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

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna could barely feel anything. His face so bloody, cheeks puffed up, his eyes starting to swell up and just everything from those punches made every bit of his face hurt. He knew this was coming. He knew that his brother would do something like this. That was probably why he had avoided to come to Archadia for as long as he could. However, now that he was in it, he still never wanted to come here. Only reason he came here was to rescue Emiri. He knew that he had to forsake his personal feelings(and a few broken bones) to get the job done.

As Jaakuna stood there, being forced up by the guards, Wesley could see the nervous look upon Nadeline’s face. He would look to her, eyeing her and in his eyes the words ‘everything will go according to plan’ just could be sensed, felt. As Wesley would exchange that gaze to Nadeline, Vincent would clear his throat. “Now, you three — off with you.” He would say, “cept’ you older brother.” Vincent said.

As Nadeline and Wesley would be hauled off to the dungeons, which would only take about ten minutes, Vincent would look to his brother. Jaakuna couldn’t really speak, but he would listen as hard as he could. “My dear brother, I have plans for you. Before you get into your cell, you’re going to experience pain and not just physical pain. You’re going to experience severe mental trauma, emotional scars, and just about everything that I deem worthy of your crimes.” Vincent said as he held his hand out and cast curaga, healing Jaakuna of his wounds. He would then signal the guard to remove Jaakuna’s Anti-Magick cuffs.

Jaakuna, surprised, would look to Vincent. “What’s the meaning of this? “He asked.

Vincent looked at him smiling. “Oh dear brother..” He said

Vincent started punching Jaakuna in the gut as the soldier held his arms up and by result, him standing up. It would continue for about a full minute. Vincent would pound and pound until he started to hear cracking bones. It was his entire ribcage starting to crack. As Jaakuna would cry in pain, scream in agony, the soldier still held him up. Jaakuna’s screams echoed throughout the nearby rooms. Even as Nadeline and Wesley were being hauled off, they could hear his screams. Vincent was only getting started. He signaled the guard to let go, Jaakuna dropped to the ground. Vincent would punt Jaakuna in the sides and he would roll on his back. Vincent would then get on top of Jaakuna and continue to pound on him. Right after left and left after right. Each punch hit his face, his neck, and just about every body part on the upper body area. Vincent would then proceed to get Jaakuna’s left arm in an armbar, wrapping his legs around the lower half of the arm and applying force to the lower half, and then it was heard.

*SNAP*

Vincent had broken Jaakuna’s left arm into multiple pieces. Jaakuna was a bloody mess. His eyes blacker than darkaja, his nose broken in five different places, and his lips so busted open one can actually see the nerve membrane. His cheeks so swelled up, his arm broken so badly that the bone was sticking out in multiple places. Vincent sure did a number on him. “Get him out of my sight. Take him to his cell with his two friends, would ya?” Vincent ordered the soldiers to carry him off. It was more like dragging him as they took his arms, but Jaakuna’s legs were dragging out, head down, and blood dripping from his arms, legs, head, and just about everywhere that had cuts on them. He was unconscious at this point.

---

As Wesley and Nadeline were brought to the dungeons, they were placed in a cell that was ordered for them to go to from Hamut, and it was right across from Grant. As Wesley looked over, he couldn’t believe it. Voice could still be transferred through the room, as Wesley would test out. “So, you’re here too, huh Prince Grant?”

[Hero]

Wesley and Nadeline? Those two were certainly the last two people he had expected to see here. He actually wanted to see another pair, but he supposed it would take some time for them to show up. The gods were toying with them, though it had to be fate or something that they would reunite like this. Somewhat ironic, considering last time he was the one that put them behind bars. "What in the world are you doing here?" Grant asked, clearly confused.

"It's...a long story." Nadeline replied as she approached the cell door. "What are YOU doing here?"

The raven haired man wasn't too surprised at her lack of information, though he mimicked her and approached his cell door. It was so weird to see Nadeline, he wasn't exactly sure why. He shook his head, instead raising a hand. "Apparently I'm to be executed." He said, crossing his arms.

Executed? So he was in the same boat they were. Nadeline looked back at Wesley, though she returned her attention to Grant. "I don't suppose you've seen Emiri here, have you?"

