Script of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Chapter 5

The fifth chapter of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Masters and Slaves, shows the world a master lords over and what a slave thinks he must do to escape it.

This page is divided into sections based on the Events Theater. Scenes not in the Events Theater (such as story quests or unvoiced dialogue) are shown as italic headers and given unofficial titles.

Addam Spars with Lora

♫

Crossing Swords

A flashback begins: 500 years ago - Addam's Camp. Two people are fighting each other: Lora, using the staff held by Fan la Norne in the present, and a cloaked man wielding Mythra's sword. It is safe to assume this man is Addam.

Addam

Amazing, Lora. Even when I foresee your movements, you counter me instantly.

Fan is seen behind Lora, acting as her Blade.

Lora

I couldn't do it without Haze's power!

Mythra is similarly supporting Addam.

Lora

What about you? I don't see you using Mythra's hidden ability!

Addam

And what if we did?

Lora

Well, if you did...
I'd just have to bring out my original Blade!

The fight takes a lull.

Jin

Master Addam...

Jin walks into frame.

Jin

Your evening meal is ready for you.

It looks very much the same Jin seen in the present.

Addam

Oh, is it that time already?

Lora

The days are so long at this time of year, I just start losing track...

The scene skips to mid-meal. The group of Lora, Fan, Addam, Mythra, and a young boy sits on boxes around a pot on a campfire. Brighid then arrives.

♫

Elysium in the Dream

Brighid

Oh, finished already? That's a shame. I was hoping to join in.

Mythra

Join in? By yourself?

Brighid

His Majesty has many pressing matters to attend to. Besides, I'm used to working alone.

Mythra

A Driver and Blade are one in body and soul. That's their very nature.
You're not at full strength without him.

Addam

It's not so simple as all that.
I know I've yet to unlock the depths of your power.

Mythra

Really? I feel like I've been giving it my all.

Addam

But you never stop growing.
At any rate, Haze's ability to restrict other Blades is indispensable.
It's perfect for training. We're lucky.

He looks at Fan, who smiles. It would seem she goes by "Haze" in this time period.

Mythra

When she stops me using my Foresight... It's certainly difficult.

Haze

Oh, but you honor me too much. I'm just happy to help you both in any way I can.

Mythra

...Next to each other like that, you really do look like twins, you two.

Addam

It's rare for the Driver's nature to appear so strongly in their Blade.

Lora

People tell me that from time to time, but is it really true?

Haze

Perhaps...
But whatever the reason, I am happy if I look even a little like you, my lady.

She shuffles over and hugs Lora's arm.

Lora

We're even the same dress size!

Haze

Right?

Everyone else in the group chuckles. There's a short skip to the group packing up after the meal. Jin is in the shot again.

Addam

By the way...
We want to try taking you on next, Jin.

Lora

Well? How about it, Jin?

Jin

I'm afraid I don't particularly like fighting.

He starts to leave.

Addam

And to think we're hearing that from "the strongest man in Torna".

Lora

But perhaps there's truth in those words.
After all, he...
or rather, they...

Jin walks by the young boy. Up close, he looks a lot like a young Mikhail. A soldier then comes running in.

Soldier

My lord, my lady! We've discovered Malos's target!
The capital!

Addam

What? ...Are you sure...?

♫

Tensed Mind

Soldier

Yes, no doubt about it!

Addam's party turns as the camera looks off into the distance. The flashback ends.

The scene changes to a dragon-like Titan ship, traveling above the Cloud Sea at night. Haze, or is it Fan, is standing on the deck. A concerned-looking Mythra approaches from behind.

♫

Past From Far Distance

A flashback begins in Bulge Harbor directly after the escape of Torna and the end of the previous chapter. Rex, Gramps, Mythra, Nia, Dromarch, Tora, Poppi QT, Mòrag, and Brighid meet Fan.

Rex

Who are you?

Fan la Norne

I am Fan la Norne, envoy for the Indoline Praetorium.

Rex
(what do I do with this information)

Oh, uh... Hi.

Fan la Norne

You are Rex, am I correct?
Praetor Amalthus requests an audience. Please come with me.

Rex

You're joking...right? What would the Praetor want with me?

Fan la Norne

The Praetorium manages every Blade and Driver in Alrest.
And as you are the Driver of the Aegis...

Mòrag

...the Praetorium wants that power for itself.

Fan la Norne

Not at all, my lady.
The Praetor...would like to meet his fellow Aegis Driver.
He wishes to speak to Master Rex.
That is all.

Rex

His fellow...? You don't mean?!

Fan la Norne

Indeed. The Praetor is Malos's Driver.

Most of the party gasps. It's hard to tell exactly who.

Fan la Norne

There is another matter. I believe you currently have a certain dagger in your possession?

Rex

You know about that?!

Fan la Norne

Why yes, I can tell. The Praetor is its original owner, after all.

Rex makes an almost comical gasp.

Nia

So the Praetor - he's Cole's Driver as well?

Fan la Norne

Yes...

Nia

Come off it - just how old is he?!

Mòrag

The current Praetor is Indoline. It's not that hard to believe.

Dromarch

The Indoline do live long lives.

Rex

Oh right...? Well, that would explain why Cole said the dagger's owner...
would know how to get to the World Tree!

Fan suddenly takes a big step much closer to Rex.

Fan la Norne

Well, what do you say?
You certainly won't regret it. An audience with Praetor Amalthus is an honor.

Rex
(feeling a bit pressured)

Ahh, hey, uhhh... W-wait a second...

Nia

I wouldn't buy it, Rex. This is too good to be true.

Rex

What do you think, Mythra?
You noticed, right? As soon as we met Cole.

Mythra

Yes.
Though I had no idea that man had become the Praetor, of all things.

Rex

Should we...?

Mythra

There's a lot I want to ask him. I want to know about what happened after I went to sleep.
And of course... How it is that you happen to be here, Fan.

Rex

All right, then. I want to meet him too.
In fact, we might have no other choice.

The flashback ends, returning to Mythra and Fan on the Titan ship.

Mythra

Haze...

Fan la Norne

Lady Mythra? What are you doing out so late? Can't you sleep?
At this time of year, the nights can be bitter. Please don't catch a cold.

♫

Sea of Clouds

Mythra

I'm a Blade. We don't exactly catch colds.

Fan la Norne

Of course. My apologies.

Mythra

Haze... You really don't remember?

Fan la Norne

Hm? I'm afraid you have me mistaken...
I am Fan la Norne, Blade to Praetor Amalthus.

Mythra

Right. Amalthus.

Mythra focuses on Fan's Core Crystal. The astute viewer will have realized that as Haze in the past, it was a diamond shape. Yet here in the present, it's a triangle, with the bottom half blank.

Mythra

Sorry, my mistake. You just reminded me of somebody I know.
...It is quite cold, isn't it? I might go back to my room, after all.

Fan la Norne

Yes. Good night, Lady Mythra.

Mythra

Night, Fan.

Mythra walks out of sight. Pyra then starts to pass a thought to her.

Pyra

(Mythra, did you see her Core Crystal's shape?)

Mythra

(I saw. That's not normal resonance.)

Pyra

(It's not like with us and Rex, either.)

Mythra

(I guess this is one more question for the Praetor.)
(Sorry... Let's change over. I have to think.)

Pyra

(Sure. No problem.)

Pyra turns and gives Fan the same concerned look.

A Chilly Night

Rex and the rest of the party mill about on the ship's deck.

Fan la Norne

Master Rex. There is still quite some time left before we reach Indol.
And I am sure you must be tired after all you went through in Mor Ardain.
Perhaps you would like to rest awhile?

What should I do?

Rest

Fan la Norne

Good night then, Rex.

Not yet

Fan la Norne

Very well. Feel free to come back whenever you are ready to retire.

Judicium Titan Weapon

Jin is brooding in the Torna base. He turns towards the walls, which open to reveal the many Core Crystals stacked in the tubes within, as seen at the end of the previous chapter. Malos approaches him.

Malos

Is it working?

Jin

Yes. I can hear the Blades' voices now.

Malos

Come with me. Akhos has found something very interesting.

Jin

Very well.

The pair walk away.

♫

Misgivings

Jin and Malos are now with Akhos in presumably another room (though it has a similar-looking wall of Core Crystals so it's hard to tell). The giant viewscreen in front of them shows a pair of insect-shaped Titans of difficult-to-tell size with Ardainian-looking technology on them.

Malos

Hey, look at this.

Akhos

Temperantia...
Rumor had it that Mor Ardain were conducting an excavation there.
So I thought I should check it out, and, er...

Jin

It's changed a lot, but this shape...
That's a Judicium Titan weapon.

Akhos

Judicium...
I know that name...

