Chapter 4

Welcome to my latest chapter, I got this done a lot sooner than expected so I figured I'd post it, but first, reviews!

Dylan Ballesteros: The incident was originally gonna involve a drinking contest, the color pink, an Ardun, and Morags left shoe. But I think this was a much better choice. To answer your question, well, I mean now that I think about it he and Brighid are on pretty good terms already so I could possibly have her like him as well. Might get weird for Morag and Brighid but I'll decide later. I won't have Nia fall for him because I think she and Rex would make a nice couple, don't want to mess that up. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

RedBurningDragon: Glad you were right about Morag and Ryan. I figures Zenobia would work since Verus and her love to fight, so I could see them getting along pretty well. As for a touching reunion, I hope it's to your liking. For Ryans age, I wanted him to be a bit younger than Morag so right now he is about 20 or 21. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Consort: Glad you like the addition of Zenobia, about him being vulnerable to taking damage I was thinking on compensating by giving him Kora (Who I just got, finally) to help with healing. I think she would get along with the others and make things more interesting. For passive skills: Elemental change; the ability to change elements at will and be able to master the current element instantly, this ability can also be used in place of mastery requirements such as Fire Mastery and other elements. The second skill: Elemental Burst; The longer a single element is used in battle, the faster Arts recharge (Resets after each battle or when Element changes). Third Skill: Nightmare; ? ? ?. There are the three skills she has, I'm saving Nightmare for later because I have something special planned for this skill. Now I just gotta work on the other 6 skills she has, hope you enjoy the chapter!

Legomanny: Glad the pacing wasn't bad, it just seemed a bit fast in a few places to me for some reason. That's what I assumed you meant by jump the shark, you weren't the only one who warned me about jumping the shark. But regarding the shark, yes I plan on using a bit of time travel for the Torna expansion, I have a general idea of what I'm gonna do I just gotta work on a few small details. And actually play through the expansion, hope you enjoy the chapter!

guest02: I was planning on giving Ryan Crossette instead of Zenobia in the last chapter but I switched to Zenobia, but I was planning on giving him Crossette in the future, Right now Ryan needs a healing Blade so it's either Crossette or Kora. Anyway, enjoy the chapter

And done, so I'm thinking I'll add Heart to Heart moments in a side story in the future. Speaking of Heart to Heart moments, you all know the Blushy Crushy Heart to Heart in Garfont right? How come Poppi had a mode specifically designed for Rex? Even better question, what would happen if Poppi used it in front of Rex? If anyone knows if this is already a thing or can make this a thing you will have my undying respect!

Also I just want to take a moment and thank those who have reviewed my story so far and continue to do so, I appreciate all of you. Now on with the story!


No pov

Rex and the others walked out of the cave and into the light, "There's some kinda dim light..." Said Nia as they come to a stop.

"If I remember, the Urayan Titan has a translucent hide." Azurda informs. "I bet that'll be the light filtering through."

"So, the Titan must be above the clouds now?" Replied Rex.

"I dare say." Azurda confirmed.

"If we can make it to the source of the light, maybe we'll find a way out of here." Pyra suggested.

"Hold it!" Said a voice none of them had heard before, they all look up towards the source to see who spoke. Standing above them was Vandham, Yew, Zuo, and their Blades, not that they knew who they were. A moment passed before Vandham and the others jumped from the ledge and landed on ground not to far away, "Looks like a bunch of mushes I ain't seen yet." He said as he took a few steps closer, "You gotta have pretty damn bad luck, ending up in a Titan's guts like this." Vandham then took notice of Pyra and her Core Crystal, "Huh? That Blade...An emerald Core Crystal!" Rex was now on high alert, "Bwahahahaha! So the rumors are true!"

"Huh? What rumors?" Asked Rex.

"The Tale that every Driver worth his salt knows." He said crossing his arms, "The legendary Aegis. Folks been she just woke up from a 500 year nap. Wouldn't have thought she'd show up with a pencil-neck shrimp like you for a a Driver, though."

"You think I don't have what it takes?" Rex said a bit angered.

Vandham let out a laugh, "I've seen what an Aegis can do with my own eyes kid." This caused Pyras eyes to widen as well as the others.

"What do you mean? You've met Pyra before?"

"You think I'm talking about her? You're not the only person out there with an Aegis. You got a lot to learn kid. But about you not having what it takes, I mean...maybe you could handle a normal Blade. But a greenhorn like you with a beaut like her? Don't kid yourself. C'mon boy. Hand her over to a grown-up."

"This crap is getting old." Rex stated before they got into a fighting stance. "Leave her alone!"

"Y'got heart, kid. I like that. Yew, Zuo, you take care of the others, I wanna squash the kid."

Heheh. Leave it to us boss."

"We'll take real good care of 'em."

The three of them pulled out their weapons before Rex and the others did as well.

