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

[Hero]

"VICTORY!" Lorenzo screamed to the heavens, holding his arms in the air, though it turned out that Karolina had finally started to fall. He caught her in his arms and spun around, the two cheering. Emiri even found herself cheering a bit, though obviously not to the extent of the new King of the Beach. Grant even cracked a small smile, clearly content in their victory. The two brunettes approached one another, exchanging a high five. Lorenzo finally let Karolina down and started running out, hollering and cartwheeling as his wife cheered him on. Emiri hoped she and Jaakuna would be like that in the future for some reason.

Grant shook his head, though he took off his hoodie, clearly wanting to get to the water. As he turned to suggest it to the rest of his team, he found Savayna collided with him. Again. Not only that, but her breasts were in his face. Again. Although this time, she had no top on. Where did it go? He felt himself blush, though as she moved to get off him, he pressed her to him. Sure, it resulted in her chest pressed against his, but he was trying, for the most part, to spare her dignity (or whatever was left of it, anyway). He put his hoodie over her shoulders, zipping it up and covering her. "There you go." He muttered, still slightly embarrassed.

Lorenzo hopped on over to them, putting Grant in another headlock. "Aha-ha! The spoils of victory, is it?!" He yelled, messing with Grant's hair.

[AlteredTundra]

Yes they lost. Yes they didn’t get the win, but Wesley would proudly accept the defeat. It was a very fun game and that’s all he could really ask for in the end. Even after he and his other teammates made sure Savayna felt their anger, he would just remain silent about anything else. Besides, he still had Savayna’s top, and by the looks of it, she had at least some covering. Jaakuna couldn’t believe that Savayna lost her top and that Grant actually ended up beneath her again. Though, this time it wasn’t really funny all that much. It was more so just bad luck for Savayna and Grant.

When Savayna had gotten some covering, she was also red, but she tried to not let Grant to see it. The first time that she was on top of him, it was on purpose and was just to have fun. Though, this time was totally different. It was by accident and she was topless when she did it. Even more so, she actually found herself flustered with…something. She couldn’t explain it, but Savayna was starting to feel something. No, she couldn’t already? Or could she? Savayna didn’t know what to think about that right now. Though, for the time being, she would just head over to Wesley, grab her top, and proceed to put it on as she maneuvered it underneath Grant’s hoodie.

When Savayna successfully got it back on, she would take his hoodie off. She would then walk over to him, and as he was in a headlock and getting a noogie, she just threw it over his and Lorenzo’s head. “There, you can have it back.” She said turning around, obviously embarrassed.

When that happened, Jaakuna headed over to Emiri, looking at her with a big smile. “Congratulations on the win, Babe!” Jaakuna said kissing her, and as a result, wrapping his arms around her.

[Hero]

Grant managed to both get out of Lorenzo's headlock and take his hoodie off his head. He huffed once more, though he went over to their umbrella and tossed it onto Karolina's chair. He couldn't believe how sticky and sweaty he felt, it was so gross. Yeah, it was time to hit the water now. As he walked over to the beach, he watched everyone for a moment. It was weird to think of the place he was in now. He actually maybe felt a little glad, it had been a long time since he had this much fun. Still, he was determined to get into the water, and so he walked past everyone, his feet feeling the water's push as the waves reached for the shores.

"Be careful where you swim, it gets deep very quickly!" Karolina called out to him as she took a seat in her chair. Lorenzo joined her, getting a water bottle from the cooler, though he kissed her hand gently.

He waved one hand, signaling that he heard her, and he did a light dive in. The water felt great, and as he broke the surface to get air, he admitted that he felt at peace. He brushed his hair back off his face, just soaking in the moment. He looked back at the shore, where Emiri and Nadeline had somehow managed to sneak behind Wesley. They grabbed him, sweeping him off his feet, and the two girls ran for the water. Nadeline was laughing too much and couldn't properly hang onto him, so once they reached the water around their knees she dropped him. Emiri did the same, laughing hard at what she and Nadeline did. Grant shook his head, though he decided to swim around for a little bit.

[AlteredTundra]

When Jaakuna and Emiri were reelased from each other’s grip, they, and everyone else, would go to the water and just enjoy it for all it was. However, Emiri and Nadeline had different ideas as how to get Wesley in it. They would surprise him by dumping him into the water, which shocked the holy hell out of Wesley. He would pop up, hair down to his back almost as it was all wet. At this point, Wesley saw that Emiri and Nadeline were laughing their asses off. Wesley looked over to Jaakuna and gave him a nod. Jaakuna acted. Jaakuna would sneak up behind Emiri and pick her up by the waist. By hoisting her high above his head, he would proceed to toss her lightly to deeper regions of the water. Meanwhile, Wesley would splash some water in Nadeline’s face and he looked at her playfully.