Malos

Right. It was destroyed. A casualty of the Aegis War.
And it's where the Flesh Eaters were created.

Akhos
(interested)

Is that so...

Malos
(to Jin)

What now?

Jin

If it is a threat to us, it should be destroyed.
...Or, we could make use of it.

Patroka
(yelling from offscreen)

Damn it all, I can't believe this!

Patroka and Mikhail have arrived.

Akhos

Hello Patroka. And a very good day to you too.
Don't tell me-

We see behind Mikhail that this is the room with Lora's frozen body.

Mikhail

No, don't worry about that.
We got the goods. No problem.

Akhos

Well, that's something.
So why the temper tantrum?

The pair explain what happened at Bulge Harbor.

Mikhail

...And that's how it went down.
Long story short, we had to make a run for it.

Akhos

And you're sure it wasn't your ether field that was disturbed?

Malos

A female Blade from Indol...

Mikhail

Jin...
It's Haze. No doubt about it.

Jin stares down at the ground to the side.

Mikhail

Jin?

Jin

Mikhail, how goes the work on the Marsanes?

Mikhail

Oh, that's no problem.
It'll take a little longer than I thought, but we'll get there.

Jin

And Akhos - where is the Aegis right now?

Akhos turns to look at the screen.

Akhos

Near the Leftherian Archipelago.
She's on the move, maybe on a ship.

Jin

Maybe they're heading for Indol.

He turns to leave.

Akhos

Hmm?
Where...?

Jin

Temperantia. To buy us some time.

Patroka

What about the Aegis?
If that man gets into her head...

Malos

Not happening.
That's not how Mythra works.

Jin
(still facing the door)

In fact, she'll be a big help to us.
After all, only an Aegis can open up the path to the World Tree.
Malos, there's a lot of work to be done on what we got from the Guild.
You guys, stay here and help Mikhail.
I'll go to Temperantia. Alone.

Malos

Fine by me.

Akhos

Very well. Take care of yourself.

Jin leaves.

Malos
(oh you)

That guy.

The scene changes to the party aboard the Indol ship.

♫

The Towering Yggdrasil

Ahead is a giant wall of clouds, stretching up far above the floating jellyfish-like Titans in front of it.

Pyra

Amazing... It looks like a mountain of clouds.

Natural bridges formed of tendrils connect several of the jellyfish islands.

Fan la Norne

The Leftherian Archipelago.
Indol is currently positioned beyond the Cloud Ridge.
It would take quite some time to sail around, so we'll be traveling over land from here.

Dromarch

I suppose not even a Titan ship could surpass such an obstacle.

Mòrag

If we have to walk, we'd best get moving now.

Rex
(pleased)

It's been a while...

Gramps

Must be five years.

Pyra

Rex, have you been here before?

Rex

It's where I grew up.
Me and Gramps are from Fonsett Village, just over the ridge here.

Nia

Huh, I wouldn't have pegged you for a Leftherian.

Pyra
(also pleased)

So this is your home...

The ship docks on a lower island. In the distance, bridges snake directly into the enormous ridge. Everyone disembarks.

Rex

Well, I guess it'd be quickest for me to lead the way from here.
We just need to get over the ridge, right?

Fan la Norne

Indeed. The delegation from Indol will meet us there.

Rex

Roger that!

Tora

Will leave it to Rex-Rex! Lead the way!

Rex

Ha-ha!

Gramps

Don't get an inflated head. We're just following the islands, you know.

Rex

Hey, it's still dangerous!
There's a lot of tough monsters around these parts.

Gramps

Well, I won't deny that...

Tora

So how we going?

Rex

Err...

Pyra

What about Fonsett?

Rex

What about it?

Pyra

Will we pass it?

Rex

I mean, we could go that way.

Pyra
(a bit too eager)

Let's do it! I mean, let's visit your village!

Nia

OK, calm down.

Dromarch

Someone's rather excitable...

Poppi α

Not like normal Pyra.

Pyra
(sheepishly)

Uh, I mean...
Don't you want to see the place where Rex grew up?

Nia

Sure, but I'm not getting my ears in a twist.

Rex

Actually, that's not a bad idea. That route's probably one of the safest we could take.
How about it?

Fan la Norne

I'll leave the decision to you.

Rex

Then let's do it! We'll head off as soon as we're ready!

Tora

Poppi α

Yeah!

Nia

Hey, what are you still doing here, anyway?

Mòrag

I volunteered to come along. I'm acting as a representative of the Empire.
Is there a problem?

Fan la Norne

No, not at all.
The Praetorium has extended an invitation to the Aegis.
We would not wish to conceal this information from the other nations.

Gramps

Oh yes, that's the Praetorium for you. Impartial to the last, eh?

Fan la Norne

Indeed.

Brighid

That's not a problem for you, is it, Nia?

Nia
(maaaybe not entirely sincere)

Sure, we're best friends now. I'll get over her throwing me in jail one day.

Dromarch

Now now, my lady, Mòrag and Brighid are on our side.
That's much safer than the alternative.

Nia

Yeah, yeah, I suppose.

Rex

Come on, Nia, lighten up!
It was all a big misunderstanding! They helped us out and everything, remember?

Nia

You're such an idiot sometimes.

Rex

I'm an optimist-

Nia

Call it what you want. You're still an idiot.
Ugh. OK, fine. It's water under the bridge.

She turns towards Mòrag and sticks an arm out.

Nia

Go on! Friends, yeah?

Mòrag

Heh. Very well. Friends it is.

They make a small and delicate shake.

Tunnel Through the Clouds

If the player enters the closer Orl Cloudway, this cutscene appears in the Events Theater as "Easy Tunnel Through the Clouds". If the player enters the farther Lud Cloudway, this cutscene appears in the Events Theater as "Hard Tunnel Through the Clouds". The only way to have both scenes listed is to do the other one in a New Game Plus iteration. Both scenes are identical in content.

The party enters the tunnel of the Cloudway.

Pyra

I've never seen anything like this. A tunnel through the clouds...

Rex

It's because this archipelago is formed of many smaller Titans.
The forces between the Titans bend the Cloud Sea into this shape.

Gramps

There is a large Titan as well, at the center of the cloud mountains.
Though being within the Cloud Sea itself, you won't find humans living on it.

Rex

The small Titans seem to like clustering around the larger one, and that's what forms the archipelago.

Tora

Wow... So many amazing things to see in world!

Poppi α

Masterpon should get out more often.
Working inside all day bad for mind and body, you know.

Tora

Tora on wonderful adventure with Rex-Rex right now though!
Days of staying inside all day are long gone!

Rex

Yeah. You're a Driver just like us now, Tora.

Tora

Mehmeh! Tora appreciate support from friend Rex-Rex!

Leftherian Idea of Fun

♫

Jump Towards the Morning Sun

The group has passed through the Cloudway and are back outside. As the party walks along, Rex spots something.

Rex
(nostalgic)

Hahah, that takes me back!

There's a bunch of people, possibly all children, on a cliff in the distance. One of them hops off the edge and plummets.

Nia

What the hell? You wouldn't catch me dead doing that.

Rex

Don't knock it till you try it. It's how we all learned to swim in the clouds!

Another kid jumps off the cliff.

Pyra

You mean, you did that too?

Rex

Yeah, of course.
It came in really handy when I became a salvager.

Nia
(watching another yeet)

I can't stand it down there. It's not like water, feels like the clouds are wrapping around you.

Dromarch murmurs an assent.

Dromarch

And you don't like heights, either.

Rex
(smirking)

You get used to it really quick. Hey, you want to give it a go?

Nia
(recoiling from the approach)

Wha- Hey, no! You get away from me! Don't touch me!

Pyra

Stop that, Rex! Don't tease her.

Rex

All right, all right.

Nia

Honestly, when are you gonna grow up a little?

The group carries on.

The scene changes to the place where the Judicium Titans were seen - Temperantia. A small contingent of Ardainians is present, along with an older man. Knowing what Mòrag and Niall discussed in the previous chapter, this man is likely Senator Roderich. He's reading a report.

♫

A Brewing Storm

Roderich

Very impressive.

Captain

We've refitted the drivetrain to use Ardainian technology.
All of the control mechanisms have been beautifully preserved,
so we should be able to finish relatively soon.

Roderich

Finally, we will be able to compensate for our forces' depletion. The Gormott struggle takes its toll.

Captain

Sir.

Roderich

And there are no safety concerns, I trust?
The explosion three months ago was most unfortunate. Or had you forgotten?

Captain

We've been running a sedative drip through the Titan's fluids since then. No further difficulties.
We've also encased the back end in composite steel.
That should withstand sustained enemy fire.
Even if it were to be blown up... Well, it'll be in enemy territory.

