Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I don't understand why I was a target."

A pretty disgruntled Grant somehow managed to make it back to Rabanastre, already in a foul mood. He dismounted the Thorn, shoving the key in his pocket as he threw a glare at Jaakuna. Why the hell was he always getting punished for the stupid shit Jaakuna and Lorenzo were doing? The Thorn was more stable under his own control, so they managed to get there in one piece but still. He huffed, making sure to fix his hair as Lorenzo and company would finally arrive. Lorenzo was pretty giddy, already fully engulfed in some techno babble as he would repeatedly ask Keiran about the numbers that he had pulled. Said demon didn't really seem to think anything about the speeds--though Grant assumed it was because to a creature of darkness, simply going fast wasn't anything to write home about.

As for the other passengers...

Nadeline and Reia looked defeated, their expressions one of exasperation. Reia let out an uncharacteristic whine, managing to climb out with shaky limbs. As Lorenzo hopped out, he offered her a hand to help her stand. As she got on her two feet, she was silent, though as she looked up, Grant instantly recognized that murderous glare in her eyes. He numble hands had grabbed Lorenzo's neck, wringing him in a frenzy. "How many times do I have to tell you I'm not your damned guinea pig?!" She yelled, slapping him repeatedly. "There isn't a reason in the world why you would subject me to that AGAIN!"

Emiri looked like the remembered something. "I suppose she's still traumatized by the first ride of the 'Royal Carriage', huh?" She asked Grant, trying not to laugh.

He let out a sigh, though he looked over at Nadeline. "How long are you going to stay in there? You should lead the way to the castle," He pointed out.

The princess whimpered, though she would finally get out. Letting out a small sigh of defeat, she would dust herself off, fixing her hair so she looked more appropriate. After regaining her composure, she placed her hands on her hips. "At least the trip was short," She grumbled, though after letting out a cough, she was back to her usual self. "Now then. Follow me, if you would please," She informed the group as she would lead the way.

"So good to see our princess snap back to it," Emiri couldn't help but grin.

Lorenzo let out a hearty laugh, though he was distracted as he looked around. "Rabanastre, eh? It's...pretty hot here," He stated as they walked, constantly taking in the sights. "I mean, I knew this place was surrounded by deserts, but it's still a bit of a shock. The heat, that is."

Reia, who had reclaimed her composure as well, nodded. "The city is magnificent."

"Capital of Old Dalmasca, and before that, many other kingdoms stretching back into the storied history of the Galtean Peninsula." Nadeline would state as much as they walked. "The story of the city's people is the story of three cultures, those of Valendia, Ordalia, and Kerwon, who bore trade goods along the many well-frequented routes leading to her welcoming gates. The town proper of Rabanastre is divided into four sections by the cardinal directions of the compass. The east and west are merchant districts, the streets lined with shops and stalls of every description. In the north, the streets widen into a large piazza facing the palace, and to the South can be found three gates leading beyond the city walls to the Dalmasca desert and Giza Plains. The aerodrome can be found in the western outskirts of town, surrounded by numerous privately operated airship docks. In the northwestern part of town stands a splendid cathedral built in the Galtean style, the bell of which, when rung, sounds through every hearth and home in the city."

Keiran stopped in place, sensing something. Emiri looked at him curiously, though to her surprise, he'd walk right up to her. "The castle is...hm," He paused his thought, looking for the right words. "I suppose the prince truly is in a dire state right now."

"You...can tell?" Nadeline asked.

"The Espers and their hosts give...a rather unique Mist that's easily discernible from common Humes," He stated, pointing to the castle. "If you know how to read Mist, you can determine location, condition...even emotional state." Emiri nudged him, shaking her head at him as a clue to stop. He lowered his head. "Best to see the situation first hand, I suppose."

"Whatever the case, we must meet with Lady Cassandra," Reia reminded them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Back to insults, good to see Savayna back to normal. Nadeline crossed her arms, though she looked at her father, who still seemed uncertain as he continued to examine the craft, mumbling something to himself. She let out a sigh, knowing she wasn't going to get out of this as she had hoped. She should have left with Aloa when she had the chance--at the very least, her magicks were much more reliable than this...thing Jaakuna expected them to go in. Grant, on the other hand, was used to Savayna's insults, so he just outright ignored it. He had another motive behind wanting to go with Reia, but it looked like he wasn't going to get out of it.

