Chapter 3
What's this? Another chapter, what are the odds? Anyway, you all know what's next, to the reviews! There is a spoiler for the story in one of the reviews so if you don't like spoilers stick to your own review. Or if you didn't review, skip this section, you have been warned so if you ignore the warning and complain, I will laugh mercilessly at how you ignored it. But in all seriousness your reviews are appreciated.
Legomanny: Jump the shark? I have no idea what you mean (Slowly covers up a shark tank with a shark labeled Torna expansion), anyway I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Consort: Thanks! I'm glad you like the translation, I wasn't sure if it worked but I guess it does. Artifice Chimera...I kinda like that name, I was thinking about Manticore or Pegasus...now I have three names to choose from. At least I have time to choose, anyway, I have a general idea of what I'm gonna make them look like, one of them anyway. Staple Foods actually works well for him, for Verus I can see her liking Black Roast Coffee, Honey au Lait, and Lentil Milkshakes, her favorite being Lentil Milkshakes. The price alone for how much she'll drink could give some people heart attacks in this game. Liturature and Textiles, I can work with that, I was planning on have Ryan like books, but I'm not sure about Textiles for Verus. Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter!
RedBurningDragon: There are two definition of anime shenanigans, can you clarify which one you are referring to, and yes the story now begins, hope you enjoy!
Dylan Ballesteros: That is actually one of the things I considered in the beginning when I was making Ryan, but yeah, that's what I have planned for this story, hope I made your day! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
ClyxicRyse: Glad you think so, hope you enjoy the chapter!
Now in response to a few people (this is not directed to one person but I am using their words to make a point) saying I shouldn't jump the shark on this story. Don't worry I'm not planning on doing anything that crazy (Slowly pushing a large shark labeled "overly complicated plans for Torna expansion" back into a large fish tank) for a while, I mean there's no reason to jump the shark on certain things. (Throws a steak labeled "Ideas" to the shark as it grows slowly)...Anyway yes I have plans for the Torna expansion that will be revealed in time, or you might be able to figure it out from clues I will be putting in certain chapters, I believe in you all to be smart enough! (Thumbs up!)
Anyway, in my second play through I had started the Herald Quest to max her out before climbing the rest of the world tree. Anyway I didn't know Herald would run away so I had to do a LOT of grinding to get a certain Blade strong enough to help me get her back. And in doing so I accidentally made them one of my strongest Blades in the game so I'm gonna be adding her to Ryans entourage in the future. So yeah, oh and I'm FINALLY on New Game Plus! (Suddenly realizes all the post game content I didn't go after) Son of a...oh well.
So, since I couldn't decide on what Blade to give Ryan I decided that I would give him the next unique Blade I got in game, I think the one I got will fit right in with Ryan and Verus...hopefully.
Also I take back what I said about Newt, Ryan might get along with her after all, in the future that is.
Just a warning, this chapter is gonna seem like it's moving a bit fast to some people. Please keep in mind that Ryan is on Gormott and not Uraya so he is limited on what he can do here without causing an incident. Can you imagine what would happen if Ryan and Verus went all out in the middle of Torrigoth? So I apologize if it seems rushed in certain parts but that's why I made the chapter longer, that and to make up for taking so long with the last chapter. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Ryan and Verus were both fast asleep, Ryan was sprawled across his bed somehow sleeping peacefully, Verus was in a smaller bed next to Ryan's and was also sprawled across it as well. Both were blissfully unaware of what was transpiring in the cloud sea.
Rex, having just open the door to an ancient ship found in the cloud sea, walked into a large room with a strange pillar in the center of the room. "Wh-what is that thing?" He asked as he looked up at the pillar, a moment later the young salvager runs towards the pillar before stopping on front od what appeared to be a red sword with an Emerald Green crystal in it, embedded in the floor. Now that he was closer he could now see what was inside the pillar, "It's a...girl?" He said in shock, he starred at her sleeping form for a few moments before the now glowing crystal in the sword caught his attention.
Verus' eyes snapped open as she sat up right in her bed, the motion was enough to jolt Ryan out of his sleep as well. "I didn't do it!" He said in surprise before falling off the bed, "Ow, hey Verus what's the big...idea?" He stopped when he got back up and noticed her core crystal was lit up like the sun, the whole room was covered in a bright white light as Verus seemed to be in shock. "This can't be good." he said now wide awake.
