Chapter 38- Two Aegis Drivers

Frank and his friends stumbled out of the portal and found themselves in a coliseum of sorts. It seemed to be in a void surrounded by the Cloud Sea.

"Where are we?" Frank questioned.

"Beats me," Mythra said. "I don't think we're even in Alrest."

"I think you're right, Mythra," Jin agreed. "I don't recognize the architecture of this place. It definitely doesn't match anything from Alrest."

"Or from Earth," Meg added. "We better be ready for anything."

"Agreed," Nia said

Suddenly a blue portal opened on the other side of the coliseum. A boy, about fifteen, with brown hair and gold eyes wearing an outfit similar to Frank's came out along with Pyra! The boy also had a green x-shaped Core Crystal on his chest. They were soon followed by a Nia look-a-like, in her human form, and Dromarch, a Blade that resembled Poppi, but if she was a child, with a brown-and-white Nopon dressed like an engineer. Then a woman with black hair who wore a similar garb to Meg's, only she had a hat, appeared along with Brighid. Finally, Pandoria appeared along with a blue-haired man wearing an identical outfit to Jason's, only he wasn't wearing a shirt and had an eyepatch over his left eye.

"What is this place?" the boy asked.

"I don't know," Pyra answered. "We should be careful, Rex. Who knows what could be here?"

"At least we've got our weapons, so we can defend ourselves," the Nia lookalike said.

The Nopon then noticed Frank's group and gasped. "Meh-meh! Rex-Rex, over there!"

"What's wrong, Tora?" Rex said before looking where Tora was pointing. He gasped as he saw none other than Mythra and the other Blades, but they were with another group of people.

"What the hell is this?!" the one-eyed man exclaimed. "What's Pandy doing with those lot?!"

"I'm standing right next to you, Zeke!" Pandoria 2 protested.

The Paragon of Torna then sensed that they were not alone and noticed Rex's group. "Frank, look!"

The Aegis Driver turned and gasped in shock as he saw Rex's group. "That's Pyra and the others! But who are those other guys with them?"

"I don't know, but that is definitely not me," Mythra clarified. "And there's another Nia too."

"What should we do?" Sonum asked.

"They appear friendly enough," Meg responded. "Maybe they know what's going on here."

"Let's go ask them." Frank proceeded to lead his friends to Rex and his group.

"Hi, my name's Frank," the Aegis Driver introduced once they were in front of Rex and the others. "This is my Blade, Mythra…"

"Your Blade?" Rex interrupted. "That doesn't make any sense! I'm Pyra and Mythra's Driver!"

"I think I'd remember resonating with a child," Mythra said rudely.

"Mythra!" Frank and Pyra exclaimed in sync.

"This is getting us nowhere," Brighid 1 (Meg's) said with a groan.

"Agreed," the older woman said. "Let us get introductions out of the way and then ask questions. My name is Morag. Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain."

Meg eyed Morag in suspicion. "My name is Meg. Frank is my older brother. And I am Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain."

"What?!" Morag exclaimed in shock. "Impossible!"

"That's… weird. Anyway, I am Zeke von Genbu," Zeke said dramatically. "But you can address me as Zeke, Bringer of Chaos, or the Zekeinator! I also happen to be the Crown Prince of Tantal!"

The Thunderbolt raised an eyebrow. "My name is Jason. I'm the Crown Prince of Tantal too."

Zeke's jaw dropped in response. "Huh?!"

"Tora is Tora!" the Nopon said.

"Please call Poppi Poppi!" his Blade added.

"My name's Ethan. This is my Blade, Poppi."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Poppi 1 (Ethan's) said with a bow.

"Meh-meh-meh?!" Tora said in shock. "P-Poppi grew up!"

"Masterpon, Poppi want to grow up too!"

The Chaosbringer cleared his throat and said, "I am Mika, the Chaosbringer, and this is my Blade, Kasandra."

