Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

What was it about this situation that she disliked so much? Maybe it was the fact that despite Shion's prodding, Emiri felt like she was pushing her will onto Jaakuna. She expected him to reject it outright, to tell Shion off, to slap her hand away. But it was as if he was hypnotized, the sigil almost calling out to him. Emiri was shocked when he would step forward, out of her reach, and she was just as surprised to find her own hand reaching out for him, as if trying to stop him. But that wouldn't be right, would it? If it was truly his decision, there wasn't anything she could do about it.

Jaakuna's question came. It was one she had half-expected. "Neither," was Shion's blunt, to-the-point answer, though it was the truth. Admittedly, she was weary, though she supposed she should at least try to understand his hesitance. She closed her eyes for a moment, looking for the right words, though she would hold the sigil close to her. "Truth be told, I didn't know this was yours. Now, it has a brilliant flame that calls for its master, but back then...back then, this was something I created with my own soul. And even though I've had it for so long, I knew not of its true power. It helped me cut my own path, lead me where I wanted to go, but it wasn't until recently that I realized that despite everything, I never could make it come to life the way it is now."

"How can something you create be meant for someone else?" Nadeline couldn't help but ask. "If anything, that's all the more reason to make it your own."

"Perhaps. But it's no longer mine to have. Not anymore," Shion would open her eyes once more.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Amidst Keiran’s baseless explanation, Wesley finally realized how gifted of bullshitting he was. Bringing up everything that happened in the last twenty-four hours and how he was the sole blame of all of it. Wesley couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as Keiran announced them as dysfunctional and how he didn’t have to do anything to them. Wesley knew that was entirely untrue. No pot stirs on its own without someone using the wooden spatula that causes ripples within it. Anything that happened was, in some way, because of his interference.

When he was finally done, Wesley looked at Keiran, one of his eyes glowing a bright green. “That’s enough…Mitron.” Wesley coldly exclaimed.

The black haired man clucked his tongue in annoyance, though he would stop leaning on Grant, eyeing Wesley. “Are we using our real names now, Fandaniel?” He asked, feigning ignorance, although he too would drop the charismatic act. “Now that you’ve awakened, you’re getting serious? You don’t have any proof behind your claims, but go on, punish me,” He invited Wesley.

Is this what Keiran had meant by ‘older brother’? Grant looked between the two; even if he wanted to ask, he couldn’t quite speak, though he would look at Keiran specifically. Keiran seemed to understand, voicing Grant’s thoughts: “I told you Grant, didn’t I? My older brother is right here in front of you. The noble Wesley Alexander Dalmasca...or rather, Fandaniel, the Protector. The same one that eliminated Sanguine and Caerulus, Princess.” He spoke to Nadeline, who looked shocked.

“What nonsense are you going on about, now?” Nadeline couldn’t help but snap. “To accuse Wesley of such a thing… have you lost your mind?”

Keiran let out a laugh, motioning towards Emiri and Wesley. “Ask them. Since I’m apparently a liar and troublemaker, why not hear it directly from him?” Keiran asked, putting one hand on her shoulder, the other pointing at Wesley. Emiri herself would look away, alarming Nadeline. “You aren’t that surprised, right? You know how Emiri loves her share of secrets...but go on, Fandaniel, tell her. Tell your beautiful fiance, your future wife, your future mother of your children, the truth.” He stated as he walked behind Nadeline, both hands on her shoulders.

All the while Mitron was speaking, Wesley grew increasingly enraged. Though not noticeable to anyone around, his mist was growing to the point where he expelled a pulse of Spawn mist towards his brother, pushing him back where he stood, and holding him in place against the wall. And then, tot he shock of everyone, Wesley stood up, suddenly surrounded by a green aura of mist. “Yes, I am Fandaniel, but don’t you dare compare me to the likes of you, Mitron. I am nothing like any of you.” Wesley rushed past Grant to grip Mitron by the next. “Jaakuna might not have been able to harm you because it directly ties you to Emiri, but he did not have the Ark Essence like we do.” Wesley’s left palm would glow bright with green magicks and he placed it on Mitron’s throat, sending the magicks right into onto his flesh.

Wesley held Keiran against the wall and looked at Nadeline. “When I first figured this out, I didn’t know what to do, so I came to Emiri. I knew, of anyone, she would understand. I thought of leaving, but I know that’s not the way. She reminded me of that. And yes, I am a Spawn of Zodiark, but I’m not like him. I know not of what Zodiark meant for my existence, but I will not bend to his will. I am Wesley of the Alexander royal family. Origin might be Scion but I am a Dalmascan--a Dalmascan who is very much in love with you Nadeline.” Wesley turned his attention back on Keiran. “Foolish little brother, what you fail to understand is that we don’t have to be Zodiark’s pawns.”

Grant crossed his arms, though he would close his eyes. Nadeline looked right back at Wesley, confused, though she was relieved to hear him say that he was still himself. Keiran was unamused by the entirety of the situation, though he winced as he felt Wesley’s aura. “You’re the one that doesn’t understand,” He ended up speaking after all, glaring at Wesley. “Don’t act like we’re the same! You can’t even begin to understand me!”

“Then enlighten me.”

“Enlighten you? You can tell the difference just by looking,” Keiran stated. “Why do you think you’re a prince of a kingdom while I’m just a shadow of the Scion of Time? You think it’s just coincidence, Fandaniel?!”

“Nothing is ever a coincidence, but if you don’t like the hand you were dealt, then force the dealer to give you a new hand. Why stay loyal to someone who obviously doesn’t care whether you live or die?”

“Better to run with those who have power than those who don’t stand a chance.”

Emiri found that odd. “What are you talking about? If we didn’t stand a chance, then why would Zodiark bother with us? He’s repeatedly tried time and again to stop us!” She couldn’t help but point out.

Wesley sighed and released Keiran from his hold. “Whether you realize it or not, you are defying Zodiark right now. You continue to use a different name than the one he gave you. Instead of brandishing the identity of Mitron, you prefer Keiran. Why is that? If you truly believe he is the one to side with, then you would have accepted the Mitron name long ago.” Wesley pointed out.