Meanwhile

Zenobia sighed as she defeated another monster that got in her way, "Come on, you can do better than that." She swung her axe killing off another Ardun before continuing her walk. "I guess not." She let out a sigh, "This Vandham guy better be a good fighter, or I'm gonna kick his ass for wasting my time." She threw her axe and struck and Ardun killing it almost immediately. She pulled he axe free as the beast disappeared, she continued to walk until she sensed something, another Blade a good distance away, a powerful one at that. "Finally, someone who might be worth fighting."

Back with the others

"What's the matter?" Vandahm asked as he swung his dual scythes at Rex. "Are you the Aegis or aren't ya!?" Rex manages to block the strikes but one caused him to get knocked back a few feet, he turned back around and saw Vandham with his scythe raised high and about to strike him. Rex held up his sword to block but Pyra jumped in front of him and raised her shield to protect him. The scythe struck the shield.

"Huh?" Pyra said to herself as she realized something, "Something feels different...this man, he's..." The shield disappears as Pyra and Vandham both jump back.

"That all you got, mate?" Vandham said, "Pathetic." Vandham then does a 'come at me' gesture with his fingers.

"We'll show you!" Rex stated as he's covered in a golden light, "We'll show you what me and Pyra are made of!" Rex then sent a wave of fire directly at Vandham who only took a step to his left as it past right by him, "He dodged!?" Rex said in shock.

"Course I did kid. Any slower, you'd bore me to death."

"How about this then!?" Rex swung his sword twice causing two more waves of fire to shoot towards Vandham who once again side stepped each blast. Seeing this Rex sent four more blasts.

"Rex wait!" Pyra shouted, "I can't supply power this fast!" It was clear it was taking a tole on her but Rex couldn't hear her.

Vandham took another step back but found himself backed up against a large rock wall, "Nowhere left to run!" Rex stated, Rex raised his sword and prepared to launch another attack. "Eat this!" Vandham looked at Pyra and saw she was panting and trying to stay up, he smirked as the swords flame died and the sword returned to its dormant state, "Huh!?" Rex looked at the sword in surprise.

"Playtimes over!" Vandham stated before holding the scythe in a reverse grip, "Take this!" Vandham shot forwards with the edge of the blade stopping just an inch from Rexs face. "Hah! If you're a Driver, you're a new one for sure." Vandham stated, Rex slowly opened his eyes and saw the edge of the scythe close to his face, "Drivers, see. We borrow our Blades' energy...channel it into our weapons, and let rip with an art!" Vandham moved his scythe away from Rex and looked down at the young Salvager as he put his weapons away. "But you gotta be carful - there's a limit to it. If you go in all bullheaded like that kid, even that Aegis of yours..." They both looked at Pyra who was on her hands and knees trying to catch her breath. "Is gonna run out of energy before long."

"W-what?" Rex was very confused right now. The Drivers of both groups all watched them before putting away their weapons.

"The name's Vandham, I run a little firm out of the nearby village."

"A...'firm'?" Rex still seemed confused.

"Come on!" Vandham said enthusiastically, "I'll treat you to some grub as thanks for letting me take a wack at the legendary Aegis!" He said as he walked in the direction of the village, "Bwahahahaha!"

"Just then..." Pyra said getting Rexs attention. "I realized while we were fighting." The two of them look at Vandham as he walks, "I sensed from the very start he didn't mean us any real harm."

"Hm, he sure is a strange old goat, that one." Rex said before he and the others followed after Vandham, as they walked they told him about what happened to them.

"Helluva story." Vandam said once they finished telling him as they walked into Garfont Village, "So you headed to the World Tree to reach Elysium, but got swallowed up whole instead? You got some crazy luck."

"So, er, what were you doing back there then?" Rex asked.

"Y'know this Titan...it Ain't to fussy about what it eats. I went down there to see if anything we might need for the village washed up. but mostly I only found your sorry mushes."

"Yeah, sorry about that."

"Here we are. Welcome to Garfont. Ain't much but it's home."

Time skip

After having some food, and Rex having an enlightening conversation with Vandham about Pyra, the mercenary asked the group to join him as he goes to investigate a strange energy disturbance. Along the way Vandham cleared the Ether miasma and taught Rex how to be a better Driver, using his arts better and that he needs to protect his blades.

As the group continued their walk they soon came across an injured Titan on the ground, "Like I thought." Said Vandham.

"A Titan!" Rex asked in shock. "So that weird power effect they clocked...maybe this is the cause?"

"Yeah, sure looks like it."

"I'll hazard it wasn't death by old age either." Azurda added. "Might have been an accident...on the other hand, it might have been attacked."

Loud footsteps could be heard getting closer catching the groups attention as a large glowing red arachnid like creature walked towards them. Walking along side it was what appeared to be a black and gold unique Blade (Wulfric).

"Hey look! Seems like this Titan dyeing off has stirred up something else!" Vandham stated as everyone pulled out their weapons to fight.

