(Trails of Cold Steel III ost -Things to Tell You)
After we left the Gargantua since it's the Imperial Army Battleship now. We all fatheron the bridge, and we saw Sharon show up who was now back in her maid outfit.
"Everyone, I apologize for all the trouble I've caused you." Sharon said as she bowed. "As Sharon, a humble servant of the Reinford family, please allow me to join you. And Levi, I swear that I will make it up to everyone as a way to atone for my actions."
"I'm glad to hear that. Because I can see what was in your eyes… and to our own bond… despite your betrayal. Plus I wasn't going to kill you but a certain someone thought so." I said and then turn to Alisa.
Alisa was nervous laughed as she forgot. "I'm sorry. I know how much you hate Black Alberich and pretty much everyone who stood against us. I thought you would do something that would break my heart."
"I understand that but I'm not a monster. Sure massacring the IDF is one thing but they're strangers to us. We have no connections to them. Plus you were that desperate to kill George."
"I can't deny that. However, knowing now I found out about him as well as Olivert, Toval and Viscount Arseid is alive. The resentment of him was reduced. So a non-lethal punishment is suited for his crimes. George will be fine. He's a strong person after all."
"Giving him a black eyes shows you mean what you said. Just like those scars back in the Infernal Castle." Crow replied
"And who's fault was that?"
The group laughed.
"Still, I'm happy that you gave him that, Levi." Towa sigh with relief.
"Well, in any case, welcome back Sharon." I smiled. "But it seems you will be resting for awhile."
Sharon nodded "Indeed. The injury I sustained from our battle caused me quite a bit of pain."
"I would think so." Musse agreed. "I'm quite relief to see Chairman Irina and Professor Schmidt remain unharmed."
"Me too. With the barrier gone, we can now prepare for our next destination." I reminded.
"The Draco Sanctuary." Jusis said.
"That's where the boss is waiting for us." Fie added.
"The Hamel barrier has vanished completely. If we go now, I expect that we'll be able to reach our destination." Duvalie pointed out
"Still, why'd they go outta their way to move it THERE?" Ash asked.
"I don't understand it either." Tita said. "Have you heard anything, Professor?"
"I'd rather avoid idle speculation, as this is well outside my area of expertise. However, it's clear this is a function of the Rivalries." Schmidt replied. "The sanctuaries may include some manner of mechanism that enables them to relocate to places dense with mana. Beyond that, I neither know nor care."
"Anyone ever told you you're a real piece of work, old man?" Randy sighed.
Celine sighed. "Just when I thought we'd gotten ourselves someone who could fill us in on the Workshop, he turns out to be useless."
"Now now. The Professor has graciously agreed to be our techinal advisor for the Courageous ll."Prince Olivert said. "We're waiting for George to get in touch with more info concerning the Workshop, right?"
"Speaking of George, I believe he ask us to leave Olivert and the others a massage?" I said
"Oh?"
Rean answered as he turn to Olivert. "He said... he's sorry."
"Ah." Olivert said. "We'll considering he's the reason we're alive right now, he owes us no apology. In fact, we should be thanking him."
"Yes. He went against the Black Workshop." Alfin nodded
"I suppose I can forgive him for not killing Olivert and the others." Cedric replied. "Though I'm a bit concern with his condition."
"Hey, he had it coming." I pouted. "As long as he's back to the light and learn to pay for his crimes. I'll forgive him. And here's a lesson. NEVER betray my friendship. I'm quite personal to me. I don't have friends back as a child. You can't blame me for that. After all, I forgave Crow back then."
"And you were one hell of a guy. I was hoping you won't forgive me. Not to mention that punch you gave me still hurts like hell back then. Even Vita added that."
"Like I said. I don't like anyone betraying my trust and friendship. Don't make it sound like I will hunt them down like a bloodhound. I just wanted to make it clear how much they meant to me."
"Levi…" Rean place his hand on my shoulder.
"It's alright. Plus Vita is making it up to me. I'm not the type to hold grudges. Unless it's personal."
