Chapter 9: Tornan Festival

Yeah, so much for a chapter every 2 weeks. It was like 1 a month at best this summer. I really need to set some time aside in my days to just sit down and write. I'd say I've been busy, which I have been to a certain extent. But I've also been spending a lot of time gaming and just watching youtube. I swear, at the pace I've been writing, it's going to take me over 15 years just to finish 1 story. Maybe I'll set a better schedule when I'm actually attending classes? Hard doubt on that one though.

…

Rex, despite having rested for a while, was already exhausted. Zenobia's indomitable strength and endurance was famous, earning her a name across Alrest as a battle hardened veteran constantly searching for stronger opponents to vanquish in her never ending quest to become stronger.

Everything about her seemed larger than life, including her appetite. She had shamelessly taken advantage of the money Rex had been given and had bought copious amounts of food and drink.

She was a real force of nature, and Rex was glad when they finally sat down in the VIP stands, snacks in hand, to watch the beginning of the tournament.

And it was also deafening, hearing the crowd cheer. So loud that even Zenobia's boisterous voice was drowned out. And this was just the start of the tournament. What could have drawn out a crowd this large?

His question was answered when two Blade and Driver pairs walked into the ring.

"Showmatch!" Zenobia yelled over the crowd as the two combatants readied up. One of the pairs was Vandham and Roc, a famous Blade and Driver duo. They were known for heading the Garfont company, an almost mercenary Tornan squad that made a name for themselves by helping the poorest people across Alrest, then making the negligent lords in charge pay for their services.

One lord had tried to have a petty form of revenge by raising the taxes on said poor. Only one lord.

He stood tall, wielding dual scythes with Roc hovering behind him.

Their opponents were less public about their accomplishments, but no less famous for it. That pair being Charlotte Bloom and her Blade Perdido. Famous for taking down hordes of bandit groups single handedly, the two were known as the weapons duo, given Perdido fought with all four arms, each carrying a different weapon. Meanwhile, Charlotte held a massive over the shoulder Ether Cannon. Rex probably would have been crushed under its weight, but Charlotte stood carrying it over her shoulder with ease.

Both combatants were larger than life, both burly and towering over most of the people of Alrest. And Rex couldn't have been more excited as both combatants readied up.

Charlotte struck first, opening fire with her massive Ether Cannon and forcing Vandham back onto the defensive.

Vandham, surprisingly agile despite his bulk, avoided the attacks with a practiced ease. He immediately struck back with a gust of wind that had enough force to push even the armored knight and her Blade.

The crowd cheered as the wind energy slammed into the barriers set up at the edge of the battleground and blue energy flared up in a hexagonal pattern.

Charlotte stood up from her crouched position and rolled her shoulders, letting out a laugh rivaling even Zenobia's own raucous laughter. She said something to Vandham, impossible to make out what over the noise of the crowd, who replied with his own laugh.

They readied up again, though Charlotte opted to swap out her ether cannon for a giant axe which she swung over her shoulder.

The Blade weapons clanging could be heard even above the crowd, as both put on an incredible display of skill and brute strength. Though it was clear after just a few minutes who was superior in both as Vandham easily avoided most of Charlotte's attacks, tiring her out. Then he pushed on the offensive, swatting away Charlotte's defenses like they were made of paper.

Rather anticlimactically, Charlotte eventually tripped while backing up. Vandham simply stepped forward and rested one of his dual scythes beneath her chin.

Despite the finish, the crowd burst into cheers, roaring Vandham's name. The Driver sheathed his Blade and helped his fallen comrade up. Their Blades walked up beside them and the four waved to the crowd.

People slowly started filtering out as the big match had concluded, and the first rounds of the tournament tended to be fairly one sided. Zenobia looked over to Rex and gestured, asking if he wanted to leave. Rex shook his head.

She grinned and nodded, leaning back and relaxing for the next matches.

Nia sighed, wondering how Rex's day was going. Because hers wasn't the greatest. Well, it wasn't horrible by any means.

