Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Cocky, wasn't he? Shion looked annoyed as he disappeared, though he was seemingly predictable. Not wanting to give him any type of opening, her free hand would rip her flower from its place, crushing it in her hand as she would whip her sword around, the magicks negating themselves as they reached her. He would appear from above; she shook her head at him, throwing the petals of her rose into the air above her. Two or three petals spun, glowing as they would cut through the darkened Firaga. The rest of the petals fell to the ground peacefully, each one glowing as it would plant itself onto the crystal's surface. As the magicks would fade around them, Shion eyed Zodiark carefully. She knew she wanted nothing more than to grab him by the neck and toss him over the edge, but alas, she kept her temper under control.

After all, it was her turn.

Her hair billowed as a wind came out of nowhere, several petals swirling around her sword. From her free arm, she summoned what would look like a copy of her divine blade. She held it out with the blade pointing to the ground and dropped it, though rather than simply drop it would fall into what looked like a pool of light. Snapping her fingers, any petals still in the air would form several glyphs, each one surrounding them. She snapped her fingers once more, several of the glyphs shooting what would look like white beams of light all aiming at him. Any that weren't shooting lasers were shooting out the copies of the swords Shion had chose to drop. Without waiting to see if any of them connected, she ran forward herself, her own lights having little effect as she would swing her blade rapidly.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

How terribly rude. Shion didn't quite appreciate being thrown like that, though to her surprise, the rough, uneven surface resulted in a rather unsightly gash. It bled rather freely, though before she could give it attention, she was turned, Zodiark seemingly angry. Oh, had he finally noticed? Now it was her turn to smirk at him. "On my back, grabbing my face...admittedly, I usually have dinner before I get into this position," She informed him, though he was unamused, instead demanding to know what she had done. "I thought you knew. Your current panic tells me that whatever it is, it's certainly a threat, isn't it? That's all the confirmation I need. I've grown tired of your presence--and now, you'll be leaving Michel."

She brought her hand to his chest, an all too bright light pulsing, though its magnitude was multiplied due to their surroundings. It wasn't much, just enough to get him off her and letting her get to her feet. She extended her hand to the blade, revealing several marks on her arm, and the Treaty Blade would glow brightly, fading away into light. She would extend her other hand, a hilt of light shining from it, and she would pull out a blade of light from said hand. Whipping it to the side, she knew she couldn't do too much damage without hurting Michel. As she readied her stance, she would charge, slicing through the air in front of her once. Its effect seemed to follow a moment later, a blast erupting all around them as a result.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of enjoying her pain just yet, though admittedly the task was harder than anticipated. "Do you now? I hadn't noticed," She stated, her voice dripping with sarcasm, though she would explain herself. "This game we've played for so long...for years I never imagined having a chance at victory. Even with my death, I promise you that yours will follow shortly." She told him coldly, her voice more confident this time. "Your end will come, you will pay for both Rio and Avria, as well as everyone else to whom you've caused suffering to. That is why you're the fool."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

So there was more to it? Was there a possibility of something further? There was only one unfinished detail she could think of, though as the very thought crossed her mind, a rather uncalled for pain shot up her arm. It was a foreign feeling, though something she remembered from long ago. She fell to her knees, much to her displeasure, her free hand gripping her arm. It was as if the entire thing was trying to detach itself--not entirely unfamiliar, but still unpleasant. Had she truly reached her limit already? As he grabbed her arm, she actually winced, the pain increasing. She could feel the pain slowly creep through her chest, though she couldn't help but look Zodiark in the eye.

"No, I can't say I have ever understood you," Shion outright admitted. "You're the pinnacle of egotism, to the point it laps around to make you question the point of your own existence. Though I would ask you to step down from that pedestal and ask yourself who the true fool is.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"What? Wesley, where are you going?" Nadeline had only caught wind of the end of the conversation, watching Wesley leave as he stated he needed to see something. She sighed, knowing that thoughtful expression much too well. There was no changing his mind, so she would leave him be, though she noticed Lorenzo's continuous stare at Keiran. She rolled her eyes, though she would also give him her attention, only to find Keiran's gaze not quite at her eyes, but at something...lower. It took her a few seconds, though she would quickly cover herself, glaring at him. "Do you mind?" She huffed at him, displeased.

