Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Flattering one second, downright insulting the next. She gave him a look that said as much, and as much as she wanted to stay seated and doze off, she was all too pleased with his offer. Forcing herself to get up, she dragged herself to said barracks. Without much disdain to her surroundings, she practically ripped all her clothes off, abandoning them in a pile as she went to the shower. She'd have to get rid of most of them, she figured; the sewage smell was not one to easily come off. Still, relief came in the form of a cold shower, the water hitting her now aching body. She was somewhat surprised at the many choices of soaps; she assumed he once had guests onboard. Indeed, this ship seemed much too big for just one person.

She ended up washing her hair too, and she emerged from the shower squeaky clean. She took two towels and wrapped one around her body, the other around her hair, and she disposed of her clothes. Her boots were then scrubbed down, and she somehow managed to make them not smell. She credited his soaps again, though now there was the issue of getting more clothes. After poking around, she found a closet full of clothing articles, though was surprised to find both male and female clothing, even underwear. Quite the playboy, aren't we? She mused mentally. Most of them were rather...revealing, so to speak. While she finally picked one, its length left something to be desired. She also found that either Jaakuna had a thing for supermodels or he wasn't a fan of women with large busts (which was surprising, considering his nature) as, of course, the bust of the dress fit a little tightly, pushing her chest up.

As she studied herself in the mirror, she felt...cheap. Her hair was a mess, her dress was short (very short for her, anyway; most of her dresses ended under the knee) and the way her bust popped out made her look more like someone's lover rather then a Huntress. Still, she was tired, and after stuffing a shirt and pants into her bag, could care less how she looked at the moment.

She would have to enjoy her last taste of freedom. If she had the strength, she would've ran, and ran, and hid somewhere. It was too late now, of course, she knew that as she sank onto the nearest bed. It also happened to be the biggest; she suspected it belonged to Jaakuna. It was also very comfortable, and if not for her thoughts, she would've drifted off into dreamland. But she was truly, genuinely worried. She left home a long time ago, wishing not to be used by her father, who had her as a bargaining chip for the royal family. For ages she was prepped and groomed to wed the son of the Emperor, a man nearly twice her age. Honestly, she loathed it, she hated her father for using her, she hated her mother for letting it happen, she hated her aunt for marrying into the royal family and helping her father, she hated the Empire...she hated everyone.

Emiri buried her face into the pillow, her rage bringing her to tears. She cursed the day she was born, wishing she would've been born normal.

Yes, if she was like everyone else, she wouldn't be in this mess.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

'Unique ability'? More like an inconvenient curse. Emiri pressed her lips together, keeping silent at Jaakuna's compliment, though the day's adventure was getting to her. She followed in his stead, dreading what was to come. She just felt so tired. and using her ability only drained her more. There was no use in running, either--even if she tried, he'd catch up to her, as he was faring better then she was. His words were far and somewhat slurred, though that was purely from her point of view. She wasn't quite sure how she was standing, but as she was introduced to the Ifrit, she felt herself slowly slipping away.

That is, until they were beamed up.

Whether it was the result of the magic, her exhaustion, or the Mist used, Emiri let out a rather surprised gasp. The Mist around her sparked, though it flickered and quickly disappeared. It was a very weird feeling, and she found herself wide awake and clutching her hands together. What in the world was that? They had appeared directly inside the ship! It was truly amazing, and if she wasn't so tired, she would have surely inquired about it. She really, really wanted to sleep in a nice, plush bed. Heck, she even missed the Sandsea's couches right about now.

"Quite the...contraption you have here..." Emiri spoke, clearly shocked, though she regained her composure. "I would ask a favor, if you would." She stated a little more seriously. "I will not deter you from your bounty. I'm sure...I'm sure you've made up your mind." She said quietly, though she pressed on. "However, I would make a request. Before I lose my freedom, I'd like to rest. Wherever it is that we are headed, I would appreciate it much if we stayed at an inn. I can tell your are getting weary as well, and I don't think you'd be too happy carrying me to wherever it is that you've agreed to meet whoever."