Keiran would remain silent at he simply stared at Wesley. The silence was deafening, a tension thick in the air. Emiri wanted to break it, but she didn’t dare break it. She bit her lip nervously, though she was surprised would Keiran let out a sigh. He shrugged as he would shake his head, “You really don’t understand anything, do you?” He asked. “He’s everywhere. Everywhere. You think you’re safely resting here? It’s because he wants you to be at full strength when he crushes you. You’re too detached to see the situation wholly, Fandaniel. And I’m not saying that to be a prick--I’m serious.”

“Even the mightiest shadows yield to light.” WEsley said with eyes closed.

“And the greater the light, the greater a shadow is cast,” Keiran immediately shot back.

Wesley shook his head out of disappointment. “Listen, Keiran, the longer you continue to run away the more power you give Zodiark. By embracing your individuality, you take away his power.” Wesley told him. “It is his control over our brothers and sisters that gives him his real power. By cutting the control he has over you completely, you finally become your own man. Unless I am misreading the situation and you wish to be his puppet until he has no use for you,” Wesley coldly implied, looking to his brother.

“Don't act like it's so simple,” He replied, though his voice was quieter than before. “If that was all it really took, then maybe. But the situation is much more complicated than that.”

Wesley had raised his eyebrow out of curiosity. “And what exactly does that mean?” He asked Keiran. To him, the only thing that was complicated was Keiran’s refusal to take a leap of faith and seize the moment for himself.

Keiran said nothing to that, making it a point to cross his arms. Grant looked at him pointedly, wanting him to continue. Nadeline stayed quiet, not wanting to intrude, though she was further confused when Keiran would raise one of his hands, forming a fist, though he would leave his thumb out. He slowly ran it across his neck, the motion being very clear to everyone in the room. Was it that he wouldn't talk? Or that he couldn't? The princess watched him, though she would look back at Wesley.

At first, Wesley didn’t understand. What was Keiran trying to tell him? Sure, he saw a mark, but it didn’t register. Only when Keiran would reinforce his silence with the sternest of looks did Wesley begin to understand. Whatever that mark was, it seemed as though it forbade Keiran from doing something. Maybe it was something to prevent any of the spawn from rebelling. Did this apply to just him or was it the same for the other twelve Spawns?

That seemed to strike a chord in Wesley’s mind and he made a musing sound as he bit his thumb, pondering on it for a few, long moments. He hummed rather absentmindedly--something Wesley usually didn’t do. This was the side of Wesley that came out when something truly puzzled him and this was a way of him trying to process it.

Grant, on the other hand, was more concerned about Wesley. He understood what Keiran was trying to say, but apparently Wesley had...not? Actually, he wasn't sure what the hell Wesley was doing. He waved a hand at Wesley, trying to catch his attention, but he was ignored. Emiri let out a laugh--Wesley certainly was in the zone.

“Wesley?” She called out to him. “Hello?”

“Contemplative, isn't he?” Nadeline was less than amused.

“How did it work? Surely whatever that mark was worked in mysterious ways. I have been Fandaniel this entire time and yet I haven’t experienced any trouble opposing Zodiark nor any other incarnation he had or whomever he had under his influence. It just didn’t make sense.” Wesley kept muttering, not responding to his friends’ attempts to get his attention. “Maybe it only worked for those who were with Zodiark from the beginning and had time to be molded by him. Maybe it was something specific to them and them alone. It was a theory worth considering. And yet, I can’t help but feel as though I’m missing something. There’s something crucial that I haven’t figured out. But what could it be?”

Probably the fact that you've lost your mind. Grant couldn't help but think, rolling his eyes.

Emiri bit her lip as she tried to stop herself from laughing. “He's completely gone, isn't he?” She giggled.

“There's no getting to him now, I suppose,” Keiran shrugged, though he would look at Nadeline. “You're probably the only one that could possibly get to him.” He motioned towards the still muttering Wesley.

“What? Why me?” She asked.

Keiran looked at her incredulously, surprised she hadn't caught the gist of it. When she would only stare at him blankly, he would stroll over back to Grant, his arm around his shoulder. The Prince didn't like where this was going, especially when Keiran would practically pin him to the wall with his body, Keiran's hand under his chin as he gazed into his eyes. Emiri wasn't great at reading lips, but she was very sure that if Grant could speak, she would be hearing a lot of ‘no’ right about now.

Nadeline scoffed at him, crossing her arms. “How juvenile,” She commented dryly as Grant would slip away from Keiran and hide behind Emiri’s bedpost.

“Oh, I'm sorry, who was it that thought she was pregnant? You've already gone all the way, a little P.D.A. won't kill you,” Keiran immediately shot her down, much to her embarrassment. “I mean, I don't mind, but I don't want you to beat me up.”

“It’s true that I don’t have any basis for my theory, but it’s not like there is any other explanation. I’m sure that whatever that marking is, it definitely applies to a select few. But who is it besides Keiran that it will hinder from betraying him and how exactly does it work? Can Keiran talk about betraying Zodiark but the act itself is impossible? Or maybe there’s something else at play. Perhaps it’s a mixture of both?” Wesley muttered and muttered, though now he had a short, back-and-forth pace as he would hear low whispers. Nowhere enough to snap him out of his zone, however.

The longer Wesley mumbled, the more Nadeline would become concerned. She let out a sigh, though she would stand, resigning herself to Keiran’s suggestion. He nearly ran her over, however, though she would firmly plant herself in his path. As he neared, she would practically hop onto him, though instead of kissing him as Grant had thought, she would put her mouth to his ear. “WESLEY! WESLEY! WEEEESLEEEEYY!” She screamed into his ear, scaring the crap out of both Grant and Emiri, and as a result, Wesley jumped so high that his mist accidentally activated and sent him head-first to the roof, making a sizable dent in the structure as well as a large thud being heard. The next thing anyone realize, Wesley had landed on Grant and Keiran, bonking his head with Grant’s head and Wesley’s feet would unintentionally kick Keiran in the privates.

