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

[AlteredTundra]

If there was ever one thing that Jaakuna regretted, it was ever getting involved with that ice-cold bitch, Savayna. Seriously, she was the worst woman he has ever known, and that’s saying a lot. Even still, another thing he regretted was that he caved in the entrance to the Garamsythe Waterway. He also was feeling a lot of pain in his head. There was no pain unlike a concussion. Jaakuna definitely didn’t think this entire scenario through. Then again, he didn’t count on his ex-wife finding him. Sheesh, shit really wasn’t going for him today.

As he slowly came to terms that Savayna found him, he was holding his head. He definitely either had a migraine or something of the sort. Not fun being Jaakuna, that’s for damn sure. While he was doing that, Emiri was preparing to run away, but Jaakuna could see that she was limping, but that’s not what caught his attention instantly. What did was the fact that she was scolding him while she was limping away. “Seriously? IT WASN’T MY FAULT!” Jaakuna yelled at her, but the loud echoes of his voice hurt his head even more. He was feeling around his head and noticed that he was bleeding. “Well ain’t that peachy.” As he realized this, he finally got up, holding his head with one hand, he picked up his swords one by one and they were placed back on the sides of his waist. He then noticed Emiri was a good ten feet ahead of him. “Oh no you don’t!” Jaakuna ran towards her, grabbing her arm with his free hand.

“Listen, you’re staying with me. “JAakuna said as he gripped her arm tight.

He noticed that one of her feet was badly injured.“This ain’t good. I need you at full health.” Jaakuna said as he let her arm go. He knelt down, and by placing his hands over her injured foot, he said one word. “Curaga” Within seconds, a calming green and white light started to flash, first from his hands then onto her leg. The sensation could be described as getting in a tub full of hot water. First it doesn’t feel good, but get past the initial burning sensation, and the feeling is full pleasure. It was within one minute that her foot would be at full health.

[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.

[AlteredTundra]

As he healed her foot, Emiri showed Jaakuna gratitude. Considering how they met and how their days started, Jaakuna saw this as a weird change of events. He went from lying about wanting to kill her and kidnapping her to actually helping her injury out. It definitely wouldn’t have been expected, especially considering the amount of gil that Jaakuna had gotten to take her to whoever hired her. When he first informed her about it, she seemed to know who hired him and even more so that they were bad people. Jaakuna really didn’t care at the time. He only cared for the money. It’s not like he’s starting to rethink it, but for now, the two of them had to rely on each other to get out of the sewers.

“Ah fuck, if we go that way, it’s most likely we’ll be met by a cold-hearted bitch who would like nothing more to take us to a very mean person. “Jaakuna snarled. Just thinking about his ex-wife and his bastard of a brother put a nasty aftertaste in his mind and just saying their names did the same thing, but for his mouth. “But I guess it would be the best route to go--” Jaakuna sighed at that notion. “--Unless there are other routes we can take..?” Jaakuna was looking for any other possibility. He didn’t want to see Savayna.

As Jaakuna thought about it, he was bleeding more from his head. “Damn it, this sucks.” Jaakuna held his head, but the bleeding wouldn’t stop. "Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fin--” But that’s when Jaakuna fell to one knee. The blood loss was becoming a little too much. “Stupid blood not stopping. “ Jaakuna cursed and cursed.

[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."

[AlteredTundra]

The dizziness from the loss of blood made Jaakuna a bi embarrassed and definitely ashamed of himself. He didn’t know why, but he felt that showing this kind of injury in front of someone, let alone a girl, was shameful. Well, it’s not like he really believes in that whole honor thing that his family of House Darcone believes in. Then again, his brother Vincent was always the one that had that whole honor thing. Jaakuna was more of the ‘fuck off’ kind of guy. Still, he did know when to ask for help. Or rather, when he’s in such bad shape, help would come along his way whether he asked for it or not.

