Thanks to someone pointing this out, I will be posting this to QO3 when I get the chance and make my own account on there. It's gonna be an adjustment but I'll do it. Thanks to Crescent Sovernge for that suggestion.
Please keep in mind there will be spoilers. You have been warned.
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It was 9:00 exactly as Rex was pacing around the bedroom he had been occupying since the return from the morning grocery gathering. Hundreds of thoughts passed through his mind as he was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that if he didn't know himself better, he would've acted like the people of Mor Ardain and assumed he was a full fledged Blade himself. As he was mulling over if he should take up Pyra's disguise from his time in Gormott, a knock on the door was heard, dainty yet assertive.
"Rex, do you have a moment, I wish to come in to discuss... prior events during my slumber."
Rex recognized that voice anywhere, the same one that warns him to not get too cocky and be humble.
"U-Uh, sure, Morag, come on in..." Rex went to open the door and was met with the towering woman standing in front of him... with a certain Blade accompanying her. "And uh... you can come in, too." Morag and Bridgid walked in with a aura of confidence.
Morag crossed her arms as she looked at th boy, a confused mess, he was. "Rex, Bridgid had informed me on your recent... comments you have received from the people of my home."
"Yeah, no kidding, they all thought I was a bloody Blade!" Rex said as he sat himself down on the bed.
Bridgid had a smile forming on her face as she heard him. "I take it you mean to cause no offense with that statement, but it is true you have the appearance of one."
Morag simply nodded. "I see, as such, I feel as though it is correct to take... certain measures. Do not fret, this shall be sorted out by breakfast."
Rex had a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Morag, so you're gonna clear it up with the people I'm not a Blade, actually? Maybe you can say I'm like a Flesh Eater if it makes them feel comfortable. I can walk freely without being swarmed."
"On the contrary, 'Rexos'..." The world stopped for Rex as he heard that name. "Frankly put, signs show that the morale of Mor Ardain as a whole has increased 10 fold. We sent some Blades out to do some recon and found out that the thought of a Blade in my possession and being seen as quite powerful has bolstered the army as well. As such, I make a sort of... payback, as you serving as my Blade in the meantime for as long as we stay here."
Rex stammered as he was at a loss of words. "Payback?! But for what, dare I ask?!"
Bridgid did her best to give a serious look. "Need I remind you you still need to pay off the debt for destroying a water pipe in Mor Ardain, injuring many of our soldiers when you went on your rescue mission for Nia and not to mention the water tower incident?"
The young lad could only stay silent as he kinda forgot he did all that to the people just doing their job and caused all that property damage.
"So, it is duly noted that you will have to at least play the part in the meantime. Let's say... a month or so, that gives us enough time to finish the tasks we have here, as well as increase the moral as much as possible by having you be seen." Morag said it do simply, it didn't seem as though it would be a problem to a 3rd party. Rex, however, was a different story.
"An entire month?! But what about the others, we can't just-"
Morag held her hand up. "Taken care of. I informed them to carry on without us in the meanwhile, take time for themselves to train or simply go home for a while to rest and relax. Even Mythra has been taken care of, she's under the watch of Sheba, Praxis, Vale and Kora for, ughh... 'Bladies Week'. You should have no distractions now in the meantime. That should give enough time for you to think of a good reason to make sure the Aegis doesn't flip out."
The confused lad looked up scared almost. "How did you plan this so quick?! It's like you planned this for weeks!"
"Simple, we asked your two intelligent blades to come up with it. KOS-MOS and Adenine whipped up that idea in a matter of seconds. They think it could serve as a way to better be in tune with your blades as a whole, seeing how they sort of live. Currently, the only ones here are us and Lady Morag's Blades." Bridgid took out a comb and proceeded to comb Rex's hair.
It was as though now Rex has found himself between a rock and a hard place, only being taken out of his state of freight by Bridgid putting him in a state of confusion.
"You must look your best, I have arranged a conference with the emperor's guards and the army to make it more believable. It is gonna be at 12 sharp. Come, we will get you suited with a weapon perfect for you." Morag grabbed the lad by the hand and led him to her quarters, where he was met with many of her Blades. "I have arranged you to pick what weapon you'd rather be seen with. Go ahead, choose but make it quick."
