping that bringing Emiri to her old home would at least bring back some kind of feeling. Though, the more he thought about it, he remembered the last time they were here. “If I remember correctly, last time we were almost killed by two assassins.” Jaakuna would just blurt out as he thought aloud. “Yeah, that was not fun at all. I wonder if I should say anyth--” And Jaakuna just realized he was thinking aloud, not even realizing that what he meant to say mentally was actually being projected from his mouth in sound. Oh dear. I hope that doesn’t freak her out. Oh boy, Jaakuna seriously hoped it didn’t.

---

Levi smiled at what Wesley had just said. “You’re right. Your uncle couldn’t lose to me cause he was the very man that could sweep me off my feet. Oh the gods how that man had the most gentle touch.” LEvi would just go on and on about how wonderfully gentle Clyde was with her. “The things he could make me do. I swear, if it wasn’t for my orders to kill him, I would have stayed with him forever.”

Wesley was now just a little disgusted and sick to his stomach. “What are you even talking about?”

“Oh--you mean you don’t know?” Levi smiled and placed a hand on her hip and would make sure that Wesley saw her finger, and the ring on it.

“Wait, is that..?”

“Isn’t it lovely?”

“WHERE DID YOU GET IT!?”

“Temper, temper. You know you should never yell in front of a la--”

Before she could finish, Wesley rushed to Levi, Sword of Order gripping tightly, and thrusting it forward. Levi would simply sidestep and the sword as well as Wesley staggered forward thanks to his own momentum. She would then expel a simple pulse of magick to Wesley, sending him crashing into the wall hard. Wesley would get up, going to her once more, sword going for a horizontal slash as his body slightly turned, and Levi would grab Wesley’s sword wrist as he was midair. Her other hand would be placed on his chest and another dark blue pulse of magick would be sent through his body, and sending him crashing to the same wall, but at fast speeds.

“As I was saying, you should not speak to a lady like that.” She scolded Wesley. “So, where was I?”She thought for a bit. “Oh yes, about this wonderful ring. Your dear uncle gave it to me, then we got married.”

Wesley, getting up slowly, had eyes widened at the sudden news that Levi gave to him. “No, that doesn’t mean--”

“You got it! I am your Auntie Levi.” Levi said with such cheer in her voice.

Correction, now Wesley was sick to his stomach.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Nadeline would ask what exactly the loud boom was and said that it definitely didn’t sound good, the group released sounds that would suggest agreement with Nadeline, each doing sounds fitting their personality. Whatever the boom was, it sounded like it was just a mere few floors away, but what exactly it could be was on everyone’s mind. Clyde was especially worried about it.

“Whatever it is, we need to keep moving on just so we can get to the bottom of it.” Wesley would state.

Everyone just nodded and so they were off, moving through the various turns, killing some monsters along the way. That was one thing about The Pharos: each floor had their own challenges that included various types of monsters. No matter how many they killed, each floor they progressed up would present entirely different monsters. Even when they reached the 60th floor, these monsters were different each time, even some that were dangerous Wyrms, especially those kinds. Wesley didn’t know whether the group should fight them all or avoid as many of them as they could.

They were on the 65th floor and that was when they heard yet another boom and it was so much louder than before. The sound actually cause ripples through the air, causing minor discomfort in the ears of the group. Of course, they would grip their ears in response to that, but it was only about three seconds.

“God damn it!” Clyde yelled out in the annoyance of the booms. “What is happening here?”[/b]

Wesley had removed his hands from his ears. “I really don’t know, but it seems that the more we ascend, the louder the booms get. “ Wesley said.

“Thank you for pointing out the obvious.” Savayna retorted.

Ignoring Savayna, Wesley spoke once more. “I was going to say that we’re really close and I don’t think we have many more floors to go.”

---

While they were walking down the streets, Jaakuna would feel that Emiri’s grip of his hand got tighter and she would lock in her fingers with his. He just smiled at that. It was like before even though it really wasn’t. Jaakuna would just appreciate that something in her still remembered the feeling of how they were before her mind was wiped of all memory. Emiri would then respond to Jaakuna and state that while Stigma seemed familiar, she didn’t know from where yet. She said that she felt like that she came to Stigma a long time ago, but it wasn’t clicking in her mind.

