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

[AlteredTundra]

Wesley just watched, posied with his own blade just in case if the two ladies couldn’t get it down. However, he would soon realize that he wouldn’t need to have his blade sheathed any longer as the two girls would take care of the Golem beast with ease. Nadeline cast a spell known as Bravery, which enhanced physical potential, upon Emiri, who sliced up the beast like it was butter. With a sigh of relief, Wesley placed his sword back on his waist, hanging. Nadeline and Emiri did the same as Emiri would suggest heading back to Savayna and Jaakuna as they would inform Savayna that they have found an alternative exit. Wesley nodded at this.

As they walked back the way they came, it would only be a matter of five minutes until they made their way back to where Savayna and comatose Jaakuna are at. Entering the room, Wesley looked towards Savayna who was waiting for them to make their return.

“Bout damn time you three made it back!” Savayna said with a raised voice.

“Fear not Lady Savayna, we have found an alternate route to go.” He said with a more in-room appropriate voice.

“FUCK YEAH! Let’s get out of here then!” She excitedly exclaimed.

[Hero]

As the trio returned to Savayna, they bore good news. Things were starting to look up--perhaps this would actually go smoothly. Said blonde haired general seemed somewhat impatient. She didn't blame her too much, as she too was anxious to leave. She was somewhat saddened, however. She was half expecting Jaakuna to greet her as she had returned, but there he was, motionless as before. She almost cried at that point, but she forced herself to hold back her tears. He wasn't dead. She could still help him. The sooner they were out of here, the sooner they could help Jaakuna.

"Do yell louder, I too wish to be found." Nadeline told Savayna with a raised eyebrow, clearly not sharing her enthusiasm.

Wanting to avoid yet another argument between Nadeline and Savayna (for the moment, anyway; she knew their arguing had only just begun) Emiri quickly interjected, asking Savayna, "Will you be able to move him like this?" as she pointed to Jaakuna. "If so, let us be on our way, the Ifrit will surely be awaiting us."

[AlteredTundra]

“Worry about yourself, princess.” Savayna said somewhat laughing.

Savayna was sure that she could carry Jaakuna in the state that he is in. Since Wesley, Emiri, and Nadeline had gone off to find an exit, Jaakuna’s initial state was slightly improving. The rejection of touch that his body gave off in the form of a mist shock had seemed to fade. Hell, even the outward appearance of extra mist seemed to be gone from his body. Though, that didn’t really say anything if he was getting better or worse. Regardless, Savayna would be able to carry Jaakuna over her shoulder. Or at least she thought she would be able to. As she would try to, it seemed he was a little heavier than she expected. That’s where Wesley stepped in.

“It’s apparent that you hold not the physical fortitude to support Jaakuna’s mass.” Wesley said, “I shall carry him while you three ladies lead us to safety.” He said placing Jaakuna over his right shoulder carefully, supporting his buttocks with one arm and the other making sure Jaakuna isn’t falling off.

Savayna looked at Wesley, actually impressed. “My, my such a strong man.” She said flirtatiously, also winking to add to it. Wesley appeared red and said nothing. He would just motion the ladies to lead the way.

[Hero]

If looks could kill, Savayna would be on the floor with that pretty smirk of hers wiped off her face. Nadeline crossed her arms, clearly both irritated and displeased at the general, but by whatever mysterious forced she managed to keep her mouth shut. As she watched Wesley carry Jaakuna, she shot Savayna a seething glare, though she said nothing. Now was not the time to be fighting (and she didn't dare to repeat the same mistake twice in front of Wesley) and she wanted to get the hell out of the place while they still had the chance.

Emiri shared Nadeline's desire to leave, and thus made sure to take the lead with sword in hand. No matter what it took, she would make sure they got out. Once they were close to the exit, however, she felt something odd. As the group continued she stopped in her tracks, looking the other way. What was this feeling she had? It almost felt like an Esper's power. But that wasn't possible, was it? Savayna had claimed Mateus, so they had already taken care of the Esper here. And yet, she could not deny this feeling: it was the same as the Garamsythe Waterway. But as soon as it came, it was gone.

Shaking her head, she dismissed it. Whatever it was, it was gone. There wasn't any time to waste, either, as she did not fancy a meeting with Grant or his men. She returned to the group as they reached the exit, and sure enough the Ifrit was revealed to them. "Let's go." Nadeline said.

---

And thus Zeromus fell.

Grant was surprised, to say the least. No sign of the little group, nor were there any of the general. Aloa and Vlyn had reported their escape, and yet they were not found. The soldiers scoured the place, but it would seem that a certain pathway had not been available to them. Nonetheless he had found a consolation prize of sorts--an Esper for him to command. The symbol glowed on his hand, and he examined it curiously as the viera pair approached him. He turned to them, already knowing what they would say to him, but he did not interrupt.

"There is no sign of any of them, Highness." Aloa reported. somewhat disheartened.

"It's weird, it's almost like they were never here." Vlyn commented, scratching his head. "The Mist explosion we mentioned before also seems to have lessened, but it too has gone, as well as the girl."

Emelia had managed to slip through his fingers. He was impressed, to say the least. He did not think she had what it took to run again, but he credited his niece and her allies for that much: he blamed himself for not being more attentive. Still, the chance to gain an Esper was too good to pass up, and so he didn't bother going after them. There were only so many places rats could hide after all. He couldn't say he was surprised by the general's betrayal, either--fools always made sure to stick to other fools, after all, especially ones that have no idea what the enemy was capable of.

