Look, all I can say is sorry again for the wait. This new phone locks me out and slows me down with so many things, not to mention preparing for finals and my art I draw (I would plug my twitter but IDK if thats allowed theres the occasional NSFW on there XD). Now, since that's done, I'll try to pace things out this chapter. I really got to thank a recent commentor, DarkeningShadow77, for advice and reminding me about this fanfic. Lets get to work.
Thursday.
3 days until the vacations are over.
3 days until everyone comes back.
3 days until the charade is done.
Those were some of the only thoughts that occupied the mind of Rex as he laid in his bed. All this rubbish he had to go through... from doing work he normally would never do, to the constant view and eyes on him from other Blades and humans alike, not to mention a surge of new feelings... all of it can end soon. He and his team can finally get back to work... even though it seemed that things only happen when they're actually there. The voice in his head joked that if they wanted to, they could take an entire month off and Malos would still be waiting for them, as if they barely got there at the same time.
"Come to think of it..." Rex thought to himself, "Why does time flow so... strange? It felt like days are blowing by faster than I can blink... Seconds feel like minutes, minutes are hours, and days are..." Shaking his head, he put his mind back on the topic at hand.
Morag, that... strange... strange woman. Despite her cold appearance at first, when he and the rest of his friends got to know her, she was something else. Calm and collected when they need to, but he... he had seen her gentler and caring side. Monitoring their health, encourging words, being a firm hand or a tender touch to guide him when he got off the right path... it was good. It felt like something that brought him comfort to have this guiding figure watching over him, almost like the big sister he never really hand...
Sitting up, he looked around the room, seeing Morag's Blades still resting.
The alarm goes off at 0700 hours.
Clock showed it was still 0230 hours.
He still had time until everyone else would wake. Rex could go back to bed, but it doesn't matter. His core made it so he could go several days without sleep, and he was already up and running anyways. The ideal weapon, needing little time to recharge and still being able to go like he was at full power... Heading to the door, he slipped on a pair of slippers that Vale made for him several months ago. Leaving the room, a slight creak came from the closing door, awaking the most diligent of beings in the building as it got up to follow Rex.
Walking down the dimly lit halls, the only sound being Rex's footwear slapping against the stone like flooring, the young man finally had time to move his legs and not feel like his soul was being viewed by a new admiring set of eyes. The young man stopped for a moment and took a deep and unmonitored breath.Letting it out felt euphoric in a sense, but as he did, he could hear the faint sounds of someone behind him.
"Master Rex," turning around, Rex looked slightly up to see the face of Perceval staring back at him, the name Rex was something that brought a brief moment of relief. "It is still night hours, you should be resting. If I may, I wish to ask if something is troubling you."
Giving a quiet chuckle in response, he said back in a quiet tone, "You... could ask that. It's just that alot has gone by so fast lately. My head is spinning from these last few days, I just needed a moment to myself, and Zenobia's snoring made it hard to focus."
Perceval gave a quick nod and a barely heard laugh in response. "Fair. Miss Zenobia does seem to have that... issue. I myself have had to leave the room to rest every now and then. That being said, if that's all that is troubling you, I am aware of places in this structure that allows better focus and thought, places where you do not have to deal with the act."
"I'd... like that, Perceval. Lead the way." Following the dark swordsman, Rex was lead to the outer areas of the castle, looking over all of the city from its height.
Closing his eyes, Rex put his hands against the railing and took a deep breath. For once in a long time, Rex could finally truly be alone with his thoughts. No other blades, not a single person asking to touch his armor or show off his weapon, no monsters, it was just him and the Blade who kept guard.
"Now that it is just us, Master Rex, I wish to discuss your issue. You seem to be... overwhelmed. I am not like the other Blades present. Unlike them all, my weapon is in your current possession. I can sense it." Perceval got in his fight stance as he made the ether connection with Rex, forming the bond. "You may discuss with me, young master."
Feeling the ether anchor between them (not in the literal sense), Rex sighed, "You read me like a book, Perceval. Its just... I've been dealing with so many new things lately. I've been putting up this facade of being a Blade to please Morag and the people here, but I... I feel like my mind is slipping. Not to mention the scare of Morag almost being crushed yesterday giving me a mini heart attack, I have been feeling less and less like myself."
"It is because you are acting less and less like yourself, Master Rex. You are playing a role in this charade, but it is not who you are. You are doing this for Lady Morag, correct?" Perceval asked as he too went to look out towards the city.
"Yeah... but you already know the whole thing going on, why are you asking me that question?" Rex tilted his head to look at Perceval.
