Welcome to my latest chapter of The Royal Knight! Since I haven't updated in a while I'll keep this intro brief and to say I'm not dead. I got stuck at one point, had to scrap a few things but now it's good...I hope. It's not my longest chapter but it isn't my shortest either.
Now, as usual, to reviews!
guest: In regards to being to military, I meant that their personalities would have clashed too much. Yes Ryan is a trained soldier, one of the best in Uraya, but he has a more carefree attitude. Now given I did say they might not get along before I knew everything about Newt, but it's possible they might get along now that I have a better understanding of Newt and how she works. Also, considering how she embarrassed those Ardanian soldiers is really making me consider making her Ryans next Blade, in addition to enjoying fighting strong oponents and a few other things. But my opinion of Newt has changed since I started this story, so she could be making an appearacne sooner than later. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
guest: For some reason every time I read this I always thought you were talking about Godfree, and I thought that would never work but maybe for Zeke. Then I realized you meant the Dark Blade samurai guy, and I actually considered him for Ryans second Blade since Ryan would have another Blade with an X shaped Core Crystal, but Zenobia fit better. Anyway, I am still considering giving him Percival, but I think he might be better with another Driver. He will be in here eventually I promise. Hope you enjoy the chapter!
zetsunaflames: Perun huh? That might be possible, but she's one of the Blades I don't know much about actually so I'd have to go over her quests and heart to hearts to get an accurate version of her in this story. For Telos and Herald, that actually works really well for Ryan. He can handle Blades normally considered extremely dangerous or hard to control. I had been considering giving him Telos before but figured it would be too soon...maybe when they're in a certain factory Telos might make an appearance. But yeah that's a really good idea, thank you. Anyway, please enjoy the new chapter!
Dominlu: Glad you like it so far, hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Shadow Joestar: Glad you enjoyed it, and even more will be revealed in time. Hope you enjoy the new chapter!
walibizero: Mon français est un peu rouillé mais je pense que je comprends l'essentiel de ce que vous avez dit. Désolé si je me trompe, mais allons-y. Les lames que j'ai choisies pour Ryan seront révélées à temps, mais croyez-moi, l'attente en vaudra la peine. En ce qui concerne le passé de Ryan, vous en apprendrez un peu plus dans ce chapitre, mais oui, Ryan faisait partie du groupe il y a toutes ces années. Pour Haze, je vais faire quelque chose avec elle à l'avenir, alors gardez un œil sur cela. J'espère que vous apprécierez le chapitre et désolé si mon français est mauvais après si longtemps.
Now, onto the story!
Chapter 6
The group of Drivers and Blades followed Ryan and Zenobia as they walked through the halls of the palace. Verus was asleep once more on his back, and eight soldiers walked along either side of them.
"Ryan?" Rex said making his brother look back at him.
"Yeah Rex?"
"Are we really going to meet the Queen?" He asked a bit nervous at meeting the most important person in Uraya, and from what he heard, the only person above Ryan.
"Yup." He replied with a smile, only to then look a bit nervous. "I just hope she isn't too mad with us."
"Why would she be mad?" Nia asked.
"I might have left in a rush and didn't tell anyone where I was going when I went after Zenobia." He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "She doesn't like it when I run off without telling anyone."
"The second in command suddenly disappearing would certainly cause a lot of problems." Dromarch added.
"Yeah, but once I tell her why she should understand. And hopefully she'll allow me to join you on your journey to Elysium. Not to mention I fought three members of Torna, so she can't be too mad at me...hopefully."
Soon the group arrived at a large door that swung open to reveal the Throne Room of the Palace. The room had several large stain glass windows and large banners adorning the walls. They walked into the room with Ryan, in the center of the room was the queen sitting in her throne. She had a neutral expression as they walked up to her. They came to a stop before Ryan and Zenobia bowed, "Queen Raqura." The others followed by example and bowed.
"So you have returned from your little trip it seems. You gave us quite the scare when no one could find you. I was about to order a kingdom wide search had I not heard about what you did to that soldier earlier today."
