Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Savayna had occasionally looked behind her to see where Grant was. Sure enough, after a while, he was right behind her. There was a point where she was several paces ahead of him. That was due to the simple fact that she almost lost the Captain of the Brotherhood, or so she assumed. She didn’t know why he was here, the man that had a face she couldn’t forget.

How could she forget that face: the near-perfect cheekbones, the short yet stylish beige-colored hair, and icy-blue eyes like her own. How could she forget that face that she spent so many years looking at. Growing up in Glacier Village, that was the face that she saw every day. Whenever she would wake up from slumber, she saw that face just mere paces from her bed. When she would go for a walk, that face was with her, making sure she didn’t get lost in the sometimes-three-yard-high snow that Glacier Village got on harsh winters. Whenever she would go hunting for supper, that face was always with her to make sure she aimed her arrows at the game perfectly. He made sure that she killed the beast but did not make it suffer.

Indeed, Savayna didn’t expect to see him here. To her last memory fifteen years ago, he was dead.

As Savayna saw the man she and Grant had been following stop in front of the temple, she saw Grant finally catch up to her after that last jolt of running she did just moments prior. When she felt his arm against hers, she breathed in.

Over the next minute or so, Savayna would peek her head out from behind the wall, seeing what he was doing. All of the five times she did that, she saw he was talking with some guards. Same outfit as the ones before: a combination of loose pants, vest and shirt combo, a hat or bandana, and a weapon of their choice. All of those, however, were inscribed with the symbol of The Brotherhood.

“I know you’re growing tired of this, so let me tell you who that guy is,” Savayna said, trying to keep her voice as low as possible, “that man over there, though you wouldn’t believe it by how young he looks, is far older than he appears. The great Glacier of the Archadian Army. Compared to him, I was nothing. He was the true Ice General. Powerful. Convincing in both strength and how he commanded his troops. He also had the Darcone’s respect, so that’s something to consider. But after a while, his strength dwindled. And instead of trying to be a better person, he decided to —” Savayna was interrupted by the sight of a firaga coming hurling towards them from opposite of the temple.

Savayna put her hand in front, “Shellga!” She called out. The spell would wrap her and Grant in brilliant, blue light. It would protect them from the Firaja that hit them both, engulfing the two in a red blaze. The confrontation between the two spells met a deadlock for a brief moment, but then Savayna heard someone call out “Faithga!”

And in that instant, Savayna could feel the flames overpowering her Shellga spell. It was enhanced so much that the firaga not only broke her spell, but it sent both her and Grant flying through the wall, and into the direction of the man they’d been following.

“Well, so much for stealth, huh?” Savayna said through the pain she felt from the blast and the rough landing.

“Savayna Glacie. And Grant Roselia too?” The man said. “Well this must be my lucky day.” the man said, stepping down from the concrete steps he was on.

Savayna got up, though she struggled a bit. She was finally able to get to her feet, pulling Grant up as well. Little did she realize that they had become surrounded by about a dozen men, mages, and machines. “Sorry Grant, I guess we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.” Savayna said, sorry but not sorry for what had happened.

“What? You’re not going to introduce me?” The man said, stepping closer to the crowd of men and machines that surrounded the two royalty of Ivalice. “Grant Roselia, it’s an honor to make your acquaintance.” He said, looking at Grant. He judged his expression. “I’m going to assume that, by this blank expression on your face, that Savayna here told you nothing about me?” He shook his head, “oh my darling, Savayna, how you disappoint me,” he cocked a smile, “well allow me to introduce myself. “ He coughed, as if wanting to build anticipation. “My name is Atticus Frost, though to Savayna, I was known as Atticus Glacie, her darling father.”

Savayna grumbled something under her breath. “Now you know why I didn’t want to come.”

---

Damn that Mist. First it rendered Wesley unable to walk without assistance, now it paralyzed his beloved with horror in her eyes. He had never seen her like that, not even when Lola had them trapped in those nightmares. This was something entirely different. And WEsley was powerless to stop it. Thankfully, it seemed as though Ultima came through for her in the end. Though, Wesley wondered what took her. He didn’t dare insult the High Seraph, but he couldn’t help but feel that she took her sweet time.

Careful with thoughts, WEsley. She can hear you.

Wesley gulped, only fearing what she would do to him. Or worse, what she wouldn’t do. Now that was a thought that frightened me.