Keiran looked up at her, curious. "They've...gotten bigger, haven't they?" He asked her slowly, tilting his head.

Grant was entirely confused by that observation, nor was he able to confirm nor deny it. Nadeline's assets were usually...less than ideal, her figure more willowy than not. However, it wasn't like he noticed those types of things anyway, as that was his niece, and those types of looks were reserved for women he was interested in. Lorenzo, on the other hand, would look directly at his daughter, as if noticing something. "Oh my god he's right," Lorenzo let out a gasp.

"Father!"

"But it's true! Your hips look slightly wider...you've really gained some weight, huh?" He asked her.

---

He'd have to try a little better than that.

"Of course it is," Shion slapped his hand away, shaking her head. "In a way, I have you to thank for that. I was completely blinded by your words, those promises that you whispered so sweetly. The idea that only the strong survive is still with me to this day, I'll admit. But your methods were far crueler than they needed to be, and not because of reality--but because you enjoyed it so." She told him harshly. "And so the Scion is out of your hands precisely for that reason--you deliberately took advantage of her at her lowest point, though you foolishly sent Jaakuna to her, thinking she would either kill him or they'd take each other out. And that is why you will fall."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Keiran raised his eyebrows at Wesley, entertained at his rather thoughtful expression. The prince sure knew how to keep it under wraps--or at the very least, seemed to begin to understand what had actually happened. He was rather pleased with the development, even sitting back in his chair. He did let out a rather quiet groan--Emiri's fever was starting to actually bother him. He had reason to believe it would probably last longer than he would like, but considering how much slower her progress was, he had to give her a little push. She'd live. Probably. He watched Wesley, though he placed his elbows on the table, chin on his hands.

"You're awfully calm," He couldn't help but point out. "I'd be pretty concerned about my princess; especially if you do understand what's happening."

As the words left his mouth, both Grant and Nadeline had returned to the hall--Grant because he wasn't fond of having Savayna give Jaakuna googly eyes, and Nadeline because she was very concerned with his sudden silence. She practically forced Grant to sit, inspecting him carefully. Keiran grinned, watching her. "Something wrong, princess?"

"Not now," She snapped at him, raising Grant's face to hers. "Grant's gotten an infection somehow, he doesn't seem to be able to speak without struggle."

"Has he? Another different symptom..." He would look at Wesley once more, curious.

---

Shion's eyes widened considerably, and without thinking, slapped Zodiark sharply across the face. "That you would speak his name so casually, as if it were nothing! Don't you dare speak his name, as if it weren't bad enough that he died because of you!" She was angry, angrier than she had been in a long, long time. As if realizing her outburst, she took a step back, her hand to her face. "It wasn't enough that you had to give him power, but you had all the glee in the world when he went to you for more. And you gave it to him without so much as a second thought." It wasn't that she wasn't trying to calm herself, but he knew exactly how to push her buttons. He knew exactly how much Rio had meant--and he enjoyed every moment of it.

Inhaling slowly, she then let out a breath. "Jaakuna is nothing like Rio. He knows his own limits...he is humble where Rio was not." She said quietly, though she, too, would sense it. "Ever closer he steps into the direction of power, and knows what must be done."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

At Nadeline's signal, their unified shield would fall around them, opening up the rest of the world to them. Nadeline let out a loud groan, placing her hands on her hips as she threw back her head. That was more difficult than anticipated, though the ice would lose its magical quality as it would glisten under the Dalmascan sun. She watched the scene unfold, more than glad that whatever had happened was done and over with. As they say, however, out with one problem and in with another.

