The next morning after a quick breakfast, Lilika and Robyn left Tora's house and they met up at one of the bridges. Lilika and Robyn made some hard decisions last night.
"We're just gonna slow you guys down. We are of no help to you guys." Lilika said while looking down.
"That is a wise choice seeing as you are without Blades. Perhaps you can explore more of Torigoth if you wish." Azurda suggested.
"That's not a bad idea. Especially since we will be staying in the village." Robyn said.
"Just don't leave the town. Creatures of many sizes lurk outside." Rex warned them.
"That does sound like perfect plan. With these two people not with us, there is an 89.8% chance of neither success while on this adventure with friends and Masterpon." Poppi said while running in place.
"Truer words were never spoken." Robyn said while chuckling.
"Good luck guys." Lilika said
"Perhaps maybe we should see if we can get you two some weapons. You could potentially try resonating with Core Crystals, but it's risky though." Pyra said.
"From what Tora told us, seems like it. Maybe we can at least give it a try while exploring." Robyn suggested.
"Lilika and Robyn will need it. Nosebleed for three days is fatal if untreated. Meh-meh." Tora said as he was having a flashback of that day when he failed to become a driver.
"That seems pretty serious. What do you think Robyn? Should we get mixed up in things we have no clue about?" Lilika asked with uncertainty.
Robyn thought about it for a bit. It was true that they still had too many things to learn in this new world.
"Maybe not." Robyn answered.
"Then what do we do?" Lilika asked.
"Perhaps we should see what more this place has in store. Good luck out there guys." Robyn said.
"Same to you." Rex said as they turned around and went towards the titan warship where their friend was being held captive.
Lilika and Robyn were heading for a nearby ranch to try to fit in.
"I can't believe this." Lilika whispered while looking beyond the ranch. Robyn looked towards her with sadness for he knew how she felt. "Betrayed by our coworkers, waking up to an unfamiliar world and working with a teenager, a doll face beauty, a baby titan, and a mutant talking furby. Plus, with these people here that have cat ears, and so many eyes on us….we don't belong here. I don't think we can afford to get involved in any problems." Lilika added while she leaned on a fence and put her head on her arms.
"Lilika…" Robyn whispered.
"I'm sorry. We also have no money…homeless and aliens beyond belief. How can we afford anything if we can't get any form of currency?" Lilika asked.
"I'm sure we'll figure something out. Maybe…" Robyn thought as he dove into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. "Maybe a buyer can look into these. I'm sure that they'll fetch us at least something." Robyn said.
"Maybe, since they are, at this point, relics." Lilika said.
Little did they know that they were being watched by a couple of guards nearby. One of them activated a communicator.
"Inquisitor Mòrag, we spotted the ones from the pods yesterday. They are at Kloom Farm." One of them spoke.
"Copy that. Be ready to intercept them." Mòrag ordered them.
"Yes ma'am!" They said and gave her a salute. They turned off the communicator and began to make their way towards them.
Back with the time travelers, they saw a creature behind the fence coming towards them.
Robyn was looking at it with awe.
"Whoa, they're beautiful. They kinds remind me of triceratops." Robyn said.
"What are they?" Lilika asked as it stopped in front of them.
"Not sure, but…" Robyn was saying until he slowly reached out for it. The creature leaned in and placed its horn on his palm. "It seems quite friendly." Robyn finished.
"We do need to be careful though. At least it's domesticated." Lilika said as she too placed a hand on the horn of the creature.
"It's called an Ardun." One of the guards said as they approached them from behind, startling them. "Don't move." He said.
"Yikes! Androids!" Robyn yelled as he froze up.
"Careful Robyn. Remember, if we run or panic, we'll be target as potential criminals." Lilika said while calming down herself. She breathed a bit and looked at the guards. "My apologies for his shock. What is it that you want from us? We have done nothing wrong, or are we trespassing?" She asked them.
"Relax. Our inquisitor would like to see the both of you. She wants to ask you two some questions." The other said.
