Hero

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Meli scowled, crossing her arms once more. “So just like that, you took his suggestion?” She scowled.

Shion smiled once more. “That’s within my power as the head of this organization, yes,” She told Meli sternly, though she would then give Ivy her attention. “I’ve decided to send you on an expedition with Michel and a handful to Bhujerba. You’re aware of what lurks there--I want to know exactly what we’re dealing with.” She stated, her voice and stature changing in an instant. “It’ll be Michel, Meli, Ren, and yourself.”

As Shion spoke, Nadeline watched Ivy with the same curiosity she always had. Despite Meli’s description, she seemed like a professional, listening to every word her mistress spoke. At the very least, she held her respect for Shion, though admittedly that attributed more to Shion herself. She decided she would simply watch to see exactly what sort of person this woman was, though admittedly, she was better dressed than Meli and Lola, so that was something.

”Of course. I’ll prepare at once.”

As soon as Shion would signal her to rise, Ivy would do as such. When she did, everyone would see her full frame. She had a slender figure with curves in the right places. Her skin, while it was fair, had hints of yellow and bronze spread throughout. No doubt this was due to her continuous exposure to the sunlight. Her attire as it seemed at the moment comprised of steel-plating on her arms, a top that came to a halt mid-abdomen. The fabric was colored a slate gray whilst tracings of pink rose went throughout her top and dark teal pants. They stuck to her figure in such a way that the observing glance could see her assets in full view.

And of course, Ivy wasn’t one to deny her audience a glance, so as she looked around, she purposely would turn around to show the males of the group exactly what she had to give. But, she wasn’t the type to do it for too long. AFter about a few moments, she grew bored, so she turned to face Michel and Meli. “Michey-bear~” Right away, she went to hug Michel. And through no fault but Ivy’s, his face became buried inside her bosom.

Ah, so that was the source of Meli’s hatred.

Nadeline watched with much amusement, though she winced as Meli let out a noise that may have been a scream. Was it? She dared herself to look, and sure enough, the raven haired beauty had a look of absolute fury on her face, though she was quick to pull Michel from Ivy, rage burning in her eyes. She gave Emiri a look, and the brunette slowly shifted towards Jaakuna nervously.

“Have you no shame at all?!” Meli screeched.

“What a greeting…” Grant said, in awe.

“I agree..” Wesley seemed slightly...wary of this one. Was she really the same Poisonous Rose that his father had done business with?

Finally having enough, Ivy had let her Michey-bear have a moment to breathe, which seemed like something he really needed. Though, she had never understood men. They were always lusting over her and when they finally got their chance, they acted as if they wanted to get away.

She let out a bored sigh, looking at Meli. “Oh, hello Camellia.” Ivy’s words sounded so cold. Bitter. It was as if Savayna’s own ice originated from Ivy’s mouth. “How nice it is to see you in something actually decent. No one needs to see that godawful figure of yours and your fake breasts.” As she spoke, she purposely flipped her hair to show her own.

And as she did that, every male in the room, whether they wanted to or not, fell victim to that display.

Snickering could be heard as Emiri let out the slightest of groans. Ivy was Cassandra times a thousand. No, a million. No, a billion. No, whatever denomination was above that! To her surprise, however, Meli would simply laugh, clearly recovered now that Michel was out of Ivy’s grasp.

“Please, with a body likes this--” She gestured to her curves. “--I can understand why you’d think that way, but as Michel can assure you, I’m all natural.”

The princess couldn’t help but smile. Meli’s defense was an adorable attempt at covering her insecurities. For now she wanted to watch, but honestly, it wasn’t any fun considering how Ivy was so easily able to walk all over Meli. It was then she decided that she wanted to see exactly what this Ivy was capable of. “Charmed to make your acquaintance,” Nadeline said, raising her eyebrow.

“About as charming as getting pricked by cactuars,” Meli snapped.

Ivy flat out ignored Meli. She knew that would get her even more riled up. “Ah, so you’re the Golden Rose of Rozarria. I’ve heard much about you. Though, your uncle never told me how short you were.” Ivy mused aloud, remembering something.

