Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

There was no denying the satisfaction that commanded Leviathan’s face as she saw two things that caught her attention. The first, of course, being the bright light emitting from Grant’s hand, emulating the glyph of Zeromus; the second being Zeromus himself appearing behind the prince. The Condemner towered thrice as much that Grant himself was, his bulk just as much too. While the sudden increase of power sent Atticus about ten paces back, Levi stood her ground, her own mist allowing her to stay where she stood.

As Grant - or was it Zeromus? - spoke, saying that she was sentenced to condemnation, she laughed. It was a low chuckle at first, but raised into an audible laugh. He condemns me? How trite.

As Levi would examine the prince one last time, she caught sight of Atticus stepping forward. Either he was entirely terrified of Grant right now or it was some kind of desperate worry for Savayna. All she knew for certain was that his body was shaking as he took steps forward. Levi put her hand out in front of him, looking at him. She shook her head, nonverbally telling to stand down.

“Y-you killed her..” Atticus said, his voice shaky.

Levi pursed her lips. “Not yet. But don’t worry, Atticus, she’ll be dead soon enough.” Levi curled a sinister smile as she spoke.

Atticus balled his fists. He poised his arms to strike Levi, out of anger no doubt. Levi didn’t appreciate this, however. She snapped her left index finger and thumb and corrosive water surrounded atticus. It didn’t dissolve or poison him like it did with Savayna, but it flung him twenty paces back, through the wall of the temple.

“That’s better,” she said sighing in relief. “He was quite an annoyance, wouldn’t you agree, Prince Grant?” Levi mused, narrowing her eyes as she returned to her usual, unreadable grin. “Oh right, you were condemning me, weren’t you?” Levi smirked, “well go on, show me how big and powerful and mighty your Condemner Seal is.” Levi taunted Grant. Her arms were wide open, glowing a dark, sinister blue color, a glyph of two snakes coiling around each other appearing on both hands.

---

Jaakuna was relatively quiet as the two princes hailed an aircab to the entrance of Old Archades. It didn’t last long, maybe ten minutes max. When they got off, Jaakuna paid the fair, and led Lorenzo down the stairs. They were met with opposition, but once Jaakuna told them who he was, the guards stepped aside, though a look of suspicion came to their face when Lorenzo would pass him. The guards didn’t trust foreigners. Still, he was with Jaakuna, so the guards dared not do anything they would live to regret.

Jaakuna led Lorenzo down the stairs, past a few buildings, taking a few turns, and near a batch of rundown houses that were merely ten paces apart from each other. Jaakuna walked to the house that was the closest to the entrance that led to the Sochen Cave Palace. He knocked on the door five times loudly.

As the door opened, a man said, “Who is —” He stopped as he saw JAakuna’s face. “WELL LOOK AT YOU!” He shouted, tackling Jaakuna to the ground. The two of them started rolling around, punching each other. The man had Jaakuna in a headlock. “You know how long it's been, right?” He asked Jaakuna.

“Far too long, Lannit. I know. Sorry about leaving you before. Shit got in the way.” Jaakuna said, getting out of the headlock, and tickling his friend, causing Lannit to roll over, and literally laugh his ass off while rolling.

“What’s with all the —” A woman stepped out as she saw Jaakuna and some blonde. “Oh, Jaakuna. And, who might you be?” she asked, cheeks flushed light red.

“Wendy, this is Lorenzo, Nadeline’s father.” Jaakuna said, pointing to Lorenzo as Lannit returned Jaakuna’s tickling with his own.

“Nadeline as in —”

“You remember, that Dalmascan Prince’s main squeeze.” Lannit said, just now realizing what he had said. Jaakuna and Wendy shook their heads as the both knew what was coming. He could only look on as Lannit looked to Lorenzo and then…

---

What had he done? Wesley aimed to strike the fiend that was pulling these strings, and he somehow had hurt Emiri? How was that even possible? Wesley’s swordsmanship wa sonly second to his eloquent tongue, so how was it possible that all of those flawless strikes miss the beast and hit Emiri. Wesley couldn’t quite place it, but something about this beast was unsettling.

