Altered Tundra

&&𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚.

---

Francisco Delgado Jr. was one of those men who never stayed in one place for more than a week at a time. It wasn’t good for the trade he specialized in. His employer understood that which was the exact reason why he was only contracted for jobs that included him to acquire entry into whichever location his target — no matter whether it was a person or object — was, procure his target, and once it had been made secure in the designated drop off point, the usual orders he’d receive through a secure line was to meet an associate of his employer who’d handle the transfers: Item for payment. That was how it went. Always.

As soon as the transaction had been done, the next series of orders for Francisco after any job was to lay low in exactly five towns over and await the next job.

This was Francisco’s life. This was what he did every month, receiving exactly one-hundred-thousand US dollars each time a job had been completed. And each time, he’d assume a new identity to ensure absolute anonymity.

Of course, there were always risks. It came with the nature of the job, but Francisco, being the kind of resourceful man that he was, always had a backup plan in case things didn’t go according to what his handler specified he’d do.

Such as his most recent job that had him tailing an Italian businessman who was importing special goods with an appeal from various well-connected parties. Among these goods was a special statue, which was rumored to have been crafted over a century ago by some great craftsman that has found its way from one pair of hands owning it to another. It was strange. It was one that had the form of two dragons or serpent-like creatures interlock in each other’s forms and ended up facing opposite directions of each other. It was also said it had two, priceless gems

That’s what Francisco was hired to obtain. It wasn’t the statue itself that he was contracted to steal. Those gems that were rumored to be worth more than the largest fortune was what a certain representative on behalf of the Rossi crime family, someone represented Giovanni Rossi’s interests, was in New York City for. There was a special shipping container coming at night on a freighter. The dock workers who were set to work that night had been paid off and a group of seven men who had been hired through various shell organizations to investigate the shipping container the statue was said to be in. However, when it went down and Francisco had been listening in not far from it, he overheard through the phones of the hired muscle’s phones(he synced his with theirs), he heard them speak in Italian but was able to catch a few phrases that he knew.

The bitch isn’t here.

That’s what they said. On that night, Francisco had to assume the ‘bitch’ was the statue, which had brought his investigation to a speeding halt.

And a few weeks passed. Francisco had reported his failure to his handler but told them he’d keep searching. He never liked to leave jobs unfinished and for a month more, he had kept his ears peeled and contacted all of the contacts he had made in his lengthy career. They had sent him anywhere from the neighbors of America’s north, Canada to his distant cousins, Mexico. He also found himself in the various, surrounding countries and islands. A full month and the trail had gone from hot to cold; lukewarm to scathing hot only for him to catch his first, major break.

According to one of his exes who was fortunate to forgive him after she caught him with her sister alerted him of a city that really had no name. It had several of them, but the most common name for it was called ‘The Badlands’. As weird as it sounded, the lead was credible. His ex had heard it from someone that you only knew through the process of “I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy”. Francisco hadn’t known what the details exactly, but she had told him all she knew and that the statue was somewhere in the Badlands.

Once he had arrived in this odd city, he discovered something about it almost instantaneously: it was full of wonders. It had equal parts of modern architecture and gothic imagery. It was like something straight out of a picture book that highlighted religious buildings and technological breakthroughs. That wasn’t even considering how beautiful its parks and rivers were. How one could easily get lost in its vastness, Francisco was reminded of his homeland of Spain. Not because it had similar appearances, but rather how it seemed so beautiful and rich with stories. Not one moment had gone by that he found himself in awe, practically forgetting his real reason for coming here.

Though he didn’t forget about his purpose for trekking here, it would’ve been rude of him to not enjoy the sights. Who knew how long he’d have before the job demanded his full, usually-divided(mostly towards the opposite sex) attention? As they say: Gotta enjoy the little things.

So, Francisco had done just that. For a full day(and some into the next), he indulged in some of what this place had to offer. From casinos to clubs, he spent several c-notes just giving into the temptations. He had even paid for a few nights of some…private entertainment. If this city truly was a bad land, then he’d show them just how bad he could be.

But of course, after a while, he was contacted by his handler. They informed him that the statue had made its reappearance at some building known as the Herilon Building. At the moment he was told this, Francisco could have sworn he saw that name before. Only after pondering it seriously did he remember. Of course, it came after he had pounded away a glass of wine. It was this odd building which had some angelic statues at the top of it. Apparently, there was a big story behind it. One of his friends told him about as they were ‘talking’. It had been quite the tale. Something symbolic, sure, but probably not up Francisco’s alley. Although, it did give him some ideas.