Emiri knelt down to eye-level to Jaakuna and as she placed her hands on his head, mainly the part that the wound was present at. He felt a weird tingling feeling around that area of his head. Jaakuna couldn’t deceiver what it was, but it felt like his skin was growing back. Jaakuna didn’t know how exactly she did it, but something he knew for damn sure was that his head was feeling a lot better. Granted he still felt a bit loppy, but that was from the bloodloss, which should get back after a few minutes..hopefully.

As he got his vision back, Jaakuna wobbled back to his feet. Emiri made a comment about the person that would most likely be waiting for them couldn’t be stronger than their blades. “Oh how wrong you are. The person that is most likely going to be waiting for us is stronger than you could ever imagine.” Just thinking of it, Jaakuna shivered. “She’s my Ex-Wife, Savayna Glacie, General of the Imperial Forces of the Archadian Empire.” Jaakuna said as he felt a very sore aftertaste in his mouth. “So, don’t tell me that we can take her. I barely can and I’ve known her almost my entire life. “ JAakuna said as he walked a few feet forward.

He looked at the pathways in front of him and to the side and all around. “I have an airship awaiting me at the Aerodome. We can use that to get the hell out of dodge.”

[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.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna actually laughed slightly at the bad pun that Emiri made, but fit, of course. Jaakuna agreed with her as he laughed and nodded. It would be best for them to get on going and not get caught by his ex-wife. Jaakuna is not sure he can handle another encounter with her, especially in the shape he is in. He might be able to walk and even run, but in a full-on fight, he would be in deep shit. Jaakuna doesn’t know how Emiri fared in that regard, but perhaps injuring her foot wouldn’t help the endgame. So, for them to hurry the fuck up would be ideal.

Almost getting lost in thought, Jaakuna noticed that Emiri was already moving along. Jaakuna followed her as she beckoned him to follow her down the stairs, and through a gate that she forced open. Then there was a literal tunnel of hope for them to get out of the Garamsythe Waterway. First Emiri crawled through, and Jaakuna could see some of her undergarments. He followed her after she got through. He could feel the heat from the desert above. No doubt that they were right beneath the desert, but Jaakuna wasn’t sure which one it was exactly; not like he cared. He just wanted to get out from the sewers, so the heat would be something he would have to endure.

As he got through the tight squeeze, Jaakuna was able to get up, and he dusted off the dirt that gathered on his dark olive-green pants. He also did the same to his red jacket, which was zipped up entirely. As he did that, Emiri would go on to point to the entrance ahead stating that the Aerodome was through there. Jaakuna followed Emiri as they both went through it and up to surface they were. Through turns and all that, they were on the surface and just a turn away, the Aerodone awaited them. However, as Jaakuna peeked over, he saw what he didn’t want to see…his ex-wife.

“Shit, we’re too late. She’ already there. What do you want to do now? We can try rushing past her, but she’s got five Archadian Imperial Soldiers with her.” Jaakuna asked Emiri as no doubt she wouldn’t want to face Jaakuna’s ex-wife either. Shit just can’t go his way.

[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.

[AlteredTundra]

Standing in front of the Aerodome, Savayna stood in front of the entrance with her five soldiers knowing, that if Jaakuna was to pass by, there would be no missing him. It was by the order of the Emperor of the Archadian Empire that Jaakuna would be brought to his brother to face him after three years. Savayna also had her own personal reasons as she would like to see her ex-husband see him get his. She would strike him whenever he would come into view, but alas he didn’t.

Then time froze.

Jaakuna and Emiri slipped through the guards, one by one they didn’t see them. Then, as they went by Savayna. Jaakuna looked back at her as they went through the entrance. Jaakuna felt…odd. Maybe he felt bad for his former lover. Some part of him still did love her, but she was so far gone. The little girl he grew up with is no longer the person he sees in present day. Turning his head away, Jaakuna and Emiri are within the Aerodome and out of sight. Well, at least out of the sight of Savayna. With that being true, It would seem Jaakuna and Emiri were released from whatever kind of ability that she had. Jaakuna was amazed. Then, he put it together. This is how Emiri was able to get away from him.

