Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As the group reached the clearing, Emiri swore she heard the faintest clicks of armor coming together. At first she thought it was Jaakuna's blades, but it got louder. A man stood some distance before them, sheathing his blade. He heard them coming, and when he turned, she saw his face had many scars about it.

"Harris?" Nadeline was shocked to see him here. "What are you doing here?"

"Your Highness...I had heard you left Stigma, but I did not expect to find you here." The man was just as surprised to see her here, and he looked to each member of the group, specifically examining each one of them. "A prince, a sky pirate, and a young woman...you have quite the taste in your companions, my lady."

The blonde haired girl was not amused. "You haven't answered my question."

Harris looked at Jaakuna for a moment, then back at Nadeline. "If only I could take you home, but alas, I am on a mission at the moment. I think it's only fair that I warn you, your companion there--the blonde Sky Pirate--is a wanted man back in Archadia. A select few between Rozarria and Archadia have called a temporary truce to track both him and you down, princess."

"All this for a pirate?" Emiri inquired at this point.

Harris frowned, clearly uncomfortable, looking as if he was torn between informing Nadeline and his orders. It seemed his loyalty to Nadeline proved stronger, as he continued, "He must answer for his crimes...please understand, Your Highness, we are concerned for your well being, I am sure your father wouldn't like it if he knew the company you carried."

Nadeline stepped forward at this point, raising en eyebrow. "And I suppose my aunt is having you go around fetching Espers? You cannot truly be fathering power for her sake! She will ruin Rozarria! We must make peace with Archadia as to avoid war. There is no need for you to get the Espers."

"Your Highness is right in that aspect, however, just as our truce unifies us against a common enemy, so have we our blades to each other's throats." He tried to explain. "If the Empress does not start the war, then the Emperor will. You are too young to understand, war is inevitable at times, no matter what our efforts."

The general let out a sad sigh, though held out his hand in front of him. Emiri gasped as a symbol appeared over his hand. "He...He has the Esper!" She exclaimed.

He nodded, eyeing Emiri at this point. "I was quite surprised to find it wandering about here. I suggest you watch where you tread, young lady, your presence alone is enough to unlock them from their seals. Yes, I am well aware of your identity. But right now, I have other matters to attend to. I leave you with Cúchulainn--defeat him, and you are one step closer to the truth. I pray for your safety, Princess." He bowed, taking his leave.

A glyph appeared from where Harris stood, and from it emerged a sickly monstrosity. He gave them a wicked grin, and from that alone they could see where all the impurities of the waterway came from--Cúchulainn.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"The gods test us." Nadeline grumbled, crossing her arms and scowling.

The return to the Garamsythe Waterway was not a welcome one, so to speak. The smell alone was warrant enough to drive most people away, the seweage a second reason to make most vomit their lunches, and finally, the increased monster activity. Last time they came, there were little more then rats and common lowlife monsters. This time, Nadeline was face to face with an actual Malboro Overking. It wasn't the only thing, however; flan, lizards, ghosts (seeing those would send Emiri to hide behind Jaakuna as he took care of it), and the occasional Baratine Croc would cross their paths.

Finally, she decided to voice said opinion. "I never knew there was such a...variety of monsters down here." She grimly noted as they recently quelled the Malboro.

For the first time in a long time, Emiri had to agree with her. "It could be the effect of the Esper, maybe? What are we dealing with, anyway?"

"Scion created to rid the world of its impurities by swallowing them within himself, in opposition to Nabriales the Majestic, scion of light. The world, however, was more filled with impurity and corruption than even the gods dared imagine, and having swallowed it all, the once beautiful Cúchulainn was transformed into a hideous thing, a deity of filth, and so did he turn against his creators. Wherever his feet should fall, there all life withers to dust." Nadeline recited as a response, giving a shrug. "I suppose it corrupts and impures things..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri blinked at Jaakuna, slightly confused, though she regained her footing and told the duo, "General Harris is here in Rabanastre, along with your Viera friends."

