Grant raised an eyebrow at Wesley, though he complied, as always. Emiri watched the two leave, wondering what happened. Maybe Wesley was choosing to stay with Nadeline. It wouldn't come as much of a surprise. He could be asking him something about her. Grant followed Wesley, though he felt like he already knew what he would say. Once they were out of earshot from the rest of the group, he couldn't help but speak, "This wouldn't happen to be about Nadeline's true intentions, would it?" He asked. "I know she's opposed to returning to Archadia, but if there's one thing I know it's that she is stubborn. She never would let us go unless there was a reason."

"If that's all, you'll have to excuse me, I need to return to Lorenzo. Best of luck to you all." Vlyn said, grinning, and with that he too left. Emiri let out a small sigh, though she thought about Vlyn's words carefully. Hamut definitely was strong when it came to magic, so maybe he did find a way to separate Simon's soul from his body. She wouldn't say it was out of the question, she had seen his power first hand. She wondered if Vlyn had noticed the oddities, but if he didn't say anything, it must have meant it was normal, right? She wanted to think so. She looked at Jaakuna, who seemed satisfied with Vlyn's answers. She gave him a small, reassuring smile.

When Grant and Wesley departed form the Royal Office, they started to walk down the hallway to which they arrived to the garden or whatever was at the end of the walk. Grant would actually make it a little easier for Wesley as he would pretty much deduce what Wesley actually wanted to talk to him about. Though, obviously he didn’t know about the specifics, which Wesley would take it upon himself to tell Grant about. Though, he did feel some anxiety of telling him, only because of what Nadeline would think. However, Wesley knew this was the right thing to do. He knew that what Nadeline was trying to do was going to put her in danger and he swore to protect her from any danger, no matter what it meant.

Wesley would breathe in and he spoke. “Okay, before I tell you, just know this is what I think is best for her protection.” Wesley stated as he and Grant came to a stop at a bench. “Nadeline intends to dethrone Reia and convince the council to let her succeed you.” Wesley admitted, “I’m only telling you this because I truly believe that you have a right to know, and I don’t want to see Nadeline in any danger.” Wesley said, “And just know, Grant, I plan on staying here regardless of what happens. I will not leave her side.” He said, assuring Grant that he will stay in Stigma with Nadeline in any way that she would need him for.

---

When Vlyn had departed, the rest of the group just stayed in the office. Jaakuna really wasn’t sure where they would go. It wasn’t like that they could just go wondering around the castle without an escort of some sort. Jaakuna really didn’t know what to do, so he just sat down, but not before seeing Emiri smile to him. He smiled back. As he sat down, he stretched, letting out a sound of release as the cracking bones meant just that. “So, what to do now? Not like we can just go around roaming the castle as we see fit…or can we?” Jaakuna suddenly had a mischievous smile upon his face as he would look to Emiri.

The three were the only ones left in Reia's office. Funny, considering it was full of assassins last time she visited. Still, it looked like Jaakuna was back to his usual, mischevious self. Emiri winked at Jaakuna and stood up. "So long as you're with me, I don't see why not." She told him at his question of wandering the castle. "There isn't too much to see, but if you want a look around, we can." She told him.

---

For the first time in what seemed like ages, Grant's jaw dropped. He was in complete shock. The group thought Jaakuna had lost it, but as it would turn out, Nadeline was the one who was losing her mind. What the hell was she thinking? They didn't know what was going on, did she think she could take advantage of the confusion and dethrone his sister? Reia wasn't going down without a fight, the fact that she wasn't in Stigma definitely foretold she was up to something, Lorenzo and Karolina were concerned about something--no, no, he was not going to let her. He put his hand on his forehead, trying to calm himself down. He looked at Wesley, and almost wanted to hit him. The fact that he told him warranted that the prince was not an idiot. He wondered if he even objected to Nadeline's plan, whatever it was.

After a moment of inward struggling, Grant found the will to speak. "Why in the world would she do such a thing?" He asked, somewhat exasperated.

