Chapter 11: The Industrious Land

On his return to that hidden harbor, Jin couldn't really say he expected a mood to be present on his return. But one was. It was a messy blend of excitement and anger. A mood that fits Malos, perhaps. The silver haired man gazed at the Monoceros as it pulled into the dock. And when Malos and Akhos departed, it was without their Blades to accompany them. Malos had a smug grin on his face, whole Akhos looked to be burning with fury.

"What happened while you were out? Where are Sever and Obrona?" Jin approached the two, Malos turning to him, producing two blackened Core Crystals with holes shot through them. "This is…"

"Guess who finally woke up." Malos chuckled.

"Mythra." Jin muttered.

"That damned Aegis…" Akhos growled. "Her Driver too. Changing the script at the last second like that. Taking Obrona from me… they're going to pay."

"Dealing with them is going to be a lot more troublesome from now own." Jin said, restating what he had warned of before. "Yet you look quite pleased, Malos."

"Why wouldn't I be?" The dark man laughed. "That other one, Pyra… she's strong but her powers are just an echo of Mythra's. But it won't be a real fight for a while. I just wonder what a Driver like the relic can bring out of her."

"So long as the end result remains the same." Jin said. "The loss of Obrona means tracking them will be difficult. Do you think you can guess where they would be headed next?"

"My guess? They're gonna work their way to Indol." Malos said. Akhos stormed off during the conversation, too riled up to contribute. "Met another of your old friends while we were there. They're probably going to have to go through Mor Ardain next."

"Where the current operation is going." Jin scoffed. "How convenient."

"We're about done with things there anyway. Let them have it." Malos then perked up, remembering something. "Here's something you might find more interesting. The relic has a second Blade now. And not just some ordinary Blade either." Malos' smirk grew when Jin seemed piqued. "What was her name… ah, right, Haze, was it?"

"What?"

"Yeah, I remember her. She had a face that looked like her Driver… your old Driver." Malos folded his arms as Jin put a hand to his mask. "I hope this doesn't change anything. We have our goals. Not like she'll remember anything."

"It changes nothing." Jin said, an icy bite to his tone. "The Haze I knew died that day. She may look the same and have the same name… but she won't be the same. Even if Vaios is her Driver. I'll just have to be sure to put them down myself."

"Well then, let's hope you get the chance for that. And hey, if the Relic remembers everything, you can finally settle things with him as the one last loose end of the past."

"Fate may just be so kind." Jin turned, yet there wasn't hiding the way his arms had tensed. It really is as if the past is coming back in force. First Vaios, then Mythra, and now Haze… when our paths cross again Vaios, I wonder just what the results will be.

Mor Ardain could boast to being one of the oldest Titans remaining in Alrest. Mor Ardain also bore a rather unique shape, being humanoid in form and thus bipedal. Every settlement strewn across the Titan was thusly built across the cliffs formed by its torso and shoulders, the upper body in particular being the prime location of the towns and cities it carried. But this age was also beginning to present a few issues for the Ardainians. As the Titan grew in age, it had begun seeing a constant rise in temperature, creating a climate that was growing drier and harsher by the year.

While this allowed for the many technological advancements that the Empire was famous for, it also meant their production capacity for agriculture was growing thinner by the year. This looming potential for the ancient Titan to finally come to the end of its life had been the main cause behind the Empire's more recent expansionist policies. Just fifty years prior had been when the Empire had established their stake on Gormott, but many feared that with the rising tensions between the Empire and Uraya that war was just on the horizon and all but inevitable were it not for the current Emperor stalling for time, at least, that was what the rumors Vaios had heard said.

When the party departed the ferry, it was at Port Anangham located just below the capital city of the Empire itself, Alba Cavanich. As Nia led the way out onto the dock, the feeling of the Titan was immediately different than that of Gormott and Uraya. Where those Titans had been quite natural, with buildings and ports made with the Titan's form in mind, the aesthetics of the Empire were on rampant display.

Struts of metal supporting vast buildings and towers constructed atop spires. Cold and weathered steel making their path rather than natural walkways formed by years of use. Buildings made of sandstone and steel dominating the visible settlement above that was the capital city as its expanse stretched even beyond the land the Titan's shoulder provided it. And the air was hot and dry, the dull brown of the wastes beyond the port bringing in dusty winds from the sandy cliffsides.