Grant scoffed lightly. "He wouldn't keep her here...not until he decides to get rid of her, anyway."

Nadeline's eyes widened. Get rid of her? But why? It did make sense that she wouldn't be here--she was sure Vincent would keep a close eye on her at all times, unless he was foolish. This was troubling news, however. Apparently he either found his use of her already or he cared not for the Espers. She ws not sure, Vincent was outright insane, who knew what he was thinking, really? She let out an irritated huff, throwing her arms in the air. "I cannot believe this!" She expressed her frustration.

[AlteredTundra]

This truly was troubling. Wesley didn’t like Grant, but even a man such as him doesn’t deserve to be executed like a high-tier criminal. Even worse, it would seem that Emiri was also to be executed. Wesley would be a sociopath if he didn’t admit to himself that he was pissed beyond all hell. To make matters worse, it would seem that Jaakuna had yet to be escorted to the cell. This worried Wesley, but as he would listen to Grant talk about how Emiri would be kept somewhere else, it made sense.

“Ah yes, that makes sense. Emiri is a special one, so her staying somewhere else away from us criminals makes sense.” Wesley couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of being a criminal. Truly, he has fallen from his former grace.

As Wesley would contemplate what to do next, he would notice someone come in from down the hall. There were two Archadian Soldiers carrying someone all bloodied up. It would seem that it was Jaakuna and as the soldiers got closer, Wesley would see that Jaakuna was literally beat to a bloody pulp. He saw bruises and dry blood on his body, bones sticking out from his ribs and left arm. When the soldier got to the cell that Nadeline and Wesley were in, the door opened. “Step back!” The soldier ordered Nadeline and Wesley. They did, and they threw Jaakuna into the cell as his body plopped on the cold steel. The soldiers would then make their exit and leave the dungeons.

As Wesley noticed Jaakuna wasn’t in good shape, he quickly knelt down. “Jaakuna! Can you hear me!?” He asked, gently shaking him, but Jaakuna wasn’t responding. “NAdeline, can you heal him. I tried using magick when we got here, and only healing magick works here. Iw ould do it myself, but my healing magick is nowhere near your level.”

[Hero]

"An execution is starting to sound like mercy compared to what he has in store for him." Grant muttered darkly as he watched the guards bring in Jaakuna. "What in Ivalice happened to him?"

Nadeine immediately dropped down to Jaakuna, though it was evident that she was horrified. By the gods, what in the world was wrong with that man?! She didn't even know where to start, Jaakuna was a literal bloody mess in front of her. She held her hands out, casting a Curaja over his torso. She would have to go by each body part and take it slowm this would be a long process. She hated to admit it, but she almost agreed with Grant. What else could Vincent possibly do to him? No, she couldn't think about that right now, she needed to focus on healing Jaakuna.

"Vincent happened." She did reply to Grant, just to tell him that much.

[AlteredTundra]

As Jaakuna was literally tossed into the cell, Wesley watched as Nadeline would work her magick on Jaakuna. It would be a long process to heal him. As Wesley would look down, he couldn’t help but just chuckle at the irony. “The time we need Emiri the most, she’s not with us.” Wesley probably shouldn’t laugh, but perhaps in times like this, laughing is the only thing he can do. Even though they have an obvious way out, Wesley still didn’t like the condition Jaakuna was in.

He would turn his attention to Grant. “Grant don’t pretend that there isn’t a small part of you that is enjoying seeing Jaakuna like this. You’ve been hunting us for a while now and I bet you’re just enjoying seeing him near death. Would make it easier for you to reclaim your prize, would it not?” Wesley was pissed. He was pissed that Jaakuna was near death, he was pissed that he couldn’t help Emiri just as Jaakuna would feel the same, and he was just pissed overall. Wesley would pound on the cell door with both of his open palms.

[Hero]

Truth be told, Wesley should have been right. He should have enjoyed the fact that the Sky Pirate was probably moments away from death. He shook his head, sitting on the floor as he watched Nadeline. "That's the thing about spending time locked away. You have time to think, to look back on the things you've said and done." Grant responded to Wesley. "Though to answer you, no, I'm not enjoying this. I can actually say I think I am going to be sick." That bone part of Jaakuna's arm made him want to lose whatever he had in his stomach. "Vincent is insane..."