Roderich

A pyrrhic victory, I'd say.

Captain

Well, the crew will have escape pods.

Roderich
(skeptical)

Escape pods? Are you sure you don't mean coffins?

Captain
(yeah you're right)

I mean...

Roderich

Hmph...

Roderich and the contingent move up the scaffolding to step onto the deck of one of the the Titan weapons.

Roderich

Judicium, the dead nation that realized Flesh Eater technology...
I cannot say I find their creations tasteful.

Captain

I'm aware you do not agree with the principle of fusing Blades with human cells.
Few people do.

Roderich

Not what I mean.

Captain

I'm sorry, sir? Then what exactly do you...?

Roderich

It's said that Flesh Eaters were created in the quest for ever stronger Blades.
But is that really true?
What I see in them is the shadow of a people scrabbling to prolong their existence.
I look at them and see ourselves. That is what I despise.
I will leave for Indol shortly. Much remains to be done.

Fonsett Homecoming

The party arrives in Fonsett. A bunch of local kids quickly take notice.

Children

Rex!

The kids make a beeline for the guy that's been sending them money for years. The rest of the party backs off slightly so Rex can have his reunion.

Rex

Whoa, Kirk? Kazuna? You guys sure have grown!
And hey, is that really-

Gentle voice

That's our Mark.

A middle-aged woman approaches.

Gentle woman

He'll be going away to school in Indol soon, thanks to the help you've been sending us.

Rex

Auntie Corinne, good to see you!

Pyra

Wow, this is quite a welcome...

Dromarch

I didn't realize you were sending your money home.
That's very admirable for such a young man.

Nia
(wistfully)

Home, huh...

Tora

Old lady have lots of littlepons!

Poppi α
(you dum-dum)

Masterpon, these clearly not all littlepons of same parent.

Corinne

My word! Is that old Azurda there?
What have you gone and done to yourself?

Gramps

That would take some explaining.
Incidentally... Is there some way you could put us up for the night?
Long day and all.

Corinne

"Is there some way?" Don't give me that!
Stay for as long as you like! What's mine is yours.

Gramps

Thank you.

Rex

Auntie, thank you so much. I think I'll go for a bit of a walk first, though.

Corinne

Ah, yes. Leave your friends with me.

Rex

Pyra, could you come along too?

Pyra

Hm? O-of course.

Corinne

Right then, come with me, all of you!

The party and the mess of kids follow Corinne, leaving Rex and Pyra behind.

Meeting the Parents

♫

Where We Used To Be

Rex has brought Pyra to the Oratory Knoll Cemetery. He stands in front of the only two visible headstones that are paired together.

Pyra

Where are we?

Rex

These are my parents' graves.

Pyra

What?!

Rex

Sorry. I guess I never properly told you about myself. I...

Pyra

No, it's fine.
I'm sorry I never thought to ask...

Rex

I wanted you to meet them, though.

Pyra

To meet them? How do you mean?

Rex nods, then steps up to the two graves and kneels in front of them.

Rex

Hey, Mum... Dad... It's been a while.
A ton happened, you know - I became a Driver!
And this girl...is Pyra.
My new partner.
I know you'd love her.

Pyra looks down at Rex with fondness.

Rex

We- we're going to Elysium. Pyra and me.
I don't know what's coming next, but...
You'll be watching over us, right guys?

Pyra

Rex...

Rex closes his eyes and brings a fist to his chest for a moment of silence. Pyra decides to mimic him, kneeling down and placing her hands over her chest.

Rex
(standing up)

Right. Let's head back.

Pyra
(same)

OK.

Awaited Return

Rex and Pyra have returned from the graveyard to Corinne's House. She's standing over her oven.

Corinne

Well, hello stranger!
Why don't we all eat together? Food's already on the table.
You can tell me all about what Rex has been getting up to.

Enough Loss for One Life

The party is lazying about in Corinne's house after the meal. While the others are resting or talking, Pyra is helping Corinne do the dishes.

Corinne

I'm so sorry, making you wash up like this.

Pyra

No no, don't worry about it!
I don't have to be in a fight to be able to help people. I like it.

Corinne

You're a dear. Rex is very lucky you're around.
He's never brought a girl to meet me before!

Pyra
(blushing)

Huh? No no no, it's not like that! I'm just Rex's Blade!

Corinne
(teasing)

Is that so?
You do hear of Blades and Drivers getting married a lot in the old stories!

Pyra

Err...

The scene skips ahead a bit. Pyra and Corinne are now having tea out front.

Pyra

This is a lovely village. Everyone's so warm and carefree.

Corinne

It's removed from everything, you see.
I think if everyone could live like this... The world might be a happier place.
You know, between you and me...

♫

Elysium in the Dream

Corinne

I think, deep down, Rex still misses his mother a little.
In a way, you remind me of her. Just a tad.

Pyra

Of Rex's mother? Really?
Actually... He took me to say hello to his parents.

Corinne

Ahh...
You know, Rex wasn't born here in Fonsett.

A flashback begins. In the early evening, a woman carries a child under the Fonsett Arch.

Corinne

He must have been two years old when he came ashore here with his poor mother.

Already having trouble walking, the woman collapses. Three nearby locals rush to help. Corinne holds the unconscious little Rex.

Corinne

Maybe it was war, or a dying Titan... But they'd lost their home, sure enough.

The locals carefully lift up the woman and start to take her somewhere.

Corinne

I gather it was a great struggle to get here. She was so weak...

The scene shows one headstone at the cemetary.

Corinne

She asked me to look after Rex, and...
That was the last thing she said.

The locals pay respects. Rex looks on with Corinne's support.

Corinne

She seemed so lovely, too...
And his father...
We found his body about three titanpeds away from here.

A dead man is found slumping in the bushes in an unclear nearby location.

Corinne

He came so far... If only he'd made it a little farther.
Such a sad business.

The flashback ends.

Pyra

How awful...

Corinne
(almost crying)

That boy has suffered enough loss for one life.
That's why he became a salvager, you know. To find some way up to Elysium.

Pyra remembers how Rex behaved at Vandham's grave, and at his parents'.

Pyra

In that case...
Maybe it's not good for me to be by Rex's side after all...

Brighid is walking by in the background. She hears Pyra say this and stops, hiding around a corner.

Corinne

Why, are you not fond of him?

Pyra

Oh, I am!
But, with me here...he'll suffer even more, lose even more.
So maybe... Maybe Rex is better off without me. Rex...and the whole world. They don't need me.
That's just how it feels.

Corinne

Now, dear...

Brighid thinks upon this information, and walks back the way she came to avoid revealing her presence.
The scene changes to the next morning. The party is at the Fonsett Arch, ready to say bye to Corinne and the other kids.

Rex

OK, time to move out!

Kirk

See you soon, Rex!

Corinne

You take care now. And keep yourself out of trouble, Azurda!

Gramps

Ah, you know me. I prefer the quiet life.

Pyra

Thank you for everything.

Corinne

Pyra, dear - I don't know what you've been through before...
But you should know you're not alone anymore.
Rex is a strong boy.
You can depend on him, whenever and wherever you need him.

Pyra

...I know. I'll try.

Rex

Huh? What was all that about?

Pyra

Nothing at all. Right?

Corinne

Nothing for your ears, Rex.
You just concentrate on what you're doing. Work hard, and do your best!

Rex

Sure, I will.

The group turns and leaves. Pyra stays for a moment longer to show her thanks before following.

Departure

Before the party gets far, Fan speaks to Rex.

Fan la Norne

How did you find it, visiting your hometown after so long?

Rex

I was surprised how much the kids had grown, but apart from that, it was all just how I remembered. Which is nice.
Anyway, I'm all rested up and raring to go! I'm ready to lead the way to the port.

Fan la Norne

Thank you very much, Master Rex.

The camera takes a wide view. Another Indoline Titan ship is waiting by a neighboring island.

Rex

Well, it's not like it's very far. It's just on the next island over.
Come on, let's get going.

Bringer of Chaos, Round Three

The group arrives at Ysheva Harbor. Almost immediately, a pair of familiar faces appear from nowhere.

♫

Eye of Shining Justice

Zeke

Finally. You took your sweet time.

Zeke and Pandoria are here. But their music seems to have only played the scare chord and stopped. Mòrag recognizes them.

Mòrag

...You're the...

♫

Tensed Mind

Nia
(casual wave)

Hey, Shellhead!

Zeke

Hey.

Rex
(completely tuned out)

You just don't give up, do you? C'mon, out of the way.

Tora

More like stubborn leech than turtle.

Zeke

Hah. This time I'm here for something a little bit different.

The pair are still doing their synchronized poses, but they're a fair bit more toned down compared to before.