He shook his head, eyes closed. As he would reopen them, Wesley saw what Nadeline saw. Not only that, but he heard what Nadeline heard. A familar voice that he thought was back at Stigma, but she was here. “Emiri?!” Wesley was shocked to see her here. “What are you —”

Oh no, what was that I sense? It’s that Mist. and it was coming from Emiri. No, that’s not right. It was more like it was just a pace behind her, like a shadow or a guardian devil of sorts. It was like..

As Wesley was putting the pieces together, he saw Nadeline step forward. On instinct, Wesley stopped her. His stepped in front of her. He looked at Emiri with clenched eyebrows. “You may be able to fool Nadeline, but you can’t fool me.” Wesley said, arms glowing ethereal white and orange, much like when he was first given The Order Seal. “Come out or I’ll force you out.” Wesley threatened.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The plan had gone rather smoothly at the beginning. While Zeromus and Mateus provided a distraction, one in which that seemed to be completely one-sided. Even with the amount of magick-users, high-tech machinery, and various hunters of all sizes and experience, they were no match for two Scions of Darkness.

When it came to Zeromus, those who were heavy or light did not stand any chance, for they were hit with the Esper’s gravity spell almost instantaneously. If they did not succumb to the pressure, then they would be flung almost a mile in the opposite direction. This esper made quick work of them.

And if there were any that remained, MAteus would be right behind Zeromus, freezing all that stood. They came at him in numbers and in numbers they fell either through the swing of the trident that Mateus wielded or through the frigid winds he cast upon them with his free hand. Mateus of the Scions of Darkness, the Corrupt, had deemed those machines, those men who sought to harm his Summoner and her lover. For that, if by the grace of the gods he forsakened long ago, he shall strike them down for it is his will. And Mateus’ will shall be obeyed.

---

As the Espers had proven to take their role of distracting the mass of the first wave of forces, Savayna and Grant were able to get closer to the temple, whcih Savayna deduced was where the leader of this entire Brotherhood was at. But still, Savayna had to admit that this was all a lot of hoopla for just one temple. She understood it was a refugee camp and The Brotherhood Hunting Guild wasn’t exactly one for ethics or morals. Savayna knew they were savages. But if you were to ask her if attacking this one mountainside in the bulk that they did was worth it, you’d get a big fat ‘no’ in response.

Regardless how she felt, Savayna and Grant made it. They were a mere fifty paces from the temple. However, as luck would have it, by the time they did, the spell had run off. “Shit.” Savayna said at the same moment the spell had ended.

Her outburst almost cost them as a Brotherhood hunter turned around. “Did you hear that?” One of the hunters asked the one beside him. The one that just spoke was bulky and had a spiked mohawk of red and blue; looked to be a Bangaa. The one next to him had a lean build. Skin was fair and hair copper toned. He was Hume.

“You’re hearing things, B’Darmon.”

“You best not be calling the tea kettle black, Petyr.”

“And what if I am? Are you going to do about it, B’Darmon?”

“Well, for starters, I’ll wipe that smirk off your face. Then, I’ll pound you so hard into the gorund, you’ll be even uglier. Lastly, I’ll tell everyone how you got yourself captured by one lowly Sky Pirate. How do you —”

Both stopped as they felt a hand on each of their shoulders. Savayna couldn’t control her curiosity. She peeked her head out from behind the wall her and Grant were. Who she saw made her jaw hang down.

“Is there a problem?” the man asked.

“No sir!”

“No sir!”

“Good. Then, stop gossiping like a bunch of teenaged Humes, and remain alert. There are two gigantic monsters attacking our forces at the front gate. We need to be on high alert!”

“I can’t believe he’s here.” Savayna muttered, though it was loud enough for Grant to hear. “Of all people..”

Savayna felt something quell within her gut. She didn’t know if it was a nostalgic warmth or frigid anger. It was very confusing, but what she knew for sure was that waiting around for something to happen was getting her nowhere. And he was getting away. The best she could do was tail him. But those two have to be dealt with.

“I’m gonna charge. Back me up.” Savayna said.

She knew Grant wasn’t going to like this, but she followed his lead long enough. These two had to go, and she had to be quick about it. Based on where he was, Savayna had just about three seconds for each of them and still have the chance of following him.

