Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

”The Emperor Niall will be here in a moment” Hardhaigs’ guard told, as he escorted the emperor's quests to the throne room and bowed to them before leaving, they’re heroes who saved the world year ago and now they have new Architects land, Elysium. ”Thank you” Pyra said before the guard left. “Did His Majesty say anything, why we were summoned here?” Rex asked watching the throne room, it has been half of the year since they were in Mor Ardain last time.

“Nope, the message was really short and more curious is, where’s Mòrag? Usually, she handles these kinds of things” Nia thought, crossing her arms. “Indeed, this is rather curious” Dromarch noted. “Hopefully nothing’s happened,” Azurda thought and closed his eyes while flowing beside them. Pneumas gift for him on Orbit station has been great since he can change his size as he wishes.

“Hey, we’re talking about Mòrag. I bet she has drowned in her work again. She’s always last to write her letters too” Zeke just grins.

“Nice point guys but Zeke, her job, is protecting the emperor and she’s nowhere to be seen. You have to admit it was pretty weird for the Emperor himself to contact us” Mythra said and frowned.

“True Mythra. My prince, you remember what the message said, he asked us to arrive ASAP, it has a weird ring to it” Pandoria said and Zeke looks at her frowning and swallowing.

“Friends worry too much, friend Mòrag is strong…” Tora said flapping his wings. “Masterpon, even friend Mòrag not invincible. Masterpon remember Torigoth water tower fight” Poppi interrupted.

“You’re right, thank you for answering my call this fast” Niall arrived with the Aegaeon which was paler than usual but bowed to their quests. “Aegaeon good sir, are you alright?” Dromarch still asked.

Niall looked at his bodyguard, who has been in the position since Mòrag returned to the work…“Has something happened?” Rex asked. They all noticed how the young emperor was very strict but when watching water Blade he was almost as pale, which made him look thrice as old.

“I’m afraid so. It’s better I tell everything from the beginning” Niall cleared his voice and came closer. He’s worried, is this about Mòrag? Pyra thought worryingly putting her hand on her chest.

“There’s an abandoned building in the desert, at the tip of the titan, after the abandoned factory, you know of and a couple of weeks ago, we started getting letters, from the citizen who travels there, wanting to challenge themself, collect materials and other adventurers. They heard, screams at night, coming from the building” Niall started choosing his words wisely.

“What kind of, screams?” Zeke asked and he was now clearly worried too.

“Screams, yelling, moaning not direct cries for help but it was clear something wasn’t right” Niall specified clapping his hands behind his back.

“But you said, the building was abandoned?” Nia asked and swallowed, she still doesn’t like ghost stories.

“Yes. I was planning to take down, all the buildings there, they're hazardous and could rumble any second, I don’t want anyone to get trapped in there but as you know, more important matters happened last year but within this case happening, I sent some soldiers there to investigate” Niall nodded but was paler and made his friends think is he going to faint soon. “None of the soldiers returned and to add that, those screams are to be heard in the night only, in the daytime nothing”

“They didn’t return?!” Nia screamed and jumped. “Are you afraid Nia?” Rex whispered enjoying teasing her about these kinds of things but Azurda smacked him on the back of his head with his tail, this was the wrong time for that.

“No, Nia… After the soldiers didn’t return for a week, Mòrag wanted to investigate the matter herself. I begged her not to go, it’s too dangerous but you know how she is and said she didn’t want to lose any more soldiers…” Niall said more scared and forgot his official attitude and bite his fingernails because he wasn’t wearing gloves today. Some would have said it was not appropriate for an emperor to act like this but he was with friends and clearly worried about his sister.

“Mòrag has been missing, for a week?” Pandoria whispered and felt how Zeke was worried from her core.

“Actually three days but I can’t wait for a week. As we did for soldiers, Mòrag is my sister I can’t afford to lose her” Niall shakes his head and his voice cracked at the end. “Woah Aegaeon!” Nia jumped and went to help when water Blade fainted. Mythra kneeled to him too frowning.

“As you can see, this is why I’m more than worried, Aegaeon is Mòrags’ Blade, something must have happened” Niall sighed. “How long has he been like this?” Mythra asked and help Nia and Dromarch to carry him to the couch. “It started yesterday” Niall answered.

“So that’s why you contacted us?” Rex nodded. “Yes, and there’s more and more, moaning maybe from the pain, as one report said…” Niall cleared his voice.

“That’s so freaky…” Nia said but noticed that Aegaeon is coming to his senses. “Can you tell us anything about Mòrag?” Pyra came beside him too. “I’m afraid not Lady Pyra, all I can sense is she’s… How I can describe it, not herself, something is interfering with our connection, she’s too far away I could tell you more” Aegaeon said and felt bad he wasn’t much of help.

“Not herself huh?” Zeke thought and watched Rex who just scratches his head. “So you want us to go there?” he asked but wasn’t too happy about it.

“You’re the only ones I can ask and maybe the only ones who can solve this and find Mòrag and the remaining soldiers, she took her closest soldier Jac and his Blade with her, you met them last year on Brionac's case” Niall nodded. “And I figured you wanted to know, you’re almost as close as I’m with her, she’s always writing those letters to you, even if she’s busy”

“Of course! Tora and Poppi on case and ready to help friend Mòrag!” Tora saluted him on his wing and Poppi did the same, ready for action. “Yeah, we’re gonna take a look where is she” Zeke nodded grinning widely but Pandoria knows how that was just an act, he was actually more afraid than he knows even himself.

Rex and others nodded too. “No doubt about it, we made it back from the World Tree, so not going to lose anyone now”

“Thank you, I knew I could trust you. Here’s the map of the desert, I marked the location there but please don’t take risks, I…” Niall sighs and takes the map from the floor where Aegaeon dropped it and handed it to the Rex.

“Don’t worry Your Majesty, we’ll find Mòrag” Pyra said smiling. Niall nodded for his friends, happy to have them but then watched Aegaeon who gets up from the couch, girls still being aware if he faints again. “Come, you can eat something before parting, I suggest you leave after sunset so you can experience those screams yourself” he then says and escorts them out of the throne room.

“Sounds lovely” Nia whispered under her chin focusing on the Aegaeon. “Well it is closing to Halloween, this could be interesting if it wouldn’t so serious” Rex smiled but watched his friends.

“True champ but I’m sure Mòrag can handle it, just a little longer…” Zeke sighs deeply while watching the pale water Blade. “Well, she’s alive, when he’s here” Pandoria whispered to him.

“Exactly, Lady Mòrag has experienced a lot, we just have to find her” Azurda nodded while flying after them as Niall leads them to the dining room. But why she hasn’t returned? Or any of those soldiers? Zeke thought and swallowed hard.

“Oh Your Majesty, what this building was built for?” Mythra asked as they arrived in the dining room. Niall stopped, what he was going to say, almost took his appetite away. “Well… It’s an old hospital…”

“Eww! That’s even worse” Nia cried quietly and none said anything so they agreed but tried to eat something when the palace staff made a buffet for them. The good thing is they have already grown something on the Elysium soil, so Ardainian cuisine is getting better, little by little. Even though they have yet to move there. A year has been busy and they have a plan for the new Alba Cavanich city in the Elysium but they’re yet to confirm the borders with other nations.

After eating and resting in the quest living room yet speaking some more with Niall, they departed.

At the yard, Niall watches Azurda transforming into his bigger form, so they can fly closer to the target, avoiding all unnecessary fights along with it, and of course, it saves a lot of time.

Hopefully they, all return safely. I can’t imagine what waits for them… Niall thought while watching the titan disappear to the horizon. “Aegaeon, tell me, if you’re feeling unwell or if sense anything about Mòrag” he then ordered.

“Of course, Your Majesty, and I am sorry not to tell you earlier” Aegaeon bowed to him and then they go back inside.

Azurda flies over the desert they journeyed a year ago. “Hey there’s the factory where Mòrag joined our party” Rex said watching down. “Nope I don’t want to see it” Nia said watching straight. “You afraid of heights furry ears?” Zeke teased.

“Oi Shellhead, you should too after what happened in the desert, it was quite a flight that bolder sent you and Pandoria on” Nia shot back smiling. “It really was, good thing we landed on the cloud sea and could climb on the Gormott” Pandoria giggled.

“Hey, how I should know that…” Zeke defended but all of them grab on Azurda's fur when he was startled by the scream and stopped. “Ew!” Nia screamed after that.

“It seems we have arrived” Dromarch cleared his throat and they see a two-store apartment below them.

“That creepy! No wonder Emperorpon want tear tear scaryplace apart” Tora said sweating as Azurda landed in front of an obsoleted dirty white building, with broken windows and well, exactly as Niall told.

“Well, let’s go...” Rex said while getting down from Azurdas back. “This is not someplace you would like to be longer than you have to, so wonder what happened, it shouldn’t be a problem to get out from there” Pandoria whispered and was close to Zeke when they walk closer to the dark building.

“Well there’s only one way to find out” Mythra said taking her sword from the Rex and the others took their weapons ready too before they enter the building from the broken first-floor window.

The building is dark and empty and almost serene as you can expect but with their fires and lights, they can see that it has been indeed a hospital, a long time ago which makes the silence more distressing than calm.

“Umm… Niall didn’t tell... What kind of hospital this was?” Zeke cleared his voice when they passed empty rooms where old faded and dusty peds with old desks and equipment look even creeper in light of the Pyras fires.

“No, but I don’t want to know” Rex said together with Nia.

Pyra smiles, at the city, Rex liked to tease her but this is creepier than fiction, even though some people would enjoy exploring.

“Tora doesn't want to know!" Tora yelled but echo answered which made it creepier.

After a long dead silence, Tora's scream scared others too and his scream echoes a long time.

“TORA?! What are you screaming?! It's not funny!” Nia yelled and Pyra turned to watch where Tora is. “A-ardainian soldier” Poppi said as she lifts Tora to his feet and sees a body next to Tora.

“Tora almost tripped on soldierpon” Tora said shakily and hugs his Blade.

Nia finds courage as a healer and searches for vitals from the body even though they can see it's darkened by the blood which can be seen from the brown ardainian uniform.

Rex removes the helmet and they see an ardainian young man. “He’s… He’s dead guys” Nia whispers after searching for a pulse from his neck.

“Umm guys...” Mythra says and Pyra comes next to her sister as Poppi lighted up again her eye flashlights. “Architect…” Azurda gasps at the sight.

The old dining room is full of ardainian soldier bodies and looks like they lost the fight.

“What happened here?” Zeke swallowed and hugs Pandoria who hugs him. “Meh meh meeh!” Tora yelled eyes widened.

“These two are dead too…” Nia stated as she and Mythra checked other soldiers. “We should split up and check the others, just in case”

“Is that…” Zeke then started when he sees a familiar metal cover shining on Poppi’s light. “Mòrag’s’ hat…” Pandoria whispered and put her hands on her mouth, the hat is covered in blood, and the visor is badly damaged. “It has taken quite the beating” Dromarch whispered as he looked at the navy blue hat of the friend being now darkened by the blood.

“Poor friend Mòrag” Poppi said voice wavering. “She’s injured but not dead, hat’s here but not her” Zeke defended but watches the blood-covered eagle insignia on the hat, lips shaking.

“True let’s go further” Rex nodded but watches Nia’s expression and she was thinking the same thing. Aegaeon was alive when we left but is he still?

They checked room after room finding more and more bodies of soldiers but also, older bodies and even skeletons.

“I can’t help thinking that they’re old patients, who died here… Maybe died because they couldn’t get away? That’s why we’re also still finding more and more soldiers” Pyra thought sadly.

“There has to be an explanation for it. The whole building is in so bad shape, we got in so easily, why they didn’t get out?” Rex said but Mythra put her finger in front of her mouth and they hear voices from the second floor.

“At least someone is alive?” Nia said weakly her fur getting up. “Well that’s clear, there’s someone here beside us” Azurda said, he didn’t mean to scare the Gormotti but Rex couldn’t help but smiled when Nia’s ears popped up. “Stop that gramps!”

“I’m sorry Nia” Azurda apologized. “Well my lady, ghosts don’t make footsteps, if that’s what you’re afraid of“ Dromarch said.

“That didn’t help either Dromarch!” Nia snapped at him. “Apologies my lady”

“He’s right though but soon we’ll see who’s up here” Rex said as they climbed the old creaky stairs. “Maybe it’s Mòrag…” Zeke whispered and watches the second-floor large room with old green sofas and chairs. “This must have been the waiting room…”

“Steps are coming from there” Rex said as they walk past the hall but then they see a blue sword striking at Nia. “Nia, watch out!” Pyra yells and Nia defends herself just in time with her sword on her Blade form and Dromarch is ready too but then they see how the sword transformed into the whip.

“Mòrag!” They shouted but when the special inquisitor just frowned, they take their weapons ready, something was not right.

“Umm Mòrag, it’s us” Zeke said but then Mòrag attacks them. “Don’t you recognize us?!” Rex asked rejecting her attacks but then saw, she was covered in blood. “She has lost her mind” Mythra shouted.

“No she’s injured badly” Zeke said and send a blow to the Mòrag’s sword and got an advance opportunity to push her against the wall.

“Mòrag calm down, we’re really here!” he yelled and made her drop her weapon which Mythra takes away and looks at it. How she has just one sword and where’s Brighid? She shouldn’t able to use Blade Arts alone… She thought suspiciously.

Mòrag fights trying to get away from Zeke's grip but hasn't say a single thing until she hits her head on the wall while fighting and sighs and nearly faints so Zeke almost hugs her. "Hurts..." He heard her whimper, quietly before he could say anything. “Mòrag?” Zeke whispered shockingly and lifted her chin watching how she breathed shakingly eyes still close. “Zeke?” Mòrag asked and grimaced from the pain.

“That’s you really Mòrag?” Nia asked as Mòrag who is half-awake and definitely wasn’t herself. “How… How you’re here?” she just asked grimacing looking at Zeke.

“Emperor Niall asked us, he’s worried, with the reason” Rex said and put his and Pyra’s weapon away but Mythra was still suspicious but didn’t say anything yet and squeezed Mòrags's Blade weapon.

“Niall?” Mòrag moaned. “Yeah Mòrag, take it easy, you’re covered in blood… What happened here?” Zeke said and watches her blood-darkened clothes and face.

She’s really confused which is even weirder… Mythra thought and glanced at her sister who nodded. Where’s her other sword…

“Voices, so many voices… Spirits of the Blades…” Mòrag mumbles and leans on Zeke’s chest. “Spirits of, Blades?!” others shouted shockingly.

“What are you talking about Mòrag?” Nia asked. “That’s true every Blade has spirit but the Blade becomes titan eventually” Azurda said crossing his arms.

“If there’s nothing interfering with that, something tragic and the Blade is left between this world and another” Mythra stated.

“Blades aren’t that different from the humans” Pyra sighs but then sees that Mòrag is starting to lose consciousness. “Stay awake Mòrag, we need to find Brighid and other survivors…” Nia said and came closer but after she healed her, the woman they thought was Mòrag open her eyes which were light green. “Thank you”

“What the…” Zeke shouted and at the same time, another blue sword flies through the air and struck straight to the "Mòrag’s" chest. She looks at the sword and her hair changes to white and her uniform disappears, she’s ghostly green and transparent before she screams like they heard when arrived.

Zeke falls over and kicks himself away. Pandoria comes to his side and they watch how, the woman just grumbles to the blue dust, as the Core Crystals are.

“What the hell… WAS THAT?!” Nia yelled after silence when they all just started a pile of dust on the floor. “Impostor, that’s what” They forgot where the sword came from and saw a familiar fire Blade.

“Brighid! Ho-how you knew that wasn’t Mòrag?” Rex asked in shock. “Rex, Lady Mòrag, is my Driver. And I’ve fought those things many times, it has been two days since I saw the first one” Brighid told them, she was paler than usual like Aegaeon was.

“But but but, the womanpon fought like a friend, swords turning to whip whips…” Tora said flapping his wings. “Masterpon, just one sword. Poppi was confused too, why one? Friend Mòrag has two” Poppi corrected but watched as Brighid lifts her sword from the dust.

“And even talked like her, she recognized at least Zeke and knew His Majesty by the name” Azurda added. “This place steals souls but Lady Mòrag’s alive because I’m here, I just need to find her” Brighid snorted.

“Steals…” Zeke said confused and Pandoria helps him up. “Souls?!” Rex and Nia shouted at the same time.

“My lady you mean, Lady Mòrag’s soul, has been stolen?” Dromarch asks as his fur hair lifts up. “More or less Dromarch. As I said that wasn’t first, an impostor. When we came, something took control of the soldiers and we have to fight them all, you saw the aftermath?” Brighid cleared her throat and frowned.

“That’s horrible but yes, we saw them…” Pyra whispered.

“What happened then? You said you have been searching Mòrag, this whole time?” Zeke asked. “Lady Mòrag was severely injured and she fainted after the fight, I lost consciousness too and when I woke up, she was gone but not dead” Brighid sighs.

“So these, spirits are personifying Mòrag because…” Mythra started knowingly. “She’s the only, human alive in here” Brighid nodded. “Hey, wait a moment…” Zeke started but then realized.

“Right… Nia’s flesh eater, Zeke’s Blade Eater, and I have my connection with the Aegis” Rex continued crossing his arms like Azurda.

“Yeah, Mòrag’s just a Driver, she said about it in Fonsett once” Nia said.

“So they could take her soul away because she’s a human? But why?” Zeke said in shock. What are they talking about?!? He thought and then watches the dust pile. I can’t believe she wasn’t Mòrag…

“As I discovered, all the patients were Blades and Drivers” Brighid started. “But clearly not in good care since a lot of their Drivers died in, a questionable state because Blades were left between the worlds” Mythra continued. "As I thought, she did mention spirits of the Blades..."

“Wait, that spirit said, she was in pain” Zeke said glancing at the dust pile.

“They would like to escape from their cruel fate but can’t, at their state, as you saw Nia’s healing magic helping her and she was getting a more stable form. I couldn’t allow that, I don’t know what happens to Lady Mòrag if that happens” Brighid told and watches her sword which is pale as she feels.

“So that’s why you killed her like that, you could have warned me” Zeke mumbled. "That sword went really close you know..."

“Umm… H-how we know that you’re really you? And not another imposter?” Pandoria asked scared. “Friend Brighid know lot lot what going on” Tora said terrified while flapping his wings.

“As I’ve been trapped here, I searched for clues. Whatever to help me in my search for Lady Mòrag. I’ve read multiple files and documents I’ve found from old offices so I’ve begun to understand what happened here but…” Brighid sighs and lights up her sword alarming the others. “Only Blade and her Driver can use Blade weapons powers” Azurda said first smiling when Brighid lit up the sword and nodded. “But the ghost thingypon did that too!” Poppi said jumping.

“I was searching for the other sword too, as I receive this one back in the same way. About using it, well we were just talking how she was partly my Driver, she had her memories but to believe me or not, depends on you” Brighid snorted impatiently and put her sword away.

“Makes sense but as long we don’t really get what’s going on…” Rex cleared his throat and held out his hand to Brighid. “Speak for yourself” Mythra mumbled and Pyra smiled a little.

“I want to hold your swords, I’m still master Driver, so using them is no problem to me” Rex continued strongly and Mythra gives him Brighid’s sword. “Rex-Rex speak the land of Morytha before friends found Tora and other friends” Tora remembered. “Yes, you have been temporarily my Driver before, so I allow it if I can earn your trust that way” Brighid nodded and gave him the other sword.

“Lady Brighid, why you didn’t come to ask for help? I’m sure Garfont has many strong Blades since Drivers can’t enter here” Azurda asked before they moved. Brighid raised her eyebrows. “I couldn’t leave Mòrag here to die and risk that I return to my core and be left in the middle of nowhere in the Mor Ardain desert”

“Right… that would be possible” Azurda cleared his voice, embarrassed that he didn’t think that. Rex smiled inside as Azurda made a mistake he could have made too.

“Okay now that’s sorted out, can we go? Sun is rising soon and I want to get out ASAP, who knows why people don’t leave” Nia said anxiously. "Or did you find out that Brighid?"

"Unfortunately not Nia, older documents were faded" Brighid shook her head. "Of course, it would be too easy" Nia frowned.

“Did you say, you have searched the whole thing?” Zeke asks as they leave. “Cellar floor is yet to be clarified; I’ve searched part of it but not from this side” Brighid answered but massaged her eyes. “You, okay?” Nia asked and comes with Zeke next to her if she faints as Aegaeon did. “Little dizzy and we need to find Lady Mòrag fast, I have one entry in my diary where I wrote something about, an empty feeling and then writing stopped abruptly” Brighid sighs and is even paler and the fire in her hair is really thin.

“Let’s go, you don’t remember but… Your diary is right, after that feeling you most likely returned to your Core Crystal, that is the last feeling every Blade feels” Pyra said worryingly and Mythra just nodded. “I can confirm that too… When my prince almost died, I, felt that. I was so scared” Pandoria said quietly. Zeke nodded and pulled her in his armpit to hug her.

“Then we must hurry. Lady Brighid if you’re feeling woozy, I can carry you” Dromarch said when they left. “Thank you for the offer, Dromarch but hopefully, it doesn't need to go to that” Brighid nodded, hand on her chest. “I can feel through our connection that Lady Mòrag is here but even though something is interfering, I can sense she’s feeling worse by the minute”

"Aegaeon said about that interfering too, so maybe it's because her soul has been stolen" Pyra sighs. "I can't imagine how Mòrag herself feels..."

“How about you? You’re uncommonly talky” Nia asked smiling a little.

“I’m managing Nia” Brighid just answered, she never understood the jokes which are meant to lift her spirits. “Good to hear” Nia still smirked, at least she was honest.

“Did… Emperorpon mention, soldierpon by name?” Poppi asked suddenly as they walked.

Rex glanced at her and then at the others. “Now that you mention it, he did, Jac, was it?” Dromarch remembered and looked at Nia who nodded.

“How so?” Azurda asked but then realized and landed on Rex’s helmet. “Oh yeah… Brighid did say Mòrag is, the only human here, so all the other soldiers are…” Rex continued sadly.

“Are dead, yes, unfortunately. After we find Lady Mòrag and find out what happened, His Majesty can send new search groups to take care of deceased ones… That includes His Majesty’s personal guard who was after Mòrag highest soldier…” Brighid nodded. “He was young gormotti right? Didn’t we meet him at Torigoth when he resonated with that Core Crystal?” Nia whispered.

“Yes, and he has three siblings, poor little things…” Pyra sighs crossing her hands on her crystal. “Well, his career skyrocketed when he and we were involved with the Brionac case so I’m sure His Majesty and Mòrag will help them every way they can” Zeke said then and looked at Brighid who nods but stopped, and her fires flickered, so he comes to her aid before she falls over.

“But we must hurry to find her first” Mythra said and lead the way.

“You okay to walk, be honest” Zeke cleared his throat gentlemanly when keeping his hands on her shoulders as she leans on him and massaged her eyes. Pandoria giggles behind her hand. “Yes… It passed but thank you, Prince Zeke” Brighid said correcting her position and opening her eyes. “Anytime, Brighid” Zeke nods seeing her fires come back a little stronger and he managed to keep his cool and not grin when Brighid leaves his hands.

“Wait till Mòrag hears this my prince” Pandoria whispers to Zeke smiling wickedly. “Pandy, I was just polite, she almost fainted” Zeke jumped but cleared his throat before continuing but Pandoria knew in other circumstances he would grin or laugh at that too. “Aha…” she just whispered and takes a few run steps to catch up with the others.

The cellar floor was like the other floors, dark and cold and full of old hospital gadgets which would make it an optimal horror movie shooting location. “I think I’m going to change my favourite holiday to Christmas after this” Rex whispered when there was ventilation somewhere and it made scary creaky noises and didn't help when they knew they were hostile souls in the building but couldn’t see anything besides Pyra’s fire and Poppi’s flashlight. Brighids fire got dimmer by the minute which was scary to see too.

“Can’t blame you there, champ…” Zeke whispered and Pandoria chuckled.

“Joke another time we have company” Mythra warned them and then they saw, many same green spirits as before and you could see through them as they started to attack them.

Telekinetic, fire, and ice, so these really have been Blades and or Drivers before… Azurda thought in Rex's helmet when seeing how spirits fight.

“They really are mad” Nia sighs after the fight and they’re surrounded by the same crystal dust. “Can’t blame them though” Rex said putting his and Pyra’s sword away. “What?” Nia asked like he was insane.

“Ah champ think if he was in their place” Zeke realized and Rex nods. “Yeah, think about it, first being treated here, badly and then left behind between two worlds, must be horrible” he says crossing his arms and closing his eyes to think about it. “Rex…” Pyra sighs.

“Well, yeah… Can’t imagine what they go through” Nia snorts, she is both, Driver and Blade.

“Let’s push forward” Mythra said and left, she didn’t want to talk about it.

If Blades are in this much pain and Mòrag is here alone, wonder how is she… Zeke thought and his chest feels tighter. "So..." Pandoria started but didn't continue just looking at the dark old cement floor they walk on.

"Pandy?" Zeke asked and they can see her light bulb flickering. "I just a thought, those Blades... I mean Blades can recover from any injury but still Mor Ardain had a hospital for them?" she wondered quietly.

This got others thinking too. "So you mean, maybe..." Rex started. "Don't say it Rex!" Nia said panicky almost.

"This was a mental hospital, yes" Brighid stated and cleared her throat.