Jaakuna smiled. “This was where you were born, Emiri.” Jaakuna said, telling her that Stigma was where she was conceived.

As she most likely felt some type of way from that little information, they would turn a corner and head down a street that was called Main Way. They would walk all the way down and would enter what Jaakuna remembered Emiri refer to it as the Slums of Stigma. It was full of old houses long since abandoned from the citizens in favor of the more newer, upscale homes. Jaakuna stopped in front of a house with grass growing almost three feet high and mold on the outer walls.

Jaakuna looked at Emiri and smiled. “Come with me. We’re going to jog that old noggin of yours.” Jaakuna cheerfully said, laughing slightly.

---

As Shion gave the orders, Michel would walk right on over to Meli, as he gave her a look. “On a mission yet again it seems.”He looked at her seductively, but would also be fully-aware of what Shion would say. “Yes boss!” Michel would say rather enthusiastically, as he would wait for Meli to do her shadow magick.

---

Eventually, Wesley and the others came to the 70th floor and as they came to a clearing, which seemed to be of an oval shaped with walls of stone surrounding it, and only one door at the other end. Wesley imagined that there would people here, as the boom was going on and on and on and on. It was by that had happened the group were gripping their ears as tight as they could. Screams of agony were released from their mouths, getting louder as time went on. As they went on, they couldn’t help but notice mild laughter coming in. Wesley and Savayna couldn’t help but look and it was coming from Clyde. It started as mild laughter, but as the minutes would go on, it escalated into louder laughter. Eventually, it got so loud it bordered psychotic. Wesley was confused and completely out of the loop. Why exactly was his Uncle Clyde laughing? And even stranger, the loud noise was gone.

“Uncle Clyde, you alright..?” Wesley would ask as he would then hear something he didn’t think he would. Clyde’s laughter soon became distorted, warped, and above all else, feminine. “Wait a minute..” Wesley said raising his eyebrow.. ”No, it couldn’t be..” He said as before he could finish off, it was revealed.

Clyde’s laugh was now that of a female, and his skin would soon shed like a snake, his body soon plopping to the ground hard. Soon it would be revealed to the group that Wesley, Savayna, and Nadeline all knew too well. “Oh my, I guess I couldn’t last, now could I?”A female voice said and

“Levi!” Savayna snarled

Wesley was more shocked than angry. Of course he was angry, but he just didn’t expect his uncle to be Levi. “Clyde..I mean Levi, how did you? When did you? Why did you?” Wesley was finding it to complete his sentences. “Where is my Uncle Clyde?”

Levi smirked and laughed. “Oh, that poor guy? He died days ago. Actually, it was when you three got Grant out of prison and saved The Scion of Time.” Levi would reveal. “I knew that his body would come in handy, so I covered myself in it.” Levi said laughing. “Oh speaking of which, a lot has happened. That poor dear, she never knew what hit her and poor Jaakuna. He was so lost. To think, he actually went with The Cleansing and almost completed it too.” Levi was just speaking out loud and just sounded so arrogant.

Wesley couldn’t believe it. His uncle…dead! Clyde was so strong. There was no way he could have lost to this bitch. “There’s no way! My Uncle Clyde might have been one of the most shallow people I knew, but there was no way he could lose to you.” Wesley was in complete denial.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As they would touch ground in Stigma’s Aerodome, Grant would look at them and state that he was going to leave Emiri in Jaakuna’s care. Though slightly disappointed, Jaakuna figured why. He went to go address Vlyn about the recent shifts of the mist. He would also state that if they needed him, he would be in the castle despite his sister wanting him dead. He would also state that Lorenzo would not let anything happen to Jaakuna nor Emiri. Jaakuna smiled and spoke “You go do what you need to do. Emiri will be in good hands.” Jaakuna said as he offered Grant a nod and he departed.