As Jaakuna suggested that they go around the castle, for some reason Savayna was overtaken with a thought of telling them what else happened back in Giruvegan. Yes, for some reason, Savayna felt she had to tell them. “Before we do that, there’s something you two need to know.” Savayna said. Jaakuna looked at Savayna with a curious look. “And what’s that?” He asked her.

“Yesterday at Giruvegan, we ran into that Lola chick.” Savayna admitted.

A look of shock came over Jaakuna. “And that just slipped your mind until now!?” JAakuna asked clearly displeased.

Savayna sighed. “Oh give me a break, a lot happened this morning. I just never got around to it. But that’s not all.” She said.

Jaakuna tilted his head slightly. “Oh?”

“She was also partnering up with Michel.” She said.

Jaakuna was truly confused. He really didn’t understand why Michel was aligning himself with Lola. He remembers Michel, the kid was a good one. Michel was always respectful to Jaakuna and his family, so this truly troubled him. “I don’t really understand.” He said, “I thought he was faithful to Archadia?” JAakuna asked in confusion.

“I only know of what I found out last night. He really didn’t say why, but I can betcha nothing good is going to come out of it.” She said.

---

As Grant no doubt was struggling with what he just heard, Wesley was also struggling with it. He didn’t like it, but Wesley didn’t want to completely abbandon Nadeline either. Just as Wesley was in his thought train, Grant would ask why exactly Nadeline would do this. Wesley would sigh and he spoke. “I believe it had to do with what Jaakuna said about what his father was just a few moves away doing and bringing a truce between Archadia, Rozarria, and Dalmasca. She did say that while she doesn’t agree with Jaakuna’s plan, she did say that he was right and she also said that there would be no peace if your sister is still in a position of power.” Wesley said. He really didn’t know what else to say at this point.

Damn it all! Of course Nadeline was right, but to do so now?! There was just too much left to chance, what in the world was she thinking? "That may be true, but...I can't let her do this. Wesley, you must help me to convince her otherwise." Grant urged him, beckoning him to follow. He started to lead him back to the throne room. "Reia is up to something, I just know it. If Nadeline tries to take the throne, no doubt she'll claim treason or--or something. My sister is not one to back down without reason. The fact that she isn't here means she is up to something--come, let us go to the throne room, I am sure she is there."

---

It looked like Emiri had missed her chance to square off with Lola. She actually found herself rather disappointed. She had wanted to show her exactly what she was capable of...alas, it was not to be. And Michel...she had met him in Archades, she recalled. He was very polite, handsome too. Obviously he was playing two different sides, though she did not think much of it. Just another thing to worry about, as always. That list just kept on growing, it hardly seemed to ever lessen. "Did you get to fight her? Are they strong?" Emiri asked Savayna.

---

"My sweet daughter, I understand your intentions, but...Rozarria is in a state of chaos right now." Lorenzo tried to explain the current situation to Nadeline. "The people do not wish to dethrone Reia. They want her to stay as Empress...and have revolted as a result."

"A revolt? But that's..."

"Reia has fled Stigma, making it look like the Council has taken care of her." Karolina said. "Your father is acting as Emperor at the moment, but the people are not happy about Reia's disappearance. It's likely that when she does return, she will be able to reclaim the throne, citing it to be the will of the people."

Nadeline was shocked to hear this. It was as Aloa said to Wesley, Reia may have been power hungry, but she treated her people well. They didn't know any better...everything Reia did, she did it for Rozarria, and as such was seen as a symbol of strength. She was manipulating them, in a sense, and she did it well. "But the council exists because of the people! They wish only for Rozarria's prosperity, they do what they must because Reia is unfit for the throne! Father, I know now what I must do, I will take the throne, claim my birthright and rule as the next Empress of Rozarria. Reia cannot return to the throne!"

Lorenzo and Karolina looked at one another. No doubt they probably agreed with Nadeline, but now things were complicated. "The council...does not wish for you to ascend." Karolina informed her rather reluctantly. "They fear you...they fear they will not be able to control you. They wanted someone they could easily manipulate. The only way for you to ascend...Grant, Lorenzo, and Reia would have to be dead.."

