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

[Hero]

Of course Jaakuna would end up getting blinded, too. Emiri silently cursed their luck, but she could hear the demonic wall advancing once more. She tried rummaging through her bag for some Eye Drops, but as she was walking, she tried over something. "Ow!" She felt around for her bag, though got in contact with some skin instead. A stomach? They weren't abs, so it wasn't Jaakuna. Who was this? Only a second later did it click into her head who it was. "Nadeline?! Nadeline, are you alright?!" She asked, shaking her. Was she sleeping? At a time like this?! She hoisted her up and violently shook her. "Nadeline! Wake up!"

The blondes blue eyes fluttered open briefly, and she looked at Emiri. There was something black over her eyes, but she wasn't sure what it was. The wall's roar quickly reminded her that they were running out of time. She scrambled to her feet, pulling Emiri up as she held her sword. Emiri backed up somewhat, and felt the wall behind her. Uh oh. She thought, holding her sword at the ready, even if she couldn't see what was going on.

Nadeline took a breath in, whipping her sword around, and she jumped high into the air. She brought her rapier up over her head, and as it glowed an ethereal white, Mist gathered around it. She slashed downwards, summoning a pillar of brilliant light. It hit the wall, hard, and it let out another mighty roar as it crumbled, pieces falling off the eges as it dissipated. Nadeline landed cleanly on her feet and sheathed her rapier before turning back to her teammates. "Well, that was fun. She commented as she walked over to Jaakuna, lightly placing one finger before his eyes. "Blindna." She casted her spell, literally lifting the darkness from his eyes. She grinned, and wandered over to Emiri. She repeated the spell, and Emiri rubbed her eyes as she looked around.

"Wha--We won? You defeated it?" Emiri asked as she blinked several times. Being blinded was not something she liked, at all. Still, she could hardly believe Nadeline was the one to finish it.

"I do have to pull my weight somehow, right?" She beamed happily, hopping on the balls of her feet as she continued to the door. "Let us move on, shall we?"

Emiri shook her head in disbelief, but turned to Jaakuna. "Are you alright?" She asked him.

[AlteredTundra]

He couldn’t see for the life of him and Jaakuna was beyond pissed. He wanted to see but being blinded pretty much put a dent in that notion, and cause he couldn’t see, Jaakuna couldn’t see what he heard and what he heard was a bunch of sounds. Some of these sounds sounded familiar, and Jaakuna heard the Demon Wall cry out in pain and then he heard crumbling of rock. He didn’t know what was going on, but within a minute, Nadeline said a word and he could see again. “I CAN SEE AGAIN!” He yelled in disbelief and happiness. He did so by lifting his arms up into the air and jumping up and down, not even caring what the ladies thought of him doing that.

When he looked towards the direction that he heard the crumbling of the Demon Wall from before, Jaakuna was amazed and shocked. The Demon Wall was dead. He didn’t do it and it would seem Emiri didn’t either. So, that would mean that Nadeline would be the only one who could had done it. Jaakuna just nodded his head up and down in approval. “Good, good.” He said acting all weird and funny.

When Jaakuna looked more in the direction of the now dead Demon Wall, he froze, repeating the same word. “Treasure.” It got louder and louder the more he said it. It got to the point where he didn’t even hear Emiri ask him if he was alright. Jaakuna raced down to the treasure that he saw. It was a sword, and not just any sword, one of the rarest ones out there. “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” He shouted, holding the magnificent sword known as Demonsbane. “It’s Demonsbane.” JAakuna just held the sword up as he admired its design and the ruins all around the sword.

Jaakuna then looked back to the girls, and he ran over to them, sword in hand. “DO YOU LADIES KNOW WHAT THIS SWORD IS!?” He asked them in total joy and excitement. His green eyes gleamed like they never had before. “This is one of the rarest swords in all of Ivalice AND IT’S MINE! ALL MINE!!” Jaakuna was laughing and quite loudly. The sound and volume of his laugh was probably borderline evil laugh, but he was just so happy. He finally obtained Demonsbane.

[Hero]

Emiri let out an irritated sigh, shaking her head. Well, Jaakuna seemed fine, static really. She turned to Nadeline, asking quietly, "Technically since you slayed the monster, shouldn't that be yours?"