She liked the nickname. Her elbows were on the table, hands laced together as she rested her chin on them. “Unfortunate, yes,” Nadeline replied slowly, though something she said tipped her off, her eyes darting to Grant for a moment. The dark haired man was easily confused, though the dots were connected rather quickly. “I had no idea my uncle found me as a topic of discussion.”

“Oh honey, he had a lot to say. But hey, if you don’t believe me, just ask him yourself.” Ivy gestured to Grant. The man immediately started shaking his head, feeling several stares burning in the back of his head. “Been awhile, hasn’t it Granty-poo?” She shot him a wink.

Nadeline turned herself slightly to face Grant. “How long has it been, Granty-poo?” She asked him, unable to hide her grin.

“Please don’t call him that.” Savayna grimaced through a scowl, joining the I hate Ivy Club alongside Meli.

“I...believe this is the first time we’ve met,” Grant said slowly. “I’d remember meeting someone like you.” Cause you’re a little like Levi. He wisely chose not to voice the last few words.

“I’m hurt!” Ivy dramatically sighed.

She let out another one, but this time, at the snap of her right middle finger with the corresponding thumb, her hair inverted to a dark brown that appeared almost black as a starless night and her eyes became more of an eerie forest shade. Additionally, her clothes changed as well. It took the form of something more traditional to that of someone out of Balfonheim. She had a white, sleeveless top with a black bra that pushed up her breasts, though, her pants remained the same.

“Remember me now, hun?”

Shapeshifting was a common trick in Utena, it seemed. Emiri frowned, though as she looked at Grant her eyes widened. Grant peered at her, nodding slightly. “You know, when I was younger, I accompanied my father on a trip to Balfonheim, and we met this very charming lady,” He started slowly. “...Jeanette?”

“You know her?” Nadeline asked, surprised.

“Whoa, wait, that’s Jeanette?” Emiri blurted out, shocked.

“Wait, don’t tell me you know her, too?”

Emiri rolled her eyes. “Grant wouldn’t shut up about her,” She explained. “It was all, ‘She was gorgeous’ and ‘I wish she was in Rozarria’ and ‘Her eyes were like dazzling emeralds’.”

Nadeline’s jaw dropped, and she turned on Grant rather quickly. “Grant!”

“What? She’s objectively attractive, that’s not my fault!” Grant defended himself.

“Everything’s your fault.” Savayna added, directing her attention to Ivy, Jeanette--whatever she liked to call herself. Bottom line was this woman, who looked like a cougar, was the famed Jeanette that Grant had told her about when they were playing twenty-one questions about their past.

“Seems as though all of us have experience with the Poisonous Rose.” Wesley mused. He found this entire situation quite entertaining.

“I haven’t!” Jaakuna interjected, though he sounded almost disappointed.

“Nor have I, is there something you’d like to tell me?” Nadeline asked Wesley, doubtless hearing him choke on a piece of sausage.

As Wesley took a moment to swallow, he looked at the subtle glare his beloved had. “I mean, I personally haven’t dealt with her, but my father has. As I had stated beforehand, he was involved with Utena in business dealings. His main contact was the Poisonous Rose of Utena.” Wesley clarified, looking to Nadeline just so that she knew it wasn’t him.

“Wait, you’re Jonathan’s kid, aren’t you?” Ivy squinted her eyes. “Of course! Little Wesley, though, you don’t seem so little now.” Ivy made a rather...seductive-sounding noise. “You’ve grown into quite the handsome man.” She winked towards him, ignoring the increasing glares coming her way.

Had she no shame? No, of course not, this was why Meli hated her. Emiri shrank back, praying she’d be invisible, though no doubt with Jaakuna’s mouth she’d probably spot him next. For now, however, Nadeline was in her crosshairs (well, Wesley was), though she was no Meli who simply raged, nor was she Emiri who let her jealousy get the better of her.

Crossing her legs neatly, Nadeline smiled. “Indeed he has,” The princess agreed, placing her hand on his free one gently.

Ivy’s eyes fell on Nadeline, though they went to Wesley as she shook her head. “A shame that you had to knock up the shrimp of the Roselia family.”

Ah, it had begun. “I only pray my future child is just like its father,” She replied cheerfully.

“As do I!” Wesley added, taking Nadeline’s hand.