All the while they all were doing that, Savayna would actually just take a dip in the water solo. She would take a dive, and swam under the water for a minute or so, before coming up for some air. As she came up, her hair sparkled due to the bits of the water splashing upward and the light from the sun. She would then run her hands through her hair, pressing it back. The blonde hair would naturally come to the side of her head. It was just something her hair did on its own. She would look around and just see how happy everyone really was. She even had to admit it to herself too. She was happy with these people, even Grant, who she found some joy in seeing in peace. He sure looks hot like that. Wait, what was she thinking? Savayna can’t act like that, not now. Or at least, not this soon. “Am I actually…“ Wait a minute, is she falling for Grant? No, she couldn’t be. Well, maybe she could be, but why would she? Savayna didn’t know, but for right now, she wouldn’t think about it; she would simply swim some more.

[Hero]

Emiri shrieked as she was thrown into the water, her landing splashing Grant. As he rubbed his eyes he spotted Karolina testing the waters. Lorenzo behind her. He asked her something (most likely if she wasn't too tired from the game) and she pointed to the water (most likely saying that she wanted to take a dip to refresh herself). He lightly sweept her off her feet, the two giggling as they caught up with the group. Lorenzo joined Nadeline in splashing Wesley back, and Karolina swam over to Jaakuna. As Emiri resurfaced, she looked at the people around her, and she was hit with an idea.

"Oh, oh, oh! I know, we have enough people for that one game, uh, what is it, that game where someone carries that other person and they try to knock each other down...hm, what was it called again?" Despite the game being over, it seemed Emiri had finally caved in to absorbing some of the energy everyone else had.

Nadeline and Lorenzo stopped splashing long enough to look at one another, thouhg they both let out a yelp of agreement. Grant looked at Emiri. "You mean Chicken Fight?" He asked her as Lorenzo went underwater.

Nadeline let out a squeal as her father lifted her up, his shoulders carrying her as she threw her arms up in the air. Lorenzo grinned evilly, pointing at Wesley once more. "BOY! Prepare yourself!" He challenged him.

"Ah, no, wait, I want to be with Wesley!" Nadeline said, pulling on her father's hair. He looked up at her, and putting both hands under her knees he pushed her off of him. The blonde landed in the water, though jumped up immediately, wading over to Wesley. "Come on, come on, lift me, lift me!" She told him excitedly, all traces of her royalty having been thrown away with the breeze.

[AlteredTundra]

Everyone was just enjoying the water in all of its clearness. Each of them enjoying it in different ways. Grant seemed to just enjoy swimming on his lonesome, though that would be changed when everyone would start splashing him, even Jaakuna and Wesley got in on the mix. That went on for a few minutes. That was, until, Emiri would bring up the idea of playing Chicken Fight. They would all look at her with somewhat mixed reactions, but Nadeline and Lorenzo seemed to be totally on board with it. Of course, at first, it seemed like Lorenzo wanted to have Nadeline as his partner, but she tried all she could to get away. Instead, she went to Wesley. Jaakuna watched as Wesley smiled.

The idea was a marvelous one,. “I think this will be fun.” Wesley said, “Perhaps we should split the duos up by their relationship status.” Wesley suggested. He would hear Nadeline ask her to lift her up, obviously getting way into the spirit of things. Wesley would do it as he did indeed lift her up onto his shoulders. Jaakuna looked at Wesley with a smile and he instantly went under the water, and made his way underneath Emiri and lifted her up onto his shoulders, no doubt taking her by surprise.

As everyone else was getting into their pairs, Grant and Savayna were the only ones who weren’t paired up, but by default they had no choice. “You drop me, and you’re dead, got it?” Savayna said just turning around and waited for Grant to lift her up.

[Hero]

"So married, engaged, dating, and single, that sounds fine." Emiri giggled, though she let out a yell of surprise as Jaakuna suddenly lifted her. She flailed her arms a bit, but she managed to somehow not topple over. She pinched Jaakuna's cheeks, grinning widely. "It feels great to be so tall!" She proclaimed, obviously enjoying her newfound height.

"Still taller than you." Nadeline sang as she was perched on Wesley, sticking her tongue out at Emiri.

