Hey everyone! I'm starting to really get fired up with this fanfic and I'm really enjoying writing it! This chapter is where the story really picks up so sorry if it's a little long. For added bonus, due to this games amazing soundtrack, I listened to some of the battle music while writing in order to get a better edge. So I'd recommend listening to the songs I list down at the bottom in order to really get the 'full Cha0ticRhin0 experience!' I don't own anything, but the story and some characters. Thanks again guys! Love ya!
- Rhino
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Right after Nia finally came back and explained everything to Corinne and the group about her decision, Rex went straight up to his room. He completely forgot about what would be awaiting him as when he opened his door he immediately flopped on his bed. What a week he had had so far. It was insane all that happened within two days. He felt like a train had hit him. Kisses and feelings from three different girls. He had to choose eventually. His bed felt lumpy and when he flopped he heard a mumble.
"Master…" Rex heard a small voice say. "I can't breathe…"
Rex realized what it was and jumped off the bed falling onto the floor.
"Oh crap I forgot!" Rex said as he worried that his fall would attract unwanted attention from his friends. Rex got up and looked at girl. She was wearing the shirt he gave her and was sitting on the bed rubbing her eyes.
"Okay….who are you exactly?" Rex asked concerned.
"My name is...Lapis!" She said jumping up and grabbing onto Rex. Rex got flustered and stepped back falling back onto the floor. 'What the hell is happening?!' Rex thought.
"Alright, listen I-" Rex tried to speak, but was interrupted.
"Rex, get down here now!" He heard Morag call out to him.
Rex turned back to the girl and she was nowhere to be found.
"What the hell?" Rex thought.
"Master, now I can't be seen." Lapis said from somewhere.
"What? Where are you?" Rex was confused now. She was just in front of him. Where did she go now? Suddenly, Rex saw his hand glowing blue. He took off his glove and looked at the insignia. It wasn't just a dark linea anymore, it had changed to the color blue. Surprisingly, it fit with his current outfit.
"Wait...don't tell me…" Rex knew what was coming.
"Master, now I'll always be with you!" Lapis said.
"You could've said something sooner! Why did you just wait in my room?"
"You ordered me to and as your servant I will obey your every order...even if it's something...dirty." Lapis said.
Rex's face flushed and he got nervous. "Okay, now moving on. I don't know what or who you are, but just stay quiet for now and you can stay with me alright?"
"Understood!" Lapis said. Rex imagined her doing the salute and got a small grin on his face. He might be able to get used to this. Pyra and Mythra were definitely his number 1, but having someone like Lapis wasn't a bad thing. He shook it out of his head and put his glove back on. Rex ran downstairs to find out what Morag wanted. He guessed it was just to see her off as Zeke had already left before Morag. Zeke left without a word to anyone, but Pandy left a note saying Zeke got a little bit too emotional when it came to these things and was crying to much to say goodbye, especially when it came to Rex. Zeke had found an attachment to the boy as a mentor and friend. They related on many different things and levels. So, to Rex it made sense. He continued down the stairs.
"What's up Morag? Leaving now?" Rex asked with a smile.
"Hm, yes, but this is something more serious. A boy with a note came up to me and asked me to give this to you. He said a strange man in a cloak asked him to give this to you. This matches the description Pyra and Mythra gave me about the man who attacked you." Morag said looking irked. Guess she was mad I didn't tell her either. Brighid got up from the couch and playfully hit Rex on the head.
"Trust us a little more Rex. You're not alone anymore, right?" Brighid said as she pulled the young salvager into a hug. They let go and Rex thanked Brighid.
"Now back to business, what's this all about?" Rex asked.
"This contains information about a group I was warned about back up in Alrest. The Remnants of Addam." Morag switched her playful angry look and went into Inquisitor mode as she got serious.
"These people followed Addam once he left and started their own cult. They began to twist the teachings of Addam and believed once he left that this was his punishment to the world. Therefore they believed we didn't deserve Elysium." Morag said.
"So, they saw the Titan's dying as a sign, right?" Rex said.
"Precisely, they took it as the end of the world. They believed Addam would come back and take them to Elysium. However, now that you saved the world they became very hostile. This would make sense why the man attacked you that night."
The cogs in Rex's head started to turn. He knew what was happening. A group wanted him dead because he ruined their beliefs. He was in for it now.
"However, this note is the real problem. Here read it." Morag handed Rex the note.
Rex opened the note and it read:
'You are the false prophet and destroyer of the faith. You claim Addam gave his blessing by the awakening of the Aegis', but it was false. YOU were not supposed to awaken the holy blade used by the savior. YOU have committed the crimes against humanity and will be held accountable. Finally, YOU have stolen something precious to this false Elysium and will return it to us for it shall be destroyed upon the altar of Addam.
YOU WILL DIE ALONG WITH YOUR FALSE HOPE.'
A depiction of Mythra and Pyra's core crystal was signed at the bottom, but it was darkened and more edgy than the real thing. Rex wanted to play it cool, but he was genuinely freaked out by the note. It wouldn't have such an effect if the man hadn't attacked him. More importantly what did he even steal? He had just gotten here and hadn't left Fonsett. This was getting to be too much for him. So many events in just a few days. He didn't know what to do.