She was having fun, and Brandon was… at least enjoying her company. But despite her best efforts, he still didn't really like Torna.

Though at least he was enjoying the festival as a festival. Otherwise she wasn't really sure what she'd do. He was already complaining about how much weight he'd gained, despite looking exactly the same.

They had a little bit to themselves as a majority of the crowd had filed into the stadium to watch the big showmatch at the start, but as the match ended and portions of the crowd had begun to come back out, the pair decided to slowly slip away to a more private area.

"So, do you eat like this all the time?" Brandon asked. The restaurant they had gone to was located in a harder to find corner of the almost mini city the Tornan headquarters was. Despite that, it was a larger restaurant, and quite nice. Purposely designed that way in order to give the regulars who knew about it a place away from the crowds at the mess hall and other restaurants.

She had forgotten about her status when she had brought him there and had to quickly whisper to the waiter to not say that she was a member of Torna.

"Well, no. What I have is normally better," she said sheepishly.

"Huh. Better than my food?" He asked teasingly.

"No. Your cookin' will always be number one in my heart," Nia smirked.

"I'll make sure to send you some more of it then."

"Mm. I can already feel my arteries cloggin'." Nia teased.

"Oh shush. It's not that unhealthy."

"I don't know how anything could be more unhealthy."

"I…" Brandon shook his head, "there's no arguing that."

"Nope. At any rate. How're you enjoyin' the festival so far?" Nia asked.

"It's fun." He replied simply.

Nia sighed. She really wished he was more into it. It only made it that much more nerve wracking to hide her true identity from him. But at the same time, the longer she lied to him, the worse the fallout could be if he found out on his own. Maybe she could tell him now? It's been over a month at this point and Rex was perfectly fine. Maybe he'll be more accepting?

She shook her head. No. Things were perfect now. No need to risk it.

"Given any more thought to my offer?"

"Nearly every day. You've really gone and given me a headache with that whole thing. I sit and wonder occasionally why I let pride determine what I was going to do with my career."

"No no, I get it." Nia nodded. "Honestly, I might've respected you less if you had immediately jumped on the offer."

"Wha- really? There's no winning with you huh?" He gave her a teasing smile.

"I am a woman of high standards after all," She said, putting on a voice imitating that of other noble ladies. "Everythin' must be to my exact specifications."

Brandon snorted. "Exact specifications apparently being some random ass blacksmith."

"Exactly." She leaned across the table and flicked his forehead, "though I won't let you call yourself a random arse blacksmith. You're skilled. There's a reason I like ya."

"I'm sure there are better craftsmen in the knights."

Nia shrugged, "not like I can use their services without bein' a knight."

"Hm. True enough."

"Besides, which of them have your shinin' personality?"

Brandon laughed. "None as shining as yours."

"'Course not. I'm one of a kind!"

"You can say that again."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Really? And I didn't even have to compliment your… never mind."

"Huh? Compliment my what?"

He grinned, "I'll let you figure that out on your own."

"Spoilsport. I want to be showered in praise." She spread her arms.

"Hm? Nah."

"What? You're so mean."

"That's mean? You've got some high standards… or some low standards."

"Let's say high."

"Of course, milady."

The next day was more of the same for the most part. Rex ate a ton of food, explored the Knight's headquarters, and watched tournament matches. Today, he was chaperoned around by Alexandria, a crafty Blade who was known as one of the best strategists in Torna.

He had been super excited to meet her, though that excitement dwindled as the day went on. It was mostly the vibe she gave off, like everything Rex did, every word he said, was being analyzed by the brunette Blade.

Though she did give some insightful commentary during the tournament matches, often predicting the winner mere seconds after a match starts.

Nia met up with him for a bit to let him know that Mio would be the one accompanying him for the next few days as her Torna business wrapped up. Which was both a disappointment and a relief at the same time. A relief that he wouldn't get someone as awkward as being with Alexandria was, but it sucked he couldn't meet more Torna members.