As she stepped own, flowing along a trail of Mist that responded to her urgency, Savayna had covered ten paces in one second. The two, who were back to bickering, hadn’t noticed her. By the time she covered another ten paces, they had noticed her, but it was too late. Savayna froze them where they stood with a Blizzaga spell. After that, she heel kicked them both in the side of the head, her legs doing the splits as she did so, sending both in opposite directions of each other. The Bangaa was sent flying off the edge of the walkway, rolling down the hill to join the beasts on Paramara Rift, while the other - the hume - was simply sent flying through a series of bushes, landing hard against a building. Savayna assumed he was unconscious.

And after the dust settled, Savayna looked around, and spotted the leader. He had just turned a corner. She looked back to Grant, signalling him to follow her, though like before, she would take off before giving him a chance to respond.

---

After a moment or two had passed, Wesley found himself on his feet. As soon as he did, however, he looked at Nadeline. For whatever reason, she couldn’t move. Did she too feel the Mist? Wesley thought that for a moment, but no, something was…off. Something in his gut told him so. This was exactly how Wesley was just a moment ago. But Nadeline hadn’t sensed that putrid Mist, so why was she--

And then suddenly she screamed as loud as she could, alerting WEsley to kneal to his fiance. The way she shivered, the way she was clenching her head, it was just like...No, I won’t allow that to come true. WEsley shook his head profusely, and then put his hands on Nadeline’s shoulders. He tried shaking her, but it wasn’t working. She remained in the same position, hands still clutching her head. “Talk to me, Nadeilne. What’s wrong?” Wesley said. His voice was urgent, desperate. He wanted to get her to talk to him. “If you can’t, then just focus on my voice. You’re going to be okay. You’re going to be fine.” Wesley tried anything he could to get her to her.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Though he didn’t like it, Mateus would silently accept the role he played in this strategy. Savayna would hear him scoff, as if he didn’t accept the role completely. She shrugged, seing as this being the perfect plan. Grant was right. It was a mix of both things they enjoyed. He would get his fill of stealth, and Savayna would be able to do what she did best: kick ass and take names. “Since you’re leading the charge, after you.” Savayna said, waiting to follow Grant’s lead.

---

It always felt strange for Wesley whenever he was enhanced by a time magick spell. Whether it was slow, stop, or haste, there was always a certain feeling he got. Slow made him nauseous. Stop gave him the weirdest sense of vertigo, but when it came to haste, one could say that WEsley exhibited symptoms akin to that of high-energy adrenaline. And it only was more evident the higher the tier of the spell.

After the second tier, WEsley got loud. Not only loud, but all previous doubts that Wesley had been adopting a Jaakuna-like persona underneath his usually-eloquent one would otherwise be tossed out the window. The classy gentleman of Dalmasca got just as hyper, just as wild as his friend. Maybe it was the rush of the spell or how time blurred around him, but running that fast past any and all desert-dwellers made him feel a certain kind of power that would probably make those around him wary.

“This is incredible!” Wesley would yell at a volume that was unnecessary.

Wesley felt himself not having any care int he world. He was laughing at a high volume, even going as far as to jump high, flipping in ways no one would even consider he was capable of. All he was missing was a red jacket and blonde hair, and Wesley might be considered as Jaakuna Junior.

But alas, like all good things, the rush he felt, the speed he had, was gone. It was at the right time, of course, but WEsley felt severely disappointed by this. A part of him liked the speed, but all was well in a moment. When the rush passed, as did the disappointment and Jaakuna-like persona.

Taking a moment to collect himself, WEsley, once again, found himself paralyzed. “Not again,” Wesley gritted under his breath. “Before it was putrid but tolerable, but now..” WEsley found his strength weakened. Not only that but everything in him was screaming “turn around”. Of course he couldn’t listen, not when the source of this morbid mist was in the distance. If he turned away now, Wesley would never be able to face his country. SOmething this wicked cannot be allowed to roam free. “We..must..go now.”

Each step Wesley took was a struggle. Even with the aid of Hashmaal making up for his lost strength and stamina, it was difficult. Half as fast as he was in a normal, brisk walk, WEsley moved slowly, gritting his teeth, breathing heavily, and found his chest wa sheavy. After about ten steps, Wesley fell to his knees, sweating profusely.

---

Keiran you fool.