A petrified Nadeline had landed straight on her ass, though she would scramble to her feet. She ignored Keiran as he was in pure agony, instead placing her hands on her hips as she glared at Wesley. “For goodness sake, Wesley!” She couldn't help but scold him, paying no mind as Grant let out a groan.

Emiri let out a low whistle, impressed. “Wow, can't wait to see that in battle,” She admitted.

“What?” Wesley looked at Nadeilne confused. Though, as he would look towards the door, he saw a few faces that he was quite pleased to see. “Oh, Shion and..Michel?” Wesley wasn’t sure. It had been a while since he last seen the green-haired male.

“You guys didn't’ make it hard to find you at all,” Michel let out a chuckle, letting Shion enter the room first.

Shion would step over the fallen Keiran without skipping a beat. “Where is the Sky Pirate?” She asked the group at large.

“And hello to you as well,” Emiri was quick to catch Shion's lack of greeting. “I'm sure he's still in the castle.”

“Probably still comforting Savayna.” Keiran said meekly.

Grant grimaced, visibly upset at the remark. To his surprise, Emiri wasn't exactly pleased to hear that, either. She frowned at Keiran, though Grant seemed to confirm that what he said was true. However, none of that mattered to the blue haired woman. “I assumed he would be where there was the most racket,” Shion stated. “No matter. If you would like to speak here, fine. If there is a more appropriate place, I would have you make the arrangements. There is something we need to discuss.”

“What is it?” Nadeline asked.

Michel looked around, though his eyes fell upon Shion. She was definitely wanting to speak to everyone. Obviously it was something that all needed to hear--not just those in the room. “It’s about--”

“I heard Wesley cry!” Jaakuna suddenly came into the room shoving past Shion and Michel, knocking them both into Emiri and Grant respectively, knocking them all down in the process. “Huh?” Jaakuna looked around. He heard wrong, it appeared. However, as his eyes scanned the room, he saw people were laid out. He saw Michel, but as he saw the other person still on the floor, he gulped.

Letting out a small groan, Shion remained on the ground, clutching her abdomen. “So this is how it ends…” She muttered, her face rather pale as she stretched out her arm to Michel. “Michel...make sure you take my place…”

“Are--Are you alright?!” Emiri asked, slightly troubled. She half expected Shion to get up and slice Jaakuna in half, but the blue haired woman stayed exactly where she was.

“I’m...too tired to be angry,” Shion admitted. “It’s been a very long morning.”

Nadeline pulled Grant to his feet, only to unceremoniously shove him the the side as she would kneel down, casting a Curaja. The prince would plop down on the bed, clearly upset, though Nadeline ignored him. “You’re wounded! What happened to you?” She asked her.

“Did I stutter? Do you think I just sit around, plotting in the dark? I get things done while you all lounge around,” Shion snapped, though it was hard to take seriously considering she outright refused to budge.

“Do you...need help getting up? You can use my bed,” Emiri offered hesitantly.

Jaakuna couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “That moment when Shion is as lazy as Grant is.” Jaakuna had truly seen the end of the world.

Grant would glare at Jaakuna, scoffing. Shion would, however, get up, though she definitely looked worse for wear now that she was actually up. Nadeline shook her head at Jaakuna, though Grant would move as Shion would sit with a long sigh. “And to think I was here to see you. The gods have a peculiar sense of humor, don’t they?” Shion mused out loud.

“See, she does like me. And here I feared she was still mad at me for calling her an old hag yesterday.”

Shion smiled warmly at Jaakuna. “If I were you, I wouldn’t stick around too long. Once I regain my strength, I’m going to make sure to properly punish you~” She stated cheerfully, making her intention rather clear.

Jaakuna had then froze. Whatever he was going to say or what he had in his mind had suddenly went blank. Not even Belias could excuse his behavior. The musings were simply adding to the point that Jaakuna had fucked up. Emiri nudged Jaakuna, shaking her head at him. Jaakuna slowly looked at her, trying to hide the shear dread he felt. Though, he would come back to planet Ivalice when he heard Michel’s coughing.

“Right, well about why we’ve come.” Michel started, looking at Shion. “Did you want to tell them?”

“I suppose,” Shion stated, brushing off some stray dirt off her shoulder. “I’ll start by stating that yesterday I had Aloa retrieve the Treaty Blade. Thanks to the graciousness of Her Highness, by willingly allowing her to retrieve the blade, we thankfully skipped a few...troublesome steps. The blade is a weapon given to the Dalmascan Queen a long time ago, though the circumstances aren’t important. What is important is its origin, that of the Occuria. Despite its original purpose being that to cut through Cryst, its latent powers give it the ability to cut through anything--whether it be steel, Mist...or otherworldly beings.”

“Such as Zodiark.” Wesley mused aloud, throwing his guess out there.

“Zodiark...and those who would claim his name otherwise.” She confirmed his guess.

“What’cha talkin’ bout, Shion?” Jaakuna asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Yes, I am afraid I am also at a loss too, Lady Shion. Can you elaborate?” Wesley requested.

“It’s something I’ve learned today. According to Michel, the enemy we have encountered is not truly Zodiark, but rather a remnant of what is left of a soul once blessed by an Occuria named Venat,” Shion stated.

“Many thousand years ago, all-powerful beings looked down upon the land, and their rule was absolute. They commanded all things on the earth. All was done according to their will. Then one day they withdrew behind the walls of a great city of their own making, disappearing from history's stage. In the vacuum left behind, Ivalice fell into chaos, until the march towards a new age finally began.” Nadeline was the one to speak up this time, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Those were the Occuria. Or rather...that is what the legends say.”

“Wait...if that thing isn’t the real Zodiark, then where is the real deal?” Emiri asked.

“Aloa has seen to it to search for the answer to that question,” Shion said. “Regardless, the revelation affirmed her suspicions, and I went ahead to Giruvegan so that the Treaty Blade could drink on the Great Crystal's power. Of course, he came, cloaked in Michel’s body...and your dear old grandfather did as well,” She gripped her wound absentmindedly.

“What did you just say?”

Forget all of that about Zodiark not actually being the real Zodiark. Jaakuna would address that next, but the mention of Hamut took him by complete surprise. He swore she was wrong and that his grandfather was still off somewhere not being a problem to him.