It wasn’t just the fact that he oozed pure darkness that was the same kind that Zodiark had - it was more than that. It was as if he had something…more to him. Why did Wesley get this strange sense of familiarity from him? Why did the new form he took seem so familiar? And why was it, when Emiri had changed into that rather revealing form - one that WEsley would bet that Jaakuna’d have a nosebleed over - that felt so damn familiar to him. Everything about it felt so goddamn familiar, and WEsley was wracking his mind on why he couldn’t place it.

And then WEsley returned to what was most important here. Emiri and that fiend had changed. He realized it wasn’t a good thing. The way that darkness swallowed them. The way that they both changed drastically. And for heaven’s sake! It was the way that the foul Mist had increased so much that Wesley’s vision was blurring. Had they gotten so much stronger that I can’t focus eyes on them? Damn it all!

As WEsley held the Sword of Kings in his hands tightly, he was ready for round two. But as he would get ready to do so, he noticed Nadeline was on her knees. Feeling that sense of duty to one’s future queen, WEsley dropped the Sword of Kings, it disappearing into thin air, he rushed over to his beloved. As he would kneel next to her, he would speak, “Nadeline, what happened?” Wesley asked, alternating glances between Nadeline and Emiri(and her hideous fiendish companion).

“Keiran, you have done well. Quite well, in fact.” Wesley heard a sinister voice say. He didn’t know where it was coming from or who it was. “I can see that our Lord’s powers are not wasted on you. Or maybe it’s because of the Time Scion’s insecurities that give way to your accelerated potential.” The voice spoke again, this time less echoed.

In moments, as Wesley would continue to tend to Nadeline, a cloud of darkness would surround the entire area of the Sandsea. WEsley felt this before. It was..

“I see. It makes sense now.” Wesley smiled, chuckling, then coughing. He was coughing harshly, as if something had crawled inside him. It was taking all air out of him. It was no doubt doing the same thing to Nadeline.

Wesley tried to keep his eyes open, but the repugnant feeling he got with every break was making it difficult. However, even if that was so, Wesley was able to keep his eyes open long enough to see that cloud of darkness take a form. Black as the abyss, a creature with tendrils of darkness out of every possible edge with a rancid mist surrounding it placed a both hands on the creature - who Wesley deduced was Keiran - and Emiri. It looked back at WEsley, and what he saw was appalling. The scorched face of a man, from the look of, that had all colors that were associated with the Espers swirling endlessly all around his face, centered around a black stone where the nose should be.

“We will meet again, Dynast-King Wesley.”

That was all the Creature said before Wesley lost consciousness.

Music Appreciation Thread

@Heat Funny you compare him to Chris Cornell, because I was talking to a friend about Highly Suspect, and I told them it reminded me of early-90s Soundgarden.

Cool song. the instrumentals were good. The vocals could have been better but not entirely unbearable. 7/10

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Oh is that so?” Levi cracked an amused smile.

Grant was ordering her to let go of the hold that she had on Savayna so that he could take her, and they could walk on out of here? Just who did he think he was? Sure, he has the power of an esper at his disposal. If Levi was any ordinary person, then she would probably take his threats more seriously. Unlucky for the Rozarrian prince, she wasn’t just some normal woman with admirable features. She was Leviathan, a former Archaidan Judge, and she was the one who had all the cards in the deck.

“]You misunderstand your position, Grant.” Levi said. She stepped forward, her hand alternating between a soft fist and tight fist, causing small to large surges of undeniably-painful agony for Savayna. To the screams heard, Levi reciprocated with a sinister smile. “]You hear those screams? It’s a wonderful sound isn’t it, Atticus?” Levi licked her lips.

“Sure..sure it is.” Atticus had a hint of doubt. Levi caught it.

“Isn't this what you wanted? Your daughter brought shame to your family name. This is what she deserves.” Levi said.

“Yes, but —”

“But nothing. You wanted her to suffer. And just look at her.” She gestured to Savayna, crying from the pain that had increased to twice of what it was. “She’ll suffer as long as the prince here opposes me.”