Looking at the two of them, Ivy grew bored. It was no fun riling up those who chose not to get bothered by her mannerisms, so she looked back to Shion who seemed positively distant; almost as if her mind was elsewhere. Though, when her eyes took a counterclockwise scan, she noticed the crown prince of Archadia and the famed time Scion. Both seemed to be intrigued in their own ways.

Ivy would prop herelf on the table, legs crossed and both shins pressing against Jaakuna’s leg. “You two aren’t like the rest here, are you?”

Oh, great. How she wished she could be like Nadeline, but Emiri could already feel the green monster clawing at her heart. Maybe if she pretended she was unflappable, then maybe Ivy would back off as well. Doing her best to muster up her self control, she tried to ignore whatever it was that she was doing to Jaakuna.

“What do you mean by that?” Emiri asked, trying to sound cool.

“You really are as dense as my mistress says you are, huh?” Ivy shook her head, choosing to just get right to it. “Well, let’s first take the couple who seems to have everything figured out: Wesley and Nadeline. They already have a plan. Utena has roots everywhere, so we hear all. We know that Wesley and Nadeline are to be wedded to one another. Nadeline will move to Rabanastre and be the new queen. Wesley will serve as king. They have a child on the way as well. Then you have Grant and Savayna. That’s a...tricky situation, but I’m sure they’ll figure it out as well. Here in Utena, the Sicarius father and son currently have romantic ties to my mistress and Fake Tits herself, respectively. But then there are you two.” Ivy stated as if finding fault in their relationship. “Of all of these couples, you two are the ones who’ve had the most problems with not only each other but those around you. Or need I--”

“No, you don’t.” Jaakuna stopped her mid-sentence. He knew better than anyone.

Emiri shifted in her seat, feeling awkward. As much as she wanted to disagree, things had been...rocky. It wasn’t that she had ignored it, but damn, she hated how Ivy read her like a book and just hung it all out there. Nadeline and Wesley were well on their way to being Karolina and Lorenzo 2.0, Savayna and Grant were crazy about one another, but Jaakuna and Emiri? Less than ideal. Again.

Shion seemed to return to the conversation at this point, clearing her throat as she snapped her fingers. Within seconds, the doors opened, Ren walking back in only to stop at her mistress’ side. “As per your instructions, my lady,” She stated as she would hand Shion the lotus flower that she had been holding onto.

“Well done,” Shion stated, though she looked at Ivy, Michel, and Meli. “It’s time. You know what must be done.”

Ivy happily got up, winking at everyone. “It’s been a treat. We should do this again sometime~” As she left them with that last thought, the three would take off as Ivy led them.

Shion watched them leave, though she realized Ren stayed in place. “...That order included you,” She reminded her.

“You...didn’t mention Ivy...would be on the mission…” Ren mumbled nervously.

“For the love of--Go,” Shion told her, clearly losing her patience. Ren squeaked a sound of fear, though she hung her head as she shuffled, though it turned into a run as she gave chase. Letting out a sigh, Shion would stand, looking at the group over her shoulder. “I’ll return when I hear something, but there are some things I must take care of first. Feel free to wander--though, I cannot guarantee your safety depending on what doors you open.” She told them as she began to walk out. “I’d stick around, but there is a very tense awkwardness I’d rather not stay for.”

Nadeline shook her head at her. “Coward!” She called at Shion as she left.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Shion had raised a hand to her chin, interested, though deep in thought. There was a blanket of silence that covered the room after Michel's request. It was quite strange, it wasn't awkward, it wasn't tense, but there was something completely sinister about it. The only accurate description that could possibly offer any sort of explanation was that whoever that title belonged to, it was nothing but bad news. The blue haired woman continued to ponder, though she seemed uncertain. No, that was false--it was more of a curious look.

Her lips curved into a small, wicked smile, and finally, her eyes that once held no focus went straight to the dark haired woman at Michel's side. She had crossed her arms, her face adorned with a stony expression. And finally, the silence was broken with a slight chuckle from Shion. "My, oh my...What a fascinating suggestion," Shion admitted.

Nadeline didn't like where this was going. "Whatever this is, I'm objecting to it." She said.

"To the surprise of...no one," Emiri couldn't help but point out. "She hasn't even agreed to it."

