Chapter 5
Hello, sorry this took so long to make, but I'm back and I don't plan on stopping this story so don't worry. I changed a few things from the original story but they are a bit subtle so you might miss them if you aren't careful. Anyway you know how this goes, reviews then story. So here we go, to reviews!
Dominlu: Thanks, glad you enjoy it. Hope you continue to like it, enjoy the chapter!
ClyxicRyse: First of all I didn't think your question was stupid, Flesh eaters can die of old age you know. But unfortunately Ryan isn't a Flesh eater, he's something else. A flesh eater is a Blade that was fused with human cells, Ryan is in fact a human, not a blade. But you are close so you can keep the 10 bucks.
Dylan Ballesteros: Yeah, I smiled the whole time they interacted with each other. For the next Blade...um...I'm open to suggestions but I will probably give him Kora or Sheba. Kora because I think they would get along pretty well, and Sheba because she might acknowledge his knightly status and not treat him like a servant. I think either would work for him. I could also use some suggestions for what rare blades the others should get. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Legomanny: Glad it made sense, I'm planning on doing a full backstory in the next few chapters so get ready for that. Concerning what she will look like...she will definitely be older, I have a plan for her interaction with Morag as well. Look forwards to Verus getting her other half back, it's gonna be interesting, and possibly emotional depending on what I do. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
Shadow Joestar: Thanks, glad you liked it. But keep in mind, not all mysteries should be solved, Ryan might not like what he finds out about his past. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
DiaZeroGear: Mysterious hooded figures will soon be revealed, in this exciting chapter of The Royal Knight! I'm glad you are enjoying my story so far, I hope you continue to enjoy it in the future as well. There will be some major/minor changes, but I'm not gonna go crazy as to change the whole plot of the game. It was a master piece and I hope I am doing it justice. Ryan is a bit dim, but every hero needs a flaw. Rex is inexperienced at first, Nia has a secret, Torra can't use regular Blades, Zeke is crazy flamboyant but in a good way, Morag is a bit too serious, and Ryan is a bit dim. No hero is perfect, but that's what makes them unique. Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy my story, enjoy the chapter!
And done, now onto the...oh wait. First I need to ask you all for some help. What Blades would the others get? Cause they're gonna be getting some new additions in the next few chapters and I want to know who you think should get who. I've got Ryans almost figured out but I want to know what you all think the others should get.
Anyway, thank you for bearing with me, onto the story!
No pov
The group of Drivers and Blades walked through Uraya with their new additions Ryan and Verus. Ryan wanted to see how Rex fought so he didn't get too involved with any monsters they encountered, but he would help out if things were getting out of hand. They had just fought a small group of Ardan before continuing towards their destination.
Ryan watches Rex and Pyra and couldn't help but look at his own swords, then an idea popped into his head. "Hey Verus, can I ask you something?"
"What's up?" The small Aegis asked curiously from his back.
"Is it possible for Rex to use you, and me use Pyra?"
Verus blinked a few times and put a finger to her chin as she thought for a moment. "It is possible, but I don't know." She replied with a shrug, "Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious what would happen, and I'll only do it if you, Pyra, and Rex are okay with it." Ryan said with a smile.
Verus knew he wouldn't trade her for Pyra but she felt a bit jealous at the moment that he wanted to use another Aegis besides her. "Fine, but not for too long." She said crossing her arms.
"Sweet." He walked up to Rex and Pyra, "Hey Rex, Pyra, can you help me test something later?"
"Sure, what do need?" Pyra asked curiously.
"You and Verus are both Aegis correct?"
"Correct." Pyra replied raising an eyebrow curiously. Rex was also curious where Ryan was going with this.
"That means you both are bound to us, however you are also able to let others use your powers as well right?" Ryan asked.
"Yes, we are able to do that. Why do you ask?"
"Would you mind if we switch Aegis for a bit? Not right now of course, but when we have time and aren't traveling."
Rex and Pyra looked at him a bit surprised, "You want Pyra?" Rex asked a bit confused why Ryan would ask.
"Well, I just want to test a theory, I don't want to take Pyra from you or anything like that. I just wanna see if it could work, plus since we're already Aegis Drivers who knows what will happen? But it's up to you and Pyra if you want to do it or not." Ryan finished.
Rex and Pyra looked at each other, "What do you think?" Rex asked.
"I can't say I haven't wondered what would happen, but of you're okay with it I'm willing to try it." Pyra replied.
"Alright, but not for too long."
Ryan and Verus looked at Rex and then at Pyra before looking back at Rex. Both grinned, "Don't worry Rex. I won't take your girlfriend from you."
"S-She's not my girlfriend!" Rex said defensively with a light blush.
Verus smirked, "Sure she isn't." She looks at Pyra who seemed to be deep in thought.
After a bit more walking the group stopped when they heard laughing coming from nearby. The all stopped and looked around for the source.
"Ha ha ha! Looks like all that chat about the Aegis was true. And what luck, not just one, but two of them!" The voice said excitedly.
"Who're you?" Rex asked. Not a moment later two cloaked individuals walked into view in front of the group. Ryan couldn't help but feel like they looked familiar.
"That's a heavy burden you have there." He said towards Rex, "Sure you're up to it pipsqueak? See sense, step aside and let the big boys take charge." The two 'thieves' then struck a pose, "C'mon. Yield the merchandise!"
There was a moment of silence, "Huh?" Rex said in confusion, "What? Vandham, Ryan, do you know this guy?" He asked looking at the two people from Uraya.
"Never seen him in my life." Vandham replied crossing his arms.
"He's not from Uraya, I can tell you that much." Ryan states crossing his arms as well.
"Bah!" The man shouts before he and the Blade throw off their hoods to reveal themselves. Rex and Pyra gasped while Ryan and Verus look at the person in shock and recognition, both now knowing exactly who was in front of them.