Rex

Ugh, what's that supposed to mean?

Zeke

I want to see just how good you are, chum.
I've been waiting here for three whole days already!

He presses three fingers into his other palm for emphasis.

Nia

Three days? Seriously?
You know what, no thanks, I don't pick on idiots.

Zeke
(drawing his sword slowly)

Well then.
Fight me and we'll see who's the idiot!

Rex

How did you know that we'd be here...?

Zeke

I'll tell you...if you can beat me!

Mòrag is over there with a serious look.

Zeke

You want to join the fun too?

Mòrag

No, you all go ahead.

Rex

Huh? Why?

Zeke

What a shame! Looks like the illustrious Flamebringer won't be helping you this time.

Nia
(very confidently)

Thanks for the concern and all, but maybe you should be worrying about yourself.

She takes her weapons and uses them to point out various nearby natural predators of the Zekenator.

Nia

Big tree to your right, big rock to your left, and a cliff right behind you.
Which one's gonna get you this time, eh?

Rex draws his sword with a very clear "fine whatever ugh" attitude.

Zeke

Not today, furry ears.
Check this.

Zeke slowly crouches down. Nia awaits his humiliation. Rex looks bored. Gramps has had an odd smile on his face the whole time. Suddenly Zeke blasts forward.

♫

Incoming!

Rex

Whoa!

In a single jagged electrical dash, Zeke has travelled through the party and blasted them all into the air. While they fall down, he comes to a sliding stop as Pandoria runs in and skids up beside him, the both of them looking up in triumph. Cool guy move successful, as everyone expected. Mòrag smirks.

Nia

What the-

Zeke

Well? Feel like taking me seriously yet, hmm?

Tora

S-so strong...

Nia

What the... How'd he do that?

Mòrag

Thunderbolt Zeke.
Tantal's most powerful Driver...and its Crown Prince.

Nia
(in disbelief)

Crown Prince of...Tantal?!

Rex
(also in disbelief)

This guy?!

Mòrag

It is quite the rare opportunity to see his...swordsmanship first-hand.

It may have been a poor idea to stroke his ego. Zeke and Pandoria both visibly soak it up.

Zeke

Now this is more like it. Ooh, come on, yeah! Keep it coming!

He's been advancing towards her for more compliments. Mòrag turns away in disgust. Brighid puts a hand over Fan's face as if she needs her innocence protected.

Zeke
(indignant)

That's it? That's all I get?!
Ugh, fine.

He returns his attention to the main party, who are only now starting to get up.

Zeke

...Anyway. Ready to concede defeat to the Zekenator?

Rex

As if! We're only just warming up, you pompous arse!

Pyra

I'm right with you. Let's show him what we got!

Zeke

Hahaha, yessss! Let's see if the Aegis is worth the hype!
Hyaaah!

He twirls his sword overhead before bring it to ready position.

Special Envoy...of Chaos?

Zeke blocks an attack and is sent sliding backwards. Pandoria dodges out of the way as he runs into the fence at the edge of the pier.

Zeke

Not bad, chum.

He leans up without difficulty.

Rex

Right back at you. Impressive!
Didn't think I'd ever see another Driver and Blade on Mòrag and Brighid's level...

Zeke

You're still holding back. Where's the Aegis's true power?

Rex

Mythra's power is only for fighting bad guys.

Zeke

Aw, that's so sweet. So I'm a good guy now, is that it?!

Rex

Am I wrong?

Rex stands down. Zeke stands up and breaks out into laughter, with additional body language so you can tell he's laughing.

Zeke

I like your attitude there, chum!

He closes up his sword. Pandoria scuttles up beside him.

Zeke

Well, that's an Aegis's Driver for you.

Fan la Norne

How did we do, Your Highness?

Zeke

Sure, you pass.
I think we can just about let you into the Praetorium.

Zeke and Rex holster their weapons.

Nia

What the hell?!

Zeke

I've been working for Indol for a while now. A kind of...special envoy.
They asked me to keep an eye out for the Aegis.
Actually, I volunteered to. You know how it is.
I'm jolly sorry for testing you like that.

♫

A Nopon's Life

Pandoria

We were planning on getting this over with in ONE encounter.
But His Highness has the most awful luck, so...

Rex

Yeah, I think I got that.

Zeke

What are you talking about? Everyone has bad days, right?

Zeke casually leans back on the fence. It immediately snaps off.

Pyra

Ah!

Zeke yells in panic as he loses his balance and subsequently follows the fence off the edge.

Zeke

Whyyy meeeee?!

He lands in the Cloud Sea far below. The party leans over the edge to watch.

Nia
(welp)

There he goes.

Dromarch

Hmmm...bad luck indeed.

Pyra

Uhh... Should we go rescue him?

Pandoria
(shrug)

Naaah, he'll find his own way back up somehow.
Let's just board the ship!

Everyone heads towards the ship. Zeke flops in the sea below, Turters surfing the back of his head.

The group arrives in Indol without further incident, and disembarks at Goetuis Port. They're generally impressed by the visuals.

Tora

Aahh, so pretty...

Poppi α

Amazing!

Nia

Whoa...

Pyra

It's so grand...

Mythra

(Sure, because they're trying too hard.)

Pyra
(thinking, but with her mouth moving)

(You don't have to be like that...)

Rex

Hm? Did you say something?

Pyra

Oh no, nothing.

Fan la Norne

Your audience with the Praetor is scheduled for tomorrow.
Before that, maybe you'd all like to have a look around?

Rex

See the sights of Indol? Sounds like a pretty rare opportunity!

Tora

Yeah! Let's look around city! Tora want to see everything!

Nia

What are we, tourists?

Dromarch

There's no harm in that, is there?

Gramps

This would be a first for me, too.

Rex

Right, you were a bit big to go running around Indol before now.

Nia

Now that's a funny image.

"No More Blades, No More War"

The group passes by the shops at Poldis Circle. They approach a fence to see a plaza full of tents on the other side. Among the people milling about the tents is a wooden sign with a message messily painted on it.

Nia

"No More Blades, No More War"... What does that mean?

Zeke

That, my fuzzy-eared friend, is an anti-Blade protest.
The refugees have really been going at it since last year or so.

Zeke was not there five seconds ago. Rex and Nia are shook.

Nia

Whoa! Where'd you come from?
What'd you do, swim here?

Tora

Did Blades do something wrong?

Mòrag

The Praetorium is single-handedly responsible for doling out Core Crystals to other countries.
Though sometimes the likes of Dughall and Bana grab a piece of the pie.

Dromarch

Therefore, Indol has the power to control war itself?

Mòrag

That's one way of looking at it, at least.

Nia

But war's about much more than just Blades and Drivers!

Pandoria

I know that and you know that, but that doesn't mean they're gonna accept it.

Rex

I guess so...

He looks back at the campground.

Rex

There's a lot of...Gormotti here...

Gramps

They fled the Gormotti War ten years ago. But here they are, refugees still.

Zeke
(sour)

Yes. They're a funny old lot, you know.
We feed them, we water them, and this is the thanks we get.
Don't these ruffians know that manners cost nothing?
I swear, you lend these people a hand and they want the whole bloody arm.

Gramps

It's easy to disregard things beyond your control,
and direct your anger at targets closer to hand.

Rex

...

Mòrag

Do you have something to say?

Rex

Not really.

Mòrag
(not fooled)

Out with it, Rex.

Rex

Mor Ardain's Titan - it's dying, and everybody knows it.
That's why they - why you need Gormott.

Mòrag

Our population is large. Larger than Uraya's.

Rex

But you don't have the resources to support all those people...

Mòrag

You are astute for someone so young.

Rex

Us salvagers pick up more than just artifacts.
I'm not daft. I know fine words alone won't change reality.

Mòrag

So you seek Elysium.

Rex

Is that wrong?

Mòrag

No. I was just reminded how young you are.

Nia

Still, if it's Rex, or people who harp on about justice with no solutions...
I'm bettin' on Rex.

Mòrag

I must admit, I do respect the boy's drive.

Rex
(self-deprecating)

Ahh, I'm just stumbling my way forward.

Their Own Masters

The party stops on a landing of a long staircase.

♫

Elysium in the Dream

Pyra

Mòrag, can I ask you something?

Mòrag

Go ahead.

Pyra

Rex is the one who woke up Mythra.
And I think he appreciates what that means.

Mòrag

And?

Pyra

It's just that, well... you're not doing anything to stop us.
Why is that?

Mòrag

Because of Addam.

Pyra

!

Mòrag

Five hundred years ago...
He became this great hero, who we celebrate even today.
But I know him only through legends.
A chance to see what his Blade is capable of for myself? I confess I was intrigued.
So here I am.