Emiri sighed, taking a seat and leaning back. Just being off her feet was a relief. "I would really appreciate it."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Luck was not on their side, it would seem. Whatever she had done to upset the gods, it was severe. Once again it would need to be used, though this was the first time she would bring someone with her for so long. Surely her magic would last. It was a foolish thing, really. She could leave by herself, escape, but her conscience simply wouldn't have any of it. Emiri reached towards Jaakuna, her hand outstretched, and she took his hand in hers. "Whatever happens, do not let go." She instructed him quietly. "Avoid any contact with others as well. We will slip by, quietly, to your airship. They will not notice us--no one will."

She lamented having to use it again, but there was little choice. Without waiting for a response, Emiri began to walk, gently pulling Jaakuna behind her. She held him in a way so he would walk right behind her, weaving through the crowd. The two walked right by Savayna, passing her guards, and in merely a moment they were within the Aerodome. At this point Emiri paused, turning to him, though time was not in motion yet. "Lead me to your airship." She told him.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Once more, Emiri raised her eyebrow at him. More surprising information, but she held her tongue. He was Archadian after all. Was that where he was taking her? Her father would throw a fit if he ever found out she was associating herself with an Archadian...still, if his former wife was a general, they'd be outmatched, after all. Taking a few strides forward, she withdrew her blade, looking back at him. "Then we best be on our way, lest we get caught by your old flame." She stated, though she continued to walk.

After (carefully) descending the stairs, Emiri headed straight for the first gate shown. Remembering what Kierra had told her, she jabbed her sword at its side, wriggling it slightly so that the mechanism holding it would falter. Sheathing her sword, she pushed the gate, it swinging open rather easily. After beckoning Jaakuna to follow, she began to crawl through. She could already feel the heat from the desert, but ignored it for the most part. The tunnel to their freedom was rather short, and very soon they emerged on the other side. Curiously, the soldier that was usually posted outside the gates of Rabanastre was missing.

She jumped up, smoothing her skirt out, and turned back to Jaakuna. "The Aerodome is right over there." She pointed to the entrance just ahead.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Other routes would have been possible, had they been able to return to the streets of Rabanastre. Still, the exit was not far, and whoever Jaakuna was talking about surely wouldn't reach the exit before they did. Still, if someone were there, she doubted they could match them with Jaakuna in his state. She vaguely considered leaving him, but as he had healed her, she should do the same. A favor for a favor, afterall. She would use it, if only to return said favor, though she hoped she would not use it anymore. Emiri knelt down, placing one of her hands on his head. Once more she closed her eyes to concentrate, and slowly each wound began to renew itself--or rather, return to their previous state before being injured. Once she finished, she removed her hand.

"Better?" She asked quietly, though she looked around. "We'd best hurry. If you can stand, do so. Our blades are stronger together, we can confront whoever waits for us at the end, it isn't far." She pointed towards the nearest staircase. "Beyond those stairs lies a gateway out. It will take us close to the Aerodome...away from whoever it is you wish to avoid."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

If she could, she would've cursed--but years of discipline prevented the words from ever leaving her lips. Now was the one time she wished she could, as she knew she was screwed as he grabbed her arm. She struggled, obviously, though it ceased as his grip tightened. No getting out of this one, not as long as he was in contact with her. At this point was when he noticed her leg--which she also secretly blamed him for--but to her surprise, instead of dragging her back to where he needed to bring her (as she expected) but he actually healed it. She never was too good at White Magic, but the sensation made her squirm slightly. She was used to downing potions (however horrible they tasted) but soon the soothing feeling on her foot confirmed it has worked. She made to walk away, absentmindedly walking, only to get pulled back rather quickly.

At this point, she stared at him. She stared, unblinking, as she tried to understand why exactly he healed her. It was always easier bringing a wounded animal back to the camp to be skinned and eaten. Better yet, he himself was injured, so why bother? This had confounded her more then any other action he did. And with that, she felt guilty. Maybe she should've never left after all... "I thank you." She murmured, loud enough to hear but low enough to conceal whatever guilt she had. She then cleared her throat, trying to be a little more defiant. "...and what now? You've sealed off the way back to Rabanastre. From here, we have little choice but to go through the passage to the Westersand. And you...don't look too good." She voiced her concerns.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri tumbled all the way down, landing rather ungracefully. She didn't break anything, thank the gods, though her foot was in some pain. It was her own fault; she didn't put on her boots properly, and with her haste, it was bound to happen. For the moment, she felt she was in the clear, and made sure her footwear was properly secured. She was running around in Kierra's dress rather than her usual wear. Still, she didn't have much choice in the matter. As she looked around, a rumbling from above caught her attention. What in the world was that? An explosion? As the girl turned toward the entrance, she considered something for a moment. Perhaps she could use the commotion to go to the Aerodome, then she could get on a ship and far away from Jaakuna. She nodded, though when she stepped forward, she saw something coming her way.

