I know I should stop coming up with newer story ideas, but I had a conversation with a fellow reader, and I felt motivated to write a custom novelization where Rex is older than he is in the game, be it 18-20, and not as naive. So until the next chapter to Alrest Shorts, here's my new project, Perception!

Argentum rarely changed whenever Rex visited to do his salvaging business. Compared to the fellow Titans that encircled the World Tree, the Titan that carried the Argentum Trading station was either fixated in one area, or move somewhere where business was booming.

That was something Rex noticed every time he visited to do business. After doing his runs, he was soon approached by one of the many merchants, a fuzz ball named Pupinnin asking "Morning, Rex. Pupinnin has an important question for you."

"I'm all ears."

"You are Leftherian, yes?"

"Yeah, soooooo….."

"Oh, this is wonderful! Chairman Bana has a job offer that requires at least one Leftherian Salvager!" Pupinnin remarked joyfully.

Putting a hand on his hips, Rex responded "That seems like an unusual request, but if the Chairman wants to speak to me, I'll listen to his offer." Rex hated the idea of not consulting his grandfather about this. After all, the two knew Bana was bad news, even if he knew how to run a business as well as he did.

As the Chairman, that hard working albeit sleazy Bana really loved to mark his territory, Rex had noticed when he entered the Chairman's office. There were busts of the sea green furred Nopon for decorations, and even a portrait of him.

"Ah, Rex! I've been expecting you. I am Bana, Chairman of the Argentum Trading Guild." The oversized fuzzball announced.

Nodding out of respect, the brunet had acknowledged "I was told you had a job offer."

"Bana does, Bana does. But first, I need to ask again. You are of Leftherian blood, yes?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with…."

"I have clients that need someone with Leftherian blood for this job. They're offering a hundred thousand gold." Rex was now intrigued, but cautious. "Not only that, but they're offering an extra hundred thousand gold after the job is complete."

"A high risk, high reward type, I imagine?" Rex asked, somewhat intrigued. A nod was the only response he got.

"But why would someone add the detail of needing a Leftherian; that's unusually specific?" Rex asked himself.

"Alrighty then, I want to meet our clients. And see what this job is." Rex acknowledged, now suspicious. Upon saying so, he couldn't be too sure if he was ready for the first client that came his way. The first was a Gormotti girl, a catlike race native to Alrest, rocking a rather baggy jumpsuit that hid a potentially petite physique, bronze eyes that gave off an air of mystery…..and those….EEEAAAARRRRRSSSSSS!

They looked so soft, and fluffy. And Rex wanted to touch them, despite standing in place, and wisely keeping his hands to himself.

"Excuse me, are you here to listen to our job offer or-"

"Hey, brat! Keep your hormones in check before I rip them off!" The sudden yelling snapped Rex out of his trance, mortified now by what he heard.

The catgirl put a gloved hand to her face, hoping to pretend she didn't just hear that as she hissed "Malos, thank you. But I could've just told that boy off….."

"Anyway!" A voice announced, shutting the Gormotti girl and the giant up.

Taking a better look at his clients, he realized that his clients were a trio of Drivers. No, a duo of Drivers, but who Rex assumed to be the leader was carrying a Blade weapon.

The Gormotti had a unique white tiger for a Blade. The punk that threatened to deal with his hormones had an unusual alien like beast for a Blade.

Paying attention to the masked leader, Rex explained "Yes, I am here to listen to your job offer."

"There's a treasure we've been struggling to acquire. Right now, the weather is perfect for finding it. But we have a strict window, and if we miss said window, we'll have to wait a long time before it can be found again." The masked leader explained calmly.

Everything about this job gave Rex a red flag. Drivers that he never heard about were offering him a job without telling him what this treasure was. And for some reason, why did they need a Leftherian; that lone job requirement was suspicious.

Exercising caution, Rex declared "Very well. I'm in."

"Bana offered to hire all of the best Salvagers Alrest can offer, but Torna prefers to work with small groups. And you're one the best when it comes to small groups."

"Thanks." Rex responded before looking at his clients with a confident smile. "I won't let you down."

Much to his surprise, the catgirl laughed at his optimism. "I would've mistaken you for a child with the way you speak. Jin, don't tell me we're going to have to be babysitters for this kid."

The golden eyes of the Salvager narrowed as he replied "Excuse me, princess! You don't look all that older than me."