Watching from above them was a floating Zenobia, she had been preparing to dive bomb the monster and its Blade but stopped when she saw the group show up. In addition to the powerful Blades with them, an artificial Blade, and the Aegis, Zenobia was as happy as could be. "Let's see if you're worth my time." She said to herself as the fight began.

The wind Blade watched the group to see their fighting style, normally she wouldn't do something like this but she had some time to kill. The Salvager seemed to have some experience with a sword and the anchor but he seems to be a relatively new Driver. The Noppon seemed like he was a new driver as well but Zenobia was more interested in his Blade, it didn't have a Core Crystal and seemed artificial. The large man and his bird like Blade actually seemed like they would be worth fighting, and the Gormotti girl and her white beast Blade also seemed like they knew how to fight. Zenobia watched as they fought the arachnid monster, she lined up her axe towards the monster and debated killing it right now but managed to keep herself from doing it.

Once the beast was defeated Zenobia prepared herself to fight the second Aegis, "Hopefully you'll be as strong as Verus was."


After learning where Core Crystals come from and about Blade memories, Rex suddenly realized something the mercenary had said before. "Vandham?"

"Yeah kid?"

"You said I wasn't the only person with an Aegis, who else is there?" The others quieted down to listen since they were curious as well, Pyra most of all.

"You really don't know?" Rex shook his head in response. Vandham looked down for a moment before looking back at Rex "From what I know, there's only one other person on Alrest with an Aegis, and believe me he's no pushover."

"That's my driver alright!" Stated a new voice. The group turned as Zenobia landed not too far away from them causing a miniature crater beneath her. "So, you're the other Aegis huh?" She looked Pyra up and down, "You're different compared to the other one." Zenobia walked out of the crater as the group looked at her confused. "Don't let me stop you, go ahead big guy. Tell them who my Driver is."

"The Driver of the Aegis, is the Royal Knight, the strongest Driver in Uraya. He's taken on Titans and walked away without a scratch, he hunts monsters just for the hell of it, and he's only used one Blade until recently." The others looked at Vandham in shock, "The only person who is higher ranking than him is the Queen herself, and he is supposed to be the one to fight Mor Ardains Special Inquisitor once war breaks out."

"And I am his Blade, Zenobia." She crossed her arms and laughed, "My Driver gave me permission to do as I please for the time being. And I've decided you're going to entertain me till I get bored." She pulled out her axe and grinned.

"This isn't good." Vandham said quietly to the others, "That Blades only been around for a few days but I've heard she's ruthless, no soldier, Driver, or even Blade can stand up to her aside from her own Driver and the Aegis."

"So what do we do?" Pyra asked

"Torra think we should run, avoid fighting scary Blade." Torra said nervously.

"Poppi agree, readings from Blade are stronger than readings of Brighid, best option is to run." Poppi added.

"I don't think a water tower is going to save us this time." Nia said as Zenobia started walking towards them.

Vandham was silent for a moment before he looked right at Zenobia, "Just a sec, I got a question for ya."

Zenobia stopped, "What?"

"Why are you here? I can't imagine why he would send his personal Blade out here for no reason."

Zenobia let out a sigh, "It's been so boring at the capital lately, none of the soldiers will train with me and as much as I hate to admit it, I can't keep up with the Aegis of his. Then my Driver told me about a man named Vandham, said he would be able to give me a worthwhile fight."

Vandham crossed his arms, "So he thinks you can stand up to me?"

"Oh, so you're Vandham, and yes, my Driver thinks you are worth my time."

"Well, as much as I'd like to prove him right, we wouldn't be able to give you the fight you want, we were a bit banged up in that battle, so it wouldn't be fair now would it?" He asked with a smirk, he knew people like Zenobia only want the best out of a fight.

Zenobias eye twitched, "GAH!" She shouted slamming her axe into the ground, "You really are his teacher." She mumbled to herself, "He said the same thing when we saw them camping on Gormott." She motioned towards Rex and the others.

"Wait you were watching us?" Rex asked.

"Of course we were, we were in Torigoth when you were there, but had to leave. We even prevented you from getting attacked in your sleep by some Volfs. I gotta say, your little fight with Morag was interesting, that trick with the water towers, not bad." She put the axe on her back.

The group was shocked, the Royal Knight had been watching them since the water tower, possibly longer, what else did he know?

"How about this, come back with us to Garfont and once we're all rested, we'll see if you're as good as he says you are. Sound good?"

Zenobia thought it over for a minute, "I have a better idea, how about you fight me, and if I think you are worth the effort I'll let you go. I'll even hold back, sound fair?" She asked with a smirk.

"We don't really have a choice now do we?" Nia asked.

"Not really." Zenobia pulled out her axe and pointed it at the group, "I've been itching for a good fight all day, so bring it on!" Zenobia shouted and shot towards the group.