Emiri would to Jaakuna, asking where exactly it was that they would were going. He smiled at her. “To a place that might help you remember who you are.” Jaakuna said as he would grab Emiri’s hand, not realizing what he did until they were already out of the Aerodome. Still, as they continued to walk, Jaakuna kept holding her hand, as if wanting her to possibly remember that feeling that she had whenever he would hold her in any way. Even if it was just a single thought or nostalgic feeling, Jaakuna wanted her to at least remember something.

As they continued down the streets, Jaakuna would take the long way. Sure, he wanted to take her to a certain place, but going the long way, it gave Jaakuna the opportunity to at least job Emiri’s memory of the scenery. He looked over to her. “So, anything about these streets you remember?” Jaakuna asked as they walked casually and still holding hands. At least she didn’t pull away, so that was good.

---

On the other side of the Way Stone, they were teleported to the twentieth floor. Clyde remembered reading about the Pharos and about at the 20th floor, there were puzzles to solve that included several physically and magically strenuous trials. Clyde would look to the left and see that as he walked through the open passageway, no glyph appeared and there was no absence of anything. It was definitely weird.

“So, get this.” CLyde said. “It seems that the rumored puzzles and anti-magick fields are de-activated.” Clyde revealed.

Wesley raised an eyebrow. “So, what does that mean, uncle?” He asked.

“Well, it means that we definitely aren’t alone and that someone has already gone through them and not only that, has shut them off.” Clyde said as he seemed slightly worried.

“So, is that good or bad?”
“Well, my dear nephew, I would say that depends on your view of the situation. I guess someone knew we were coming or at the very least, one of us were, and to prevent any halt of our mission, they got rid of anything that would stop us.”
“I would count that as good.”

Clyde nodded, but was definitely curious. If it truly was a good thing that the magick seals were de-activated and that everything that was meant to keep everyone out of The Pharos was gone/non-existant, then who exactly was here and why did they do such things? Those are the questions that Clyde found himself asking.

“Then, let’s get going.” Clyde said as they would proceed through the passageways, killing enemies as they came along. Each monster that they would kill would let out death screams, but that bothered them not. They were on a mission and they did not have the time to feel sorry for monsters that they have slain. Eventually, the group would reach yet another Way Stone. Like before, they would gather around it, touch it, and light would envelop them to which they would be transported to the other side of it, which was the fiftieth floor. They were over halfway there and though it was faint, they heard a boom off in the distance. “That couldn’t have been good.” CLyde said, curious about the boom that he heard, as was everyone else.

---

Michel was running throughout the headquarters, and he found himself at Shion’s office, busting through the door. He would come in just in time to see Meli rise up from her shadow. He would look at all three of them and instantly remember what Shemhazai told him. “Boss! There’s something you need to know.” Michel was so out of breath, he just talked and talked, “My esper just told me that the Dalmascan Prince Wesley and his friends are already at The Pharos and are for sure to free Hashmaal, Bringer of Order.” Michel finally stopped as he was catching his breath in a rather comedic fashion.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Jaakuna finished what he had to say, Emiri would jump on the question of if there were more people. Grant would confirm and even state who exactly they were. Well, not in names, but in their titles and he would joke mildly about how they were quite the crew. Jaakuna had to agree as noticed by his chuckle. Though, Emiri would jump back onto her reply to Jaakuna about what he said by pretty much saying that everyone makes mistakes and that he had his reasons. Jaakuna did have his reasons, but none of them good, at least not according to what the others have said.

“I did, but I guess that’s enough of that.” Jaakuna said just smiling at Emiri.

As Jaakuna would stretch slightly, IRIS would speak. “MAster Jaakuna we have arrived at Stigma.”

“Oh, thank you IRIS!”

As they had indeed arrived at Stigma, Jaakuna would stand up and look to Grant and Emiri. “I guess we should go now.” He said.

---

It was how many minutes they stood there looking at the swirling tower of magick? Maybe five minutes? Whatever amount of time it was, they needed to stop, so that’s when Clyde clapped his hands and guided his companions to the Way Stone in front of them. As they would approach it, Wesley noticed something out of place. “It’s been…activated already..” Wesley said intrigued beyond belief. It was weird. It wouldn’t be activated unless there was someone else within The Pharos.