"Architect dammit." Ryan said quietly in an annoyed tone.
Verus face palmed, "Of all the idiots."
"Wait." Rex said pointing at the man. "Are you..." The man smiled as he waited for Rex to finish. "Uh?" Rex finished not knowing who this guy is supposed to be. The two made a pose that clearly showed they were shocked.
The man and his Blade regained themselves, "You really are a bunch of rinky-dink, bogus, two-bit, no-mark Drivers, aren't you? Well, aside from you." Zeke said pointing at Ryan who shrugged.
"I already know who you are." Ryan stated making the others look at him in surprise.
"Wait, you know this clown?" Nia asked.
"Yes, give him a second and you will as well." Ryan motioned towards the man.
"Behold the mighty Zeke! Von! Genbu! Bringer of Chaos! Mostly known as Zeke. And often addressed as...the Zekenator!" Zeke then motioned towards the Blade next to him. "Behold my Blade! Pandoria!" Ryan was trying VERY hard not to just walk past the two and continue their journey to the Capital. But he had to be polite to the Prince.
The others just stare at Zeke before Nia lets out a flat, "What?" They all turned to look at Ryan who let out a sigh.
Ryan had a neutral expression while Verus was trying, and failing, to keep her laughs to herself at all the things Zeke said.
"Haha!" Zeke laughed dramatically, "It seems my reputation proceeds me! I've left the Royal Knight speechless!" He says with a grin, "Yes! I am Zeke Von Genbu! Bringer of Chaos! And this is my sword, the Purple Lightning Dreamsmasher!" He announced swinging the large sword into a fighting stance. "If you want a taste, come and get it!" Zeke declared.
Nobody said anything as most of them looked at him in confusion, Rex wasn't sure what to make of this guy but he let out a small sigh, "We're good." He says calmly and walks past Zeke, the others close behind him.
It took a moment for Zeke to realize what he said, "Good!? No!?" He asked in disbelief. "W-wait!" He exclaimed before he and Pandoria rushed in front of the group making them stop again. "Wait you barbarians!"
"This guy." Nia said putting a hand on her hip, "I'm tired of him already."
"You have no idea." Ryan said under his breath.
"Gah! You think you lowlifes can lick the three of us?" Zeke asked in a cocky tone.
Nia narrowed her eyes, "Three of you? I count two. Lost someone?" She asked looking around.
Zeke and Pandoria seemed shocked for a moment before regaining themselves, "Huh? Oh, get a load of this." Zeke started, "Our beloved mascot. Turters, reveal yourself!" He said reaching into his shirt for something, only for his eye to widen in horror once he can't feel it. "Huh? Turters? Turters!? Turters, where are you boy!?" He asked in desperation. "Turters!" He called out in fear.
The group looked around for who ever he was talking about till Pyra noticed a small green turtle by her feet. "Oh!" She said in a bit of surprise before kneeling down and letting it crawl onto her hand. "Hello little guy. How are you?" She asked standing back up, Vandham, Roc, Ryan, and Verus all looking at the turtle in her hand. "What are you doing out here all alone?"
Zeke, who had gotten on all fours in search of Turters, heard her speak and looked at them. When he saw the turtle he shot to his feet and over dramatically pointed at the turtle. "Ah-ah-ah! Turters!" In the blink of an eye he was in front of Pyra before snatching Turters from her hand, "Handling a man's turtle!" He said in disbelief before rushing back to Pandoria, both proceeded to swoon over the return of their beloved mascot.
"He could have just grabbed Pyra there." Rex pointed out, "Why'd he go for his turtle instead?"
"Ugh, what an idiot." Nia stated.
Zeke seemed to have heard them and stopped his swooning, "Gah, listen, whatever." He tucked away the turtle before pointing at the group once more, "She'll be mine soon enough! As well as the pipsqueak Aegis as well!" He stated, "Got a problem with that? Then come and take me! And don't hold back!" Zeke declared before smiling at the group.
"What?" Nia asked, "Is this guy for real?"
The group each got into a fighting pose ready to fight him but Rex noticed Ryan was just standing there, in addition to a now present Zenobia who looked annoyed but made no indication she would fight. "Um, Ryan? Aren't you going to fight?"
"Sadly, I cannot participate in this fight." Ryan stated, Verus let out an annoyed huff and Zenobia grit her teeth.
"Why Ryan not fight?" Tora asked.
"I'm feeling a bit tired, we'll leave it to you guys this time. I'm going on ahead, don't take too long to catch up!" He said walking past the group. "Watch out for them while I'm gone Zenobia!" He called back with a wave. "And don't take too long!"
"Yeah!" Verus shouted, "Or else you'll miss all the fun!"
As he walked past Zeke. Ryan stopped and looked at him, "You don't mind do you?"
"Not at all, but I'll be expecting a good fight from you in the future." Zeke smiled.
"I can't promise that, but I'll try my best." He said before continuing down the path.
"Ryan wait!" Rex called out but his brother kept walking.
"Don't worry Rex, I'm not gonna go too far." Ryan called back.
Rex looked back at Zeke knowing he had to finish this fight quickly so they could catch up. Not like this fight would take long anyway. Rex charged forwards and jumped into the air, "Double spinning edge!" He shouted as he spun and brought his sword down on Zeke.
The Prince however used his own sword to block the attack with a smirk, Rex's eyes widen a bit not expecting Zeke to block so quickly. "Not bad, but your gonna have to try harder than that!" He pushed Rex off the sword and sent him flying back.
Rex slid across the ground as Nia and Vandham rushed forwards, "Jaguar Slash!" Nia shouted swinging her ring like weapons at the Prince while Vandham brought his weapons down as well.
"Muscle Slash!" The mercenary shouted only to be block by a golden shield by Pandoria, Zeke dodged Nia's rings before using an Art of his own.