*SMACK* "How could you forget that!?" Shouted Verus as she punched and slapped Ryan over and over again. "It's one of the most important things you could have told her and you forgot it!"

"I didn't think of it at the time." Ryan said defensively, "Now will you please stop hitting me?"

Verus delivered one more punch to Ryan's back, "Fine, but how do you forget to tell her what Vandham even looks like!? For all we know Zenobia could be beating the crap out of random people thinking it's him!"

"Probably doesn't help that I told her not to hold back." Ryan mumbled.

"You're right, that's doesn't help!"

"We'll be at Garfont soon, get ready to fight her if it come down to it."

Verus nodded as they made their way to the village.


Zenobia laughed with joy, having just finished the fight, she didn't look tired at all but the others were all trying to catch their breaths "Wow you guys sure put up a fight, I might actually enjoy our real fight!" She said with a grin, "Alright, lets go back to your village." She started walking towards Garfont with the others a bit behind her.

Once they returned, Zenobia watched as the others rested from their adventure, Vandham was looking at Rex and Pyra curiously, Torra was jumping and punching Poppis hands, while Nia and Dromarch were relaxing nearby. As Vandham looked at Rex and Pyra, Zenobia walked over to him, "You noticed it to right?" She asked.

"Yeah, but I need to be sure." He stood up and walked over towards Rex and Pyra.

Once Vandham went to ask what was going on, Zenobia could sense her Driver was quickly approaching the village with Verus as well. "Why is he coming here?" She asked herself before shrugging.

After Rex and Pyra explained what had happened to Rex, Vandham didn't look happy. "Incredible, never heard of such a thing."

"It's all true." Rex confirmed.

"I just thought it was an accessory." Vandham said looking at the Core Crystal on Rex.

"Vandham, that's not my style."

"Blades are supposed to heal up right away, no matter what the wound. If the Crystal's in one piece and the Drivers alive, nothing can touch 'em. So why's she all bashed up?"

"That's just how the chips fell. It is what it is." Rex replied.

"What it is is a problem. It means if one of you kicks the bucket, you both do."

"You told me that a good Driver always protects his Blade. So that's what I'll do. I'm gonna protect her."

"Easier said than done kid."

"Listen, Pyra...she saved my life, brought me back from the dead. So I won't die again! I've got to live, for her sake! Until we get to Elysium, at least. We can make it together."

"Rex, you mean..."

"Going to Elysium?" Interupted a new voice. "I can't let that stand." Everyone turned to look at who spoke, standing there was a man in blue armor with glasses, and a blade that seemed to be using its wings like a cloak. "It won't do. A bunch of amateurs stealing the show? The script exists for a reason!"

"Akhos!" Nia said in surprise, right after she said his name Zenobia narrowed her eyes. Ryan had told her about Torna, and that was one of the names he told her.

"Please speak only when you're spoken to, traitor."

"🎶Traitor traitor traitor!🎶" Said the Blade standing next to him in a sing along voice. "Nia, you're one of the baddies now. You villain! Teeheehee!" She laughed.

"I didn't betray anyone!" Nia said defensively.

"Then why do you stand with then? You think that is where you belong?" Akhos asked.

"But, I..."

"Hmph. Who are theses goons?" Vandham asked Rex.

"Torna. They're trying to get their hands on Pyra." Rex replied.

"Torna!?" Vandham said with rage.

"Akhos!" Nia interrupted, "Just tell us what you're here for!"

"Well, the Aegis, of course. I just had to come and see the leading lady with my own eyes."

"Jin put you up to this?"

"Well deduced. Oh, by the way... His orders were to deal with you in whatever manner I see fit. So, you know what that means."

"He wouldn't... You're lying!" Nia said sounding heartbroken.

"Why the surprise? Did you think he would still care about you? Oh to live in your reality... Well well. Your part in this play is coming to an end. So! Time for you to shuffle off the stage."

As everyone was talking Zenobia had been getting more and more annoyed, tapping her foot and fingers in annoyance.

"Hnngh." Vandham grit his teeth in anger.

"What's wrong?" Rex asked.

"I know the name Torna. They've taken the lives of too many Drivers. Including some of my crew. Good people. Rumor says it's because they're collecting Core Crystals. So, if this Akhos is one of them... Yew! Zoo! Get everyone out of the village!"

"Yes sir!" They said in unison

"You ready?" Vandham asked the others.

"Ready!" Rex replied as everyone pulled out their weapons.

"Got it!" Added Pyra.

"Thanks for this." Nia replied.

"No problem!" Rex said in a serious tone.

"It'll be tough, his Blade, Obrona... She can manipulate the ether in the air. It lets him counter elemental attacks by generating fields of the opposite element." Nia explained.

"Finally a decent opponent for a change!" Vandham said excitedly, "Let's go!"