"And ruin his fun? I think not." Nadeline whispered back, though she followed it up with a giggle. "Let him celebrate, I'm sure he will find more of a use for it then I will."

At this the brunette gave a defeated shrug, though she decided to continue down into the tomb. She prayed there would be no more demonic entities like the one they encountered, but she highly doubted that they'd get out without another battle. She sheathed her own Longsword, following the path down into a room with another Way Stone. Once they had all gathered around, Emiri activated it, and they were whisked away. When they reappeared, they were deeper into the tomb. Nadeline let out a low whistle as she studied the room, noting its many markings.

"Scion of darkness and guardian of the Holy Realm..." Nadeline read aloud, her hand to her chin as she pondered. "Whatever could that mean?" Emiri shrugged in response, as she expected Nadeline to know more then she did. As she stepped forward, however, two pillars of fire erupted from the other end of the room. She nearly fell back but managed to remain on her feet, though she quickly backed away. Nadeline patted her shoulder, unfazed as ever, "You know, I just had a thought...the inscriptions could be referring to the power here in the Tomb."

"Meaning?" Emiri asked as a glyph appeared on the floor before them.

The blonde haired girl frowned, though she took out her rapier once more. "I believe this is it." The glyph erupted into a figure of flames, though the fire spread out to the entirety of the room, effectively trapping them in. From the flames emerged a great Gigas, it was colored like the flames surrounding it. It almost looked like a man and beast fused into one, sporting four arms and a great spear as its weapon. It towered over them, and Emiri suddenly felt very, very small. "Could this be the Dynast-King's power? But it's guarding something else...Oh well, I suppose we won't find out until we defeat this thing." Nadeline mused, raising her rapier in the air.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna was so happy that he had Demonsbane. To keep it out of the way for now, Jaakuna put it on a part on his back, crossing the Orochi Ninja Sword. It would at least be safe there, but Jaakuna just knew that more treasure awaited the further that he and the ladies went into the tomb, so he would follow them as they would walk through the door and into the presence of what it seemed to be a pedestal that they all encountered before they entered the Tomb.

Jaakuna stared it. “So, shall we ladies?” Jaakuna said.

He and the two ladies gathered around the Way Stone, as Jaakuna had heard Nadeline call it. Much like before, a bright light erupted and thus they were teleported deeper into the tomb. This time, it seemed that they were in a room of sorts. Jaakuna heard Nadeline say something about Scion of Darkness and it being the Protector of the Holy Realm. Jaakuna didn’t know what exactly that meant, but perhaps he was about to find out as he noticed the two pillars in the room erupting with fire as it came out of both of them. Jaakuna had a huge grin on his face. He didn’t know why he did, but it was there.

Looking further, there was a glyph, but beyond that it was much more. Jaakuna saw that the glyph then took the shame of a fire man-beast. Jaakuna didn’t know what it was, but he vaguely recognizes it from that book that Nadeline had shown him and Emiri back on the ship before they arrived at the Tomb of Raithwall. Jaakuna took out his two blood swords and prepared for what was to come.

Hearing what Nadeline said about it guarding something, Jaakuna knew what it was. “It’s the treasure of course. That’s all I need to fight this thing.” Jaakuna said as he ran straight for the beast standing in front of them. He rushed, hoping to get the first strike, but Jaakuna would be wrong in hoping that. The man-beast lunged at Jaakuna, aiming to impale him with his lance-thing. Jaakuna swerved to the right at the last minute, and he would go for a sweep with the blood sword in his left hand, but the man-beast would block Jaakuna with the its weapon. Jaakuna smirked, but then he used his other weapon to go for a horizontal sweep slash. The attack hit, but the skin of the beast was harder than Jaakuan realized. It barely made a cut. Jaakuna didn’t know what to do at this point and he was too late.

“OW!” JAakuna yelled as the beast used its other two arms to punch Jaakuna in the gut. Jaakuna was set backwards as he landed on the ground just about six feet in front of Emiri and Nadeline. “That hurt.” Jaakuna said as he held his abs. He didn’t have anything broken, but it still hurt like hell. Jaakuna got up knowing a different strategy would have to be used, but Jaakuna’s impulsive nature had to give it a shot. “So, yeah that didn’t work. Anyone have a different take on how to defeat this thing?” Jaakuna said as he saw the Man-Beast just stand there ready for what was to come next.

