Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It was strange when Isabelle thought and looked at Reia. The two of them were around the same age (with Reia being just five years shy of her) and yet, as the blondes mingled and conversed, Isabelle could tell the immediate differences between them. It was true that Reia wasn’t a mother, but she acted like one to not only her troublesome brother, Lorenzo but the seemingly troubled youngest of the three, Grant. There were tales that reached Dalmasca’s hot deserts from Rozarria’s lush, rich mines that Reia when she wasn’t being harsh on her council, had been a just ruler. Even after the recent stories that painted her as an evil woman, Isabelle did not see her in front of her eyes. Who she saw was a confident person who deeply cared not only for her country but her family. So, maybe that’s why she acted harshly towards Cassandra.

When Reia began speaking about her own council and Isabelle’s late husband, she began to grow... well, somewhat sour. She didn’t show it on the surface, but thinking about her husband reinforced how terribly she felt as a mother. She knew that Reia didn’t blame her nor did Wesley, but she blamed herself. She might’ve not been the one to kill her husband, but she left, leaving his children to deal with it on their own. And to make matters worse, there’s a part of her that secretly despises her son’s decision to forgive the one who did kill him. Even if it might’ve been under the influence of that bastard Hamut Darcone, she still couldn’t overlook the fact that Isaiah Darcone killed her Jonathan.

She nearly showed it on the outside, but she stopped herself, only to smile at Reia. It was just in time as she mentioned Wesley and how he would be the one to lead Dalmasca to glory. “He is truly his father’s son.” Isabelle noted, smiling softly as she looked at Reia. “I am sure whenever he takes full control and reigns of this country, great things will await it.” Isabelle said warmly. “And I’m sure your niece will be with him for every step of the way.”

---

She didn’t like it when Lorenzo just grabbed it out her hands, which she made known she bopped his head lightly, though she would huff and turn around as if pouting like Emiri. However, when Lorenzo started to talk about where they could find Sonosis Magicite, she turned around. Hearing him speak, it seemed they were going to go on a bit of a trip. Though it came to a surprise when he said that come along without even being asked. But, as with all things, he would use this as a prerequisite for getting to know her.

Savayna sighed. “You remind me way too much of Jaakuna.” She sighed again, turning to the selection of vehicles. “Well, in any case, guess we should pick one that can fit all three of us.” Savayna said, approaching them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

No one had been able to break Cassandra’s will quite like Reia did.

She thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse. With what Cassandra had said about Reia’s brother and the known fact that he had gone corrupt and murdered his own father, she thought that what Reia had to say in response couldn’t make the conversation between the two ruling figures of their respective countries go down an even darker path. However, as Reia began to unload on Cassandra, the Queen Regent was proven wrong.

Reia ripped into Cassandra like it was nothing. She had remained calm and dutifully focused as she did everything that Cassandra had said towards her but insult her family. To do that would stoop to Cassandra’s level and unlike her daughter, Isabelle knew Reia to be above that. Instead, she’d direct all of whatever she was feeling in that moment at Cassandra. Telling her exactly what’d happen to her in the next few years, how she’d end up in ten years, and what her future looked like. And though Isabelle did feel as though she went too far, the Queen Regent also knew her daughter needed to hear this. Moreover, she deserved this.

A few minutes passed and Cassandra had been read her rights. She was a silent, nearly-about-to-cry mess. It broke Isabelle’s heart, though she simply gestured to Alistair. “Take her outside for some fresh air.” She ordered.

“Right away, Queen Regent,” Alistair got up and guided a petrified Cassandra. “Come on, your majesty.”

When they were out of the Grand Hall, Isabelle let out a sigh, shaking her head as she glanced at Reia. “There was no way that was going to end well no matter what route you took.” Isabelle said, letting out a rather annoyed sigh. “I saw no other way for her to see how horribly she’s been acting as of late. Please know that she doesn’t reflect our nation. She has...been having a difficult time with her father’s death. It’s been a full three months since that his murder. I feel as though I’m partially to blame for her attitude. I left for my father’s home in Balfonheim after he left. It was the wrong decision, but it was something I had to do to get away. I didn’t even stay for when Wesley took off on his own adventures, so I don’t know. Maybe I’m trying to find a way to excuse her behavior. Had I stayed, maybe she wouldn’t be such a bitch.” Isabelle gasped as soon as she said that. “Oh gosh, did I just--you must think I’m a horrible mother.”

