[IC] Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

[AlteredTundra]

When Emiri spoke those words to him, Jaakuna came to realize that even though she hadn’t yet say it, Jaakuna knew she loved him. Or at least, felt a lot for him. Jaakuna didn’t need hear those words from her mouth to know it to be true. He would just savor this moment as she will as well. Jaakuna wouldn’t stand, not yet. He would just gently pull Emiri in an embrace. He knew that they had to go meet Nadeline and Wesley soon, but for right now, he just wanted this moment to last, even. Even though the quiet stillness of the moment was there, Jaakuna said, in a low tone “Thank you.”

---

Wesley and Nadeline stopped, and she told him about her past a bit, about how she snuck out of her castle to go to a festival. She spoke of how she had a female Viera as her tutor and mentor. Wesley smiled at that information. Then, she spoke about how this Viera, Aloa was like her big sister she never got to have. Wesley could relate. He always wondered what it would be like to have an older sibling. When he would hear her talk about how while Emiri is older than her, Nadeline thinks of herself as the older one. Wesley laughed about this.

“Nadeline, I thank you for sharing, I truly do.” He said as he would go to pick out some of the supplies. “About myself, I’m afraid I don’t have as much exciting experiences as you have. I’ve lived in Rabanastre for most of my life, with my father, mother, and my baby sister, Cassandra. I do remember this one time my father took me on a history trip to the Nechrol of Nabudis, the Kingdom that fell to the mist.” Now Wesley was the one who was sounding nostalgic. “We didn’t go in it of course, but he just took me to make sure that I knew that Nethicite can both be one of the best things this world of ours can have and it could also be our greatest downfall.” Wesley sounded like some narrator or something. Though, what he spoke was truth. “I did learn something very important that day.” Wesley said looking to the sky as Nadeline most likely paid for the last of the supplies. “The slightest overuse of Nethecite can prove to be destructive in the worst of ways and that you never know when your time in this realm will come to an end.” Wesley said almost sounding regretful, which makes sense since he’s remembering his father and how he died over the Dusk Shard.

[Hero]

As Nadeline triple checked that they bought all they needed (and a surplus--she believed there was no such thing as being too prepared) she listened to Wesley recollect about visiting the once great Nabudis capital. She had only heard the tales and rumors, though knew that it was little more then a necrohol of dangerous monsters, as well as the aftermath of a terrible power. As she noticed Wesley's regretful tone, she felt a pang of guilt. Perhaps she should not have asked. As they began to return to the castle, she quickly tried to make light of it. "I see you have me beat there, though, Nabudis...I do not think I have ever been there." She said, trying to change the subject.

-------

Yes, that moment was all she wanted. It was all she needed, really. And so, she let the moment stretch out, and once it ended, she pulled away, getting up and helping Jaakuna to his feet. She smiled brightly at him, placing her hands on her hips. "Onward!" She yelled, punching the air rather enthusiastically. She felt so energetic now, though whether it was her emotions getting the best of her or relaxing she was feeling a lot better then before. She didn't feel so heavy, or was she just feeling an energetic high? Regardless, she felt great, and as she stretched her arms over her head, she couldn't help but wonder once more what was going on with her body. No use thinking about it, but the fact that the thought suddenly popped into her head was somehow concerning. She then turned to Jaakuna, stating, "Let's get back to the lovebirds, shall we?"

[AlteredTundra]

The individual moments of both Jaakuna, and Emiri and Wesley, and Nadeline would come to an end as they each would wander to the palace where everyone would pack their bags before they would depart. As they came in the garden, everyone just greeted each other.

Wesley spoke first. “I take it everything is ready for our trip?” He asked everyone.

Jaakuna spoke. ‘The trek in the desert could be one of a long duration. I suggest we take my airship.”

Wesley thought that was a marvelous idea. “It would much faster and more relaxing that way. Plus, I believe we can get final plans for the Berheim Passage out of the way while we fly over the Estersand.” Wesley said, as he would carry some of the supplies over his shoulder in his bag as he would wait for the ladies to respond to Jaakuna's proposal.

[Hero]

"Yes please, I'd hate to get sand in my boots." Nadeline stated, flipping her hair.

