Chapter 25- Bana's Revenge
"That was quite the grand funeral ceremony," Azurda said.
"It certainly spoke volumes to just how much Fan was loved by her people," Dromarch added.
"The Goddess of Indol won't be an easy position to replace," Mika said.
Nia eyed the Aegis Driver, who still hadn't said a word. "Hey, Frank," she spoke up. "What are you going to do from here on out?"
"I don't know," Frank answered. "I'm torn between going to Elysium and helping Emperor Niall with Uraya."
"Whatever you decide," Jin said. "Know that I'll be by your side, Frank."
"Me too," Mythra added. "Besides, it's not like I've got anything better to do."
"Wow," Pandoria commented, sounding almost impressed. "Mythra almost said something nice. It's a miracle!"
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Mythra shouted, causing the others to laugh.
Suddenly an Indoline soldier approached the group. "Master Frank," the soldier said. "Praetor Amalthus wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in the audience chamber."
Frank nodded in acknowledgement. "Understood. Tell him we're on our way."
"By your leave." The soldier walked away.
"I wonder what the Praetor wants now?" Mika questioned.
Jason shrugged. "It probably has something to do with the World Tree. Let's go and find out."
The group headed for the audience chamber. When they arrived, they saw dozens of Core Crystals hovering in front of Amalthus. Strange lights surrounded them, looking almost like DNA strands. After a few moments, Amalthus turned to face the group.
"My apologies. Did I keep you waiting?"
"No, not really," Frank replied. "What were you doing with those Core Crystals?"
"I was cleansing the Core Crystals," Amalthus answered. "It markedly increases their resonance success rate. Bonding with a Crystal carries certain risks, you know. When I became the Driver of an Aegis, this power was awakened in me."
"Does that mean Frank can do it too?" Mika asked curiously.
"Hard to say," Amalthus replied. "Different people are cut out for different things. It's possible that Frank possesses powers that are quite different from my own."
Frank shrugged. "Oh, well. I can't exactly see myself 'cleansing' anything anyway."
"Now then," Amalthus continued. "My work is done for the day. Come with me."
The Praetor led the party into his office. It was there he told them what he wanted Frank to do.
"You want me to be a special envoy… for Tantal?" Frank questioned.
Amalthus nodded. "Correct. Behold." He showed them a map of Alrest, which was on his desk. "As I'm sure you're aware, this is Alrest. We make our homes on the backs of Titans, moving in circles around the World Tree." He pointed at a certain part of the map. "And here is the Great Void. This Void came into being five hundred years ago, after the Aegis War."
"So I've heard," Frank said. "It keeps people from reaching the World Tree. It and the Artifice, Ophion."
"Ophion was the one who created the Great Void," Amalthus explained. "It is one of Mythra's Artifices, along with Siren."
"If that thing is Mythra's, then why didn't we just go straight for the World Tree from the very beginning?" Nia questioned.
"Frank wanted to gather everyone and go together," Mythra explained. "Besides. I've been trying to call to Ophion during our travels but its not listening to me. Because of that, it was too risky to go straight to the World Tree. You see, Ophion was felled in the ancient battle with Malos, sinking below the clouds. If it's still around, then that means someone revived it."
"Correct," Amalthus confirmed.
"And you're saying that someone was Jason's home country, Tantal?"
"Yes. They gave Ophion one directive. To ensure that none approach the World Tree. They sought to prevent a repeat of the horrors of the Aegis War. So an obstacle was created, the Great Void."
"How did they manage a feat like that?" Mythra questioned.
"As I said, mankind is regressing." Amalthus briefly locked eyes with Jason before continuing. "Only one artifact remains that can rescind Ophion's orders, and it lies in Tantal."
"It's called the Omega Fetter," Jason spoke up. "And it's guarded by the royal family. I can take you guys to it."
"I've already prepared your envoy documents," Amalthus added. "Your quest is to reach Elysium, correct? Or has that been changed with what's happening between Mor Ardain and Uraya?"
Frank lowered his head. "To be honest, I'm still trying to decide what to do. Do I continue my goal with reaching Elysium, or do I help my cousin and homeland?"