"We'll have to send word to the Emperor about his general's little trick." He sighed to the two, raising an eyebrow. "We will run into them again, and I'll make sure to bring back both Nadeline and my doll. Send word to Harris about the Esper, I know my sister has him tracking them down."

Yes, they would meet again. And next time, he would be ready for them.

[AlteredTundra]

It wouldn’t belong before all of them were in the light of day. The sunlight beaming down upon them was a refreshing change to say the least. From being in the Stilshrine for all that time and also being locked up aboard the Dreadnought Ark, just being outside was something that the five — actually, the four of them — had to take the time to just enjoy. It’s the little things that really made one appreciate life. Even though Wesley would had liked to stay and appreciate the sunlight, he had to hurry it up. Actually, all of them did. They only had a small window of opportunity before the enemy would catch on.

As they were outside and in the clear, the exit they came down from was on the side portion of which long pathway leads to the Stilshrine. They would walk along that pathway and after about five minutes of running, jogging, and walking, they were all suddenly beamed up. The Ifrit had arrived. As they were all beamed up, the ship would then warp out of the vicinity and would go towards Dalmasca and of course the invisibility feature of the ship was on, so no one would be able to track them. As they would get to safety, back on the ship, the expressions on all of their faces were mixed. Nadeline seemed to still have her displeasure look on her face, Emiri had..well a very sad look, and while Wesley had a relieved look his face, Savayna had a mixed look on her face.

“After all the years of chasing Jaakuna for the ship, here I am on it on the same side as him.” Savayna simply said thinking aloud. Savayna truly didn’t know what to feel right now, but that was mainly due to the condition Jaakuna finds himself in..

When they all got out of the pod-like area where they are beamed to, Wesley speaks. “Miss Iris?”
“Master Wesley, how can I help you?”
“Jaakuna is in a comatose state. Is there a medic bay aboard the ship?”
“There is. Go to the platform to your right and take it to 5: Medic Bay. Then place Master Jaakuna in the Montiroing sector of the Medic Bay.”
“Thank you Iris.”

As Wesley would step onto the platform, as would the women. Within a minute they would be at the Medic Bay of the Ifrit. Going through the first door he saw, he walked to it and it opened. Going through it, he would take a left turn and there was, as Iris had specified, a life-support type of bed where there was a holographic-type of monitor that would show the condition of whoever is placed within the bed. So, Wesley gently placed Jaakuna on the bed.

“Is this good Iris?”
“That’s’ perfect, Master Wesley.”

As that happened, cords with suctions attach themselves to Jaakuna, who at this point has nothing on but his pants. When the cords attach themselves, lights appear over Jaakuna as Iris will monitor his condition. All they could do now is wait.

[Hero]

Now what?

Honestly, Emiri was glad to be safe--for the moment, anyway. Still, the situation had left them at a stalemate of sorts. The enemy was active now more then ever, but the party had come to a halt. Her previous optimism seemed to have gone down the drain. They may have escaped, but Jaakuna wasn't any better, nor were they any closer to getting him to wake up. She felt tired of all of this: why couldn't anything just go right? Then again, if things had stayed on their course, they would still have been in Grant's grasp. Savayna's presence wasn't making things any easier in all honesty--Nadeline was just as hostile to her and Emiri pondered what her motives were, and whether they could trust her. Not that there was any choice, really, but still.

"We need to discuss our options now." Nadeline stated once Jaakuna was under Iris' monitoring, crossing her arms. "And what we plan to do next. We've gone from the frying pan to the freezer--we may be safe for now, but who says Archadia and Rozarria won't come after us again? Then there's still the matter of the Espers, as well as that Artificial Intelligence Wesley and Jaakuna uncovered in the Ark. The Midlight Shard is also still out there...somewhere, and we cannot risk destroying it or the Dusk Shard, lest we...." She avoided the obvious elephant in the room--Jaakuna--as it was obvious he was another problem piled on.

Emiri let out a sigh. She didn't want to admit it, but Nadeline was right. She racked her head for any ideas. "Maybe...the Dusk Shard can fix him?" She asked, a somewhat hopeful tone in her voice. "Doesn't nethicite absorb Mist?"

[AlteredTundra]

It would seem that now they were in the clear for the most part. At least, they were able to breathe freely without the worry of the enemy to get at them every other minute. The freedom they now had would be put to good use as Jaakuna would not only be able to get the help that he needed from his ship and its AI, Iris, but also the rest of the group would be able to plan out what to do next, mainly just what they could do in the meantime. Nadeline brings up interesting ideas and points about how Archadia and Rozarria won’t wait around long to make their next move. The only safe haven they can find themselves in would be Rabanastre, but they only could stay there for so long.

Wesley and Savayna each listen to Nadeline and Emiri’s words and Wesley speaks up first, looking towards Nadeline first. “Ah yes, you are correct — the AI Jaakuna and myself stumbled upon is truly troubling. However, I do not think we need to fret about that at the current moment. With the Dawn Shard snapped in half and the Dusk Shard in our possession, the notion of the AI being realized has been put on the backburner for Archadia and/or Rozarria.” Wesley said, as he truly believes the fear of an AI going amuck every fleet of the Archadian and/or Rozarrian empires is down to a minimum worry at the most.

Savayna just huffed at what Wesley said. “That still doesn’t help us any. Most likely they’ll find a way to get to us and that’s not good.” Savayna said, “So, what little miss princess said is correct. The enemy won’t hesitate to come after us yet again.” Savayna said as she found herself agreeing with Nadeline, who would have thought it?

When Emiri spoke, Wesley had also considered it. “You just might be onto something, Emiri.” Wesley said.

