Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I fear Adrammalech is correct," Roman concurred with the Esper, his chin on the palm of his hand rather wearily, as if they were simply talking about some bad weather. "But the 'key' is just that--a key. I think Zodiark would want a greater vessel to be used, one that will give him little struggle, more acceptance. I won't say I know Miss Iniko too well, but why settle for less when you can have everything you want, and more?"

He let out a small breath, tracing a line from Zodiark to Famfrit. "She always did have her own agenda. I wonder...I would dare place a bet that all the events transpiring were hers to make. She always was a crafty one."

---

"Mother--fucking--bitch--!"

Lorenzo recognized that tone of Grant's, though he wasn't surprised that he was so angry. No, he wasn't angry, he was furious. Grant glared at Levi, somehow not entirely surprised that she somehow survived several bullets to the head. Exhaling slightly, he wanted to cringe as she acknowledged him, but what was worse was when she stated she would take Zodiark into her. What the hell was wrong with this woman?! No, wait, she wanted Zodiark--had she been waiting for this very moment? He looked at Emette, who seemed more...intrigued by Levi. No, did Emette actually want Levi to take Zodiark? But why...?

Emiri's eyes had widened at Levi's arrival, though she seemed to understand. "So, you would take me in your embrace?" She asked, though her lips played onto a smirk. "The key has played her part. Now, onto greatness..." She stated, snapping her fingers as she raised her arm above her head. Before anyone could react, anyone that wasn't Levi was unceremoniously shoved back by wind. She extended her arm, reaching out to Levi as she approached her. As Levi took Emiri's hand in hers, the wind around them seemed to pick up once more. The glyph in the room seemed to fade, the rumbling coming to a halt. The markings on Emiri's body would magically travel from several points, converging onto Levi's body, though the second the last symbol would fade from her body, it was as if all life had left Emiri's eyes.

The statue in the middle of the room would begin to crack, threatening to crumble. Grant let out another curse, though Emette put her hand on his arm, never taking her eyes off Levi. He nodded in understanding, taking a slight step back and trying not to draw attention to himself. He would then motion towards Zeromus, who would begin casting, his glyph appearing beneath the woman. Emette would then burst forward aided by Zeromus' magicks, running straight through and grabbing Emiri, breaking her contact with Levi. She came to a stop not too far away, though as she held the brunette in her arms, she was alarmed to feel Emiri's mist levels rapidly declining. "Chaos! Don't you dare...Emiri, don't give up!" Her voice wavered unintentionally as she held her close. "Not again...I can't have failed you again...!"

---

Nadeline crossed her arms, a nervous laugh leaving her. Wesley was asking for a lot, though he didn't seem to realize it. Sure, that was the logical sense talking, but when did Ultima ever make any sense? She let out a cough, awaiting Ultima's incoming scathing comment, though to her surprise, the Queen herself would manifest next to them, holy light notwithstanding. Nadeline's jaw dropped, and she ended up scoffing. Oh, so if Nadeline's life was in danger, she wouldn't lift a finger, but if Wesley just asked nicely, she'd do as he said!? "For he who bears the blood of the Dynast-King, I would be glad to offer my assistance," She stated, ignoring a very frustrated Nadeline who would just throw her arms up in the air in defeat. She had definitely gotten the short end of the stick Esper-wise.

"I'm your chosen! Aren't you supposed to listen to me!?" Nadeline couldn't help but ask, hoping that perhaps Ultima simply realized the gravity of the situation.

"Forgive me, I do not take orders from petty pampered princesses. You assume much," Ultima replied rather simply, without even granting her a passing glance. She should've known better. "I am sure the fiends go to the paling; I will go there at once and attempt to banish them from your kingdom all at a time. This will get rid of the lesser, though I chance to think the mightier ones will give resistance."

