Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The twenty minutes that passed had to have been the fastest yet longest time of Emiri's life. How she wished she could convince Nadeline otherwise, how she regretted what she had said to her. Nonetheless, the trip went smooth, and soon enough the group exited Stigma's Aerodome. It was irnoy at its finest; when they left Stigma, they had been further united, now they arrived distant and shattered. The streets of Stigma were quite busy, buzzing with chatter, unlike the quiet morning they had left. Nadeline looked around as they walked, and sure enough, Mikaela once again approached them, accompanied by her half a dozen group of giggling girls. She seemed slightly surprised to see her there, though approached her nonetheless.

"Welcome home, Princess!" The entire group sang all at once and then promptly erupted into giggling until Mikaela silenced them.

"Thank you very much." Nadeline replied, once again kneeling down. "Tell me, do you know where I may find Aloa?"

Mikaela frowned slightly. "She's not here in Stigma, she left with Her Emi--Eminence? Um, she left with the Empress somewhere."

Great, just what they needed. As Emiri was about to ask where they could have gone, Nadeline kept talking, "I see. How about Vlyn? Did he go with them as well?"

"No, he's overseeing the palace. Your daddy's in charge until the Empress returns, so Vlyn stayed to make sure nothing happens to him." Mikaela lowered her voice as she spoke, her tiny eyes looking around. "Things aren't looking good for the Empress. Word is the council wants to overturn her, but no one can really tell what's going on. They say Aloa went to... 'take care' of the Empress."

Nadeline thought about this very carefully. If she attempted to get the throne now, she would have to deal with her father. She silently cursed; leaving Lorenzo in charge was one way to make sure neither her or Grant would be able to snatch the throne just yet. SHe was somewhat surprised, however. Was Aloa really going to get rid of Reia? Or was this just a rumor thrown around to lure Nadeline and Grant to Stigma? She would have to make sure, she highly doubted Reia would just go down that easily. "Thank you very much, Mikaela. I'll be going to the castle now." Nadeline told her, straightening up. "Do take care."

Mikaela nodded, leading her group away. The group continued through the streets of Stigma, though shortly afterwards they would arrive just outside the palace gates. One could see the palace located across the grand lake. A guard signaled them to halt. "Who approaches?" He asked through his armor.

Nadeline stepped forward. "It is I, Nadeline Lenore."

"Welcome home, Your Highness. Please, proceed."

As the gates opened, several pillars rose from beneath the water, creating a walkway so that they could cross. Nadeline, Grant and Emiri crossed with ease, having been used to this. As they walked, Nadeline decided to educate the Archadians and Dalmascan. "Before the era of airships, before this city was built, this place was a dry desert area. They say that my ancestors were a frequent target for enemy nations. And so they asked the gods for a place where they could always be protected. In response, the gods told them to go to the middle of this desert and to place a single seed in the middle. Following their instructions, this palace rose from the depths of the sands, surrounded by millions of bloomed flowers. The flowers, however, immediately faded and became the water you see here. Supposedly that is how the sea was created, so that my people could be protected always. They named this place after the flowers that protected them--Rozarria."

Sword Art Online: One Hundred Levels Up

Maybe I can doodle up something, what do you want the symbol to look like?

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant had no doubt in his mind that Aloa would be able to shed light on the situation. Though he was surprised to hear that this as not the first time they had required her services. Not only that, but once again Aloa would be helping Jaakuna. He thought that funny for some odd reason. And once again Savayna insulted him...though she kind of followed it up with a compliment? "The Viera are a very spiritual race. So yes, Aloa should clarify some things...and thanks?" Grant couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "So then if I wasn't sexy it'd be a problem?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

---

Jaakuna was just as worried as Emiri was. What was worse, he didn't even remember his declaration, as odd as it had been. Now she really did think Nadeline had a point. Yet she felt that she needed to support Jaakuna no matter what. She stood up and walked over to Jaakuna, taking his hands in hers. "Aloa will know what to do. She is very wise, and she will help. Just try to relax, even if it's for a little bit, okay? Stressing out about it won't help." She told him gently. "Whatever your decision, I will support you no matter what, okay? We're in this together."

