Altered Tundra

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Shion had explained the situation that all of them were in, he took it upon himself to prepare a cup of tea for the two of them. Shion was predictable in that sense, or maybe he just knew her well enough to know that she preferred hibiscus tea when she was in stressful situations. It seemed to calm her some even though she was in stressful situations nearly every time she came back to the headquarters. Despite this, Francis just knew this would mean the world to her.

“Here you are.” He handed her the cup he had prepared and sat across from her. And as their tea would cool down just briefly, with Francis having some tea brewed by some of Shion’s flowers. Tonight, he felt like enjoying a nice mint brew that had a fresh squeeze of lemon to add to its flavor. When he took a sip, his face scrunched up. “Still not as pure as when you make it.” He commented, a sigh coming from his lips. He looked almost defeated.

Francis shook his head slightly, responding to what Shion said. “Anyway, it seems as though you’ve been dealt a tough hand, my dear.” He mused a pondering noise. “That being said, unlikely alliances have been made to ensure survival — especially in times of a greater threat arising.” He stated, looking to Shion, “if this Creature of Darkness poses such a great threat to our livelihood, then a beneficially-mutual alliance with the likes of that Venat character is necessary for our survival. But, know this:” Francis took her hand, rubbing it gently. “if and when he tries to strike, all are ready to be there by your side, including myself and all of your flowers. This much I am sure of.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

“Ah, so you have.”

When she had stepped through the door, Francis had just stepped from the office portion of their room. Though she didn’t need it because she had her own separate office a few doors down from their bedroom, Francis, however, did. Even though he had one in Archadia, he had been spending most of his free time here and had taken a leave of absence from Second Judge Magister for personal reasons. Although he never specifically stated it, Francis knew Roman understood exactly what this meant. He had stepped down from being an Imperial Judge to officially become a member of Utena, bearing the moniker of Lupine.

There was a rare sight for Shion as Francis had appeared in casual attire. Usually, of course, he was in his usual golden armor, but that was during the times he served as Shion’s stand-in when she was out and about, doing what she had to do for the good of the organization and Ivalice. He understood that, so he did what he could to make sure her garden was well-taken care of. And, as she had seen upon her return(he was assuming), he was just as strict as she was. After all, he was the one who trained Michel and his son was someone who had a lot of potential. His magickal reserves was even greater than Francis’ had been in his youth. Though he lacked the conviction to become a judge, Francis was relieved that he found his calling in Utena.

The dark-haired male gave Shion a kiss and a hug as she seemed to be fixated on taking a seat. “How did it go? With Jackson, I mean.” Francis said, stern eyes on Shion. “Unless something happened during the transfer?”

---

How was someone supposed to react to comments like that? Grant practically insulted Jaakuna, but then he also gave him a compliment. Talk about sending mixed signals. As he would round it out, it was obvious where this was heading; it was the same thing he had noted previously: the surprise that Jaakuna had doubts.

Of course he had doubts. The weight of the fate of the entire world was being placed on his shoulders and, if Jaakuna was being completely honest with himself, he felt a bit overwhelmed. He, of course, knew that he was the only one who could do it because of this power that he had, yet that did him no good with actually drawing upon it. Sure, Wesley was right about how he had used Belias’ powers to rid Emiri of Venat’s influence, but here’s something that he probably didn’t consider: The Creature isn’t just one fucking seed of Venat/Zodiark. It is a literal embodiment of that dark influence. In other words, it would require not only the confidence to use that power but also the willpower to draw upon it whenever the situation called for it.

But guess what? Jaakuna hadn’t been able to feel that power since that night in Henne Mines. The most he could do was manifest the weapons.

“Yeah thanks, I hadn’t thought of that.” Jaakuna rolled his eyes. “Have any other bright observations? Maybe this one: the sun is yellow!” Jaakuna feigned shock. “What are your thoughts about that, huh?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

So it had been decided: the search for the Creature had begun. With the combined efforts of all, no matter how clever and secretive it might be, the Creature wouldn’t be able to keep its presence hidden from the combined efforts of the Ascendants and Utena. The latter were expert trackers whilst the others had their handy, dandy Espers to help them if they so needed it. Even so, that didn’t mean it would be easy. As noted earlier, it wasn’t as though the Creature was going to make it easy for them. A crafty creature, that one. Odds were that, much like its creator, it would only want to be found if it allowed its presence to be felt.