Savayna, again, huffed at what Wesley just said. “A little too late for that. It probably would have worked if we got to that conclusion at the very start, but as you saw back at the shrine, Jaakuna’s body had thus stopped showing outward mist.” She said with a sour taste in her mouth. She didn’t want to be right, but there was not much else they could do.

Wesley bit his thumb, just wondering what else they could do. “So, if not that, then what else could we possibly do to help Jaakuna?”

[Hero]

Emiri looked crestfallen at Savayna's words. Was it really hopeless? As she pondered as such, her blonde friend would uncross her arms and begin to walk out. "Naddie? Where are you going?" She asked her.

"The only thing to do now is research. Last time I needed help, I found the answers I wanted. Perhaps the same can happen this time." Nadeline said, walking out of the room. "I will return shortly." The blonde made her way to the place where she could get teleported down. Once the ship arrived to Dalmasca, she beamed down, arriving in the Aerodome. She began to walk out and down the stairs into Lowtown. Yes, the last time she needed help--when Reia expressed interest in Emiri's abilities--she had found the solution here, in Rabanastre. And yet as she walked, she couldn't combat her thoughts and feelings.

In truth, Nadeline bore a terrible guilt. She didn't understand it at all, either. No matter how high her position was, the truth of the matter was she could not stop Grant from hurting Emiri, nor could she help Jaakuna awaken from his state. It infuriated her, a frustration so great she could not control it. Time and time again would prove that no matter what she thought before, she was truly powerless. She thought she had overcome this on the Ark, but it seemed she was wrong. Seeing Aloa had proven that; if it weren't for the viera deciding not to stop her, they would have most likely been caught. How she cursed herself so! The gods were cruel, making her believe that she could actually make a difference when the reality was that she could do no more for anyone then the next person could.

The blonde haired girl stopped as her rage took over once more. Unable to contain it, she turned to the nearest building and punched it. To her surprise, this was met with a chuckle. She looked to see the silver haired tutor of hers approach her, one hand on her hip as she stood. "You never could contain that dreadful temper of yours, Highness." She commented airily.

"What are you doing here? Are you not with Grant?" The blonde raised an eyebrow at the viera, though she did cast a Cure over her hand.

The viera shook her head, taking her injured hand and casting a Cure of her own. It healed it much faster than Nadeline's, and the bruises and cuts all disappeared, leaving it as it was. "There was a time where your White Magicks greatly exceeded my own. Pray tell, what has happened?" Nadeline clutched her hand as she formed it into a fist. She was right. She was gifted in that department. She was so happy the day she found out...If it meant being able to help people, then she was more then glad not being able to cast any other magicks. And yet now she stood before her teacher, being told that she had gotten worse. "You have let your mind be clouded by your anger. Your frustration has taken its grip on you, pulling at your strength. Your fear disrupts your functions. This is not the Nadeline I know." Aloa explained to her, gently patting her head.

She looked up at Aloa with her blue eyes. "I...I cannot say. I don't know what has come over me." She admitted rather guiltily. "My friends rely on me, and yet I am powerless to help them. No amount of knowledge I have can aid them, as much as I will it."

"Do you desire power, then?" The viera asked.

"Of course I do! Without power you cannot do anything!"

"Much like the Empress, your words echo hers."

Nadeline hesitated, realizing what she had just said. How could she have been so foolish? How could she have forgotten? The entire reason she left was to prevent a war! And now, to hear Aloa compare her to Reia, it hit her hard. She clutched her hand tightly, looking down. She was no better then Reia. She desired power, and for what? What power would help Emiri or Jaakuna? Power is what had gotten them hurt in the first place. She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "I've been such a fool. It's a shame, you did not teach me to be one." She said quietly.

Aloa lifted Nadeline's chin up as she looked at her sternly. "The world is a cruel place, filled with people that have cruel hearts. They let their desires get the best of them, always. This is the Humes' flaw, for they let their desires blind them to the ones around them. You mustn't forget this, princess, for even the best intentions can lead you astray."

She nodded. "Yes...you are right."

"It also does not hurt to rely on your allies for help." Aloa stated, and once more Nadeline felt a pang of guilt. "Tell me, what troubles you?"

"We destroyed the Dawn Shard...and now one of my friends is now comatose."

"The Sword of Kings is the natural enemy of the deifacted nethicite. Your haste cost you. And now he will sleep for all eternity."

Nadeline's eyes widened in shock. "Say it isn't so! There must be a way to wake him!"

At this point, Aloa hesitated somewhat. She looked around before beckoning the princess to follow her. She was lead to an alley free of eyes and ears, and she knelt down to her. "Mist works in many ways, princess. It can be used to procure magicks, it can be held inside nethicite, it can grant people abilities they thought was not possible." She explained. "What keeps us from drowning in it is our consciousness. Without it, our souls are lost. Vlyn and I sensed the Dawn Shard's destruction, but the Mist did not disappear. Instead it went to your friend, overtaking his consciousness, and this is why he slumbers, much against his own will. To awaken him, someone close to his heart must bring him back."

"But...but how?"

"My people are skilled in spirits." She hesitated once more, letting out a sigh. "...I can be of assistance. Would you take me to him?" Now it was Nadeline's turn to hesitate. She trusted Aloa more then anything, but was showing her the Ifrit a good idea? She didn't want to think she would betray her, but still. The viera sensed Nadeline's hesitation, smiling. "You are wise to doubt me. However, there is little choice in the manner. I will assist you in this, and once I am done, I will leave, and we will be on opposite sides once more."