Before anyone could move Zenobia let out a shout of anger, "By the architect! Just shut up and fight!" She pulled out her axe and lept towards Akhos who hadn't even seen the wind Blade before. Taken a bit off guard he jumped out of the way as Zenobia slammed her axe into the ground causing a miniature crater. She looks up at him and smirks.

"What the, who are you supposed to be!? No side characters!" Akhos was clearly not expecting to see her here.

"I'm Zenobia, and have orders to take down anyone who is currently a part of Torna and bring them to my Driver." She said pointing her axe at Akhos.

"Well, this was unexpected, but no matter, I will defeat you as well as the others!" He said before engaging Zenobia.

Zenobia swung her axe and sent a barrage of wind blades towards the Torna Driver, Obrona however generated a field to cancel her attack with ease. Rex and the others soon joined in the fight against Akhos.

"Rolling smash!" Rex shouted as he spun and brought his sword down on Akhos who blocked it, Akhos pushed the weapon away and swung at Rex. A golden shield appeared around Rex to protect him from the attack. Nia ran up and threw her rings to surprise Akhos, but the Torna Driver was covered in a shield of his own sending the rings back to Nia. Vandham swung both his scythes at Akhos but he dodged every strike.

Rex and the others tried to use their Arts but they barely seemed to affect Akhos at all, Obrona continued to weaken their Blades, not letting them use any of their elemental attacks. Rex however wasn't going to let this guy push him around, Rex ran at Akhos again and swung the blade to the left side making Akhos block. Having fought Morag, Rex had some experience fighting someone with two swords.

Rex quickly pulled his sword back and blocked a slash from Akhos, the two traded blow for blow till Akhos lept back.

"Such an honor!" He said excitedly. "Sharing a stage with the legendary Aegis!" Akhos charged towards Pyra and slammed her into a stone wall behind her.

"Aaah!" Pyra said in pain.

"Ugh!" Rex said feeling her pain.

Akhos noticed this and was confused, "Huh? Why would the Driver..."

"It seems..." Obrona said catching his attention. "That they're taking each other's damage, somehow."

"Ah! So that means that the Aegis...Is a mere mortal right now." He looked at the injured Pyra. "In that case, a little more damage, and she'll be easy to deal with!" He raised his blade to stab Pyra but she ducked down and tried to get away from Akhos, the blade embedded itself into the stone almost to the hilt. But that didn't stop him, Akhos pulled the blade while keeping it in the stone and tried to hit Pyra. She ducked and got behind him but Akhos slashed her with his other sword before swinging his swords to cut her again. Pyra let out a pained scream before falling against the wall unconscious.

"Pyra!" Rex called out but the wounds appeared on him as well, causing him to fall to the ground as well, clearly in a massive amount of pain. Akhos raised his sword to strike again, he was about to bring his sword down but a shout caused him to stop his attack. "Lightning wave!" Akhos turned to see who had shouted that but was sent flying from the lightning that struck him.

Everyone was shocked (unintentional pun), they had barely been able to land a hit but someone had just done it on their first try. They all turned to look at the source to see Ryan standing there with two swords out and Verus on his back. A seriously annoyed expression on his face.

Akhos picked himself up as Obrona flew next to him, "That was unexpected." He dusted himself off before he noticed who attacked him and his eyes widen. "Well well well." He adjusted his glasses. "I wasn't expecting this, and who might you be?"

"Your worst nightmare!" Verus shouted from Ryans back as she popped her head out revealing herself with her armor being a bright yellow. Akhos's eyes widen when he sees the white Core Crystal on her chest and realized who this was.

"Urayas Royal Knight." Akhos let out a laugh, "Two Aegis's in one day, how exiting!"

Rex looked at the Royal Knight with wide eyes, this was the man who Vandham said had the other Aegis. Rex wanted to help but he was too injured and Pyra was out cold. He decided it would be best to watch someone with more experience use an Aegis. But he couldn't help but feel like the Royal Knight looked familiar to him.

Ryan got into a fighting stance before running forwards while holding his blades in front of him in an X shape, lightning charging along the edges. Akhos smirked, Obrona sent out a wave of Ether to disturb the lightning Ether but to their surprise Ryan was expecting this. "Earth!" Everyone present aside from Vandham and roc was shocked as the the swords changed to rock like blades with magma running through them as Verus' armor turned orange. None of them had ever seen anything like this before. Instead of disrupting the power it only enhanced Ryan swords as they lit up with Ether as he ran. Akhos barley had anytime to block as Ryan unleashed a volley of strikes.

"Rock rush!" Shouted Ryan as he smashed the swords into the ground causing cracks to appear knocking Akhos off balance. "Zenobia!" Ryan shouted, not a moment later Zenobia was next to him grinning before hitting Akhos in the chest with her axe sending him flying back. Ryan looked back at Verus and they both nodded, the little Aegis jumped off his back and into the air as Ryan threw the one of the swords into the air. She caught it as a black visor dropped out of her helmet and covered her eyes before she, Zenobia, and Ryan charged Akhos.