Rex

You know I'm not Addam, right?

Mòrag

But you are the Aegis's Driver.
The second you're under imperial control, you won't be that hero anymore.

Rex

Hmm... I'm not sure I follow.

Pyra

People with great power should be their own masters.
Is that what you mean?

Mòrag

Close enough. You can interpret it that way if you like.

Zeke

Heh, even the mighty Flamebringer can be bloody hard work sometimes.
Can't you just admit the real reason?

Mòrag

I don't like what you're implying.

She proceeds onward.
The party soon makes it up all the stairs to pass through Seoris Plaza West Gate into Seoris Plaza.

Fan la Norne

The Inner Praetorium is beyond this gate. Here you will find the main administrative facilities.
With your permission, I'll show you to your lodgings.

The Praetorium's Majesty

The group hasn't moved yet.

Fan la Norne

This is Seoris Plaza.

Rex

Wow...it's pretty huge!

Nia

Busy, too.

Mòrag

I daresay many people gather here on religious pilgrimages.

Fan la Norne

Precisely correct. Many people arrive in Indol with each coming day.
And the building you see ahead is the Indoline Sanctum.

Nia

Impressive isn't the half of it.

Zeke

How d'you like it, eh? Really makes you appreciate the majesty of the Praetorium, right?

Nia

Where do YOU get off sounding so proud, Shellhead?

Gramps

It's magnificent. Truly magnificent.

Fan la Norne

Rooms have already been made ready for you. You'll find them to the left as you enter the Sanctum.

Tora

We get to stay in big fancy building?!

Fan la Norne

You are our honored guests here, after all.

Poppi α

Quite amazing!

Fan la Norne

Now then, shall we go?

Sanctum Arrival

The party meets Armalia at the Sanctum Chambers.

Armalia

Lady Fan told us you would be coming.
You must have endured great hardship on your journey.
Please, feel free to use the chambers we've prepared for you.

Should we rest?

Rest

Armalia

Enjoy your stay!

Don't rest

Nothing happens.

You Remind Her Of Him A Lot

The party checks in to the chambers.

♫

A Place in the Sun

Fan la Norne

Your audience with the Praetor is scheduled for tomorrow, in the Sanctum's Audience Chamber.
If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave.

Rex

OK. Thanks for all your help.

Fan la Norne

My pleasure. Good night.

Rex

Night!

The scene skips ahead to evening. Rex and Pyra are sitting on opposite beds in one of the rooms. Pyra is doing something with a piece of blue fabric, perhaps darning.

Rex

Hey, Pyra...
So, Addam... What kind of a person was he?

Pyra

Should I ask Mythra?

Rex
(abort, abort)

No, no, it's fine. I was just wondering.

Pyra puts the cloth down and thinks for a moment.

Pyra

He was incredible...

Rex

Incredible?

Pyra

In Mythra's memories, I mean. I knew him only very briefly before I went to sleep...
But Mythra can't remember a more genuine, courageous person.
She had never met a more wonderful man.

Rex flops back onto the bed like he's dejected about this.

Rex

He sounds like a real hero...

Pyra

Mhm.
...And you remind her of him a lot.

Rex
(sure, whatever)

Oh I do, do I? ...Great...

He then actually parses what was said, and sits up in surprise.

Rex

Wait, what?!

Pyra

*giggle* I suppose Mythra won't be very pleased I told you that.

Rex

Pyra, c'mon...

Pyra

I agree with her, you know.

This makes Rex more embarrassed than he already was. He tries to read the expression on her face, turned away and in thought.
Rex gets up early the next morning and wanders the sanctum a little.

Rex

Whew, it's cold this morning...
Miss Fan...?

He's found Fan staring at the art on the wall. Nia then comes up behind him.

Nia
(time to tease)

Oho, has somebody got a little crush?

Rex

Nia!!! What are you doing here?!

Nia

Early riser. Always have been.
Ooh, I see how it is here. I wonder what Pyra and Mythra would think...

Rex

Hey, no - you've got the wrong- Just-

Nia

Just what? Go on!

Rex

I dunno. I thought she looked...sad.

Fan then realizes they're there.

Fan la Norne

Oh, good morning, you two. There's still some time before your audience.

Rex

Sorry, we just woke up really early.

Fan la Norne

Ah, I see.

Rex and Nia look up at the art.

Rex

That's a pretty nice mural. Very...grand.

Fan la Norne

It depicts the creation of Alrest.
They say this mural was painted long ago, when the nation of Indol was still new.

Rex

You've been looking at it for a while...

Fan la Norne

...They're missing.

Rex

What do you mean by "they"?

Fan la Norne

My memories.

♫

Loneliness

Fan la Norne

I know that I must have been around since this mural was first painted, or even earlier, but...
I don't remember that time at all.

Nia

...Well, you are a Blade.

Fan la Norne

I don't know who I was or what I did.
And I'd really like to.

Rex

Mythra's lived for an awful long time. Maybe she'll know something about you.

Fan la Norne

Mythra called me Haze earlier.
Could it be possible that she met me somewhere before? Sometime in the past?

Rex

Do you wanna ask her later?

Fan excitedly seizes Rex's hand.

Fan la Norne

Could I? Thank you very much.

Rex
(blushing)

N-no need to thank me. You helped us too!

She lets go.

Nia
(( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°))

Look at you, going all red. I'll tell Pyra, I swear.

Rex

Wha-?! I told you, it's not like that!

Nia

We'll see...

The scene shifts to inside one of the rooms, about an hour later. Pyra is alone, staring out the window.

Brighid

Hey, relax. You'll give yourself wrinkles.

Brighid comes in.

Brighid

A Driver and Blade are one in body and soul.
It was you who told me that. Well, the other you, I mean.

Pyra

You mean Mythra?

Brighid

Of course, it was five hundred years ago, so perhaps you have forgotten.

Mythra

(Oh! I do remember saying that!)

Pyra

(So it's true? But how could she possibly remember...)

Brighid

...You're wondering how I could remember words from so long ago?

Brighid holds out a blue book emblazoned with a purple flame. Pyra takes it.

Pyra

What's this?

Brighid

You could call it a diary, I suppose.
It contains details about my past lives. It's the only way I have to remember.
When we return to the Core Crystal, our minds are wiped clean of all memories.
Though a Blade's life is eternal...
Our effective lifespans as individuals are far shorter than a human's.
You know, it's not just me. A lot of Blades try to preserve their memories in journals like this one.
...Even though it's often futile.
After all, a Core Crystal cannot protect a diary.
Usually, the volume is lost to us, along with our memories.
I'm fortunate amongst Blades. I'm passed down as an imperial treasure, and recorded in official chronicles.

Pyra

Er, Brighid...?

Brighid

I don't know where your true intentions lie. I can only make an educated guess.
But Rex... He is your Driver.
If you truly trust him, I would advise you tell him everything.
If you can't do that even for him...

She takes her book back.

Brighid

You shouldn't be his Blade at all.

Pyra

I just...

Brighid

If you care about him, it's even more important.
I know what it's like to be afraid of rejection. I really do.
But...if you don't tell him now...
...you're just storing up pain for later, not making it easier.

Pyra

The way you say that... You really do see right through me.

Brighid

Well. We go back a long way, as you recall.
And we're both Blades, after all.

They both go back to staring out the window.

Today's Audience

The party has reconvened in the morning.

Pyra

It's almost time...

Rex

I don't know about you guys, but I'm starting to get a bit nervous.

Gramps

Be careful not to say anything disrespectful.

Rex

I know, I know...

Zeke

The audience chamber's just across the courtyard. We'll be there in a jiffy.

Mòrag

Well, we can hardly keep the Praetor himself waiting. Shall we head out?

What Was Taken From God's Land

♫

With People and Darkness

A flashback plays. An Indoline man that may look familiar to the audience stares at the same mural that Fan did in the present, before leaving. He returns to presumably a study of his, containing books and salvager equipment. He picks up a piece of salvage, its purpose unclear, and looks it over. He then looks out towards the World Tree. The phrase "Father waits, above..." comes to his mind.
The scene cuts to the man climbing the World Tree, just like the last time this event was seen in a flashback. Exhausted but determined, he reaches a floor to find an open doorway. He carries a lit torch down an empty hallway, eventually finding what appears to be a dead end. He reaches out to touch it, and it opens to great shaking and light. There's a cut, and he's now running back the other way, holding his pouch securely. As he descends the tree, he slips, falling and then landing on a branch. The two Core Crystals he took, of Mythra and Malos, are visible in his bag.
The scene returns to Indol. With the two Aegis Core Crystals hovering over his desk, he reaches out towards them. A voice then interrupts the flashback.

???

