Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I really hate this crap," Lorenzo stated as he threw himself back into his seat, staring at the ceiling. "I really hate that he listened to you, too."

Reia huffed at him. "Says the man who used his wife specifically to get out of these types of situations. Clearly, Lorenzo, you have no shame, do you?" She couldn't help but snap back at him. "The only reason you're upset is because I'm right."

"I didn't say that. You're a hundred percent right. So right. All right. So fucking right it drives me crazy!" Lorenzo replied. "But this world of politics and shit eats a person up, it makes them forget about what's important. You gotta think of the whole fucking country, and for what? So they can turn into unappreciative bastards when you do one thing they don't like? It sucks. And now imagine all that in a twenty-something year old that's just barely starting to live life. There's a reason our councils and senates love younger rulers--they know precisely that they can't handle the pressure, pulling their strings so they can do what they want without giving a shit about what they're doing to their puppet!"

He let out a yell of frustration, though he sat up properly, hands on his knees. Reia scoffed, though she understood his frustration. "We don't get that luxury of choice. He wanted the treaty, so he needs to grow up and realize the ramifications of what it is that means. And if that means having to give up something...then that's just the reality of the situation."

---

"Friends, indeed. That is, they should think of themselves as much should they want to keep their pointless lives."

The threat was uncharacteristic, but something had clicked in her mind. There they were, right in front of her, fresh for the picking. Ultima's small crown had already formed on her head, her grip on her rapier steadier than before. She took note of their appearances, how they had changed, but the bad news for them was that she was not the same person she was before, either. She raised her rapier, one hand on her waist as she looked at them curiously. "Oh, I have to thank you for that departing gift. Unfortunately, it left me wanting for more. So this is how it'll happen--either tell me where Sylvester is, or I'll beat it out of you. I haven't gotten the patience for our usual chats, so do make your choice quickly. Of course, if that chat results in Sylvester's location, then by all means, do tell." Her voice was loud, though it was obvious she was completely serious.

---

Arrogant, stuck up, narcissistic, damn bitch!

Emiri let out a very long, slow breath, crossing her arms tightly. She should've just grabbed that smug woman by those tassles she called hair and forced her to call off the attack. But she couldn't bear to ruin Jaakuna's plan. The marks had all but vanished on her, though she still felt some soreness. Keiran, on the other hand, looked completely branded, though he didn't seem to mind. Letting out a frustrated grunt, Emiri eyed the guard, narrowing her eyes. Grant gave her a look, but she ignored him. She didn't do well being locked up, and she had it with people thinking they had authority over her. She let out a sigh, though in the silence the two noticed they could hear talking.

Pressing themselves against the wall rather comically, they tried to stay quiet to hear what was happening. It was muffled, but it was clear it was Cassandra and Jaakuna speaking. Emiri clucked her tongue in disappointment, straining to listen. Jaakuna was talking a lot, a more serious tone. She needed to concentrate, she had to hear what they were saying. Grant seemed to have better luck, though he wasn't going to relay until he had heard the entire conversation. But it was then that he listened to Cassandra's counter proposal. He took a step back in shock, and Emiri gave him a curious look.

"What is it? Are we in trouble?" She asked him, not liking the look on his face.

Well, trouble wasn't exactly the right word. "If I heard correctly, Cassandra may or may not have just...proposed marriage to Jaakuna. To...unite Dalmasca and Archadia. Hm. That can't be right."

"Are you sure?" Her voice squeaked unintentionally, though she had reason for it. "Of all the things she could ask, why that?!"

Grant shook his head, instead choosing to focus on Wesley. He had handled that poorly--Wesley and Nadeline were the ones with more tact, he probably shouldn't have said anything. He watched Wesley's chest rise, feeling Emiri's hand on him, though to his horror, Wesley's breathing stopped. His eyes widened, and he made to back away, but Emiri kept her grip firm on him. Wait, the guard was frozen, too. Keiran chuckled, motioning towards Emiri.

"What are you doing? Do you want to anger Cassandra further?!" He couldn't help but exclaim, making to take her hand off him.

"Don't, you'll get frozen like everything else," She warned him, motioning towards the guard. "This is the only way we can speak without being heard."

"Then how is Keiran able to move?"

"I suppose no one truly understands our special relationship," Keiran sighed, placing his elbow on Emiri's shoulder, only for her to whack him with her free hand.

"I don't like where this is going, and we need help. Keiran, I rememeber what you did in Stigma Castle--you can go through walls, can't you?" She asked him. When he nodded, she continued, "Then get help. Nadeline, Savayna, Aloa--anyone. I'm more than certain Jaakuna was the one who asked for Cassandra, so not him."