"Overload Thunder Beam!" Zeke charged the lightning through his sword as a beam of energy was sent right at her.
Nia jumped out of the way just in time as the beam shot past her.
Zeke moved his sword like nothing to block Tora and Vandham as they both tried to hit him. Zeke pushed them both back and used an other art, "Stratospheric thunder!" He shouted and knocked Tora into the air before leaping toward Vandham.
But at that moment Rex saw an opening, "Anchor Shot!" He shouted and fired his anchor at Zeke, the wrist mounted anchor wrapped around Zeke's hand holding his sword and pulled as hard as he could making the Prince miss his target. Vandham used the opening to send Zeke flying back with a powerful punch to the gut, Vandham was smirking, he hadn't been expecting Zeke to be able to fight four Drivers at once so easily. He also knew he was holding back.
"I don't believe this!" Verus said in annoyance as Ryan stood next to a tree with orange leaves looking over a cliff at the Uraya Titans scenery. He never gets tired of seeing it.
"You know why we can't participate." He replied.
"It's not fair!" She punched the large rock wall next to her causing large cracks to appear in the side of the cliff. "We finally come across a decent fighter who isn't afraid of us, isn't trying to kill you, and isn't...no, wait." Verus stopped for a moment, "He is trying to take me, just not right now. But it still pisses me off!"
"I know, I'm upset too but we can't risk a war for a single fight...yet anyway." Ryan moved away from the cliffside and back to Verus. "Besides, if he does attack us then he also risks starting a war. So neither of us can really do anything at the moment."
Verus groans in annoyance before climbing onto her Drivers back, "What ever, let's get to the Capital already."
The two slowly continued their way towards the capital, not wanting to leave the others too far behind. But after a while he stopped, Verus and Ryan both narrowed their eyes and turned around to see a two people standing there and looking at them.
Ryan recognized one of them, a certain Tornan Driver he's had the pleasure of running into several times in the past. "Patroka!" He said sounding excited. "Long time no see. You don't write, you don't call, what's a guy supposed to think after so long? I assume you're up to no good again?" He asked with a smirk.
She had long black hair and seemed to mostly wear white. She had a large blaster on her back as she stood there with her arms crossed. Patroka scoffed and rolled her eyes, "You're worse than Mik." She stated.
"Oh come on, you aren't still upset about that thing are you?" He asked.
Verus stuck her head around and looked at Ryan with narrowed eyes. "Ryan, how do you know this woman?"
"Long story before I even resonated with you." He said waving it off.
Malos looked at Patroka with a raised eyebrow, "You know each other?"
"None of your business." She stated. "Just hurry up, I have hunting to do."
"What ever." Malos stated taking a few steps towards the Royal Knight.
Ryan placed a hand on his sword, "Can I help you?" He asked not letting his guard down for even a second, something about this man made him feel uneasy. The scar over the center of his chest felt strange as well, considering he can't remember how he got it, made him feel even more on edge.
"Ryan, the Royal Knight of Uraya." Malos said, "Been a while, it looks like the pipsqueak finally grew up."
"Do I know you?" Ryan asked a bit on guard.
Malos raised an eyebrow, "You don't remember? I'm hurt." He said sarcastically. Malos narrowed his eyes and looked over Ryan and Verus "I'm actually a bit surprised to see you are still alive after all this time, and after our little fight." He smirked.
Ryan narrowed his eyes, he took in every detail of the man in front of him to try and remember anything. A fight, the wound on his chest, Verus, years ago, everything he was saying was making Ryans head hurt more and more. For a brief moment his vision shifted to something else.
Ryan found himself in the middle of what appeared to be a large stone structure, the Titan he was on was glowing red and the sky filled with countless strange creatures with glowing red wings heading towards the Titan. He was on one knee panting for breath and using Verus's sword to support him, he also noticed the Core Crystal on his sword was a full cross like Pyra described. The sword also seemed different than before but he knew it belonged to Verus somehow. He was suddenly grabbed by the neck and lifted into the air by Malos, the grip on his neck cutting off the air to his lungs. He struggled to break free but Malos kept his grip. "Maybe this will finally draw out your power." Malos said before driving his sword into Ryans chest. Everything went black as he heard a scream that shook him to his very core.
The vision faded and Ryan found himself back in Uraya, he stumbled a bit in shock. Grabbing the side of his head in amazement, a memory, an actual memory, after five years an actual memory from his past. He would have been happy if it wasn't for the fact it was about someone trying to kill him, and that same person being right in front of him. Ryan glared at the man in front of him. "You!" He said with gritted teeth.
"Oh? Remember me now?"
"I remember you tried to kill me you bastard!" Ryan shouted.
"He remembers?" Verus asked quietly so Ryan didn't hear her. She dropped to the ground and stood next to her Driver. She looked a bit concerned as well.
Malos let out a laugh, "As much as I enjoy reliving the past, how about you tell me how you're still alive? You're looking pretty good for someone over 500 years old, and dead."
"500 years?" Ryan asked a bit confused. "What are you talking about?"
"For the love of!" Malos said in annoyance, "All those years ago you two were a pain in my ass, now you're even worse with no memories!" He glared at Verus, "But thankfully I only need her, even if she is only half of her original self."
Ryan put a hand in front of her, "If you want Verus." He pulled out both swords as blades of wind appeared on them while Verus' armor became a bright green. "You'll have to pry her from my lifeless corpse!" He declared glaring at Malos.
"I did it once, I can do it again! Sever!" Malos declared as both his and Patrokas Blades dropped down behind Ryan and Verus. "Let's see how good you've gotten after 500 years brat!" Malos shouted as the 6 of them got ready to fight.
Zeke was sent flying back but landed on his feet and slid quite a bit before coming to a stop. He panted slightly and looked up at the group of Drivers. "Not bad, bu-bu-bu-but, feast your eyes on this. My super ultra mega move!" He said dramatically.