---

As they ventured through the halls and made their way to the part of the palace that housed their vehicles, Savayna smiled at the Rozarrian brothers. She had pretty much ignored Lorenzo’s repeated inquiries. It only had taken them ten minutes, but once there, she would also snicker.

“So, Grant here can’t speak. I don’t know why, but the only way he can speak is through the use of his Esper, Zeromus. I don’t know the specifics, but all I know is that he needs a special contraption that you Lorenzo, Rozarria’s greatest inventor, is going to make him. I know for a fact you have a blueprint of something that could help Grant. In fact, I have it right here.” Savayna snapped her fingers and out of nowhere was a blueprint of a collar of sorts that seemed to manipulate the user’s mist in order to draw out their thoughts and project it into sound. “Now, tell me where we can find this--” Savayna looked at the blueprint real quick. “Sonosis Magicite?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"It's nothing at all. My Cassandra, though I love her, is a handful." Isabelle sighed regretfully as she and Lorenzo tried to find some solace in the madness.

Cassandra thought little of Reia's comments. It just proved that just like her aging lady parts, she's also quite grotesque. "I'm not worried. I'm still young - I can find a husband in a few years. If not that handsome Jaak, then I'm sure I can find some suitor." Cassandra stated, refusing to back down regardless of the height difference between them. "I cannot say the same for you, though. You're practically a grandma, with the exception of children, that is. you might be lucky to remain in some kind of advisor rule when they choose a new Emperor or Empress. Though, maybe they would want to cut their losses and start fresh."

"Cassandra..."

"What mother? All I'm saying is that maybe Rozarria would be better off if the Roselia family wasn't in charge."

"Don't you think you should dial it back?"

"Mother, honestly! It's common knowledge that their brother became corrupt. He even killed their father. Except for maybe Lorenzo and his daughter, their just as bad. It wasn't long that this one here was trying to kidnap that Emiri." Cassandra looked at Reia. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I cross a line?" Cassandra feigned an apologetic tone.

Meanwhile, in the doorway leading to the hallway, Savayna and Grant stood, unsure how to respond to that. However, Savayna coughed. "Don't mind us," Savayna walked over and pulled Lorenzo's arm and dragging him. "We'll be back in a day or so," Savayna said as she had Lorenzo's arm in one hand and Grant's in another as they left the same way they came.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Colors all over the spectrum swirled around a golden figure of gold light, all of them calling to him. They beckoned him to follow them. Red demanded with a fierce determination. Green tempted him with unlimited excitement. Blue and purple both gave reasons based in logic and realism. White and black both presented the pros and cons of hesitation. Yellow and orange were mostly quiet, but when they spoke, their words were elegant and tone regal. All of these colors had only but one thing on their minds: recruit thefigure.

But as this figure of pure mist heard all of their cases and would start to think about their respective proposals, it heard another voice. It was not one associated with a color. It was one that was colorless and had seemingly faded into naught. It was frail and barely audible, but the figure somehow was drawn to it - almost as if something connected them. This figure had then decided to ignore the wants and needs of the Rainbow Collective and phase through them, their forms being absorbed into him, and went for that voice that called out to it.

It passed through dimensions of various locations and worlds it seemed, and found itself stopping in a room that was surrounded by flowers of various makes. It was a room that was well lit with magicite and had been cleaned recently. On a bed sat a frail woman who had seen better days. Her eyes was like a rusted sienna and her hair, though obviously gray, had the image of something once quite serene. Her skin had wrinkles and had faded from its obvious-former porecelin white shade to a dismal silverish-gray. Additionally, at her bedside, there was a man with all the youth that a 40something man had. Though he looked like a man who wore armor, he wore casual clothing of gold and white, hair dark as the night sky, and when he turned aorund, eyes were gray with a speck of golden ore.

