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

[Hero]

Nadeline would lead her troop over to the old throne room, and as she would look at the flowers, the realization would start to sink in. It wasn't that she believed Emiri was lying, but the fact of the matter was that Justine was truly dead. She couldn't believe it, even as she would see the woman in the coffin, still as glass. For a moment, she almost believed Justine would open her eyes once more, but as the minutes would pass, the truth would come down on Nadeline much harder than she had anticipated.

She would reach out, lightly touching Justine's face, and would shake her head as she trembled. No, she would not cry. Managing to compose herself, instead she would clasp her hands in a silent prayer. She hoped that Justine would reach the afterlife peacefully. Once she finished, she brought a hand to her face as she would shake her head once more.

"Forgive me, I...I was not prepared for this." She admitted to Wesley and Savayna. "Even when my grandfather had passed, I was never one for funerals. Of course, I had my young age as an excuse at the time, but now..." She would then refocus, a serious look on her face. "The casualties must have been astronomical for them to use the castle for the wounded. The people will not stand for this." She stated grimly, looking at Wesley as he would surely catch her implications.

---

Grant relaxed in his seat fully, not quite as reserved as Nadeline. He needed some damn rest, though he was disappointed when Jaakuna would remain. The blonde would take a seat next to him, and for some reason, this made Grant sit upright once more. Perhaps there was something he wanted to talk about. But when Jaakuna would sigh, there was something in the pit of his stomach, a feeling he couldn't shake off. Jaakuna would then speak, informing Grant of something he had done.

The prince was silent for a moment. He was truly afraid to ask at this point. He was honestly glad that everyone saw him as a confidant, but in all honesty, anytime Jaakuna had confessed to anything, it always meant bad news. His golden eyes would remain on the table in front of him as he would speak, "There was something bothering me this whole time." He would admit to Jaakuna. "Emiri had regained her memories much too quickly. No, that wasn't it. She's not really herself right now. We can all see it."

Grant would tear his gaze away from the table, staring directly at Jaakuna. "I don't know why, but I fear what you're about to tell me has something to do with her." He said. "Please tell me I'm wrong."

---

Jaakuna had told her to rest. And yet Emiri's legs would lead her once more to her father. Her frail, silent father. She would slowly sink to her knees beside him, placing her hands on his. He was so still, but he was breathing. He was alive, why wasn't that good enough for her? She wanted to see him smile at her, she wanted to hear his voice. As he was now, he may as well have been dead. The suspense was killing her on the inside.

"Papa, wake up," She pleaded with him, as if hoping her voice would stir him. As nothing would happen, she could feel despair gripping at her heart. The gentle headache would subside for a moment as she would grip the blankets around her father. "There's something wrong with me, Papa. I don't know why, but I feel so--so angry all the time. At Lorenzo, at Nadeline, at myself, everything...! Papa, Papa, I'm scared!" She whimpered. "Why can't I quell this--this burning hatred inside of me? I feel like something is eating at my mind, but I don't know what to do! Even when I think to tell someone, it's like...like my mouth won't function. Someone else starts speaking for me, but it's still me, but these dark, evil thoughts I had tucked away deep in my heart..."

She would put one hand on her chest, shaking her head. "I think...I think it started when I saw Mama. She's dead...and you know what the first thing I felt was? I was surprised, but then I felt happy. I actually felt happy that my own mother was dead! When Grant's mother died, he was so sad, he was miserable, when the previous Emperor died, everyone was sad, but me? I'm happy. I'm happy, Papa!" She let out a small giggle, adjusting her position so she would look at him better. "She'll never bother me again, Papa. She'll never bother us again. So please, please get better. It'll just be you and me, but I promise, I'll take good care of you, Papa. We don't need Mama anymore."

Emiri would laugh, a joyful smile on her face as her eyes shone with delight. "She's dead. The wicked witch is dead. The bitch is dead."

[AlteredTundra]

As they would walk into where the casket of Justine was, her face looking so peaceful. Wesley may never have had much time to speak with the late Justine, but of the words exchanged, he could tell that she had been through a lot. And through what Emiri has shared through the proxy of her mannerisms, Wesley could tell she was a strict woman. Yet, as Wesley looked at her lifeless face, there was something quite lovely about her. Maybe it was his weariness, but Wesley could see that there was a lot of love that she had. Perhaps he was looking too much into it, but Wesley liked to believe that she was that kind of woman.

“Nadeline,” Wesley said, arm on her shoulder, “it’s okay to grieve for your aunt. You were obviously close to her, so do not feel ashamed for crying. You are a strong person.” Wesley said, his words seemingly taking effect as she would regain focus.

“Well no shit.” Savayna said bluntly. Wesley shot her a look. “Sorry, but Nadeline is right. Your soon-to-be people won’t take this kindly. I wouldn’t be surprised that they would blame my Archadia, or perhaps your Dalmasca, Wesley, for this tragedy.”

Wesley didn’t want to believe it, but that was a possibility. It was highly unlikely that the three countries could go to war, but even if a possibility, it was worth considering. “I don’t deny that you may be right, Savayna. But let us not forget that my dearest sister Cassandra, nor her council, want war. Or Jaakuna’s brother and current Emperor of Archaida, Roman want war either.” Wesley said.

“Whether they wouldn’t isn’t the point. These Rozarrians don’t know who truly did this, and thus war may be pursued through pressure upon Nadeline’s living aunt.” Savayna said, shockingly actually acting like her former profession.

Again, she was right. Wesley looked at Nadeline, trying to gauge her opinion the matter.

---

“So, even you noticed, huh?” Jaakuna said, feeling somewhat relieved.

Jaakuna didn’t want to have to tell the entire story, so he was at least releived that Grant had noticed something. Still, that didn’t make it easier for Jaakuna. He still had to tell Grant that he actually trusted Levi. The woman that, on more than one occasion, even before Jaakuna’s adventures with Emiri and everyone else, proved to be riding thinly on the line of being trustworthy. There were times that Jaakuna recalled her being sweet and kind, but perhaps that was just a front. Truly, Jaakuna - and just about everyone else that she came into contact with - ended up saying the most famous phrase in all of Ivalice: Don’t trust Leviathan.

“I wish I could, Grant,” Jaakuna admitted. He took a deep breath, knowing what he was about to say was going to make him look like the worst boyfriend ever. “Okay, so when we were alone on the Ifrit, waiting for you guys to come back, we had done some activities, Levi, out of the blue, showed up.” Jaakuna sighed, “she hinted that she had it in her skill set to cure her. I was skeptical, but Emiri wanted to try. She wanted her memories back, so I did it with high caution.” Jaakuna said, only guessing how Grant was feeling about just the mention of Levi’s name, “and after a while, Emiri’s memories returned. I was happy, and that’s when we went off to Stigma, first to erypt, to tell Aloa of what happened in Stigma. She checked Emiri’s head to see if anything had gone wrong, and Aloa informed me that something was …off.” At this point, Jaakuna was starting to clench his fists. “I didn’t address it then because we had to go to Stigma. When we arrived, and after we had gotten to the throne room where Justine’s body laid lifeless, I saw hints of Emiri being off. She seemed happy about Justine’s death.” Jaakuna said, recalling the awkward feelings he was experiencing see Emiri happy about Justine. “And then..” Jaakuna said, sighing deeply, “when we were battling Lola, I saw it, but only this time, it was like it escalated immensely. It’s like she had warped into someone entirely different. It was like,” he hesitated, unable to even say it out loud, “it was like I was looking in a mirror of my nightmares. It was like I was reliving my horrors as Zodiark’s Pawn..” Jaakuna said, switching glances from the plate of food in front of him and Grant’s golden eyes.

[Hero]

Nadeline couldn't help but lightly pound her fist on the coffin. "The suffering of my people, their screams for blood will not be ignored. Shion had wanted the mines blown up so that the magicite would bring balance Zodiark's warped presence, but instead, the Dark Esper was one step ahead of her." The princess clenched her fists tightly as she would look down on Justine. "Lola was always unhinged, all she needed was a little push to become full-on psycho. And look at what has happened..."