Upon that realization, Jaakuna let out a sigh as most of everyone went their separate directions. Meli and Michel stayed in her room for...personal matters. Wesley and Nadeline were led by a couple of Shion’s Flowers to their room. Savayna was tired, so she would note to Grant she’ll see him later on. Shion and Aloa had seemed to go about their own business.

That just left Jaakuna with Grant and Emiri. Of course, Emiri wasn’t leaving Jaakuna’s side. He had noticed she was being strangely protective of him. It was a little unnerving. He appreciated her concern, but it was interfering with his heroism. Hard to be the Transcendent when the old ball and chain refused to let you do anything that was even remotely dangerous. Of course, he did the same for her. On that, he shrugged; it wasn’t worth stressing over, especially when he knew it came from a good place.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, walking with Grant on one side and Emiri on the other. Thankfully, only one had hooked his arm. He’d feel weird and very uncomfortable if Grant suddenly felt the need to hook his arm. “You have a problem with me being too sure of myself and now you have one with me not being sure enough.” Jaakuna noted, lightly scowling at Grant. “You really can’t make up your mind, can you?” He scowled again.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

This was quite the revelation. To think that the Creature could potentially be an actual person and not an empty mass of darkness as everyone had previously predicted. GRanted, there hadn't been any hints to suggest otherwise, but this certainly made things a whole lot clearer. It explained why this creature had such an attachment to this world and why, when Wesley and Nadeline had sensed it underneath Rabanastre and why, for a while, he took control over Sylvester's body. Everything about this creature was pointing to this direction.

And as Wesley closed his eyes, pondering about everything said, he knew why it had to be Jaakuna. "I understand now." Wesley said, eyes still closed.

"Huh?"

"Jaakuna, I get why you're the one who has to do this and why no one among us aside you has the power to do it."

He scratched his head, seemingly not understanding what Wesley was meaning.

"Please, if you will, tell us what you mean, Wesley." Michel inquired of Wesley.

"I recall Jaakuna once told us about how he cleansed Emiri using his powers bestowed unto him by Belias. That was when she was under Venat's influence." Wesley started, "when this happened, it wasn't nearly as much as the Creature seemed to have. Of course, this was before JAakuna received Shion's power and before he became the Transcendent."

"Please don't bring that up again." Savayna rolled her eyes, fists ready to strike Jaakuna if he dared say anything to that. He didn't.

After Wesley had laughed, he continued. "I firmly believe that Jaakuna has the potential to do the same to the Creature. He has the power to do so." Wesley gave Jaakuna a smile.

Meanwhile, everyone seemed to be a little reluctant to come to Wesley's way of thinking, especially Jaakuna. Not that he doubted his own power, but healing Emiri was child's play compared to what the task of purifying something as ancient as Rio's current form seemed to be. Plus, he didn't even have a full grasp on his new powers. He didn't know what he was capable of nor did he believe it would be enough. He wasn't a seasoned warrior like Shion is. She had centuries to perfect and hone her skills with this power inside her. Jaakuhna, on the other hand, at the most, has been training and fighting for fifteen years. Hardly pales in comparison to two-hundred years.

"As great as that is, we still need to find the fucker." Savayna oh-so-colorfully stated.

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

---

---

There had been silence on the way to her room. Silence when they got to her room. And, as she would state everything that was on her mind, Alexandros had remained silent throughout it all. She had made it clear that she wanted him to listen to everything she had to say, so Alexandros would give allow her to do that. He owed her that much. Besides, once she started to speak, she had his attention.

From start to finish, she practically listed everything that happened between the two of them since the fall semester had begun. From the moment he met her after getting an earful from Principal Anderson to charming his way into her life, she made it clear that she was crazy about him. In was in that moment Alexandros had realized exactly what his mother had done. She didn’t talk on his behalf nor did she warn Audrey away from him. Without actually saying it, Audrey revealed that to him.

His mother had a weird way of getting anyone and everyone to look within themselves and search their heart for their true feelings. She appealed to what they wanted versus what they knew would save them pain. After talking and hearing both sides of the stories, she let that person make up their own decision. She did this for his father when she caught onto his cheating habits and she obviously did it for Audrey when she went to go speak with her. Alexandros didn’t pretend to know what was said, but as she spoke, he knew the gist of it.