"Praetor? ... Praetor Amalthus?"

The flashback ends. It was not merely a flashback, but the idle memories of the man within it. He looks about the same in the present, except for his white and gold religious garb. Given the hints from earlier in both this chapter and the previous, this must be Praetor Amalthus. There's a sound like a door opening as he stares at the effigy of the World Tree on the back wall. His aide, Hector, then speaks.

Hector

The boy has arrived, Your Eminence.

Amalthus

Thank you.

The scene skips ahead a bit. Amalthus stands in front of his throne while the party walks in.

Amalthus

So you're Rex. I've heard much.

Rex

Hi, err...
Y-you're not the Praetor, are you?

Nia

Huh? No way.

Amalthus

Indeed, I am Amalthus.
I understand your surprise. I imagine you expected somebody older.

It's now clear that people from Indol speak the same accent as Blades do.

Rex

We heard that you were Cole's Driver...
Y-Your Eminence! Sorry, sorry!

Amalthus

No need for formalities. I am a mere representative of the Praetorium.
The name "Praetor" is simply a...decoration, if you will.
In any case, we're the same, you and I. Aegis Drivers.
I consider us...equals.

Rex
(still nervous)

Ahaha, I feel a bit better now you've put it that way. Your Eminence.

Amalthus then looks at Pyra.

Amalthus

You're different somehow. I seem to recall a more forceful personality.

Pyra

...

Rex

Oh! I almost forgot, here-

Rex holds out Cole's dagger. The four guards in the room immediately point their spears at him, but Amalthus waves them off.

Rex

I got this from Cole.
He said it belonged to you. Please!

Amalthus

Ah...Cole... That brings back memories.

He takes the dagger in his hand and gives it a bit of an intense stare.

Rex

We're looking for a way to Elysium. Cole told us...that you would know the way.
I have to get to Elysium! To...to save Alrest any way I can!
I mean, we won't know for sure what we can do until we get there, I suppose.
But if the stories are true, it's somewhere we can all live safely! It has to be real!

♫

Tensed Mind

There's a strange static-like noise. As Amalthus answers, an image of Malos appears over him, distorted and repeating his words.

Amalthus

Malos

Long ago...
Too long ago, I used to think like you.
Indeed, it led me to climb the World Tree.
However... I did not find Elysium.
Or the Architect.
I believe...it was because I was unworthy.

Rex blinks with some mild confusion. No one else reacts. Whatever just happened with Malos must've not been something anyone could see or hear.

Amalthus

Rex, I know your desire all too well. I shall help you on your quest.

Rex
(a bit too excited)

Really? Oh, thank you so much!

Amalthus

No need for thanks. This may be my destiny.
The reason I've lived all these years.
And now...

He looks at Pyra again.

Pyra

Pyra. My name is Pyra.

Amalthus

I would be honored to have a moment alone with Pyra.
I'd like to...reminisce a little.

Pyra seems a bit worried about this, but evidently they agree to it, since the party leaves her behind as they leave the chamber.

Nia

So old man Cole really did know the Praetor. Who'd have thought?

Tora

World is small place.

Rex
(worried)

Will Pyra be OK by herself?

Nia

He's the Praetor, dimwit. What's he gonna do, eat her?

Rex

...Back there, I felt something weird for a second.

Nia

What?

Rex gets out a weak "um" as he thinks of how to put it into words.

Nia

Rex?

Rex

...It felt like we were talking to that Malos guy.

So while the audience saw a full-blown image of Malos, Rex only had a slight sense of something being unusual.

Nia

You're imagining things.
You know he's Malos's Driver, and it's messing with your head.

Poppi α

They not seem alike to me.

Rex

No, I know - it was just for an instant!
Just this one moment where I couldn't tell if we were talking to the Praetor or Malos...
Sorry. I'm not explaining it well.

Gramps

There are Blades who are influenced a lot by their Drivers during resonance.
Their appearance, their personality... That's probably all it is.

Dromarch

Perhaps it was due to your bond with Pyra. That could have heightened your perception of such things.

The team turns and looks back.
Amalthus and Pyra are at the mural.

♫

The Past Revealed

Amalthus

It was painted fifteen hundred years ago.
Even through exposure to the elements, it has never needed repair. Always as pristine as the day it was made.
The technique is long-forgotten.
I often wonder if we are growing as a people... or in fact, regressing.
What do you think?

Mythra comes out.

Mythra

I'm just amazed at how little you've changed. Has nobody ever wondered about that?

Amalthus

I am Indoline, and the Driver of an Aegis. It keeps me young.

Mythra
(not buying it)

If you say so...
Why do this now, though?
You've never let anyone go there before, have you?

Amalthus

Times change, Mythra. So do people.

Mythra

That's not an answer.

Amalthus

I would like to believe there is one who can reach the Architect and save this dying world.
Is that really so strange?

Mythra

And Rex is the one?

Amalthus

Would you have resonated with him if he did not hold such potential?

Escape from Formality

Pyra rejoins the rest of the party.

Pyra

Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone.

Poppi α

Welcome back!

Rex

How was it, Pyra?

Pyra

Mostly he was just talking with Mythra.

Nia

They knew each other before, right?

Pyra

Yes...

Fan la Norne

Honored guests.

Rex

Oh, Fan.

Fan la Norne

You must be tired after today's events, so please rest here another night.

Gramps

She may have a point... All we really did was talk to Praetor Amalthus, but I feel quite worn out.
Let's take them up on that offer.

Rex

Yeah, sounds like a good plan.

Tora

Tora not object! Want to sleep on fluffy-puffy bed every night!

Mòrag

Then let's return to the Sanctum.

Time to Recuperate

The group returns to Armalia.

Armalia

You must be tired after your audience with Praetor Amalthus.
We've prepared your rooms. I hope you have a pleasant night's sleep.

Should we rest?

Rest

Don't rest

There is no further dialogue for either option.

Lighting the Fuse

It's midnight in Temperantia. The Ardainian soldiers are on patrol around the Judicium Titan weapons.

♫

The Beginning of Darkness

Jin appears behind a soldier as if he teleported. He takes him down, proceeds up the scaffolding, and is next seen sitting in the cockpit of one of the Titans.

Jin

It's still intact after all these centuries. Amazing.
The pinnacle of Flesh Eater technology...
Tenacious creatures, humans.

He has a flashback to Lora. The context is difficult to make out, as she's up close and the background is featureless.

Lora

I'm so sorry to do this to you...

Jin activates the cockpit controls, which glow blue under his hands. Power runs through the machinery on the Titan as it begins to move.

Back in Indol, an Ardainian soldier speaks to Brighid.

Brighid

I see. Very well.

She takes the news to Mòrag.

Brighid

It appears Senator Roderich paid a visit to the Praetorium last night, off the record.
Did you know that?

Mòrag

No. I haven't heard anything from His Majesty.
Why now, I wonder? I can't imagine he was just paying his respects.

Brighid

Do you think it's something to do with the excavation? Temperantia?

Mòrag
(becoming angry)

Hmm. The issue His Majesty mentioned?
If that is the case, he must be making covert deals with the Praetorium...
Curse that man...

♫

The Impending Crisis

Back in Temperantia, the Urayan army stands idle but in formation. There is shaking, and they see Jin's comandeered Titan in the distance, approaching. Its abdomen lifts up as the armor plating opens up to reveal many nozzles. Dozens of beams of light spray forth, snaking across the barren land to strike the Urayan army, blowing up their Titan ships aand causing much destruction. Jin looks on dispassionately.

Most of the party is still asleep.

Hector

Sincere apologies everyone, but I come with an urgent request.

Everyone gets up and leaves their rooms to see the messenger.

Hector

Please go to the Audience Chamber at once!

Mòrag Leaps Into Action

The party meets Amalthus and Fan on the sancntum's ground floor.

♫

Misgivings

Amalthus

As you may know, there is a demilitarized zone between Mor Ardain and Uraya.
Temperantia. Think of it as a buffer between the two nations.
We've received word of fighting in the area.
Mor Ardain are in possession of a Titan weapon.
They're advancing as we speak towards the Urayan garrison.

Mòrag

Impossible!

Amalthus

Well, the two countries' Titans are at their closest right now...

Mòrag
(increasingly upset)

You're saying we were waiting for a chance to strike?
Unthinkable!
Our people would never go to war against His Majesty's will!

Brighid

At any rate, we must investigate.

Mòrag

Yes... You're right.
Praetor, I beg your leave. We need to find out what's going on. Your Eminence.

Amalthus

Thank you.

Mòrag and Brighid hurry away.

Rex

Your Eminence, we...

Amalthus

Might I ask you to assist Special Inquisitor Mòrag in her investigation?