Nadeline kept her focus on Jaakuna, but she couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow. Grant actually admitted a moment of weakness? Did Vincent torture him, too? What was the world coming to? "Wesley...I don't think Jaakuna will be in any position for you-know-what." She told him quietly. "We may...need help."

[AlteredTundra]

“You got that right.” Wesley said both relieved and shocked at what Grant had just admitted. Surely he was going mad? Or maybe Grant was actually having a change of heart after all? Wesley didn’t know what to make of any of this. He didn’t even want to think about what Grant was going through or not. He would turn around and hear Nadeline say that Jaakuna wouldn’t be good to go in time for their escape. “Dammit!” WEsley said a little louder than he wanted to. No doubt Grant heard him. Wesley would kneel down and get close to Nadeline’s ear. “Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” He said as his eyebrow raised. She wasn’t really suggesting they ask Grant for help? No, it couldn’t be. Surely she was talking about someone else. Though, given the only people in the area was Grant, Wesley knew she was referring to him.

[Hero]

Nadeline shot Wesley a 'you know what I mean why do I have to say it' look. She blew a stray hair off her face as she continued working. She was in no way convinced that Grant had a complete change of heart, but she suspected that, as Aloa and Wesley would say, he was at a crossroads. Maybe with some prodding, they could get him on their side. Even if it was temporary, even if it was just to get them out of there, they needed it. Both she and Wesley knew this much. If Jaakuna had just come back with them, she was certain he would have been ready, but in this state, she just didn't have enough time.

"Yes." Nadeline stated firmly. "Sometimes, we must bite our tongues and accept whatever we can get, given the circumstances." She told him, hoping he would get the hint.

[AlteredTundra]

It was obvious that Wesley didn’t want to ask Grant for help. He knew that Jaakuna wouldn’t approve either, but in his position, not like the blonde has much say. Wesley would stand up,brush off any sort of dirt that was tracked onto his clothes, and faced the direction of Grant’s cell. He would have to choose his words carefully. It wasn’t that he had to careful about what he said, but he just had to be careful for his own sake. He didn’t like Grant all that much, but as Nadeline had said, can’t be picky for help.

“Okay, Grant, say we had a way to get out of here, save Emiri, and not die, would you believe me?” Well that wasn’t that hard. And as he said that, Wesley had just realized how much he was starting to sound like Jaakuna. That dumbass’s bad habits were carrying over to Wesley. Brilliant.

[Hero]

Last time he had believed someone could get him out, he was sentenced to death. At this point, Grant just didn't care if he lived or died or whatever. He just wanted to get the hell out of here. "So long as you're not a woman named Levi, I'll believe anything." Grant muttered, crossing his arms. If he got out of here alive, he was going to make sure the bitch payed dearly. "The fact that you're hypothetically asking means you have a plan, so yes, I do believe you."

Nadeline couldn't help but snicker lightly. Wesley was starting to sound like Jaakuna now. Was everyone starting to pick up his habits? Goodness, she certainly hoped not, she couldn't imagine herself getting any of his traits. Except maybe they did admittedly share their tempers. As she listened to Wesley and Jaakuna, she couldn't help but feel a little happy. She didn't want to admit it, but she would be glad to have Grant on their side. He was her uncle, after all, and unlike Jaakuna before her, they actually had a decent relationship with one another. So maybe she was hoping for the best for the sake of her family.

[AlteredTundra]

Wesley raised an eyebrow to when Grant had said something about some woman named Levi. Wesley didn’t know this woman, but it would seem that this woman must have wronged Grant. “Levi huh? An ex-girlfriend of yours?” Oh god there it was again. The Jaakuna Influence. Why is it happening of all times? Wesley doesn’t know, but he better get his words out about the plan before he really fucks up.

“So, thanks to Jaakuna’s grandfather, Judge Magister Brandon “Bahamut” Darcone, we have a few keys to get ourselves out of here, sneak out of the dungeons..” He paused as he would look to Jaakuna, “and rescue Emiri. Originally we were going to have Jaakuna lead us, but obviously that’s not going to work now with him being in the condition he is in right now.” WEsley said , “That leaves us to you. Despite how much torment you’ve put Emiri, Jaakuna, Nadeline, and myself through, we will break you out.” Wesley said, “I mean, you might be one of the worst guys I know, but even you don’t deserve a fate that has been handed to you by Vincent Darcone, that much I am willing to admit.”