Levi had returned her gaze to Grant, noticing an odd occurence with his hand. It didn’t take her long to realize what that was. Without a doubt, that was Zeromus’ seal. “So, you have unlocked it, huh?” Levi said, her voice hinting that she was pleased with the outcome. “You have willed the Condemner Seal to unlock.” Levi stepped one more step. She was as close to Grant as she could be. She gave him a smile. She unballed her fist, which would cease the pain that Savayna was going through. “Very well, Grant. You get your wish. I have released Savayna here from my grasp.” Levi said.

She turned around, her back to Grant. She stopped after a few paces were taken. “Oh, but before you leave,” Levi said. She turned around so quickly that Grant would barely be able to see her arm outstretched to Grant, poising to strike him through the heart.

And then it made contact. Blood was drawn. Levi smiled briefly, then she saw who had been the receiver of that attack. Levi had a smile of a different sort. “You’re a glutton for punishment aren’t you, Glacie?” Levi scoffed.

She saw that Savayna, through desperation no doubt, had stepped int he way, and now had a hand-shaped hole through her left breastplate, just inches away from her heart. However, what she might’ve not considered was that Levi’s entire hand had been coated with the same corrosive water that had the arrow she was shot with had been dipped in. The realization of this became noticeable as Savayna fell backwards into Grant’s arms. Her entire body was a deep purplish-blue. Savayna was dying. That much poisonous corrosion was accelerating her welcoming to the Gods.

“Good job, Prince Grant,” Levi said, “your refusal to kill me has cost your beloved her life.”

And then there was laughter from Levi - a taunting, mocking laugh.

---

Today had been a wild day. From that weird conversation he had with Hamut to the greeting that they were welcomed with from that soldier who was sent by grandfather, and now to the sudden charges that Reia was arrested for. JAakuna knew that there was a lot of things that weren’t adding up. What could it be? More to the point, how did they--

“Unless..” Jaakuna bit his thumb. “We have to find Roman, but to do that, I fear we’ll have to pay someone a visit.” Jaakuna said with a heavy sigh.

“Jaakuna..”

He waved Nila away. “Nila, please go to your house, and stay there until I call. If this is going to work, we’re going to need The Ward’s military support.”

Nila narrowed her eyebrows, but then she saw his expression. She sighed. “Very well, but you have until tomorrow.”

“Got’cha.” He winked at her as she left, trying not to admire her butt. Whoops.

He shook his head, and looked to Lorenzo. “Lorenzo, how do you feel about a prison break?” Jaakuna had that smile of his clear across his face. Anyone who has spent time with Jaakuna knew what that smile meant. It was when he had nothing but bad ideas brewing in that mind of his. When Lorenzo would respond, Jaakuna would simply lead him in a deirection that was where the Archadian Dungeons were. Only fun(to Jaakuna, dread to others) awaited the two princes of Ivalice.

---

As he heard the annoyance mention Shion, Wesley couldn’t help but laugh. It was funny to him because the two of them both crossed paths with Shion. Either this was a strange twist of fate or it was the Gods trying to try their hands at irony. Whatever it was, WEsley poised himself to strike. “I reckon that I’ll do more than ‘do better’ than Shion did.” Wesley curled a confident grin.

And then he launched his body forward, completely leaping above Emiri and Nadeline, and had spun his body rapidly to the point where he had swung rapidly at the man-child in front of him -slices, thrusts, slashes, all of which he was aiming to connect with each body part.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“That’s a very good question, Prince Grant,” Levi mused, turning to Atticus, “what should we do with them?”

“You’re leaving it up to me?” Atticus asked, taken aback by the sudden faith that Levi just showed him

“Of course. I am simply here as an overseer. You are the captain of this wonderful band of brothers. Besides,” Levi gestured to Savayna and Grant, “these two are your family. Savayna is, by blood, your family, and Grant is well on his way of being your son-in-law.” Levi chuckled at the thought of that, “so surely you have some idea on what you want to do to them.”