Rex looked down at the glowing crystal in front of him, he was so transfixed on it he didn't notice the Jin, Malos, or Nia and Dromarch enter the room. Rex slowly reached his hand out towards the crystal as it kept getting brighter and brighter. Just before he made physical contact with it Malos shouted "Hey, brat! Don't even think about touching that!"
"Huh?" The shout caused Rex to flinch and his finger grazed the crystal causing green sparks to fly from the sword. Rex was surprised and took a step back, but not even a moment later, Jin appeared behind the young salvager and drove his sword through his back and out his chest. The green sparks disappeared and the glow from the sword stopped, Rex struggled to breathe as he looked down in horror at the blade sticking out of his chest, "B-but...why...?" He asked struggling to stay conscious.
"Don't take it personally." Jin said behind him, "It's an act of mercy. At least you won't be alive to see what's coming." Jin removed his blade and turned around as he swung the blade to get the blood off of it. Rex's arms went limp before he fell to the ground, dead, a moment later Jin swung his sword again and shattered the blade embedded in the ground.
Ryan watched as the light coming from Verus' Core Crystal dimmed significantly, but still glowing, her head snapped to the right before she bolted out of their room. "Hey Verus wait up!" Ryan exclaimed as he followed the Aegis onto the deck of his ship, he looked around till he spotted Verus looking into the distance at a large far away storm. Ryan walked up to Verus as she looked at the storm, Ryan didn't need to be a genius to know something was wrong, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, something was telling me to go that way." She pointed towards the storm, "But now it stopped."
"Any idea what it was?"
"No, but it felt...lonely." Verus looked sad and Ryan could tell something else was wrong but didn't want to pressure her.
Ryan was silent for a few moments, "How about once we finish getting the ship fixed and back to Uraya we go find out what it is, okay?"
Verus looked up at Ryan and smiled, "Thanks."
"No problem, now *yawn* let's go back to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Verus nods as they both make their way back inside.
Morning, Ryan pov
I finish putting my jacket on as I walk into the kitchen, I walk up to a coffee maker (Yes XC2 has these) and start making coffee. I still don't see the appeal to this stuff, but it's the only thing that guarantees my ship stays in one-*CRASH*-two pieces in the morning. I glance at the door that is now on the other side of the room, and the unfortunate soldier who was now under it, before I look back and see Verus with a tired and annoyed look on her face as she lowers her fist. "Morning Verus." I say happily as she walks up to me and crawls onto my back just as the coffee is ready, I poor her a cup and hand it to her.
Verus drinks it in one go before letting out a sigh, she then looked at me with her usual bright smile, "Good morning!" She said happily. I point towards the door, Verus looks over at it and her face turns slightly red, "Sorry about that."
"No worries, I know how you are in the morning." I say to her. "Now we just need to replace the door...again." I look over at the door, "You okay under there Dave?" A thumbs up was his response indicating he was alright.
After apologizing to me, and the unfortunate soldier who was hit by the door, we both made our way into Torigoth to get something to eat. I heard there was a driver here with a Blade who know how to make some delicious dumplings, and Verus wanted a new Chip for her sword, something about changing things up. I walk off my ship and make my way to the Military Base to meet up with Brighid, she had said something about catching up since the...incident.
I eventually found the blue Blade waiting for us at the entrance to the base. "I was wondering when you were going to show up." She said with a smirk.
"We didn't keep you waiting for too long did we?"
"No, I just arrived myself, shall we go?"
"Sure." As we walk back towards Torigoth, Brighid asked how I've been adjusting to becoming the Royal Knight of Uraya, "Well, it's pretty nice, there are some downsides but I can live with them."
"Oh?" Brighid said sounding interested, "Care to share?"
"That's just it, I can't have a normal conversation with people like I use to. Aside from people I've know for a while of course. The moment someone knows who I am they get all scared and try not to insult me." I let out a sigh. "You know what I'm talking about right?"
"Yes, it is quite bothersome at times."
"Yeah and I can't get anyone decent enough to actually fight us!" Verus explained, "They're to afraid of hurting Ryan and I in a fight, or getting hurt fighting us, that's the whole point of a fight!"
"Speaking of fighting, have you found yourself a second Blade yet?"
"Oh not you too!" I say in slight annoyance, "Why does everyone I know want me to get a second Blade!?"
"Because you haven't fully mastered using my weapons for starters." Verus stated, "Elemental Cross takes to much in this form, so until you fully mastered my swords, I will keep telling you, to get a second Blade!" As she says this she punches me hard in the back, I swear I'm going to have a permanent bruise there.
"Fine you know what, the next Core Crystal I see I'll resonate with it, okay?" I ask the small Aegis on my back who nods in response.