The Creature waited above the skies where Zodiark’s influence gathered above the Dalmasca Westersand, Dalmasca Estersand, and the vast Sandsea of Ogir-Yensa and Nam-Yensa. The Influence woudl be felt all aorund. Those with alignments to the light would most surely feel it. Those with the Unlocked Seals more so than those their Scion Seals still locked. The clouds themselves cast a great shadow over the sea of sand, giving its entirety a dimming of color display. It was similar to that of a very cloudy day.

As The Creature watched with many eyes on the ground, it simply observed as The Bringer of Order and The High Seraph’s hosts landed in the epicenter of what it had been building for several hours. It also took note to how they were merely half of a mile away from where Keiran and the Time Scion were.

“How very interesting.” The Creature mused. It pondered on the course of action it should take. Direct Keiran to their direction and have an interesting confrontation or lead them opposite and let the plans go without inturruption. The Creature was sure The Dark One wouldn’t mind either. His will flowed storng through The Creature.

“Do as you see best,” The Creature heard The Dark One say to it.

“Very well.” The Creature had said in response.

Two pulses of invisible, corrupted Mist was sent throughout the Sandsea. The first was a non-harmful sort. It was directed at Keiran, which would give him the push to a certain direction that happened to be where Wesley and Nadeline were at. The second would be directed towards Nadeline. This one, however, wasn't harmfree. In fact, it was completely the opposite. when it would reach her, first it would give her a minute of paralysis, forbidding her to move. Even if she tried, she would fail. then, it would send her images of what The Time Scion did today. It would be images of her fighting Aloa, of her fighting Shion, of her using her power on her father. It would be the words she spoke to those people, words she spoke to herself. But it would leave out everything that those others said to her to try to get the Time Scion to stop it. Completely one-sided, it was.

Let the games begin, Heretic Sympathizers.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Hero's post

---

For all intents and purposes, Grant was pleased with himself. Savayna was at his whim this time, and in all honesty, it felt good to have a little power over the woman who wouldn't let him have his way. At the very least, he got to choose the way they'd go, and so he chose stealth. Even if she was at full strength he preferred it this way: getting an advantage over an enemy was always the way to go. As she would ask about their next course of action, he would watch the area below them carefully. A blockade was certainly in place, but why? The best thing to do would be to find an opening, but he wasn't seeing one. He almost admitted defeat when he would get an idea.

"The plan is rather simple, and a combination of what you and I love most about our styles: it'll employ both brutality and stealth," He stated, instructing Zeromus to start heading down and beckoning Mateus to do the same. "We four will simply drop in, though you and I, Savayna, will be hidden under the Vanish spell as we infiltrate their ranks. Our espers can't be defeated per se, so even if things go south the distraction will cause enough of a ruckus that we can easily choose our next course of action."

Zeromus seemed a little hesitant. He didn't quite enjoy being little more than fodder, though he was happy to help.

---

It was close already? Nadeline took in a deep breath in an attempt to mentally prepare herself. No going back now, and it wouldn't do to turn her heel and leave. As Wesley would inquire about Time Magick, she agreed that it was the best course for them. As she unsheathed her rapier, she would concentrate. Time Magick wasn't her specialty, but she figured the theory couldn't be too different from Green Magick. Her glyph would appear between them, the middle part scribing itself into a clock. It would tick a second forward, then a minute, then an hour, and soon the hands would spin forward rapidly. Around them, it would seem as if everything else slowed down, and she would look at Wesley.

"Onward!"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Savayna never did light stealth. She had always preferred to meet the enemy head-on as she had done at the front gate. But due to her annoyance of a shoulder injury and the realization that they were heavily out-numbered, she took the advice of Grant, Zeromus, and even her own esper, Mateus to refrain from attacking head-on. Instead, they would fly so high that no scanner on the ground, eyes of the Brotherhood, or any combination of the former two, would be able to spot them.

That didn’t mean she couldn’t express her concerns about it, which she had been doing the entire time. “You boys are so cowardly. We have the power to take them out. Why don’t we just do it and be done with it?” Savayna complained, letting out a sigh of exaggerated annoyance.

“Because you’re hurt. Because they have more manpower than us. ” Mateus said, not hiding his annoyance towards Savayna. “And because we put it to a vote. You lost 3-1. Grant is in charge. And if he says we scout for a way in without being caught, then that’s what we’re going to do.”

Savayna scoffed, “fine.” She said, looking at Grant, “so, great leader, what are we to do next? Or have you lost your manly bits to command a woman and two flying beasts?” Savayna said, clearly still annoyed.