She would then turn fully to her companions. "Father has told me that the Council is currently meeting with the Empress. Justine's death, as well as the many who have perished today, will be the sole reason Rozarria will go to war." Nadeline would hesitate for a moment, crossing her arms. "The only thing we can hope for is that the Council would deem war too risky, we have lost much in terms of people and power. Or at the very least, it would be delayed for some time." She would then let out a small sigh.

---

Levi.

Grant's mind seemed to go blank for just a moment. He was sure Jaakuna was expection some sort of response, but Grant was focused on just one thing. Levi. The snake. Jaakuna had trusted the woman who was literally infamous for betrayals, the one who had nearly gotten Grant killed. He was almost waiting for Jaakuna to explain that this was some kind of cruel joke. That he was lying. No, it was no lie, it was the truth, and Grant was in denial.

Somehow, someway, Grant had managed to maintain eye contact with Jaakuna. For just a split second, Grant wanted to punch Jaakuna in the face. But it seemed he had acted without realizing, and while he hadn't him him, Grant had grabbed Jaakuna by his jacket, gripping it tightly.

"Levi...Levi of all people." Grant's words were surprisingly calm all things considered. No, he could not strike Jaakuna. Jaakuna had somehow managed to forgive him when Emiri was also hurt in his care, but somehow this felt so much worse. "Jaakuna...why...why would you do such a thing? Levi plays for no one but herself! She would never have done it without having something to gain from it!"

It was then that something in Grant's head would click. "Are you...are you trying to tell me Zodiark is in her head?" He asked Jaakuna, his eyes widening. "Emiri's mother is dead, her father on the edge of life and death, do you have any idea what that does to a person? I wouldn't be surprised if Emiri is mentally shattered...her psyche must have taken a toll..and you're telling me Zodiark is in there somewhere, possibly manipulating her?!"

---

The door to the throne room would open, alerting Nadeline, Wesley, and Savayna to Emiri's arrival. She would walk over to them, taking a good, long look at the coffin. Nadeline watched her carefully, raising an eyebrow as Emiri would touch the flowers around the coffin.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" Emiri asked them quietly, a gentle smile on her face, though it would fade as she would look at Nadeline. "You look more like my mother than even I do. You, Karolina, and Justine...all the perfect blonde haired, blue eyed maidens. You look very much like my mother, give or take some years." Emiri admitted to her, playing with the end of her ponytail.

"Yes, you do take more after your father." Nadeline was inclined to agree, specifically noting Emiri's darker hair and paler skin. "I suppose that was just the luck of the draw."

Emiri gave Nadeline a cold, hard look. "Yes...that must be why you have that look." She said, narrowing her eyes. "Lorenzo has it, too...that snobby, judgmental look my mother always used to give me, like you knew so much more than I did."

Nadeline knew this was coming, though she had hoped it would have been in private, rather than in front of Wesley and Savayna. She placed one hand on her hip, watching Emiri carefully. "Must be a talent I inherited from my father then, the one where I can see right through you." She stated sharply. "I understand you must be suffering, but I don't believe that's any cause to take it out on me."

"You're absolutely right!" Emiri nodded, looking down at Justine. "It's just...I thought that look would have died with her, but I guess it still haunts me. I see her in you, isn't that strange?" Emiri looked up at Nadeline, who seemed to look at her with pity. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because I thought you were strong. I never figured you would let her death shatter you as such." The princess admitted, baiting her. "But look at you, lashing out at everyone just because you're angry and upset with yourself. You wish you could have done something for her, you wish you could have saved her, don't you?"

The brunette looked at Nadeline in surprise, though she would look at Justine. After a moment of silence, she would let out a laugh. She was laughing? Now it was Nadeline's turn to be surprised as Emiri would lightly pat her on the shoulder. "Oh, that was a good one, Nadeline!" She told her cheerfully. "No...no, I don't. I wish I could have saved Papa, but her...she can stay dead, for all I care."

[AlteredTundra]

As Jaakuna had prepared for some kind a reaction, yelling, punching, yelling and punching, he just looked at Grant. That was the least that Jaakuna could do given what he just told him. As he did look at Grant, he saw the mixture of shock and anger in his eyes, in his facial expression, and his hands. He expected Grant to just wail on him, but what he did wasn’t something that Jaakuna expected nor did he deserve. Grant simply grabbed Jaakuna’s jacket, raising the blonde up from his seat.

Listening to Grant, Jaakuna heard the anger in his voice. “Don’t you think I know that now? I know she’s a vile woman. I know that, but you don’t even understand ANY of it!” Jaakuna’s voice spiked, a sharpness in it giving a sense of desperateness. He swatted Grant’s hand away from his jacket. “I know trusting Levi was probably the last thing I should have done, but until you see the one person that means more than to you than your own life in such a helpless state, you don’t get to judge me for a decision that I made,” Jaakuna said, looking at Grant into his eyes, that sense of urgency still in his voice. “She was suffering. True, she was making certain progress with that wraith, I could tell that Emiri wasn’t going to get better any time soon.” Jaakuna sat back down. “If you think for one second I was totally for it, then think again. Emiri was the one who wanted to do it. Did I try to stop her? Hell yeah, but she wanted to do it, so I went along.” Jaakuna said, slamming his balled hands onto the table, the glass and utensils vibrating. “If I had known..”

Truly, if Jaakuna had known that she was lacing her memory healing magic with something related to or of similar make to Zodiark’s power, then he wouldn’t have trusted her skeptical word. If Jaakuna had known that Leviathan would have made Emiri worse yet, then he wouldn’t have let her do anything.

And as Jaakuna was continuing hating himself for what he did, Grant would speak about Zodiark and what he suspected as well. Not only that, but Grant pressed on Emiri’s psyche and what Zodiark could possibly be doing to it. “I just don’t know. It might be him or this might be a side-effect of Chaos’ meddling. All I know is that the bastard himself whispered to me that I knew what was going on with her, and I’m still refusing to believe it…” Truly, Jaakuna didn’t want to believe it. He didn’t want to believe that, if Zodiark was in there, manipulating Emiri, that it was his fault. He was the one who allowed Levi to do it, and he was the one who allowed her to sneak …something into Emiri that may or may not be Zodiark.

---

After Nadeline’s reveal that what Savayna suspected was true about Empress Reia was meeting with the Rozarrian council about possible war, that made Wesley bite his thumb. He only did that when something truly troubled him. He knew what he had to do. After Nadeline said that Rozarria might look for war, there was no telling if they might look to Dalmasca for that. If so, then Wesley would need to make haste back to Rabanastre. He would have to inform his father’s widow and sister, Cassandra. He would have tell them of what happened.

“I pray to the gods that the Rozarrian council holds back the desire for war. With Zodiark undoubtedly entering the final stages of his plans, war is not the answer. Ivalice will need to stand together if we are going to defeat him.” Wesley said, still biting his thumb.

“Okay, Nadeline, if you say so.” Savayna wanted to say something, but she held her tongue. Not her country. Not her concern. “So, how long until your auntie--” Just when she was about to finish, Savayna caught a glimpse of Emiri. “Oh, Emiri, you look as worse as ever.” She said. Wesley lightly hit her shoulder. She looked at him, and he gestured his head to Emiri. She looked worse than what Savayna joked about. It was serious.

As Emiri and Nadeline went back and forth, it was becoming plainly obvious that something was really wrong with Emiri. Wesley spotted it when they were in the guest room. Savayna caught onto it when Wesley unverbally pointed it out to her. It was much more than just her grieving for her parents. It was much more than a sadness for her mother’s death, or her father’s critical condition. Emiri seemed like she was severely ill, or maybe something more was at play.

And then when Emiri said that her mother could stay dead, both Savayna and Wesley both widened their eyes. “Emiri, perhaps you should go lay down..” Wesley offered to her.