But first thing’s first! He had to pay for the time well-spent with his “friend”.

He handed his female companion of the night a few one-hundred dollar bills. She was a beauty. Her skin was like freshly-fallen snow but her eyes had a glimmer of burnt auburn while her hair was a natural honey shade. She was so thankful for his hospitality, she gave him her personal number should he need it for anything. “Como siempre, mi hermosa rosa.” He spoke, his voice oozing a rich, Spanish accent that practically made her knees weak as she forced herself to walk out the door, closing it as she left Francisco to his solitude.

He was in a room he had paid to stay in for a full week. This had come just before he got the news about that Herilon building and had staked it out, showing up as someone who loved art, which wasn’t a total lie. He did enjoy art of all kinds, but he was doing this purely to scope the place out. Every day around midday, he had dressed up in his finest suit that brought out every part of his physical attributes in the perfect way. His eyes that glimmered like amber but toned down when in the artificial light of the building and his dark locks were groomed back to show off his above-average forehead, but most importantly, in the light, his normally-light brown skin was darkened just slightly, yet it was obvious to anyone who glanced towards his direction that he was a charming, attractive male. And if they met his expectations, there might’ve been a glance back at them.

This was Francisco Delgado Jr, Spain’s Forgotten Rose. A fire had fuelled his passion for anything — or anyone — he did. And like the sun had on the day he’d take action in Herilon, Francisco rose from his bed, a glimmer of red aligning as the sun shone in his face. He stretched to the sounds of birds chirping just on his balcony.

Time to get to work.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Their reactions had been understandable, but as all Utena members knew, Shion and the one called Leviathan had a very complicated relationship. One could say they helped each other when necessary and worked against each other all the same. It had depended on what one had to gain from the other. If they needed information, one would provide it. If someone needed to set up some form of a trap, then, of course, the other would provide the means. Truth be told, Leviathan, despite what actions she has taken in the past, though not officially, was a member of Utena.

But of course, that didn't make Shion's decision to allow her entry despite the outspoken disapproval of her being her any easier to digest. If anything, it made it even worse - well, as far as Emiri and Grant seemed to be concerned. The others didn't particularly like it any less than they did, either. Leviathan has done at least one thing to everyone in the room to warrant hatred. Even so, Shion, at least for the moment, had placed some amount of trust in her. What were they going to do?

"Why have you come, Levi?" Michel asked her. He figured it should be someone who was at least half-unbiased towards this woman to address her.

"Oh, how good to see you again Michel. I heard about your unfortunate run-in with the Creature. How awful it must've been for you. To think you had to resort to using the Void Whisper." She eyed him sweetly, tone feigning concern.

"Please, spare me your theatrics and just tell us why you've come all this way."

She let out a disappointed sigh. "You're no fun, you know that? Fine, I'll tell you all." She turned around, looking at everyone. "I heard through the grapevine that the dear Creature has stolen something of value."

"Why doesn't it surprise me that you know about the Dynast Dome?" Wesley muttered, shaking his head.

"My dearest nephew--"

"Not another word!" Wesley snapped, earning a genuine oh from Levi.

"I know of someone who might be able to help you. In fact, this third party has agreed to help you all."

"Who is it?"

"Why tell when I can show you?"

As Levi had raised her arms up into the air and over her head, she let out a loud, passionate scream. Once she did that, a dark mist surrounded them all(minus Ren). It put them in some kind of vortex of blue and black mist, their eyes seeing the images of famous locations in Ivalice from the Phon Coast to the Tchita Uplands, the Pharos of Ridorana, and how it towered high in the sky, but not even that could penetrate a dark castle the was as high as the heavens itself. Before anyone could say a word because a couple of the group knew where this was, they were brought to a single throne room with only one inhabitant in it.

And they all knew who it was.

"As we've discussed, I've brought them here."

