Altered Tundra

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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Had this been a week or a month prior, Alexandros would right away make some witty retort about how the game had been won and he would gladly claim his prize - the prize of bedding Audrey Huntsberg. The very thought of that brought a certain glee to his mind, almost putting it at ease. Something that he had been looking forward to for quite some time. Though, then his mind wandered elsewhere. The memory that etched itself into his own of her and that trash known as Omar. It brought fury to his mind and nearly found its way to the surface. Though he suppressed it, Alexandros still couldn’t get it out of his mind.

And now he was left at a crossroads: forget what happened and the reason he came back to the west coast in the first place altogether or decline Audrey an invitation to his house. More importantly, deny her an invitation to his bed. You wouldn’t believe the turmoil that he was faced with at the moment. Imagine finding yourself in the position of getting what you wanted most of all, but in giving into it, you would also sacrifice all of your pride and go against the vow you made just weeks prior.

He found his serenity on the surface wavering, so Alexandros would chalk it up with a deep inhale and smiling at Audrey. When he did, there was something in the air. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but something suddenly clicked for him. Or maybe it was just something that became clear to him. Whatever it was, Alexandros seemed sure on what he was going to do. He had this look on his face and mentally, he was sane. Well, as sane as a perfect man such as himself could be.

“Very well, but I must warn you,” Alexandros leaned in close to Audrey’s ear. “I’m not a gentle lover,” he whispered, giving her that seductive tease of what was to come. When he led her towards the parking lot, he saw her posse about to follow her, “sorry, only two seats. I’m sure you can find your way home. Try the bus. I hear it’s very community-friendly,” Alexandros said, arm around Audrey’s waist ass[ as the two of them whisked themselves away, and en-route to Casa Mossos.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The air was tense for a few, long moments. Hardly anything was being said. Maybe it was better that way. After all, Jaakuna spoke the truth. Everyone knew it. Nothing they said to counter it would make it any less true. Instead, as silence would break, Shion simply chimed in, stating that nothing can change what has already happened, but going forward is what they all must focus on. In that moment - just for half of that moment - everyone seemed to soak in her words like a sponge and thought long and hard about what she said.

Just as one of the members of the large group would open their mouth(it was Jaakuna), in came Roman and Reia. “What impeccable timing you have, brother.” Jaakuna would say instead of responding to Shion’s remarks.

Roman began by stating that he’s here today because of Jaakuna. As he would, Jaakuna would chuckle. “A Darcone has to sit at the Emperor’s table. Since Vincent is busy being Daddy’s Little Helper and our grandfather is definitely not fit to rule, I couldn’t let you rot in that cell.” Jaakuna did his best to hide that he actually cared for his dear brother and didn’t want him to die in those cells. Though, he wasn’t the type to show such feelings without there being a good reason. Letting his brother know that wasn’t such a reason.

A brief moment of silence passed as Roman would very subtly change the course of the conversation onto some good and bad news he had. The bad of it was that Archades was pretty much fucked in its infrastructure. Though, the silver lining was that no one but Hamut was responsible and that they were doing their best to locate him.

“So, no word on where he is?” Savayna inquired.

Of course, Roman would shrug and Jaakuna spent the entire time thinking about that. As hard as he tried, the memory of where Hamut went after their battle was still very much hazy and it was as if there was a block of sorts. Each time he tried to think back to that moment where their battle had made a turning point, Jaakuna felt a mental shock just enough to jolt him several paces away from that memory. Something definitely happened to him - to his mind.

As Jaakuna would reach out to Belias, inside his mind, he was transported to what looked like the Tomb of Raithwall. It was fitting since that’s where Jaakuna secured Belias in the first place. Plus, of the conversations they’ve had about his inner world, Belias often alluded to how he was fond of the tomb. It brought him closer to his former master.

Before you ask, noI don’t know what happened back there. Sadly, even my powers have a limit. Belias informed Jaakuna, already reading his mind.

Damn. I was sure you would be able to figure out something using your Esper mojo.

Belias sighed at Jaakuna’s term for the Esper magick. It’s troubling to say the least. I can remember everything leading up to the point of that strange light that came from him, but after that, the only thing I remember is you being blasted and us remaining unconscious until my little brother awoke us.

Thinking about that, Jaakuna’s mind came back to the physical world of Ivalice and he seemed to miss a huge conversation. In fact, it seemed as though everyone was looking at him. “What?”

“Did you not hear anything that Grant or Reia said?”

“Of course I did.”

“Good, then you agree.”

“Uh, sure.”

“Idiot.”

Savayna shook her head and lightly bonked Jaakuna on the head. He, again, looked at her with a puzzled look. It wasn’t until she explained it to him. “Get it now?”