What?! "That...that cannot be!" Nadeline exclaimed, clearly upset. "I...They cannot strip me of my birthright! If I so have the reason, I can succeed them! Father, you did not even want to rule! Reia is unfit! The only two who can are myself and Grant! The council...they cannot deny me my birthright!"

It didn't end there, much to Nadeline's dismay. "Furthermore, they...want to offer you as a token of peace to Dalmasca, to unify our countries with you marrying a member of their royalty. By allying ourselves with them, we will join our forces and declare war on Archadia." And that much hit the final nail on the coffin. She looked at her parents, clearly in shock. They would never allow her to do that, so why were they doing this to her? It was too much to take in. Nadeline slowly sank to her knees, alarming Karolina, and she rushed to her daughter.

As she told them about running into Lola and Michel, Emiri would ask if she fought them or if they’re strong. Savayna wished she said she fought them, but she didn’t. They ran tail before she could even get a chance to. Well, at least to see how strong Lola was. Savayna knew how strong Michel was and he definitely was around the levels of Savayna in terms of power, but his real strength came in surprise and evasion. Savayna would quit thinking about that for the time being, she would sigh as she spoke.

“Sadly, we didn’t. They left before we got the chance, but it would seem that Lola is not the boss. Some other person was. That much I heard before they left us with thirty-six ninja.” Savayna said as she sighed. As she said that, Jaakuna just wondered who this person could be. Though, was it really a person that they needed to worry about? Jaakuna didn’t know, but he didn’t speak. He just wondered about more things than just that Lola person.

---

As Grant motioned Wesley to follow him, he did and the two slick men were on their way to the throne room. As they did that, Grant would go on to say his sister is up to something. Wesley could definitely agree on that. He didn’t know Reia personally, but he only knew of her from what Nadeline and Grant had told him. Wesley would also silently agree with Grant at the fact that Reia wasn’t present in Stigma meant that she was up to something. Whichever the case, Grant and Wesley had arrived at the throne room within minutes and they came to sight of Nadeline on her knees and her mother comforting her. Wesley instantly rushed to her side. “What happened? Are you hurt?” He said also on his knees to make sure she was alright.

"Pandemonium is what happened." Lorenzo replied sorely, running a hand through his hair. "Boy oh boy, what are we going to do...?"

Karolina looked at both Wesley and Grant and shook her head. "There is a revolt going on here in Stigma. I'm sure you've noticed more people in the streets than usual." She spoke gently, pulling Nadeline to her. "The people are against the council, they do not wish for Reia to be dethroned. In order to save face, they have decided to use Nadeline as a token to Dalmasca. In exchange Dalmasca and Rozarria will join forces, and together we will declare war on Archadia." She hugged Nadeline tightly. "Whether or not Reia returns, war is inevitable, whether it be between nations...or between our own people."

To say Grant was shocked was an understatement. "That's one way to get rid of Nadeline." He found himself murmuring, though it made him think. "Wonder what they would have in store for me, then. Damn." He looked at Lorenzo. "And what about you, Emperor? You want to just sit around and let this happen?"

"You tell me what to do." The blonde man replied as-a-matter-of-factly. "This entire situation is shit. Our hands are tied, any action we take is a huge risk--either we upset the council, the people, either way we gain an enemy. And you can bet our dear sister is off somewhere laughing at the whole situation." He then paused, looking at Grant. "As to what Reia has in store for you, little brother...the council wants you as Emperor. The council is against Reia. Do the math, you know what's going to happen."

"Either I become Emperor or Reia strips me of my title as punishment for treason. Fantastic." Grant huffed, clearly annoyed. "Where the hell IS Reia?"

Karolina helped Nadeline to her feet, though she remained silent. "We don't know. We only know she and Aloa were spotted leaving the city on foot." Karolina said.