"Like friendship."
"I walk right into that one, didn't I?" I frown
"You did." Fie chuckled.
"It seems I'm complicated."
"But that's is what we love about you." Rean smiled.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Crimson Flash Shadow -Radiant Wings-)
"Hehe, thanks. Anyway, at least we know where to go, right?" I asked. "We should rest for a bit before we head over there."
Rean nodded. "Agreed, let's relax a little and when we're ready, we'll head out to Draco Sanctuary."
"Right, but the real battle starts now." Laura nodded. "Fie, are you ready?"
"Yep. Just say the word. Can't keep the boss waiting." Fie nodded.
"As long last, a third Rivalry, continue on from Crow and Prince Cedric." Rean said.
"Well, I'm not sure if we can persuade the Jaeger King or not, but all we can do is try." Crow replied.
"Yes. Here's hoping." Cedric nodded.
"And you can bet I'm coming too." Ash said. "I'm not about to sit on my ass while you traipse around my home turf."
"I'll be going too." Gaius added. "As a Dominion, I wish to see the state of the sanctuary."
"I'd like to depart as soon as possible, but we need to make sure our preparations are perfect first." Emma nodded.
"We're not far from Parm right now. We can drop in there, too, I suppose." Prince Olivert said. "Just come let me know whenever you're ready to head to the shrine!"
Soon we begin to break off. I begin to be in the Cafeteria and then helping out in the kitchen with Sandy. And then our… questionable… duo of chief and food lover join.
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Sign of Gloom)
As a few minutes has passed. So Rean, me, Fie, Ash, Crow, Cedric, and Gaius were already prepared. Rean chose Venti, Sara and Duvalie to come along and the Courageous flew over the forest area near Parm Byroad before it landed on a large empty ground and we got out before the ship lifted upwards and flew away.
We made our way through Hamel byroad to make our way to the entrance. Once we arrived to the large entrance. A gust of wind blow at us. However, it was actually a strong force of mana.
"Wow...this flow of mana is incredible." Gaius said.
The breeze then stopped.
"Yeah, and take a look at where it's coming from." Rean added.
We then looked up to see the pillar of light in the distance.
"And there it is." I said
"Hamel, huh? Never been there before." Crow said.
"It's been some times since I was here to this once beautiful place." Cedric sighed
"Let's get this over with." Ash added. "Judging from where the light is, it must be right in the middle of the place."
Fie nodded. "Don't rush in. Keep your guard up."
We made our way past the open area and through the narrow path that took us to Hamel Village, it was still the same, but at the far end on the top hill was a very familiar sanctuary building we saw at Luna Shrine.
"Do you feel that?" Gaius asked.
"Yeah. It's unlike that of the Luna Sanctuary. The air is buzzing with electricity." I replied. "This is certainly an ideal place for a Rivalry battle."
"Least they didn't screw with the memorial stone." Ash pointed out.
"C'mon. Let's do this." Fie said.
"Yeah. We're going in." Rean nodded.
Steeling ourselves, we walked through the green entrance and stood inside the Draco Sanctuary.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Perfect Stage)
The area inside was almost similar to the Luna S anctuary, but the color and some of the land was different. I felt the presence of earth and wind elements being the strongest here.
"So this is the Draco Sanctuary, huh?" Ash commented.
"It appears similar to the Luna Sanctuary at first glance." Gaius said. "Its aura, however, differs completely."
"Yes. The Luna Sanctuary was calmer. And the one that Liam created back then was entirely different." Cedric nodded
"All because of the coming Rivalry, no doubt." Rean added. "Though we'll probably need to 'set the stage' here as well, just the same as before."
Crow nodded. "Yeah. Seems like it. I kinda dount ol' Rutger the only one here waitin' for us in here."
"Yeah, and probably the rest of the Zephyr squad too." Fie added. "Either way, it doesn't change what I'm here to do. Xeno, Leo and the boss all helped to raise me. It's up to me to confront them."