"Finally made it!" Nia stretched her arms as she looked around the docks.

"So good to be on land again!" Tora cheered.

"It was a pretty long voyage." Pyra added.

"Eh, I've dealt with worse during expeditions." Vaios said. He raised a brow when Nia gave him a look. "What?"

"Don't go comparing spendin' half of your darn time on a ship to most people." The Gormotti said, Vaios shrugging.

"This place seem more empty than Poppi expected though." The Artificial Blade scanned around the rather thin crowd of the port. Most of the Titan ships present were also of smaller types. A trade hub this port certainly was not.

Dromarch let out a hum. "Most likely because this is a small port, separate from the main city."

"Must be." Azurda said. "So I suppose our next task is to make our way to the capital. Vaios, haven't you been here before?"

"To Mor Ardain, yes. To Alba Cavanich? Not once." Vaios replied. "Me and the crew made a few trips here over the years, but it was mostly to the mining towns dotted across the wastes. Only city I've been to here is Chilsain, on the right shoulder. It's a dedicated port so Salvagers go there a lot. But as for the capital itself, never been but Rakham's told me about it. If you thought Fonsa Myma was huge, well… you'll see once we get up there." He turned and pointed off to a ways further up from the dock. "If what I heard on the way here was right, the path to the city is just to the right from here, then it's a straight shot."

"Not too far off then." Pyra stated. "Still, this is our first time in this country, so we'd better keep our wits about us."

"Considering what our last encounter with the Empire was like, I hope we can move about quietly." Haze said. "I suppose we'll have to wait until we can depart for Indol?"

Vaios nodded, giving a bit of an annoyed gaze. "Travel to and from the Praetorium is pretty sparse to be honest. Ships to and from the place are few and far between, so we're going to be here for a while. Best to make do with the time we've got to settle in somewhere and hope we can take it easy."

"Say that and we may just get caught up in something again." Nia said.

"And saying it might be jinxed certainly will do that." Vaios added. Nia scoffed in reply, but her slight smile said the comeback landed. "Let's get a move on then."

Making their way through the sparse bustle of the merchants and soldiers milling about the port, the path went from the weathered steel of man to the dust road leading to the lower regions of the capital. As they followed the other travelers making their way to Alba Cavanich, from below the sheer scale of the city gave a feeling of domination. Vast structures of steel stretching out past the cliffside, topped by the just visible buildings of the city above, with no telling what the lower structures held within them. Alba Cavanich was large not just for the land it took up across its Titan, but also for its many layers made across years of man-made expansion.

As was becoming a common comparison in the world, it was a city that stood in direct contrast to Fonsa Myma. The latter worked with the geography of its Titan, yet Alba Cavanich seemed to be actively fighting it. The exact contrast between the two nations it seemed. One worked with nature, the other sought to overcome it. It made the potential war seem less an unfortunate happenstance and perhaps and inevitability.

"Man, can only imagine how winding the roads are in the city." Vaios mused. "Rakham always said Alba Cavanich is like a maze, both on top and within."

"Mor Ardain truly is wonder of engineering." Tora stated, bouncing ahead of the main group. "Tora quite enjoy the smell of steam in the air!"

"If there's any country I think'll manage if their Titan dies, it's these blokes." Nia added. "They come pretty dang close to not needin' Titans at all. How much longer you fancy it'll be till they're fancy-pants tech works without Titans period?"

"It'll be a long while, that's for sure." Vaios said. "But I do agree that they're close. Scarily close."

"It make for interesting time it does." Tora then prodded Vaios with one of his wings. "Also, Vai-Vai, Tora have question to ask friend, as fellow man's-man! Tora want to gain understanding of life as adventurer."

"Pretty sure my job title is Salvager…" Vaios snarked. "But, why're you curious about that kind of life?"

"Vai-Vai is role model for Tora!" The Nopon bounced with his statement. "That why Tora want to learn everything he can about being Vai-Vai!"

"First step: Don't try to be me. Just be yourself." Vaios tapped Tora between the eyes to make the point. "Second off, what is it you want to know in particular?"