---

Nadeline was somewhat surprised by this. Not that she ever wanted to make Wesley choose between herself and Jaakuna, but she was sure he would stay. She nodded at him, though she leaned her head against his chest, She just hated the entire situation. She didn't want to leave. She wanted to help, but... "Wesley...you should know...when I return...I plan to overthrow Reia." She admitted to him quietly. "If what Jaakuna says is true, Rozarria cannot have Reia at the throne. I...I will consult the council for their approval and succeed Grant. "

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I thought I made myself perfectly clear." Nadeline replied rather dryly, though she did stand up. "Please excuse me, we will be back in Stigma soon and I must gather my things." She pushed her chair in, though she didn't move. She looked at the ceiling, closing her eyes. "I didn't want it to be like this. I thought...I cannot ignore my own feelings. I know this is a mistake, and I just can't partake in this knowing how I feel. I will not betray myself. This is wrong...I suppose...you will have to be the voice of reason when I'm gone."

---

Grant was glad to get out of there, and that it ended like it did. Sure, Jaakuna was mad at Nadeline, but it was resolved without violence...sort of. Except now Nadeline was apparently leaving the group. Once they got to Savayna's room, he sat on the edge of her bed, shaking his head. When Savayna asked for his opinion, he thought carefully before replying. "I'll admit, I'll feel a lot better once Aloa confirms the identity of the other soul." Grant said slowly, lightly scratching his cheek. "Though I admit I do agree with Nadeline on the topic of my sister. Still...I...I wish she wouldn't leave us like this." He found himself admitting rather reluctantly.

---

Where did she go wrong? How did it come to this? Emiri watched Jaakuna somewhat nervously. She didn't know what to think or what to say. Her previous doubt and guilt resurfaced, and she regretted the events at Giruvegan. "Jaakuna...please calm down." She finally spoke. "Once Aloa proves that it's really your father, everyone will come around." Except for Nadeline. But she really didn't want to think about that. And yet, in the back of her head, she knew she was right. " ' I am the protector that will be the shield; I am the defender that will be the sword; I am the fire that will light up the Darcone house.' " She muttered outloud, though she looked at Jaakuna. "Do you...remember saying that?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"As long as Reia is around, there can never be peace between the three Empires. Never. And what would you have us do? Dethrone her? Because that would be the only way there would ever even be the slightest chance at peace between the three nations." Nadeline reminded Jaakuna, clearly not swayed by his passion. She knew well that he was not speaking or thinking rationally. And if she had to be the villain in this, so be it. She couldn't let them go through with this, she just couldn't. "Have you even thought about the mess that will happen once Simon is revived? Do you realize the absolute pandemonium that will follow? Even if ti was your father, he [i]helped[i] us, if the previous Emperor was banished to Giruvegan, there had to have been a reason for it. This entire situation is too much to risk on the sole assumption that the voice is your father, it was a mistake for you to go after that voice in the first place."

Grant couldn't help but sadly agree with Nadeline--his sister had fallen, it was much too late to think she would go for peace. He didn't want to really admit it, but he was starting to slowly shift to her side of the argument. Still, if Aloa could just prove it was indeed Simon, he would feel a lot better about all this. In all honesty, he could care less about Archadia--though that was because he was a resident of Rozarria. He could actually say he felt more motivated to help Jaakuna for a much more personal reason more than anything.

"So after everything we have been through together you would refuse to help a friend? Really? What in the world is wrong with you, Nadeline?!" Emiri shouted, clearly upset at her. "You of all people should understand! All you ever wanted was peace, or have you forgotten that already?"

Nadeline fell silent after that. For what seemed like an eternity, she stared at Emiri. Grant wasn't sure how this would end. And then finally, she let out a sigh. It seemed as if she would relent. She spoke afterwards. "Let us return to Stigma and see if we can find Aloa. After that, I will remain there. I told you, I refuse to take any part in this. All you need is Aloa's viera abilities, you don't need me."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"There is a chance she would know, but I am afraid it won't be possible. This is where I put my foot down." Nadeline replied, putting both hands on the table. "It's bad enough that someone--" She shot a look at Emiri. "--Isn't objecting to this, so i will. Jaakuna, with all due respect, you really have lost it. Not in the sense that Savayna has stated, but have you forgotten what had happened the last time we went to Archades? We had help that time and YOU were nearly beaten to death by your sadistic brother. I highly doubt he would be happy to see you, I wouldn't doubt his punishment being more severe since you not only escaped, you also took Emiri with you."