---

Thirty six ninja?! Emiri's jaw dropped slightly, though she quickly closed it. It looked like Reia had he power of numbers on her side. Great. Yet one more person lay behind the scenes. She wondered what kind of person Lola and Michel's boss could be. Lola was crazy, but Michel was sane enough, so who knew? "Then they got the Esper? More people to worry about." She said slowly, though she crossed her arms. "I wonder what their true goal is? I mean, we know Lola is working for Reia, but if they were after the Esper, then they must be seeking power as well."

"That's the thing though." Savayna said biting her thumb. "If their boss truly was Reia, then why not say the Empress or some shit like that? Of what I heard them say, they said nothing about Reia. That must mean that Reia truly isn't the one that they answer to, which makes me worry about who exactly commands Lola and Michel. Whoever it is, they are truly someone to be feared." Savayna didn't like being fearful for her life. She never was one to be like that, but she couldn't help but show slight fear on her fact. Perhaps the real reason why Savayna is so fearful about the boss of Lola and Michel is simply for the fact that if someone could command Michel and Lola — who has yet to show what she could really do — then that person really must be strong. The only question that Savayna was really asking herself is who exactly was their leader?

---

When Lorenzo and Karolina both explained the situation to Wesley and GRant, they were both speechless at this point. They just couldn't understand. No, they understood. It was more like they couldn't believe it. Yes, truly they just couldn't believe it. A revolt was something that no one wanted nor needed. However, the one thing that truly made Wesley completely in shock was that the Council of Rozarria was planning on giving Nadeline away to Dalmasca. It made things just more stressful than they already were, nevermind the fact that Wesley and Nadeline recently got engaged. So much for telling anyone else that, at least for the moment. Wesley spoke. "I really doubt that my sister would force me into marriage. She is like me and believes in free will and choice." Wesley said in response to the council wanting to marry off Nadeline to him just to get her out of the way.

Grant and Lorenzo would get into a discussion about what they should do. WEsley agreed that there was definitely no right course of action. Should they move against the council, then they piss them off. If they move against Reia, they piss off the people. Either way any of them look at it, there's no winning side of it all. When Grant would ask about where Reia was, Karolina, who helped Nadeline to get to her feet with the aid of Wesley, said that her and Aloa were seen leaving the city on foot. Wesley thought about it and he spoke. "I may not have no such place to speak about this, but I say that a small group goes to look for the missing Empress." Wesley proposed.

Lorenzo listened to Wesley's suggestion and considered it carefully. Grant thought it was certainly an idea, though he realized he probably wouldn't be able to help Jaakuna go to Archades. He looked at Wesley, then at Lorenzo. As he was about to talk, Nadeline stepped forward. "I will seek out Reia." She informed her father. "This entire situation is...this is madness. Rozarria cannot afford a civil war right now, not with Archadia pointing their swords at us. I will find her and return her here...as much as I do not think she deserves the throne, the people need her. Rozarria needs its center to be calm, lest we fall to ruin."

Karolina clasped her hands together, though she looked at her husband. At this point Grant let out a sigh. "I will go as well. I know Reia can't completely hate me yet. " He paused and looked at Wesley. "Perhaps then, we should discuss this with the rest of the group? I had planned to assist Jaakuna, but this...this requires my attention as well." He said, and he thought of Savayna. She would probably go with Jaakuna regardless. His inner jealousy sparked, though anger was not born, only sadness. "I'd like to inform her--I mean, I would like to inform the group of this." He said, his cheeks slightly pink from almost letting his thoughts of Savayna slip.

---

"Commanding from the shadows...ever present, never revealed. A true assassin in every sense of the word." Emiri muttered in response. Truly a predicament. As a silence fell over the three, she then realized that Wesley and Grant sure had been gone for some time. She hoped nothing had happened. They were in the palace, so if anything should happen, she was sure they would probably hear something. "I wonder whats taking them." She ended up voicing her thoughts.

As Wesley, Grant, Lorenzo, and Karolina were all talking about what to do and how to get Reia, Nadeline would stand up and say that she would go after her. Her reasoning was right, but Wesley didn’t like her going alone. He was just about to speak up about it, but that’s when Grant would do so before he could and say that he would go as well. Then he would look to Wesley and suggest that they go to the group as well. They might as well tell them what’s going on. Though, Wesley couldn’t stay silent about this either.