Pyra

We have no reason to refuse. And you needn't worry about me.

Amalthus

I am quite grateful to hear that.

Rex

Let's go after them, hurry!

They give chase. Fan is concerned.

Mòrag Grills Roderich

It appears that Roderich is still in Indol. He's currently yelling at two soldiers looking for his own answers.

♫

Irritation

Roderich

Who?! Who's responsible for this?!
Preparations are still ongoing, if we attack now we could-

Mòrag
(with. emphasis.)

What have you done, Senator Roderich?

Roderich is thrown for a loop at the arrival of Mòrag and Brighid.

Roderich

Special Inquisitor?! What are you doing here?

Mòrag
(it's not your turn)

The Emperor ordered that the dig be halted. He was very specific, Senator.
If you've restarted it, you have violated His Majesty's will.

Roderich

The Emperor doesn't understand Mor Ardain's urgent lack of resources.
This is for the Empire.

Mòrag

Your patriotism is touching.
But that doesn't explain why you're waging war with Uraya!

Roderich

It wasn't me! I did not give that order!
Even I would never dream of declaring war without His Majesty's express consent!

Mòrag

So who in the...

Rex

Mòrag!

The rest of the party enters the room.

Roderich

Who...who are these people?! Bursting in here?

Mòrag

This is the Driver of the Aegis. You are to afford him the same respect as me.

Roderich

This is him?! I'd heard the rumors, but this boy...

Rex

There are rumors now? Wow, am I really that famous?

Brighid

Do you have any idea how much it costs to repair a water tower? It's a lot.

Rex is -_-.

Gramps

So, less famous, more infamous.

Rex

Mòrag, is Mor Ardain really attacking?

Mòrag

They are. As much as I hate to admit it.

Rex

Tell me - what's going on?!

They tell him what's going on.

Dromarch

Tricky indeed. If this escalates into all-out war...

♫

Tensed Mind

Roderich

The timing is all wrong. We can't win this fight, not now...

Zeke

Sounds like you WERE planning to start this sooner or later. Sly rat.

Rex

Maybe save the accusations for now.

Mythra appears.

Mythra

But the Empire never really wanted a war, did it?

Roderich

That Core Crystal! Don't tell me...you're the-

Mythra

Answer me!

Roderich

Y-you're right.

Rex

Mythra?

Mythra

Who stands to gain from an Ardainian-Urayan war?

Rex

Who gains... You don't mean-

Nia

Jin and Torna!

Poppi α

It very possible.

Gramps

But how?

Tora

Maybe just coincidence after all...?

Poppi α
(you dum-dum)

Masterpon...

Rex

I wish I could believe that.

Roderich

Inquisitor Mòrag, please. You are the only one who can put a stop to this!

Mòrag

It's a bit late for that, don't you think?
But I'm not going to sit back and watch. Brighid!

Brighid

Right!

They turn to leave.

Rex

Mòrag!

Mòrag

Rex, this is an imperial matter. We can't ask for your aid in this affair.

Rex

Not if it's really a coincidence, like Tora said.
But if Torna are really involved, doesn't that make this our problem, too?

Mòrag

But...

Rex

Think of it as compensation for the water tower!
How's that?

Nia

I knew you'd go there.

Zeke

You're so noble it hurts.

Mòrag

Very well. Can I ask you to help me again?

Rex

Yep! We're on the case!

Mythra

Yes, of course.

Fan la Norne

I'll accompany you.

Fan has not been here for most of the conversation. Must've showed up very recently.

Mythra

Fan?

Fan la Norne

What's happening in Temperantia right now...
It's being led by a weaponized Titan, correct?
My power doesn't only affect Blades. It also works against Titans.
I am certain I can be of assistance.
Besides...

Mythra

Besides?

Fan la Norne

I have the strangest feeling that I'm somehow meant to be there.

Mythra

Fan la Norne, you...

Commandeering a Ship

The party has moved out of the room.

Tora

So how we get to Temperantia?

Mòrag

If Senator Roderich is here, I assume there must be an Ardainian military vessel stationed at the port.

Tora

Then we go to port and get on Ardainian Titan battleship!

Rex

All right, then. There's no time to waste - let's go!

Bringer of Chaos Comes With

The group reaches the port. There is indeed an Ardainian ship there. Nia has decided to ask why Zeke is still hanging around with them.

Nia

Hey, remind me again why we're bringing this spanner?

Zeke

Because this sounds like fun.

Nia

We're not on holiday here.

Zeke

I've heard a lot about these Torna people.

Pandoria

They're the ones collecting Core Crystals, yeah?

Zeke

And besides...
I can't pretend this doesn't concern us, too.
Not when they're calling themselves Torna...

Nia
(confused)

Shellhead?

Ticket to Temperantia

The group talks to the guy next to the ship, Timur.

Timur

You're heading to Temperantia? Well, just give the word and we can prepare a Titan ship for you...

Are you ready?

Yes

Timur

Then let's set sail at once.

Not yet

Timur

We don't know what the situation on Temperantia is like. Just make sure you're fully prepared.

Racing To Temperantia

The Ardainian ship approaches the coast of Temperantia. Mòrag stands outside. A soldier comes out to meet her.

Soldier

Lady Mòrag, greetings. I have news from the front.
Our Titan weapon has crossed the central border!
It's advancing at about forty titanpeds per hour!

Mòrag

Hmm. I want to get in front of it.
Is there a suitable place to dock?

Soldier

There's a bay fairly close by.
If you dock there you should be able to get to the cliffs above it.

Mòrag

Understood. Go.

Soldier

Yes ma'am.

The angular, inhospitable landscape of Temperantia looms.

The Titan Weapon Advances

♫

The Impending Crisis

The party has traveled up to Overlook Hill. From here they can see the burning wrecks of the attacked Urayans.

Brighid

How awful...

Zeke

Hmm... They didn't stand a chance.

Rex

Look! Over there!

On the left is the advancing Judicium Titan. It opens up its gunports.

Mythra

Watch out, here it comes!

The Titan fires, blasting the cliffside with an array of shots.

Everyone

Aaargh!

Rex

Ungh! Everyone OK?

Nothing concerning has happened to anyone.

Zeke

Just about, I think.

The Titan continues to rain fire down on the Urayan soldiers running away.

Rex

We have to stop it!

Nia

How do we do that?!

Mòrag

On its back, there's an Ardainian drive mechanism.
If we can somehow sever the cables connecting it to each leg,
its energy supply will be cut off. It'll stop.

Dromarch

Lady Mythra, I presume you'll be able to destroy them?

Rex

Good plan!

Mòrag
(uncharacteristically sarcastic)

Sure. That sounds like a feasible measure...
That is, if we don't mind reducing the whole area to ashes.

Zeke

What do you mean?

Mòrag

I read instruction manuals. It's my job to know these things.
The weapon is powered by vaporized Titan bodily fluids.
The gas it makes is completely unstable. The slightest shock and we have a giant explosion on our hands.
There was...an accident here just three months ago because we didn't see how unstable it was.

Mythra

If we'd just attacked without realizing that...

Rex

Argh, dammit!

Dromarch

Why make a weapon that dangerous?

Mòrag

As long as we got the weapon inside enemy lines, destroying the weapon would destroy them too.
That was the justification given.

Zeke

That's so cold it's almost impressive.

Brighid

That's exactly why the Emperor called a halt to the excavation.

Nia

Can't we get at the people on board?

Mòrag

The control center is protected by ten layers of armor.
The chances of it being breached or destroyed are low.
But...that armor is limited. It doesn't entirely cover the energy cables.

Rex

So...it's them or nothing.

Tora

How we get up on Titan's back?

Mythra looks towards where the Titan is moving, where a long and thin part of the cliff is sticking out.

Mythra

Up ahead - there's a spot where the cliff juts out.
If we can get up there, we'll be able to jump onto its back.

Gramps

But if our timing's off, we go headfirst down to the bottom of the cliff?

Dromarch

And we'd have to make it across avoiding its attacks all the while.

Fan la Norne

I'll take care of it.

Rex

Fan?

Fan la Norne

I mean, I'll stop the Titan moving. While it's stopped, you all jump onto its back.

Rex

Fan, you...
All right, then! But you'd better be careful!

Fan la Norne

Don't worry, I will.

Rex

Then let's go!

Song of the Goddess

♫

Crossing Swords

The party finally reaches Haggle's Swordtip, having been under fire the whole time.

Rex

Almost there!

Explosions continue to surround the group.

Rex

Ugh... We can't get closer!

Fan la Norne

Allow me!

Fan runs ahead of him.

Rex

Fan...!

Mythra

Leave her. She'll be fine, trust me.