Nadeline raised an eyebrow at Emiri. That was,,,surprising, to say the least. Her initial thought was that Vlyn and Aloa were there to reclaim Emiri, but the general himself was around? "Perhaps Rozarria is reaching to Dalmasca to offer military aid? I can't fathom any other reason for their visit...though it's troubling if Harris himself is here, he always sends Vlyn and Aloa to do his bidding...this is a first, I admit." She looked like she was going to think about it further, but she decided to report their findings as well. She then pointed to the book. "[b][color=fdc68a]The next Esper is here in Rabanastre. Apparently...it's somewhere in the Garamsythe Waterway.[/b][/color]" She groaned slightly, already dreading the trip.

"Then we should get it and get out of here." Emiri said, looking at Jaakuna.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri racked her head as she tried to think of why General Harris would make a personal visit to Dalmasca. Last she heard, he was in Rozarria preparing for the upcoming war. As the pair snuck out, she tried to see where they went, but it looked like they were gone. They were in the clear, for now anyway.

"No...General Harris is the military leader of Rozarria, a talented swordsman and strategist. I know my father has served under him, so we have met long ago, but I would not say he is an enemy, either." She said slowly, though it hit her. "The two Viera--what, Aloa and Vlyn or whatever?--they are his direct subordinates. Actually, if I remember correctly. they're Nadeline's friends." She paused, looking at Jaakuna. "Maybe they're looking for Nadeline?" She suggested, giving Jaakuna a shrug. "Maybe we should get back to Wesley and Nadeline."

-------

"Of course I must fret! Why, if my etiquette tutor ever caught wind of such an act, I would never hear the end of it!" Nadeline exclaimed somewhat dramatically. "That and...perhaps I may have egged her on a bit." She felt a pang of regret. Truly, she let her anger get the best of her, and it was embarrassing enough Wesley and Jaakuna had bore witness to it. Oh, her poor mother would be so disappointed with her, and her mother had such a frail constitution. She let out a sigh, messing with her hair a bit as she listened to his offer. "Actually, if the enemy is aware of the Espers, I think it best to continue translating the text in the tome." She replied, withdrawing said book and placing it on her lap. "The Espers may have been imprisoned by the guards anywhere, from Rozarria to Archades to--Rabanastre?" She squinted at the text, surprised.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri wanted to believe Jaakuna. She truly did. But somewhere deep inside her, she wished it would never come to that. If she never saw Grant again it would be a blessing. Maybe she was still afraid of him but for now, she let those thoughts rest. Still, she liked the way Jaakuna thought, and laughed a little with him. She gave Jaakuna a small smile in return. "I'll protect you, too." She replied quietly, praying it would never come to that again, and her smile faded as she let out a groan, scratching her head. "I guess I owe Naddie an apology for getting hot headed. I really am picking up your terrible habits. If only you would pick up some of mine." She grinned.

She opened her mouth to make another comment, but before she could, a familiar face outside caught her attention. She squinted at the man, frowning slightly. Where had she seen him before? Watching him walk by, she racked her brain to try to remember. "That's...General Harris?" She pondered out loud, though let out a slight gasp as she spotted a pair of Viera trailing after him..

------

Nadeline let out a small laugh, clearly amused by Wesley. Hook, line, and sinker. Still, she didn't want to admit that on the scoreboard he was definitely winning, but she'd hopefully get to change that. She did admit to herself, however, that she did fancy Wesley. Just a little. Maybe more then a little. "You don't need to force that which will happen naturally." She chided, taking another sip of tea. "What was that phrase...'what happens will happen'? I will have to look that up." She giggled slightly, though she did let out a small sigh. "Speaking of happening, I must apologize for my...rather un-princess-like behavior earlier. I assure you I am no barbarian. Emi and I just happen to not see eye to eye at times. That's all."