"Have we done anything wrong without realizing it?" Lilika asked.
"From what we gathered, no. At least, from our point of views. Now please, this way." One of them said.
They took them to a location indoors where they were more guards. They took a seat at a table, and they saw a woman in a military uniform entered. Another woman with long blue fiery hair, her eyes closed and wore a long blue dress with a pair of thigh length heels that are bluebell flame themed entered the room behind her.
"Morning. I am Special Inquisitor Mòrag of the Mor Ardain Empire." She said as she took a seat across from them.
"And I am Lady Mòrag's Blade, Brighid." The other woman said.
"Um…honestly, I am very unnerved and afraid right now. I…my name is Lilika." Lilika said.
"And I'm Robyn." Robyn said with a slight bow.
"Rest assured, no harm will come. However, we received word that you lot were with a terrorists' friends when you awoke." Mòrag said.
This shocked the both of them.
"Huh…? What are you talking about?" Lilika asked.
"I mean, the ones that awoken you two. They were in league with a terrorist a couple days ago." Mòrag answered.
"I heavily assure you Inquisitor that this is all a big misunderstanding. They did nothing bad to us, but just give us some modern clothing, and hospitality." Robyn explained.
"We just woke up in a world that we are nowhere near familiar with." Lilika said while looking away a bit.
"I understand. Will someone please fetch us some refreshments? I think these two could use some comfort." Mòrag requested to her guards.
"Yes ma'am." On of them said. They left to get some tea.
"Now then, I would like to know more about what has become of you two in the past." Mòrag said to the both of them.
Robyn explained to them about everything they knew. When the guard came back with the tea, they started to relax a bit more.
"And that's what happened. From the year 2021 to 4058 is a huge change for us." Robyn said.
"We…we have no idea what to do." Lilika said while looking down at her tea.
"You've told us everything we need to know. And as a token of our gratitude, we present to you a few gifts. 50,000 coins to help you get by for some time. And of course, the important item that will aide you. Brighid, if you please?" Mòrag asked while they were receiving the money.
"Of course, Lady Mòrag." Brighid said. She pulled out a small light blue cube from her person and placed it in front of them.
"Behold, a Core Crystal." Mòrag said while showing them the crystal with a warm smile.
"Ah! I…I am unsure whether or not we are worthy of becoming Drivers." Lilika said with uncertainty.
"If the worst should happen, we have a medical station at the nearby base should you need it." Mòrag said.
"That's very reasonable. So, go ahead and take the crystal Lilika." Robyn said while looking back at her.
"Why me?" Lilika asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You've always been the cautious one. Plus, you always take the safe way." Robyn answered.
"I suppose that's true…alright. I'll do it." Lilika said as she slowly reached for the crystal.
She gripped it and held it to her chest. The crystal began to glow. She felt a power radiating from the crystal, causing her to tense up.
"Steady now." Mòrag said as she stood up and backed away.
Just then, lights shot out from behind her. They took on multiple forms until…a female Blade has taken form.
She had light colored skin, lilac/sapphire eyes, black hair in a half-ponytail with stands in front in the form of a crescent moon. She wore a long sleeve powder blue mini skirt dress with patches of armor on her chest and shoulders. She wore a belt over her hem that flared out a bit. She had grey shorts with long boots and had a small pearl chocker.
"I strike swiftly by nightfall to protect my Driver." She said before summoning her weapon, a crossbow radiating dark energy. She shot arrows from the crossbow all over until she freezes. "You can call me Mayonaka. You're safe with me…and I can sense we can do great in battle." She finishes before striking a pose and more dark energy radiates from her.
Blade Analysis
Mayonaka
Element: Dark
Weapon: Crossbow
Role: Healer
Field Skills: Dark Mastery, Fortitude, Nightspeed
Nightspeed improves reaction time to attacks and speeds up attacks. It works better while it's nighttime.
LVL 1 – Astro Shot – 3 shots and evades attacks
LVL 2 – Lunar Light – Heals player by 70%
LVL 3 – Moonlight Miracle – Heals all players by 70%
LVL 4 – Star Shot Barrage – Arrows rain down on surrounding enemies
"Whoa…." Lilika said with amazement.