The figure in the throne smiled. "How wonderful it is to see you all again," Venat spoke, smiling at all of his lovely guests. "Please, make yourself at home."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

There was a lot of truth to what both Emiri(no matter how misguided it might’ve been) and Shion theorized. Only someone with Dalmascan blood in their veins could make the Dynast Dome appear before them. But there was something that they weren’t considering, or at least what they didn’t know. “I know how the Creature got the Dynast Dome to appear before him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nadeline knows this, but when she was first taken by Caeru and Sanguine, she was brought to a man who was revealed to be my brother. Or at least, it was someone using his body. I can’t honestly tell you which it was, but I knew that it was my brother’s body. And somehow the Creature revived him or was using his body as a front. Again, I don’t know which it was, but if he still had some of Sylvester’s blood in his system, I’m positive that’s how the Creature was able to get their hands on it.” Wesley revealed to the group.

“Are you absolutely sure?”

“I was there, so I’m positive,” Wesley retorted back to Savayna.

There was a moment of silence, though it was followed by Michel’s voice. “I suppose now we have to figure out what the Creature is going to use it for?”

“A pity the only thing that ascended for you lot was your ignorance to the obvious.” Before anyone could react to that obviously-familiar voice, shadows rose up in the middle of the room and revealed Leviathan. She eyed them all, stopping at Grant. “And how is my favorite silent knight?” She brought her hand to his cheek, smiling sweetly at his face.

“Hey bitch, hands off!” Savayna roared.

Levi let out a small laugh, smiling at Savayna. She removed her hand from Grant’s cheek and glanced around the group. “Meli, how good it is to see you. And it seems my old friend, Shion, the Blue Rose and Aloa, the now-Death Seraph, are here as well.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Venat’s rage felt throughout his throne room. He tapped his chair repeatedly, almost to the point where sparks of black lightning surrounded him, further emphasizing what had actually happened. “Damn that--that Creature! Betraying me like this! Did it really think it could do this and not think I wouldn’t react accordingly?!”

It had been days since the Creature was sent off on a routine mission on Venat’s orders. He wanted the Creature to collect an ancient relic that was paramout to the final stage of his plan. It was the only thing he needed. He had everything else: droplets of the Time Scion’s hair that held traces of her mist(as well as her time powers), he had the essence of Loghrif, and the most important facet of this multi-century-long plan, the bones of a certain deceased emperor. It had all been gathered. His Followers — his Scions, whom were created for this sole purpose — had all been awaiting this grandmaster plan to go into fruition. The Relic, the Dynast Dome, no bigger than an urn, was the last thing he needed. It was the last piece of this puzzle.

And it was gone!

“My Liege, I understand that you--”

“You understand nothing, Halmarut! My plans are ruined! And it’s all because of that Creature!”

“Surely there is something else that could replace it? Perhaps the Tome of Ivalice?”

Venat stood up and reached his hand across five meters to grab Halmarut, who was formerly known as Hamutby the throat, lifting the False Ram Scion off of his feet. “Do you not understand what the Dynast Dome is?” Venat asked, though it was rhetorical. “It holds the spirit of Raithwall himself within it. The very man whose will split nethicite into three pieces. It’s not simply something that can be recreated.”

“As always, Venat, you’re missing the bigger picture.” Suddenly, as Venat released Halmarut, a familiar voice had spoke. It was only after a moment did she come out. Dark-skinned and beautiful by Hume standards, she came out from the walls, forming from some black tar-like mist.

“Leviathan. Or should I call you Zodiark now?”

She laughed at his confusion over her name. She walked with confidence, offering Hamut a smile. “Been a long time, old man,” she teased him as he continued to cough.

“What are you doing here?!” Hamut asked her, demanding to know.

“I believe we can help each other.”

“Oh?” Color Venat intrigued, “and what can you, of all people, possibly help me? Do you wish to steal more of my Scions away from me?”

“Mitron and Nabriales were never yours to begin with — at least, not after I got my hands on them.” She seemed to gloat, but let out a breath, signalling that she was getting off-topic. “I am here to propose something to you, Venat.”

Deciding to take a chance, he allowed her to speak, gesturing to her with a nod. What was the worst that could happen?

---

Both Shion and Emiri gave no room for anyone to interject. When one had something to say about one thing they said, the other would retort in such a way that made it nearly impossible for even the most daring(Savayna) to speak. It got to the point where Emiri had enough of Shion’s words and, as the kids say, wrecked her shit. Sweating was a given, but there was a slow clap from Jaakuna. It wasn’t helping, sure, but it seemed highly appropriate considering what Emiri had said. Even though Shion retorted, one had to admit it didn’t have as much effect as what Emiri had said about “had it been Aloa”.

