Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

While he had a few thoughts and things that he was going to say, Jaakuna became very tightlipped as Emiri unsubtly threatened to whack him a few good times if he didn’t shut up and let her focus. Somehow, he had become just as fearful of her wrath as Keiran did. The silverlining was that she couldn’t make him do anything right as she commanded it, but there was a certain...dominance that he caught in her eye that reminded him a lot of Justine. Maybe he was just overthinking it, but perhaps not.

Shrugging at that thought, Jaakuna would simply let Emiri do what she seemed so focused on doing. As he would observe, he noticed that dark magicks started to gather around them; it was a slow build. Mist centering around Emiri, then drawing from Jaakuna. He felt a slight pinch from all around his body...well it didn’t feel like just a pinch, but rather something close to getting the chills - much like to how Savayna once sent a wave of icy magick his way after he refused to pay for dinner on their fifth date. It felt like that, just less chilly.

Eventually, the mist would then surround them in a dark field. The sight of the room that they were in slowly disappearing as the only thing that Jaakuna saw was darkness. And then, as if in the next moment, Jaakuna felt that familiar feeling he did when Zodiark had warped him from Archades. It felt like he was travelling through a wormhole where he was going so fast and traveling so many miles in so little time that his insides tossed and turned, and before Jaakuna even realized it, his body was being put through the ringer and had slammed on the hard, cold ground covered in rock and gravel.

“Ou--” Before he would even get to react to it, he felt the weight of Keiran crush his lower back, causing him to groan loudly and then Emiri landed on both of them, resulting in an even louder grunt. It was, for just a few moments, that Jaakuna was seeing stars, or at least those who lived in the stars. There was every Esper minus Zodiark all going around in a circle like a merry-go-round.

Though it would take him a few, long moments to snap out of it, Jaakuna would indeed get out of the trance as he felt Keiran struggle to get off of him. The boots that the Zodiark spawn had on dug deep into his back, causing Jaakuna to yell out. “Watch it, will ya!?” Jaakuna snarled angrily at Keiran, giving him an angry glare. It wasn’t until he would look around that he realized where he was. “Wait...this isn’t that death room. She did it!” Jaakuna yelled out, followed by an ecstatic cheer. He jumped around, hugging Emiri so tightly that he felt a button or two on her dress pop.

“Jaakuna?!” Savayna suddenly said, causing Jaakuna to let go of Emiri. “You fucking asshole! Where have you been?!” She yelled at him, almost ready to clobber him.

As he went to face Savayna, Jaakuna turned around. He noticed a lot of familiar faces. Though, not all of them were smiles. Specifically, he noticed Nadeline who had a quite familiar look of anger on her face. That was a look that he saw a few times when he really angered her. Or whenever Savayna would egg her on just a bit too far. It only took Jaakuna a brief moment to realize who exactly she was looking at.

“Nadeline…” Jaakuna slowly said, knowing full well what she was thinking. “Now, before you do anything rash…”

Too late. She had taken to a charge. Keiran, apparently had readied himself for defense. Jaakuna scrambled to intercept, which thankfully he was able to. His right fist went aflame of gold and red as Nadeline’s rapier would collide with it, causing a brief explosion of light and fire magick, colors of white and red mixing with brilliant orange.

“Of all the--rash?! You telling me not to do anything rash, when the very spawn of the enemy appears before me! Did your trip cost you what little brain cells you had left in your head?!” Nadeline barked at him, waving her rapier around. “Have you realized what has happened? Have you any idea of the consequences--”

“Naddie, it’s fine,” Emiri interrupted her, trying to avoid Nadeline’s flailing as she approached her. “I’ve got him under my thumb now.”

Nadeline’s eyes widened in disbelief as the realization hit her. As Emiri smiled, it suddenly occurred to her that she was here. Gone was the once murderous look in her eye, and that lovely smile was in its place. Placing her rapier back on her belt, she approached Emiri, though she ended up pulling her into a tight hug.

“What a relief,” Jaakuna’s flaming fist went back to normal and he let out a loud, thankful sigh. He couldn’t bear it if he had to fight another one of his friends today. God forbid he actually win against Nadeline, which seemed very unlikely. He would never tell anyone this, but she’s actually quite strong. From what he felt as her rapier and his fist collided, she had an overwhelming increase to her magick. If he were betting right now, he’d say that Ultima’s seal was unlocked.