“I will go as well.” He said, looking at Grant and then to Nadeline. “I did promise to protect you and I just can’t let my bride-to-be get hurt, now can I?..” And without realizing it until it was too late, Wesley had just outed their engagement. Why did he say that? Now he was going to get it, if not from Nadeline, then from her parents. Here it comes..

---

As Emiri muttered something, Jaakuna and Savayna raised an eyebrow at her, but then just forgot about it. Though, she did say some truth. Assassins did go through the shadows and they ruled from said shadows. So, with that being the case, their boss could be anyone across the world of Ivalice. Truly that was frightening. However, Emiri would turn the topic on Grant and Wesley as to where they could be. Jaakuna and Savayna both wondered the same thing.

“They really have been gone for a long time.” Jaakuna said, and Savayna would speak next. “I knew they weren’t just getting fresh air.” She said.

"That's funny, I could have sworn he just said 'bride'. Isn't that funny, darling?" Lorenzo laughed nervously as he rubbed his ear. "Boy, my hearing is just not what it used to be."

Karolina looked at her husband. "Dear, I heard it too." She told him, her voice so still it was as if she was saying something forbidden.

Silence fell throughout the room. And then it was broken by Lorenzo's crying. Yes, the man shed tears, though their reasoning was a mystery to the rest of the room. He got up from his throne, walking over to Nadeline, and he dropped to his knees in front of her, alarming everyone. After a moment, his shoulders trembled slightly, and he looked up at her. "It can't be...WHYYY?!" He wailed, gripped her hands. "K-Karolina, h-how c-could you b-be so c-calm!?" He cried, burying his head in Nadeline's legs and holding her hands tighter. His thumb ran over her fingers, and then he noticed something. His tears immediately stopped, and he marched over to Wesley, grabbing him by his collar. "What kind of girl do you think my daughter is?! Where the hell is the ring?!"

Grant nearly fell over. "You know you don't need a ring to propose, right?"

"What?! HOW DARE YOU PROPOSE WITHOUT A RING?!" He yelled, shaking Wesley rather violently. "You dare to take my beloved daughter away from me and then you don't even give her a ring?! HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO HANDLE THIS?!"

"You seriously need to get your priorities straight..." Grant rolled his eyes.

Karolina looked at Nadeline, and she too had tears running down her face. "Mother! Not you too!" Nadeline whined, actually stomping her foot.

She sniffed lightly, wiping her tears away. "Oh...my little girl...my sweetheart...I'm so sorry, it's just...I'm so happy for you!" She told her, pulling her into a hug. "Oh my baby...my only daughter is going to get married...!"

Wesley preferred the atmosphere when they were talking about Reia. At least then there wasn’t any focus on him and in the slightly bad way. Oh yes, Wesley was surely to die at the hands of Lorenzo. Yup, he definitely was as Lorenzo then violently grabbed Wesley’s collar and started to violently shake and yell at him, shouting out stuff about how could Wesley propose without a ring. Wesley couldn’t think. All there was to focus on was the fact that Lorenzo was about to pop his head off his neck with the violent shaking.

The shaking would continue and get more violently as Grant would make a note that one didn’t need a ring to propose. Wesley didn’t even know what to think right now. Lorenzo was manhandling him and yelling at him while he did it. Wesley was getting to the point where he was beginning to lose consciousness. “Lorenzo….please…too…hard…” And Wesley was now unconscious, no doubt from the violent shaking. Though, truth be told, it was more like his head going back and forth. He really just lost consciousness from some sort of weird form of motion sickness.

Grant shook his head, clearly disappointed in every single person in the room. Lorenzo for being over dramatic, Karolina for not controlling her husband, Nadeline for not having a handle on the situation, and Wesley for fainting. At least Wesley had the excuse of possibly still being weak from using his life force. His family was nuts, and Wesley actually wanted to be a part of this? That thought alone made Wesley just as crazy as the rest of them. Why was Grant the only normal person around, really? Speaking of normal, Nadeline was giving Grant a pleading look. He shook his head at her. "I...will go to inform the others..." He replied, walking out of the room.