"Because that's the absolute worst thing to happen. Not getting sliced open by a monster, mugged by bandits, getting possible heatstroke, noooo, gods forbid you get sand in your boots." Emiri chided the blonde haired girl, rolling her eyes. Nadeline stuck her tongue out at her, crossing her arms in defeat. As energetic as she was before, it seemed it was just a short burst of energy, once the group had gathered she felt just as muggish as before. Still, that didn't mean the enemy would be the same way, so she pushed past it and made sure her gear was in top shape. Bow string tightened, sword glimmering from a good polish, dagger as sharp as ever.

"Why do you keep putting that there?" Nadeline asked as Emiri slipped said dagger in her boot. "I don't believe I've even seen you use it."

"Force of habit." Emiri confessed as she shrugged her bag on. Everything was packed and ready to go. "But you never know, I'm sure it'll come in handy one of these days."

"I hope not." She replied, dividing the rest of the supplies between herself and Jaakuna. Slipping everything in its place inside her own bag, she mimicked Wesley and slung it over her shoulder. She prayed this trip would go well; she grimly noticed that since Belias, they have not had too much luck in getting the Espers. Hopefully things would change.

[AlteredTundra]

The idea of using Ifrit to cross the desert was met with little to no opposition. Jaakuna actually was somewhat surprised that they didn’t object. Perhaps the trek in the desert was something that everyone could agree on. Jaakuna wasn’t the biggest fan of going through the desert either and that’s why he brought up the idea. Hearing Emiri and Nadeline sort of fight lightly about it made Jaakuna smile and laugh a bit. Wesley couldn’t help but chuckle at that, either.

When the decision was made, everyone brought their bags, and after informing his sister he would be departing again, Wesley returned to the group and it would only be a good ten or fifteen music before everyone came to the Aerodome, went through the entrance, and came to be on the Ifirit. As they came to be in the ship, they would all walk to the kitchen/dining room area. Though Emiri, Jaakuna, and Nadeline weren’t out of their comfort zone(so to speak), Wesley was definitely intrigued. He remembers seeing the Ifrit in action beforehand during the invasion of Rabanastre, but he never expected for it to be so big on the inside.

“Truly a marvel you have here, Jaakuna.” Wesley said as he simply admired his ship, Ifrit.

“Yes, she’s a beaut, isn’t she? “Jaakuna was glowing and basking in the glory of how wonderful his lovely ship was.

“The make and model, this is top-of-the-line Archadian warfare.” Wesley said.

Jaakuna was surprised. “My, my princey, you know your shit.” Jaakuna admitted, slightly surprised that Wesley knew of the type of model and make it was.

Wesley chuckled. “Once upon a time, it was my job to know every make and model of any warship in all the Empires, but now I am simply an admirer of fine craftsmanship of airship.” He admitted.

Jaakuna laughed proudly as he would take a seat at the four-person seated table. Emiri sat to his left, Wesley to his right, and Nadeline across from him.

“Iris, please take us across the Dalmasca Estersand and to the entrance of the Barheim Passage.” Jaakuna said aloud, ordering his Ai to fly the ship to the Barheim Passage.

“Yes, Master Jaakuna. We should be there in 45 minutes.” She responded.

“Thank you Iris.”

As that was concluded, Jaakuna would wave his hand in the air and a virtual screen would appear as he would select the cheese and deli meats platter and it would appear on the table. “Eat up. I’m sure we won’t have much time to eat in the passage.” Jaakuna said.

[Hero]

"I was wondering, what exactly is the Barhieim Passage?" Nadeline pondered outloud as the group ate. There was time until they would arrive; she figured she may as well start a conversation.

"It's an underground passage beneath the fortress at Nalbina. Originally a railway to carry goods into the fortress, the passage was closed with the introduction of airships as the primary means of transport. The abandoned railway line is now rife with Mist, and the dwelling place of many fell beasts. A perfect place for an Esper, wouldn't you agree?" Emiri replied, giving a half shrug. She wanted more to keep eating rather then talking, but she supposed staying quiet was impossible for Naddie. That is, unless you manage to surprise her. She grinned to herself for a moment, before faking a cough and continuing with, "Supposedly there's a rumor that it also connects to Nalbina Dungeon...but I cannot say if that is fact or false."