"Princess?! At least I'm not ready to wet myself over the promise of a measly hundred grand." Rex clenched his fists, feeling insulted, before opening them, accepting defeat.

"Alright, you win."

Hoping to defuse the situation, the ivory tiger Blade walked in between the two, explaining with a composed, yet stern "Rex, was it? Please excuse my lady's discourtesy."

Annoyed, the beige hair kitty growled "Dromarch, what did I say about-"

"Drop it, Nia. But I do see your point." The giant, cloaked in ebony armor argued. "There's only one way to see what a person is really….." Before anyone had a chance to respond, the giant drew a unique sword/tonfa hybrid from his back, not intending to land a strike, but see how Rex reacted. Much to his opponent's surprise, Rex already had his broadsword ready to block the attack, but was caught off guard by the giant's strength.

Knowing Rex couldn't match him blow for blow, Rex redirected the angle of his sword to knock his opponent face first to the floor. The Salvager soon put a foot on the giant's sword arm, while resting his broadsword near his target's neck. "Yield."

Rex felt a thin blade resting on his shoulder. Looking behind his head, he noticed the masked leader having drawn his katana, ready to protect his companion. Sighing, Rex accepted defeat, and put his weapon away.

Having accepted the job, and given the hundred grand he was promised, only one thing was on his mind. What was his grandfather going to think?

Compared to most young adults, Rex's grandfather was rather unique. As part of the enormous titan species, his surrogate parent had served as Rex's mobile home for years, as well as the ideal workstation for his salvaging career.

"Rex, what is it?" The titan asked Rex as he approached him, noting the look of concern on his face.

Looking remorseful, the Salvager explained "Well, the good news is that Bana offered a really well paying job, and gave me a hundred thousand gold for it, Gramps."

"I believe I can see the bad news, Rex."

Sighing, Rex continued "The clients that gave me the job didn't seem to willing to take no when I was offered the job. On top of that, none of them were willing to introduce themselves to me, but I know they were Drivers."

Gramps, or Azurda as he was known by many, was now annoyed. Rex was given a job where he couldn't decline, and the clients refused to talk about themselves to him. But Azurda could probably figure out who they were if Rex could describe them to him. "Can you tell me what they looked like?"

"You got it." Rex replied, smiling. "One of them's a Gormotti girl, and as far as I can see, she seems harmless. Sassy as all hell, but harmless."

"I see."

"Next up is a giant, at least six and a half feet tall. Rocking black armor and hair, and unusual grey-"

"Oh no…"

Noticing Azurda's shock, Rex couldn't help but ask "What is it, Gramps?"

"I'm following you, Rex!" He replied. "Was there anyone else in the group?"

"A masked swordsman that-"

The titan sighed at what Rex had gotten into before continuing. "I know exactly who these people are. Even if the girl's harmless Rex, her associates are bad news."

His eyes widening at what he had gotten himself into, Rex attempted to reassure, "I'll be careful. The moment crap hits the fan, I'll signal you and we escape. No questions asked."

It must've been a few hours from when Rex had accepted the job to already sitting at the crow's nest of the Maelstrom, a ship that Torna group had selected for the Salvaging job. Compared to what he was about to do, Rex could probably keep watch in his sleep, and wake up soon enough to warn the Captain.

Right now, there was another red flag in the sights of the brunet Salvager. Not too far was a black ship; normally vehicles were attached to smaller titans to keep said vehicles afloat across the ocean like Cloud Sea.

But that black ship Rex saw earlier was the greatest surprise for him. It didn't have a titan attached to it, so it must've been some really advance technology if a titan wasn't necessary.

"Bloody hell, it's cold up here." A familiar voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Turning around, he saw the Gormotti from earlier coming his way, probably hoping to strike a conversation with him.

Lowering his binoculars, Rex turned around offering "I've got a blanket if you want."

"Uhh, thanks?" She replied, taking the blanket, and wrapping it around herself. Whoever made it for him, the girl could tell it wasn't bought at a store. Perhaps someone made it for him?

Hoping to strike a conversation, the girl had said "I'm sorry about earlier."

Knowing exactly what she was talking about, Rex attempted to reassure her "Don't be. It was my fault for staring at you, anyway. And your bosses are just looking out for you."