"Aloa...thank you." Nadeline nodded, leading Aloa back up through Lowtown and into the Aerodome. Going back to the same spot, the two were beamed back up to the Ifrit. Aloa showed no surprise and followed Nadeline to the medic bay, where she saw Jaakuna.

[AlteredTundra]

With the abrupt departure from Nadeline, that presented some questions raised by all three of them in the room. It was just so sudden and without even so much as a simple reason or goodbye. Nadeline just got up and left. Wesley was confused, Savayna couldn’t care less, but she was also confused and wondered why Nadeline left all of a sudden, and no doubt that Emiri was worried, confused, and maybe just a little scared for Nadeline. Wesley can read minds, but he was just looking around the room and he saw the expressions on their faces. He just put two and two together.

The minutes went on, it probably was over five minutes, maybe almost ten minutes after Nadeline left. In those minutes, Wesley and had thusly taken a seat at the table in the medic bay. His legs were tired, he was tired himself, and he just didn’t want to stand around without cause. Savayna had done the same, but Emiri never left Jaakuna’s side. She stayed near where he was laying at. Wesley would take a note of what she was doing. He wished he could do something for Jaakuna, but his area of expertise of healing is vastly limited and nowhere near what Jaakuna needs. Hell, he wouldn’t even know what to do as far as healing Jaakuna is concerned. Savayna, she doesn’t know either.

After almost ten minutes of waiting, Nadeline would walk through the door, and Wesley would stand up in joy. “So glad you--” He said as he saw a Viera, but not just any Viera, the same one that robbed them of the Death Esper. “Nadeline! Have you gone mad!? ” Wesley exclaimed. Savayna was also surprised at who was behind little miss princess. “Well, well, Princess. You and I truly have more in common than I thought. We both betrayed those we sworn loyalty to.” She would say with a smirk across her face.

[Hero]

Emiri watched Jaakuna, afraid to take her eyes off of him, as if he'd suddenly leave if she stopped looking at him. It was odd, really. He looked so peaceful, so quiet--it was a look that did not fit him, she decided. She wanted him to open his eyes, to yell and shout, to say stupid things, to fight with everyone--anything. Anything was better then this sleep, this step away from death. She hated it so much. She gingerly took his hand in hers. Perhaps she should have been happy to touch him, but it was like touching the air. The Mist was strong, it reminded her of the Dawn Shard itself. She hated the feeling, and it betrayed her, as if the person before her was someone else entirely.

So much that when Aloa walked in, her shock was a weak one.

The viera promptly ignored all of the reactions at her arrival; after all, it's completely understandable for an enemy to suddenly appear. She raised her hand, signaling silence. She walked through to the comatose Jaakuna, though she noticed Emiri's look at her. "As Rozarria and Archadia have come to a truce, as have I and the princess." She spoke, putting her arm down. "He cannot feel your touch. No amount of hand holding will bring him back."

She probably would have cried at that point, but she was more preoccupied with what the hell she was doing here. "Aloa can help Jaakuna." Nadeline piped up from behind rather cheerfully. Now Emiri was in disbelief, and slightly confused at this point. "Betrayal simply isn't my style, Savayna, I simply do whatever it takes to help my friends. And Aloa is my friend." She brightly batted her eyes at the general, waving her words away. "Now hush and let the woman work her magic."

The viera held out one finger, tracing something in the air. Mist emanated from her hands, and it went from in front of her to surround Jaakuna. A sort of barrier formed around his body, made entirely of Mist--it reminded Emiri of the Barheim Passage for a moment. It glowed an ethereal red, but it slowly dissipated until only a small orb floated above him. Aloa placed her hand on her chin, clearly intrigued. "To pull him out of this state, someone close to his heart needs to coax him out, so to speak." Aloa explained. "The Mist has overwhelmed him. It was foolish to approach the Dawn Shard so recklessly."

"What do you mean, 'coax'?" Emiri asked cautiously.

"Ultimately, it is up to him to return. But at this state, he is not aware that he is asleep. Someone needs to bring him back to reality." She let out a sigh, approaching Emiri and taking her hand. "You will have to do. I can only guide you to him, but it will be up to you to find him and...convince him to come back." Emiri bit her lip nervously, looking up at the viera. This didn't sound like some simple task at all. "Are you ready?"

She looked at Jaakuna, and let out a sigh of her own. She didn't like this at all, but she did think that she would do anything to bring him back. Emiri nodded, looking up at the viera. "Of course."

"Brace yourself." Aloa warned her, and she let go of Emiri's hand. With one finger, she directed the little Mist orb to her finger She then lightly poked Emiri's forehead. As the brunette opened her mouth to ask what she had done, her vision erupted into many colors. She recognized it as Mist, and it overwhelmed her. She felt like she was drowning in it, and soon everything around her had disappeared. It was so hard to move, like she was in a thick muck or water or something. It was hard to describe, but as things got brighter, she closed her eyes. Once she opened them, she had found herself in a completely different place. Was she successful in getting into his subconscious? She assumed so; this place was definitely not the airship. All around here was a red streaked sky, reminiscent of a sunset. The ground beneath her seemed stable enough, but where should she go?

Picking a direction, Emiri began to walk.

On the outside, after Aloa had poked Emiri, she simply closed her eyes, appearing to be asleep as well. Aloa then turned to Nadeline. "It has been done. There is nothing more I can do." She stated, flipping her hair. "I will take my leave now. I suggest that in the future, you handle that sword with care. I would have expected better from a descendant of the Dynast King himself." She stated, looking at Wesley at this point.