"No away." Robyn said also with amazement as her new Blade approached her.
"That's unusual. That's a Rare Blade." Mòrag said. She then pulled out a scroll and a pen. "You are worthy of being a Driver. Now then, I'll need you to sign this contract." She added.
"You need a license to be a Driver in Alrest?" Lilika asked while reading the contract.
"It is wise to be register to be a Driver should you be needed for updates and potential missions so you two can get more money in the future." Morag explained.
"Should I sign my name as well?" Robyn asked when Lilika began signing her name onto the contract.
"You can if you wish." Morag answered as she gave him another contract for him to sign, to which he did so right away after he looked through it.
Suddenly, a soldier entered the room.
"Inquisitor, the Aegis and her gang have rescued the terrorist and have taken the bait. Unfortunately, Dughall has failed…again." He said to her.
Brighid and Morag sighed in annoyance.
"Brighid, let's go." Morag said.
"Of course, Lady Morag." Brighid said with a slight bow.
Just as they were leaving, Morag turned towards Lilika.
"Your friend there is quite the informed charmer." Morag said out of the blue.
"He is romantically oblivious…he's attracted multiple women but has never become aware of it." Lilika said with a bit of cringe in her expression.
Robyn looked towards them with a raised eyebrow, think what she was talking about. Brighid saw this and chuckled a bit.
"I can see your point." Brighid said.
"Anything else you need from us?" Lilika asked.
"No. Thank you for your cooperation. Now if you'll excuse us; we have a criminal to catch." Morag said as she and Brighid left.
Shortly after they left, Lilika and Robyn left towards the ranch again.
"What should we tell them?" Lilika asked.
"We'll tell them about the money we got, and our new friend." Robyn said.
"Maybe we should split the money so we can each have something to have for future purchases." Lilika suggested.
"Good idea." Robyn said. The both of them began to split the money 50/50. "By the by, you gonna get to know Mayonaka at all?" He asked her.
"Right…how do you Blades work?" Lilika asked her new Blade.
"We have different abilities and roles in battle. I use the dark element and I'm a healer." Mayonaka said while stroking her hair a bit.
"I don't think I'll be good in fights." Lilika said while looking down sheepishly.
"Maybe she can train you for such combat." Robyn suggested.
"I will. Don't worry, as your Blade, I will protect you mistress." Mayonaka said with a bow.
"Do you know what an Aegis is?" Lilika asked while looking back at Robyn.
"Maybe it's a relic? What do you think?" He asked Mayonaka.
"That is beyond my knowledge and cannot be that easily answered." Mayonaka said.
"Well that's-AAHH!" Robyn yelled as an explosion erupted close by.
"If I were you rookies, and mistress, that we choose flight than fight." Mayonaka suggested.
"No need to say that twice." Robyn said while backing away.
Just then, Rex and his friends, along with a cat girl and a white tiger was running towards them.
"Come on! We're out of here!" Rex yelled.
They ran out of town and out into the wild areas. They ran until they were under a massive tree. They finally caught their breaths, and they can be more at ease.
"Okay Rex, who the 'ell are these two?" The cat girl asked while twitching her ear.
"They're new friends. That's Lilika and that's Robyn." Rex answered.
"And is that…a Blade?" The tiger spoke, startling the two of them.
"Talking tigers now. Welp, this place is getting crazier by the minute." Robyn said while looking out into space.
"I am mistress Lilika's Blade. I am Mayonaka, mistress of the night." Mayonaka said.
"I am Dromarch, my lady's Blade and guardian." Dromarch said.
"I'm Nia, his Driver." Nia said.
"Nice to meet you." Robyn said while looking at Nia. Just then, he began to ponder. 'Why are her cat ears backwards?' He thought.
"What are we to do now? If we can't return home, we'll need a new one…while adjusting to Alrest." Lilika said while looking around the area.