"Adventure, as if I haven't had enough adventure to last me a lifetime," Reia scoffed, clearly much more vocal about her thoughts. "There's a set difference between uneeded risk and just being stupid. And I know exactly what I'm doing when it comes to my personal life. I don't need someone with your reputation to tell me otherwise."

"No one's budging, so let's just go already," Grant raised his voice impatiently, turning on his heel and simply walking towards where the Thorn was parked. "See you in Rabanastre."

"If we make it there alive," Nadeline huffed, slapping her father's shoulder. "Steady! Do you hear me? I don't want you killing us!"

"Shotgun, if we crash I want to be the first to die," Keiran called as he raised his hand, circling the vehicle to enter his seat comfortably.

"I'm sure it'll be okay. Probably shaky. As long as the body doesn't come apart...oi, Keiran, make sure you keep an eye on the Mist for me," Lorenzo said, helping Reia in. "Hopefully it's fully mist-operated and not partial...though if that's the case then wouldn't the engine's output be predetermined?" He delved back into mumbling to himself as he would take his own seat.

Emiri watched Grant leave with curious eyes, though she wasn't sure what had happened. He certainly wanted to get the show on the road, but she felt like something had happened. She gave Jaakuna an apologetic look, leaving him behind as she would run to catch up to Grant. Boy, was he a fast walker! As she finally caught up to him, she couldn't help but grab his arm. "What's wrong?" She asked him, frowning.

"Nothing. Why?" He replied, though he would reclaim his arm from her.

"You're moodier than usual," She smiled. "Tell me when we get there, okay?"

Tell her what? How he felt right now about what had happened? He didn't want to talk about it. As he mounted the Thorn, he caught Emiri staring at him intently. "Sure. Some stuff happened while you were away...I'm sure you'll find out sooner or later," He said, simply waiting for Savayna to get on. Emiri nodded, running back to Jaakuna. Grant let out a sigh once more, letting the engine rumble beneath him. At least Dalmasca wasn't too far. It should be a short trip.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The man was all over the vehicle, practically jumping from place to place as he inspected it carefully. Nadeline ignored him, though she couldn't exactly ignore Jaakuna's rather...hesitant explanation. A silence blanketed the group as only the sound of the engine occupied the garage. Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing, but no one knew what to say first. Lorenzo straightened up, scratching the back of his head, one eye closed. Both Nadeline and Reia would notice, neither one liking the expression of uncertainty on his face.

"I'm fully convinced everyone here is trying to kill me," Keiran ended up being the first to voice his displeasure at being Jaakuna's guinea pig.

"I admit this is...probably not the best idea," Grant couldn't help but agree, letting out a sigh. "Maybe it's best if I take Reia with me...at the very least she has a better chance at survival."

"Why does she get to go with you?" Nadeline squeaked. "I want to live, too!"

"As the ruler of our empire, I'm important. I agree with Grant," Reia immediately cut off Nadeline's train of thought, though humorously unable to contain her own nervousness. "Lorenzo is more than likely to handle things better with his precious daughter in the back seat."

"You and Savayna are sturdier than a woman who's never so much as lifted a finger to do anything herself," Grant reminded Nadeline seriously, trying to be the voice of reason. "If something happens, the two of you are more likely to survive."

Emiri let out a nervous laugh. "Don't exaggerate, I'm sure it's fine," She tried to reassure the group.

Keiran looked her dead in the eye. "Then you come along."

"I'm riding with Jaakuna, end of story," She stated rather coldly, immediately putting down any differentiating ideas to her seat.

Nadeline looked at Emiri, tears in her eyes. "You'd abandon us so?! How cruel!"

Grant rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Lorenzo, say something, you're making them nervous," He prodded the man.

Lorenzo shrugged, causing Reia to stiffen and Nadeline to let out a wail of despair. Keiran didn't know these people, but apparently Lorenzo shrugging was akin to bad news. Very bad news. He coughed, deciding he'd try--and probably fail--to amend things. "It's up to the user to control, so as long as we're careful, everything should be fine," He stated, hands on his hips. "I can gladly assist if any errors show up."