Emiri looked as the door opened and revealed an irritated looking Grant. "You're back. Wait, where is Wesley?" She asked him.

"He's out of commission for the moment, but that's not important right now." Grant stated, earning several looks. "To make a long story joke, a team of myself, Nadeline, and Wesley need to go out to search for Reia. Rozarria is in a state of chaos, and unfortunately, the key to getting everything back to normal is my sister. I wanted to accompany you to Archades, but this...this is just too important to put off." As he spoke, he glanced at Savayna briefly before looking at Jaakuna again. "I apologize. Truly, I wanted to help you, but..."

"Can't you at least tell us what's going on?" Emiri asked, somewhat confused. "Reia was...the Empress was the one ruining things, right?"

"Originally. I'll...I can say this much: there may very well be war on the horizon, though the question is whether it will be a civil war or a war between nations." Grant replied.

Just as the trio was about to go out and search for Grant and Wesley, Grant had arrived to the room Emiri would simply ask what where Wesley was and the raven-haired man in front of them would state that he’s out of commission for the time being. Jaakuna and Savayna raised an eyebrow, but wouldn’t press the matter since Grant said that it wasn’t important. He would then go on to say that the team of himself, Wesley, and Nadeline would all go search for the missing Empress, Reia. While Jaakuna would have liked Grant there for the numbers game, he knew that Grant had to attend to family matters.

Jaakuna would give Grant a reassuring look. “Hey, I understand. You have to deal with family matters before anything else. It’s no big deal, really.” Jaakuna said smiling at Grant. When Emiri requested that he at least explain what was happening. He definitely seemed like he didn’t want to say too much, but from what he said, it wasn’t anything good. In both scenarios, there’s going to be a war; either civil within Rozarria or a war between Archadia and Rozarria. Being of Archadian birth, Jaakuna and Savayna know the ramifications that could come from all of this.

Savayna was really quiet, which would set off anyone in the room. She’s usually really loud and often obnoxious, but when Grant said that he was going to be venturing out to look for his sister and the very violent Empress, something in her clicked — or rather clicked off. Perhaps it was the fact that Grant could get hurt or something of the like. Whichever the case, she would step forward, and got just inches away from Grant. “I think..I mean, can we talk.” She said lowly so the others wouldn’t hear her, but they would definitely see her lightly tugging him towards the door.

Jaakuna took notice to Savayna and while he raised an eyebrow, he would brush it off. He would somewhat smile and no doubt Emiri saw it. “I’m glad, you know.” He said to Emiri.

Jaakuna took the news rather well, all things considered. Emiri waited for Savayna to say something, but it never came. She was actually oddly quiet. She then took Grant and left the room, leaving Jaakuna and Emiri alone. Funny, she usually liked moments where she got to be alone with Jaakuna, but this time was different. This was not by choice like all the other times. For some reason, she thought of her father, how he would always leave her behind. Perhaps she felt somewhat abandoned by everyone. She wandered on over to Jaakuna, gently taking his hand for comfort. It started like this, with just the two of them, and their group grew. Now, slowly but surely, it was dwindling. "Glad?" She asked him quietly.

Grant followed Savayna, letting her pull him along. He wondered what she wanted, though he had a feeling he knew somewhat. "What is it?" He asked her quietly.

As Emiri sat next to Jaakuna, taking his hands as she did so, so would simply ask him why he was glad. Jaakuna looked at her smiling. “I know it’s silly, but I’m glad Savayna found someone that makes her happy.” Jaakuna did sound silly for saying what he just said. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but her and Grant have been getting closer. Obviously they’re not at the level of closeness that Nadeline and Wesley are at or you and I, but I see the way that he makes her feel. The only other time she was like that was when her and I were together.” Jaakuna said smiling. He didn’t know why he was smiling. “I’m just glad she was finally able to move on from what I did — or rather what I didn’t do and didn’t tell her — and find someone who truly makes her feel good about herself, gods know she deserves it.” Wow, that was a mouthful Jaakuna just said.