[Hero]

"It is the treasure? Absolutely fascinating..." Nadeline went deep into thought as Jaakuna went charging in.

"Now is the time for action, not for thinking!" Emiri yelled out, letting out a gasp as the beast revealed a second weapon. "Of course." As Jaakuna was sent flying back, Emiri bit her lip, dropping down to him as he landed. "Nadeline, didn't that book say anything about this?"

"It has much power." Nadeline spread a Curaga over Jaakuna, though looked at the beast. "To gain it we must show it our power...in other words, defeat it, but I don't think the tome said anything on HOW to defeat it."

I guess I can give it a try then. Emiri thought, standing up. A direct attack wouldn't work, but maybe she could at least get a hit in. Taking in a breath, she ran to the beast. She brandished her sword to the side, freezing time as she jumped into the air, preparing an aerial attack. At that moment, however, that strange feeling from Bhujerba returned, albeit this time it was much stronger. What's happening? She could feel the her power seeping from her, but as it slipped from her fingers she realized it much too late. Time resumed, much to the girl's surprise and horror. What?! No! Emiri gasped as she saw the beast's weapon swung at her, and she too was sent flying. She landed on the ground with a thud, her sword landing a distance behind her. She was in a state of shock: her powers had completely failed her. Why? Why now?

Nadeline blinked in confusion as she had watched Emiri. "Did she not see that you just did the same thing? Why in the world would she do something so foolish?!" She said, watching it carefully. "Perhaps if we all attacked at the same time, one of us could get a hit in, at least...but really, Emi seems to have taken a page out of your book! Is she mad?!"

[AlteredTundra]

After getting healed by Nadeline, Jaakuna stood up. He might be healed, but he still felt some slight aching from the hit that the beast gave him. Jaakuna wanted to hold back just to be sure on what he should do next. He watched as Emiri went for her turn. Perhaps she would have better luck than he did.

As he watched, he saw that she didn’t as the man-beast had caught onto what Emiri was doing and he had laid her flat on her back and ass. Jaakuna just shook his head. It was truly a foolish move, but she had to try. Granted, it failed miserably, but it was at least an effort on her part and Jaakuna couldn’t bad mouth her for that. However, Nadeline made it clear and vocal that it was a foolish thing, even saying that it was a page out of Jaakuna’s book. He just turned back to her.

“Well, at least she’s doing something.” Jaakuna said defending not only Emiri but also himself, as it was a clear reference to how foolish he was when he attacked the man-beast.

Jaakuna looked at the Man-beast and he saw that he or it was heading towards Emiri and Jaakuna didn’t think. His emotions guided his actions. He launched in a running dash, his speed reaching impeccable rates. He leaped and his body went horizontal as he had dropkicked the man-beast on the side of the head, sending it tumbling for a few feet. Jaakuna didn’t know what came over him. Perhaps what is was, was a need to protect Emiri.

Jaakuna put out his hand to help Emiri up. “You alright?” JAakuna said as he helped her up. “You have to at least go in with a small idea of what you’re going to do or what just happened to you will happen again.” Jaakuna said. He was worried. It showed in his voice. His face even showed it as the expressions his face was making was worry off the yin-yang.

[Hero]

She couldn't think. She was panicking. She didn't understand. She held her hand out, but nothing happened. Nothing happened. Nothing happened. She didn't understand and for that one moment, she forgot all about the battle as her mind was swimming with confused thoughts. A hand appeared in her field of vision, and she saw Jaakuna offering his hand. She was losing it, really, she hadn't even seen him coming. Emiri gripped his hand tightly, letting him pull her up. He reprimanded her for going in without an idea. "Of course I had an idea it just--my power, it's..." Her voice trailed off as she looked at her hands. They weren't working. For the first time in her life she couldn't use her power and it was absolutely terrifying. Why? "Right. I apologize." She muttered, not able to properly explain herself.

She shook her head, clearing her mind as she took out her sword from the ground. No, it wasn't important why her powers didn't want to work. Right now they were in the middle of a battle, and they needed to win. She took in a deep breath and clocked her head for an idea. Nadeline waved at the two from across the room, and another idea clicked into her head. "Nadeline and I will occupy its attention, you go and strike it once you see a chance, okay?" She waved her sword back, patting Jaakuna's shoulder. "It's worth a shot, anyway."