"Makes sense, 500 years ago Blades and Drivers lived side by side, like friends. So if this hospital is older than that, why there wouldn't be Blade dedicated treatments facilities" Mythra stopped in front of others and crossed her arms on her chest. "Maybe that should be a thing for today too, there's a lot of Blades who are treated badly by their Drivers" Pyra thought remembering all the Blades they have met, like consul Dughals Blade, who use it as a living shield...

"Let's carry on but maybe we could suggest that to Emperor Niall? He worries Aegaeon and Brighid like his friends and is in a high place for making those kinds of decisions" Rex said strongly but then grimaces when they hear more spirits coming.

"Hold that thought chum" Zeke said taking his sword ready but looking at Pandoria, who started the whole deep conversation.

"I'm fine my prince" Pandoria giggles and is ready back his Driver up. Not everyone has the best Driver and friends around them...

As they fought the spirits while investigating the cellar, every scream was worse than the other.

“If all these spirits are keeping Mòrag hostage, are you sure we're not, somehow killing her, piece by piece?” Rex asked changing weapons with the Pyra and Mythra and swinging around Pyra’s sword and the spirit's screams gives him the chills.

“Rex, come on don’t speak like that, I don’t wanna know, that’s awful” Nia whined while fighting with her sword and Dromarch with his.

“Sorry, it’s just a thought…” Rex swallowed after glanced Brighid who was even paler and looks at him her eyes opened and he could see the worry in her purple eyes, which itself is as rare as her keeping her eyes open.

“Looks like the rest of them fled…” Zeke said tired and leaned to his knees. “About time…” Mythra snorted and puts her weapon away and continued walking even if others are still catching their breath. “And Rex no, you can’t be sure. Even we don’t know what happens, other than what people believe about the Father” Pyra whispers.

“Should we split the group so we can search faster…” Rex suggests but Nia interrupts him. “Hell no, we were together and it was full work to get rid of those numbers”

“She’s right my boy. We are stronger together” Azurda said and comes out from Rexs’ helmet. “It’s good you to say, from the helmet” Rex grins.

“Shut up Rex and come here” Mythra shouted and they ran to her as she went ahead, which speaks its own language about how Mythra cares about Brighid and Mòrag.

“Mythra did you…” Zeke started when he pushed the creaky old metal door fully open where they heard Mythra call for them but stops to stare at what he was seeing.

There’s a woman hanging from the ceiling from her wrists behind her back and on her knees on the floor, her head hanging in the air, her long black hair drooping down and the only light is the almost burned-out candle flickering at the corner.

“Mòrag!” Zeke shouted and went beside her.

Pandoria smiles a little feeling how the stone is lifted from her Driver’s chest. You two should talk already… She thought even though she was jealous, which she can admit now. Brighid goes too, hand on her chest, and lifts her Driver's pale chin. Architect, we found you...

This really is from the scary movie… Nia thought and was going closer but same time Mòrag woke up and tried to get away from them. “Leave… leave me alone!” she shouted.

“Lady Mòrag it’s us” Azurda said flying over her.

“Déjà vu, Mòrag is that, really you?” Zeke asked and watches Brighid who nods. “Yes, she is, my poor friend, what they’ve done to you…” she whispered frowning her violet eyes gleaming from the tears.

Nia heals her and Mòrag moans like the impostor which scared them but then she opens her eyes. “Brighid? Zeke?” she whispered and they see familiar brown eyes. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to find you” Brighid sighs watching how her Driver's face is as bloody as those imposters had.

“Okay, let’s get out of here then. Rex cut that rope, Zeke can take her, betting she can’t walk” Mythra ordered and Rex nodded.

Zeke took hold of her armpits and smiled a little when Mòrag frowns when he almost hugs her putting his hands around her. “Zeke…” she coughs and Tora takes a few steps away. “Friend sure that…”

“Yeah Mòrag?” Zeke just asks watching how Mòrag is fighting to stay awake. “You’re doomed after this, if you move your hands, even a little, from… how they’re now” she whispered tiredly.

“Heh, it’s her alright. Spirit didn’t threaten Shellhead and no one does it in the same way” Nia chuckled.

“You’re absolutely right furry ears, we finally found you” Zeke grinned and took hold of her when Rex was ready to cut the rope while on Dromarch’s back.

“How… Did, Niall, inform you?” Mòrag sighs and Zeke slowly lets her sit on the ground and massages her wrists. “Yes, he’s really worried Lady Mòrag” Azurda answered.

“Let’s change stories outside yeh?” Nia interrupts after hearing the ghost’s screams coming closer. “Definitely, Lady Mòrag how are you feeling?” Dromarch asks when she shakes while Zeke helps her up. “Like hell…” Mòrag snorted and grimace.

Nia comes closer and searched her pulse from the neck and frowns. “We need to get you to the palace ASAP, I have no idea what those spirits did to you but your pulse is scary slow, it's a wonder you're awake…” she whispered.

“May I?” Zeke asks a little smiling because even if Nia was so strict, it's serious. “This time…” Mòrag snorted and leans to his chest, messing him with the blood too from the wound on her forehead.

Zeke just lifts her in his arms and they leave.

“Friend injured like spiritpon…” Poppi whimpered but left to lead the way with the Aegis’s and Brighid stayed by her Driver.

You’re right Poppi, that terrifies me even more than before we found her, don’t you go dying on my arms now… Zeke thought and sees how she grimaces with every step.

Chapter Text

“So, mission complete, we found out what causes those screams and found Mòrag” Rex thought and watches Nia healing Mòrag again as they climb to the first floor.

“You could say that but palaces medical team has to check her and I don't think the danger is over yet” Brighid said worryingly, the empty feeling is gone but it comes back after Nia stops healing.

“Oh yeah, Brighid” Pandoria said and gives her Mòrag’s hat. Brighid nods but frowned after watching what condition the hat is in. "Without this, I don't believe she would be even in this condition" she thought out loud remembering how they fought all the soldiers. Mòrag is in bad shape, most of them must have come from the fight, we didn't prepare for the combat, we were supposed to search the place but what the spirits did to you...

“Amazingly, you’re alive after all this time, those spirits were nasty and whatever they did to you, clearly you’ve been tortured” Nia said measuring Mòrag’s pulse again and glancing at her uniform seeing how the white part of the jacket is stained by blood and her armours are as bad twisted has the visor in the hat, good thing they haven't impaled her when they broke. Mòrag didn't answer just breathes heavily as she leans into Zekes' chest eyes closed.

“I know Lady Mòrag’s strength so I had faith I will find her in time, even though minutes turned to hours and days…” Brighid told returning from her thoughts but then looks at Pyra who nodded. "Well we know her strength too but what about other soldiers, did you have Drivers and Blades with you, other than soldier Jac?"

"No, we weren't prepared for the fight, or at least not this kind of fight. Soldiers attacked us like cursed, only Jac and his Blade fought by our side" Brighid told quietly when Mòrag grimaces, they don't know does she remember that.

"Wow... So if you would have taken more Drivers and Blades..." Rex started. "You wouldn't be the underdog in that fight" Zeke nodded but Tora sweats on Pyras and Poppis light. "Tora don't care! Just wants to leave this scary scary place!" He shouted and started running towards the broken window from which they came. Nia smirked at him. I feel exactly the same furball, so I'm glad you said it... she thought while they started following him.

“Oh, don’t go yet. Sun is rising and then you have to stay” They heard a voice, which startled them.

Spirits didn’t speak, except that who personated Mòrag.

They stopped on their heels and look around them, nothing to be seen other than the voice is right. Sun is already glowing on the horizon they can see from the large windows.

“What? Who are you and what are you talking about?” Pandoria asked frightened and comes near Zeke.

“Meh meh meeh!” Tora screamed then and ran behind Poppi when between them and the window out, materialized white jacked woman, clearly a ghost but different than, the patients and not bloody at all.

“I was middle of the experiment, so you can’t go, if you don’t bring me more soldiers, more Drivers, she’s my only test sample” the woman spoke and came closer so Zeke stepped back. “Test sample?!” he shouted and watches Mòrag is unconscious but breathing mouth open.

“Did you use your patients for experiments?! That’s why they’re unavailable to move on?” Mythra asked angrily.

“Well of course for the greater good. Humanity is better off when they know what happens on another side of the great ether river, where time is immortal. We have to make sacrifices if we want to learn” the doctor said and smiled widely, which is creepy with her blond long hair.

Well, we needed the crazy doctor for this horror movie… Rex thought and swallowed after glancing at Nia who thought the same thing. “You shouldn’t be here anymore like any of those spirits either, so we're gonna just leave and you can go that hell you belong!” Zeke shouted in a voice; others haven’t heard.

“Oh, you’re in love with the Driver sample?” the woman asked excitedly and come closer to them. Poppi tries to attack her but went just through. “Unfair! Poppi cannot attack ghost!”

“Driver sample? Lady, you’re insane” Azurda said from the Rex helmet. “Oh, a titan? Excellent, one thing I haven’t experimented with, because titans are so big but you would do” the woman said and stepped closer to the Rex. “Don’t even think about it and start making sense. What you mean by that, we can’t leave after the sun rises?” he said and takes Pyra’s weapon in his hand to defend them.

“Sure, I can explain, we have time, whole day and night” Doctor giggled. “I’m an engineering physicist, so I build the device that actives from the sun's rays and makes a protective field around the building and burns everyone who tries to leave”  she explained proudly while twirling her long hair around her finger.

“Time is running out” Dromarch whispered to Nia while the doctor is explaining and she nods. “But what can we do if our attacks won’t hurt her?”

Brighid heard that too and frowned. She did do experiments with the Drivers? That explains... Mòrag coughs interrupt her when she wakes up which takes also the doctor's attention. “Well, hello,” she says grinning.

Mòrag opens her eyes and gasps but grimaces when trying to move. “Go to hell…”

“She was who did this to you?” Zeke whispered and went further away from the crazy doctor. “Don’t worry I don’t let her touch you again”

Mòrag watches Zeke raising her eyebrows but nods trying to calm her rapid breathing which hurts.

“That’s so sweet, love…” Doctor moans putting her hands to her chest and just smiles when Mythra hits her on her sword. “Legendary Aegis, this is an honour but I have no need for you. I only need to know what happens, after the ether river stops flowing from us. Blades and Drivers are the same body and soul. The Blade goes to the core time and time again before coming to titan and after that, there are just infinite possibilities” the woman said now herself impatiently.

“That’s keeping you here torturing the living?” Pandoria shouted but goes closer to Zeke when the woman glares at her. "Not just the living stupid girl, the Drivers. What makes some humans' aptitude for the Core Crystals touch? Why do others just bleed or worse case die from the touch? Human subjects didn't give me the answer but Drivers, I got so much info, dead Blades can take the form of the living Driver but you came to mess up my experiments, I was so close..." she dreamed but snorted.

“I’m sad to tell you, no one knows that we just hope we go somewhere peaceful place, where are protected from the pain” Pyra told her interrupting.

The doctor just shakes her head. “NO! I need, a better answer and you’re going to give it to me!” she yells and comes closer to Zeke and doesn’t notice Rex takes Brighid’s sword and opens it up, and fires the whip.

The whip actually hits the doctor on the back and she jumped. "How!? I'm not in this world you shouldn't be able to touch me!" she shouted shockingly but then notice Brighid. "You!? Oh, you're her Blade, aren't you? I should have destroyed your crystal for my tests, not that un rare one which that gormotti boy had, a stupid little mistake I made in hurry. Of course, Aegis Driver can take advantage of you"

Oh, poor guy... Nia thought when she remembers the Blade that Jac had, first returning to his core and getting used for the experiment... I don't want to be one to tell Mòrag about it... She thought but hides her smile when Rex blushed because of how the doctor said him using Brighid as a Blade.

“Mòrag stay awake, hey…” Zeke whispered when Mòrag started to nod off and then noticed flames disappear from Brighid’s hair. “Lady Mòrag…” she whispers and feels woozy, so Rex supports her and Pyra comes to the other side and Nia watches Mòrag anxiously, she can't make a healing circle when the doctor could take advance it too but Brighid losing her fires is worse signs of Blade starting to return her Core Crystal.

Mythra looks at Pyra and Mòrag. “Rex, Pyra, Brighid, our only chance, all different directions. Azurda striker, Rolling smash, and Photon Edge, NOW!” Mythra whispers and then shouts and then they take their swords and run towards the evil doctor.

For Rex, it took a moment before he acted and Brighid focused on powering her swords even seeing how Zeke tries to wake Mòrag and she feels like she was going to faint…

“What? you’re not…” The doctor started and goes half invisible but then comes fully visible when Pyra and Mythra run through her with their swords and Rex hits the ground with the flame whips, almost at the same time.

“No! NO! I Need to know!” The doctor shouted and rumbles down for the pile of ashes.

“Wow friends…” Poppi said mouth open but before they could answer building started to crumble. “Building is coming down; we must go now!” Mythra yelled and they run toward the front entrance which Poppi exploded open, the window would take too much time and they don't need to sneak in this time.

Outside the pressure of the explosion push them flying.

Zeke wakes up to the thick white smoke and dust. He coughs but lifts himself trying to see anyone but freezes when seeing Mòrag lying on the ground the morning light makes the white part of the uniform look absolutely horrible all-in red as well as blood on her pale face.

“Mòrag!” he shouted and stumbled next to her and searches her pulse from the neck. “No no no, Mòrag wake up!” he panicked when he didn’t find the pulse and tried to see where the others are but doesn’t see even Brighid’s blue flames. “Mòrag…” he whispers ready to start the CPR but then sighs deeply with relief when Mòrag starts coughing and helps her to her side. “Easy, we have air to breath” he says and sits on the ground beside her. “I would watch my step master Zeke; dust is too thick to see anything”

Zeke is startled but then sees Azurda standing on the ground beside him. “We are at the edge of the titan”

“Right, would be a long fall before hitting the water…” Zeke smiles and looks at Mòrag who tries to move. “How are you?”

“Everything hurts like hell, what you think…” Mòrag frowned and coughs more while grimacing.

“Sorry, I knew that, it was instinct to ask…” Zeke rubbed his head and sees how dust is setting and he sees Pandoria sitting with the others. “Well now you don’t need to tear that down” Nia said trying to get her bearings and Dromarch tries to help her up.

”But it’s harder to find the deceased ones” Pyra sighs. Brighid nods and goes to Zeke who’s helping Mòrag up.

“Gramps, you, okay?” Rex asks when Azurda grows to his bigger size and watches his wings. “Looks like it, my boy” he said then and lowered his wing to them climb on.

Pandoria and Brighid help Mòrag and Zeke to Azurda’s back and she leans to his chest half conscious, so she didn't have any objections to it. Dromarch and Nia come next to them so Nia can keep healing Mòrag.

"Pandy you okay?" Zeke whispered when Pandoria sits next to Nia. Pandoria nodded. "Little scratches and flesh wounds, nothing I haven't experienced yet my prince" she answered and then giggled when Zeke tried to where she was wounded but had, a really little flesh wound on her arm, which was already healing. "Hah, good to hear Pandy" he just laughed sighing.

“Pyra, Mythra, you’re, okay too?” Rex asked when helping them next to him.  “Yes, but as you felt bad for Blades… I pity the doctor too, yes, she must have done awful things in her time but having an obsession like that and because of it she was left between the worlds, like her patients, is, horrible faith…” Pyra sighs and looks at Mythra who nods silently. "Well, it looked like she was destroyed for good now. Apparently, she was connected to her device, when after she was gone everything else came crashing down too"

"So... Doctorpon Driver too?" Poppi thought hugging Tora who has a wound on his wing and looked at her. "Unfair, why every villainpon has aptitude but Tora don't"

"It would seem so, maybe she was first, who she used on the experiment to make it possible" Dromach thought and they took support from each other when Azurda lifts off the ground and started flying fast. "Must have been some device to still work. We don't know how old she was but if the hospital is from the Aegis war era" he said after hearing what his passengers were talking about.

"Definitely gramps..." Rex mumbled and watched behind them, how the two-story building was now nothing but ruins.

"If she was talking the truth that is" Zeke said and Rex nodded watching how Mòrag breathes now deeply and Brighid had her flames back but is still worried when Mòrag grimaces when Nia heals her physical wounds. Crazy doc who made experiences with Blades, maybe taking their powers away, why other they would attack us? But now that building is nothing but ruins now, did we let the rest of them free too?

"You think other Blades who were there are free now?" he then asked.

Mythra frowned and watch where they were going.

"Hopefully Rex, at least she's not there to imprison them anymore" Pyra answered smiling a little. "What... What about friend Mòrags, soul?" Tora asked quietly his eyes doubled while watching Mòrag who sleeps mouth open inside of Nias' healing circle. "Mythra?" Rex asked but Mythra didn't answer, so even she didn't know.

In Alba Cavanich Niall waits for them anxiously on the balcony and glances at Aegaeon who is doing some of his paperwork inside on his desk, he insisted because he was feeling better but Niall didn’t want him to leave for his other chores, and here he can see if…

Where are you? Architect, don’t tell me I lost them too… He thought watching the morning sky, how the sun is shining brightly it was a pretty day but he didn’t sleep a wink last night, he just wants everyone to return. I should have stopped her from going, she's my special inquisitor and she didn't obey the direct order not to go, I could fire her because of that. He thought angrily but mostly to himself.

“Your Majesty, the senate wants you to return to the morning meeting…” the ardainian man who took Roderichs' place as the Senator said polite, even though he understands that the young emperor is worried sick and can’t focus fully and clearly didn’t sleep last night.

"Yes I know Senator Zachier, I'll be right there..." Niall said but he was back at him he could wipe tears from his cheek.

"Your Majesty..." the Senator started friendlier but didn't move when Niall didn't want him to see that he was crying. "We can take a longer break if you..." he almost whispered.

Niall didn't answer just clenched his hand into a fist, he knows the senator means well, he's double better than Roderich was, trustworthy, kind, and loyal to him but he also cares too much, and because of that he tends to patronize him because he's so young but have to act as an adult even though he's been emperor for years now and is confident at it. But like Mòrag, when cases hit home... I just want her back, safe and sound, nothing else matters... He thought and knew people who still think he was not fit to rule, would take advance of that sentence.

"Thank you senator Zechier but that wouldn't be necessary... Azurda!!" he then said depressed but then sees a titan flying towards the city so he jumped to the railing which startled the Senator if he falls but then look at green haired smaller titan than which they inhabit. "I tell the Senate... to wait for a little longer" he then said and smiled when Niall just ran past him.

"Aegaeon, alarm the medic team!" he ordered the water Blade who jumped up from the chair. "Immediately Your Majesty" he said and watched the senator who smiled at him. "You didn't sense your Driver coming?"

Aegaeon frowned. "No sir but I'm glad she's alive" he just answered and bowed before leaving. But something is still wrong with her... He thought worryingly but left to inform others.

Azurda lands in the city’s centre. “Good I can fit here, in an emergency at least” he said when he broke the city's walkway a little. “I don’t think the emperor cares about the walkway gramps” Nia smirked and jumps down after Rex and the Aegis girls.

Poppi helps Mòrag down when Zeke comes after to take his arms again. “Indeed, and aren’t you moving to Elysium soon?” Dromarch asks. "Yes, after discussion with the other nations about the borders and the senate are over" Brighid answered helping Mòrag into Zeke's arms, she's half awake which worries her because people are noticing them and coming closer and she doesn't want her to stress about it.

“Is that… World saviours?” a man behind them asked.

“Let’s go before the media gets here" Mythra snorted and Azurda returned to his smaller size flying after them.

"It is but what in the name of the Architect have happened, wasn't that special inquisitor? Was all that, blood?!" A woman beside her yelled and they heard them coming after them.

At the place bridge, they got noticed by the soldiers who ran to help them. "Special inquisitor! You found her... is she..." 

"She's alive, now stop these over the curious citizen, we tell the media after we know better" Brighid ordered and others went ahead. "Yes Lady Brighid!" soldiers shouted and salute her staying behind her when a group of people came to the bridge.

“Was that really special inquisitor? Is she wounded? Is she dead?” people kept asking and tried to get a peak at the world's saviours and the emperor who runs from the elevator.

"Calm down, Lady Mòrag is alive but we can't give more details yet" the soldier calmed down the people while others stopped them. "Is this because of those screams at the dessert? My husband never returned, is he dead? Like special inquisitor?!" The woman asked panickily but the soldiers couldn't answer.

“Mòrag!” Niall shouted running from the elevator, tears coming to his eyes as he got closer and saw his sister's condition. “She’s a-alive right?!” He whimpered. Architect all that blood...

“Yeah, she is…” Zeke started proudly when Mòrag sighs and tries to wake up when hearing Niall’s voice. “Niall… I’m...” she said roughly.

"I've healed her pretty much but wound her head has bled..." Nia started but smiled a little when the medic team came behind Niall. "Thank you Nia but if you still need help palace medical team will help however they can" Niall interrupted her and watched when the doctor came next to Zeke.

"Of course, we tell what happened, we might need Mythra with us too because what we experienced, is unbelievable" Nia nodded and smiled but as others went and she and Mythra followed behind with Pyra, she wasn't all that confident anymore. Stealing souls is really unbelievable, yeah, but hopefully, Mythra knows how to fix it because I have no idea...

The Palace medic team treated for others' wounds while the remaining doctor and nurse were with Nia and Pyra and Mythra who told them what happened.

"This goes way over our abilities, ladies but I don't doubt that's what happened. I know in Mor Adains history there was a special hospital" The doctor said as he examined Mòrag while talking to Nia.

Nia could heal her alone but as the doctor is helping to examine exactly where she should focus, it makes her healing more efficient, now that Mòrag's sleeping. Mythra and Pyra were talking with the nurse and Brighid.

"Yeah, I bet doctor Tiwarri, I've been healing her from the whole way here but just now she seems to react to it..." Nia admitted when Mòrag is no anymore as pale as she was after the nurse cleaned her of all the blood and they changed her bloody clothes.

"You think, she's wounded, spiritually?" he asked. "Kinda yeah" Nia said and dodged a little when Mythra came next to her with Pyra. "We decided it's best for her if you put her into the sleeping with medication" Pyra told. They were discussing with Mythra if is it safe for Mythra to use her powers on Mòrag when she's not a Blade or Blade Eater.

"An anaesthetic? I think I need to ask that from her relatives, not I don't trust you Lady Pyra and Mythra but that's our procedure regarding of anaesthetic" Doctor Tiwarri said surprised. "I was going to suggest that to you doctor Tiwarri" Niall came back, he should be at the meeting, he left so they could change Mòrags clothes and clean her. "Your Majesty?" Tiwarri asked.

"She's stubborn and doesn't rest as she should so, if she's under medication she should get enough rest and..." Niall explained but watched the Aegis ladies. "I'm able to examine her, I believe, never done this to human" Mythra said deadpan, she was unsure does this work. "It doesn't harm Mòrag, it's just, precaution" Pyra added.

Niall think for a moment and looked at Brighid, she told him the main points quickly before the nurse chase him away from the room. "I'm by her side Your Majesty" she said.

"Stealing a soul, I..." Niall nodded then but looks at his sister. "Just make sure she's alright"

"We will Your Majesty" Pyra bowed to him, hand on her chest and Mythra nodded too. "Very well then, Midelia..." doctor Tiwarri said and started to talk with the nurse about anaesthetics.

Nia just listened to them speak and looks at Mòrag. Mythra did heal Jin at the Morytha according to Rex but healing is different from examining, a soul...

Others are resting in the quest living room after the medical team released them from Medical Wing. They have sat in silence since they got there, everyone has a lot on their mind and now that adrenaline has died they were all exhausted but can't go to sleep before they hear something about Mòrag.

“Can you even treat something like that? I mean stealing a soul?! Can it even heal or broke?” Rex thought out loud, breaking the silence after palace staff brought them something to eat and drink. Niall ordered them to before he had to go tell the senate, even though he would have instead sat with them and heard the whole story.

“I don’t know Rex, never knew that could be possible” Azurda whispered crossing his arms. He was sitting on the couch's armrest.

“Friends will know what do” Poppi said smiling but she was worried too.

“My lady is a capable healer and lady Mythra and Pyra if someone knows this…” Dromarch said while lying on the floor next to them.

Pandoria nodded too but glanced at her Driver. Zeke hasn’t said much after they arrived at the palace but who could blame him, he did his best to clean himself from all the blood, and the palace staff is washing his jacket and pants. He looks really different in the dark blue pants and polo shirt, they borrowed to him, especially when they have Mor Ardains royal insignias. “Yeah… it’s insane” he mumbled and his friends look at him.

“It is…” Rex just said quietly.

“She made experiments with the Blades and Drivers? But what about Jac? She told us, she smashed his Blades' core for the tests but what about him?” Zeke continued snorting and got up and went to watch from the window. "I'm sure we didn't see his body among the others"

“Friend Jac Driver of the non-rare Blade...” Tora started but didn't continue while brushing his head on his wing.

He has bandages on it like others got plasters all over, except Poppi but Tora had to fix her arm. Nia did heal them while flying here but Mòrag was in the centre of the healing circle so their wounds didn't get to heal before the medical team at the palace noticed them.

Zeke snorted and nodded. ”Maybe he wasn't as worthy, in HER eyes when all the Blade spirits were around Mòrag…”

“And all because she wanted to know where we go after ether flow ends…” Azurda thought and leans on the sofa.