Akhos was having difficulty fighting off Ryan and his Blades, once he stopped one Blade the other would just pop back up, and since Verus could change elements it made it harder for him. He was so distracted he almost didn't notice Ryan swing his sword down. Akhos blocked as Verus gave Ryan the other sword.

"What's wrong? Can't keep up?" Ryan asked with a grin. Akhos grit his teeth, he was actually having trouble but wouldn't admit it. He could handle a mortal Aegis and her amateur Driver, a traitor, a Nopon with a mechanical Blade, and possibly the mercenary on his own. But the Royal Knight in front of him was another league above them. Ryan dodged the Torna Drivers swings and blocked anything that would have hit him. "Vandham! Now!" Ryan called out.

Before Akhos could respond Ryan leapt back to reveal Vandham and Roc, "Leave it to me kid, it's time to take this dog down!" Vandham shouted Vandham as he sent a miniature tornado at the Torna Driver who simply swung his sword to dispel the tornado. Vandham threw his scythes up towards Roc who was flying above them, once he had his scythes, Roc spun and a much larger tornado appeared around him.

"Gyaaaaah! What's happening!?" Obrona shouted as she was swept up into the vortex.

"What!?" Akhos was shocked, "The Ether flow's disturbed! how am I supposed to deflect now!?"

"You and your fancy moves!" Vandham shouted, "You lack grit!"

Akhos held his swords out before running out go the tornado and towards the unarmed Vandham, only to be intercepted by Dromach with the ring weapons in his mouth. Unable to dodge Akhos was forced to block and get knocked back, he landed on his feet and let out an annoyed sigh. "Ugh!" Just to many of these bit-players... My interest has waned. Obrona! Perhaps it's time for another tale." He said walking away.

"Hm, sure sure." She replied before they both jumped up the side of the nearby cliff and out of sight.

While everyone else was looking in the direction they left, Ryan put his swords away and noticed Pyra had regained consciousness and was staggering forwards. He quickly ran over and caught her before she hit the ground. "Pyra!" Rex called out as he ran over towards the two of them.

Ryan looked over Pyra to see the wound inflicted on her but stopped when she spoke to him. "Ryan?...Is that...really you?" Pyra asked, her eyes starting to close.

"Wait what? Do you know me?" He asked in shock. Before she could respond she lost consciousness and went limp in his arms.

Rex ran over still calling her names, "Pyra! Pyra!" He called.

"Verus!" Ryan called out as his own Aegis jumped off his back and examined the red Aegis.

"Don't worry, she's just unconscious." Verus said making Rex let out a small sigh in relief. "If she had her whole Core Crystal she would be already healed, but..." She glanced at Rex, "Just tend to her wounds and she will be fine." Verus finished and crawled back onto Ryan back.

"Let's move her somewhere more comfortable for now." Nia suggested as Ryan picked her up and followed Vandham to the nearby inn.


After carefully putting Pyra on one of the beds, Ryan moved to allow Nia to use her healing Arts on Pyra. Once Verus informed them Pyras wounds had healed, Ryan walked out of the room and spotted Rex looking concerned. "Don't worry about Pyra, Verus confirmed all her wounds are healed and all she needs is rest." He told the young salvager who gave a sad smile in response.

Noticing Vandham the two turned to face the man. "How is she?" He asked.

"Just needs some rest, that fight took a lot out of her." Ryan answered.

"That's good to hear." Vandham looked down at Rex, "What's wrong kid?"

"Maybe... I used to much power again..." Rex answered sadly.

Ryan let out a sigh and noticed Vandham had a certain look on his face, Ryan knew that face, it meant he was about to give the boy a pep talk. Making his way out of the room to let the two talk.

"Hey, Rex... Know what the difference is between me and that Akhos fella?"

"Well, he's a bad guy, trying to get Pyra...and you're...not?" Rex answered hesitantly.

"Hehe! Thanks for the vote of confidence, kid. What if I told you that we weren't that different?"

"Huh?"

"My crew at the village, we think we're fighting for justice. But, a just fight? I'm tellin' you now, there's no such thing. "What people call justice? It's just an excuse to fight. War is war. The more you stand up for yourself, the more people wanna fight you. Before you know it, you're in a war. Listen, all I'm saying is, we got our fight, and he's got his."

"But what he's doing is-" Rex stopped.

"Yeah, it's bad. But war Ain;t about right and wrong. "Power. That's all it is. And power can take many different forms. it depends on the heart of its wielder. If we don't use our power, just cos' we're scared of it, we're done for. as for who's right and who's wrong... No one knows for sure. So all we can do, is protect what's important."

"I think I understand." Rex turned to look back into the room with Pyra and the others.

"We all got our own war kid."

"My...war?" Rex looked down before Vandham put a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on kid, you'll be doing no one any good if you just stand here. Lets get some grub, and I'll introduce you to my friend." He said with a smile.