I nodded. "Then let's not keep them waiting, time to go."
"All right, team. It's time we started our investigation." Rean said. "Stay on your toes! There's no telling what this third Rivalry might hold in store!"
"Understood!" We nodded.
We started moving our way around the sanctuary. A group of monsters blocking our way and we defeat it. Then we took notice of the wind barrier blocking our path.
Gaius humming."I sense the forces of wind at work within this barrier"
"There's gotta be a way to disable it. Levi, you got an idea?" Crow asked
"I sense multiple mechanics in the sanctuary connected to the wind barriers all over but…" I replied. "For this one. It's on the other side. We better start walking."
We continue to walk further and taking out some monsters along the way and then Ash look at the sky.
"Damn, get a load of the sky!" Ash said as we all look at the sky.
"The winds here are churning out of control. I've never felt such chaos." Gaius replied.
"Zephyr must really be whipping up a storm." Fie nodded.
"It's a fitting name for them to be in this sanctuary." Cedric replied.
We took down some of the fragile crystals that were powering up shield barriers that blocked our way through. We soon took a right turn upwards to a big area where one of the two men in question was waiting. And then. We see Leo.
"There you are, at last." Leo greeted. "I've been expecting you, Fie. Schwarzer. And you as well, Levi."
"Leo." Fie replied.
"We knew you'd be here." Rean said.
"Fie, watching you grow throughout your years has been a journey in itself. Seems like only yesterday you were just a babe. And now, you're fighting your way to face the boss himself." Leo smiled
"And I will. For Rean, Levi, and everyone else." Fie said. "And for me, more than anyone. I won't be able to move on till I do."
"Fie…" Rean said
"Heh… You tell 'em." Crow chuckled.
"Hah, I take it you're ready, then?" Leo asked "Good. I won't be going easy on you, you know."
"All right, time for the battle then." I smirked.
Then he got his weapon out and ready with a mighty presence.
"His raw power truly is frightening. Fitting for the name of a beast." Venti replied
"He'll make a formidable foe, no doubt." Gaius said.
"It's been a while since I've seen you let loose the warrior's blood inside you, Leo." Fie said.
"Ah, yes… I've told you this many times before as a bedtime story, as I recall." Leo said.
"A bedtime story?" I asked
"I come from a remote village in the central east-rich in resources, but marred by bandits and arms dealers. My family defended out villages from such raiders for generations. One day, the merchants returned with a battleship. We stood no chance. But who should then happen to come drive them back? It was the Jaeger King of Zephyr, and with his commander, the Killing Bear, right alongside him. That day, I swore my allegiance to the boss, to repay him for saving my village. When he was killed, I was devastated. I'd made an oath to serve him until the day I died. Never did I expect that he would do so first."
"So when Alberich offered a way to bring him back, you agreed to his plan without a second thought." Rean said.
"Another reason why I am going to kill him." I muttered.
"I get it, Leo. I might've done just the same, in your shoes. But that doesn't stop your choice from being a selfish one." Fie stated
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Mighty Urge)
"Yes… I'm well aware." Leo replied. "Haha. Who'd have thought the day would come when I would be chastised by you. If you think I've made a mistake or that my loyalty has gone too far, then show me. Prove that you're worthy to challenge the boss!"
Then we all draw our weapons.
"Understood!" Rean respond
"Get ready, Leo! Here we come!" Fie Deglare
Then my combat link is with Fie. And then we begin to charge and strike at Leo and he was pulling a heavy punch on all of us. Even make the ground shake and a strong swing attack. I was a little trouble at first but then I was able to do a follow up against him thanks to Fie and then Rean, Crow, Cedric begin to land some strikes onto him and then I follow up along with Fie Sara and Duvalie as Leo then launch some punch onto them and then I begin to let some powerful fury slashes and then push Leo back. And then Leo block Fie bullets and then Cedric use his new craft and then begin to launch slashes onto Leo and Venti follow up. Venti then drag Leo with his craft of stormeye and then. Soon we begin to launched a strike onto him as Leo begin to launch a strong swing spin and then slam his fist onto the ground and then push us back. Then I use Luminescence Rain and strike at Leo and Fie follow up. And then Fie use her strike and left an opening.