[Hero]

Grant listened carefully to Wesley's words. Yes, Jaakuna would have known the building's layout, so their escape would have gone rather smoothly. He admitted himself impressed, it seemed well thought out. Of course, Vincent had found a way to throw a rather nasty wrench into their plans. He looked at Jaakuna, then at Nadeline. He recognized that look on her face. She was concentrating intently, trying to push herself to go further. Vincent may have given Jaakuna a rather cruel mercy by beating him unconscious, because he was sure if he was awake he would be experiencing some agony. He found himself hoping Vincent didn't do anything to Emiri--he wouldn't put it past the bastard. But lugging Jaakuna around would slow down their search.

"I might deserve it if we fail." Grant stated, staring at Nadeline. He then turned his look to Wesley, giving out a rather uncharacteristic sigh. "It may just be an idea, but what if you and I went to get Emelia? That way Nadeline could stay healing Jaakuna. We could bring Jaakuna up at least to the main floor, then leave him with Nadeline under a Vanishga while you and I search for wherever Emelia is locked up."

At this point Nadeline spoke, "She won't be happy if you keep calling her that. Try Emiri."

Oh, the fates were toying with him now. Emiri, was it? At this he couldn't help but smile sadly, though he quickly regained his composure, "What do you think?"

Nadeline looked up at Wesley for approval.

[AlteredTundra]

Grant's plan was a good one, that much Wesley had to admit. And bringing Nadeline and Jaakuna up to the main floor under the Vanishaga spell was a good suggestion. Wesley really found no faults in that plan, and yet, he still has some reservations about going along with Grant alone. Even though he has already told the Rozarrian prince about his side of the plan, there was still this little part of him that didn't trust him. Perhaps it was being locked up and Jaakuna being in the condition that he was in. Or maybe it was his disgust with what Grant has done to Wesley and his friends. No, it's not disgust.. Wesley knew it was disgust. It was more along the lines of distrust, but as Nadeline had already pointed out, Wesley just can't be picky right now.

Wesley turned to Jaakuna, looking down at him, and then seeing Nadeline's face. She was just so worried about everyone. How could Wesley even begin to think about denying Grant's plan? "Fine, the two of us will search for Emiri." Wesley said as he would try to remember what Hamut said. Didn't he say something about the three keys being under a bench? Wesley thought to himself and as he would go to the bench, he knelt down on one knee as he would place one arm supporting the bench in stillness, and the other arm reaching underneath it. As he would move his arm around, it was only a few moments later that he felt three metal objects. He would grab them, and fell down three golden keys. "YES! Here they are!" Wesley said, "okay, I guess it's time to get out of here." Wesley again said.

Wesley would first take the key, which it was more like a keycard, and slide it against the cell door and it opened. Since it was opened that way, the door would automatically open up for Nadeline as well. Then, WEsley would make his way very carefully over to Grant, and using another key-card to open his Cell. He wouldn't even wait for Grant to thank him. Wesley would go over to his cell, and proceed to help her get Jaakuna up. "Okay, you ready?" He said. The next ten minutes would be the longest — and slowest — ten minutes of their young lives.

[Hero]

"Even if he goes awry, he wouldn't dare to do it until he knew Emi was safe." Nadeline told Wesley quietly as they carried the unconscious Jaakuna up the stairs. "I know it isn't much reassurance, but...it's the truth."

The trio (plus Jaakuna) got to the base floor without incident. Still, they knew from this point on they would have to be careful. Once they made sure the coast was clear, Nadeline knelt on the ground before the blonde. She looked up at Wesley with a determined expression. "Be careful." She told him. Grant held his hand out, and with a light breeze surrounding the two, both Nadeline and Jaakuna vanished from sight. It was an odd thing, being invisible. She could still see herself and Jaakuna, almost making her wonder if the spell had worked. Still, the way the other two looked at her said otherwise. She resumed her healing.