"I understand why you feel conflicted," Amalthus said. "Think of it this way. Mor Ardain's Titan is dying. Even if war between it and Uraya doesn't occur, the Titan will still die. Reaching Elysium would be the best way to help your people, since it's supposedly a bountiful land. Do you understand what I'm saying, Frank?"
The Aegis Driver slowly nodded. "Yeah, somehow. I guess I'll continue with trying to reach Elysium. That seems like the best path, in the end."
"Very well," the Praetor said. "Malos and his ilk will surely seek the Omega Fetter for themselves. That means you will most likely fight your father, Zeke, again. You must reach Elysium before they do. When you get there, please inform me of what you find there. Do it as a favor for a once-foolish old man, and so that people may have a future in this dying world."
Later
Frank and the others were in the courtyard of the Praetorium.
"So Jason," Jin said. "I take it you and Pandoria will guide us to Tantal?"
The Tantalese prince nodded in confirmation. "Yep. We can reach Tantal by ship, but once there we'll need to do a fair bit of walking to reach the capital."
"So we really are traveling with Shellhead and Sparky," Nia remarked. "Never thought I'd see the day."
"Will you stop calling me 'Sparky'!" Jason exclaimed.
"Okay, I'll admit," Mika said, "I've kind of gotten used to being called 'Shellhead'. Besides, haven't we shown to be excellent allies?"
"I don't know," Ethan said. "Knowing your luck, Mika, we'll be shipwrecked by morning."
Everyone laughed, even Mika and Kasandra.
Frank then remembered something Jason said the other day.
"Hey Jason?"
"What is it?"
"What did you mean that anything involving Torna was personal for you?" Frank asked.
"Oh, that. I don't know about those clowns," Jason explained, "but Torna, the country that fell five hundred years ago… They were the ancestors of us Tantalese. Tantal's royal family are even descended from Addam, the hero of Torna who escaped its destruction."
"Seriously? No way!" Sonum said in disbelief.
Frank, on the other hand, looked confused. "That doesn't make any sense. I was told that Addam founded Fonsett Village after the Aegis War, not an entire nation."
"Well Leftheria doesn't have an actual government," Jason explained. "It's possible that Addam created both after the Aegis War."
"I agree with Frank," Dromarch spoke up. "I have studied much history, yet I've never heard this story. Most peculiar."
"We're humble," Jason said. "We don't really like to brag about it." The prince brought out a small, thin object with a crest. "The only real trace left is this sigil of the royal family."
Both Mythra and Jin narrowed their eyes as they examined the crest but said nothing. The Aegis then flashbacked to her conversation with the Praetor yesterday.
Flashback- Yesterday
"So why did you awaken Haze?" Mythra questioned.
"Because her power was of great use to me," Amalthus answered. "Indol has found itself under attack from Torna a number of times. She was necessary for driving them back."
Mythra looked unconvinced. "Really? Then why don't you seem to have any others? Blades, that is."
Amalthus chuckled. "Though I may be a Driver, I am not a fighter. Besides, I find the warrior monks here so reliable. They get the job done."
The Aegis folded her arms. "Hmm… If you say so. I wonder, do you know why Torna are using the name of a dead country?"
The Praetor shook his head. "It could be because Torna was one of Malos's targets during the Aegis War. Or it could be because of Zeke. There are rumors that his deceased wife, Selena, had some Tornan ancestry. Perhaps he sought to honor her in that way. Who can say? Perhaps both."
"Is that really all there is to it?" Mythra questioned.
"You don't think so?"
"I don't know much about what happened while I slept. There are no written records either. All we have is the stories passed down."
"And you think that is insufficient?" Amalthus asked. "History is a murky thing. Only those present can truly know what took place."
"But weren't you one of those present?" Mythra pressed further.
"And that is why I offer you my cooperation."
Present Day
"I guess we'll find out if we go to Tantal," Mythra said.
The group began heading for the port to board a ship.
"Man, I am not looking forward to seeing my father again," Jason said.
"Why is that?" Jin asked curiously.
"Let's just say that we don't see eye-to-eye on things and leave it at that."