---

“Do not frown, Nadeline Roselia. The High Seraph, while she may be blunt about it, knows the strength you have. We both saw it in Giruvegan. It is why she chose you over the Blue Rose.” Hashmaal said, trying to ignore the scoffs he heard from Ultima. “She simply wants you to start believing that. Because, there will come a time —” Hashmaal stopped dead in his tracks, hearing something off in the distance.

“What is it, Hashmaal?”

“The source of that foul Mist has stopped.”

“Stopped how?”

“Physically, it has stopped moving.” Hashmaal said, informing the others of the situation.

Wesley wanted to speak, but he didn’t. Instead, he sensed what Hashmaal was talking about. And it seemed that they weren’t very far. Maybe a little less than half of a mile. Based on their position, they had just entered the Westersand. But they werne’t going to remain there for long. WEsley tracked the mist signal. They were running rather fast. In minutes, they had crossed into the Ogir-Yensa Sandsea. No doubt it was some haste spell, maybe Hastaja, a spell that quadrupled the normal speed of a person for a short time.

“That has to be it,” Wesley said, nodding to himself. Hashmaal glanced at Wesley. The prince glanced back, then to Nadeline. “My darling, are you capable of the Hastaga spell? I’ve pinpointed the general location of where we need to be at.” Wesley said, looking ahead. “The Ogir-Yensa Sandsea is where we need to be, but at normal speed, we won’t get there in time. A boost is what we need.” Wesley explained to Nadeline, gently smiling at her.

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

336

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna stayed quiet, only looking over at Reia as she silently judged him after she said what she said. He had not an answer for her that would satisfy nor cease the disappointment that was clearly across her face. So instead he looked to Lorenzo and Nila, waiting like the rest were for her answer.

Biting on her tongue, she muttered something under her breath but it was not audible. After that, she spoke. “Whatever.” She said simply. Not offering a confirmation nor denying if she was happy with what Jaakuna had told her. She would not take her eyes off of him for the entire remainder of the trip, which was spent in mostly silence.

As the cab came to a stop, Jaakuna would pay the fee, as he felt that he was resonsible considering how he acted earlier.

When they stepped out, Nila did as well. Jaakuna looked at her instantly. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m going with you.”

“The hell you are!” Jaakuna snapped, looking to Reia and Lorenzo, “tell her she’s not coming.”

Nila looked at the two. “And tell this asshole that I’m going with you.”

Whether they liked it or not, the ball was forced into their court. Time to serve it up.

---

Wesley didn’t like this one bit. He knew in the direction of that foul Mist only meant certain trouble. He knew that the smart thing would be to go to Rabanastre, maybe hope that what he sensed would go away, and he could begin on becoming King of Dalmasca. On the other hand, the honorable blood of the Alexanders that flowed through Wesley’s veins told him this was something he could not ignore, not when Hashmaal told him it was of similar make of Venat, The Undying.

Truly, Wesley was at a crossroads.

Taking a few moments to contemplate it, WEsley would look at Nadeline who had the most saddest impression he had ever seen her have. It made him weap internally. It wasn’t just what this foul Mist presented, but the fact that it was on the level of Venat and that Nadeline, even though she herself couldn’t sense it, it brought sadness to her face because the others weren’t present.

“The others..” Wesley mused, though he didn’t mean to do so aloud. He coughed. “As much as it pains me, I believe we’ll have to put my return to Dalmasca on hold,” Wesley said, somewhat sighing.

“Wesley, are you sure?” Hashmaal asked.

“No, not even close to that, Hashmaal. But this is something I know in my gut that I cannot — and quite frankly, I will not — ignore. This is my country. Something foul and unwelcomed crosses into my country’s borders. As the rightful king of Dalmasca, I have a duty to see to that this is nothing but some —” Wesley paused, "as JAakuna would put it —” he said, curving a smile, “some bad juju that needs to get their shit wrecked.” A wider smile appeared on his face, one that was accompanied by a proud laugh.

Wesley now turned to Nadeline, “come my darling. We have to, once again, save this world from certain doom.” Wesley took Nadeilne’s hand, and off towards the source of the foul Mist they went. Off to the Sandsea.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Nila wanted answers. Lorenzo wanted answers. Reia, though she remained silent as a mute, wanted answers as well. And here was Jaakuna, still aching slightly from Nila’s surprise attack, didn’t know how to give those answers. He didn’t know what those answers were. But as he would look at each and every one of them briefly, he knew he would have to say something.

