After the meeting was complete, everyone minus Robyn and Lilika were right outside their sleeping quarters.
"Morning folks. You're looking a bit better-slept than yesterday." Zeke said.
"Pretty much" Rex said while stretching out his body.
"Fan's visiting hours is beginning soon just outside the audience chamber, is it not? If we are to see her, we best be ready." Dromarch said.
"It's meant to be happening in Seoris Plaza, right outside the Sanctum." Pandoria pointed out.
"You'll be going, right chum?" Zeke asked while looking towards the boy.
"Yes. It would be wrong for me to not to." Rex answered.
"Seoris Plaza very not far away. Time to go! Quick-quick!" Tora yelled.
"Masterpon so bossy sometimes…" Poppi said.
"Let's get going then." Agate said.
Just then, Robyn and Lilika ran to them…and they were panicking.
"Jin's sword is gone!" Robyn yelled.
"What!?" Vale yelled with shock.
"What happened!?" Mythra asked while stepping forward.
"We don't know. But I think we may have a hunch on who…" Robyn said.
"Torna." Jacu growled while clenching her fist.
"What do we do?" Lilika asked.
"We'll have to be cautious." Zeke said.
They were now making their way towards the audience chamber where Fan was sitting on a chair with a few guards by her. She was somewhat drowsy and was holding her core. In short…she was very weak.
"Fan…are you feeling okay?" Lilika asked while kneeling down to her side.
"Indeed. I am feeling just fine. What are you all so worried about?" Fan asked while slowly looking towards her.
"If it wasn't for Robyn's quick thinking, you'd be dead." Dromarch said.
"That is correct. I am very indebted to you Robyn." Fan said while slowly looking at Robyn with a warming smile.
Robyn smiled back and knelt down to her height. She gently embraced him while he held her.
While they were checking up with Fan, Nia and Mythra hung by for a moment.
"I guess they do call her a Goddess…the state celebration makes sense. Shouldn't you be with him?" Nia asked.
"He's a boy. Best not to bother them at times like this." Mythra said while crossing her arms.
"Heh. I expected you'd be more clingy. You really are different from her." Nia said.
"Actually, letting him be was more her idea than mine." Mythra admitted.
"Really? Pyra's? Get out! So wait, you're saying you WANT to go be clingy, or what?" Nia assumed.
Mythra glared at her and raised an arm up.
"I'll burn you." She threatened.
"I kid, I kid! Sheesh. Anyway…it's weird, though…" Nia said while looking back
"What is?" Mythra asked.
"I mean, don't you think it's odd? Normally, if a Blade or its Driver dies, it'll just go back to being a Core Crystal. So why is Fan like that?" Nia asked.
"I did wonder the same thing. There's only one way I know for a dead Blade to keep its physical form. Remember Minoth? I mean Cole. He was a Flesh Eater." Mythra explained.
"Yeah." Nia said.
"But Fan isn't a Flesh Eater. I can say that for sure." Mythra said before taking her fingers and forming them into a diamond shape.
"What's that?" Nia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That's the shape of Fan's Core Crystal. Well, how it used to be." Mythra answered.
"But… now it's a triangle!" Nia pointed out.
"Rex and I are quite a unique case, but this is different still." Mythra said while lowering her hands.
"How's it different?" Nia asked with a tilted head.
"If a Blade shares its core with another, its shape changes in a uniform fashion. In our case, the center part went to Rex, and the outer parts to us. I don't know why that is, but it seems to be a rule." Mythra answered while still pondering more of it.
"But Fan's isn't like that…" Nia pointed out.
"Exactly. It looks more like someone stole her core, doesn't it? In fact, Robyn and I were talking about this back in Leftheria. He has some suspicions at to who stole it." Mythra pointed out while looking at Robyn, who was still being hugged by Fan.
After they met up with Fan to ensure that she was alright, they stepped outside and were in thought.
"What are we gonna do about Torna?" Lilika asked.
"We need to stop them. If we managed to cripple Jin, then they're vulnerable with their leader damaged. One more hit to the crystal, and he's done for." Theory said while gripping the tang of her sword.
"Master Rex! There you are. Praetor Amalthus wishes to speak with you. He is waiting in the audience chamber past Lady Fan." A member of the Praetorium said as they came at a run.
"That's perfect timing, then. Maybe he wants to talk about the World Tree?" Rex asked the Indoline.
"I am afraid I cannot say." He said.
"Well, there is only one way to find out." Azurda said.
"Let's get over to that audience chamber, then." Zeke suggested.
"Come on!" Finch yelled while jumping.
When they entered the audience chamber, they saw Amalthus with his arm outstretched while Core Crystals were swirling around in front of them. Fan was laying underneath. She was slowing breathing while her damaged crystal was glowing.
"Whoa…amazing." Robyn whispered.
"Here, here." Theory said while holding his arm.
"My apologies. Did I keep you waiting?" Amalthus asked when he faced them.
"We just arrived, Your Eminence." Roc said.