Ultima sounded so sure of herself, Nadeline would relegate herself to following her suggestion. "We will take care of those, then," Nadeline said, putting her annoyance to the side.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

In all honesty, he had expected Isaiah to be the first to jump to battle. He wasn't quite sure what he was doing here--that is, until his Esper would decide to do the talking for him. "Unfortunately, Addramelech has a point. We are in a state of an emergency, and must act accordingly--that being, with haste," Roman couldn't help but scold his cousin, completely in agreement with the Esper. As he listened, a grim expression would take place. "I figured as much," He admitted, though at the very least, getting some confirmation was useful. He would begin to rummage through his desk, buried in his own thoughts. "How troublesome...it would seem this is entirely out of my hands."

The situation was more dire than he had imagined. He pulled out a scroll, unraveling it for Isaiah to see. "A time ago, when I learned of Empress Reia's intentions, there was a question that lingered on my mind. How is it possible that a single person was a living key with a connection to the Espers? No matter where I looked, I could find no answer," He spoke to the pair, though it seemed he was speaking directly to the Esper. "The only clue I could find was text related to that of the thirteenth--Zodiark. And yet, Chaos himself was sighted in Ivalice by Rozarrian troops around twenty five or six years ago. Why was it only Chaos? I thought the two events connected...It was said that when Zodiark was sealed away, rather than pour his energy into escape, he would instead focus on corrupting one of his siblings--Chaos, to be exact. And so when a pact was made, unwillingly did the summoner take on Zodiark's power as well."

He let out a sigh, tapping his index finger on the image of Zodiark in the scroll. "But Zodiark is not able to manifest itself so easily in this world. It would take to unlock all twelve of his brethren first, and once they roamed Ivalice, it was only then that he could hope to spring forth--but not by himself. He would probably make use of his key...but a Seeress foresaw this, and planned for the day of its destruction, hoping to stop Zodiark."

Roman looked directly at Isaiah at this point, no doubt knowing that Addramelech already knew where he was going with this. "If this is correct, that means Jackson is currently fighting Zodiark--who has probably taken possession of Emiri right now."

---

Nadeline was glad as ever to see Wesley, though she was slightly preoccupied with Shion's words. After watching Hashmaal carefully carry her, she would nod at Wesley, though she grabbed his hand, knowing that what she wanted to say couldn't wait. As they walked out, she decided to speak her mind. "Ultima said that Zodiark--the real one--has been freed. But I do not understand, how could this have come to pass?" She said to him, a worried expression on her face. "It doesn't help that neither Jaakuna nor Emi are anywhere to be found. I know my father left the city with Grant and Savayna, but the other two...you don't think...?"

---

Emette's hands were balled into fists, a pained expression on her face. How she wanted to prevent this, but even now, she should have known better. She listened to Grant and Savayna speak to one another, knowing the answers they sought. Her breath seemed caught in her throat as she backed away, watching Jaakuna's magicks surge forth. Emiri shook her head, one of her swords flying forward to meet it. It hitched itself through one of the links, yanking it in such a way that it would not touch her. She shrugged at him as his magicks exploded behind her, as if taunting him. Rather than go the magical route, however, she would go straight in, her swords spinning behind her as each one would move for a strike.

Letting out a breath, Emette turned around, looking at Grant, who was watching the confrontation. "It's not just Emiri that's changed," He noted out loud, squinting at Jaakuna. "Jaakuna...is Lohgrif? How did I know that name?"

"The Scions of Light cannot exist on their own in Ivalice," She informed him quietly. "Just as the Espers are bound to their hosts, so must we cling to our own mortal hosts. In this way, when we fuse with our mortal, we may draw upon Ivalice's power directly."

"And so your own power wanes, because your host has passed," Grant stated in understanding. He then saw Emette's rather grim expression, his hand to his gun almost reflexively. "Tell me you aren't thinking of asking me to shoot your own daughter."

"I'll admit the thought crossed my mind, but do you think it would work at this point? Not even Lohgrif can touch her," She said, though there was a desperation in her voice. "And if he does...If he manages to land a decisive blow...can Jaakuna himself handle that? I wanted to prevent this, but now that it has come to pass, I...I know not what to do..."