"Here you go!" Verus said excitedly handing me a Core Crystal out of no where.
"Where did you get this!?" I ask in shock.
"I found it!"
"You didn't steal it from the Ardanians back there did you?" Verus' only response was a smirk and I smile as well. "Good job." I say patting her head, always take the opportunity to screw with the Ardanians without getting caught, I've taught her well. I take the Core Crystal away before Brighid could see it, not sure how she'll react if she finds out Verus stole it. Brighid and I stop when we hear what sounded like a fight farther down the alley.
"I'll check it out." Brighid said, "Catch up once you're ready." I nod before she makes her way towards the noise.
I quickly look over the Core Crystal wondering if I should resonate with it now or in minute, I shake my head, later. I put away the Crystal before Verus and I make our way towards where Brighid went. Once I turn the corner I spot several Ardainian soldiers arresting a Gormotti girl and what I can only assume to be her Blade, which happened to be a white tiger. Come to think of it, wasn't there a wanted poster involving a white tiger Blade near the entrance of Torigoth? I wonder who was responsible for messing that up? "What happened?" Verus asked as we walk up to Brighid.
"These two are members of Torna, two others managed to get away." Brighid said annoyed, I also noticed she was drenched in water.
"I take it they're the ones who drenched you?"
"No, it was someone else." She looked down at herself before back at me, "Would you mind?"
I nod and hold up my sword, "Water." A blade of water extends from the sword as the lines turn dark blue, as well as Verus' armor. All the surrounding water shimmered before it shot into my sword for later use, handy little trick I learned. "There you go." I put the blade back on my hip, "So which way did they go?"
Brighid looked concerned for a moment, "You don't have to trouble yourself with this."
"Well there isn't much else to do, besides, I know you have to take them away and we both know I don't like boring military stuff. I got a new Blade and new chips I need to test out anyway."
"And I was looking forward to catching up, they went that way, but I'm afraid I will require your assistance for the time being in catching them."
"Sure thing, so what are we looking for?"
"A young boy in blue and a red fire Blade with an emerald Core Crystal, the Aegis to be precise." When she said that I could tell Verus was as exited as I was, another Aegis was in Torigoth, which means I'm gonna have to awaken this Blade if I want an advantage. I pull out the new Core Crystal and hold it in front of me, Verus knew what was about to happen so she took a few steps back as the Core Crystal lit up. Brighid also took a few steps back as well when she saw the glowing crystal.
Once the light died down I looked at the Blade in front of me.
She had pale skin and long bright platinum white hair that was shaped like an upside down tear drop, she had several bangs stopped just above her shoulders. She also has a pair of blue with white striped ears...I think, seemingly coming out of her hair. Her outfit was...interesting to say the least but I'll describe it as best I can. Starting from her feet, she had on what looks like long boots that went up past her knees, they also seemed to be missing several stripes of fabric revealing more of her legs. Floating around her ankles were a pair od golden rings that only appeared to be for decoration. Just above her knees were black rope tied into bows. Covering her lower area was a white bikini bottom, around that seemed to be a large white cloth that went from one hip to the other and reached to about her ankles. The ends of the cloth turned to a minty green as well. Another smaller version if the cloth was wrapped rounder her hips and both were being held in place by a large black rope tied into a bow. Along her sides were stripes of white cloth that also covered the front of her breasts. Her arms were similarly dressed like her legs, long white gloves went halfway past her elbows before sections start to disappear. There are also large golden bracelets around her wrists. Around her neck was what appeared to be a large black collar connected to a large white over green fur cape like accessory, she also had an accessory that was a bit logic defying. It is a strange white bag/cloth item that starts in front of her breasts then seemingly meets above her hair and floats there, the ends seemed to beheld closed by large blue marbles just before the ends. There are also blue designs all over the cloth. Floating behind her is a golden orb inside an upside down golden horseshoe with ten golden spikes reaching towards the orb, it doesn't seem to serve any purpose. And lastly her core crystal, it was Diamond shaped almost while also giving the illusion of an F, it's located in the center of her chest, above her breasts and bellow the collar. Her eyes are a brilliant green color, she has a slight tan, and she has a fang sticking out over lip on the right side.
"Hahahaha!" Laughed the Blade in front of us as wind swirled around her. She looked right at me before making a palm with one hand and a fist in the other before bringing them together with a loud smack. A moment later a massive battle axe flew around her before she caught it, "I am Zenobia!" She said as she swung around the axe with ease, each swing left a blade of air shoot past me at blinding speed. "I'll take on the strongest comers!" She threw the blade to her left before crossing her arms, a second later the axe returned and landed on her back as a miniature tornado formed around her for a split second.