Nadeline picked up on Emiri's cue, whipping her rapier around as she ran to the beast. Emiri charged again, this time anticipating its attack and sliding underneath it, joining Nadeline on the other side. "Alright, together now~" Nadeline sang happily, being the first to dart forward. Emiri followed suit, raising her sword to defend herself as she blocked one spear. It was a strong attack, but she managed to hold her ground. At the same time Nadeline dashed forward, spinning in place as the beast swung its other weapon. Her sword glowed as she swung it, and a Protect spell sprung from her sword as it attacked, parrying it.

[AlteredTundra]

Emiri took Jaakuna’s hand and she was up. She definitely was in a lot of disbelief, but Jaakuna didn’t know why. Did she use her ability? Jaakuna could guess all day long, but that wouldn’t do him any good. The fact of the matter was that the man-beast would soon get up and Jaakuna is definitely sure that the beast wasn’t too happy that Jaakuna was able to knock it down a few feet. Of course, nobody would be happy if they got knocked down and kicked on the side of the head. Regardless, Jaakuna knew that a strategy of sorts would be needed to get this beast down for good.

As Emiri brought up the idea of her and Nadeline distracting the beast while Jaakuna attacks when he finds the right opportunity, he agreed by nodding his head. He then would watch them go at the beast together in unison, even some of the things they would say would be as one. When they attacked, Jaakuna pulled out Demonsbane. He had thus put his two Blood Swords away. He wanted to test out his new toy and he noticed something about the ruins. He thought that it was odd that they were on there

I wonder.. Jaakuna thought as he was wondering if the sword acted differently to magick. He would soon find out as Jaakuna poured in his magickal power into the blade and he was right. The ruins on the sword started to glow. First, each respective color would glow that the color that they were, but then as Jaakuna influenced fire magick, the ruins began to glow more red and orange with hints of yellow thrown in there. White also was a color that was within the glow. Jaakuna smiled, and he would wait for the right moment to attack.

“There!” He said.

Jaakuna saw the perfect opportunity to attack when he saw that the beast’s attack was parried. He exploded towards the beast, his sword also exploding with fire magick. In his hand, Jaakuna was pretty much holding a sword of fire. He went forth, swinging upward, and the fire was released. In a matter of seconds, a vertical sickle of sorts was launched with shades of red, orange, yellow, and white all mixed in one. The amount of magick thrown into it could be described as Firaja. As it hit the beast straight on the front of its body, it was sent back about seven feet. It was groggy and beyond being able to tell where it was.

“Now’s your chance, ladies.” Jaakuna said as he was standing beside the ladies and staring the beast in the eyes, even if it wasn’t aware of where it was at.

[Hero]

The pair watched the beast soar through the air, both equally impressed. Now Emiri could see why Nadeline wanted Jaakuna to have the Demonsbane; he certainly knew how to use it effectively. Nadeline let out a low whistle, nodding in approval, and letting out a cheer as the beast fell. "Amazing! I've never seen anything like that!" She yelled happily. Emiri shared her enthusiasm, but was in more of an awe then anything. Truly, it was a spectacle to behold, but the fight was not quite finished yet. It was down, and now was the time to finish it off.

Nadeline nudged Emiri, and she nodded, the two charging to the beast before it would get up. Nadeline went first, her sword glowing once more as she let it trail on the ground. Emiri mimicked her movement, the tip of her blade causing a spark as it hit the ground. Nadeline's power extended itself to Emiri's weapon as the they readied their attack. The two ran alongside each other, then crossed paths, each one bringing up their weapon for a united strike. Once-twice-three hits, and then, with a burst of magic, the two swung, the path of their blades forming a cross shape (x) as they did so.

[AlteredTundra]

After Jaakuna unleashed his attack upon the man-beast, he heard the cheering and whistling from the two ladies. Jaakuna had his own cheerleaders. He was just riveting in it and just wanted to savor each moment of it. The cheering did last for a few more seconds until they decided to jump at the chance to get the beast. As Jaakuna saw what they were doing to it, he was both amazed at what fluidity their movements had with each other, but also he found himself so into the actual attack they were doing. Jaakuna didn’t know how they could be so fluid in their movements, but as he saw they would eventually bring their weapons up for a united strike and a burst of magickal energy was released, taking the form of an X.