"We're waiting with bated breath for your super duper what ever!" Nia replied sarcastically.
Zeke appeared annoyed by her tone as small bolts of electricity arched across his body, "You asked for it!" He shouted holding up his great sword, now surging with a massive amount of lightning. The sheer amount of lighting caused the others to hold up their arms from the lighting surging through the sword. The power was unbelievable compared to how he fought before. "Bringer of Chaos!" The lighting solidified making the sword nearly twice as long as before, "Ultimate Lightning Fury Slash!" He leapt into the air before slamming his sword into the ground with tremendous force, a large symbol made of lightning appeared below him before it disappeared. Surprisingly the attack didn't seem to affect anyone. "Ha." Zeke looked up with a smirk.
However it soon disappeared when the ground beneath him started to crack, the others took a few steps back as the ground started to shake.
"Whoa!" The ground beneath him and Pandoria suddenly gave way and the two screamed as they plummeted down the cliff they had been fighting on.
There were a few moments of silence before it was broken by Zenobia laughing wildly at what happened to Zeke.
"Wh-what just happened? They..." Rex couldn't even find the words.
"Ugh. What an idiot." Nia said shaking her head.
"Don't see that everyday." Vandham added.
"Come on, that's enough nonsense." Nia said starting to walk away.
"Indeed." Dromarch nodded.
"He..they...and she..." Zenobia said between laughs, before following the others.
The rest soon followed and put their weapons away.
"Alright, now that we're done here, lets catch up with Ryan." Rex said with a smile, "Hopefully he's not too far ahead of us."
Sparks flew as Ryan and Malos connected swords, the two of them glaring at the other, Ryan jumped back as Patroka fired off several shots at him, barely missing. Ryan was about to charge Patroka but Malos swung his sword down at him again forcing him to dodge it. Verus quickly created a golden shield around Ryan as more gunfire connected with it. "Cyclone Slash!" Ryan shouted swinging his sword as a miniature tornado shot towards Patroka.
Patroka managed to avoid the attack as Ryan prepared to counter attack, but Malos swung at him once more, "Oh no you don't!"
Ryan was forced to block leaving him wide open for Patroka to have a clear shot.
Ryan grit his teeth in annoyance as he blocked the oncoming attack, he pushed Malos back and swung at him only for the ground beneath him to explode sending him flying back. Ryan slammed into the side of a cliff but managed to move so he took the impact and not Verus. He managed to land on his feet before stumbling onto one knee having the wind knocked out of him. He looked up and saw Patroka aiming at him once more. "Dammit." Ryan cursed. "I can't focus on this guy without Patroka attacking, and I can't attack Patroka without him attacking me." Ryan said in annoyance.
"So what do we do?" Verus asked.
Ryan looked at Malos and Patroka, thinking for any possible way they could win. He could take care of Patroka on his own, but Malos seemed to know his moves somehow. If Malos weren't here they wouldn't have a problem, but that isn't the case.
"I don't know, but at this rate I'm gonna run out of stamina before they do. Guess I should stop holding back." Ryan got to his feet and cracked his neck. He held his sword in front of him before swinging them at Malos and Patroka. "Storm Cutter!" He shouted as a green energy wave forced the two Drivers and their Blades back from the impact. Without missing a beat Ryan charged forwards and swung at Malos who barely managed to block the attack. "Light!" Ryan shouted as his sword emitted a blinding light right into the Tornan Drivers eyes making him jump back.
"Ah! Son of a-!" Malos said in pain as he tried to regain his sight.
Ryan looked at Patroka and charged her as she fired a hail of bullets at him once more. Verus kept her shield up as long as she could before it shatters like glass. Ryan leapt into the air and smirked, "Darkness!" Ryans swords seemed to turn into black fire as Verus' armor became black with purple stripes on it. "Cross Shadow!" Ryan shouted and swung his swords to create a X shaped wave of black energy shooting towards Patroka and send her flying towards Malos from the explosion it caused.
Ryan landed and pointed a sword at the Tornan Drivers, "I'm done holding back you two, so I suggest you leave while you can." As much as Ryan wanted to fight these two, they would be too much for the others to handle if they got caught up in the fight. Ryan couldn't guarantee he could keep them safe if they got involved.
"I'm actually impressed brat." Malos said catching their attention as he had regained his sight, "Back then you would have been killed by now only using her swords in that form."
That statement caught his attention.
"in that form"
Ryan felt something tugging in the back of his mind but he couldn't make it out. He felt Verus tighten her grip, and he could have sworn she was getting warmer on his back.
"I think it's about time we ended this." Malos stated as he and Patroka got ready to attack once more. "Only this time I'll make sure you stay dead."
Ryan let out a sigh, "I figured you would say something like that." He looked back at the small Aegis, "Verus, time to pull out all the stops." He smiles, "Time to bust out the big guns." He said before tossing one of the swords into the air.
Verus grinned, "Aw hell yeah! Time to bring the pain!" She said and caught the blade, her visor dropped as she and Ryan each held a sword in their hand.
Malos realized what they were doing and his eyes widen, "You're really gonna risk using that in your current form? You could end up killing yourself and that Driver of yours."
"Then let's test that shall we!" Ryan said as their swords lit up with energy.
High above in the World tree, the red eyes of an Artifice lit up as it received commands for the first time in 500 years. However, the activation of this special class Artifice caused several other dormant systems in the World Tree to become active once more.
Verus and Ryan pointed her sword at Malos and Patroka who were starting to get concerned, "Elemental..."
Rex and the others were walking along the paths when the Blades suddenly stop, which caused their Drivers to look at them curiously.
"Pyra?" Rex asked looking at her. "What's wrong?"
"Verus..." Pyra said with her eyes widening slight. "Something is wrong, I think-!" She was cut off when a large multicolored explosion could be seen a good distance away.
"What the heck was that!?" Vandham asked in surprise.