The brunette returned the favor as Grant went underwater. Personally he didn't quite appreciate getting stuck with the general, but it seemed he had little choice on the matter. He lifted Savayna with ease--he didn't think she was this light. "Uh huh." He replied, one hand gripping her leg while the other brushed his wet hair out of his face. Once his vision was cleared he made sure to hang onto her--the last thing he wanted was for her to blame him if they lost. It was actually somewhat embarrassing for him, this kind of position was meant for people that were intimate, no? Yet Nadeline looked like she had no problem with Wesley. Emiri was blowing a kiss to Jaakuna. Lorenzo chuckled as Karolina rested her hands on his face. They were all clearly enjoying this. Karolina winked at Grant, who could only groan in response. He really didn't like the fact that he was the subject of everyone's teasing.

"Now then, this is going to be a battle royale!" Lorenzo announced, crossing his arms. Karolina remained perched, though she clapped her hands happily. Emiri made note of that; she still managed to hang on, she was surely going to be the hardest to take down. "Now, no eye-poking, grabbing at swimsuits, scratching, begging for mercy, whining, crying, hair pulling, or magic--we'll get blasted out of the sea since the magicite would amplify our magic to catastrophic proportions." He told them wisely. "Alright, ready...BEGIN!"

[AlteredTundra]

With everyone all partnered up and ready to go, Lorenzo would take the time to address the rules. Unlike the Beach Vollyball game they played, there would be no using of magic. Jaakuna, Savayna, and Wesley all agreed that would be for the best. Besides, since there’s Magicite around, they would be propelled up into the air rather quickly and not to forget to mention how damaged their bodies would be when propelled. Lorenzo would go on to state some other conditions that included no whining, crying, complaining, grabbing swimsuits, or begging for mercy. Wesley chuckled at this. He wouldn’t do any of the sort. When the terms and conditions were set out, everyone(falsely) accepted. Who really reads the Terms and Conditions anyway? No one that’s who. Besides, this game would be a lot more fun than the last one just simply for the reason that no one can cheat this time.

And thus it began.

Wesley would slightly run as he would head to Lorenzo and Karolina. If they were to get someone out first, it would be the best players of the game. Besides, Wesley also wanted to gain the title King Of The Beach. Meanwhile, Jaakuna and Emiri would go to Grant and Savayna. With him running over there, it would give Emiri the chance to try and knock off Savayna. However, Savayna was a pro at keeping her balance. She wouldn’t go down so easily.

[Hero]

"Great." Grant muttered as an overly eager Jaakuna and Emiri headed their way. As they neared, he made sure to have good footing before Emiri tried to push Savayna off of him. She didn't look it, but the brunette was definitely stronger than she looked. He felt slightly pushed back, but he was pretty sure Savayna could take her.

Karolina beckoned Nadeline and Wesley to her, clearly composed and ready. Nadeline would show no mercy though, and as the two women locked hands in their attempts to shove the other off their men, Lorenzo only laughed. "Come now, daughter of mine! You should know better then to take on the best of the best!" He boasted as he moved forward. Karolina stuck her tongue out at Nadeline, who growled as she tried to push her. Unfortunately, the older pair was much more in sync than the younger pair, and Nadeline felt herself wobble. Uh oh she thought, gulping as she recognized the wicked gleam in her mother's eye. Karolina took one of Nadeline's arms with both hands, pulling both her and Wesley closer. This threw Nadeline off balance, and as she flailed to desperately try to regain said balance, her mother let gave her a mischevious grin: Wesley would recognize it as the same one Nadeline often use. The woman drew back her hand, and with a might strike, sent Nadeline flying off of Wesley.

"Noooooo!" Nadeline yelled, landing some distance away. As she resurfaced, she let out a huff, though when she stepped forward, her foot slipped on a piece of magicite. Rather than feel the sand underneath her, she felt nothing. Before she knew it, the blonde sank underwater. She flailed and thrashed around, trying to resurface. "AHHHH!" She screamed dramatically as her head bobbed over the water, but pretty soon she found herself sinking again.

Karolina gasped, tapping Lorenzo's head. "I went overboard, I knocked her over to the deep section!" She told him worriedly.

"Boy, go fetch my daughter, I have a competition to win." Lorenzo stated simply turning and wading over to the remaining pair.

"Hang in there sweetheart, Wesley is coming to get you!" Karolina called, waving over to her.

[AlteredTundra]

It was on like fucking Donkey Kong. Wesley and Lorenzo were holding their respective ladies up, Nadeline and Karolina were trying their best to knock each other off. While it was indeed going to be an even match, Wesley happened to gaze upon Karolina briefly and he saw a certain mischievous grin that he was all too familiar with. Well, we lost. Wesley knew it and in about a minute or so, it would happen as Nadeline was not sent off of Wesley’s shoulders, but she was sent so far off that it looked like she went to the deep end. Wesley could only look in shock at how far she was sent. To even make it worse, her parents, each in their own way, were demanding him go after her, which he wouldn’t fight it.