Well, that wasn't true exactly. He had managed to get Nia to promise that she'd get Mio to arrange more meetups.

But he wouldn't be spending the entire day with them.

That… sounded kind of entitled now that he thought it out.

Nia left him with an invitation to join her and Brandon, as well as Mio and Corvin for dinner later which he accepted. Rex didn't eat that much through the rest of the day, anticipating a larger dinner that night. The day passed quickly and Rex found himself being guided by Alexandria over to the restaurant that had been reserved.

"Rex! How's the festival?" Mio exclaimed as Rex walked over and Alexandria took her leave.

"I'm having a blast!" Rex said as he sat down, waving at Brandon who shot him a two fingered salute in greeting. "So, you've met Brandon?"

"Yup. Nia's got interesting taste in a boyfriend."

"Oi, what's that supposed to mean?" Nia raised an eyebrow.

Brandon snorted, "why are you getting more offended over that comment than me?"

"It's a good thing I assure you."

"How so?"

"Well, you're probably one of the most creative people I've ever met. Speakin' of which, don't you have somethin' for Rex?"

"Oh right!" Brandon turned around to rummage around in a bag he had at his side. He pulled out some kind of device and handed it to him. "I was working on this to be a present for you while you were a… pickpocket. It's called an anchor, meant to be a mobility tool to get away if things turn south." He coughed as Nia shot him a look, "I digress. Happy early birthday!"

"Oh cool!" Rex said as he took the device.

Nia coughed, "not that he needs it anymore."

"No. But I was nearly done already so I decided to finish it. Nothing like it exists in Alrest and I think it's at least a neat memento."

"Can I take a look at it?" Mio asked. Rex hesitated then gingerly handed it to her.

"She was bugging me to try to take a look at it until you arrived," Brandon rolled his eyes, "somehow has never heard the phrase curiosity killed the cat."

"I find that highly offensive," Mio said as she turned the gadget around.

"Do you? You don't really seem to care."

"Oh I care deeply, you just can't read from my stone cold expressionless face."

"Right, right. I'll pretend like I'll believe that." Brandon crossed his arms.

"Nia," Mio whined, "your boyfriend is pickin' on me."

"I'm doing nothing of the sort."

Nia sighed, "you two are insufferable together. Letting the two of you meet was a mistake."

Brandon snorted, "now I'm offended."

"If it means you stop actin' like a twelve year old, I'll take it."

"Hmph." He crossed his arms.

Nia rolled her eyes, "never mind. Now you're actin' like a ten year old."

Rex coughed, "it's kind of funny watching this, but can we move on?"

Mio nodded, "right. So, Brandon's sworn to secrecy and the entire restaurant's been reserved. The staff's also been with us for ages and have been thoroughly vetted, so don't be afraid to say anything if somethin' comes to mind. First off, security has been tightened. Many Blades responded to the call and are here independently if their Drivers have business elsewhere. Lady Haze is in attendance as well. It would be practically suicide to attempt anythin' here, even with access to Ophion."

"Couldn't they still inflict heavy casualties though?" Brandon asked, his hand on his chin.

"Technically yes," Nia responded, "that is, if our adversaries had people in the crowd. Ophion couldn't do anythin' from the outside since we have multiple shielders with barriers set up around the entire headquarters. Though we have people constantly roaming the crowds lookin' for suspicious activity."

"But you still don't know where the Omega… thing, Fetter, is."

Nia grimaced, "no."

"Rex's thought process did get us a step closer though," Mio said, "Nia and I did bust a hideout in Tantal."

Brandon grunted, "you sure it can't be tracked to him?"

"It can't," Nia rested a hand on his, "I guarantee it."

Brandon took a breath and gripped hers, "alright. I'll trust you on that."

Nia shared a look with Rex. They nodded. He couldn't know. Rex didn't want to know what would happen if Brandon found out that he was actually working with them in the field. Thinking back on it, Rex didn't think he had ever seen Brandon truly furious, and he really didn't want to find out what that was like.