But as she mentioned Bianca and the party and everything in-between, Alexandros felt this knot in his stomach build up. What was this feeling? Guilt? Does Alexandros feel guilty for doing all of those terrible things and playing all of thsoe games? No, it’s not that — well, okay maybe just a little, but that’s not what this feeling was. It was him feeling some sort of guilt for wasting time. He was a player through and through, so that tended to dominate what he should’ve done and that was to just be honest with whom he was toying with.

Like Ava would be.

If anything could be learned from his sister, it was that honesty was the best policy. That’s what Audrey was doing as she further explained how she reacted to everything: setting up Bianca, getting Janice fired, and stating she had nothing to do with the leak in Francis’ office and the corruption that came from it. Of course, while Alexandros didn’t think she was directly tied, he knew her enough to know that she knew who did. Regardless, he held no grudge about that. Florence was lovely, but she was a means to an end. Given what was happening at this very moment, she served her purpose.

But back to what she was doing. Alexandros wasn’t usually slow on the uptake, but it did take him a long moment after she had finished for him to realize what was happening. Maybe Ava was right in saying that he could be dense sometimes. Such an idiot he was to miss exactly what she said. Forget all of the fluff. What she said in that last statement was the most important: she wanted him. Not in some superficial, physical-contact kind of way, but she wanted him in any and all possible forms. And, deep down, he knew he wanted her too.

And, so it was, on the gesture she had made, Alexandros joined her on the bed, sitting next to her and as close as he could without actually being on top of her. The electricity between them that started with his eyes and became grounded in her truffle eyes was so obvious and so out of control, the only thing stopping a chemical reaction was Alexandros’ mind racing. For the first time in his life, Alexandros was as vulnerable as Audrey had been this entire time. It was so unlike him. To think that the usually confident Mossos teen who never let his guard down and always was two steps ahead of anyone was pushed against the wall.

When it all came down to it, she was his kryptonite, but perhaps that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

He outstretched his left arm, stroking her cheek. “As always, you know how to impress, Huntsberg.”

That was all Alexandros said. Everything else was moot as he gave her the only answer she needed to know. His lips locked with hers sweetly.

Perhaps this was what the pilgrims and Indians originally envisioned for Thanksgiving.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"You can say that again," Jaakuna retorted, scowling. His attention went to everyone, but he did seem to notice Savayna duking it out with two of the scions. "The hell is going on over there?"

Michel gave Jaakuna a shrug. "Savayna mouthed off and they didn't like it. But never mind that," Michel said, looking at the three, "what's this agreement you say that the three of you and Venat had reached?"

Jaakuna wanted to answer, but he looked to both Shion and Aloa respectively. While the latter seemed to not care who was the one to tell them, Shion, on the other hand, was more inclined to decide that. After all, how did either of them tell the group about the extent of the agreement? How did they even approach it? Oh, yeah, so The Creature is actually Shion's long, lost fiance, and to purify him, Jaakuna has to do it.

Yeah, like that'll go over well. It'll be one of those 'it raises more questions than answers them'.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, earning curious looks from all. "Maybe not here." Jaakuna suggested, eying Levi, though he looked over to Savayna who had just delivered a finishing, non-deathly, blow to the ice ninja and Igeyorhm, sending them both in opposing directions of her. "You done?" Jaakuna called out to her.

Savayna noticed Jaakuna and would walk over. "Now I am."

"Good," he let out a sigh and gave Levi a look.

As she laughed, Levi simply snapped her fingers and without any warning, the entire group was teleported back to the Utena headquarters...with the lack of Levi herself.

"Much better."

After a moment had passed, it was time they knew exactly what they were going to be dealing with.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As lightning had crackled and danced towards Savayna, Lahabrea came at her. She did her thing as she countered both with her mist. And all the while, everyone else was discussing what could Venat could've possibly said to the three who were with him. There was an air of mystery surrounding that and what it could've been. FOr all they knew, it could've been a trap, but while it had been suggested, the musings from Levi suggested otherwise. She hinted that she knew, so perhaps it was a genuine request that Venat had for the three of them.