“A very unique ability you got, Emiri.” Jaakuna was impressed. The fact that she had such an ability was an amazing feat. Jaakuna can see why those who hired him want her so bad. There must be a way to amplify it to some degree, but Jaakuna doesn’t know that for sure. He’s just speculating.

Jaakuna and Emiri stopped to rest for a minute and after they did that, she told him to lead her to Ifrit, his big-ass airship. Jaakuna smiled and was smug. “Yeah, let’s go. I’ve had enough of this place.” Jaakuna said as he went through the pathway that led to where all the airships are held at. Going through several channels of platforms, Jaakuna and Emiiri found themselves at a red and green airship that was huge in size. It was probably one of the biggest personal airships within the world of Ivalice. “Well, here is my baby. I call her Ifrit.” Jaakuna said as he proudly showed Emiri his ship. He then guided her to the center platform where a beam of light was activated by Jaakuna’s magical signature. It instantly beamed them up like it was something out of an alien abduction or something.

[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."

[AlteredTundra]

Being in his ship after the day he had really made Jaakuna feel right at home. He’d much rather be in his ship than some stinky, shitty-ass sewers. So, definitely made him feel happy to be back aboard his baby, Ifrit. Even more so, it would seem that Emiri was astonished of not only how they got into the ship, but at the sheer size of it as she made a note of what a ship Jaakuna has. Though, she didn’t use those exact words, the overall same sentiment was present. Jaakuna smiled.

“Yeah, she is a beaut. I stole her from my brother a few years ago. Just one of the small consolations of being from the family I am.” Jaakuna really didn’t want to disclose his family name to Emiri. She would probably get the wrong idea. Or maybe she wouldn’t. Jaakuna doesn’t know that for sure, but he didn’t want to even take the chance. The fact that he is related to an Archadian Emperor made him sick to his stomach. He just had to get that nasty thought out of his mind.

Hearing the words that Emiri spoke, Jaakuna heeded her request and nodded in approval. “I’m sure we can find a nice inn over in Bhujerba. Plus, I need to attend to some business there.” Jaakuna said accepting her request.

Before he headed to the cockpit, Jaakuna turned to Emiri. “Say, you looked wiped. If you head to the far right section of my airship, you can find barracks with beds and a shower and a kitchen. You should probably take a shower too. No offense, but you stink like sewer shit.” Jaakuna said as he continued to the cockpit. He had a lot to think about, like whether or not he was going to turn Emiri in and claim his bounty. It would be an easy payday. A couple million gil for just one girl, but after seeing a glimpse of her ability and considering that it’s most likely that the Rozarrian Empire were the ones who want her, it shouldn’t be too impossible to decipher that they want Emiri in some way, shape, or form. But is it worth it? Jaakuna could be handing over the best weapon in the entire world of Ivalice. Jaakuna just shrugged it off. He just wanted to get to Bhujerba.

Whether or not Emiri heeded to Jaakuna’s advice of taking a shower or not wasn’t really on his mind right now. Jaakuna just wanted to get the hell out Rabanastre. As he was sitting in the cockpit, he set the controls to a course of the Sky City of Bhujerba. Within five minutes the ship had deported from the airship port and was full speed ahead to Bhujerba.

---

In Rabanastre, Savayna was still waiting for Jaakuna and Emiri to come through, but after a half of an hour, she had decided to give up, but that wasn’t until she saw in the sky. She couldn’t believe it. “HOW THE FUCK DID THEY SLIP PASS US!?!!?” She shouted. The airship, Ifrit was already gone, but it was just in an instant, but she saw the direction it was heading in. “So, they’re heading to Bhujerba huh? Fine, we are too.”

“We are?” Said one of the soldiers.

Savayna gave him the dirty look. “Yes, we are.”

“Yes M’am!” They all said in unison.