Ryan and the others stood up straight, "I apologize for my absence my Queen." Ryan said in a more serious and official tone making the others, aside from Zenobia, look at him in surprise. It seemed strange seeing him act like this. "Earlier I was engaging members of Torna, and in regard to that soldier I was preventing the soldier in question from harming a child, who happens to be related to a friend of my teacher. I could not stand by and do nothing."
"I see." The Queen let out a relieved sigh. "Very well, you won't be reprimanded this time. But please do try not to nearly cripple other soldiers, especially Drivers."
Ryan bowed, "Of course my Queen."
The Queen then took notice of Rex and the others behind him, "I see you have brought guests. Who might they be?" She asked curiously
Ryan stood up and smiled, "Queen Raqura, allow me to introduce my friends and my little brother." Ryan motions to each of them, "This is Vandham and Roc, the ones who taught me almost everything I know about fighting."
"I see, so this is the famous mercenary, Uraya is in your debt for training such a capable fighter." The Queen said with a smile.
"Not a problem, but he's still got more to learn from me." Vandham smirked, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." He and Roc said showing their respect with a bow.
Ryan then continued, "This is Torra and his Artificial Blade Poppi."
"Hello." The two said with a wave.
"An Artificial Blade?" The Queen asked a bit surprised, "Quite interesting, I've never heard of such a thing. You must be quite talented to pull of such a feat."
"Not all me, but Torra thanks you for compliment." The Noppon said with a slight blush.
"This is Nia and Dromarch, former members of Torna. She-"
"What!?" The Queen shouted in shock as several soldiers aimed their weapons at Nia and Dromarch. "You have some nerve coming here terrorist!" The Queen said glaring at the two, "You aren't getting away with what you and your friends have done to Uraya and its people."
"My Queen." Ryan said getting in front of Nia defensively. "She is no longer affiliated with Torna." He explained. "I saw it myself, they even tried to kill her. I swear to you that she is on our side and I swear on my life that she will not harm anyone unless in self defense or absolutely necessary."
Nia looked at Ryan in surprise, he didn't even hesitate to defend her. Not only that but he was putting his own life on the line for her.
The Queen looked Ryan in the eyes and let out a sigh before ordering her soldiers to stand down. Ryan also let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks." Nia whispered to him and he smiled.
"Now, last but certainly not least, is my little brother Rex and Pyra the Aegis."
The Queens eyes widen, "The other Aegis? The one you reported in Gorrmott?" She looked at Rex, "And I see you weren't exaggerating when you said the Driver was young." She stood up from her throne and made her way closer to Pyra and Rex. Ryan and Zenobia moved out of the way and watched as the others looked nervous, the Queen stood in front of Pyra for a moment before bowing. "I welcome you back to Uraya Miss Pyra." The Queen said before standing up straight. "It is an honor to meet another Aegis in person."
"What is she talking about?" Rex asked whispering to Ryan. "Has Pyra been to Uraya before?"
"Yes actually." Pyra replied hearing Rex. "This is where Verus and I first resonated with our first Drivers."
"You were unaware?" The Queen asked.
Rex blushed and scratched the back of his head, "Well...I don't know everything about Pyra."
"It seems we both have a few things to learn." Ryan added, "I didn't know that either."
The Queen looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Verus hasn't told you?" She asked a bit surprised.
"Told me what?"
"It is nothing, I'm sure she will tell you soon."
Ryan was confused but decided to save it for later. "Of course my Queen." He bowed before remembering something, "Your highness, if I may?"
"Yes?"
"I have a request."
"A request? Very well, what do you wish to ask me" She replied curiously while moving back to her throne.
"Before I make my request, I believe it would be best for Rex and the others to inform you of what has happened recently."
Once they finished telling the Queen what had happened, she appeared deep in thought. She looked at Rex who seemed a bit nervous. "Rex, was it?" She asked regarding the boy with narrowed eyes.
Rex tensed up but forced himself to take a step forwards. "Y-yes your majesty." He replied.
"Tell me, what compels you to go to Elysium?"
Rex hesitated for a moment, "After she saved me, Pyra said she wanted to return home, so-"
"That is not what I asked." She interrupted making Rex flinch, "I ask you why you want to go to Elysium. Not the reason she wishes to return, not because she saved your life, not because Torna is trying to stop you, not because my second in command wants to help you. I am asking why you want to go up to the top of the World Tree?"