“Well how about that?” Clyde said chuckling. “Saves us the bothersome effort of solving the many puzzles this places has to offer.” Clyde said relieved.

Wesley rolled his eyes. “Yes, this is a very lucky turn of events indeed, Uncle.” Wesley said agreeing with Clyde. “Just who is with us in the Pharos: Friend or foe?” Wesley would think out loud as his expression on his face suggested deep thought.

Lannit shrugged. “Whatever it is, let’s just hurry it up.” He said as he looked to everyone. As each of them would gather around the Way Stone, strong magicks would surround and warm them to the other side of it.

---

Walking around the base, Michel knew that the day would be eventful, but at the current moment, it was less than eventful. Actually, Michel would even go as far as to say that it has been very uneventful. Boss was busy preparing for shit, Lola was off doing gods-know what and even Meli was a little busy. Michel was the only one who had nothing to do. He was just walking around their base, which was located right underneath the temple of Mount Bur-Omisace. Michel found it a little funny that they were right under people’s noses and they literally had no idea.

As he continued to walk, Michel would feel a slight chill. He would look back, continuing walking, and as he looked back ahead of him, he found himself within a weird forest-like setting. Eerie shades of blue all around, trees and little lights or exits. Michel didn’t know where he was. He heard whispers all around him, then he hard something even spookier.

“Michelangelo…” Said an eerie an almost totally creepy voice.

Michel was instantly freaked out as he was looking all around and then he heard some branches crack from a certain tree. He would instantly activate his Fire Aura, ready to attack anything that dared to come near him. He didn’t know where exactly it was that he had been transported to, but if they were to kill him, he wouldn’t go down without a fight.

“Calm yourself, Michel.” Said the same voice that called out to him, but this time it would show itself.

“Wait, you’re Shemhazai!” Michel said surprised. “Where am I? Even better question, why am I here?”

Shemhazai smiled. “Do not be alarmed, child. You are in my eternal sanctuary, away from the dimension you residents of Ivalice reside in.” She informed him. “As to why I have brought you here, there is something important that I must tell you.” She said.

Michel’s attention was now with Shemhazai. “Okay and what would that be?” He asked curiously.

“The state of Ivalice is worse than I thought it was and every esper agrees.” Shemhazai said.

“Wait, what do you mean that every esper agrees? You all can talk to each other!?” He said surprised at this.

Shemhazai laughed. “You do not know your history, do you?” She smiled and laughed again. “The espers that you humes know of are in fact what some may refer to as the Lesser Beings of the Gods. We were created by what you call the Occuria and cause we opposed them, they sealed us off, only able to be in your plane of existence by the action of being summoned. However, due to our connection with each other, we are allowed to meet to talk when it is truly necessary.” Shemhazai told Michel.

Michel looked at her as if she was crazy, but then again, his line of work makes it so that he must be open-minded. “Okay, so what exactly it is that you all agreed on?” Michel asked.

“We all agreed that our efforts to give our owners the powers that were written in stone.” She said, “In other words, our owners will become The Chosen Ones.”

Michel’s eyebrows raised. “The Chosen Ones? What exactly do you mean?” He asked completely surprised.

“The Chosen Ones unite together and take on the darkness that threatens the stability of Ivalice.”

“You mean Zodiark?”

“Indeed.”

“Okay, so how do we — the owner of the Espers — become the Chosen Ones?”

As Michel asked that, Shemhazai just looked at him. She was assessing on whether or not he truly was ready for it. Her specific way of transforming her owner to The Chosen One was different from the others. She didn’t just give them physical and emotional power, but hers is more spiritual and bonded to the soul. Should she give it to Michel, he could die. “Michel, before I tell you how, you must answer me something first.”

“Okay, what?”

“In your heart and soul, do you really believe that The Blue Rose is really doing all that she does for the sake of Ivalice? Is she really doing it for the sake of the humes and other races or is she doing this out of pure hatred towards the Espers?”

Michel looked at Shemhazai, and he didn’t know where that came from. Was she really serious? Michel felt like she wasn’t, but she would ask such questions if she wasn’t serious. Michel really didn’t know. He thought she was, but if an Esper doubts his leader’s actions, then does that mean that Michel does too, at least on some level? That was the big question that he had to ask himself, but he couldn’t answer right away. “I--I can’t answer that now.”