She should've dodged it.

Jaakuna crashed into her, sending her to the gound once more, though they rolled apart from one another. As she heard him curse, she rubbed her own head, slightly dazed from the collision. Once her head cleared, however, she immediately sprang up, but as she turned to run a sharp pain ran through her foot. She yelped, meeting the ground yet again, clutching her foot in pain, though this time another source of pain came from her arm. Great, now she was in bad shape She bit her lip slightly, though forced herself to get up once more, gingerly avoiding stepping on her bad foot. She looked to the entrance, and to her horror, it had caved in.

He blocked the damn entrance!

"Are you mad?!" She reprimanded him, holding her arm as she ran (more like limped) away. "Honestly, you could have gotten someone killed!"

As to why she felt the need to scold him as she ran, she had no idea.

Kingdom Hearts: Destiny

I'm typing as fast as I can ;A;

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

There was nothing more to be said. Why couldn't he just understand? As he drew his blade, Emiri knew she simply wouldn't be able to convince him otherwise. "Don't you see? They're just using you!" She said, a more pleading tone in her voice as she backed away. Her eyes darted to her sword--would she be able to reach it? This time the back of her leg hit the couch, and she put one hand on it. No matter what happened, she couldn't go back. She would not be used, not again. Unfortunately, she also didn't quite have the funds to top whatever offer they gave him--her mind briefly remembering the merchant--and she shook her head again. What now? Go for her sword? Make a break to the door? Her sword wasn't far, but she had just enough room to slip by him. Maybe she could yell for Kiara. Where was that damn delivery person?

Her hand almost went for her sword, but she hesitated. She wasn't in any condition to fight--she was still exhausted from her earlier hunt and the trek from the Westersand. There was no way she could possibly outfight him. That sword was something as well; she could tell it had been used a lot. Great, not only was he stronger, he was probably more experienced, too. Fighting simply wasn't an option.

No, she would have to use it.

Taking in a deep breath, she closed her eyes. Slowly, time shifted, and then came to an immediate halt. Jaakuna was frozen in front of her, as were the people outside. Seizing her chance, she forced her feet into her boots and grabbed her bag (making sure her weapons were secure). She slipped carefully by Jaakuna, making sure not to touch him, and made a break for it. She opened the door and made to run out, but ended up crashing into the guy delivering her food. Time resumed for her, and at this point, it was too late to freeze it again, She pushed him aside and ran through the bar, making her exit. She shoved through the people, ducking to the first stairs into Lowtown.

Now what? Jaakuna was surely hot on her heels at this point, and now she was out in the open, so she couldn't use her power again. As she leapt over the last few stairs, she spotted a warehouse. The Garamsythe Waterway--she could use it to get back into the desert, then flee. Once again dodging people, she practically tore the door entering it, though her foot slipped and she ended up going headfirst down the stairs.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Someone had hired him. But who? Her father? Her aunt? This bit of information was one she highly doubted she would be able to extract from him, and quite frankly she did not want to find out. And apparently, she was a traitor. That certainly sounded like a term her father would use, but why now after all these years? Emiri quickly erased most of those thoughts. The past was not something she needed to think about, not in her current situation. At the very least, she now knew why he was after her. If only she still had access to her family funds, she could've maybe bribed him to look the other way, but it was too late now.

She didn't have a choice. She had to act.

At this point Emiri shook her head at him, though it was more to clear her own nerves. "I do not know what you've been told, but one thing I can assure you is that I'm no traitor." She spoke briskly, and by now, her sword was within her reach--though surely he too would have noticed by now. "Believe it or not, I wish not to inconvenience you. In fact, I do wish you'd simply turn the other cheek--you know not what you're getting yourself involved in. Rest assured, should you hand me over to whoever it is that hired you, you will regret it."