Well, there goes asking her for the next possible step. Grant let out a small cough, though he looked at Savayna. "Any ideas your way?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Vlyn let out a small groan, his hands stretched above him. He then relaxed, gazing upon Karolina in front of him. At Aloa’s instruction, he had returned to Stigma to keep her updated on the current situation. “I thank you for coming all this way just to inform me,” Karolina sighed, a worried expression on her face. “I only pray everything with the treaty goes well. I cannot shake this dread no matter what I do.”

So Lady Karolina was feeling it as well. Vlyn couldn’t really say it was comforting, his hand nervously scratching the back of his head. “Aloa thought it best to keep you up to date. She wishes for Lorenzo to return to your side once things in Dalmasca have settled, though it may be later rather than sooner,” He admitted.

“Of course,” Karolina understood, her gaze turning out to the window. “My only concern is…” Her voice trailed off as her eyes widened. “What is…?!”

Vlyn followed her gaze, an equal shock taking him as the screams of the people would finally hit them. He threw the window open to get a clearer look. Monsters littered the streets, attacking anything with a pulsing heartbeat. The creatures were cloaked in a saturated darkness, nimble, powerful, giving the many knights that had taken to the streets a challenge. Letting out a curse, Vlyn immediately jumped back from the window as several of the monsters leapt up towards the castle, their claws buried in stone.

One would approach the window, though Vlyn clawed right through it, sending it back. He gasped as a pair broke through, though as he turned towards one, a Holy spell erupted over it. He turned to see Karolina with her hand outstretched. She hiked up her dress and took off running, leaving Vlyn to follow suit. He could hear the sounds of glass shattering, though he continued to follow Karolina. He watched as several mages approached her, to which she finally came to a halt.

“Ready the palings!” She ordered them without hesitation. “I want every pair of hands either casting or outside, defending the people!”

The paling? Who was going to channel the magicks for that? The realization hit him, and he grabbed her arm before she could run off. “My lady, leave that to me, you can’t handle that much power,” He warned her.

“If Rozarria is like this, then I imagine both Archadia and Dalmasca are like this as well,” She replied, shaking her head at him. “I’ll be fine, but I need you to see to it that Nadeline and Lorenzo are safe. Stigma’s paling will suffice—if I cannot leave here, then you must go in my place.”

Vlyn hesitated as he would watch her run off. Crap, did she really think this was happening everywhere? Then again, as his ear twitched, he could sense that she was probably right. Letting out a curse, Vlyn shook his head, preparing his teleportation.

---

“How inconvenient.”

The words came as Roman looked around at the chaos around him. The monsters either hadn’t noticed or hadn’t quite seen him as he walked. He walked in a certain path, his eyes roaming and ignoring the body guards that repeatedly called for him to get to safety. He let out a groan, his fingers rubbing his temples as his guards scrambled around him. He watched the monsters, unamused, though as the last one fell, the knight would approach him. “My lord, what should we do now?”

“Your job,” Roman stated, shaking his head. “See to it that my people are safe!”

At his command, they moved out, and Roman sat in his chair. What in the world was going on?

---

Several viera would surround one of the fiends, their blessed arrows piercing through it. They were no match for their skill, and made sure to fell each one. Aloa before the village, an incantation born from her words. As one of the monsters approached, its very flesh would burn as it attempted to pass her glyph. That was one way of testing it, and she was grateful, stepping in front of it. The viera warriors were winning, and at this she was relieved. As they would regroup, Ktrn approached her, sword in hand.

"The village will see another day, but I fear Her strength wanes. Stay here, and protect one another--I must once again set forth," Aloa instructed them.

As Ktrn would begin to reply, she let out a gasp, an arrow through her chest. Aloa's eyes widened, though she would leap forward, swinging her claw as another dozen would attempt to take out the rest of them. As she readied herself, she watched as a woman would approach them quite serenely. "A good leader stands with her people. I admit, it's a very admirable trait," Sophia told her, armored with an orb in her hand. "You can't tell me you weren't expecting me?"