Rex nodded, "I'd like that."

The two walk out of inn and look around for the Royal Knight, the two see him paying for several drinks for Verus, who was back to her red armor, and was drinking like her life depended on it. As the two walked over they could hear the conversation. "I swear if anyone else got these for you they would have a heart attack from the price alone." He said after handing the over the gold to the bartender.

"This is the only place that sells these milkshakes!" Verus said defensively, "You haven't learned to make them so this is our only option!"

"Yeah yeah, just don't ask me for more till tomorrow." He then noticed Vandham walking over with Rex, "Hey Vandham, did you replace me with someone else already? I thought I was still you're only student."

"Don't flatter yourself kid, you still have a lot to learn from me." Vandham replied with a smile. "I brought him over to introduce you, I figured since you both have an Aegis, you two should talk."

Ryan smiled and looked Rex in the eyes, before either of them could speak they stopped, a look of surprise on both their faces.

"Rex?" Ryan asked in shock.

"Ryan?" Rex asked equally surprised.

"Holy Architect it is you!" Ryan said happily getting to his feet.

"I can't believe it!" Rex said happily.

The two of them bumped fists before doing a series of movements that confused the others, (secret handshake). Once they finished Vandham spoke up, "You two know each other?" He asked.

"Heck yeah we do, this is the kid I told you about. The one who saved my life." Ryan said ruffling the boys hair making Rex laugh a bit.

Vandhams eyebrows rose, "You're kidding me, this is the kid!?" He asked in shock.

"Yup if it weren't for Rex then I probably wouldn't be here today."

"I'm glad to see you're alright, what have you been doing since you left? Have you found out anything about your past? Did you get me anything?" He asked excitedly.

"Woah woah calm down, to answer your questions. I joined the Urayan army and am now the second most important person in Uraya, I haven't found anything about myself yet but I think I have a lead now, and yes, I did get you something but it isn't with me right now." He finished with a smile.

As the two talked Vandham couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh catching both their attentions. "Are you two related? The way you both act is like brothers." Vandham stated.

Ryan looked at Rex and smiled, "Well, I do consider him a little brother."

Rex looked up at Ryan, "Really?"

"Of course! But only if you want me to be?" Rex smiled and nodded, "Sweet, hey Verus! Zenobia! Come say hi to my little brother Rex!" He called out.

Verus jumped down and walked up to Rex and looked up at him, "Hi, my name is Verus the Aegis! It's nice to meet you!" She said happily holding out her hand.

"It's nice to meet you as well." Rex replied before Zenobia walked aver yawning.

"I was taking a nap, what's up?" She asked.

"I want you to meet my brother." Ryan said motioning towards Rex.

"What the!? He's your brother!?" She asked in shock, "Huh, no wonder he put up a good fight." She finished with a smirk, "Nice to meet you for real kid, as you already know I'm Zenobia."

"Yeah, good to meet you for real this time." Rex then turned back to Ryan, "So what have you been doing all this time?"

"Well..."

Ryan started explaining everything he had done as best he could since he left Fonsett, he did however leave out a few details. During this Vandham had walked off to go check on things in the village.

"... and then I showed up and saw you guys fighting Akhos."

"Wow." Rex said in awe. "You've certainly done a lot."

"Yup, and what about you?"

Before Rex could respond a certain tiny Titan flew towards him, "There you are my boy, what are you doing all the way over here?" Asked Azurda.

"Azurda?" Ryan asked in shock, "Is that you?"

"Ryan? Well this is certainly a surprise, how are you my boy?"

"I'm fine, but I think we need to literally address the Titan in the room, why are you so small!?"

"I guess it's my turn to explain." Rex said before starting what he had done these past 5 years.

Once he finished Ryan was pinching the bridge of his nose, "Okay you just accepted the job not even knowing what it was?"

"Yup."

"You died and Pyra brought you back?"

"Mmhm."

"Azurda is gonna be normal in about 300 years?"

"Give or take."

"And you're going to bring Pyra to Elysium in return for saving your life?"

"That about sums it up."

Ryan was silent for a moment before smiling, "Sounds like fun, count me it!" He said happily.

"Really?" Rex asked with a smile.

"Of course, who knows, I might even get to know a bit more about Verus up there?" He glanced at his Aegis. " Just have to inform the Queen, I just hope she is okay with it."

"That's great! I have to introduce you to the others!" They both got to their feet, Verus jumped onto Ryan as Zenobia disappeared in a flash of green light, "Let's go!"


After Rex introduced Ryan to the others, who were very surprised to find out Ryan and Rex knew each other, Ryan was also amazed by Poppi since he had never seen an Artificial Blade before. After they talked for a while the group had decide to rest for the night.

The next morning everyone was rested and was waiting to see if Pyra was feeling better, Ryan and Verus went to talk with Vandham.