Shion would stand, her hands slightly fumbling with the sash keeping her kimono together. Grant’s eyes widened as she would let it drop past her shoulders, lifting her arms through the sleeves. He found himself mildly surprised at the sarashi wrapped around her bust, but his attention was diverted as she would push the kimono down further. He wasn’t entirely sure what she was trying to do until she left her kimono around her waist, revealing a rather unsettling wound through her abdomen. It was then he noticed her left arm as well--the last time he saw it, the blackened part had only reached her elbow, now it was all the way up to her lower shoulder.

Jaakuna knew he shouldn’t stare but for an old broad, Shion was stacked. Though, he would feel Emiri’s glare force him to cover his eyes.

Now it was Keiran’s turn to let out a low whistle, a frown on his face. “He really got you, didn’t he?” He asked.

Emiri’s eyes widened. She couldn’t remember it exactly, but Shion’s arm was a result of their clash. A pang of guilt hit her, though she remained quiet. Nadeline, on the other hand, was more focused on her abdomen. “That looks like a sword...but those magicks…” She said slowly, examining Shion closely.

“Hamut is in league with the remnant,” Shion confirmed the revelation to Jaakuna bluntly. “It explains why he appeared so suddenly in Archades, as well as explaining Hamut’s sudden disappearance despite Roman’s orders for the entirety of the city to search for him. I wasn’t expecting that...a mistake that nearly cost me my life. If it hadn’t been for Aloa anticipating Zodiark, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

“Hold the fucking front door!” JAakuna waved his arms around dramatically. “Can someone tell me who exactly this Venat is?”

“Venat was a fallen Occuria. He sought to give Ivalice its freedom...by letting Archades reign over the entirety of the world,” Nadeline would tell him. “It was said that he influenced Vayne Solidor, but the records are unclear whether they worked together or if it was a master and apprentice sort of thing.”

“Is that so? And you think this Venat is back somehow?” Emiri asked.

“Supposedly towards the end of its existence, it merged with Vayne Solidor, but again, nothing is too clear on exactly what happened afterwards. Vayne was defeated, with Queen Ashe ruling over Dalmasca and bringing Ivalice to peace. To the victor does history give its attention to,” Nadeline reminded them.

Jaakuna felt like he was back at his home lessons about history, so like he did several times per-lesson, he raised his arm. “Yeah, another question.” Jaakuna’s expression was one of absolute confusion. “What’s an Occuria?”

“I told you this already!”

“He probably forgot the moment he saw her rack,” Keiran pointed out.

“Yeah, what the abomination said.” Jaakuna nodded with eyes closed and arms folded across his chest. Emiri coughed at him, swiftly elbowing his side.

“In other words, the Occuria are the beings that created all of Ivalice. They’re gods.” Emiri put it as simply as she could, giving him a look. “They’re also the beings that created the Espers.”

“Well, how was I supposed to know that?”

“Honestly...must I spell out everything for you? Haven’t you been the least bit curious about the history of Espers at all?” Nadeline asked him.

“Ain’t nobody got time for that shit.” Jaakuna declared proudly.

Nadeline threw her hands in the air, exasperated. However, Shion decided to get the conversation back on the rail at that point. “Even so, none of that has to do with why I’m here now,” She stated, pulling her kimono back on, though she eyed Jaakuna warily. “The Occuria, Venat, Hamut...each one of them is our enemy. And so I’ve decided to place my hopes onto you.”

“You sound very confident about that,” Keiran raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t have a choice. If I were able to, I would have made sure to bring an end to him...and so we come to why I’m here now,” Shion raised her right arm, showing off a series of intricate series of patterns that lit up. “I suppose in the end, it’s an option. This will guarantee you have a fighting chance...but in turn, you mark a target on your own back.”

What? “You’d have Jaakuna fight your battles?” She asked, taking his arm somewhat protectively. “What kind of crap is that?!”

“The Word has chosen you all, but he alone shares the burden--the Prodigal Son,” Shion informed her cooly.

“A burden you’re passing onto him!”

“Why does the burden have to be on him?” Suddenly, out of nowhere, Savayna showed up. “He doesn’t need to bear this on his own.”

“He who would walk with the Gigas, he who would take his swords and go forth--haven’t you found it rather peculiar that the Gigas had called out to you?” Shion asked Jaakuna. “It was not coincidence. Zodiark will fall to no other--he will fall at your hands.”

Emiri narrowed her eyes at Shion, shaking her head. “Savayna’s right. If anything, that just means he has to deal the last hit--he doesn’t have to do it alone.” She said, holding him close.

He didn’t really understand what he should say to that. Sure, he had always wondered why Belias chose him, but he never thought past his preference for fire. “I understand you might think it’s more than the obvious, but really me having Belias doesn’t have any bearing on my...destiny. It’s because I’m a fire-user; that’s it.” Jaakuna said as if trying to convince himself.

Shion immediately picked up on his hesitance. “Is that it?” She asked, though her right arm formed a fist, and she held it out for him to see. She opened her hand, flames coming out and dancing before Jaakuna. It seemed to take a shape, becoming a much smaller, yet clear image of Belias. Its eyes would glow, four arms crossed over its chest of fur and flesh. “It’s Belias’ sigil. ” She told them.

“Even so, I don’t understand what it is that you have.” Emiri interjected.

“This is Jaakuna’s weapon. It was made just for him, and no other. Even now I am just a carrier--I could not hope to wield it myself,” Keiran narrowed his eyes, though he remained silent. Grant caught his look, though he would give Jaakuna his full attention. For some reason, the tension in the air was rather thick. Shion would not take her eyes off Jaakuna, though she knew he was still reluctant. “Or better yet...why not ask him yourself if you don’t believe me?”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

At that point, Grant had shown up, poking his head into the room. It would seem Nadeline had broken the news, and Emiri would offer him an apologetic look. He let out an exasperated sigh, raising an eyebrow at her. The brunette blinked in confusion--what was wrong with him? Nadeline had seemed to regain herself, although she would take a seat, a little more calm. Emiri shifted uncomfortably as Wesley would speak, as if she knew what was coming already. She nearly jumped as Keiran would suddenly appear, although he looked less than pleased at being forcibly summoned.