I smile and look at the new Blade, "Nice to meet you, I'm Ryan the Royal Knight of Uraya. I think we'll get along just fine." I look back at Verus, "Would you like to introduce yourself?"
"Hi there!" Verus said happily. "I'm Verus, the Aegis of Uraya, I hope we can get along!"
"Here's hoping!" Zenobia replied with a smile and held her hand out which I shook, I also took notice she had an impressive grip but was holding back. She handed me her weapon. I place the axe on my back, thankfully it shrank, before Brighid speaks.
"That's an interesting Blade you've acquired." Brighid added looking at Zenobia, "If you wouldn't mind, I believe we should be going now." The three of us began following Brighid towards the Ardainian base, hopefully nothing crazy happens while we're there.
Out of all the things the Architect could have thrown my way, it had to be THIS! I tried to stay calm but internally I was terrified as I watched the Ardanian Titan ship approach. From what Brighid said, on board was the Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain, Morag the Flame Bringer.
"I thought you said she wouldn't be here for a few more days." I say to the fire Blade.
"That's when she was supposed to arrive, I wasn't expecting her to be here so soon."
"I guess I had to face her sooner or later, though I would have preferred to wait a couple more months, or years." I say crossing my arms. Okay, just calm down Ryan, maybe she won't even remember? That's always an option, right?
"Well there's no point in waiting, we should get going." Brighid said leading us towards the dock. I had an Urayan soldier bring Zenobia to my Titan ship for the time being till we can actually talk.
Brighid, Verus, and I approached the gate leading to the docks, I stayed back a bit as Brighid approached her Driver and the Ardainian soldiers. "You made impressive time." She said to Morag, cutting off the guy who was speaking. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."
"L-Lady Brighid!" The stuttering man said in surprise.
Morag walked past the man and stood in front of Brighid, "If we have found the Aegis then there is no time to waste." Oh man I can't help but get excited thinking about finding that other Aegis, and I could tell Verus felt the same, we both want to see who's stronger. "But I fear the passage has taken its tole on our engines." Ardanin tech, so unreliable at times.
"The Aegis?" Said the man from before, "H-How do you-!?"
"Is there a problem, Dughall?" Morag asked turning to look at the man, her expression was hard to read but it was enough to terrify the man.
"N-not at all, Your Grace."
"Good. Now, you've captured a Driver from Torna. I am going to speak with her."
"Wha-? Why do you want-"
"Dughall." Morag cut him off again, "I don't remember asking for your opinion."
"Y-yes, Your Grace! I'll take you to her right away!"
No pov
Before they could walk away Ryan decided to make himself know to the Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain. "As militaristic as usual Morag, you really need to lighten up a bit Flamebringer."
She stops and looks over at Ryan standing in the gateway with Verus on his back, an emotionless expression on Morags face while Ryan was grinning. "Ryan?" She asked as her eyes widen slightly before narrowing. "What are you doing here?"
"Brighid allowed my ships to dock here till they are repaired, should be good to go by tomorrow."
Dughall and the soldiers could feel the tension in the air between the two of them, thankfully Brighid decided to intervene before something happened.
"Perhaps we should be going now, we can properly convene another time."
"Very well." Morag said as the soldiers followed her and Brighid in the direction of the captured Torna Driver. Ryan seemed like he was about to walk away but Morag grabbed his shoulder causing him to freeze. "You will be joining, correct? I believe we need to...talk, afterwards." Her tone made Ryan pale slightly.
"O-of course, I'll just follow you then." He said nervously, Morag released his shoulder as he hesitantly followed her.
"You knew this would happen eventually." Verus whispered to Ryan.
"Doesn't mean I have to like it." Ryan replied to the tiny Blade on his back.
Ryan followed Morag till she went inside a building to interrogate the Driver the soldiers had managed to capture earlier, Ryan however had to stay outside during the exchange. While he was waiting an Urayan soldier came and informed him that the ship was repaired and they would be returning to Uraya but were wondering when he would return. Ryan informed them that for the time being he would be on Gormott but would return in a day or two.
Ryan was laying on his back in the grass while Verus was kicking around rocks, but Verus was starting to get bored so she walked over to Ryan and falling face down next to him "Ugh, why do we have to stay here? The ship is fixed and there's another Aegis in town, so why can't we go!?"