"Rex, I know this seems like a shock and potentially dangerous, but I want you to know that you don't have to worry. I must leave now so that I can help with the Emperor in expanding the kingdom along with politics between Mor Ardain and Uraya, but I will send troops here in order to protect the village. I will inform Zeke of the matter, but for now do not worry and focus on Fonsett and yourself. You are the hero, right?" With the last sentence Morag gave a warm smile and held out her hand. "It's been an honor Rex. I will visit you once I am finished with this business in Mor Ardain as I'm sure Zeke will. Thank you for your assistance and everything you did Rex. I'm sure our paths will cross again."
Rex shook the woman's hand and felt a sense of pride with the friendship he had made with someone who once wanted to stop him. Rex liked to reminisce about those times meeting with is current friends. Brighid waved goodbye to Rex as the pair walked out of the house. Rex watched the two walk from the gate on the path to the shipyard until they were out of sight. He'd sure miss them a lot. They were cold outwardly, but on the inside both blade and driver were kind and selfless people.
Rex sighed as he looked back at the note. What did this mean and who were the Remnants of Addam really? Everything was so confusing it gave Rex a headache.
"You're really trying hard to look cool, eh?" Rex heard a snarky voice call out from behind.
"Staring out the window and looking gloomy...you seem to be great at this type of stuff." Nia doubled down on her comments.
"Alright, alright, no need to be so sarcastic." Rex turned and smiled at her. He was glad it wasn't awkward or anything. He was horrible at talking with girls.
The pair chuckled as Nia headed into the kitchen.
"You're up early, have a nightmare?" Rex asked.
"Well, you could call it that. I could've sworn I saw some girl with white hair walking around in the nude last night when I got up for a drink. It was sort of freaky to be honest."
Rex's face went white. She was talking about Lapis. He was terrified. Instinctively he held his hand behind him as he went to sit down.
"O-oh yeah?" Rex said.
"Yeah, I shook it off though. What did Morag want? Pyra and Mythra are still asleep so I was the only one who heard her call out. I see she already left, but alas I'm sure we'll see her again."
"Ah, she showed me this note." Rex handed the note to Nia.
"Wow, this is kind of freaky. What're you gonna do about it?"
"Well, Morag told me not to worry about so I'll trust her for now."
"Good plan. The woman might kill you if you put yourself in danger."
"Ha…" Rex was nervous. "Alright, well, if the girls wake up tell them I'm going out to train with the kids!" Rex hopped up and began to walk towards the door. Nia said something and waved as she was making breakfast for herself.
Rex walked away from the house and walked towards the training grounds where the kids were waiting. He needed a break from everything and this was gonna be great. He walked into the training grounds and saw the kids already practicing swings with wooden swords. Some sparred and some were fighting wooden poles. An adult watched over them and noticed Rex. He waved and Rex immediately knew who it was. An older man who was great friends with Azurda. His name was Isaac and Azurda sat on his shoulder coaching the kids. Isaac's blade was Agate. A blade who had also helped Rex figure out how to distinguish certain rocks and minerals from each other when he was younger. Isaac pointed at the box over by the entrance to the training grounds. Rex figured it was his gear so he went over to it.
"So, Lapis...you can hear me right?" Rex asked.
"Yessir!" The girl replied and Rex's hand glowed in a bluish white circle to the tone and sound of her voice.
"So, can I ask who you are and why you're with me?"
"Well, Master, to be honest I don't remember much. After I marked you and left the temple I lost some of my memories. One thing I remember is my name is Lapis. Also, Claus created me and raised me since I was very little. He always told me I was the core of Elysium or something like that. However, he is finally peaceful and it's all thanks to you! That's why I chose you as my master. You were the brightest light in Alrest and now in Elysium. Your combat ability is also exceptional. At first I watched you through a window Claus opened, but now that I saw you actually fight I was impressed." Lapis said.
"So, are you a blade?" Rex asked still trying to comprehend what was happening as he began to open the box.
"Essentially, but I have a different effect on my driver. There are three things you need to know about me. I am not a physical blade. I affect the abilities of the driver. Reaction time, speed, strength, and such. I am different than other support blades as well. I can increase abilities by 80%, which is double most buffs, however I can only affect my driver. The sign I am activated it your eyes. They will turn blue as my power flows through your only stipulation I contain is my power relies on your ether. So if you run out of stamina and ether I will be able to provide intuition and such, but my abilities shall be sealed. I have more abilities, but to keep it short I will tell you them when the time comes. Secondly, you can use another blade while I'm activated. I count as support and not as a weapon so Claus made it so I can work alongside other blades. Lastly, there is a something that I need your help with Rex. Nobody else, but you. Claus put Elysium in your hands and I am the representation of that." Lapis explained with some aspects going over Rex's head.