Jaakuna and Emiri were going to try their best to get Savayna off of Grant’s shoulders or make Grant lose his footing. Jaakuna would notice that Emiri would try to shove Savayna off, but Savayna would meet the shoving with a block and Savayna would very firmly grab upon Emiri’s tits. She squeezed and squeezed. Jaakuna looked up in horror. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” He shouted out as, to his surprise, Jaakuna lost his footing. “Oh shit..” The next thing he knew it, Jaakuna was butt-first on the sand and Emiri has half-hanging off of his shoulders and face planted in the sand. “We lost.” Jaakuna said ashamed.

Meanwhile, Wesley had dove into the deeper regions of the water, and soon he found himself gripping Nadeline with both arms as she was in a horizontal position to his vertical frame. They would find themselves in shallow waters and he still had her in that position until he brought her to the shores. He turned his head down. “You okay?”

[Hero]

Emiri stared down at Savayna's hand and let out a shrill shriek. She tried to back away, though she forgot that she was on top of Jaakuna. Apparently the act had also surprised Jaakuna, who lost his footing in the water. Emiri found herself face-planting the water and meeting the sand. After thrashing around for a while, she broke the surface, gasping and sputtering out air. She let out a wail, her face still red from embarrassment. Why the hell was everyone deciding to fondle her today?! She looked at Jaakuna, offering him an apologetic look.

"Ho Ho Ho! If it isn't my little brother! Darling, let us show them the power of Love!" Lorenzo declared as Grant approached them.

Once he knew Nadeline was safe with Wesley (something her parents, or at least Lorenzo neglected to check) he braced himself for his older brother. Savayna wasn't one for more practical means of winning, but then again, Karolina was freakishly crazy strong. The doctor wasn't lying when he told he she'd be back at full strength in no time. Karolina gave them both the 'bring it on' gesture, preparing herself for the pair. No way they were going to win by conventional means, and while Savayna wasn't above dirty tactics, he was more than sure that the married couple were more than ready for them.

Grant let out a small sigh, looking at up Savayna. "Sorry about this." He told her, placing his hands under her butt. Bending his knees, he pushed Savayna and sent her flying upwards. As both Karolina and Lorenzo were distracted and wondering what the hell Grant was thinking, he rushed forward to Lorenzo. Karolina saw him coming, but before she could warn her husband, Grant stopped right in front of them, punching Lorenzo in the face. The man let out a yell of surprise, toppling backwards into the water with Karolina. Grant looked up and held his arms out, catching Savayna. He now held her in a bridal carry and let out another sigh. "Victory is ours." He stated simply, watching a sputtering Lorenzo and a giggling Karolina.

"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Lorenzo yelled at his younger brother.

"That is a test of trust." Grant stated.

Meanwhile Wesley had fetched Nadeline. She clung onto him tightly, not wanting to let go lest she almost drown again. "Once again, you come to my rescue." She told him brightly. "I felt like it was the river on Giza Plains all over again..."

Karolina had caught up to Wesley and Nadeline, huffing slightly. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" She asked her daughter.

"I am now." She grinned at Wesley.

[AlteredTundra]

As Lorenzo and Karolina made their way over to Grant and Savayna, first the two brothers would exchange looks and some words and then the fight for title of King of the Beach would be decided. It would finish off as Grant, with a grabbing of Savayna’s ass, and much to her raising an eyebrow(she was liking it secretly) and he hoisted her up into the air. Following that, Grant punched Lorenzo in the face, which caused him to fall back into the water and as a result, Karolina as well. Not long after, Savayna came down and Grant caught her in his arms in a bridal carry. Savayna by this point was all red.

When Lorenzo yelled out in clear anger, Grant would simply state it was a test of trust. All the while, inside Savayna’s mind, she had so many thoughts going through it. Oh my god, he touched my ass. Oh my god, he’s carrying me like a bride. Wait what am I saying? No, I can’t actually be thinking about him in that way, though he does have big arms and he is pretty cute. WAIT NO! All those thoughts running through her head and all Savayna could do is look up at Grant, wanting to just smooch on him, but she couldn’t. Or maybe she wouldn’t? Perhaps it was more like that she shouldn’t. Whichever the case, she didn’t. Instead, she would force herself down. “So, uh, good job.” She said walking away, trying to fight her hormones.

Meanwhile, Nadeline clung to Wesley, even while on the beach. She would state that she was being reminded of the Giza Plains and Wesley smiled at how that seemed so long ago, considering what has all transpired since then. “I told you remember? Didn’t matter what it was, I will protect you, Nadeline.“ He said as Karolina caught up to them and asked if Nadeline was alright. With a grin to Wesley, she would assure her mother that she was alright now. Wesley smiled back at her. For a brief moment, they were lost in each other’s gaze. Then, after that moment passed, Savayna just walked into them, not even knowing they were lost in their own world. With Savayna doing that, it caused Wesley to lose the grip of Nadeline and she would fall on her booty and Wesley would looked slightly shocked.