The blast from their united attack hit the beast, taking even more damage prior to the X attack. Jaakuna saw that the beast was kneeling down on one knee, using its lance weapon to hold it staying up. Jaakuna knew that this was his only chance to finally finish the beast off. Jaakuna went forward, standing in front of the beast. The beast itself started back at Jaakuna as if the two of them knew exactly was what going to happen. Though Jaakuna couldn’t explain it, he somehow knew that the beast was going to be defeated and in some way, the man-beast was asking Jaakuna to do it.

Shaking off that feeling, Jaakuna stood just three feet in front of the man-beast, and embraced the Myst within his body. Holding his two arms outward, hands facing the same direction that Jaakuna was looking at, and his fingers extended. The magickal prosperities of the Myst engulfed his arms, centering around his hands. The mist took the form of red and white fire. Jaakuna would bring his hands to the center of his body, fingers still extended. “Sea Of Flames!” He commanded as the Myst exploded. The form of a red and white fiery went towards the man-beast.

As the wave of red and white fire went towards the beast, it tried to fend it off by blocking it with its weapon — which was being held with it’s two big hands. The other hands were preparing an attack of its own known as Painflare, but even that couldn’t fend it off for long. Jaakuna was using as much of the Myst that his body would allow. IT would be a minute and a half until the man-beast’s defense started to give. First, his weapon snapped in two. Then, it happened — it was overtaken by the attack. The fire went through its body and it shattered into crystallized bits, only revealing a glyph of sorts.

“I-I-I did it.” Jaakuna couldn’t believe it.

As he was about to celebrate, Jaakuna was overtaken by a white light and brought to some dimension that was of only white void. “What is this?” Jaakuna said as he looked around for Emiri and Nadeline, but he couldn’t find him.

When he looked around, Jaakuna heard an eerie, deep voice. “You, who has defeated me in combat.” The voice said.

Jaakuna looked and saw the man-beast. “Back for round two, eh?” Jaakuna said grabbing Demonsbane, or at least he was about it.

“Fret not young warrior, I wish not to fight you a second time.” The voice spoke, “I am here to present my services. “ The voice said.

“Services? What do you mean?” JAakuna said conused.

The figure spoke. “You have proven your power to me. “ He said, walking to Jaakuna, kneeling and raising his weapon. “Like I did for the Dynast-King centuries ago, I offer you my power and strength. Your enemies are my enemies and by result, your allies will be my allies.” He spoke.

Jaakuna didn’t know what to say. “Does the one in front of me have a name?” Jaakuna asked without being as awkward as he felt at the moment.

“I am called Belias, The Gigas.” Belias spoke.

Jaakuna nodded. “I am honored, Belias.” Jaakuna said.

The white light faded and Jaakuna found himself back in the dusty Tomb of Raithwall. He looked around and Jaakuna felt stronger. He also felt weird, but stronger. He then looked back at Emiri and Nadeline. It would seem that seconds only passed to the several minutes it felt like in the white void where he was just at.

“Damn, that was trippy.” Jaakuna said scratching his head.

[Hero]

Emiri let out a sigh of relief, sheathing her weapon, only for a high pitched shriek to surprise her. Nadeline nearly toppled her over as she hugged her, the girl jumping up and down in celebration. "We did it! We pulled it off! Oh, if only Master Raynier was still around he would have been so proud!" Nadeline squealed, gripping Emiri's hand tightly as her eyes shown with excitement. "Oh, what a great victory! Truly!" Nadeline further surprised her by grabbing Jaakuna, pulling the trio into a very weird semi-hug, though she quickly released them as she jumped around, laughing, still celebrating. In all truth, Emiri was just as glad as she was, but she was still somewhat concerned over her power failing. Perhaps the beast had been the source of the interference? But as she tried willing it, time did not stop for her. No, it was still gone. What could be causing this?

Nadeline had become very quiet, very suddenly as she gaped at something. The brunette looked to see a statue revealing a brightly glowing stone. She walked towards it, but as she reached to grasp it, felt a rather eerie burning sensation. She backed away on instinct, holding her hand as if she were burned, and made sure to keep her distance. Nadeline blinked at her, though she walked right up to the statue and plucked the stone from its grasp. "The spoils of our victory, I presume? Although...this doesn't seem to be Magicite, does it?" Nadeline inspected the stone carefully, watching its glow in her hand. Emiri had no idea what it was, but she knew she needed to stay away from it. It was eerie, foreign, dangerous...But she couldn't say why. It was just a gut feeling, and she could swear she felt the Mist around her frazzle about, clearly disturbed by the stone. She almost told Nadeline to put it back, but the blonde had already started to show it off to Jaakuna. "Look here, what do you think it is?" She asked him, and Emiri looked to the statue. She wished it hadn't appeared at all.