She prodded the silent Grant, trying to encourage him. "I thought we were going to lose that one for a moment!" She told him cheerfully, though her expression fell as he would look at her. Sulking again? She crossed her arms, a little upset. "Come on...jealousy won't get you anywhere." Grant nodded, seeming to agree, though he would only sigh. Nadeline rolled her eyes at him. "Don't be like that. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person, you know? Besides, after everything that's happened with Jaakuna and Emiri, I'm certain it's just a misunderstanding."

He would simply nod, a small smile on his face. That was it? That's all he would give her? Why wouldn't he say anything? She couldn't help but get slightly upset. "Are you angry with me?" She asked, giving him her full attention. "If I'm speaking out of term, then I apologize, but...why won't you talk to me?"

Grant's expression fell, his eyes to the ground. After a few seconds, he inhaled slowly as he looked at her again. "...Sorry," He smiled again, his voice barely coming out higher than a whisper. His lips moved, as if he were talking, but after the first word, nothing else would come out.

Nadeline's eyes widened considerably, alarmed. "Grant, what's wrong?" She asked. "What happened to your voice?"

He gave her a simple shrug, and another apologetic look.

---

So he wanted to understand that which he could not. It was unprecedented, though Shion had a nagging feeling there was more to it than that. Though it would seem even someone who was a self-proclaimed superior had its doubts. Perhaps it was nothing more than a curiosity. She found herself disliking his usage of Michel; how he managed to sully such a beautiful face was beyond her. It was less than an insult, as if he was mocking her. It also meant that even if she wanted to end him, it would probably inflict harm on Michel.

She chose to entertain him. "No creature is willingly weak. Humes are fragile, despite their claim to be at the top of the chain, in reality they're somewhere in the middle," She stated. "Creatures that are weak--regardless of race--will always seek power. And when they get said power, it turns into an unquenchable thirst. It seizes your very being, driving you to seek more. Only a select few are meant to carry such power, and humes have provided evidence for both sides. There are those who brought glory and peace with power. There are those who brought destruction and chaos. Of course, the more memorable moments would be the negative ones."

Her rambling ceased, her eyes gazing at him. "I find it difficult to believe such a fact to be beyond you. Power hungry humes come a dime a dozen...as was the Sky Pirate who willingly called out for your power."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He should've known it wouldn't have been that easy. Nonetheless, no one could say he didn't try. The ice was actually making him shiver, though he kept it under wraps, surprised to see Jaakuna join the scene. Upon asking what was happening, Grant shook his head. "It's..." He began, his voice soft, though it seemed fruitless, instead looking to Nadeline. "We have to--" He interrupted him with a cough, though he seemed determined to get it out.

Nadeline nodded in understanding, her hand on his. His eyes widened, though he gave her a grateful look, the two of them taking a few steps backwards. "We're going to go at this at a more 'logical' approach. In theory, what element opposes Ice?" Nadeline asked Jaakuna as she and Grant began to concentrate. The familiar Mists seemed to pour out of them, though admittedly Nadeline found it quite difficult to concentrate. Grant's overthinking was affecting him--but she managed, the pair creating a shimmering, plastic looking bubble. Rather than spread, Savayna's ice would stop right at it, though in only moments said ice would begin to form on its surface. "We can hold it for a little--do what you must!" Nadeline instructed Jaakuna.

---

'Earnest'.