Jaakuna and Emiri eventually made their way back to the beach. Jaakuna was depressed that they didn’t win, but he didn’t really care about that right now. Wesley looked to Savayna. “What was the meaning of that?” He asked, expressing his annoyance.

Savayna was not all there. “Oh…I didn’t..Sorry..” She was so lost within herself right now. So flustered by Grant and what happened.

[Hero]

At this point the sun had began to dip into the ocean, signifying the end of the day. Emiri didn't notice how dark it got until she and Jaakuna had regrouped with everyone. The magicite glimmered lightly as she passed them, creating a mixture of different colors as the sun's rays hit them. It was a nice view, and she noticed that as it got darker, the city began to light up as well. She actually couldn't wait to change and re-explore the streets. She was about to suggest it to Jaakuna but when she saw Nadeline on the sand and Wesley confronting Savayna, she wondered what had happened.

Nadeline crossed her arms, clearly displeased about being interrupted and dropped on her butt. As she got up, Grant had caught up with the group. She promptly slapped his shoulder. walking away in a huff. The guy stared at her in disbelief, though he simply shrugged. Apparently he had somehow managed to piss everyone off just by existing. Emiri caught up to him at this point. "What happened?" She asked him.

"I don't even know, apparently I manage to anger everyone by doing nothing." Grant admitted, getting his hoodie and trudging off to the changing room.

The brunette watched him leave and exchanged a look with Jaakuna, though she decided not to further investigate, instead following the rest of the ladies to the changing rooms.

[AlteredTundra]

It really didn't take long for the group and the old people(Lorenzo and Karolina) to all get changed into the clothes that they first came to the beach in. Actually, only about five minutes until they all were changed into their clothes. First out came Jaakuna and Wesley as they appeared near the exit to the beach. They would wait as the ladies would take their sweet-ass time. Jaakuna looked to the city and it looked so wonderful with all of the lights brightening the streets of Stigma. Jaakuna actually wouldn't mind going with Emiri and checking out the place that she grew up in. Maybe she could even inform him of some of the stuff that makes this place wonderful

As Jaakuna would wonder about that, Wesley was caught up in his own train-of-thought as he would soon think about his double date with Nadeline and also Grant and Savayna. He couldn't help but feel very nervous about this. Granted, it's a double date, but it's still their first date. Besides, Wesley was just having Lorenzo's words in the back of his mind. The words of how if she doesn't have a good time, he'll come for Wesley. The Dalmascan prince shakes that thought off.

In the Female Changing Room, the ladies were proceeding to get into their regular clothes. Savayna noticed Emiri and Nadeline sort of playing with each other(non-sexually of course). She would make a rude comment here, but Savayna was distracted. She actually found herself thinking about that one moment that her and Grant had when he had her in his arms. She didn't understand why she kept on thinking about that one moment. Okay, maybe she did, but the reason why was just completely absurd, right? She would nervously shake it off and actually raise a question to Nadeline. "So Grant, does he ever show himself having a good time?" She said that so randomly and so out of the blue and she even turned her head away as she asked that, scratching her face and red as a Rouge Tomato. "I mean, like..will he show himself have a good time for our date?" Wait, did she say their date? No, she meant Wesley and Nadeline's date and them just coming along as guests. Yeah, that's what she meant.

Jaakuna would stretch his arms out, letting out a moan as the release of the cracking bones felt so good. "So, you nervous bout that date tonight?" Jaakuna asked Wesley as he finished stretching his arms.

Wesley laughed slightly. "Just a bit." He admitted.

Jaakuna grabbed Wesley and pulled his head in close. "Oh relax. You like her right?" He said with a grin.

Wesley was red, but Jaakuna brought up a good point. "I do, a lot actually." He admitted.

Jaakuna released Wesley. He laughed and socked him somewhat lightly in the arm. "Then just enjoy yourself and have fun. Do that and you'll get lucky." Jaakuna said winking.

Wesley, surprised at Jaakuna's innuendo, looked to him. "I'm not--I mean, I wasn't expecting it.." He said, not able to find the words. Jaakuna laughed and smiled, but mainly laughed.

[Hero]

"Cut it out, Naddie, they're probably waiting for us!" Emiri chided Nadeline, throwing her towel at the girl. "Don't you have a date to get ready for?"