"Alright, well for right now can we put a stop on the explanations? I need to help Isaac with the training." Rex opened the box as he said this looking at the gear inside. "Holy Architect! What are these?!" Rex looked at Isaac and he gave him a thumbs up as Agate gave him a warm smile. There was a note attached to the box that said:
'To the hero of Alrest, Fonsett, and our future! Thank you Rex!
-Isaac and Agate'
Rex was touched by the sentiment. They had created entirely new gear for him. The grappling hook was an entirely opted for the more sleeker look as it took the clunky version Rex had and replaced it with reinforced carbon fiber and steel. Definitely Agate's choice. The brace hooked onto Rex's arm perfectly and he thought it definitely made him look cooler. To add onto the new grappling hook there was a upgraded version of Rex's sword that was retractable. Isaac was truly an amazing mechanic. It was sharper, sleeker, and not as rusty. A perfect upgrade for Rex. He stuck the sword behind his back. Rex felt like he was at 200% now. He was all fired up.
"So Lapis-" Rex was about to say as a scream echoed right next to Rex. One of the kids had been hurt. Rex chopped it up to a accident by another trainee, but when he turned around he saw red. Blood. Lots of blood.
'What the hell?!' Rex thought as he looked up from the body on the ground.
(Start listening to the song now. watch?v=pa2PH7zQVmU)
A man cloaked in shadows with a blade the shape of Mythra's again had attacked the child. His eyes were locked on Rex
"Rex! Hold him off I'll get the kids out of here!" Isaac screamed obviously angered. He was shouting at the kids to run away as people came to take the orphans to safety. Anger filled Rex as he took out his sword from behind his back and charged.
"Lapis let's do this!" Rex heard the girl say something, but it was blocked out by the sounds of swords clashing. Rex swung from the bottom right aiming for the man's legs, but the man blocked it. Rex gotta better look this time. He was an older man, but he looked scary. His face was scarred and his eyes dark red.
"I don't care who you are, but if you think you can come into my home and mess with my family you're wrong!" Rex's eyes shimmered dark blue as he felt immense power rage throughout his body. Their swords were interlocked as Rex got stronger and stronger. He pushed through the man's defense and shoulder checked him back. With the man stumbled he swung again and his legs in order to incapacitate him, but the man dodged it again.
The man began to charge again at the boy and Rex was about to move backwards, but tripped over a discarded wooden sword. He stumbled backwards as the shadow raised his sword about to impale Rex. Suddenly, time froze and was colored blue around Rex, his eyes turned a shade of Red as he felt electricity surge throughout his body. The man was moving slower than before. In fact, it seemed like time was moving at a quarter of the speed Rex was.
"Rex time isn't stopped I just enhanced your reaction time. Now throw your sword away and imagine energy flowing through your arm and let it out as soon as you punch him! I promise this will work! Believe in me and yourself!" Lapis yelled from inside Rex's mind.
Rex did as he was told and threw his sword and regained his balance. Rex got in a punching stance and imagined the power he felt when Pyra or Mythra was his blade. He imagined both their faces and the desire to protect the two overwhelmed him with desire. His eyes turned a sharp shade of blue and time sped up. Rex cocked back and pivoted one foot as he punched the shadowy mass in front of him.
'A direct hit!' Rex thought in his head as he grabbed his sword and charged again. The man slammed against a house and put a dent in it. Rex charged him and stuck his sword directly into the man's shoulder. Rex didn't want to do this, but he had to to protect his home. The man grunted as the sword pierced his shoulder. Suddenly, he stopped moving, but Rex was still on guard.
"So, you awakened the core, huh?" The man began to laugh maniacally. "It doesn't matter no matter how much you struggle we will control the core and destroy this false Elysium. Addam will guide us to the real Elysium for we are the worthy ones! You...you are the false prophet and you will pay. I am just a minor being in the face of Addam's greatness and eternal plan to save us! For we are the chosen and you shall pay!" The man's eyes glowed a dark red as the blade he was using began to darken even more. The man grabbed Rex's sword and pulled it out of his shoulder with a grunt. Blood trickled down his body as he grinned at Rex.
"Everyone...everyone you have ever cared about shall be judged worthless in the eyes of Addam and the true Aegis' will rise to the top to judge us all once again!" The man grinned at Rex and phased into the shadows as Rex shot his grappling hook to stop him.
"You are nothing, but a murderer." That was the last thing Rex heard as the man phased out from the shadows and was nowhere to be found. Rex was stunned as he looked at the terror the man had caused. He saw people running over to the possibly dead orphan as the rest of the town looked at him. Some looked grateful while others looked angry he let the man get away without being killed. They didn't know, but he did. He put them all in danger. It truly was all his fault just like the man said. He knew what he had to do to protect the town, but thought hurt him. He looked down as Lapis went quiet, knowing why he was gloomy. She knew it wasn't his fault, but he thought it was. The last thing Rex saw was Pyra running towards him as she wrapped him up in hug and didn't let go. She knew something was wrong. The face he wore was the same face he had when Vandham had died. He was conflicted internally and he knew one thing for sure. He needed her now more than ever.