“It’s really you, right?” Nadeline asked, her voice muffled in Emiri’s hair. “It is, isn’t it?”

“Hold on a sec, how did you guys even end up here anyway?” Lorenzo couldn’t help but ask. “We saw Zodiark take Jaakie away.”

“Yeah and now I’m back,” Jaakuna stated rather bluntly, feeling weary. “I’ll be glad to tell you the entire story, but perhaps after I get some grub in my--” Jaakuna looked around and noticed his entire homeland was in ruin. “What in the holy graces of Ultima’s Tits happened here..?” Jaakuna looked to everyone for an answer.

Grant opened his mouth to respond, though he wasn’t sure where to start. Lorenzo looked at him, curious, though Grant seemed to have found his wordings as he motioned to Nadeline. “We--no, Nadeline fought against Zodiark. Briefly...although before that…” His voice trailed off as he looked at Savayna, though he just as quickly looked away from her.

Shion, who had been silent until now, disapproved of the run arounds. “Seeing your unconscious body as a result of your conflict with Hamut was too much for the ice Queen,” She said bluntly, like ripping a bandaid off. “Mateus’ Seal was unlocked. She and I clashed. Zodiark appeared. Ultima’s Seal was unlocked. He and Nadeline clashed. Zeromus’ Seal was unlocked. He left. You came. The end.”

“It’s...slightly more complex than that, but...that does seem to be the gist of things.” Nadeline reluctantly agreed.

“That explains why he didn’t greet me when he warped me from here.” Jaakuna said, looking to Emiri, “I also guess that explains why he didn’t interrupt our fight--” Jaakuna suddenly looked towards Emiri’s direction, seeing the look on her face.

Keiran sighed, putting his elbow on her shoulder as he used her for support. “The good thing is that neither one of you were able to actually hurt one another. I have to admit, I was impressed by those little sparks of yours, Darcone,” He said as he pinched Emiri’s cheek, clearly trying to get that look off her face.

“I wonder how he’ll react when he sees we’re gone,” Emiri said as she swatted away Keiran’s hand.

“I’m more curious to know how the Seed is now under your control,” Shion mused out loud.

“We made a contract. He lost.” Emiri couldn’t help but give Shion a coy smile, though it faded as Shion’s eyes sharpened.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this, too, is a part of his plan,” Shion noted.

Jaakuna shrugged, “I don’t think he would want his underlings becoming our personal slaves,” Jaakuna just had a thought, but as he would, he saw a few looks being shot his way. “What?”

“You’re full of shit, that’s what.” Savayna nastily said.

“You don’t believe me and I understand that. Maybe a little demonstration is in order,” Jaakuna looked towards Emiri then to Keiran as he grinned a grin with evil intentions, “oh dearest, give our wonderful friends some proof of this contract.”

Emiri nodded, looking Keiran right in the eye. “I’d like something to sit on,” She stated, snapping her fingers. He let out a sigh, going down on all fours, letting out a grunt as Emiri would sit on his back. “How refreshing, I was feeling a little tired.” She stated happily, ignoring Keiran’s less than pleased expression.

“I’d say you shouldn’t worry too much, but...Emiri is a bit...vengeful,” He informed Keiran, who shot Grant a glare.

As Jaakuna would look on, he couldn’t help but burst out into laughter, almost falling to the ground at the sight of Keiran being Emiri’s personal stool. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Nadeline rolled her eyes, shaking her head at Jaakuna. “If you’ve had enough, we should get back to your brother and make sure he is safe,” She told him, frowning.

“Why do you care about Vincent? He’s somewhere taking care of my father, isn’t he?” Jaakuna thought, placing his thumb and index finger on his chin as if contemplating about it for real.

The princess threw her arms up in frustration, though Grant felt he should help her out. “Roman. Not Vincent.” He corrected him.

“Ah yes, that makes more sense than Vincent.” Jaakuna said, eyes closed as he nodded.

Nadeline resisted the urge to hit him, though it seemed she had had enough of...everything. For now. Still, as she watched Emiri get off Keiran and go back to Jaakuna, she seemed satisfied. She looked so...happy. She conceded, waving for the group to follow as she decided to take the lead.