Laughing, the catgirl thought now was a good time to introduce herself. "Name's Nia. And don't worry about them." Flashing her surprisingly perfect fangs, his bronze eyed companion continued "I can handle myself…...although I take it you haven't seen a Gromotti up close."

"Name's Rex, and yeah. Been too busy with work. And I should confess…. my Aunt has been nagging me for the last three years about trying to get a girlfriend. By this point, she'd probably be okay if I had hooked up with even a Blade, assuming I could become a Driver. Of course, like I'm going to find one out in the middle of the Cloud Sea or something…...sorry, I was just rambling."

"Don't be, Rex." It kind of pained Nia, here was this boy, so willing to pour his heart out to someone he just met, and she couldn't even talk about her own past.

"I worry about the future of this world though." Rex started.

"Huh?"

"I've noticed the Titans dying out, war's potentially arising over the land that's already left…..but I can't help but wonder if the solution has been in front of us this whole time." Nia soon noticed that Rex was staring at the World Tree. "Legends say that Elysium exists at the top of the World Tree, the home of the Architect."

The beige haired Gormotti couldn't help but giggle. Here was a young man, who was already in his twenties, well close to his twenties, yet still clinging onto the fantasy of Elysium existing. It was kind of cute, honestly.

Laughing, Nia teased "Hey, believe what you want. I won't stop you, but I'd advise growing up. Otherwise you won't get a girlfriend."

Smirking, Rex responded "Like I said, as if I'm going to find someone out in the middle of the Cloud Sea. Honestly, I know I can't keep doing this forever. If I could become a Driver like you and your friends, that'd open more opportunities for me."

"You mean to tell me that you haven't come across a single core crystal while salvaging?"

"Nope somehow. Although I hear it's risky to resonate with one…"

Nia replied as she returned the blanket, and prepared to take her leave "It's worth it, if you have the strength."

Walking away, she quickly turned around, hearing him say "A water blade would be kind of cool."

"What's that?" The Gormotti asked.

"Naw, I was just thinking about what kind of blade I would try to resonate with, and probably because I love to swim, something about water blades seems kind of cool."

With a raised eyebrow, Nia remarked "I'm listening."

"What I'd most prefer would be a healer Blade. I don't know, with my line of work, there's always a risk in getting injured. While I've been lucky so far, I dread the idea of getting injured, and not being able to do my job."

"How so?"

Sighing, Rex continued "When a Salvager gets injured, be it from blowing their back out, or getting harmed by the wildlife, they're forced to take at least a whole week off, rarely two. And Bana's at least generous enough to give out workmen's compensation, but my family at home can't survive off of workmen's comp. That's why I would be more than willing to resonate with a Blade if it would make my line of work easier."

Dozing off for a few seconds, Rex exclaimed "Don't know where I'd find one, but a combined Water Blade with healing abilities would be very ideal. Not to mention that I find water blades highly…...attractive, no offense." He was quick to smack himself in the face, realizing what he just said. Hoping to change the subject, he quickly said "FireBladesaren'tthatbadeither! Having someone to stay warm with or to help me dry off after Salvaging would be nice to!"

Giggling, Nia reassured him, grateful the night sky hid her developing blush "None taken. I'll see you at the job."

Taking her leave, she was quick to retreat to the lower floors, where Nia breathed a heavy sigh of relief, as she propped herself against the wall.

Smiling sadly to herself, there was something oddly charming about that man. He was still youthful, potentially energetic, and he hadn't become a Driver yet. Maybe…..

"I'd say don't worry about it, and don't let him get attached to you. We have a job to do." The ebony haired Malos interjected, as if he knew what she was thinking. His voice was enough to spook Nia, as she squeaked in shock, before getting into a defensive stance, and flashing her teeth and claws, unintentionally getting a laugh out of her colleague.

"What the bloody hell?! How long have you been eavesdropping?!" She was visibly disturbed by the fact that Malos seemingly read her mind.

"Just the few minutes you were gone."

Having taken a chance to meet the rest of the Torna crew, Rex could tell Nia was at least trustworthy despite her sassiness, as well as her Blade, who so happened to be named Dromarch.

The giant, who called himself Malos would only tell Rex the job was on a need to know basis. But complemented the Salvager for his skills in battle. His Blade, the alien like Sever made similar comments.