They soon arrived at the plaza, where they saw multiple Ardainian and Urayan soldiers gathered.
"Tension feels really high," Sonum mused.
"From what I gather," Dromarch said. "It seems an official summit is to be held between Mor Ardain and Uraya."
"A summit?" Nia questioned. "You mean about the recent punch-up? But I thought…"
"Didn't Praetor Amalthus get them to stop?" Ethan finished.
"Sort of," Frank said. "Maybe they want to discuss things that they don't want Indol to know about."
"Did Meg tell you about this?" Mika asked his friend.
The Aegis Driver nodded. "Somewhat. She came to me last night and told me about the summit. Although she didn't tell me everything since she didn't want to risk being overheard by Indol."
"Besides," Jason added. "Uraya doesn't like to associate too closely with Indol. They'd hate to be seen as acquiescing to the Praetor's will. They have to keep up appearances, you know?"
Nia folded her arms and cocked her head in confusion. "Ac…quiescing?"
"Letting the Praetor order them around," Jason clarified. "Anyway, this summit must be the reason why we haven't seen Meg and Brighid all day."
"Indeed," Poppi agreed. "They must be very busy."
Meanwhile
Niall, Aegaeon, Meg and Brighid were in a private room on the Ardainian flagship, discussing what they should do.
"Shared sovereignty over Gormott?" Meg questioned.
Niall nodded. "Yes. I don't think anything less will be sufficient enough to placate them. The only other way would be to offer the Aegis to Uraya, and we both know that Frank would never allow that."
"Agreed. But the Senate would never approve it…"
"I can overrule them by decree," Niall said. "Of course, I would need to secure Senator Roderich's cooperation."
"Imperial decree?" Meg said, sounding impressed. "If it's come to that… Well then I cannot dissent." She bowed in respect. "I cannot help but admire your courage, Your Majesty."
Niall gave his cousin a light smile. "That means a lot coming from you. I just wish that Frank would join us. I'm curious to hear everything he's been through with Mythra."
"I'm sure if we ask him, he will."
Suddenly someone knocked on the door. The door then opened as Niranira ran inside.
"Acting Chairman Niranira," Meg said.
"Sorry for intrude," Niranira said. "Is emergency, so Niranira take liberty of drop by unannounced…"
"You certainly look troubled, Chairman," Niall noticed. "So what is this emergency you speak of?"
"Well…"
Back to Frank and the others
"So then," Jason said as he held his chin. "We can use a ship here to get to Tantal. I assume the Praetor has one waiting for us."
"Hey Jason," Sonum spoke up. "Are we really just gonna leave Meg and Brighid behind?"
"They've got their hands full with the summit," the Tantalese prince reminded. "Everyone has their own priorities."
"But didn't we promise not to let anything separate us again?" the Water Driver questioned.
Jason grunted and nervously looked away.
"Meg's schedule is filled with official duties right now," Azurda said. "Remember, she's the Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain. There are going to be times where she can't travel with us."
"Maybe we should stick around for the summit," Frank said suddenly.
"What do you mean?" Jin asked.
"I… I just don't like the idea of running off without even trying to help my sister," Frank explained. "We've come so far together. I don't want it to end here."
"I know how you feel, Frank," Jason admitted. He noticed something from the corner of his eye. "Huh? Speak of the devil…"
Everyone turned and saw Meg and Brighid approach them.
"Meg. Brighid," Ethan said. "We were just talking about you."
"I'm glad you guys are still here," Meg said, looking relieved. "I have urgent news to tell you."
"What is it?" Mythra questioned.
"We've received word that Former Chairman Bana with attack the Ardainian-Urayan summit, tonight," Brighid answered.
"What?!" Nia exclaimed.
"Seriously?" Mika said. "First Torna, then the tribunal, now this?"
"Are you sure?" Frank asked in concern.
The Flamebringer nodded. "If blood gets spilled at the summit, it'll mean war."
"War's good for business," Jason said logically. "Bana must be trying to use that to get himself back in the Guild."
Frank gritted his teeth in anger. "Why that little… I was wondering where he slithered off to after the incident at the factory."