“Well, I guess it would be interesting but what if you don’t like the answer? I know I don’t wanna know because I know my prince isn’t there…” Pandoria almost whispered and pulls her legs on her chest looking small on the couch. Zeke looks at her sad and doesn’t know what to say, no one knows.

“Yeah… Drivers and Blades” Rex then said quietly.

“But Poppi already know. Poppi an Artificial Blade... so Poppi maybe alone…” Poppi said with teary eyes, she’s a wonder.

“Aww, Poppi… Don’t think it like that, we’re here for a long time and then someone gets kids and hey Nia and I are Flesh and Blade Eaters, who know when we kick the bucket” Zeke surprises them and tries to cheer her up.

Poppi's eyes widened and she then giggled. “And Tora not going anywhere for a long long time!” Tora flapped his wings and then get a reminder it hurts and hug it.

“You have someone in mind already Shellhead?” Nia came in at the same time. “Huh?! No! It was just... How long you were behind the door?!” Zeke freaked out.

Nia burst out laughing and falls down on the remaining armchair. “Got you off guard did she, Zeke?” Azurda smiled and Zeke look at the titan mouth wide open. "Hey...!"

“How is Lady Mòrag, my lady?” Dromarch cleared his throat while still smiling. “Well from the outside, physically she’s fine, now. I healed her broken ribs and a lot of wounds, they took so loong…” Nia sighs and rubs her eyes and then returns to her yellow hoodie, which is comfier than her Blade outfit.

“And, the other thing?” Rex asked carefully. Nia frowned and crossed her arms on her chest. "Well, she's now asleep with meds. Mythra examined her and said after a while her soul is intact and there shouldn’t be any problems but we know more after she wakes up. She said something, if some were missing as spirits took her memories, we don't know before she tells us but Pyra was hopeful that if and when, those spirits got to move on after the doc was gone, the memories returned to her"

"Returning memories, huh..." Zeke frowns and crosses his arms.

"It’s unbelievable how that spirit was just like Mòrag, she really had her memories and without Brighid, she totally fooled us” Rex then thought out loud.

“Yeah, Zeke you did pin her against the wall. What did she say, exactly?” Nia asked.

“Nothing special, it was like talking to her, about her brother and us being there but when she whimpered about how she’s hurting, I got suspicious…” Zeke shrugged arms crossed on his chest while he leans against the wall next to the window. “And then she searched for comfort when leaning to you, just like that…” Nia hinted grinning.

Pandoria noticed that and almost said how worried Zeke was the whole time but then decided not to. Others can tease him but I'm not, ready yet… She thought but smiled a little but without anyone noticing the lamp on her head was flickering.

“And real Mòrag threatened to kill you, like always” Rex just laughed, not noticing Nia’s hint but Azurda and Dromarch made note of that.

“Hah yeah, it was no doubt she was the real deal” Zeke laughed too but, in the end, it was terrifying. “As Nia said, have you ever considered…” Azurda started but then Niall came with the Pyra and Mythra.

“Your Majesty” Rex said and was to get up but Niall shook his head. “Mòrag is sleeping peacefully, with the medication so she can heal properly, knowing my sister, she needs it”

“The doctor Tiwarri extended it so she shouldn't wake today, tomorrow for the earliest” Pyra said and goes to sit on the sofa next to Pandoria.

“Brighid is there to watch her. She’ll be fine but to make sure of that, we’ll be staying here for a couple of days” Mythra said leaning on the armchair where Poppi is sitting. "I believe Nia told you the rest?"

“Yeah about your making sure her soul is fine and all... But that suits me, I was to ask about it, how about you guys?” Rex nods and looks at the others. “Well, I’ll be staying; my clothes are still somewhere” Zeke grins and watches his polo shirts with eagle insignia. Poppi and Tora nod too. “Tora can search new parts for Poppi!”

“And I’m staying if she needs more healing, she's fine now and I think your docs could handle but still” Nia just said and Dromarch nods.

“Thank you. I’ll arrange rooms for you and Zeke you should ask for your clothes from the maids but you don’t look bad in Mor Ardain blue” Niall nods and smiles watching tantelese, in royal blue. “You do my prince” Pandoria smiles too. “Heh, not going to change my colours, my old man would get a stroke” Zeke laughed.

“I’m so glad, you agreed to this and that you’re all so close with her” Niall smiled rubbing his eyes and they see how tired he is. “But before anything, I would like to know, what happened? Some crazy doctor tried to steal her, soul? I heard the key points from Brighid but now I want the whole story” he then continued trying to hide his yawning and comes to sit on the couch next to Pyra.

“Your Majesty, with all respect, shouldn’t you get some rest now that everything’s alright?” Azurda asked bowing. “None of us has slept the whole day and it’s soon mid-day” Dromarch nods too.

“Oh, my apologies, I didn’t think of that. You’ve been up all night and morning and with everything else that happened you must be tired” Niall sighs like he hasn't been awake longer than them.

“I can tell you; I can’t sleep anyway. You all can go to sleep if you want” Rex said even though he felt like he could sleep the whole day. “Meh meh, Tora can sleep later. Tora want tell story too” Tora said pretending not to be tired.

Niall smiles at them. “Thank you, and now that you’re staying, don’t hesitate to ask anything you need, anything to compensate that you saved my sister”

“Always, we never abandon a friend” Zeke said proudly.

“You said it Zeke” Rex nodded and then started to tell what happened, from the beginning.

Everyone forgot they were tired and told something about what happened and how they felt like they were in the scary movie house like Nia said.

“Everything’s centred in AC and that hospital was forgotten…” Niall thought out loud interrupting them. “I found out old buildings' history while studying our history for my duties as emperor, so yes I knew it was a mental hospital for the Blades and Drivers” he continued when everyone looked at him.

“Emperorpon know much!” Poppi said excitedly. Niall smiles and nods. “Well, I need to Poppi”

“So, the hospital was forgotten and none knew what was happening there?” Mythra asked.

“Yes, I believe that was what happened, it’s sad but true and part of the Mor Ardain history. There are many ruins in the desert” Niall nods sighing sadly. "For why we didn't build a new hospital in the city, I guess it's because after the war there were so many people who didn't think it is necessary even if the need for it hasn't disappeared anywhere, vice-versa I'd say but as the living place was drawing out, it dropped out from the list"

“But new city better and bigger, no dry dry like titan” Tora jumped excitedly.

Niall smiled tiredly but nod. “Hopefully and maybe we get to rebuild that hospital. I need to ask the senate and make an official survey regarding what people think... Oh I interrupt you, Nia, didn't I?” he realized and blushed a little but none told him that. “Well, I let Pyra continue she and Mythra and Brighid with Rex gave her the last hit” Nia just nods smiling.

“Good thing Rex is the master Driver and that worked, we all together and as she was involved with, those experiments with Mòrag, Mythra thought it might work” Pyra told and looks at her sister. “We three together are strongest Blades by the long shot, so of course, there was a chance” Mythra just remarked. “Yeah, and she said she should have killed Brighid, so she was key to it, her whips wounded her” Rex confirms proudly.

“Too bad the building collapsed, all the soldiers and…” Pandoria sighed and went quiet. “Yes, I heard about Jac… I’ll send someone to deliver the KIA message to his family. That’s a special inquisitor’s task but can’t ask that from her now…” Niall sighs tiredly and sadly but held it together which was amazing for anyone for the least tired 12-year-old. “And of course, I send the group to find the other remains…”

“As Gramps said earlier, it's a good thing, we made it out, the building collapsed as soon as she died…” Rex thought and ate the snacks that are still left.

“Well, she told us she was some kind of engineer and the hospital was intact just because of the device she made” Nia snorted. “True but not forgetting how she was involved in it and said that was the reason no one got out from there” Zeke nods and eats the snacks too.

“Your Majesty, how long the hospital was active? Before it was abandoned” Azurda asked.

“According to the documents still left from that time, it was one of the biggest hospitals in Mor Ardain, it did take care of other patients than mental patients if something happened, so it was active for at least decades. The first papers are before the Aegis war so it must have treated people and Blades from the old Torna too but like I said it has been empty, so long before the screams started, we had no idea what was going on there…” Niall told them tiredly and leans to the couch's back.

“Maybe spirits got restless when fewer and fewer people and Blades got there when the city moved so far away? We didn't get a clear answer, why they attack us and they had so many different powers” Pandoria thought.

“Yeah, and doc just used them, I would be angry too…” Rex said but noticed too how Niall closed his eyes and leans to the Pyra when falling asleep so she put a finger to her lips when Tora was going to say something. “Shh… I was waiting for that” she giggled.

“Maybe we should carry him to his bed to sleep” Nia whispered smiling widely. “Yeah probably, he gets neck pain from that” Zeke snorted quietly. “My prince, I think you should carry him” Pandoria suggested. “Me? Pandy you insane? If he wakes up or the guards see me…“ Zeke said shocked.

“Well, she’s not wrong, you’re strongest of us” Rex grinned remembering how Zeke and Mòrag talked about it and how Zeke said she was manliest and made Mòrag so mad. Mòrag you're scaring me...

“And you carried Mòrag all the way, so little emperor shouldn’t be a problem” Nia teased him looking smug. “She was injured and unconscious” Zeke argued but looked at Mòrag’s brother and how he breathes heavily, so tired little guy. “Fine…” he whispered but was not happy about it.

“I’ll go with you; I can open doors for you” Azurda smiled and flies towards the door.

“Thanks, at least I’m not alone with him if we meet strict guards” Zeke snorted and carefully lifted Niall to his arms but stopped when Niall sighs.

Others smiled when Zeke sighs relief when he didn’t wake up. “Good luck, at least you can say to your old man, you carried Emperor of Mor Ardain to sleep” Pandoria giggled and others snorted too. “Don’t encourage them Pandy” Zeke whispered warning but then watched Niall, just realizing how young and small he is and Mòrag doesn’t know how tired he is...

“You coming, Prince Zeke?” Azurda asked and Zeke jumped from his thoughts and left before anyone could say anything.

“So, is there anything going on between Zeke and Mòrag?” Nia asked after they left, continuing where she left off. Pandoria just shrugged. “I think, I’m going to sleep too”

“Oh, come on Pandoria” Nia whined but smiles a little. “What you say?” she asked others after Pandoria left.

“Maybe, Zeke was so worried all the time” Mythra grins, she noticed it too. “Poppi can verify that, friend Zeke…” Poppi started to speak the vitals which is too personal, so Rex cleared his throat. “Let’s go rest too, it will be afternoon when we wake up anyway”

“I’ll ask Brighid what rooms we can use” Pyra giggled and they left.

Nialls' premises is in the east wing of the palace. “Never been this part of the palace before” Zeke whispered watching gold yellow and red walls and big windows. “Well as the maid told us this section is prohibited from the normal quests as the royal family lives here but we are Mòrags' and his majesties friends” Azurda said, it was the middle of the day so there were many maids and palace staff who saw them before they got in the east wing.

“Yeah, I remember Mòrag saying that Niall doesn’t like her room being at the west wing, as she is a special inquisitor, even though she is part of the family…” Zeke remembered from the party last year when they celebrated them and the new land.

“Oh, she did?” Azurda raises his eyebrows. “Yeh, maybe it was the booze but she was feeling talky and we got the talking about how the new castle going to be a different layout, even though she’s still a special inquisitor she would move here because Niall wants that” Zeke laughed but grimaces when Niall sighs and moves slightly in his arms.

Azurda just nods and sees a guard coming at them. “His Majesty? What is the meaning of this?”

Zeke went blank but Azurda didn’t. “Shh my good sir, can’t you see he’s sleeping? His Majesty fell asleep when we were telling how the hospital case unfolded and now that Lady Mòrag is bedpatient herself, we decided to help him to his bedroom, better sleep there than on the couch” he explained quietly.

Guard thinks for a second but nods. “That’s very kind of you, Your Highness and titan sir. My apologies, I was hasty to judge, of course I know you and how hard that case has been for him and whole Mor Ardain…” he cleared his voice and bowed. “Thanks, man, if you would be kind and tell everyone not to disturb him for a while, he hasn’t slept since his sister went missing,” Zeke said after he noted the guard has Carraig sign on his uniform. “Of course, Your Highness” the guard bowed again and then leaves.

“Good thing we are widely known now, he was ready to interrogate us and then he would wake up for sure” Zeke sighs quietly when the guard was gone. “Definitely and he tries so hard not to look as young as he is still but has already many years experience of being the country’s ruler and a good one at that” Azurda nodded and they got to Niall’s premises. “Yeah and most people like him” Zeke smiles when Azurda opens the door. “Big room” Azurda then said while watching around.

The room felt immediately like it belongs to someone with high power and no doubt, it was the emperor’s room but otherwise, the colouring is the same as in the throne room.

“Yeah well, he’s an emperor. I have almost the same size at home” Zeke grinned. “Right, crown prince” Azurda nods smiling and takes the blanket away so Zeke can put Niall carefully on the bed, and then they can remove his cloak and crown and shoes but others can stay because he sighs and turns sideways on the bed.

Zeke grins and puts the blanket carefully on him and then puts the crown on his bedside table. “Heh yeah, crown prince and just look how young our neighbour country’s emperor is” he whispered when Niall takes the blanket tightly in his sleep.

“Very young but wise and capable leader” Azurda nods and after Zeke leaves Nialls' shoes and cape on the stand they leave quietly. “Oh yeah and Mòrag as his special inquisitor, no wonder Mor Ardain has made peace now with the Uraya, temporarily at least, if you think what kind of thugs there are in the senate” Zeke grinned as they walk away in the hallway.

Azurda flew next to him and nodded but remembers what they were talking about before… “Zeke…” he started and landed on his shoulder, which he can’t do because Rex is younger and not so broad-shouldered as him, at least not yet.

Zeke was surprised and looks at him. “You wanna lift old man?” he then grins. “Who’s the old man?” Azurda said getting offended. “Heh sorry but gotta say, I haven’t gotten titan on my shoulder” Zeke snorted and brushed his hair. “Two rare things on the same trip but you had something to say?”

“Rare opportunity to me too, haven’t been able to do this for a long time but as for what I was saying…” Azurda smirked but crossed his arms.

Zeke lifts his eyebrows curious to hear, what got titan to choose his words so carefully so he goes to watch from the window.

“When we talked about the spirit personating Lady Mòrag, I noticed that spirit was like her but after you pushed her on the wall and she talked to you, she mentioned only you and his majesty, by the name” Azurda started.

“Well, she was part of… Wait, what do you mean by, only me and him?” Zeke said but then quickly looks at him. “One thing we thought she really was Mòrag besides her looks, was she talked to us, asked, how we were there but she didn’t look at us, just you” Azurda continued hinting.

“Yeah… But I dunno why. Spirited world thingies...” Zeke shrugged but frowned what Azurda means, him and Niall? “You know, why did she, just recognize me and talked about her brother?”

Azurda shrugged now and smiles. “I’m just an old titan and have seen many things. Lady Mòrag was herself when we found her, even injured and tired. Shall we go?” he then said raising his paw. “You’re planning to sit there the whole trip?” Zeke grins changing the subject. “This is a rare opportunity to me too, Your Highness” Azurda smirked.

“Hah yeah, you were a little bigger what over 500 years ago, when Addam was around, not this pocked size?” Zeke snorted.

“Definitely not and it was a good thing, I got to help our hero” Azurda said proudly. “But resuming to our subject. I want to ask your opinion of, lady Mòrag, now that we are alone” he then whispered. “Ask me… Gramps, she’s my friend, very important, like you and others too, right?“ Zeke got confused with the words and Azurda smiled knowingly. “Prince Zeke, I woke up first after the hospital collapsed and saw how you panicked when she was unconscious, there’s nothing to be shame of…”

“I didn’t panic!” Zeke interrupted but when Azurda just tilted his head so he sighs. “Maybe a little, I thought she died when we hit the ground”

“I understand my boy but you realize now what I mean? We’re both adults and alone here you can tell me” Azurda whispers smiling. “Others have been thinking about it too you know, it’s been a year”

Zeke frowned and looked away but knew that when they found Mòrag’s hat, his heart skipped a beat, that was the first time he really was afraid he’d lose her. Shh… I don’t let her touch you anymore. He said that and he really meant it, no way in hell that crazy lady could hurt Mòrag again.

Azurda smiles when Zeken went silent. Sometimes silence is the better answer…

Chapter Text

In the afternoon after everyone has rested, Brighid asks Zeke to watch over Mòrag, when she takes care of her work-related things.

Zeke did take a nap like the others but the conversation with Azurda still lingers in his mind.

They haven’t seen Niall yet but others were sure he didn’t sleep longer than them. They agreed that it would have been awesome to see him wake up from his nap, in his own room.

“You should have seen the look on the guards and maids' faces when I carried His Majesty” Zeke said quietly, knowing Mòrag doesn’t hear and shouldn’t wake up until tomorrow. “We had to explain ourselves many times to the guards, maids, everyone who saw us, as what heck are we doing” he continued and thought if Mòrag would be awake, could she see the comedy in this, she sometimes takes her job too seriously.

“Oh, it was you?” the voice interrupted him and freaked out and he jumped up and knocked over the chair loudly but the good thing, Mòrag sleeps heavily still. “Your Majesty?! I… We…”

“Sit down Prince Zeke” Niall just snorted and came to sit at his sister’s bedside and took her hand on his. “You... That, it wasn’t my idea…” Zeke tries to defend himself and lift the chair back up.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m grateful you did it. I can now admit, I didn’t sleep much after the case began and even less when Mòrag was away or you guys were away, so I’m actually glad I fell asleep in your company, not in some meeting” Niall shook his head and grins, he was so unofficial it took Zeke by surprise but then smiled widely. “Then you’re welcome. It was comical, a neighbour country’s Prince carrying the Emperor to his bed”

“I bet; you must have interesting looks. I did when Aegaeon came to wake me up. Many guards asked, am I feeling better, I don’t sleep during the day so they must’ve been worried” Niall nods clearing his throat, and looks down.

“Heh, don’t worry, no one can blame you. We were pretty beat up too, it was an unusual case” Zeke comforted him.

“Yes, it was… I sent the group to investigate the ruins and hopefully, we find our deceased comrades. I received the first report just a moment ago telling me there are a lot of bodies but also, remains of skeletons. We must investigate who they were and maybe their families can finally have peace then…” Niall told him thoughtfully and looks at his sister, who was sleeping calmly, but just hours ago was so bloody and in incredible pain.

Wow, that was fast… Zeke thought, it hasn’t been even a day and he already arranged that. He really cares about his people. ”Yeah hopefully…”

But then they see how Mòrag's breathing raises and she furrowed her eyebrows. “Morag, you shouldn’t wake up today,” Zeke said surprised.

Niall started to worry when Mòrag grimaces and breathed heavily. “I’m going to get the doctor,” he said and left.

Zeke sits up on her bed and shakes his head. “You’re stubborn one when even meds can’t keep you in place” he grins and puts his hands on Mòrag’s shoulders stopping her from getting up, even though she couldn't open her eyes. “Zek...?” she moans and puts her head back on the pillow.

“Yeah, it’s me, just take it easy, you’re under heavy sleep meds and shouldn’t have woken up yet, so I can’t let you go” Zeke told her, smiling a little but it vanished slowly. You look so different than usual in your uniform and confident… He thought, even though, he still has those changes of clothes. You should keep your hair free more... he thought and look at the bandage around her head still, even though Nia healed the wound, she wanted her to keep it for the night.

“Wha… Slee.. meh?” Mòrag's tried to talk, but became tongue-tied due to the meds and waking up early, resulting in her getting frustrated, Zeke found it a little amusing, not that he would admit that to her or face her anger. “Aha, your brother wanted you to rest, so they gave you sleeping medication but looks like it wasn’t enough but, you do remember what happened, right?” Zeke told her but was afraid to ask while she was in this state. It's best I don't tell her yet why was she really was under anaesthetic… he thought.

Mòrag just nods and frowns her eyebrows and swallows hard. “I thought so…How are you otherwise? Last time I asked you said everything hurts like hell” Zeke whispered carefully. “Fin…Fine…” Mòrag answered but focused on her heavy breathing. “That’s good, His Majesty is getting a doc to check you... We thought you would wake up tomorrow” Zeke sighs and brushes her hair from her face but gets quickly up when the door opens.

“Did something happen while I was away?” Niall asked as the doctor begin to examine Mòrag.

“I kept her on the bed because she thought she could leave, and she told me she’s fine but meds are affecting her speech” Zeke told, giving a small smile.

“Of course, should’ve known, so typical…” Niall sighed, shaking his head as they watched the doctor work, taking blood pressure and pulse.

“Lady Mòrag, can you open your eyes? Do you see this light?” he then asked showing light to her closed eyes on closed eyes but was glad Mòrag frowned at the light even though she didn’t open her eyes. “Good, don’t worry you’re still under the sleeping medication so you might feel a little drowsy and dizzy. Now, I ask you to squeeze my hand” he told kindly to the patient.

Mòrag still tries to open her eyes but squeezes his hand, weakly. “Yes, everything is normal, considering the circumstances” the doctor said smiling. “You woke too early but now that you’re awake the medication will leave your system faster, so just take it easy, don’t push it.”

“But why did she wake up too early?” Niall queried. He didn't like to see Mòrag so helpless when she should’ve slept and rested until tomorrow, not to fight back the medication.

“There are many reasons to it, Your Majesty, she might have reacted to voices around her, like if you were talking here. Voices from close ones usually help with the patients but also can trigger them to wake up from medication sleep, coma or just normal sleep” the doctor explained.

Zeke lifted his eyebrows and again remembers what Azurda said, how Niall and he were the only ones the spirit spoke of and now they woke up Mòrag from medical sleep. Close ones...

“You should have warned us of this possibility” Niall lamented. “My apologies Your Majesty, but I can assure you this leaves no harm on your sister. She may be a little drowsy and confused for a while. As His Highness mentioned, her speech is still being affected by the anaesthetic, but it will clear up, eventually leaving her system before she fully wakes up.” the doctor said politely, feeling Mòrag's forehead for her temperature, and nods. “But otherwise, she appears to feel well. I’ll come to check her up after a few hours”

“Very well… Thank you doctor” Niall nods. “Your Majesty. Prince Zeke.” the doctor bows to them before leaving.

Mòrag sighs and managed to get her eyes halfway open, seeing a blurry vision of her brother. “Niall…” she whispers but Niall shakes his head. “Even though you woke up, after that kind of experience you can’t be ready to leave. It's a good thing Zeke was here" Niall upbraided her but then hugged her. “Don’t you scare me like this again” He whispered quietly. “I was freaking worried when you didn’t return for almost three days!!” he then raised his voice but hugged tightly.

Mòrag sighs and leans her head to his not having the strength to move her hands yet. Zeke just smiles seeing them like this. Heh, you’re as foul language as your sister when you’re yourself and not the emperor…

“I’m…” Mòrag sighs but Niall shakes his head. “Next time you listen to me or I… I’ll fire you, Special Inquisitor” he said half seriously with tears in his eyes.

“I think he’s serious Mòrag” Zeke said grinning and maybe breaking the moment but was surprised when Niall smiled. “Yeah, I can’t bear to lose you, my sister. I can get a new Special Inquisitor but not you" he then said, wiping the tears from his cheeks as he looked at Mòrag. Mòrag managed to fully open her eyes and looked at Zeke. Her vision was still blurry, but she recognized him as well. “I know you and you can’t bear to lose your position either” Niall almost smiled but helped when Mòrag wanted to sit. “Maybe it would still be better for you to lay down sis”

Mòrag trembles from feeling weak but looks at Niall; he hasn’t called her that in years, so she smiles. “True but we’re here for you” Zeke grins and helps her to lean into the back of her bed and supports her little. “You… You wor… too, muh...mu…” Mòrag started to speak, but she began to laugh, surprising both men.

“Sis, I have never seen under this heavy medication, so this is interesting” Niall laughs too and Zeke tries not to laugh. “Well... isn’t it... hilari…” Mòrag tried to talk more but just smiled and blushed, how stupid she sounds when she can’t talk properly.

“Hilarious? Maybe a little but we know why you can’t speak” Zeke smirks and supports when Mòrag almost fell over. Mòrag looks at him smiling and then nods.

“Your Majesty, I’m so sorry for the interruption but the meeting with the nation’s leaders is starting” Aegaeon came to the door and bowed to them apologizing. “What?!” Niall shouted shocking and looked at Zeke who noticed the nations, leaders. “Why didn’t you move it?” he continued. Aegaeon does that to many meetings if Niall is busy.

“I’m sorry Your Majesty, but I don’t have authority for that, the Senate is coming this too as every nation…” the Water Blade began to explain. “Oh yes… I know, I just forgot it in the middle of all this. Darn it…” Niall sighs and curses but looks at his sister who gladly didn’t get what Aegaeon told them, she’s massaging her eyes and her pupils are twice big as normal, because of the medication. I need to get Brighid on the meeting, she can’t do it for a while…

“Aegaeon find Brighid, she’s taking Mòrag's role today and for the…” he ordered but looks at Zeke who nods already. “Also get Pandoria to be in Zeke's place and ask if Rex is willing to represent Leftheria.” he continues and nods to Zeke. “Yes, Your Majesty. Queen Raqura arrived as well a few minutes ago” Aegaeon added and bowed.

“I’m so sorry, Zeke. I should have told you when you arrive but things happened and…” Niall said, he didn’t plan on taking many hours of nap and forgetting the meeting of the year, where they’re going to talk about Elysium’s borders for every country.