This man that sat by her bedside had puffy eyes. No one in the room had to think. This was Francis Sicarius, the Golden Wolf of Archadia.

The figure received a bow from Francis as he approached the frail woman. She had gestured the golden figure to come forward and so it did. Where Francis sat, the figure would sit. The figure took the frail hand of the woman and she beckoned him to come close. As she whispered into his ears, only five words were spoken.

“He lives within the Fallen.”

“What?” He asked her. The voice was so frail that he couldn’t make out what she said.

“He lives within the Fallen.”

And as he would ask her to repeat a second time, she would respond with..

“Jaakuna - Jaakuna, wake up please.”

Suddenly, as slowly as his fatigued body would allow, he opened eyes - albeit slowly. Looking around, the light was bothersome as he had to blink one too many times to adjust his own to it. Though, as he would find himself able to see much clearer, his head went to where Shion was soundly sleeping. And...snoring? Wait no, that sound was coming from somewhere else.

So Jaakuna turned his head in the opposing direction and there waiting for him were a pair of plump breasts. “Holy titty!” That was the first thing that came to his mind and he was still groggy enough that he said it aloud. However, as he looked up, he noticed who they belonged to. “Emiri?” Jaakuna lifted himself up, grunting because the floor was rather uncomfortable.

He let out a yawn as he looked at Emiri. He had to take a few extra moments because he was still in a dazed state, but as he looked at her, he noticed something was different - well, aside from the bust upgrade. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something oddly different with her.

---

“Please, my Queen, Empress Reia, there’s no need to get angry. I only meant that maybe you two should lay down. It’s obvious that you two are very tired.”

Isabelle felt bad for Alistair. He truly wanted to bring peace between the warring factions of Empress Reia and her daughter, the Princess Cassandra. But not even she could bring about a truce once Cassandra implied that Reia was far past her prime. It didn’t help that Isabelle was practically forbidden from speaking. No matter how much she wanted to bring her daughter back to the ground, she was, after all, just the Queen Mother. Besides, not even Isabelle could get through to her daughter. Plus, she didn’t want to be in the middle of Reia’s wrath.

It didn’t help either that Lorenzo came in at the worst of times. He tried to claim peace on orders of Wesley, but both Reia and Cassandra, despite their differences, told him - and this is the actual quote - “bud the fuck off!”

Okay, maybe that was Isabelle’s paraphrasing. But still, it was a chaotic scene and it wasn’t even midday yet.

“Look here, Reia, I’m not saying you’re useless to your country. You obviously pull some of the weight, but even your council wants you out. Maybe you’re too old. Nadeline is pretty and young. And from what that Keiran said, she’s pregnant. I’m sure, once news breaks of that, you’ll be flat on your round, Cúchulainn-sized rump soon enough.” Cassandra simply shrugged, giving Reia a smug look.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

They had always made sure the other knew that they weren’t alone. When one felt as if though they had to take on their burdens alone, the other would remind them either subtly or bluntly so they knew it was never a one-man or one-woman job. All one needed to do was lean on the other. Wesley had to be reminded of that because he had forgotten that for a while. Besides, they were to be married, so he had to stop acting like a lone wolf. That was Jaakuna’s job.

He’s not going to be too happy if he hears you say that. Hashmal chuckled at Wesley’s thought.

He would ignore Hashmal and concentrate on Nadeline’s face and the words she spoke. He remembered them and made sure to lock them in a safe so he could go back to them whenever he needed a reminder. “I don’t know where or what I would be without you.” He took her hands and raised them up with hers. “You are my rock, Nadeline Lenore. You are the compass that guides me out of the deep forest of my own doubts; the light that guides me from my own insecure darkness.” Wesley smiled at her, letting the moment linger on just for a bit longer.

---

Savayna let out an annoyed sigh. Why was it so hard for her to know what he wanted? Honest to the gods, when he was talking, she couldn’t wait for him to shut up, but now that he has shut up (for good it seems), she wished he’d say something. Maybe this was what Grant was experiencing; feeling that the Occuria have a weird way of finding amusement.