Nadeline pulled the towel off her head, sticking her tongue out. "Don't be jealous." She sang happily as Karolina handed her a bag. As Savayna would ask her about Grant, the blonde thought to herself. "He seemed to be enjoying himself today when we were playing. Except when he got hit in the face. But that was hilarious."

Karolina chuckled lightly, pulling her shirt over her head. "Grant has always been a serious young man, I'm glad he had fun today." She said, pulling on her long skirt. She then took a brush out of her bag, sitting her daughter down and began combing it through Nadeline's hair, despite her protest. "I think he likes being around all of you. He doesn't look like it, but he tends to get very lonely in the castle. He just has a harder time expressing himself, that's all." She explained to the girls as she brushed through Nadeline's tangles. Once she finished, she patted her daughter's head and motioned to Emiri. The brunette took Nadeline's spot and Karolina began brushing her hair as well. "He'll have fun tonight, I'm sure of it."

"Does that answer your question?" Nadeline asked Savayna.

Outside, Lorenzo and Grant exited the mens' changing room. They caught Jaakuna laughing, though paid no mind to it. "I'll be returning to the castle, tonight." He told Grant quietly. "I'll send word to find out about Reia's assassin."

He nodded, though he turned to his brother. "I know you weren't lying, but...I had hoped your information would be false. I didn't think Reia would turn out like Roland." He replied. "Even if she was to eliminate Nadeline and myself...then what? Would she go after you as well? Is a bloodbath what she really wants? Doesn't she realize this won't end well no matter what course of action she takes?"

Lorenzo patted Grant's shoulder. "What we are in the dark determines what we really are. I suggest you not worry about it too much."

[AlteredTundra]

Inside the changing room was definitely an earful for Savayna and while some things that both Nadeline and Karolina had said, it still didn't make things better, but it did answer her questions. She would take in every single word that Nadeline and Karolina spoke and take it right to the heart. She didn't know what she was feeling or how deep said feeling went, but she would just let thing happen as they will happen. She would just nod to Karolina, who by now was brushing Emiri's hair. "As much as it could, I guess." Savayna shrugged.

When Jaakuna finished teasing Wesley about going on his date, it wouldn't be long until the ladies would also come out and everyone would leave and the night's events will reveal itself to them as they would look forward to it.

[Hero]

"Have fun you crazy kids!"

Lorenzo and Karolina bid the group farewell, the two heading back to the castle. Grant watched them leave, Reia's actions still on his mind. They'd continue to plague him even as the group would split up. He found it somewhat odd that they didn't just all go out, but Nadeline insisted on their double date ("There's no such thing as a triple date!") and so he found himself sitting next to Wesley and across from Savayna, who had also been strangely quiet for some time now. Nadeline sat across from Wesley, talking to him about something or whatever, he hadn't been paying too much attention. However, the girl had been paying attention to both Grant and Savayna's silence.

"What's wrong, you two?" Nadeline asked them curiously.

"Nothing." Grant stated, taking a swig of his water.

---

The pair walked down the streets of Stigma, looking to see what the night life looked like. For Emiri, it was more about reacquainting herself and going down memory lane. She walked hand in hand with Jaakuna, often pointing out places that she had been to and offering tidbits about places that no longer existed and whatnot. It was still weird to think she was back home of all places, and before she even noticed, she found herself in her old neighborhood. Grasping the key on her necklace, she silently led Jaakuna through the many houses around. It was very quiet, though most people watched the couple curiously. She paused before a piece of property on a corner. All that remained were the foundations of a home, the place looking like it could fall apart at any second.

Emiri stepped through the desolate front lawn and over the rocky path that led to the house. She stopped before the front door, and using the key she had, she unlocked it. She stepped inside and let out a small cough. The house had been abandoned for some time, thick layers of dust covering what remained on the walls and furniture. Everything was on the first floor--a small kitchen, one bedroom, and the living room. She approached a dusty mirror that was as tall as she was. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale, elaborately decorated. Despite its age, she saw herself clearly through the dirt and dust gathered on its surface. She looked at Jaakuna through the mirror.

"I'm sure you can guess where we are." She spoke, her voice lightly echoing through the room.

[AlteredTundra]

In the time that it took for them to shower at least slightly from the saltiness of the water, the four of them — Wesley, Nadeline, Grant, and Savayna — had found themselves at a restaurant. It was pretty fancy, by the looks of it. At least, for a couple of pairs of rich-ish people. The dress that Savayna had on was just the norm as she would look around and see people wearing some fancy clothing as well. She wouldn’t think it was that odd for her to be wearing something this fancy such as her dress. Even Wesley’s attire was something that women would swoon over and men would just be envious of.