"Ow. That was just plain rude," Keiran scoffed, rubbing his shoulder, though he would purposely put his elbow on Grant's shoulder, looking at Wesley as he spoke to him. "Done? Hmm...I guess I have to tell you the same thing I told that one--I haven't done anything," He stated cheerfully, nudging Grant. "My buddy here can vouch for me, he thought the same thing I did! I thought you would've been happy to know you're going to be a daddy."

Grant rolled his eyes. While it was true, Grant would never actually admit it, knowing exactly how Lorenzo would have reacted. Emiri grimaced, though she glared at him. "You can't go around saying things like that," She scolded him, irritated. "Honestly, Wesley has a point. If you're trying to pit us all against each other, it's not going to work."

Keiran's grin finally faded, though he looked equally as annoyed. "So I was the one that made Savayna go all out of control and get comforted by Jaakuna? I was the one that got Cassandra to get all possessive and upset Emiri? I wasn't the one openly complaining in front of everyone about my symptoms, either." He pointed out, shaking his head. "Go ahead, blame me all you want. But this group is dysfunctional enough on its own--trust me, I don't even need to lift a finger to destroy your bonds, you can do that on your own just fine."

Admittedly, Nadeline mentally admitted he had a point. Things simply weren't the same since they split up--a wedge had been driven between them, whether they liked it or not. Grant scratched the back of his head, equally in agreement. Emiri, however, would disagree. However, she looked instead at Wesley, who would hopefully understand her look. She would look back at Keiran, and let out a sigh. "A lot has happened," Nadeline would admit out loud, much to everyone's surprise.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"WHAT?!" Emiri blurted out without even thinking, although in all fairness it was one of the last things she had expected to hear. The truth of the matter was that she had seen the pair as rather chaste. Wesley seemed more the courtly type, so she admittedly never really thought of him being the type. As for Nadeline, she was more traditional, especially with the way she was raised. She always talked about a big wedding, then starting a family, and so on. So it was a surprise. A huge surprise. It almost left her feeling dizzy, though she ended up sighing in relief, eyeing Wesley in particular.

They both knew Nadeline hadn't heard everything, only the part of him leaving. It was lucky, but at the same time, Emiri really wanted Wesley to come out with the truth. Now didn't seem to be the time as he would shake his head, but at the very least, he understood now. She was glad; it really tore her up when Jaakuna had left, so maybe she had just wanted to spare Nadeline the same pain.

The brunette decided to put their conversation to the side--for now. "Congratulations?" She didn't mean for it to be questionable, though there was something she didn't quite understand. "I really thought you'd be happier about it."

Nadeline sniffled, trying to regain control of herself. "It's...to be honest...I'm not entirely sure..." She mumbled, shaking her head, though a newfound rage seemed to form. "Keiran was the one who put the idea into everyone's heads! But now that I think about it...it's possible..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Hamut's smugness practically radiated off him as he spoke. Confident, wasn't he? She was admittedly more intrigued than anything, though Zodiark would deny her the information she truly wanted. That they would want her power meant they didn't have enough for whatever it was that they were planning. As Zodiark would approach her once more, she watched him as he would charge up. To think this was how it ended. Though one word more than the rest seemed to stick out, a bitter reminder of things that had come and gone.

"You had it right the first time," Shion would correct Hamut. "If you truly believe yourself to be his partner, you're more of a fool than I believed. He would rather reign than have an equal. Isn't that right, My Lord?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. It would seem Zodiark was done with her, however, though she was determined to make sure she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.

As he neared, however, she seemed to notice something behind him. The crystal underneath her shined, and she let out a gasp as a barrier surrounded her, effectively halting his assault. Something seemed to swoop in, a black cape billowing behind him as a claw would grip Zodiark's head. At the same time, someone would drop in front of Shion, and she would see Vlyn holding out his hand. Before she realized what happened, a blinding light surrounded the three, and Vlyn would hook an arm under her knees and pick her up. He backed away a distance, and it was then she would see the cloaked figure in front of her.

Aloa eyed both Hamut and Zodiark in Michel's body, one of her eyes colored red as she held out her morphed claw. "As we suspected. The entirety of Archades searched in vain, though now that we know the truth, clarity comes to us," She spoke, although her voice was distorted, likely by Zalera's presence. "You take yours, we will take ours." She stated, her magicks working their way through Michel's body.

---

Grant had grown tired of Lorenzo's blubbering, and thus departed the room. He wasn't sure where he wanted to go or what he wanted to do, though he was more annoyed by his lack of voice than anything else. He stopped to stare out the window for a moment, though the sound of a door opening would catch his attention. Keiran let out a rather loud yawn, scratching the back of his head, though he would give Grant a smile. "Hey there, buddy," He greeted him, slinging his arm over Grant's shoulders and pulling him close. "Still feeling sour? Not that you could tell me...but you never were the talkative type, were you?"

The prince didn't quite appreciate the closeness, though he had little choice as Keiran would practically drag him along as he walked. For all intents and purposes, Keiran was enjoying himself. He did catch Grant's expression, though it seemed to please him more. "I thought you could use some comforting. The first love of your life, and your current one both love Jaakuna, don't they? It's pretty harsh, and I figured after your failure at calming Savayna down you'd want some encouragement. No need to thank me!" He stated, clearly missing Grant's annoyed glare. "Wanna know a little secret?" He asked, though Grant was certain he was going to continue anyway. "I have an older brother here in the castle right now."

Now that was a joke. Grant couldn't help but scoff at him, though he managed to get out of his grasp, crossing his arms. Keiran examined him for a moment. "It's true. You don't believe me? You can ask your dear Emiri, or your niece--though, with the way things are headed, I don't know if Nadeline's going to be in the best state of mind, so to speak." His words finally seemed to get some sort of effect on Grant, who seemed to finally pay attention. "It was a suspicion, but I wonder how my big brother's going to take the news that he's going to be a daddy? Or will the princess even want to have it now that she knows the truth?"