"Let's do this, Levi!" Fie said.
"Roger that!" I replied and then we both landed some powerful strikes onto Leo. Then he was on his Knees.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Perfect Stage)
They don't call him a Behemoth for anything.
Rean panted. "I wouldn't expect any less from the Behemoth."
"We did it…" Ash panted.
"My… what great strength… I need to train harder…" Cedric panted.
"Well, well. You actually defeated me." He said, catching his breath. "I still thought of you as a child, Fie. But you've shown me I was mistaken. So go, Fie, the boss awaits. Schwarzer, Armbrust, Sullivan. I leave the rest to you. "
He then fell down.
"Got it. You can rest easily Leo." Fie muttered.
"Heh… you're really heaping the pressure on." Crow said
"Yeah. But we can't let it hold us back." Rean nodded.
We then notice that the mechanism has been rearrange but half is complete. I think I understand how it works. If we defeat Zeno. Then the pathway is complete to reach Rutger.
"The mechanism seems to have moved." Gaius said.
"Yeah. I just understand how it works now." I nodded
"Same. If we defeat the other 'obstacle.' The pathway to the Jaeger King is open." Cedric nodded.
"Right. Let's head to the other side as well." Rean said
"Okay. Let's go." Fie nodded
We then moved away and downwards to explore the other side of the sanctuary, before moving to the right side and taking a left turn upwards to a familiar big area where the other half was expecting us.
"Hello there, Fie. And Rean Schwarzer himself." Xeno greeted. "Man, took you guys long enough. I was getting tired of waiting. If you're here, you musta been able to get past Leo, huh?."
"Yeah, somehow…" Fie nodded.
"Trap Master, Zeno." Rean said.
"One of Zephyr's perkier commanders, I'd say." Sara added.
"Which we predicted." I sighed
"Great. Guy's got 'trap master' right in his name, and we still fall for it." Ash muttered
"Aw, c'mon. Relax. I ain't turnin' this place into a minefield anytime soon." Xeno replied. "Wouldn't wanna spoil the stage by blowin' it into pieces, right?"
"Yeah. I don't exactly trust you with those words." I said.
"So we were right, then." Gaius said.
"You're here to help set the stage for the next Rivalry." Crow added.
"Yep. Gotta make sure the boss gets his time in the limelight." Xeno replied. "'Sides, it's our fault for wakin' him up from the big sleep in the first place."
"I knew it." Fie sighed. "Bet he was more shocked than angry about it, huh?"
"Hah, you nailed it. He was all 'I can't even stay dead without my grown-ass kids muckin' things up for me, can I?' But y'know, it's not like we coulda just turned down that chief-guy's offer. Ten years ago, a hitman was sent to snuff the boss out. He disarmed him in one go, inviting him out for drinks in the breath. Crazy, eh?"
"Yeah, sounds more than crazy if you ask me." I replied.
"After that, he tracked down the guy who hired the assassin, and razed their whole organization to the ground. As for the assassin, the boss took him under his wing. Treated him just like family. That's the kinda guy he is to me. Not just a leader, but the father I never had."
"I see." Rean said.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Mighty Urge)
"He was like that for you and Leo. Everyone else in Zephyr, too." Fie added. "And you know more than anyone how much he means to me. You're not gonna stop us here, Xeno. You guys might be my family, but nothing's gonna stop us from getting to the boss."
"Haha. Man, you're not a little kid anymore, huh?" Xeno replied. "Well, if you're lookin' for a fight, I'm happy to oblige. Fie, Schwarzer, you too, Levi. You guys better give it your all, or you might end up dead!"
"Very well, bring it on!" I responded.