"Alright, gettin' back on topic. Brandon, any ideas?"

"For what specifically?"

"So, Rex has got hiding spots covered. But with this festival specifically. As an outsider, do you see any vulnerabilities, weaknesses, openings?"

"Uh, well, I'm not sure about the specifics. But like, the main thing is that you mentioned that there were more Blades who reported for duty? I guess if there was someone or something who could disable Blades, that might be an issue."

"Only Lady Haze has access to an ability like that, and only after becoming one of the strongest Flesh Eaters in history. So no need to worry about that. Anythin' else?"

"I… well if you've considered attacks from the outside and the inside… maybe from beneath?"

"Hm. That would be difficult, but I suppose it's better safe than sorry," Mio nodded, "I'll let the guard know. Anythin' else?"

He shrugged, "that's pretty much everything I've got. I doubt I can say anything more that the top minds of Torna have already come up with."

"I suppose so," she grinned, "unless you've got a hidden talent for military strategy."

"Doubt that," he grunted. "All I've got for you is to fight on the high ground."

"Hah! We're goin' to have to get you a military position with that level of insight," Mio teased.

"Ha. Ha." Brandon said dryly. "You should try to be a comedian. I'm sure your jokes would always land."

"Okay, both of you shut it or I'm gettin' a restrainin' order on one of you to the other."

Brandon rolled his eyes.

"Ugh, spoilsport." Mio sighed.

"I said both of you," Nia raised an eyebrow.

"Shuttin' up."

Nia shook her head, "I dunno why I put up with you all. Not worth the migraine I swear."

"Because you love us," Mio grinned.

"I don't know why I do sometimes." Nia shook her head.

Mio poked Nia with a laugh as she continued to tease her.

Brandon shared a look with Rex who shrugged. "They're always like this by the way." Rex said. "I… think? Nia enjoys it? I can't tell with her sometimes. Well, I can't tell most of the time really."

Brandon snorted, "neither can I."

"You arses had better not be talkin' shite about me," Nia glowered.

"Of course not milady."

"Mmh. Convincin'."

"You know I only have the highest regard of you."

Nia raised an eyebrow. "Right. You're definitely the sort that kisses the arse of others."

"I'd like to…" Brandon coughed as Nia stared a hole into his head, "never mind. Uh. Regardless, you do sometimes come off as… very secretive."

"Well, there are sensitive things I can't say. I'm not used to not bein' able to say what I want at all times." Nia shrugged, "sorry, I guess."

"No no, I get it. Just pointing it out."

"Yeah well, not much I can really do about that."

Brandon snorted, "alright then. Keep your secrets. Not that I actually care to learn sensitive Tornan information."

Nia smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "thank you."

He blushed slightly but grinned, clasping her hand in his.

"You two really are so sweet together," Mio commented, "it's enough to give me cavities."

"Is… that a compliment or…?"

"It's whatever you imagine it to be."

"Aw," Nia grinned, "so you approve?"

"Of course I approve," Mio rolled her eyes, "never didn't. I'd like to think you got all the good judgment from mom. Because I certainly have none."

"Good judgment?" Nia shook her head, "I guess."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Brandon said.

"Wha- I didn't mean it like that."

Brandon laughed, "I know, I'm just messing with you."

"Arse." Nia grumped.

"Try angling it like this," Brandon shifted Rex's arm before stepping back.

Rex nodded before firing off the anchor. He cheered as he finally managed to snare the target… before his eyes widened as he accidentally hit the retract button and he was dragged across the ground along with the target to meet in the middle.

"Ow," Rex groaned as he untangled the cable and stood up.

"You okay?" Brandon asked as he jogged over.

"Fine. Just need to do some more practice."

"Jeez. For someone so concerned over his safety, you sure seem fine givin' him such a dangerous device." Nia said as she joined them and waved a hand, casting a healing spell to patch up the small wounds on Rex's body.

"It's fine. It won't kill him unless he shoots it at his own face."