And when asked about the Reckoning, there were a bunch of blank expressions among the group.

“That isn’t true,” Michel stated, interrupting Emiri in her last sentence. “In retrospect, we learned one crucial fact that has to do with everything surrounding the Creature.” He went on to say, eyes now on Emiri, though his eyes went to everyone else as well. “What Ren didn’t show you was what happened when we landed in the Phon Coast--”

“You mean when you almost died because of that damned portal on your stomach!” Meli scowled at Aloa.

“But it’s fixed now, my love.”

“You have a portal on your stomach?”

“This I have to see.”

“I am also curious.”

“I had one. Aloa healed me using Emette’s light.” Michel said, “but we’re getting off-course.” He sighed, looking at all of them, “what I was going to say is, during a conversation with Aloa, she told me that Grigori — that multi-colored monk — is actually a Watcher of Ivalice. It’s apparently someone that watches over Ivalice and he’s the one that intervenes only when Ivalice’s livelihood is threatened.”

“And you think the Creature is the one who is threatening it?”

“Given what we saw and what I saw, I’d bet my life on it, which brings me to my next point.” He started, “when Ren showed us what happened, I noticed something. It was only for a moment, but I’m sure of it now!”

“What was it, Michel?” Jaakuna asked.

“The Dynast Dome.”

Wesley blinked his eyes, uncertain he heard right. “Did you just say the Dynast Dome? That’s impossible. That was…”

“Yes, I am aware what it is.” He said, bothered by this revelation.

“Someone want to clue us in.”

Wesley cleared his throat, looking to Nadeline as he grabbed her Tome. He knew exactly where to look for it. ”And here it was said: when I die, I will rest in the furthest reaches in Jagd. To my descendents, I leave my crown and kingdom to you, but most importantly, my life force. It is in this relic that will be forged from my bones and enchanted with my mist that I will live on in. It is, above all else, the greatest power I can leave you.” Wesley read, looking at everyone. “Those were words written in King Raithwall’s will. It was his final wish. This Relic, if it’s truly the Dynast Dome, the Creature poses a greater threat than we all thought he would.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

There have been stories about where the Flowers of the Blue Rose had flourished and how they lived. One tale spoke of an underground cult that was full of skilled assassins. Whilst true to some extent, there were contradicting reports of the true location and nature of this group of thieves, assassins, and other like-minded individuals living so high up in the mountains that it was almost like a monastery of monks. As one could believe, that was even more far-fetched than some of the other stories of them being actors in a constantly-moving theater traveling through Ivalice.

As everyone had found out for themselves, none of the rumors about the always-evasive, always-secretive, group known simply as Utena was, in fact, more grounded than one would imagine. Their headquarters was actually pretty normal. Aside from the scathing glares everyone except Shion had gotten from the flowers(one had to assume that’s who they were). It was obvious to anyone(except Jaakuna) that these ‘flowers’, who had absolute devotion to Shion as noted by their bowing when she walked past them, didn’t like outsiders. It was especially noted with how they reacted to Jaakuna’s ignorant glee. If Shion hadn’t been leading them, one would be willing to bet that a brawl would’ve broken out between the Transcendent and the Madame Blue Rose’s Garden.

Thankfully, however, that didn’t happen. Instead, when Shion had approached a young woman who had a graceful appearance like Nadeine and the shy demeanor — or was it intimidated? — one like Emiri once had. And her eyes seemed to sparkle when Shion had addressed her by her name. Ren was the given name of a lot of women from certain parts of Ivalice, though mostly in nomadic countries that still practiced the old traditions. While it seemed obvious Ren was quite nervous, there was only a brief exchange of words before they had been off to find Michel, to which Ren noted that he with Meli in her room.

As they followed, Jaakuna couldn’t help but be amazed by what he saw. To think this was where Shion spent most of her time. Hell, this was where Francis had spent most his time as of late. Not a bad setup, if he had to admit it.

“Whatever you’re thinking about doing don’t.” Savayna whispered to Jaakuna.

“What?” He whispered back.

“I know that look and bad things happen when you have that look — namely me.”