I link up with Gaius and then Xeno power up and then begin to give it his all. We begin to clash with him as he was moving fast and then shooting out bullets at us as Gaius use his craft onto him and then Rean and Fie join in the slash and strike at him while I begin to use Primordial Storm on him and Venti and Ash begin to strike onto him as Xeno begin to throw some bombs into the sir and landed and then While Rean use his Arcane Gale onto them and Xeno and Fie with her bullet craft and then follow up an attack. I begin to use Hamsuke's wrath onto him and then follow up by Gaius and then Ash and Venti team up and strike at him. And then Venti use Splitting Gale , his new craft and then push him back.
"Blow them away Ash!" Venti quoted.
"Got it!" Then Ash and Venti let a team attack onto Xeno and then he got serious and power up more and use his S craft onto us. Sara, Duvalie and Cedric let out some strong attacks onto Zeno. And then Ash begin to use his new S craft onto him and then Rean begin to use his S craft onto him as well. Ending the battle.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Perfect Stage)
"Nice. You've got some real skills, girl." Xeno praised. "Fie, I'll leave everything from here to you. The rest of you as well. Give the boss my regards."
"Sure thing." Fie replied.
"We will. Alongside Fie." Rean nodded.
"Heh. Glad to hear it." Xeno said then fainted, possibly tired from the battle.
"Damn… I'd expect no less from a Zephyr commander." Crow replied.
"For such a scrawny-looking guy, he was seriously tough." Ash added.
"Oh yeah. Especially with those bombs of his." Venti nodded
The path to the altar was then unlocked as several big floor pads moved into the straight line, granting us access to the middle route.
"The path to the altar is open." Gaius said
"We've made it." Fie nodded.
"Yeah. Let's take a deep breath and move along." Rean advised.
We rushed upwards and took care of the last mechanism and its barrier was gone. We then made our way through the last section and reached a teleport. We stood on it and reached the altar section. We moved upwards and reached the top where Rutger and his Divine Knight was waiting.
"Welcome! So you finally made it here." Ruger said.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness of Ignorance)
"Boss." Fie replied.
"Not only did you get past that huge battleship, you also defeated Xeno and Leo. Heh, you're all grown up now, Fie. Schwarzer, Seig, you guys have brushed up on your skills too, huh? Same goes for you, Ash Carbide. Damn shame we couldn't get you on our side."
"He seems rather relax. Topical." Duvalie muttered.
"Hah. Like I'd ever sign up with you losers." Ash responded.
"Yeah, I don't really go by 'Seig' anymore." Crow added. "Hearing it kinda puts a bad taste in my mouth these days."
"Bwahaha! Well, my bad, Armbrust." He then looked at me. "And you as well, Angel Kid. And you appear to be even getting stronger, too."
"Sure am, but flattery won't get you anywhere." I replied.
"Getting here was far from easy. But we made it. Together." Rean said.
"Xeno and Leo tried to stop us, but we got past them." Fie added. "In the end, they asked us to take care of you. And it's my duty to fulfill their request. Because that's what bracers do."
"That so?" Rutger responded. "Well, that settles it. Having Sara look after you was definitely the right choice."
"Nah, I don't deserve any of the credit. She chose her own path." Sara replied.
"But what about you, do you know what will happen if you lose this Rivalry?" I asked. "Because you really aren't a Jaeger King if you're just gonna become a pawn for the Gnomes."
"Yeah. I thought the very same." Ash added
"Yeowch. Harsh words there, kid. But you're right. This isn't like me. It's not that I'm all for what the chancellor or Alberich are doing. Ending the world means there ain't gonna be any more wars. No wars means no work for jaegers. Ain't really the best idea for us."
"Then why would you agree to this?" Rean asked.
"It's because...he's a jaeger." Fie answered.
"Heh, you know me well, Fie." Rutger said. "We're mercenaries. We follow the money, not ideologies. We're hired to do a job, no questions asked. Pay us and we'll fight your war for you. We'll risk our lives for nothing more than a few coins. We walk the thin line between life and death, from battlefield to battlefield. That's the jaeger way of life, and we don't know any better."