"Eh, that's good enough for me. No one lives forever, right?" Lorenzo said, nonchalant.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Letting a smirk crawl onto his face, he let out a low laugh, one that could be mistaken as malicious if they didn't know him any better. One could see a twinkle in his eye as he rubbed his hands together, clearly eager to go. Nadeline looked at him from the corner of her eye, a grimace plastered on her face. Oh she recognized that look alright, the look that every child had as they wanted nothing more than to rip open the package and play with their new toy. Grant shrugged, having nothing to particularly comment on. If that was the plan, so be it.

Emiri, on the other hand, was equally delighted, outright hugging Jaakuna's arm. "Shall we, then? It sounds like we should get going," She said.

Roman seemed to agree as he would stand. "I, too,must get back to things. I can rely on a message should the need arise," He said.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant let out a groan, wondering what in the world he had done to deserve his punishment. He wasn't lying! Though he was surprised at Lorenzo's 'advice'. He couldn't help but roll his eyes as Jaakuna asked how he and Karolina got to know one another so well. It was akin to a child admiring their older sibling, and Grant of all people knew what a bad influence Lorenzo could be. Lorenzo, on the other hand, was loving the attention, showing as much as he would sit up properly, ready to bestow his wisdom onto the eager lad.

"I could go on a lecture about how you could do little things--a little gift, a show of affection, actually remembering birthdays and not forgetting for the third year in a row--but the biggest thing about love is listening. It's a two way street, once you get your head out of your ass and actually listen, you learn a lot," He stated, clearly impressed with himself. "Once you know what they're saying, the rest of it comes real easy!"

Now it was Reia's turn to roll her eyes. As thrilling as this had the potential to be, she decided she would rather be anywhere but here. She quietly excused herself, deciding to take a stroll to see the rest of the Aerodome. Grant shook his head, though he chose not to add anything. It was Nadeline who decided to interject, "You never listen to me."

"Now, now, my precious treasure who I love just as much as life itself if not more, this isn't about you, it's about your mother! The love of my life, my soulmate! I love everything about her!" He sighed dreamily. "The way she pins her hair up in the morning, that cute giggle she does when I tease you, how she concentrates real hard whens he's reading. It all sounds dub but I love everything about that woman. And...she has a great rack, too."

"Father!"

"You should be happy! Mothers are usually a good hint at where the daughters are headed!" Lorenzo stated, clearly enjoying his teasing. Emiri's expression fell, though she wouldn't comment.

"My chest is perfectly normal and I am alright with that!" Nadeline insisted, her face turning red.

"You'll get there, sweetheart, you shouldn't worry too much about it. You're a growing girl."

"I'm twenty two!"

Grant decided that he, too, had enough of the conversation, politely excusing himself as he stood up. He chose to head to the bar on the other side of the lounge, taking a seat. His eyes seemed to roam the walls, trying to decide what he could sample. "Hmm...whatever you recommend. And...make it a double, please." He said as he heard Nadeline whine.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Lorenzo grinned again, watching the blond man take a seat once more. Still, it seemed he was a glutton for punishment as he would decide--rather unfairly--that Shion was past her prime. Boy, he certainly had a skewed perception of 'prime', didn't he? He thought long and hard about Jaakuna's words, though he then realized he had decided to compare Shion and Reia. Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, shaking his head at Jaakuna. Rookie mistake, that was, though he felt just the slightest pang of guilt as Reia let out a rather haughty laugh as she would stand.

She walked over to Jaakuna rather quickly, grabbing him by his hair. "Please, young man, don't go insulting me by comparing the two of us. Clearly I'm still in my prime!" She tugged his hair with every word she emphasized.

Grant scoffed. "Is that why there's a parade of men coming from your room every morning?" He asked sarcastically. "I assume they each tell you how much in your prime you're still in?"

Reia's eye flashed, and literally yanked Jaakuna, still by his hair, and managed to summon the strength of ten men as she threw him at Grant. "What I do is MY business!" She yelled in anger.

Emiri sighed, shaking her head. "The two of you really need to learn some restraint," She said.

Roman let out another laugh, though he paused, just remembering something. "Ah, I almost forgot, the Ifrit is undergoing its maintenance. It won't take long, but you'll have some time to do as you please," He said, chuckling as Reia reclaimed her seat. "Do try to be on your best behavior, brother, you still need to accompany Lady Reia to Dalmasca, after all."