"They'll notice I'm gone," He frowned.

"Then godspeed. I'm leaving myself in your hands."

Grant looked between the pair, unsure if this was the right course of action. Still, Keiran nodded, walking right past the guard to the door. Darkness would form an aura around him, and he would walk right through. Emiri turned to Grant, and time would resume, no doubt the guard noticing that Keiran was gone.

---

"A dormant blade."

Aloa found herself disappointed in the Treaty Blade that lay in the treasury. The guards paid her no mind as she held the sword to herself, though they let her be free as she would make to leave the castle. The sword in her hands was not awake--why would Shion have her get it? As she walked, she noticed a blue petal on the ground. It would seem the answer to her question would come sooner rather than later. Letting out a sigh, she would turn the corner to find Shion waiting for her there, leaning against the wall as she looked out the window. "Send me on an errand, only for you to come yourself," Aloa noted, clearly annoyed.

"The sword must be taken earnestly or it won't respond," Shion stated, taking the sword from her. "With this, I can move forward. Forgive the inconvenience. Will you go to the prince now?"

"It was the deal we struck. Though I won't say it will be so simple, Wesley is in a trance that runs deep into his own heart. I would ask my princess to assist me, but it would seem she is gone from here," Aloa shook her head. "Nothing is stronger than love, but love makes one's thoughts get thrown into the wind. I can only hope that she comes back in one piece."

"I see," Shion nodded, taking a step back into the shadows. "I will let you handle your business, then. Thank you, my friend." Her voice seemed to echo as she vanished without a trace.

Oh, were they friends now? That brought an amused smile to her face, although she would turn her attention back to the castle. Her ear twitched--Keiran was searching for her, was he? Using such magicks...what was he planning? Deciding she didn't need to keep him waiting, she would walk back in.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Reia let out a low groan, her head in her arms. She had figured it would come to this--Jaakuna belting out a punch to someone. Anyone. She actually thought he would somehow end up punching Grant or Lorenzo, but nope, it had to have been the Maester. As she lifted her head, her fingers interlaced with one another. Desperate times called for desperate measures, sure, but right now the last thing they needed was a panic. She closed her eyes, trying to think. The Maester's opinion was usually shared with the rest of the clergy, which could only mean bad news.

Lorenzo stirred, sitting up. "Don't tell Nadeline we're moving in! Huh...?" He had dozed off, to the surprise of...no one. He looked at the fallen man, letting out a low whistle. "So I take it negotiations aren't going well?"

"The fall of His Grace had an impact on the people greater than anticipated. They cannot see the big picture--and it doesn't help that a certain blonde has the temper of a Bagoly," Reia stated, shaking her head at Jaakuna. "I had feared this would happen, moreso after His Highness Wesley's current condition."

"You better not be saying we should give up," Lorenzo crossed his arms.

Reia ignored him, though she looked straight at Jaakuna, a much more serious look on her face. "The time has come for 'Jaakuna' to have a seat while 'Prince Jackson' takes a stand. There is one solution to this issue, and you know it as well as I. This is not a problem that can be solved with fists, no matter your urge to have it so. Hamut made it clear that when the time was right, you would rule Archadia, and your country calls to you now," She stated rather cooly. "If you want this plan of yours to work--if you want this unification to work, that requires equivalent exchange. To gain the trust of the Dalmascans, you would have to give something in return, to give them the head of the person that they want the most."

"You can't ask the kid to give up his own family!" Lorenzo couldn't help but argue back.

"People have done worse. People have done more. Nothing in this life is free--even the futile attempts to keep a crown," She stated solemnly, clearly regretful of her own actions. "But that is the truth before us. Dalmasca demands the life of Judge Isaiah Darcone. What will you do?"

---

"Couldn't have been more than a day or two? Maybe three? Honestly, I am not entirely sure," She admitted wearily, letting out a sigh. No, this was a sign. "Perhaps this is the gods telling us that we should take our luck and return. Who am I kidding, this entire situation is...foolish." What was it that Nadeline had hoped to accomplish? Why was she letting her emotions get the better of her? A poor princess she made, throwing all caution to the wind and simply parading about without thinking of the consequences. She shook her head, as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes. "There's nothing for us here. I'm sure I can retrace Aloa's magicks back to Rabanatre."

---

"This is uncomfortable," Keiran grunted, visibly wincing. "You're quite talented. Truly, I shouldn't have left my guard down."