Just as he was going to open his mouth and quite possibly say something witty in a retort, he was stopped by the sudden sounds of Meli’s words, as well as a familiar Viera’s voice. And, Jaakuna might’ve not been the smartest sword on the weapon’s rack, but he knew that tone more than anyone: it was the kind of tone someone like Aloa and Shion had when they were acting superior to whomever they were talking to.

“Ladies, please, can’t we work something out—” Michel tried to reason with his savior and his beloved, but both, in their own ways, gave him a nasty glare. He sighed, wondering what he did to the Gods to deserve this.

You used a forbidden magick, for one. Shemhazai offered a suggestion.

And now he was the one to scowl. Only a moment later did Jaakuna and the others walk into his periphery. “Oh, Mistress and Ren..and--”

Jaakuna raised his hand up, “let’s just save the individual name-calling, for now, okay?” He let out a sigh. Michel reciprocated with a smile with a chuckle.

After a few hugs and the like had gone through everyone from Michel to them, Shion decided it was time to — well, quite honestly, there wasn't any indication what they were here for, but as Ren would reveal, it was something rather...shocking. This girl’s ability, apparently, was similar to Shinto’s. Both of them could share memories, though Ren’s was more of an outwardly visual whereas Shinto’s was more within the mind. As for the specific memory, they all bore witness to the gruesome fight between Aloa and some creature, which most in the room just had to assume that meant the creature. And based on what they saw, it was a back and forth tussle between them, with both gaining the advantage at some point. The Creature, of course, had used underhanded tactics to get the one-up on Aloa, whilst the latter had impressive magicks that gave her a natural edge over it.

When it seemed like all was going to be over for the Creature, it used quite a low countermeasure by forcing Justine—Emette’s—hand by submitting the remainder of her life force into Aloa, which prompted the Creature to use a last resort(that’s how Wesley interpreted it) as its form changed into a literal black hole. It threatened to suck Aloa into its empty void, there came a glimmer of hope. In front of it, colored pure white, a portal five feet in height and width intercepted her.

After a long silence, someone broke it. “That was certainly the ordeal.” Wesley commented, unsure what else to say.Considering what had happened to Emette, it was, if nothing else, a hard thing to watch. His mind went instantly to Emiri and how she must be feeling. Having lost a parent himself, he could relate. A few others could as well, but there was no one who could relate to the pain of losing a parent twice.

“You are fortunate that Michel got to you when he did.” Wesley noted, looking to the green-haired male, though he happened to see the reluctant smile from Michel. “Oh, my apologies. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s not that,” Michel sighed, looking at everyone, but his eyes went directly to Shion. “Forgive me, the situation was too dire. I had no choice but to use it.” He apologized to her, bowing his head to his Mistress.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The mention of Michel brought Wesley to something he had said just before he had disappeared with Meli into one of his portals. “Michel did say he had something to do. Perhaps it had to do with why we’re here in the Phon Coast and not going to the Sandsea as previously agreed upon.” Wesley mused, wondering now about what it could be about. Perhaps Emiri was onto something about how they did something. Shion’s not-so-subtle comment did point in that direction.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, stretching his unharmed muscles. “Only one way to find out.” Jaakuna said rather casually, looking to Shion, “lead the way!”

Savayna seemed to have something on her mind, but she bit her tongue and would simply follow Shion’s lead. It wasn’t like she had anything useful to say at the moment. If anything, it would’ve been more of the same -- just recycled and directed towards Jaakuna(as always).

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Jaakuna looked all around at everyone, seeing their not-so-pleased faces with how they got to the Phon Coast. He didn't quite understand why they were so displeased. Okay, so maybe the ride was a little bumpy and okay, maybe they could've gone without using that new hyperdrive function, but there never would've been a better time to test the new additions to the ship. Better it happen on a harmless, quick journey to the Phon Coast rather in some long-term, possibly dangerous, voyage that'd otherwise put everyone at a grave risk of dying. But of course, they had to blame someone, so why not the likely suspect, right?

As he saw how banged up there were, Jaakuna pulled out a pad of paper and got an ink pen. "Let's see, a few sprained wrists, some very sore backs, and a couple of dozen bruises collectively spread throughout all of us--I mean you guys." He jotted it down, nodding and mumbling to himself. "I've deduced that it's no big deal."

"No big deal? NO BIG DEAL!?" Savayna exploded, "I've got a big bruise on my face. Do you realize what this means?"

"That you're less ugly than before?" Jaakuna offered his educated guess, not realizing it was a rhetorical question.

