Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

To say that Jaakuna was surprised was an understatement at the very least. In his mind, he thought that Lola was contacted by just Reia. It took him for a loop that Lorenzo actually was the one who originally contacted her and even worse, she was the one who eventually found out the sufficient evidence that was needed to find his royal brother guilty of murdering his father. Jaakuna could understand that. When one becomes desperate, they would do just about anything to do whatever that they could.

“I can understand why you did it.” That’s all Jaakuna would say as both Reia and Lorenso would depart to the Council. Jaakuna just nodded as they went, but Lorenzo would state that if any of them had any questions, that they could ask Vlyn and Karolina.

As Grant would offer up the question of what Jaakuna wanted to do, he would mention that he hoped that the others already finished up. He would also state that if Jaakuna was ready, that they should meet up. Jaakuna just thought about that. He sure he wasn’t totally ready and what was even worse, he still had a lot of more questions, specifically on Lorenzo and whether or not if she was on her own at the time or if she was with Shion’s group. Jaakuna didn’t know how to process it all.

“I think for the time being, we should go.” Jaakuna said, “we could always get our questions in later on when things aren’t too hectic.” Jaakuna said, probably surprising everyone. “Wesley and the others need us and if they are in trouble, then their going to need our help.” Jaakuna admitted, but he would then look to Emiri, “I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to stay here with Lady Karolina? I’m not sure what’ll happen when we leave, but I can’t guarantee that you’ll be safe. I mean, Grant and I will definitely protect you, but I’m just saying, just in case.” Jaakuna told Emiri.

---

As Wesley would lead the ladies back, he would hear something deeper up the floors. It sounded like a loud explosion. Wesley wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but it definitely was close and that’s when Wesley saw it. Faint as it was, there was a darkness slowly covering the room that they were in. “WE HAVE TO HURRY!” Wesley yelled as he would grab Nadeline’s hand, and dragging her arm with his running motions.

When Savayna heard Wesley yell, she saw the darkness coming. It was both a mixture of Zodiark’s darkness and some kind of deep blue darkness. Whatever it was, she would heed his advice and run as well. Whatever that was coming had to be from the explosion. Wesley didn’t know what it was, but something that he was sure of was that it would soon make the entire Pharos collapse within the hour.

---

“If that is your wish, I shall make it so.” Hamut said as he just looked at Roman. There was more eating up at him than just this, “You look troubled and I mean more than just this news abo--”

“SIR!”

Hamut turned around angrily. “Can you not see we’re in a meeting, soldier!?” Hamut angrily said.

“I’m sorry, but there’s been an explosion at The Phoros!” He reported.

Hamut looked shocked. “An explosion? Of what kind?”

“According to several eye-witness accounts, a humungous cloud of black and blue smoke enveloped The Pharos just twenty minutes ago. “

“Black and blue smoke?”

“Yes sir. It has traces of very strong mist, according to our Mist specialist. Rumor has it that Zodiark was behind it.”

Hamut couldn’t even fathom what he just heard, but he just looked towards Roman. If Roman was annoyed before this, then he might as well be more pissed off than a Humbata who was rudely awoken from his nap.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Hamut might be if desperate, but Vincent has changed, just ask Grant.” Jaakuna said defending his other, much-younger-than-Roman brother. Vlyn, thankfully, would be the voice of reason here and Jaakuna would sigh out of relief, but only lightly. He would mention that since Zodiark was out and about, the time to be fighting each other wasn’t now. Jaakuna agreed and he would remain silent.

As Jaakuna would just assess everyone else, Reia would make a point that she wasn’t real clear on if Jaakuna, whom she referred to Jackson — only his family was able to call him by that name — was in Stigma to gather intel and whether or not he was in Stigma to take advantage of Emiri. That almost made Jaakuna just want to jump on her verbally and really let her have it. Plus, he was looking for any excuse to tell her off for all the shit that she put him, his beloved, and his closest friends through. However, by whatever supernatural forces were at play in her office, he was able to control himself, but a deepened expression of anger was locked on Reia.

As Jaakuna’s face was deadlocked on Reia, Grant would intervene and state whoever was behind the explosion wanted to get the two empires against each other. Jaakuna agreed and he would sit back down next to Emiri and Karolina. As he would, Reia would respond by saying that was her point, that since everyone was jumping to conclusions that they would instantly suspect the go-to target, which in this case was Archadia. She would also admit that she didn’t believe that Archadia was behind the attack. Jaakuna was surprised from that admission.

