The next morning everyone wakes up early and heads out to where the vessel is that's going to transfer them to Indol. Once the group gets to where the vessel is there seems to be a certain Bringer of Chaos waiting there for them. Morag looks shocked but Rex can't tell why.
"Well well well if it isn't the Aegis' driver and his little group. I see you even have the flamebringer on your side now."
"Oh hey shellhead."
"Sup."
"Listen Zeke we don't really have time to deal with you right now, we're kind of meeting up with somebody important later today."
"Sorry chum ain't lettin you through till you beat me. I've been waiting for you for three whole days!"
"Three day?! Listen here shellhead I don't like picking on idiots so move."
"How did you even know we would be here?"
"Beat me then you'll find out."
"Morag are you going or-"
"I'll stay out of this one."
"What, why?"
"You'll see."
"Now your really done in for, the flamebringer isn't here to save you this time."
"Yeah, yeah let's get this over with."
Rex, Nia, and Tora all look bored out of their minds until Zeke blitz' all of them in an instant and continues his onslaught to everyone's surprise. Zeke doesn't let up even for a second as he proceeds to decimate them. Once he leaves them all sprawled out Morag speaks up.
"Thunderbolt Zeke, strongest driver of Tantal and it's crown prince."
It takes the group a moment to get up but after they all get back up somewhat injured they take Zeke seriously. The fight lasts over an hour and both sides are exhausted but eventually Zeke forfeits and explains how he was sent by Amalthus himself to ensure that this was indeed the Aegis' driver. After their little scuttle the group boards the titan vessel and sails straight to Indol.
Once they arrive they see a bunch of people protesting in the square.
"Those are the refugees who believe that by banning blades they can stop war. The irony is that despite their cause they live in Indol which is the biggest producer of core crystals."
"Surely they must know that without core crystals we'll find other ways of fighting right?"
"I don't think it even crossed their minds. Anyways let's keep moving. We're almost there."
While on the way Pyra asks Morag why she's following them and she replies that she wants to view the Aegis' power for herself. Once the group arrives at the inner area of Indol Fan tells them that they have rooms waiting for them and that she will be sent to retrieve them when the Praetor is ready.
After waiting for a few hours Fan returns and leads the group to the inner sanctum of the Praetorian where they meet Amalthus. During their meeting Rex gives Amalthus Cole's blade and Amalthus states how he would like a moment alone with the Aegis. Everyone agrees and leaves.
"Hey guys, did you feel something strange about the Praetor?"
"In what way?"
"Well when I was talking to the Praetor it felt like I was talking to Malos."
"Oh Rex your just losing it."
"I'm being serious. It was only for an instant but I felt it."
"Maybe it has something to do with you knowing that he's Malos' driver. It could also be the fact that you are the driver of an Aegis yourself."
"Yeah, maybe your right."
As everyone is waiting for Pyra/Mythra to finish talking to Amalthus Rex decides to hang out with Nia for a little bit.
"Hey Nia lets go check out Indol."
"What the hell, what are we tourists?"
"Well no but Pyra's taking to long talking to Amalthus so I was wondering if you'd like to search this place. It is a once and a lifetime opportunity after all."
"Easy for you to say, your not the one with a grudge against a place like this."
"Why do you have a grudge against Indol?"
Nia regrets saying anything at all.
"None of your concern. I guess we'll explore if you want to so badly. Why aren't you bothering anyone else?"
"Because Tora said he's working on "top secret project that Rex-Rex can't see yet." and Morag doesn't really seem like the explorer type."
"What about shellhead why don't you go bother him?"
"Because he already knows everything about Indol."
"So? That would make him the perfect travel guide."
"Why don't you wanna hangout?"
"It's not like that."
"Then let's go."
Although she doesn't like to admit it, Nia does enjoy when she and Rex hangout but always tries to act lile she doesn't.
Even though Nia despises Indol and everything it stands for she can't deny that she's enjoyed the past hour or so with Rex. After the two explore Indol they go back to there own separate rooms. Rex takes a nap while Nia just looks up at the ceiling.
"How was your day my lady?"
"Oh it was fine."
"You've been spending a lot of time with Master Rex lately haven't you."
"And it concerns you?"
"Not at all. I'm glad to see you spending more time with other people my lady. Its been so long since you've shown a liking to humans."
"I never thought I would again after the incident but it looks like I'm warming back up to them."
"Have you told them about your core crystal yet?"
"Some know but not everyone."
"Are you going to tell them?"
"I don't plan on it any time soon."
"Very well."
Suddenly an alarm goes off and everyone is told to go to the Praetor's inner sanctums. Everyone is informed of the situation in Temperantia and everyone immediately heads out but not before Morag chews up and spits out senator Roderick.
As everyone heads to Temperantia they all have one person in mind for who could do this: Jin.
to be continued...