The room was quiet, all eyes were on Rex as he looked back at the Queen. "I want everyone to be able to live there in peace. We wouldn't have to fight over land, not have to worry about resources, we could all be happy. That's why I want to go to Elysium, so everyone can have a better future."
After a few moments the Queen gave a small smile. "You may go with them." She stated.
Ryan was surprised, "M-my Queen?"
"You were going to ask if you could go with them, yes?" She asked. Ryan nodded in response, "Then I see no problem in you going with them. However." She said getting to her feet, "You are still obligated to Uraya, meaning if we should call upon you..."
"I will not hesitate to rush to the aid of my people." He bowed, "I swore to protect Uraya and its people with my life, and I intend to keep my promise." He stated.
"Good." She smiled and looked at the others. "I imagine you have all had a long journey, you are welcome to spend your time in Uraya here at the Castle as my honored guests."
"Really?" Rex asked in surprise before smiling, "Thank you."
"It is my pleasure."
Ryan and Zenobia bowed once more before they made their way out of the throne room. Once the door closed Ryan let out a small sigh, "Oh thank Architect she wasn't too upset." He them smiled. "And I get to travel with you to Elysium!"
"This is great!" Rex said happily. "I can't wait!"
"Well, unfortunately you're gonna have to wait a bit longer before we can go." Zenobia said crossing her arms in annoyance. The others looked at her questioningly, "Look out the window." She said motioning towards an open window.
The others looked and noticed how late it was, Ryan then let out a small laugh. "Guess we were in there longer than we thought." He walked past the others, "Follow me everyone, I'll show you to your rooms." He grinned. The others followed after the Royal Knight, all starting to feel tired from todays events. After a few minutes they turned a corner and a guard walked up to Ryan.
"Sir!" They said with a salute, "The rooms have been prepared as you requested."
"Thank you." He looked back at the others, "If you would all please follow this soldier he will take you to your rooms."
"Aren't you coming with us?" Rex asked.
"Well...I actually have a few things to do before I can actually go to sleep. Plus my actual room is in the other direction." Ryan explained. He saw Rex had gained a sad expression so he walked up and ruffled the boys hair. "Cheer up Rex, tomorrow I'm all yours. And I'll have that gift I mentioned before, I might even have something for the others as well."
Rex smiled, "Alright. But I'm holding you to that."
"Fair enough." He nods, "Now go get some sleep little bro, we have a lot to do tomorrow." Ryan watched as the others followed the soldier down the hall before they turned a corner leaving him, Zenobia, and Verus. He looked back at Verus, "Now, time to let you get some proper rest." He said before making his way towards his room, Zenobia close behind.
Elsewhere
Patroka struggled to hold up Malos as she supported him into the command center of the Monocerus, this didn't go unnoticed by the occupants.
"Patroka!" Akhos shouted in concern, running up to his sister. "What happened!?"
"That damn...Royal Knight and the...pipsqueak of an Aegis!" She replied through gritted teeth before falling to the ground. Akhos and the others rushing to help them. Akhos was shocked by the damage done not only to Patroka, but to Malos, when he fought the Royal Knight he walked away with only a few bruises, but Patroka could barely move a muscle.
"Was he holding back before?" Akhos asked himself before focusing back on his comrades.
"Are they going to be alright?" Jin asked.
Akhos looked them over for a few moments, "They should be fine by tomorrow, two days at the most given their natural healing." He scoffed, "If Nia hadn't betrayed us..."
Jin put a hand on Akhos shoulder, "Now isn't the time to think about that." He looked at his unconscious comrades before looking back at Akhos, "Help me get them to their rooms, then tell me more about this Royal Knight."
The Next day
Ryan stretched his limbs as he got ready to face the day, after putting on some clean clothes he walked back into the room before looking at the small bed next to his own to see Verus still fast asleep. He gave a small smile and ruffled her hair a bit, the small Aegis smiling in her sleep as a response. He quickly made a cup of coffee and set it out for Verus when or if she woke up today and walked to the other side of the room to where Zenobia was sleeping while floating in the air.
"Zenobia." He said not too loudly, he didn't want a repeat of her accidentally punching him through a wall again. "Time to wake up."