"And in what world or language can something codenamed as 'Poisonous' ever be considered a good thing?" The princess was quick to retort.

Grant was usually on Emiri's side, seeing as how Nadeline objected to...nearly everything. But this time, she had a point. "So, judging by your amusement, this...'Rose'...is a decision you won't make lightly? May I ask why?"

Meli scoffed, finally breaking free and slamming her fist on the table, earning her a surprised yelp from Emiri. "It's because that bitch is a backstabbing, lying, two-faced, homewrecker!" She yelled, fuming.

"That is a lot of names..." Emiri mumbled, though her expression soured as she immediately thought of Cassandra.

Nadeline rolled her eyes. "You seem fond of her," She said sarcastically. "I'd ask if there was a history but you apparently know her well."

Shion nodded slowly. "The Rose title is given to a select few...and her skills are unmatched," She said, watching as Meli muttered more incomprehensible insults. "At least on the battlefield, her presence would be a welcome one." The princess nodded in understanding, blue eyes staring at Shion. The blue haired woman had trailed off, and unfortunately for her, Nadeline had caught it, giving her a look. Shion tapped the side of her head, her face looking slightly more guilty. "Although, I suppose there have been a few incidents personnel-wise."

"Personnel-wise? You mean, she doesn't get along with people?" Grant asked.

She chuckled once more as Meli placed both her hands on the table. "Who the hell would get along with the notorious man-stealer? No one!" She insisted.

"Oh, that nickname was pretty tame, I expected something more insulting." Emiri murmured.

"She works alone because she's so much of a fucking skank no one can stand to be around her dumbass-whorebag-cunt-self!"

"Oh, there it is."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Shion nodded, though she had no words to say as her rose would glow softly and she would snap her fingers. Ren watched the conversation, though she acted as if an order had been received, turning on her heel and exiting the room. Shion would stand, brushing her hair off her shoulders, stretching her arms above her head. Letting out a small groan, she placed her hands on her hips, shrugging her shoulders as she closed her eyes. Once she opened them, she waved her hand dismissively, though despite her nonsensical way of moving, the walls would shake.

"After the...enhancements the Ifrit bore proved to be more cumbersome and resulted in more than a few bruises, I decided to get an old friend of mine to steady the instability to make entering the Creature's mist-filled hell slightly smoother than our crash landing on the Phon Coast," Shion stated. "And before you throw your fit, nothing was changed, things were merely fine-tuned to make the passage with regards to having more than just the pilot in the seat."

"What a relief," Nadeline stated rather loudly, though she clapped her hands together. "Now, shall we go forth, guns ablaze?"

"I'm the only one with a gun," Grant pointed out, much to her dismay.

"What she means is that instead of talking, we actually go out there and finish this!" Emiri declared.

"Then why not just say that--"

"It's a saying, gods, Grant..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Emiri grumbled once more, only listening to Wesley because she could not come up with a decent comeback. Shion's smile faded, her usual and somewhat intimidating straight expression taking its rightful place on her face. She looked to the entrance, and after a moment, a still-quivering Ren peeked through, though when she caught Shion's look, she cleared her throat. She moved with determination, though she hadn't quite seen Jaakuna on the floor, and so she promptly tripped over him, letting out a shriek as she fell.

Nadeline stared at the young girl. "Well then," She commented as Ren jumped back up, her previous determination melting away and replaced with her usual nervousness.

Shion let out a short sigh, though she beckoned for Ren to come to her. The brunette acknowledged her mistress' command, whispering something into her ear. As the woman nodded, Ren turned around, as if to leave, though without too much effort, Shion took a hold of her collar, stopping the girl in her tracks. "As always, you forget who it is you're dealing with," Shion replied to Wesley rather dryly as she released Ren, who stood rigid. "A concentration of an abnormal Mist has been found, and quite quickly."

The princess was finally interested in the conversation. "Truly? Where?" Nadeline asked.

Shion leaned back in her seat, her cheek resting in her hand, her other hand simply pointing up. Grant stared at her, confused, though he seemed to take a guess at to what she meant. "Up? Above? On the surface--Wait, in the air?" He strung together everything he thought.