Nadeline bobbed her head, listening carefully. "It would seem that the Espers are locked in places abundant with Mist. The Tomb of Raithwall, Garamsythe Waterway, Barheim Passage..."

[AlteredTundra]

As the group started to eat the food on the table, the conversation of the Barhleim Passage took the frontlines. It would start when Nadeline asked the question about what exactly the Barhleim Passage was. Emiri would then offer up the explanation of what exactly it was, and it simply was an underground railroad connecting the Estersand to the Nalbina Fortress. It was mainly used as a way to transport goods without the risk of bandits — or worse — from getting said goods. As Jaakuna and Wesley would listen in while they ate, Emiri would go on to say that the usage of the underground passage would cease once Airships became the primary usage for transportation of goods.

When she would finish up, Jaakuna burped, thus prompting everyone to look at him with weird looks. Jaakuna would take the napkin to wipe away the cheese that was left from him eating it. He would then cough and speak. “So this place is pretty much dangerous territory.” Jaakuna sighed. “Why aren’t these Espers ever in a safe place, like a library?” Jaakuna moped about it for a few moments.

Wesley laughed and it was more than usual. “Oh, c’mon, Jaakuna! Where’s your sense of adventure? I thought Sky Pirates were supposed to be thrilled about venturing into unknown and dangerous territory?” Wesley said, trying to get Jaakuna to feel better.

Jaakuna huffed. “When did you suddenly become the Sky Pirate expert?” Jaakuna said in a slightly annoyed tone.

Wesley smiled, “Touché my friend. I concede this point.” Wesley said just smiling but then he would go into serious mode. “The information about this underground passage troubles me. The amount of mist that would be present surely wouldn’t be good for a clear-cut pathway to the Esper.” Wesley said just thinking aloud.

[Hero]

Nadeline giggled at Wesley and Jaakuna's conversation. She did agree with Wesley--wasn't it all about adventure and treasure and whatnot? Quite frankly, so long as they didn't have to travel by foot, she didn't mind fighting monsters and the like. It was definitely a new and refreshing experience, one she enjoyed greatly. She also admitted having their little group was somewhat nice. She actually enjoyed each of their company, the conversations they would have. Yes, she did almost drown in an overflown river, but then that lead to something...new. So it wasn't all bad. She only wished it would stay this way. She never wanted another battle with Ixion, even if she knew it was inevitable.

At Wesley's serious statement, she perked up, getting back into the conversation. "What do you mean?" She asked curiously, wondering what he meant.

Emiri, on the other hand, was in her own little world again. Her thoughts were somewhat scattered all over the place. Espers, her power, her own role in everything...actually, she was on her mind! She wondered how it all came together, really. So the two empires wanted her to get to the Espers, but why? Did they want to obliterate one another? Would she have to be running away forever? She entertained the thought of staying in Rabanastre. She did find it to be one of her favorite cities. But maybe Jaakuna wouldn't want to settle down. She could imagine him wanting to be in the skies forever. She would probably have to ask him--wait, what was she thinking? How did she even know they'd get that far? Not that she didn't want it to, but she didn't want to jump ahead! She was so silly.

[AlteredTundra]

When Nadeline would ask what Wesley meant by what he said, he still was in a state of deep thought. He knew that the Barhleim Passage would be a dangerous trek no matter where they would enter in or how lucky they would be. Wesley knew of the Passage itself and how dangerous it would get the deeper they went in. Wesley also knew that if an Esper was there, which there is one in the underground passage, then it would make it all the more dangerous for anybody to trek through it, even the group of Jaakuna, Emiri, Nadeline, and Wesley.

As Wesley took a cheese slice and bit onto it, he would answer Nadeline. “I’m only meaning that since there is going to be a lot of mist right off the bat, the deeper we will go into the Barheim Passage, the difficulty of getting through without opposition will be more dangerous and not as easy.” Wesley truly was troubled by all of this.

When Wesley and Nadeline would talk about that, Jaakuna would see that Emiri seems out of it, like her mind is somewhere else. “Ivalice to Emiri! You there!” Jaakuna said raising his voice slightly, but nothing happened. He would then clap his hands in front of her face, the noise most likely brought her back to planet Ivalice.