[AlteredTundra]

When Aloa stepped into the medic bay, words were shot forth to not only her but also Nadeline. They were not nice ones, but both ladies would brush them off and Aloa would go on to state that just as Rozarria and Archadia have done, so had herself and Nadeline. The reasoning being to just help Jaakuna and nothing more. Wesley would accept that in silence and just look at Aloa with an approving look. He didn’t like it, but if it meant that it would help Jaakuna wake up, Wesley would not object.

As Wesley accepted it, Savayna wanted to voice her opinions on this and thus she did, but before she could, Nadeline would jump her vocally and state that she is not all one for betrayal, but she would do what she must for the sake of her friends. She would then silence Savayna and order her to hush as the viera would work her magic. Savayna was flabbergasted “WELL I NEVER!” She said completely shocked and just huffed and puffed in mumbles. She would just sit in the chair that she was sitting in, mumbling some not very nice words.

Everyone would watch Aloa as she would begin to inspect Jaakuna as she ran her finger in the air, which produced mist around her finger and then it would surround Jaakuna. Everyone could see that it was some kind of barrier of red coloring. The look to this barrier, however, was something that anyone has ever seen before. It seemed to be reflecting off of Jaakuna’s own persona as it was red like fire, but something peaceful about it. Wesley couldn’t shake it, but he definitely felt a warmth coming from that light. As he would feel good about whatever it was, the barrier then came to be in the shape of a small orb. It simply hovered above Jaakuna

When the orb just hovered, Aloa would speak about how Emiri would be the one to bring Jaakuna back to reality. Savayna, while she wished it was her, she knew that the feelings between her and Jaakuna were now on barely friends level. Even more so, she would further to say that she could only guide Emiri to Jaakuna, but it is up to her to do the rest. Without any time to waste, Aloa would enter the orb Emiri’s forehead and within a minute(probably less), Emiri would enter a state of unconsciousness.

As Aloa had finished, she would go on to say that she was highly disappointed in Wesley, since he is, after all, the descendent of the Dynast-King. That’s where Wesley was overtaken by grief and disappointent. He knew she was right. However, before she would leave, Wesley would speak. “Miss Aloa, I must ask you a quick question.” He said standing up, almost as if he was desperate. “Why did you agree to come back here? Isn’t your allegence to the Empress herself and nothing more? I mean, you took a huge risk of even agreeing to help Nadeline, did you not? I am merely curious as to why you would risk such a gamble, even for Nadeline, who you seem to deeply care about.” Wesley asked. It was more like he was pleading for an answer. At the moment, Wesley was so angry at himself for letting Jaakuna doing what he did back at the Stilshrine.

---

Inside Jaakuna’s subconscious, the skies present a wonderful color array from orange to red and yellow and gold. It beams wonderfully upon the meadow down below with the flowers, pond, and a cottage by said pond. It’s truly one’s paradise and for one hot-tempered Sky Pirate, it’s a literal heaven for him. He finds himself at peace in this area. There’s nothing about it that is out of perfection. He’s free from the ties of war, pain, and suffering. He can live, eat, and rest all he wants.

Right now, Jaakuna is napping out in the meadows behind his cottage. He’s been doing that for about an hour and as he wakes up, he sees the lucid light from the sun as it colors up the sky with red and orange and also yellow and gold. The clouds have a magnificent shade that echoes from the red coloring. Truly, he finds himself at piece. Jaakuna sits up and stretches, releasing a load moan in the process. He turns his upper body, bones crack and the release eases Jaakuna. He turns and he sees Emiri walking through the meadow. She is as beautiful as ever.

“What took ya? Supper is going to be ready in a bit!” He shouts out to her as he waves to her.

[Hero]

The viera looked down at Wesley (a natural thing, for she towered over most Hume men) with a rather blank expression. Like Nadeline, he too was lost. She felt some pity; Humes were so easily misguided. She closed her eyes, as if she was carefully choosing her words. "To do as you must, to be bound by duty, that is the life of a soldier. My allegiance lies solely to two things: the General to whom I was assigned to, and to the House of Roselia. In a cruel sense, my actions here were for the benefit of Nadeline only. And yet one can argue that I have let my emotions--however muted they may be--get in the way." She spoke slowly, though she did open her eyes."Helping the princess of Rozarria is my duty, nothing more, nothing less. Even now, once I leave I will return to said duty and fulfill my orders. But as of this moment, I did not help the princess of Rozarria, did I? Nadeline is not the one comatose. I did not lend my aid to any Rozarrian--I lent my aid to an Arcadian. You tell me, young prince, why do you think I did this?"

---

Jaakuna. It was Jaakuna. He was speaking, smiling, acting. He wasn't asleep, he was fully awake, even calling out to her. Emiri is in disbelief at this point, though she remembers Aloa's words as she makes her way to him. She wondered if this was Jaakuna's desire--a peaceful solitude. Not that she blamed him, after everything that had happened. And yet, even as she walked, she knew this peace was a false one. The skies never stayed clear, after all. Rain would always come to cover the blue sky, and yet in this place, it was not so. This was not reality. It struck her as odd that she had to remind herself of that. She needed to be careful, lest she, too, be drawn in by his subconscious.

As she reached him, she paused before him. He looked so happy, as if there was not a worry in the world. It was so hard to believe, really. Taking in a deep breath, she sat down next to him, pressing her dress down as she made it smooth. Emiri looked at him, though found herself at a loss for words. She then decided she may as well ask the obvious question. "Where am I?"