"What were you doing?" Rex asked.
"I was cleansing the Core Crystals. It markedly increase their resonance success rate. Bonding with a crystal carries certain risks, you understand…" Amalthus explained.
"Of course." Lilika said.
"Is she gonna be okay?" Robyn asked while looking at Fan.
"That…I am afraid I cannot say. Her Core Crystal is damaged, and if she doesn't get the proper treatment…well, you get it. Anyway, when I became the Driver of the Aegis, this power was awakened in me." Amalthus said while closing his eyes.
"So…I might be able to it too?" Rex asked.
"Who knows. Different people are cut out for different things…" Amalthus said.
"Yeah, right…" Rex said while looking away sheepishly.
"Now then. I will tend to Fan later. Please, come this way." Amalthus said.
"What funny-dressed man need us for?" Finch asked while tilting her head while they were heading for the meeting room.
"I'm glad you asked my little chicken friend. I would like to have you all go to Tantal for me. As a special envoy." Amalthus answered when they reached his desk.
"A special envoy…to Tantal? Me?" Rex asked.
"Is there any reason you are requesting this of us, Holy Lord Amalthus?" Mayonaka asked.
"Indeed. Behold." Amalthus said while they looked at a map.
"Am I to assume this is Alrest?" Robyn asked.
"Yep." Rex said.
"The world we currently inhabit. We make our homes on the Titans, moving in circles around the World Tree. And here lies to Great Void." Amalthus said while pointing at the center of the map.
"What is that?" Lilika asked.
"This Void came into being 500 years ago. It did not exist prior to that." Amalthus said
"So I've heard. It's in our way, anyway. It stopped us reaching the World Tree." Rex said.
"Do you have a way for us to reach the World Tree?" Agate asked.
"We'll need to get rid of the one that has greater it. A monstrous beast known as Ophion." Amalthus explained more.
"Wait…you mean that thing?" Rex asked while remembering their first voyage to the World Tree.
"To be precise, it is an Artifice, a servant of the Aegis." Amalthus added.
"Of Mythra?" Rex asked while looking at her.
"But when Pyra called out for it, it didn't respond to her at all." Jacu pointed out.
"So if that thing is Mythra's then what did it attack us for!? Doesn't make sense!" Nia yelled.
"Ophion was felled in the ancient battle with Malos, sinking below the clouds…this means…someone must have revived it." Mythra assumed.
"Correct." Amalthus said.
"And you're saying that someone was Zeke's home country, Tantal?" Mythra asked him.
"Yes. They gave Ophion one directive. To ensure that none approach the World Tree. They sought to prevent a repeat of the horrors of the Aegis War. So an obstacle was created – the Great Void." Amalthus said.
"And to prevent another Aegis War? But how? If Ophion is a guardian, maybe it's purpose is to act like a guard dog." Robyn said.
"That's one way of putting it." Rex said.
"How did they manage a feat like that?" Mythra asked.
"As I said, mankind is regressing. Only one artifact remains that can rescind Ophion's orders, and it lies in Tantal." Amalthus explained.
"It's called the Omega Fetter, and it's guarded by the royal family. I'll take you to it." Zeke said while gaining everyone's attention.
"Because you're Tantal royalty." Lilika said.
"The Crowned Prince." Poppibuster said.
"I've prepared your envoy documents already. Your quest is to set foot in Elysium, correct? Malos and his ilk will surely seek the Omega Fetter for themselves. I would ask you to reach Elysium before they do and inform me of what you find there. Do it as a favor for a once-foolish old man. And so that people may have a future in this dying world…" Amalthus requested.
"You can count of us, Holy Lord Amalthus." Mayonaka said.
After they departed with Amalthus, they returned to their sleeping quarters to discuss a plan. Zeke and Pandoria invited them all to their room.
"We can reach Tantal by ship, but once there, we'll have to do a bit of walking." Zeke explained.
"That doesn't sound too hard." Praxis said.
"But why do I get the strange feeling that things are gonna get complicated with you around? Your luck especially." Robyn said while pondering a bit.
"Luck of Zeke not so great. Bet we shipwreck by tomorrow." Tora said, causing Zeke to laugh a bit.
"Cheeky furball!" Zeke said with a big smile.
"We're all gonna die." Nia said.
"Hey Zeke. You said that Torna concerned you too…what did you mean by that?" Rex asked.
"Well…I don't know about those clowns, but Torna the country that fell 500 years ago…they were the ancestors of us Tantalese. The people of Tantal are descendants of Addam, the hero of Torna who escaped its destruction." Zeke answered in detail.
"So that explains how you're royalty. You have a connection to a fallen hero and ruler." Corvin said.
"So…after Pyra fell asleep, Addam escaped to Tantal?" Rex asked.
"That's right." He said.
"That is the first I've heard of it. I have studied much history, but this story never featured. Most peculiar." Dromarch said.
"We're humble. Don't really like to brag about it. The only real trace left is in this sigil of the royal family…" Zeke said while taking out said sigil and showed them.