"Ah, Jaakie...still so much to learn. Still so much left to teach ya. Women are fickle creatures! They never tell you what they want yet they expect you to just read their minds," He said wisely, still grinning.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri slowly inched away from Jaakuna as he spoke, not liking the direction he was headed. Oh, she recognized that look alright. As the words left his mouth, she pulled Keiran to his feet, pushing him behind Jaakuna. The black haired man was confused, though he nearly let out a scream as he caught the look in Shion's eye. There was a light blue aura, glittering around her as her rose would glow ominously. She took Jaakuna's hand rather gently, tilting her head to the side as she smiled at him tenderly. She released his hand, taking a step back, and turned around. For a moment, Keiran assumed she had dismissed Jaakuna's content as she would begin to walk away. Instead, she ran towards Jaakuna, leaping in the air. Her leg emerged from her kimono, kicking Jaakuna square in the stomach.

One, two, three--the impact connected, sending Jaakuna flying into Keiran, and the pair collided with the wall, the entire place shaking rather dangerously. Lorenzo let out another low whistle, though he burst into laughter. "Top three things to never ask a woman: her bust size, the color of her underwear, and her age! You should know this by now!" He managed to tell Jaakuna between laughs.

Grant rolled his eyes, though he couldn't help but give Emiri a look. The brunette bit her lip, though she heard Keiran let out a frustrated yell. "Admirable how you would use Keiran to cushion Jaakuna's hit with the wall. Albeit a little mean,"

Emiri let out a nervous laugh. Nadeline shook her head, standing from her seat and going over to the pair, holding her hands out as she would cast a healing spell.

Shion flipped her hair over her shoulder, indifferent. "I have plenty of years to go, thank you, Sky Pirate!" She huffed once more, practically stomping her way out of the lounge despite her attempt to stay composed.

"Sensitive, aren't we?" Reia commented, smirking.

"Ah, how it is to be young again," Roman added.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The woman offered little in expression, though perhaps it was because of the lack of expression that it was obvious she was irked at Jaakuna's response. She let out a sigh, her palm to her forehead in clear exasperation. Emiri couldn't hide her amusement at Shion--Jaakuna had an effect on her, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Was she blushing? Well, not how normal people did, though Emiri swore she saw Shion's cheeks go ever so slightly pink. Even she would get embarrassed, it seemed, though she nudged Jaakuna, making sure he knew not to go too far with it.

"That is none of your concern," She huffed in annoyance, dropping her hand.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Emiri asked. "I hope you two are happy together." Shion didn't respond, instead choosing to take her leave. Emiri looked instead at Jaakuna, smiling. "I know I am."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Well, as luck would have it, I would appreciate it if you would--what was that phrase again? 'Do me a solid', and go to Dalmasca in my stead." Roman stated, his fingers quoting the rather 'hip' saying. Lorenzo snickered, though he was quickly silenced as both Nadeline and Grant hit him. "As charming as Dalmasca is, I must stay and tend to my country to the best of my abilities. Calming my citizens and treating the wounded--as well as all the paperwork that accompanies it--is one of my priorities."

Lorenzo let out a laugh, grinning. "Ah, the joys of brotherhood! Where men need not communicate in order to understand one another!" He nudged Grant happily. "It reminds me a lot of me and Grant!"

"Except I'm the one always having to clean up your messes. So no." Grant made it a point to prove Lorenzo wrong, raising his eyebrows.

"Hey, I saved your sorry ass just moments ago!"

"There was that time you forgot to send those papers to Rabanastre despite swearing to Reia that you sent them--"

"You damned liar." Reia hissed, her glare so heated she looked ready to strangle Lorenzo.

"Is this also the right time to mention the one time I covered you when all the Barons of the outer Rozarrian territories came and you decided to goof off in your workshop?"

"Father, the Baron of Calyx was very upset you weren't there! That was when he wanted to discuss the prospect of marrying his son to me," Nadeline gasped, her eyes wide.

"Well, that's a moot point now!"

The family continued bickering, much to Shion's dismay. She had definitely chosen poorly now that she was caught in the middle of the argument, though she wasn't sure whether she should get up or yell at them to stop. She chose the former, quietly standing and walking over to Aloa. "Another favor? My, aren't we asking for it all?" She said, turning her cheek towards her.

"Not another, but rather picking up where we left off," She reminded her, referring to their original conversation in Stigma. "Our next goal should be Wesley's awakening. However...there is another thing I am concerned about. I want to be absolutely sure before I can send them to Zodiark. At the very least buy a little time...