“Nah it’s fine, I take it my old man is here?” Zeke just said smiling. “Yes, His Highness King Eulogimenos arrived a moment ago and was actually asking for his son's condition” Aegaeon told them. “Nice, he apparently heard what happened, I told him we’re coming here by the request from the Emperor. I’m sure Pandy will tell him the rest or me later but for now, tell him that I’m all right” Zeke smirks and looks at Mòrag who closes her eyes frowning, she feels lightheaded.

“Tell me if something happens” Niall whispers and gets up. “Of course, I’ll be fine, no matter what weird things she says” Zeke laughs but Mòrag opens her eyes glaring at him. “Especially about that, I would like to be here for this” Niall laughs but tried to keep his cool but smiles at Mòrag before leaving with Aegaeon.

“You ta-talked… way too ffast… is some…” Mòrag tried to ask, but she became annoyed because even her hearing is not normal. “Don’t worry about it but damn I should get a pic of your eyes now” Zeke couldn’t but laugh when watching Mòrag's brown eyes, how her iris is really thin now.

“Haha… At lleas… I’m hele...herle. You couldn’t… take it so, lonng…” Mòrag took a deep breath while talking but grins proudly and leans closer. Zeke comes closer and supports her from the arm too so she won’t trip over. “Hah, I would have been fine but I’m a Blade Eater, and she wanted human Drivers” Zeke grins while defending himself. I really should have taken a camera and you’re teasing me…?

“Tsk… Maybe... so” Mòrag coughed and her voice is a little clearer but then she almost fell and Zeke get a better grasp and help her lean to bed backside again.

”Zeke… I…I lemember ssomethhing, weirrd… but I don’t remember, being in this… Does that make any shense?” Mòrag then sighs keeping her head grimacing. “Oh, go on?” Zeke surprised. “We talk about stealing a soul so anything’s possible. Mythra said that you should tell us anything"

“I leaned towards your, chest and I felt, incledible pain before nothing, just blank” Mòrag mumbles half awake, and leans to Zeke’s shoulder. Do you remember what spirit felt when we thought it was you?! Zeke was surprised and remember how terrified he was when a flaming sword killed her from his arms. “Did it… happen, rreally?” Mòrag sighs deeply.

“Yeah but not for you, exactly so it’s incredible you know that… but good thing we found you before anything bad happened” Zeke just whispered. Maybe Brighid was right and we would have lost her to the spirit if she would gain better form but I think this proves her soul is, okay? She remembers that so her memories must've returned...

“Yeahh… thankss, didn’t say that did I?” Mòrag moans and then kissed him on the cheek. Zeke looks at her shockingly so she realizes too. “I…” She started watching Zeke eyes wide.

“Who would have thought that you’re doing that, even just for the cheek” Zeke then teases her, even if his thoughts about her are getting stronger. “Savour it, I’m getting…sho tired but you know, I really…” Mòrag said but as she watches his eye and eyepatch Zeke puts his finger on her lips. “Yeah, let’s talk about it more when you’re, you” he just whispers and notices that her pupils are, a little smaller. “I’m just so glad, I didn’t lose you after all this time… Umm… your hat was pretty beat up when we found it” Zeke told her but realized what he said, he didn’t lose her, he intended to say we… so he tries to change the subject.

“I beth… We fought, so mush…” Mòrag sighs and leans against his forehead. “Maybe you should really sleep a little more, I’m sure meds are gone by then too” Zeke whispered and bites his lip but Mòrag shakes her head, she was too tired. “I’m ffine…” She mumbles and rests her head on his shoulder and not long, Zeke noticed she has fallen asleep. “Yeah sure…” he grins and brushes her hair while thinking, was Mòrag going confess something? Or was it just confusion from the medication, and does she remember any of this when she wakes up…?

As Mòrag is asleep Nia and others come to visit while Rex, Pyra, Mythra, and Pandoria are at the meeting. “We heard she, was awake?” Nia asked when Zeke came open the door and she sees

Mòrag is sleeping. “Yeah, even though shouldn’t be but she’s otherwise fine”

“Friend; strong to wake up from medmed” Tora whispers surprised. “Heh yeah, well we know she’s a stubborn one” Zeke grins and looks at her sleeping. Nia noticed he said that, so lovingly. “Aha...”

Zeke quickly looks at her. “What?”

“Nothing, just noticing things, right Gramps?” Nia just smirks and Azurda who’s flying next to her. “Hey, have you talked with them Azurda?!” Zeke felt betrayed. “No, my boy she’s as observant as am I” Azurda said politely. “Poppi don’t understand what friends mean?” Poppi asked but looked at Zeke closely. “Does friends mean…”

“Okay fine yeah, you’re right but she’s bed patient, not going to press this on her now, you know…” Zeke interrupted, he didn’t need biology from Poppi how his ether levels are rising or how he’s happy something way too personal.

“Blushy Zek…” Tora said but Poppi was wiser when putting her hand on his mouth. “Your secret is safe with us master Zeke” Dromarch said.

“Does Pandoria know?” Nia whispered the last time they spoke she left before telling anything. “Yeah she knows… I’ll go to the toilet now, come to tell me when the meeting is over okay?” Zeke admit but then felt warmer and was sure he was going to blush.

“We will Shellhead” Nia smirked and they left but Azurda lifted his eyebrows while crossing his arms flying. “She woke up because I and Niall were talking next to her bed, you happy?” Zeke sighs. “Knew it, my boy, there you have your answer” Azurda smirked and bowed before leaving.

Zeke sighs deeply while closing the door and watches Mòrag sleeping but then goes to the bathroom. It depends on how she feels…

Hours later when Zeke’s just gone into the toilet, Mòrag wakes up yawning and sees that she’s in her own room. How long I’ve been sleeping, when was that hospital case… She sighs and frowns her eyebrows and gets up sitting carefully. Clearly, Nia has healed me… she thought when she only has little scratches.

“Careful, you might trip from getting up. Looks like the med’s effects are gone now” Zeke sees her and grins. “Zeke, you’re here? And what medication?” Mòrag asked confused.

“Your brother wanted you to rest but you woke up drowsy and confused due to the medication. ” Zeke explained and sat next her to. “You don’t remember that?”

Mòrag shakes her head eyes wide open so Zeke gives her a water glass from the table. “Thank you” she just said. “Did I get wounded so badly?” she asked after drinking.

“Pretty much, Nia healed you and Mythra confirmed you’re, alright… You, still remember what happened still?” Zeke told her more carefully when she was now free from meds. “Yes… I can’t believe it…” Mòrag sighs and looks at the water glass.

“So, Niall insisted that you’re on bed rest for a while and that was the only way” Zeke continued before she falls deep into those memories.

“He said that?” Mòrag snorted but smiled. “Yeah” Zeke grins and looks at Mòrag's brown eyes and thinks, how she was like just a while ago.

Mòrag raised her eyebrows in suspicion and cleared her throat. “Zeke did I, say or do something…” she then asked drinking the rest of the water and putting the glass beside her.

“Nah, I knew you were under meds” Zeke smirks but comes a little closer. “As you were sleeping your doctor came by and examined you. Everything’s normal and he was glad that you were sleeping and this, Nia left it because your head got a big hit as we saw from your hat and said, I can remove it now that you’re awake but say if it hurts still too much” Zeke told her smiling when Mòrag was suspicious him being so close and then started to remove bandage around her head.

“Thank you… How are you and the others? I remember that you had wounds too” Mòrag said closing her eyes.

“Never better, we got bruises and bandages for little wounds but nothing major…” Zeke told but jumped when Mòrag touch her chest. “Why you’re wearing Ardainian royal garments?” she asked and Zeke realized she touched the seal on his polo shirt. “Royal? They just gave me these when my clothes were… bloody” he grins but remembers how bloody Mòrag was and how it felt trying to clean, her blood out. I couldn't believe how it was everywhere, on my face too...

“Oh… Good, they helped you… It was because of me, wasn’t it?” Mòrag bemoaned.

“Yeah, but never mind that they said they got it clean and it's drying now, important thing was I got to carry you here, alive... Royal garments you said, eh?” Zeke sighs but then clears his throat and continues removing the bandage.

“Yes, thank you for that… And those clothes are worn only for those who belong to the royal family of Mor Ardain, that includes men from the marriages…” Mòrag told him remembering how the last time she saw his uncle and dad wearing them before he became Niall’s representative and wore emperor garments. Why did I mention marriage too…

“Really? That’s a high glass, no wonder these are nice to wear” Zeke was surprised but laughed, he could have teased her with the marriage thing but it was too terrifying to himself when he should tell her, something related…

“Good they found something” Mòrag just smiled and opens her eyes when Zeke goes a little further. “Nia said you had wounds everywhere and a few broken ribs so be careful, even though she’s the best healer I know” Zeke told her and touches the little scar on her forehead which should disappear according to Nia but she grimaces. “Yeah, it’s still little touch-sensitive” Mòrag sighs and touches it too.

“Yeah, looks like it but how’s everything else?” Zeke nods and puts the bandage away on the bed. “Pretty good… What a case, I thought there would be a bandit group, since the hospital made an excellent hiding place, maybe torturing people but nothing like this... We should have taken more Driver soldiers not regular soldiers...” Mòrag says and shook her head.

"Yeah you wouldn't have to fight so much with them but no one can prepare for that, it was straight from the horror movie. The plot of a crazy doctor experimenting with Blades and Drivers, stealing the strongest Driver’s soul and people who tried to get out, got burned” Zeke said noticing she was regretting it but then grins and told her theatrically about the movie they were in, kind of.

”You really made it sound like a movie but I remember everything and lived through it” Mòrag said and smiled unbelievably but then she realizes what Zeke said, strongest Driver, there was another Driver beside her.

“What?” Zeke asked.

Mòrag swallowed hard and looked down. “My soldiers died, everyone by my hand, they attacked me but Jac as a fellow Driver tried to help me. I… I saw him die in front of me before I lost my consciousness” Mòrag whispered and tears falls to her bed. “I’m sorry” Zeke whispered putting his hand on her shoulder.

Mòrag nods and tries to breathe calmly and not cry but Zeke lifts her chin. “Let it out, you lost a close soldier, you can cry and besides we are alone, I won’t tell anyone” He whispers. Mòrag frowns her eyebrows but nods and doesn’t fight back when Zeke slowly comes closer and hugs her and then she let herself cry and hugs him back, tightly.

Zeke noticed that but don’t want to break the moment by brushing her back or anything, it was enough to be there for her.

After a while, Mòrag sighs and lets him go so Zeke gives her a napkin from the table. “Thank you… Zeke...” she whimpered and shook her head.

“His Majesty has arranged a search party for finding him and others” Zeke just nods and remembers how Niall said Mòrag can’t deliver the KIA message to his family when she’s injured herself. I wonder if you would have liked to tell them or not...

“Good… but why, are you alone here? Where are the others?” Mòrag nods and sniffles, looking at Zeke; her eyes were red from crying.

Zeke brushes his head. Should have known she ask for that, she knows everyone should be here asking if is she, okay but she’ll know if I lie, they didn't come because she was sleeping and knew we should talk…

“Zeke, what are you not telling me? Are they alright?” Mòrag presses him for information. “Rex, the Aegises, and Pandoria are in countries meeting with your brother and I stayed to take care of you because Brighid is there too. You just woke up and couldn’t go” Zeke said.

“Oh, it was today… Makes sense… But be honest with me Zeke, did I say something weird, or did I do something, I’ve had this feeling the whole time you’re keeping something from me” Mòrag said surprised but sighed deeply. 

Zeke takes a deep breath inside his mind. Here we go…

“Well, if you really wanna know” he started with his smile turning a bit cheeky. Mòrag watches him, eyes wide open waiting for what he'll say. “Nice that your eyes are normal, they were so big…”

“Zeke!” Mòrag shouted impatiently.

“Not a big thing but gave me a kiss on the cheek while thanking me for our daring rescue” Zeke whispered close to her. “What? I…” Mòrag gasped but remembers it correctly but before she could say more, Zeke kisses her on the cheek. “And you said, we’ll talk later…” she whispered watching Zeke’s grey eye and his stupid grin.

“Didn’t expect you to remember that too. Maybe this is not the right time to talk, fully but I would like to know if I’m alone with my feelings” Zeke smirked, waiting for what Mòrag has to say.

With your feelings… That’s why you’re here alone, not because doctors don't let too many visitors or anything like that… Mòrag thought realizing what he asks. Brighid and Niall have told me many times to follow my heart and now we’re at peace but I’m going to be busier with the Elysium, the new palace, and everything, can I…

“Zeke…” she sighs but looks down seeing him take her hand in his. Zeke looks at her waiting, anxious that she will say no, he rejected many girls from Tantal, Indol even gormotti but waiting for Mòrag’s answer, his friend, scares, him a lot.

“You… You’re speaking of the matter... I… Which isn’t that, simple” Mòrag finally talked, her voice shaking. ”I can’t, I don’t have time… So please…” she quickly shook her head.

Zeke saw tears in her eyes. She doesn’t mean it, she’s afraid… He thought, so before she could say more, he kisses her. Mòrag was surprised but stubbornly returns the kiss. Zeke…

On the walkway of her room, Niall and Brighid are coming to see her while the meeting is on a break but when he opens the door, he sees Zeke putting his hands on her sister’s cheeks turning the kissing more passionate.

Brighid smiles when Mòrag hasn’t noticed them, even though she’s always aware of someone coming into her room, so she closes the door slowly.

“Mòrag and Zeke?” Niall whispers when they leave. “Yes, Your Majesty, I can be sure she feels the same way” Brighid nods.

“Good, he’s going to pay if not, didn’t know this when I left him with her, she’s still injured,” Niall says mad and worried. “She’ll heal more than one way now, Your Majesty, but I know if Prince Zeke makes her unhappy” Brighid whispered hand on her chest.

“I know, this is a good thing, she needed this so I’ll trust him, for now” Niall nods and opens the meeting room door. “How’s Mòrag?” Rex asked. “She’s awake and alright, I’ll speak with her later” Niall told them but

Pyra glanced at her sister who smiles. Did they got busted finally? She thought and watches  Pandoria who was looking at Niall smile too. "Pandoria, my son is with Lady Mòrag?" Eulogimenos asked and she jumps. Careful now Pandoria. Mythra thought smirking.

"Yeah, she just woke up from med sleep and with all the injures she got, she couldn't possibly join this meeting, so His Majesty asked my prince to take care of her and I'm sure he was right to do so" Pandoria said quickly but her lamp is flickering, like when she's nervous.

"Very well Pandoria, I agree my son has a more important duty. I heard she got wounded badly and many Ardainian soldiers died but I still want to hear the full story, you tell him that after meeting Pandoria" Eulogimenos nodded but cleared his throat. "Yeah, Your Highness" Pandoria nodded and noticed Mythra and Pyra looking at her while Rex is talking with Niall so she just nods smiling.

She knows and looks like she doesn't mind it, she has come a long way and now lets her Driver follow his heart. Pyra thought smiling before the meeting resumed and Rex looked at her asking, did he miss something, still so clueless.

Mòrag breaks the kiss gasping for air and looks at Zeke. “Zeke I…”

“Shh… I’m not going anywhere; I want to try but can’t do it by myself, can I?” Zeke interrupted her brushing her cheek and his voice was more afraid than she has ever heard.

“You’re a crown prince, I don’t want scandals between our nations because of my work and especially don’t want to hurt you, Zeke. Countries are going to move to Elysium and we're going to be busy and...” Mòrag sighs deeply, but Zeke got his answer about how Mòrag feels and he was not going back down now.

“You don’t, I’m there for you and I know you’re there for me, like on the battlefield” Zeke smiles. "We have been sending letters for over a year now, so why not take it a little further"

“My work is my life with Niall, has been over 10 years…” Mòrag said. She was a little worried but had to admit to herself how she was relieved that Zeke feels the same way.

“We’ll be fine but as for a starter, would you like to come with me to the upcoming Halloween party?” Zeke grins widely taking her hands and kisses. Mòrag raised her brows to that but laughed. “As long you’re not going in those, I think it would be too much too soon” she sighs, touching the seal and collar on Zeke's chest.

Zeke burst out laughing and kisses Mòrag. “Maybe not, it’s way too soon but good to hear you saying it” he grins widely. Mòrag shakes her head but smiles. I almost pushed you away because of my fears about this but you didn’t give up and choose the easier way. Instead, you showed me, I'm not alone... She thought watching Zeke's smile, still unbelieving she admitted her feelings.

"So what are you wearing for the party?" Zeke abruptly asked, with a big grin on his face. "Zeke! I... You can't just ask it, just like that" Mòrag shouted as her face turned red.

"Hah I didn't mean it like that but it is a costume party, if I'm not wearing this, I think I'm going to be a pirate" Zeke laughed and grinned correcting his eyepatch.

Mòrag cleared her throat. Of course, he meant that. She thought. "Should have known, you just need pirate clothes to fit with your eyepatch. For me, I have no idea, I don't usually go to that kind of party, if not for my duty"

Zeke looked at her thinking and stood up. "Maybe..." he started but lucky for him someone knocked on the door so he realized, they just admitted to starting a dating or actually starting a relationship from their friendship, so maybe it was not a good idea to get her mad from the start but as Zeke went open the door, Mòrag was little curious what he would have said?

"Finally you're awake, did we interrupt something?" Nia asked, grinning after Zeke opened the door and she looked inside.

"Poppi was so worried too but happy friend Mòrag is awake" Poppi said before Zeke managed to say anything. "Other friends are at the meeting with the biggiepons" Tora said watching from the corner of the door. "So may we come in?" Azurda just asked and Dromarch bowed.

Zeke looks at Mòrag, who stared at him frowning but then nods. "Yeah come on in, we were just talking about the upcoming Halloween party" Zeke then said and went back to sit on the chair next to her bed.

"Oh? You're coming too Mòrag? You're feeling okay?" Nia smirked when last closing the door behind them. "Umm... I think so but I think I'm still on duty, the party is supposed to be here at the palace, the last party before we move into Elysium and new Alba Cavanich" Mòrag just answered, glancing at Zeke, who was keeping a blank face. The others noticed as well.

"Now that it’s just us, did you two talk?" Nia asked quietly, with a mischievous smile on her face.

Zeke just raised his brows, not knowing what she meant by, as Mòrag massaged her eyes tiredly they remembered, this all happened today. It was just evening and she was captive for two days.

"Mòrag?" Zeke asked and revealed the answer by sitting next to her on the bed. "I'm fine. I’m feeling a little lightheaded that’s all…" Mòrag admitted, she's a bed patient after all and has talked since she woke up and admitted her feelings to Zeke.

"Sorry I was too hasty, you should really rest. You want something to eat?" Zeke asked now worryingly but openly put his hand on her forehead afraid her condition takes a step back because of him and his darn luck.

"Oh oh, friend has not eaten for two days!! Must be hungry!" Poppi jumped beside them panicky. "Yeah, sorry. We kinda forgot that. You must be famished. Or did you not get over your sleep meds yet?" Nia realized.

"I am pretty much and thank you for the healing Nia and all of you, for your concerns, and Zeke, maybe I could have something small. I'll go to the bathroom in meantime" Mòrag said smiling a little, and shakily stood up so Zeke jumped too. "You sure about that? Two days starving and not moving..." he asked putting his hands on her shoulders looking worried.

"I can manage that Zeke, Nia healed me so..." Mòrag sighs but Nia cleared her throat. "Well yeah but I can't heal if you're starving, that makes you weak on a different level, so maybe we should wait here, we still let you go in the loo alone, how's that?" She then said when Mòrag was pale. "Very well..." Mòrag agreed after sighing deeply and looks at Zeke who nods and let go carefully and they watch her going slowly to the bathroom, her room is not as big as Niall has.

"So you did talk?" Azurda whispered when they were alone.

Zeke turns to watch the old titan who sits on the bed. "Yeah... We're taking it slow" he answered quietly and watches towards the bathroom.

"Good I was afraid she was going to refuse because of her own demons" they all looked at the door where Brighid came and closed it.

"The meetings already over?" Zeke was startled by her. "No, I just came to get some files. Lady Mòrag has them in her desk drawer, but it's good to hear that. How is she otherwise?" Brighid told them while going for Mòrag’s desk. "You don't know, as her Blade?" Nia asked. "Our connection is not healed completely yet, so no," Brighid admitted and took the brown file from the drawer but heard footsteps and the door open.

"Oh Brighid, haven't seen you since..." Mòrag said surprised, and immediately remembered when they fought with Jac. Lady Mòrag!! she shouted and that was the last thing she heard.

"How are you feeling now? I'm sorry I haven't been by your side" Brighid came to her and took her hands, as Mòrag forgot to breathe and alerted others. "I'm fine and thank you for taking care of things my absent" Mòrag shook her head and then saw that Brighid’s eyes were wide open, a sign she was worried about her. "Always Lady Mòrag. I need to go back to the meeting but I heard I needn't worry about leaving you with our friends' care?" Brighid nodded and smiled proudly.

Mòrag blushed and shook her head. "No you don't" she said quietly and sighs looking at Zeke then. "I'm proud of you Lady Mòrag" Brighid whispered then before leaving and nods to the others.

"Okay, now you have to tell us" Nia smirked, while Mòrag massaged her eyes.

"After I get something to eat, you were right" she said and started to shake a little. "We'll go, I'm sure the palace kitchen knows what to eat after just waking up a few hours ago and after such ordeal" Azurda said and get up on his wings when Nia escorted Mòrag back to the bed. "Yeah I’ll keep my post like I've been since afternoon" Zeke grins, covering his worry of seeing how pale Mòrag became.

"Friend Mòrag needs to rest so can go to the costume party! Poppi can not wait to see friends in costumes" Poppi said, still a little worried but with excitement in her voice. Mòrag smiled and nodded.

The others left the room, leaving Mòrag alone with Zeke. He helps her back onto the bed.

"Sorry. I forgot you're a patient. I shouldn't have asked you, or rather reveal..." he said quietly. To his surprise, Mòrag gave him a peck on the cheek. "No it's fine, I was feeling better when I woke up but I guess it was the aftermath of the medication and then adrenaline hid the rest."

Zeke smirked and gave a kiss to her, as he brushes her hair. "Then I'm glad with how everything turned out"

"But just don’t go overboard Zeke, I still don't want to make this public, not at least yet so, at the Halloween party..." Mòrag said strictly. "No kisses or holding hands. Something like that, right?" Zeke brushed Mòrag’s cheek as she spoke.

Mòrag nodded and gave him a smile. She then leans against his shoulder and sighed. "Hey, take a nap while they get you something, okay?" Zeke whispered and pulled her carefully to his chest.

Mòrag stared at him, then she nodded closing her eyes. "But I don't get used to favours like this, Zeke" she mumbled before falling asleep.

Zeke smiled and brushed her arm. Yeah I know, we all know you're not a damsel in distress but a wounded soldier...

Chapter Text

Two weeks have passed since the hospital case and Mòrag has been a half-timer for work the last few days after her week break. Niall wanted her to work less because the palace medical team told him she lost weight in her two days of captivity without food and very little water, so she still needs to have time to recover.

Mòrag's friends left after spending a few days at the palace but came back for the party tonight, all dressed in costumes. Some of them had their own suggestion for what Mòrag should wear, as she was late in deciding her own outfit due to being stuck in bed.

"Lady Mòrag, our friends are here" Brighid came to her army base where Mòrag has her own office. "Already?" Mòrag sighed and look at the paper in her hand at her desk.

"Well, it is over 1800 the party is starting at 2000" Brighid told and came from the doorstep in front of her desk. "I know... Did, Padraig, take care of the security and protection of the guests coming? I believe I heard Her Highness, the Queen of Uraya is coming too and we don't need more complications with the Urayans" Mòrag asked but stopped for a moment before signing the paper before putting it back into the file. "Yes he did and told me to tell not to worry about it, they have it under control" Brighid nodded and could feel the sadness in her driver.

It has been two weeks since Jac died but you could say he was Mòrag's right-hand man and now that he's no more it's difficult to get used to it and a few days ago Captain Padraig came from Torigoth to fill that rank, not as high Jac was but he's second of command after Mòrag but after the incident in Torigoth with Torna and Dughall he is under the surveillance of the Carraig, at least for a while.

"By the way, did our friends arrive at the guest lounge?" Mòrag asked, getting up from her chair and taking her hat. She got just yesterday a new hat and armour after the palace tailor, made her new uniform when they couldn't save the old one. "Yes and they had something rather exciting to show you, so I showed the girls to your quarters and warned them not to stick their noses anywhere they shouldn't be. Rex, Tora, and Zeke are with Dromarch and Azurda in their guestrooms, I believe" Brighid lowered her voice when they left her office and soldiers greeted them when passing at the yard.

The current army base is located in the same yard as the palace, so it's easy for her to move between them when needed. The layout in the new palace yard plan is going to be a little different when they have more room but it’s been planned to be close by still.

"Prince Zeke had his costume already on, you want to know what he choose?" Brighid whispered ordering the elevator for them. Mòrag glanced at her. "Pirate? He told me the same day" she whispered lowering her visor.

Zeke and her continued posting letters when he had to head back to Tantal, after spending days at the Mor Ardain, making sure Mòrag recovered but then his father became suspicious. They haven't told anyone about their exchanges yet, except Niall and their friends. While this was happening, both countries continued planning and building in Elysium. Yes, even the isolated country of Tantal, will come out in Elysium just as Mòrag sad it would, but she is not going to back down now and she actually admits she misses Zeke.