All of six of them went inside the Aerodome and went aboard their own Airship. “Send word to Lord Vincent that his brother is heading to Bhujerba. He mustn’t escape again.” Ordered Savayna.

“YES MAM!”

[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.

[AlteredTundra]

As Emiri went off to freshen up in the barracks section of Jaakuna’s airship, Jaakuna had already set the course to Bhujerba. It wouldn’t be that long until they were high up in the sky at full speed. Jaakuna’s ship can get pretty fast depending on how much of a hurry that Jaakuna wants to get somewhere. Usually, though, he would have to kick the thrusters into hyper speed, but the problem with that is the turns he would have to make would make certain things be a bit bumpy. Now, Jaakuna usually doesn’t have much of a problem with that, but Jaakuna suspected that Emiri was at least going to lay down, so he went at full speeds that the airship would allow for normal travel.

Keeping the ship at non-hyper speeds, Jaakuna estimated about a thirty-minute time frame until he and Emiri would arrive at Bhujerba. As he kept the ship on the right course, he was sitting in his big cockpit alone and with his thoughts. Now, usually that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, but given what has happened today and just Jaakuna rethinking shit, he really doesn’t know what route he wants to do. On one hand, he feels it would be wrong of him to take Emiri to whoever hired him. He has never been a bad guy. He has tried to do the right thing, but he always had a weakness for gil and boy was he offered a heavy sum of it. Maybe he’ll just decide on it when the time came for it.

Not realizing how much time had passed when he was in deep thought, Jaakuna saw the Skycity of Bhujerba. It had been a full 30-minutes and it just seemed too quick. In either case, the ship was nearing the ship port. Jaakuna maneuvers the ship into the airlock and electromagnetic magnets attach themselves to Ifrit’s exterior. Jaakuna then presses a button to the left of the ship’s wheel, so to speak, and speaks. “Emiri, we’re here. Be at the center of the ship in five.” Jaakuna said as he gets out from the cockpit and within four minutes he was at the center of the ship waiting for Emiri so they can beam down to Bhujerba.

[Hero]

Vlyn jerked awake, eyes blinking rapidly as he looked around. Letting out a rather long yawn, his ears twitched slightly as he looked outside. What caught his attention was a peculiar airship, one he had recognized. After all, it was the biggest clue in finding Jaakuna in the first place. It was the price of having something so unique, so elaborate--it practically gave away your mark. Going anywhere in secrecy was nearly impossible. At this point, the viera stretched and literally rolled out of his bed, hopping up. He exited the bedroom of the suite, encountering a very bored looking Aloa. She was perched daintily on an armchair, her eyes closed.

"Hey, Aloa, it's--" Vlyn started to speak.

"He's returned." Aloa stated, as if she had seen the ship. Unlike Vlyn, she was still attuned to the many Mists that surrounded people. This fiery Mist belonged to that Sky Pirate, no doubt, and he was accompanied by a rather strange Mist. "It would seem he has collected his bounty already. Truly remarkable, I did not think he would catch her so quickly."

He nodded in agreement; he was surprised himself. Pleasantly surprised of course, as it meant that Harris would be pleased as well. He continued, "Yeah. Right. Uh, we should probably get that thing ready--"

So long as we hold this manufactured nethicite, her power will not activate. It also helps us against our bounty hunter as well." Aloa spoke once more, holding the stone in question in her hand and showing it to her partner. "I trust you have your piece as well."

True, the two had been supplied with manufactured nethicite, but it was a means to control the girl. Would Jaakuna really become a problem? Sky Pirates liked gil, and they had a lot to offer it. Hell, Vlyn was already dreading having to carry it all down; Aloa wouldn't lift a finger to help him. "What, you really think--"

"A Sky Pirate's heart is to himself only. His desires outweigh everyone else's. I've no doubt that he has seen what she has to offer. The ability to stop time, manifested in a Hume girl. While I disagree with the Empress in referring to a person as a weapon, that is exactly her role. Whoever possesses the girl, possesses the key to the Espers, after all." Aloa mused, once more interrupting Vlyn. "The Empress is a fool, however, to think she can control a heart. You can only keep a Hume under wraps for so long before they revolt. What concerns me is the sudden spike in Archadian Soldiers. Should they catch wind of the girl, it would make our task...difficult."

