"Chop, chop," The Tantalese prince called to his blade as they made their way through the city, "We don't want Rex to beat us there and miss our chance for a grand entrance."

"Eh, am I the only one that feels a bit weirded out by Rex," Pandoria replied lacking her usual energy.

"Oh? Why's that?" Zeke stopped in his tracks.

"It's just how he seems so cozy with all of us. He knows us better than we know him. It's a bit off putting."

"I don't really mind," Zeke rested his head in his hands as leaned back and grinned.

"Yeah, but you're you. You could make friends with a post if you wanted to."

"You say that like it's a bad thing. Besides, a certain inquisitor seems to still like giving me the cold shoulder."

"Yeah, sure," Pandoria rolled her eyes, "But no changing the subject."

"I guess Rex's behavior could seem a bit odd, but he did watch most if not all of us die. I can't really blame him for being a bit off. It might help him to pretend like nothing changed."

"I guess," Pandoria trailed off, "When you put it like that it makes me feel a bit bad. You really can be deep every now and then, can't you?"

"Hah! The Zekenator is a wellspring of unfathomable depth!"

"Sure you are, my prince. Sure you are."

The walk back to town was admittedly pretty awkward. As much as he wanted to talk to the others, Rex stayed up front with Pyra who was stuck in a seemingly permanent serious expression. Not that he could blame her. He was worried too, but it was not his sister at stake here.

He was also surprised by Jin and Mikhail's sudden appearance with the latter letting slip that they had actually been following him and Pyra – but mostly him - for some time. That was slightly unsettling to be completely honest, but he had nothing to hide. It just gave him all the more opportunities to prove himself right.

However, that did not mean that he was completely oblivious to the fact that Pyra and Jin both seemed to regard this newcomer warily. In her emotional state, Pyra had not noticed it at first, but she had started regarding him with a controlled curiosity as well as an uncharacteristic amount of distrust. Why exactly that was, Rex was not sure, but he trusted Pyra to tell him when she was ready.

Taking his mind off his mysterious companions, was someone much more talkative. Even Mikhail had been pretty silent, and he could use a bit of that Zekenator flamboyance right about now.

"Rex! Good to see you again, chum!" Zeke excitedly patted Rex on the shoulders, "Grown a bit since I saw you last."

"Yeah, had a bit of a growth spurt," Rex replied proudly as Pyra instead of being amused like usual barely contained her impatience.

"I like the armor," Zeke gave it a thorough once over.

"Thanks, Pyra helped design it," Rex responded with pride. The fact that she had helped make it meant the suit was a point of extreme pride for him.

"Seems a bit…heavy though. I prefer to stay light and nimble."

"Well, might as well use some of that blade eater strength!" Rex puffed out his chest. Of course, Pyra had taken his blade eater endurance into account when designing it. She had toiled over it for days. Something to keep him safe even if she was not around when he was in potential danger. Which was admittedly not all that common.

"Have you heard anything about where Mythra might be?" Pyra crossed her arms in annoyance in a rare display of impatience. They sort of had important matters to attend to.

"Yeah," Zeke folded his arms, "Stole a small ship in for repairs that we had left woefully under guarded. Took the bait she did. Fortunately for us, we made sure the ship would have plenty of problems that would be hard to spot. Should be breaking down every few miles."

"Mythra should be able to spot them. At least she would be able to. She's not thinking clearly," Pyra responded gravely, "But I know where she's head at least."

"Marvelous!" Zeke grinned, "We just so happen to have a ship ready and waiting. It's waiting for us in the harbor as we speak. Will be just like old times." Zeke looked at Pyra's hard expression, as well as the three newcomers, "Well, not quite the same."

"Actually," Pyra started, "I was hoping you might do something for me."

"Oh?"

"Yes," Pyra shot an uncomfortable look at Alvis, "As much as I hate to admit it, there is a threat here, and we should prepare for it. I would like for you to contact Morag and work on contingency plans. Plus, we need someone who can fight should we fail."

"You're benching us?" Pandoria stomped in outrage, "We're some of your best fighters!"

"I know, it's one reason why you should remain behind."

"I hate to admit it, but it makes some sense," Zeke folded his arms in a rare showing of his serious side. He eyed Alvis suspiciously before addressing Pyra, "Not sure what got you so pragmatic, but we'll do it."

"Go with them, Mikhail," Jin finally spoke up.

"Excuse me?" The blonde raised a brow.

"We're going up against Malos, Mythra, and maybe Aion. You'll be a liability," Jin replied curtly.

Mikhail smirked realizing what Jin was doing, "Alright, but you know I'm not exactly on good terms with the Empire."

"I trust you won't get him arrested," Jin gave a pointed glare at the prince and his blade.

"Eh…." Pandoria trailed before Zeke looked to Rex.

"I trust him. Er…before, he risked his life to save us."

"I did?" The blonde blade eater ran a hand through his hair, "Didn't know I was the selfless hero type."

"I guess the chap can come. Maybe he could catch us up a bit more on the way."

"Sure thing. Hope you got snacks on whatever you're taking."

"We have delayed long enough," Alvis' voice was even not betraying any emotion, "We should get moving."

"Right," Pyra nodded for once in agreement with the stranger, "We'll hopefully be back soon."

"Take care," Zeke waved them off until they were out of earshot. Once they were, Mikhail faced the other two.

"Once we're done, we're going after them, right?"

Pandoria was the one that answered, "Oh, totally."

A/N: An update! I wouldn't expect regular updates still.