"Well, Tora very curious about Vai-Vai's style of using Blades. Have studied many texts on Blade and Driver martial arts, but Tora never see Driver fight with Blade in manner as Vai-Vai and Pyra. Was wondering, where Vai-Vai learn to fight like that?"

"That's… hmmm." Vaios put his hand to his chin, and in what Tora was starting to realize was some kind of tic of his, began tilting his head ever so slightly side to side. "I can't really say I remember being taught to fight that way… it just felt familiar. Like when I first got the Aegis Sword, fighting that way just came to me naturally. Like that's what I'd seen before even when I know how Driver's and Blades fight nowadays."

"Is this thing Vai-Vai perhaps have leftover from supposedly knowing Hero Addam?" Tora asked.

"In a form, yes." Azurda answered, popping up onto Vaios's shoulder. "Back in that time, Drivers and Blades fought separately from one another as it happens. Modern day Driver Arts, where the Driver is the one wielding the Blade's weapon outside of the Blade's personal Arts, weren't formed until after the Aegis War. It took quite some time for people to discover the ether flow can be boosted by having a Blade channel it through their weapon and to their Driver. In fact, this entire process was discovered by sheer accident."

"Really?!" Tora gasped, the old Titan nodding.

"I only heard of it second hand, but it is quite amusing. The one who came up with the modern style only did so because she and her Blade couldn't afford the means to purchase a sword for the Driver to use. So, she and her main Blade traded his sword back and forth as they fought."

"… Lora." Vaios muttered the name, Azurda glancing at him. "Lora was the one who came up with it… Haze's former Driver."

"Vai-Vai? Something matter? There tears in your eyes."

Vaios put a hand to his face at Tora's statement. And there he felt something warm touch his fingertips. He really had started to cry. And he felt why. A strong feeling of longing and loss was making his chest tighten. Faces flashed through his mind to accompany it, each one bringing with it that feeling.

"Sorry… just remembering things… it's kind of painful now but… I'm fine with that." Vaios wiped his eyes and took a breath. And he caught Pyra looking back at him as she was chatting with Haze. "Anyway, how about this; Once we're settled in, we'll spend some time sparring so we can brush up on your weak areas. You and Poppi still have a bit of a time with switching for her Arts, right?"

"Tora did want to brush up on that trick! Shield is somewhat clunky, even if Tora quite dexterous. But, not have hands same as most people. Lack of long fingers make some tasks… awkward."

"Masterpon not like it when others say he not good at weapon pass." Poppi added.

"Also things like cooking?" Vaios snickered.

"Yes, quite so! Wait… was that Vai-Vai being sarcastic?!"

"Ah, you're catching on. Good."

Vaios laughed as Tora "meh'd" in protest to getting barbed. The rest of the trek to the lower station the path took them was much quieter outside of the sparse, milling crowd. The station itself however was a lot more active, to a degree. Soldiers keeping watch or taking stock of the present cargo and supplies, people coming to and from the city via the large industrial elevator that rose up to one of its districts. There was a wait in a continuous line guided by a pair of soldiers to let people on and off the elevator, no doubt to keep things smooth and prevent too many people from packing into the thing.

Once the party's turn had come around, what they were greeted by once they exited the lift and entered the winding streets of Alba Cavanich brought quiet awe to all of them. Even from the small commercial plaza they had entered, they could see how the expansive city wound in and around itself, streets diverting into alleyways while catwalks connected buildings across the wide main streets, stairways leading to the rooftops above where steam was billowing out of pipes and chimneys. The sterling dark grey of the steel constructions contrasted by the white stone used for every building, all of it giving the expanse stretching out before them an almost blinding look in the noon day sun.

As they moved along, Dromarch stopped for just a moment. He could have sworn he felt someone eying them, looking back to see a Nopon they'd passed moving the other way. Must just be a little paranoid. Thought the Blade.

"Damn, when Rakham said this place is impressive, I think he was underselling it." Vaios whistled as he scanned the stretch of buildings, looking up to the palace stretching higher than even the taller ones dared reach up to. But… it's still not quite like the city I see in those dreams of mine. He thought.

"Such a big city! Maybe there're places selling rare junk parts for upgrading Poppi!" Tora was perhaps even more excited as he looked over the rows of stalls on this street, ready to bound off and get looking for even more to sate his curiosity as soon as he could. "Time to go look!"