"No, you Jaakass. It means you have no care for your recklessness. Emiri has a sprained wrist, we all have bruises. And Grant has a tweaked back. Now when he and I...you know, I'll have to do all of the work." She huffed and puffed and was the first one to leave the room, no doubt making her way to the Mistifying Room where she would be teleported down to the Phon Coast.

Following Savayna's explosion, Jaakuna caught glances from everyone else, somewhat emoting the similar rage that Savyana had. And to that, he said, "but did you die?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

It had been so long since Jaakuna had set foot in his most prized possession. Not even the Mark of the Transcendent could top how he felt about the Ifrit nor could his love for Emiri. Sorry babe, I love you, but my heart belongs to the Ifrit. She’s helped me in ways you couldn’t possibly understand. The things that they had gone through, the jams that she got him out of - it all was something that bonded two individuals in ways only few could comprehend. The only person Jaakuna knew would understand was his fellow engineer and lover of machines, Lorenzo. Bless his heart, if he were here, no doubt he and Jaakuna would share a moment or two about the latter being reunited with his one, true love.

This had been especially so when Jaakuna had heard the voice of his beloved Iris once again. “Captain, welcome back. I’ve missed you.”

“And I you, Iris.” Jaakuna emoted lovingly, a sparkle in his eyes unlike anything anyone has seen before. “I hope they treated you well.”

“Your brother’s engineers were gentle. But they did add in a few upgrades.”

Jaakuna’s eyes were now with a high curiosity, shining as he looked around. “Do tell!”

“Why tell when I can show.”

For a moment, everyone seemed to look at each other with wary eyes - at least, everyone who wasn’t Jaakuna. It was within reason too, because as they would feel a warmth pass through them, just as soon as the Ifrit had left the Aerodome, it went into some kind of hyperspeed, rocking everyone to their core as most of everyone was tossed backwards and forwards, causing them to tumble all around the foyer of the ship. And while they might’ve felt unease or discomfort(possibly broken bones but nevermind that), Jaakuna was smiling and laughing, loving the new additions. His Ifrit was fast before, but holy shit on a Chocobo Steak, it was faster than it had ever been.

Within seconds, they were at the Phon Coast, a powerful gust of wind being caused by the Ifrit’s large size. Despite it being high above, its new upgrades had made it possible for its might to be felt from a fourth of a league high. Unfortunately for the Hunter’s Camp, however, it felt the full force of it with all of the tents and some of the members being dragged into the water.

But Jaakuna ignored them.

“That’s my girl!” Jaakuna laughed, standing up. He seemed almost unphased by the rocking and shaking everyone had gone through.

“Well, that certainly was quite the rush, now wasn’t it?” Wesley noted, brushing himself off as he helped his beloved up.

Meanwhile, Savayna was gritting her teeth. “I’m going to kill him.” She cursed, her fists balled up as she was getting ready to follow through with her threat.

Hello.

Hello and Welcome to the Guild. I am Altered Tundra, one of three Chat Staff for our Discord Server. As I'm sure, you have noticed it on the top of the page. There is also our rules, which you can find here.

I hope you are able to find all that you wanted out of the Guild and that you enjoy your stay.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

If ever there have been a call too close to accurately measure, that was it.

Michel knew he had to get there before anyone else did. When he had left Archadia, he knew that he was the only shot anyone had at getting to the Creature first. Due to travel restrictions put in place by the Jagd to ensure that their land was protected, Meli and Michel couldn’t travel through conventional means. However, that didn’t mean they lacked means of not only traversing through the Sandsea but get to the Tomb as quickly as possible.

When they touched ground in the Sandsea, Michel had ensured a quick path from each major checkpoint from the start of the Sandsea to the tomb, all the way to where he had sensed the Creature’s deathly presence. Once he did and once he realized the severity of the situation, Michel had done something drastic. It was something only those with decades of training and mastery of the void would do. It was, as Shemhazai warned Michel before he went through with it, the last resort for any user of the Void. Even as the one who commands the empty, vastness of the Void, Shemhazai rarely used it. But Michel assured her that there was no other choice.

He had to activate the Forbidden Portal: The Void’s Whisper.

This ancient form of Void Magick called upon the remnants of the Occuria within Ivalice. It called upon the Void’s deepest regions to create a time portal so accurate and precise that not even someone as ancient as the Creature would be able to stop it.