"Right, should have known. Have you decided?" Brighid nodded and a little smile came to her lips when she felt how her Driver felt, now that she has other things on her mind besides work. "Yes, I believe so, if the girls don't have other ideas..." Mòrag sighs deeply but a promise is a promise, she said Zeke that she will go with him to the costume party and will dress for the occasion.

"This is ridiculous, a witch? Or are you implying something else?" Mòrag complained after she reported to Niall her daily report and told him she was going to dress up for the evening but didn't expect this. She wore a black short dress, stockings, a black big witch hat, and exceptionally high heels, more than she usually wears, so Brighid kept a close eye to make sure she didn’t fall.

"Oh, come, Mòrag. You're a modern witch. I think that looks good on you" Nia smirked. She's wearing a full devil outfit, composed of a skin-tight red costume with a tail, wings on her back and a red pitchfork. She thought it would be funny to be a healer by day and a devil at night. She was currently in her Blade form, wearing a headband sporting devil horns.

"I would have preferred wearing the vampire outfit I planned. I can't even move in these!" Mòrag exclaimed, taking Brighid’s support as she tried to stand. Brighid wasn’t spared from the ideas girls had, as she was wearing a cute panda-eared headband. She only agreed to wear them, just to get them off her back.

"Aww, Mòrag I think you look pretty. There's still time so I believe you can learn to walk in them" Pyra giggles. She's wearing a knee-high white dress which has buttons like a chef's jacket, a belt on her waist to make it tighter, a little dirty chef’s hat, and flat shoes.

"Easy for you to say Pyra" Mòrag grumbled, looking at her outfit. She almost trips, but Brighid catches her shoulders. "Poppi doubts friend Pyra." Poppi laughed. She's wearing a short, black dot dress and bunny ears. Tora did suggest her maid outfit, but her QT mode already uses that.

"Maybe I really should go with Captain Padraig and take care of security" Mòrag sighs deeply. She almost jumped when Mythra came into view. "And betray your new boyfriend's promise to him? It has been two weeks since you recovered from having your soul stolen. Didn't His Majesty say after this party you're allowed to go full-time again?" She shouted and put her arms on her waist. She has a black cat outfit which is pretty revealing from the neckline and a cat ear hairband, which Nia found funny.

"Umm... He did say yes and I'm not going betray Zeke" Mòrag cleared her throat. "A vampire, Mòrag?" Pandoria pondered, interrupting them when she just walked in due to the door not being. "Nice timing Pandoria" Nia smirked.

"Yes, Pandoria... I didn't want to dress the same way as you and your driver but this, witch, isn't for me either" Mòrag cleared her throat and watch her from the mirror but blushed. 

After she and Zeke told the rest they're in a relationship, she tried to get closer to Pandoria but it wasn’t easy. They’re so different, as is Brighid but they managed.

"Well I would like to see the vampire costume too, just to decide which is better" Pandoria nodded and then smirked. She is wearing a half-pink half-black vest, and under it, she had a white and black striped shirt. She also wore a frilly miniskirt and stockings with a skull head print. On her head, she wore a black flower beside her lamp. "Yeah, Poppi wants to see too!" Poppi jumped excitedly. "I need to pick up a cape for it from the tailor first" Mòrag said but looked at her clothes. "Like that?" Nia smirked.

"Lady Mòrag, are you sure it's wise?" Brighid frowned when Mòrag went for the door. "If I can't go to the end of the hallway in these shoes, I don't think I will ever learn how to walk in them in an hour and a half" Mòrag just pointed out but when she opened the door, she tripped and fell, alarming the others.

But someone caught her. She looks to see that a pirate captain caught her before she fell face flat on the floor. "I could say I had excellent timing, eh Mòrag?" Zeke grins and helped her up, almost hugging her while doing so as Mòrag’s leg shook. "And now I know why you don't wear a dress and heels"

"Watch it Zeke” Mòrag warned him. “But thank you. Your timing was impeccable" she said with a small smile, as she stared at his outfit.

Pirate captain hat, familiar eyepatch, black long jacket opened enough to show a white shirt and gold necklace, a belt with a big gold buckle, a red scarf attached to the back of it, a pair of baggy black and white vertically striped pants, and pair of long brown boots.

Mòrag was taken aback by how much effort Zeke had put into his outfit and didn't realise she stared at him for a while, hands on his chest. "Mòrag, if you want still keep that a secret I suggest you let him come inside the room" Nias' voice got her back and she lifted her gaze to his face.

"You like it?" Zeke just grins. Mòrag cleared her throat and let Zeke escort her back to the room, closing the door. "I didn't get a chance to tell them you're coming too my prince" Pandoria laughed, at these situations she is sure Zeke and Mòrag belong together. Mòrag is so off her guard it has been funny to see.

"Aha? Did you come to take a peek at us?" Nia asked smugly and crossed her arms on her chest. "Pervert" Mythra said half-jokingly and Pyra giggled at it. "What? Hey, wow, no! I just came to see if you're ready, boys already went help with the last-minute decorations and stuff!" Zeke defended himself and looks at Mòrag for help but she just raised her brows and takes off the shoes. "You go ahead, I'm going to change and catch up" she then said. 

"Alright, Mòrag. We’ll wait at the ballroom to see your outfit" Pyra nodded, smiling as she left with Mythra. Mythra wasn’t too pleased, since it was her idea to get witch garments for Mòrag, due to her matching black hair. "You better explain someday how you never learned to walk in high heels. Your boots have little heels too!"

Mòrag just nodded, feeling sorry for all the work they did for her outfit. "Shellhead you coming? I know you're together but I don't think she's gonna strip in front of you yet" Nia smirks, seeing how uncomfortable it made everyone feel. Pandoria laughs. "She's not wrong my prince but I'll go ahead. Brighid?" she then asked, she's not entirely comfortable with the strict fire blade but they’re getting there. "I’ll go get the cape from the tailor for you" Brighid just nodded and as she was closing the door behind her, she saw Zeke take Mòrag's hat off with a smile on their faces.

"Heh, teasers, but honestly, I think you look great. But can't you really walk in those heels? The last time I teased you about this, it must have hurt, sorry"

"Don't worry about it, last time I wore heels was when I was a child... But thank you. I rarely wear this kind of dress but they were nice to get something for me, so the least I could do was to try it" Mòrag said thoughtfully. "Yeah, I wouldn't have minded hanging around with the witch tonight. What is the cape Brighid went to fetch?"

"You'll see, now go. I don't want any more rumours about us than there already are" Mòrag ordered with a smile. Zeke was disappointed he had to wait but understood. "Okay, I see you soon" Zeke sighs but then takes off his hat and put it on her. He then gives her a kiss before she could say anything. "How about witch-pirate? Pandy is my subordinate pirate as she said herself but there's a place in the captain’s quarters" he then whispers, hand on her cheek.

"Maybe next year" Mòrag answered, even though she didn't mean to blush because of it. "Oh, you make this a tradition? I like that" Zeke was surprised too but smiled widely. "Let's see about that, just go" Mòrag just said and gave him the hat. "Yes ma'am" Zeke just grins even more and gave a peck on her cheek and then leaves.

Mòrag sighs deeply, finally alone but then looked at herself from the mirror. Pandoria said that? Hopefully, it's just a joke and she doesn't feel like I took her place or anything. I need to talk with her more...

The Party started on time with guests flowing into the palace from all over including the Queen of Uraya but she just had an old-fashioned mask with feathers in Uraya’s colours and a fancy green dress, the same style.

"Evening, Your Highness," Niall said when he found her among the guests. He's accompanied by Aegaeon, who had a grey butler jacket on. "Evening Emperor Niall, or should I say, circus ringleader? I believe there's no deeper meaning behind the choice of outfit?" Raqura said, unamused. The short Emperor had a red long jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, black pants, and tophat.

"No, it's just a fancy outfit for the occasion, or do you have other thoughts?" Niall teases, even though he knows quite well that Raqura doesn't really have a sense of humour.

"Hmph, I may have to keep opinions to myself tonight, Emperor Niall. How's the new city coming along?"

Well, I had to try, if she thinks I guide punch of clowns, her outfit reminds me of a peacock... Niall thought but then cleared his throat, trying not to laugh and starts telling her about the new Alba Cavanich building operation, which will be done in phases, including the new palace and army barracks.

"Everything is going smoothly, Lady Mòrag" Captain Padraig salutes, Mòrag who came outside to take a break from the party.

"Good to hear, take care midnight won't get anyone too excited Captain Padraig" Mòrag nodded and corrected the collar of her long cape, which was black on the outside and red on the inside, hanging around her neck with a clip of the Ardainian insignia. Underneath it, she wore a black vest with a dark red blouse underneath. Her legs were covered by a pair of black trousers and boots. 

Brighid wanted to make fitting makeup and hairdo, so her hair is up in a messy bun with a spider web decoration to keep it together and her face makeup made her look like a vampire, with white skin, dark eyeliners, and red lipstick. Her outfit already scared some of the soldiers already. Additionally, Mòrag carried around a walking cane with a fake diamond. While she found it to be bit extra for her taste, she found it in her father’s belongings a few years back and felt it blended with her tonight.

"Yes, Lady Mòrag. We're keeping eye on everyone, outside and inside of the party," Padraig told and bowed to Zeke before leaving. "I almost didn't recognize you" He smirked and looks up and down at her.

Mòrag clears her throat coming closer and Zeke puts his hands up. "I'm just saying, you look good"

"Thank you, I figure this would be more elegant and more practical," Mòrag said still cautious of soldiers and other guests outside.

The palace terrace is decorated for the occasion with lanterns and spider webs, which in the candle lights make the black palace look great, which she was happy about. "Yeah, and you can walk without fear of tripping" Zeke whispers very close to her. "If you tell anyone, you're more than dead" Mòrag whispered embarrassed, he had to see that. "Like you? Brighid did a good job with makeup" Zeke just laughed, stepping back.

Mòrag glared at him but gave him a nod. "Yes, she did. Since I agreed to this, I had to make sure it was done correctly"; Zeke looks at the rest of her get up and noticed her cane. "Nice cane, not from the stores around here?" Zeke asked and looks at the glass-made diamond on top of fancy sturdy wood. "It's my father’s, he had many parties like this, as a lord" Mòrag said quietly but put it down. "You were looking for me?"

Zeke noticed the change in the subject. She hasn't told them about her father but he knows some things about Lord Eandraig like he was a strict man so maybe that's why Mòrag is so strict. He knew the lord was old-fashioned, but his daughter became Special Inquisitor despite that. "Yeah, the others are enjoying themself and I couldn't find you, so they started to joke that you have escaped to go work, did you?" he just grinned, maybe later he could ask more.

"Not exactly, just getting fresh air but I was glad Padraig kept me in the loop about how's the security holding up" Mòrag explained, smiling embarrassingly for being called out since she knew that in any other circumstance, she probably would try to leave. 

"So how about it? Could this capitano escort you back inside? I promise to keep your secret of the escape plan, my lady" Zeke then bowed to her, hand on his chest, like the old gentlemen from the pirate era. 

Mòrag lifts her brows in surprise, as she saw smiling faces pass by them. "I think, now you're just teasing me. Aren't you a pirate?"

"Oh, come on, Mòrag, play with me. This is a costume party, live a little" Zeke whispered. "No one will guess anything and there are pirates that were known for being very flirty" he continued first quietly and then theatrically.

Mòrag sighs. Zeke is so into this, so she cleared her throat and took hold of her cape with both hands and bows. "Very well, my good sir. I will allow you to escort me but I need to remind you I am the palace's former countess and I will not tolerate any impertinences"

Zeke couldn't believe she agreed to this but he kept his cool and offered to her his arm. "Shall we go then?"

Mòrag felt butterflies in her stomach, a rare occurrence that only seems to be stirred up when Zeke is around. She takes his arm and they walk inside.

The palace was filled with ripples of conversations and there were people wearing many kinds of costumes, some making the extra effort with the details.

The kitchen staff made snacks fitting the theme, which had some of the guests confused as to what was good and what was bad, due to the infamy of Ardainian cuisine. There were two punch bowls, one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic due to the presence of underaged guests and the Emperor himself.

"I think the palace decorations are on point" Nia thought drinking punch and looking around them. Spread throughout the ballroom, a few candelabras were lit, giving the room a mysterious and twilight vibe. The tables were also covered with lanterns, skulls, and other Halloween decorations.

"Oh yeah, I'm glad we helped to light them up. Makes things easier to see." Rex said proudly looking at how candles flicker near the high ceiling, creating interesting shadows. "Rex-Rex, Tora thought friend was going to dress up as superhero" Tora finally said while trying to hide his hiccup.

Rex was dressed up as an adventurer, with a light brown jacket lined with pockets, a pair of shorts, and a rain cap. Tora himself was dressed as a mummy. Poppi helped cover him in as many bandages as she could, careful not to cover his eyes and mouth.

"Really? Isn't that bit... cliche? I mean yeah we saved the world last year, but I think adventurer is more fitting" Rex said. He then looks and jumps as Azurda flew by in a little white cloth, dressed as a ghost. Dromarch followed him not far behind wearing a little joker hat.

"Well yeah, I thought it wouldn’t work. Plus, I don’t like seeing people wearing their underwear on top." Nia laughed. "Shh, I just saw a few superheroes by the table" Pyra whispered trying not to laugh, walking on over with Mythra. In addition to the candles, the glow from the Blades’ ether lines, provided another source of light in the ballroom. "Oops," Rex smiled.

"Did anyone see Lady Mòrag or Master Zeke? It's close to midnight and I heard there might be trouble when people have drunk too much" Dromarch cleared his throat. "Umm... My prince was here a little while ago but Mòrag was with His Majesty, I think" Pandoria said but couldn't see her driver anymore.

"Hopefully friend not in trouble" Poppi wondered. "Yeah Shellhead did drink too much, I didn't believe he got drunk so fast. Tora’s only one drunker than him/" Nia smirked and Tora turns to her fast. "Meh meh meh?! Maybe friend Nia right, might go to sleep soon" the nopon then said, starting to feel bad. "Well, Poppi will carry you into the bed" Mythra half-jokingly suggested. "As you mentioned His Majesty. What do you think of his outfit?"

"Umm I thought at first it was bit much, especially with the Ardainian Senate in mind..." Rex whispered. "I'm sure he considered that my boy. He definitely has a sense of humour," Azurda said, landing on the near table. "I think it's cute" Pyra giggled.

"Thank you... Pyra" they heard immediately and turned around to see Niall coming with Mòrag and both blades. "Oh, I'm sorry Your Majesty..." Pyra said putting her hand on her mouth when Niall was so bashful and almost also blushed. "Nah you're not, you're just honest," Mythra said smugly.

Mòrag almost said she was not wrong but maybe it was enough when Pyra and Mythra said that, he won't need it from his sister. "It's fine Pyra, it was a compliment. How’s evening been?" Niall then just said and wanted to change the subject. "Good Your Majesty, I would say the party has been a success," Azurda said getting up on his wings again.

"Yeah, and you turned around when people didn't like Ardainian cuisine. Now the quality of the food has improved, despite only one summer passing." Pyra said and others agreed. "Thank you, I'm glad to hear that and I will tell the kitchen staff," Niall said happily and looked at Mòrag, who nods. "They will be thrilled when they hear that the Aegis Pyra said that."

"Have you seen Zeke, now that you're all here?" Mòrag then asks quietly. "We were just wondering it too, Pandoria said he should be close but it's so... Dark..." Nia said. But as she spoke, the lights in the room went out, cutting out the music. Nia jumps and hugs Rex, as she was startled by the sudden change and the sound of someone screaming. 

"This would be explainable if it was just a power shortage but tonight we're also using candles, and those went out too..." Brighid thought frowning after lighting up fires around them as did Pyra.

"Pandoria?" Mòrag asks more strictly than she intends to. "Heh, this would be a great prank from my prince but I... I don't know anything, I swear" Pandoria swallowed hard, her voice shaking. "Aegaeon, stay with His Majesty, Brighid let's go find out what happened" Mòrag nodded, even though Pandoria could be lying, she and Zeke are good at that if they want to. She gave her cane to Niall who just nods.

"Can we help?" Rex asked and smiled when Nia blushed hugging him. "If you check the kitchen and light the place up and calm down people. Brighid, Pandoria and I will go check outside first and consult the guards"Mòrag nodded.

"Me too?" Pandoria asked.

"You have a problem with it?" Brighid asked suspiciously

"No, I just..." Pandoria said quietly, she's uncomfortable around just them. "You're Zeke’s Blade so you should know where he is, right?" Niall asked so Pandoria nodded.

"If you want to and this is not a Shellhead’s prank," Nia said little annoyed. "Let's go, we need to figure this out fast," Mòrag said, leaving with Brighid as Pandoria runs after them. "Poor girl" Azurda whispered with a concerned smile before they split up to investigate. Pyra light’s up the ballroom, which the guest appreciated.

"Emperor Niall, what is the meaning of this?" Raqura found Niall and Aegaeon. "We're investigating the cause of this Queen Raqura. Lady Pyra has relit some of the candles so we can see and I hope the power comes back on soon" Niall explained but Raqura was not happy.

Outside the palace, using the elevator didn’t seem like anything out of ordinary but then Pandoria stops. "You feel funny?" she asked. Mòrag and Brighid turned towards her, Mòrag frowned suspiciously but Brighid looked at her. "Something’s interfering with the ether flow? Lady Mòrag, you're right there, but if I would just trust that, I wouldn't know" Brighid said frowning.

"Like in the hospital? That's creepy" Pandoria whispered. Mòrag shook her head. "No. Something else is going on, that doctor is finished" She said.

She then saw Padraig. "Captain Padraig, do you have any info about the situation?"

Padraig salutes her. "No Special Inquisitor, we haven't seen anything but we're already investigating the cause of the power shortage and that weird wind we had," Padraig said.

"Weird wind?" Brighid asked. Padraig is not a Driver so, anything supernatural is weird for him... "Hey, that would explain why the candles went out. Windows were open because of all the candles" Pandoria realized.

Mòrag glanced at her and nodded. "There is a Blade interfering with the ether flow, possibly a flying one, so get every light source lit that doesn't need power and find it. We’ll check the palace premises" she ordered and Padraig salute her. "Yes, Lady Mòrag, anything else?"

"Have you seen Prince Zeke?" Brighid asked. Mòrag was glad, she asked knowing the rumours among the soldiers. "The Prince of Tantal? No Lady Brighid, the last time I saw him was at the palace topside terrace. Is he missing?" Padraig thought and looks at Pandoria. "Yeah, even I can't find him because that Blade is messing with the ether"

"We’ll keep an eye out for him. He can't be far. Ladies" Padraig stated and bows them before leaving when Mòrag gave him permission.

"Any ideas, Pandoria?" Mòrag asked. She leads them to the first-floor boat harbour. It's midnight, so they could barely see anything even with Brighid’s fire. "Nope, sorry. I wish this was my prince's prank, but it's actually getting a little creepy. Why does this year's Halloween have to feel so real?!l" Pandoria’s voice shook, as she tried to stay close to her companions.

"Brighid, give me the swords so we can split up to search much faster," Mòrag said. Brighid frowns at the idea but does as she said, as Mòrag was dressed more like the quests at the party, leaving Brighid to keep the swords in case something happens. 

"Is it a good idea? To split up I mean, we don't know how many criminals are here and something’s messing up our ether" Pandoria asked worryingly. "I know but the palace is surrounded by soldiers. Shout if you see anything. I'll check the army base. As we’re dealing with the flying enemy, they could be anywhere" Mòrag whispered an order to Brighid and Pandoria, nodding before leaving.

Pandoria swallowed hard after she left. Now alone with Brighid, she found her to be intimidating in the dark, with her blue flames and unreadable expression. She wasn’t wearing the cute headband anymore. "Last chance to confess if you know anything Pandoria" she even whispered.

"Umm... Well, my prince talked days ago, now that the real threat is gone, he would like to do a traditional prank on Halloween but hasn't talked about it after that and you know as well as I, that... Or maybe not but he wouldn't take outside help or criminal even, you know" Pandoria shifted her weight from one foot to another nervously.

"Yes I know, he has a unique personality but he’s not a criminal. Come now" Brighid invited Pandoria on the search and together they left.

Mòrag searches the palace army base but found nothing. She looks up into the clearing sky as the full moon shines down onto the yard. The soldiers clearly couldn't get single light working. I should have known from the moment I'm not on duty something happens... She cursed herself and corrects her cape, but then sees a shadow fly over the roof. She snuck into the darkness cast by the building and followed the winged shadow silently. Hopefully, this is just a coincidence, and Zeke’s just fine. Although, he doesn’t have any weapons with him… She thought. The last time she saw him, it was before Niall asked her to company him in greeting the new Leftherian consul, who was going to be the mayor of the first Leftherian city built in Elysium.

She reaches the corner of the building leading into the backyard and away from the harbour. She sees nothing out of the ordinary, just old packages, and garbage cans, waiting for someone to empty them.

Is the criminal playing with us? She thought, bothered by her mysterious adversary. As she walked into the yard, someone puts a hand in front of her mouth and pulls her behind the trashcans. "Shh..." she hears, a familiar voice and turns to look behind her eyes widened.

"I know, sorry but firstly did you see that blade flying over us?" Zeke whispered. Mòrag nodded but after he takes his hand she turns around and slap him. "Oww... Hey..." Zeke whined and put his hand on his cheek. "You idiot! I was worried something happened to you! So come clean, is this a prank?! The whole palace is in the dark, with no power or lights" Mòrag lashed out in a quiet manner.

To Zeke, the moonlight on her vampire makeup made her look even scarier while she raged. "No! Well yes, the power shortage is my fault but when I was going to return back inside, I saw that Blade. So, shall we pursue it before it gets away?" Zeke was shocked.

Mòrag kept her eyes on the sky. "I knew it... But yes, let's find out who that is. Mor Ardain is no best terms with other nations, so we don’t know how serious this is" Mòrag explained, picking up her swords from the ground. "Something is interfering with all the Blades' ether flow, so they don't know where we are. Even with their power drained swords are still swords," she continues, offering her other sword to Zeke.

Zeke just nods and takes the sword. He thought the prank was a good idea since he didn't break the power supply just turned it down. He got help from a guard who is a Halloween nerd but they didn't think of Mor Ardains relations. Or perhaps… someone had the same plans but on a bigger, more terrible scale.

"Did you get a better look at the Blade?" Mòrag asked when they left the closed-off backyard.

"No, just it's core crystal. It glows through the deepest darkness, so I started following it. It seems like it circles the palace," Zeke told her, thoroughly watching the black palace. "The Carraig is inside, so they're safe but why would they circle around like a hawk?" Mòrag thought. Then, she sees soldiers now in front of the palace.

As they got closer they noticed that the soldiers have thwarted an ardainian young man, a soldier without a helmet, now face down on the ground. "What's the meaning of this?" Mòrag asks and soldiers around him salute her.

"Special Inquisitor, we found him giving orders to the bird-like Blade surveying the palace in the sky" the soldier reported. "Lift him up" Mòrag ordered and as they lifted the young Ardainian into a sitting position, Mòrag bent down on one of her knees. "I know you, you're one of the new recruits, started last week? How do you explain this?" She asked but the man just looked down.

"Hey, you're the soldier who gave me permission for that harmless prank with the power supply" Zeke admitted. "Did you now? Why?" Mòrag sighs and turned back to the soldier."Revenge" he muttered.

"What?" Mòrag whispered and got up taking a step back.

"Revenge for what?" Zeke asked and sees Brighid and Pandoria running toward them from the bridge. "We're always on duty, I just wanted to enjoy Halloween one last time on a titan. So I thought I let the prodigal prince make his prank and we're going to make it a little, bigger!" the soldier first whined but then looked up and laughed, manically.

Mòrag frowned and looked up, now seeing the black horned blade with devilish wings, albeit like a larger version of Nia’s fake wings, and a shining blue core crystal illuminating the darkness.

He flew above them and before they can react, he yells before divebombing them in a spinning formation, creating strong gusts of wind to barrel toward them.

Mòrag takes her sword from Zeke and as Brighid made it closer, she had enough ether to create a barrier in front of her Driver.

"Hah, good reflexes," the soldier gets up proudly when Mòrag and Zeke are the only ones that the wind didn't hit as bad before they got to the barrier.

"Not fast enough..." Mòrag grunted, with only Zeke hearing that. They glance behind them and see some of the soldiers were knocked unconscious, as the remainder tried getting their bearings. "But which Blade is stronger when you do this" he continued and the demon-like Blade hits the barrier and breaks it. "Lady Mòrag!" Brighid yells but starts coughing, falling onto her knees alongside Pandoria. So he is messing with the ether... Pandoria thought hand on her chest.

Mòrag is taken back but Zeke got her and she leans onto him. "Mòrag..." Zeke asked. Mòrag grimaces but nodded to tell him she was alright. She quickly jumps back onto her feet. "You're doing this just because you have to work today?" she shouted to the soldier who now stands next to the towering Blade beside him. "At least this evening got more exciting than plain old guarding duty" he just answers as he would be proud. "So how about it, you and me, boss" he then said while his blade gives him a scythe-style weapon.