"It seems Acting Chairman Niranira wishes to take care of this incident covertly," Meg continued. "That way it won't reflect too badly upon the Argentum Trade Guild."
"So, you came to us?"
"Indeed, Brother. If we mobilize the whole army, then the whole thing becomes public. Can I count on you for help?"
Frank nodded. "Of course. Leave it to us. Do you know how Bana plans to attack the summit?"
"Unfortunately, no," Meg revealed. "You know Bana as well as I. There's no telling what he could be plotting."
"According to Acting Chairman Niranira," Brighid said. "Several giant weapons were being built at the factory where we last saw Bana. And one of them is currently unaccounted for."
Ethan looked down at the ground. "Giant… weapons…" he said slowly, catching Poppi's notice.
"Sounds like we've got a lead, albeit a vague one," Jin said. "We'll do some digging and see what we'll find out."
"Thank you," Meg said sincerely. "I would come with you, but I must remain by His Majesty's side for his protection. Good luck."
The Flamebringer and her Blade headed back for the Ardainian flagship.
"This is just great," Nia said. "Where exactly should we even begin looking? We don't even know how Bana plans on attacking the summit!"
Frank paused to think. "Let's split up and ask around. We'll meet in front of the inn in one hour."
"Good idea," Jason agreed. "Maybe someone saw anything suspicious happening today."
The team split up into groups of two. Frank and Mythra, Jason and Pandoria, Ethan and Poppi, Jin and Nia, Mika and Kasandra, and finally Sonum and Dromarch. They spent the next hour asking around before regrouping back at the inn.
"Did anyone learn of anything useful?" Frank asked.
"Poppi and I heard that an unusual shipment of ingredients was recently delivered to the Ardainian flagship," Ethan said. "Some of them had an unusual smell, but nothing else seemed out of place."
"Pandy and I got word of Tirkin being sighted on the Ardainian flagship. Which I might add, are Bana's main force."
"My lady and I learned that a Nopon went to an Indoline merchant to buy poisonous substances," Dromarch said. "The merchant told the Nopon he didn't sell anything of a sort, so the Nopon left the shop and began asking around at other places."
"We found out a large wooden crate was transported onto the Ardainian flagship," Mythra said. "Thing is, it was on the cargo list, so no red flags were raised. However, the soldier we talked to was curious about why the crate was delivered in the first place."
"Lucky bastards," Nia said. "All we got were just people complaining about the conflict between Mor Ardain and Uraya while praising Indol."
"Same," Mika added.
"Well let's sort out what we've learned," Frank said. "We know that Bana is planning to attack the summit, and that Tirkin have been spotted around the Ardainian flagship."
"Then there's the strange shipments with the odors and a Nopon trying to buy poison," Jason added as he held his chin. "But what does it all mean?"
"The Ardainina flagship is the most secure vessel here, and only trustworthy people will be attending the summit," Ethan said. "A direct attack wouldn't work. So how does Bana plan to kill Emporer Niall and Queen Raqura?"
"I know!" Kasandra said. "Bana must have sent Tirkin to poison the food at the summit!"
"That is possible," Jin mused. "But you're forgetting that Brighid mentioned that one of the giant weapons from the factory is missing and that large wooden crate that was delivered onto the flagship. How do you explain that?"
"Uh?" the Dark Blade stammered.
"We don't have the time to discuss this. Here's what we'll do," Frank said. "Me, Mythra, and Jin will go investigate that crate. Something about it is bothering me. Jason, you take the others and look for those Tirkin. Fight only if they attack, but do not kill them. We can't exactly question them if they're dead."
The Tantalese prince nodded in acknowledgement. "Got it."
The group hurried to the Ardainian vessel, where they were allowed aboard thanks to Frank. The Aegis Driver and his Blades began investigating the cargo hold, while Jason led the others to search for the Tirkin. Mythra quickly noticed the huge crate in the middle of the hold.
"This must be it," the Aegis said.
"Yeah," Jin agreed. "But what would the Ardainians need with a crate that size for?"
"Hey!" Frank called out to a soldier, gesturing him to come.