"Mmm." The wind Blade mumbled before rolling over, "Don't wanna."
"Oh I see." Ryan smirked and turned away, "Guess that means I get to fight the others by myself today."
Her eyes snapped open and in the blink of an eye she was in front of him with her weapon drawn. "Ready when you are boss!"
"Great, now." He walked to the nearby dresser and grabbed his coat as well as a large rectangular box on the top before throwing it over his shoulder. "Let's go get the others for breakfast!" The two then made their way through the halls of the palace towards where Rex and the others had been sleeping.
As they walked, Ryan looked out the window to show that it was still dark outside, meaning it was fairly early in the morning. "We woke up a bit late didn't we?"
"Seem's like it." Zenobia said putting her hands behind her head as they walked. She then took notice of the box Ryan was holding, "Woah wait a minute." She said in disbelief, "You can't be serious? You're gonna use them now?"
"Yup!" Ryan grinned, "It's gonna be great."
"It better be!" Zenobia grinned as well, "Maybe then I'll actually get a decent fight out of them this time!"
As they turned the corner, they spotted Vandham and Roc waiting outside the rooms, once the merc spotted them he smirked. "About time you showed up."
"Oh? You knew what I was going to do?"
"Kid, I did the same thing when training you. I'd be disappointed if you didn't." Vandham patted Ryan on the back and moved behind him, "Get on with it then."
"Alright." Ryan moved closer to the door where the male members of the group had slept, Zenobia moving to door where the girls had slept. At the same time, the two pounded on the doors and simultaneously shouted, "WAKE UP CALL!" Before Ryan, Zenobia, Vandham, and Rock quickly covered their ears.
The occupants of the rooms jolted up at the loud banging on the doors, before they could process what had been said, what sounded like several trumpets at full blast filled the rooms. The occupants of the rooms scrambled out of their beds, now fully awake. The noise stopped and Rex rushed to the door and flung it open to see Ryan leaning against the frame with a smirk.
"Morning little bro, sleep well?"
"What the bloody hell was that!?" Rex shouted, the ringing in his ear making it hard to hear.
"That little brother, is a little thing I like to call my 'Wake the hell up' Alarm. Useful for getting people out of bed and wide awake."
"Okay, but why!?"
"Simple, Vandham use to do that to me when he trained me. Can't fight properly if I'm tired and hungry now can I?" He pushed off the frame, "Anyway, everybody get dressed and meet me in the dining hall. After breakfast is when the real fun begins."
"Was that really necessary?" Nia asked rubbing her ears. "It's too early for this."
"No such thing." Vandham spoke up, "Now hurry up, we don't have all day."
Once everyone was dressed they followed Ryan and Zenobia to the dining hall where the all enjoyed a nice breakfast. Once finished Ryan had them all gather in a large courtyard outside the castle, the group was facing Ryan and Zenobia.
"What reason for waking friends so early?" Tora asked.
"The sun isn't even up yet." Nia added.
"First." Ryan places the case on the ground and opens it, "I have to give Rex something I've been holding onto for a while now. One of them at least for now." He says before pulling a Core Crystal from the case. "Catch." He tossed the Core Crystal to Rex who moved to catch it.
Rex looked at the Crystal in surprise, "A Core Crystal?"
"Yup." Ryan replied getting to his feet. "I've been holding onto that for a while now, wanted to give it to you a unique Blade once you were ready."
Rex looked at his brother in shock, "For me? But why?"
"I knew you were gonna be a Driver in the future, wasn't expecting your first Blade to be an Aegis though. Anyway, aunt Corrin told me you've been sending money back home and I figured you earned a little something, she sent me that to give it to you when I thought you were ready."
Rex looked at the Core Crystal in his hand and smiled, "I'll be sure to thank her next time we visit."
"Darn right you will." He smiled, "Now hurry up and resonate, Zenobia's getting antsy." He motions to the axe wielding Blade practicing her swings.
Rex nodded and held up the crystal in front of him, closing his eye as he focused on the Core Crystal. The Core crystal exploded in a blinding flash of light, once it died down everyone looked to see the new Blade.