Meanwhile, Savayna looked at Nadeline, seeing the anger about to burst. “Nadeline, I know what you’re thinking about doing, and in other circumstances, I would say go for it, but remember where you are. I highly doubt it’s the place for that.” Savayna said, hoping her words would get through to Nadeline. However, knowing how thickheaded and stubborn that Nadeline could get, especially when angered, Savayna knew it wouldn’t work. She looked at Wesley sighing. Wesley blinked, and would simply watch as things were about to get worse before they got better.

[Hero]

"Ugh, I don't know how much longer I can keep my sanity..." Vlyn whined, leaning on Aloa for support. "The Mist feels like it's getting worse and worse..."

"We must prevail." Aloa instructed him curtly as she would help him walk. "If Karolina can remain strong, then you can as well. I need you to tend to Lord Andre--there is something I must do."

Vlyn's ear twitched, and he would drop to his knees, almost dragging Aloa down with him. He grunted, clearly in pain, though he would look up. "There it is again...! What is this feeling?" He exclaimed, his voice panicked.

Aloa knelt down to him, grasping his shoulders. "What is it, Vlyn? What troubles you so?" Aloa asked him, though she would let out a small gasp as she would sense it in the air. This sinister feeling, this darkness, it was crippling the Mist-sensitive male viera. But why was it here? It was not strong enough to be Zodiark, but its presence was imminent. "Remain here!" She would tell him as she would stand, running to the source of the strange Mist. Where was it coming from?!

Meanwhile Nadeline had heard both Wesley and Savayna loud and clear, and she agreed with both of them. When Savayna of all people would note that a fight wasn't a good idea, that was really a sight to behold. Emiri wasn't quite listening, oddly fixated on Nadeline, though the princess would finally let out a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment. Now Emiri was the one baiting her, making her look like the unreasonable one. The princess let out an annoyed huff, finally opening her eyes as sh would muster what little patience she had to her. She had to be the bigger person. If her father could do it, so could she.

"Wesley's right, Emiri. You need rest." Nadeline said quite bitterly, forcing herself to stay civil. "You clearly don't know what you're saying."

The brunette was surprised. The princess was usually so hot-headed, to see her fold simply because she didn't want to look bad in front of her precious fiance was hilarious. However, the longer she looked at Nadeline, the more that fucking look on her face annoyed her. You think you're so much better than I am, don't you? The thought crossed Emiri's mind without her realizing it. I know one way to get that smug look off your face. "Say, Naddie, why don't you tell everyone what you're really thinking? Hm?" Emiri asked her, feigning ignorance. "You know I'm right, don't you? You agree with me, right? You know how horrible she was to me, you remember all those times I cried, how much I didn't want this life. You actually agree with me, right?"

To say she was thrown off guard was an understatement, but Nadeline held her ground. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She snapped. "I'm not heartless. I am fully aware of what she did to you, but that doesn't excuse your behavior in the slightest. No, how about you say what it is that you really want to say? You're glad she's dead. Just get it out, let it out how much of a monster you are for actually being happy your mother is dead!" In that moment, something seemed to snap inside Emiri's mind. Her violet eyes widened in fury, and before anyone could react, Emiri would slap Nadeline across her face. The princess took a step back, her own eyes wide, though she would follow suit. Nadeline punched Emiri, and she would knock the brunette down, repeatedly punching her. "I'm right, aren't I?!" She would yell at the brunette, furious.

Emiri would catch Nadeline's next punch, bringing her knees under Nadeline as she would kick her off. Emiri would disappear from sight, showing up above Nadeline and kicked her down to the ground. "You know nothing! You understand nothing!" Emiri screamed in rage. "You spoiled brat! You, who have never had to work a day in your life, you who has had everything given to her!"

Nadeline got to her feet, spitting out blood as she looked at Emiri. "You'll have to forgive me, you missed that pity party back in Giruvegan." She stated. As she would take a step forward, a voice would call out to her, halting her steps in the process. Heed not her words. There is a sinister darkness in that girl's heart. It must be purified. She would recognize the voice as Ultima's as it would speak to her. "Great." She muttered as Emiri would run to her.

Have her be still, I will take care of the rest. Ultima assured her as Nadeline would prepare herself for Emiri's onslaught. Inhaling sharply, she would grab Emiri's wrist, taking her foot and kicking the back of Emiri's knee. As the brunette would fall, Nadeline would hold her palm to Emiri's forehead, a holy glow emanating from it. She had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but she would have to trust in her Esper. However, Nadeline's magicks were still severely depleted from their previous fight, and the glow would fade. No magicks, now what?! Nadeline cursed inwardly, though Emiri would headbutt her, catching her off guard.

As Nadeline fell flat on her butt, this time Emiri was the one on top. However, instead of using her fists, the girl would decide that it was time to end this, withdrawing her dagger as she would raise it, fully intending to plunge it into Nadeline's chest. Emiri could feel hands trying to stop her, presumably Wesley's or Savayna's, but she didn't care, and would only try harder. The doors would burst open at that moment, revealing a panting Aloa as she spotted the scene before her. Emiri was fast, but Aloa was faster, and she ran forward, grabbing the brunette by the back of her neck. "You who are burdened by your sins, let the light of redemption guide your will and seal your inner demons--Signaculum!" She chanted, and Nadeline would realize that Aloa had combined her previous spell with one of her own.

All was still for a moment, with the only sound heard being that of Emiri's dagger falling to the ground. Emiri would then fall off Nadeline, unconscious, and the princess herself would sit up, breathing heavily. Aloa knelt down, inspecting Emiri. "Everything is still, as it should be." Aloa stated as she would stand.

Nadeline finally managed to control her breathing, looking up at Aloa. "What...what in the world is wrong with her?" Nadeline asked.

"A spell far more advanced than anything I could have imagined. It is something people of ancient times had used, once, though it is most effective on humes, as you can see." Aloa explained, lightly tussling her hair. "A darkness that goes deep inside one's heart, one that brings out the thoughts never meant to see the light. It took advantage of her grief, but worry not. It will not happen anymore." She said, her ears still.

Vlyn managed to limp in, though he seemed much better than before. "Uh...bad timing?" He asked.

"No, perfect timing. Carry her to a room for her to rest." Aloa smirked at him, earning her a scowl from Vlyn.

---

Grant scoffed at Jaakuna, somewhat in disbelief. Jaakuna tried so hard to justify his actions, but Grant could tell the only person he was trying to justify anything to was himself. For someone who often boasted loudly to the world of his power, Jaakuna sure knew how to react when he was helpless. The dark haired man was silent for a moment, staring intently at Jaakuna. He had a lot he wanted to say, but there was a difference between finding the cause of problems and pointing fingers. Taking in a deep breath, Grant would place two of his fingers on his temple, trying to understand things from his point of view. Perhaps it was his own encounter with Levi that blocked him from putting himself into Jaakuna's shoes, but he just couldn't see himself doing the same.

"If Aloa were around...I'm sure she could do something about it." Grant muttered, trying to find a solution. "This is all becoming quite a strain on my own head. One problem solved, a dozen more pop up. It never seems to end." He looked at Jaakuna seriously. "What exactly do you want to do about it?"

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna wasn’t sure what Grant was thinking. Oh what the hell was he thinking? Of course he knew what Grant was thinking. He was livid with Jaakuna. He probably thought the blonde was selfish. He probably thought Jaakuna was to blame entirely for how Emiri has been acting. He probably thought Jaakuna was foolish to even think that he could trust Levi. Jaakuna knew he was way in the wrong, but as he told Grant, at the time, it didn’t seem like as bad as it turned out to be.

“I think first we shoul--” As Jaakuna was about to say something, he saw a bunch of the castle staff running off down the hallway. Jaakuna didn’t know, but he heard something about a fight with the princess and Lady Emiri. Jaakuna rose instantly. “Grant, we need to go! NOW!” JAakuna said, not thinking, he grabbed Grant’s arm, tugging him to follow. The Rozarrian had no choice. Jaakuna’s strength and adrenaline had Grant by the arm, and they were following the masses.