Taking a breath in, Jaakuna would exhale, and said, “Not here.”

“Why not here?” Nila interjected.

Jaakuna would simply point to the crowd that was gathering. Nila scoffed. “Fine, but you’re not escaping from telling me.”

Now Jaakuna was the one who scoffed. He wouldn’t say anything. All he would do is gesture Reia and Lorenzo to follow him, telling them that they were going to move away from the crowd. Of course, that seemed easier said than done. They were crowding around like crowds did. It took a bit of shoving and pushing, but the four would soon be able to hail an aircab. At least then they would be able to have privacy for as long as the cab would take to get to Roman’s office.

“Okay, we’re alone. Start talking. And it better be a good one.” Nila said, assuring Jaakuna of a certain action that will be taken again.

“This isn’t a happy story nor will it satisfy you.” Jaakuna told Nila, “when Savayna was promised to Vincent, I was, for the lack of a better word, a fool. I made promises to a lot of women. I gave them my ‘word’ that they could have me. In truth, I was a bastard. A womanizing bastard. SOmetime after that, Savayna and Vincent’s wedding was called off. Instead, I was forced into a marriage with her. Of course, I know you know this. There was a big wedding and everything. Not even a full year after the fact, well, do I really need to say it?”

“Yes.”

JAakuna sighed, “I was charged with my father’s murder, whcih I was on the run. You can ask Savayna for the details next time you see her.” Jaakuna said, not realizing how much he said in teh span of just one minute. “Anyways, that’s what happened. That’s why I left. But hey, you look good. Time has been good to you.”

Yup, Jaakuna could just hear the seething scoffs from both Reia and Lorenzo. Good job again, Jaakuna.

---

“You mean you can’t sense it?” Wesley asked, somewhat surprised. Wesley could sense it. Oh boy could he sense it. The putrid mist overwhelmed the air, distorting it in ways that made the Prince of Dalmasca nauseous. Though it died down in the passing moments, it still did a number on Wesley’s equilibrium. “It’s the mist, Nadeilne. The mist that Zodiark has created. And I feel it all. I can sense how morbid it is, the way it makes the hairs on my arms cower in fear, the way that it both enhances and weakens my own mist.” As Wesley described that, he felt himself both cower in fear because of Zodiark’s presence and empowered by it. “I now understand what Vlyn and Aloa feel. Ever since I was given the Order Seal, I am more understanding to the inner-workings of Ivalice’s Mist. and it’s terrifying.” Wesley said, literally shaking, “this is what’s happening Nadeilne. But above all else, somewhere nearby, there is something far worse than Zodiark. Hashmaal knows not wha tit is, but it’s similar to Venat, The Undying from all those years ago - the same Venat that are in the Scrolls of Ivalice’s History.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Everyone knows the Darcones. They are Archadian royalty. Their name carries weight. They are like the Alexanders of Dalmasca and Roselias of Rozarria. All three families represent their respective empires and/or kingdoms. But what about the lesser families? What about those that serve these royal families? What do they get? They might get some acknowledgement, but that’s the most you’ll ever see.

In Dalmasca, you have the Quinns. They have served the royal family of Alexander since until Queen Ashelia B’nargin Dalmasca ruled several hundred years ago. They served the Rosenbergs after Bosch von Rosenberg’s granddaughter, Raila von Rosenberg married the nephew of Ashelia, Vaan B’nargin Dalmasca to combine the two families.

Over time, despite the shifting families of power, the Quinns remained as a branch of the main royal family, forever in their service no matter what.

Archadia was no different.

Only, instead of the family name being “Quinn”, the Archadian equivilant was the Wards. And rightly fitting so since only decades after the Solidors lost power of Archadia after Larsa III threatened to destroy what her namesake built. It was Bahamut’s great grandfather, Lagoon Darcone, declared war upon the Emperor Larsa Vayne Solidor III.

The battles fought between the warring Houses was long. It lasted a full century. Only when Lagoon’s son and Hamut’s grandfather, Ignis Atrox Darcone, had taken control of the dwindling rule that an aging Larsa III had over Archadia. He was over 100 years old, yet was still breathing. But that wasn’t going to last long. Not only was life short, but the houses that served under him were losing faith, specifically the Wards. They saw that the Solidors were losing sight of what once made them great, and opted to switch to the Darcones.