The only one Rex couldn't read was that masked swordsman, Jin. Everything about him was giving Rex red flags. The dude was definitely carrying a Blade weapon, yet his Blade wasn't anywhere.

Rex tried to strike a conversation, but he swore he had more success with Malos.

Given what his grandfather had said, he couldn't help but wonder what was their history between Azurda, Jin and Malos….what was Rex thinking, there's no way those two could be as old as Azurda, that's not possible.

That was exactly what was going through his mind as he placed his hand on a sealed door. After unearthing a ship that had been buried for centuries, Rex accompanied the Torna trio at Jin's request.

For some reason, the seal was designed to be opened by those of Leftherian heritage. It was so specific that Rex couldn't help but wonder if anyone from his home was as equally qualified to open this door as him. He was tempted to ask more questions, but he wasn't interested in wasting time. And neither were they.

And behind the door….was a hallway leading to another door. Whoever sealed this treasure away was determined to make sure it couldn't be acquired so easily. Sighing, he asked "Let me guess…."

"That door. Open it too." He and Jin said with near perfect synchronization. Smirking, the Salvager approached the door, activating the last seal.

Going through the bleak hallway and reaching the inner room,

Rex couldn't help but be intrigued by the sight before him. Instead of any ancient gold, or fancy jewels, there was a young woman sealed in a very advanced casket cloaked in red and black, hair a fiery scarlet and armor that left very little to the imagination.

She looked incredible, yet sad. Like something bad happened to her.

What intrigued Rex was the sight of a broadsword with a color perfectly matching the woman. As well as a unique cross like symbol on the sword, and it soon glowed as if it was beckoning him. He heard his comrades speaking, but couldn't tell what they were saying.

He could hear a rather feminine voice as if it was coming from the sword itself. If the sword was truly speaking to him, it sounded….somber, as if the voice was crying.

"I want to save…..I want….save...me…"

Drawing a hand towards the cross, he soon heard Malos warn him "Hey, brat! Don't even think about touching that!" It soon hit Rex. Whoever this girl was, she was in danger. And he was manipulated into finding her due to some connection between the two, with Torna wanting to use her for something….

And in their eyes, Rex had died as soon as he entered the room. "Gramps, I'm sorry." He told himself. Rather than touch the cross on the sword, he grabbed the hilt of the sword drew it from it's pedestal. It fit his hands the same way his gloves did. But the weight surprised him, it was somehow lighter than his own sword, despite being bigger.

"Now you've done it." Rex heard from behind him, as he thought out a plan of escape.

"Rex, behind you!" The sword warned him. Holding the sword in a reverse grip, he spun counter clockwise, narrowly blocking a killing blow from Jin, who appeared seemingly within a split second. The Salvager knew he was dead, but refused to go down fighting as he managed to push the masked leader back, only for the sword in his hands to crack from the pressure and then shatter like glass from the lock the two swordsmen attempted..

"How-" before Rex had a chance to finish his question, that same katana soon plunged right through his sternum, destroying his heart, and with his spine permanently damaged; Rex felt all control of his entire lower half vanish as Jin's sword became the only thing holding him up. Glaring at Jin, he growled, the pain agonizing as he felt his own blood beginning to trickle from his chest "Wwhhhhyyyyyyyy?!"

Ice blue eyes locked with the young adult's brilliant gold as Jin replied with a surprising tint of remorse "Don't take this personally. It's an act of mercy…..to spare you of what's coming."

Soon feeling the sword be removed from his body, Rex slammed his eyes shut as he dropped to the ground, powerless to defend himself. He knew Nia was watching his attempt to fight, only to be brutally murdered. And he didn't want to see the look of terror on her face.

"Why Jin? Why did you kill him? What did he ever do to you?! Answer me?!" Rex heard the Gormotti cry out, as Jin walked away.

"What a waste." Malos called the Salvager, as he walked past the now lifeless man. Preparing to take the container off its perch, he continued "Nia, call the Monoceros!" Noting her remorseful look on her face, he warned her "Don't even think about healing him!"

Sighing, Nia backed away from Rex's now lifeless body, as she reluctantly followed her orders.

"What is coming?..." Was the final thought that lay in Rex's mind.