The dark blade did not look away from the city. "You misunderstood. We know you are doing this for Lady Morag, but... are you doing this for Lady Morag? You seem to have this odd emotion when it comes to her. It is not like the emotions you have to Mythra or Nia, it is similar to that of Prince Zeke and Tora, but more. As if you're looking for a response of... validation."
Looking down towards the cloud sea below them, Rex admitted. "She... is different. I did not really get to know my real parents much if at all, and growing up, I was the oldest of the kids aunt Corinne watched over. I never really had an authority figure around my age until I joined Argentum." Rex picked up a piece of rock and dropped it off the side, watching it fall. "Thats not to mention they were all guys and I spent most of my free days on Gramps' back. The only lady I ever had keep an eye on me was Corinne. Now, I got Morag."
Giving a simple 'Hm.' Perceval grabbed a rock and did the same. "So, this affection is that of a brother has to his older sister. Young Master, I must tell you this. You may seek her validation, but you cannot let it rule over you. You are doing a favor, not a service, and if that favor is hurting more than helping, you can stop. If all of this is causing you issues, your mental health should take priority. That being said, as of now... I sense you have enjoyed how some of the things that have happened to you this week."
"I... have. When I'm not out as some show, I have been spending time with the Blades. You're a fun bunch of people..." Rex chuckled as he dropped another rock. "I have spent time with my own blades, but Morag's group brings a new feeling. I don't have Kora talking my ear off, Azami trying to slip into my bed or Electra accidentally shocking me when she wakes up from a nightmare."
Perceval picked up a rock and crushed it in his hand to make it rubble as he dropped it down, the wind blowing the dust part away from the two of them. "That is due to how you treat them. When you awakened a Blade, even before becoming who you are now, you made it a point to form strong bonds with each one of them. They trust you, and that trust works in odd ways for each. Lady Morag, she did the same to us, just at a different way. We were soldiers and a general in the field, friendship came slower. Yours are always friends first. Which brings the next question... Are you aware how Morag treats Blades now?"
Rex looked at Perceval with slight confusion. "What? Is it different?"
If was odd, but Perceval chuckled. "She treats you like how you treat your own Blades. Smoothing out problems as they come, not prying on issues right away, trusting us that we trust her. You are shaping her just as much as shes shaping you. Which makes me sad to say your outburst towards her yesterday was rather... harsh."
Stopping himself from dropping another rock, Rex looked at it in his hand as Perceval kept talking. "Word travels amongst us Blades. I am not angry, I just ask one thing. Please, sir... Apologize to Lady Morag. I will not force you, nor will I harm you or think less of you if you do not. Despite everything, you and her are still human. Well mostly human in your sense, but besides that, your kind have been known to make mistakes when certain emotions come into play. I just wish for no bad blood between you two."
"..." Rex put the rock down back where it was. "... Okay. I will, Perceval. You know... I thank you for all this. The time alone and the talk, I mean."
"For the Master Driver and a friend, it is necessary to help when I can. Come, it is still early enough to head to the rooms without being seen. If we are, though, I may show you a trick as you do currently still have the title of Blade to the general populous." Perceval said as he lead the way back.
Much to his word, the pair had turned the corner only for a platoon of soldiers on an early morning run to come into their sights.
"Watch this, young master." Perceval stood along side Rex as the crowd made its way closer and closer. The shadow blade slowly raised hand foward, stopping the group dead in their tracks. Moving his hand to the side, the crowd of soldiers split in two groups, making a path for Rex and Perceval as they stood at attention. "Thank you, everyone. Come, my friend. Lady Morag will most likely worry if we are absent." The two men made their way to the elevator as the group of soldiers continued their run.
"How did you do that..?" Rex looked up at Perceval as he could almost tell a smile was under his...mask? Face?
"We Blades of Morag have high authority. We do not rank as high as she does, nor anywhere near the emperor, but we are high up. They respect our word as they know we are fighting along side the Special Inquisitor herself, risking our lives just as much as she does." Perceval put his hand on Rex's shoulder. "If you wish to, I suggest next time a crowd gathers and you are overwhelmed, use your firm voice, lad."
Reaching the top, it was still rather quiet with few soldiers out and about. Perceval and Rex walked back to the resting quarters and waited for the alarm went off, fixing themselves something to drink to pass the little time left and quench their throats.
One by one Blades begun to wake up, either just before or right on the alarm. "I do not know where Morag is sending you off to this time, Rex, but know I'll be close by." Giving a nod to the Master Driver and recieving a thumbs up back, Perceval left.