Vlyn frowned, though he seemed to understand. "I guess we could always go ahead. No harm in checking, right?" He asked Aloa.

"Ah, he learns! The gods smile upon us today," Aloa sighed, though the three of them nodding, with the viera departing first.

Shion watched them, though she turned back to see Lorenzo still fighting with Reia and Grant. She turned her attention instead to Jaakuna, though once again, she would take a good, long look at Keiran. His expression was mostly neutral, not seeming to have any opinion on anything. A spectator and nothing more--it was a pitiful life. Emiri seemed to have caught the look of pity on her face, and she would look at Keiran as well. "I can't say I don't like the attention, but I'm getting worried the two of you are up to something," He couldn't help but state, looking between Shion and Emiri.

"My apologies," Shion waved away her concern, though placed a hand on her hip. "It's the first time I have seen something like this in person. They used to share stories of something like this when I was a child...the hero tricking the demon into doing as he commanded. I suppose all legends must start somewhere."

"A deal is a deal."

"Indeed," She would finally turn her attention to Jaakuna, though she seemed to be thinking of choosing her words. "It would seem I had no need to warn you. Once again, you've gone out of your way for love. But as promised, I will return the favor. I must be off now, I suppose I felt the need to bid you farewell." She paused for a moment, looking up at the ceiling. Emiri stared, confused, though it then hit her that Shion probably wasn't used to goodbyes. "Finding you won't be an issue, we will meet again. And when we do, we will go to him. Until then, I suggest that you wrap up any other affairs you have."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The room was silent for a moment. Jaakuna was right, but at the moment, it didn't make anyone feel better. Keiran watched each person curiously, though for once, he was completely quiet. Part of it was because it wasn't like he had anything useful to add to the conversation. The other, bigger part was if he said the wrong thing, he was certain Emiri would punish him. He decided to take a seat on the floor, hands on his knees. He caught Shion staring at him, and honestly, her look gave him the absolute chills. He froze up as she would walk over to him, unsure of what she was going to say.

She gave him a look, though she would instead look at Jaakuna. "We are weak creatures who always look to other sources for power. Our actions also have consequences--what is important is not what has been done, but what you will do about it. Will you succumb to your despair, or will you rise above it?" She stated, though she would walk over to where the Rozarrian family sat, surprising nearly everyone as she would sit next to Grant.

Gods help me. He sat up rather nervously. Lorenzo took a look at Shion, letting out a low whistle. "And she decides to mingle with those beneath her station! What a lady," He teased.

Shion ignored him, though she would point to something behind him. The curtains had opened, a very annoyed Reia stepping out. Lorenzo let out a squee, immediately standing up and jumping over the couch. He held out his arms as he ran over to his sister, but at the last moment she would sidestep him, causing him to crash into the wall. "Ah, you're all alive. And...there's more of you," She noted the size of the group.

"Now, now, it's been a long day, my dear Reia. Let's be glad we've all reunited once more," Roman added cheerfully as he would step out.

Grant let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're both safe," He said, probably the understatement of the century.

"And we have my little brother to thank for that! He rescued my useless self from the dungeons. I do sincerely apologize for the trouble~" Roman chuckled as he would have a seat, inviting Reia to sit as well. She looked over at Shion, who sat next to Grant. The pair stared at one another for a moment, though Reia would concede, sitting between Shion and Roman. Shion raised her eyebrows, though she said nothing. Reia shrugged,clearly not in the mood to fight over a seat of all things. "We're all lucky to have such beautiful women accompanying us, no?" He smiled.

Lorenzo got back up, retaking his original seat. "Good to see you alright, Ronald!" He grinned, ignoring Nadeline's exasperated grumble.

Roman nodded. "I do have some good news and bad news. The bad news being that Archades is in a state of emergency due to my grandfather's actions, though the soldiers are out to search for him as we speak. Rest assured, his actions were not in our intention. The attack on Stigma must have spurred him to action, though I cannot say for sure what his ultimate goal was."

"He made it abundantly clear that he wanted domination over my country," Reia scoffed. "He intercepted Jackson's--Jaakuna's message to Roman, and made it clear that despite not having any solid proof of the treaty, he clearly didn't want it to happen."

Emiri looked over at Grant, who nodded. "But we're all here now, aren't we? Which means it can continue, right?" He asked.