Grass. That was the first thing he smelled as Rex opened his eyes. He found himself lying face first in a grassy field, as he got to his feet...wait, he could stand! Shrugging, he looked up, seeing greenery as far as the eye can see. The sky never looked any bluer, it looked like a paradise. But what disturbed him was the sound of a bell that rang every now and then.

Observing the environment, he soon noticed that same woman standing next to a tree, and he felt so dirty seeing her. Not only did that armor she donned blatantly expose her back, but he couldn't tell if the woman had naturally large hips, or if the shorts she wore were too tiny.

"No, stop thinking that way, Rex. You're better than this!" He was quick to tell himself.

He had only one choice, and approached the woman, saying "Umm, excuse me?"

"It's such a mournful sound." The woman responded. Much to his surprise,the woman's voice sounded not too different from when he wielded her sword, yet it sounded softer. Did that sword have a voice of its own before it got destroyed?

"That bell? Are we in the Praetorium?"

"It hasn't stopped…not in all these years…" Has this woman been alone for a long time? How did she survive, how long was she even sealed. Almost knowing what he was about to ask, she continued "This is….Elysium. The paradise told of in legends, where all mankind lived under the protection of the Divine Father. This is where…..we were born."

Walking closer to her, he replied "Get out.", seemingly in disbelief. Soon standing over a ledge, he saw even more fields of greenery, and a lake….no, it was too large to be a lake.

Turning to his side, he noticed the cross shape on her chest. No, it wasn't just a cross. That was a Core Crystal she had, she was a Blade! Noting his surprise, she declared "My name is Pyra."

"Well, Pyra. I'm…" somehow, he had forgotten his own name. And he refused to blame the natural beauty of Pyra.

"I already know who you are. You're Rex aren't you?" Came a very reassuring tone. Somehow, something about her voice was oddly soothing.

Surprised at how quickly she knew his name, he replied "Uh, yeah..how did you already know…"

Ready to explain, the scarlet haired Pyra responded "When we made contact through my sword, you resonated with me, and became my Driver…..though it was…..interrupted…."

Seeping a remorseful look on her face, Rex said "Actually, I don't remember how I even got here."

Putting a hand on her chest, Pyra looked down, almost whispering "You were killed...stabbed in the heart, fighting Jin." The memories soon hit Rex like an Ardun. His last stand, he was wielding Pyra's sword in an attempt to fight back, but Jin didn't seem even human in the way he moved as he blitzed Rex, shattering the sword with one strike and then impaling him the next.

Soon falling to his knees, Rex panicked and put his hands over his face when he realized what it meant. He was dead for good, the fellow Salvagers Torna hired in danger, and the very income his home relied on was now gone. On top of that, Pyra was now in their hands. And yet, she was standing before him. None of this was making any sense.

"What the hell?" Rex asked himself, now riddled with questions.

Soon feeling a hand on his cheek, he noticed Pyra was now kneeling beside him, her scarlet irises oddly comforting to look into. "Rex, I have a request." Paying attention to her, she continued "Can you...take me to Elysium?"

Now confused by her request, Rex asked "Aren't we already in Elysium?"

"What you are looking at, Rex is merely a memory of Elysium. The real Elysium exists in your world….somewhere." Taking Rex's hand, and helping him to his feet, Pyra explained with a sad smile "I know what you are thinking. By coming here, you can find the real Elysium, and save Alrest from its fate. This world is….dying, but you can still save it.

Rex thought back to the sight of a Titan he and Azurda watched die before them. "But I'm already dead…"

Putting a hand on her core crystal, she reassured him "I can give you half of my life force. All you have to do is become my Driver, and bring me back to Elysium. I just…...want to go home."

Rex only had to take a few seconds to think his options. If Pyra became his Blade, he could become a Driver.

The two could discover Elysium, save all of humanity before the world fell apart like Pyra warned him. And maybe find that special someone in his life. Granted, it'd be kind of lame to let go of a Blade like her once she returned to Elysium, but perhaps they could be friends, and visit every now and then? "I'll do it, then."

"Yes?"

"I'll bring you home, Pyra. I'll become your Driver, and take you there myself." Rex explained to her.

"Thank you, Rex."

The Salvager soon remembered something as she lent her hand to him. "I just remembered….Jin destroyed your sword!"

"I'm a Blade, Rex. I can just create a new weapon for you to use." Pyra explained with a reassuring tone. Before he could say something, seemingly impressed she can do that, Pyra suddenly announced to him "Now...place your hand on my chest!"