Looking down at his drink, Rex could hear the click clack of heels making their way closer to the door, followed by a knock. Opening the door, Rex was met face to... chest with a tall blue Blade.
"Good morning, Rexos," Rex frowned at the sound of that name. "and good morning to everyone else. Ive come at the request of Lady Morag. She wishes to see you, Rex, as well as Zenobia and Newt. Apparently its a reward for yesterday's events... Would you all care to follow me on the way to our driver's room?" Brighid said with a smile and got out the way for the three to follow her.
Zenobia got up quick as her eyes sparkled. "A reward?! You think its a trip to Temperantia and a fight with the Tyranotitan?! Oh no no no, its Cliffs of Morytha and fighting Gladiator Orion! WAIT, ARE WE FIGHTING MALOS OURSELVES?!"
Newt smacked the back of the moth Blade's head. "You call THAT a reward? I swear, sometimes you get on my nerves... We'll gladly accompany you, miss Brighid. Newt, Zenobia and Rexos, reporting for duty." Newt saluted as her floating hand smacked the hanging lamp, making Newt blush in embarrassment as she tried to keep a serious face.
Brighid clasped her hands together. "Perfect. Come now, you three." The blue blade smiled as the three followed behind her, doors opening along the way as other soliders began to wake up.
Rex could feel the eyes on him and hear comments about the young man being surrounded by three rather beautiful Bladies. Some made comments on how he's a lucky man, others begging the girls to let the boy off easy and be gentle with him. As he was well into his teens, he could piece together what that meant as his blush grew. It did not help that no matter where he tried to look, he was met with a sight that would make weaker men fold.
If he looked foward, his eyes would drift down to Brighid's plump rear, and if he looked at either side of him, he would be met with either Newt or Zenobia who treat modest clothing like a plague and did not leave anything to the imagination, so he looked up and hoped for the best.
"And we made it." Brighid stopped dead in her tracks as Rex was too busy focusing on the ceiling to notice as he accidentally bumped right into the backside of Brighid, recieving a small "eek" from her who had a blush herself. "Rexos... um... sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"Don't... don't worry about it." Rex looked straight down as he opened the door and hurried into the room with his shirt pulled down, leaving the 3 behind him to chatter for a moment.
"Uh, Brigh?"
"Was heeee..?"
"He was. Don't. Don't bring that up around Mythra when she comes back, I prefer my core in one piece."
Morag was waiting at her desk as she turned in her chair to see the ones she called had finally arrived. A soft smile was clear on her face as she fixed her clothes but kept her hat off as she cleared her throat. She could not tell why she was in a good mood, especially after yesterday's events, but somehow, the sight of Rexos kept that mood going.
"Ah, you all have arrived. I take it you all had pleasant rests?" Morag said as she rested her arm on the desk with her chin in her hand. "I will try to make this quick... You all have done great things as of late. You 3, along with Theory, have been more than big helps. She would be here, but I already sent her off for her reward, back to Praxis and the... ugh... 'Bladies' they call themselves."
Newt finally pushed her arms through as she panted. "Phew... ah, yes, Lady Morag." She saluted. "I thank you for those kind words. Do know we do it out of not to seek reward, but out of respect."
"Screw that, I want a reward, miss goody 4 arms! So, Morag, out with it, what's our reward, who are we fightin?! Uh- ma'am." Zenobia said as she tried to mimic Newt's salute.
"There will not be any fighting today." Morag heard a pained and sad groan from Zenobia. "I have cleared my schedule for something grand... As you may be aware, near the upper level exists the Nopon Pioneers Spring. I was going to allow you all a proper rest and treatment at the normal hot springs, but I'd rather we all enjoy the solidarity."
"Seriously, Morag, a bath is our reward for yesterday? I can do that any time I want, not including my daily dip." Zenobia looked disappointed as she wished Morag was going to say something actually cool to her.
Rex sighed as turned to Zenobia. "Hey, you do know a proper dip in a hot spring can relax your muscles, Zenny? They're good to make it so you're not tense and can fight even better. Some believe the healing properties go even farther than that." He tried his best, but it wasnt until he mentioned fighting even better that her passion reignited.
"Oooh hoh hoh now, is that so? Weeeell... I guess a bath reward does sound nice then." Zenobia crossed her arms and chuckled. "Just as long as I don't have to stay there long, I would rather be fighting some goons after all."
Morag smiled gently and clasped her hands together on the desk. "Thank you, Rex... Now, I took it upon myself to get proper attire for everyone. Be it as it may to be a secluded area, modesty is necessary. You can all go change now or wait until then, but know out there is little place to change in private." She got up and made her way to a box on a nearby table and opened it, handing out various sets of swimwear for everyone with the exception of a black swimsuit and a light blue swimsuit.