------

"I fail to understand why my lord himself has bothered to come all the way out here when we can easily handle such a menial task."

The two Viera and General traveled through the streets of Rabanastre. They had brought no soldiers, their precence essentially masked except for those who knew their faces.

"You forget the Empress' words so easily, Vlyn?" Aloa asked him warily. "There is a fabled power underneath Rabanastre. We are to acquire it. What part did you not understand?"

"She also wants us to fetch that Sky Pirate and Princess Nadeline." Vlyn replied. "Though where the girl who manipulates time fits into this, I don't know. I'm getting confused."

To both of their surprises, the General chuckled, looking back at them. "The Empress demands much of us, no?" He joked.

Aloa smiled, nodding. "Yes, my lord, she does."

Vlyn crossed his arms, not as amused as Aloa was. "Then someone PLEASE tell me what needs to be done. Seriously."

"I think I can handle the few rats in the Garamsythe Waterway. You can leave that much to me." Harris said as they stopped before the entrance to Lowtown. "You two can hunt down the wanted ones. I hear Vlyn has a knack for finding Sky Pirates. Whether we accomplish one or more tasks is not important. What matters is that we divide and conquer. The princess is not to be harmed; as for the other two they're to be taken in. The Sky Pirate is a criminal, the girl is to be brought to Reia."

Vlyn and Aloa looked at one another. They weren't exactly too sure about the temporary alliance with Archadia, nor did they trust its Emperor. They weren't exactly fans of Grant and Savayna either, but they had little choice in the matter. They were spared both Grant and Savayna's presence for the moment, and only had their General. "Archadia does not know of the girl's power." Aloa reminded them. "To them, Princess Nadeline is worth more."

"And so we will leave it that way." Harris warned her. "Which is why regardless of what happens I want you two specifically looking for the girl. Should Archades find the Sky Pirate and the Princess, they will leave her, and that will be your chance to strike." He opened the door, looking back. "I know you two can do it. Contact me once you have gotten them; our reports say they were last spotted here, in Rabanastre."

The Viera nodded, watching the General descend. Vlyn let out a low groan, scratching his head. "Did you HAVE to tell him I was the one that found the Sky Pirate? Now he thinks I'm a bloodhound."

Aloa shook her head. "Reia thinks of us as his dogs. We may as well play the image, no?"

"Wouldn't that make you a bitch?" He received a swift kick for his troubles. "Ow!"

The True Self (A Persona RP)

*dies*

Best of luck to everyone, anyways! I'll be lurking in the shadows. :D

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline raised both of her eyebrows at Wesley. She was intrigued by his little confession. She drank her tea once more, placing down the cup and looking at him.

"Lust." She replied rather plainly, though a smirk did play on her lips. "Passion. Something fiery."

She then cleared her throat, and said, "Or at least that is what I would like to think. Who knows, really? The heart works in mysterious ways we do not understand at times." She hummed to herself lightly, and finally broke out into a grin. She placed her chin in her hands, batting her eyelashes at him. "We both may be of royal blood, but you and I work in two different ways. You are subtle, discreet, you rely on soothing words and light play. I, on the other hand, am direct, blunt, and...on the more physical side of things." She admitted rather playfully. "What say you?"

-------

At Jaakuna's question, Emiri nearly crushed the glass cup in her hand. An audible crack is heard, and some of her drink goes trickling down her palm. She sets the glass down rather calmly, waving a waitress over and requesting another glass. Once she leaves, she simply eats, and for a moment, there is silence. Finally, the waitress comes back, apologizing for the broken cup (not knowing Emiri was the one to blame) and replaces it. After another moment of silence, she suspects Jaakuna's patience to be wearing thin; he was bound to ask again, anyway, and there was no avoiding the subject.