"Since I sent your master running with his tail twixt his legs, of course," Aloa remarked as the rest of the viera would back away, a few taking Krtn with them. Sophia didn't seem to like that comment; little did she know Aloa was far from finished. "And now he sends you? An insult of the highest caliber. Child, do you think you can best me?" She asked, mist collecting and forming a cloak on her shoulders.

Sophia scoffed, her magicks in the air as she lifted her orb. "We shall see, then, won't we?"

---

Nadeline skidded to a halt, her blade charging up as she lifted it, and just when it seemed she was surrounded, she stabbed it into the ground, icicles erupting all around her. Each one pierced a monster, and as she lifted her weapon she continued to run through the halls. She slung spell after spell as they gave chase, though at the very least, she noticed their numbers thinning. Her feet hit the ground as quickly as she ran, her determination boundless. She came to a halt before a door, opening it. "Emiri--" Her words were given to an empty room. Her eyes widened with confusion, not a trace of the girl to be found. Had she already known?

Deciding to put that thought in the back of her head, she would instead continue, though she would immediately notice the cluster of monsters before a certain room. It took her a second to realize that was where Jaakuna and Shion slept, and her hesitation ceased immediately. Standing with her rapier above her, several glyphs would surround the unaware monsters. As her spell neared completion, she spun her weapon once, bringing it down, and an aetherial tornado formed. Each monster was either purified or thrown outside, and Nadeline hurriedly opened the door. To her relief, Shion remained unharmed, still unconscious, but Jaakuna was nowhere to be found, either.

"Shion! Shion, you must awaken!" Nadeline urged her. The woman let out a soft groan, bringing Nadeline some comfort. "Listen to me, the castle is under attack, it is not safe here."

"I've failed..." Her words were so quiet, Nadeline almost didn't catch them. "Forgive me, my beloved..."

Was she dreaming? Or was there something she didn't know?

---

As Zeromus would appear, Grant would grip the air, his spell charging. The debris would stop falling around them, though they would remain firmly planted on the ground. Lorenzo let out a sigh of relief, quickly followed up by a yell of confusion and frustration. "What in the hell is going on here?!" He screamed, his hands rustling his hair. "This was supposed to be a simple day trip! Now it's gotten all confusing!!! ARRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Normally, Grant would reprimand Lorenzo or berate him, but for once, Grant was just as frustrated. "You felt it, too, didn't you?" He asked Savayna. "This mist..."

---

As the light would fade, Emette would open her eyes. Emiri stood fast, a rather bored expression on her face. She would pick at the chains surrounding her, as if prying off lint from her clothes, and little by little, they would fade. She stretched her arms above her head, eyeing Jaakuna. "So you have now awakened, have you, Lohgrif?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "Cleanse me, will you? I would dain to see you try. I will no longer bend to the will of anyone. But if you insist..." She stated, her body surrounded by mist. She smirked, her arms above her head, and as they lowered, a dozen swords appeared behind her. A dark helm would form on her head slowly and her body lifted itself into the air, the swords forming a pair of makeshift wings.

Emette's eyes widened considerably, and she shook her head. "Emiri! Stop! You can't win this!" She yelled.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The dying roar of the beast did little to aid it, its corpse now sliding down the wall and marking it red. The entire hallway behind it was stained red this way, any enemy that crossed her path met the same fate. Her swords seemed to float behind her, her movements swaying. Her body moved all on its own, hypnotized to follow what beckoned her. Deeper and deeper, where light no longer illuminated, where humes had given up on going any further. The deeper they went, the emptier she seemed--though at this point, whether he wanted to admit it or not, Keiran was starting to feel it as well.