Mòrag notices how Brighid and Pandoria became more exhausted as the Blade’s core began to glow again, draining the ether around it. "Sure when you stop messing with the ether in the air" she snorted. The soldier grins proudly and looks at his Blade. "You noticed huh? He's one of the Blades from the old hospital. Kind of curious what they did in there"

"You were there? How did you get out?" Zeke asked and looks at the palace, someone must have noticed them already...

"Well, I knew what was going on in there and actually it was me who sent that report moaning from the pain and how I got out? I wasn't a driver yet so the doctor haunting the joint wasn't interested in me because of that. So I searched the place and found a crystal that was still intact and what a Blade came from it" the Ardainian soldier told them spinning his scythe weapon which is bigger than him.

"You knew what would happen if Drivers and Blades went there?" Mòrag asked hurt. "Have you any idea how many people lost their lives in there?!" she added shouting that made Zeke jump. "Yeah, but you had to tear it down eventually no?" the driver soldier just grins. "Okay back here, what do you want? Why’s your Blade circling around the palace?" Zeke demanded with an unpleased look on his face. He noticed that Brighid and Pandoria look like they are in pain.

"And before you answer, you ought to have known that your actions have consequences" behind him Rex and others came with their weapons. "Masterbon, that Blade guilty of ether level drop!" Poppi announced. They were all ready for the fight even though still in their costumes. "Perfect timing, chum!" Zeke grinned and the driver soldier was shocked looking at the heroes who saved the world. "But... Who comes to the party with weapons?!"

"I was thinking the same thing but Gramps said never can be too careful" Rex grins, both weapons in his hands and Pyra and Mythra ready on both sides. "You can't draw all the ether from the air before we beat you"

"So how about it bastard? We were just in time out from the elevator to hear you're to blame. We almost got stuck in the horror-movie hospital and Mòrag was half dead we found her" Nia spatted mad at him clutching her sword, trying her best to resist falling dizzy from the lack of ether in the air.

"Villianpon even worse than Bana!" Tora shouted jumping with his shield weapon. "I don't think there's even a verdict to fit for your crimes" Niall came into the yard with Aegaeon. "Niall!? Go back inside" Mòrag shouted when Niall came behind their friends and then looked at Brighid who frowned. "He's right, so I suggest you surrender," Azurda said flying next to Rex."

The Driver soldier looked around himself; he was surrounded by the heroes that saved Alrest. On one side the legendary Aegises and their Driver, on the other Mor Ardain’s strongest Driver and swordswoman. Neither is a good option, for if he gets caught, he will be thrown into jail and tried before the Ardainian court. 

It shouldn't have gone this way, all I wanted was a little recognition... He thought frantically and then looks at the Blade who has been on his side for the past few years... "Sorry man..." he whispered and before anyone stopped him he smash his into the demon blade's chest taking his core crystal. "But master… why would you..." The Blade croaked, before screaming in agonizing pain as his very core was ripped from his body. "No!" Mòrag shouted but Zeke stopped her from going and a bright white light surrounded them.

"He's.." Mythra said covering her eyes from the light. "Trying to fuse with his blade?" Rex continued. Nia nodded, placing her hand on her chest as the ether levels returned to normal. But at what cost... she thought just two weeks ago they talked about drivers who are mistreating their Blades and the old world acknowledged this problem...

Chapter Text

After the light fades, they see what a monstrosity the soldier driver has become.

The man, no, Blade Eater stands up. His legs have fused with his Blade’s with exposed black veins pulsating, almost looking as if he’s bleeding. His uniform was mostly shredded, save for his shorts. His exposed chest glowed with an ominous black light, with dark red veins surrounding the bloody Core Crystal embedded within him. His face was partially burned, leaving a scar over one of his eyes. One of his former Blade’s wings protruded from his back, still in full form.

"Oh bloody hell, he fused with his Blade just like that!" Zeke shouted and looked at Mòrag and she knew too, they were now in trouble without their Blades but as ether levels are back to normal, Pandoria helped Brighid up.

Brighid nodded to her. "Let's join our Drivers there"

Pandoria nodded and started running and saw Niall but Brighid went to him, so she continued on. "Your Majesty, please go back inside, it's not safe here," Brighid said after stopping by them. Niall looked at the Blade Eater who was twice big as his sister and friends. "He was... One of my soldiers?" he asked his eyes wide. "Yes, Your Majesty, now please" Brighid sighs and looks at how others are already preparing for the fight.

"But..." Niall started but nodded, realizing he was no use for them, as he is no longer even a Driver. "Be careful" he just said and looks when Brighid bowed to him and run after Pandoria.

Aegaeon already went back into the elevator but as they rose, Niall watched down from the glass windows of the elevator. "I heard the Carraig captain saying the soldiers thwarted one of their own, so I wanted to see him by myself but never expected that to happen..." he whispered, knowing that he disobey the warnings of the captain and he is for sure worried sick of him right now. "Shouldn't you be there to help?" he then asked and looked at the water blade, he frowned but shook his head, even though he maybe should be but he has his orders from his Driver. Stay with His Majesty no matter what...

"Oh, this power! I've heard of Flesh and Blade Eaters but this is a lot more than I ever imagined" the soldier in the meantime glorified himself breathing deeply hands spread and then smiled smugly while watching down on Mòrag. "So how about that match, boss?" he grinned which looked hideous on his corroded face with only one brown eye left. "Eww, never knew a Blade Eater can be that..." Pandoria said as she arrived next to her Driver, seeing the Blade Eater up close. "Glorious? Powerful?" Blade Eater said taking the scythe from the ground and resting it on his shoulder.

"Hideous" Brighid said when she made it next to Mòrag and they all looked at her. "Brighid..." Mòrag whispered raising her brows but she was not wrong.

Got him... Rex thought smiling he heard what Brighid said even though there are at least two meters apart. Pyra hid her laugh but Mythra smirked. "Hey that's not very nice now, is it?" the Blade Eater asked, turning around in the middle of the heroes of the Alrest, almost as if he was trying to show off. "Should I file a report for workplace bullying?" he just grinned, enjoying the spotlight.

"The file you should have filled was requesting to get a day off at Halloween, not assuming you're being slaved here" Mòrag shouted and he turned around bending to look at Mòrag close but Mòrag just squinted her eyes to look at him.

"Is that so?"

"Yes"

"And what would you say, my lady?" he then asked, putting a corroded finger to her chin and lifting it but Mòrag just pouted her lips but didn't move unlike her friends winced, especially Zeke but instead of moving he just clenched his hand in a fist glaring at him. "It's not unheard of I would accept it. This is just a workplace matter, like anything else," she said calmly but frowning. The Blade Eater just snorted, looking at others ready to attack if he does something to Mòrag, so he just unbends. "Well it's a little late now, isn't it? Now I can just finish what I started"

"Which is?" Rex asked as he turned to look. "Abolishing the monarchy and upper class, starting with the Emperor’s little minions," the soldier thought for a moment and then laughed maniacally before swinging his scythe, creating a cyclone around them but the Blades made a barrier to protect their Drivers.

"Driverpon is on wrong side, is a 6 to 1 situation, can not win" Poppi stated. "We'll see about that!" the Blade Eater growled, his voice reminiscent of his former Blade’s.

"Zeke, you're unarmed here" Mòrag whispered when Brighid and Pandoria made barriers. "I know, I’ll stay back, Pandy can handle this" Zeke said disappointed. Pandoria looked behind her and nodded.

"Then let's go" Mòrag said and after the cyclone died down they attacked, from both sides together with their friends.

They fought in the moonlight which felt like hours wearing down both them and their adversary. 

"What is he? Why he is so strong…?" Rex thought out loud. He was a few meters apart from the rest of the team due to the Blade Eater’s last cyclone attack. Both he and the soldier were on their knees, catching their breaths.

"He talked about the hospital, where he found his Blade, so maybe the doctor lady did something to his crystal..." Nia scoffed, sitting on the ground exhausted. "Possible but he did alter ether levels in the fight just like his Blade," Mythra said distastefully. "Poppi noticed too, friend Mythra. Poppi felt funny." Poppi said.

"Villainpon fought more ways than one. Unfair!" Tora whined flapping his wings. "But it wasn't as strong as that demonic Blade" Dromarch cleared his throat and got up. "Maybe he can't or he doesn't know how to," Pyra thought and helped Rex up.

"Hah that was awesome and I can't believe I held on my own in the battle against the heroes of the Alrest. This power is unbelievable" the soldier Blade Eater laughed and started coughing supporting himself with his hands on the ground.

Mòrag tried to catch her breath but then marched towards the enemy. "It's over soldier... Felden and you're under arrest. You know Ardainian law and this is a crime against your own country, you'll be labelled as a terrorist" she stated pointing at him with her sword after remembering his name.

"Oh, now you call me by my name, Lady Mòrag. But you know my lady..." Felden just laughed and got up caressing her sword even though it made more wounds on his hand. "You left your position. Never leave your position or something terrible will happen" he whispered and before Mòrag could act, he flew with his one wing towards Zeke. "Zeke!" Mòrag shouted terrified and the soldier was not wrong, she underestimated her enemy's condition.

At the same time, Pandoria came in front of her driver and made a barrier, knowing full well she couldn't possibly take the blow on her own. Before Brighid could act, Mòrag extended her whipswords and pulled Felden back, with fatal consequences.

"Mòrag!" Rex and the others shouted, but they couldn't do anything when Feldens's scythe impaled Mòrag.

"Well, that was brave or really stupid of you, my lady" Felden grinned, watching Mòrag as her eyes widened from realizing what happened. "Hey, well love makes us do pretty dumb things, right? Say, are you gonna confirm those rumours going on in the army before you go? That poor prince… what will he think…?" He continued to taunt, pushing the scythe’s head deeper. Mòrag gasps for air, dropping her swords as her hands trembled.

"Let her go!" Brighid shout, as the others were still in shock still. She sends a fireball hurling towards him and proceeded to run to her Driver’s location.

Felden repels the fireball smiling. "As you say, my lady, but hopefully you know what will happen if you pull the object from the wound" he laughs and pulls his scythe quickly out and then he walks backwards repelling Brighid's attacks when she took her swords from the ground.

Zeke woke from his shock and ran towards Mòrag where she collapsed. "Mòrag..." he whispered and watched how Mòrag gasped for air, eyes closed. Pandoria came next to them. No... This can't be happening... She thought, seeing how Mòrag's vampire outfit darkens in the moonlight. They didn't get along very well and she was so jealous of losing his prince to her but she accepted it and never wanted this, especially when she feels the hopelessness from her driver which is breaking her core.

"Mòrag! Shellhead!" Nia shouted as others attacked Felden with Brighid but she's running to them while Dromarch protect her from Feldens wind attacks. "Bloody hell Mòrag..." she gasped when she saw her and quickly makes a healing circle around them. Mòrag started coughing profoundly. "Breath calmly, Mòrag," Nia said light in her hands but swallowed when the moonlight gets everything look creepier. I guess this is the bad sequel to the horror movie...

"Rolling Smash!" Rex shouted behind them as he attacked Felden jumping to avoid Brighid's attacks. "She’ll melt the yard soon," he said under his breath, alarmed by the situation. He tosses the sword to Pyra and catches Mythra’s sword. They had learned their fight patterns new when the girls are separated now. "That's the Brighid I know. I wonder if she even realizes that." Mythra said. "She's furious, desperate..." Pyra sighs as Rex and Mythra return to the fight, she glanced at Mòrag whos laying in Zeke's arms, again. Hang in there, Mòrag... She thought as she lighted her sword up, fully knowing Mòrag might not make it, she's just a human with a gash on her chest...

"Brighid is going all out" Pandoria whispered watching Brighid's attack. "Guess that's what Mythra meant by if she and Brighid fight they would burn the place down..." she added, eyes widened. "Uh-huh..." Zeke just whispered and noticed Mòrag opens her eyes grimacing. "Oh good, you’re awake. Why did you pull him?! I was fine..." he shouted still in shock all though, he did know Pandoria without her sword couldn't make a barrier strong enough to take the Blade Eater’s attack and the blow would be devastating to them both but didn't want this either, especially not this.

"You do know why..." Mòrag coughs. Zeke shook his head, tears in his eyes. Nia is healing her but then she frowned. "Nia?" he asks but Nia is in deep thought. Healing isn't enough? she thought seeing Mòrags' still gasping for air the wound doesn't heal normally but then the ground starts shaking. "Bloody hell, don't tell me he still got juice for a freaking hurricane?!" she cursed turning to watch Felden who topples everyone with a big cyclone, except Mythra who is not on the ground.

"Mythra! We don't know what happens if you use Siren!" Rex shouted on his back on the ground seeing Mythra rising above the Blade Eater. "This ends now Rex!" Mythra shouted and gives others time to run further. "Meh meh meeeh?!" Tora yelled when running with Poppis pulling him. Rex stumbles onto his feet and runs with Pyra. Azurda looks from Rex’s helmet, puzzled by what’s happening between Zeke, Nia and Mòrag. Nia is something wrong?  he thought worried. Dromarch runs to them. "My lady!"

"My healing isn't enough, I can't heal her..." Nia admitted fearfully looking at Mòrag and going back to when she couldn't save Vandham or Fan but now even her true powers aren't enough.

"What...?"

"What?!"

Two different questions: Zeke of disbelief and Felden from anger as he watches from the sky above him.

Brighid leaves at the same time squeezing her swords. She would have liked to kill him herself, but her concerns for her Driver outweighed that. She looks at Mòrag with worry in her eyes. "What mean by that Nia?" she asked what she heard just a few seconds ago but before the Gormotti could answer. "The Aegis?" Felden shouted.

As light come down from the sky and hits him, everyone else hears a loud crackling sound. Suddenly, a bright explosion goes off, knocking Mythra out of the air and making it hard for anyone to see what’s happening.

Zeke wakes up, coughing because of the dust Mythra stirred up. He sits up, grimacing, and tried to focus on what he’s seeing under just the moonlight.

The Blade Eater laid in the blue dust, much like the spirits they saw two weeks ago. One key difference was the amount of blood on the ground, a result of Felden’s chest exploding due to his Core Crystal shattering.

Huh... Well, he did say he got the Core Crystal from the hospital and now his crystal... He thought. The explosion created by Mythra left an aftershock that rang in Zeke’s head, making him try to fight against the confusion. "Mòrag!" he shouted, looking around fearfully. Then he saw Mòrag unconscious body lying on the ground a little further away from him. "No no no no.." he wailed and as he stumbled up he remembered the panic he felt after the hospital explosion but this is different; the ground around Felden is covered by blue Core Crystal dust and blood.

Pandoria woke up to Zeke yelling and stood up fast, placing her hand on her crystal. "My prince?" she asked terrified and looks around her. She sees the panic coming from her Driver and stumbles up to go after him.

Their friends were waking up too, a few meters away. "Mythra?!" Rex shouted and gets up but collapsed for getting up too fast but sighs when he sees the blonde Aegis getting up in front of him, almost in the Core Crystal dust which glows slightly on the ground. "What the hell happened?" she cursed keeping her head and wrinkling her nose when she looks at the dead Blade Eater and his bloody chest where his crystal used to be. "Did scarypon go boom boom?" Tora asked what she was thinking, well kind of. Poppi was trying to lift him already but her ears are sparkling which made her a little shaky too.

"You okay, Mythra?" Rex came to her with Pyra to help her up. "Yeah, never knew the Core Crystal could blow up on my face" she complained. She received many bruises and wounds from falling out of the sky. "At least Lady Mòrag is still alive..." Azurda said on Rex's helmet, noticing that Brighid was waking up. "Hopefully stays that way," Mythra said and before she followed Pyra and Rex, she looks at the corroded Blade Eater Felden who has eyes still open but shook her head. Idiot...

Brighid gets up and hurries over to her Driver, making sure she is alright. "Lady Mòrag..." she sighs knowing how little time they have, she could return to her crystal any second now, she's sure of that.

"My prince wake up! We need to get her inside! There's no time for that now!" Pandoria shakes Zeke out from his shock so he looks at her. "Right... Pandy..." he started. He looks at Brighid and then at his friends who are coming to help. "I know my prince, Brighid is still here so she can make it" Pandoria whispered and looks at Pyra who kneels next to her. "I'm glad she's alive but..." she whispered relieved but then looks at Nia, still unconscious, and Dromarch, who started to wake up.

"Friends friends Poppi sees big readings of the ether in the air. Cause villianpon went boom!" Poppi jumped next to them and Tora was still getting his bearings. "Makes sense, his crystal is gone and all this dust..." Mythra thought.

"I'll go inform the medical team," Brighid said strictly or actually shouted before leaving. They didn't realise the pressure of the blast hurt their hearing and they were shouting all the time; it would be surprising if someone was still sleeping in the city, between the explosion and them shouting.

Rex opened his mouth but didn't say anything even though they all thought of that, if Nia couldn't heal Mòrag what the palace medical team can do?

Soldiers were waking up too and seeing what is going on. "Lady Mòrag?" Padraig asked when he saw prince Zeke carrying an unconscious Special Inquisitor. "Architect, not again..." he whispered but shook his head and ran to them. "Can I help?"

"We’ll take care of her. Go wake Nia up. We’re going to need her no matter what." Pyra said after Zeke left running carrying Mòrag and tries not to trip, even though he felt dizzy. "Yes, Lady Pyra," Padraig said and ran next to the unconscious Gormotti but lift his gaze to the others as they left. I didn't see when they brought Lady Mòrag from the hospital but now she looked like her costume .

"Was Lady Mòrag, alive?" he whispered then to Dromarch who nudges his driver. "Yes I saw Lady Brighid run to inform the medical team at the palace" Dromarch just told and Padraig nodded. "Captain..." the soldier said behind him so they looked behind him.

People are coming to the streets of Alba Cavanich even though it was still the small hours. "People must have woken due to the explosion. Take anyone you can, stop them from coming here, and calm them down. But first... we’ll need to cover up Felden’s body..." Padraig said standing up but looking at Nia and kneeled. "Please, wake up! Your friends need you!" he shouted and shakes her.

The soldier saluted and gathered his comrades and gave them orders as they split into two groups others going for the bridge but he swallowed watching Felden and took off his jacket but closed his eye before covering him with it.

Inside the palace, everything was quiet. The explosion destroyed part of the window and now moonlight shines through the floor. Many guests were knocked out from the aftershock of the blast, still alive albeit unconscious.

Niall wakes up and looks around him, eyes widened. "Your Majesty, are you hurt?" Aegaeon stumbled next to him, which immediately got his attention like a blast from the past. "Where's Mòrag?!" he asked and jumped on his feet, seeing that Aegaeon was as pale or paler then he was two weeks ago. "What the hell happened?!" he yelled but seeing as people were just unconscious he was relieved when many were already waking up.

"Mythra used I believe Siren to destroy the Blade Eater. But my apologies, Your Majesty. I have no recollection of what happened next, but it seems something knocked us down." Aegaeon told what he knew. "Yes... I remember we watched the fight from the window..." Niall remembered but as he watched the ballroom, the big windows were shattered. "I believe it was a blast wave, Your Majesty" the Carraic captain reported to him. "Blast wave? What caused it?" Niall asked eyes widened.

"We are just starting to investigate but I believe it was because of the Artifice Siren landing a hit on the Blade Eaters Core Crystal… Architect..." the captain explained but stopped to stare at the Special Inquisitor’s companions rushing in and with the Crown Prince of Tantal carrying her. "Mòrag!" Niall yelled, they noticed him but ran past knowing already the way. "I... Aegaeon, take care of the guests. Captain, start the investigation of how much damage that blast did. If the palace windows are shattered, check to see if other parts of the city are in trouble too." he then ordered and ran after his friends and sister. "Yes, Your Majesty" Aegaeon and the captain saluted and bowed before going their own ways but Aegaeon would split up from the captain when Queen Raqura woke up.

The medical team was already making preparations in the operating room when Zeke runs into the room.

"Architect, she looks worse than I hoped, bring her here. Is Lady Nia coming?" the same doctor, Dr. Tiwarri, who cared for Mòrag asked, shocked by the amount of damage Mòrag sustained, leading to the decision to perform surgery. "Hopefully!" Zeke said or shouted actually which got the nurses jumping. "Oh, I believe you have hearing problems. We were knocked down because of the huge blast from outside but thank the Architect nothing else" one nurse sighed. "Come this way" she then said a little louder and escort others to hospital beds. "Lady Mythra, would you come too?" the nurse asked when the others left.

Mythra looked at her suspiciously and then Pyra and Rex nodded and left to follow the nurse into the operation room. Why would you ask me? She's not a Blade or even a Blade Eater, which I know nothing about... Mythra thought angrily when Indol made them while she was sleeping for five hundred years. "This way Master Rex and Lady Pyra," another nurse said politely to Rex and Pyra. Pyra frowned which is rare but followed the nurse with Rex. Where's Brighid?

There's a little what the palace medical team can do to the Blades but the rest took care of Rex, Dromarch and Tora.

"Is Prince Zeke wounded too?" The nurse asked Rex while examining his ears and glancing at her Healer Blade, who is like a little blond girl in the too-large white nurse jacket but underneath you could see her pink skintight outfit and core crystal, she's healing Rex's other injuries, like scratches on his arms.

After the first time Mòrag visited the hospital, Niall asked if anyone on the medical team had the aptitude to resonate with a Blade and was willing to become a Driver. A few members agreed and now two healer Blades worked alongside them.

"Yeah, I think the same way as us, at least... You think Mòrag..." Rex told but then glanced at his friends worried. "We will do everything in our power to help Lady Mòrag, don't you worry, Master Rex" a male nurse assured him and started to talk to his Blade, healing Rex's ears next. Handy, to have healer Blades here. Rex thought of closing his eyes when the girl Blade climbed next to him so she can reach his ears.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty but I need to stop you from going there," the nurse said sadly when Niall came running and going into the operation room, tears gleaming in his eyes.

"But Mòrag..." Niall started. "I know, she's being taken into surgery and we’ll tell you as soon as we know anything. Are you hurt, Your Majesty?" the nurse told him and saw a little bruise on his forehead. "No, it's fine, I just got knocked over like everyone else" he answered angrily. "Please come this way, you must be in shock, Your Majesty. I'll send my colleagues to help the guests" The nurse still was polite and escorted Niall into the same room with the others and notified other nurses to go check on the guests. The lady nurse with the black-haired male Blade who has also a white jacket left with the other two nurses quickly.

"Are you okay, Your Majesty?" Azurda asked, when he sat on the bed opposite him and Rex, he was being treated too by a young nurse who was looking at his wings. "No, I'm not and for Architect sake! I'm your friend so there's no need for that! I'm Niall Ardanach and my sister is taken to surgery just a while ago!" He burst out yelling which got the nurses to stop what they were doing. "I'm sorry... How this can happen? I thought we had our excitement two weeks ago, why it had to continue on actual Halloween?" he then whispered and nodded to the nurse who offered him a napkin when tears fell on his face.

Rex was startled and Pyra looked at him as did Tora and Poppi. Pandoria swallowed and looks down before leaning on the back of the bed pulling her knees on her chest. "Your Majesty, they have problems in a hearing, Nelly just treated Master Rex..." the nurse then told Niall when no one answered. "Oh... We were inside so to us it was like an earthquake..." Niall thought and nodded to a girl Blade named Nelly who moved from Rex's bed and curtsied before moving to the next patient.

"Nia!" Rex shouted when Nia ran past the door, but just Dromarch stopped. "Hopefully we're not too late. Your Majesty" the tiger said when coming into the room and bowed to Niall. "I'm glad you are here Dromarch... He was my soldier. I don't want to imagine what would happen if, you weren't here and he..." Niall nodded and spoke louder but swallowed.

"You should all rest. It's late and you're all wounded," Nelly's Driver, told them kindly and came to look at Dromarch who assured him he was fine. "Oh, Your Majesty, Captain Padraig asked me to tell you, he's starting an investigation about the soldier's past" he then added after he jumped into the bed as the nurse demanded.

"That's, good... We should've done it earlier, we should do it for every soldier..." Niall sighs.

"As I thought and you won't sleep, here is something for the shock" older lady came with the tea wagon and started to serve everyone warm drinks. "Immediately the powers came back on, I started to make this but never knew something this horrible would happen" she continued. "Thank you..." Pyra said when taking the mug and looked at the older Ardainian woman who has kind eyes. "Heleana, I work at the palace kitchen, thank you for your kind words earlier Lady Pyra" she said and curtsy. "Oh you're welcome" Pyra smiled. "Heleana..." Niall started and blushed a little when Heleana stroked his head, giving him a mug. "I know Niall, you know as well as I that she's strong and will make it through"

Rex and the others looked surprised. The other staff members in the palace were either very strict or polite, and neither would ever do that to the Emperor . "Oh my, I think I should introduce myself to everyone else. As I said to Lady Pyra, my name is Heleana. I work as the head maid and have been by His Majesty and Lady Mòrag since they were little." Heleana laughed full-heartedly and curtsied again before continuing to serve the rest of the drinks.

"Oh, then that makes sense" Pandoria was first to speak. "Yeah... it does" Rex agreed, as he warmed his hands on the mug. They are royalty so I should have known, even though Mòrag never mentioned that...

Azurda nodded. "It's nice to meet you, my lady. You have done fine work raising them if it's not too bold to say" he said then and looked at Niall who just smiled. "Oh thank you, Master Titan. I heard of you but never seen you in person, I can bring you a smaller mug if you want" Heleana looked at him and came closer after giving Tora and Poppi their mugs. Pyra smiled and tried not to giggle when Azurda was clearly embarrassed. "Oh... it's fine my lady but thank you for the thought" he said brushing the back of his neck.

