At the moment everyone is on a ship heading straight for the Leftharian Archipelago. The blade that helped them is known as Fan La Norne but it would seem that Mythra knew her in a past life. The group is informed by Fan that she was sent to retrieve them by the praetor himself to see Mythra. The reason for heading towards the Leftharian Archipelago is because it is a gateway between Mor Ardain and Indol. Also that it would take way to long to sail around the Archipelago. As the vessel makes its way towards the shore of one of the islands Rex formulates the fastest and safest route through Leftharia.
"Can we go through Fonsett Village please?"
"Sure I guess we can if you want."
"I see Pyra's excited to see your village Rex."
"What can I say? Aren't you all at least a little excited to see where Rex grew up?"
"I mean yeah but we're not woopin an hollerin over it."
"Oh, sorry."
"Anyways why is she with us?"
"I'm acting as a representative of the Empire, do you have a problem with that?"
"Oh no I don't have a problem with it."
"Easy for you to say Rex, your not the one who was thrown in the slammer for a few days. And it was done by her no less!"
"Oh but that was just a big misunderstanding we should all forgive and move on."
Nia takes a little more nudging to budge but she eventually caves in and forgives Morag.
"Oi we're good right."
"Indeed."
The two of them shake hands and forgive.
"Now then let's get a move on shall we?"
"Of course."
The journey to the village takes Rex and co a few hours but eventually they make it to Fonsett Village. When they first arrive they see a bunch of kids jumping off a cliff down into the cloud sea.
"Ah that takes me back."
"What the hell? Why are they doing that?"
"That's how you learn to swim in the cloud sea. That's also how I learned to be a salvager."
"I didn't know you sent money back home."
"That's quiet admirable for someone your age."
Everyone's respect for Rex increased just a little bit more.
"Anyways there's no way in hell you'd ever catch me doing that."
"Oh come on, are you scared? I'm tellin you it's real fun."
"No, get away from me you idiot."
Nia gets into defense position.
"Stop it Rex, don't tease her like that."
"Oh alright but I have one more thing to say to Nia."
"And what would that be?"
"I guess we can call you a... Scaredy Cat!"
"Oh ha ha very funny and original Rex."
Nia looks annoyed at the quip.
"Anways we're almost to the village just a little further."
As everyone makes it to the front gate of Fonsett Village, Rex is immediately greeted by the children of the village.
"Ah Rex it has been far to long. And is that old Azurda on your back?"
"Aunt Corrine it's good to see you."
"Yes it is me."
"How'd you end up like that?"
"It's a long story."
"Well you'll have to tell me about it over dinner tonight."
"Speaking of which, would it be to much to ask if you could hold us up a couple of nights until we head out to Indol?"
"Why of course it's quiet all right you were raised here and everyone loves you very dearly here."
"Thanks Aunt Corinne."
"Why old lady have so many littlepon?"
"Masterpon, not all littlepon belong to same parent."
Aunt Corrine lets out a small chuckle.
"Your friends certainly are a colorful bunch."
"Thanks Aunt Corrine. Anyways, I'm gonna go out on a walk. Everyone stay here at the village, except you Nia your coming with me."
"Wait what? Why are you dragging me along eh?"
"There is someone I'd like you to meet."
"Well alright but don't go wastin my time."
"Trust me, I won't."
As Rex leads Nia up the little hill on the edge of town Nia comes to the sudden realization where she is.
"Hey Rex you do know this is a cemetery right?"
"Yeah, I know. This is where I wanted you to meet them."
"Who?"
"My parents."
Nia's suddenly feels a sadness weighting on her at those words. She never once thought to ask Rex about his parents. She always just assumed his parents lived in the village.
"Rex, I'm sorry. I never knew."
"It's fine, I wanted you to meet them."
Rex then stays silent for a moment before speaking to his parents.