"Now I understand…" Cedric sighed.
"So this is what jaegers truly are." Gaius said.
"You know what? I take it back." Ash added. "You really are the Jaeger King. The embodiment of a true jaeger."
"Guess we can't avoid a fight." Fie nodded
Rutger laughed. "If you think this'll go just like your fight with Armbrust, or with the prince, you're sadly mistaken. These Rivalries are the ultimate battles. Of course a guy like me would be caught up in 'em."
"That's very convincing, but I have a slight counter to that." I intervened. "There's no doubt that you are a Jaeger King, but that's all you're known as, to the entire world. There's another side of you, one that you don't show, except for the ones who know you inside and out."
"Hm?"
"I'm talking about your parent side. The one who took in Fie when she was just a baby. She was found by you, and you took her in, declaring that you were willing to adopt her as your daughter. You watched her grow throughout the years, keeping her safe with Xeno and Leo looking after her in case you had to go on a dangerous mission. When she was old enough, she did her very best to fit in, learning all the skills she had picked up from you. I may not understand how you feel, but I'm sure you felt proud of her growth, just like any parent would be proud of their child. So my point is this. If you truly honor the jaeger way, there's nothing wrong with admitting that whatever happens, you were proud to be her adoptive father. And that should anything happen to you, I'll make sure that she will always have others to be there for her. Like Sara with her bracer work, and me, who can be the big brother she never had."
"Levi." Fie smiled
"Well said Levi." Sara smiled.
"I guess that means I would have a sister then." Venti chuckled
"Hahaha! Look at you with your words of wisdom." Rutger replied. "Maybe I'll give it some thought after the Rivalries is done. Anyways, there ain't no time to waste, we'd best get started. Ain't that right, Fie? Schwarzer? There's a reward waiting for whoever's strong enough to reach out and take it. No different from the rest of the world."
Fie nodded. "Got it, boss. I know what I have to do. I'll fight you with all I've got, as a jaeger and a bracer. I swear on the name you gave me, that I will defeat you!"
Then we got our weapons out.
"Heh, that's my girl. Now let's not draw this out any longer." Rutger smirked
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Belief - SAV-)
He then roared, unleashing his power.
"Yes, that was the Jaeger King's war cry." Sara explained.
Ash smirked. "That's fine by me!"
"We'll be right behind you, Fie." Rean said. "United as a family!"
"Today, we'll show you we can surpass a king." Gaius added.
"Our shared fate brought us here. Let's do this, Jaeger King!" Crow replied.
"I'll give this my all! Prepare yourself Jaeger King!" Cedric added.
Then I link up with Ash and then we begin to slash with the Jaeger king. And then begin to launch some powerful strikes onto each other as the Jaeger launched some powerful bullet attack onto us and we as dodge and then I begin to Primordial Storm and the rest use their crafts onto then Rutger let out some powerful ground slam and then push Ash and the others back and then Rean use his craft onto him and Cedric follow up an attac. Then I begin to Ash use one of his craft onto him and then be highly damage him and then I follow up and then I swirl my Glaive and drag Rutger with me and then air slashes and then send him down with a slam and then Fie launched her super-speed slash onto Rugter. Venti buff us as Duvalie launched her swift attacks onto Rutger and Sara launched her lighting bullets onto him as well as Duvalie follow up. Then Crow land some powerful strike onto him and push him back. Rugter then fire bullet strikes onto us and we receive damage and then Ash begin to l buff himself And then Venti begin to cast an art onto Rutger and then damage him. Then I begin to use Spiral Pillars on Rutger and then Rean use his Arcane Gale. Gaius then launched his powerful strikes and jab attacks onto Rugter and then Rutger begin to launch his S crafts onto us and it knock some of us back. Including me. And then as I waited to get back up as the others are fighting Rutger. I begin to Hamsuke's wrath on them and then Ash follow up and then Ash begin to launch his powerful S craft onto him and then push Rutget back. Then soon Crow launch his strong Craft onto him, then follow up with Venti, Fie, Gaius and Cedric. And then as I swirl and slash Rutger and push him back. Rean use his craft onto him and then Rutger was on his break state and then we all launch all of our powerful attacks onto him and then push him back. And to finish it off. Fie use her S craft onto Rutger and he receive devastating damage.