A single laugh left her hips, her eyebrows raised in amusement, her mouth slightly open. Shion approached him, her arms crossed as she would look at Zodiark rather seriously. She looked like she was going to laugh more, but she did not--she simply shook her head at him in disbelief. "Enlighten me," She invited him, her hand out as if gesturing for him to continue. "The Keeper of Precepts comes to the one place he is powerless--all to approach a lowly Hume. One who is so beneath his station...One who he is aware has the means to rid him from the plane of existence. I admit, not even in my wildest dreams did I even play with the thought of you wanting to have a conversation with me." Her voice was rather airy, though polite, her honest thoughts in the open. And yet, as she approached him, she showed no fear--but not because he was at a disadvantage. "What in Ivalice could you possibly want to speak with me about?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant held his hand out, stopping Nadeline from moving forward, instead forcing her back. What was this? Mateus? Or was it something else? It wasn't foreign, it felt so familiar, but why? The ice seemed to bring a chill to the normally heated Dalmascan day. Nadeline eyed the magicks, clearly at a loss as to what exactly what to do. She seemed to believe it was all coming from Savayna herself. Had she lost control? No, it was more than that, wasn't it? And like always, Ultima was back to ignoring her. What was the point of an Esper if they would offer no help?!

Nadeline felt Grant pushing her back further, shaking his head at her. "Simply backing away won't do anything! We have to do something!" She told him, her voice escalating as the winds seemed to pick up in volume. Grant shook his head, once more turning back to Savayna, and simply walked forward. As Nadeline moved to do the same, he held his hand out. "If you don't want me to do anything, just say it!" She couldn't help but tell him, annoyed.

The prince winced, frost starting to form on his body. God, the pain on his bare skin actually hurt. Still, he walked on, somehow managing to get within arms' reach of Savayna. He knelt down, taking her hands off her head, pulling her into an embrace. His Mist seemed to glow around him, doing...something, though Nadeline hadn't the slightest idea what it was that he was trying to do.

---

Emiri watched Nadeline leave, clearly disheartened. Something was happening, and it killed her to have to sit around and do nothing. Rather, she couldn't, even sitting up was about to be too much. She seemed to want to move to see what was happening, but Jaakuna's touch reminded her exactly what was happening. What was she doing? She shook her head at him, seemingly disagreeing, though she would lay back down. She held his hand tightly, though she looked at him. "Neither am I. Go see what's happening--make sure no one's hurt. I kinda have a bad feeling, and I'm useless just sitting here. At least you can do something," She urged him. "I can't really get up, so I can't run away!" She couldn't help but joke.

---

Now that was a surprise.

Shion opened her eyes, the incarnation of darkness before her. She knew he would come--what surprised her was apparently his intention was a non-confrontational one. But she knew him better than that, she was wary as always. The Mist seemed to whisper around them, filling the silence as Shion would simply stare at him for a moment. There was an almost thoughtful expression on her face, her thoughts known to no one. Nonetheless, she remained as she was, amber eyes focused. Why was he so predictable? Or rather, he had come far too quickly. Perhaps Sophia had told him of her location, though she supposed in light of things, those thoughts were pointless. She would close her eyes once more as she would stand, picking up her kimono and dusting it off.

"And so he appears in all his glory," She would finally talk, flipping her hair off her shoulder as she opened her eyes once more. "Speak as you please; that detail matters not. You've come, claiming not to want a fight. Never in my life have you ever had that intention. Why else would you come? Your little minions don't have what it takes to bring me down, and so you bend your knee to do the job yourself."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant clearly reacted, a stifled grunt leaving him at Savayna's uncalled for stomp. She was mad at him? She was mad at him? Really? Not only was she playing dumb, now she was just plain insulting his intelligence. He let out another cough, watching her leave with a dark look on his face. Keiran watched him, though it wasn't because of what happened, or rather, what didn't happen. Grant huffed, looking down at his foot. Apparently her heel was so strong it outright broke the buckle. He was lucky she didn't break his foot--clearly her intention--but damn it, why the hell was he being punished for her own ignorance? Did she really think he was going to forget what happened and act like everything was normal?

"God, Grant, you're such an asshole sometimes," Lorenzo chastised him as he would break the awkward silence left behind, throwing him a disapproving look. "If you don't say shit, no one's going to understand you. No one's a mind reader here."

Grant remained silent. Reia seemed to agree with Lorenzo, though she would refrain from commenting--as amusing as it was to see his relationship troubles, she had bigger fish to fry. Keiran, on the other hand, squinted at Grant. "Nothing? No smart comment defending yourself?"