Finally, Emiri came to a halt. He was surprised, but the mist coming from the room was so...hostile. He dared himself to peek inside, but it was mostly empty, except for something right in the middle. His eyes widened as Emiri stepped forward, symbols appearing all over her skin. Another step, and several more symbols appeared on the ground, though these he recognized--together, they formed an ancient glyph that etched itself into the ground. She stopped, her hand extended, and several white glyphs would appear. Seals, it seemed, though they shattered far too easily. The brunette slowly lowered her hand for a moment, a wind surrounding her. Both of her arms reached outwards, the symbols glowing red. The glyph in the room activated as well, a whirlwind of mist forming.

Jaakuna and Emette were at the head of the group, the end in sight--literally. She couldn't help but curse herself in that moment, though the moment they stepped into the room, the possessed Emiri looked back at them with red eyes. "That influence...!" Emette let out a gasp, her hands over her mouth. "Chaos cannot reach her, we must stop her before the ritual finishes!"

"Finishes? This was over long ago, Emet-Selch." Emiri would speak, her voice mingled with another's. "You tried, but you have failed. Let your despair consume you... You may curse me in the afterlife."

As her words completed, something at the very core of Ivalice herself shifted. The entirety of the mines shook, and for a moment, it would seem as if an earthquake had taken place. Lorenzo let out a yelp as he narrowly missed getting hit by a falling rock, backing up against the wall. Grant's eyes widened, although he didn't understand what was happening, it was as if his own instinct was telling him to run away. He looked up, noticing the walls themselves changing colors. "Zeromus! What's going on?!" He called his Esper, hoping for some sort of answer.

Zodiark has awakened. Zeromus informed him. Though...there seems to be more to it...all twelve Espers freed...but now that Zodiark is completely free, Ivalice has lost her balance, it would seem...

The hell did that mean?!

---

Nadeline emerged from the room, a disappointed expression on her face. She crossed her arms, her eyes closed as she contemplated her next action. As amusing as Reia's interactions with the Dalmascan Royal Family were, Nadeline didn't quite appreciate Reia constantly trying to lecture her into her role as Wesley's future queen. No, she needed some air anyway, she needed to compose herself properly before she would speak with Wesley.

The Dalmascan sun was as bright as ever, though the breeze was certainly a welcome. Taking a moment to get her thoughts together, she placed both her hands on the railing, admiring the city. In that moment, however, she could hear Ultima trying to tell her something. Before she could ask her to clarify, several pools of darkness formed on the streets. Her eyes widened as multiple monsters began to pour from them, causing a widespread panic. How had they gotten past the paling? The knights were quick to act, one already running inside, presumably to inform the royal family. Several of the monsters would begin to scale the walls of the castles, and Nadeline jumped back as one tried to reach her.

"Those are...!" They looked very much like the monsters that they had encountered some time ago in Archades. Her hand went to her side, though the emptiness reminded her that she didn't have her weapon. Snapping her fingers, her crown formed on her head, and as three of the creatures leapt towards her, she raised her hand, a Holy coming down on them. Turning on her heel, she sprinted down the hall, several windows shattering as they would break in. Wrenching open the door to her room, she slammed it shut, going straight to her belongings and pulling out her rapier.

The door broke down, and she turned around, weapon aloft. And so the song has ended. The thirteenth Esper...awakened... She could hear Ultima whisper in disbelief, though she instead side stepped an incoming attack. Her rapier glowed as she charged forward, her weapon coated in Holy as she would knock them all out of the room. As she ran to the hallway, she could see their numbers quickly rising. My light will bless you. Do your best not to die.

What a nice way to say 'be careful'. Nadeline shook her head, though she executed several strikes against the closest monster. She leapt into the air, her rapier stabbing another through the head. If it was a fight they wanted, it would be a fight they would get.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Lorenzo in particular was eerily quiet, a rather focused look on his face as Emette would reveal her identity. As Jaakuna addressed him, his eyes were firmly on the key in her hand. Inhaling slowly, he nodded, confirming the group's suspicions. "I haven't seen that key in years," He admitted, scratching the back of his head. "Karolina's key broke a few years back, she was devastated, so I had it fixed. If you need further proof, Savanna, that's it. There's only three copies of that key in Ivalice--they don't make them like that anymore because of how simple it is to replicate, thus it was a security issue for a lot of people. It held a lot of sentimental value for her...for both women. Last I remembered, Andre and Justine had the other two."