Well, wasn't that the understatement of the century! Emiri let out a whimper, causing Grant to widen his eyes. The way Keiran was acting, it was as if he was willingly dragging Emiri into this--no, wait, Jaakuna had said Keiran was under her beck and call. Were Cassandra's magicks running so deep that it was affecting the host as well? Now what? Should he draw his weapon? And bring the entirety of the Dalmascan guard on his head? No, he couldn't disrespect Wesley nor risk Nadeline's reputation. He was between a rock and a hard place. He could try his own deal of magicks, though he was severely lacking in light magicks, considering his of the arcane were in the complete opposite direction. That, and it could potentially strengthen Cassandra's bindings--or he could get Keiran hurt. No, he had to try to reason with her, she was clearly over emotional over her brother's state of being.

"Please, don't," Emiri would beat him to the punch as she tried to plead with Cassandra, shaking her head. "I swear, it wasn't my intention to offend you! I'll gladly take my leave if that's what you want! But war...that can't happen right now, none of our countries can handle it...we'd all fall to Zodiark if that was the case."

Grant inhaled slowly, exhaling as he would try to collect his thoughts. "My lady, surely we can discuss this more peacefully?" He tried to negotiate Emiri's survival, at least. "Your concerns do not fall on deaf ears. You have every right to be angry. But killing Keiran will get you nowhere." Where the hell was Nadeline?! She was much better at negotiating--if a bit more on the cunning side.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Their footsteps were the loudest sounds accompanying them. The occasional sound of metal against metal signaled Savayna's armor, but otherwise, the pair was silent. Nadeline wasn't really in the mood to talk, her hand nervously gripping her rapier. She wasn't going to get caught off guard this time. This time, she was going to get the answers she wanted. She inhaled sharply, unknowingly picking up the pace as she walked. But something felt strange. She had expected to meet a group of armed men at the ready, yet no one came. They weren't exactly silent either--lord knows her heels often give her position away.

Nadeline came to a halt. "I wonder if they've abandoned this place."

---

"Maybe that stung a bit," Keiran conceded in response to Cassandra's furthering of her magicks.

"I don't care if it doesn't hurt you, it's hurting me!" Emiri snapped at Keiran, rubbing her arms vigorously in vain. "Cassandra, I understand this isn't ideal, but we're making the best of a very reluctant partnership at the moment, and unfortunately for some reason I can't quite get rid of him yet. I would gladly appreciate it if you could dismiss your magicks--though if you feel he is out of line do feel free to punish him for it."

Grant shook his head at the scene, entertained. But at the same time, he thought it odd--back in Archades, Keiran was slammed into the wall, and Emiri hadn't so much as batted an eye in response. Why was this case different? Why was Emiri feeling this pain here and not before? Grant couldn't help but eye the vines. They reminded him of Wesley's magicks, but they had something different. Probably an added purifying effect, but even those should be more effective on Keiran then they were on Emiri. He narrowed his eyes, though he took a step back, looking directly at Cassandra. What was she up to?

"If you would be so kind to stop now, Majesty," Grant asked.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Right...here goes nothing," Nadeline muttered, extending her hands out in front of her.

The Mist seemed to swirl around them as Nadeline would cast her spell. She could see Aloa's glyph underneath her, though she was surprised at how simple it was to replicate Aloa's spell. If she was told this some time ago, she wouldn't have believed it. She had to give credit to Ultima, but for now, she would concentrate. She closed her eyes as a bright flash enveloped them, openeing them to see the familiar, despair-bringing surroundings that were the tunnels where Aloa had come to whisk them away.

Nadeline wobbled for a moment, though she remained steady--it was too soon to put her at Aloa's level. Nadeline turned towards the direction she knew would lead to the men, pointing. "This way, then." She stated, beginning to walk.

---

Cute? Him? What exactly was she getting at? He inched away, and still she insisted on closing the gap between the two. It wasn't until it was too late that he realized like brother like sister. There was a story, once, about the Dynast-King's lineage. His descendants were certainly talented, their abilities often manifesting as one thing or another. Keiran was fascinated by the vines, though that quickly changed as that all-too-familiar burning sensation returned. He truly was a glutton for punishment, wasn't he? He let out a breath, though inhaled sharply. Wow, that actually burned. Admittedly, it had more of an affect on a dark being, but he couldn't quite hide his discomfort.

"In her defense, it was a pretty complicated situation," Keiran defended Emiri. "There was little input from her in the matter, although..." He winced slightly, an exasperated look on his face. "About the whole 'no pain' thing, I'd rather that come sooner than later.

---

Emiri scratched her arms. The sun was much too hot, she felt like she was starting to burn. Grant looked at her, noticing the scratching, though he seemed amused. "The sun is strong here. Perhaps we should move inside," He told her, frowning.