"The spell should last until we get back." Grant told the now Invisible Nadeline. "So long as you don't make a sound, you should be alright."

Grant then beckoned for Wesley to follow him, and the duo took off. It was one odd thing after another, it seemed. Still, Grant made sure to put every doubt and concern in the back of his mind. He held out his hand to motion for Wesley to stop at one of the doors. Placing his hand on it, the metal handle bent itself and eventually was crushed, and the door opened. Lightly pushing the door open, the armory was revealed. As they walked in, Grant spotted something of interest. He picked up the hand bomb, tossing it once, and decided he liked the feel of it. Still, this was just a backup weapon--he needed something that suited his style. As if on cue, he spotted something on one of the racks. Picking the gun up, he inspected it carefully, though by this time he was sure Wesley had finished collecting his weapons.

"All seriousness aside, I think I'm going to enjoy this." Grant commented as they left the armory, now equipped with his shiny new toys.

[AlteredTundra]

Once on the main floor, they would make sure there weren't any Archadian Soldiers patrolling. Once that worry was settled, they too would settle down and get Jaakuna and Nadeline hidden. Before Grant would cast his spell over Nadeline, she would just look at him and tell him to be careful. Wesley looked to her, specifically into her eyes, knelt down on one knee and said, "don't worry, we'll get her and then we'll leave here altogether." As he said that, Wesley would kiss Nadeline.It wasn't a long kiss; it was more like a three to four second kiss, but it felt like an hour for Wesley. Soon after that, they would depart as Grant would cast a spell of Vanishaga over the two of them. The Rozarrian Prince would then advise them to stay silent, less they wish to be found out. Soon after that, Wesley followed Grant's lead. The Dalmascan Prince was just amazed at how much Grant really knew of the layout of Archadia. Now looking back, the truce between Rozarria and Archadia was a blessing in disguise — of course it was hell at the time — but as Wesley thought back on it, he now knew it was for the best.

Following Grant's lead, Wesley would see that Grant would lead the two of them down a series of turns; all varying on left and right directions. When they would come to a door, Wesley would know this is where they would first have to go. Grant would place one of his arms out and press his hand against the door. On that same instant, the metal door bent itself and would then be crushed as a result. Wesley was amazed and a little shocked. "Who knew you had talents for Gravity Magick?" Wesley mused aloud. When they entered the room, Wesley instantly knew this was the armory and boy oh boy did Archadia know how to fancy themselves with shiny toys.

Wesley was like a kid in a candy store. He had always only been accustomed to that of which Dalmasca had stock of. Never ever has Wesley seen such a vast collection of weaponry and armor. They had everything from leather to even Genji Armor. Wesley even saw his usual choices: Platinum Sword and Shield. He was just about to go for it, but then something else caught his eye."This right here. It's perfect. The craftsmanship, the detailing along the blade, and the infusion of Magicite." Wesley had fallen in love. For the first time, he had fallen in love with a weapon. It was odd, it was weird, and by the gods damnation, it was just simply wonderful.

Wesley would test out his Yagyu Darkblade by swinging it a few times. He first tested it with a two handed grip. It was too light. Sure it was quick, but two-handed grip didn't do it for him. So Wesley would try it with a one-handed grip. It was perfect. The weight difference from holding it to swinging it felt so natural. Wesley smiled like a freaking giddy schoolgirl. He had found his new weapon. He would place it along his right hip as it would click onto his belt. However, he felt naked; his other arm, actually. Something about this just felt empty. Wesley would go searching around some more to find himself a shield. When he walked around the armory, Wesley stumbled upon one shield. He looked at it and would place it over his wrist. He liked the way it felt, he liked the way it looked, and he liked it. Period. "This is my new shield." Wesley said as he, once again, smiled like a freaking idiot. He was enjoying himself, but even more so, he had his new toys.

When the two of them left the Armory, Wesley would wonder where they could be keeping Emiri. "Grant, you've been here before as a guest." Wesley said, "can you think of any place that they could possibly keep Emiri at?" He asked.