"Because Morag wants to talk, and you know if we leave now it would be considered disrespectful and I don't wanna be the cause of the next war." He replied.
"What does she want to talk about?"
"The incident probably."
"I thought you already talked about that with her." Verus then looks up at Ryan and narrows her eyes, "Or did you just avoid her for the past few months?" Ryan's silence spoke for itself, "Are you kidding me!?" She yelled in shock.
"Oh come on it's not that big of a deal."
"It was literally all anyone in Uraya talked about for weeks, I can only imagine what happened in Mor Ardain! What did you think would happen!?"
"Well..."
2 months ago, Mor Ardain
Ryan walked off his Titan ship with Verus still on his back and two Urayan soldiers next to him, he was greeted by several soldiers who escorted him to the throne room. Once there he approached the throne with the current Emperor, Emperor Nial, sat with a smile on his face, a water Blade not far away from him. Ryan bowed in respect and Verus copied him, "It is an honor to meet you Emperor Nail, I thank you for your hospitality."
"There's no need for that." Nail said with a smile. "I should be the one thanking you for rescuing the crew of the ship." Ryan and Verus had taken their ship out for some peace and quiet when they came across an Ardainian Titan ship severally damaged. So he rescued the crew and was returning them to Mor Ardain, the crew had called ahead to inform their superiors what happened. Emperor Nail had heard about this and wanted to thank Ryan in person. "I can't thank you enough for saving the lives of those men and woman, if there is any way I can repay you, please let me know."
"There's no need for any of that, I was just doing what's right, I-" Ryan stopped when Verus pulled on his coat getting everyones attention. Those who didn't know about Verus were shocked when they noticed her Core Crystal.
"I have a request!" She said excitedly.
"Verus, be polite."
"Fine." Verus said before looking at Nail, "May I make a request Emperor Nail?" She said with a bow.
"Of course, what would you like?" Nail asked curious what the young Aegis would like.
"Well, I heard that your Special Inquisitor was as strong as my Royal Knight, I want to see who's stronger!" She said excitedly.
Ryan looked over at Morag who had been looking at him since he walked in, "I'm alright with it if you are?" He said.
Morag looked at Nail who nodded in response before looking back at Ryan, "Very well, I to am curious to see which of us is the better fighter, but I have one condition."
"Oh?" Ryan said raising an eyebrow, "And what might that be?"
"If we are to fight, I would like it to be just you and me, no help from our Blades, just their weapons. Is this acceptable?"
Ryan smirked, "Sure, but I don't want you to hold back."
"But of course, I expect you not to pull your punches as well.
Ryan followed Morag till they were inside a large room with enough space for them to fight. Both combatants walked into the center of the empty room till they were about 20 feet apart. Ryan pulled out his twin swords which lit up as blades of fire extended from the swords. Morag pulled out her twin swords as well before swinging them to reveal they were chain whip swords, each emitting a bright blue flame.
"Ready when you are." Ryan said with a grin.
The soldiers watched in anticipation, both sides wondering who would come out victorious.
(This fight will not involve arts, only instincts and skill, sorry)
In the blink of an eye, Ryan rushed forwards with his right sword aimed at Morags chest, in response Morag blocked the blade and extended the chain whip in her right hand to strike Ryan. The Royal Knight of Uraya was expecting this however, "Water!" The sword in his left hand changed from a burning sword to a blade made of water, Morags eyes widened as her blade made contact before retracting to its regular form. The blue fire had been extinguished.
Morag went on the defensive as she blocked the onslaught of fire and water blades, Ryan aiming for any opening he saw, not that there were many in her technique. "You aren't half bad, I might actually have to take you seriously." Said Morag before both blades collided with one another, Ryans remaining fire blade changed to water to match its counter part.
"Then maybe I should take you seriously as well." Replied Ryan.
Both of them exchanged swords in a flurry of sparks before Ryan jumped back and links his swords together as he swung at her right side causing her to block, he quickly managed to spin the other direction and hit Morag in the side with the flat part of the blade. He split the blade again and kicked Morag back a few feet, the Special Inquisitor responded with wrapping one of her weapons around Ryan ankle pulling it out from under him causing him to land on his back.
He jumped back to his feet as Morag impaled the place he was a moment before, Ryan quickly got back on his feet as he and Morag both swung at the same time and collied swords, both trying to push the other back. "Gotta say, I like the way you wield twin swords, who taught you?" Ryan asked.