We wore him down a little and he looked impressed.
"Hahaha! Some damn fine work, Fie. You as well, angel kid." He said. "Same goes for you, Schwarzer, Armbrust, and Carbide. Even you, Dominion. I haven't had a battle this good since Baldur."
"Heh heh...gotta admit, I'm kind of enjoying myself, too." Fie replied. "Reminds me of our battle royale games when I was little."
"The hell?! What kinda messed up kid's game is that?!" Ash asked in surprise.
"I'm quite curious actually." Venti chuckled.
"Don't encourage it!"
"Well, I don't think we need to." Crow said.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Rivalry of the Seven ~Excellion Krieg~)
Just then, a huge swirl appeared all around us.
"The Rivalry preparations must be complete." Gaius added.
"Heh. Guess the warm up's over." Rutger said. "Now it's time for the third battle in the Rivalry of the Seven. Zector, let's go!"
"Very well, Jaerger King." Zector respond.
"Rean, it's time." I added.
Rean was going to summon Valimar but he hesitated because back then what happen to Crow back at the Sol Shrine.
"Go Rean." Fie nodded. "We've done our part, you, Crow, and the prince take it from here. No matter what happens, I won't have any regrets. Please, take care of him."
"Fie...all right!" Rean replied. "Heed my call, Valimar!"
"Come, Ordine!" Crow said.
"To me, Tessa-Rosa!" Cedric called out.
Three of their Divine Knights appeared and the Rivalry battle was set to begin.
"So this'll be our final showdown. No complaints from me, though." Rutger said. "You three are some damn fine opponents, so if this is where I'm goin' down, then let's light the place up!"
"Heh. Understood, Jaeger King!" Cedric said
"Don't worry, this'll be a fight to remember!" Crow replied.
"This is for Fie, too. We won't hold back!" Rean added.
Then the battle start. The four Divine Knights charge at each other. Cedric launched the first attack as he slash Rutger with a follow-up. Ruger launched an attack next at Crow and then Rean strike. Then Crow launches an attack. Rugter launched a strong bullet blast onto them while Cedric launch his Bow attack on him. Crow toss his Duel Saber at Ruger and Rean launched a wide slash. Then Rutger launched a power attack on all of them. Then launched an evens stronger attack afterward. Cedric launched a powerful strike through Ruger and Rean and Crow launched their own powerful crafts onto Rutger. Then Rutger launched jump into the air and launched a powerful slam to make the floor crack as the others dodge. Cedric shoot an arrow with his Bow. Then Cedric, Crow, and Rean launched a Burst attack on Rutger. That powerful attack brought Rutger in break state. then allowing Rean and the others to a powerful team attack on him. And once he regain his movement. Rutger power up. And then Crow attack and follow up with a powerful attack. Ruger launched a bullet blast onto them. Rean launched a hexil and follow up. Cedric launched a lance attack on Rutger. Only to follow up with a Thousand weapon attack. Then Rean launched a powerful slash as Rutger attempted to block it. However, that has proven to be futile. That final strike toss the weapon Rutger's Divine Knight, ending the battle.
"Whoa!" Gaius gasped.
"They did it!" Ash exclaimed.
"It's over..." Rean panted.
"Damn...even three against one, we barely scraped out a win." Crow added.
"Yeah. Honestly. I can see how much effort we put into this." Cedric panted
"Hell of a fight, Schwarzer. Armbrust, Crown Prince." Rutger praised. "Zector, you've done well, pal."
"Yes, I have no regrets." Zector replied.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)
Rutger then came out of the Divine Knight and both he and Zector were beginning to look transparent.