Ways to get Kicked Out of Walmart

Dart around suspiciously while humming the theme from Mission Impossible.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

These Ivalicians truly were an entertaining bunch. He showed them a glimpse of what was to come and instead of cowering in fear, they stood defiant. Was this how Princess Ashe felt when she stood up to the Occuria? It was an admirable trait in them, but at the end of the day, no amount of stubborn fortitude will make any difference. They will fall and the Keeper of Precepts will stand on top of them as their new god.

“I look forward to where your words become more than that,” Zodiark would bow his head slightly as a sign of respect. “Until then, you do enjoy what little time you have left. You might not ever get to enjoy it if you come straight to me.” With those parting words, Zodiark faded into a portal of blackened mist as it swallowed his form and all traces of ZOdiark within the great country of Arcadia vanished, the air finally returning to its purity.

And as they were left with what had just transpired, Savayna grunted as she would find her footing once more. “I...have a lot of explaining to do, don’t I?”

“Not now, Savayna. There’s plenty of time for that to happen, but first you guys need to find our Emperor and their Empress,” Shinto said, looking at the Rozarrians of the group, “or have you forgotten that she’s out there somewhere with Roman?” Shinto reminded them. “As for me, I will stay here with Lannit and as soon as Do--”

“WHERE ARE THOSE SONS OF BITCHES! I’LL KILL THEM ALL!” The always obnoxious Dominic dashed in a flare of red and gold, lightning surrounding him.

Shinto didn’t have the patience to deal with him now, so he simply flicked his fingers in a swift motion and Dominic was struck with a strong telekinetic force, knocking him out once more. “I swear to all that is holy, he never knows when to shut up.”

“Agreed,” Lannit said, rising up as he felt his head, “I feel like I just died.”

Shinto simply turned and face the rest of the group, choosing not to answer Lannit just yet. “In any case, you lot better go find them. I’m betting that they’re both curious about what just happened today.” Shinto would walk over to Dominic unconscious body and carry him over to Lannit.

---

“Amazing,” Jaakuna found himself astonished at how many things EMiri could make him do. Or what she has made him do thus far. “You really can make him do anything you want, can’t you?”

Is this really the time for that?

Jaakuna didn’t hear Belias - or at least he chose not to. Instead, he was deadlocked on Keiran who was sitting on the ground not saying a single word. If she could make him do that, think of all of the fun and creative things they - erm, she - could make him do. Bark like a dog. Roll over. Spank his ass. “Oh, yes, this will work out just fine,” Jaakuna was snickering to himself, staring at Keiran wil evil intentions.

WILL YOU FOCUS! Suddenly Belias snapped at Jaakuna.

The blonde scowled as he would see Emiri and she suddenly changed clothes. “Wait, what happened to your outfit?” He asked, completely out of the loop.

Had you been paying any attention, you would have heard her say that she can still use her dark magicks. So, Mr. Genius, she might be able to use that spell that my younger brother had used on you to poof you to his castle.

Oh. That’s why. “Well, I guess it’s worth a shot.” Jaakuna simply shrugged, “just don’t kill us before we have a chance to talk about...things.” Jaakuna casually told Emiri, vaguing referring to...something.

And just as they would prepare to do the spell, as Jaakuna would see Emiri prepare it -or at least look at him as she prepared herself for the preparation for it, there suddenly came a wave of unstable mist that Jaakuna would recognize all too well. It was Zodiark. He must’ve been gone from the castle for some time, because he hadn’t sensed that mist for the entire time he was here. “Yeah, might want to hurry up. No pressure or anything, but if our generous host catches on, we’re dead,” Jaakuna said as light-hearted as he could, “still love you~”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“You ask me that question, but would you dare ask Ultima what would be her demise?” Zodiark looked directly at Grant, Savayna, and the Viera - specifically the Viera, “and you four - the Chosen Ones - would you dare ask Mateus or Zeromus or Zalera how they would die? No, because that in itself would show weakness.” Zodiark was now offended, “my demise will come one way or another, I know this to be true. It might happen soon or maybe in a year from now, but I know it’ll happen. However, until that time arrives, I will savor my time on Ivalice for as long as I can. For too long I was imprisoned by those who feared my power. By those who couldn’t possibly to begin to understand what true excellence was. To ask such a question is…”

And suddenly, ZOdiark’s eyes were glowing ...well not so much as glowing, but fading into pure blackness. And with that, a vile black mist aura surrounded him and his hands extended to grab all of those within his reach. Unlike with Grant earlier, Zodiark was the one who got closer to them.

