AN at the Bottom!

Chapter Five

Tora was… ecstatic to say the least.

Ever since the end of his journeys with Rex and the others, he had gotten right to work on Artificial Blades, specifically in order to help those who couldn't resonate with normal Core Crystals to have a chance at becoming a driver, regardless.

After 2 months without a breakthrough, however, and with his Dadapon and Grampypon living with him, his already scarce resources had been thoroughly eaten away.

Thus, on the side, he had set to work on many things: Clothing, spare parts for any odd-jobs in town, but most importantly, his Grampypon's (though Tora decided to claim the rights for it) second child.

Tiger! Tiger!

Surprisingly, this game which had originally been used as a way to gain the necessary parts for Poppi to grow and become stronger had taken off with the Gormotti youth and adults alike, and had gained a sort of fan base.

People had begun lining up outside his house, trying to get a hi-score, taking the spoils as an extra gift. It had become so popular that Tora had to make a port of the game and begin selling it to the others who wanted to play it outside of its original home.

Because of this development, Tora had become rich. So rich, in fact, that his net worth rivaled that of Emperor Niall.

And he may or may not have inadvertently bought the entire shopping district, renovated his house, and become a mini business mogul in Torigoth.

With the profit he had gained, Tora was able to resume his quest on creating a new Artificial Blade, the prototype for the ones he would have made for others.

Six months after the end of his travels, Tora (along with his Grampypon) had finished a blade, whose name was still under the works. In order to celebrate his triumph, he had called Mórag to try and get the others to come for the unveiling of said Blade.

Tora was not, however, expecting to be whipped by said Inquisitor after accidentally blowing up a water main when going to see if they had arrived.

When he finally came to, he was welcomed with warmth. His vision blurred, he looked down, seeing milky white arms looped around him, the hands and forearms covered with green, black, and scarlet guards and gloves. Realization struck him… - like Mórag's whipswords - as he shifted his gaze up and was met by heaven…

He squealed as he reveled in knowing where and who he was being held by, the squeal shocking said person, evoking yet another squeal as she dropped him, rather painfully, onto the hard wood floor.

"P-Pyra!" He exclaimed, rubbing his head absentmindedly with his paw. "And Rex-Rex too!" He glanced to the side, where Rex was looking on in amusement.

The young Nopon turned around, and noticed that, indeed, all his friends were present in his living room. Zeke and Pandoria were lounging around on a couch, with Pandoria vigorously drawing a portrait of her Driver as he was sitting, absolutely still, in a dynamic, fighting pose that defied all laws of physics.

Mórag looked on – was that bemusement of interest that lingered in her eyes - while Brighid sat calmly next to her, a small smile etched into her features.

Nia was sleeping, resting on her own Blade, just by Rex's feet. Rex himself was sandwiched between the Aegises, one whose face was now as red as her hair, while the other was currently laughing boisterously.

"Y-you" she said between bursts of giggles. "You should've seen your face!" Tears of mirth streamed down her face. "Only you would get scared by THAT little furball!"

Tora's elation quickly turned into indignation as he turned to the blonde-Blade. "Why so surprised, Mythra?" He questioned, puffing out his chest and drawing himself up to his full height (which didn't make much of a difference, given his short stature). "Tora can be plen-ty scary at times! Remember when… When Tora scared away the Reeking Douglas? Tora used nothing but Tora's strength and ferociousness!"

By this time, all the others were paying attention to Tora, given that he was now awake.

"Ermh… Tora…" Pandoria had begun. "That monster ran away because you were screaming at it to not eat you…"

Tora's face flushed. "W-well…" He tried to speak, before yet another person decided to poke into the conversation. "Indeed, Tora!" Zeke began, his loud voice booming. "Even though it was hardly larger than my head!"

"MEHMEHMEH!" Tora exclaimed, covering his face with his paws. "Tora no like creepy-crawlies…"

Pyra knelt next to the little Nopon and patted his head. "That's alright, Tora!" She said softly. "Neither do I!"

Before Tora could respond, Zeke decided to pipe in with yet another statement.

"Yes, similar to how Rex is afraid of women in their underwear! And confessions of love, apparently!"

On the far side of town, Kiara was ambling along when she heard the pained screams of what seemed to be a man, along with the loud yells of a woman.

"YOU SHOULD REALLY LEARN WHEN TO SPEAK, SHELLHEAD!"

so

life's a bitch. That is all.

I have some of the later chapters planned, but I'm too busy so for the meanwhile I wanted there to at least be a little filler chapter. Thanks for still being here I guess?