"Why don't we get to somewhere safe, first? We've accomplished what we were here for, right?" Emiri asked, rubbing her arms. She didn't like that stone one bit.

[AlteredTundra]

They all were right in celebrating. Jaakuna gained the services of Belias, The Gigas, and well, it was a great feat by all three of them. Jaakuna even saw some growth in Emiri, and in himself. This victory was certainly something remarkable and they all just were jumping up and down. Granted, Jaakuna was brought in by force, but he eventually gave into the sensation of all of the excitement. He was just as happy as the other two were.

When the jumping and cheering and celebrating ended, everyone suddenly went quiet. Jaakuna also was quiet, surprisingly; he’s never quiet. Regardless, the attention of both of the girls went to the oddly shining stone in the statue. Jaakuna also was drawn to it. Could that be the treasure of the Dynast-King, Raithwall? Jaakuna pondered on that thought as Nadeline held it in her hand and approached Jaakuna about what it could be. Jaakuna looked at it — touched it, and took it from Nadeline. He knew what it was, but how?

”Holy shit, I don’t believe it!” Jaakuna said.

He knew what it was. Jaakuna just couldn’t believe that THIS was the treasure of the great Dynast-King. “Do you guys not know what this is?” Jaakuna asked them. “This is a piece of Nethecite known as the Dawn Shard.” Jaakuna said as he just couldn’t believe it. Of all places, it would be here. He remembers reading about it back when he was still living in Archades. Jaakuna doesn’t remember exactly what it did, but from his memory, Nethecite of legend usually lead to trouble. “I just can’t believe it.” Jaakuna said as he held it in his hand still. He seemed to not be affected by whatever effect that it seemed to be having on Emiri.

[Hero]

"Nethicite...you mean, Deifacted Nethicite?" Nadeline asked, once more getting into deep thought. To think the Dawn Shard was here was surprising to her, at least. "The Dawn Shard, a relic of the Dynast King himself...remarkable. The legend says that the Dynast King had three pieces--The Dusk Shard, given to the rulers of Dalmasca, the Midlight Shard, given to the rulers of Nabudis, and the Dawn Shard...I can hardly believe it is in our hands." Nadeline stared at it in awe. "When they said the treasure was incalculable, I never dreamed that it would be nethicite." She nodded to herself mostly, watching it glow in Jaakuna's hands.

Neither of the blondes were reacting to it the way Emiri was. Was she going mad? She wanted to say something, but decided to keep quiet, lest they believe she was going crazy. Still, she didn't like that thing at all, and made sure to stay away from it. But once again, they knew something she didn't, and so she asked, "What exactly is nethicite?"

"You know how Magicite is said to hold the power of the elements themselves, right?" Nadeline asked back. Emiri nodded--that much she knew. "Nethicite is on another level, so to speak. While the two can hold a great amount of Mist, nethicite differs in that it can absorb Mist and expel it...well, that's what manufactured nethicite does, anyway." She corrected herself. "Deifacted nethicite is said to outclass anything we could ever hope to make...but we must be careful lest we unleash a power too great."

Emiri nodded. She knew she didn't like that thing. "But how do you use it?"

"That's the golden question." Nadeline shrugged, though she sported another wicked grin. "The point is that it's in our hands now."

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna was in agreement with Nadeline. He definitely knew that using the Dawn Shard — or any defected Nethecite in general — would be hazardous to ones health and even worse, it could mean for great disaster. Perhaps Jaakuna was wrong to seek it out. He originally thought it would be gil upon gil, but he was wrong. Jaakuna just didn’t expect the Dawn Shard to be in the Tomb of Raithwall. This definitely was a crossroads for him.

Jaakuna put the Dawn Shard in his pocket. He seemed not to be affected by it, so he would keep it in his possession. Jaakuna clapped his hands. “O-kay, I think we should get out of here.” Jaakuna said as he went through the door, only to find a Way Stone right dab-middle of the room. As he went to it, no doubt that Emiri and Nadeline had followed him. He waited for the two ladies to get around the Way Stone so that the three of them can get the hell out of the tomb.