"So beautiful." Agate said.
"Looks like we'll find out more…when we reach Tantal." Roc said.
"Shall we be on our way?" Mayonaka asked.
"Agreed." Zeke said.
"Oh! Zeke, I think I may have a solution to your bad luck." Rex said while taking out a Core Crystal. "I salvaged this, and according to what I've learned, this was also a bringer of bad luck supposedly. If you resonate with it, maybe you'll counter it's and vice versa." Rex explained.
"Is that so? In that case…a little change in my life would suffice." Zeke said while taking it.
"What are you waiting for?" Pandoria asked while getting excited.
"Right now!" Zeke yelled as he activated the crystal.
The crystal glowed and a single light silhouette shot out from behind him.
A floral designed crystal began to glow on the Blade's chest. The Blade revealed to be a young woman with fair skin, long black hair and had pointy ears. She's wearing a white dress over a blue skirt, as well as gold and red dangle earrings. Her hands, arms, and legs are wrapped in bandages, with bolted gold rings attached near each pair of joints. Sharp black claws protrude from the bandages on her hands. Her feet, which are exposed, are clawed, and outfitted with open footwear sporting a blue diamond shape on top. Her feet were also a darker color. Glowing blue energy lines are present on her forehead, arms, and legs. When she slowly opened her eyes, they were red, and had diamond pupils. On the back of her head is a white and red fox mask.
"Kasandra here!" She said with a big smile. She then turned around and she saw a beautiful flower. She knelt down to it and looked at it. Just then, her mask's eyes began to glow, and a dark aura began to be channeled. She looked as if nothing was happening. She then stood up and bowed to everyone and summoned a shield hammer. "I will work day and night to ensure our happiness." She said while taking a quick swing with her hammer. Little did she realize, as she struck a pose, that the flower disintegrated behind her.
"Whoa. Beautiful." Rex said while Kasandra looked back at them.
"Hi there! Nice to meet you all. You're a lucky Driver to have me around!" She said while looking up at Zeke.
"From a kind young lady like you, I think we will work great together." Zeke said with a proud smile.
"Whoa…" Perun said while looking at Kasandra.
"Nice to meet you all!" Kasandra said.
"Great to meet you." Robyn said.
"Now what do you say we head for the docks?" Zeke asked everyone.
They departed to the docks where they saw several guards from Mor Ardain and Uraya keeping a close eye on everything that is happening. Tensions were running high, and things were going all over the place. Kasandra fitted in to the group well as she got to know everyone.
"So we can make our way to Tantal from here. I assume the Praetor has a ship waiting for us." Zeke said while in thought.
"Okay." Lilika said.
"Hey Shellhead. Are we really gonna leave Mòrag behind?" Nia asked while feeling a bit unsure.
"Who's leaving anyone? She got her own priorities, y'know." Zeke said.
"Yeah, but still…" Nia said while looking away.
"Anyway, her schedule is filled with official duties right now." Azurda said.
"For sure. It just a bit of a shame is all. You know since we came all this way together." Rex said while scratching his head.
"I suppose with her duties, it cannot be helped." Mayonaka said.
"Yeah since her country went out on a battle that was a setup." Robyn said.
"But thanks to us, we have proof that it was neither of them that started it." Theory said.
"Uh? Speak of the devil…" Zeke said as he looked the other way. They saw Mòrag and Brighid walking towards them.
"What is going on?" Lilika asked.
"We have a problem. Acting chairman Niranira has learned that Bana has gone for the summit." Mòrag answered.
"Bana is going for the summit?" Rex asked with eyes wide.
"One top of everything, an assassination attempt!?" Azurda yelled.
"If blood gets spilled at the summit, it'll mean war." Brighid said.
"But they know that Torna is in on this! They know that it was neither of them!" Robyn yelled.
"Wait a minute! Bana!? He's here!?" Jacu yelled.
"Are we expected to take him down for good?" Mayonaka asked.
"Think weird ball-man will pop out another Core Crystal?" Finch asked while scratching her head.
"Hopefully! Tora know better than Bana. Although…Core Crystal unlikely to come out of Bana" Tora said.
"I guess he want to use war to get himself back in the guild…" Zeke said.
"Why that little…I was wondering where he snuck off to! What a sneaky git…" Rex said angrily.
"It seems that Acting Chairman Niranira…wishes to take care of this incident covertly, to avoid it reflecting badly upon the Guild." Mòrag explained.
"So you came to us?" Rex asked.
"Well then…count us in. We have a little score with him." Robyn said.
"If we mobilize the army, the whole thing will become public. I'm not forcing you." Mòrag said.
"Oh, I get it. So we're a more convenient solution." Nia said with piecing the puzzle together.
"You wouldn't even think of dragging us into this if you thought you could handle it on your own." Zeke pointed out.
"I suppose not. You know Bana as well and I. There's no telling what he might be plotting." Mòrag said.
"According to Acting Chairman Niranira…several giant weapons were built at the factory where we last saw him. And one of them is currently unaccounted for." Brighid informed them.