“For all you’ve accomplished today and impressing me with your strong magicks, allow me to give you one final truth!” his tone sounded crazed. It was almost as if he became possessed by something...ancient.When Zodiark’s voice went silent, a black cloud of mist would surround each and every one of them and Zodiark. Inside this cloud, they would see the destruction of Dalmasca, of Arcadia, and yes, of Stigma - all of it overrun with unstable Mist and monsters and feinds of all kinds. And in each of the cities, those closest to her, the ones that she held dear - all of them hung for all to see.

After the vision ended, the group of Humes and Viera, and Zodiark were returned back to reality. In what might’ve felt like an eternity was only three seconds in the real world. “That is the truth. It will become your new reality.” Zodiark would release them from his hold, just giving them time to process it all.

---

Jaakuna didn’t know what he was enjoying more: the fact that Emiri had ordered Keiran to smack his head against the wall or that she threatened to do it again if he didn’t comply with what Jaakuna had proposed to him? He really was thinking about it. And he couldn’t help but cackle as Keiran would actually speak out of fear of getting hurt on Emiri’s command again. It truly was a sight to see. Definitely something that was a long-time coming. He would even hear Belias enjoy this just deserts.

As Keiran would ask the two of them how they planned on leaving, Jaakuna would think about that. He definitely wouldn’t be able to come back the way he came...or would he? Interrupted mid-thought, Emiri motioned to Jaakuna as she would ask him if it was true that he was Zodiark’s prisoner. He would look to her, unsure how to word it. “Well, I guess technically..”

Technically? You mean actually, right?

He ignored Belias once more and continued, “okay, so yeah he kidnapped me. But, I think I might have an idea,” Jaakuna said, smiling somewhat, “if Zodiark used some kind of space-time magick to poof me here, then surely Keiran here would be able to do the very same, wouldn’t you?” He looked towards Keiran, almost as if stating that if he didn’t do it, he’d unleash The Emiri on him and let her do whatever she wished to do.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Right you are. I have a plan for those two. “ Zodiark said, answering Nadeline’s question.

“What’s the plan!?” Suddenly, Savayna’s voice yelled as her body staggered closer to the group and about ten paces away from Zodiark.

“Oh, I see that you’re able to move. Impressive.” Zodiark clapped his six hands together, congratulating her.

Though she struggled, SAvayna had her will back. “Answer me--” She started to cough up blood, “ what’s--ah ah -- your plan for them..” Savayna found herself losing her footing and would land in Grant’s arms, though her eyes were dead-set on Zodiark.

He would chuckle and smile at the group. “I believe in reuniting those with their loved ones. Savayna, I did that with your father and how you finally saw him after so many years. Grant, I did that - in a way - when I told you the truth about your brother. And Nadeline, I helped your dearest Wesley become reunited with his brother.” Zodiark bragged about his generous gifts to the group in front of him. “And, just as I had with you, I reunited Jaakuna with his dearest Emiri. Who knows? By now, she may even be back to normal. Or she could be dead. The latter is certainly a thought to entertain, is it not? Or maybe Jaakuna is dead. An even worse one to think about.” Zodiark laughed, then regained his focus. “To answer your question, I’ll tell you this: history will repeat itself and those who claimed victory will, once again, chain the heretics to their rightful prisons.”

---

Jaakuna was starting to grow weary of Keiran’s own self-pity. He didn’t know what was worse: hearing Zodiark-Influenced Emiri that she was ready to die or that Keiran was going to die soon by Zodiark. It was like, regardless who was actually responsible, that they were ready to just kick the bucket. It’s almost as if they had no free will of their own.

“Gods damn it all,” Jaakuna said, sounding defeated.

Watch how you talk about me. Belias chuckled.

Ignoring Belias’s peanut gallery banter, he regained his focus on Keiran. His blazing fist was gone, but he still had Keiran pinned against the wall, though he would place his left forearm against Keiran’s upper-chest, just inches below his neck. “You’re pathetic, Keiran. How could someone who was so confident before - so sure of their power- now be content with death. Where did all of it go?” Jaakuna pressed harder, his anger showing. “Here you have all of this power. For Occuria’s sake, you are a Seed of Zodiark. Not only that, but you have free will. Maybe instead of wallowing in your own self-pity and resigning to death, you should actually fight for your life. If you have even an ounce of defiance in your body, then use it.” Jaakuna said to him, letting him go, “if you don’t, then I will simply order you, or need I remind you of our little deal? Through all of his motivational rhetoric, Jaakuna let out a sinister chuckle.