As Lorenzo would ask — no doubt rhetorically — who really was behind the attack, Jaakuna felt he had to address something first. “I’m sorry, but I need to ask, cause if I don’t, I fear I’ll never get this chance.” Jaakuna said standing up once more. “Empress Reia, how on Ivalice’s crusted earth did you get in contact with Lola? Who did you have to contact to get a hold of her services?” Jaakuna asked, definitely wanting to know. He had no doubt that Grant wanted to know as well.

---

“Wow, that was unexpected.” Savayna said impressed and shocked.

Wesley looked at her. “Yeah, you and me both.” Wesley had to admit that he was shocked at this as well. He did not expect that Hashmaal would allow Wesley to get him so easily. Still, it was lucky. Wesley felt that his body was nearing its breaking point, so Hashmaal must’ve sensed that somehow. As Wesley would pick up his longcoat, he used some of his magick to patch up the holes in it and got any dirt off it by shaking it.

He proceeded to put it on and he looked at Nadeline and Savayna. “Well, I guess we should go then.” He said as he motion them to follow, Savayna did.

---

“You know their going to blame us, right?” Hamut said.

Hamut was in Roman’s office and he had just presented the facts of the Magicite Mines of Anther of Stigma was attacked and that most likely Rozarria would place the blame on Archadia. Anything remotely bad that happened, regardless of where it was or how far out of Archadia’s reach it was, they were the first to blame and it definitely was at bad timing.

“All of this happened at the worst time. Francis resigned, and Robur died. The only judges left are myself and Isaiah. I mean, Levi is still one, but with Levi not able to be located, Archadia’s judges are at an all-time low.” Hamut said to Roman,

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As they were allowed entry into the castle and Jaakuna would both tell Emiri that they needed to find Grant and also asked her if anything about the castle seemed familiar to her. She didn’t say anything to him in response, but Jaakuna just knew that something clicked as Emiri would lead him somewhere. They would turn corners, go down some hallways and all the while Jaakuna had a smile on his face. He didn’t know where exactly they were heading, but the fact that Emiri seemed to know exactly where it was made him happy. At the very least, some bits and pieces of her memory were coming back and that made Jaakuna happy .

When she led them to the location that she had been doing, they walked through a door and to his delight and surprise, there was the Roselian Royal Family all gathered — Empress Riea, Prince Grant, Lady Karolina, and dear ol’ Grant — all gathered in the same place. Of course, they weren’t gathered cause they wanted to be, which prompted Emiri to apologize as she stated that she and Jaakuna were merely looking for Grant. Reia, obviously in a sarcastic way, told them to come in and of course ignoring said sarcasm, they did come in. Karolina would ask Emiri how she was doing as she motioned them to take a seat next to her on the couch. They did and Emiri replied with a ‘just fine. Reia would instantly jump on them and asked them what they were doing here and Emiri would repeat her earlier reason and that caught her a look from Reia.

As Jaakuna just looked at Reia with shifted eyes, Lorenzo would cough and state that the reason that Stigma was in such chaos was cause there was a Magicite explosion in Anther. Jaakuna remembered being told that Anther was their largest mine or something of the like. That’s when Lorenzo would state then state that half of the explosion destroyed Anther and that many people in Stigma were blaming Archadia. That’s when Jaakuna’s jaw dropped. Sure the news of the explosion was bad, but he couldn’t believe people would actually think that Archadia would do such a thing.

“There’s no way.” Jaakuna right out refused to believe it. “Sure, Archadia might have done some shitty things in the past and sure, even till this day, they do questionable things, but even if my brother Roman was put out of commission and that my Grandfather took over or my other brother Vincent, there’s no way that they would approve of such a bold move against Rozarria.” Jaakuna said in raised voice, and his eyes shifted straight to Reia. “This is your doing, isn’t it?” He instantly jumped the gun. “You’re trying to start a war so you can sit comfortably in your throne and all the while, you can have anybody who can succeed you to be put to their deaths.” He said clearly angry. “You even hired an assassin to kill all of us.” Jaakuna was beyond a point of just being angry at the fact that his homeland was being accused of attacking Stigma.

---

It was like the two were some kind of dueling samurai or something. The more that they upped each other, the more that they seemed to be enjoying it. “I take back what I said.” Savayna whispered to Nadeline, “He might be more like Jaakuna than Jaakuna is himself.” She told Nadeline as she shook her head.