"I'm sure you'll adjust…wait a minute. To Alrest?" Dromarch asked when he realized what she said.
"Rex, were those pods the reason?" Nia asked.
"Yes…Robyn and I are aliens. We aren't from here. Hard to explain." Lilika said.
"Either way, we best be off. Thank you for your assistance. Farewell." Dromarch said as he and Nia began to leave.
Rex then got in the middle of the group when they began to leave.
"I want to reach Elysium." Rex said out of the blue.
Nia and Dromarch stopped dead in their tracks.
"EH!?" Nia yelled with confusion as she turned back towards him.
"I made a promise to Pyra. I want to help her reach Elysium." Rex answered.
"I see." Lilika said.
"By the by, any of you guys know what an Aegis is?" Robyn asked.
"You're looking at her." Rex said as he presented Pyra to them, who looked at them with a shy look.
"This angelic doll-face girl? Just what exactly is an Aegis?" Lilika asked.
"I think it's best we camp here, and we'll explain about it." Rex suggested.
"I shall keep a watchful eye out for danger tonight." Mayonaka said when she pulled out her weapon.
That night when they set up a campfire, Rex and Pyra, mostly Pyra, explained more of what the Aegis is and what they're capable of.
"WHAAAA!?" Robyn shouted in shock.
"I can't imagine a girl like her would abuse such a power. Perhaps as a last resort." Lilika said while finishing processing what Pyra said.
"Wouldn't surprise me. There Pyra, good as new." Rex said as he finished with tending to Pyra's wounds.
"Thank you, Rex." Pyra said. It was from there that she notices something. "Rex…they're the same." She said while showing her bandages with his bandages.
"They have identical wounds? How peculiar." Mayonaka said while noticing the wounds.
"How so?" Lilika asked.
"Blades cannot share injuries with their Drivers. The boy having a part of his Blade's Core Crystal might have something to do with it." Mayonaka explained.
"Now that you mention it…" Robyn was saying until he looked over at Lilika. He looked at the upper part of her chest but saw nothing of a crystal similar like Rex's. "I don't see a crystal on you Lilika." Robyn finished.
"Rex was killed after he found me…and I revived him in exchange for helping me to reach Elysium. In conclusion…I became his Blade." Pyra explained how this was possible.
Robyn was confused at first, until he realized where this was going.
"Resurrection…you must be special." Robyn said with a smile.
"It's more like dumb luck than being special." Nia said while stretching her body out a bit while laying on Dromarch.
"Thanks…" Rex sarcastically said with a bit of a glare.
"Seems to me it's best to be oblivious. Luck is what you possess." Mayonaka said while inspecting her weapon.
"Perhaps." Rex said.
"Tora have no idea what is going on. But…Tora get shut eye." Tora said before yawning and fell asleep right by Poppi.
"Rest up mistress. I shall keep an eye on night's bringing." Mayonaka insisted.
"Alright." Lilika said before she fell asleep.
Robyn gazed at the stars with Rex and Pyra.
"Robyn…is something bothering you?" Pyra asked
"Not really. I just never seen so many stars before. All of this is so new to me. It's overwhelming." Robyn said as he looked beyond the World Tree and saw as far as the eye can see in space.
"I can imagine so." Pyra said.
"We'll you're welcome to stay with us. After all, you guys could use a guide." Rex offered with a smile.
"That would be wonderful. Plus, I'm the only one here without a Core Crystal." Robyn pointed out.
"Of course. Mistress awoken me. You're the only one without a Blade. Architect knows when you'll get yours." Mayonaka said.
"Let me guess…this Architect is your God." Robyn assumed.
"He's more like the creator." Pyra answered.
"You don't…say." Robyn said while wondering what else Alrest has in store for them. "So how are we gonna get to the World Tree?" Robyn asked.
Rex smiled and said, "We get there by ship of course." Rex answered.
The gang prepares for a voyage towards the World Tree. When will Robyn claim his own Core Crystal? Will Lilika move from what's happened? Find out more as the story continues.