Grant squinted at Emette, specifically inspecting her face carefully. Now that he was really looking at her, she did have the same facial features. Emiri had taken more after her father, but the shape of their faces and eyes were oddly similar. The white hair and blue eyes had admittedly thrown him off, considering Justine was closer to a redhead and her eyes were darker in her life. Still, this girl was considerably younger, but he figured she didn't have a reason to lie, as she had said. "I just...can't believe it, you're alive?" Grant couldn't help but ask. "You're...a lot different now."

"I told you, it's...complicated," Emette shrugged. "Make no mistake, I definitely died. Not that I'm a ghost now, but it's...quite a situation..."

"Justine..." Lorenzo said sadly.

"Ironically, this is closer to my true form," Emette sighed, shaking her head. "And considering my quickly-fading power, I don't blame you for doubting me as Emet-Selch. So calling me 'Justine' is...inaccurate. Just called me Emette, it's...better that way..." Her voice trailed off, though she regained her composure, looking at Savayna. She turned back to the wall of ice, placing both her hands on it. As if on que, cracks began to form, and she would quite literally shatter the wall with a touch. "Not that that's a good example of my power, but unfortunately that's as good as it's going to get to prove I am Emet-Selch." She stated, trying to quell Savayna's doubts.

Lorenzo wanted to protest, but he stayed quiet.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

They were going to drive her insane, this much she should have foreseen. Savayna was probably a bigger headache than Jaakuna--she should have anticipated the resistance. "I can see why the two of you were married," Emette's initial response was rather dry, though it did earn her a scowl from Grant. "Are identities so important to you humes that you need to know everything? I keep telling you we don't have time to waste. And of course it isn't coincidence! Everything you've stated up until now is the absolute truth."

"Then telling us who you are would be in your favor," Lorenzo actually found himself agreeing with Savayna.

"Does it truly matter? What if I do tell you--no, let me correct myself, when I do tell you, it's only going to raise more questions and further prolong the inevitable. We'll end up sitting here, fiddling our thumbs while you bombard me with 'no, that isn't possible!' or 'how could this be?' and let's be honest, it's going to take a while, even with a simple explanation." Emette pointed out. "The pieces are all there, anyway, you just...haven't figured it out yet."

Grant narrowed his eyes. Admittedly, he hadn't been as satisfied, but with Lola's appearance, as well as Keiran's, he understood Savayna's point. "You have to understand our point of view as well," He decided to side with Savayna, although he thought it best to appeal to Emette in a different direction. "Your identity is a detail, but a very important one. We don't want to walk into enemy hands--even you can understand this. Far too many times have we been too trusting...some of us more than others...and we want to know that as much as you want us to trust you, you have to give us reason for that trust."

Emette was silent, staring at Grant. She crossed her arms as she would turn away, looking at Savayna's wall of ice, at her own blurry reflection. "I'll admit, 'Emette' was a name I came up with on the fly. I couldn't very well use my real name...well, I have two names, truth be told, but either one of them would probably throw you all off guard and make you think the wrong thing," She said, placing her hand on the ice. She looked back at them over her shoulder, a serious look on her face. "Know this: what I'm saying is the absolute truth. And in a way, you will all know it."

Taking her hand off the wall, she dug into a hidden pocket in her dress. She slowly pulled out a very old key, barely hanging on to an equally old chain, and held it out for them to see. Jaakuna would instantly recognize it. "As a mortal, my name was Justine Rosenburg. My true name, however, is Emet-Selch, the Angel of Truth and Scion of Light."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Lola remained smiling, never faltering even for a moment. Her eyes landed on the now visible Emette, and she let out an understanding sound. So she decided to show up, did she? Her search was in vain, she would definitely hear it from her master later on. Clucking her tongue, her eyes scanned the group. It was definitely more than she could take on, though she figured at this point, her job was all but done. Her iato dissipated into flames, as if signaling defeat, though Lola still seemed confident.