---

In the throne room, in front of Justine’s lifeless body, in front of many spectators watching in disbelief, in front of their friends, Emiri and Nadeline exchanged blows. It started just as a verbal fight. If only it had stopped there. If only it didn’t escalate further, but neither Savayna nor Wesley could have comprehended how it would have ended up. Emiri punching and kneeing Nadeline and the latter doing the same. Back and forth they went and back and forth came their offense and defense. Where would it end?

Wesley and Savayna, though try as they might, their efforts to restrain Emiri were in vain. She -or whatever was causing her to act this way - was proving to be too strong for even their combined efforts. Emiri went straight at Nadeline, dagger in hand, and it poised to apparently kill Nadeline. Wesley watched in horror. His weak body, not yet healed from the battle with Ultima didn’t move fast enough to step in front. Savayna couldn’t either. Both cursed aloud as they would watch in horror as Emiri’s dagger would approach Nadeline’s open throat.

And as that moment seemed to last forever, familiar white fuzz and familiar silver hair brought hope to both of them. “Oh that’s a relief.” Wesley felt like his entire world was saved in that one instant. He quickly wiped away the tears that had come when his mind feared the worst in that one instant.

“Holy shit, that was a close one." Savayna wiped her forehead.

The arrival of Aloa truly was a literal life-saver. It and the spell that she cast, making Emiri go into an unconscious state, truly did save Nadeline’s life.

Wesley slowly walked over to Nadeline, even though they were talking and seemed to finish as Aloa would order Vlyn to take Emiri to a room so she could rest, Wesley didn’t even pay any mind to them. He had one thing in mind, and as it would be seen by everyone, he took Nadeline in his arms in a tight embrace, his face buried into her shoulder, seemingly crying if only slightly. “I thought I was going to lose you again.” he whispered to her.

Savayna was a bit surprised - and jealous. She wished Grant would hug her like that. Realizing what she was thinking, she shook her head, and that’s when she saw Jaakuna and Grant standing in the entrance. “Oh hey, Jaaku-na..” her voice suddenly went low when she saw the look on Jaakuna’s face. Eyes widened, mouth down as low and wide as it could go, and seemingly tears down his face. Had he been watching the entire time? And if he had been, was grant too. Savayna wasn’t sure, but she would see Jaakuna look at Vlyn as the Viera would go pass him, carrying Emiri in his arms. Jaakuna didn’t’ say anything, but he followed Vlyn, giving Grant a pat on the shoulder, whispering something into his ear. Savayna raised an eyebrow, and would see Grant approach them.

“Heads up lovers and Bunny, Grant coming at 9’oclock.”

[Hero]

Nadeline let out a breath she was not aware she was holding. What had happened in that moment could have gone wrong, very wrong. On top of everything that had happened, she would come to regret putting herself in such danger. She had expected a fight, yes, but not in a thousand years would she had even dreamed of the possibility of Emiri wanting to actually kill her. She had managed to stand, somehow, and while she had heard Aloa, she was shaken. Emiri had every intent to murder her right there and then, and if it wasn't for Aloa, she would have become a sheath for Emiri's dagger.

Finally, the silence would snap her out of her reverie. Wesley would break said silence as he walked to her, and she braced herself. The prince was surely going to let her have it for doing something so utterly stupid. Instead, he would pull her to him, embracing her so tightly she was surprised he could still breathe. His words would hurt her so, so much that she actually wished he would have yelled at her instead. She shook her head as much as she could, though she would embrace him back. "Forgive me. I was too hasty." She would plead him, closing her eyes for a moment.

Aloa would bow as Grant approached him, his displeasure being clear as day. "Highness, you have returned to us as well," Aloa greeted him as she would stand.

"I--We are in your debt once more," He told her, giving her a slight bow. "Truly, you have my gratitude. Though I must ask, what was it that you did?"

"The princess' Esper attempted to seal away the darkness, but it would seem your trip has exhausted you all. I merely reinforced and completed the seal, nothing more," She told him.

"Then, we have no more worry? Will Emiri act out like that again?" Grant asked her.

Aloa would look at the door where Vlyn had left through. "Highly unlikely. Though I understand what happened here was unfortunate, the true tragedy was in her heart, it seemed." Aloa stated, shaking her head. "Denial. Sorrow. Anger. These emotions borne of despair and suffering...and all of Rozarria has been cloaked in a despair so thick it shakes the very roots of this country. Emiri is not the only one shaken by the day's events."

Grant would nod, bowing to her once more as Aloa would take her leave, presumably to tend to Andre as was her original intention. As he looked over at Wesley and Nadeline, finally resting his eyes on Savayna, he felt tired. The day had taken its toll on him, and what had just happened made things worse. He felt like dropping down and sleeping on the ground beneath him, but he would force himself to endure. He wanted to tell them the cause behind Emiri's attack, but right now...right now just wasn't the time or the place. He would walk over to Savayna, taking her hand in his as he would look at Nadeline.

"We hold out for tomorrow." He informed the pair.

---

Vlyn would lead Jaakuna to one of the many guest rooms. Once he would place Emiri down on the bed, he would give Jaakuna his full attention. "I'll leave you two alone--she'll awaken very soon." He informed him, giving him a wink as he would take his leave.

As if on cue, Emiri would stir for a moment, letting out a groan as she would open her eyes. Her surroundings were completely unfamiliar, though before she would panic, she would see Jaakuna. She tried to sit up, but it was as if every bit of energy had been sucked out of her. She would opt to remain laying down, though she would turn her head to him. "Jaakuna...I..." She began, though she would fall silent.

[AlteredTundra]

As Jaakuna took a seat next to Emiri’s bedside, giving Vlyn a nod as he would walk, leaving Jaakuna and Emiri. She would speak, and Jaakuna would lean over. “Please, save your strength.” Jaakuna had his hand on her arm, looking down at it, tears seemingly falling. “It’s my fault you’re in this position again. I was so goddamn selfish again. I should have never let her..” And Jaakuna stopped himself, realizing that he couldn’t even bring himself to say it. “I shouldn’t have let Levi do that to you. It’s because of her that you’re in this situation. And it’s my fault for letting her do this to you.” Jaakuna said, not wanting to look at Emiri. He didn’t feel deserving of her wonderful face.

---

The feeling of her warmth, the touch of her skin against his, it was more heavenly than the sight of a Holaga spell, or seeing actual angels descend from the skies above. Having her arms wrapped around his sent such a joyous feeling of delight through his body. There was nothing quite like having her in his arms, even considering how he nearly lost her a second time in one day. When she spoke to him, Wesley shook his head, bringing it out from her shoulder, and looking at Nadeline’s beautiful eyes—her beautiful blue eyes—and saw the apolgetic gleam in those two sapphire orbs. He saw that she truly regretted for, as she put it, being too hasty. Had he missed that somehow? Wesley was so caught up in losing her and hugging her as if he didn’t want to let her go that it escaped him that his own worries would be the cause of that look in her eyes.

“You don’t need to apologize to me.” Wesley said, heeding the words exchanged from Aloa and Grant, “as Aloa said, the cause of this was Emiri’s own feelings of refusal to believe that Lady Justine had past. Though,” Wesley said, his body turned to face Aloa, Grant, and Savayna, “I admit that I am confused on some bits. It is true that Emiri was grieving for her mother’s death, but why would she act violently towards Nadeline?” Wesley seemed to be asking himself rather than the group.

“That’s a good question,” Savayna said, her eyes looking to Grant, “you came in with Jaakuna.” Savayna said, “did blondie tell you anything? He’s been with her the entire time, so surely something happened, right?” Savayna asked Grant.