The brunette narrowed her own eyes at Nadeline. "Jaakuna is not going to be staying with his father's soul in him. We will go to Archades--with or without you."

"Are you stupid? Did you forget that Vincent wanted you dead as well?" Nadeline snapped, clearly displeased at Emiri's threat. "You can stop time, but that does not under any circumstance make you invincible."

Grant felt the need to speak up before the two's argument escalated further. "Calm down, you two, we need to properly discuss this." He warned them lightly.

Nadeline crossed her arms. "There is no discussion. I refuse, end of story."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline knew that damned voice was bad news, and this only confirmed it. She listened carefully to Jaakuna and his explanation, and the entire thing just spelled out 'bad idea'. She looked at Jaakuna, and then at Emiri. Savayna may have thought Jaakuna had lost it, but she understood why Emiri didn't say anything yesterday. What she found difficult to believe, however, was the fact that Emiri let him go through with it. What in the world were they both thinking? Emiri couldn't help but shift in her seat, knowing Nadeline's once happy smile had degraded into a glare so fierce, and it was aimed right at her. She avoided eye contact for the most part. Grant was slightly confused, but he didn't think Jaakuna had been making it up. It did make him somewhat curious, though.

"Alright, so you have your father's soul. What do you plan to do with it?" He asked somewhat uncertainly.

"Return it to his body...in Archades." Emiri replied quietly.

At this point Nadeline threw daggers at Emiri, though she quickly turned them to Jaakuna. "Is this true?" She asked him, her voice rather low. Grant let out a small sigh, shaking his head at her. "You're comfortable going back there?" Nadeline asked him.

"I didn't say that." Grant replied.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The group went back to the kitchen as a whole, chatting and cheers to be had. Once everyone had been seated, Emiri and Grant served the group, then sat down to eat themselves. There was a comfortable silence as they ate, though Nadeline's smile couldn't get wider even if she tried. Once the group finished, Emiri went around collecting plates and refilling cups of coffee. At the back of Nadeline's head, however there was one tiny little detail that she did not consider in the heat of the moment. Then again, it could be dealt with later, right now she wanted to enjoy the moment.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant was still in a state of shock so to speak, so much that it took him a moment to notice that both Wesley and Nadeline stood before him. He was in disbelief, so to speak. Nadeline was like a little sister to him, gods knew how this made him feel so conflicted. It wasn't that he didn't like Wesley, the guy was a good man when he didn't have his hands all over her. And to be fair, he did walk in on them, so it was his fault as well. Little Nadeline was a grown woman now, and if she didn't want him, she would not have said yes. Simple as that. After a moment of what seemed like a very tense silence, Grant raised one hand in defeat.

"Congratulations." He told the two, holding out his hand to Wesley.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As Jaakuna and Savayna rushed to the Medic Bay, Grant watched them. He looked at Emiri, who shrugged. Once everything was ready and off the stove, the two went over and wandered to the Medic Bay. The two stuck their heads in just in time to see Wesley and Nadeline get up off the floor. Why were they on the floor in the first place? Grant was obviously displeased at the fact that yet again Wesley and Nadeline were caught in the middle of a make out session. He crossed his arms as he and Emiri entered, obviously awaiting an explanation. Emiri was just curious than anything. Nothing seemed wrong, so why was there a scream?

Nadeline smiled, though she bit her lip as she squeezed Wesley's hand. She looked absolutely elated, a clear opposite from yesterday and this morning. She sniffled lightly, almost dancing in place. Grant had the strangest feeling he was not going to like what she was about to say. "He asked...no, that is to say..." She giggled feverishly, as if she had a big secret to tell--which she did. She took in a deep breath and held Wesley's arm, pulling him to her. "We--We're engaged!" She squealed with clear delight, happily jumping up and down.

Grant visibly blanched, torn between wanting to congratulate the two and wanting to strangle Wesley. Emiri gasped, clearly surprised, but she too let out a shrill squeal. "Congratulations!" She cried, and Nadeline released Wesley long enough to recieve Emiri's hug.