With Ryan and Vandham

Ryan looked at Vandham in shock, "You...you want Rex to what!?" Ryan asked in shock.

"I figured you would be upset." Replied the mercenary.

"I'm just surprised, I wasn't expecting you to make such a decision so easily."

"Yeah well, the kid did something that took me 5 years to learn after seeing it once. That and Rex's heart is in the right place."

"Yeah, Rex has always been like that." Ryan smiled. "It's your choice, and I think Rex will be up for it." The two stopped when Ryan saw the others walking towards them, "Looks like we have company."

"Oh, its you guys? What got you out of bed so early?" Vandham asked the group.

Once the group stopped Rex looked at Nia, "Nia?"

The Gormotti Driver stepped forwards, "Thanks for yesterday. You saved our skins. That guy, Akhos, I mean...I wanted to tell you about him, you see... Thing is, we use to be-" Before she could continue Vandham interrupted.

"Being a mercenary, you meet all kinds of different folks." He said crossing his arms. "Your country, family, money...people got plenty of reasons to fight. Like fighting for a special girl. I see that a lot. But not every girl has a glowing crystal in her chest, eh?"

"Y-you mean Pyra?" Rex stuttered, "W-we're just..."

"Nia, you're with these guys right now. That's all that matters."

"But...aren't you..."

"Anyway, Rex? Weren't you saying you wanted to get to Elysium?"

"Yeah." Rex nodded, "But we his a snag."

Ryan spoke up, "That purple snake creature right?" He asked.

"Yeah, how did you know?" Rex asked.

"Verus?" Ryan said looking back at his Blade, a moment later Verus's visor came down as a holographic image of Ophion appeared in front of them. "We met the thing a few times whenever we got to close to the World Tree, it's a real pain when I have to get repairs because of it."

"With a monster like that in the way, it's impossible. No guild or military ship is getting close to it without going down." Rex finished.

"Well, I've got an old mate in the Urayan capital. Got a feeling he might know a way through."

"Really!?" Rex asked happily.

"Yeah, I gotta go there anyhow, so I could introduce you."

"Vandham! Thank you!" Rex said sounding overjoyed.

"Nah. It's destiny or something. Don't sweat it. Get your stuff together and meet me by the village entrance." Vandham said before walking away.

"Alright, let go get ready before we head out." Rex suggested and the others agreed, as the group went to go do their own things, Pyra looked back at Ryan and Verus.

"Rex?"

"Yeah?"

"Go ahead without me, I'll catch up."

"Okay, see you later." He said with a wave before following the others.

Pyra let out a sigh before walking over to Ryan, "Hello Ryan." She said with a smile.

The Royal Knight looked over at Pyra and smiled, "You seem to be doing better, if I remember correctly your name is Pyra, correct?"

"Yes, I go by Pyra these days."

"Do we know each other?" Ryan asked tilting his head.

"You don't...remember me?" She was surprised and a bit sad.

"Sorry, I can't remember anything past 5 years ago, did we meet before that?"

"Yes, we knew each other." Pyra looked sad, she glanced at Verus and her eyes widen slightly, "Verus, why are you so small? And what happen to your Core Crystal!?" Pyra asked alarmed.

Now Verus was confused, "What do you mean? I've always been this tall and it's alway looked like this." She replied pointing to her white X shaped Core Crystal.

"No you were much taller and your Core Crystal wasn't always like that, it's supposed to be like mine, or how it use to look. A cross."

"But I resonated with the X shaped Crystal, kinda like the one in Rex's chest, there wasn't anything else."

"No, this doesn't make sense, where's the other half of your Crystal? And do both of you not remember anything at all?" Pyra was sounding scarred now.

"Okay Pyra, calm down and take a few deep breaths." Ryan said calming the Aegis down.

Pyra sat down and took a few deep breaths, once she was calm again she looked up at Ryan. "Thanks, I need that. You were alway able to get me to calm down, even when I was beyond angry." Pyra said with a smile.

"Were we good friends?"

"Yes, we were good friends. But Brighid wasn't to happy about that." She chuckled.

"Brighid? Why?" Ryan asked curiously.

"Well..." Pyra trailed off, "If you don't remember then it isn't worth mentioning."

"Okay." Ryan stretched his arms, "We should get ready to go, can we talk later?"

"Sure thing."

The two joined the others and got ready to leave Garfont, Ryan and Verus went to train a bit while Pyra went to learn something called "Blushy Crushy" from Torra and Poppi.

Once everyone was gathered in front of the main gate ready to go, Vandham spoke up. "Time to head out. Yew! Zoo! Take care of this place, yeah?"

"Nae worries. Leave it to us Boss."

"Boss, you're in a good mood somehow!"

"Hehe." Vandham laughed scratching the back of his head, "I guess so. Well, take care!"

The group turned towards the gate before leaving Garfont Village, but as the walked, two hooded figures watched them from the shadows.