"Uhh, did I hear that right?" Rex swore all the color vanished from his face, realizing what she said.

"Okay, that could've been worded better, Pyra. I have to agree with him on this one." The redhead heard in the deepest confines of her mind. Rex noticed her eyes take a hard right, despite keeping her face pointed at him.

Realizing what she said, Pyra blushed with embarrassment, before correcting herself. "Sorry…..I meant to say the Core Crystal on my chest."

Noting the cross shape gem on her chest, Rex replied "I get it. That just sounded...off. Not to mention most people would find that very inappropriate…."

Giggling, Pyra reassured him "Don't worry, Rex. I trust you not to do anything….inappropriate."

Shaking his head, Rex slowly put two of his fingers on her chest….no, the core that rested on her chest. Even through his gloves, the crystal felt like the smoothest of glass. And he soon felt an odd, yet comforting warmth overtake him, as the two illuminated in an emerald light. Was this what becoming a Driver was like?

Pyra, on the other hand, felt an unusual sting as a part of her core removed itself from her body, and become a part of Rex. It wasn't painful exactly, and she was more than happy to relinquish a part of herself if meant bring back Rex from the dead.

Soon finding himself breathing again, Rex swore his body was being lifted by an unknown force, as he felt control of his legs return to him. Not only that, but he felt his heart beating once again, and his body temperature began to warm up. By instinct, he reached out with a hand, and felt a sword materialize.

He didn't need to open eyes, he knew it was Pyra's sword as he felt the sword activate, it's blade separating from the sword as a spire of flame ignited through the sword.

Opening his eyes once again, a determined expression visible on his face. "Time for payback." Was the first thought to come out of his mind.

It was troublesome for Azurda, someone as large as him, attempting to blend into the Cloud Sea for Architect knows how long. He watched Rex enter the ship with the Torna crew, but now only the Torna crew exited the ship. And Malos was holding a casket, containing a red haired woman.

"I knew it…..I'm so sorry, Corinne…." Before he could continue his thought process, the casket spontaneously combusted. "Wait a minute!" Watching Malos chuck the casket before he got burnt, everyone soon watched Pyra emerge like a phoenix. And not long after, a spire of flame that reached the heavens itself. And more importantly, Rex emerged from that spire holding Pyra's sword. "There's my cue." Azurda told himself, as he charged. There was a sense of intrigue in the Titan's mind, realizing that his "grandson" had the potential to become a Driver. And if that was Pyra fighting alongside him….they'll be fine, but they could use an exit.

Rex had never felt so...determined to fight back, as he now wielded Pyra's sword. Somehow he knew that she was a type of Blade called an Aegis, said to be one of the strongest of all Blades. But the questions could come later.

Having overheard what Malos had ordered Nia to do, Rex pointed the sword of fire at him and Jin, stating "It's kinda rude to kill off the very people you hired, you bloody psychopaths." Noticing the crew of the Maelstrom was still around, Rex turned to Pyra who was standing on a ledge, declaring "Pyra, let's get these people to safety!"

"You got it!"

The emerald cross on Rex's chest stuck out like a sore thumb, but Jin thought it was of little consequence as he prepared to kill the Driver a second time. To his surprise, his dark armored companion placed a hand on his shoulder, suggesting "Wait. I want to see what this kid's capable of."

Jin nodded. And besides, if the Aegis was so willing to give up a part of her core crystal, than surely she saw something in the young adult.

As tempted as he was to just run ahead, Rex wisely approached with caution, not wanting to overexert himself against his opponents.

"Well, I got to hand it to you, kid. You're not getting cocky now that you're an Aegis Driver." Drawing his tonfa, Malos blocked the first attack Rex delivered, but the former was surprised by the strength of Rex's strike. Even the Salvager was bewildered by his newfound strength, was this a result of carrying Pyra's core?

Sure, Rex might've been only a foot shorter than Malos, but he could get used to this newfound power. Smiling, the two were trading blows, all the while Nia watched, unsure of what to think as Rex traded blows, feints and parries with Malos.

Torna had taken her in when there was no one else, but Jin just killed a young adult, and given how effortlessly he made it, she couldn't help but wonder if he had killed people before.

Drawing a pair of knife like rings from her side, Nia argued "Malos, enough! What good is it to fight someone like Rex?"