[Hero]

The brunette's thoughts of the future came to an abrupt halt as loud sound coming from in front of her face brought her back to reality. "Ah--Oh?" She jumped, clearly surprised and blinking in confusion. "I...forgive me, um...wha?" She looked at Jaakuna (ironically the one who had occupied her thoughts) with a confused expression. "Did I...miss something?" She asked him, her face slightly flushed from the embarrassment. Boy, did she ever zone out. She didn't really mean to, she just had a lot on her mind, so to speak. She shifted in her seat, letting out a nervous laugh.

Nadeline giggled once more, lightly prodding Wesley. "My oh my, we are here speaking of the journey ahead and there she is, daydreaming. I wonder what she was dreaming about?"

[AlteredTundra]

When Emiri came back to planet Ivalice, she seemed to be a bit confused on what exactly happened. She truly was out in some other land that wasn’t where everyone else is. Jaakuna just let out a little laugh about her cluelessness. That’s when Nadeline would make the comment about how while everyone else was talking about the journey into Barheim Passage, she was off daydreaming. She would then wonder what she was daydreaming about. Jaakuna was wondering the same thing, but he decided against the notion of asking.

Nadeline had poked Wesley when she would say what she had to say to Emiri. Wesley smirked. “Worry not Emiri, we were just conversing on how dangerous the journey ahead of us will be and the likelihood that we might not make it out.” Not realizing, Wesley made a joke. He actually made a joke. After a few seconds of saying it, he’s realizing it and it came out bad — really, really bad.

Jaakuna couldn’t believe the joke that Wesley made. It was a horrible joke, but Jaakuna was laughing. He didn’t know why he was laughing, but he was and he couldn’t stop. Granted it wasn’t no burst-of-laughter kind of laugh, but it still was noticeable.

[Hero]

The girls stared at Wesley. Was that a joke? It was! But...it was terrible. And not funny at all. Actually it was sort of serious. Maybe it wasn't a joke? Still, the way he paused right after it made it seem as if he was gauging their reactions. Within seconds, Jaakuna started laughing, and the girls' attention turned to him. Why was he laughing? Still, it was somewhat infectious, as after another few seconds, Nadeline broke into a fit of giggles, unable to control herself. She couldn't even muster up an apology, and her giggles evolved into laughter as well. AT this point, Emiri lost it; she had been smiling somewhat, but now she caught the laughing bug too. She tried to cover her mouth, but it came out louder.

[AlteredTundra]

Wesley couldn’t believe his ears. First the realization of the joke he said and how bad it was and then how everyone busted out into laughter. Jaakuna laughed and the girls would just bust out into a fit of giggles. This would proceed for Wesley to appear red in the face. He was so embarrassed and he didn’t know what to do at this point. Surely the joke would have been something that would be silent, but alas here it was at Laughing Central.

Just when Wesley was about to die from the embarrassment, Iris would speak. “Master Jaakuna, Master Wesley, Lady Emiri, and Lady Nadeline. We will be arriving at the Barheim Passage in ten minutes. Please prepare everything for the arrival.” She would say as her voice cut off at the past bit.

When that happened, the laughter would cease after a few minutes. That would then make everyone get up, but Jaakuna would avert his attention from what Iris said for a minute. “Emiri, I need you to come with me.” Jaakuna said as he would beckon her to follow him. Wesley looked at Jaakuna, and Jaakuna would simply say. “We’ll meet you guys at the Beaming Station.” Wesley was intrigued by Jaakuna’s behavior, but he would acknowledge it.

“Shall we go Nadeline?” Wesley said.

[Hero]

Poor Wesley. Nadeline tried to stop and found herself unable to, much to her horror. Oh, but how good it felt to laugh like that! Finally, as she got herself under control, she took in several deep breaths as she made sure that every last giggle had escaped. She avoided smiling for a few minutes, lest she lose all control and start laughing again. As they had to prepare for landing, she cleared her throat, feeling somewhat worn out. Still, it seemed Jaakuna wanted to speak with Emiri, so she would go on with Wesley. She too was somewhat interested in his second beckoning of the girl (she didn't get a chance to ask Emiri what all that was about) but she digressed.

"Let's." The blonde haired girl took Wesley's offer.

As she followed Jaakuna, the brunette was somewhat stiff. "What is it?" Emiri nervously asked. Considering last time he said something to that degree it ended in a startling conversation, she was slightly off put by it.