That’s a tad underhanded, don’t you think?

Desperate times, Belias. Desperate times.

Still pretty low - even for you.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As she would ask her first question, Zodiark couldn’t help as he lowly chuckled at Nadeline’s question. “Of course you would ask about it.”

He has studied this particular group of Ivalicians for a long time and there was definitely something daring and special about them. Specifically, Nadeline was the kind of Hume who valued the training of the mind above all else. Her potent magick was surely impressive, but it was the knowledge she had mentally that allowed her to know all of the little things about Espers and Ivalice’s history. So, it did seem very fitting that she would use the first ‘wish’ to ask about Zodiark’s Tome.

Looking at the girl, Zodiark let out an amused sigh. “I’m disappointed, Hume Girl. you would think you’d recognize your own tome. But perhaps you never noticed that it was switched out, did you?” Zodiark said, giving Nadeline a dose of truth that he promised. “Yes, that’s right. The Tome that you yourself had for the longest time was, in fact, The Grand Tome of Ivalice. It bonded to you and your memories and the memories that of your friends and family. This tome is a special one, for it does not display pre-written history but rather acts as a conduit for the desires of whomever holds it and displays such information for them.” Zodiark would reveal to her, answering her first question.

While he let that sink in, Zodiark would simply wait. Whether she wanted to retort or just skip ahead to her second question would be all on her. He was simply going to give her the time that she needed to soak that all in. It sure was one hell of a bomb to drop on her, that’s for damn sure.

---

Before all of this happened, Jaakuna had asked himself and anyone who would listen if what he was experiencing was a dream. He didn’t want to believe Emiri was gone. But now, he found himself asking himself the same question. Not because of how Emiri was just a few moments ago, but how surreal this all seemed. He wasn’t sure if this truly was reality or if he was perhaps still unconscious and if he woke up, she wouldn’t be - well, his Emiri. The same Emiri that he had fallen in love with.

And as he asked himself over and over again, he heard Belias. It’s real. Make no mistake about it, Jaakuna. What you’re experiencing now - the joy of holding her in your arms -that’s all real. You did it. Bask in your glory, Prodigal Sun. you freed The Time Scion from his grasp.

Those words would melt into his mind and made Jaakuna finally happy. In all the pain and strife he went through, everything was okay now. She was okay now. She was free of Zodiark. She was free of his influence and he couldn’t be happier.

And then, he saw Keiran -he heard keiran. He heard him inqiure to Emiri, then she would simply tell him to deal with it. “Wait, what do you mean ‘this one’? I am not just ‘this one’ - I am THE one,” Jaakuna would clarify, obviously defensive.

Idiot. Belias said, giving Jaakuna a mental scowl.

As he would huff even more, this time at Belias’comment, Jaakuna looked to Keiran. Seemed as though he was now the one without a purpose. Or maybe he was just unsure what to do. He stood up and approached Keiran and pinned him against the wall and had a hand gripping his neck. For a moment, Jaakuna had his mind set on obliterating this man from existence. His free hand went ablaze of deep red and it was being poised to punch Keiran. Since he was no longer attached to Emiri, it wouldn’t hurt her. So, why not do it?

“Give me a reason why I shouldn’t kill you right now?” Jaakuna asked Keiran, “I want you to give me a solid reason. If you can convince me, I won’t slaughter you right now. I’ll let you live your life however you want to. I’ll take Emiri with me and that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.” Jaakuna said as he held his flaming fist just inches away from Keiran’s face, the flames reflecting in the young male’s empty eyes.

Baybridge: Halcyon Days [Superpowers/Semi-Sandbox]

---

Local Bar in New Raygate, Prince Ed-Field

---

Jackson had been at the local bar just a few blocks away from his apartment. He was already on his third glass of some crappy, cheap Jack Daniels-ripoff. He was probably already drunk or close to it. After what happened - after apparently helping a cause that he probably didn’t even know exist - his mind had been racing. More to the point, since the investigation about Levi’s disappearance had been put on the back-burning, he felt a bit...left out? No, that wasn’t the right word. He was feeling empty and without purpose. He has these powers and he did save a couple of lives, but there still something not quite right. It was as if Jackson suddenly realized something was missing. But what?