As Hashmaal would grin at Wesley, the esper just examined Wesley, looking into his eyes, seeing his stance and how focused he was. He did notice that the boy was definitely hurt and he showed exhaustion, he couldn’t help but feel that Wesley wouldn’t win the fight that the two of them were going to continue. “Boy, you are not well. You show signs of physical exhaustion that indicate you will not last much longer.” Hashmaal would point out.

Surprised by this, Wesley spoke, “What are you talking about? I am just fine!” Wesley retorted.

“You might think so, but I can sense otherwise.“ Hashmaal shook his head and extended his arm, a glow of orange would emit and a blast of sorts would instantly surround Wesley, healing not only his physical injuries(bruises mostly), and would rejuvenate him to full strength. “There, you are at full-strength. Now, you can come at me without any worries.” Hashmaal said and saw the surprised look on Wesley’s face.

As the two looked at each other smiling, it soon turned to the expressions of battle as both had serious looks on their face. Wesley would take his stance as he did before and Hashmaal would simply put his fists up like a boxer would. Then, in a speeding dash, Hashmaal went in. His body being surrounded by a brownish-orange aura, mainly around his feet and arms, he went in for several punches, each either being dodged by Wesley’s quick reflexes or being deflected by Wesley’s precision-timing blacks of his sword. Each punch got faster and stronger as each one went on and the same with Wesley. Either he would have quicker reaction time and/or his sword would be able to block Hashmaal more effectively. Even while Hashmaal increased the amount of force his punches would push out, Wesley equally increased his magick to increase his speed and reflexes. It was like a never-ending exchange.

And then the tables turned.

Hashmaal was getting fed up of the exchange that he roared, causing Wesley to become slightly startled by it. Hashmaal then, with one right uppercut, punched Wesley in the jaw and the Dalmascan prince was sent flying into the air, flipping five times before landing on his back. The amount of force that was pressed into his jaw would have killed any normal Hume, but for some reason Wesley did not die. He didn’t even have a broken jaw. Now, the trip he took from the impact to where he landed, that was a different story. He probably bruised a rib or two, but Wesley’s jaw was fine.

As Wesley felt his jaw, Hashmaal smiled. “Good, the seed was planted in time.” Hashmaal said as if satisfied.

Wesley looked at Hashmaal. “What seed?” He asked confused.

“Unlike what I told you about The Lion Seal, there is another way that us Espers can elevate our ones to the status of The Chosen Ones.” Hashmaal said, “I gave you both, and as such, you are worthy, Wesley.”

“And that would be what exactly?”

“You are worthy to summon me.”

Completely surprised by this, Wesley actually had an expression on his face that implied he was against it. “What are you talking about? In both times we went at it, you got the better of me. How exactly is that me being worthy?” Wesley asked completely confused.

“You are right. I kicked your ass both times, but this fight was never about you beating me alone.” Hashmaal said, “I mean, come on Wesley. You might be strong, but I’m the Bringer of Order and the third-strongest Esper of all time. Against me on your own is like you taking on The King of Precepts, which as you might know, would be entirely foolish.” Hashmaal laughed, “this entire exchange was about me seeing where your true strength was.” Hashmaal revealed to Wesley, “truth be told, I’m surprised you lasted the first exchange, let alone multiple rounds. You are ready for The Lion Seed and you are ready to become a Full Powered Chosen One.” Hashmaal said.

Wesley was so taken back by all of what Hashmaal said. He just didn’t know what to think. He was thrilled that he had gained an esper, but he was also slightly angry at the fact that it was all a test to see if he was ready to become a fully-powered Chosen One. Still, Wesley couldn’t help but smile and laugh at the entire ordeal. “Well okay then. How does this work then?” Wesley asked.

Hashmaal smirked. He would say nothing and instead his body would glow in ethereal orange, to which he would be reverted to his glyph. The glyph would flash three times before disappearing and appearing on Wesley’ right arm, and that was that.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When Emiri took Jaakuna’s hand, the two of them would head back the way that they came. Soon enough they would find themselves in what could only be described as the middle-class district. Jaakuna would look around and he saw that something was up. Sure, Stigma always was busy, but it only occurred to him now that the higher of the class districts they went, the more Jaakuna noticed the people were in disarray and just acting completely crazy. Jaakuna didn’t know, but it would soon be revealed to him as they proceeded to the castle gates that something bad had happened.

