As Hamut sat in his office waiting for his Grandson to make his way to him, he sat there thinking about everything that he did up until now, from when he sealed his own son’s soul in The Great Crystal, to manipulating everyone and everything that revolved around the Throne of Archadia. Yes, Hamut was just thinking about all that he did to his family. Hamut truly regretted it, but he loves his country and he would do anything to make sure that it didn’t fall into enemy hands; or even worse, forces such as the Viera or Utena. Oh the gods, Hamut dreaded the day that he would run into that band of misfits again. He still remembered the time he had to deal with the leader and that was not a fun day for Hamut.
Still sitting, Hamut patiently waited for Roman to come into his office led by Francis; though he did find it odd that Francis wanted to volunteer for such a task. Perhaps he was just thinking too much into it. Better him than Levi. On that topic, Hamut also wondered if he made a mistake bringing in Levi on the coup. It truly didn’t make for anything good in the long run, but she was the only other judge and he couldn’t really get Robur on board. That mindless idiot obeyed Vincent right down to the very core of his soulless body.
As Francis and Roman arrived at the Emperor’s palace, the limo dropped down and they got out. As soon as they did get out, they were met by five Archadian Soldiers. Francis eyed them and he did not trust what they were about to say. Something about them being here in front of them really sent the wrong feeling down Francis’ spine and that was never a good thing.
“Judge Francis, you are needed in Old Archades. There seems to be some commotion going there.” One of the soldiers said.
Francis looked at them.
“Can’t you handle that? I’m to escort this man to Judge Hamut.”The soldiers looked at him and the same one that previously spoke did so again.
“This order came straight from Judge Hamut.” He said.
Francis was worried, but an order was an order. Besides, it was in public, so it wasn’t like he could flat out say no.
“Fine, but be sure that this man gets to Judge Hamut.” He stated, urging that it was of the utmost importance that Roman was to be sent to Hamut. As Francis would walk to Old Archades, Roman was led by the five Archadian soldiers to only where the soldier’s knew and Roman didn’t.
When they arrived at the actual village, and after Wesley would definitely overhear Grant, Nadeline, and Kyua talk about how they saved Nadeline’s life, they would come to the sight and hearing of Aloa’s voice, which Wesley knew all too well. She was sitting down surrounded by many Viera. Then, as they came to the sight of her, another spoke and stepped forward. Aloa, who was standing by this point, introduced their leader, Lnka, whom of which would speak to them about what they were doing in Eruyt. Before Wesley could speak, Nadeline stepped forward. She would bravely state that they were in Eruyt for Reia and wished to bring her back to Rozarria. Aloa would deny the request.
As Aloa spoke more, it would be revealed that Aloa believed that it was the Humes of Ivalice who were to blame for its turmoil. She would state that Archadia’s own sons were betraying it and the same went for everywhere else in Ivalice and she would specify that the one to blame was Emiri and by assosiation, her friends. Of course Wesley was shocked by what Aloa had just said. That’s when Lnka would speak about how the Espers were the ones who kept balance to Ivalice and when they awoke, so began the so-called turmoil of Ivalice. She would further say that only four remain ready to tear open their cages without masters. Wesley couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but the next think Lnka said about something beneath Ivalice was waiting for the chance to break free. Wesley couldn’t help but wonder what exactly this thing was. She would not call it an Esper, so could it be something more powerful than that? Wesley didn’t know, but he would like to know.
When Wesley was just about to ask about this other beast, a voice was heard and based on the reactions that betook Grant and Nadeline(who nearly bumped into Wesley on accident), it was another one of those ninjas, much like Lola. When the owner of that voice showed themselves, Wesley saw that there was a lack of clothing on this one. Truly, no room left to guess such things. Oh boy, if Jaakuna were with them, the atmosphere would be much more different. Nadeline would ask if this one in front of them was related to Lola and she would shamefully prove that to be right. This woman would then state her name as Meli and call herself their grim reaper. Wesley raised an eyebrow and gripped the hilt of his Yagyu Darkblade as the words that came next about Meli was going to kill the three of them. Wesley wouldn’t have that.