She had pale skin, bright white hair that stopped just above her shoulders with two black strands that stopover her cheeks as well as the center of her forehead. She also had a braided ponytail. Her ears are pointed and sticking out from behind her hair, she had two small horns on her head, her left horn seemed to have a gold ring on it. Her outfit was interesting to say the least. Starting from her feet, she had on what looks like black mechanical boots that reach her knees, each with fire designs on it, there also seems to be a type of booster on it. Under that she appeared to have white leggings with a red lines and dots on them that reached halfway to her hips. There were bright blue lines on her legs as well, she wore a white and black/brown colored short dress with designs on the dress that didn't seem to serve any purpose other than to look pretty. Her mid section was exposed and there is a copper colored material wrapped around her just under her chest. Around her hips were what seemed to be wooden orbs tied together by a red rope, behind her was a very large red ribbon with fire designed on it. She also had metal gauntlets on her arms as well, and a white and red cloth wrapped around her upper arms. Lastly she had two lanterns connected to a white ribbon like material connected to her back. Her Core Crystal is in the shape of a circle and looked like a plus symbol was carved into it, her eyes are a bright copper color and full of joy and mischief.
She skated around Rex for a few moments before almost tripping over herself, once she regained her balance she looked at him. "Crossette's the name!" She said excitedly, "Guy's I won't let you down! This is so exciting!" The horns on her head suddenly shoot out two small streams of fire causing Crossette to panic just a bit, "Ahhhh!" She screamed in panic, "Breath, Crossette!" She said to herself as the fire starts to die down, a few moments later the fire disappears and she holds her hand up as her weapon appears, it almost looked like a buzz saw pitball only it shot miniature fireworks everywhere. "I'll do my best to brighten things up!" She threw her weapon into the air causing it to explode and send fireworks everywhere before she caught it again. "I won't let you down!"
Rex smiled, "Welcome aboard." He said holding out his hand.
"Huh." Ryan blinked a bit surprised, "Could have sworn that was the light attributed one." He shook his head, "Well, glad you have a new addition to your party." He looked over Crossette for a few moments, a small headache grew the longer he looked. He shook his head and looked back at the other members of the group, "Either of you want a new Blade as well? I have a few extra Core Crystals with me."
"Nah, Roc's all I need kid. You know that better than anyone." Vandham smirked.
Ryan rubbed his side while remembering a rather difficult fight he had with the mercenary, "I know." He looks at Nia, "How about you?"
Nia thought for a moment, she looked at Dromarch for his input.
"I have no objection if you wish for another Blade to join us my lady." The beast Blade replied.
"Alright then, why not." She replied.
Ryan nodded and grabbed a second Core Crystal before tossing it to the Gormotti girl who caught it with ease. She looked at it for a moment before putting it away, deciding to save it for later.
"Now, let's see." Ryan thought for a moment, "What would be a good Blade to use to test you?"
"Who cares!?" Zenobia shouted. "I finally get a worth wile fight!" The wind Blade shouted pulling out her axe.
Ryan shook his head, "Of course, well it wouldn't be fair to deny you a fight. But please try not to injure them too badly. That's all I ask."
"You got it boss!" Zenobia shouted before pointing her Axe at the others. "Let's go! A no holds back all out brawl!"
Rex smirked as he pulled out Pyra sword, "Ready when you are!" He replied as the others pulled out their weapons, Ryan stepped back to watch the show, it wouldn't be fair if he joined in.
Zenobia leapt off the ground towards the others with a feral grin, this was going to be fun!
Cloud Sea, Monocerus
Jin was standing on the deck of the Monocerus, looking up at the sky with an emotionless expression. His mask was removed and he held it in his right hand.
Jin closed his eyes as he remembered the description of the Royal Knight Akos gave him. "Can it really be?" He asked himself, "Is he really alive after all these years?" He opened his eyes, "Ryan...is it really you?" He closed his eyes again as several memories flashed in his mind.
Flashback
Jin blocks a strike from two swords made of light as he was pushed back. "You're getting faster." He said as he blocked another strike, "But you're gonna have to be better than that!" Jin knocked the swords away and in the blink of an eye had the edge of the sword at his opponents neck. "You leave yourself open more when you use both of them at once."