[AlteredTundra]

While Nadeline and Wesley would head off, Jaakuna and Emiri would go off on their own. Jaakuna knew that Emiri would have her reservations about going off alone with him. The last time that he requested to speak to her in private, it wasn’t a very good reason. However, this time around, Jaakuna wouldn’t want to talk to her in that sense. Indeed, this time around it was something of a very positive way.

Hearing Emiri asking what he wanted, he would just remain silent up until the armory. There was several kinds of weapons that Jaakuna has bought, found, and collected over the past couple of years. Jaakuna would stop, and turn to Emiri. “This is it.” He said. “I figured you would want to upgrade your equipment. So, take your pick. I have almost everything of every kind of weapon— axes, bows, maces, hammers, swords, crossbows, bombs, measures, armor, accessories — take your pick.” Jaakuna said, offering Emiri any weapon that she would want.

[Hero]

The first thought she had was 'who uses measures anymore'. That was the complete truth. After that, however, she looked at Jaakuna. She probably should have done this earlier in all reality, but the thing is, she was actually attached to her weapons. Sure, it was silly to keep the same ones for too long (seeing as how new weaponry was created almost daily, really) but as they had basically been there for everything, from her first hunt to her first defense against bandits, it was actually a little hard to depart from them. Still, it wasn't like they were being thrown away.

Determined, the girl nodded, unsheathing her Longsword and placing it with the rest. She silently thanked it for its services and always standing up to stronger enemies. From the rack she drew out a Diamond Sword. Stepping away for a moment, she swung it through the air a few times. It was heavier, just slightly, but much sturdier. She recalled being brushed off by Ixion easily, and let out a small smirk; she promised herself that next time they would meet, she would not be pushed aside so easily. She sheathed it and took out her bow, this she could not hide her reluctance. Still, just like her Longsword, she placed it too, this time bringing out a Burning Bow.

With a small sigh, she turned to Jaakuna, scratching her head. "I think...this is fine." She told him.

[AlteredTundra]

No doubt that Emiri was surprised at Jaakuna as she probably thought he was going to talk to her about something about him being sad for himself. Well, as it turned out, that would not be the case. As Jaakuna would just watch her surrender her longtime friends that were the Longsword and Shortbow, he would see that she would then pick how first, the Diamond Sword. Jaakuna nodded as that was a wonderful choice. She would swing it a couple of times to test it out and she seemed satisfied. Next, was the Burning Bow. Jaakuna nodded at that as well, nothing that it was a wonderful choice as well.

As she would put her previous weapons in the place of the new ones she picked out, she would go onto say that the weapons she picked out will do. Jaakuna just smiled at her and they would go out from the Armory and head to the central part of the ship, specifically the beaming station. As they would, Wesley and Nadeline would be waiting for them there. Jaakuna would wave to them and alert them that they are here. Wesley just smiled to Jaakuna and Emiri. He would make a note of Emiri’s new weapons, which would lead to Wesley do deduce that was the reason the two of them went off.

“Okay, well shall we get going?” Wesley offered up.

Jaakuna nodded. “Yeah, let’s do this shit.” Jaakuna said as he took his red and white bag that had his share of supplies. He also had his Demonsbane sword along with his Iga Ninja Sword. Jaakuna was wearing his usual wear, as well, so he was all ready to go.

Within the moments that they would all get into the beaming station, Wesley was wondering how it worked. “So, how does this thing--” When he was about to say that, the magickal particles would surround the four of them and they would touch down to the entrance of Barheim Passage. “--work” Wesley said as the seconds that it took for him to complete his sentence, they would already be on the ground. The heat would be the first thing that they would feel, as it is when anybody goes from a cooling airship to a desert. “Truly remarkable!” He would say, complimenting Jaakuna further on his ship.

Jaakuna touched the left side of his jacket. “Iris, initiate Invisible Cloak!”
“Yes Master Jaakuna.”

When she responded, the huge ship that was about seventy yards up in the air suddenly was out of sight. Or at least, to the normal eye. Jaakuna knew of where the ship was. “Now, let us be off to the dark passage.” Jaakuna said lightheartedly.