"Mmh."

"What? It's not like you're not doing anything that puts him in danger either."

"H-huh?"

"I mean, people do get killed in training accidents."

"Sure, when there are no magic users involved. I can heal anythin'."

"I'm going to trust you on that," he gave her a pointed look.

"I promise he'll be fine. Trust me, I know what it's like worryin' about a younger siblin'."

"Hey, I'm not that much younger," Mio complained.

"Mio… I've literally held you as a baby."

"Nia…" Mio whined.

Nia laughed as she tousled Mio's hair, "aw, my little baby sister. Do you need a bottle of milk?"

"I despise you."

"Love you too." Nia grinned, "at any rate, tomorrow's the big selection day. Are you goin' to try for it, Rex?"

"Yeah, for sure. Fingers crossed this year!"

Brandon sighed, "while you should always follow your dreams, remember to be careful."

"When am I not?"

Brandon raised an eyebrow.

Rex coughed, "well, I won't intentionally get myself killed at least."

"Sure."

Rex couldn't really get any sleep that night. He never had been able to get any sleep the night before the selection. Even though he had never been chosen before, it didn't stop his imagination from going wild.

By the time morning came around, Rex was exhausted. Even so, his excitement for the selection hadn't been diminished whatsoever.

Time moved slowly as the buildup towards the selection only grew. Potential candidates were already lining up and were slowly being spread across the massive open field by Tornan Drivers and Blades.

He could vaguely spot Lady Haze, the leader of Torna, off in the distance observing the proceedings. From what Mio told him, she was a kind and gentle leader. She had been around five hundred years ago during the great war, along with her Driver Lora and fellow bonded Blade Jin. The trio were heralded as some of the greatest knights of Torna.

Jin had decided to return to Elysium, but Haze chose to stay behind and watch over Alrest.

He had been expedited onto the field by Mio. He noticed a few others being given the same treatment, likely other Tornan knights' squires or assistants.

Mio and Corvin then took positions along with many other Blades and Drivers on the side of the massive field. Rex looked around and spotted Nia and Brandon further back in the stands of spectators. Brandon standing out due to his odd choice in clothing and Nia thanks to her current noble dress. Though there were a surprising number of nobles in the crowds perfectly content to stand with the common folk.

Well, maybe content wasn't the right word, but they'd receive no preferential treatment from Torna regardless.

It wasn't much longer until everyone was organized neatly onto the field, thousands of potentials standing at two meter intervals in a grid.

"Welcome!" Lady Haze stepped forward and spread her arms. Her voice was amplified by some kind of wind magic, causing everyone to instantly grow silent.

"Many of you have likely been looking forward to this day over the past year. Some of you may have even trained for such an occasion. It is truly a momentous day indeed. May the Architect judge you all fairly, and if you are a just person, I look forward to welcoming you to the ranks of Torna. Let the selection begin!"

There was a light, scattered applause as Lady Haze bowed and backed up. Rex could make out someone dressed in a fancy Ardanian inquisitor uniform place a hand on Lady Haze's shoulder.

Everyone else though waited in anticipation, for that glow of blue light from Elysium above that signaled being chosen.

A minute passed. Rex couldn't even hear the sounds of others breathing.

Five minutes. People started getting agitated.

Ten minutes. The tension was so thick, it felt like Rex was standing in honey.

People started whispering, wondering what was going on.

Lady Haze stepped forward, visibly flustered, "a-apologies, perhaps we mixed up the time. I-" She stopped and stared at something. Others started turning to see what she was looking at. Rex glanced back, only to see that eyes were turning to him.

Eyes wide, he looked up to see a soft golden light raining down onto him.

…

More OCs and characters from the other games. Hope it's not too distracting. Also yeah, it's Haze who became a Flesh Eater in this universe. In my mind, Haze would have been the one much more affected by Lora's death had it come naturally. If it weren't for Indol, I imagine Jin would have actually been content to die by her side and it would have been Haze who would have been unable to let go.