His opponent is a young boy with short spiky black hair and bright red eye. His pale skin contrasted with his dark outfit, the black sleeveless shirt with a grey outline. Baggy dark grey shorts with several pockets, a single silver belt hung loosely around his waist. A black gauntlet with a metallic white outline on each plate on his right arm while his other arm had a long red rope wrapped around it.
"Damn." The boy said with a sigh, "I thought I had you that time."
"Ryan!" A female voice shouted making him flinch, "What did I say about using that language!?"
"S-Sorry Haze!" Ryan shouted back nervously as Jin gave a small laugh and removed his sword.
The memory changed to Ryan charging his swords and slicing several monsters in half before becoming a blur and attacking several different other monsters.
The next memory showed Ryan laughing and playing with other children his age.
The final memory showed Ryan fighting for his life against Malos, only for his sword to be driven into his chest before a scream and a blinding light flooded all of Torna.
Flashback end
Jin opened his eyes, "If it really is you, then I can only hope you will understand."
He turned and walked back inside, Malos and Patroka would be back to normal soon, so they could get back to finding the Aegis again.
Zenobia laughed as Vandham blocked her axe with his scythes, "That it old man?" She asked putting more force into her axe.
"Ha!" Vandham grinned, "That all you got!? I expected more from you! Now!" Zenobias eyes widen as she saw the others all charge her.
"Anchor Shot!"
"Jaguar Slash!"
Zenobia leapt back as Rex and Nia tried to hit her, a grin still present on her face. "This is fun!" She lands and holds her axe to her side, "Let's get serious!" She swings her axe and a tornado forms around her, pushing the others back. Rex held up his arm to block the wind from hitting his eyes and dug the sword into the ground so he wasn't blown away.
"A tornado huh?" Vandham smirked, "Nice try, come up with something original next time!" He throws his scythes to Roc before the bird like Blade spins above them. Another tornado appears around them.
The two swirling vortexes clashed, the others were struggling to stay grounded as the wind was forcing them back. Torra was holding onto Poppi as he was flailing in the wind, Poppi seemed unaffected by the wind thankfully. Nia, Rex, Pyra, and Dromarch were trying to block the wind from their eyes while slowly being pushed back.
Before anyone could react, a massive gust of wind caused the two tornados to be blown away. Everyone was surprised and quickly turned to see Verus in green armor with her sword in hand glowing with a blade made of wind. Her expression looked annoyed and sleep deprived. "You're all too loud." She stated and put her sword on her hip.
Ryan looked at Verus and smiled, "Verus, you're up, I-OOF!"
That was all Ryan got out before he was tackled to the ground by Verus.
"Ow." Ryan pushed himself up and looked down at his chest to see an annoyed looking Verus looking back up at him. "Uh...morning?"
"You left me!" She shouted before puffing out her cheeks and started hitting Ryans chest.
"Ow! Verus stop-ow-hitting me! Ow! I wanted you to finish-son of a-fully recovering! Ow! Stop it!"
Everyone sweat dropped as they watched the small Aegis hit the most powerful Driver in Uraya. Verus stopped her assault and thought about it for a moment. "Fine, but don't ever leave me behind again."
"I promise unless absolutely necessary or it's out of my control." He said putting a hand on her helmet. "Sorry Verus."
She nodded and hopped off Ryan as he got to his feet. "You can keep fighting now." She said with a yawn.
"Aw, but that totally killed the mood." Zenobia hunched over, "And I was finally having a decent fight for once!"
Ryan walked over to his Blade and patted her back, "Don't worry Zenobia, with our luck we'll be fighting someone before you know it." He smiled.
Rex looked at his brother and his Blades for a moment, then at the case Ryan took the Core Crystal from seeing there were more inside. "Hey Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"How come you have so many Core Crystals but only have Zenobia and Verus?"
"Well, before I even became a Driver I could handle Blades and Drivers on my own, so after I got Verus I didn't see a need to get another one till I got Zenobia...through completely legal means I might add." He crossed his arms, "That and I have two friends who helped me learn to fight against Blades, that with Vandhams training I don't really need too many Blades. But I'm more than happy to welcome any new additions." Ryan paused for a moment, "Speaking of new additions." He looked at Crossette, ignoring the slight headache he suddenly got. "I forgot to say hello to our new friend here." Ryan held out his hand, "Nice to meet you."