[Hero]

Emiri pouted slightly. Neither Wesley nor Nadeline seemed too surprised at the Ifrit, though Wesley was more intrigued then anything else. She assumed she must be the most normal one there. That or...the dumbest. Which was pretty embarrassing. She made a mental note to try to read more; perhaps at the very least she would be at the same level as everyone else, right?

As the group began their trek, the place was...odd. Or at least, that was how Emiri felt. She could actually see the Mist--it was so colorful. She watched, amazed at the many colors crossing through their path, reaching out to touch it. Of course, it could not be fully grasped, though she felt chills running up her spine. She briefly recalled that high amounts of Mist in the area amplified magicks (or made them weaker? she couldn't remember). A nearby Steeling caught her attention, and it gave her an idea. She held out her hand, focusing on it. "Slow!" She casted her spell, and sure enough, a clock appeared beneath it, and soon its movements were significantly slowed down.

"We must tread carefully." Nadeline said as she watched Emiri snipe the Steeling, killing it. "And be wary of our magicks. Mist tends to amplify them, which is a benefit of course, but it can also make them go astray." At this point she looked at Jaakuna.

"At the very least I can use my magicks." Emiri happily piped up, not really understanding Nadeline's lecture, but glad that she had at least some of her abilities back.

[AlteredTundra]

As they went through the entrance, the feeling that Wesley and Jaakuna both felt was something weird. Both of them would exchange looks as they knew something was off. Perhaps it was just the mist and that they were just feeling the overload of their magicks. Who can say for sure, but Jaakuna just knows that this feeling is going to take a little while to get used to while Wesley will continue to wonder about what makes the mist so strong in these kinds of areas.

The group would trek through the area more and more until the beasts and monsters would appear more often. Of course, they would slay said beasts and monsters whenever they would encounter them. When Emiri would see a Steeling, she would then use Stop. Wesley looked on as Emiri did that, wondering why she did. Jaakuna was shocked that she did it all of a sudden. Nonetheless, the bat-like beast was killed due to the slowed moments from the spell.

When Nadeline would make the note that the group must be wary of using their spells as the mist can amplify them, she would turn her gaze to Jaakuna as soon as she would say they could go astray. Jaakuna looked back to Nadeline with a confused look. “What are you looking at me for?” He said.

When Jaakuna was sort of defending himself in some sort of manner, Wesley just looked forward, eyeing the mist. He was intrigued. Wesley never really saw such a thing so close. He really didn’t get the sense of mist back in the caverns, but here, he could see all the colors. Added to the colors, there even seemed to be a mirroring aspect to the mist as Wesley could see his reflection slightly in the greenness of the mist. When he would go to touch it, he didn’t feel nothing physically, but he felt something inside — it was weird, but it was definitely something.

When the group headed even deeper, the aspect of the mist was getting thicker and thus was the number of monsters. The influx of Steelings, Zombies, and the Mimics was rising and rising. The group would have a difficult time to get through it, but they would with the power of friendship and togetherness.

[Hero]

"So then, the more Mist, the more monsters?" Emiri asked, swinging her sword at a Steeling and missing.

Nadeline nodded in response, taking a swing and missing the monster herself. She clucked her tongue in disappointment, watching as the thing flew around their heads. Emiri took another half hearted swing, watching it evade her sword. Nadeline shrugged, placing a finger on her chin as she thought carefully. "Mist attracts and mutates monster growth. I know of some monsters that also feed off magicks." She replied, watching Emiri swing her Diamond Sword around, trying to get the damned bat monster. "Technically speaking Mist exists everywhere. Without it, we could not cast magic at all. It's a strange and mysterious thing, but anything we do know seems to be accurate."

Emiri leapt at the Steeling, finally slicing off one of its wings. In victory she stabbed the thing a few times, clearly annoyed by it. "So then...if all the Mist in the world disappeared, it'd be a bad thing, right?" She asked curiously, though let out a slight cough. "Wow, the Mist is really thick here! It's suffocating!"

Now it was Nadeline's turn to get confused. Of course at higher densities Humes can tell how thick the mIst is--mainly just by seeing it. But to say it was suffocating wasn't exactly normal, was it? She certainly didn't feel suffocated. As she was about to ask Emiri what she meant, the brunette let out a surprised gasp, pointing ahead. "It's here! I can feel it!" Emiri exclaimed, turning to the group. "Are we ready?"