Vlyn threw his hands in the air, clearly defeated by the psychic Aloa. "Okay. Fine, you win, you're the best. But I think--"

"That not only am I getting aggravating, but perhaps becoming slightly less predictable would help you, Vlyn." This time she smirked a bit, though it fell as she opened her eyes. "Archades continues to be a thorn in Harris' side. No matter; if things get difficult, we go to the Dynast King's Tomb." And with that, she finally stood up, lightly flipping her hair as she raised an eyebrow at Vlyn. "What say you?"

"Aloa, you're not aggravating. You're downright annoying."

-----

They were there already. She had closed her eyes maybe minutes before, she could hardly call that getting any rest at all. At least with the leisure aircrafts she could get a nice rest. He had to have done it on purpose, she thought. Even getting out of bed was a task in itself. Her body protested as she commanded it to stand, further protesting as she got into her boots (and properly strapped them, lest she finally break her foot). She did pause for a moment; she took her dagger and stuffed it into her right boot. She was groggy, her eyes barely open, though she did somehow remember her bag. All her motivation went flying out the window it seemed, and as she dragged herself through the hall, haphazardly pulling her hair into her usual ponytail, she begged her mind to let the gears work once more.

To her surprise, she was already standing in front of Jaakuna. She actually took a step back, eyes blinking widely as she tried to remember getting up from the bed. She shivered, in part from missing the warmth of the sheets and having shorter attire, and rubbed her arms. She lifted her head, and thought, perhaps once more, she could convince him otherwise. "I..." She started, but stopped. Honestly, what could she say? Really? She groaned, scratching her head. "Never mind." She grumbled, crossing her arms like a child who didn't get their way.

[AlteredTundra]

For a second, Jaakuna thought Emiri was going to say something, but it seemed that she decided against it. Whichever the case, it would be ten seconds that the beaming of Jaakuna and Emiri would begin and they would touch ground on Bhujerba. Jaakuna had always hated the sensation he got from beaming from his ship to ground and vice versa. He doesn’t know why, but it’s just the feeling he got from it. He just felt weird when it happens.

When they landed on the ground, Jaakuna started walking forward, and he saw some people that he didn’t want to. He didn’t even think that they would get to Bhujerba so fast, but shit they were already there. His ex-wife and her fucking Archadian grunts. “Shit, they’re here, Emiri.” Jaakuna said as he prevented her from going forward. He hid behind a wall as he saw Savayna assert her rank and authority over the officials of Bhujerba. However, that didn’t go exactly according to plan as Bhujerba was a neutral party in the war of Archadia and Rozarria.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T TELL US WHERE IFRIT IS!!!?” Savayna said..loudly.

The desks clerk looked terrified, but she kept her cool. She was wearing the regular uniform for Bhujerba Aerodome employees and her hair was short, and it was brown. Eyes were that of blue shade.

“I’m sorry mam. Under Bhujerba law, I am not at liberty to share such information with you.” She said respectfully, but she was terrified on the inside.

Savayna thought of pointing her sword at the desk clerk and just slashing her to bits, but she decided against it. Instead, she just huffed and puffed and walked away, with her five Archadian soldiers plus four Archadian Mages following her as she walked through the entrance of the Aerodome and into the actual city of Bhujerba.

Jaakuna was so relieved that she didn’t see them. He did not have the patience to or the time or even the energy to deal with her right now. “Okay, it’s clear. Now, let’s go get that room for you.” JAakuna said as he walked and beckoned Emiri to follow.