[Hero]

"Think along the lines of Vincent for a moment." Grant advised as they walked around, making sure they weren't spotted. "Emelia--Emiri is his prisoner in everything but name. He will make sure that she is attended to, given a false sense of assurance. She wasn't thrown in the dungeons because he needs her to do something, that much he told me himself. With that information in mind, he would make sure that she is heavily guarded somewhere he can keep a close eye on her." The two paused at the corner of a hallway, and Grant motioned towards it. "I can't say I am one hundred percent certain, but I will make the assumption that she is here, in one of the guest rooms. Obviously the one with soldiers guarding it will be where Emiri is."

Grant looked at Wesley. "We'll be meeting some resistance. Ready?"

[AlteredTundra]

Grant brought up a good point. Since Emiri wasn't going to be held in the dungeons, then she must be somewhere in the palace and even more so, in one of the guest rooms. When Grant suggested it would be the most guarded one, he would also make make a note about how the two of them would have to think as if they were Vincent himself. That Wesley can do.

"If I were Vincent, I would want my personal prisoner to be close by, and in a place where, as you sated, gave her a false sense of security." Wesley said as he had deduced that much so far. "Given that he wants easy access and her thinking she's safe, I think it's safe to assume that the most likely room that she's in would be the Penthouse Suite." Wesley said as he thought about it and the penthouse suite seemed like the most likely candidate.

When Wesley came to that conclusion, Grant would make a note that the duo would soon be met with resistance. Wesley smirked and he readied his Yagyu Darkblade and Demon Shield. "Let's show them why we, a Rozarrian Prince and a Dalmascan Prince, aren't to be trifled with." Wesley smiled, and he would step forward. Grant beside him and Archadian Soldiers soon coming their way.

[Hero]

The Penthouse Suite, huh? It couldn't be far at this point, but the clock was ticking. As Wesley made his last statement, Grant quirked an eyebrow at him. He personally found it ironic, just a day or two ago they could have been at each other's necks. Now they stood side by side against a common enemy. Not that they were friends or anything. It was still a funny situation, though. Grant polished his gun with his sleeve, admiring it as the soldiers neared. A burst of dark magic went from his hand and into the gun, and he pointed it to the first soldier that appeared.

"I'll be going first if you don't mind." The raven haired man said, the slightest glin in his golden eyes as he aimed. He fired off one shot, it went straight through the man. There was the slightest delay as shortly afterwards a burst of Darkga exploded, enveloping the soldier and incapacitating him. The rest of the soldiers hesitated before the two princes. Grant let out a low whistle. "I underestimate my own magic." He said curiously. "As Nadeline finds herself talented with White Magicks, I found myself gifted with Arcane spells. Now then, let's finish with this riffraff and be on our way." He told Wesley as he fired more shots.

[AlteredTundra]

Wesley was actually pretty damn impressed with the way Grant had handled himself with that gun. It was no doubt that he had practiced with guns a lot in order to be able to use in such a way as he was doing just a few seconds ago. Wesley would grin at how good he used it and the Dalamascan prince would get in on the action. He would take out his Yagyu Darkblade and as it would glisten from Wesley applying Magick energy to it, he would go forth(after Grant did his thing of course).

By taking on the first batch of Archadian Soldiers(three of them), he would go in. Applying Holy to his sword, the black and dark blue Ninja Sword would have traces of pure white starting to surrounding the blade. It wouldn't be until Wesley would swing it in a downward slash that the traces of white would come together in an instant and force their way to the tip of the blade and release in a slashing wave. As that happened, the three guards were cleansed of their impurities and put to death.

After Wesley did that, more guards could be seen coming from a distance. "So, a suggestion." Wesley said, "sure, we can keep fighting, but those guards are only following their fellow man; they don't know we're here. We could take this time to retreat and focus our time and efforts on finding — and rescuing — Emiri. What' say you?" Wesley asked.

[Hero]

Grant admitted that he found himself impressed by Wesley's skills. The way he combined his magic with his strikes was executed well. He watched as the soldiers fell, and for a moment he almost felt compelled to applaud his performance. Still, Wesley had a point, as much fun as he was having fun battling, he knew he needed to stay focused. But it didn't hurt to try out some things here and there, right? Besides, it was a good chance not only to showcase his own skills, but to see where Wesley was on the scale as well.

"Of course. You'll have to forgive me for wanting to test out my shiny, new gun, I needed to make sure it worked well." Grant told him with a small shrug.