Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The group followed Shion through the beach as she led the way. It seemed inconspicuous enough as she led them to one of the still-standing huts, though it was difficult to ignore the rather nasty glares, particularly at the pilot of the Ifrit. Shion ignored them all, simply walking past as she went inside. There wasn't anything too interesting on the inside, either. It was decorated simply, though a desk sat on the other side of the wall, a young woman with boyish short hair studying something from a book. She didn't bother looking up as Shion approached the desk, more interested in what she was reading.

"I've been pressing a lot of flowers lately," She sighed, flipping a page through the book. "My favorite has to be the camellia, but I can't remember what page I left it on."

"Try page eighty seven," Shion suggested. Flipping the page to the one Shion suggested, a blue flower was pressed. Taking it, she handed it to Shion without looking at her, and went back to her previous page, still reading. "Even fallen petals have their uses."

"All you have to do is find it. Welcome back, my lady," The woman said, nodding slightly.

"What a cute code," Emiri commented as they followed Shion to the next room.

Shion scowled at her, crushing the pressed flower in her hand as it emitted a blue powder. "Cute? It's our motto." She told her, closing the door as the last of them entered.

Grant looked around, noticing the room was entirely empty, and with no way out except the way the had came. He looked to Shion, who shook her head at him, and she would open the door they had come from. Instead of the hut, however, they would see what looked like a great library. Books littered the walls from the high ceiling to the ground, the place filled with people. As soon as Shion walked, however, every single eye turned towards the group, a sudden tension thick in the air. Grant found himself hesitating--their numbers were massive--but with a wave of Shion's hand, the tension would dissipate. Each one would bow to her as they walked past.

Leading them to a corner of the great hall, Shion approached an absolute mess of books. On the chair sat a young girl dressed entirely in green, her brown hair in two buns. She was poking what looked like a small lotus flower, a frown on her face, though she would then look up at them. Her brown eyes shined as she noticed Shion, though she quickly shrinked back as she noticed the rest of the group.

"I've returned, Ren," Shion greeted the child.

"W-Welcome back, Mistress..." She managed to squeak out a response, shyly looking up.

"Where is Michel?"

"M-Michel...he came back with a viera...they went to Meli's room..." She told her meekly.

"Thank you." The young girl looked nervously at the group, a small blush creeping on her face. Shion sighed. "Come then. I'll need your ability for proper explanations." Shion ordered, turning on her heel.

The girl seemed defeated, dragging her feet as she followed her mistress. The pair would lead the group to a larger room with many beds and just as many cabinets. On the farthest side sat Aloa, looking very disinterested in anything, and a rather irritated Meli, who seemed to be in a storm of fury. As they approached, Meli's words could be heard. "None of my business--if it has anything to do with Michel, it is my business!" She barked at the viera.

"It isn't. You are neither chosen nor ascended." Aloa seemed like she had been repeating herself.

That was a little mean. Emiri was sympathetic to Meli, though she didn't have the courage to say so. Meli huffed, turning around and crossing her arms, though it was then she noticed the group. She immediately got down on one knee, kneeling before her mistress. "You've seen better days," Shion commented dryly.

"I'm slipping in my old age," Aloa admitted. "It is done. Though...not without its price."

Shion sighed once more, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Ren." She called out to the girl, who had been frozen in place about ten feet away. She squeaked something inaudible, to which Shion rolled her eyes. "Ren." She repeated her name.

The girl shuffled awkwardly to the group, stiff as a board. Her expression was one of terror, though she would hold out her flower, its petals glowing gently. A small orb appeared and floated above it, showing the events of Aloa's adventure from her perspective for all to see.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant opened his mouth to comment, but decided against it as Savayna would storm out. He would follow suit, managing to contain his grumbling to a minimum. Shion shrugged, having no further comment to add, though she was visibly curious about the Ifrit as one would notice her looking around as she would follow Grant and Savayna. Nadeline had a million things she wanted to say, though she decided that she would focus on Emiri, pulling the girl to her feet. As the pair descended the Ifrit, the smell of the sea hit them. Nadeline let out a sigh, casting her healing magicks over Emiri's wrist.

The brunette gave her an apologetic smile. "Thank you," She said as she bent her wrist, the pain ceasing. "It's been a long time since I've been here. Hunter's paradise and all...and they do not look happy." She noted the many, many, many disgruntled looks the group was getting.

Nadeline walked over to Grant, healing his back. "Considering the manner of our landing, I can't say I'm surprised. The coast is an absolute mess now," She stated as her magicks finished their work, dusting her hands off. "I'm more concerned with us not knowing why we're here. Why lead us somewhere if you do not know why?"