"Oh no!" Pyra said in fear. "Ryan and Verus are in trouble!"
"How can you tell?" Rex asked.
"That explosion was from an attack Verus can't use properly the way she is now, if she uses it again, then..." Pyra didn't want to finish the thought. "We have to hurry!" She said urgently.
"Right." Rex nodded, "Come on!" He shouted before he and the others started running down the path to catch up with Ryan.
Zenobia waisted no time in racing past the others to get to her Driver before them.
Pyra was more concerned about what would happen if Verus went out of control, she only hoped they would make it there in time.
After a few minutes of running, the group arrived and saw Ryan calmly sitting in front of a large rock with Verus sleeping on his back and his swords impaled on the ground next to him in their dormant grey state. He soon took notice of the others heading towards him and smiled, "Hey guys and gals, what took you so long?" He asked with a smile. Only to get knocked in the back of the head by Zenobia.
"Don't just act like nothing happened!" She said in annoyance.
"Ryan!" Rex said happily, "You're okay!"
The Royal Knight rubbed the back of his head where Zenobia had hit him and raised an eyebrow, "Why wouldn't I be?" He asked.
"Saw explosion from up on cliff." Torra replied, "Pyra said friend in trouble, then see big explosion! So friends rush to help!" He said with pride.
"Oh, so you guys saw that." Ryan said scratching the back of his head. "You guys weren't hurt were you?"
"Quit dodging the subject kid!" Vandham shouted, "What the hell happened!"
Ryan points behind Rex and the others making them all look behind them. Their eyes widen when they see a massive hole the size of a Titan ship going through the side of a cliff going up at an angle. The area around the cliffside was burned and cracked, small craters covered the area, and small fires covered the ground. "What the-?" Nia asked in surprise at the destruction around them. "What happened here?"
"Torna." Ryan stated making everyone look back at him, "They were waiting for me and Verus here. I knew one of them, who I've run into a lot over the past few years. And a new one." Ryan gained an annoyed expression, "Didn't catch his name."
"What did he look like?" Pyra asked, although she already had a good idea of who it was.
"Big guy, large shoulder pads, dark hair, every time he speaks he sounds like he thinks he's better than you." Ryan described.
"Malos!" Rex said in recognition.
"You know him?"
"Yeah, he's the other guy who hired me to find Pyra."
"The guy who stabbed you through the heart? Guess we have that in common then." Ryan said with a small chuckle.
"No, that was...Gin..." Rex trailed off after processing what Ryan said, "What?"
Pyra walked up to Ryan, "You remember?" She asked.
"First memory I get in 5 years, and it's about a guy stabbing me through the heart with my own sword." He stated getting to his feet, "Great start I'd say."
"Was there anything else you remembered?" Pyra asked.
"Not really, why?"
Pyra seemed disappointed, but also relieved. "It's nothing."
"Hold on a second." Nia cut in, "Malos stabbed you through the heart? How are you alive?"
"That's...a really good question." Ryan realized putting a hand to his chest.
"Are you like me?" Rex asked pointing to the Core Crystal on his chest. "I came back because of Pyra, maybe something like that happened to you?"
"I can assure you, I don't have a Core Crystal anywhere on me. I think I would know if there was one." Ryan stated.
"Alright, but that still doesn't tell us about what happened to the cliff over there." Vandham stated.
"We happened." Ryan replied proudly, "Verus and I decided it was time to use a technique we've been working on for a while, unfortunately." He looks back at Verus who had tightened her grip in her sleep, "It drains a lot more power from her than we expected, so she's out for a while." He looks at Zenobia who tosses him her axe, "Meaning Zenobia I'm gonna be using your Axe for a while."
"What exactly did you do here?" Nia asked looking at all the damage they caused."
"Look let's talk about this later, if we leave now we can reach the capital before dark." Ryan smiled.
Rex was confused why Ryan would dodge the subject, but he would ask about it later, "Right."
After getting back on track, the group of Drivers and Blades made their way towards the capital. Along the way they came across several unfortunate citizens of Uraya who needed help against monsters, a blocked floodgate which they swiftly cleared, and several rogue Drivers. They even got some Core Crystals from the fights.
The group had just finished climbing a large set of stares and past what seemed to be a small farm next to a docking port for Titan ships. They all stopped to admire the Urayan warship currently docked.
"War with Mor Ardain is looking more and more likely by the day." Dromarch stated as they looked at the ship.
"Looks like they've expanded the military program." Vandham added before turning to look at Ryan, "That's a lot of warships kid."
Ryan smirked, "Wait till you see the whole fleet and not a small battalion." Ryan said proudly. "And my latest ship is gonna be leading them if the War starts. Once it's finished of course."
"These ships look different to normal ships." Poppi stated.
"Yeah." Vandham replied, "We don't muck about with our Titans much. No need for it. Urayans like things pretty natural."
"I've seen Urayan ships before, back in Argentum." Rex added, "It's like the total opposite of how the Ardanians use them."
"That could be one reason they're always as each others throats." Said Dromarch.
"They've been like cats and dogs for a long time." Azurda replied.
"Well, from where I stand, the Ardanians are the worse. All that metal's just bad taste." Nia stated.
"It's easy to think that way, but you're not thinking about how the Titans themselves feel." Azurda stated.
"Huh? Don't all those modifications hurt?"
"When Titan's live with humans, that's just the way it is."
"Hmmm."
"I used to have a hut on my back, and a crane stuck where the sun don't shine. I never complained, not even when Rex fired up a grill on my shoulders."
"Hey, you use to like that!" Rex countered.
"Mm...well, yes I did like that. In fact, I miss it."
"If I did that now, we'd end up with roast Titan."
"Indeed."