"Of course not. He'd rather sulk; 'Oh woe is me! The love of my life is still in love with her ex and hasn't confessed to it! Wah!' How old are you again? You're a grown ass man, this is something that happens to teenagers," Lorenzo wasn't about to let his younger brother off easy, it seemed. "It's about time you stepped up and faced your issues. Staying quiet isn't going to solve anything."

At first, it looked like Grant was ignoring him, though a few seconds later, he would stand. He let out a sigh, turning to the direction and following where he thought Savayna was headed. Keiran watched him carefully. "It happens to one, and the rest follow suit, huh..." He muttered, a sly look on his face. "Different effects...I wonder how the rest will act," He said, looking specifically at Aloa, who seemed to have noticed his mumbling.

She narrowed her eyes, though shortly afterward, her ear twitched. "...Vlyn has come to Rabanastre. I will go to him," She said, locking eyes with Keiran for a moment, although she would also take her leave.

Keiran smiled, though he stretched his arms above his head. "How troublesome...hopefully the fever doesn't kill her, that'd be cumbersome," He sighed.

---

"Clearly, my exhaustion has gotten the better of me," She would outright admit, her hands on her back. "No rest for the wicked I suppose--" Nadeline's response was interrupted by the scream the three of them noticed.

Emiri immediately sat up, clearly alarmed. "That sounded like Savayna!" She realized worriedly, already moving to get up.

"You stay in bed," Nadeline immediately stopped her, alert yet composed. "I'll go see what it is--an attack on the Dalmascan Royal Castle is not one that will happen without consequence." She wasn't entirely sure if Jaakuna would stay or follow, though she gave him a nod as she would run out first.

"Nadeline! Wait!" She heard Emiri call out, though she would ignore it for now. The thought of being unable to cast magic didn't hamper her--Nadeline would figure it out later. Though as she ran, she realized that her self diagnosis was pretty spot on. Her legs weren't going as fast as she wanted them to, but she would have to endure. She spotted Grant ahead of her--he must have heard the same thing.

"Grant!" Nadeline called out to him, causing him to stop. "What has happened?"

Grant opened his mouth to respond, but a cold wind interrupted them both, causing their attention to shift to the balcony. Without prompt, a Shell would erupt around them, as if trying to shield them. Oh, so now her magicks wanted to work?! The thought flew out the window as she spotted Savayna on her knees. Grant was hesitant to approach, though the pair would notice something was wrong.

---

The Great Crystal stirred.

Honestly, it was something completely unexpected--for many a century Giruvegan remained hidden from the rest of Ivalice. But things were changing, often slowly, only truly being noticed by those that lived long enough to reminisce about times past. Even now, as the Mist seemed to dance around her, Shion found herself--if only for a moment--longing for simpler times. Perhaps the Mist affected her. Perhaps she was just tired. Either way she was moving forward, making quick work of the many enemies along the path she walked.

It was the first time she would be sure to watch her step--the crystal seemed to tremble. How even taking the ground underneath for granted was a luxury she could no longer afford! Though it was to be expected, as she was certain her arrival was a fated one. Whispers of the Mist seemed to accompany her, though finally, she would come to a halt. The Treaty Blade was singing--ah, how it called. As it would form in front of her, she would stab it into the crystal floor, watching the crystal seem to attempt to consume it. Fortunately, this was no mere blade, though it would give off light.

Letting out a sigh, she would close her eyes, holding onto the hilt of the blade for a moment longer. She would stand, though she would sink down, sitting on her feet the way she was taught to a long, long time ago. Her hands were on her lap, folded perfectly, her amber eyes remaining closed. She was surprised at herself--not an ounce of fear, it seemed. Perhaps she had finally come to get some closure, to gain that peace she strived for. Or perhaps Sophia was right in that she was eager to find death.

Either way, she waited for him. She was certain of his arrival.