"Is something the matter, sir?" the soldier questioned.
"This crate… Where did it come from?"
"It's from an unknown supplier," the soldier confessed. "It contains provisions and supplies for the voyage back to the Empire."
Frank examined the crate closely. "Pretty big crate for just supplies. You sure that's all it is?"
"Positive, sir. Uh, pardon me for asking, but who are you again?" Frank showed the soldier his ring, who immediately paled. "L-Lord Frank?! My deepest apologies, milord. I didn't know it was you. I thought you would be older."
Frank waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Did anyone actually inspect the crate and its contents? Just to be sure?"
"Now that you mention it, there hasn't been an inspection on its contents. Apparently, they instead got a hefty amount of gold."
"Well that's not suspicious whatsoever," Mythra remarked sarcastically.
"Open this crate!" Frank ordered. "I want to see what's inside!"
"Yes, sir." The soldier hurried to get help to open the crate. While they waited, Jason and the others returned.
"Did you find those Tirkin?" Jin asked.
"Yeah," the Thunderbolt replied. "Turns out those Tirkin were hired to cater for the summit. We tasted the food, and it was surprisingly good. You?"
"We're getting some soldiers to open this crate to see what's inside," Mythra said.
Queen Raqura and her advisors then arrived, prompting the crate to start shaking. Soon the crate burst, revealing a Rosa weapon, but it was bigger, and it had a G on its forehead.
"What is this?!" Raqura demanded. "Is this some underhanded Ardainian trick?!"
"Wrong! But also right!" said a familiar voice through the machine's speakers. "Truth is complicated. Anyhow, here is where Queen die! If it looked like Queen killed by Mor Ardain, me in the money again!"
Rosa prepared to approach the Urayan Queen, but Frank and the others got in the way. Their weapons were drawn.
"That Blade…" Raqura said as she saw Jin beside his Driver.
"Not gonna happen, Bana!" Frank declared. "Your schemes end here!"
"You!" Bana shouted angrily. "You and friends put Bana out of business! Bana not let Frank interfere with plans again!"
"Ethan, that artificial Blade is different from before," Poppi warned.
Ethan nodded grimly. "You're right. I can feel a greater power inside it than last time. And what's with that 'G'? Kinda stupid if you ask me."
"What's going on?!" Meg demanded as she, Brighid, Niall and Aegaeon entered the hold.
"Wh-what is that?!" Niall exclaimed.
"Oho-ho-ho," Bana chuckled. "Even Emperor come straight to Bana! Convenient little moth to flame!"
"Come on, Bana," Nia scolded. "Just accept that its over. You can't take all of us on. Not to mention that there are so many witnesses here."
"If Bana simply kill everyone, then nobody blab!" Bana declared. "Victory of Bana is assured… All thanks to Giga Rosa!"
"Someone seems to be overestimating themselves. This ends here, Bana!" Frank summoned Roc, but had the Blade keep his scythes. "Roc, I need you to protect Queen Raqura. Make sure she stays unharmed."
"Understood," the Wind Blade squawked before moving to the Urayan Queen's side to defend her.
"Meg! Brighid! Protect the Emporer! We'll handle Bana!"
Meg drew her whipswords and nodded. "Very well. Be careful, Brother."
Frank and his team charged at Rosa. The artificial Blade fired a barrage of missiles from its fingers, but Jin and Jason deflected them with their ice and lightning.
"Bringer of Chaos!" Mika shouted as darkness enveloped his hammer before jumping high in the air. "Ultimate Shadow Smash, Max!" He slammed his shield hammer into the ground, creating a small dark explosion that toppled Giga Rosa.
"Stratespheric Thunder!" Jason exclaimed. Purple lightning encased his sword as he performed an upward slash while jumping, launching the artificial Blade into the air.
"Mythra, now!" Frank tossed his sword to the Aegis, who caught it with one hand.
"I'm on it!" Golden light radiated from Mythra's body. "Photon Edge!" The Aegis performed a series of slashes across Giga Rosa's body at the speed of light before returning to her Driver's side, along with handing back the sword.