The interaction between Rex and Azurda caused Pyra to laugh and Ryan to roll his eyes with a smile, "Come on everyone, I'll get us a nice place to sleep for the night." Ryan says while starting to walk towards the bridge leading into the capital. They made their way across the bridge and into the commercial district of Fonsa Myma.
They came to a stop when Rex noticed a line of people getting small packets of food from a pair of soldiers behind a table. "What's that?" Rex asked curiously.
Ryan followed his gaze ,"Oh that? It's a distribution center. We ration out the resources we have to civilians and soldiers alike."
"It's also first come first served if I'm not mistaken." Vandham added crossing his arms.
"Right you are my friend." Ryan smiled.
The group watched for a moment as a little girl with short bright green hair walked up to the table. "Ok." Said one of the soldiers, "That's the last one for today." He said holding up the container.
The little girl happily reached for the package, only be pushed to the ground by another soldier who looked annoyed. Pyra saw this and started quickly making her way towards the girl. "Come on!" The new soldier said in annoyance, "I'm a soldier! Been busting my gut for this country!" He stated in an angry tone. "That should be going to me!" He shouted as the girl got to her feet and looked at the man in fear. "Not the likes of you!" The girl just stood there in fear at the man who was glaring at her. "Uh? Don't look at me like that! Respect your elders, you snot nosed brat!" He shouted. He raised his arm seemingly about to hit her, only for a hand to shoot out and grab his arm, holding him in place.
"What the-" He turned to see what was holding him in place and saw someone was holding him, he followed the arm and saw a VERY pissed off looking Ryan holding his arm hard enough to warp the mans metal armor.
"I suggest you think very carefully about what you do next." Ryan said threateningly at the larger soldier. "Because this little girl happens to be a friend of my teacher, and if you hurt her." Ryan applied more pressure to his grip making the metal warp more and twisting the mans arm making the soldier fall to one knee in pain. "I'll make sure you regret it."
The soldier visibly paled as he tried to speak only to constantly stutter in fear.
Ryan turned to look at the young girl, "Are you alright Iona?" Ryan asked with a genuine smile.
The now named Iona looked at Ryan and smiled, "Yes sir, just a few scratches." She said showing a few scratches on her arms. "Nothing too serious."
"I see." Ryan said in a tone that made the soldier in has grasp pale even more. "Excuse me while I teach someone here to be thankful for what they already have." He said before dragging the man away and out of sight.
Once he was out of sight, Nia, Torra, and Dromarch were the only ones capable of hearing what Ryan was doing to the soldier. They occasionally flitch whenever they hear a cracking noise.
"Seems Ryan is still a little over protective." Vandham stated patting Iona on the head, "Good to see you again kid, you grew up quite a bit haven't yah?"
Pyra walked up to Iona and knelt down, "Are you sure you're alright? Nothing else is injured?" She asked with a smile.
"No ma'am, I should be fine, thank you though." Iona then took notice of the Core Crystal on Pyra's chest. "You're the Aegis?" She asked in surprise. "The one that just woke up?"
"Seems the rumors about Pyra have spread farther than I thought." Vandham stated scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry." Pyra replied, "I guess I should have worn the cloak." She said looking a bit down.
"Nonsense!" Ryan said walking back over to the others while the soldier from before gets taken away by a medical team. "No one here would dare to attack you. I made it very clear to all the soldiers that if you were ever found in Uraya, you are to be treated like Verus and myself." He stated. "Just not with all the perks."
"Oh, well that makes things a bit easier." Pyra said letting out a relieved sigh.
"But who spread rumors?" Poppi asked.
"From what I hear, it's some fancy-pants Nopon merchant." Vandham says crossing his arms.
"A Nopon merchant?" Rex tilts his head trying to think of who it could be.
"We can worry about that later." Vandham stated before turning to look at Iona. "Iona, how's grandpa Cole doing?"
Iona frowned and looked down.
"Not good I take it?"
"So who's this?" Rex asked curiously.
"Ah, this is Iona. That old friend of mine takes care of her."
Pyra walked up to Iona and knelt down, "Hi Iona, nice to meet you, I'm Pyra." She said happily.
Iona returned the smile, "It's nice to meet you as well miss Pyra."
"Alright, let's go before we draw too much attention." Ryan says, "The Queen, or at least another general, is gonna hear about what I just did sooner or later so it's best if we do what we need to do before that happens." He says and turns to Vandham, "Lead the way big guy."
The others follow Vandham as they make their way through the shopping area, Ryan watched as they got some new Core Chips and supplies for when they started traveling again.
Continuing through Fonsa Myma, Ryan couldn't help but smile as the others admired the capital. "You seem happy." Zenobia said with a smirk.
"What's not to be happy about?" He asked looking back at the others, "I got to see my little brother after five years, him and his friends are enjoying the capital that I'm sworn to defend with my life, and I've got a lead on my past for the first time in five years." He said with a smile.
"I guess you're right, but I still wish I had someone to fight." She replied crossing her arms.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get your fight soon. Once the others are rested I'm sure they'll be willing to fight."
"Sweet!" She said happily. "Looking forward to it."
The sun was starting to set as the Drivers and Blades made their way up another set of stares towards what appeared to be a theater.
"Hmm." Dromarch hummed as they came to a stop, "Is this some kind of theater?" He asked curiously.
"Yup." Vandham replied, "It's a theater all right. The guy we're here for leads the troupe here."
"Ahh. Actors, eh." Rex said putting both hands behind his head.
"And right now..." Vandham started while looking at a poster of an angelic looking person floating in the air, "They're in the middle of a show." He turns to look at the others, "Well? Wanna take a quick peek?" He asked.
Dromarch and Rex walked a bit closer to the poster, "The Heroic Adventures of Adam." Dromach read allowed, "Might be interesting."
"I've never been to the theater before." Rex stated.
"Neither has Tora!" Said the Nopon excitedly while bouncing a few times.