"Perhaps I'll tell you if you win." Morag replies with a small smirk right before she rapped one of her swords around Ryan's water blades and yanked it free to his surprise. Ryan leapt back and held his remaining sword in front of him.
He glanced at his other sword embedded in the ground behind his opponent, a moment later Morag unleashed a barrage of whip like attacks to keep Ryan at a distance from his other sword. "Dammit." Then an idea popped into his head, it was risky but he didn't have another choice at the moment. "Light!" The sword lit up with a blinding white light, soon followed by the sword behind Morag lighting up as well. Ryan rushed forwards again but with more speed than before, he blocked several of Morags consecutive attacks but several managed to hit him and leave cuts on him. Ryan raised his sword and jumped, Morag only had time to raise one of her own blades to block the strike. "Earth!" The blade of light changed into a blade made of what looked like rocks with magma in between the rocks. The weight of the blade tripled as he brought the sword down and collided with Morags, the ground beneath them cracked as Morags sword cracked as well.
Morag grit her teeth before forcing Ryan back, not noticing the Blade behind her switch to earth as well, she looked at her sword before it snapped in half leaving her with only one. The Special inquisitor looked back at Ryan but was confused when she saw him running away from her.
"Fire!" He raised his sword as it returned to a blade of fire, only this time the red lines on the sword kept getting brighter and brighter. He turned back to face Morag before launching his sword in her direction, she prepared to block the strike, but to her surprise, and everyone aside from Ryan and Verus' surprise, it exploded before it could reach her. The smoke cleared to reveal Morag was unaffected since the explosion was a good distance away.
"That was not a wise move, you're now defenseless against me." Morag said to Ryan who was only smiling.
"I think you're forgetting something Inquisitor." Ryan called back.
"And what might that be?"
"I had two swords when we started." Ryan pointed behind her and Morags eyes widened.
The sword behind Morag lit up like the first sword before exploding as well, Morag was sent flying forwards as the smoke covered the area. There was a loud thud before the only noise in the room was the sound of small remnants of debris hitting the ground. The soldiers, Verus, Brighid, Ageon, and the Emperor rushed to see if the two were alright.
As the smoke cleared they all stopped and looked in surprise at the sight in front of them.
"Oh god, I almost forgot how powerful those explosions were, I wonder if I won?" Ryan thought to himself. He ignored the pain from the bloody cuts all over his body as he tried to sit up but he soon took notice of the strange weight on his body. That and a strange sensation on his face. Ryan opened his eyes and to his surprise, horror, and astonishment, he found himself face to face with Morag. Morag had also opened her eyes at the exact same moment, her hat had been knocked off revealing her black hair and more of her face, her hair was tickling his face slightly, oh and there's the small fact that they were kissing!
Both of them quickly got up and separated, Ryan was bright red while Morag had a small blush. Ryan quickly stood up and bowed "W-w-well, thank you for your hospitality but I'm afraid we have to be going now!" Ryan then grabbed Verus and ran back to his Titan ship with the soldiers close behind, once they were all ready they made their way back to Uraya.
The following weeks would there would be an uproar of rumors about what happened between the Royal Knight and the Special Inquisitor. Ranging from being in a secret relationship to getting married, they of course weren't true but that didn't stop the gossip from spreading, especially from a certain Aegis. Ryan had spent over a week in his room at the palace and the only person who could go in or out was Verus.
Present day
"It's not like I did it on purpose, it was an accident!" Ryan said defensively.
"You set off the explosion that caused it." She responded.
"Yeah but...I didn't mean for it to happen." He says letting out a sigh.
The two lay in silence till they were asked to come inside, once there it was just Ryan and Verus while Morag sat behind the desk and Brighid stood next to her.
"So, what are your intentions in Gormott?" Morag asked, not showing any emotions.
"At first it was to repair my ships and get them back to Uraya, but then I heard there was another Aegis here."
"I see, and what do you intend to do when you find the Aegis? I hope you don't intend to fight them." Her eyes narrowed.
"That depends on who the Driver is." Ryan said without hesitation, "If they are planning to use the Aegis to harm others, I'll use all the power at my disposal to bring them down. But...if that isn't the case, I'll decide what to do when I meet them. What do you plan to do if you meet them, Flame Bringer?"
"I imagined it would be obvious." She stood up, "I intend to prevent the Aegis from causing any more destruction like 500 years ago."
Verus grabbed her head in pain after Morag said that but quickly hid her discomfort from Ryan.
Ryan narrowed his eyes at Morag, "I hope it won't come to that." A few moments passed before Ryan started to walk out the door. "It was good to see you again, Morag." Ryan walked out the door, leaving Morag and Brighid alone.