"I figured it would be nice if we all found out at the same time," Shion said as she began to walk, though she shot a look at the many hunters, who immediately averted their eyes. "I assume you had plans to go elsewhere, but before that it would be best to hear what Michel and Aloa have to say."

"Didn't we just see Michel? Did he do something?" Emiri asked.

"My flowers get things done," Her answer came off a little harshly, especially when she gave Emiri a look.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Grant let out a low groan, almost afraid to stand in case the Ifrit would decide to throw him back on the ground. It was with shaking legs that he would stand, on alert. He let out a groan, rubbing his rather sore back. He was still rather dizzy, bumping into the wall as he stepped forward. He held onto said wall to stabilize himself, though a sharp pain coursed through his back. Getting thrown around like a ragdoll was not fun in no way shape or form. As Savayna voiced her threat, he couldn't find it in himself to disagree. He offered a hand to an displeased Shion, who took it gratefully.

"If I knew it would turn out like this, I would have opted for Emiri's unstable magicks," Nadeline let her rather loud complaint be heard as Wesley helped her to her feet. "I thought we were going for stability, I think I hurt myself more here than I did in battle in Rabanastre!"

"I'll send the bill for a chiropractor, ow," Grant added, unable to quite walk in a straight line. He nearly tripped over Emiri, who was still sitting on the floor. "Everything alright there?"

"My wrist really hurts," Emiri whimpered, holding her hand to herself. "I think I sprained it..."

Nadeline shook her head, placing her hands on her hips as she glared at Jaakuna. "Happy?" She asked Jaakuna, visibly annoyed as she knelt down to Emiri.

"Disappointing, but quick." Shion commented, turning towards the exit. "Our landing has drawn attention to us, I'd rather get going sooner than later."

"Not that I expect a clear answer, but why are we here?" Grant asked her.

"I'm sure we'll find out once we get going."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Roman's head went from side to side, his eyes on the woman pacing his office. It was funny to watch considering the woman was entirely composed, though clearly something was bothering her. Her face showed that she was deep in thought, contemplating something as she turned this way and that. Her arms were crossed, a single finger tapping her arm. He chuckled, which would break her stride, and he offered an apologetic look. She shook her head at him as he wasn't quite able to hide his grin. He normally would have assumed her concern was with the incoming group of troublemakers, but her reaction had come even before he was informed of their arrival by a soldier.

Reia had been off in her own world, though she seemed just as amused as Roman was. "You're going to pave a path if you keep that up," She would break the silence as she called out to Shion.

The woman let out a huff, though she would finally stop, taking a seat on the edge of Roman's desk. "All things considered, it would be the least of anyone's worries," She grumbled, lightly patting her rose. "A message...excuse me for a moment." She closed her eyes, concentrating.

Roman and Reia looked at one another, then at Shion, who wouldn't speak or move. Reia stared at Shion, confused, though she was distracted by the door to the office opening once more. "Welcome back," She said. "And welcome to the rest."

Nadeline scoffed lightly, tossing her hair off her shoulder. "How inviting, but unfortunately we haven't the time for pleasantries," She said. "Roman, if the Ifrit is ready, we would take it. Our next course is laid out for us."

"It should be," Roman replied. "I received a report from one of the engineer moogles shortly before your arrival. All repairs have been to my brother's requests as well as any final tunings."

"We'll be on our way then," Grant said, looking at the group.

Shion finally opened her eyes, looking at the group. "Indeed. We will." Shion stated as she uncrossed her arms.

"...'We'...?" Nadeline asked.

"Yes. We go to the Phon Coast."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The salt breeze had been such a shock that it took Meli's frantic scream that would show her that this was reality.

She could feel the sand all along her legs--they had given out, and she fell on them. Her entire body shook something fierce, a cold sweat down her face. What an unfamiliar feeling that had gripped her heart so, something that had shaken her to her very foundation. It was so foreign, there was something that maybe a long, long time ago she had it once, but...gods, how it gripped her. So tight. It was paralyzing, it was tremendous, and even as she would plead with her body to move, it would not let her. Tears threatened to fall, but she fought against them, though she already had wrapped her own arms around her body, trying to fight off that feeling.

Fear was a poison she thought she had long conquered.