She puts down her utensils and takes a swig of her drink. She places it down, folding her hands on top of the table, lest she go and break something else. She looks at Jaakuna rather seriously, her eyes somewhat intense. She breaks the gaze, somewhat annoyed as her temper flares rather quickly, but she does decide she will say something. "...I do not associate well with the word 'doll'. 'Coward', I can understand--gods know how many times I have rather fled then fought." She said briskly, picking up her spoon and mixing the soup slightly. "I...It is...Once upon a time, I was to be married to the son of the Emperor." She explains quietly, not taking her eyes off of her food. "He...I was his, and his alone. I suppose 'doll' was an affectionate nickname of some sorts, though many will say that it matched my lack of personality." At this point she hesitates, her words slurring into something of a mumble, but she does look back up at Jaakuna.

"Do you remember in Bhujerba how you told me that I had a choice? Until recently, much of my life wasn't my choice. It was my mother and father's--no, it was my mother, I suppose. My father is a soldier in the Rozarrian army and is often sent out on the front lines. Despite there being no war, it often fell on him to resolve foreign matters. Still, he managed to save the Emperor or something when I was young, I don't quite recall exactly what happened, but apparently my mother promised...in exchange for a rank in the nobility, I would marry the Emperor's youngest son--Grant Hershel of House Roselia." Emiri spoke slowly in an almost nostalgic tone, looking out the window. "For as long as I can remember, she controlled nearly everything I did. The way I act, speak, breathe--yes, breathe--everything needed to be perfect to be the ideal wife of a future Emperor. She discouraged any free thinking, most anything I said was recited from what she wanted me to say. By the time I had actually met...Grant...I was perfect in her eyes. I did not speak unless spoken to, I acted only in benefit to my future husband, I did not think, I did not choose, I simply was. I was the perfect little doll. His doll."

The mention of Grant got her blood boiling, but she managed to keep herself under control. She then looked at Jaakuna. "I don't appreciate being called a doll. I think on my own now. I'm not the same little girl I used to be." She then sighed. "Maybe the entire fight was stupid. She's right, we don't have the power to face Ixion...I don't have my power...But I might have lost my temper at that last part."

The True Self (A Persona RP)

Please tell me this is still open ;A;

Puer Magi Madoka Magica: The Reversal - Puella Magi Madoka Magica RP [SPOILERS ARE EVERYWHERE]

Is this still open? D:

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I told you." Emiri replied rather smugly, clearly pleased that, as usual, she was right.

For the moment, she wished not to discuss the fight between herself and Nadeline; it was embarrassing enough that they resorted to fistcuffs to solve a situation (she vaguely recalled her father saying words were better then punches...or...something like that) as Nadeline had not just pushed a button of Emiri's, she had rammed it head on with full ill intent, and she wanted to avoid it at all cost. The kiss between Wesley and Nadeline provided a good distraction and seemed to be taking Jaakuna's attention for the most part. It definitely took her attention as well, and even if it was just for a moment, her anger had subsided.

-------

Awkward could not begin to describe what had happened.

The usually bright, talkative, energetic princess was (dare we say) completely silent. She didn't dare to act, speak, or do anything that would make people presume anything. Except it was too late for that. But she didn't do anything--he did. Which was worse. Or was it better? It was unexpected. Truly unexpected. And then he spoke. And she had no idea what to say. She raised the cup to her lips, intending to drink some of her tea, but even the honey jasmine in front of her could not quell her beating, nervous heart. Yes, she was nervous. Very nervous. She had always been the one to take charge, and for once she was not sure what to do or say. It was a first for sure, nothing ever fazed her, but a simple kiss had derailed most of her thoughts.

How utterly frustrating.

Nadeline let out a small, somewhat forced laugh along with Wesley's, though it ended as she finally decided to take a sip of her drink. "Truly." She murmured into her cup, talking more to herself then she was talking to him. She needed to snap out of it. Putting her cup down, she eyed him curiously. "Pray tell, what possessed His Highness to do such a thing?" She asked slowly, slightly suspicious.