Rex scratched his head. "The name's Rex. And this is Pyra, but you probably knew that already."

The red-haired Aegis bowed her head in respect. "It's nice to meet you all."

"What the hell?!" human Nia said. "Why is there another me?!"

"Trust me, this is strange for me too," Blade Nia replied.

Rex then noticed a certain Ice Blade standing by Frank's side. "Jin!" Rex exclaimed as he reached for his sword. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

The Paragon of Torna raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Excuse me?" Jin asked honestly.

"Don't play dumb with me!" Rex protested. "You were just with us in the Land of Morytha before Malos and your Torna lot picked you up in the Monoceros!"

"What are you talking about? Why would Malos help me?"

Pyra then noticed Jin's Core Crystal and gasped. "Wait, Rex. I don't think this is the same Jin that we know."

Rex faced his Blade curiously. "Huh? What do you mean, Pyra?"

"Look at his Core Crystal," Pyra said. "It's blue, not red. This Jin isn't a Flesh Eater."

"A Flesh Eater?" Frank said before realizing. "Wait a minute. I think I know what's going on here. You guys are from alternate universe. That's why we have the same Blades and similar backstories."

"Not only that," Mythra added. "But it also seems that their Jin sided with Malos."

"I guess I meant it literally when I said you helped me avoid a dark path, Frank," Jin said in amusement.

"Huh?" Rex said in confusion.

"Frank's my Driver, as well as our Nia's Driver."

"What?!" the Drivers of Rex's group shouted in disbelief.

The two groups then spent the next hour or so exchanging stories, which had many key differences, but some similarities.

"I see. So in your world, Rex is the Driver of the Aegis," Meg said. "And he was stabbed in the heart by Jin, who in your world is the leader of Torna, but was revived by Pyra when she gave him half of her life force. I didn't think it was possible for a Blade to do that."

"Did you have a similar situation back in your world?" Rex asked.

Frank shook his head. "Nope. Pyra only gave me half of her core because some voice told her to. Neither of us really know who that voice was though."

"You certainly seem mature for your age," Driver Nia said. "Unlike Rex here."

"Hey!"

"Well I kind of had to, given the circumstances," Frank said. "That, and I happen to be older than him."

Rex simply slouched in defeat.

"I think you've been hanging around Mythra too much, Frank," Jin reprimanded. "You're starting to get her sharp tongue."

"I am not a bad influence!" Mythra retorted.

Rex chuckled to himself and said, "Looks like your Mythra's the same as mine, Frank. By the way, when you unlocked Pyra and Mythra's true power, which name did you pick? I chose Pyra when I did because I knew her longer."

Frank folded her arms. "I chose Mythra. Part of why is because I felt I knew her the most, but it was also because of another reason."

"And that is?"

Frank's face slightly reddened. "T-that's nothing you need to know about."

Everyone else, except Mythra, laughed at Frank.

The blonde Aegis, on the other hand, stared curiously at her Driver. 'Frank had another reason for choosing my name?' she thought to herself. 'What could it be?'

You could always ask him to find out, Pyra offered. Although, I think we both know the real reason why he chose to use your name.

Mythra felt her face getting hot as she tried to suppress a blush. Sh-shut up!

"While this is all fascinating and all," Jason said. "Does anyone know where we are?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," Zeke replied. "We all came here unwillingly, by the sound of things. Maybe this is a combat arena for champions from different worlds to duke it out."

"I highly doubt that," Meg chided.

"Do you have a better explanation?!"

"Enough!" Frank shouted with authority. "Let's not fight amongst ourselves. Since we're all clueless about what's going on, why don't we team up? We'll search the place together."

"Good idea," Rex said. "In fact, I was just about to suggest the same thing." He then extended a hand to Frank, who subsequently shook it.

The two groups looked around, which wasn't much since the coliseum was very small. Eventually they regrouped at the center.

"There really isn't much here," Blade Nia said. "And we can only see the portals that brought us here."