Rex looked at his clothes with a twinge of worry. The main issue was... he did not have a shirt, all he was given was a pair of black shorts, some sandals and gloves. "Uhh... Morag, these are uh... they're nice, but... no shirt?"
Her face going flat, Morag slowly turned to Rex as she blushed. "I... apologize, Rexos. I knew something was bothering me when I ordered them, but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. I... apologize. You're... welcome to stay here if you feel uncomfortable."
Scrunching up the shorts in his hands, Rex looked down and let out a small tch. "No, no... I'll be okay without one. Just feels a little weird, I dont normally go shirtless, even when I was living on Gramps I only took it off when I needed to wash. I'll be okay, don't worry about it. Rule 5 of the Salvager's Code after all; always be-" He was cut off by Newt's arm accidentally bumping him as she and Zenobia left to get changed. "Gah... Forget it. Thank you, Lady Mor... Thanks, Morag." Rex shook his head as he left too.
Brighid couldn't help but smile at the way Rexos was acting, something about it was oddly... adorkable? Adorably dorky? "My my... that little man is an odd one, my lady." She reached in the box for her swimsuit and tossed Morag hers. "I will not lie, I am looking forward to this. Titan-Oil can only do so much for your skin, a spring trip is just what I need to keep my look..." A slight blush crept on her face as she imagined herself in the new clothes. "I do hope this fits, I do not think I ever had my measurements recorded in my journal."
"Trust me, Brighid, it will. Those records do exist, but rumor goes one of your previous lives was somewhat... self conscious of that information being known, so it is kept with various tailors of our kingdom." Morag said as she walked to her room to get ready as well. "I will ask this though since it is jusr us again. Rexos, he seemed rather uncomfortable when he walked in, what happened?"
Brighid had a blank face as she got a quick memory and slowly backed up to the door to her room. "..." Not breaking eye contact with Morag, she stepped backwards into her room and slowly closed the door, locking it. "..." Brighid sat down on the bed as the feeling and memory replayed itself in her mind, a feeling of a mix of discomfort and a hint of joy that she begun to supress to focus on getting changed.
"It... must've been personal..." Morag let the curiosity go as she went to her room to get changed into her swimwear.
It was a rather quick trip.
Morag engaged with Brighid, Newt and Zenobia, each of them wearing a simple 1 piece, including herself, as the Blades activated the power of Fast Travel to get to the Nopon Pioneers Spring. Rex stayed in front of the group to try and not have his eyes roam to places where Mythra would kill him if he looked at if it was her.
"We have arrived..." Morag said as she took her hat off and walked forward to check the water. "Finally, the advance does not need to resume right now..." Newt said... as her back eye closed and her floating arms folded themselves and fell to the ground with a loud thud, kicking up dust as it felt like a weight was off her shoulders.
Zenobia pulled and yanked at her swimsuit. "How do you all wear this stuff? This is why I go commando, this stuff is restrictive as Hell, I don't got that free movement in this..." She fixed the slight wedgie it gave her as well, missing her moth like fluff already.
Brighid had a slight smile as she walked up first to get in the water right away. "Ahh... now this is the real Elysium..." The water felt just right despite being a hot spring, as if heated by the Aegis herself to become a perfect temperature. "My lady, please do come in and enjoy the water. There is plenty of room. Zenobia, Newt, Rexos, you three as well."
"Yeah yeah, Im going. Dont get your undies in a twist..." Zenobia faked being annoyed as she slowly got in the water, pulling her feet out each time she even dipped half of them in as she whimpered then smacked herself as she dipped all the way in and sat down. "T-t-there... I'm in... Happy?" Zenobia blushed as Brighid giggled, Newt giggling as well while she stepped in without an issue.
Morag smiled and got in as well, but she stopped as she looked around, not a sign of Rexos to be seen. "One moment, you three." Stepping away, she walked down the path leading to the spring to find Rexos sitting down, facing away from the spring. "Are you okay, Rexos?"
Rexos sighed as he got up abit annoyed, turning to Morag and finally showing off his body to someone, his muscles being oddly super defined and his core crystal shining bright. "It's REX, Morag... and I'm fine, it's just... I feel a little awkward being out there. Baths are meant to be private, ya know? I get it's not a bath, but still! I... can I wait for everyone to be done?"