“I see.” She simply said. She looked at Michel with curious eyes. “Call upon me when you have reached your answer, but don’t wait too long. Zodiark won’t wait forever until he makes his move.” Shemhazai would tell him, about to turn away, but she stopped. “This might be useful information for your leader. Tell her that The Dalmascan Prince and his friends are almost about to free another Esper, Hashmaal, The Bringer of Order.” She said as she was gone.

The next thing he knew, Michel was back at HQ with no time passing. “I must inform boss right away.”

---

“Zeromus, I’m sure you sensed that already.” Belias said, “Shemhazai has already made her advancements to her Chosen One. I have already done mine. You mustn’t waste anymore time. While my sky pirate and the Scion of Time are alone, you must reach out to, as Mateus’ own has called him, The Pussy Prince.” Belias let out a stoic laugh.

Final Fantasy: When Worlds Collide interest check

Why not, I'll apply as well. :)

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Belias and Chaos went back and forth between each other, Hashmaal was almost at his limit of how much he could just stand around and not do anything to put an end to Chaos and Belias’ debating of how what Chaos was good or not, or how what he did benefited what they had planned. Bottom line was that it had to be done despite how brash it was.

“This is getting ridiculous.” Hashmaal said, voicing his annoyance on the matter. “We all agree that what Chaos did was foolish, but it had to be done. Belias, you not letting it go is becoming annoying. I do not know why you are acting so personal to this, but it needs to stop. We are watchers, not ones who intervene.” Hashmaal said looking to both Chaos and Belias, “That goes for you too, Chaos. I do not care if The Scion of Time becomes unstable again, but it would do good to remember who you serve, and that hasty actions like the one you pulled today will be met with your undoing.” Hashmaal sternly said with authority and fierceness. Of course, Ultima ruled them, but below her, Hashmaal was the second-in-line on the chain of command.

The rest of espers just intently watched and listened as Hashmaal laid down the law. Belias huffed, but he admitted defeat. His face would present as such and he would not speak anymore. Exodus slightly laughed at the trivial matters each of them seemed to be addressing. “I see no point for this meeting to go on.” Exodus said as he would look towards Ultima, as if looking for her approval to call the meeting.

---

As Emiri would react rather surprised at the fact that Jaakuna told her that she and him were engaged to be married, she would simply respond and say that it was lovely, but she would then look at her finger and would state that she did not have a ring and that she must’ve lost it, which she, once more, apologized. Though Jaakuna wished she didn’t keep apologizing, he found comfort that at least the part of her that always apologized was still intact. At least, that was something to build upon. Grant would chime in and tell Emiri that Jaakuna was the love of her life and that they were really happy together. Jaakuna would give Grant a nod of thanks.

As Emiri would ask Grant why was it that he was the first one that she saw and not Jaakuna, and then add on that he wasn’t there when she woke up. Grant would then look to Jaakuna for this one, no doubt he was just as curious as Emiri was. On that note, Jaakuna’s nervousness increased. Jaakuna would at least tell Emiri the base of it all and he would inform Grant about the specifics of what he did while he was gone afterwards.

Jaakuna looked to Emiri, taking her hand, and spoke. “I did something really stupid the day before the current one and it brought much shame to me and for a lack of better words, I was lost within.” Jaakuna said not breaking eye contact with Emiri. “It deeply affected you and though I made a silent promise I would let you guys help me, the fact of the matter was that I ran. I couldn’t face any of you , not after what happened with..“ Jaakuna stopped himself, but not cause he feared of saying the wrong things to Emiri. No, it was moreso cause he felt himself about to break down.. ” I just couldn’t handle it. So, that’s why Grant was the first one you saw. Everyone else was off doing something really important and I ran away.” He said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was as if everyone went silent when Chaos spoke to Belias. The Gigas looked at the Walker of the Wheel, obviously stating the exact truth of the matter. “Is that what you call it — merciful? You and I both know that this all goes back to when you helped the Scion of Time’s mother. Granted, at the time, they were facing an adversary much out of their league, but if you want to play that game, you should be careful, Chaos. This is one game that you will lose.” Belias snapped, as he was sure that Chaos knew this too.