Looking into the remainder of his fourth whiskey, Jackson pondered on that thought for a few minutes.

“You’re looking a bit down there.” The Bartender said, wiping the counter as he glanced Jackson’s way.

“Perhaps just a bit.” Jackson didn’t feel like talking.

“Y’know, people come here for a lot of reasons. Some come to unwind after a long day at the office. Some come to just enjoy a pint or two with their friends. Some come to get shit-faced. But you seem like you’re here to figure out some stuff.” The Bartender would offer Jackson a bit of insight on the happenings of this bar.

He looked up at the wise bartender, “so what exactly are you trying to say?”

“A man doesn’t down four glasses of whiskey without a reason. You need to find that reason, young man.”

Hearing the man speak, Jackson knew he was right. Damn it, he was right about all of it. “Thank you..whatever your name is.”

“Name’s Sam. Sam Williams.” Sam said, holding his hand out.

Jackson shook his hand and left what he owed plus a tip for the advice. He knew what he had to do, but more importantly, Jackson knew where he had to go. If there was going to be any purpose in his life, he would need to make some changes in his life. Might as well start with his future employment.

---

@Surtr(characters mentioned)

---

The city was pretty lively this time of night, so hailing a cab was a nightmare. After about a dozen or so tries, Jackson finally found one, to which he would tell them exactly where he was heading.

Along the way, Jackson thought about what he was going to say and how he was going to word it. Making a life change has always been something of a tricky thing. If not done right, it would backfire and be spat right back at you in your face. If worded incorrectly and you might end up on someone’s bad side. So, those were only but a few of the many factors that were contributing to Jackson’s anxiety at the current moment.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that Jackson lost the track of time, but more specifically, he didn’t realize that he was already here.

“That’ll be fifty bucks even.” The cabi said.

“Jeez, that much?” Jackson sighed as he handed the cab driver sixty - fifty for the fair and ten for the lack of conversation.

Getting out, he looked up at the all-too familiar building. He saw the logo of the Joint Headquarters of DOVE and RAVEN. It was kind of hard to miss. And even though he knew exactly what he was here for, the butterflies in his stomach wouldn’t cease their flapping. They wanted his nervousness to be at an all-time high as he would begin this life-altering decision.

Shaking his head, he knew this had to be done.

Walking through the front door, Jackson approached the receptionist at the front desk. “Yes, I don’t know if you remember me. I came here before looking for my friend.”

“Right, I remember you. Drake, was it?”

“Yeah,” Jackson nervously nodded, “anyways, I was hoping you could help me with something.

“I’m sorry, but there are still no new updates about your friend.”

“No, that’s not it. I was hoping you could tell me if a woman named Meifang Zhao or a man named Francis Jean-Pierre is in?” Jackson asked, sweat starting to drip from his face.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

And so another one cracks the seal.

In the span of just a few hours, nearly all of the Esper Seals have been unlocked. It started with Hamut and Exodus. When the Judge-Sal’s seal - the most ancient of them all - was unlocked, Zodiark felt it. The waves of Mist travelled through the spectrum and he felt how Exodus was judging all those who opposed his Chosen One. He felt how all those who were against the Dragon of Archades would fall. And so they did - well in a manner of speaking. The one that judges everyone and deems them below him is perfect for a Scion of Darkness who had eventually done the same thing to Ivalice and all those within it.

Following him was the Seal of the Gigas, to which young Jackson overcame great anguish to empower himself with all that is fiery and fierce. Determined and set in his ways, it was fitting that the one who held the ultimate key to healing anything would fall into the one who started out as an outcast. The one who swore to protect his friends and allies. A fitting seal and fitting Esper for a protector.

Along the way, three more seals were unlocked -all seemingly tied to one another. Mateus, the Corrupt, Zeromus the Condemned, and the Pseudo-Queen and leader of the Scions of Darkness, Ultima, the High-Seraph - all unlocked through their chosen one’s intense emotions to protect those closest to them.

For Savayna, her drive was to prove her worth. It was fitting that she unlocked it while corrupted by a foreign invader. But after it was all said and done and the Ice Queen herself took some time to cool off, it ended up being the one moment where she did prove that she belonged with everyone else. As did another.