Out came another sigh, she started walking. “Come along, Grant, the Mute,” she snapped her fingers, “if you can’t talk, then we’re going to find alternative methods for you.” She said, waiting for him to follow her.

Dance With The Angels - A GFX Shop by Altered Tundra

Still requesting? Its for a RP I GM.

Type of Request: RP Banner

Stock: Boop.

Size: no difference, maybe make it a bit bigger?

Text:_Project:P.H.O.B.I.A._

Other:Could you do a futuristic theme, with binary code and all that? Thanks!

@Majoras End

If this wasn't what you wanted, I can provide a different version if you wish but I just ran with a simple edit of color and - well yeah.

Naruto: Revival

^{Konohagakure | Chunin | NinTai-nin}

---

^{TIME: Present Day - Morning | LOCATION: Konohagakure - Exam Stage, Earth Challenge Room | INTERACTION: Cloudy Eye-Salvation@Ladyinink Lone Stick Man@Reflection The Windseeking MArtyr@Syn}

As all of the events had unfolded too quick for Jaakuna to process them, he had no time to think - only react. After he had unfortunately landed near Kiku and Shizuka, it only took a few, short moments for Jaakuna to realize that what they were doing would have an immediate effect on him because of the fact that the golem had its knee blown up, a brilliant aftereffect of Jaakuna’s brilliant diversion. Yes, it was so brilliant that now the knee was coming for Jaakuna. Not only was it coming for him but, in no time was it aiming to crush his very body. So Jaakuna had to act on his feet. Or rather, act while off his feet. As quick as his limbs would allow, Jaakuna would flip backwards, and propel himself about a meter back using his hiden. It was only a one-second usage of it, but that’s all that was required to escape certain death. The downside to it, however, was that Jaakuna felt even more pain from his shoulder.

Something is going on with that hiden of mine. Not the first time I’ve experienced some kind of double-edged sword-like effect when I used it. Jaakuna did wonder if something was wrong with it. But, he wouldn’t have any time to worry about that because of what was happening in front of him.

The blonde took to his feet and looked on as he only could while the golem, who in the process of regenerating the leg that Jaakuna so brilliantly helped destroy, punched down to the ground with the now destroyed flaming palm, which causes a lava reaction. And jaakuna’s own was basically a vocal, “oh shit” as he saw that a third of the ground they were on was now in the speeding evolution from solid, cold earth to liquid, hot mag-ma. Additionally, a wave of lava was then sent towards Jaakuna’s, Kiku’s, and Shizuka’s general direction.

Now was the time for Jaakuna to panic. But, as always, Shizuka had a plan. Though, he wasn’t quite sure what that plan was. Better let him show him, huh? As he would, however, Jaakuna noticed something rather interesting. Well, maybe two things that were interesting. Number one was, of course, the oddly-shaped prison-like barrier-esque thing around the back of the golem. That was the part that had some sort of battery or what looked like a battery, anyway. Number two was this feeling Jaakuna got form it. He couldnt’ say what exactly it was, but something told him he should get closer in front of the golem and away from that box.

So, as he dodged rocks from the side and assuming the floor was lava, Jaakuna occasionally used his hiden when it wasn’t so much of a bother to get a good deal away from the boxed backside of the golem. He was a few paces away from Kiku and Kurin, though now the thing he - nay, they - had to worry about was the remaining palm that was glowing bright with blue chakra and appeared to be something disastrous for all of them.