"Hiding in plain sight. Those without Ivalice's blessing would never notice it--but of course, there was no possible way anything could hide from Aloa," She explained, her hands together now. "It seems as if the Creature isn't simply waiting, however; it is also calling out to you all, daring you to approach him."

Emiri gripped her fists, though she pushed her chair back as she would stand. "And we're ready for him--uh...most of us are," She quickly corrected herself as she remembered Jaakuna.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

A light, elegant laugh echoed through the room as Shion strode into the dining hall. Emiri looked up, displeased as she watched Shion stop before the table, a hand to her cheek. "I would take that more seriously if it was coming from...anyone else," She stated as she took her seat, smiling at the irritated Emiri.

It seemed as if she had heard Wesley, though Shion was more amused than anything. The brunette grumbled something inaudible, though it was nothing that countered his argument. So what if Shion could probably mop the floor with her? That didn't make her better, if anything it infuriated Emiri more. Why was she so content on stepping on her and showing superiority when it was already more than obvious? Getting even was definitely in the forefront of her mind, though going about it was another story.

Sitting up straight, Emiri cleared her throat, tapping a finger on the table. "I was raised to respect my elders," She tried to sound dignified, but it came out as more of a huff.

Shion nodded slowly. "I'm so relieved you'll listen to Wesley, we wouldn't want you to get hurt again. would we?" She asked, batting her eyelashes. "We can't have you be more of a liability than usual, can we?"

Grant nearly choked on his food. "H-Hey now..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Shion watched Jaakuna, mildly annoyed, though she would return her sharp gaze to the brunette. If only that determination, that flicker of life she had would apply to the rest of her life, there was a possibility they would be in a much better position. She had half a mind to speak her mind, but it just wasn't worth it. The woman closed her eyes, choosing instead to walk out of the room, much to Emiri's irritation. Of course, Emiri wasn't quite finished, stomping after Shion. It was cute, though the way she seethed was entirely hilarious. Would she attack her? No, she couldn't have been that dim, though to her surprise, Emiri would quicken her pace, slamming her shoulder into Shion's as she brushed past her. Shion watched her with curiosity, though she couldn't quite hide a chuckle as the brunette practically shoved Jaakuna out of her way, clearly mad at him as well.

Meanwhile, Nadeline hummed serenely, a lock of her hair twisted between two of her fingers, her tome wide open in front of her. She hadn't been reading anything in particular, though she didn't seem to find what she was looking for, either. She let out a small cry of surprise as the door was kicked open, a fuming Emiri in the doorway. Grant raised his eyebrows, mouth full of food. "Efryfing oc--Everything okay?" He started, his mouth stuffed, though he decided to swallow before continuing. "You seem angry."

Emiri threw herself into a seat, though she said nothing. Nadeline let out a sigh, closing her tome. "Your temper really should be checked, you're going to give yourself an aneurysm," She advised her warily.

She sounded just like Shion, though rather than reply, she simply scowled, her arms folded on the table grumpily. "Was Shion mean to you again?" Grant asked. She buried her head in her arms. "Sticks and stones, Emiri."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Despite everyone's best attempts to awaken him, Jaakuna remained asleep. Emiri gave up as soon as the others left, though she wanted to focus on other things. The size of their room was pretty big, so as soon as she made sure she wouldn't accidentally maim Jaakuna in any way, she would find herself concentrating. It was an odd sensation, feeling the mist and life of everything around her, though the fact that they were likely underground likely attributed to the strangeness. She no longer heard Mitron's voice, but she didn't hear Keiran's or Chaos' for that matter. A part of her felt guilty; everyone else seemed to get along well with their espers, but she was the sole exception. She supposed that Mitron sealed him away, lest she get tempted by Zodiark, but the thought was still a sad one.

She tried to recall the magicks she had cast before, and sure enough, she was able to summon a few swords. How they moved with every thought of hers, she found herself eager to test their movements. It was as if an invisible string was attatched, she was able to push and pull at them as she pleased. So concentrated was she, it wasn't until Shion would slam the door shut behind her, earning her a surprised shriek from Emiri.

"Having fun?" Shion asked, watching the swords unanimously fade into mist.

Emiri scowled, displeased, though she crossed her arms. "I was," She admitted.