"Masterpon, Poppi would rather use new parts, if possible."

"Meh meh?! Is that you Tora?!" The group turned when they heard someone, finding the loud exclamation came from a smaller, blue furred Nopon in a lab coat and opaque glasses on his face. "Have not seen Tora in long time! Remember me – Muimui?"

"Hm? Why random old guy know Tora's name?"

"Oh… Tora not remember me at all!" Muimui sighed. "It Muimui! I was assistant of Professor Soosoo, your Grampypon!"

Tora tilted a bit in thought. And then it came back to him. The old days years ago in his dad and grandpa's workshop when they were working on the first iteration of an Artificial Blade. There had been another Nopon working with the two of them. One who fit the exact bill that Muimui did when it came to his looks.

"Ohh! You that old Muimui guy! Of course Tora remember! You should have just said so from the start!"

"Translation: I completely forgot until just now." Vaios said so quietly enough for all but Tora to pick up on it. Pyra, Haze, and Nia had to stifle their laughs as Tora looked back at them with a confused look as if he hadn't just been caught lying out of his furred butt.

"Muimui did say!"

"Oh right! Muimui not very interesting, so Tora forgot he exist!"

"… wow, that's colder than anything I could ever deal out." Vaios hummed, crossing his arms. "I'm impressed."

"Who knew Tora could have such a sharp tongue. Yikes." Nia winced. "Colder than an Ice Blade."

"Well, I do not blame Tora." Muimui said. "Tora was very young back then. Not surprising he forget."

"And besides, Masterpon was very distracted just now." Poppi added. "Was only thinking of ways to upgrade Poppi."

"Why, could it be?!" Muimui gasped. "This look like Artificial Blade!"

"Muimui right! Tora studied Grampypon and Dadapon's blueprints carefully and finished construction!"

"As you can tell he's very proud of this." Vaios snarked.

"Meh meh… how wonderful! If only Professor Soosoo still here to see results of hard work!"

"Muimui, you have any idea where Dadapon went?"

"That day, when the lab was attacked… Muimui was out on an errand. When I got back, Professor Soosoo's body was lying there." Muimui's voice broke a bit. "But, there was no sign of Professor Tatazo."

"I see, even Muimui not know." Tora slumped as his voice fell a bit, Vaios giving the Nopon a sympathetic gaze as he pat him on the back.

"Don't feel down Masterpon." Poppi assured. "We will find Dadapon someday. Though no evidence for this hypothesis."

"He's gotta be somewhere on Alrest." Vaios said. "We might run into him eventually, or at least someone who knows him."

"Thanks, Vai-Vai."

"Anyway, Muimui apologize for interrupting your tripe when you just arrived in city." The blue Nopon pointed off down the road. "Friend of Muimui run an in a few roads over. Place with famous hot springs. If you like, Muimui can try to get you discount!"

"Muimui is best friend!" Tora cheered.

As Muimui led the party off further into the city, what they didn't see was that they were most certainly being watched by someone. But whether that person, a Nopon in black, was watching them or someone else, wasn't clear as he lurked around the bend. Vaios certainly felt a chill up his back, but by now a part of him was used to that. What he wasn't sure about was how alright he was with that sense of things.

The inn Muimui guided the party too was nearer to the outer edge of the city. Jakolo's Inn, a surprisingly large but homey locale that it didn't take much to know was indeed quite famous for the open air bath it provided to tenants for use. Made, like with many things in Mor Ardain, by using the Titan's natural internal heat as a source to get the heated spring water for the bath. A time table was kept to rotate men and woman in and out of it, and right now, it was the ladies turn to enjoy it.

"Ahhhh… that feels good." Nia gave a deep sigh as she sunk down until her shoulders were covered by the heated water.

"Such wondrous bliss. Makes aching of journey melt away." Poppi said.

"Something about this feels… natural." Haze commented, giving a pleased sigh as she leaned back on the stone of the bath's wall. "Ursula, are you good to be in heat like this?"

"I'm fine." The child-like blade said, her head almost barely able to poke out of the water. "It's fire that bothers me. But a warm bath is good."

"I think it's Poppi we should be more worried about." Nia commented. "Should you even be in the bath? Won't you rust or something?"