"Giant…weapons…" Tora said to himself while in thought.
"You can count on us. Plus, it's time for us to finish what we started. But the question now is...where is he?" Robyn asked.
"My guess is that he is hiding somewhere in the shadows. Probably at…" Mòrag cut herself off for a moment.
"Where?" Nia asked.
Before anyone had a chance to answer, they felt the ground shake.
"Whoa! What's going on!?" Vale yelled while keeping her balance.
"An explosion!?" Rex yelled.
"From where!?" Zeke asked while they straighten themselves up.
"It sounded like it came from the hanger." Mòrag said while looking towards said hanger.
"We must investigate quickly!" Brighid yelled.
"That's also where Queen Raqura is at…son of a bitch!" Robyn yelled as he had a hunch what was going down.
"Then let's go!" Kasandra yelled as they ran.
They ran into the hanger they saw a couple of guards lying on the ground unconscious. Once they got inside, to their horror, they saw a familiar murder bot looking down at the queen and her bodyguards.
"Who are you, villain!? Is this some underhanded Ardanian trick!?" Raqura demanded.
"Wrong! But also right! Truth is complicated!" It was Bana's voice.
"That voice…Bana, from the Argentum Guild." Raqura said.
"Correct! Top marks for the Queen!" Bana yelled.
"But you were unseated as Chairman." Raqura pointed out to him.
"It not so easy to get rid of Bana! Trade Guild of Argentum belongs to Bana! Down to last screw, last drop of oil!" Bana yelled more.
"Hold it Bana!" Rex yelled while the others joined Raqura.
"Enough out of you!" Lilika yelled while pointing at Rosa's head.
"You…Rex and ancient ones! Meeh! Bana not let meddling kids interfere with plans! Again and again…Bana not stand for this!" Bana complained with reinforcements.
"Masterpon! That Artificial Blade!" Poppi yelled while pointing at Rosa.
"It Rosa! Meh-meh-meh…Tora feel much greater power than before…especially with mark on forehead!" Tora yelled while looking at the big 'G' on Rosa's head.
"What's going on!?" The voice of Niall spoken as he and Aegaeon entered the hanger.
"Your Majesty! It is not safe for you to be here right now!" Mayonaka yelled while looking at the young emperor.
"Oho-ho-ho…Even Emperor come from straight to Bana! Convenient little moth to flame!" Bana yelled while looking at the boy.
"Come on, Bana. Cut the bad guy talk and accept you've lost. You know you won't get away with it, with all these witnesses here!" Nia yelled.
"If Bana simply kill everyone then nobody blab. Victory of Bana is assured…" Bana said.
"Not on our watch you oversize dust bunny!" Robyn yelled while everyone was readying their weapons.
"You know we can't let you do that!" Rex yelled.
"You think you handle the power of upgraded Giga Rosa!? Things go very differently this time!" Bana yelled while Rosa prepared to strike.
"Zeke! Let me show you what I can do!" Kasandra yelled while giving her Shield Hammer to him.
"Agate!" Nia yelled while Agate tossed her the axe.
"Corvin! Let's bring him down!" Lilika yelled while readying the katana.
"Et semel, et pro omnibus!" Corvin yelled in Latin.
They commenced their bombardment of attacks onto Giga Rosa. She definitely has gotten upgraded and was more durable.
"Let's go! Water Blaster!" Robyn yelled while tossing Jacu the canon.
"Here goes!" Jacu yelled while firing five shots of water from the canon. The attacks hit Giga Rosa, causing small dents. Giga Rosa stumbled backwards from those attacks, giving Rex a chance to retaliate.
"Anchor shot! Topple her!" Rex yelled as his anchor latched onto her leg and fell.
"Let's follow it up Agate! Go for it!" Nia yelled while tossing the axe back to Agate.
"I'll show you what I can do! Star Beryl Courage!" Agate yelled as she took the axe and swung it underneath as if she was digging. It ended up doing major damage to her head. "Quite elegant of a dig if I do say so myself." Agate said while striking a cute pose.
"MEH-MEH! Enemy pay for that! Kaboomy Rocket!" Bana yelled as Giga Rosa stood up and struck Nia. Nia was toppled backwards, causing her to land on her head and be stunned.
"NIA!" Rex shouted.
"I can squash you!" Bana yelled while having Giga Rosa attack Nia again, causing her to be launched into the air. Robyn raced to her and caught her before she landed on the ground. Nia looked up to him and smiled.
"My hero." She said.
"No time to get mushy. We got a fight to do." Robyn said while putting her down.
"Roc! Let's do this!" Rex yelled while tossing the scythes to Roc.
"Time to show you the power of the wind!" Roc yelled while tossing his scythes like a boomerang at Giga Rosa, causing a vortex around her. The combining powers of the Blades attacks caused a powerful Final Disaster blast onto Giga Rosa, causing massive damage.
"Brighid, time to get in on that combination. Let's start with this! Azure Striker, Form the Second: Blaze!" Mòrag yelled while using her whips to form powerful flame attacks.