When Jaakuna and Emiri were at the gate, he would notice that all the guards were running around, people were frantic. Jaakuna approached the gate with Emiri and they were stopped by a guard. “Sir, I am afraid, but you cannot enter without proper reason!” The guard stiffly said.

Jaakuna looked at the guard. “Oh don’t be like that.”

“I’m sorry sir, but without proper reason, you cannot enter.”

“We are friends of Prince Grant! He said if we needed him, we could come to the Castle.”

“Sir, I cann--”

As the guard stopped himself, he noticed Emiri. “Oh, Lady Emiri, my deepest apologies. I did not notice you were there.” He said letting them through.

As they went through, Jaakuna looked around and everyone was just running around and Jaakuna would make sure he had Emiri close to him. “We need to find Grant.” Jaakuna would state as he looked around and he was trying to remember where exactly Reia’s office was. Last time he was here, he was brought there. “So, while we find our way, does this place bring anything back to you, Emiri?” He asked her.

---

“That’s either really brave or really foolish of you, Wesley.” Hashmaal seemed amused. He did not think that Wesley wanted to fight him alone.

Wesley smirked. “I like to think it’s the former, Hashmaal.” Wesley said taking his fighting stance, which included his legs to be behind each other, back leg bent slightly, front leg bent even more and sword centered in front of him with both hands gripping it.

As if on cue, Hashmaal, using his fast speeds, propelled to Wesley, to which the prince would do the same. Hashmaal went for a straight right punch and Wesley would slice downward. The colliding forces behind both of their respective attacks would cause their respective magicks to expel in all directions. Hasshmaal laughed as if enjoying this little test of strength. Wesley also found himself laughing slightly. Even though it was the first attack from both of them, Wesley found that he was keeping up at a good pace.

While both of them were just grinning, Hashmaal would turn up the heat. His hand would begin to glow dark orange and then send out minor pulses of magickal energy. Wesley felt it and it would cause him to step back slightly. Hashmaal smiled and would keep the pressure on, increasing the pulses every second that went by. Wesley would try to withstand it and even though he felt himself slipping, he would expel his own magick, but this came in the form of a white aura with a tint of blue and orange in it. This sudden rise of power from Wesley evened out the odds, but even more so, it allowed Wesley to push Hashmaal back enough to which he staggered back.

Wesley, using the opportunity to capitalize, went forth and would slice downward, to which Hsshmaal noticed and would use his left arm to block. As he did so, the blade cut down, and caused a minor cut. Hashmaal span and Wesley’s blade would slice some more, but would meet the armor part, and that caused Wesley himself to lose his footing and Hashmaal used his other hand to punch Wesley in the side, sending him gliding five feet in the air and landing on his back and he screamed slightly in pain.

“Oh don’t tell me that you’re done already?” Hashmaal said with a tone of cockiness.

Wesley smiled and got up. He removed his long coat, revealing the obvious bruisng on his body. He paid no mind to it. He would just hold his stance from before and surrounding himself in the aura from before.”You would like that, now wouldn’t you?” Wesley smirked.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As they kissed, Emiri would make it so that it was deeper than Jaakuna had initiated it to be. Part of him felt that it wasn’t right. She had no memory, so was Jaakuna taking advantage of her in the moment that they were sharing? Jaakuna wasn’t sure, but if Emiri felt any doubts, she would have pulled away from the kiss. Given that she embraced it more and not the other way around, it was safe to say that no advantages were being taken. Still, Jaakuna had this lingering thought that they shouldn’t be doing this, least of all not in the place that they’re in. So that’s when Jaakuna pulled away slightly even though he didn’t want to.

He looked at Emiri, no doubt she was disappointed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” Jaakuna apologetically said. Jaakuna would turn away, but not out of regret or anything like that. He would look at the sky and just nod his head. “I think perhaps we should join back up with Grant at the Castle. Maybe being there might make you feel better.” Jaakuna said a she looked back to Emiri, hand out as if waiting for her to take it.

---

As Nadeline would speak about how it had to be done, Savayna would stare at Nadeline would widened eyes. She expected the princess to come in with an overly-dramatic posture that the former general has known the blonde princess to present herself in. Instead, she was almost as cold as the ice that Savayna wields. Though, that was just for Savayna. Wesley, on the other hand, saw right through it. Nadeline was hurting so much inside and she was also so furious. Wesley knew that certain coldness that Nadeline presented and always was a front for her anger.