Wesley smiled,
“that’s if you can catch us.” Wesley said as a bright light emitted from his left hand “Holaga!” It was in that instant, rays of pure white light came down from the heavens and shot down upon the village of Eruyt.
“Let’s go. This is our only chance!“ Wesley would tug Nadeline and Grant to follow him back to the Jungle. This was their only chance to get away and Wesley preferred not to waste that chance.
The time might have been short, but the group effectively made their way through the Sochen Cave Palace with little trouble. There were a few monsters here and there, but for the most part they were able to make it to Old Archades with little harm to their well-being. As they would make their way to Old Archades, sure everyone recognized Jaakuna, Emiri, Savayna, and Isaiah, but the great thing about people of Old Archades, they hate anyone who was against the Imperials, so they welcomed them without any trouble.
As they made their way through it, Jaakuna couldn’t help but feel right at home. He remembered spending a lot of time in Old Archades when it was just called Archades. All of it was just so nostalgic to him. Hell, Jaakuna even ran into an
old buddy of his.“Wait a minute, is that you Lannit?” JAakuna called out.
Turning around, the almost thirty-year-old turned around and let out a loud
“HEYYYYY!!!” at Jaakuna, proceeding to knock over people as he ran to Jaakuna.
Both Lannit and Jaakuna wrestled each other on the ground, each giving one another a headlock, noogie, and just laughing like they were a bunch of kids. It took Savayna yelling at them to get them off the ground. As they did, they hugged each other only as bros could.
“Damn, Jaakie! How long has it been? Five or seven years?” Lannit said almost tearing up.
Jaakuna was doing the same as he and Lannit kept on hugging each other.
“Lannit, it’s just been way too long.” Jaakuna said sniveling multiple times.
“What are you doing here? It’s not really the place you should be, you know?” Lannit said.
Jaakuna looked down, his happy mood somewhat faded away.
“I’m here to…well it’s a long story.” Jaakuna said.
Lannit laughed.
“I don’t really care why you’re here. The important thing is that you’re back.” Lannit said grabbing a hold of Jaakuna’s left arm and Jaakuna let out a groan of slight pain.
“Oh sorry man.” Lannit said as he looked at Jaakuna’s arm.
“Nice tat, man.” He said.
Jaakuna smiled. “Well you know me, I’m one for tats.” He smiled and laughed.
“So, is Wendy still around?” Jaakuna asked.
Lannit laughed loudly.
“Of course she is. She’s always nagging me about everything I do.” Lannit said as he and Jaakuna walked arm-in-arm and the other three followed.
Savayna leaned to Emiri.
“Prepare yourself, those two will be inseparable.” Savayna said sighing. Isaiah joined her in that.
As the group continued forth, following Jaakuna and Lannit, they came to a small house to which they walked through and there were a bunch of kids running around all ranging from the ages of twelve to five, all with assortments of green hair, blonde hair, blue eyes, and teal eyes. The amount of kids were seven and they were all Lannit’s and
Wendy’s. Speaking of which, when they all walked in, everyone one of them stopped and Wendy got up from her sitting position and tackle-hugged Jaakuna.
“JAAKUNA! WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN YOU SON OF A BITCH!?” She yelled out.
Instantly, Jaakuna had a scared look on his face as if he were about to be killed. Though, Wendy hugged and rubbed all over him, but then got off and sat down on her ass.
“I’m sorry Wendy, I’ve sorta been on the run, ya know?” He said with a slight hint of sarcasm.
Wendy laughed and began chugging a 40oz of Ale.
“Yeah, I know, “ she laughed some more. She let out a burp and invited everyone to sit down. The kids were all staring at them with big eyes.
The five Archadian Soldiers led Roman through the palace. They went about seven floors and they went into a certain office where the door would open and lead Roman into it. Any Archadian-born person would know what office it was. One that was for damn sure, it wasn’t the office of Hamut. No, once one got close enough to the walls and the layout, it was the Emperor’s Office and looking out at the window was Vincent, and as soon as the doors closed he turned his head, hands behind his back and walked to Roman.
“Roman, it’s nice to meet you after all these years. I almost didn’t recognize you. You cut your hair since Jackson’s wedding.” He said smiling, which was never good for anyone, especially the one on the opposite end of it.