"I've been here plenty of times, believe me," She stated, shaking her head. "I can't imagine the sun suddenly being too much."

"Your body tells a different story," He motioned towards her arms.

Parts of her skin looked darker, almost as if they were burning. It actually hurt, now that she was looking at them, though her eyes widened. No, this wasn't sunburn, her entirely exposed body should feel it, but it was just parts of her burning. What the hell was this?! She moved into the shade, but could still feel it. She let out a small cry as she could feel the burn intensify, though as she looked at Grant, she realized the pain felt familiar. It was like when Wesley had struck Keiran, and she had felt the after effectsof it.

Letting out a gasp, she ran back into the castle. She could hear Grant following her, but she didn't have time to explain. Rather, she didn't get the chance, falling to her knees outside of Wesley's door. "Emiri! What's wrong? What is it?!"

She reached for the door. "Keiran...it's Cassandra...I think she's doing something to him...!" She tried to tell him.

"Well, the Queen certainly has some peculiar taste, doesn't she? Wasn't aware pain was her thing." Grant murmured as he stood. He did wonder why Keiran was still around, but it seemed that he and Emiri were still connected for the time being.

"Grant!"

"Right, then," He ignored her, opening the door and revealing a bound Keiran, a determined Cassandra by him. "That explains that. Majesty, if I could request you halt your excise of him, apparently they are still connected." He said, motioning towards Emiri.

"No need for dramatics, it's not that painful," Keiran couldn't help but quip at Emiri, earning him a glare.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

If Savayna thought it was a good idea, that usually meant it was a bad idea.

Still, Nadeline found herself following suit. Her heart beat fiercely against her chest, a foreign nervousness captivating her bones. She let out a breath in an attempt to calm herself, but together the pair would take their leave of the castle. She felt like she was retracing her steps as she wanted to Savayna once more to the Muthru Bazaar, though she paused as she would look around. She distinctly recalled the thugs that had kidnapped her, but their faces weren't in the crowd. Was this the best approach? A finger to her chin, she looked around, trying to remember.

Truly, your search for Death will leave you fruitless.

Ah, Ultima had finally graced her with words. Nadeline couldn't help but roll her eyes, her hands on her hips. I'll have none of that. If you would not help, then remain silent. I haven't the patience to deal with you right now.

So be it. If you wish to find your way, look backwards, not forward. Repetition will lead you to a similar situation. Instead, search for traces of her magicks.

Her? That's right, Aloa had somehow teleported them. Then all she needed to do was find that trace of magick. That was about as simple as finding a stray thread--Aloa's magicks were much stronger than most, and to say it was easy to find the trace was an understatement. Nadeline squinted at something, though she would beckon to Savayna to follow as she would place herself exactly where Aloa had teleported them to. Taking in a deep breath, she turned to Savayna, who was no doubt wondering what it was she was up to.

"If I follow Aloa's magicks backwards, we can go straight to the place where we encountered...you-know-how." She explained, crossing her arms. She dared not speak his name, lest the wrong person overhears. "I'm not entirely sure it'll work, but in theory it should. This'll be your last chance to back out, I suppose."

---

Placing her hands on the balcony, Emiri would mimick Grant, staring over the city. It was rather quiet, considering Rabanastre was usually more active at this time, although she knew that Zodiark's ever suffering Mist had probably affected most of the people. She could even see Nadeline and Savayna below them, talking about something. She looked at Grant, noticing that they had been looking at the same thing, or rather, he was looking down at Savayna. Letting out a huff, Emiri would take a step back, hands on her hips once more, staring him down.

"Here's an idea: be honest," She would continue, though she held out a hand to stop his words. "I'm serious! You know...a lot of the things I've gone through could have probably been avoided if I had just been upfront about everything. If I had mentioned how my powers were affecting me, maybe Chaos wouldn't have taken my memories away. If I had told Jaakuna that I didn't want him to leave me behind, I never would have accepted Keiran into my heart and let him manipulate me. I mean it, a lot of heartbreak could have been avoided. Grant, don't be me. Don't be an idiot who keeps secrets."

Grant actually let out a small laugh. "You do love your share of them."

"I do. I did. But from now on, I'm going to be more upfront about everything. Because I don't want any of that to happen ever again, not if I can help it anyway. I mean look at it! Everything is a mess now!" Emiri waved her arms around. "And I have to clean it all up. Jaakuna can claim his part, but it's just as much my own fault as it is his. And I'm dragging everyone along with me to help. See what I mean?"

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself."

"I'm not. I'm owning up to it. And you should probably have a taste of your own medicine if that is to be your response," She smiled once more.