"Now let's give it to him Lady Mòrag!" Brighid yelled while reaching out for her.
"Right! Go for it! Will-o'-the-Wisp!" Mòrag yelled while tossing the whips. Brighid summoned blue flames that tracked down Giga Rosa and began to deal damage.
"Pyra! Let's follow up!" Rex yelled to Mythra, who switched over to Pyra.
"Right! Prominence Revolt!" Pyra yelled as she took the sword and jumped. She then plunged it into the ground and a pillar of fire blasted out from underneath.
"Initiating Buster Mirage." Poppibuster said while the cockpit opened up and Poppi Mk. 2 emerged. They took out a sword from their components and struck at Giga Rosa twice, dealing a powerful mini nuclear blast.
"MEH MEH!" Bana screamed with fright that Giga Rosa is in danger of destruction.
"Kasy! Ready to give it our all?" Zeke asked while approaching his new Blade.
"Zeke, together." Kasandra said while they took the hammer together.
Kasandra's mask began to glow and channeled dark aura around it. Zeke's grin grew just as the mask began surge the 'luck' around them.
"BRINGER OF CHAOS!" The both of them shouted as they charged forward as fast as lightning, and took a powerful swing at the kneecap, causing it to fall.
Giga Rosa began to malfunction and the compartment where Ban was at exploded, and he fell out.
"How…even Giga Rosa defeated by these nasty meddling kids…" Bana said while Mòrag stepped forward.
"This ends here Bana. You are under arrest." She said with pride.
"Come quietly, and you'll be spared of your life." Praxis demanded.
"The Praetorium will handle the judgement. Assassination is a serious matter. Your sentence will be harsh." Mòrag said as Queen Raqura joined her.
"So the mercantile genius Bana…meets an inglorious end before my very eyes. Pitiful." She said.
"Bana is…" Bana was saying as his anger grew.
"Hmm?" Perun asked while readying her staff.
"Bana is not kind of man to go down like this!" Bana growled as he pulled out a device of sorts. "If I go down, I take you with me!" Bana yelled while preparing to press the button.
"IT'S A BOMB!" Jacu screamed with fright.
"Ball-man trying to kill us all!?" Finch yelled with her eyes wide.
"MEH MEH!" Tora screamed.
"Watch out! Aegaeon!" Niall yelled as he ran towards Bana.
"As you wish!" He said while creating a barrier of water.
"NIALL NO! JACU WATER BARRIER!" Robyn screamed as he chased after Niall.
"Right!" Jacu yelled while slamming a fist to the ground, adding more water to the barrier.
Just as Bana pressed the button, Robyn grabbed Niall from both the front and back and threw him into the barrier. Giga Rosa detonated, and parts were everywhere.
"ROBYN!" Theory screamed with her hands to her mouth.
"Not again!" Tora yelled while his wings were flapping.
Queen Raqura was taking aback at what just happened. He saw Niall getting up while he looked back at the explosion.
"Niall Ardanach…you…you sought to protect us?" She asked.
"I'll admit, that's probably the dumbest thing I've ever done." Niall said with guilt in his voice.
Suddenly in the smoke, they heard the sound of moaning. As the smoke began to clear, they saw Robyn barely crawling on the ground with a few metal shards through his body. A couple were in his legs, and a bigger one in his back.
"HE'S STILL ALIVE!? HOW!?" Wulfric roared.
Just then when Robyn leaned to his side, the metal shard fell off….and another metal alloy fell off his body. The metal intercepted the shard, preventing any blood from spewing and more impaling. His shirt and jacket, burned and tattered as it is, barely hung onto him.
"What is that?" Rex asked when he saw the metal alloy.
"That metal alloy…it did its job." Brighid said.
"You know something Brighid?" Mòrag asked when she turned to her.
"Well…" Brighid said.
Flashback
"Brighid, Poppi, I collected something from Mor Ardain to help with any problems. But first Poppi, I need you to confirm something for me." Robyn said as he took off his jacket.
"What do you need?" Poppi asked.
"I need an analysis of this metal alloy." He said while removing a strap from under his shirt. The metal fell to the ground right in front of her. "Is this alloy for Artificial Blades?" He asked.
Poppi took a closer look at the alloy. She began to scan it and processed it. She then looked up at him and smile.
"It definite alloy for Artificial Blade creation." Poppi said while running in place.
"Neat. Now Brighid, I'll need your help to superheat this alloy." He said.
"Alright. And if I may, what exactly do you hope to gain from this?" Brighid said while preparing blue flames.
"A little extra protection in complete secret. Call me a daredevil that faces danger cautiously." Robyn answered.
"I see. Very well, I will help you to the best of my knowledge, just as long as you owe us a favor in return." Brighid said.
"Done." He said.
It took some doing, but with their combined field skills, they were able to stretch and thin out the metal. Poppi made it easier for it to fit his body while Brighid heated it to keep it from cooling. After about an hour of cooling it by a nearby river, Robyn put the alloy back on.