---

They would all eat, each taking bites at their own pace. Jaakuna saw Emiri eating at a normal speed, but she seemed to get agitated by the fact that her hair kept on getting in the way. Jaakuna noticed it just now. Her scrunchie was missing and it definitely was having its effect on her. Jaakuna would slightly chuckle. He didn’t want to, but he found it slightly entertaining. It was funny to him. She had lost her memory, but her mannerisms were still there, and of course, the way she was when she got irritated made Jaakuna smile. She was so cute when she was irritated. As they each would finish eating, Grant not really eating much, Emiri would begin to ask some questions, first asking about why her memories got taken away and how. Jaakuna too wanted to hear this, but he probably already knew the answers.

As Grant would tell her, both Emiri and Jaakuna heard that her she had a special power more like a curse, and that that power was taking its toll on her body no shit. So, Chaos intervened and healed her in a sense and as a result, her memories were wiped clean that bastard. In response to that, Emiri would then ask who she was and respectively, who Grant and Jaakuna were and who they were to her. Grant would respond and state that he was the crown prince of Rozarria and the first to his throne and also would state that he and Emiri were childhood friends. Yeah, why don’t you tell her the rest.

After she would look to Jaakuna, and ask him the same question. Jaakuna’s eyes looked at her, as if wanting to tell her and he smiled. “Like Grant here, I too am a crown prince, but of Archadia. Currently, I would take the seat — should I want it — from my older brother.” Jaakuna said, and then he looked at the table, fiddling his thumbs together. “As for how I relate to you, it’s like this..” He paused, looking up to Emiri, smiling at her. “You and I are engaged to marry.” He said, moderately nervous.

---

As the howling and roaring continued, a stern clearing of Nadeline throat signaled Wesley and the Dalmascan prince would tug at the others and they too would know that they should continue in and so they did, with Wesley leading the charge. They entered the first floor and just looking at the inside, it was even more awe-worthy the outside. A lot of magicks swirling in the center and as they would reach the center of the first floor, everyone couldn’t help but just look up. Wesley was wrong, the Pharos definitely was more than fifty feet. It looked like it was close to one hundred feet, but how is that even possible? Wesley surely didn’t know, but currently he was too amazed by the wonder before him and the others to even think about something else.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna led Emiri to the kitchen and Grant followed, Emiri would ask that it was her fault that Jaakuna attacked Aloa. He saw the look in her eyes, and Jaakuna knew it all to well. It was the look that he had in his eyes throughout the entire morning(it was mid-afternoon). It was that look of being lost and confused. Jaakuna would just offer Emiri a reassuring smile. “No, it’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong either. It was all me, but let us not worry about that.” Jaakuna said as the trio arrived to the Kitchen.

The trio would sit down at the table, to which Jaakuna brought up a halogram menu, pressing a few buttons and the center of the table would open up, platters of assorted cheeses and deli meats on them. Also, three glasses with lemon water in them appeared.“Perhaps you should eat, at least so you can be on full-strength.” Jaakuna said smiling. He had to, there was nothing that benefited Jaakuna from showing how hurt and angry he was. He felt a good portion of that anger towards Grant, but he wouldn’t show it cause, as it was with Emiri, it didn’t do them any good.

---

It was probably only about a few minutes that the group just gawked in awe of how tall The Pharos really was. Wesley couldn’t estimate how many floors it could have had. His best guess was at least fifty floors, but that probably wasn’t even close to half. At least, that’s what Wesley thought. “Okay, enough gawking. Let’s do this!” Clyde ordered.

Howls and roars came from Clyde and Lannit and Wesley somehow found the energy infectious as he too was joining in. Uh-oh, he was doing his Jaakuna thing again. Savayna would just roll her eyes and lean to Nadeline. “Now, you see this is why men have to be on a leash. Give them room to run around and they think they’re fucking dogs.” Savayna said slightly irritated.