“Of course. Yeah, I understand,” Jaakuna felt his head. For a light bonk, that sure hurt. “But anyways, I don’t see why we can’t continue the process of the treaty. Though, I’m not quite sure I’m the one who needs to be there. Even though it was my idea, I am not the Emperor of Archadia. As much as I would love to act on behalf of the Archadian Empire, it is not my place. Unless, of course, Roman authorises me being the temporary proxy, I cannot do it.” Jaakuna stated rather disappointingly. It was obvious to anyone who knew him that Jaakuna truly did want to be the one to sign the treaty along side Dalmasca’s current ruler, Cassandra Alexander and Rozarrian Empress, Reia Roselia.

Shuffle your music player and post the first 10 songs

Hide Your Secrets — Silverstein — This is How the Wind Shifts: Addendum
No Rain, No Rainbow — BABYMETAL — METAL RESISTANCE
Let's Go — Hollywood Undead — Day of the Dead(Deluxe Edition)
Pokemon Theme — Natewantstobattle(feat. RichaadEB) — The Greatest Master
Uprising — Muse — The Resistance
Rolling in the Deep - Adele Cover — Go Radio — Punk Goes...Pop Volume IV
Anywhere But Here — Five Finger Death Punch and Maria Brink of In This Moment — The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell
Dance With the Angels(Piano Take) — Eyeshine — Afterglow
Oh My God — The Pretty Reckless — Who You Selling For?
School's Out[For the Summer] - Alice Cooper cover — Dave Mustaine — 100 Hair Metal Essentials

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The journey through the destruction that had been caused not only by the battles that Hamut had been apart of but as well as the battles that raged on with Zodiark, it was amazing that some of the buildings remained intact. Though others had seen better days, it was amazing that the hospitals and some of the major inns in Archades were still habitable. That was a good thing because those who had their homes destroyed and/or might have been injured needed a place to take refuge. Still, it was a hard sight to take in. So many people suffering. So many people lost their homes. Lost their businesses. Some might've also lost their families. It was still too early to tell.

It truly didn't sit well with Jaakuna as he and the others found their way through the main streets and found hidden pathways(thanks to Jaakuna and Savayna's guidance), they were able to make it to the Aerodome, which seemed to be occupied by soldiers. For a moment, Jaakuna thought that maybe he would be arrested since the last time he was here, there were soldiers looking for him on the order of his grandfather. However, as it would appear, word had gotten to them that he was the one responsible for this great city's destruction and that Roman had taken reigns as he had been doing before the temporary Military Coup of Archadia.

After a brief waiting period of confirming who they were, the Archadian Soldiers allowed Jaakuna and friends into the VIP section of the Aerodome. According to the receptionist, the VIP section was currently occupied by Roman. Jaakuna couldn't help but mutter something. "That clever bastard,"

"Hm?" Savayna looked towards Jaakuna as they were being brought to the VIP Section.

"Oh, it's nothing." he waved away her inquiry as he looked forward. They soon arrived at the VIP waiting area.

As everyone had taken their respective place on the assortment of couches, Jaakuna saw that Lorenzo had the right idea, so he also would plop on the couch without any regard to save the face of dignity or any of that. He simply lounged about, sighing quite happily. The couch was like a godsend. After all of the fights, he had been apart of today, from fighting Hamut to nearly dying and then havign to deal with his then-evil girlfriend, laying down and relaxing was soemthing that Jaakuna would welcome with open arms and legs. though, if he was to complain, his open stomach could shut up any time now.

Waiting for Roman to grant them all permission to finally join him, the others would take the time to just enjoy the reprieve before they would have to tackle the more pressing matters with Roman. Though there seemed that there would be no rest for the wicked, for Grant, the Ever-Masochist of the group, just had to bring the subject of Wesley up, though it was because of Lorenzo, but Jaakuna found it easier to blame Grant because he likes Lorenzo too damn much to place any fault on him.

And so Nadeline would reveal the tale of why Wesley hadn't shown up with her. Truth be told, he wasn't all that surprised. The only thing he had a bit of shock to was that how Wesley was in a coma. He wasn't any stranger to finding out things about your brother. That was probably something that he and Wesley knew more than anyone, but to hear that Wesley's long-lost brother was, in fact, alive, made him feel shitty and gave him the extra drive to do something for Wesley.

"Right, so you're to blame because you aren't a fortune teller? Naddie, I know you want to think you're to blame, but seriously? I thought you had more dignity than that" Jaakuna sat up, sighing. "If you really want someone to blame, then look no further~" Jaakuna pointed to himself. "I was the one who brought Zodiark into our lives. All of the terrible shit that has happened to us ever since that first trip to Giruvegan is all my fault. So, for the love of all that is holy, stop shitting on yourself when all you did was do your best to protect Wesley." Jaakuna would say, sounding almost annoyed. "That goes double for everyone here. Stop fucking playing the blame game on yourselves. But if you must, throw it all my way because I'm growing weary of hearing my friends say they're in the wrong when that's the furthest from the fucking truth."

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.