[Hero]

"It would seem that we have company." Vlyn stated dryly, eyeing the icy general. The two stood, close to the entrance of the Aerodome, far enough to avoid any contact as the soldiers marched by. "This could be a problem." He crossed his arms, turning to Aloa.

"They search not for her, but for the Ifrit." She stated quietly, her hand on her chin as she thought. "The Sky Pirate has enemies, it would seem."

"General Savayna...the gods do not smile on us." Vlyn watched the pair sneak away, and he got an idea. "While they hide, we need to distract the Archadian army. What say you, Aloa?"

The silver haired viera nodded, watching them closely. "Likely they are to tear the place apart, however, they wouldn't dare cause a scene, lest they displease the Marquis. They are safe--for now. How do you propose he deliver her to us?"

Vlyn grinned, waving his hand around. She raised an eyebrow at him as he beckoned a Hume child to him. The boy was accompanied by another and a female Hume child, the three giggling like misfits. He knelt down, telling them something rather quietly. He brought forth a few gil and placed it in their hands. The three nodded, one boy running off in one direction while the other two followed Jaakuna and Emiri. "He'll be bringing her to the mines, tomorrow." Vlyn stated, once again turning to Aloa. "You and I will keep an eye on the Ice Princess for the moment. When the time is right, we'll distract her."

Aloa didn't doubt Vlyn's plan, but she was quite curious as to what he said to the children. She assumed one was the message to deliver the girl, but what of the third child?

-----

"It would seem your employer is watching you." Emiri stated, taking a seat on the couch.

The two managed to sneak out of the aerodome, though they were blocked by a pair of children. Said children relayed a message to Jaakuna: they were to stay at the Armanda, a luxury hotel, for the night. The room was paid for, apparently, and tomorrow he was to bring her to the Lhusu Mines. And so here they were, and the suite was quite nice. The carpet was made of Osmone Rabbit wool, very soft to the touch, drapes decorating the room all around. The bed was huge--Emiri wondered why in the world would anyone need a bed so big--and from the window, one would see all of Bhujerba. The small sitting area was just outside the bedroom, and they had access to a bath and kitchen.

Emiri knew this room had to cost quite the pretty gil. Still, it was out of sight, and had the utmost privacy, so they'd (hopefully) be safe from Jaakuna's former wife. Marriage seemed to be quite a difficult thing. She wondered what made the two split up--was it even by choice? Did they still love one another? She wanted to ask, but really, it was none of her business. And so she sat quietly, pouring herself a cup of tea. She raised it to her lips and was about to drink,until a stench caught her attention. Wrinkling her nose, she put down the cup.

"You may as well take a bath." She stated to him, secretly thankful that she bathed when she did--if she smelled half as bad as he did, it really was dreadful.

[AlteredTundra]

“The nerve of that clerk! Say that she isn’t at liberty to say where the Ifrit was? I mean seriously, what is wrong with her? I should have sliced her open when I had the chance.” Savayna said, complaining about the bitch that was the desk clerk.

“But Lady Savayna, if you would have, you most certainly would be in chains. Bhujerba is a neutral state. The authority of our wonderful empire doesn’t reach here.” Said one of the Archadian soldiers, fearing the temper of Savayna.

The Ice Queen hissed, but she knew that was the solider that spoke was absolutely right. As much as she hated it, Savayna knew that her going amuck was not only bad for her, but as representation of the Archadian Empire, she had to act with dignity. However, definitely what she did wasn’t acting with dignity.

Savayna and her soldiers and mages were walking through Bhujerba and as she did, the citizens were clearing the way. It didn’t matter that Bhujerba was a neutral state, the fact of the matter still stood. The citizens were terrified of the Archadian Empire and as such, they would all steer clear from the pathway of anybody from the Archadian Empire.

“Milady, what should we do now? Our plans of finding your ex-husband and our lords brother has not gone as we had hoped. Perhaps, we should head back.” Said one of the five soldiers.

Savayna stopped walking. This caused the other nine, including the one that spoke.