[Hero]

Emiri would shake her head at Jaakuna, putting her hand on his. "If anyone is to blame, it's me." She would correct him gently, gripping his hand tightly. "I was so desperate to remember...all I wanted was to see you happy. It was so frusterating, all the feelings I had for you there, just lingering, longing for you. No matter how hard I tried, the best I would get was blurry images and the feeling of nostalgia that wasn't enough." She shook her head, silently cursing herself. "I was impatient. I wanted to be normal again, I wanted nothing more than to see you smile!"

She would hesitate, but she would release his hand for a moment. In her haste she neglected to inform him that something was wrong. Now was as good a time as ever to come clean. Taking in a deep breath, she would fiddle her fingers as she stared at the ceiling above her. "I think the worst part about everything that happened...I am ashamed. Not because I attacked Nadeline, not because of the way I acted. It may have been wared, but I had meant everything I did and said." She admitted, clearly guilty. "My mother is dead...and do you know what was the first thing I felt? Relief. I was...I am glad she is gone. And I feel horrible for admitting it. All Papa ever wanted was for us to get along again, and here I am, happy she's dead! What kind of daughter am I to be glad my own mother is dead?!" Her body tensed up as she would confess. "Even if I was mistreated...even after everything, at the end of the day, she was still my mother. I should have cried, I should have been sad, but no...it was a bittersweet relief instead. What kind of monster am I, really...?"

---

Grant really hated being put on the spot, moreso now that he actually knew the answer to their question. But was it really his place to say? When Jaakuna had told him, he had felt so betrayed, he couldn't imagine how the others would react. He looked at Wesley and Savayna, unsure of what to tell them. For once Nadeline didn't seem to have the need to hound him, and for that he was grateful, but it made him feel all the more worse. They deserved to know...but Grant didn't have it in him to confess Jaakuna's truth. Not the whole thing, anyway.

"It would seem that Emiri had been...possessed, or something, by the likes of Zodiark," He began slowly, unsure of how to put it to words. "That was Jaakuna's suspicion, anyway, it didn't seem that he knew for sure." That much was the truth. This much he owed them.

Nadeline stared at Grant, wanting to pry more, but it seemed the adrenaline had worn off and all her energy had left her. The logical part of her head told her that she was partly to blame for baiting Emiri, but right now the only thing she could really focus on was getting to a bed. "How dreadful..." Nadeline murmured, clinging to Wesley's arm. "I wonder if it's the same thing that happened to Lola."

Lola had gone insane as well. It was little more than coincidence that Nadeline had mentioned her. Perhaps Grant could get away with this after all. "It's a good theory." He admitted.

The princess wanted to ask more, but she would concede. "Honestly, I would like to rest as well." She admitted, frowning. "[b]Even if we were to get to the bottom of this, Aloa has guaranteed that it will not happen again. "I fear I'm about to drop where I stand."

[AlteredTundra]

“But you shouldn’t have felt like you had take a shortcut for your recovery. You shouldn’t have felt like you needed to accept her help just to see me smile again. I shouldn’t have trusted any word she said. I knew that something was going to happen. In the back of my mind, I knew that Leviathan was going to do something.” Jaakuna said, despite what Emiri claimed, he was the one to blame. Wait, no. He wasn’t the sole person to blame here. Leviathan was to blame. She did this to Emiri. She was the one that nearly cost Wesley his love. She was the one that nearly caused Grant to lose a niece. Lorenzo and Karolina a daughter. Reia a niece. Leviathan was the one to blame for nearly putting the guild on Emiri for killing her best friend.

While Emiri explained to Jaakuna about what she felt about her mother’s death, Jaakuna realized that it wasn’t the aspect of Zodiark talking. It was Emiri herself. It was the Emiri that Jaakuna loved—that everyone loved. It was the Emiri that felt pain for her mother’s death and pain for nearly killing Nadeline. It was the pain of feeling relieved for her mother’s death. Pain of feeling ashamed for feeling that way about Justine’s death. “You’re not a monster - well, no more than I am or Wesley or Nadeline or anyone else for that matter,” Jaakuna was trying to plead to Emiri. “We all have something or someone that gets under our skin so much that it brings out the worst in us. For you, it was your mother and how horribly she treated you. So, you’re right to feel a bit of relief for her death, but don’t think for one minute that it makes you a monster,” JAakuna said, looking at Emiri, his hand holding hers up. “If you want to name a monster, look no further than that sneaky wench, Levi. She is the one who put something inside you that fed off of your grief and brought the worst possible side of you out with no control of what you said. If you want to blame anyone for what transpired today, blame Levi. She did this - not you.”

---

“Zodiark?” Savayna echoed Grant, her ears not wanting to believe what he said. “You’re telling me that Zodiark did this to her?” Savayna truly was speechless - well, not entirely speechless, but enough to be in disbelief.

“When you think about it, the presence of Zodiark in Emiri makes sense. He started by posing as Jaakuna’s father, and then even wormed his way into Jaakuna’s body. So, in a way, it seems fitting that he would go for Emiri next.” Wesley said, sounding more clearheaded now, “I do believe Shion was the one that said that killing The Scion of time, who we know is Emiri thanks to her power, was a way to at least partially halt Ivalice’s end. Or at least, that’s what the Blue Rose suspected. Perhaps—and this is just a shot in the dark—Zodiark suspects the same thing. It could be that the Keeper of Precepts suspects Emiri is the key to both Ivalice’s salvation and destruction.” he said. Truth be told, Wesely wasn’t sure if his theory was spot on or if he was just speaking hogwash.

“That’s a stretch,” Savayna said, but she had to admit that there was some truth to it.

As Nadeline would state that she was tired, Wesley felt that was the perfect opportunity for everyone to get some shut-eye as well. “Yes, I, too, believe I will rest as well. Today’s events have proven exhausting.”

“That’s the understatement of the century, but yeah, I need some fucking sleep,” Savayna yawned. She looked to Grant, approaching him, “mind showing me to my room?” she asked him, giving him a rather odd, but possibly effective, look.

[Hero]

Emiri wanted to believe Jaakuna, she truly did. She held his hand tightly, choosing to look at him carefully. This was the first time in a long time that they were together again, fully anyway. She couldn't quite count the time on the Ifrit since Levi had shown up. But now it was only him and her, and despite the silence, she was happy to have him there with her. If it were possible to stop the world just to savor more time with him, she definitely would do whatever it took to keep him with her. There was a lot they could talk about, a lot they could discuss, but at that moment, she just didn't want to deal with any of that. It was a childish thought, but she decided she would take advantage of the reprieve.

After a moment she would take her hand back from him, shifting her position with some difficulty as she would make room for him. She managed to lay on her side, patting the empty area next to her. "Come here," She told him, eyes bright. "It's been a while since it's just been you and me on a bed together."

---

They bit and believed, and for just a split second, Grant felt a pang of guilt. No, it was the truth. Whenever Jaakuna would decide to tell them about Levi would be up to them--Grant would be firm in the belief that it just wasn't his place to say it. However, the theory would prove to make Wesley realize something, and as Grant listened, he couldn't help but agree. Although the realization then came that perhaps Levi was working with Zodiark then opened up a whole can of other problems. For now, however, he would digress. They could talk more tomorrow, and Grant had to admit that he was pretty exhausted.

Savayna's voice would snap him out of his thoughts, and he would blink several times before registering what she had said. "Ah, of course." He murmured, his tiredness finally starting to take its toll as revenge for not resting earlier. He half-wished they would go back to the Ifrit, as the ship was basically a second home, though that would be odd considering the castle was his actual first home. He would nod to Savayna, leading the way in silence. The man had too much on his mind, and he feared that instead of resting he would end up staying wide awake.

As Grant and Savayna would depart, Nadeline would give Wesley a girlish giggle, hugging his arm tightly. "You can stay with me in my room again," She would suggest firmly, already dragging him back to her quarters, though she doubted she would get much resistance. "I'm sure you don't want me out of your sight for some time, hmm?"