Soon entering a weapon lock like before, Rex looked at the Gormotti asking "Nia, really? You're choosing now to-" Before he had a chance to ask her, Malos broke the lock. Focusing his attention back to his opponent, Rex took advantage of the lock being broken to deliver a hammerblow….if some dark purple energy didn't emerge from Malos's hand, allowing him to safely grab Pyra's sword without cutting his own hand off.

Surprised, Rex attempted to grab his own broadsword,hoping to impale Malos, but he soon felt a punch to the gut that forced all the air out of him.

Rex couldn't remember the last time he had screamed in pain, but the hard impact he felt as he was slammed across the steel floor robbed him of his thoughts, the very sword he wield falling out of his grip.

"Don't get distracted." Malos sarcastically advised. Glaring at Nia, he replied "Don't make me laugh. This little shit decided to make himself an AEGIS DRIVER!" Turning away, the dark warrior charged at the semi conscious Rex, ready to kill him.

That Blade he had awakened….she was an Aegis? Nia had heard the stories, but didn't know that Torna was after THE Aegis!

But now, Rex was in danger. Jin could easily chime in whenever he wanted, Rex was about to die again, this time from Malos's attacks, and Pyra was busy keeping his Blade Sever distracted.

Not to mention…...Rex was kinda cute...no, don't think like that. "Help him", Nia started to tell herself.

Looking at her Blade Dromarch, Nia declared "Dromarch, I can't watch this anymore!"

"Understood."

Almost on cue, the ivory tiger charged as soon as Nia climbed onto his back. While Dromarch didn't harbor the same opinion for Rex, he knew Nia thought highly of him. And he shared Nia's fear of Rex getting killed as he bellowed "Wild Roar!" On cue, an explosion of water caught Malos off guard as Sever was quick to cover Malos's back. When the Driver and Blade recovered, Nia was soon between Malos and Rex, ready to protect the Salvager.

"Nia, get out of the way! Have you gone mad?!" Malos ranted, growing aggravated.

Standing her ground, she replied defiantly "You're one to talk, trying to kill an innocent adult. So what if he became an Aegis Driver?"

Clenching his teeth, he warned "I don't think you understand the situation…."

"Enlighten us, then.."

"I don't have time for that!" Malos declared, as he prepared an attack, ready to force Nia out of the way.

"Malos!" Pyra interjected, as she picked up her sword, and leapt over Rex and Nia, delivering a hammerblow that only Malos was able to block.

Taking the opportunity, Nia helped Rex to his feet, as the two watched Pyra and Malos fight. If the situation was different, it would've been a sight to behold as the redhead not only blocked his attacks, but from the looks of it had the potential to overpower Malos.

But something was off to Rex; Malos was moving as fast as Pyra, leading him to wonder if Malos was even human. On top of that, he listened to the two chat, with Malos saying something about 5 centuries ago…..he'll have to ask later.

Since he still had his broadsword, a part of Rex would've chimed in to help Pyra, but that punch Malos gave him was hurting like hell. Where was Azurda when you needed him?

Almost on cue, a draconic Titan had emerged from the depths of the Cloud Sea, a look of disappointment as he looked first at the masked Jin. "Still, you persist….and Malos. I'm honestly amused you're still alive." Expelling a stream of fire of his own, Malos desperately shielded himself from the attack, before Sever appeared to assist. Jin, on the other hand swiftly blocked the attacks that came their way.

Distracted, neither of them noticed that Rex had not only vanished with Pyra, but Nia for some reason had defected from Torna, almost as soon as she joined them.

And right as the group left, the ebony armored Monoceros had shown up. "Are you shitting me?!" Malos yelled out, realizing what just happened. Jin, interestingly hid a smile, as if he was glad that Nia had left with Rex. "We need to go after…"

"No." Jin replied. "We should let them go for now, they won't go far. I'll ask Akhos to start looking for them. For now, the Aegis has been reawakened….that's all that matters."

And that's the first chapter. Honestly, this is probably my favorite first chapter I have worked on for a story. Sadly, a lot of story ideas I was thinking of for Alrest Shorts will carry over to here. There will be one major exception, but I will still finish AS.

Until then, thanks for reading, and feel free to tell me what you think!

Also, if any rereaders notice anything different, I thought I'd expand on what was already there.