"Very well then" Heleana smiled and left by his bedside table a mug and a straw, without asking but then she and everyone's faces dropped when the nurses came with the Zeke. "Zeke?! How's Mòrag?" Rex asked. Pyra was worried about how pale Zeke looked, as the nurses escorted him to one of the remaining beds. "Friend Zeke?" Poppi asked quietly worry in her big eyes.

"Let him come in first. You alright there?" Heleana asked. She looks at the nurses and gestured to show they are free to leave the room, as she started to gather cleansers and other medical supplies to help out Nelly.

For a while, Zeke just stared and Nelly went shyly next to him and looked at her Driver and Heleana, who just nodded. "Hi... I'm Nelly and going to heal your hearing too..." she said quietly with a sweet voice and looked at others, who realized their hearing has becoming normal when they hear Nelly's small voice. "Thank you Nelly! New friend of Tora!" Tora said happily and others nodded.

"You're welcome, it's my job here" Nelly almost whispered and looked at Zeke, who lifts his gaze. "My prince, she's a healer Blade but... Did something happen in the operating room?" Pandoria told him so he could hear and then asked worriedly.

"She's... She's going to be fine... Hopefully..." Zeke nodded to Nelly who started her healing while sitting next to him and then he said stumbling with the words. "And..." he continued but Heleana gave him a mug which smelled so nice and was warm like the drinks in Tantal. "Thanks..."

"Heleana and you're welcome, I've taken care of Lady Mòrag since she was a toddler. You and your friends care for her a lot, don't you?" Heleana said and Zeke felt a little pause and look at her brown eyes for a while before she turned to look at the others. Does she know me and Mòrag are together? Has Mòrag told her…? He thought but just drink from the mug when thinking of Mòrag in surgery.

"Yes we are, we became very close last year" Dromarch cleared his voice. "Poppi always take care friends. Friend Mòrag good friend!" Poppi said proudly, her ears were still sparkling but nurses couldn't do anything to that, so Tora will fix it later.

"That's good to hear, I'm sure she will be fine. Now I need to go, so please rest and Niall, you too. We'll take care of the guests" Heleana said smiling warmly, as she looked at Niall. "Thank you Heleana, I'll tell you when we get news on Mòrag" Niall just nodded and then looked at Zeke. They did go there, did they...

Heleana nodded and curtsy to them before leaving and leaving the tea wagon for the empty mugs.

"Can you hear okay?" After silence, Nelly asked and climbed down. "It could take a minute, Nelly is not as good as others yet"

Zeke touched his ears and could hear Nelly's question so he nodded. "Yeah, thanks, you're good at what you do" he whispered trying to smile a little. Nelly smiled back and after curtsy, she went back to her Driver. "We're going to leave you to rest but ring the bell if you need anything at all," he said and bowed to Niall who nodded and then they were alone.

A long silence fell into the room when no one knew how to start to ask again what Zeke left unsaid.

"So Zeke... Did Mythra and Brighid stay there?" Rex asked warily. "Ummm... Yeah, they did..." Zeke answered but stares back at his drink after looking at them, especially Pandoria who looked at him worried. Pandy knows I'm holding something back...

"He got flashbacks and fainted in the operating room so, the nurses had to carry him away," Mythra said when came by the door. "Mythra! You needn't tell that..." Zeke was startled by her but then sighs deeply, he couldn't deny that. "Flashbacks?" Pyra asked but her eyes widened. "You don't mean..." Pandoria whispered. Poppi and Tora looked at her and then Mythra and Zeke.

"Of course... I am sorry Prince Zeke" Niall surprised them by saying that. "Your Majesty?" Rex asked and then looked at how Mythra was mad, her arms tightly on her chest when she looked at the young Emperor. "You going to tell or should I?"

"Mythra, show some..." Azurda whispered even though they know Mythra is straightforward. "The medical team said they can save Mòrag, in one way possible. I thought he was lying, I couldn't believe it. You want to tell the rest, Emperor Niall?" Mythra continued frowning and tensed up.

Niall frowned and followed with his finger on his mug's sides. "We... We have, ways to make Blade Eater surgeries... I never dreamed we needed to use it, especially with my sister being the first one but I thought of that... That's why Brighid is not here, right Mythra and Zeke?" he then told them, turning to look at their astonished faces except Zeke and Mythra.

Zeke just looked at his mug, drifting away to what happened in the operating room before he fainted.

"We can save Lady Mòrag with our new-found knowledge. Your Highness is aware of the technique..." Doctor Tiwarri said and then he saw an Indoline doctor there, the same one who operated on him so he was taken back.

All the pain from before he faints in the forest Pandoria's terrified voice begging him not to leave her. Pretorium. Short memory flashes of the operating room, the doctors, Amalthus, nurses... and waking in the white pretorium room. Pandoria was excited to see him and he noticed, part of her crystal missing...

"All we need is a..." the Indoline doctor's voice startled him from his memories but didn't say anything to him. Zeke just stared at him before he fainted and the last thing he heard was Brighid saying...

"But isn't that dangerous? I mean Zeke... And how? Indol did that, never heard others can do it" Rex got to say eyes widening and interrupting his thoughts. "I will tell you but the nurses weren't wrong, it's almost 4 in the morning. We should sleep. I have full confidence in my team they'll pull through, as long as there's not any, complications" Niall told before others asked anything and looked Zeke for help but he couldn't say. Blade and Flesh Eaters live for an undefined amount of time or just a single breath, and if you do it wrong, we just saw what happens... Zeke just thought by himself.

Mythra just frowned, not approving but nodded and went to sit on the last remaining bed. Tora looked at his friends, everyone was confused but tired and worried. "Emperorpon is right Rex-Rex, friends should sleep. Can think clearer after that" he then said. "That is correct masterpon" Poppi said with a little smile on her face. "Yeah, we should sleep" Pyra said and went under the sheets.

Niall nodded thankfully and went under his blanket too but how could he sleep? That technique was forbidden because Indol used it for war. But now that the nation is no more and it could save my sister, is it wrong for us to keep it a secret?

In the morning, the sun is shining from the broken windows and waking up the patients in the medical wing.

"Morning Your..." a nurse said when she saw Niall waking up. "How's my sister?" He asked quietly, noticing that everyone else is just starting to wake up. From what he could tell, they didn’t sleep well either.

The nurse just smiled and gave him a breakfast plate on his bedside table. "It's been hours, hasn’t it? Is she still in surgery?!" Niall demanded but noticed that Doctor Tiwarri was coming. "Calm down, Your Majesty. Lady Mòrag survived the crystal transplant and we are transferring her into her own quarters to rest better. Lady Nia is there with her but that's just because of her other injuries, which are not life-threatening" he told and smiled when others sit up to hear this too.

"That's good to hear" Pyra sighs putting her hands on her chest. "But I would ask someone to watch over her, I admire Lady Nia's care for her friend but I fear her own health. The surgery was difficult because Lady Mòrag had lost so much blood already so we needed her for the whole 4-hour surgery. I came to you because you're her friends, even though you're also patients, I thought it would more comfortable" Tiwarri added even though it is early morning, just over 8.

"Tora glad friend Mòrag okay. But not like bloody bloody first thing in morning..." Tora whined and the others understood perfectly, it was a party last night and they drank, except Rex is still underage so he doesn't feel the after-effects of the punch. "My apologizes, Master Tora" Doctor Tiwarri bowed and looks at Niall. "Thank you, I will talk with Dr. Ridenia but give him our heartful thanks" Niall nodded and looks at Zeke climbing out of his bed. "I can look after her"

"You're sure Prince Zeke?" Doctor Tiwarri asked frowning his brows. "Yeah, I'm feeling a lot better after sleeping a little. It was just a shock to know what you can do, bad memories you know" Zeke said, not wanting to admit he was feeling bad due to a hangover. Pandoria comes next to him smiling a little noticing that but didn't say anything. "Very well and if you need any help, Heleana will help you, she's..." Tiwarri nodded. "Oh we know her, she was here last night. Can I help Brighid? When she wakes up I can tell her my own experiences and look after her" Pandoria said.

Zeke nodded. Pandy taking care of Brighid, that's a first... He thought and smiled. "Good idea Lady Pandoria, I'll escort you to her room" Doctor Tiwarri raised his brows surprised but nodded and looked at Zeke. "I know the way," Zeke said too fast realising how does it sound but the doctor didn't think it as deeply, just nodded and left with Pandoria following. She though, had a hard time, not to laugh.

"You do, Zeke?" Niall asked deadpan and the others burst out laughing. Zeke brushed the back of his neck when turning to look at them. "I didn't mean it that way... I'll go, now" he then just said and left before they could see how he was blushing.

"Poor man" Azurda smiled and tried his wings and flew to Rex, who was sleeping next to Dromarch. "I need to go take a look at how things are in the Senate and with the guest, I slept way too much compared to how I used to" Niall just cleared his voice and took the crown from the table with the cape. "Right… Is Queen Raqura still here?" Rex whispered. Niall just nodded. "Take it easy, the kitchen is open. They will make you breakfast when you're ready" he just said and left. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Pyra said before he was too far.

"I wouldn't want to be in his pants. Knowing the queen of Uraya, she must be pissed off" Mythra said and stretched her arms. "Yeah... Was Nia really awake the whole night and still is?" Rex then asked. "She's a healer and my lady takes her job seriously," Dromarch said and jumped down to stretch too.

"Rex, are you worried?" Azurda asked smiling. "Of course, I'd be worried if any of you did that," Rex said fast and start putting on his boots.

Mythra looked at Pyra smirking and she smiled too, knowingly, even though they have been together a year now, Rex and Nia have feelings for each other...

Zeke found his way to the Mòrags' quarters, and if asked he wouldn't admit he got lost for a moment.

"Nia?" he asked quietly when opening the door. "Oh Shellhead, should have known you’d be the first to check on her" Nia smirked normally by Mòrag's bedside keeping her hands above Mòrag in the white light.

Zeke laughed quietly and close the door behind him as he comes to them but swallows as he looks at Mòrag.

She has scrapes and abrasions on her hands and face, as a result of being knocked back during a fight with Felden. She wore a bandage that showed underneath her top, but despite all this, she slept peacefully. 

"How is she?" Zeke whispered to Nia. She kept her eyes closed as she focused on her healing arts. "Pretty good, considering what happened" Nia answered after a while and then opened her eyes. "It was a bloody mess Shellhead, literally. You should have carried me too there" she then added quietly but her eyes were mad. "Sorry... We were all confused but the good thing is we can hear better without having to yell. Did you know that the palace medical team has Blades and Drivers now?" Zeke whispered to her, all he was thinking was to get Mòrag fast for the medical wing in the palace.

"Yeah, I know, learned that a while ago. But seriously, to be awakened by an Ardainian soldier, do you have any idea how freaky that is? Those helmets are kind of scary at night… And THEN he lifted me onto Dromarchs back and he carried me inside. I had a chance to clear my head a little, but at the same time, he told me what happened. When we got there and I saw Mòrag, dammit Brighid is good with the makeup, I was sure I was too late before I saw her, standing next to her" Nia sighed, closing her eyes again to focus some more.

"I'll bet and yeah she is... One hell of a Halloween. By the way, how are you feeling?" Zeke nodded but lowered his voice. Nia opened her eyes smirking. "You worried, Shellhead?"

"Well the doc said you were up all night long healing, and yet here you are still standing. I know I'm feeling the hangover" Zeke said a little smile on his face. "Hah yeah, I'm tired and can't heal the hangover. Nice thing to be a Flesh Eater but I’ll manage. I'm still better than our heroine here" Nia nodded almost laughing but then looks at Mòrag who started grimacing.

"Mòrag?" Zeke asked worried and takes her hand on his hand.

"Nothing can keep you asleep, eh, you cheeky little blighter?" Nia whispered, but her tone was not mad but rather a tad concerned. Zeke just grinned. "She's not wrong Mòrag. Are you feeling like hell like last time?" he asked even though he was worried it was too much. Mòrag sighs but smiled and opens her eyes. "What... Happened to the..." she asked but Zeke puts his hand on her shoulder. "Dead and you had surgery so take it easy"

Don't go there yet Shellhead... Nia thought but closed her eyes focusing.

Mòrag frowned and looks at Nia in her Blade form. "I didn't d..." she whispered but Zeke shook his head. "Nah, you didn't, but it was a bloody close one" Mòrag raised her brows but just nodded. "If you're feeling better, tell me can you breathe well enough, so I take a break" Nia sighed and the light from her hands disappears and she sits on the bed.

Mòrag nods and looks at Zekes' red eyes from poor sleep last night and how tired Nia is. "Could you tell..." she started. "Hell no." both of them said and then look at it each other. Mòrag smirked but as she tries to move her left hand she grimaces. "As I said, surgery. You'll know soon enough, what I can tell is that our friends are fine and so are the guests. The soldiers are checking that weirdo's background." Zeke said and caress her hand.

"Good..." Mòrag whispered but closed her eyes breathing roughly. "Mòrag, hey, you got stabbed by the scythe in the bloody chest, so you need to tell me if it's too early to stop" Nia slapped her cheek mildly.

"Maybe... I feel like stones in my chest..." Mòrag admitted. "Knew it" Nia snorted, stood up, and started the healing again. "I know you're a soldier, but bloody hell Mòrag, this is the second time within the same month. You have bad luck like our Shellhead yer?" she teases, closing her eyes again.

"Hey, furry ears..." Zeke started but snorted, she was not wrong. "Stupid... Error on my judgement… I shouldn't have gotten close to him, and as he said, I shouldn't have left my position, either... Pandoria couldn't have taken that blow on her own and you both would get hurt, instead..." Mòrag whispered disappointedly in herself. Zeke frowned and shook his head. "Well it wasn't your fault"

Mòrag opened her eyes asking. "How would you know what would’ve waited for you in such a creepy location? Well going too early might’ve been your bad, but it was my fault for not taking my sword from my room. If I had, I could’ve taken that blow. Real close to doing that, but I guess I really was too drunk to realize I needed it, even for what was supposed to be a prank. A prank that almost cost everyone their lives... So this Christmas? I think it’ll be better and much more peaceful" Zeke said and then looked at his friends, one of which was tired of healing and the other having been to death’s doorsteps twice within two weeks.

"I think so too..." Mòrag just smiled a little eyes half open. Zeke noticed she caress his hand on one finger so he sighs deeply and gives a kiss on her forehead.

"You're cute" Nia whispered. "Oh shut it, you... You just focus on healing so you can go to sleep too" Zeke smirked but didn't continue. Even though he called her kitty-no-mates last year, now it would be too much.

Nia noticed that too but just smirked, she is a loner but then again wouldn't mind having something like they have...

The next hours ran fast or slow depends who you were asking.

Niall was at various meetings in order to solve matters with Queen Raqura, who was pissed off due to falling out a chair because one Ardainian soldier lost his mind, leaving her with some bruises. Niall will have to figure something out to compensate for this for her. The other guests leave after being served breakfast by the palace, which for many was enough compensation.

Others rest at the guest lounge after leaving the medical wing and later in the day, they were helping around the palace and city, as nearby houses lost their windows as well, and moving into the new city is still far away.

Nia went to sleep after Mòrag was breathing normally and Zeke looked after Mòrag the rest of the day. The doctors didn't give permission for her to have more visitors, just Pandoria, who brought him dinner.

"You bringing me food Pandy?" Zeke asked, smiling when he opened the door for her.

"No, I just thought to come to eat here" Pandoria smirked and put the tray on Mòrag's desk. Zeke laughed. He then nods and gives her a hug. "Thanks. By the way, how are you holding up?"

"Pretty good, now that everything is settling down. You?" Pandoria whispered while Mòrag was sleeping. "Pretty swell Pandy, who knew this would be what happens during this year's spooky month eh?" Zeke jested, as he sat down to eat. "Not me, but it has been interesting. Actually, I did think you would’ve told her at the party." Pandoria grinned. Zeke coughs while eating. "You did, really?"

"Yeah, I knew you liked her and how happy it made you when she had time to write a letter to all four of you, including the others in those too," Pandoria said and leaned into the desk. "And actually I should say you were happy, she wrote for you..." She added smirking. Zeke listened to her while eating, with an expression that looked a little uncomfortable. "It kind of scares me how well you know me…"

"Rough deal my prince, for both of us..." Pandoria laughed but then her lamp flickered. "Pandy..." Zeke whispered and stood up. "But as long as you're happy, I'm happy... Really, my prince, it's not like she going to steal you away completely from me" Pandoria continued, this was the first time in two weeks she talked about this more deeply.

"Never Pandy, we can now just get in mischief on a whole different level" Zeke grinned and looked at Mòrag. "Hopefully not like yesterday" Brighid opened the door so quietly they didn't notice and they almost screamed. "Don't do that or Nia need to save me too" Zeke whispered, placing his hand on his chest dramatically. Brighid smiled a little but the flames on her hair weren't normal yet so she massaged her eyes. "It seems I did pick the wrong time, I thought Lady Mòrag would be awake"

Zeke notices Brighid has only the top part of her flame-style Core Crystal remaining. "Eyes up here, Prince Zeke," she said and Zeke looked quickly. "I was just looking at your Core Crystal... How are you feeling?" he almost blushed and cleared his throat. Pandoria smirked but noticed Mòrag is waking. "If you're going to continue, you should include me" she sighed. "Heh sorry Mòrag," Zeke said but looked at Brighid and Pandoria. Maybe they should talk alone...

"Is it too early to tell her? It's not like you can hide it" Pandoria whispered but Brighid shook her head and went. "We’ll go get some food for her" Zeke said and they left.

Mòrag heard the last and massaged her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Little past six. How are you?" Brighid asked, looking at the bandage around her driver. "Fine..." Mòrag sighs but stops to look at her Core Crystal. "Brighid, your..." she started and then looked at the bandage under her top, eyes wide open. Brighid just nodded. "I believe Prince Zeke didn't tell yet"

Mòrag shook her head. "I remember the scythe hit but never thought it was this, life-threatening," she told and then stops when she does remember more.

"I'll do it," Brighid's voice said. Her voice was nothing like she has heard before, she was afraid but had never been that sure about something.

"Do you remember something from the surgery?" Brighid asked.

"Yes... You, when you agreed to this, with no second thought, even though you were, afraid... Thank you, Brighid" Mòrag whispered looking at Brighid's violet eyes. "Always Lady Mòrag. I'm happy we had one of the doctors from Indol onboard. If not for him, I don’t want to think about what would’ve happened." she said but cleared her throat. "That being said, it will most likely cause a scar"

Mòrag smiled and shook her head. "You still remember when I said that in Fonsett. Never mind that. I'm glad you did it. Was Zeke there as well?" she then asked seeing half-eaten dinner on her desk. "Yes, he was. He carried you all the way here but after hearing that the only option was to make you a Blade Eater, his memories overtook him and as soon as the doctor came in, he fainted. Apparently, it was the same doctor that performed on him." Brighid told her but turned to look at the door.

"I heard that Brighid. Why does everyone need to say that?" Zeke whined as they come in. "Because you act dramatic all the time, my prince. Besides, people like your stories, us included." Pandoria teased him.

"Oi Pandy you taking their side now?" Zeke said, feeling betrayed as he hands Mòrag the tray of food. He places it on her lap after Brighid helped her to a sitting position. Brighid then sat next to her on the bed. "You're underdog now my prince, with us, three around" Pandoria continued and then she looked at Mòrag and Brighid. Come on... she thought, she likes to tease her prince but she wasn’t sure if Mòrag and Brighid would join her.

Mòrag laughed and nodded. "She’s right you know, Zeke. Still happy you told me?"

Brighid just smiled a little eyes closed. Zeke noticed Mòrag joining Pandorias tease and lifts his hands up theatrically. "Alright, I give in" but then gives a peck on Mòrag's cheek and surprised her. "And yes, I am" he grins. Pandoria laughs when Mòrag is again the one who blushed. She just isn’t good at it. Yet...

"I just learned that I'm a Blade Eater." Mòrag cleared her throat but still couldn't believe it. Zeke nodded and looks at Brighid who frowned, knowing what Mòrag ask next.

"So I want to hear the whole story. What happened after I got stabbed?" Mòrag said as she thought. "You sure Mòrag? I wouldn't eat at the same time..." Pandoria said wrinkling her nose at the thought. "Wouldn't be the first time Pandoria and probably not the last either" Mòrag just stated, but when she lifted the fork, she notices how her hand trembled.

"Maybe tomorrow, it hasn't been even one day. You want me to..." Zeke asked and offered but Mòrag glared at him. "Lady Mòrag, the doctor said your hand strength returns in upcoming days, so be patient," Brighid said and looked at the Zeke. Mòrag has never been the easiest patient...

"Okay, how's this? We will tell you if you let me help you" Zeke grinned. Mòrag sighed deeply looking at her hands tremble but nodded. I can't even eat by myself... She thought and looked at Zeke when he took the fork. "Very well, but don't get used to it. I see you're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Zeke casped but smiles. "Maybe a little but not an upcoming story though"

After they told Mòrag what happened, she was as astounded as they were, especially by the Core Crystal explosion.

"Mythra thinks it was because that lady at the abandoned hospital modified the crystal when it's where the Felden guy got it" Zeke added when they were alone. Pandoria and Brighid went to take the dishes away and Pandoria said would escort Brighid back to her room. She didn't admit it but Brighid was feeling dizzy still from the operation and they could see it.

Mòrag nodded and tried to remember what she talked about with the doctor but her memory is hazy regarding it. "I can't... Seem to recall what she said when I talked with her... Other than she told me what she does there and..." she whispered but grimaced. "Hey don't force it, that's all we need for now..." Zeke said and put a hand on her shoulder.

Mòrag frowned but shook her head. "She... did say about experimenting with the crystals and I was... Afraid she had done something to Brighid when she was not with me there"

Zeke just nodded caressing her arm. "There you have it. Juice?" he then asked smiling. In his hand was the last bit of the juice Mòrag had her glass, which Brighid left for her. Mòrag looked at him deadpan but when moving her trembling fingers, she simply nodded. "Sure..."

"Did Niall tell you how we got the Blade Eater technique?" Mòrag then asked after drinking. Zeke put the glass on the table and then shook his head. "Nope and the doctor is the same one who operated on me. I just can't believe it. The Indolines do live long lives, but still."

Mòrag notices when Zeke said didn't like the story, it was an understatement. "You want to know, why he’s here?"

"Nah, it doesn't really matter but what are you guys going to do with him and his knowledge?"

"Well… The first thing you should know is that he was among the people we rescued from Indol after the titans’ fall. We couldn’t allow him to roam free, due to the fear that some loyalists to Amalthus may try to use it for revenge and then like by creating more Blade Eaters. So Niall made the decision to keep things a secret and that he would join our medical team to live his days in peace at the palace. He was under surveillance for a year, but after careful observation, he genuinely wants to use his knowledge for good. That said, Blade Eater technology can only be used for emergency situations, under imperial decree from His Majesty. Under this order, the Senate would have to get his permission to use it, as they do not have the power to overrule it." Mòrag told after drinking but then grimaces catching her breath so Zeke sits better at her bedside and kisses her head. "Okay, I get it. You don’t need to tell me the whole story, now"

"Well better now than later… The Senate could still use it for wrong, like with what happened with Temperantia's Titan weapons and Senator Roderich. He’s still currently on watch by the Carraig, but that is all we can do for now. Still, I’m glad Niall made his decision about this situation." Mòrag sighs. "Okay rest now, it's been a long day" Zeke whispered and is going to leave the bed. "Zeke..." Mòrag sighs deeply. "Spit it out"

"What?" Zeke asked and came back. "I can see you're holding something back. What do you know you have to hide?" Mòrag said squinting her eyes. "Maybe Brighid's Keen Eye is making you think that" Zeke jests, but then he sighed. "Alright, fine. I just can't believe you did that. I mean sure, we would’ve gotten hurt, but not to the extent that you are now. Pandy’s strong on her own even without her sword."

"I know, but I acted instinctively and will do it again if need to," Mòrag said smiling a little. Zeke shook his head and took her hand on his hand seeing how it trembles. "Maybe the soldiers should have just arrested his whiny ass before everything literally blew up in our faces"

"They couldn't act without my permission and he was a colleague Zeke," Mòrag said. He wasn't entirely wrong about that, but everything happened so fast.

Zeke grunted and caressed her hand. "Or what would you have done?" Mòrag whispered smiling a little, watching him caress her hand. "I’d probably do something else. If I were less drunk that night, I’d probably be a bit more level-headed. Thinking about it again, that guy was a little too eager to agree with the plan."

"Well, I think your prank could have been fitting for Halloween. All the guests got scared when the lights went out and the music stopped" Mòrag admitted and regretted it immediately when Zeke raised his brows and grinned widely. "Really?"

"Well, now I know you're a bed patient sis. It's been at least a decade since you agreed with me that pranks are okay sometimes" Niall opened the door while they were talking. "I think I need to lock my door..." Mòrag sighed and looked at Zeke. "Oh, I didn't know that. So, you really did like my prank, then?"

"I take it back," Mòrag said quickly and glared at Niall. He laughed and came to her bedside. "Not going to happen, I'll remember that," Zeke said grinning.

Mòrag sighs but sees Niall smiling too. She was glad to see him happy since he’s been through a lot lately.