[Hero]

The brunette was more then happy to hear Jaakuna had wanted to leave as well. Maybe it was the stuffiness of the ruins, maybe she was just anxious to get outside, whatever it was, she wanted to get out. Nadeline skipped along after her, the three gathering around the Way Stone. She touched it, feeling them getting warped once more, but this time they were directly warped back to the entrance--outside. Emiri didn't think she would appreciate the Sandsea's heat like she did, but boy did the fresh air feel good. She stretched as she stepped out and began to walk down the stairs. A great shadow covered the sun, and Emiri looked up to see an airship flying over them. Didn't the Jagd prevent most airships from flying over the Sandsea?

"Oh dear." Nadeline gasped, looking around curiously. "It seems we have company."

Emiri looked down and spotted several troops, some of them on Chocobos. She noticed they were gathered around the entrance in form. Were they waiting for them? She backed up to where Jaakuna and Nadeline stood. They didn't seem hostile, but then why would they even be there?

[AlteredTundra]

Warping from the deepest regions of the Tomb of Raithwall, the three of them were happy to be outside. Jaakuna didn’t mind the dustiness of the tomb, but boy was he happy to smell fresh air again. Just having something to fly up in made Jaakuna happy. However, as he looked out on the ground below, he was not happy, not in the very least. Jaakuna saw that the soldiers of Dalmasca were right there, waiting for them. An airship above known as the Valefor hovered over the clearing below. Jaakuna didn’t even think that airships aside from a choice few would be able to get past the Jagd of the Sansea, but it would seem that Jaakuna was wrong in that.

Looking around, Jaakuna didn’t see many options. They could fight through the forces and hope for a narrow escape or they could surrender. Jaakuna really didn’t know what there was else to do. He didn’t like the idea of being arrested, but he definitely didn’t want to risk fighting the troops of Dalmasca. He wanted to remain on their good side as Rabanastre was the only place that he could go to for sanctuary.

“So, what say you guys? Surrender or fight these clowns?” Who was he kidding, Jaakuna didn’t want to fight, but he had to ask.

[Hero]

The girls looked at one another, then back at Jaakuna. Fight? They were already wanted by two nations, would they dare risk making enemies of another? Not that it mattered much, as now they had obviously angered/upset them enough to be chased into the Sandsea. Emiri looked at Nadeline. "Aren't we in Rozarrian territory? Just reveal yourself, Naddie." She thought this much was obvious, but then again, they weren't Rozarrian soldiers...they were Dalmascan.

Nadeline looked at Emiri, shocked. "Emi, if they knew of my identity, I am sure we'd get to even more trouble...and that could possibly cause some friction between Rozarria and Dalmasca." She replied, biting her lip. "That and...while technically speaking we tread on Rozarrian ground, the Tomb of Raithwall is well known to be Dalmascan, they reside over anything that happens...including dealing with tomb raiders."

One soldier stepped forward, drawing a scroll. "You three are on sacred ground, daring to come to Raithwall's Tomb. You are hereby under arrest with the charges of trespassing and defiling the ruins of the Dynast King."

Emiri looked at her companions, slowly taking both Jaakuna and Nadeline's hand. Nadeline looked at her curiously, but after a moment, Emiri let go, once more looking at her hands. Why couldn't she stop time? What had happened? How many years she had cursed her power...and now, when she needed it most, it failed her. She felt so abandoned, so to speak. She should be glad, but instead she has become powerless to help them out of a situation they could easily avoid by escaping! Emiri closed her eyes, shaking her head as she tried to figure out what was happening. Nadeline looked at Jaakuna, slightly confused, but said, "They'll take us to the Nalbina Dungeons, I'm sure...but we cannot fight this many and cause a national crisis." She regrettably sighed. "I suppose...we must surrender."

[AlteredTundra]

This is a situation that Jaakuna didn’t want to be in. One, Jaakuna didn’t want to be arrested, so that’s always a downer. Second, Jaakuna didn’t like the idea of leaving his airship behind. This really sucked and Jaakuna didn’t know what to do. Then, he remembered that he had a transmitter of sorts that connected him to Iris. So, pressing it softly, Jaakuna spoke as clearly, but as quietly as he could.