She didn't seem to have anything to say to that, her amber eyes on Jaakuna's sleeping form. "It is for the best. He will need every ounce of power he can get," Shion didn't seem to be bothered at all, though it looked like that was all she cared for, as she then turned to leave.

It was starting to get on her nerves how dismissive Shion was of her. "I don't trust you." Emiri stated as Shion's hand touched the doorknob.

It was enough to get a chuckle, though she would turn to her, a curiously pleasant expression on her face. "Such confidence. I'm afraid your concern falls on deaf ears, though I admit, you've got my curiosity," She said, raising an eyebrow. "This situation is not a question of trust. The entire operation is dependent on one person--the rest of us are simply assurance to see to it that all goes well. But that doesn't seem to satisfy you, does it?"

"I understand that. What I don't understand is your sudden personal interest," Emiri replied. "You were so certain to leave everything to him, now you're taking charge of everything? Really? Why the sudden change of heart?"

Shion smiled. "If you're going to get worked up with details like that, you're going to drive yourself crazy. If you're not going to trust me, then trust him. It's as simple as that, no?" She said, finding Emiri's baseless claims entertaining. "Tell me what your real problem is. It's not a question of trust, you don't like me. Right?"

"I can't shake the feeling that if things go wrong, you'll leave Jaakuna for dead," Emiri replied bitterly. "I'm not stupid, the way you talked about this 'Rio', you either know who he is or had some sort of connection, or--or something."

Shion had to admit, Emiri was more perceptive than she initially gave her credit for. "It doesn't matter. The Creature needs to be destroyed, one way or another. Venat will fall after, and then we can see what to do about Levi," Shion stated.

Emiri scoffed. "You seem confident, considering you'll throw all that onto Jaakuna."

Shion smiled once more, though this one was notably colder, and she stepped towards Emiri, amber eyes staring her down. "Believe me when I tell you, the dislike between you and I is mutual," She told her. "Rather than worry about 'ifs' and 'buts', I suggest you pay attention to yourself. I have no doubt that if anything goes wrong, you will be the cause of it."

"And believe me when I tell you that if Jaakuna gets hurt because of you, you're going to have to answer to me." Emiri snapped back, fearless violet eyes glaring right back.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Her eyes never left his as he spoke, though she wasn't quite sure where he was going with the conversation. There was the slightest feeling of guilt as he spoke of his late wife, he seemed so certain that their meeting was fate, or something like that. She wasn't exactly a huge believer in destiny and all that, as she preferred to have her own hand in her own life, but that wasn't important. He spoke with such vigor that for a moment she felt enraptured by his words. Though eventually, he got to where he wanted to be, or at least he got to something that meant a lot to him.

And then he said he wanted Shion to marry him.

I won’t hesitate any longer. I know what I want…and that’s you.

I suppose I'll be forever haunted, won't I? She thought to herself rather bitterly, upset that Rio's words were the first thing she thought of after his proposal. She was terrible, wasn't she? Now, however, there was no way that she could continue without him knowing at the very least one of her biggest truths--one that his son already knew, and would likely be brought to light soon anyway. Still it was hard to get the words out--should she just drop it out there? Hint towards it? She needed to say something, the moment had come and gone and she had said nothing.

"Your respect towards my privacy is appreciated...though, I would caution against wanting to be with someone like me without knowing everything," She said, frowning.

That probably wasn’t the kind of answer one hoped to receive from the woman whom he just asked to marry him, but she has always been one for surprises. ”Very well,” Francis said, nodding, giving Shion a smile. ”You have my full attention.”

Great. Time to spill. “I’ve made a pact promising to rid the world of Venat.” She decided to start with the first. “Said pact involved a certain accommodation so that I would live to see his downfall. And by that, I mean I made it a very, very long time ago. So...I’m older than I look.”

”Age is a nonfactor. You are still you regardless if your real age is a little over what you physically represent.” Francis had made a mental shrug. ”Though, you do have my curious. How long ago did you make this pact? Ten years, perhaps?” He asked her.

Shion stared at him for a moment. “No, it’s much more than that,” She said.

”Well, I hope you’ll forgive me, but you certainly look good for your age.” He commented, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. ”If you’re not ten years older than I thought you were, does that mean you’re twenty years older? Or perhaps even thirty?” He inquired again, this time sounding a bit warily cautious.