"Thanks you two." Robyn said with a smile.
Flashback ends
Lilika ran to Robyn and hugged him.
"Robyn! Are you alright!? Please don't do something like that again!" Lilika demanded.
"Well…they don't-ACK call me…'daredevil' for nothing." He said while slowly reaching the ground and laid flat.
"Hang in there!" Vale yelled.
"We got you!" Jacu said while his Blades surrounded him.
"Dromarch…distract the others…" Nia said.
"Distract? I'm not sure I…" Dromarch said before cutting himself off, realizing what she meant. "N-no! My Lady, you cannot!" He demanded.
"There's still time…hurry!" Nia yelled.
"Yes…My Lady." Dromarch said before turning around. "There are enemy reinforcements!" He yelled.
"Where?" Mòrag asked while everyone looked back.
"Then let's get them!" Praxis yelled.
"Healers, stay behind and do what you can!" Mòrag demanded.
"This way! The rest of you should get to safety." Dromarch yelled before going on ahead.
"Chum!" Zeke yelled.
"I'm on it!" Rex yelled as they sped off.
"Perun, Corvin, come on!" Lilika yelled as she got up.
Nia and the other healers got around him. Nia squatted down to him and he began to lose consciousness. Her body transformed into a new form and she began to channel some healing energy into him. Jacu and the rest of his Blades slowly pulled the shards out of his legs.
Robyn slowly opened his eyes as the pain faded. He then saw Nia.
"Nia…you…" Robyn whispered.
"Shh. You're gonna be fine…" She whispered.
"I…" He said before stopping himself for a moment. "You want me to keep quiet?" He asked her.
"I'd appreciate it, for now." Nia said before finishing up. She reverted back to her original self.
Just then, the rest returned.
"What d'you mean, imagined it!? You got us all in a proper tizzy!" Zeke yelled with anger at Dromarch.
"My apologies…I thought I spied silhouettes…I did not mean to cause trouble." Dromarch said.
"HEEY! HEY! YOU GUYS!" Nia shouted while waving at them. "Robyn is okay!" Nia yelled while he slowly got up.
"What!?" Mòrag yelled as her eyes widen.
"No way!" Agate said cheerfully.
They ran to him and surrounded him. Lilika was the first to embrace him.
"Robyn! Thank goodness! When we saw you like that…we were certain you wouldn't walk again…or worse, killed." Lilika said.
After Lilika released him, Mòrag slowly approached him as her eyes began to get glossy. She then threw her hat aside and hugged him tight.
"Ah! Mòrag?" Robyn asked while holding her.
"Lady Mòrag? You were so concerned about Lord Robyn?" Mayonaka asked, only to not respond to her.
Mòrag slowly pulled back. Just as a tear escaped her eye, she grabbed his head and kissed him on the spot. Robyn's eyes shot wide open from the impact, and the fact he was getting his first kiss. Others were petrified from the surprise.
"WHAA…!?" Zeke yelled as his mouth dropped.
"Ah!" Niall said with a smile
"Such a sight. It's wonderful." Aegaeon said while also smiling.
"Robyn, you have someone else who likes you." Lilika pointed out the obvious.
Just as Lilika said that Robyn's pupil shrank as he began to have flashbacks from his earlier years in high school. It was when puberty took over him and how he developed into a more handsome, smarter, and a great chef. He recalled how many were acting differently around him, especially past bullies turned loyal friends with a warming smile and lots of regret of bullying him as kids.
After the flashbacks, Mòrag broke the kiss and placed her forehead onto his.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"I…it all makes sense now." Robyn said while slowly backing away.
"Robyn…?" Mòrag asked.
"You finally woke up Robyn? It's about time." Lilika said while smiling.
"I…I can't…ARGH!" Robyn screamed as he gripped his head as more flashbacks finally hit him, even some earlier ones of the same problem. "HOW CAN I BE SO STUPID!" He roared while falling onto his knees.
"Robyn! Please don't strain yourself! Let's just head back and get you some rest." Jacu said while pulling him to his feet and held him.
"You must." Mòrag said while she joined Jacu to tend to an unstable Robyn.
"Any ideas?" Praxis asked.
"Well…there is a special banquet happening shortly. Perhaps you'd all like to join us? After all, I do owe Robyn a debt." Niall requested.
"It would be a great honor, Your Majesty." Lilika said while looking down at him.
While they attended the banquet, which was made by friendly Turkins and an iron chef Nopon, they celebrated their victory at defeating Bana and coming to peace with the two nations.
"Thank you for inviting us to this banquet." Mayonaka said to Niall after she collected some food.
"This was a very kind gesture." Lilika added.
"It's the least we can do since you all came to our aide. Although…I think Robyn is still struggling at the moment. I'm not sure if it was from the near-death experience or Mòrag showing her love for him." Niall said.
They saw Robyn just looking down at his food and used his fork to just move things around on his plate.
"Robyn? How are you feeling? Okay?" Praxis asked as many people sat by him.