Savayna couldn't believe this. Black blood spewed from Levi’s mouth and she hadn’t commented on it once. Not only that, but she had been ignoring Savayna for minutes. Instead, she had been conversing with her rotten, no-good father about what they should do with her and Grant. The nerve of that wench!

Savayna tightened her fists. How she wanted to wipe that smug look off of her vile face. She wasn’t going to give that bitch the chance to do anything with either her or Grant. “I’ll tell you what —” Before Savayna could finish what she was going to say, she felt such a sharp pain in her shoulder that it caused her to scream louder than she had ever screamed before out of pure agony. It was such an ear-screeching scream that it made her fall face-first, all the while she was clenching the injured shoulder.

“You’re quite a tenacious warrior, Savayna. That much I will give you.” Levi said, twirling corrupted, corrosive water in her right hand, “but do you honestly think that you can make threats to me while you have corrosive water flowing through your bloodstream?” Levi closed her fist, and something in Savayna’s shoulder burned like an inferno, causing her to screech out once more, this time higher than before. It was almost to the point of her crying from the pain.

---

Jaakuna just looked at Reia as she completely dismantled Isaiah’s great speech of arresting her and Lorenzo. It brought a smile to his face. It was even more apparent when he saw the neutral look on his cousin’s face curve into a slightly annoyed expression, giving Jaakuna the impression that he didn’t expect this to go the way that it had. FOr a moment, Jaakuna thoguht that maybe he would forget the entire thing, and they woudl just turn tail, and go back where they came from.

But of course that wasn’t going to happen because Reia offered herself as a sacrifice.

Terrific. Just fucklng terrific.

Jaakuna’s smile was gone. His hope that they all would be able to remain in peace without worry was gone. Nothing but the realization that someone - most likely his grandfather - had planned it perfectly to interfere with what Jaakuna had hoped to do.

Cursing not so loudly, JAakuna could only watch in disbelief as Ixion returned to his neutral expression.

“You’ve studied foreign laws extensively.” Ixion chuckled, amused. “Only someone who had every law of Ivalice memorized could know which one would fit this very situation you find yourself in.” Ixion laughed again. “I suppose I have no choice then.” Ixion sighed, “Empress Reia Alexandria Roselia, I fully accept the terms you have laid out in front of me and the Soliders of the Imperial Army. As such, I will not bring any further legal charges to the Prince Lorenzo Jeremiah Roselia.” Ixion said. He stepped forward, “now please, come with me.” Ixion gestured his arm forward, and in a matter of moments, the soldiers were hauling Reia away.

“You’re going to pay for this, Ixion.” Jaakuna swore as he snarled lowly at Ixion.

“I am sorry it had to come to this, Jackson, but orders are orders. You are free to appeal to the charges if you wish. Grandfather should be in his office.”

That was the last thing that Ixion said before he turned, and followed the hoard of Archadian Soldiers that had Reia.

Jaakuna screamed out of anger, cursing up a storm of obscenities that caused people who were passing by to give him looks. He told them to fuck off and threatened to kick their asses if they didn’t get out of his sight. Of course, they fled in terror.

“Calm down, Jaak —” Nila was cut off by a deathstare from Jaakuna.

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Jaakuna snapped at Nila, ceasing any further words she might’ve had for him.

---

“I see that only made it angrier.” Wesley cocked a smirk. For sure, he thought Royal Judgement was going to be enough, but it seems that it only added fuel to the fire.

As he held his sword in front of him, Wesley would mirror what the beast was doing: he took to a run. Where the beast became engulfed in green light that made Wesley’s hair stand up on every part of his body that had hair, WEsley became surrounded by a brilliant orange light, purifying any remaining remnants of it's foul mist.

And then the two came to a clash.

The beast had met WEsley’s blade. They were at a standstill. Foul Mist threatened to overtake Wesley’s light. And though the Dalmascan prince wanted anything but that exact thing to happen, he found himself on the defensive. His strength was starting to slip. The beast - and the mist it oozed in the quantities - was inching closer and closer to Wesley’s personal circumference, and threatened to consume him.