What kind of idiot did Keiran think Grant was? Grant shook his head at him, though Keiran would simply turn him around, showing him Nadeline standing outside of Emiri's room, her hand on the door. She looked shocked, listening in to the conversation in the room. She would then push the door open, walking in. Keiran chuckled, patting Grant's shoulder. "Let's watch and see what happens, shall we?"

---

She hadn't even noticed she had opened the door until she saw Emiri's surprised expression. It was then that Wesley would address her, though without thinking, she immediately went to him, and before she knew it, she slapped him. There were a flurry of emotions running through her heart, a mountain of thoughts crossing her mind, but she had acted purely on one thing, and she was in both denial and in shock.

"How...how dare you!" Nadeline couldn't help but shout, her hands on the sides of her head. She was clearly overwhelmed with everything at this point, and Emiri forced herself crawl over closer to the pair. For some reason, Nadeline's reaction seemed to be more...frantic than usual. Emiri let out a gasp as Nadeline dropped down to her knees, though she was surprised when the princess would take a hold of Wesley's chair, staring at the ground. "You were going to leave just like that...after everything...I can't..." She couldn't string together enough words to convey what she was trying to say, though it was clear how upset she was. "Please don't...I don't care about anything else, Wesley, I can't be alone!"

"Nadeline, it's not what you think!" Emiri tried to come to Wesley's defense, though she felt like there was something else Nadeline wasn't saying. "What's wrong? What is it?"

It was at that point that Nadeline would burst into tears, her head on Wesley's lap as she sobbed. "I can't do this without you...If you leave now..." She managed to say between her crying. "This wasn't how I wanted this to happen, not like this! Wesley...I'm...I'm..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Ah, so this was the source behind his confidence.

Despite the lack of surprise on her face, one hand went to her wound, though she found her body dropping to her knees. Her magicks would fade, the many petals surrounding them wilting away. What little energy she had seemed to have gone, all of it having been spent on the attempted purification. She closed her eyes, her free hand in a fist. So, this was it. She should have known better, should have been sharper and more concise. She opened her amber eyes as her blackened arm seemed to seize the moment, a sharp pain shooting through her body. Her seal wasn't able to combat it, enabling the dark magicks to travel further through her body.

"Fled to your master's shadow once the Sky Pirate had his way with you, did you?" Shion took a stab of a guess at Hamut. "To think even you were in league with him...tell me, how did you get here?"

---

It was Emiri's turn to put her hand on Wesley's. She was honestly at a loss for words, as she wasn't sure how to take all this. After a moment, she looked right at him, determined. "No matter what happens, we're all here for you," She told him. "Don't try to do everything on your own. You have us--all of us! So please...don't talk like that." Her voice seemed desperate, feeling as if her words alone weren't enough. How could she get him to understand? She searched herself for the words, but they wouldn't come. She would, however, nod. "I won't say anything...but...I think you should tell everyone anyway. You don't have to go through this alone. Please, Wesley, don't make the same mistake I did. But not just for us, think of your family, of Nadeline. She would want to know."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Clearly he was trying to save his own skin--figuratively--and the woman eyed him casually, as if trying to decide what to do with him next. "Your words don't amuse me any longer," Shion informed him as she would let go of her sword, backing away from him to cast a spell. "Any last words?"

---

The princess closed the door behind her, looking around. Wesley hadn't been in his room as she had hoped, although she was secretly glad. The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. How could she possibly face him? Cassandra's words, hollow as they may have been, seemed to play like a song in her head over and over. Never in her life had she felt such a mixture of her very nerves shattering and an unwanted sense of dread. This wasn't how things were supposed to turn out. Not like this. She didn't know where to go, and she didn't want to see anyone. Letting out a huff, Nadeline couldn't help but slap herself. She needed to get a grip! Deciding to put Wesley aside just for the moment, she decided there was one more place she could check.

Wesley was always concerned for his friends, and so she decided to head to where she knew Emiri was. She approached the door nervously, stopping right outside. She hadn't even considered what her friends would think of all this. Did she want them to know? No doubt Cassandra would go and scream it to the heavens. As the thought left her mind, she would look at the door, as if searching for answers. "That can't be!" She heard Emiri through the door. "Wesley, that can't be the truth!"

The truth? About what? The princess put her hand on the door, intent on confronting her, although she found herself stopping as Emiri would continue to speak.

Emiri was looking at Wesley with a combination of shock and pure denial. "Wesley, that isn't possible. You can't be...You're kind! And caring, and you wouldn't hurt anyone!" She didn't mean to be so loud, but maybe she was just trying to understand. "You're the prince of Dalmasca, there's no possible way you could have murdered your own family! I mean, you said you didn't have a clear memory of it, but--I can't see you serving under Zodiark of all people!"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

He was lying. And yet, as her blade worked its magic, she could see the effect on Michel's body. She had foolishly believed he would come out unharmed, and the possibility of killing him suddenly came into light. But how? Had Zodiark twisted it so that Michel was now a product of his power? Or was it that it was never truly Michel to begin with? For the first time, Shion found herself hesitating, gritting her teeth. He was playing with her. He was lying. Or did he want her to think he was lying? Why am I hesitating? Why am I letting him get to me? The thought crossed her mind, though she would drive her blade further.

"Michel will be fine," She informed him cooly, shoving it deeper just for good measure. "You think me a fool--but if you choose to stay and let yourself be purified, so be it, though I never knew you to be a glutton for pain."

---

Emiri was slightly worried about Wesley's words. She wasn't entirely sure about what he wanted to say--she wanted to hear it, but the fact that he was telling her of all people was...worrisome. Her violet eyes looked at Wesley, and she nodded with much reluctance. Whatever it was, it had to be serious. "If it is the way you say, then...I don't want to keep secrets, but I...I trust it must be something big," She told him. "What is it?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

She had him--surprisingly, but she had him. As she charged however, he did nothing. No attempt at dodging, no breaking her spell. Why? Was he expecting her to hesitate? What was he planning? No, it could've been a trap--but as all those thoughts were processed, she wouldn't stop. Her holy blade went right through his abdomen, plunging its light through him. She panted slightly, turning the blade, pouring her magicks into it as it would make an attempt to purify Zodiark. She looked right at him, her eyes narrowing at him.

