Tantal was just as cold as Rex remembered if not moreso. It was times like this he was glad that he had not skimped on his salvaging suit. In addition to providing a surprising amount of armor in combat, it was ludicrously well insulated to the point he did not mind the exposed skin as much as one might think.

The same apparently could not be said for Mythra as they made their way to Theosoir. Multiple times Rex caught the Aegis shivering when she thought no one was looking. Come to think of it, Pyra had done most of the walking around in Tantal outside of Theosoir. Rex supposed Mythra lacked the ability to keep warm that Pyra had.

"Are you cold, Mythra?" Rex fell back to where Mythra had been keeping her distance.

"W-what would give you that idea?" She desperately tried to stop her teeth from clattering as she spoke.

"Um, well, maybe Pyra could take over. I'm sure she wouldn't have any problems with the cold."

Mythra paused for a moment to inquire before shaking her head at Rex and putting a hand on his shoulder, "Good try though." Rex sighed and nodded in response before making his way back up to the front of the group.

'You really should talk to him. He wants to see you.'

'I…I can't bring myself to face him now. Not after everything I did.'

'Like he cares. You did hear him, right?'

'How…what if he was just saying that to shock me out of it?'

'Do you honestly think he's smart enough for that?'

'Don't insult him!'

'So you do care?' Mythra smirked despite the freezing cold.

'Of course I care, but…how could he really love me? Especially after all that.'

'Give me a break! How long are you gonna mope?'

'Like you're one to talk,' Pyra muttered.

'What was that?'

'Nevermind, just…just leave me alone.'

With that, Pyra sunk deeper into her mind leaving Mythra to sigh. That could have gone better.

"So, what now, fearless leader?" Zeke asked as they entered the city limits. Needless to say, he was anxious about this even if he tried to hide it. To just show up after being gone for so long…it was a scary proposition even for the Zekenator, and this time he had no missive from Indol to help ease them into things.

"Well, I guess we should find a place for Mythra to hide."

"We could put her up at an inn. Assuming it's still in business, I know just the place. Might be best if Morag stays with her too. Dear old dad may not take too kindly to a high ranking Ardainian official showing up."

"A surprisingly sensible precaution," Morag nodded, "Brighid and I will stay with Mythra."

"Just try not to take too long," Mythra warned, but despite her words, she was at least happy that the city was surprisingly warm. That did not completely heal her bad mood from her conversation with Pyra earlier though.

"No promises. Not with my old man."

"Son," The king of Tantal spoke evenly from his throne, "Why have you returned?"

"Good to see you too, pops," Zeke murmured, "We've come seeking asylum. We…may have gotten on Indol's bad side."

"And you come here? Do you not know our kingdom's longstanding relationship with Indol?"

"I know you want out of it," Rex made his way past Zeke.

"Who is this boy to make such accusations?"

"I'm Rex, and I know what Indol makes you do. I know your people are suffering. I know you're fed up with having to sacrifice their happiness for Amalthus' sake."

"What could you possibly know about me or my nation?"

"I know you're secret," This got the king's attention, "About Addam."

The king narrowed his eyes, "Leave us," He instructed his guards who somewhat reluctantly complied. As they were leaving, his hard gaze did not leave Rex. Once they were gone, he spoke again, "What do you claim to know about me and my family?"

Even Zeke had to admit he was curious now as Rex looked to the others, "Are you sure you want them to hear?"

The king's eyes narrowed further, "Everyone but my son and the boy, leave us."

Once again, there was an awkward silence as the throne room was further vacated. Once it was just the three of them, Rex started again, "You aren't Addam's descendent."

"What are you on about?" Zeke hardly registered the comment.

"Your ancestors were from another branch of Tornan royalty, not Addam's. You used Addam's name to seize power and have used it to keep it. Amalthus knows this, and he blackmails you into making core chips at the cost of living in this frozen wasteland. Isn't that right? I also have a message from Addam himself."

"I am curious as to how one so young came to possess such knowledge."

"You mean it's true? Our whole family is one big lie?"

"I'm afraid he speaks the truth. Tell me, boy, what do you intend to do with this knowledge?"

"Nothing," Rex replied casually.

"You would come here and declare our deepest secret, and yet demand nothing?"

"Pretty much. I just needed you to listen."

His Highness was certainly interested at that point, "I see. What then, did you want me to hear?"

"Well, you see…"

After explaining the situation, Mythra, Morag, and Brighid joined them at the palace to present Addam's message. Rex was not sure how their earring projector thing worked, but part of him hoped that it would force Pyra to make an appearance so that he could speak with her, but no such luck as Mythra set the message to play.

As the message played, Rex's thoughts went back to the Crucible. He still was not sure what that was. A projection? A ghost? He could not say, but it had given him some insight that he needed. Unfortunately, Addam's advice was not really helping him with Pyra right now. Though he supposed that being romantically interested in her was not something Addam was prepared to help with anyway. For that matter, it seemed that Addam and Pyra had not spent much time together at all.

Not that it was hard to imagine what she must be going through. He had underestimated the extent of her self-doubt. He blamed himself. If only he had seen the signs better. Maybe then he could have done something, but he was never that good at sensitive issues. Helping people with serious issues like that was so foreign to him, but he wanted to try regardless.

He also did not want to leave his confession dangling for too long. As embarrassing as it may have been, he wanted to conclude it one way or another. He was not sure the odds she returned those feelings, but not knowing was eating at him. Regardless of her answer though, he would not stop fighting for her. He wanted to see her happy, even if it cost him his own.

A/N: I've actually already finished the rough draft of the next chapter. Look forward to that.