Aloa forced herself back to her feet as reality would once again set in, rushing to Michel. She had to ignore Meli's barrage of words, none of which made sense (though whether it was due to Meli's shock or Aloa's own fears was up to debate) as she placed both her hands on that small, dangerous void. She knew how to deal with it, or at the very least, knew how to prolong it. But as she willed the magicks to appear, they would not heed her call. It took her a moment to realize her arms had been trembling.

Not like this. My own death, perhaps, but not his. The grim thought crossed her mind, pouring a warm feeling over her body as focus returned to her. Lacing her magicks over his body, she poured her mist--or rather, someone else's--into Michel's body, and for the moment, the portal would lessen, and after a moment, it would vanish. She released a breath she had been unaware she was holding, throwing her head back. I've gotten sloppy, She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Is--Is he going to be alright?" Meli asked, having calmed down herself.

"For now. I know little of the void," Aloa admitted bitterly.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The tide of the battle had turned. Too bad it hadn't been in her favor. Still, she had come to accomplish something, and she'd be damned if she let Emette's sacrifice go to waste. She had a few ideas how to go about it, but this was probably the very first time she only had ideas on her next move. Not to mention she had repeatedly blown through nearly every plan she did map out, and all of them had gone straight out the window. Clucking her tongue for a moment, she watched her magicks get overpowered. Lovely. It was to be expected; her Death magicks allowed her to exist here, and while the Creature's magicks wouldn't affect her as much, eventually, she too would be drained of life. It was more of a resistance than an immunity.

Alright, time to finish, then back to the world of the living, She sighed inwardly as she took a step back, her free hand gripping her tattered cloak. Pulling the hood over her head and ignoring the bending of her ears momentarily, she threw her cloak behind her, her shadow stretching far in front of her. She stepped in, letting the shadows surge upwards. Once again, they would shoot out at the Creature's shadows that remained. They would pierce through each one, though they did not look to maim, the instant they touched a very small pulse of light magick emanating. They would do little, but they alerted Aloa to what she wanted to know.

Burtsing forth towards one of the remnants, Aloa would thrust her hand into it. She knew she had only seconds to work, but she was seizing that chance. Feeling her hand grabbing something, she worked quickly, and when her time was up, she could feel it trying to pull her in. The deed was done, now the question was whether she could get herself out, preferably with her arm still attached. Looking into the darkness, she released another explosion of magicks, sending herself flying backwards.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Aloa had raised her arm, half expecting an attack, but it had vanished. The sound of Vlyn hitting the wall quickly revealed its intention. She sent him a mental apology for not immediately going to him, though she would brandish her claw, her glyph appearing beneath him. For just a moment, it wavered; whatever this creature was, it had completely eaten a majority of the mist in the area. Even breathing would soon become a task in itself. However, the last thing she needed was a distraction, and as Vlyn let out a groan, she looked back at him.

Seemingly realizing what she was about to do, he struggled to get up, reaching out towards her. "Aloa--" He was cut off as her magicks finished, his form vanishing entirely from the area.

And now, it had her full attention.

It separated much quicker than she had anticipated, though an attack was immanent. Letting out a small sigh, she knelt down, her knee nearly touching the ground, and she would leap high, high into the air. Turning her body, her feet were planted firmly on the ceiling for a moment. Just before gravity would pull her down, she opened her mouth wide, an unearthly scream erupting from her as she channeled the shamaness' death wail. Colliding with the magicks, it seemed to work to spread them, loosening the concentration of the spells. She would then finally come down, her foot slamming the ground and crumbling it, sending a shockwave of both magicks and the ground itself surging forward in a circle around her.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Crap, it was happening a lot faster than she had anticipated. Despite her and Vlyn's struggles, it wasn't enough. There was no way Aloa could both attack and free her in time. Closing her eyes for a moment, she seemed resigned, though she managed to barely wiggle her arm free. Several burn marks littered her skin, the darkness clashing with her light-based nature. Even if it wasn't for the Collective, what little time she had before was nearly up; they just happened to cut it shorter. "It's time, I suppose..." Emette muttered, shaking her head at Vlyn. "That's enough! You've done what you can, leave me be!"

"You'd give up so easily?" He couldn't help but ask. "After defying death itself you'd abandon your daughter now?! What happened to re-conciliating?!"

"It's because of her that I know what must be done!" She found herself getting emotional, despite her best efforts.

Aloa's eyes widened, though she shook her head, a similarly sorrowful expression. "If you insist, so shall it be," She muttered, raising her arm in the air.

Emette would copy Aloa, raising her own arm in the air, several symbols appearing on Aloa. "Bring me this end so that thee may begin anew, bring me liberation from life's cruelty so thee may rise again! Thy power floweth purely, ever unwavering. Accept my soul into thine embrace... " Emette chanted, her entire body glowing.