"I…I think so." He spoke.
"You can't fool us, Robyn." Mòrag said.
He just fell silent from that. He then placed a hand over his eyes and closed them.
"Robyn?" Nia asked.
"Aren't you hungry?" Kasandra asked him.
"It's just…am I a bad person?" He asked.
They were not expecting that question from him. This even caused Praxis to gasp and inhaled a bit of food, causing her to choke a bit. Theory gave her the Heimlich.
"What on Alrest would you say that!?" Brighid demanded with her eyebrows raised.
"All those people that looked like they had a thing for me…I gave them the cold shoulder…guess I really am heartless." Robyn admitted.
"Not really. You were just plain oblivious." Lilika pointed out while holding his wrist.
"Yeah, but still…" Robyn said in a defeated voice.
"Pardon the interruptions. I wish to speak to Mòrag and Brighid for a moment." Niall said while joining them.
"We will return later." Brighid said as she and Mòrag stood up.
"Take it easy. Love you." Mòrag whispered to Robyn and kissed his cheek, causing him to look at her as she straightened up. "Oh…you may want to get some new clothing. Those look like it's gonna fall apart any moment." She added as she was leaving with Brighid and Niall.
Robyn looked down at his clothing at how destroyed they were. The ones that stood out were the holes in his pants and the back of his jacket and shirt.
"How about we buy you something to else to where?" Praxis yelled him.
"Actually, we can provide you and Lilika some new clothing since you'll be heading for Tantal. You saved my life, now we owe you so much." Niall said while looking back at them.
"I take it Tantal is a snowy climate? That's very generous of you. We are very grateful!" Lilika yelled a bit with excitement.
"Of course. Aegaeon?" Niall asked his Blade.
"At once." He said while taking a tape measure and began to size them up.
"Young Lord Emperor Niall, you have a very kind and gentle heart. Never lose that sweet little heart of yours." Mayonaka said while bowing to him.
"You are too kind." He said before he caught up with Mòrag and Brighid with Aegaeon, who had just finished sizing them up, close behind.
"So…Tantal huh?" Theory asked Zeke, who he and Pandoria joined them as well.
"It's a frozen environment. So major heads up for those that hate the cold." Zeke said.
"It won't be a problem for Robyn, but I prefer comfortable heat. Speaking of, won't YOU be cold Zeke?" Lilika asked while looking more at his own clothing.
"Oh don't worry about him. Idiots breathe hot air, so he won't get cold." Pandoria said in a mocking voice.
"Wha!? Hey! Bad Blade, bad!" Zeke yelled with hanger, causing laughter all around.
"Anyway! We'll leave tomorrow morning. Hope you don't mind the cold." Zeke said.
"I'll live. I don't mind if I'm dressed properly for it." Lilika said.
"A word of caution though. All water Blades are gonna be at a disadvantage there due to ice freezing their moves. So be careful." He pointed out.
"Noted. Worst case scenario, I'll just rely on my physical strength if needed." Jacu said while flexing her biceps.
"Fire Blades will likely act as a source of heat for many of us." Mayonaka said.
"Shouldn't be a problem, right Mythra?" Robyn asked the Aegis.
"No problem." Mythra said before switching to Pyra. She ignites a flame on her palm. "But I'm not a personal heater." She spoke.
That night while everyone slept, a few guards entered Lilika and Robyn's quarters. They placed a clothes bag by their beds and left. The captain placed a note in between the bags and joined the squad.
By the next morning, Lilika woke up and saw the bags and the note.
"Hmm?" Lilika asked while taking the note. "'They are yours to keep and do as you wish. I pray for a safe and healthy return. Good luck. Niall Ardarch, Emperor of Mor Ardain.' Oh!" She yelled a bit. 'His Majesty is a kind boy. I wonder if there is anything we can do to thank him?' She thought to herself.
Robyn slowly woke up from her yell.
"Morning Lilika…huh?" Robyn asked while looking at the bags.
"These are from the emperor for us to keep. I am very touched by his heart." Lilika said while looking at her bag and prepared to open it.
"I can tell." He said before they pulled the zipper on their bags.
Lilika's bag had a dark blue cotton two-piece dress, dark purple dress coat, black leggings, grey snow boots, and arm-length red gloves. Robyn's bag, on the other hand, and to his shock, contained a modified military uniform similar to Mòrag's. The only main differences were that it was a bit more armored, had shoulder tassels highlighted in bronze color, and black pants with armor shoes.
Back with the others, they were waiting at the docks for Robyn and Lilika. Just then, Brighid and Mòrag arrived. They noticed that Mòrag was in a slightly different uniform that was white, and she was without her hat.
"Mòrag, Brighid, you're here?" Rex asked.
"Indeed. It was a direct order from His Majesty." Mòrag said.
"That's not a problem, is it?" Brighid asked.
"Of course not. So what's going on?" Rex asked.