Probably considered the exact same as Savayna as well as the complete opposite, Nadeline Lenore also went through strides to prove her worth. First, it was to her family, then to her friends. And after she did the same to her own fiance, it was to her greatest enemy: herself. One that truly went beyond any and all previous expectations that anyone ever had about her, Nadeline surpassed the odds and actually went toe to toe with the Keeper of Precepts himself, Zodiark. Not an easy thing to do.And yet, she, like many before her, came up short. Though, it is worth noting that she would have died if not for the courageous efforts from Grant. Because he unlocked Zeromus’ impressive Seal of the Condemned, he, ironically, was Nadeline’s savior. That, above all else, was the defining moment for him.

And as they stood back to back and the rest came to join them, Zodiark would look on. His eyes seeing what he never thought would happen: Humes and Viera in arms about to oppose an enemy they could not hope to defeat with power that they knew that they didn’t have for long. To Zodiark, it was foolish, but to them, he was an enemy and they wanted to eliminate him. Perhaps it could be done, but not now. Not with the amount of power that they have. It simply wasn't the time.

So, as Zodiark seemed satisfied, he let his black armor fade and he was back in his robes. His tome had returned and his additional arms back as if on the blink of an eye. He gazed upon them all. He waved his arm and awakened Savayna. “You all have impressed me. Especially you Rozarrian Girl and Condemned One. And for that, I will uphold my end of the bargain, Rozarrian Girl. You are allowed three truths. Any you seek and I will tell you. As the Keeper of Precepts, I am bound to my word. Now, speak and be heard.” Zodiark stated, looking at Nadeilne curiously.

---

He pressed as hard as he could. All of the determination to rid Emiri of any and all of Zodiark’s influence was stronger than any amount of fatigue he was experiencing right now. The love and affection he held for Emiri was stronger than the injuries he sustained during his fights throughout the day. It didn’t matter to him. Nothing mattered more than getting Emiri back and out of the clutches of Keiran and any other possible ‘seed’. His eyes reflected the burning desire within him. They burned with the same brilliant gold and red that his entire body seemed to because he was now surrounded by a literal healing fire aura, all of which was being concentrated into Emiri’s entire body.

He felt himself running low on stamina. Belias would note that there was only so much power he could lend Jaakuna without it overwhelming and destroying his very soul, but Jaakuna quickly retorted that his life was meaningless without her. “You hear me, Belias! I don’t care if I am destroyed in the process. If it means she is saved, I don’t care what happens to me!”

And as Jaakuna spoke those final words, something brought him out of his own frenzy. It was subtle. Warm. He felt warm hands grab his own. In the blink of an eye, Jaakuna’s Mist ceased its outward appearance and he was back to his pale self. Blonde hair a normal gold. His eyes back to the grassy-green. And above all else, when he looked down at Emiri, he saw a shade of violet that he never thought he’d ever see again. And tears from eyes he never thought he would see flow out of those eyes. And...and…

He embraced her. He didn’t say anything. Not a witty ‘you scared me half to death’ comment. Nothing came from his mouth. He just held her as close as he possibly could. For the first time in a long time, probably since before Chaos first wiped her memory, Jaakuna had his Emiri back. She returned to him and he couldn’t be happier. He never wanted to let her go.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Zodiark chuckled as he noticed Nadeline’s saviors were aiming to interfere in a fight that, up until just a few moments ago, was a one-on-one venture. Of course, after that Shinto had opened his mouth, there was no mistaking that he recognized the spell that Zodiark had used. Still, even if they were to make it in time, they had no chance in hell of stopping Zodiark, much less saving their dear Nadeline.

“It seems the deal we made might be cut off, Hume girl.” Zodiark said, citing the interference of her friends as a dealbreaker.

He kept his eyes on the slowly-shrinking prison Nadeline was in, but as the Viera and humes would gather their magicks to attack, Zodiark threw his staff into the air, letting it float. In his now free hand, he formed a handsign to where his index, middle, and thumb fingers were out. He placed his arm under his other one. From there, he gathered powerful magicks and sent a wave of darkga towards the ground. It was a more enhanced version of the spell than most were used to. He would unleash it upon all of them - even those who had yet to decide to help.

---

Though everything that was happening to him and Emiri wasn’t exactly idea, Jaakuna’s mind couldn’t help but go to the gutter when Emiri flipped him on his back and had landed on top of him. As she would shout, all he could think about was that first time that they were together and how he was in a very similar position as he was right now. And despite her yelling at him, saying all of those feelings that were bottled him, Jaakuna had a stupid grin on his face.