Rosa, on the other hand, crashed into the ground, but got back up. It was still operational, but it was covered with deep gashes. The artificial Blade fired a large missile at Ethan. Strangely though, it landed behind the Driver rather than hitting him directly.
"What?" Ethan said in confusion.
Suddenly Poppi grabbed Ethan by the arm and pulled him away from the missile, which promptly exploded. Luckily, Poppi was able to protect them from the blast with her defense barrier.
"Thanks."
Poppi gave him a light smile. "You're welcome."
"Everyone, watch out for those missiles!" Ethan warned. "They don't hit you directly, but explode instead!"
"Got it," Jin acknowledged as he, Mythra and Frank charged at the enlarged Blade.
Rosa had fired a few projectiles at Raqura and Niall, but Meg and Roc protected them from being hit with blue flames and green wind respectively.
"You won't hurt my cousin on my watch!" Meg declared.
Meanwhile, Sonum and Nia flanked Rosa from behind and struck its short, stubby legs with their twin rings. They then quickly retreated when Rosa tried to stomp on them.
"Why won't you die?!" Bana shouted. He had Rosa shoot lasers from her eyes at the Aegis Driver and his Blades, but Mika intercepted it with Mountain Guard, which morphed his hammer into a shield. Kasandra then enforced it with her defense barrier.
"I don't think so," Mika said confidently.
"Luck's not on your side, Bana," Kasandra added.
Frank switched the Aegis Sword for the Ice Nodachi. "Let's finish this," the Driver said. "Ready, Jin?"
"Of course."
"Midnight Sun!" the duo shouted in sync as a golden aura surrounded them. Frank began with a series of high-speed slashes across Giga Rosa's chest, before passing the nodachi to Jin. The Paragon of Torna then stepped in and dealt powerful slashes on the artificial Blade, causing it to lose power. Bana was soon ejected from Giga Rosa's cockpit and landed in front of the Drivers and Blades.
"H-how…" Bana stuttered.
"It's over, Bana!" Jason declared as he held his sword in a threatening manner. "Surrender now while you still have the chance!"
"Ex-Chairman Bana," Meg addressed as she approached the Nopon. "You are under arrest. The Praetorium will handle the judgement. Assassination is a serious matter. Your sentence will be harsh."
Queen Raqura stood by the Special Inquisitor and said with folded arms, "So the mercantile genius Bana meets an inglorious end before my very eyes. Pitiful."
"Grr… Bana is… Bana is not kind of man to go down like this!" The Ex-Chairman revealed a detonator, shocking everyone. "If I go down, I take you with me!" He prepared to activate the detonator.
Niall was the first to take action. "Watch out!" The Emperor ran at Bana. "Aegaeon!"
The Water Blade nodded. "As you wish!" Aegaeon created a water barrier to protect the Drivers, Blades, and Urayans.
Much to Meg and Frank's horror, Niall exited the barrier to stop Bana. Unfortunately, Bana had already pressed the detonator and Giga Rosa exploded. Aegaeon's barrier protected everyone behind it from harm, but Bana and Niall weren't so fortunate. Bana had already collapsed from the injuries inflicted on him, but Niall was still standing. Everyone was shocked, especially the Urayans.
"Niall Ardanach," Raqura said in awe. "You… You sought to protect us?"
The young emperor turned around and smiled weakly. "I'm… glad…" Niall then fell backwards, prompting Meg to run to him.
"Majesty!" Meg cried out as she knelt beside her cousin and picked him up. "Niall! No!" She didn't even notice her brother standing behind her.
"No," Frank said in disbelief. "Not again. To protect us you…"
"Your Majesty… I have failed you…" Aegaeon was then changed into a Core Crystal.
Nia watched as the siblings were in mourning. She swallowed nervously, knowing what had to be done. "Jin… Distract them."
The Ice Blade gave the Gormotti a confused look. "Nia… Wait, are you…?"
"There's still time," Nia said. "But you must hurry."
Jin slowly nodded before saying, "There are more of them!"
The Drivers all turned to face the Ice Blade.
"What did you say?" Mika questioned.