"There no problem. Poppi made form special alloy. No rust or need for oil!"

"Tora thought of everything huh?"

"He really is quite smart for how silly he can be." Nia nodded to Haze's amused note.

"Masterpon is finest Artificial Blade maker in all the world!"

Nia heard approaching steps from behind them. Pyra had been taking her time. "Hey Pyra. Come on in, the water's great-" yet when she turned, it wasn't the red-head she was greeted by, but instead a towel clad Mythra. "Wait, Mythra?!"

"Is there a problem?"

"I… guess not, but…" Nia was quiet for a moment as her eyes narrowed. She couldn't help but feel more than a little envious at the tall, well developed form the Aegis had. Even Haze looked a little perturbed as she looked down at herself. "N-nice bod you've got there."

"Thanks." And with a slight flash of light, Pyra swapped in.

"When I told her there was a hot spring here, Mythra was dead set on trying it out." And switched back to Mythra just as quickly.

"So, here I am." The difference in mannerisms really stands out with those two. Nia observed.

"Must be interesting for you guys." She added as Mythra lowered into the water.

It was silent for a while as the girls soaked, only the rippling of the water making any real noise. That and whatever machinery was running off in the distance. It made one wonder how people slept in this city.

"So… Mythra, do you mind if I ask something?" Haze broke the quiet as she turned to Mythra. "Pyra and Azurda talked about things with Vaios and… I was curious. They said I used to be the Blade of someone he knew… that would mean you knew me back then, right? Or did we not?"

"No, we did." Mythra said. "Your Driver was named Lora. Met her way back then during the Aegis War. You look a lot like her in fact. You curious about what the you I knew was like?"

"Yes." Haze nodded. "I can't help but be. I feel it's a… unique situation for a Blade. I doubt most have the fortune to meet those who knew them in a previous life, or even ones who left behind a trace of themselves for their new self to later find. So, I thought if I'm around people who knew me, why not learn a little about my old self? Also… what that Malos man said back in Uraya has bothered me. Like… something in me felt like we'd fought before."

"Ya' think some inkling of your old self is still around?" Nia asked. "Think it could have to do with Vaios being your Driver?"

"That could be possible." Mythra said. "Like Haze said, it's rare when a Blade meets someone who used to know them. It's even rarer, if not impossible, to then become the Blade of that person unless it's some unique case. Like Brighid. She gets passed down the royal line of Mor Ardain, so I wouldn't be surprised if they have all kinds of records about her that she can look into. But becoming the Blade of someone with memories of your past self… can't say I can guess what that would cause. Maybe that curiosity of yours is because you got a bit of Vaios in you now, so maybe you've got some inklings about your old self from him."

"Definitely sounds unique." Nia added.

"So, what're you curious about?"

"Well, just… how I was. Am I any different from the Haze you knew?"

Mythra was quiet for a moment before she spoke. "I can't really say much is different. Granted, it kind of feels like a part of you is maybe a bit different. Not by much though. The you now is pretty close to the you I remember. Tell me though, you afraid of ghosts?"

"I… can't really say the idea of them scares me, no." Haze said. "D-Did the old me not like them?"

"As we found out, nope. But, that kind of difference is pretty normal." Mythra said, clearly trying to be reassuring. "Blades tend to inherit bits of their Drivers in each life. This usually means their interests change between incarnations. Most tend to be pretty similar though. I can tell you more as we go, if you care to hear about it. I only knew you and Lora for a short while, so I can't tell you everything. Afraid that's lost to time."

"Whatever you do know, I would be happy to hear it. Or any other stories about that time actually… if you would care to tell. I know from Pyra that… perhaps talking about the Aegis War might not be easy for you two."

"It's not that bad to talk about." Mythra said. "Just… a lot. There's a lot of things I need to… resolve, let's say."

"I imagine most of it's got to do with Vaios no doubt." Nia chuckled as Mythra turned a glare her way while she rose from the bath. "Well, I think I'm heading out."

Mythra and Haze's eyes widened as they both noticed something. "Nia… are you a…" Mythra said. Nia gave a reluctant nod.

"Mm… well, yeah." No use pretending now at the least. She just hoped Mythra and Haze could be good to keep a secret.

"Do you… want us to keep this quiet?" Mythra asked. Nia nodded again.