"I came to visit before the evening meeting with one of the Senators." Niall then changed the subject. "Right, how did the other guests manage after yesterday?" Mòrag asked.

"Well, others thought it was a bit exciting if you don't mention you almost died or remind that many received bruises and scratches. That said, our guests told me that I should arrange for Halloween parties at the new palace too. So, I think it was a success, all things considered." Niall told her. He had mixed feelings about the event, being both proud that everyone had a good time, for the most part, but also still a little traumatized by everything involving Felden.

"And you're gonna do it?" Zeke asked. Niall smiled. "If everything goes as planned, yes. Hopefully, the next party goes without any life-threatening situations" he half-jokingly replies and looks back at his sister. "This is the second time in a month I’ve seen drenched in blood and admitted to emergency care." He notices Mòrag’s hands were shaking. “Mòrag are you feeling ok? Your hands are trembling.”

"I mean, she did get stabbed with a scythe and had to go through surgery," Zeke said locking his fingers with Mòrags fingers. "Brighid said it's temporary" Mòrag sighed and clenched her other hand into a fist. It trembled a lot and made it looked like harder than it normally was. Niall nodded but sniffled, keeping tears away. "I was sure I was going to lose you this time Mòrag. Two weeks is not enough time to recover, before another incident, especially one that turned out worse than the last one. You can't keep doing this" he scolded her like an older brother which made Zeke smile.

"I know Niall. But, once a soldier, always a soldier. You know that." Mòrag said smiling a little but Niall shook his head. "No. Special Inquisitor. You haven't been an ordinary soldier in years. Do you remember what I told you? I would fire you if you did this again. Perhaps I should transfer you to working on paperwork," he berated her, brushing off tears from his cheek.

For a moment Mòrag was terrified he'll do it. Niall was so devastated and mad but sighs in relief. He shook his head and smiled at her. "But I can't do that to you. I don’t know any other soldier that could match your skill both on the field and as a leader. Not to mention, it’ll be hard to adjust to someone new after so many years of you acting by my side as Special Inquisitor."

"Thank you, Your Majesty" Mòrag said smiling a little and they got to talking about other things before Niall had to leave.

"We heard voices from here but it seems we're too late?" Rex and the others came by the door as Zeke was closing it after Niall left and they saw Mòrag was sleeping again.

"Yeah, a little. Did you see Pandy?" Zeke smiled. "Yeah, I think she was escorting Brighid. Feels a little strange to say that." Nia smiled.

"Friends rarely together" Poppi whispered excitedly.

"We told her what happened and Brighid was here, so she knows now what else happened" Zeke told them and looked at his crystal chip. "Oh, how did she take it?" Pyra asked. "Pretty well, we didn't have a chance to talk about it yet but maybe tomorrow, how about you" Zeke thought.

"As His Majesty is offering us to stay here, I thought of going to go the hot spring by Jakolo’s Inn before bed" Mythra said dreamily. "So we haven't planned to leave just yet" Rex nodded.

"So you can't get rid of us just yet, Shellhead," Nia said smugly. "My lady..." Dromarch sighs.

"Well, furry ears, I'll be here for the rest of the month so suits me" Zeke shoots back.

"Let's go before Lady Mòrag wakes up. Goodnight, Prince Zeke" Azurda whispered and left. "Is friend Zeke going to sleep next to..." Tora started but Poppi pulled him with her. "Night guys" Zeke just said, closing the door, He looks back at Mòrag, resting on her bed.  I get what you meant, Tora, but it’ll be too much of a surprise for her if I was in her bed with her. Especially after heart surgery. He thought.

He smiles tenderly as he sits down next to Mòrag’s bed caressing her hair. We’re both Blade Eaters now, so I guess you’re gonna have to deal with me for a while…

Chapter Text

A few days passed the same way. Zeke was helping Mòrag on daily basis and the others are enjoying a free holiday at the Mor Ardain while also helping out here and there, spending time with their friends, now that they have a chance.

Mòrag wakes up in the morning after Zeke had gone to get breakfast. I haven't slept for 8 hours straight for a long time... she thought as she watched the alarm clock on her bedside table. Or being still in bed at nine. She smiled a little but couldn't hear anything from the bathroom. I guess Zeke went somewhere. she thought and pushed her feet out of the bed but noticed how her hands still tremble when she uses them. Well, it was technically only three days ago even if Nia healed me... She sighs and remembers when she pulls Felden back and the pain that followed... Mòrag! Let her go! Everyone shouting, before everything goes hazy...

"Dear girl, what are you doing? You shouldn't be up yet" she was startled and then saw Heleana by the door.

"Morning Helen" she just said sighing. Well, that's that for stretching then, I know better than leaving the bed, but just a stretch…

"Morning Mòrag, I take you're feeling better already? Where were you going?" Heleana came by her bedside and brought flowers to her vase standing on her bedside table. "I was just going to stretch a little" Mòrag admitted. "You’ll have time for that when you can actually do it, my dear. I see your hands are still shaky"

"I know... but thank you.” Mòrag said looking at her hands. She then notices the Dawn Hydrangeas in the vase. “You still remembered?"

Heleana has a tradition to bring her and Niall flowers in their rooms, because they're always so busy and she thinks no one should be that busy to stop to look at the flowers, even in vases.

"Every week Mòrag, so how are you? I spoke with that healer, Nia was it? She's a wonder. I know about Drivers and Blades but they call her a Flesh Eater. What a terrible name for the lady who saved you from Architects door, twice. And here you are wanting to stretch after getting stabbed, after three days" Heleana smiled and helped her back into the bed. She leaned onto the back of her bed sighing quietly. "Yes, Nia is the best healer I know of. I wouldn't be here without her"

"I believe you but I was hoping to see you alone here while Prince Zeke was getting breakfast" Heleana nodded and sit at her bedside.

Ah, there he went.. . Mòrag thought but cleared her voice. "You had something for me?"

"Yes, you know I'm not a telltale like other maids, I only care for your and Niall's wellbeing, as always " Heleana almost whispered smiling and Mòrag knew where this was going, she had waited for her to ask. "I know. When I was little you were my safe place from my father, when I should have dealt with some social party" she remembered trying to steer Heleana away from the topic.

"Ah yes, I always remember a little black-haired girl with two swords coming to me saying, "Hide me, Helen, daddy wants me to wear a dress at the party tonight" or something like that, you never did like dresses, so I was happy to see you followed your own path" Heleana laughed for the memory. "Still don't" Mòrag added smiling. "You were such a sneaky and stubborn girl, and you still are. Mòrag dear, are you in a relationship with Prince Zeke?" Heleana sighs and leans closer.

Mòrag raises her eyebrows and then the door opens up. "Oops, sorry I just brought breakfast for Mòrag" Zeke came as called but stopped upon seeing Heleana.

"Hah, don't worry, you came just in time. I have something to ask from you too" Heleana laughed and went to help Zeke with the tray.

"Oh?" Zeke just asked and looked at Mòrag who was hard to read. "You might guess my question as two nights ago, I met you for the first time. You were so worried about your, friend " Heleana said and sets the tray carefully on Mòrags's lap. She notices Mòrags's hand trembling when she was trying to pick up the glass of juice but didn't.

"Umm... You mean the Blade Eater thing?" Zeke asked and won't sit on the bed as he has done in these past two days. "Hmm no, even though it is an interesting thought but I can ask about it later. Now it's enough for me that you're going to be alright, right dear?" Heleana smiled and lifts Mòrags chin to look at her brown eyes. "Of course, Helen. My hands might tremble still but otherwise, I'm feeling fine" she nodded.

"Yes I know but you're still going to take it easy for the upcoming days and your prince is going to help you, right?" Heleana smiled warmly and took a few steps back to look at Zeke. "Yeah... Wait what?" Zeke nodded and when Mòrag sighs, putting her hand over her eyes, he realised what he just said.

Heleana laughed full-heartedly. "That's all I needed to know. I've seen the look in your eyes dear when Prince Zeke is away or you asked me to deliver a letter for the courier. So long you changed letters but I knew it was just a matter of time" she whispered happily. Zeke was surprised as Pandoria mentioned the letters too. Everyone sends letters it was not that obvious...

"Heleana... We, haven't told anyone in the palace other than Niall" Mòrag sighs but smiles a little when Zeke now sits at the bedside. At least he tried not to reveal it but Heleana is good at this...

"I understand and I won't tell a soul. You can tell me when you're ready and remember it's not political no matter who says it. The media and the Senate can say whatever they want, but I can see the real feelings between you two" Heleana sighs but looks at the clock and take a napkin from her sleeve to wipe her eyes.

"Thank you Heleana" Mòrag nods and so does Zeke. "I had a hunch you know or guessed at least" he then said grinning and looks at Mòrag.

"Of course, I sometimes still know her better than herself. I raised her practically myself" Heleana laughed but then took the old flowers from the table. "I'm glad you told me so I can help you any way I can even help you hide or make an alibi..."

"I know Heleana, I think they need you in the kitchen," Mòrag said sighing but smiling. "Of course, remember to rest my dear. Make sure of that, Prince Zeke" Heleana smirked and curtsy before leaving.

Zeke just nodded to her. "She's talky... and man so sneaky, I didn't get it when she said, your prince" he then whispered. "She is... She was like a mother to me and a friend when I needed to hide from my parents" Mòrag smiled and took the glass now from the tray. Zeke held her trembling hands to stop the glass from spilling.

"Sounds about right. Do the heels have something to do with the hiding?" he whispered grinning. "Sometimes..." Mòrag just answered.

After lunch, they were finishing the food and Zeke wiped her face but Mòrag frowned.

"You know Zeke, you're enjoying this bit too much. I can do that much, it's been three days already." she said, squinting her eyes when Zeke sat next to her on the bed, napkin in hand. "Nah, maybe I'm just doing all I can before you're at full strength and I can't do this anymore" he smiled and then kissed her. Mòrag blinked, smiling as she embraces the kiss, placing her hand on the back of his neck.

"Woah, I think we came in the wrong time" Nia opened the door laughing. "No, I think it was just the right time" Mythra smiled. "Teehee! Friends so blushy" Poppi giggled. Zeke sighs but grinned at Mòrag, giving her one more kiss before sitting back at her side. "Impeccable timing as always, guys,"

"You should lock the door or you won't stay hidden for long" Pandoria laughed and came last with Brighid, who has had her flames back in her hair and wasn't as pale as a few days ago.

"Maybe I really should, Pandoria" Mòrag said. "Are you all planning on leaving?" She asked when they gather around her bed now.

"Pretty much, like you don't want to get rid of us already?" Nia smirked. "Never Nia, it has been nice to have you here. It's been a while since I've been on leave and we have had a chance to talk like this" Mòrag just smiled. She was not entirely wrong, having them all here is tiring, even though she loves them.

"Poppi happy to spend time in big house of Mòrag and Emperor Niall. Poppi would want to do it again" Poppi said excitedly.

"You're not wrong Poppi. It is nice having someone else make food for you, even though I like cooking" Pyra smiled. Mythra didn't say anything about that but she wouldn’t mind having a hot spring at Leftheria or maybe in a future city in Elysium.

"Yes, indeed you have been very nice to us" Dromarch nodded. "Hopefully next time will calm down a bit" Azurda said. "I'll be sure to tell Heleana and Niall, if you don't see them before you go" Mòrag nodded, smiling.

"Yeah that was some Halloween party," Rex said scratching his head and touching his ear. Glad their hearing recovered fully.

"Yes, never again" Mòrag agreed and shook her head. "Other than next time at the new palace?" Pyra smiled. "As long as the entertainment is not the same. Never would have thought a Core Crystal could react so violently to Siren’s attack like that." Mythra scoffed and looked at Zeke. "Hey, that wasn't my fault. My prank was going to be simple when you go look for the reason for the outage, I would scare you or something" Zeke defended himself as some of the others laughed.

"Well, all's well that ends well as they say" Azurda nodded smiling. "Exactly Master Titan" Dromarch nodded. "And all because Indol modified humans for their own means..." Mythra grumbled. "Yeah, they did that after we went to sleep" Pyra sighed, putting her hands on her crystal.

"But now it save two Tora’s friends! Tora can't be mad," Tora said jumping with his wings on a chair next to the bed. "Yeah, for sure but I don't think it would be wise to start digging up any other cases. We saw what happened when you rib the Core Crystal with your bare hands. It’s not exactly a safe option" Nia wrinkled her nose disgustedly.

"By the way, I haven't mentioned but it's interesting how Brighid has now just the top part of the flame-styled crystal" Rex said wanting to move on from the case.

"Yes, the doctor asked me which way I want it to be cut and I decided this. It's the most suitable way" Brighid said and put her hand on her crystal, which doesn't look like a flame anymore. "You made the right choice Brighid..." Mòrag assured and Brighid nodded.

"Is friend Mòrag afraid it leaves scar? Poppi remember friend say that" Poppi asked frowning worriedly. "Maybe a little but since it saved my life, I can live with it" Mòrag just answered and jumped a little when Zeke gave her a peck on the cheek. "I'm sure, and Shellhead can help with that" Nia grins smugly. "And you know Shellhead... as you sit there like that, you would think something else has happened" she smirked.

"What friend Nia implying?" Poppi asked cluelessly. "Nia, don't you think that's a bit too early, it has been just almost three weeks" Pyra laughed girly. Rex blushed but looked down and Azurda just smiled. Mòrag realized what Nia means and went paler. "Nia!"

"Friend Nia means littlepons?" Tora asked, flapping his wings. "Masterpon, maybe friend Nia meant just they bein..." Poppi sighs. "My lady, it has been, an unbelievable month, but I think that was too much" Dromarch cleared his throat and talked over, saving them from the embarrassment but Mythra smirked. "But she's not wrong though. You two are already in bed"

"Hey wow Mythra, I'm just sitting here!" Zeke blushed and changed the subject. "Hah, you're so red, Shellhead. I thought you were a ladies' man" Nia laughed but Dromarch pushed her.

Pandoria just laughed and didn't add anything. That would be interesting, my prince and Mòrag, with kids?

Brighid smiled a little too. That’s still a ways away in the future.

"Okay furry ears, maybe you should be going" Zeke laughed and got out of bed before the conversation goes back to being too personal even among friends. Mòrag cleared her throat too and wanted just to forget what they were talking about. For now...

"Yeah, I thought you wanted to get rid of us already. What about the king in Tantal?" Mythra smiled. "Come on Mythra" Pyra shook her head smiling and stood up.

"Umm... Well, the old man knows I have problems with hearing after that bang, so Pandy and I might go visit Tantal next week or so" Zeke just grinned. "You always have my prince" Pandoria giggled at how Zeke doesn't really listen to his father.

"True but hopefully you learned something, Zeke," Brighid said crossing her arms on her chest, which looks different now with only half of the core remaining. "Heh yeah... Hopefully, Christmas and next Halloween are more peaceful" Zeke just laughed, but everyone else laughed at his nervousness.

"Hopefully but I want to hear about you before that and not in that kind of letter we got from his majesty" Rex nodded laughing, but then he remembered how scary it was to read it.

"Definitely, I will try to continue with those letters, after I can write and do something with my hands" Mòrag suspires and lifts her hands and everyone saw how much they were still shaking. "It will pass, Lady Mòrag" Brighid said, understanding how helpless Mòrag feels.

"I’ll hold you to that, see ya!" Nia smiled and they left but they heard from the walkway Tora saying too loudly how he almost asked if they can see Mòrag's core fragment before realizing where it was.

"Hah cheeky fur ball like always" Zeked laughed with Pandoria, as Mòrag sighed deeply remembering when Tora didn't even know she was a woman.

"Do you need anything, Lady Mòrag?" Brighid asked interrupting them. "No, I'm fine, remember to rest yourself. Niall can handle the work" Mòrag shook her head and said worriedly. Brighid just smiled and bowed before leaving. She waits for Pandoria to come with her.

"I'm glad you're okay Mòrag, I really am because if my prince is happy, I am. I said this to him earlier but I figure you both need to know it" Pandoria said smiling and her lamp didn't flicker this time.

"Pandy~" Zeke sighs and hugs her. "I appreciate that Pandy, you know"

"I know my prince" Pandoria whispered smiling.

"Thank you, Pandoria... I can tell you as well that head maid Heleana knows about us. She knows me so well and mentioned that she saw it in my eyes whenever I asked her to give my letters to the courier to deliver them to Zeke..." Mòrag whispered, but Brighid would tell if someone was in the walkway now that the door is open. 

Pandoria's eyes widened and she looked at Zeke. "Thanks, Mòrag, maybe I needed to hear that, my prince was the same way, all year" she then giggled before leaving and Zeke closed the door.

"You were?" Mòrag asked when he turned to her. "Heh maybe" Zeke just grinned and came next to her. "Where did we leave off?"

"Definitely not what the girls were hinting at," Mòrag whispered but closed her eyes slowly when Zeke kissed her, putting his hand on her cheek before it fells slowly to her hips...

At the end of the following week, Zeke was about to go back to Tantal but before that, he wanted something from Mòrag, which she was not comfortable with.

"Zeke, you know what you're asking?!" Mòrag shouted in her room. She has recovered a lot in two weeks.

"I'm asking to see the crystal, it's not like I'm asking you to strip, they took off the bandages this morning" Zeke laughed, he was wearing his usual jacket again but couldn't keep the pirate outfit because the palace staff didn't get the blood off it this time. The same applies to Mòrag’s vampire outfit, except for the cape and boots.

Mòrag crossed her arms around her chest, she was wearing her off-day clothes. Blue shirt blouse which has a high collar with a dark red stripe on it and a little red necklace and black pants.

"I don't use those kinds of revealing shirts anyway. It's not like I'm going to go on any long assignment anytime soon, so you could see it later after you come back from Tantal" She argued. "Oh yeah, you won't. I’m not getting that letter anytime soon. Niall asked for help because something went very wrong with the mission and you haven’t come back" Zeke almost jumped. "I meant you can see it, another time. Just not now, we should be going anyway" Mòrag snorted but still blushed.

Zeke shook his head at how she can be so stubborn they're both adults and in a relationship. "Okay," he then said and took off his jacket.

Mòrag raised her brows asking when watching his bare chest. "You're not expecting me to do the same, are you?" she asked, hardly believing what she was seeing. Zeke raised his brows grinning. "Zeke! You can't be serious" She shouted laughing.

"I am, you're the one being stubborn I just asked to see how the crystal has started healing" Zeke said and came closer putting his hands on her arms. Mòrag looks at him and the clock on the wall. This stupid fight should have ended half an hour ago... she sighs profoundly and went past Zeke to the door.

Zeke thought she'll open it and then they leave, since Pandoria and Brighid are waiting for them, but then he hears a click and turns around. "Alright but don't get the idea you're going to win every time" Mòrag said after locking the door.

"Never" Zeke grinned and watched as Mòrag took off her, necktie and opened her blouse buttons so Zeke sees the blue Core Crystal fragment between her breasts, slightly covered by her bra. "Does it still itch? I mean mine was pretty much okay after a week but when putting the jacket on it, it was horrible" Zeke just asked and came closer.

"Like hell... but I'm glad there are not as many scars as what you’ve got" Mòrag admits, but stops to stare at the light blue crystal on Zeke’s chest and was surprised when Zeke puts her hand on it. "It's interesting isn't it?" he whispers. Mòrag just nods and brushes the crystal before lifting her gaze to his face. "I... We should go" She started but then just said.

"Can't I, do the same?" Zeke smirked when Mòrag started fastening her blouse buttons. "I never said you can, yet" she still teased him. "Unfair" Zeke laughed and pulled her back from the waist and kissed her.

"You know Mòrag..." he whispered after they kissed and looked down.

Mòrag raised her eyebrows askingly. "Now you have that deeper connection too, with Blades" he said and caress her cheek. Mòrag first frowned but then remembered. In Fonsett, she did say she was jealous of others' deep understanding and connection with their Blades. "I have... I guess now Rex is the only Driver in our group, outside of Tora, that’s a completely normal human being, now that Pneuma restored his heart." she whispered.

Zeke laughed and nodded putting his jacket back on. "True that but another thing... You know, what is the next hard thing?" He then whispered and caressed her cheek. Mòrag raises her brows waiting for what made him sober down so fast.

"You have to put up with me from now on, even more than just letters. And after today... I'm going to miss you" he whispered, his smile slowly fading away. Mòrag could feel the sadness in his voice and see it in his eyes. "Zeke..." she sighs but smiles and puts her hands on his chest.

"I have always tolerated you, even a year ago when you got on my nerves but now, I’ll wait here for you to come back" she continued. "And?" Zeke smirked widely, waiting for her to say the same.

"I think our friends have waited for us long enough. It's a long way to Tantal" Mòrag just said but smiled when Zeke disappoint dramatically shoulders dropping. "Spoilsport, I know you're going to miss me too, so say it" he still teased but Mòrag opens the door from the lock. "Come on," she said and opened the door.

Zeke sighs but couldn't help but smile as they left. One day...

At the roof harbour, Niall has offered them a vessel so they don't have to use public.

"Okay, we're off then. See ya at the next international conference later here. This time I’m sure of it" Zeke stated smiling.

"See you. After that, I'm going to check to see how the new palace is coming along with the new Alba Cavanich..." Mòrag nodded, hands held behind her back like always, but Zeke noticed a little shaking in her voice at the end.

Like the last time I left, she's unsure how we can keep this up when we don't see each other for months and we both have our own share of responsibilities... He thought and looked at Brighid and Pandoria behind her but also at the many soldiers at the harbour. He could make her mad if he would make this now public.

"Your Majesty?" Brighid asked when Niall comes from the elevator with Aegaeon. "Ah good you're still here, Prince Zeke," Niall said officially and gave him the file. "If you would give this to your father. It's about meetings timetables and such"

"Oh sure, you almost forgot it did you?" Zeke smirked even though Brighid frowns at that. "Kind of, Aegaeon I need you and Brighid to bring all the soldiers from the harbour to a meeting room. It's about the new harbour in Elysium and how it's going to work differently" Niall just answered and winked at Zeke and Mòrag before leaving with the Blades. "Of course Your Majesty" Brighid bowed as did Aegaeon but Zeke was sure, he was smiling for a minute.

Pandoria looked at how swimmingly Niall, with the help of the two Blades, got every soldier with him and then the harbour was soon empty, just her, Mòrag, Zeke, and the captain of the boat that they were going to borrow. "My prince, I wanna know how… Ardainian ships operate. I mean it's His Majesty’s personal ones, and smaller at that" she said and Zeke noticed she was holding her laugh back.

"Yeah go ahead Pandy, I'm sure he will show you around the boat" he just nodded and she ran off.

"I think Niall made the whole meeting up, just for us" Mòrag sighs deeply, now they're truly alone in the large harbour after the confused Ardainian soldier left with the rather excited lightning Blade. "I think so too but I'm not complaining" Zeke laughed and came closer and brushes Mòrags' hair off her face. "You should keep your hair open like this more often"

"When I have a day off I promise and I’ll try to keep my promises" Mòrag whispered and meant the other thing too. "I know" Zeke smiled and hugs her.

Mòrag squeezes her eyes closed when hugging him but still tears fall. "Damn it, Zeke, I'm going to miss you..." she whispered voice shaking while hugging tightly. She doesn't do this often.

Soon months and a year ago when she thought Niall died...

"Me too, I'm glad you said it... Hey, the next meeting is what? Not next week, but the following one, not long before I'll come back." Zeke whispered and looked at her and wipes the tears from her cheek. "Better, you're smiling" he then said. Mòrag almost laughed, but didn't mention that she saw Zeke’s eyes get wet too. "Yeah... See ya then, go save Pandoria from Captain Gormach. He gets rather excited about the ship and thank Pandoria for me"

"Oh right, he is actually interested in the boats" Zeke laughed and then gave a quick kiss to Mòrag before he ran off.

Mòrag stayed to watch him run and shook her head smiling. At the same time, she couldn’t help but think about the soldier that exploded on Halloween, turning her into a Blade Eater, and more importantly, making her and her colleagues investigate the abandoned hospital.

I wonder if that didn't happen, I have ever admitted my feelings towards him? She thought getting her bearings but the tears didn't stop when the ship started to leave the dock.

"Yes, you would have Lady Mòrag" Brighid came by her side and startled her which doesn't usually happen. "Brighid?! When did you?!... Did you read my..."

"No, I just know you so well my friend. It was just a matter of time and place" Brighid just said but couldn't help smiling when for once she startled her Driver. This hasn't happened in years. I’m glad you can drift away to your thoughts again. 

Heleana said the same... Mòrag cleared her throat, she wasn't that easy to read, so everyone would notice that, surely. "Is His Majesty really keeping the lecture about half-made harbour? Which is exactly the same as this?"

"He is but also is taking opinions from his soldiers who are going to work there, improvements he said before I left to get you" Brighid told her and looked at how far away the ship was now.

"Oh, of course, I was hoping something like that. Niall really shouldn't do that just because of me... And Zeke" Mòrag said and went to call for the elevator. "You know he will still, he's your brother and will use every opportunity he gets, Mòrag," Brighid said.

Mòrag turned to look at her and saw Brighid giving her a tissue. "Thank you Brighid..." she just whispered and went to the elevator.

"Anytime Lady Mòrag" Brighid said and came next to her smiling, watching as Mòrag wiped her eyes and sneezed.

It's good that there’s more in your life than just work and I'm happy you finally let it happen...