"Mmm...no, you're the one mistaken this time," Lola corrected Nateus cheerfully, her hand on her cheek. "There's a reason I didn't go for the kill. After all, the same way that half-assed Vacuum spell was a diversion, so was I!" She said happily, nodding. "Our dear little Emiri goes closer and closer...it's only a matter of time now. Isn't that right, my dear sister?" She asked Emette specifically.

Emette scoffed. "Putting us in the same category is downright insulting," She immediately snapped back. "You besmirch the name you use, and answer to a false master! Either stand aside or run with your tail between your legs back to that demon!"

"Oh, that's hurtful," Lola feigned a sad expression. "But what hurts more? The fact that you've failed spectacularly in stopping the Scion of Time, or the fact that your very identity has been usurped?" She asked, her smile going from cheerful to wicked. "I can feel your power fading faster and faster, it's only a matter of time until you disappear, never to be seen again. What a shame."

There was no time for this--Lola was stalling. Luckily for Emette, Grant had picked it up as well, his hand at his gun, and he shot at her once. Lola's tail blocked the bullet without her so much as flinching, though it seemed she got the message. "I'll go now. Have fun trying to prevent the Awakening. ♥" She stated, the floor beneath her melting into a shadow. She waved, her entire body consumed by it, and all traces of her were gone.

"I didn't get a word of any of that--but you know more to it, right?" Lorenzo asked Emette.

"I swear, I'll explain everything--but we haven't the time right now," Emette urged them, shaking her head. "Her only goal was to stall for Mitron, we must hurry!"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Lola sported a wicked grin, wagging her finger at Mateus. "You heard that right! ♥ Admittedly, it's been a very, very long time since I've used that name. I am the 'woman of a thousand faces' after all. Even though my current form is the one I've taken on for the longest, it, too, is a farce," She admitted gleefully. "I do apologize, Mateus, but Cuchulainn won't quite be able to respond to you. You see, I'm not his Chosen. His was someone far more normal...you remember General Harris, don't you, Glacie? And of course, you remember that I was the one that ended his life, right? I can assure you both that this relationship is a one way street, though it's not like the esper has the choice! If that was the case, Ultima would have stayed with Lady Shion, and not Princess Nadeline."

She sighed, shaking her head. "I digress, details, details. Who cares about what's supposed to happen when you can just make it happen yourself? Isn't that why you cast this forbidden spell? So you could make me do something I didn't want to do?"

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Ah, so she wanted to play chicken, did she?

Lola would have sighed, though she focused more on remaining standing. So Savayna was willing to kill herself to stop her? Or was it a bluff? No, she was too stupid and stubborn to properly pull that off. Lola crossed her arms, her head tilting curiously as she stared at Savayna. Was she truly so vain she simply wanted to be bowed down to? That much was more likely, though a smirk played on Lola's own lips as she listened to her. No, she wasn't sure where she was going with this. Or rather, Lola didn't care as much as Savayna thought she would.

Shrugging once more, Lola smiled at Savayna rather cheerfully. "How scary! ♥ So let's just see who lasts longer--the hume General of Ice, or the immortal Scion, Nabriales the Majestic! Do you really think I'm so vapid I'd kneel down to some washed up General to beg for my own life? You don't know me as well as you think you do," Lola replied, her arms open in a welcoming gesture. "Bring it. I'd rather die then bow down to anyone but my master. Let's see how long you can keep this farce up."

---

ItComesItGoesStopFortheSakeofEveryoneIDidn'tWantthisPleaseICannotRefuseLettheDayComeChosenTranscendantTheTwelveIvaliceWeepsThereisMoreWhoComesBeckonTowardsThouWhoWouldTakeRevengeWeCanGoTogetherPreciousLivesWhatDoYouWantTheSigilsDestinyDoesn’tMeanAnythingWhoGoesThereWePromisedRememberFaithfulServantAskUsForButWhyLetUsContinueCanYouHearMeWhatShouldIThereisNoHopeNoSalvationLetUsBeginAnew

"Make it stop..."