[AlteredTundra]

It was weird. Wesley heard every word that Aloa had to say and while it cleared everything up, he still found himself in a lot of confusion and to be honest, he found himself lost. It was true, Wesley truly didn’t feel like he was himself, at least not in the literal sense. He felt so guilty about what happened to Jaakuna. He held himself responsible and if he had to admit it to himself, he doesn’t find himself worthy of being a Prince of Dalmasca. Now, as he looks up at Aloa, Wesley gathers the words to speak to her, but first he regains his composure cause he was just about to break down at the realization of pretty much everything.

“I think the reason you heeded to Nadeline’s request to help our friend is cause you find yourself at a crossroads. You know that you serve your country and by result, you serve your Empress. Yet..” He pauses, as Wesley starts to slowly walk forward, “yet you’re here. You stated that you are doing this purely of emotions and I believe that to be true. However, one thing still confuses me.” He said standing up straight, “You say that you will return to your duties as if nothing has happened. The thing that confuses me is that CAN you return to your duties? You’re obviously willing to risk everything to come to the request of a friend — a friend who is on the opposing side mind you. So, I simply ask of you, can you just go back to your duties fully aware that you might be at the opposing side of the same friend you risked everything to help out?” Wesley said a lot, but his curiosity was overtaking him and when will he ever get a chance like this to pick the brain of someone such as Aloa?

---

Jaakuna looked confused. He didn’t understand why Emiri asked where she was. Did she not know her own home? She was only gone for ten minutes. So, Jaakuna walks over to Emiri. “Oh c’mon babe, you’re pulling my leg right? This is our home. It is after all where we’ve spent our honeymoon for the past four months.” He said to her, smiling cheerfully. Jaakuna would pull Emiri towards him as he would sort of skip his way through the meadow towards the cottage.

[Hero]

Honeymoon? Are we...married? If there was an emotion beyond shocked, Emiri was certainly feeling it. He admitted it so freely, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. So then, she was part of this dream? She half wondered if another version of her would pop up. They were married...she wondered if it was a big wedding. He seemed like the flashy type. As he led her to the cottage, she would plant her feet on the ground, pulling back. He was always stronger then she was, but at the very least, it would stop them for the moment. Her face contorted into one of more concern. She had to stay focused: she needed him to snap out of it. But as she saw his face, she was filled with regret.

"Jaakuna..." She spoke his name, at this point it almost seemed foreign to her. Why? "Don't you...Don't you remember what happened?" She asked him, trying to get him to remember. "You destroyed the Dawn Shard...and then you...you..." It choked her up to remember his lifeless body, and she found herself on the verge of tears as she spoke.

---

Aloa was intrigued by Wesley's observation. The prince was very observant, and in a way, he was right in some things, in others he was not. "Of course I can." She responded to his question quite simply, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "A crossroads...perhaps, were I younger, were I Hume, I might have agreed with you. But that is not how I work, you see." She crossed her arms and turned to him, giving him her full attention. "To you, I am an enemy. To you, I am a Rozarrian who wishes only to fulfill the orders of her Empress. Said orders are seen as questionable, evil even. However, if I asked any Rozarrian on the street, they would tell you this: their Empress is benevolent and seeks only to protect her people. She is seen as stern, yet fair. Her desire for power comes to defend her people from the evil that is Archadia."

She looked at both Savayna and Nadeline. The latter shifted in her seat, somewhat. "It is all a manner of perspective. Will I someday have to oppose my princess? Yes. Will I be able to when the time comes? Of course. The life of a soldier is of that, duty bound and one filled with those types of choices. This is not the first time this has happened, where I had to choose between my duty and my heart. And I doubt it will be the last: we Viera far outlive you Humes. My experiences have made me into the person I am today. The only thing I can hope to do is to guide my princess along the path, so that someday, when that choice is presented to her, she will do what is right. And when that time comes, she will know what to do--as will you."

Aloa then smiles, something rare. "I know my role in life. Do you know yours?"

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna was stopped abruptly as Emiri would halt them from going to the cottage any further. Well, he wasn‘t stopped entirely, but he felt a resistant tug. “Dawn Shard?” Jaakuna simply looked at her confused. Well, maybe more puzzled than anything. This was the first he was hearing about it. “What about me and this Dawn Shard?” Jaakuna seriously was confused. He really didn’t understand what his sweet wife was talking about, but he definitely saw that it was upsetting her. The look on Emiri’s face was evident of that. This immediately prompted Jaakuna to stop what he was doing and pull her in for a hug. “What’s wrong?” He said trying to comfort her. There was obviously something that Jaakuna was missing. “I don’t know anything about a Dawn Shard. Well, I only know of the legend of it, but that’s it.”

---

Hearing Aloa respond to his observations, Wesley listened intently. He believed every word she spoke. He not only heard it in her voice, but the way she spoke it was evident. Her resolve was absolute and she believed every bit of it, Wesley had no doubt about that. However, there was still something off about every bit of it, but that was until he heard her say the bit about the life of a soldier. The life of a soldier, those words echoed into his mind as she has repeated that and that’s what bothered Wesley to this. Yes, he was a soldier himself, but he didn’t believe that was him any longer.