Since the Wards were more than half of their fighting force and they went up and declared themselves no longer in service of the House Solidor, the war didn’t last much longer. After the defeat of the remaining forces, Larsa Solidor III opted for suicide instead of facing his crimes against his own Empire.

And as time would pass, each generation of Wards would be like distant aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and cousins to the Darcones. Whenever they needed support, they provided it. When they needed extra fighting forces, they provided it. Whether it was then or now, House Ward was behind the Darcones. During the invasion of Dalmasca, led by Judge Ixion, the Wards were among the main fighting force on the ground. When the Crown Prince Grant needed direction, the Wards gave him manpower. Everything the Darcone’s wanted, House Ward gave them. But just hours ago, house Ward was requested by the current head of House Darcone, Hamut Darcone, to do something terrible. That was something they could not and would not do.

And they were vocal about it.

When they opposed, Hamut ordered that all Wards be imprisoned.

But one got away. This one was fortunate enough to be out of Archadia at the time. In fact, she was just getting off of an airship at the Archadia Aerodome.

“Enjoy your stay at The Imperial City.”

“Yeah, I suppose.” A woman said, seeming distracted about something.

She walked through the gates. Looking to be barely past twenty-five, maybe twenty-six, she had hair of crimson and eyes of jade. Skin was flawless white, few freckles but nothing to be alarmed of. Her body was modestly proportioned. Average curves all around. She looked desirable enough to not look plain but not too much that she would stand out in a crowd of people. She wore loose beige pants held up by a brown leather belt that seemed to be three belts in one. On her torso, she had a simple red, sleaveless shirt, showing lean muscles. She also had a white headband that held her hair up, revealing a deformed ear.

As she walked, trying not to run into anyone, she caught sight of three very recognizable people. The first was a blonde - and not archadian based on his clothing. Definitely a Rozarrian. She knew him because she knew his face. Lorenzo Roselia his name was. A loudmouth, but a passionate man. Lover of only one and father to one Nadeline Lenore Roselia.

And beside him, “Empress Reia? What’s she doing here?” She mused, trying nto to get too close but the curiosity got the better of her.

Empress Reia was with her brother in Archadia, so who was—

The third person turned around. She almost didn’t recognize him. His body ink didn’t show, he wasn’t wearing his trademark red jacket, nor was his hair down to his shoulders. “Jackson Darcone,” she uttered with a gruff scoff. Right away, she took off to a run, as they were starting to turn back around. This was her chance. Right as they would get out of the doors…

WHAM!

The girl made contact with him. Her foot planted directly in the center of his back, sending him tumbling forward several times over until he hit a lamp post head-first.

“Ow!”

Jaakuna was bleeding. And before he would get that chance to collect himself, the girl had drove a knee into his spine, pressing his head more into the lamp post. She then turned him over, and made sure he saw her face before she kneed him in the place that no guy ever wanted to get kneed in. As a result, Jaakuna let out a not-so-manly squeel that would lessen his man points by a deep margin. More than that, but there were a few people snickering as they saw him get taken down by a girl.

“What the hell?” Jaakuna looked, and he couldn’t believe it. “N-Nila?” JAakuna stuttered, “Nila Ward? Is that you?” Jaakuna asked, coherent now.

“Just who do you think you are, huh?”

“Me?! I’m not the one who sneak attacked the guy currently trying not to cry again.”

Nila took Jaakuna’s hair and fisted a handful into her hand, tugging at it to bring him closer to her face. “You know what I meant, you jackass.”

JAakuna looked at her blank.

“You left me. Not only that, but you didn’t take me with you when you left.” Nila’s voice was cracking with emotion.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Ten years ago! You promised me your hand in marriage after Savayna was betrothed to your brother!” Nila yelled at the top of her lungs.

All Jaakuna could do was look at Reia and Lorenzo, hoping to get some form of help. It wouldn’t come. Instead, he was left to deal with Nila Ward, angrily crying at him, punching his chest until her arms would give out(at the cost of his bruised chest, mind you).

---

Wesley knew he had to soak up the journey back to Dalmasca. He knew once they reached it, the adventuring would be over for him and Nadeline, so that’s why he opted for the long way home. Several times over, they could have taken a path that was a shortcut to Rabanastre. But Wesley did it on purpose. He was sure Nadeline knew he was doign this on purpose. But, he didn’t care. He jsut wanted to savor it for as long as he could.