Savayna turned to him, almost as if she was smiling. “You think we should head back, huh? Oh isn’t that thoughtful of you. Well, MAYBE you should think less and just follow my orders, okay?” Savayna said with an ice, cold viciousness within her voice. The way her eyes looked towards the solider who spoke was just as vicious as it would be as if she yelled at him. “Now, we are off to settle this matter politically. We are off to see the Marquis.” She said as she started walking and the nine of her soldiers followed suit.

---

As the coast was clear, Jaakuna and Emiri went on their way. They were out of the Aerodome and the plan was to go to an inn, but it would seem that Jaakuna’s employers had other ideas. It seemed that they had paid off a pair of orphans and that some hotel called Armanda. Jaakuna had heard of this hotel. He leaned back on the couch as he too had taken a seat for a bit. He thought about what he was going to do, but at least he had the rest of the night to do so.

“Yeah, it does seem that they are. This is just fucking terrific.” Jaakuna sighed.

Following Emiri to the hotel, it took them a few minutes to get into the city and another five to get to the hotel. The Armanda was one of the fanciest hotels that Bhujerba had to offer. Only those of riches would stay there. Those people ranged from high political figures, multi-millionaires, heirs to fortunes, and just about any stuck-up, narcissistic, assholes that thought they were better than everybody else. Whichever the case, it would seem that those two Viera had a fully-paid room for Jaakuna and Emiri. Not that he’s happy with it, but Jaak shrugged it off.

As they both came to be in the room, Jaakuna found the room to be a bit big, but then again he’s the guy with the ship larger than most warships. Jaakuna laughed at that thought and found it a bit funny. As he walked around, scoping it out, he saw that there was a kitchen, bed, and a fully-stocked bathroom with a tub AND a big-ass shower. “Wow, they don’t spare any expense, do they?” Jaakuna said to himself aloud. Jaakuna first took his weapons off and set them beside the couch. Then, he sat down on the couch and drank some tea, as well as did Emiri, it would seem.

As he sipped it, the tea itself was tasty. There was a very slight hint of berries that Jaakuna knew the taste of. It was a berry that was only attainable in Archadia. Sometimes Jaakuna misses his home, but then he thinks of what happened three years ago, and he gets out of that nostalgic state of mind. Jaakuna sips more of his tea and hears Emiri make a note that he should take a bath/shower as well. Jaakuna agreed by nodding, setting his cup on the table, and getting up.

“Yeah, I definitely should. Why don’t you order us some grub from room service while I’m in.” Jaakuna said as he got up, and he headed to the bathroom. As he entered the bathroom, he decided on a shower. It was quicker and he just preferred it over the tub.

Jaakuna first turned on the hot water. Not so hot that it would burn his skin, but not so cold that it would freeze. It was just the right balance of hot and cold. He would then proceed to strip down. First, his shoes and socks were the first to go. Taking them off revealed his white, clean feet. After that, he proceeded to take off his various belts and his olive green-tinted pants. This revealed his bare lower body with the exception of black boxers. Those went next. Following that he took off his jacket and this would reveal his upper body and his various assortment of tattoos on his back, arms, and pretty much all over his upper-body.

Getting into the shower, Jaakuna began scrubbing himself, but first he ran the warm water through his hair. When it’s dry, it comes to his shoulders, but after being wet and straightened as a result, it would come to almost mid-back. Jaakuna just let’s the water go all over his body, and he takes the sponge and soaks it in the water. He then rubs some body wash on it, which he saw was lemon-scented. “Lemon huh?” Jaakuna shrugged at the thought of that. He just scrubbed his body to the point where white suds were forming all over. He would first wash his arms(both under and over) and each armpit. Then his neck would be washed, then his torso area, and soon he would get to his dick, balls, butt, and then lower body.