Vlyn's eyes widened, the realization dawning on him. Her body shined brilliantly, though after a few seconds she closed her eyes, her arm falling. She simply hung there, though to his surprise, she would then fade away. At that same moment, however, something seemed to click in his own head, and he covered his head as an explosion of mist surrounded Aloa. "So this is what the two of you were planning, huh..." Vlyn sighed, his own sigil appearing on his hand. "Did it really have to be this way?"

---

As the group moved to enter the office, Emiri found herself stopping in place. Something in the air seemed to overcome her, and for a moment, she was half-afraid she had become possessed. It took her a moment to realize that it felt like something had been holding her back, though she didn't know what. It felt very warm and familiar, almost nostalgic. Deep down, she knew something terrible had happened, though as to what, she hadn't the slightest idea. Her hand came up to her heart, and her gaze looked towards the sky outside the window.

I'm sorry.

She nearly jumped--it was so clear, it was as if Emette had been right next to her. But as she looked around, she didn't see her anywhere. Nadeline looked back at the brunette, suddenly alarmed. "Emiri, what's wrong?" She asked, concerned.

"Huh?" Had her surprise been so obvious.

"You're crying," Nadeline pointed out to the oblivious girl. "Are you hurt?"

Emiri touched her face, not having noticed the tears. "I feel like something really bad happened, but I don't know what," She admitted quietly. "I wonder if I'm going crazy...I thought I heard my mother's voice, too."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying!" Vlyn told the complaining Emette, who somehow became even paler. She was losing her life force much too quickly for his taste, and he felt he was fighting a losing battle.

The woman felt her vision blur, though she chose to fight it. Her body glowed, ironically mimicking the dark properties as she took whatever little mist remained of the place into herself. The process was exhausting, and as she looked at Aloa, her eyes widened. "Ah! Vlyn!" Emette shouted to him, looking at Aloa.

Aloa cursed inwardly as the wall absorbed her magicks, but admittedly, she hadn't quite been prepared for them getting sent right back. There was hardly any time to cast, though instead, she focused herself on making sure her own barrage of magicks wouldn't pummel her. She ran faster, and when it looked like she was going to collide, and the last moment she dropped down to her knees, effectively sliding underneath. It was a little too close for comfort, though as her back was to the floor, she realized she hadn't quite seen the tendrils.

Vlyn, however, did; "Oh, that looks bad," He commented as he snapped his fingers, and right as they were about to converge on Aloa, several icicles erupted. They had little effect on the tendrils, as they tore right through them, but it would become clear that their goal was not to attack: one large icicle had essentially pushed Aloa upright and out of harm's way. The viera turned her body upright, though rather than run, she would have her fingers pointed together, jabbing her hand right into the wall. Turning her hand, the wall would glow a brilliant shade of violet, the mist effectively drinking whatever was left.

"That's Aloa for you..." Emette couldn't help but comment, though she felt herself slipping.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Kindness?! What kind of sick joke was that?! Emette struggled for a moment, though she let out a gasp as they launched their attack at Aloa. The viera closed her eyes, and as she stepped forward, it looked like the mist around her foot had been propelled back. As she opened her eyes, she whipped out her arm rather dramatically, her claws extending themselves. She seemed to grab the tendrils, a wave of magicks taking over them as she made contact. It happened very quickly, but it was as if she had frozen them in place, and she would crush them with her claws. The ones that survived continued their path, having Aloa leap upwards to avoid them, though she would go spiraling down, a whirlwind of magicks exploding as she landed.

Shit, there really was no surprising the viera, was there? Emette was rather surprised, though as she watched, she couldn't help but notice something very wrong. She winced, feeling whatever was grabbing her to be slowly draining her own mist. Great. "No need to worry about me, I'll get myself out, I suppose!" She called out to Aloa, though she seemed to be ignoring her as she would charge towards the Collective. Sheesh, talk about rude. Taking in a deep breath, Emette concentrated, though as she did, she felt the darkness start to vertebrate, and she ended up looking down to see another viera concentrating his magicks on the magicks binding her.

Vlyn grinned, giving her a wink. "You look like you could use a hand!"

"You're real proud of yourself for that pun, aren't you?!"

"Little effort, big payoff, now stop struggling, you're making it worse," He informed her.

"Oh yes, I'll lay perfectly still as it slowly drains away my life, seeing as how Aloa is ignoring me and I'm in your not-so-capable hands," Emette said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.