“Oh, no I mean more along the lines of...I mean, I’m not speaking of decades. Only three centuries. Give or take.” She decided to simply put it out there.

”Ah, only three hundred huh? That’s not so bad--” Before getting that thought out, Francis, in a delayed reaction, let out a raised, almost high-pitched gasp of surprise. “C-could you please repeat that? My old ears are--I mean, that is to say..just repeat it for me, please.”

“I’m three hundred and two years old.” She repeated herself.

”Oh, I see..”

Good thing Francis was sitting down. He definitely needed a moment. To think that the one who he had been seeing and laying in bed with almost every night for almost a full month was not only someone amazing that he had the pleasure of knowing but was someone that was a couple centuries his senior.

After a full minute of letting the breathing ease up, he returned to her orange gaze. What must she be thinking right now? Possibly the worst. Francis had been given such shocking news, she probably thought he was going to leave her. Obviously this was a secret that had been weighing on her mind. And of course, he had no doubt in his mind that Michel knew. Someone who operated so close to her, it was understandable why he’d know. Perhaps because of the close bond he and Shion shared, that’s why it had been difficult for her to come clean with him. If he were in her shoes, he would find it not only awkward but tough to find the right moment to tell him.

”That certainly was something to digest.” Francis took her hand almost out of a reflex of trying to adjust to this new normal. “I’ve only one thing to ask say to that.”

“And that would be…?”

”I still need an answer to my proposal.” He stated, smirking.

Now it was her turn to be shocked. “Are you sure about that?” She asked him. “It’s--There’s the chance to walk away right now. I don’t know how long it will take. I don’t know where life will take me next. Even so, are you certain you want to marry someone like me?”

After taking a short moment, Francis nodded. ”I do not care what happens down the road. Only thing I do care about is knowing that I am going to be at your side for as long as the Gods will allow me to.” He stated.

Shion let out a sigh, perching her cheek on the palm of her hand. There was no getting away from him, was there? “If you insist. Never say I didn’t warn you…” She mumbled, a slight blush on her cheeks. Despite her cool exterior, she truly was touched. “Then I suppose saying ‘no’ would dull the moment. I’ll have to say ‘yes’ after all.”

”Don’t do it because you have to — do it because you want to.” Francis chuckled in typical Sicarius fashion.

It had been an offhand comment, but it was the first time in a long time that she realized what he meant. She always felt she had to do something or needed to do one thing or another. She cleared her throat as she sat up, trying to save face as she realized she was a little more emotional than she would have liked.

“Alright then. Yes.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

The woman listened politely, though it was obvious that she wasn't entirely all there. No, something was bothering her. She had raised her cup to her lips, the liquid bumping against them, but she did not drink. Almost uncharacteristically, she couldn't bring herself to drink it. As Francis touched her hand, what should have been a comforting warmth felt entirely foreign. She knew why; despite the closeness they've developed, she had kept her fair share of secrets. Or rather, the more important ones were a mystery to him. It wasn't that she was afraid of his reaction, but it wasn't the easiest of topics she could bring up. He never asked, she never bothered, though...he did ask, and she preferred not to tell.

How troublesome.

Shion finally took a sip, closing her eyes as she did, though it was short, and she placed the cup down. She would shift so that she was better facing him, deciding that now was as good a time as ever. She would let out a sigh, trying to calm the mental storm in her own mind. "Rio Corona was a notorious general, one who singlehandedly brought down Archadia. His name stained in history, all to get revenge on the same Empire that destroyed his home." She was surprised at how steady her voice was, though she wasn't about to stop. "Archadia obliterated Nepal...he craved power in every single way, whether physically, magically...romantically..."

She couldn't quite hide the bitterness in her voice, though she forced herself to continue. "History doesn't know what truly became of him. Most say he committed suicide, others state he was assassinated. The truth of the matter is that he was brought to the brink of death by his fiancee, then apparently reclaimed by Venat." She had planned to ease into it, but she was getting more annoyed the more she talked. "I suppose that's why I never speak of my past lovers..."