As they were enjoying their time, Nadeline would ask what was wrong with Grant and Savayna as they were both being exceptionally quiet this evening. Savayna instantly jumped a bit. Does she know already? Damn it Savayna, you should know better than to show this kind of weakness! THINK OF A RESPONSE! Her fears of being found out about her feelings for Grant — whatever they might or might not be — she had to say something. “Oh, I’m quite fine actually. What makes you think there’s anything wrong? There’s nothing wrong.” She was going on like a chatter monkey. Oh god, I’m gonna be found out. In her mind, she was panicking beyond belief. She turned her gaze to Grant who was calmly sipping his water. HOW THE FUCK DOES HE NOT SEE IT!? Savayna, angry that Grant didn’t catch onto what she had been hiding, she lightly kicked him in the shin under the table. Oh god, why did I do that? NOW HE’LL MOST LIKELY FIGURE IT OUT!

Wesley looked to Savayna, seeing her acting weird, but he would just ignore her cause right now he wanted to focus on how beautiful Nadeline looked. She always looks stunning, but something about tonight and the way the light glistens upon her skin was making her just even more stunning. Wesley took a sip of his water and set down the glass. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” He said.

---

When the group had all gone off to their separate locations, Jaakuna and Emiri were roaming the streets. They walked hand-in-hand, and just admiring the lights and the buildings. At least, that’s what Jaakuna was doing. He definitely liked the look of this place. Though, he had to think about how Emiri was feeling right now. There was no doubt in his mind that this must be divided for her. She is obviously glad to be back home, but as they continued down the streets, the quality of the neighborhood would go from middle class to lower class. It would actually get to the point where Jaakuna began to see deteriorating houses.

When they continued down that street, they came to a stop at a specific house. Jaakuna would follow Emiri’s lead as they would go into the house as they would walk through the lawn and make their way to the front door. Using the key on the necklace that Andre had asked Jaakuna to give to her, Emiri would use it to unlock the door. And now Jaakuna realized everything that Justine was alluding too. It’s not like Jaakuna agrees with her methods, not even in the slightest bits, but he at least understands why she’s so desperate to stay in her status. Still, Jaakuna didn’t think that gave her the right to treat Emiri the way that she did. In any case, Jaakuna followed Emiri through the house as they came to the sight of a mirror that no doubt had dust all over it, but the mirror itself was decorated with some lovely designs.

When they came to a stop to the mirror, Emiri would look at Jaakuna through it and asked him to guess where they were. Jaakuna knew the instant that he saw her use the key. “This was your old home, wasn’t it?” He simply asked.

[Hero]

Emiri nodded, confirming Jaakuna's suspicions. She looked at herself in the mirror, frowning slightly. "This house was built by great-great grandfather, or so I have been told. This was where my mother's family lived for a very long time. The illness that Karolina has...it runs in my family and has claimed most of them. And so Karolina and my mother lived here, taking care of my grandmother until the illness claimed her, too. My mother worked in the army as a blacksmith while Karolina was a nurse. That was where she met my father. The two married and had me, and they lived here. One day, the Emperor was walking through the city--he was an amorous man, very kind and fair to all the people of his country. To see him on the streets was common, much like how those little girls approached Nadeline as if she was just another person. However, someone took advantage of this and tried to kill the Emperor. My father saved him that day, and that was how my mother offered me to his son. That was also how Karolina and Lorenzo first met.

"My father was promoted, but it meant he was home less and less. You already know how my mother was...and I hardly saw Papa anymore after that. One day, she told me we were going to live at the castle. I was still young, and I didn't want to leave. I begged her to let me stay, I didn't care if I was alone, this was the place I knew as home. I somehow managed to lock myself in this house and no matter what she tried, my mother could not get me out or get in. It had been about a week before Papa came but he couldn't coax me out, either. Finally, they had to resort to tricking me to get out: they told me to go to my mother;s jewelry box, and said I could have my grandmother's necklace. That necklace is a priceless thing that, of course, a child should not have. Once I opened the door, the two rushed in and got me. I was so mad. We packed our things and left to live at the castle after that.

"Every once in a while, when I couldn't handle Mama's lessons, I'd always run back here. But of course, it was locked, so I'd just wait outside for Papa to come get me. Eventually, I got older and stopped running. But once in a while I'd visit the house anyway. I felt like...like we abandoned everything. All the happy times had happened here, Mama and Papa were both around smiling and I didn't feel the way I did when I was in the castle. Around the holidays, when Papa came to visit, I told him exactly how I felt. So that was when he told me to go visit the house anytime I pleased, that he would leave the door unlocked. I could sit there all day if I needed to, but specifically, I had to come and look at myself in this mirror. He told me this was a very special mirror that Mama made a long time ago. If you could look at yourself in this mirror and remember all the good times without crying, it would give you courage."