---

It wasn't too surprising to be compared to as Esper--what did surprise him, however, was how close she was. Very close. Too close. Keiran frowned at her, wondering what exactly her intention was. Didn't her mother teach her to avoid people like him? Albeit, not that she would probably know any better--young female Humes had a tendency to become mighty reckless and emotional, their judgment often clouded by their rather immature line of thinking. Still, Cassandra's closeness was...uncomfortable. Was this normal? He wasn't entirely sure, but a young lady--an acting Queen, no less--should probably not be acting in such a manner. Probably.

Letting out a cough, Keiran took half a pace away from the girl, eyeing her wearily. She was perceptive, this much was true. He wasn't aware that Humes would be able to discern him, though there was something about the glint in her eye that was...unnatural. "Seeing as how reading minds isn't an ability of mine--I can't say that I know," He admitted, though he dared not mention how he knew Emiri's own thoughts. But that was another situation entirely, and this one required more of his attention. "I assume it's having to do with your insistence on keeping contact with me."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Nadeline had nearly let out a scream, not having noticed Savayna behind her. Though she was surprised that she seemed to know what Nadeline was thinking. She looked at the ground for a moment, unsure. Could she drag Savayna into her own stupidity? Then again, Savayna was a talented swordswoman, stronger than she. If things really did go bad, it would be better to have someone along, wouldn't it? Was this really how she felt? Or was it just her desperation getting the best of her?

I can't just do nothing.

Taking a deep breath, Nadeline looked Savayna straight in the eye. "I can't guarantee that it's sane. Nor if it's the right thing...but..." She found herself hesitating, though she would shake the feelings away. "There was this stronghold...they knew more of Sylvester than anyone else. If I find him again...if I can find him again, I can see if he is the one responsible for Wesley's coma." She said slowly. "I don't even know if it will lead anywhere. It's stupid, but I can't...staying here and doing nothing is driving me insane. I have to do something."

---

Whatever Emiri did to piss Cassandra off must have been big. The brunette cried internally, though kept it cool on the surface. She always thought Cassandra to be like Wesley--warm and friendly, but right now she was totally getting the complete opposite impression. She looked over at Aloa for help, though the viera would offer her no solace, instead bowing to Cassandra and wordlessly leaving the room. She assumed she would get the sword, then return to help Wesley, which would give her enough time to gather the troops, so to speak.

Still, not one wanting to incur Cassandra's wrath further, she let out a nervous laugh, nodding. "Of course, Your Highness," She said, looking at Keiran. "I suppose once Aloa returns we can start. You don't mind staying here, right?"

Keiran was entirely confused on why he had to stay. "Huh? Why?" He asked, not understanding.

"Keep an eye on Wesley," Emiri could already feel Cassandra's burning glare on her, though she dared not make eye contact, instead hastily giving Keiran an order of her own. He shrugged, but he didn't argue, instead turning his attention back to the prince. Emiri quietly left the room, letting out a small whimper as soon as she was in the hallway. What was that all about?! Wait, no, now wasn't the time for that, anyway. Aloa would be back soon, though she didn't know whether the signing was finished. She would make her way back to the welcoming room, but only Lorenzo remained, dozing off on the couch. He must've been more tired than he let on. She assumed Jaakuna, Reia, and Isabelle were doing the treaty, leaving her to wander about.

After a while, she spotted Grant on the balcony. Smiling mischievously, she would quietly walk up to him. He hadn't noticed her until it was too late, letting out a yell of surprise as she jabbed his sides. He let out a sigh of relief, though it was followed by an annoyed look. She smiled back at him, and he couldn't help but return it.

"You said you'd talk to me, remember?" She would remind him, crossing her arms. "Tell me what's bothering you."

He was quiet at first. But Nadeline's words hung over him, and he ended up conceding. "I'm pretty sure Savayna is still in love with Jaakuna," For some reason, admitting it made it feel worse.

She was surprised. "Why do you think that?"

"Deep down, there was always this part of me that thought that. 'She's loves him more than she loves you', I thought. But it's not just a thought anymore, it's reality. She proved it in Archades...she even fought Shion over it, unlocked Mateus' power because of the love she has for Jaakuna," He spoke softly. "I was so stupid to think otherwise."

"That can't be true," Emiri immediately rebutted his words.

"It's true. Nadeline and Lorenzo saw it as well..." He said, placing his elbows on the balcony, his hands together. "Zodiark was right. I've lost her to Jaakuna."

"You can't listen to what he says!" Emiri grabbed Grant by the shoulders, turning him to face her. "He lives only to cause misery to others, he revels in causing others pain!"