"This way!" Jin said. "Roc, get the Queen to safety! Now!" He then ran off.
The Tantalese prince turned to the Aegis Driver. "Frank!"
Frank nodded. "I know. Let's go!" The group, except Nia, then hurried after the Paragon of Torna while Roc escorted the Urayans away. Meg and Brighid were the last to leave. Once Nia was sure she was alone, she got to work. A watery veil surrounded her and Niall as her appearance changed. Nia began to heal Niall's wounds, causing the young emperor to stir.
He opened his eyes and noticed Nia. "You are…"
"Shh," Nia said soothingly. "You're going to be fine."
Niall soon passed out as Nia continued to heal him. Once she was done, the veil disappeared, and her appearance returned to normal. Soon Jin and the others returned, with some of them not looking to be in a good mood. Roc returned as well, having seen Queen Raqura to safety.
"What do you mean you imagined it?" Jason scolded. "You got us all worked up!"
Jin lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry. I thought I saw silhouettes. I didn't mean to cause trouble."
"It's all right, Jin," Frank said. "We're all a little on edge. No one can blame you for that…"
"Hey! You guy!"" Nia cried out. "The emperor's awake!"
Everyone, except Jin, was shocked.
"What?!" Meg said as she saw Niall sit up.
"Can it be?" Brighid added.
The group hurried to Nia as she helped the emperor to his feet. Meg immediately pulled her cousin into a hug, tears of joy leaking from her eyes.
"I apologize for making you worry," Niall said as the two separated.
"But… how?" Sonum questioned.
"When Aegaeon returned to his core," Brighid said. "I was certain we had lost you. It's a miracle you're still alive."
Nia scoffed. "Honestly… you call yourselves soldiers?" she scolded. "I'm especially disappointed in you, Sonum. First aid? Anyone heard of it?"
"But his wounds…" Sonum said in defense.
Nia folded her arms. "Oh, they were just scratches. Nothing I couldn't fix."
Meg eyed the Gormotti gratefully. "Thank you, Nia. I truly don't know how to… I don't know how I could ever repay you."
"Don't sweat it. We're all friends, aren't we? Let's just say you owe me one and leave it at that."
It was getting late, so Frank and his friends went to the inn to rest. Meg and Brighid, however, remained on the Ardainian flagship.
The Next Day
Niall summoned Meg to meet him in ship's throne room.
"You should be resting," Meg said. "You're still in recovery from yesterday."
The emperor turned towards his desk, which was already stacked with paperwork. "Half a day off and look at all this paperwork," Niall said. "I swear, it's like they don't want me to sleep at all!"
"Majesty…"
Niall faced his cousin and said, "Special Inquisitor, I hereby issue you new orders. It is my wish that you travel with the Aegis as an emissary of the Empire. Help Frank guard her and defend her from her enemies untils they reach Tantal."
"Help my brother… protect Mythra?" Meg questioned slowly.
"I've already discussed it with His Eminence. He has given his approval."
"Forgive me. Your Majesty, I cannot accept. Just think about what happened yesterday! It would be sheer foolishness for me to leave your side!"
"Is that so?" Niall asked. "I can see it in your eyes. I know you would love nothing more than to continue traveling with Frank and Mythra."
"That's not-" Meg stopped herself. "I'm… your Special Inquisitor. Ensuring your safety is my only concern. To abandon that duty and go traveling…"
"Don't worry, my lady," Luke said as he entered the room. "I will protect His Majesty in your absence. Right now, the Aegis needs you more than the Empire does."
Meg eyed Luke in awe. "General Luke…"
Niall then held out Aegaeon's Core Crystal. "I want you to have this as well. A Driver who cannot protect himself is no Driver at all. That's what I learned yesterday. I don't have the aptitude for it. I know that Aegaeon would be much better off in your hands, Meg. Like Brighid, he is a Jewel of the Empire. He's meant to be used by a true Driver like you.
"The world is changing, Meg. I trust you more than anyone to lend your brother, my cousin, the wisdom and strength he will need. A magnificent power resides in you. Meg, that power is meant to be used."
"Niall…" Meg said slowly.