She placed her hand on the mirror, letting out a small sigh. She turned to Jaakuna, grasping the necklace. "I think...I think he wanted me to come here again. Or, I don't know. It's complicated." She said, looking at the key in her hand.

---

As he felt something hit him, Grant nearly spilled out his water. From the damage dealt of the kick as well as the angle, not to mention the look on the woman's face, he deduced that Savayna had kicked him. What the hell was up with everyone hitting him today? Was she not satisfied with sucker punching him? Apparently not, because now she was glaring at him. Great, he had managed to piss her off (again) without actually doing anything (again). He couldn't help but glare right back at her. She was really, really starting to get on his nerves, and he didn't appreciate being her punching bag, either.

Nadeline couldn't help but not believe Savayna for even a second. What was wrong with her? After taking a moment to process, it hit her. Holy crap. She had to bite her tongue not to laugh out loud. No, no way, she couldn't like Grant, this morning she knocked him out with a punch! Oh, this was too good. She watched as Grant and Savayna glared at one another. They were totally killing the mood. She looked directly at Grant, coughing slightly. His golden eyes caught her 'stop acting like you have a stick up your ass' look, and he got more irritated. She then batted her eyelashes at Wesley, changing her expression and body language on a dime. Her giggle told him that she accepted his compliment with pride. After a moment, however, Grant regained his composure. He decided to copy Wesley, though he didn't exactly have the man's smoothness. "You look nice tonight." He said quietly to Savayna.

[AlteredTundra]

When Emiri began telling him exactly what this place was and what it meant to her really made him understand why she really despised her mother. Sure, countless years of Justine’s abuse played a hand in it, but her being forced out of her home really made Jaakuna understand it all. It made him understand what exactly that necklace meant to her. It was a key to this house. He understood what Andre meant about how it could give her courage, even if just a little bit. All of it, Jaakuna just began to understand Emiri more and that’s what made him show a smile upon his face. This made him happy that she told him all of this.

When she looked to him, she said that maybe Andre wanted her to come back to this place. Jaakuna definitely agreed with that. “I think you’re right. I think he wanted you to never let go of your roots. Even if you wind up living in some fancy-ass castle or even on a fancy-ass airship, he probably wanted you to find some courage in the fact that you once lived here. As small as it was, I’m sure your father wanted you to remember the time that you and your parents were all happy..together.” As Jaakuna said that, it hit him. What Hamut said, why he made the promise. Hamut wanted the same thing that Andre wanted, though vastly different approaches. “Yes, I am confident that Lord Andre wanted you to remember the times that you, him, and your mother were truly happy.” Jaakuna said smiling to her.

---

Grant and Savayna exchanged looks. Well, it was more like glares. Yeah, it definitely was more like glares at each other. Even still, Savayna wasn’t exactly angry at Grant, not really. She was angry at herself. No, she was confused about what she felt. Even when everything happened, everything that he did to them, and just everything that had happened since then till now, Savayna couldn’t believe she was actually feeling feelings towards him and romantic ones no less.

Why did I have to say anything? Oh why did I have to kick him? Savayna, again, was going off in her head and then she heard it. Oh by the Gods, she heard it. Grant, as unsmooth as ever, complimented Savayna on the way she looked tonight. What should I do? What should I say? I need to do something. I need to say something. Savayna was at it again, but she regained her composure mentally and spoke. “Uh, um, thank you.” She said, though nervousness was on an all-time high. “You look hot too..” Oh god, why did she say that? Why oh why did she say that? Truly, the embarrassment will be the death of her.

Wesley couldn’t focus on Savayna and Grant. Though as awkward as they may be, he wanted to focus on Nadeline. Like, how could he not? She was the single most beautiful woman in the room. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Wesley was about to compliment her more, but then the waiter came by.

The man was probably around late teens, slick hair colored blonde. He had striking sea-green eyes and his outfit was the standard: black slacks, black shoes, a white, long-sleeve dress shirt and black vest over it. The waiter had a writing pad in his hand. “Hello, my name is Dominic and I’ll be your waiter this evening?” Dominic spoke with grace and formality.

Wesley looked to the waiter. “Hi Dominic, and thank you.” He responded.

“What can I get you four? Maybe some appetizers?” He suggested.

Wesley looked to Nadeline, then to Grant, then to Savayna, and then back to Nadeline. “I think that sounds lovely. What’s the special?”

“We have a wonderful Five Bean Salad imported straight from Dalmasca and the freshest Salmon rolls straight from Stigma’s very own waters.” He said.

Wesley’s mouth was already watering. He would turn to the other three. “That sound good to you?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Savayna simply said.