Brighid watched as the two left before turning to Morag, "I'm a bit surprised, I thought you would have wanted to talk to him a bit longer."
"I would have continued our talk but there was nothing more to talk about."
"There was one thing." Brighid replied with a smile.
"I thought we agreed not to bring that up? Besides, it is nothing more than a distraction." Morag stated before leaving the room.
Brighid let out a sigh, "It's such a shame, they would make such a cute couple." She then followed after her Driver.
The sky over Torigoth started to darken as storm clouds rolled across the sky, Ryan had made his way back to his Titan ship till the storm passed since it was free instead of going to the hotel. Ryan as well as his two Blades managed to rest through most of the storm even when a massive lighting bolt shook the ship and Torigoth. Well, the Blades slept through it, Ryan walked outside his ship and looked over the edge and towards a certain Ardanian ship. It's still was a good chance to rest but Ryan saw no reason to go back to sleep.
Ryan was about to go back inside but stopped when he saw a small green light near the Ardanina ship, he rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. Once he saw the green light again he watched it approach the Titan ship, "Looks like Morag is gonna be fighting the Aegis before us." Ryan took a few steps back, he had no doubt in his mind the Aegis and their Driver could get away from Brighid and Maorag. "Let's see, even if they get away they are still on a Titan controlled by the Ardaninas so they will most likely be trying to get off Gormott as soon as possible. But they'll never get off in the city with all those guards." He smirked "Hey Verus! Zenobia!" He called out, "I found the other Aegis!"
Several loud crashing noises could be heard before the doors fly open before Verus is on Ryans back and Zenobia is by his side, "Let's go kick their ass!" Verus said excitedly.
"Hell yeah!" Zenobia agreed.
Ryan grinned before running over the edge of his ship and plummeting towards the ground, he landed and rushed towards the Ardanin base as fast as he could with Verus and Zenobia.
Once they arrived he noticed there was a wall of blue and red fire clashing with one another, "So the Aegis is a fire Blade." Ryan spots a group running out of the Ardanian base, it consisted of a young human who looks to be a salvager, a Gormotti girl, a Noppon, one white beast Blade, one mechanical Blade, and a bright red Blade with emerald green Core Crystal, the Aegis. Ryan watches them run from Morag who wasn't far behind till they all turn and face her.
Rex sends a wave of fire at Morag "You're getting predictable, boy!" she deflected it causing the fire to hit the supports of the water tower behind her and Brighid. Once the flames died down Morag saw Rex run up the hill till he reached the top.
"Look who's talking!" He countered and shot his wrist mounted anchor launcher and hit the water tower. "Poppi! Now!" The artificial Blade quickly flew over and helped Rex pull on the anchor to start pulling the water tower over. Morag realized what was going on and tried to get out of the way, but the others kept her back with their arts. Soon the water tower fell and drench Morag and Brighid, extinguishing her flames. Both looked up and to see Rex and Pyra high in the air preparing to strike. "Burning!" They shouted, "Sword!" They shot towards Morag and Brighid.
"Aqua burst!" In the blink of an eye the water around them shot towards Morag and Brighid almost like a wave as the explosion harmlessly passed over the waves. Once it died down the water feel back to the ground, Morag talked with Brighid about how Rex was holding back before looking for whoever had protected her from the explosion. But no one was around but her and Brighid.
Ryan and his Blades were following a good distance from Rex and his friends till they came to a stop, Ryan hid himself, Verus, and Zenobia in a large nearby tree to observe the group. He couldn't hear much but he did hear they were planning to reach Elysium. Ryan looked at Verus, "You have any interest in going there? I know you're from there."
"Meh." Verus replied with a shrug, "I don't really have a reason to but it could be fun."
"Wait you're an Aegis too!?" Zenobia asked in shock.
"Yup!" Verus replied with a smile, "I can fight you later to prove it."
"Deal."
As the three watched they noticed something strange, the Aegis was hurt. Under normal circumstances a blade can heal from any injury as long as their Core is intact and their Driver is alive, "So what makes you different?" Sadly Ryan decided that he wouldn't engage them for the time being, once the other Aegis and her Driver were tired and just fought Morag and lived. If they fought now then they wouldn't be going all out. Zenobia agreed as well since it wouldn't be as fun.
Once the group was asleep Ryan kept watch over them since they clearly hadn't thought about getting attacked at night, a few hours later Ryan saw a small group of wolf like creatures making their way towards the group. He readied his weapons and made his way towards the incoming monsters. "Darkness."