"But it wasn't a lie, was it?" He asked, gently taking her hands off him. "It was cruel...but it was the truth. She hasn't tried to deny it. We haven't even spoken since then."

"There's a lot going on right now, I'm sure if you ask her now she'll tell you otherwise," She stood firm.

"I can't do that."

"Why? All you're doing is stewing in negativity!"

"And what if she proves Zodiark right? Then what?" He asked her. "Emiri, I don't think I can handle that. I can't...and I don't know what I'll do if I'm right." She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why? Why did he have to think like that? And yet, as she looked at him, she could tell it was deeply troubling him. Emiri shook her head, trying to think of what she could say. "There's nothing more to say." He stated, as if reading her thoughts. He turned back towards the balcony, staring out at the city before them.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

So that was the case. Reia let a small sigh escape her as she crossed her arms. Not that she blamed the princess at all--far from it. Though admittedly it made her a little jealous. Her own relationship with her siblings needed some work, that was for sure. Still, for the sake of civility, she would have to agree with the terms, if only temporarily. There was no escaping it after all. The Empress nodded, uncrossing her arms as she would give the pair her full attention.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures...although far be it that I would play the villain once more," She conceded. "Very well then, let us proceed."

---

It seemed Grant had had enough of her moping around. Nadeline wanted nothing more than for the wind to take her far away, though that wouldn't happen. He seemed so disappointed--and rightfully so. How the mighty have fallen. She turned towards him, a more serious look on her face. His distaste in the conversation was written all over his face, though she would compose herself once more. How often did she have to stop and pick up the pieces? It truly did happen too often. At the end of the day, he was right.

Still, it seemed he was not finished. "You keep mentioning Sylvester. I thought Wesley said his brother died years ago," He said, frowning.

"A shade, perhaps, but uncanny in appearance. Whatever the case, the damage is done," She said, shaking her head. "I wonder...he seemed to have disappeared, but there's a part of me that wants to go back to that place...to see if the Brotherhood knows anything."

"On top of everything else, you've lost your mind as well? Honestly, Nadeline, are you going to make me repeat my question?" Grant threw his arms up in exasperation. "The only thing that will accomplish is getting yourself hurt, or worse. I told you before, Savayna and I ran into some of them. And you want to know who was the man behind the man? The snake. If Levi of all people is mingling with them, then they are nothing but bad news. And even if you did find them, then what? You truly believe they would hold an answer? Do you even consider the consequences when those thoughts cross your mind?"

"There's nothing else I can do!" Nadeline retorted, now annoyed. "You can't scorn me for doing nothing and then turn around and tell me that! What am I supposed to do then?"

"I don't have an answer for you. But I'd stop and think before doing anything."

"Oh, I see! So I should seclude myself and just hole everything up until I explode?" She snapped, managing to pinpoint his own fault. "You hide it well, but it's obvious you're upset about whatever it is that happened in Archades. It was quite uncharacteristic of her to act like a weeping damsel, but rather then be out with it you would instead hold everything in. Is that what I'm supposed to do? Just sit quietly and pretend everything is alright when in reality it truly bothers me?"

For the first time in a long time, Grant was stunned to silence. He had opened his mouth to respond, but the words never came. A silence fell between the two, lingering feelings still in the air, though he would simply lean against the balcony. He had nothing more to say. Or rather, he had nothing more to say to her. Now it was Nadeline's turn to be disappointed. She scoffed, turning on her heel and walking out. She walked through the halls of the castle, an inner flame still lingering, though she would find her footsteps ceasing before she realized it. She stood in place, not quite knowing what to do or where to go. No, she knew what she wanted to do. But was it the right choice? She bit her lip, trying to decide.

---

"Forgive the intrusion, Highness. We had heard about Wesley's condition, and I had hoped that we could have offered some sort of insight," Emiri hastily put together an apology, nudging Keiran--who had been so focused on Wesley he didn't even acknowledge Cassandra's precense. The black haired man blinked in surprise, though he placed a hand on his forehead, shaking his head. "He doesn't look the sort, but he has...studied the Mist quite extensively." More like was born from Mist and the source of all evil, but who needed details?

Keiran frowned at Cassandra, arms crossed as he looked down at her. "Uh...what she said," He replied with a shrug, though he let out a sigh. "I'm Keiran, introducing myself as otherwise would only serve to cause more confusion, I suppose." Emiri gave him an exasperated look, though the return of the viera would spur him to make another assessment. "Your services are no longer needed, I'll take it? I see she has stepped in to confirm my suspicions."

"What? She who?" Emiri asked as the viera would scoff at him, though her question was quickly answered as another viera would arrive. "We meet again, do we?"