When it was cast, for a moment, Michel caught a glimpse into the future. It was only for a few seconds, but he saw Aloa being dragged to the Creature, who had taken in a new form. “Ancient whispers of naught, hear me now. I bear the mark of the Void and call unto you; forsake all so that the Death Seraph may live. Ancient whispers of naught, project thy will unto me.” Michel chanted out, a portal of pure white appearing before him, and he and Meli were sucked into it. Without any warning nor any time to process it, the same portal appeared in front of the Creature and ran interference so that Aloa was sucked into the white hole, rather than the black hole.

They all traveled through the void, eyes blind to all and unable to dictate where they’d land, it was only after the sounds of nature did Michel realize where they had landed. Unfortunately, however, Michel’s body could not handle such prolonged exposure to the Void. Unlike previous uses of the Void, he would only be in the Void for three seconds(max) peruse, but this time, he spent a whole minute in it. To Shemhazai, it was nothing; she lived in the void, but for Michel - a hume with limited experience - he had a reaction to it as if he was holding a double-edged sword. Literally, the ancient magicks of that place tore a piece of his soul out, and now he was facing grim possibilities of death as a void portal had replaced where his belly button was. And as it continued to collect mist, it increased in size almost to the point where it was as wide as a balled fist.

Michel was conscious for this and heard Meli’s cries, begging Aloa to help him. Michel himself wasn’t fearing death. He knew the risks when he had used the Void’s Whisper. He had prepared his mind for the results of death. If he had to spend an eternity in the Void and not have his soul saved, then so be it. If it must happen, then he had resigned to that fate.

But it seemed Aloa had a different idea for him. Her hands hovered over his body. He couldn’t help but notice how her hands emitted an oddly-familiar glow. Something about it made him feel welcomed and how under its light, he was safe. As long as he remained still, then maybe he wouldn’t have to set himself at Shemhazai’s door just yet. After a moment or so -- long moments, mind you -- Michel felt a tingling sensation crawl up his spine and make its way all around his body. It was weird but welcoming. As he had looked down, he noticed the portal that had appeared on his body was no more. Whatever Aloa had done, she saved him - at least, for the time being(as she noted).

He slowly got up to his feet, using Meli and Aloa as an aid. Though he still felt tenderness in his stomach, he had enough strength to stand. “And to think I had this big speech prepared about how I got to you just in the nick of time,” Michel admitted, chuckling, wincing slightly through the tender pain he felt.

“You have my thanks,” Aloa replied, though she closed her eyes. “I would note your recklessness, but sadly I am not in a position to defer your judgment.”

“Of course you can! He could have died!” Meli couldn’t help but yell.

“But I didn’t.” He noted, giving Meli a smile.

“My question is, what the hell were you thinking, rushing in there all alone?! Did you want to die?!”

“It would have been inconvenient, I suppose,” Aloa mused out loud, her voice once again airy. “Ivalice would have marched on without me. I am certain Shion would have been glad to take my mantle.”

“She would’ve grieved for you.” Michel said, “Ivalice knows your presence here and if anything was to come out of what you accomplished, you are just like the rest of us. You are an Ascendent, which is exactly why you can’t die just yet.” He informed her, almost sounding as if he was ordering her to stay alive.

“A comforting thought, though at the very least I can say I walked away having accomplished something,” She admitted, looking at her hand. She let out an uncharacteristic sigh. “It took a sacrifice...but it was done.”

“Sacrifice?”

“I chose to withhold my ascension for as long as I could. I sought out Emet-Selch’s counsel, had hoped to find a way to form a crack in the Collective’s nonshattering shell...but to do that, I had no choice,” Aloa was bitter as she spoke. “She has passed on to the afterlife, robbed of her chance on Ivalice. I only pray it was not in vain.”

Michel closed his eyes. “So, it was her power I felt coming from you when you saved my life from the Void.”

Aloa nodded silently. Meli looked between the two, not quite understanding. “I’m more concerned about your ‘temporary’ fix,” The dark haired woman decided to press the manner.

“It is temporary because should he chose to push it, it will unravel. I thought this a simple explanation,” Aloa couldn’t help but show the slightest hint of annoyance. “He knows the risks. If he were to go the rest of his life using his magicks in moderation, he would live to a very old age. But our enemy will see to it that he will not go quietly.”