[AlteredTundra]

Through all of that, Jaakuna had to admit his surprise when Emiri simply asked him to join her on the bed. She cited that it had been some time since they were alone together. Jaakuna couldn’t hide his chuckle as he would be reminded that, despite the presence of Zodiark and what had happened, the Emiri that he fell in love with was the one inviting him to get into bed with her. Jaakuna let a sigh of relief, as if he was happy to see that not all of her was lost. “You never cease to amaze me, you know that right?” JAakuna laughed, slowly getting into Emiri’s bed, taking her in his arms as they both would situate and cuddle with each other. “So, what next, huh? Shall we assume the position?” he asked, a familiar stupid smirk-like grin on his face.

---

Wesley noticed that Grant and Savayna had take it upon themselves to leave, with Grant escorting the blonde Archadian to her room. Wesley smiled as he would look at Nadeline, who not-so-subtly was inviting Wesley to join her in her chambers. It was then, despite their obvious closeness and how they were engaged to be married, Wesley’s cheeks turned red. Despite all of that, he was still a man of class. “Are you sur--” before Wesley could finish what he was going to say, Nadeline had already began dragging him by his arm towards her room. It looked like he didn’t have any choice in the matter. “Very well, lead the way, my darling,” Wesley smiled, being whisked away by Nadeline to her room. Only the gods know what would happen.

---

As Savayna and Grant walked side-by-side, not saying anything, Savayna occasionally looked at Grant and he obviously looked back. Strange for two people who usually were the most chatty amongst the group, they were quiet. And when it seemed they had came to a stop inside Savayna’s room(Grant probably wanted to make sure she liked it or whatever), Savayna sighed, turning to him, looking into his golden-yellow eyes. “Okay, I guess we’re far enough,” Savayna said, “now then, Grant, you want to tell me what blondie really told you?” she asked, “I have no doubt that Zodiark is involved, but Grant,” she said, “I was married to the dumbass. He’s the type to tell you either everything or nothing. Considering how distraught he looked when he saw Emiri almost cleave Nadeline’s head off, I imagine whatever he told you was pretty bad. So, come on pretty boy! It’s time to tell me everything.”

[Hero]

Was he serious? For once, she actually couldn't tell. Still, in that moment, the only thing she could really focus was on all the small details. The way Jaakuna would hold her close, the rough feel of his hands, the way he smelled. All the little things that made Jaakuna himself, it was as if she was rediscovering him all over again. How could she have forgotten that hair and those tattoos? Even the way he moved when he was with her, though she would put a halt to that thought as she would think carefully about his question. Maybe it was a joke afterall, but...

"Whatever you want," Emiri replied earnestly. "I'm just happy to be here with you. Like...it feels right. This, right now."

---

Once Nadeline would lead Wesley to her room, the maids gathered before them, awaiting their mistress' orders. Nadeline would temporarily release Wesley as she would approach them, though it seemed they had already known exactly what she had wanted. One maid would step forward, placing two bundles of clothes on a nearby table, and each maid would bow deeply before taking their leave. Once the doors had closed, signaling that they were alone, Nadeline would motion towards the loveseat, taking a seat and patting the cushion next to hers.

"No need to be so nervous. I simply wanted to ask your opinion in something," She told him, placing her hands on her lap. She would stare at him rather intently, though after a moment, she would finally speak. "If Reia--if the Empress has the intention of war...I plan on staging a coup d'etat." She revealed to him, eyeing his reaction carefully. "I realize that my last attempt went nowhere, but this time, I believe I am better prepared." She gave him a small smile, though it would fade quickly. "Although...honestly, I think I would like to ask Grant to take the throne. I believe he is ready for it. What do you think?"

---

Grant's expression immediately fell. It would seem Savayna wasn't quite as satisfied as Wesley and Nadeline were, nor was she about to drop the subject anytime soon. He almost felt like a child getting caught taking a cookie fromt he cookie jar, and he couldn't bring himself to think up an excuse. The maid in the room immediately knew she was not to stick around, and would take her leave as soon as possible, making sure to close the door behind her. Damn, there was his only possible means of escape.

Running a hand through his hair, he would stare at Savayna for a moment. He should have been happy they were alone, but it seemed he had made an error in that part. Letting out a long sigh, Grant rolled back one shoulder as he would look righ back into her blue eyes. "I honestly don't feel it's my place to tell everyone. Everything I had mentioned before was the absolute truth--there was no deception there." He informed her. "I'm sure Jaakuna will tell everyone himself soon. It was another brash decision he made...one he...one I couldn't understand." His voice seemed to drop, his expression looking a little sad. "A decision borne of desperation and love, I suppose."

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna loved how eager and how surprisingly honest Emiri was. For someone who was so innocent, so bashful when he first met her, Emiri turned out to be quite the eager one. It didn't matter whether it was something sexual or just how she acted most of the time. Before that whole mess with Chaos and then with Zodiark and Levi, Jaakuna had seen a decrease in her bashfulness and caring what people thought and more about what she wanted to do for herself and what she wanted to do with Jaakuna. Again, that extended to the sexual aspect of their relationship.

"Yeah..." Jaakuna let out a rather awkward laugh, "I just want to stay like this." Jaakuna sweetly said, closing his eyes as he held Emiri close to him.

---

As they came into Nadeline's room, the door closed behind them, and maids awaiting her orders, WEsley had to admit his surprise. He forgotten, if for just a brief moment, that Nadeline was a princess. Not only a princess, but third in line for the throne of Rozarria. It came with a lot of respect from the help, and a lot of power with Nadeline. She would order them to get some clothes for Wesley and he simply gave him their thanks by bowing. That seemed like the proper response. He would keep his head bowed as they would leave the two of them alone.

When they all left, Nadeline gestured for him to the loveseat she was on, patting the cushion next to him. He would sit next to her, legs crossed. She would tell him how she planned to overthrow Reia. "That's quite the ambitious goal, Nadeline," Wesley said, seemingly amused by the idea. "I don't know Reia that well, only from what you told me, but it seems to me that her grasp on reality and what's good for Rozarria is slipping. She did initially contract Vlyn and Aloa to have Jaakuna kidnap Emiri, so I could imagine how her mental state might not be at the best." Wesley said, possibly insulting Reia in the process. "If you were to do this, how would you go about it?" Wesley asked, but then Nadeline said something about Grant being ready for the throne. He chuckled at the thought. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh, but I was just thinking that, if Grant did take the throne, would Savayna be his queen? I mean, I've been seeing their bond growing immensely." Wesley said, finding humor in how he was engaging in gossip. Truly, he was feeling like a teenager again.

---

Was he really not going to tell her? Sure, he told the bit about Zodiark, but even after she told him she knew he was hiding something, Grant still wouldn't tell her. He cited that it wasn't his place. Wasn't his place? What kind of shit was that? It doesn't matter if JAakuna would prefer to tell them or not. He has had too many chances. Screw up after screw up. Enough was enough for Savayna. She would know even if she had to use some ill-preferred methods to get that information.

"Desperation and love? That's Jaakuna all right," Savayna sighed, "listen, we have seen him make stupid-ass decision after stupid-ass decision. He had Emiri heal his father, which led to Chaos being a dick, and wiping her memory clean. We have seen him accept help from the Dark Esper himself. So, quite honestly, I don't give two shits if you don't feel like it's your place." Savayna said, getting close to Grant, prompting him to back up and she kept at it until he was pressed against the door, "you're not leaving here until I know. Unless," Savayna said, curling a naughty smile, her hand running along Grant's arm, "you require some persuading."

[Hero]

For once Emiri felt like she couldn't quite read his thoughts. She was never really good at that sort of thing, but it would seem Jaakuna would agree with her, holding her closer to him. She paused her thoughts for a moment, looking up at his rather peaceful expression. However, as she did, for some reason she would think back on an old dream she had. It had been the one where Jaakuna had tried to kill her--why in the world would that come up now of all times? Because if something were to happen to me again...Aloa might not be around to stop me. The thought came all too easily, and Emiri would bury herself in Jaakuna's shoulder. I almost killed Nadeline...who is to say who it would be next time?