Once he made sure the Drivers and Blades were safe the three of them made their way back to his ship, Ryan now knew what they look like so he could find them in the future. Also he had already been gone from Uraya for longer than he wanted, he had to return soon or there would be problems in Uraya. Verus was quite vocal, and physical, with her objections but eventually calmed down when Ryan explained it would be a better fight when they're well rested and back to 100%. Thankfully Verus agreed while they made their way back to Uraya.
While making their way back the three of them trained with their newest addition Zenobia, Ryan wasn't use to an axe so she taught him how to use the weapon effectively. Once she thought he was skilled enough it was time for the moment of truth.
"So, you ready to fight me?" Zenobia asked the Aegis who held her swords in both hands.
"Just a second." Verus said before looking at Ryan who nodded, Verus glanced at Zenobia and her eyes looked like there was code in them, thousands upon thousands of lines of unreadable code before it stopped. Verus smirked, "Wind!" Verus's armor and her swords changed colors to a minty green, only this time they changed to Zeniobias white and minty green color scheme as well. "Hit me with your best shot."
"Alright here I-"
"Hang on." Verus said causing her to stop. "I don't want you to hold back, at all."
Zenobia looked at Verus, "I don't think you could handle it."
"Well, you see." Ryan motions towards Verus, "Verus here has a unique ability like the other Aegis. One can create, one can destroy, supposedly one can even transform, Verus here has the power to mimic or copy. Verus can copy any element in Alrest, which is why she isn't bound to one element, and if given a bit of time she can copy other Blades as well. Not a full Blade but a few of their attributes." Verus got into a fighting stance, "So for the next 5 or 10 minutes, she's as strong as you at your best, downside is this is gonna hurt like hell once it wears off and Verus won't be able to use Ether for a while, but she's dead set on fighting someone strong today." He said with a small smile.
Zenobias eyes widen before she grins and charges at Verus with her axe, their weapons collide causing a shockwave that shook the ship and caused the winds to pick up significantly. Thankfully Ryans ship is one of the toughest ships in Uraya so it could handle their fight.
8 minutes later
Ryan looked at his two Blades sprawled across the deck of his ship, both panting, surrounded by large dents in his ship. "I leave for 5 minutes and you two nearly destroy the hull of my ship." He looks at the two of them, "I take it you both had fun?"
"Best...fight...ever!" Zenobia said happily between gasps.
"It was awesome! Ow!" I could see Verus was in more pain since the mimic ability wore off. Ryan carefully picked her up and support Zenobia back to their room, he put them both down on their respective beds and let out a sigh.
"You two rest up, we'll be back in Uraya soon so you two can heal faster once we get back."
"Yeah!" Verus exclaimed before flinching in pain. Ryan patted her head before he started getting ready for their return.
After his ship docked, Ryan and his Blades quickly got off and made their way towards the Royal Palace where Ryan informed the Queen about everything that had occurred during his time in Gormott. She was very surprised to hear about the Aegis, but calmed down once Ryan said he would be able to deal with them if need be. Once Ryan finished, and introduced Zenobia to the Queen, he began to go around Fonsa Myma to make sure everything was normal. There had been reports of Core Crystal thieves lately and he wasn't going to let that happen if he could prevent it.
Ryan pov
It's been a few days since we got back I can't help but notice Zenobia was getting antsy, "Everything alright?"
"I'm bored." She replied.
"I can imagine." I say with a smirk, "First week of doing this I would take any opportunity to get out there and do something."
"What did you do?"
"The best thing that happened was when I found Garfont Village, a man named Vandham lives there. This guy had me go on some crazy adventures even before I became the Royal Knight. Even fought some giant monsters a few times with him." After I say that I see her eyes widen. "You can go if you want, hell, Vandham might be able to give you a worth while fight."
"Hell yeah!" I toss her axe to her and she catches it as it grows to its full glory, "I don't plan on holding back if I find someone worth fighting." She stated.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you, have fun." I give her the directions before Zenobia smiles and jumps out of a nearby window. I look out and see her running across building tops with amazing speed and grace, hope she doesn't hurt anyone. Unless they're Torna, thankfully I told her about them.
Meanwhile
Vandham was walking with Yew and Zuo to see if there was anything the village could use that the Titan ate recently when they spotted a small group of Drivers and Blades he's never seen before. They seemed to be walking out of the path leading to the Titans guts, Vandham gave a small chuckle before getting ready to meet the new Drivers.