Push Wesley! Push!

I..Can’t. It’s too much.

You are a descendant of the Dynast King. You have the blood of Raithwall himself flowing through your veins. This beast is nothing. Show it that you will not bend the knee to the likes of its kind.

And something within Wesley awoke. It wasn’t anything like the Order Seal. No, this was more of an inner-fire, a desire to do his ancestor proud. “You are absolutely right, Hashmal. Thank you.” Wesley said.

As he pushed forward, brilliant light overtook his sword. In the matter of just one moment, the Yagyu Darkblade was no more. In its place, a blade almost twice as long, opposite of color, and with the symbol of a sun at the top took its place. In its stead, the Yagyu Darkblade was no more, for The Sword of Kings took its rightful place.

“I..don’t understand.”

“It’s simple, Wesley,” Hashmal said, materializing next to Wesley. “You have finally deemed yourself worthy as King of Dalmasca." Hashmal said, giving Wesley a respectful nod.

Wesley looked a the Sword of Kings. It was the same as it was before, but for some reason it was a lot..stronger, seeming to be infused with strong magicks like he had never seen before.

“The Sword of Kings that you hold in your hand is the complete version, because inside its crevices are the spirits of the fallen kings - your father, Jonathan, his grandfather and his grandfather’s father, the Queen Ashelia, and Raithwall himself - all of them empower of you, all of them judged you, and all of them, with their might, recognize you as the rightful heir to the Dalmascan Throne.”

Wesley heard Hashmal speak. He heard all of those words. They even registered with him, but the only thing that he could focus on was the way this blade made him feel. First off, it made him feel powerful, more powerful than he was with the Yagyu Darkblade. Secondly, there was a sense of rightful purpose that he was experiencing, as if something that laid slumbering finally woke up. And the last thing, a warmth that was unexplainable. All of those things, combined with what Hashmal said, made Wesley absolutely sure that going on this journey was the right thing to do. It would be further proof when he would look at the beast who stayed at bay due to the mist field surrounding the Sword of Kings.

As Wesley stepped forward, the beast had been forced back even more. Each step would force it back one pace. As Wesley gripped the hilt with both hands, he would slice downward, and send a wave of purifying mist towards the beast. It not only would surround the beast, but in doing so, it would cleanse the world of its vile existence. Wesley would hear the screams of agony it let loose as it dwindled into nothingness.

“As it should be.” Wesley commented, taking a knee. After a moment, he rose to his feet, and looked at the boy who just looked at him with a smile. “You are next!” Wesley pointed the Sword of Kings at the snickering boy.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“You act as though I’ve wronged you, Princey.” Levi said, removing herself from Grant’s personal circumference. “Sure, you might’ve went through some bad patches over the past months, but I think it was for the better, don’t you agree?” Levi gestured to Savayna, “I mean, just look at where you’re at: you’re as close to Savayna’s home as you’re going to get - and no, I don’t mean Archadia. I mean your real home of Glacier Village. And you got to meet her father.” Levi looked at him. “So, tell me, Grant, what exactly do you have to complain about?”

Savayna reached forth to grab Levi’s dark, kinky hair. She got a fist of it, and she punched Levi in the face with her free hand. Levi let her do it on purpose, as it was obvious by how she licked her lips when that punch drew black...blood? What the hell?!

---

Jaakuna wasn’t usually a patient man. Actually, he never had been very patient, but circumstances demanded he swallow his usual tendencies, and wait with the others like a good boy. Oh how he hated being that boy scout. Just once he would like something to happen that didn’t involve overthinking and getting his ass numb.

And suddenly, he heard steel meet marble floors. It sounded like marching. Several steps from the sounds of it. JAakuna looked over and saw about a dozen of Archadian soldiers. All of them were armed, all of them had guns out, and all of them walking over where the four of them sat. For a moment, Jaakuna had hoped they were going to Roman’s office, but his hopes sunk into the sea of dread when they stopped right in front of them.