"We're not disagreeing with you," Wesley stated to Emiri, addressing her comment about Venat being at fault. "No one here likes this situation, but the Creature has forced our hand. In times of greater strife, even if we hate it, alliances with those who would have our heads must be made for the greater good." Wesley found the right words through the grit of his teeth. Anyone with eyes could see how visible his anger was and how difficult it was for him to keep it under wraps.

Michel let out a sigh, looking over as Savayna was sent through the wall on the opposite side of the room with Lahabrea and Igeyorhm following her, sending a wave of ice and lightning magick. He shook his head, seeing Savayna unleash a blizzaga that canceled out their joint attacks and caused the entire room to feel the effects of the fight.

The Void Ascendent snapped his fingers and created a similar veil of protection that he had done back in Archadia when they spoke to Grigori. "Hopefully that will mute out their bothersome squabble."

Iquenos: In Nomine Domini

@Lemons Not too bad at all. With downtime from some of my other rps, i've been able to catch up on my gaming, so that's been nice. How's bout you? :O

The Book Club

Anything by Brent Weeks

You can say what you want about this guy. He's not as good as Tolkien or GRRM, but this guy can write serious page-turners. Some pages might not be as action-packed as the others, but I can promise you he'll have you yearning more of his work. Hell, there might be even times you're so angry at him for doing certain things in his stories, but it'll make you want to find out how shit gets better or worse for certain characters. While his plotlines aren't necessarily the most original nor top-3 excitement, he has gripping arcs for his characters and portrays them brilliantly.

If you decide to check his stuff out, I highly recommend starting with The Night Angel Trilogy, then moving to his current series, The Lightbringer Series. Is the latter better than the former? Absolutely, but in order to appreciate how his writing has matured from one to the other, you have to read them in the order of release. They're long(600 page length), but they're worth it. NAT is sort of like Assassin's Creed meets magic meets special artifacts. Lightbringer is all about politics and light and overconfident king-like figures and under-confidence. Ugh, both are great, okay? Just read them. You'll love me after it's all said and done.

Fun fact: there's a continuation of the Night Angel Trilogy on Weeks' official Wattpad and a prequel novella about one of the trilogy's most-beloved characters, Durzo Blint.

Don't say I never did anything for ya! ;D

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"This sure was taking a long time. I wonder what he could be telling them." Michel mused aloud, tapping his foot somewhat impatiently.

Truth be told, his real problem was how Venat only wanted to speak to Jaakuna, his mistress, and Aloa. What could he possibly have to say that'd only concern them? Knowing him like everyone in this surprisingly elegantly-decorated room did, he was willing to wager that, if nothing else, it wasn't anything good, though curiosity did outweigh his uneasiness about how they were sitting among the Scions who were doubtless ordered by Venat to keep an eye on them. Michel paid them no mind, especially Igeyorhm. As far as he was concerned, he was a nobody. Maybe he knew that. Maybe he didn't. Whichever it was, Michel treated it as he treated him: as nothing. Instead, he went back to what he had been thinking about. However, he couldn't help but notice something off about Meli.

She was glaring at Nadeline rather intently. It was almost as if she had held a dislike for her. His mind wandered there for a brief moment, but the coughing from Wesley brought his mind — and eyes — to the dark-haired Dalmascan. He saw Wesley subtlely shaking his head. Whatever Michel had wanted to say, it seemed the future King of Dalmasca urged him not to go through with it. Michel knew this to be the truth. Besides, the last thing anyone needed was a reason for Meli and Nadeline to clash regardless of how entertaining it might've been to see.

"These abominations better stopped staring or they'll lose their eyes." Savayna openly threatened them.

They did not repsond well. A couple of them — mostly the ones who were already agitated (Igeyorhm and Lahabrea). They didn't take too kindly to Savayna's comments and it seemed both of them had lookeed at Savayna and were almost certain that they were going to attack. As she caught onto this, Savayna smirked, standing up. She drew out her Emperor Trident( a miniature version of Mateus' Trident) and took a stance.

Wesley shook his head and took a giant step back, hooking Nadeline's arm with his own. Michel did the same with Meli(despite her vocal protests). Whether they were ready for it or not, a fight between three angry parties was about to begin and knowing Savayna like he did, Michel knew this would only end with their or her death.

And Savayna went forward with the first strike, sweeping Lahabrea with her long legs, kicking him against the back wall. When her momentum had rotated her around, she brought her trident down at Igeyorhm's face, nearly as fast as he was.