---

When they were outside the Royal Office, Grant just asked what she wanted to talk to him about. Savayna, by now, had her arms behind her, looking down, and right foot sort of moving to the left and right as the toes stayed firmly on the ground. It took her a full minute until she looked up at him, and she stared into his eyes — his beautiful, gold eyes. Then there was the way his jet-black hair flowed down his chiseled face. Oh boy, she was getting red on her face. “You’re really going aren’t you?” She asked quite nervously. Her arms coming in front of her, one crossed and holding the other. “I just wanted to…just be careful.” She said eyes darting away from his direct gaze, but she could not hide the way she felt about him nor could she hide the redness of her blush.

Emiri listened to Jaakuna speak, though she put her head on his shoulder, leaning against him. He was glad for Savayna's sake. That was good. She closed her eyes "I'm glad you're glad." She said softly. She wondered what they were talking about. She wondered what Nadeline was doing. She wondered what Wesley was doing. Why did everyone suddenly seem so far away? Why did things have to end up like this? She was somewhat certain Grant would return, but she was unsure about Nadeline. She wished she could convince her, but it seemed whatever they were going to do was important so even if she convinced her, they had to go find Reia. She let out a small, wistful sigh. So be it. She would make sure she was strong enough to protect Jaakuna. She wasn't going to let anything happen to him. Not without a fight.

---

Savayna wanted him to be careful. At least, that was what she had said. Grant felt like she wanted to say more, but it seemed she was just as hesitant as he was. It kinda sucked, all things considered. Wesley had Nadeline, Jaakuna had Emiri, yet when it came to Savayna and him, they had to split. He wanted to ask her to go with him, but he was pretty sure she wanted to go with him, and he didn't want to make her feel bad. He wasn't going to force her to choose between him and Jaakuna, and maybe he didn't want to because he was somewhat insecure about that. It was then he noticed that he hadn't said anything yet. He needed to say something to her. Wish her luck? Tell her to be careful as well? What would he say? Something. Anything.

"I don't want to." He found himself saying, overcome with...something. He didn't know. He didn't want to think. And so he acted without really thinking. He raised both of his arms, lightly cupping Savayna's face in his hands. He stared right into her eyes, though before he even noticed, he leaned in and kissed her.

He had expected her to say something more than what she did. He expected her to ask him if he still cared for Savayna, but nope. She simply said that she was glad that he was glad. Jaakuna was truly lucky to have this woman in his life. The fact that she has accepted the fact that Savayna was his dear friend and that her happiness meant a lot to him made him feel so much better than he had been feeling. When Emiri would lay her head on his shoulder, he smiled. He hold her close. His arms wrapped around her as the two of them just stayed in the position they were in. Nothing too sexual about any of this. It was a sensual moment and it would last for as long as they were alone.

---

When Grant had responded, she was totally surprised by what he did next. He would take both of his arms, cup her face with both hands, stare into her eyes. That moment caught her off-guard and she found herself blushing, but she did not want him to stop. Then, in the next moment, her heart melted. He would bring his lips into hers and he kissed her. Her first response was a sound of surprise that would sound like ‘hmm!’, and then she gave in. Her tough exterior or whatever people wanted to call it melted away. It was his fire that melted her cold ice. She would return his kiss and her hands would wrap around his head, fingers locking between his silky-smooth black hair. She didn’t know what on Ivalice was going to happen to either of them today, but she wasn’t concerned about that at the moment. She would let him take the lead in this as she wanted nothing more to be with him.

---

In the throne room, Wesley was just starting to get out of his unconscious state and as he awoke, he saw Nadeline hovering over him, but that wasn’t all. In a very uncomfortable way, he also saw Karolina and Lorenzo also hovering over him. His eyes fully opened and instantly Wesley let out a very nervous half-yell, half-laugh.