"You've been tied down long enough," the emperor said. "Follow your heart, Meg Ladair."
The Flamebringer smiled before accepting Aegaeon's Core Crystal from her cousin. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Very well, then. I hereby accept the task you have assigned me. And I will take good care of Aegaeon, too."
Niall nodded in acknowledgement. "That's the Meg I know and love. Make me proud."
"I will." Meg turned to face Luke. "General Luke, I'm entrusting His Majesty's safety to you. Protect him with your life."
Luke gave his superior a salute. "As you wish, Special Inquisitor. Safe travels."
Before Meg turned to leave she said, "Niall, after my journey is over, I will return Aegaeon to you. It is only right for the emperor to have at least one Jewel of the Empire, after all."
"As you wish. I look forward to the day you return in triumph."
The Flamebringer left to find Brighid. She found the Fire Blade in their room, writing in her diary.
Brighid eyed her Driver curiously. "What did His Majesty say?"
"We are to join Frank and the others for the rest of their journey. And we will have a new ally as well." Meg revealed Aegaeon's Core Crystal, which had regained its blue glow.
"Aegaeon? Is the emperor alright with you taking his Blade?" Brighid questioned.
Meg nodded. "Yes. After our journey is finished, I will have no need for Aegaeon's assistance, so I will return him to His Majesty then."
"Very well. We should hurry if we want to join Frank and the others. They will be departing for Tantal soon."
The duo left the Ardainian flagship and found their friends right by an Indoline ship. They then explained that they would be accompanying them for the rest of the journey.
"Nice!" Mika cheered. "We've got the Flamebringer on our side again!"
"Yeah! Nothing can beat us now!" Kasandra added.
Frank gave his sister a light smile. "Good to have you back, Meg. To be honest, I was hoping that you would come with us."
Meg returned the gesture. "Glad to be back, Brother. Now then, shall we depart?"
"Hold on," Ethan said suddenly. "Since we're all together again. Let's take a picture to celebrate."
"Well we do have some time to kill," Jin admitted.
It wasn't difficult finding someone to take their picture. However, the same could not be said for Mythra and Pyra, who both wanted to be in it. Luckily Frank resolved the issue by suggesting that they take two pictures, one for each Aegis. Both girls agreed on that and everyone gathered together, with Drivers standing by their Blades. The first photo taken had Pyra, while the second for Mythra. Curiously, right before the second picture was taken, Mythra unconsciously took Frank's hand into her own, which didn't go unnoticed by the Aegis Driver.
The photographer quickly developed the photos and gave copies to each of them.
"Nice," Frank said as he admired them. "This'll be a great reminder on how far we've come."
"Indeed," Meg agreed.
The group then headed back to the docks and boarded the Indoline ship to set out for the Kingdom of Tantal.
Meanwhile on the Urayan flagship
Queen Raqura was confiding her concerns to her advisors as they headed for Uraya. "I can't help but feel that in all the confusion surrounding Bana," she revealed, "our concerns have been neatly swept aside."
"The Praetorium maintains absolute control over Blade distribution," an Urayan added. "It is quite vexing. Awakening rates from natural cores are very low, which limits the pool of compatible Drivers."
"So to create large numbers of Drivers, the cleansing Indol provides is a necessity," Raqura said. "That much I'm willing to accept. The real problem is that the Aegis and her allies have awakened. Though her Driver seems kind, he is a part of Mor Ardain's imperial bloodline. Not to mention that he also has the Paragon of Torna. This changes things. This isn't the time to be squabbling over territory. If we misread the situation even a little, Uraya itself could be sunk to the Cloud Sea's bed.
"Emperor Niall must be thinking the same thing… Why else would he send his Special Inquisitor to accompany the Aegis to Tantal?"
"And now we find ourselves in their debt," an advisor stated.
"Who could have predicted such an act of selflessness?" the queen questioned. "Was it just the passion of youth, or was it…?" She paused for a moment. "In any case, for now we should keep our troops mobilized while we monitor the situation. I hardly expect Tantal will comply to the Praetor's plans so easily, either…"
The rest of the voyage was silent.
To be continued