"That must mean that we cannot travel to each other's worlds," Morag replied. "That is disappointing, but it can't be helped."

"Meh-meh," Tora said. "Tora wanted to see how Ethan built his Poppi."

"Welcome friends!" said a new voice.

Everyone went on-guard. "Who's there?!" Jin demanded as he reached for his nodachi.

Suddenly a small yellow Nopon appeared in front of the two groups. "Peace friends," he said. "I mean you no harm. I am Nopon Archsage."

"Nopon… Archsage?" Rex said slowly.

The Nopon nodded. "Yes. Nopon Archsage is great Nopon who, through endless training in many times and places, became sagest of sages."

"Even though Archsage look even more littlepon than Tora?" Tora questioned.

"Such rudepon," the Archsage said. "Despite appearance, Nopon Archsage is hundred million times age of Tora."

Frank rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I doubt that."

The Nopon Archsage huffed in annoyance. "Friends believe it or not, it not matter. But truth is truth, and truth is that Nopon Archsage make this place. Here friends can battle against familiar foes through combat challenges and reap legendary rewards."

"You mean to test our mettle?" Morag questioned.

"Indeedy. But Nopon Archsage did not mean to summon two Aegis Drivers at once. Such a rare opportunity though. Nopon Archsage must see battle between Aegises! It will be awesome sight!"

Rex sighed. "I guess I am a little curious how I'd stack up against Frank. But aren't you afraid that we'll destroy the place?"

"Friends not need to worry about that. Nopon Archsage make place to be indestructible."

"Clearly you haven't met Mythra," Jin deadpanned.

Mythra glared daggers at the Paragon of Torna. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Nopon Archsage almost forgot one important detail," the yellow Nopon said. "Even though coliseum is indestructible, friends can only use two forms of Aegis, the form they were in upon arrival, and true Aegis form, at the moment."

"So Rex can only use Pyra, while Frank can only use Mythra," Driver Nia mused. "Well this will certainly be a one-sided fight. Mythra's much stronger than Pyra. Nice knowing you, Rex."

Rex glared at the Gormotti. "Have a little faith, Nia. I can also use Pyra's true power too. It won't be as one-sided as you think." He then turned to his fellow Aegis Driver. "What do you say, Frank? Want to have a little friendly duel?"

The elder Master Driver nodded and smirked. "Sure. Just don't be too sad when you lose."

"We'll see."

The rest of the group moved to the side to watch as Frank and Rex drew their respective Aegis Swords. Mythra and Pyra stood behind their Drivers, ready to transfer power to them. Rex made the first move by charging at Frank. The salvager swung his sword at Frank's side, but Frank easily blocked it with his sword. Rex then tried to unleash a flurry of slashes, but Frank blocked them all too.

"Damn it!" Rex exclaimed. "How are you… of course, Mythra's Foresight. That's how you're countering me so easily."

Frank simply smirked. "Maybe. My turn now!" Frank then unleashed Sword Bash, striking Rex in the chest and knocking him back a few feet. He then noticed that both Rex and Pyra flinched in pain. "Interesting. They're just like us."

"Well his Pyra did give him half of her core to revive him," Mythra replied. "We can exploit that if you want."

Frank shook his head. "If we do that, then we're no better than my father. Besides, they could easily do the same to us."

"True, but they have to actually hit us to do that."

The two Master Drivers clashed swords multiple times, neither one giving in. Eventually, they were both forced back to their Blades.

"This feels a little unfair," Frank remarked. "How about we change it by going all out?"

Rex smirked. "It's like you read my mind! Let's go, Pyra!"

"I'm with you!" Pyra then switched into her ascended form.

"Mythra!" Frank exclaimed.

"You got it." Mythra switched to her ascended form as well.

The others watched in awe as the two Drivers clashed with the true Aegis Swords.

"Is anyone else afraid this might get out of hand?" Kasandra asked nervously.