Crossette smiled and shook his hand, "It's nice to meet you as well."
"Good to hear." He looked back at the others, "Alright, who's ready to continue training? It'll be another day before old man Cole is back to his normal self so we got some time to kill. Let's have some fun while waiting."
"Hold on a second kid." Vandham cut in making the Royal Knight pause, "What was that you said?"
"Let's continue training?"
"No, before that. You never mentioned you got training from someone else besides me."
Ryan looked nervous, "I didn't?"
"Nope."
"Oh, well. You see, I trained with two other Blades who taught me how to fight."
"Oh really? And just who are these Blades?"
"No one important!" Ryan said a bit too quickly before turning around and pulling out a new Core Crystal making everyones eyes widen a bit. "Now, come on everyone. I still want to see how you guys can stand up to us." He smiled and Verus tossed him his swords, "Time to take the three of us on!" Ryan stated before everyone got back into a fighting stance, ready for a second round of training.
After hours of training, the sun finally started to rise, most of the Drivers and their Blades were exhausted after facing Ryan. Vandham and the others were now watching as Ryan and Rex were facing one another, both Aegis swords clashing and sending sparks flying from the exchange.
Ryan used one of his swords to block all of Rex's strikes as he had a neutral expression, he was watching Rex with a calculating stare.
As Rex pulled his sword back, Ryan linked his swords and rushed in, he quickly knocked Rex's sword into the air. With Rex caught off guard he delivered a kick to Rex's chest knocking the boy to the ground. Rex tried to get up only to see Ryan holding his sword inches away from his head, there was a brief pause before Ryan smiled and moved the sword back. "Not bad Rex." He held out his other hand to help Rex up. "Looks like Gramps taught you well, but with a little more training, one day you could give me a run for my money."
Rex smiled and took his brothers hand as he pulled him to his feet, "How'd you learn to fight like that?"
"I've learned that if you disarm a Driver from their weapon, they become a lot easier to deal with. So I had to learn how to disarm a Driver with and without weapons." Pyras sword landed behind Ryan. "Practice with Crossette using a pit ball more. They can be more efficient in battle than you would think." Ryan reached towards Pyras sword to give it back to Rex.
The moment he touched the sword he heard a female voice in his mind that shook him to his core, "Ryan?"
He felt a jolt shoot through him, "AH!" Ryan cried out as he released both swords and grabbed his head.
"Ryan!" Rex called out in concern, the other looked over to see Ryan in pain.
Ryan clutched his head as several flashes of a white and gold sword with a blade made of light flashed in his mind, an Aegis Core Crystal in the center. "What the hell!?" He asked as the flash of images invaded his mind. Ryan fell to his knees as he grabbed his head like it was going to burst any moment.
While everyone was focusing on Ryan, Pyra was clutching her own Core Crystal in pain as it was glowing, "No." Pyra said Quietly. "Please you can't." Slowly her Core Crystal started to dim as it went back to normal allowing Pyra to let out a relieved sigh.
Ryan fell to his hands and knees as the pain in his head lessened more and more, "What...in the name of the architect...was that?" He asked between gasps.
"You alright kid?" Vandham asked putting a hand on Ryans back, Verus moved over and looked at him in concern, "That didn't look pleasant."
"It wasn't, believe me." Ryan replied as he caught his breath, "What ever it was." He slowly got to his feet as a few guards ran over to see what was wrong, "I'm fine." Ryan held up his hand to calm the guards. "I just...saw something."
"What was it?" Nia asked.
"It was a woman in white with a sword made of light." He was quiet for a moment, "I feel like I know her but..." Ryan grit his teeth, "I hate not having memories. But I swear I know her."
Verus and Pyra shared a glance, both had a worried look but for different reasons.
"Are you gonna be alright?" Rex asked.
"Yeah, I just need to collect my thoughts for a minute." Ryan put a hand on his head. "Still." He looked at Pyras sword, "Why did it happen when I picked up her sword?"
Next time, more Blades join the adventure, and Ryan will finally get some answers to his past.