"Really?" Ryan asked a bit surprised, "It's pretty fun to watch, although I've never seen this one before." He looked at the poster curiously, the longer Ryan looked at it the more he felt like he'd seen the woman in white somewhere before. Shaking his head he focused back on Vandham.
"Let's do it!" Vandham said a happily. "Nice and quiet though, looks like it's pretty packed today."
"OK!" Rex and Tora both said loudly, only to receive a chop to the head thanks to Ryan. "Ow!" They both said in pain.
"He said to be quiet, so no shouting." Ryan said with a small smile and walked past them into the theater, the others not too far behind him.
Once inside the group quickly got seated as the next scene in the play started.
"And I saw at that time that the powers of darkness had engulfed almost everything!" Announced the narrator, dressed in an interesting outfit and a mask on as well. "People and Titans alike were drawn into the abyssal vortex!" On the stage was a large boat with white cloths moving in an invisible wind, and what appeared to be waves were placed across the stage. "The apocalypse was upon us! The end was nigh! But then! Despite all the wounds all over his body, and the loss of his partner, the great Addam stood!" As he said than a man in what appeared to be a set of full body armor made from shells and jewels walked along the boat. "O Architect!" The man shouted holding a strange sword towards the sky, "Grant me power! Power to banish the dark! Power to illuminate the world!"
The white cloths disappeared as three actors in black cloaks and clawed wooden arms appeared in front of the boat. "Addam" jumped down off the boat and got into a fighting stance to face the monsters. However everything stopped when white feathers started falling from above, hanging from a rope was a woman dressed in white with Angel wings behind her. "Lo! Loyal servant of the Architect! The Aegis! O Aegis! Bless me with your power! Bring light upon the world!"
The "Aegis" Waved her hand to throw orange and red pieces of paper as the light around her turned orange. Beneath the "monsters" fake fire swirled around them as they let out a convincing cry of pain before falling to the ground.
"Thus they defeated the darkness." Continued the Narrator. "But at a terrible price! Four great Continents sank beneath the sea of clouds forever."
The scene had changed to the "Aegis" laying in the center of the stage while "Addam" stood above her before speaking. "Servant of the Architect! By thy power, the world is saved! For the gift you have granted us, we are eternally grateful." He held his hand into the air, "I shall spread thy legend far and wide! May your name live on for eternity!"
"Addam" then knelt down and picked up the "Aegis" bridal style and turned to walk through a glowing white door behind him as the curtain dropped and the audience started clapping.
Once it quieted down, the group stood up and made there way around back to find the man Vandham had mentioned. As they did, Nia pulled Rex aside to talk, Ryan stayed back to hear what they were talking about. Nia made Rex realize that it must have been a bit awkward for Pyra, considering the play was about her. She told Rex he should make things right, before walking away as Pyra walked up to the young salvager. However Pyra didn't seem to bothered by the play, she seemed more interested in the effects the play had with the cloth and fire.
As they talked Verus slowly opened her eyes and yawned letting Ryan know she was awake, "Good morning." She said slowly rubbing her eyes.
"Glad you're awake." Zenobia said looking at the small Aegis.
"And it's afternoon actually, you slept for a few hours straight after that little attack of ours." Ryan smiled, "You doing alright?"
Verus eyes widen as she remembered what happened, "Yeah, I'm fine, just a little tired."
"I can imagine, guess we really need to save using that technique for emergencies."
Verus let out a tired yawn, "Yeah, sorry I'm gonna be out for a while."
"No worries, you just get your rest and your strength back."
"Okay, thank you...aren't we going to see the Queen later? I guess I can sleep through that."
"So just you being you. Sounds about right." Ryan and Zenobia gave a small laugh as Verus puffed out her cheeks in annoyance and weakly tried to hit Ryan in the back of the head with little success.
They joined the others heading towards the back to find Vandhams old friend.
"Comin' in old fella!" Vandham announced as the group walked into the back. "Crikey! Still collecting the junk are you?" Vandham asked seeing how cluttered the room was.
"Watch it you bruiser!" The cloaked man said turning to reveal an elderly man with a beard. "Don't make fun of a man's hobbies!"
"Some greeting for your old comrade!" Vandham said rubbing the back of his head.
"Comrade?" Nia asked curiously.
Vandham looked back at Nia, "Yeah, I was a freelancer, before the firm got going. Believe it or not, me and this old fella tore up a good few battlefields in our day."
"We sure did." The man replied, "And thanks to that bleeding heart of yours, we almost never got payed!"
"Hahaha! Says the guy in the Theater troupe! You can't be raking in much dough either."
"Hmph. Well, what can I do for you, friend?"
"Cole, you're old ain't ya? Old enough to know how to cross over to the World Tree...get to Elysium I mean."
"Elysium? But why would you want to go there of all places?" He asked before seeing both Pyra and Verus, particularly their Core Crystals. "Those Core Crystals, you...you two are..." He was in shock, "So it's true, the two Aegis are back amongst us. I knew of Verus, but you...who is your Driver?" He asked Pyra.
"I am." Rex said taking a step forwards.
"You? But you're so young...then again..." Cole gave a quick glance to Ryan but quickly averted his gaze back to Rex. "You aren't exactly the youngest Aegis Driver to ever exist." He finished making Rex a bit confused.
Vandham decided to cut in. "How about it old man? Do you know a way or not?"
"Hmm." Cole hummed as he thought for a moment. "I dare say if you've trekked all the way here to ask me, you've already tried going yourself?"
"Yeah, but we couldn't make it." Rex replied a bit disappointed.
"No wonder. No one can get to the world tree while that thing's guarding the way there." Cole replied. "It won't let anyone past."
"If my new ship was ready we might be able to make it." Ryan whispered, "But it's not gonna be done anytime soon." He said sadly.
"However, a long time ago. There was a man who went up the tree. Met the Architect too."
"There was? Really?" Rex asked a bit surprised.