“Um, can we help you?”

They stepped aside, letting someone through. It was Isaiah. “Oh, JAckson.” he said, as if not expecting to see him. “They hadn’t told me you were here. And Nila too? Well, howdy.”

“What’s going on?”

Isaiah sighed, “unfortunate orders, I’m afraid.”

“Orders?”

“Empress Reia Alexandria Roselia, Prince Lorenzo Jeremiah Roselia, by decree of His Eminence, the Emperor Roman Darcone, I hereby place you under arrest on the charges of espionage and conspiracy against our Emperor’s life.” Isaiah said, pulling out his sword, “please come willingly. I have been permitted to use force if needbe.”

“Isaiah, what the hell?!” Jaakuna stood up, shouting. “You can’t do this!”

“Jakson, if you interfere, I have been instructed to arrest any and all who get in the way,” Isaiah said, sounding as if he had no choice in the matter. “That includes the crown prince of Archadia.”

Jaakuna didn’t know what was happening. He didn’t understand it at all. He couldn’t just stand back and let it happen.

---

Wesley, guided by Hashmaal’s will, dashed forward towards the beast. It was the perfect chance for him to strike.

While Nadeline had Emiri’s attention, Wesley would seize the moment.With his blade poised in both hands,Wesley willed his Order Seal to cast a trifecta of Protectga, Shellga, and Faith, while gathering remnants of Haste. As he did that, his movements were increased almost twice as much, almost to the point where Wesley was able to leap to the skies, and slash at the beast with surgical precision. The blade, which had been surrounded by his purifying mist, surrounded both of the two in a field of white.

“Beast of darkness, by the decree of the Bringer of Order, I, Wesley of the House Alexander, bring order to your existence.” WEsley raised his blade. Mist gathered around him and above teh two. “Regio Julcio!” Wesley’s voice echoed in a layered effect, almost as if Hashmaal was speaking through him. And in that same moment, the god’s might was felt as purifying bolts of pearl and gold pierced through the beast, damning him to his worse nightmare.

When the field dispersed, Wesley looked ahead, and saw the beast, while still standing, was crying with screams of agony. It wouldn’t be long until his existence ceased.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“How long must we wait?” Jaakuna scoffed loudly.

Three hours they have been waiting. Three hours the quad group of Jackson, Reia, Lorenzo, and Nila had been waiting for an audience with his Eminence. When it was decided that Nila would come along, they rushed towards Roman’s office, but his assistant - Anya, her name was. A pretty thing. She had sandy hair, dimmed red eyes, and a decent complexion. She had the usual Archadian accent, though it was Northern Archadian, so it wasn’t as clearcut. She told them that Roman was very busy. He had meetings all day. Even when Jaakuna told him who he was, she said there was nothing they could do. Even when Reia and Lorenzo tried, they met the same answer.

More minutes would pass and Jaakuna had brought himself deep in thought. His eyes narrowed down at the ground, he moved his lips but nothing was said vocally. Why had Roman not recieved us at the Aerodome? Why was there a representative from grandfather? Why did it seem that denying his escort was something bad? Why did Grandfather not receive us when we arrived?

“Hey bucko!” Nila nudged Jaakuna.

JAakuna flinched. “Oh, sorry.” Jaakuna apologized uncharacteristically.

“You look like you were contemplating something rather intense.”

“I was just thinking.”

“Oh god, we all know what happens when you start thinking.”

Jaakuna said nothing in response, he simply continued what he was saying. “I was thinking about how the three of us got here, and there was an Archadian Soldier sent to us from my Grandfather. He said he was going to escort us here. When we denied him, he acted as though it wasn’t a request.” JAakuna said, biting on his thumb. “Then there’s the fact that, when I called Roman earlier, Grandfather Hamut answered.” he said.

“You’re just overthinking it. I’m sure nothing is amiss. Even if it is, Roman won’t let that happen.”

“I guess so.”

Even if she was right, there was something that Jaakuna couldn’t quite shake off. Call it a gut feeling, but he didn’t like this one bit.