When he would complete that, he would let the water wash it off as the cleaning feeling started to overtake him. A rare feeling of calmness overtook Jaakuna’s stressful demeanor. Of course, he lets on that he’s a dick, but he’s just doing that so he’s not showing signs that he might actually be decent. After the water rinsed off all the suds, he would go to his hair and after a few minutes of washing it three times — once to rid the dirt, twice to rinse it, and three times to clean it — he would shut the water off. As he would do that, he opened up the shower door, and he would go into the cupboard and get two towels. One of them would be used to dry his body, which he would do in a mere one minute. The second would be used to wrap around his waste. Jaakuna would then open the door, walk out and Emiri would most likely be the witness to his bare upper-body, with all of his tattoos in plain view. The amount of time that it took him to bathe was probably ten to fifteen minutes.

[Hero]

Having never seen even a half naked male before, much less being in the presence of one, so when Emiri spotted Jaakuna, she choked. Quite literally. She was in the middle of sipping her tea, and years of training prevented an "unladylike" behavior--meaning she would've spit it out under normal circumstances. However, those reflexes were forced back, but in doing so she ended up choking on the liquid. She gasped, her face red from both lack of air and embarrassment, though after a few seconds she managed to swallow and breathe properly once more.

"Y-Y-Your--the...the food will be here soon, a-along with a change of--why in the world--" Emiri sputtered, dabbing at her lips with a napkin, all her mannerisms thrown to the side. Her mother would be ashamed if she could see her. Then again, it was HER fault she never even interacted with the opposite sex, much less see one in almost the nude. Emiri cleared her throat, her cheeks still pink, and she surmised some of her composure as she asked, "Are-Are you looking for something?" She noticed how meek her voice came out, and prayed he wouldn't notice. Oh, who was she kidding, really?

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna kind of laughed. He was amused that Emiri was acting this way in front of him. He actually would embrace this certain reaction she was giving. She was so flustered, so red, that she could barely get the words out without stuttering. She did eventually get the words out which she said that the food would be to their room soon. Then she half-asked a question. Jaakuna simply responded with “hm?”

When she finally got a question out, Jaakuna smiled. He was really amused that she was acting this way. Even more so, she asked him what he was looking at. Jaakuna kept on smiling and moved closer to Emiri, and he leaned forward, no doubt her redness would reach an all-time red. “Oh nothing.” Jaakuna said with a sight teasing undertone. “I just find this whole thing so funny.” Jaakuna said.

If Emiri was going to respond, she would most likely be interrupted by the knocking on the door. “Oh, would you get that? I would do it myself, but I’m a little under-dressed, no?” At the point that he had said that, Jaakuna was already on the couch, sitting cross-legged, and arm resting on the armrest. The way he was sitting would show the very bottom portion of his ass, but it wouldn't show anything more revealing.

[Hero]

She had faced wolves, bandits, monsters of all varieties, had been on the brink of death more then once in her lifetime. She was about to lose her freedom the very next day, and it was only now at this very moment that she was losing her composure. As he neared, she herself sank back, hoping the couch would swallow her whole, though thankfully they were interrupted. She gave him no response, simply looking away instead. She almost ran to the door, though the way her heart was beating she was sure she'd have a heart attack. Her hand was actually shaking as she reached for the doorknob. She cleared her throat again, more for the sake of calming her nerves more then anything, and opened it.

On cue, their room service had arrived, along with something a little extra. She noted a note and a parcel was for Jaakuna, and left it untouched as she set the tray on the coffee table. She absentmindedly retook her place on the couch, though once she noticed how close she was to the barely dressed Sky Pirate, her face flashed red again, and she quickly retreated to the other end of the couch. Without waiting, she immediately began to eat, doing so at a rather alarming and rapid pace. Anything to divert her eyes; she found them to be wandering against her will.

She finished eating in record time, being hungry helped somewhat. She placed the plate down with such force it nearly cracked as it hit the table. "Wha--I...I apologize." She stammered, quickly taking hold of her tea once more, though she only took a sip and quickly placed it down--this time, more gently.