"Yeah, I wager anything he's got an idea how to get there again. You should try asking him."
"Who was it!?" Rex asked. However Cole simply looked down and gave no response. "Please tell us!" Rex begged, "I've got to get to Elysium, no matter the cost!"
Cole was silent for a moment before looking back up at them, "Well, I can tell you. But first I'd like to have a word with those two if you don't mind. With the two Aegis I mean." He said looking at Verus and Pyra.
"With Pyra?/With Verus?" The two brothers asked at the same time.
"Of course." Pyra said with a nod.
"I don't see why not." Verus added while hopping off of Ryans back, she appeared to be a bit more awake than before.
"Then please." He motioned towards a door behind him, "Through here."
Ryan knew he should be worried for Verus, but something was telling him to trust Cole. He wasn't sure what it was but he just knew, Cole was someone he could trust. So he waited patiently as the two Aegis walked through the door with Cole.
The three stood in the room for a moment before Pyra spoke, "Mister Cole, right? You wrote that play, didn't you?" She asked.
"I...hope I didn't stir up any painful memories for either of you." Cole said sympathetically.
"No...Some of them are...good memories." Pyra replied.
"Yeah...some of them." Verus chuckled nervously.
"Heh, you two aren't very convincing. I'm sorry, I truly am. I just wanted people to know about that time. Show people how we were back in those days. Really get it across to them."
"Well you did a really good job." Verus smiled with a thumbs up. "Seemed right to me."
Pyra looked at Verus in surprise. "You mean you remember?"
Verus flinched as she realized she let it slip, being so drained made it hard to keep focused, she let out a sigh, "Yes, I remember everything. In truth I never really lost my memories."
"But then why did you lie to me? To Ryan?"
"Sorry about that, I just didn't want Ryan finding out, if he knew I've been lying to him for so long he would probably never forgive me." Verus replied.
"But why are you lying to him in the first place?" Cole asked. "He has a right to know."
"You both remember what happened back then, what Malos did to him. I don't want Ryan to have to go through all that again. So if pretending I don't know anything about our past is what I have to do to keep it from him then so be it."
Pyra and Cole gave a sympathetic look, "I know, but he still deserves a chance to know for himself. I won't tell him, but if you wait too long, I will." She then gave a small laugh, "You remember 500 years ago how we all learned he was tougher than we gave him credit for."
Verus laughed, "I'll say, I still don't know how he could stomach all that food you made."
"Or all the attention you gave him." Pyra replied.
"That boy was something else." Cole added, "How he kept you and your power in check always baffled me." Cole then looked serious, "Speaking of power...will you two be using it again? That power?"
Pyra and Verus looked down, "I don't know yet." Pyra answered.
"I just don't know if the world can take it a second time."
"We know that." Verus answered.
"We would never use that power if there was another way." Pyra continued, "This is what I hope for, but..." She looked down.
"That man is the only one who knows how to get to where you're going. Do you think you can make it to him?" Cole asked. "I just wanted to make sure."
"We can." Pyra replied instantly, "I mean, it's my destiny."
"Yeah." Cole went silent for a moment, "That boy who's with you..."
"His name's Rex. He's a good person, with a kind heart." Pyra explained.
"And Ryans adopted brother." Verus smiled.
"I see, then he is in good hands. He also reminds me a certain someone." Cole added.
Pyra and Verus nodded as they knew who Cole was talking about, a certain white haired Prince they knew a long time ago.
"Okay then, I'll help you out."
"Thank you...Minoth." Pyra said with a smile.
"Minoth." Cole gave a small laugh, "I'd almost forgotten that name..." He turned towards his desk, "Now then, where did they get too?" He asked himself as he started moving papers around. The two Aegis look at him a bit confused.
"What are you looking for?" Verus asked.
"Two things from a long time ago." Cole replied not looking up from his papers, "I know I had it around here some-ah!" He said excitedly as he found one of the items he was looking for. "Here it is." He pulled out a small rectangular white wooden box with golden vine like designs covering it. He turned towards Verus and held out the box to her, "500 years ago you asked me to hold onto this for you, I think it's time I gave it back." He said with a smile as he opened the box to reveal what was inside of it to the Aegis.
Verus was surprised but smiled, "Thank you Minoth." She closed the box and put it away for later, "I can never repay you enough for this."
"It was my pleasure." He turned back towards the desk, "Now for-" He was interrupted by a violent coughing fit. This caused Iona to rush into the room with the others close behind.
"Grandpa!" Iona said in concern as she rushed over to him.
"Old man, you okay!?" Vandham asked in concern as well for his friend.
"I'm fine." Cole replied, but seemed to be struggling to speak and hold back the coughing, "I'll be fine in a second. Seriously, don't mind me."
"Nah, we better call it a day old timer." Vandham said, Rex nodded in agreement as Verus climbed back onto Ryans back. "I'm sorry fella."
"Yeah, ok. But come back in the next few days will yah?" Cole said as he stopped coughing for the moment, "There's something I want to give you." He said before coughing once more.
"Come on, I know a place we can rest." Vandham said before leading everyone out of the room.
Once everyone was outside they were surprised to see over a dozen Urayan soldiers waiting outside the entrance. Ryan let out a sigh, "Here we go."
"Royal Knight." One of the soldiers said stepping forwards, "The Queen has requested your return to the palace, please have you and your companions follow us."
The others looked at Ryan who scratched the back of his head, "Yeah I figured as much, let's go then." He said before he and Zenobia walking with the soldiers.
"Ryan? What's going on?" Rex asked a bit concerned by the soldiers.
"Isn't it obvious?" Ryan asked looking back at Rex and the others, "I'm going to introduce you too the Queen." Ryan said with a grin.
"What!?" The group asked in shock. Ryan and Verus just gave a small laughed at their reaction before closing her eyes, the next few days were going to be interesting to say the least.