They needed to work together, yes, but what could they do? The beam was charging rather quickly and there appeared to be a small window for them, so a strategy had to be thought of fast. “Perhaps..” Jaakuna mused, looking at Kiku then over at to Kurin. “If you can wet it, Kiku, I got just the thing that can give that palm a shock. It might even give us more time.” Jaakuna said to Kiku. Though he could feel his body starting to feel the effects from his usage of his hiden usage, he might have enough chakra left for a few bursts of chakra. He wasn’t nearly as low as the other two, so that was fortunate. All he needed was for the palm to be soaked. As soon as it would, he’d start weaving the handsigns for his Electromagnetic Murder jutsu and do his best to aim the current towards the palm. If anything, the discharge of raiton chakra should be able to delay the charging of the beam long enough for them to devise a finishing strategy. Jaakuna should be able to launch it from the distance he and the others are at.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Amid everything good that had occurred this morning, WEsley had nearly forgotten about the realization he had earlier about him being Fandaniel. Additionally, he hadn’t the heart to explain it to Nadeline because he didn’t quite understand it himself. He knew he was Fandaniel - or least he suspected it. The odds were probably in his favor for it go well as he’d try to explain it; although there wasn’t any guarantee that Nadeline would take it as well as he would hope. No, maybe she would be fine with the Fandaniel part of it, but him wanting to run away wouldn’t set well , especially after he pledged to give up his adventuring days to be with her and their baby.

Stop fretting about it. After days of silence, Hashmal offered his wisdom.

You’ve sure been silent, haven’t you?

I apologize for that, Wesley. Your...awakening has been difficult on me as well, but I’ve been here listening to what happened. You should tell her the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Wesley shook his head and let out a strained sigh. He still had his eyes on Nadeline. “ suppose the short version is that, I am Fandaniel. As you well know. And even further, I had a thought of leaving because I thought that meant I would be a danger to you. I honestly thought that, but maybe not anymore. I don’t know if this is making any sense, but in the short hour that passed, I feel as though that part of my mind has changed. Moreover, I think being Fandaniel isn’t a bad thing.” Wesley thought about it as he spoke. “I cannot speak about Caeru or Sanguine for I do not quite understand. Maybe they couldn’t deal with this revelation and that’s why they built The Protector to being some evil man or maybe there was some other Protector out there. Frankly, all I know is that I’m the same Wesley I’ve always been.” He affirmed her, squeezing her hand as to convince not only her but himself.

---

As tender as the atmosphere around them was, Savayna still couldn’t help but feel as though something else was on Grant’s mind. So, as the kiss broke apart and her field of cornflower met a conflicted plains of dark orchids, Savayna wondered what could be on his mind. Had he found her explanation for why she couldn’t remember, then he would’ve made it obvious to her; even if he couldn’t speak, Grant had other ways to convey such actions - ways that were more physical and alarming than simply grunting - which he did.

“What exactly is wrong with you? Like, how come you can only talk through the use of Zeromus?” Savayna asked Grant. She kept her eyes on him, judging his mannerisms for some kind of hint.

Minutes to Manhattan

@Bee

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Wesley found it near to impossible to keep a straight face after Nadeline’s comment. He made a mental note of things not to do, especially when she was concerned. He knew that this whole morning, as well as the past couple of days, were taxing on the two of them. He had to admit it to himself that a lot of things got away from them—he knew that much. All of that wasn’t even considering the headache that was caused from his troublesome, little sister. Whatever had gotten into her as of late, Wesley knew it was only going to get worse. Still, he had faith in Lorenzo. He knew his future father-in-law could handle troublesome royalty figures After all, he was one of those troublesome royalty figures.

And now he was laughing for an entirely different reason. “Sorry. I was just reminded how much Reia’s situation with Lorenzo is similar to my own with Cassandra.” He stated as he found the comparison uncanny.

When they had started walking through the halls, Wesley had remained quiet for a few long moments. A lot was on his mind and most of was centered around the two things that they needed to talk about, but how exactly was he going to bring it up. Not that he was one to become stuck on such things. He had no problem addressing the subjects that most would normally avoid. For him, it was all a matter of coming up with the right words and seeming so straightforward. Wesley looked at Nadeline, letting her through the tall, silver marble door in front of them.

They had arrived near the west garden. The entrance was from an exit from the castle and led them to an elevated view with a half-flight of stairs next to them. The entire garden, small compared to the main garden on the opposing east side of the palace, was beautiful in its own right. There was a water fountain in the center that was powered by blue magicite. It was built into the ground, so it didn’t seem as tall as it would’ve been had it been an above-ground fountain. In it was clear-as-the-eyes-could-see water that was blue like the magicite that powered it. Set around it were green bush-like plants that were also placed in bulk around the entire garden. There were a few areas with orchids and roses, though.