“As if Michel’s willing to risk his neck for yours again! Have you no shame?” Meli revealed the mutual feeling of annoyance. “I’ve heard nothing but praise about the ‘almighty viera’, but here you are nearly getting yourself killed and forcing Michel to save your sorry ass!”

“A pity.” Aloa’s response was rather curt, though she didn’t seem to bother with an explanation nor an apology.

Though he appreciated Meli’s loyalty and willingness to defend him, it wasn’t necessary, so he waved towards her. “There is no need to put any blame on Aloa here. I am at fault here. I knew the risks in using the Void Whisper. Shemhazai told me I wasn’t ready, but I knew it was the only thing that could save Aloa in time. What’s done is done.” He gave a shrug, though his eyes opened and they glanced solely on Aloa. “We did have another reason for coming all this way.”

Aloa seemed to understand, giving Michel her full attention. “Do tell.”

“About, oh, I’d say no more than a full hour ago, we, the Ascendants, received a visit from a monk who revealed himself to be someone by the name of Grigori--an alias, no doubt--who informed us of a troubling fact about the Creature and how it may be the true enemy to us all. He stated that neither Zodiark nor Venat posed us any real danger but rather the Creature was the one who we should be focusing on.” Michel told Aloa, “he told us to seek out the one who bears the Calling of Death.”

Staring at Michel for a moment, she quirked an eyebrow at him. “...hm,” She mumbled. “I wonder why.”

“Y-You don’t know?!”

“I’m not omniscient.”

Ignoring the peanut gallery banter, Michel remained focused on Aloa. “Admittedly, I do not know his exact reasoning, but he did only want to reveal this to those of us who were Ascendants. And he wouldn’t do it until all of us were present. Of course, most were unavailable. Another thing to note is he knows about what we become when we ascend.”

Aloa looked at Michel in understanding. “I see.”

“Let me guess: you know who this Grigori is, don’t you?”

“It is a name I am familiar with, though I cannot say we’ve met in person,” She admitted, ignoring Meli rolling her eyes. “Much how the Occuria were Ivalice’s shepherds, you could say Grigori was...the next being in line.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning that it is a watcher. An otherworldly being tasked with Ivalice’s good will in mind. There is probably more with numerous legends attached to it, but that was the relevant information given to me,” Aloa surmised.

“And who was it that told you this information?”

“The one who taught me everything I know. She has long since passed, though not without giving me the information I needed for Ivalice’s prosperity,” She replied.

Michel knew who exactly that was. He recalled Shion had told him of a strange Viera she encountered in her travels. “Shion did mention that I believe. Kyli, if I recall. She referred to her as ‘one strange Viera’, though she didn’t go into any details.” Michel bit his thumb as he pondered.

“Likely due to her inability to recognize the phenomenon known as ‘personal space’.” Her answer was pretty quick, accompanied by the tiniest of smiles.

For an obvious reason, his mind went to Jaakuna, which prompted Michel to let out an unforeseen chuckle, though there was a slight wince in his face. Meli gave him an extremely concerned look, though glared at Aloa, knowing she was the reason behind his odd behavior. Not long after taking a moment to collect himself, Michel gave both of them an assuring smile. “My apologies, but I was just reminded of Jackson and how he and Kyli have that same problem.” Uh-oh, he had one more chuckle left in him and, of course, it came with a double-edged pain.

“Whereas Jackson intrudes simply to show his authority, my mentor believed it to be an unneeded social custom. She believed that as creatures of Ivalice, we all shared the same spiritual plane...admittedly, while the idea had some merit, I do think she simply liked to tease,” She admitted as Meli began fussing over Michel. Aloa looked to the sky, frowning. “I suppose I should inform Shion of what has happened. No doubt she’d want to consider our next move.”

While he wanted to push further to hear more about Kyli, Aloa was right about one thing: they needed to go. “I’d offer to take us through my portals, but after what I just did--” Michel caught the scathing glare from Meli by even just mentioning using his powers. Apparently, she still wasn’t happy with him. “--I think our best option is to rest up. Utena headquarters isn’t far. We can send word to Madame Blue Rose, and she could meet us there.” Michel more or less suggested.

Aloa looked upon the coastline. It wasn’t preferable, but she would agree. She didn’t quite want to look at Meli, considering she was glaring, though her ears would twitch. “Lead the way.”