"Hey Mum, Dad, it's been awhile. How have you been? I've been doing great. I've made so many new friends and I even became a driver. Right now we're heading for Elysium so please look after us on our journey. I have someone I'd like you to meet. This is Nia. My first friend on this long journey. She's also my closest friend. We've been through a lot together. I just know you two would've loved her. I miss you both, but I hope your doing fantastic wherever you are."
As Rex speaks with his parents Nia just listens and is truely moved by Rex's actions and pure soul. It makes her feel almost wretched to be within his presence when she thinks back to what she really is. Impure and corrupted. She finally realizes the name of this emotion that has been slowly building up in her throughout this journey...
After Rex is done talking to his parents he kneels down and gives his final goodbye. When Rex turns around Nia sees a single tear fall from Rex's face. Nia subconsciously stands up as well and wipes the tear from his face. Nia then realizes how close she is to Rex right now and blushes and jumps away.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For taking me out here. I think I finally understand you a little bit more."
After visiting Rex's parents Nia and Rex head back to Corrine's house. Nia gets the idea to ask Corrine about Rex to get smaller details out of him such as favorite food or favorite color.
"Hey Corrine, mind if I help you make dinner?"
"Oh hello, I believe your the one Rex called... Nia right?"
"Yep that's me."
"I don't mind at all. If anything I think I may need another set of hands."
As Nia helps Corrine prepare dinner Nia tells Corrine about how she went with Rex to see his parents. Corrine responds with telling Nia the story of how Rex got to Fonsett Village and how his parents died immediately entering the titan. Nia feels bad about hearing this.
"I assure you that boy is a rock. By the way forgot to mention but I'm so glad Rex has someone he's willing to show his parents to."
"I swear it's not like that."
Nia comes to the realization that that's what Rex has been saying this entire time.
"Oh I can just see it now, you two would be a fine couple."
"It would never work out."
"Why is that?"
"Because Rex is so courageous and bold and pure. I'm none of those things and I keep hidin away my true self to everyone. I'm just scares that if I reveal my true self then I'll be judged and Rex would think less of me."
"Let me tell you something hun. Rex is a very kind and caring person. He would never abandon anyone and he wouldn't think any less of you for whatever it is your hiding."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Well to change the subject a little, can you tell me more about Rex like his interests and hobbies."
"Why of course."
As the two converse Nia finds out that one of Rex's favorite foods is Pan-Fried Tartari and decides to make Rex some for later as a thanks for earlier.
As night time rises Nia goes out to get a breath of fresh air. A few minutes later Rex goes outside for the same reason.
"Oh hey Nia. Looks like you also needed some air eh?"
"Yeah. Don't get me wrong your Aunt has a lovely place but it can get a bit stuffy in there."
"Fair enough."
The two of them stand there in silence for a few minutes before Nia breaks the silence.
"Hey Rex, do you ever miss them?"
"Who?"
"Your parents."
Rex thinks for a moment before responding.
"Of course I miss them. But if your asking why I don't let that way me down is very simple. Look around."
"What do you mean?"
"Everyone here in this village, the friends I've made on this adventure, even you; your all my family. I never feel lonely knowing all the people who support and love me."
Nia smiles at hearing this.
"Why are you smiling?"
"Your such an optimist."
"Gramps says that all the time."
There's another pause of silence.
"Hey Rex."
"Yeah?"
"I've got something for you."
"Really? I've got something for you to."
"Alright we'll reveal on 3. Got it."
"Alright."
"1...2...3!"
Nia reveals Pan-Fried Tartari to Rex and Rex reveals Cream Orange Paratha to Nia. They both say simultaneously: "How did you know?"
"I asked your Aunt what your favorite food was so I made some for you."
"I asked Dromarch the same question and there happened to be some on that titan ship that Fan picked us up on."
They both say simultaneously: "Thank you."
"Your welcome."
"Don't mention it."
As the two of them eat there favorite foods the night slowly comes to an end.
to be continued...