The two of them would go down the stairs, Wesley gestured to the bench that was across from the fountain. It seemed to be a good place to sit and enjoy the scenery while they would finally get the chance to really talk.

Wesley shifted his position and looked at the orchid and roses near one of the windows. “I used to come here with my father. He really loved flowers.” Wesley smiled peacefully. “He grew up here and spent most of his youth among flowers. His mother -- Lady Kaitlyn of the Rosey Jordana Plains, the nearest village that has the most beautiful rosefields -- was someone who adored flowers. She spent a lot of time with him, telling him about how flowers required a lot of care and patience. He was an impatient man, from what I heard from my mother. But when it came to flowers, he was like a Saint of Ultima.” Wesley found himself laughing as he looked up at the blue sky. “This isn’t common knowledge, but all the gardens in the palace and throughout the surrounding, smaller nations in Dalmasca, were my father’s doing. He appreciated beauty.” As he spoke, Wesley had a few tears drop from his eyes. He didn’t bother wiping them away. “He bestowed his love for flowers and beauty on me. I intend to pass it on to my child.” His slightly-watery eyes came into the periphery of Nadeline. “That’s why, when I heard you were pregnant, I was taken back from it. I wasn’t sure if Keiran was playing his games again or just saying to get us to lower our guard against him. But,” Wesley took Nadeline’s hand in his own, looking at her eyes with his, “I am more than ready to retire from my adventuring days and fully commit to you and our child.”

---

When Zeromus--erm, Grant--had dropped that bombshell on her, Savayna wasn’t exactly how to respond to it. He seemed so sure of himself that it was the truth. And if it was indeed an accurate account of what had occurred in Archadia, then why couldn’t she remember that? She would remember confessing her love for Jaakuna. He was lying. There was no other explantion.

“Honestly Grant, I know you’ve always had problems with Jaakuna but that’s low - even for you.” She let out a sigh, obvious that she was not pleased with the way he was speaking.

It was a bit surprising that Grant would resort to such low tactics to hurt her. Was that what he wanted to do? Maybe he said that with the sole intention to hurt her. If so, then he was absolutely right about how he wouldn’t be able to change her hypothetical mind about her hypothetical feelings for her ex-husband. If she wished it, she could hurt him right and now, but that’s the line that he obviously didn’t believe she’d never cross. Whether willingly or not, she would never consciously admit her love for Jaakuna. Savayna might be a ice queen, but she’s not cold-hearted.

What will you do now? She heard Mateus ask her. To be honest, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. Hurting him seemed to be her go-to response, but maybe that’s what he expected from her.

Savayna took in a deep breath, inhaling as the scent of the garden overtook her. It calmed her, though not by much. She closed her eyes. “You’re right about one thing, Grant.” She opened her eyes, seeming calmer than before. “You are an idiot. You’ve always been a fucking idiot. But I’ll let you in on a secret.” She sighed, getting up and approaching him only stopping a pace away. “I have a pattern of falling in love with idiots.” She stayed in front of him. “I might still have feelings for Jaakuna that may or may not bring thoughts of ‘what could’ve been’.” As she spoke, she saw his forming expression of disgust. “I didn’t finish!” She snapped, forcing him to look at him as she gripped his face. “Whatever I said yesterday in whatever state I was in, that is not a reflection of how I feel now. You said I had a meltdown, right? Then think about it for a second. People aren’t in their right minds when they have meltdowns. They say things that are overexaggerated or are simply not true. Yes, I love Jaakuna, but he and I are friends now.” She reminded him. “It’s the same situation you and Emiri are in. You love her still. And I’m sure, had she been in a similar position, you might’ve said things you didn’t mean. However, you wouldn’t have made it known if you could help it.”

Savayna could feel that she was losing his focus. Not to mention, he mentioned something about not having a lot of time. “Just shut up and kiss me, you idiot.” She said, grabbing him and planting her lips on his.