Rex walked in shakily. He figured now as there is no chance to leave as now he was basically outmatched in manpower and numbers at this point. He walked up and looked around at the Blades as he went to Perceval as he handed Rex his weapon.
"Perceval, good choice. He should be able to hide to keep the illusion of everything going." Morag smiled. "Now, let's get going. I do hope you're well rested, Rexos." Morag walked out, with Rex almost being pushed by Bridgid.
Bridgid wrapped her arms around Rex from behind as she gave a small laugh. "Welcome to the family, Rexos. I'll do any speaking for you if they are asked."
Rex almost snapped at her. "Why is it that you've been acting like this lately, Bridgid?! You're acting like Azami does whenever her and I travel!"
Bridgid let go as she walked in front of him. "Oh, you poor lad... If only you knew..." She smiled small and walked off behind Morag as she led them to the capital.
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As Rex stood behind Morag, he was at a loss for words as he saw the army in front of him. It was as though it was an endless sea of soldiers, each ones eyes behind helmets but he could still feel them on him.
"...and so, I would like to present and welcome the newest addition to my barracks. Rexos, the Jewel of Mor Ardain. Rexos, if you would please show off?"
Rex snapped to attention as he looked at Morag with a twinge of freight. If he failed now, things would get dirty. Fast. He walked up and took out Perceval's weapon and showed it off, the blade gleaming in the light. He readied himself as he could feel the ether link between him and Perceval... Something in him was telling him to make it seem he could be believable as he swung the sword, sending a wave of dark energy out and being rewarded with cheers from the crowd.
Morag lowered her cap. "Rexos is a blade powered by darkness, albeit what his armor shows. That being said, he is a kind and caring Blade. I ask that you do not overwhelm the lad, as he is barely awoken. He may not be familiar with our customs. Now, I do believe it is time to head back to my quarters. Rexos, Bridgid, let us go."
As she walked down from the podium to the gate of Hardhaigh Palace, cheers echoed through the crowd as it seemed morale has reached its peak once again. Rex could only trail after her to make sure he didn't have to deal with people hounding him and such.
Rex pulled Morag's coat abit, receiving a small hmph from her. "Morag, so what now?"
Leading the way until they reached the elevator and the doors closing, Morag took off her cap and placed it on the child's head. "Simply put, we play the part. His highness is currently out on leave, so we should be able to snuggle you pass to the living quarters."
As they reached the top, Morag led Rex to where she use to take residence when she lived in the Palace. Thankfully no guards dared to look her in the eye on her path, and as such were able to make it to her living quarters without worry.
Morag's room was the image of luxury; from masterly crafted wood finishings and imported carpets to a window with a perfect view of the World Tree it seemed.
"This is where I use to live, Rex. Come, I'll show you to your quarters. Rex? Rex?" Morag could see Rex was speechless and lost in the view. "Come, the sooner you figure out your lodgings, the better." She grabbed Rex by the helmet and dragged him to another door across from hers and opened it to show that the room he would be staying in was...
Well it was fancy still but not as fancy as her room. Morag's Blades would be mingling about with each other in the room, but many would happened to be out due to missions for a while. The only other one there was Newt in the back using a box of cannon balls as a weight.
Newt turned back, gently laying the box on the ground and giving a quick salute. "Lady Morag, Sir Rex, Newt reporting for duty, what brings your arrival?" She took a quick look. "And, uh... don't want to pry, but why is everyone else not here?"
Bridgid walked out from behind them. "Newt, I thought everyone would be out. Why are you here?"
"I stayed to help the army, duh." Newt crossed her arms. "I would rather stay here and help than be sent on another mission to babysit someone like Ursula on her music things."
"Well now, this couldn't be better. Newt, if I may borrow your ear for a second..." Bridgid went up and whispered something to Newt, causing her eyes to dart to Rex and a twisted smile crossing her lips.
Morag turned heel and walked out. "I take it you three will figure something out. In the meanwhile, I should go address any issues my king left in his absence." As Morag closed the door, she could hear the sounds of Newt squealing, something she never heard. "That boy is in for it..."
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And that's it's for now. I plan to make the next like 3 or so chapters revolve around Rex's life as he stays with Morag. I mulled over which Blade I should have "help" adjust Rex to life as a Blade and what better choice than the literal Blade General? Anyways, I'm out. Peace.