Morag closed her eyes as she thought of what to say... 'He of all people could use this... How should I take this on?'
xxxxxxxxxxx Heart to heart Option 1 xxxxxxxxxxx
'Authoritatively'
"Rexos, go take a break in the water this instant. That is an order. Now." Morag said as she pointed to the water, recieving a scoff from said young man.
"You can't just force me to relax, Morag! I'm not some servant that is forced to obey your every word, you know? I have my own voice, I have my own choice." Rexos stomped his foot as he walked further away from the spring, leaving Morag alone.
"Rexos, wait, hold on-!" Morag watched as Rexos climbed down the ladder, she herself got rather blue as she simply nodded and made her way back alone to the spring.
Some time later, as the 3 blades and driver were resting in the water, the sounds of footsteps drew closer as Rexos appeared behind them all as he sat on the edge and dipped his legs into the water. "Look, I'm sorry I snapped, Morag. It's just... You can't force me to do something I obviously feel uncomfortable with. My voice holds just as much authority as yours does, if not more when it comes to my choices."
"I understand, Rexos... I apologize for that, my friend..." Morag said as the other blades turned to her and begun to chew her out.
"That was rather rude if true, Lady Morag..." Newt said as she patted Rexos' back.
"Yeah, I'm with them on this, Morag. Fighters and weapons we may be, we're allies too, and that means we have a say in things that bother us and are free to decline." Zenobia leaned up as she looked down at the water.
"Hey now, it's... it's fine... she just wanted me to relax, is all... Let's just enjoy this while we can and head home. We still have a long day ahead of us..." Rexos said as he tried to lift the mood back up even with what happened, but to no avail. "Sorry, Morag..." He tried his best to let the water relax him, but the heat only stewed and swirled their issues...
xxxxxxxxxxx Heart to heart option 2 xxxxxxxxxxx
'Calmly'
"I understand, Rexos. Listen, you can come if you wish, I will not force you." Morag said as she put her arms behind her back.
Rexos got up with a sigh. "Look, I'll... I'll go, I promise. Just give me a moment, okay? I just need to get my confidence. " Putting a smile on his face to ease Morag, Rexos gave a thumbs up as a smile and nod came in return.
"Take your time, lad. We're going to be here a while." Morag walked back to the spring as Rexos stayed there a moment longer.
Some time later, as the 3 blades and driver were resting in the water, the sounds of footsteps drew closer as Rexos appeared behind them all as he sat on the edge and dipped his legs into the water. "Ahhh... hey, everyone. Sorry for the hold up, I was... dealing with something. The whole being seen shirtless thing gets to me something fierce, especially with... this in my chest."
"Ah, showing off your core, huh? If you want I can lend my core polish later, dude." Zenobia joked only to see Rex be silent. "Hey, um... sorry, I didn't mean to-" She stopped as Rexos begun to laugh and get more into the water.
"Well... Probably not for me, but I can hold onto some for Mythra and Pyra when they come back, Zenobia. Thank you." Rexos splashed some water at her and was met with a playful splash back from Zenobia.
"You're looking pretty strong, master Rex. Have you been working out recently? If so, can I get some pointers?" Newt said as she flexed her arm, it being smaller than his despite her strength.
Rexos flexed his arm as well and smiled. "Oh, I just... make sure to so my workouts and stretches every time we stop at an inn. Id love to show you them next time we stop got the chance."
Morag smiled as she too did a gentle splash to Rexos to get his attention. "Hey, we got a lot of time after this. You can show her later. For now... lets just rest, okay, Rexos?"
Rexos closed his eyes and leaned back. "It's Re-... ah, nevermind. Morag... thank you... I think I'm getting my confidence back... and... sorry for what I said before..." Rexos' face slowly turned into a smile.
"You're welcome, my friend... and all of those issues are water under the bridge" Morag did the same as they all let the waters burn their issues away... the rest of the day is still theirs to make.
H-t-H "Issues" complete
Meanwhile...
Theory readied herself mentally as she rode with Several Ardanian soldiers as they made their way to a medium sized titan in the shape of one similar to that of those in Leftheria, in the middle of the cloud sea it seemed. On it was a rather large building promoting spa services. This is where Morag said that the Bladies were most likely be at the moment. Much to her joy, Theory saw Sheba's floating bath parked outside, and if she knew anything, Sheba exists where she can have her talks with those she deemed worthy, and that was only a few...
Jumping off and waving bye to the ship crew that brought her, Theory got giddy. "Ooooh, I can't wait to tell Praxis about everything! Do I start with Rexos or the events of the last few days first..?"
Unknown to Theory, things were about to get rather... interesting when she is going to try her own hand at Girl's Talk...