After she was done, Wesley then spoke. “I see. I thank you, Lady Aloa.” Wesley simply said, but there was more. “I now understand why you did what you did and how you can simply go back to your duties just as simple as flipping a light switch.. I respect you for that.” He said, but then he looked down as soon as she would tell him that she knows her role in life and would ask him if he knew his. At this point, Wesley clenched his hands together, He pulled it together and looked up “I-I thought I did. I was one of Dalmasca’s highest-ranking soldiers. I even was not far off from being named the King of Dalamasca. I had everything going for me and my future was looking bright, but then —”He stopped as his eyes started to form tears around themselves. He would wipe them —“but then, my father was slain at the hands of an Archadian Judge by the name of Ixion. At that point and realizing it all, I lost my calling, my motive for perusing the throne, and everything that made me who I was.” He admitted, not able to hold it in, but he forced words out. “So, no Lady Aloa, I know not what my role in this thing we call life is, not anymore.”

[Hero]

"Jaakuna you--don't you remember?! Emiri exclaimed, somewhat alarmed. How did he not remember any of this? Aloa's words then hit her: this was what she meant by coaxing him out. She wasn't sure if it was that he had forgotten or if he was in denial. But this false paradise was just that: false. "Jaakuna, listen to me." She said very sternly, taking both his hands in hers. "This isn't...none of this is real. You're asleep on the Ifrit right now. Wesley, Nadeline, Savayna and I...we are all waiting for you to wake up. You need to remember what happened...how you told me your darkest secret...we--we aren't married, I haven't even..." I haven't even confessed to you yet. She bit her lip nervously.

---

Aloa listened to him carefully. The prince was troubled, clearly, and at a loss. "We all have our parts to play in this grand world named Ivalice. Things change. The gods are never satisfied with events being constant. They test us, berate us, put us down...but the question is not will you be able to get through these things, the question is, will you learn from your experiences, or will you just let them pass? Even this meeting between you and I was fated." She turned to the door. "I blame my age, I have had many years to find myself. You are still young. You will find it, that I am sure of. Rely on your allies and use your experiences: this would be my advice, the words of an old teacher."

She paused for a moment, and then turned to Nadeline, bowing to her. "Until next we meet, for we are not enemies, but simply two different sides of a conflict. I look forward to see if you will have grown." She nodded to both Savayna and Wesley, and made her way back to the teleporter.

[AlteredTundra]

Has she truly lost it? Jaakuna truly was perplexed by what Emiri was saying. Why would she say all of these things to begin with? She was saying these things about their dearest friends. She definitely wasn’t making any sense, but this truly was upsetting her, so as her hubby, Jaakuna would listen to every word. Though, he was finding it hard to believe what she was saying.

“Why would you say that this isn’t real? Unless..” Jaakuna caught on. He knew what she was referring to. “You’re having such a wonderful time on our honeymoon, it doesn’t feel like it’s real.” He said happily. When she would mention all of their friends, he got even happier, “I’m sure our dear friends will forgive us if we extended our honeymoon. You need not worry about them.” He said still smiling. “And my darkest secret? You know everything. I vowed to tell you it all, after all that’s what us husband and wife do, right?” JAakuna just seemed so happy. There wasn’t anything that would bring him down. “So, let’s go. Our supper awaits us love~” He said almost singing, and pulling her to a position where he and Emiri were literally spinning in circles

---

Listening to every word that she spoke, Wesley truly took it all with stride. He knew that she was right about it all, how that everything that happens, the god test and they will test even after the worst comes. He knew she was right about how Wesley would find himself even in the moment of being lost within oneself. As she would tell him that, Wesley took in her words of advisement about how he should rely on his allies and he should use his experiences to guide him to the right path. He would use her advice to the very best of his abilities. “Thank you, Lady Aloa.” Wesley said as he bowed when she departed.

As she had exited the medic bay, something was stirring in Savayna. She didn’t seem like herself. That meaning, she was quiet — she’s never quiet. She didn’t even say a word when she walked out of the Medic Bay. She had a reason for doing that. She would stop Aloa from going anywhere. “Hey, bunny!” She called out. When Aloa didn’t hear her, she would then rush over to Aloa, tug her arm and make her face her direction. “I just wanted to give you a fair warning. If Jaakuna or Emiri don’t wake up from whatever state they are in right now, I’ll hunt you down.” Savayna said putting Aloa on notice. “I mean it. If they don’t wake up from this, you and any other Rozarrian that dares get in my way will be sorry.” She said, passion in her voice and dare anyone say, the instincts of love.

Meanwhile, back in the Medic Bay, both Nadeline and Wesley looked at each other. The moment they had together right now, Wesley knew he had to say something. He turned to her and spoke “Um, Nadeline, about earlier, back at the Stilshrine..” He said, pausing and a bit nervous. “I’m sorry.” He simply said.

[Hero]

Nadeline nodded at Aloa, watching her leave. She silently thanked her, promising she would not let her down. Maybe it was wrong, or right, who knows, but Aloa was clear on what she wanted to do--and they had to do the same. One day they would be on the same side again, this she would swear. She only hoped next time they would meet she could prove herself to her teacher. To her surprise, Savayna ran after Aloa. She blinked slightly confused, but as she was about to go after her, Wesley spoke. He apologized for some reason. She actually looked uncomfortable at this point, avoiding his eyes. "I should be the one apologizing." Nadeline replied, holding her arm. "I...I am not like that, usually. I suppose I simply can't control my temper. It's just utterly frustrating...first Emiri, then Jaakuna...I couldn't help either of them. Even now, Aloa is the one helping..."

She looked up at him with watery eyes. "I ask for your forgiveness, though I don't deserve it. I'm so sorry."

---

As Aloa was literally turned back by Savayna, she quirked an eyebrow at the angry blonde Hume. She let out a sigh, scratching her head. "In all honesty, I did not do anything. It is up to her to try to convince him. Where he is, he lives a fool's paradise, you see...the question is not whether they will awaken, the question is will she be able to make him realize the truth?" She eyed the woman before her. "I suggest you put your emotions to the side, whatever they may be, General. You are a smart woman. Do not let them cloud your judgement."