"Should it come down to it...if I were ever to attack anyone again, I want you to stop me no matter what it takes." She admitted out loud, likely throwing him off guard.

---

As Wesley would speak of Reia, Nadeline's gaze would turn out to the window, out to the starless night sky. Nadeline had always truly, genuinely respected the woman, but she knew above all that her country came first. If Reia was not suitable for the throne, then Rozarria would have to adjust. Wesley seemed rather amused by the her idea, giving his own input. As he would laugh, she would raise an eyebrow at him, mentioning one possibility Nadeline had neglected to take into consideration.

"I hadn't thought of that," Nadeline pondered out loud as she would consider the possibility. "I don't see why not. If Jaakuna and Emiri would represent peace to Archadia, then I assume Grant and Savayna would do the same for Rozarria." She would turn her gaze back to Wesley. "Although if he became emperor, would Savayna be willing to forsake Archadia? She seems pretty loyal all things considered."

---

Nope, Savayna wasn't buying it at all. She immediately called him out, citing the fact that she knew Jaakuna better than he did (a thought he was always too willing to forget) as she would advance on him. Grant would immediately back up, though she would keep coming to him, until finally, he found himself sandwiched between Savayna and the wall. There really was no means of escaping now, was there? He silently cursed, wanting very much to hold his ground, though Savayna gave him very little choice. She would then run her hand along his arm, and he knew he had little choice but to concede defeat.

Letting out a small groan of annoyance, Grant would scowl at her. This woman was a handful, that much he had to admit. "I do have to wonder how such brashness managed to get you a position as General," He couldn't help but snap, displeased as he would muster every ounce of willpower to resist her charm. "It isn't just about my place to tell you, it is also a rather...unsettling truth." He hesitated, but when she would only look at him expectantly, he figured he might as well just come out and say it.

"There's a...reason Emiri is back to normal so quickly--or about as normal as she could be considering Chaos wiped her clean." He began slowly, choosing his words carefully.

[AlteredTundra]

The quiet was peaceful. Just holding her in his arms and Emiri just resting her head against his shoulders was nice. After the shit storm that they both had to endure the past few days, Jaakuna was thankful for this downtime. Even if it was only them holding each other in their arms, Jaakuna found solace in that. Being able to hold her with her full memory restored and her knowing what his touch really meant, that brought Jaakuna a certain relief. It was like, despite his foolish errors in judgment, there was a moment of euphoria, if only for a short while.

As Jaakuna would hear Emiri start to speak, he thought it was going to be something good, it would turn out to be quite the opposite. His head immediately turned to her, eyes widened in confusion. “What are you talking about?” Jaakuna asked Emiri, looking at her as if she had gone psycho again. “You won’t be like that again. And even if you do, we’ll find an alternate solution.” Jaakuna refused. He didn’t even want to think about the possibility of hurting Emiri. Even if she did try to attack them again, they could find a way around it.

---

Wesley laughed again. Goodness what was up with him today? First he recklessly took on Shion knowing full well that he was way in over his head, and now he was having uncontrollable, little bursts of laughter. Surely someone, somewhere, was playing with him. He was sure someone had a voodoo doll somewhere out there, and was making him laugh at the most inappropriate times.

“I apologize again. I guess the thought of Savayna - the most Archadian loyalist to Archaida I have known - possibly forsaking it for Grant is surprisingly humorous to me.” Wesley tried to regain his composure, looking at Nadeline, “but in any case, I haven’t the slightest clue about that. If Grant were to become the Emperor of Rozarria and have Savayna by his side, I would imagine that’d be a question for Savayna herself to answer. I know not what their status as a couple is, but it seems to me there’s something there - something that could go either way depending on how things go, wouldn’t you agree?” Wesley said, eyes on Nadeline for her response.

---

“Don’t you know, Roselia? Us Archadians put a whole new meaning to the meaning of that word.” Savayna smugly said, proud of the fact that she currently had Grant against the door, seemingly sweating his balls off.

As she looked into his golden eyes, Savayna was finding it incredibly difficult of keeping up that front of toughness. Her heart was beating so fast that she didn’t know if it was going to pop right out of her chest, and slap her face silly, telling her to stop whatever she’s doing , and kiss Grant then and there. But she couldn’t. That would betray what she was trying to accomplish. She, probably selfishly, wanted to know what Grant was hiding. That wouldn’t work if she played all tender, love, and care. Nope, that wouldn’t work at all. She had to play her usual brash, assertive self. It worked for her when she and Jaakuna were playing tag from Rabanastre to Bhujerba, so it most certainly would work for Grant here, right?

As he would come out and say it, Savayna’s eyes widened. He didn’t have to say anymore. He knew exactly what happened. “Oh that stupid motherfucking, good-for-nothing,” Savayna said, cursing up a Sailor’s tongue, “of all the people who could have helped..” Savayna had let go started to pace back and forth. For a few moments, she did it, cursing so many words that were thought to be forgotten from the nomad languages of Ivalice.

After about two minutes of nonstop thrashing and pacing and cursing, Savayna’s body stopped, looked at Grant, went back up to him, a finger pointed at his chest. “You better prove me wrong here, bucko! You better tell me that my good-for-nothing ex-husband didn’t actually accept that venomous cunt, Leviathan. You better tell me that he accepted help from some other vile woman.” She looked him dead-straight in the eyes. Her icy-blue eyes met his golden ones. They were both filled with a cold-hot anger as well as a sense of disbelief that Savayna hardly showed.

[Hero]

Jaakuna didn't understand what she meant. No, he didn't understand that it was a possibility. Emiri didn't even think it would happen again, but if it did, if for some reason she would turn on the group, she needed his guarantee. Still, Jaakuna wasn't prepared for this as he would not only question her but offer to find an alternative instead. She wasn't entirely satisfied with his answer and almost wanted to drop the topic--regretting for a moment that she likely ruined the mood--but she needed his word. She needed to hear the words coming from him. She figured everyone else may have been hesitant, but Jaakuna...

"I almost killed Nadeline today." She reminded him, looking at him sternly. "Who is to say it won't be Wesley next? Savayna? Grant? What if I tried to hurt you? It's...I don't even know why I'm saying it." No, the last part was a lie. She may not have been exactly sure, but she couldn't ignore that feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I need you to promise me. I need to hear it from you, please."

---

"I agree," Nadeline would nod at Wesley. "We will just have to see, I suppose..."

She would stretch her arms above her head, letting out a girly squeak of a yawn. While she wanted to continue the conversation, she was aching to get out of her clothes and into her nightwear. Stooping down, she would slip her short boots off her feet and then stand, lightly shaking her hair. As much as she wanted to change, she wanted more a fresh bath. Wandering over to the door of her bathroom, she could already feel the warmth emanating from it, signaling a warm bath awaiting her.

"Hmm...table the thought, I'd like a bath," She admitted to him, giving him a wink as she would take her nightgown in her hands. "Be a dear and wait for me, would you?"

---

Grant had to stop his jaw from dropping as he would discover Savayna's colorful words were...very ranged. Still, he got just a little nervous as he watched her go back and forth, unsure of what to make of her reaction. He was going to get in trouble for this, wasn't he? Once she finally seemed to calm down, Grant would once more find himself on the end of a Glacie Inquisition as she would practically demand to know if her guess was right. She had certainly hit the nail on the head, why did she need his confirmation? And why was she mad at him? He learned his own lession about Levi the hard way, and for what it was worth, it wasn't even worth dealing with the snake.

The possibility of trying to play it off as nothing came and went quickly; Grant highly doubted that she would believe him if he denied it. "You certainly know him well," He would sigh, scratching his head. "Though I believe both you and I know the answer to that question. Do you really need me to come out and say it?"

