3 Years Later

In the dead of night three figured dropped down on the hull of a large Ardainian Battle Ship. This ship was one of many ships that circled the world tree. It has been 3 years since this blockade had been established, with it's sole purpose protecting the world tree from the organization known as Torna who wished to climb their way to the top.

"Rookie, hurry up and get to work." A cloaked woman hounded at what appeared to be her comrade.

"Let's try to play nice okay, let's not forget we're on the same side here." Another cloaked figure, this time a man remarked. "Although I'd appreciate if you did hurry, we don't want to overstay our welcome."

"Right right. Just give me some cover." The final figure, crouched down and began opening the access hatch. He was meticulous in his work, not wasting any movements as he cut away the lock that kept them from entering. Before long the seal was broken and he was able to fling the hatch open. "Alright, we're in."

"Good work kid. Let's not waste anytime." The cloaked man jumped down the opening followed by his two comrades. "Alright, you both know the plan. Meet on the bridge." With that said the three split apart.

The young man who opened the hatch began sneaking his way around the halls. He knew it would be best to avoid conflict if possible. Since it was so late, many of the soldiers on board we're fast asleep. Besides, finishing off the crew wasn't his job.

"Gotta find the bridge" He whispered to himself as he continued to slip around corners until he finally found what he was looking for. A group of Ardainian soldiers quietly maintaining the ship. Drawing his dark black and purple sword he walked onto the bridge.

"What the?" One of the soldiers let out as he saw this cloaked figure coming towards the group. Seeing this stranger with his weapon out the soldier wasted no time drawing his own weapon. "Think you can take me!" He charged at the intruder, ready to take him down.

"It's a shame…" The stranger's sword split open, igniting a dark purple blade of light from within. "That you would be so willing to throw away your life like this." With one clean slice the soldier was dead, not even realizing that the intruder had closed the distance between them. "Consider it a mercy, now you won't be around to see what comes next."

"You think the kid did his job?" The woman still concealing her face asked.

"Don't worry Patroka, that kid will play his part."

"I still don't trust him Mikhail."

"Malos and Jin picked him themselves. And besides Malos made sure he'd never betray us." There was a hint of remorse in his voice. As if he was remembering an unpleasant memory.

"Like you're one to talk, given that stunt you pulled two years ago." Before she could go into any more detail the pair walked onto the bridge, their comrade moving the last of the former bridge crew into a passage on the side. "Seems like you did your job rookie, I'll give you that much."

"Good work kid. With that, looks like the ship is ours." Mikhail wrapped his arm around the last member's shoulder.

"Does that mean we can take these stupid hoods off now?" Before getting an answer, he took off his hood and began removing his cloak, the light of a purple core crystal peaking its way through the opening.

"C'mon Rex, no need to rush. I thought the cloaks we're sort of cool." Mikhail laughed.

An older Rex let out a chuckle as he removed himself from Mikhail's grasp. "C'mon, we should contact the others. Let them know we can move to stage two of the plan."

"Look at you taking charge. I guess if you're want to be Malos' driver you need to." Patroka for once dropped the attitude, genuinely praising their newest member. "I'll send the all clear to Malos and Jin, you two monitor communications and make sure no one knows we are here." With the order given, Rex and Mikhail got to work.

"Tora bored, Tora wish to arrive at destination." A still young Nopon said as he bounced up and down on what looked like a young woman's lap.

"Masterpon still lacks patience, Poppi will have to reeducate Masterpon after trip." Poppi, now in a much taller form than she was 3 years ago.

"Ever since you upgraded Poppi, she really let's you have it doesn't she." The older man let out a hardy laugh. Laughing so hard his eye patch came loose, revealing a deep scar. It was clear that this piece of fabric was more than just an aesthetic.

"Tora wish Zeke was more supportive of Tora…"

"Try to get along for a little bit longer." Zeke's female blade sighed. "Maybe Nia has the right idea…" She mumbled as she peered out the window.

While Tora and Zeke continued their banter, a much quieter party member stood outside the cabin, simply looking over the edge of their transport titan. She stood in silence as she looked down into her hand, a shattered Aegis Core Crystal resting in her palm.

2 Years Ago

It was the dead of night. Nia found herself once again unable to sleep. She was haunted by nightmares of Rex, the man she had lost a year ago. The only solace she had was the words of the Aegis that echoed in her mind. Her missing core crystal was proof that he must be alive. After their last battle, the party searched all Alrest in hopes of finding their lost friend, but alas it seemed as though Torna had disappeared.

She placed her hand on her chest, feeling her core crystal. A growing concern of hers was the texture. After fusing her crystal with Rex it had become flat, but as of late her crystal had begun to protrude outwards once again. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, and was another reason she often didn't sleep, the sensation from her crystal keeping her up.

"Rex….what happened to you…."

She let out a quiet whisper. But this didn't last long as a shock ran through her body. Her chest now on fire as purple energy fired out. She let out her screams as the pain was unimaginable. She feel to the floor as the party rushed in to see their comrade surrounded by a violent energy.

"Nia! What's happening?!" Morag yelled, trying to get her voice across over the static and screams. She took one step at a time as she approached her friend, doing her best to fend off the energy. She grabbed hold of Nia and held her from behind, knowing that there was nothing else she could do.

In an instant the violent energy stopped and a thud could be heard. There was a stream of smoke coming from Nia's chest as well as the object that sat on the floor.

"Nia chum, you alright?" Zeke placed a hand on her shoulder before noticing her crystal. "Your crystal…it's back…"

Nia placed her hand on her chest, her once missing half of her crystal was back. Her eyes widened as she tried to process what this could mean. Before she could even begin to process what happened she saw what had hit the ground. The remains of an Aegis core crystal, Pyra and Mythra's to be exact.

"Rex…." Tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"Is Rex Rex okay?" Tora asked his voice full of doubt, but he knew the answer. There was no longer any reason to believe Rex was alive.

No one said anything after that. Tora and Poppi didn't hold back their grief, while Zeke and Morag did their best to keep it together. But it was clear by their clenched fists and sorrowful expressions that they were filled with grief and rage.

Nia stood up, tears still rolling down her cheeks. She was the first to break the silence. "I'll make them pay. First Pyra, now Rex. I'll kill those Torna bastards." Her voice was shaky, but her resolve was clear. She was going to make them pay for what they had taken from her.

Present Day

Nia finally snapped back to reality. It was a painful memory to recall, but it only increased her resolve.

"Are you watching Rex? I'll reach Elysium, find the Architect and have him restore Pyra and use her power to kill those bastards who took you from me." She clenched the crystal in hand tightly as she looked into the distance.