“Iris, if you can hear me, slowly fly the Ifrit away from the Tomb. It seems that we have ran into some unforeseen trouble. Just keep in distance of the Valefor. I will alert you when we are able to get free.” Jaakuna said as quickly, clearly, and silently as he could.

Iris responded. “Yes master Jaakuna.”

Jaakuna heard Iris respond and now he, reluctantly surrendered as he and the two ladies went down the steps to the ground floor. When they got down, they were met by cuffs of sorts. They were actually magickal cuffs, but they were cuffs nonetheless. They were placed on their hands as their arms were in front of their bodies, somewhat weighed down by the cuffs.

Jaakuna, Emiri, and Nadeline were led to the end of the ground floor until they were led into the Valefor. They walked up the metal ramp and at the top of it was waiting someone special. Jaakuna regonized him instantly.

“Oh fuck. Welp, we’re screwed.” Jaakuna cursed as he was forced to walk by the soldiers that were guiding them all.

There stood a man who just expressed mystery and calmness all around him.

The man looked at them. “Ah, it would seem fate smiles upon me. The three who are charged with trespassing upon my ancestor’s resting place. I, Wesley Alexander, Royal Prince of Dalmasca and captain of the ship Valefor, welcome you. Wesley said as he motioned the soldiers to take the prisoners to cell block A.

“Oh and be sure to confiscate their weapons. “ Wesley said.

The soldiers took the four swords that Jaakuna had, though they forgot about the Dawn Shard. They also took Emiri’s Longsword, dagger, and her bow. They also took Nadeline’s Rapier and proceeded to escort them to the cell block.

Wesley walked to the room where the wheel to the airship was. “Set a course for Rabanastre. These three will be tried in a court of law.” Wesley said as the course was set and so it shall be.

Meanwhile, Jaakuna and the ladies were placed in the same cell together. “Well this sucks donkey ass! I can’t believe we got arrested.” Jaakuna said as he was just pacing back and forth and just complaining and complaining. He was not happy.

[Hero]

"It does seem like a bad situation." Nadeline replied, as unfazed as ever.

The three were in a holding cell on the Valefor, though they may as well have been in a dungeon. Nadeline vaguely recalled the tales she had heard around the palace about Nalbina Dungeon. Nope, things didn't look good, but she was hoping their trial could go well. Trespassing wasn't that serious of a crime, was it? Would they get locked up? Fined? Community service? Nadeline watched Jaakuna pace around, and truth be told, it was making her even more nervous. Oh, if her father found out, she'd never be let out of the palace ever again! She'd have to actually stay put! She finally frowned, though it was a small one.

Emiri, on the other hand, was completely consumed in her own little world. Nothing she tried worked. She couldn't pause time. She tried again and again, and each effort actually felt like it was draining her. The question was why now of all times? What had changed from the battle with the Gigas? What had she done for her power to forsake her like it did? All those years of cursing herself...all the times she was used for it...and now it was just gone. It couldn't be a coincidence, and as she heard Jaakuna complaining, she felt guilty. She could have prevented this entire mess if she could have gotten them to the Ifrit.

"Emi? Hello?" Nadeline called out to the brunette, but she did not respond. She assumed she was worrying about the arrest. "Emi, you don't have to worry, I'm sure if we explain ourselves it will work out, okay?" The blonde felt slightly disheartened as Emiri ignored her. She then looked to Jaakuna, and rolled her eyes. "Come now, must you pace around as such?"

[AlteredTundra]

The situation was bad, but all Jaakuna could do was pace back and forth, hands on hips, and angry as all hell. Jaakuna didn’t want to say it, but he didn’t know how to get out of this mess and even worse it would seem they would be put on trial. One of many for Jaakuna, he knew that much. As he was pacing back and forth, Jaakuna didn’t really hear much, but he did hear Nadeline as if he must keep pacing back and forth. Jaakuna looked at her.

“Well, what do you expect I do? We’re stuck in here and it seems that we’re going to be put on trial. I mean, fucking shit! We’re only in this mess cause of you. YOU JUST HAD TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH OF RAITHWALL!” Jaakuna yelled as he stopped pacing and faced Nadeline. Jaakuna blamed her for the mess their in. They all would be happily in Rabanastre, undetected if Nadeline hadn’t sought them out.