---

If Nadeline wasn't upset before, she certainly was now.

The princess definitely did not choose to spare any sort of sympathy for her future sister in law. Or...was it because she knew Wesley wouldn't like it? No, no, no, Wesley was not that type of man. He would take responsibility, he always wanted to do what was right. But what if this was the straw that broke the chocobo's back? What if he wasn't ready? She certainly didn't feel ready, and she definitely felt the disappointment from both her father and Isabelle. More her father, who was openly weeping, but even Grant didn't look too happy. Oh no, what if Wesley reacted the same way? What if he got angry? What if he knew already and really did leave for Giza?!

"Speechless?" Reia asked dryly, raising an eyebrow at her niece. "Honestly...must I do everything?" She rolled her eyes, though she looked directly at Cassandra. "If that truly is the case, we will hunt him down. He is responsible, after all: it takes two to tango."

Nadeline appreciated the sentiment, but honestly, she realized that she couldn't care about anything else. She turned on her heel, immediately marching out the door, though in a moment she actually found herself running. Her feet wobbled, but she needed to find Wesley.

---

Emiri nearly screamed as Wesley would appear; where had he come from? Fortunately, he seemed to be more in control than she was, and had heard the entirety of the conversation between herself and Keiran. Or at least, a majority of it. She listened as he stated his mistrust, and she couldn't help but get that all too familiar nervousness once again. Was it too much to expect that everything was said and done with? Of course it was. Nothing in this life was easy, less so with Keiran doing as he pleased without a care in the world. The brunette closed her eyes for a moment, clearing her head before she would get any crazy ideas. She was rewarded with a headache instead, though she would look at Wesley.

"It won't be so easy to get rid of him," She would admit out loud. "Whether we like it or not, he and I are...intertwined. He's planning something, I'm sure of it. It's...hard not to feel at fault for whatever he's planning. I know Jaakuna blames himself, but if I had just come forward with the truth..." She stopped, shaking her head. "I'm willing to bet anything he is up to something. As to what, I'm unsure, but first and foremost, there has to be some way I can distance myself from him. Anything and everything I do, he sees, he knows. For now, I've managed to block him, but...if anything happens to any of you..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

There was her chance before her, and without a moment's hesitation, Shion raised her blade. She had him right where she wanted him, but unfortunately, he knew as well. The spell had wrapped itself around her waist, promptly halting her assault. She extended her hand in an attempt to counter, though she was interrupted when she was suddenly pulled--no, thrown down to the ground. She didn't think, her petals glowing as she prepared herself for the landing, but unfortunately, her arm would react to Zodiark's magicks, any spell she had thought to conjure whisked away. Her body collided with the crystal, something she had braced for, but she found herself ill prepared for the explosion that would follow suit. A cry of surprise left her unwillingly, and she felt the crystal underneath crack beneath her.

Everything was quiet for a few seconds as the dust settled around them. Shion lay face down, having taken the brunt of the attack. It was almost nostalgic how he managed to one up her yet again. But she wasn't going to die here--not yet. Her hand formed into a fist as she punched the ground, the magicks of the crystal stirring beneath them once more. Her petals dug themselves into the crystal, forming several blue roses scattered about around the ground. Each one would shoot forth a vine, about a dozen or so, each vine wrapped in thorns for the sole purpose of getting him to stand still. Meanwhile, Shion was focusing on getting up, forcing herself to shaky feet. He had caught her off guard--she couldn't let that happen again. Taking in a breath, several petals reformed themselves onto her hair as she gripped her blade tightly, though her vision swayed. She shook it off, instead choosing to engage him once more.

---

Nadeline was, for once, at a complete loss.

It had been some time since she had been completely stumped. She wasn’t the type to rule out the impossible, no matter how improbable, but Grant wasn’t exactly helping her out either. Everything looked completely peachy—nothing swollen or enlarged, no rash, no fever, it was as if his voice had suddenly up and walked out. He could conjure perhaps a word or two if he tried hard enough, but she didn’t want him to strain himself. Her initial thought of an infection was also quickly disproved as she had him down every concoction she could get her hands on. Besides giving him nausea, he didn’t improve.

Lorenzo seemed to be having a field day with the entire situation, eagerly helping out Nadeline and often forcing Grant to down whatever mixture she came up with. Still, after Grant would put up more of a fight than usual, he had to have Nadeline lay off. “He’s always quiet anyway, so it’s not a total loss,” He grinned at his brother, who gave him a rather deadpan stare.

Keiran chuckled, though he was resting his head on his arms. “I get it…’cause he’s usually sulking,” He explained the joke to himself.

“If you’re going to offer no help, go rest,” Nadeline ordered him as she would take a seat, crossing her legs over one another. “As for Grant, well…hopefully time will be kind to him.”

Grant smiled, forming a pair of scissors with his hand and snipping something in the air. Lorenzo laughed. “He’s right, you’re snippier than usual,” He explained. “Guess you don’t like to lose, just like your old man!”

The princess let out a sigh, scratching a spot on her shoulder. “My apologies. Admittedly I’ve been in a rather foul mood since yesterday,” She stated. “I wasn’t able to sleep because my back’s been rather sore.”

Lorenzo narrowed his eyes, as if realizing something. “Weight gain, back pain, fatigue, mood swings…you, uh…haven’t been nauseous, have you…?” He asked, his tone suddenly suspicious.

Grant seemed confused by it, looking between Nadeline and Lorenzo. The princess thought to herself for a moment. “I don’t think so, though admittedly I wasn’t able to eat everything Wesley had served since it made me…feel…” Her voice trailed off.

Reia looked up from her document, her eyes wide. Keiran also looked up, surprised. “Are you pregnant?” He blurted out.