"I came for another reason, though I suppose Shion's prediction held true," Aloa replied rather nonchalantly, earning her a scowl from Emiri. "Greetings, Your Highness. I am Aloa of Eryut--though no doubt you're aware of who I am, although not why I am here." Aloa introduced herself to Cassandra politely.

"If you were coming anyway, why not travel with us?" Keiran asked.

"There was another, more pressing concern I needed to see first. Now that the question was answered, I moved on to my next point. And that is here, in the Royal Palace," She stated, lightly tossing her white hair to the side, though she would look at Cassandra once more. "I would see to it that His Highness would waken. In return, I ask to borrow the relic of the heirs of Dalmasca--the Treaty Blade."

"Wait, you know how to cure him?" Emiri asked, incredulous. "What a price to pay! I never knew you to be so cold hearted."

"She needs it for something," Keiran replied in her stead, raising an eyebrow. "Then I can safely assume my hypothesis was correct. Though that good viera magicks is beyond my reach, otherwise I would've done it myself."

Emiri rolled her eyes, although she placed her hands on her hips. Keiran definitely needed to learn the word 'modest', although it seemed Aloa didn't mind it much. "Then...shall I fetch the others? Although it would have to wait until after the treaty signing so we could have Jaakuna as well..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The Empress couldn't help but give Jaakuna a look of disapproval. It was his suggestion! Although admitting one's weakness was probably a step in the right direction, so she would cut him some slack. For now. She cleared her throat as she would stand as well, preparing herself for a brief explanation. "In light of recent events--that is, the disturbance that is Zodiark currently wreaking havoc on our countries and attempting to turn us against one another--our good prince here (no need to hide your surprise) believed it best to form a treaty of peace, at the very least for the moment. He is the current representative of Archadia, I of Rozarria. Together with her Highness we had hoped to form a truce, if only to unite one another against the darkness."

Grant decided he was no longer needed, quietly excusing himself as he would follow Nadeline to the balcony. She was gripping the wall for dear life, swaying this way and that. "Nadeline, what's wrong?" He asked her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

To his surprise, she would pull herself away from him, shaking her head. "I cannnot--it's..." She stumbled over her words, though she finally took a deep breath before responding. "There was a part of me that foolishly believed he would be alright when we got back. I abandoned him when he needed me...the reality of the situation is finally getting to me, I suppose."

"What is wrong with you?" His words may have come out harsher than intended, but his patience had run thin. "What happened to the princess who wanted to rise into ruling the country without the need of a prince? You were always so strong, so definite in your desires. This mess before me is a sad shadow of who you used to be."

Seeing his disappointment made her feel so much worse, but she didn't have anything to say to defend herself. "You're absolutely right...however, I fear for him. Ultima continues to bless me with her gifts and still I cannot do a thing for him! Why?! Why do I have these magicks and still can't do anything for him?! It's maddening!" She raised her voice, both her hands on the wall before her. "I got Zodiark to admit I was a challenge...and yet I cannot do a thing for him. If only I hadn't followed those rumors of his brother...if I hadn't been fooled by the false image of Sylvester..."

---

"Keiran! You can't just go into someone's room like that!" Emiri scolded him as Keiran pretty much walked into Wesley's room without so much as knocking. She almost braced herself to get yelled at, but there he was, still as stone. It was disheartening to see him like that--and the last time they had met, it hadn't been on good terms considering her brainwashing. She watched Keiran approach him, the man inspecting the prince carefully. "What do you think?" She asked him worriedly. "Is there anything we can do for him?"

"It stinks like It," Keiran murmured, narrowing his eyes. "...But this isn't just It. There's someone else's trace here...Hashmal is trying to help him, but it's a battle of the mind. Trauma is a fickle thing, huh."

That didn't sound good. "You haven't answered my question," She pointed out.

Keiran crossed his arms. "Well, if he hasn't woke up by now, then he might just need all the help he can get. This should look familiar to you, anyway. Doesn't it remind you?" He asked her, raising an eyebrow.

"You know my memories, too? Do I have any privacy from you?"

"No. But that's not important. Try to remember."

This situation was familiar? Was it? Wait, Keiran was right, it was. That time Jaakuna was affected by the Shard...but was it truly the same? "So we need to delve in? Or one of us does? But...the situations aren't the same," Emiri frowned.

"You could be right. You could be wrong. It's one way to look at it...she said a viera was coming, wasn't she? I'm sure it's a possible solution," He stated. "Though...I have to admit, if someone does decide to dive into his psyche...they'll be in for a rough time with this corrupted Mist. It won't be as simple...it'd be more along the lines of what you experienced in Nabudis."