The three Rozarrians looked down at Wesley as he awakened. Lorenzo furrowed his brow. "See Nadeline? I didn't kill him."

Nadeline shot a glare at her father. "Father, please!" She scolded him, smacking him upside the head.

Karolina smiled warmly at Wesley. "I'm glad you're awake, my future son-in-law."

Both Nadeline and Lorenzo looked at Karolina, who only smiled cheerfully at the two. Nadeline would not have been surprised at all if Wesley changed his mind about marrying her, considering that this insane family was what he was going to be marrying into. Karolina took one of Wesley's arms and Nadeline the other, and together they got Wesley to his feet. Lorenzo let out a low whistle, and rummaged around in his pockets for something. "I know you guys have been flying around on the Archadian airship Jaakuna owns, so you're going to need to be able to travel." He said, searching his pockets.

Nadeline's eyes widened, and she grinned. "Ah, are you going to let me use your bike?" She asked excitedly.

Lorenzo winked, withdrawing a small card and tossing it to Nadeline. She let out a squeal of delight and he looked at Wesley. "Best of luck, I'll be counting on all of you."

---

When the kiss ended, Grant found himself confused. Not about his feelings for Savayna--gods knew that was the only thing in this world he was actually sure about--but never had he felt so conflicted. He had half a mind to leave Nadeline to Wesley just so he could go with Savayna. To her surprise and his, he pulled her into a hug, and for the first time in a long time, he felt his whole body tremble. "I apologize. I never was good at this sort of thing." He told her, his voice soft and quiet. "I just want to stay with you, but that just isn't possible right now. I don't want to leave you. I just want...gods, I don't even know anymore." He just let himself talk, he didn't even know if he made sense or not. "I don't know how this is going to end. I don't know if letting you go is going to be a mistake, I don't know if looking for Reia is an even worse one. The only thing I'm certain about is you and I have to be apart from you, and it's torture." He found himself admitting it, holding her closer to him.

As Lorenzo and Nadeline were going at each other, that would soon stop as Nadeline and Karolina would help Wesley up by taking one of his arms each. Of course, WEsley would help himself up as well. As soon as he got to his feet, Wesley began to rock his neck side-to-side and then roll it counterclockwise a few times just to see if anything was broken. He also did it to just get the pleasurable release of cracking bones. When he finished doing that, he would take notice of Lorenzo digging into his pocket to look for something. After he would state that he knew they were flying around on the Ifrit, so he pulled out a card of sorts, to which Nadeline would ask, and as a result reveal, that Lorenzo was going to let them use his motorcycle, much to Nadeline's excitement.

As Nadeline caught the card in her hand, Lorenzo would to Wesley and tell him that he was counting on all of them. Wesley gave a nod to Lorenzo. It was with that Wesley and Nadeline went off to fetch Grant. Though, once they left the Throne Room and in the hallway, Wesley had to ask ."If the three of us are going, how will we fit on one bike?" Wesley asked truly curious and slightly confused.

---

Much to her disappointment, the kiss ended, but that would not be the end of Grant's surprises for Savayna. He would pull her in for a hug. Of course he wouldn't see it, but her eyes were widened at this point, but in a very, very good way. She heard him speak, first soft and of low volume. It was at this point that she found herself smiling, already returning his grip of her with her own to him, arms wrapped around his very muscular back. He spoke more words that were about how he didn't know if leaving her to go to Archadia was a mistake or looking for his sister was a worse one. Savayna closed her eyes smiling. When he would say that one thing that he was sure about was the torture of the two of them being apart. It was then that he pulled her in closer. She wouldn't even try to break free(not that she wanted to). This was a totally different side to Grant and she liked it a lot.

When about a minute elapsed just of nothing being said, Savayna would rest her her head on his shoulder bone and spoke. "I don't want to be apart from you either. I don't even want to break away from you right now." She said as she would grip him as close as she could without either of them feeling suffocated from one anothers embrace. "I just want to hold you and never let go." She said smiling even bigger and more genuine than she ever had in her entire lifetime.