[AlteredTundra]

What was she asking of him? To kill her just because there might be a possibility that she could go psycho-crazy killer on people again? That's outrageous. Even if she were to go to that place again, be it her own doing or whatever, there wasn't a chance in any hell on earth that Jaakuna was going to kill her. He wouldn't hurt her, surely he wouldn’t knock her unconscious, or anything of the sort. There won't be nothing even remotely happening to her by Jaakuna's hands, by Wesley's, Grant's, Savayna's, or Nadeline's. If she thought he was going to promise her something that crazy, that asinine, she was crazier than Lola the Looney was.

"No, no, no - absolutely not. I'm not going to kill you if you end up going all Zodiark's Pawn on us again." Again, JAakuna refused. "I'll surrender my self to Zodiark again before I even think about killing you. I'm not going to promise something so ridiculous." Jaakuna looked at her, his voice suddenly raising. "There will be another way. I don't know what, but we will find it—together." Jaakuna looked into Emiri's eyes sincerely and passionately. He didn't care how risky moves he had to make. If he had to give into Zodiark once again, he would. There was no chance in Zodiark's hell that he would EVER lay a finger on Emiri with the intent to harm her.

---

When Nadeline had yawned, Wesley cracked a smile, followed by a sound of slight amusement. It was no wonder that his darling fiance was tired. Everyone has had a rather long day—even those who weren’t with them at Giruvegan. No doubt everyone was probably on their way to a decent night’s rest. Wesley knew that Grant and Savayna were probably along on their marry way, and definitely Wesley was feeling that he was near that point of passing out. Obviously Nadeline was as she was fancying a bath right about now.

“Of course, my love,” Wesley gave her a smile, “enjoy your bath.” he told her, letting her go off to her bath so that she could relax.

---

Why do I need you to say it? Are you fucking kidding me?

As Savayna heard those words come from Grant’s mouth, it seemed that she had changed her demeanor. Usually, for Savayna, whenever she was in this kind of mood, she stayed assertive, she stayed confrontational-esque. But, when she heard Grant pretty much ask why he had to say what she already knew, she lost it, but in a different way. She lost it in the sense that one loses their grip of emotions. Her hand started to pound on Grant’s surprisingly hard chest, reflections of transparent water dropping from her eyes.

Looking at Grant, her eyes reminiscent of a two ice jewels, with the reflection of water seen in them. “You have no idea what this woman is like, Grant. No idea!” she said, her voice cracking from the emotions running high inside her. “You had encounters with her, but you didn’t grow up in Archadia. You didn’t see the things I had to witness. Her power-it’s not what the general public knows. She is more powerful than Hamut. She more powerful than anyone I know and she’s more dangerous than what I suspect your sister is. She’s a monster!” Savayna’s words and her voice, all flooded with emotion, with terrible memories of seeing first hand what Leviathan’s power was like. “So please, you have to prove me wrong. Tell me that Leviathan wasn’t the one that Jackson trusted. Tell me it was someone else. You-you-you have to..”

[Hero]

"No!" was Emiri's rather immediate, loud, and blurted out response. How could he even suggest such a thing? Emiri would move away from him, and while she would struggle, she would manage to sit up, shaking her head at him. "That's exactly what I want to avoid!" She would clarify her reasoning, her hand to her chest as she would try to reason with him. "Zodiark and I, we--somehow, in some way...Shion was after my life because she thought killing me would weaken Zodiark. If that's true--" If I lose myself again... "--then if I try to hurt anyone, you'd kill two birds with one stone."

Emiri hesitated, running her hands through her hair. It was then that she realized she was shaking. "I can't--I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hurt anyone."

---

After much sighing, some fiddling, and a search for a missing earring (that would be the first and last time she would forget to take them off before a bath--they were worth a pretty gil after all) Nadeline had wrapped up her bath faster than she really wanted. Maybe she was eager to continue their conversation, or maybe the fact that she just realized they were alone in her room had finally dawned on her. No wonder the man had been blushing like mad earlier, she had completely missed it! As she pulled her nightgown over her head, she started wishing she had something a little sexier. Ah, no, that was a bad thought, they weren't even married yet! Then again, they were engaged, so any possible fornication would be...tribute to their future heir. An heir...a baby. Their baby. Oh, she hoped it was a boy, what she would give to have a baby that looked just like Wesley--why in the world was she even thinking about that?!

Feeling very bothered by the line of thinking, she would put on a robe and hastily tie the knot around her waist. Now was not the time to be thinking of sex and babies and...whatever other lewd thoughts she had. She would gather her curls into a messy bun on the back of her head and stomp out of the bathroom, suddenly feeling very nervous. As she would approach Wesley, she would cough a bit. "If you'd like, you can...use the bath as well." She managed to stutter out, though she would curse the heavens for her hesitation.

---

She was crying. Savayna was actually crying. The thought alone was enough to stun him, but the sight itself seemed to shatter him completely. The rumors of Livathan had reached even Rozarria, but it seemed Savayna had experienced first hand what the woman was capable of. It truly was a terrifying thought, but...it didn't change anything. It didn't change what Jaakuna did. It didn't change the fact that clearly Levi had done something to Emiri. In all honesty there was absolutely nothing he could do to reassure her, no lie in the world could conceal the truth from her. A sickening notion, and for a moment, anger would flare up within him. He should have killed Levi when he had the chance.

Grant would wrap his arms around Savayna, holding her tightly to him. There really was nothing else he could do. "I'm sorry."

[AlteredTundra]

Why was she persistant about this? Killing her wasn’t going to happen. It would never happen. Jaakuna won’t even humor the idea. There was no way that he would kill her, not maim, not injury, or harm her in any way, shape, or form. If she thought that her pessimistic point-of-view on what may or may not happen wasn’t going to convince Jaakuna of anything. She won’t change his mind. She meant too damn much to him for that to be a consideration. As he looked at her looking scared, sitting up where she shouldn’t be Jaakuna took a hold her head with both hands, making her see what was in his eyes. She made her look into his emerald-colored eyes, and see exactly what her words were making him feel. They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and right now, aside from the immense guilt that he felt for doing this to her, Jaakuna’s soul was being torn up inside at the thought of Emiri asking this of him.

“And if I kill you, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I wouldn’t be able to live with the fact that I the reason the person who means to me more than my own life won't be able to grow old with me, that won't be able to live a life with me.” Jaakuna said, his eyes deadlocked on hers. “Don’t you realize it, Emiri. I can’t make this promise because I can’t lose you—I won’t lose you.” Jaakuna said, kissing Emiri for a moment and then breaking the kiss. “I don’t care what I have to do, but we’ll find another way to quell the influence that Zodiark may or may not have over you. If his influence inside me could be wiped away, then surely his hold over you can as well.” Jaakuna said, realizing that he was probably the biggest hypocrite since Zodiark wasn’t completely gone. Fuck, why did Zodiark have to go after us?

---

Wesley spent the duration of the time that Nadeline was in the bathroom, enjoying her bath, thinking about the possibility of war that Reia may bring upon Ivalice. If she—or the people of Rozarria—would push for war, then where did that leave Dalmasca? If Archadia was their source of anger, then Wesley’s home country was going to be caught in the middle of it. Much like the Invasion of Dalmasca led by Ixion, the Forth Judge Magister of Archadia, then he had to do something.

Perhaps it is time that I return home.. As Wesley pondered on that thought, he heard the bathroom door open, and saw Nadeline come out, a robe tied around her seemingly naked body, and her hair tied up in a simple knot. As she would approach him, she said he could use it if he wanted to. Wesley chuckled, realizing that he hadn’t bathed all day. “Now that you mention it, I could use one.” Wesley laughed again, standing up. “When I am finished, there is something I need to speak to you about,” Wesley said, taking his leave to the rest room as he would close it, and begin taking his bath

---

“Damn it to hell, Grant! Damn it!” she kept on pounding on his chest, even when he had brought her in for a tight embrace. It seemed when Grant did that, Savayna stopped her excessive hitting on his hard chest, and ceased. Only now, her face was buried into his chest, weeping as if she had no tomorrow. Her eyes watering his jacket almost to the point that it was probably really moist, the sounds of great sadness pouring into his ears.