A complete silence fell over the room, every single eye on Nadeline. No, that wasn’t possible. It wasn’t like they would be able to get away with something like that anyway! Although, the more Grant thought about it—remembering how frisky Nadeline in particular had been—an unfamiliar sense of dread seemed to overcome him. He looked at Nadeline with pleading eyes, begging her to refute the accusation. The princess herself had a rather…nervous expression, a weak laugh leaving her as she began to fan herself.

Keiran blinked in confusion, though he seemed to know what Grant wanted to say. “Uh…I think there’s no way that’s possible…?” He looked at Grant for confirmation, who nodded. “Yeah, there you go! It’s not like you and Wesley share a bed or anything.”

Nadeline let out another nervous laugh. “Of—Of course not! Wesley is a perfect gentleman!” Her extremely unconvincing answer came much too hurriedly. “We are engaged after all, I—that is to say, our wedding night will be—I, um…” Her flustered answers weren’t helping out at all, and she had nowhere to turn to for help. “It’s…I, um, it’s—it’s only recently that I haven’t been feeling well! Yes, that’s it, it’s all fatigue, we have been fighting nonstop for some time without sufficient rest!”

Reia raised her eyebrows at Nadeline. “Wow. That was terrible, the only part I believed was Wesley being a gentleman,” She flat out stomped on Nadeline’s ‘defense’, if you could even call it that. “So you’re not only sharing a bed, you’ve clearly crossed into the physical portion of your relationship. Bravo, Wesley, I wasn’t sure he had it in him. Good to know Dalmasca’s future is bright.”

Lorenzo looked like he was on the verge of tears at that point. “Nadeline, I can’t believe you!” He sounded sincerely disappointed, his words hitting Nadeline like a stone wall.

“No—Father, I assure you, it’s not what you think,” She hastily tried to explain herself, though she couldn’t help but feel she was just digging herself a deeper hole. “I…It’s not how you think it. I love Wesley, Father, truly.”

“’We’re not talking about love! We’re talking about how you two—I can’t—AHHHHHH!” He wailed, head in his hands as he sobbed. “Where did I go wrong?! I did my best to raise you with values! And now look, bearing a child while unmarried! I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes I did! I’m a failure!”

“Ouch, ‘values’, it’s almost like he’s calling you a whore,” Keiran shook his head.

The princess gave him a rather dangerous look. “Leave.” It was a single word, but the pure anger behind it was actually frightening for Grant.

“There’s that mood swing again,” Keiran grinned, though he would do as he was told as he would stand, giving the group a wave as he would walk out.

Letting out a huff, she shook her head. Gods, what a mess, her father was probably going to drown in his own tears at this point. She didn’t dare look at her future in-laws—no doubt they were probably judging her very harshly and would probably have a few choice words for her. How did she lose the conversation so quickly?! She couldn’t think straight, she felt completely humiliated. And nauseous. Oh gods, would it be too inconspicuous if she just threw herself out the window to die now? She was almost entirely certain everything was being exaggerated, but the moment Keiran had opened his mouth, there was a sinking feeling in the bottom of her stomach. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to have Wesley's child—they had discussed their future in great lengths, after all—but it was terrible timing.

Apparently, it was too much, and she would stand up, clearing her throat. “I…I need to go find Wesley…” She muttered.

---

Meanwhile, Keiran whistled as he walked through the hallways once more. It was a little mean to plant the idea in their heads, sure, but at the very least, it would keep them occupied, if only for a little bit. He made his way back to Emiri’s room, opening the door. She had seen better days—she was completely still, paler than ever, though she did watch as he would take Jaakuna’s old seat near her bed. He watched her for a moment, intrigued. She said nothing, though she looked like she had something to say.

“Worried, are we?” He asked her, a hand on his chin. “I’m surprised you cut our connection. When did you learn that trick?”

Emiri stared back at him for a moment. “At first, it was because I didn’t want you to end up as sick as I was, but…” She gave him a serious look. “Now that I’ve had time to think…what I’m feeling now…I’ve been through it before. You did this to me back in Stigma.”

She remembered? He was impressed. “And you’re relieved? Though I can assure you that this time it isn’t me.” He smiled confortingly.

“You forced my connection to the Word before. That’s where I ended up gaining those dark powers…but it was incomplete.” She told him, a serious expression on her face. “You’re always saying it’s a two way street, but I can’t read your mind the way you can read mine. It’s like you’re intentionally blocking me from doing so.”

His smile faded, the two staring at one another as he would stand. He walked over, taking the warm towel from her head. As he walked into the bathroom, she could hear the water running. He returned, seeing her sit up entirely. “You really should rest easy. Don’t want to go upsetting Jaakuna, right?” He told her.

“It’s funny, I’ve been so delusional I’ve been seeing things,” She shook her head at him. “But when everything settles, even if it’s just for a moment, everything becomes so clear to me. Keiran…you wanted to me to go back with Jaakuna, didn’t you?” She asked him.

At first, he remained silent, studying her features. Despite her still flushed face, she looked very serious. He shrugged, turning away, though she grabbed his wrist with a strength that was very unlike her. Her grip was tight—you wouldn’t think she was sick if you didn’t look at her—and she glared at him. “Now, now…you really should rest,” He told her quietly.

She narrowed her eyes, her grip on him tighter. “Whatever it is that you're planning, it better end here.”

That was when Keiran chuckled, giving her a slight shrug. “Have I done anything to warrant such an accusation? Really, I’ve been at my best behavior,” He said, though he would raise his arm, nearly pulling her off the bed, though he yanked himself away from her. She would stand, her intention of attacking him clear, though she found her whole body weak once more. He wagged a finger in disapproval, poking her forehead hard enough that she fell back onto the bed. “See? You’re not well. All these crazy thoughts of yours are just the fever talking.” He pointed out, placing the cloth on her forehead.

She would grab his wrist once more, eyes burning with rage. “I don’t care what happens to me, but if you so much hurt any of them in any way—”

This time he would pin both her arms to her sides, getting in very close. “Then you should behave.” He said quietly, though he would release her, stretching his arms above his head. “I’m going to go rest now. Be sure to take it easy~” He stated, giving her a smile as he left the room.

Emiri gripped the blankets around her, staring at the closed door. She wasn’t crazy—he was planning something. But what?