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

What didn't happen? There was a tiny part of her that wished he hadn't brought it up, but it was more than obvious that for the first time in a long time, she was tired. There was no escaping it, and even as she let herself relax for a moment, Shion realized she didn't even know where to start. 'So my lover who I had murdered is supposedly a being bent on drowning Ivalice in darkness, did I mention he could possibly come back to life too? What'll that do to our relationship?' was not where she wanted to go with this, but as her mind swimmed around in the many thoughts occupying her head, she realized she had stayed entirely silent the entire time.

Breaking it with a soft groan as she would sit up properly, she noticed his staring. "The transfer was successful; he now bears Belias' Sigil, though the gods revel in my frustration as we are now forced to cooperate with it," She decided to inform him, but she couldn't quite hide her displeasure. "Apparently it created something that went out of its control--as these things tend to happen--and thus it falls on Jackson to make an attempt at purifying it to its former self." She seemed weary, a hand to her forehead as she spoke.

---

Grant's eyes widened, a look of genuine surprise on his face. "Well, the sun's color is actually closer to white--" He began, though Emiri would throw him a glare so threatening that it effectively halted his sentence. "I suppose the point I'm trying to make is that it would do you well to bring back some of that previous confidence you had before — some, not all."

Emiri had a sneaking suspicion that Grant was starting to get on Jaakuna's nerves. Grant's cluelessness didn't help things, though she figured she would do her best to alleviate Jaakuna of him. Coming to a halt outside one of the doors, Emiri would lead Jaakuna in, though when Grant would try to enter, she would hold out a hand to stop him. Lightly pushing him back, she would then close the door in his face, turning around to face Jaakuna. Inhaling a deep breath, she tried to think of something she could do to cheer him up. It took her a moment to realize the sound of water could be heard, though rather than a room as she had thought, the room was dimly lit with the exception of a tank that went from the floor to the ceiling. The blue light that the tank emitted was a quiet tone,, a contrast to the red Jaakuna wore, though it matched the expression of doubt he wore.

Taking a step forward, she placed her hands behind her back. "I figured you could use a break from him," She explained, though she realized she had no idea what to say. Shifting nervously, she looked him in the eye. How she wished it was her instead of him; doubt was a familiar thing to her, and she was so used to it. But he was always so sure. Always… “He does have a point. They’re all waiting for you to ‘return to normal’, so to speak. But that’s not really how that works, is it?”

”I get what you’re trying to do. I get what Grant and just about everyone else is trying to do as well, but just because I have this sigil, it’s as if I’m the only one who has to do this.” Jaakuna sighed, giving Emiri a glance before having returning to the empty vastness of the other side of the room he had been staring at before. “Why is it always me?”

Now he was just complaining.

She stared at him for a moment, though an idea popped into her head. “Well...if you don’t want to, maybe I can?” She suggested as she approached him, frowning. “Someone needs to do something. Does it really matter if it’s you...or if it’s me?”

“Not a chance in hell.” Jaakuna retorted sharply.

That was an expected response, but the way he said it… “I’m sorry,” She muttered an apology. “I just wanted to help, I can’t stand seeing you like this. I just thought…” She stopped for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. “I know how you feel. It just sucks being in that position. I never wanted you to feel that way if I could help it.”

Great now he was feeling guilty.

Jaakuna turned to Emiri, his hand on her shoulder as he gave her a smile. ”It’s not your burden to shoulder. It sucks, but I know everyone is right. Besides,” he sighed, “I think I can understand why I’m the one who has to do this.” Jaakuna thought about what he just said. And as he kept his eyes on Emiri, it hit him. “The same thing could’ve happened to you like it did to him.”

To him? What? She looked at him, confused for a moment, though it took her a moment to realize what he meant by that. “Even if that is the case, even if you think you’re being forced into this--I’m right here,” She said, her hand on his. “If you’re right, and this is something you have to do, it doesn’t mean you’re alone. All this time, you’ve been protecting me, so now it’s my turn. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you this time.”

”Since when did you get this confidence? Did you use a sapping spell and steal mine away?” Jaakuna half-joked, chuckling. After a moment of it fading into silence, he let out a sigh as his eyes looked down at her hand on his before going back to her gaze, simply smiling at her.

“It’s nice to be on this side for once!” She admitted full heartedly, returning his smile. “All about balance, right?”