The weak protest had come, lost to the air. Keiran let out a sigh, though he would place her down for the moment. Placing his hand on her forehead, he watched as her eyes would cloud over. For a moment, he hesitated--why? Before the thought would process, she muttered something, though he didn't quite catch it. She stood, her body swaying, though it was clear she would walk regardless of his input. The closer they got, the more unsettled she had become, but now she was walking not of her will, nor of Keiran's. The dark power beckoned to her, completely flooding her mind. He let out a sigh, though he followed suit, slightly wincing as a headache came on. Crap, was he going to get affected, too?

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

What a confident woman, it was almost admirable. Of course, it was also rather irksome how she managed to keep up; albeit Lola credited this due to determination as opposed to actual skill. As the thought crossed her mind, however she managed to get a single hit in, causing Lola to stagger. Of course, rather than do a proper follow up, Savayna had sent her magicks to do her work for her. Lola wagged her finger, swinging her blade as flames would erupt from them, colliding with Savayna's magicks and dissipating them into a cool mist. How predictable. Still, to Savayna's credit, her ice magicks were famed across the military, so it was no surprise it was a staple of her fighting style.

Lola smiled once more, her iato laced with magicks. "Hmm, okay, you're better than I expected," She would admit with a shrug, lightly tousling her hair. "But I'd say we're just about even. This is a fight that's not going anywhere, you realize that, right?"

---

Emiri and Keiran were toe to toe on each other's moves, much to Emiri's irritation. He knew every single move of hers, and despite knowing what was coming, she couldn't quite take the advantage. As she skidded to a halt, she saw him casting, though she knew what he was trying to do. She held out her own hand, a Haste spell cancelling out his Slow. He grinned, presumably enjoying himself, though he charged at her. Emiri turned, her blades colliding with his, but this time she followed up with physical attacks, and while her punches were blocked, a swift kick to the chest sent him flying.

Not one to never follow up, Emiri pursued. As she traveled deeper, however, she could swear she heard voices until she came to a full stop, looking around. ListenComeDon'tBeyondTranscendTheTwelveIBeesechYou Her hands flew to her ears, but she could hear it, and it was getting louder, much to her dismay. ComeToMeWhyDarkOneNOWeMusn'tDivinityOccuriaTheGodsThemselvesCall She wanted it to stop, she didn't understand what it was trying to say. Don'tListenFaithPainLossSorrowDON'TIdon'tunderstandIdon'tunderstandIdon'tunderstand Her voice was caught in her throat as she staggered backwards, her hands on her head.

"Stop! Stop it!" She screamed, shaking her head.

He comes! Chaos warned her.

Emiri looked up, the sword slicing past her cheek as she barely managed to sidestep, though the whispers continued, and Keiran became ruthless in his attacks. Her swords would fade away into mist, the calling becoming louder. There was no way she would be able to concentrate, and without thinking, she would stop time. If anything, the words would only get angrier, though for a moment she didn't even notice, shocked that despite everything else being frozen, Keiran approached her still.

"Didn't see that one coming, huh?" He asked, bringing his sword down.

The sword sliced open a wound on her shoulder, though she was too shocked to let out a scream. Pain shot through it, her back hitting a wall, though she somehow managed to hold out her hand, catching his blade. She could see the blood on her hand as she pushed back, her mind an absolute mess. Why?! Why now?! What was it?! Keiran then pulled her away from the wall, and right then and there caught her off guard. His hands clasped hers, though rather than throwing her as she anticipated, she felt his knee come right up to her abdomen. It literally knocked the wind right out of her, and before she knew what was happening she was on the ground. As her body would try to catch up on its breathing, she felt Keiran pick her up, slinging her over his shoulder.

"Rest easy," He stated, continuing the trek.