"Boss!" Fie rushed over to him and the rest of us caught up.
"It's just as I thought." Gaius said.
"Rean. Can you perform the Kinship Ritual?" Crow asked as he, Cedric and Rean got out of their divine Knights.
"Yeah. I'll try channeling power back to him." Rean nodded but then Rutger stop him.
"What are you doing?!" I asked
"Hey, cut the crap! We're tryin' to save you here!" Ash growled
"There's no need for that. I knew this was coming from the start. I died awhile ago. Aidios must be sick of waiting for me. Either that or I'm headed for the pits of Gehenna. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's to bow out." Rutger responded.
"N-No, please… don't…" Fie rushed over to hug him and sniffed.
"Hey, dry those tears, girl. I wanna see your smile one more time." Rutger looked at me as he slowly hugged Fie back. "You were right, kid. I did feel proud as I watched her grow up. I've always been proud of her, from when she made friends at the academy, to have gotten so strong as a bracer. I'm proud to have been her father."
"I thought so." I nodded.
"Far as I'm concerned, I've had a hell of a life, and this is a damn fine way for it to end. I spent my youth goin' from battlefield to battlefield. Started up Zephyr with some pals of mine I met along the way. I was able to settle my score with Baldur. I even lived long enough to see my daughter grow up."
Fie sniffed.
"Guess I owe Alberich for that last one, at least. Who'd've thought that scrawny little kid I took in would've grown into such a fine young woman. Finding you that day changed my life. Me, a guy who only knew blood, smoke and death. But now I know what it's like to be a father. And it's all thanks to you. You put a heart in this bloodthirsty mongrel's chest. Thank you, Fie."
"Boss… No, I'm the one who needs to thank you." Fie replied. "You took me in and raised me. You made me the person I am today. Thank you...so much...Dad."
"Heh. Hearin' you say that is the best gift I coulda gotten before I go." He paused when Xeno and Leo showed up to see it all happening. "Xeno, Leo, I'm glad to have known you. Zephyr's in your hands now. I'll be watching you from Gehenna."
"No…! Boss!" Zeno sadden.
Leo nodded in sadness. "Got it. We'll make you proud."
"And you kid...no, Levi. Look after Fie for me, just like any big brother would. And thank you Purple Lighting… for everything."
"I will, all of us will take care of her." I replied.
"Yeah." Sara nodded. "It was a great pleasure."
Rutger nodded and then closed his eyes before his whole body vanished, along with his Divine Knight. As the purple orbs went into Valimar. I then stood up and saw Valimar get a slight appearance change.
"What the…" Ash respond in surprised.
"Valimar changed forms?" Gaius asked.
"It must be because of the Rivalry." Crow said.
"Yeah." Rean trailed off.
We all then turned to Fie who was wiping her eyes as I hear Sara sigh in sadness of Rutger farewell.
Fie look up at the sky. "Goodbye...Dad."
"Fie..." I walk to her in sadness.
She then she hugged me, I held her in return as she wailed quietly. While it was emotional. I notice Liam was watching from the distance. He was sad. And then look away in sadness and then teleported away.
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things to Tell You)
Then suddenly the sanctuary vanished. And we were relocated back to Hamel.
"It's over now…" Cedric sigh.
"So what are you two planning to do?" I asked Zeno and Leo.
"Well, since you've taken on the power of the boss' Knight, it only makes sense for us to help ya out." Zeno answered. "Final battle's gettin' real close. We got a lot of gettin' ready to do before then."
"We'll meet again, Fie, Schwarzer, Sullivan, and the rest of you. Just make sure you survive till then." Leo added
"We will. Thanks for the help." Rean nodded
They both nodded and then turn to Fie who sad smile nodded.
"Stay strong, Fie." Zeno said and then he and Leo left.
And then we begin to head back to the ship and then tell everyone.
Honestly. Even I cried a little about this. It's sad really. Saying goodbye to your parent like that. Next up will be in Crossbell and a certain tower.