---

“And yours as well, Prince Grant of Rozarria.” Atticus smiled, curling it into a smirk when Grant called him ‘Frost’. Obviously he feared Savayna more than he did the improper way to address a man you had just met. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I am to understand that you were engaged to the Lady Emelia Inabi, correct? The daughter - albeit fractured beyond reproach daughter - of an esteemed general of the Rozarrian army. Seems as though that’s your type.” Atticus mused, laughing lightly.

Savayna gritted his teeth. “And what’s that supposed to mean, you bastard?”

“Well, just look at you, Savy,” Atticus gestured to her, “you went from being promised to one Archadian Prince to marrying another who, after killing his father —”

“He didn’t kill Emperor Simon. It was a false claim.”

“Yes, I’m sure it is,” he mused again, “—but he went on the run after that, leaving you a broken mess. And then, after all those years of being on the run, he gets himself involved with that Inabi girl. And here we are. ” His arms were wide open, “You are now with another prince.” Atticus said, “I wonder, will he abandon you like the others? Since you are a cursed child, I am quite sure he will..” Atticus said.

“Oh, like you did to my mother.” Savayna snarled, eyes flashing crystal blue.

Atticus mused nonverbally. “I see. So it’s close, isn’t it?” Atticus looked to Grant. “Oh, I apologize, Grant, I never actually did comment about those refugees, did I? How rude of me.” He feigned regret. “They don’t matter. None of them do, not with Zodiark out and about.”

Savayna was surprised. How did he--

“Let me stop you right there.” Atticus said, freaking out Savayna even more. “You’re wondering how did I know about Zodiark?” Atticus stepepd forward once more,gesturing those surrounding Grant and Savayna to back away. “Be gone.” They dispersed, giving Atticus the alone time with Grant and Savayna he willed.

“Prince Grant, you assume I’m the leader because why? I have these insignificant pests following my commands? I can see how you would think that. But no, I am simply one step on the chain of command. There is another who is above my position. This person —” Atticus heard the doors of the temple open. “Speak of the devil and she shall appear.”

As the doors opened, Savayna watched intently. Though shadowy at first, as the figure would step into the light, it became clear. Who the person was, how Atticus had known about Zodiark -it all became clear when Savayna saw that face, the hair, the armor..

“Well isn’t this a surprise, “ she said, “Prince Grant and General Glacie here. And at the right time too.”

“Master Leviathan, I told you I could handle it. There was no need to —”

“Nonsense. I live for reunions, as I’m sure your sweet daughter was thrilled to see you again, as I’m sure the Prince here is thrilled to see me again.” Levi said, stepping close to Grant, hand on his cheek. Savayna didn’t like that, but Levi’s other hand would tighten and Savayna was stick in place. “How is my favorite Rozarrian?” Levi hissed seductively. She curled a dangerous smile, tongue moistening her lips.

---

As he stepped forward, WEsley had eyes on the boy behind Emiri. He knew what he must do: kill the boy so Emiri could be freed. But that would be a bit more difficult than he had hoped. Emiri, as Nadeline had said, was being controlled by this person. Wesley raised his hand once more in front of Nadeline. “Let me handle this.” Wesley said. He knew he would get resistance from her, so he looked at her, colors of orange dancing in his irises. No doubt she caught wind of Wesley’s intention.

Wesley never took his eyes off of the man. He was gauging him while also planning his next couple of moves. He could dart straight, knock out Emiri, and go for him in the same movement, but if that one was responsible for the Mist he had been feeling all day, then that was easier said than done. But what alternative did he have?

There is another course of action, Wesley. Hashmaal said, let Nadeline handle Emiri.

But she won’t be able to handle it much longer.

Better than the alternative of you suffering from a two-on-one assault.

Wesley had to admit that was a better plan than him trying to do it solo. “Very well,” wesley said, “Nadeline, do you think you can separate Emiri from that abomination long enough for me to strike?” WEsley asked.gripping his Yagyu Darkblade that had been surrounded by a strong mist field of white and orange.

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!"