---

He wasn't listening to her. No, he listened, but he wasn't hearing her. As she was about to yell at him, he started spinning her around. He really was happy here, wasn't he? Gods knew he deserved it--no, no she couldn't start thinking that way, too. This wasn't real. None of this was real. The meadow, the cottage, their marriage--none of it was real. But...how was she supposed to convince him when he wouldn't listen to her? Obviously she remembered, he didn't but what would it take to convince him?

"Jaakuna, please, you must listen to me!" She exclaimed, pulling her hands away from him. "This is...this is all wrong! We can't be married, we can't be living here...it doesn't make any sense!" She told him. "Are you telling me you don't remember murdering your father? You don't remember admitting you did it for Savayna? And I..." She hesitated slightly, but she had to give him the truth. "I...I haven't...we aren't even together! We can't possibly be married, we aren't even dating! I haven't even gotten the chance to confess how I feel, whether it was a good thing or a bad thing!"

She got closer to him, pleading him with her eyes. "You have to believe me, none of this is real! You and I...you and I aren't..." She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. What could she say? What could she do? She then realized something, looking at him curiously. She had to disprove him somehow. She had an idea, but she was not sure it would work. Only one way to find out. "...Tell me, Jaakuna...if we really are...together...then how many scars do I have on my body?"

[AlteredTundra]

When Aloa spoke, Savayna was angry, but she listened. Somehow she came to the realization that anything that happens would be on Jaakuna and Emiri and not the female viera standing in front of her. Savayna didn’t want that to be true. She wanted to blame someone for Jaakuna’s stupidity, she wanted someone to go after and not look at what is right in front of her and the truth that comes with it. Even as Aloa would leave, Savayna would just stare into blank space. She felt so many different emotions — anger, sadness, regret, guilt — all of them just piling up on top of each other. She just wanted Jaakuna back on his feet so she can continue on yelling at him, but that wouldn’t happen, unless the one of whom he truly loves and the one who truly loves him brings him out of his coma. Realizing this, Savayna cried and she fell to the ground, pounding it with her fist. She would stay light this for a few minutes.

---

After Wesley had apologized to Nadeline, it was not a surprise, as seen on his face, that he was shocked that she would admit that she should be the one to apologize, not the other way around. Wesley was definitely confused by this. He didn’t think she would have to apologize. Perhaps it’s cause he didn’t blame her for the way she was acting. In some way, he perhaps knew that she was justified in the way she had acted. Two of her closest friends were going to be taken from her and that’s something that would make anyone let their anger get the better of them.

When she would finish asking for HIS forgiveness, Wesley pulled her in for an embrace by pulling first on her arm and then meeting her with a semi-tight hug. His arms wrapped around her body. “Shh, you don’t need to speak anymore. I was never mad at you, Nadeline. You must understand that they way I feel for you, I would never have negative feelings towards you.” Wesley said, as he began to have teary eyes as well.

---

Jaakuna’s confusion grew. It came to the point where he was starting to worry about Emiri. She was spouting out these weird words about how nothing about their marriage is real and how that they aren’t even dating. She even would mention some full-based lie about how he murdered his father and admitted it to Savayna. That what was truly made him raise an eyebrow at the entire thing. One could even say that Jaakuna had a slightly angry expression across his white face.

“Darling, I could never kill my father. He and I are the best of friends. And Savayna? Why would I even say such a thing to my sister-in-law?” Jaakuna looked at her, more puzzled than ever. “And of course we aren’t dating — we’re married silly.” He said chuckling.

Jaakuna couldn’t get past what she said and kept saying: none of this is real. Every word she has spoke thus far had a constant about how none of this is real. Jaakuna just couldn’t understand what she was talking about. She even would go on to ask him a silly question. “Of course I know, you have..--” Jaakuna said as he started to hold his head. “AHH!” He shouted as his head started to hurt. He didn’t understand. How could he not remember? He had seen her body naked plenty of times, and yet, as he tries to remember, the pain within his head would only get worse. “Why can’t I remember!?”

[Hero]

Had she overdone it? Emiri watched Jaakuna, suddenly regretting her little plan. And yet, the air around them had changed--though whether it was for the better or worse, she knew not. Still, she could not deny it--it was working. She couldn't stop, she had to keep going, as much as it pained her to see him like this. She looked at him sadly, shaking her head. "You can't remember what you've never seen." She told him quietly. "You need to see the truth, Jaakuna. All this...this isn't real. None of this is. Maybe someday it will be, but right now...right now, we need to go back together. Back to reality." She told him, more determined.

"Please believe me, I know it may sound out of place and it may be painful, but I would never lie to you! So please, remember what happened! You must come back to reality with me!"

---

And once again, Wesley had another 'score' on Nadeline.

As he held her, she could feel his struggle, his pain, his own kindness. She was a fool afterall, not really realizing his feelings. She was so caught up in her own frustrations and fears that she didn't even give his a chance. He was strong, much stronger than she was. It was comforting to feel herself in his arms. Everything would be fine. Everything would be okay. This was just another test, wasn't it? Another struggle they had to overcome. She wrapped her own arms under him, pulling him closer, as if it would make a difference. She did not want to let go, she did not want him to let go, either. If only time could stop for this moment, just for this one moment, she could die the next and have absolutely no regrets.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, though she wasn't sure why she said it in all honesty.