"His Majesty has ordered us to act as emissaries of the empire to guard the Aegis until she arrives at Tantal. So that's how it is. It seems that our paths continue to entwine." Mòrag said.
"That's awesome news! To be honest, I was really hoping there was some way you could stick around. I was just thinking of asking you myself." Rex admitted.
"Saved you the trouble, did it?" Mòrag asked with a smile.
"That you did! Thanks a bunch, Mòrag" Rex said.
"By the by, what's with the new look? Is it for anything special?" Dromarch asked while inspecting Mòrag's uniform.
"Well…since things are gonna be a bit different since His Majesty has given new orders, I figured I could treat myself. Where are Lilika and Robyn?" Mòrag asked while noticing their absence.
"I really am not sure, Lady Mòrag" Brighid said.
"I'm sure that they're…whoa." Zeke said when he saw Robyn and Lilika heading towards them in their new looks.
Mòrag and Brighid turned towards them, and they were surprised by their new looks. Lilika had her hair down in a golden headband. When Mòrag saw Robyn in his uniform, she blushed a bit at the sight of him.
"Oh? Lady Mòrag, I take it that you are satisfied with how Robyn looks now?" Brighid asked when she took notice of her expression and blushed face.
"Well…I was just admiring his new look." She said while averting her eyes a bit.
"Did we keep you waiting for us?" Lilika asked.
"A tad, but it'll do." Zeke said.
"Shall we be off, my Prince?" Pandoria asked.
"Of course." Zeke said before they made their way towards a ship.
"You look stunning Lady Lilika. Even my cold couldn't penetrate the warmth you have." Perun said while bowing a bit to her Diver.
"Thank you, Perun." Lilika said while given her a small curtsy.
After thy hopped aboard the ship, they made their way towards Tantal. They were finally heading for Zeke's home country. Lilika and Robyn were at the front of the ship with Mòrag and Brighid.
"I must say, I can get use to this. It's like my old marching band uniform back home. Only…more functioning pockets and durable. I remember we used to put our money for food and liquids in our hats back then." Robyn said.
"Oh really? I wasn't expecting you in a uniform though." Mòrag said while looking at his uniform.
"I must say, though…it does suit you." Brighid said.
"Thanks. Any idea what Tantal is like?" He asked.
"Unfortunately, not much." Mòrag said.
"According to Zeke, it's very cold." Lilika said.
"Wonder why?" Robyn asked.
"Pardon the interruptions. We are reaching our destination shortly." An Indoline guard said as he approached them.
"Alright." Praxis said.
When the rest of the gang arrived, Pandoria got to the edge of the ship. She then aimed her crystal into the Cloud Sea. After a bit, some massive object breached the surface.
"Whoa…it's just like a bigger version of Turters." Nia said as she realizes that it was a Titan.
"It's called Genbu. It's the same, like, Titan-type as Uraya. Normally it's submerged in the Cloud Sea." Zeke said while stroking Turter's shell.
"Even in early Fall, it can get pretty cold inside Tantal. Mind you don't freeze." Pandoria said while facing them.
"Brr…I really can't stand the cold…" Nia said while she was already getting goosebumps.
"I can provide my own warmth. You can stay close to me if you like." Brighid said while igniting a blue flame.
"Me as well." Mythra said before switching to Pyra and she ignited a flame of her own.
"You guys are pretty handy to have around." Nia said while smiling at the sight of the flames.
"Well, it's our trademark, right?" Pyra asked Brighid.
"Essentially." Brighid answered.
Nia then turned towards Zeke and realized his own style of clothing.
"Aren't you gonna be cold like that, Shellhead?" She asked him.
"I'm used to it. I'll be dandy." Zeke assured her.
"He's naturally dense, it's good insulation." Pandoria said with a mocking smile.
"Oh. Makes sense." Nia and Rex said in unison.
"This must be the day, 'Everyone Pick on Zeke Day.'" Kasandra yelled.
"Stop encouraging her, gang of bullies!" Zeke yelled with a bit of frustration.
"You just provide too much comedic opportunities for us, Lord Zeke." Mayonaka pointed out to him.
Zeke slowly looked towards the dark Blade and began to channel electricity through his body.
"You want a bit of cardiac!?" Zeke asked while raising his hand.
"No!" Mayonaka yelled while taking a step back.
"Alright, calm down you lot. Let's remember what we're here for." Robyn said while getting in between them.
"Don't worry! You're lucky to have a fortune-blessed Blade with you!" Kasandra yelled while Zeke disengaged his electricity.
"Especially since yours and Zeke's luck combined done wonders to Bana and Rosa." Robyn said, causing her to chuckle playfully.
"We're coming up to the docks. Be ready for the chills." Zeke said as they were getting closer to the Titan.
"We're ready!" Agate yelled with determination.
A new Titan has shown itself to Robyn and Lilika. With what they learned about Tantal, they will be having some chills going up and down their spine. With so many things now becoming a reality to Robyn, how will his and Mòrag's relationship progress? Will it be stable, or complicated? Stranger things will rise up more next time as the story continues.
