After sailing for several hours the group makes it to Tantal. When they first arrive Zeke informs them that Theosoir the capital is at the other end of the titan and that they would have to trek through the snow to get there. About halfway to the capital Rex asks Zeke about Tantal since he'd like to learn more about the region.
"Hey Zeke, why is Tantal so cold?"
"Well you see Rex, Tantal is known for being the biggest exporter of core crystals in all of Alrest and cold weather creates core crystals even faster. Unfortunately cold weather makes it harder to grow food which is why my people are starving."
"That's awful. Why haven't you tried to change anything?"
"Because my father refuses to change his ways even when I plead for him to have some mercy on our people."
"Now that I think about it why don't you live here shellhead?"
"Because I got kicked out of my own nation by my father for leaving it to much."
"Why did you leave?"
"Because I wanted to explore Alrest. Before then I only knew Tantal but after sneaking out to many times my father just banished me from the land. That's why I live in Indol. The Praetor gave me a second chance."
"I see."
"Anyways we're almost to Theosoir chums, just a little bit farther."
After walking for a little while longer they make it to Theosoir where the group experiences Tantal's poverty first hand.
"This is so heart breaking."
"Yeah at this point the only way people can obtain actual food is through the black market and smuggling."
"Is this really how people live?"
"Yes it is. That's why I tried to bring change."
"Zeke after all this Elysium is said and done, I want you to promise me to bring change to this desolate place alright?"
"I'm already one step ahead of you chum. Anways the palace is just right over there come along now."
After that the group goes into the palace to meet up with the king.
"Sup dad."
"Greetings my son."
"Hey dad can I ask you a favor and borrow the Omega Fetter please?"
"My son is that the Aegis behind you?"
"Why yes it would be. Dad meet Pyra, Pyra meet King Eulogimenos ruler of Tantal."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I see. Why would you need the Omega Fetter my child?"
"Because we need to get to the world tree of course so we can get to Elysium."
"I see. Guards arrest everyone and capture the Aegis."
"Wait wha-"
Suddenly a large bolt of energy strikes Pyra knocking her out. Everyone panics and notices that the ether has gotten really thin.
"King Eulogimenos, this is an act of war!" Morag desperately shouts at the ruler of Tantal.
"I am aware and I will deal with the consequences later but for the sake of Alrest the Aegis must be destroyed."
"N-no you can't take Pyra! She's not the weapon you make her out to be!"
"She won't be when she's dead. Guards lock them up."
"Father what the hell was that?!"
"My son I am protecting our kingdom, no the entirety of Alrest from the destruction of the Aegis. Please follow me, there is something I must show you."
After that Rex and co are thrown in jail. Everyone soon realizes that Tantal's prisons are ether sealed rooms which is why they still have there blades.
"Guys we have to rescue Pyra!"
"How are we gonna do that when no one can pull any ether eh?"
"Actually you all forget one important thing."
"And what would that be furball?"
"You forget that Poppi not use ether!"
"Oh yeah, Tora get us out of here."
"Right on it. Get ready Poppi!"
"Ready Masterpon."
"Hyah!"
Tora busts down the door and everyone makes there escape from the prison. While looking for Pyra, Rex and co bump into Zeke.
"Zeke there you are!"
"Rex chum I've been looking all over for you. Listen I just want to say sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Oh Zeke it's fine, we just need to clear this up with the king and get Pyra back."
"Glad you understand chum. Now come on I know where they're keeping Pyra."
"Isn't that convenient."
Zeke then leads the group to where they are keeping Pyra as they see a giant laser beam aimed right at her.
"We can't let that hit her!"
"Don't worry friends Tora got this. Poppi QT engaged!"
"Roger Roger."
As Tora and Poppi try to move the giant cannon out of the way several dozen guards flood the room and Rex, Nia, Morag, and Zeke have to battle all of them.
"Come on Poppi you can do it!"
"Hggghhaaaaaaahhh!!!"
Poppi barely moves the cannon out of the way in time and saves Pyra. Poppi then flies up and frees Pyra from her shackles and flys her down.
"Thank you all for saving me. I really thought I wasn't going to make it there."
"Like we'd ever abandon a friend in need. Right guys?"
"There you go again acting all heroic n stuff."
"What can I say, that's just how I am."
"You all saved the Aegis."
"Listen hear King of Tantal, I know you view Pyra and Mythra as a threat to the world but right now we're taking them to Elysium to save the world. So please understand that we can't let you hurt our friends."
"You mean you would forgive me even after everything I've done?"
"Sure will."
Eulogimenos thinks about it for a moment then responds.
"Thank you. Now we have a more pressing matter to attend to."
"What would that be?"
"After shooting that weapon we destroyed the Titans communication field and we are currently diving deeper into the cloud sea."
"That sounds terrible."
"The only way to stop it is to use the Omega Fetter to rewrite the Titans commands and have it resurface."
"Is there any way we can help?"
"You would really help us even after everything?"
"Yeah we need to save the people, plus this is Zeke's homeland, plus we need to save our own hides, plus we need the Omega Fetter anyways."
"Oi you sound like your trying to do math with all thoses pluses ey?"
"I guess I do sound a bit redundant?" Rex nervously scratches the back of his neck.
"Thank you we are eternally in your debt."
"I know where it is everyone follow me."
"Wait before we do that, do you know how much time we have your majesty?"
Eulogimenos thinks for a moment then gives a rough estimate.
"I'd say you have four hours before we all freeze to death."
"Then we really don't have time to waste then. Everyone we move out immediately and follow Zeke."
"We're heading for the Genbu Drifts so everyone follow me."
As the clock begins ticking Rex and co only have four hours to save Tantal from freezing over.
to be continued...