She nearly cried out loud in horror. Lola was the one behind that madness--and he thought it would be worse than that?! Shaking her head, she tried to think. "I'm sure Jaakuna would be busy with the treaty. Perhaps myself, Nadeline, Grant, and Savayna? Though Savayna doesn't seem like the spiritual type...and Grant...I don't know what's wrong with him, but he's been acting strange. I feel like something happened in Archades, but I don't know what."

Keiran fell silent, looking at the sleeping Wesley. His expression was calm, but underneath that, much turmoil lingered...

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Aloa. She did take her leave with Shion and Vlyn, though he hadn't the slightest clue where they had gone, or even if they were together. Grant listened to the conversation, a mild look of polite interest on his face, though it turned into a scowl as Savayna punched him. He shifted in his seat, a more relaxed, yet proper posture, though he was interested in what Keiran was talking about. It was the first he had heard of it, though he noticed Keiran was...nervous? No, it was uncertainty. He unintentionally let out an irritated sigh. What was it with everyone suddenly being hesitant lately?

At Isabella's prod, Keiran crossed his arms, trying to choose his words carefully. "It's...foul. I don't know, the incarnation of darkness itself? A corrupted mess? A monster? There's nothing else like it, I can tell you that much," He stated, tilting his head to the side. "It revels in negative emotion, that much I can tell you. It certainly likes to mess with the mind, that much is for sure."

"That...that was that thingwe saw in the Westersand, wasn't it?" Nadeline asked, though another thought came to mind. "There were definitely dark magicks at play with...it." She stopped herself in her tracks, a hand to her mouth. Now that she thought about it, she never did reveal that it was Sylvester that Wesley had encountered, that it was he who had directly affected Wesley. She suddenly felt very sick, a pit in her stomach that refused to go away. How would she break it to a mother that her two sons were going to fight?

"Nadeline...?" Emiri asked her, a hand reaching out. "Are you alright?"

"That's the expression most people have when they see the Creature," Keiran stated, raising his eyebrows, though he would stand from his seat. "If it's alright, I'd like to take a look myself. At least to know what it is that's going on."

"How nice of you," Emiri couldn't help but smile at him.

The dark haired man scoffed. "It's a two way street, your kindness is...infectious," He grumbled, though without waiting for permission, he would walk off towards the direction Wesley was.

"Ah, hey! I...I apologize for him," Emiri let out a small laugh, bowing to Isabella. "If you'll, um, excuse us, I'll go, too."

Nadeline would also stand with rather shaky legs, though she seemed to get a hold of herself. "I need some air, forgive me," She mumbled, unable to shake the guilt off as she would also take her leave.

Grant let out a sigh, though he looked at Isabelle. "If it's alright, could we see Her Highness? At the very least we could get one thing out of the way," He said, motioning towards Jaakuna and Reia.

"A mother's duty is to her kids, Grant," He reminded him.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The brunette was determined to let Jaakuna know she wasn't at all pleased with his comment as she sat down, glaring at him the entire time. Lorenzo snickered, lightly patting Emiri's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. "Now you've upset the lady, Jaakuna." He grinned, though he would wisely choose not to comment any further as he would take his seat.

Reia was less than pleased at his comment, though she would sit nonetheless. "Thank you for your hospitality, and for meeting us on such short notice," She stated as much.

Nadeline couldn't quite focus, though she nodded in agreement. No, she had to ask. It couldn't wait any longer. "How...is Wesley?" Her voice came out a lot quieter than she had meant it to be, and a lot more hesitant than expected. "I...ahem, I don't suppose anyone has had any luck with his condition, have they?"

"Did you try to do anything for him? You would think Espers would be able to heal someone better than most, all things considered," Grant couldn't help but ask her, clearly not used to this rather timid princess in front of him. Where the hell did her backbone go? It was honestly such a surprising change of character--one he didn't find himself liking at all. "Don't tell me you didn't even try?"

Nadeline shook her head. "Of course I did! I tried everything I knew, and still he slept. Ultima offered no assistance, as always, and...I didn't know what else to do," She admitted.

Emiri looked slightly downcast, though she noticed Keiran staring off into the distance, beyond the wall. It was obvious he was looking towards wherever Wesley was, though she then remembered his earlier comment. "Is there something else you see that no one else does?" She asked him.

Keiran looked at her, eyes wide. "Hm? Oh, I don't think regular magicks would be able to sole this. My assumption is it's an attack of the psyche...or something." He shrugged, though he certainly had a rather thoughtful expression on his face. "It feels like...he was in contact with the Creature for some reason."