“Ya know, this is just like that night. You know - the first time we actually spent the night together.” Jaakuna wiggled his eyebrows. But the reminiscing of good times would cease entirely as she would grip his throat. She had a strong grip, that Emiri. Jaakuna, before he was starting to be choked to death, had forgotten about her surprisingly strong grip. It was amazing and terrible at the same time. Because he had let her do this, now he was struggling to break free of her hold.

And all the while, he heard her. And the words she spoke before. When the good times faded, much like Emiri’s composure, it reached a breaking point and he not only saw her pain, but he felt it. Not through him, but Belias relayed that pain to him. Espers have more of a talent of sensing that kind of thing than the humes do, so when Jaakuna finally would feel her pain, he realized something - well, aside from needing to break free or he’d die. He realized that she wasn’t entirely gone. This Emiri that was yelilng at his face and choking him was the insecure Emiri that he met before. The one that ran away from Stigma the first time and ended up as a hunter in Rabanastre. It was the same Emiri that left him to go face Nadeline in Bhujerba.

And in realizing that, Jaakuna’s fire was activated once more. This time, he didn’t waste his time grabbing her wrists. As quickly as he possibly could(given the circumstances of course), Jaakuna would press both of his golden, blazing hands onto Emiri’s...erm, assets as hard as he could and push with all his might.

“My heart burns with awesome gold and blazing red. My hands are an extension of my soul and it’s roaring loudly, telling me to purify you,” Jaakuna said, as if citing an incantation, “Purifying Blaze Palms!” As he shouted that, the intensity of his hands erupted in deeper golds and reds, giving Jaakuna an extra boost of magickal powers as he now had Emiri on the ground and he was now on top of her, breasting harder, intent on finishing what he started.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

---

Alexandros would just stand there as he let Audrey finish what she was going to say. He knew that she obviously had something to say about his comments, which meant that he got under her skin. Good. That’s what he meant to do. Though, she should have expected this. When you play with fire, you’re going to get burned and Alexandros sure felt that latina burn through every ounce of oil he had poured over their game of fire. However, he had to admit that even he was surprised by what she just said.

The sudden turning of the tables, Audrey appeared to have had it with their games. Through that entire speech, Alexandros stood there impressed. She actually brought out a genuine expression of surprise out of him. Not only that, but she seemed to have actually gone through a change into something resembling maturity. Audrey Huntsberg had actually had enough of the back-and-forth between them, which raised a question for Alexandros: what is a guy to do now?

When Audrey got up and her posse gathered their things, he simply watched as she would leave him at their table as she and the girls would go to leave. Though, before she would leave him completely, she left him with some famous last words. As she spoke them, Alexandros listened well. To her the games were over. Perhaps it was about time he also stopped playing the same game that she started.

Before she would turn around, Alex gave her a nod. Whether she chose to acknowledge it was her business.

Alexandros knew what he had to do, but the struggle he was having was should he? And more importantly, could he muster up the courage to forget his pride and arrogance, and go do what he needed to do? Racing through his mind were various scenarios - none of which were good for him. In his mind, he had ideas of how he would do it. But in his heart - god the heart that seemed to be making all the wrong decisions - there was all but one way to go about this.

Before he even realized it, Alexandros had followed Audrey’s suit. He didn’t really care that she was with her “A Team”. In all honesty, maybe it was good that they were present for what about what was going to happen.

He rushed in front of her, stopping the latina dead in her tracks, which would also stop her posse who were right behind her. “Not so fast, Huntsberg and friends,” Alexandros said, stopping them where they stood, “you left so abruptly that you didn’t let me finish.” Alexandros would feign sadness. He quickly shook it off as he looked into Audrey’s brown eyes. “I’m not going to pretend and say that my intention was on playing with your head. It’s fun seeing you squirm. But you’re right, when it all comes down to it, I was wasting your time. I went half-measure when I should have just..oh screw it--”

Alexandros shot Audrey’s friends a look before returning to his prize. His hands found themselves gently caressing Audrey’s face and without even so much as a word of warning, Alexandros gave her the most sensual, passionate kiss that he could muster up that would last for more than the average amount a kiss should last.

When the kiss ended, he would once more shoot her friends a look and return back to Audrey. “How’s that for winning?”