"As long neither Aegis uses their Artifices, we should be okay," Morag replied.

"Don't jinx it," Meg added.

Both Frank and Rex swung their swords, creating a green ether field that covered the coliseum. They then began clashing at light-speed, moving throughout the arena. Even Mythra and Pyra were fighting each other.

"We're too evenly matched," Mythra said as she blocked Pyra's Starburst, which was a particle beam, with her defense barrier. "We won't get anywhere on our own."

"Agreed," Pyra replied. "Rex, help me out!"

Rex abandoned his fight with Frank and hurried to his Blade's side.

"Infinity Blade!" Rex and Pyra grasped the Aegis Sword together and held it up. Suddenly a portal opened up above them and a gold particle beam struck the sword before turning green.

Frank gasped as he realized what they were doing. "They're using Siren's power!" he exclaimed.

"Two can play at that game," Mythra said firmly. "Let's do it, Frank!"

The duo then activated Infinity Blade as well. Both Aegis Swords increased in power as the green light coming from them intensified. Everyone else was shocked at the sight.

"This is insane!" Sonum shouted. "They could bring the whole place down with those attacks!"

Even the Nopon Archsage looked nervous. "Meh-meh. Maybe this not good idea after all."

"Now you say that!" Zeke shouted.

Both pairs swung their swords down on each other, creating an explosion of green ether that shook the whole coliseum. Everyone had to shield their eyes from the wind created by the blast. When the dust cleared, both Frank and Rex were lying on the ground, looking exhausted. Mythra and Pyra, in their normal appearances, were lying beside their Drivers, looking just as tired as them. Parts of the coliseum were cracked but looked relatively intact.

"So it's a tie," Morag said.

"I guess we shouldn't be surprised," Brighid 2 added. "They are using the same Aegis, after all."

After a while, Frank and Rex started laughing as they gathered the strength to pick themselves up, along with Mythra and Pyra.

"You're incredible, Rex," Frank praised. "You really have control over the Aegis's power."

"You're not too bad yourself," Rex replied. "This reminds me of Rule Six of the Salvager's Code. First have a punch-out, then drink to forget. Once you've forgotten, the friendship's all set."

"Aren't you too young to drink alcohol?" Mythra questioned.

Rex scratched his head sheepishly. "That's not the point. What I'm trying to say is that we're friends now. Well, that is… if you don't mind."

Frank cracked a grin. "Sure. It's not every day you meet another Aegis Driver."

Their friends then gave their congratulations about the battle.

"Meh-meh," the Nopon Archsage said. "Nopon Archsage has to fix cracks Frank and Rex made with their attacks."

"Uh, sorry about that," Frank said as he scratched his head sheepishly.

"Yeah, our bad."

"Don't worry about it. Archsage just glad coliseum still in one piece. Friends must now return to their worlds. Much remains to be done there."

Jason gasped in shock. "He's right. We have to stop Torna from reaching Elysium. They must have a huge advantage now because of how long we've been here."

"Friends not need to worry about that. Time moves very differently here. When you return, it will be same time you left."

"Well that's convenient," Ethan said. "Still, we can't afford to waste any more time here. We need to get back."

"As do we," Morag added. "It was a pleasure to meet you all. Meg, I trust you'll take good care of your Brighid and Aegaeon."

"Of course," the other Flamebringer replied. "You do the same with yours."

Pyra then approached Jin. "I'm glad to know that you found someone else to resonate with. Maybe you'll turn better than the Jin of my world."

The Paragon of Torna chuckled. "We'll see. Take care of yourself, Pyra."

Frank and Rex then shook hands. "Good luck with saving your world," Frank said.

"Thanks. Same to you. I hope we meet again."

"As do I."

The two groups then headed for their respective portals to take them back to their worlds. Once the portals reopened, they went through.

'Now then,' Frank thought. 'Time to stop Zeke and Malos.'

To be continued