"For now, at least. I'd appreciate it."

"Understood."

"You can count on us." Nia felt a wash of relief at the two complying with that wish. "Is that why you asked if Vaios was…"

"It was… part of the reason, admittedly. Only idea that made sense at the time." Nia admitted. "Also, Mythra, if you're gonna be tellin stories about the Aegis War, then tell us some more about Vaios too. Guy's just a walking puzzle we ain't got the pieces for."

"There's a lot only he'll be able to tell you. And we'll have to wait for him to remember to get that."

The return from the bath had little more added to it from the girls then pleasant talks about how much they enjoyed the experience. Now it was time to turn in and think of ways to pass the time until they could get passage to Indol, however long of a wait that would be. It looked to be a peaceful time.

"Mythra look very pleased." Poppi observed.

"Well, it was my first bath in 500 years. I think I have the right to savor it."

"Can you just switch whenever?" Nia asked.

"With Pyra? Of course."

And to illustrate, switch they did. "Our memories are shared, so it doesn't matter that much who's in control." Pyra said before switching back to Mythra.

"Huh, sounds pretty handy… and now that yellin' we heard in Argentum makes sense." Nia noted, Mythra's face taking on a deep flush. "You two… talked that one over?"

"Pyra and I basically have things settled."

"I meant you and Vaios." Nia gave the blonde girl a sly look.

"That… we'll deal with that eventually." Mythra's embarrassment lasted until an echoing crash came from outside. The girls rushed to the room the boys had taken, finding Vaios leaning out of the window with Tora perched on his back trying to do the same.

"What the hell was that?" Nia asked, looking to Dromarch.

"I cannot say." Answered the Blade. "It sounds like some kind of disturbance. But it's not clear just what that may be."

"No use sitting around. Let's go find out." Tora hopped from Vaios's back as he turned. And he stopped when he saw it was Mythra with the others instead of Pyra. "Oh."

"What's the look for?"

"Just… surprised you're out."

"You'd rather I was her?"

"Didn't mean it like that." Vaios sighed with an annoyed look, Mythra giving a huff. The group rushed from the room and out onto the walkways at their floor, Vaios leaning up on the rail to try and get a better look across the rooftops. They could hear the resounding noise of fighting coming across the roofs. Metallic slams and gunshots. Whatever was causing this mess, it was making one heck of a show of it.

"Hey, can I ask something?" Mythra said, tapping Vaios on the arm.

"Oh, now you're asking about permission?" Vaios snarked, getting a punch on the arm in return.

"Ass. Look, you mind if I stay like this for a while?" Mythra said, Vaios raising a brow. "Let's get this straight: You may have some idea of how my powers work thanks to what you might already remember, but we need some time adjust to you using my powers." And Pyra then switched in.

"She and I talked it over together." She said. "Mythra's power is much greater than mine, but it has its limitations. It can be difficult to use in tighter spaces."

"Because of Siren." Vaios murmured. He shook his head as that brought on another image, one of a grand, humanoid machine with wings of light and a white body. "Dammit, hate these flashes."

"It would be best if you got used to using Mythra in different situations." Pyra continued.

"I can't say I mind." Vaios said. "And besides, I'm sure we've got plenty of things to talk over. Besides, you two are different enough."

"How am I really any different than her?"

"Lemme think…" Vaios flashed a smirk. "You're a bit shorter fused that's for sure."

"That's just how I am. What else do you expect?"

"See?" Vaios sniped, earning another whack on the arm. "It's not like it's a bad thing. A lot's happened since I took that job and met Pyra… even if it is weird, remembering what I am right now. But answers gotta be out there somewhere. Plus, at least it means I met her and you."

"A lot of that stuff couldn't have been easy." Mythra said. "So why the grin?"

"Everything is an experience, that's why. Even if it can be rough." Vaios said. "You should know what I told Pyra: Even if a memory is painful, it's worth holding onto, to some degree at least."

"As optimistic as ever I see." Mythra sighed, but there was a slight smile of her own on her face.

"Alright you two, mind cutting the old married couple schtick?" Nia commented as another loud crash sounded, this time seemingly closer to them. "Because we kinda got some nonsense to check out don't we?"

"Right." Vaios nodded. "This is gonna be a long night, isn't it?"