Fan dodges incoming fire without apparent difficulty and reaches the edge of the cliff, with the Titan just below. She focuses her weapon, forming an enormous sphere of energy that extends around the whole Titan. It stops moving and assumes a docile stance.

Mòrag

Now! Let's move!

Rex

Yeah!

The party jumps off the cliff and lands on the Titan's deck. Rex spots the power cables.

Rex

We just need to cut that...

He advances sword in hand, but the deck shakes. With a "Wha-?!" he realizes that a cylindrical machine is rising out of the deck. It unfolds several appendages.

Mòrag

An independent defense mechanism...
Ardainian technology. My apologies.

Zeke

Why would you even bloody make something like that?

Nia

Bitch later - fight now!

Jin Alights

The cables have been cut. They then explode for good measure. Several powering-down sounds are heard.

Rex

It's stopped...?

Mòrag

Yes. Seems like it.

Jin

It's you. I thought it might be.

Jin is standing on top of the cockpit.

Rex

Jin!!!

♫

Counterattack

Mythra

I knew it.

Fan la Norne

So this is Jin, leader of Torna.
I am Fan la Norne.
As envoy of Praetor Amalthus, I am bringing you into custody.

Jin
(disgusted)

How ironic. That you should speak his name with that face... Oblivious to everything, even your own identity!

Fan la Norne

Wha...?! Do you know something about-?!

Jin points his sword down at the party.

Jin

And you, Aegis! Don't you dare stand there, acting like you're not involved in all this!

Mythra

All right. Then tell me this...
Why are you, who fought alongside us to defeat Malos, now standing by his side?

Rex

Jin...fought against him...?!

Jin

It's very simple.
I realized he had the right of it. That's all.

A short flashback plays. Somewhere in a city that seems vaguely Ardainian, in the driving rain, Malos looks down at a cloaked man sitting in an alley. The cloaked man has Jin's eyes and hair, so it's probably him, though without the mask.

Mythra

I don't think it's as simple as that at all.

Jin jumps down from his perch. He lands as if his sneakers absorbed all the force.

Jin

So clever. You always were too clever for your own good.

Mythra
(not sorry)

Sorry, that's just the way I am.

Rex

Mythra, don't tell me-

Mythra

Yes. He's a Blade too.
He was the strongest Blade in Torna... until it fell in the war.

Jin
(sour)

"It fell," says the girl who sank it!

Rex

A Blade?

Mythra

There were none stronger...yet none kinder, either.
And...no one who hated to fight more than him.
Why, Jin? What changed?!

Jin

What if I told you it was your fault?

Mythra

Mine?

Jin

If you hadn't sealed yourself away...
Then she'd still...

Mythra lets out the biggest "ohhhh" of realization in history.

Mythra

So that's it...

Jin draws his sword and slowly removes his mask. As he takes it away, a red glow shines from his forehead. Most of the party gasps, while Nia just looks sad. There's a bright red crystal in the middle of Jin's forehead.

Rex

That Core Crystal!

Mythra

That color... It's like...blood.

Brighid

Careful! That Crystal isn't normal.

Jin drops his mask on the floor as he slowly advances.

Fan la Norne

Put away your sword.
My ability is to restrict a Blade's every action.
As long as you are a Blade, there is nothing you can do to escape its clutch.

Rex

Wait, restricting Blades' powers?!

♫

You Will Recall Our Names

Rex thinks of what happened with Patroka and Mikhail.

Rex

Then before - was that...?!

Jin

Go ahead and try.

He very slowly and dramatically takes his fighting stance.

Be Free Now

♫

The Decision

The party has failed to take down Jin.

Rex

How... How is he still moving?!
Even that Patroka girl couldn't withstand it...

Mythra

No, it's working. His powers are certainly limited now.
But Jin...he's one of the most powerful Blades in history.

Rex

Even so, we can beat him!
We just have to work together!

Jin

I don't think so!

Jin steps forward and vanishes. Mythra turns to see he's sped past them. He draws his sword back and stabs Fan in the chest. She gasps.

Mòrag

What?!

Rex

Fan!

Jin pushes his sword unnecessarily far in, all the way up to the hilt.

Jin

You are no slave. Be free now.

Fan twiches. It kind of looks like a nod. She drops her weapon. Then, she brings a hand up to Jin's cheek and weakly smiles. Jin immediately flashes back to Lora doing exactly the same thing, lying on the ground, with him clutching her hand back. It's a safe bet at this point that this is a memory of Lora's death. Upset, he pulls away from Fan and super-speeds backward as she falls.

Rex

Fan-

Fan's Core Crystal, now with a hole in it, goes dark.

Rex

No - no, why?!

He puts away the sadness and turns to Jin in anger.

Rex

Jin!
Why the hell would you do this?! What good does it do you?!

Jin

Why, you ask...?
Then let me ask you this.
Blades are granted phenomenal power from our creator on high...
...yet we are doomed to never remember.
Why?!

Rex
(confused)

What...

Jin

The accumulation of memories is what allows mankind, no, all life to grow.
Change, evolve.
But...Blades are fleeting.
When we return to our cores, our memories are lost. Our growth snatched away forever.

Mòrag

People aren't so different.

Jin

Man's life too has an end, yes.
However, though each individual life is fleeting...
You pass on your memories, allowing you to grow. As a species, as a culture.
Why does Indol control all the Core Crystals?
By controlling the moment of every Blade's birth, they enslave our entire kind. How is that fair?
We have no culture because Indol decrees it.
Because that's what your kind do!

Mythra

Jin...

Jin

Why are you the masters, and we the slaves?
It is we...
who embody the very nature of this world!

Rex

Blades...embody the world?
I don't...get what you're...

Jin

If you saw the last state of humanity, you'd understand!
Now that you have come this far, there can be no turning back.

An icy mist begins to surround Jin.

Jin

But...
I'm afraid your journey ends here.

Rex prepares to continue fighting. Jin's hand starts to shake. He suddenly drops to a knee in pain, holding his face.

Jin

Gaahh!

Rex lets out a "Wha-".

Jin

Nghh... Why now...

Zeke

Hey - now's our chance!

Rex goes "Huh?".

Zeke

What are you standing around for?! Show that scumbag what's what!

Before anyone can move, an angry red light streaks across Jin's side of the battlefield.

Rex

What?!

A hand picks up Jin's mask.

Nia

It's Akhos!

It sure is. He has a new weapon now, a large bow. He runs up to Jin.

Akhos

Malos sent me.
Time to make an exit. Ready?

He gets Jin's arm around his shoulders.

Jin

Ugh-

Zeke

Who says we're going to let you go?

Akhos

Hah... You really don't understand, do you?
You really think this is over?

Zeke

What the-

There's a shaking. The Ardainian defense core starts to move again.

Zeke

How?
We cut the bloody cable!

Akhos

Certainly.
But some energy still remains, deep in its core.
Don't you see?
It's like a Blade weapon!

The Titan roars silently.

Akhos

Well, you seem busy.
I'll leave you to it. Bye!

Akhos jumps away, taking Jin with him.

Rex

Wait!

Rex tries to follow, but the defense core bars the way.

Rex

Ugh!

Touch and Go

♫

Walking With You

The defense system is down. Rex steps over to Fan's body.

Rex

I don't get it...

He kneels down and cradles her.

Rex
(sad and frustrated)

I'm... I'm meant to be a Driver now...
I have a Blade of my own...
But I couldn't do anything...
Fan...
Nothing's changed...
I'm just as weak as I've always been!

Long pause.

Rex

Jin...
What happened, to make you like this?

Nia spots something in the distance.

Nia

What...is that?

A new fleet of Urayan ships is in the sky ahead.

♫

Over the Sinful Entreaty

Poppi α

That...
Urayan army! So many of them!

Pandoria

What?!

Mòrag

No!

She turns to see an Ardainian fleet coming from the other direction, accompanied by ground troops.

Mòrag
(incensed)

Shit! Who gave that damn order?!

Brighid

At this rate, I don't think there's any stopping them.

Nia

How so?

Gramps

They think Mor Ardain attacked them illegally.
With no declaration of war.

Zeke

This is bad. If someone doesn't explain what's really going on...

Mòrag

But there's no time for that!

Nia

So what? We just give up?!

The Urayan ships start to charge their energy cannons.

Brighid

Heavy cannons! That's Uraya's main weapon.

The Ardainian ships also start charging.

Poppi α

Here, too! Mor Ardain also readying artillery!

Rex puts Fan down.

Rex

I don't care if we're not going to make it in time!
We need to get to Uraya!

Zeke

Right!

Mythra

Wait!

There's a shaking from above as Indol itself descends upon Temperantia, between the two fleets. Amalthus looks down from his ivory tower.

Chapter Five:
Masters and Slaves