As they reached the Estersand, Wesley felt something odd in the air. It was foul, yet familar.

You feel that, don’t you Wesley?

“Wait, Nadeilne,” Wesley said, stopping in his tracks. He surely saw the Royal City of Rabanastre a tenth of a league away. He should keep going, but Hashmaal knew the reason. The foul stench in the air crippled Wesley. “I feel something...morbid in the air. Do you feel it too?” Wesley asked.

She won’t feel it, Wesley. She doesn’t have the Seraph SEal yet. You are able to sense it because you possess my seal -the Order Seal. your awareness to corrupt mist is on the level of that Viera, Aloa.

Wesley was starting to understand that now. The way it felt, the way it forbade him from taking another step - it was enough to make the average man to break. And Wesley was near that point. He couldn’t move. Not even if he was forced by enemy attacks. Everything around him was too much. Wesley felt the weight of Zodiark’s precence forcing itself on every bone of his body. What was even worse, he felt the sense of dread. But there was something...else.

“Hashmaal, what is that I sense?”

Unlike before, when Hashmaal would speak, Nadeline would be able to hear him too. “I..do not know. It’s definitely Zodiark, but it’s something..different. I can’t place it. It’s...ancient, something unlikethis world has ever seen. Not since Venat, The Undying.”

Wesley knew that name. It was back when Vayne of House Solidor threatened to claim Ivalice as his own. “What are you saying?”

“I wish I knew.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna had been completely silent when Reia and Lorenzo had been talking. It was in his best interest to do so. It was even more so considering he got scolded by both of them for simply looking, though it was in different ways. Nonetheless, it taught Jaakuna a valuable lesson: no matter how pretty, if you are spoken for, even looking will get you put in the dog house.

And in moments, they touched ground on Archadia.

As the trio walked through the doors of the Aerodome from the private section where all those who had their own airships came to the public section where one could book flight on commercial ships, Jaakuna felt something stir in his stomach. It wasn’t pride, but just a warm feeling. Maybe it was all the times of being away, being in foreign land, that Jaakuna -no, not Jaakuna today. Jackson Darcone was home. Jackson Darcone, for the first time in years, was home. He wasn’t Jaakuna returning for a visit. He was the crown prince who had dressed for the part.

“I guess this is what it means to return home, huh?” Jackson mused, a smile of pride on his face.

Jackson could tell that, even with them barely arriving, they were getting looks from everyone and whispers that followed.

“Is that Prince Lorenzo of Rozarria?”

“Is that Empress Reia of Rozarria?”

“Is that the Crown Prince, Jackson Darcone?”

While these whispers weren’t ignored, they weren’t acknowledged either. Jackson wouldn’t subject himself to that. These people, while they mattered in an overall sense, he wasn’’t going to give them teh satisfaction by turning his head to them. If he did, that would only invite them to indulge in their trivial gossiping. There was just far more important matters for Jackson to focus on.

And as he, as well as Reia and Lorenzo, would soon realize, these important matters had decided to come to them rather than the other way around.

“Prince Lorenzo, Empress Reia, and Prince Jackson,” an Archadian Soldier said, looking at the three. He stood tall and presentable. “Judge Darcone has sent me to receive you as your personal escort to see his eminence, Emperor Roman.”

Jackson looked at them briefly. It wasn’t a confident look. Hamut hadn’t told him about roman and where he was. And now he sends a soldier to escort them. It just didn’t send a good feeling through his body. Even worse, Jackson was not keen on this soldier. His voice sounded shady.

“Tell my Grandfather that, while we appreciate the gesture, we can see our own way to roman. But thanks though.” He said, waving the soldier off.

The soldier took a moment to respond. Silence spoke volumes, as it didn’t do anything to quell Jaakuna’s suspicions. But, after another moment, the soldier said, “Very well. I shall carry your words to Judge Darcone’s ears.” The soldier bowed, “please enjoy your stay in Archadia, Empress Reia and Prince Lorenzo.”

When the soldier had left, Jaakuna let out a relieved sigh, then looked at Reia and Lorenzo. “We’re not even out the gate and already a bad start.” Jaakuna scoffed, “I’m starting to think that this treaty might’ve been a bad idea.” Jaakuna said, clearly agitated. If he had known it would have been this dangerous, he would have opted for Roman to come to ROzarria as compared to what was happening right now.