As Wesley continued looking at Nadeline, she shot him a look. That startled him slightly. Is she implying what I think she’s implying? Wesley didn’t know if she was, but he had to put the thought of that out of his mind. The important thing at the current moment was Hashmaal, who just looked at Wesley.

“Now, let’s begin, Hashmaal.” Wesley said stepping forward, sword in right hand and he brought it up slightly in both hands.

Hashmaal grinned. “Time to see if you truly are worthy of Raithwall’s strength.” The Bringer of Order said as his claw-like hands changed into fists, raising them up, and he was ready for battle too.

Savayna was about to join Wesley, but he removed one hand from his sword and placed it in front of Savayna as if blocking her way. “I’m sorry, but..” Wesley would then look at Nadeliine. “This is something I must do on my own. I hope you two can understand.” Wesley stated. Savayna huffed, but she nodded. “You know, you’re just like Jaakuna. Always wanting to show your strength.” She grinned and laughed. Wesley smiled, but looked to Nadeline as if wanting to hear what she thought of him doing it on his own.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

When they would exit the house, Emiri would resist going any further. Jaakuna felt the tug on his arm and he turned around to see her sternly looking at him. He was wondering what was going through her mind. As he would look into her eyes, he would notice that she would place her hands along his face making a comment about how his hair was really long and she proceeded to run her fingers through his golden locks. Whatever was going through her mind, this had to be her memories coming back, even if in the slightest bit. As she would trace her hands down, she would stop at his face and Jaakuna would notice her eyes starting to water as she told him to not be sad and how she couldn’t stand to see him feel such an emotion. She would then offer up of what she could do to make him feel better.

Jaakuna smiled gently and raised one hand to her eyes, wiping the tears away. “Just don’t cry. I can’t stand it when you cry.” Jaakuna said as he smiled. He continued to look at her, even as her tears would soon stop, Jaakuna just kept eye contact on her. His right hand caressed her left cheek softly. Despite the area they were in, it seemed that a moment have been set in place. Jaakuna leaned in for a gentle kiss, hand still on her cheek.

---

When they headed through the door and leaving Lannit and Wendy to rest up, the trio would run their way through the halls, avoiding any monsters if they could. This was no longer a mission of just getting Hashmaal. It was not a mission of getting him before anyone else could and getting Levi. Wesley had his reasons to do so. Not only was he going to get Levi for having his mother’s engagement ring that he wanted to give to Nadeline, but he would make her pay for not only killing his uncle Clyde, but also walking around in his body pretending to be him.

As they came to the 80th floor, Wesley noticed something odd within the room. They were in a room just like the one where Levi revealed herself, but there seemed to be an oddly high dose of mist in the area. “I think he’s here..” Wesley said.

“Who?” Savayna asked.

Before Wesley could reveal, he would show himself as his glyph would appear and through it, came The Bringer of Order, Hashmaal. “You have come.” Hashmaal said, voice deep and bleeding with strength.

Wesley gripped his Sword of Order. “As I have promised, I present myself to you, Hashmaal, and I am ready to fight..” WEsley said.

“Calm yourself, Wesley.“ Hashmaal smiled, “before you and I do battle, I must reveal to you something tha you must know despite what my brethren think.“

Wesely would lower his sword for the time being. “And what would that be?“

“The Scion of Time, or as you refer to her, Emelia was stable. Her own esper, Chaos, healed her.”

“What do you mean healed?”

“She was on the verge of being lost to her own power. As such, Chaos — as hasty and foolish as it was — reset her to a time where her powers would not be any danger to her.

“Meaning?”

“She no longer has any memories whatsoever.”

The shock and horror lit up upon Wesley and Savayna’s face. They couldn’t believe what Hashmaal just told them and what was even worse, her own Esper did it to her. Savayna’s thoughts instantly went to Grant and Jaakuna. She couldn’t imagine what Jaakuna was going through. Savayna just assumed that he knew and that brought her to Grant. A slight anger expression came upon her face. Grant was left with her and that meant that he let that happen. Wesley, unlike Savayna, was remaining as calm as he could. He wondered why exactly Hashmaal decided to tell him before they fought? Like, was there some beneficial reason why he told? And if so, then what purpose did it serve? As Wesley mentally asked himself those questions, he couldn’t help but wonder how Nadeline was taking it

“Nadeline…?” WEsley would ask cautiously.

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.