Chapter 224: Weathering The Scornful Outbursts of the Chronophantasma

After the Enji regrouped and healed from their injuries they went back to the Neo-Highwind to contact Cor and Kurasame and debrief them. While Luna's unexpected transformation to Stella disturbed them, Battle-World being as unstable as it is they knew to expect nasty surprises.

After hearing what everyone had to say, Cor rubbed his head before he looked at Noctis across the Hologram and took a deep breath."Well, we knew there would be a showdown down the road. Still...I admit we expected it to take place a little later. That being said, we have more allies then when we started so it evens out. Just have to plan this as best as we can."

Cloud saw Noctis, Rem, and their comrades all look on edge before he crossed his arms." You have a plan for an attack on the capital already? We successfully raided some extremely heavily fortified places in the past, but I admit we had more of us at that point of time. We were already told that the Ultima Bombs were rather high on the threat scale."

"Unless you can casually shrug off blasts that eradicated entire nations then those bombs are a problem. "Cor threw out dryly." And that was before they brought allies from other worlds with them. That being said, we do have contacts that have been opening a path for the coming assault.

A man known as the Black Gale from his world, the powerful swordsmen Kagura Mutsuki has been rallying people to prepare for his assault. He has powerful warriors from other worlds from a Beacon Academy like Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, at his side, though they were not enough to succeed on their own.

In addition, we have reached out to Claes Celestia Misca Sancest, ambassador to Queen Andoria Kaya Tranka Fam Forturio of the Kingdom of Concordia and is an elite knight of the Akatoki, the elite warriors of Concordia. Concordia did have an alliance with Ardyn and Cid, but after Celestia found out that Queen Andoria was truly murdered by Cid Aulstyne she was willing to help us sneak in to have her revenge. So, we have a passable plan, all that's left is if you can all go through with it."

"I'm good once we got the game plan set man!" Zidane threw out chipperly." Just one thing though, is there anything to this besides taking down bad guys? Just want to make sure to know how much I can cut loose."

Ignis cleared his throat before he walked up." I gather you all have some rather impressive power but if entirely possible please don't just blow up the capital. At the very least not till we retrieve are nation's crystal. Lucis has been devastated as it is, we need to bring it back for are people to have any hope of recovery."

Ezan glanced at Squall before he cleared his throat." We will try and do what we can, but with no due respect, the fate of everyone's worlds hangs in the balance. If push comes to shove, we will do what we must. It would seem preventing this Infinite Tsukuyomi takes priority. All we seem to know is that it involves this worlds summon spirits."

"I think I know a bit more to it." Kakashi stated warily." Most of all I know how to stop it. The man you all encountered with the Sharingan is key. If we take him out the others won't be able to cast the Jutsu. I don't know what he called himself to you all but I'm rather sure his jester like personally is a façade and he's really Madara Uchiha."

Ezan eyed the fellow man with the Sharingan carefully as he moved closer." Those Shin clones did rant quite a lot about Madara. But are you sure that he is in fact the legendary Uchiha? I never met him before, but I fought him in simulations. In those instances, he had longer hair, and vastly different powers. I only seen one man who had the power to phase through attacks like he was a ghost, and this seems different than that."

"It's complex but it's not an invincible power." Kakashi uttered." I only figured out the details recently myself but I'll try and explain it as best as I can. You seen the Kamui skill in action before?"

"My Sharingan has the power to cast it myself." Ezan answered frankly." I figured it just made things disappear like it was a miniature black hole."

"That so? Well not quite. Kamui serves as a gateway to another dimensional space, which he can move all or parts of his body between at will. This grants Madara two distinct abilities: teleportation and what is best described as "intangibility". For teleportation, he absorbs himself through his right eye into the special dimension, and from there he can travel instantly.

His intangibility is a more specialized application of the teleportation, where he sends only parts of his body to the other dimension so that he can pass through objects or, more often, objects can pass through him. After testing it myself, I wager he can only make himself continuously intangible for about five minutes.

Because the two aspects of the technique are connected he can't use both at the same time; if he wants to teleport he can't be intangible, leaving him open to attack, and if he wants to be intangible he can't teleport, preventing him from escaping so long as he remains on the defensive."

Squall took in what the Hidden Leaf Ninja said before he crossed his arms." Alright, based on what you said it seems even if we encounter this guy and you or Ezan are not around it's not impossible to defeat him, just tricky. Just have to counterattack the precise moment he strikes. Eh, not too bad if you know what you're looking for."

"Don't think it's that easy." Kakashi threw in warily." Madara lives up to his reputation, his power is vast, but his cunning is what's most deadly of all. Trust me, if you are careless for a second around him it can cost you everything."

Cloud eyed the man with the mask carefully as he walked forward." Sounds like you have personal experience on the matter. Don't mean to pry but if you have a personal link to this Madara I'd prefer not to get left in the dark if it might affect the mission."

"Heh…your sharp even without a Sharingan eh Strife? Well, no point in denying it. I won't deny I have a grudge, it's because of him that my teammates are all dead."

As everyone expressed various levels of shock Kakashi grasped his fist tightly." I was the leader of Team Seven. My teammates were Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha."

"Another Uchiha?" Ezan threw out as the others looked shocked." One of the last, and at the time I thought he was the last. Sasuke was a true genius, but he could not let go of his obsession with revenge. You see, Sasuke's entire family was massacred by his older brother, Itachi Uchiha. Sasuke was spared by Itachi, and devoted his entire life for revenge. He finally gained that revenge in this Battle-World.

But while Sasuke thought it would at last bring him peace, it only caused his hatred to spiral out of control. That's because I later found out that Madara appeared after Sasuke at last killed Itachi, and revealed that Itachi did not kill his family out of insanity or cruel selfishness, but to protect Sasuke. In the end, Itachi made a choice to kill his family and obey the higher ups in the Hidden Leaf so that Sasuke could live.

Finding out everything was a lie drove him mad. Naruto was Sasuke's best friend, or at least he thought he was. Naruto was an orphan like Sasuke, so he had a, distorted relationship with Sasuke. Sasuke did not value the friendship he had with Naruto nearly as much, and tried to kill him. Sakura, loved Sasuke.

Despite how badly he treated her, she always thought she could win him over. I should have tried harder to have her wake up to how he viewed her, but I did not think it would escalate as bad as it did.

But it did, and suddenly Sakura died taking a blow for Sasuke, and Naruto and Sasuke both got so furious that they killed each other right as I arrived."

Noctis saw how casual Kakashi was about the explanation before he raised a eyebrow." Damn Kakashi that's messed up. I was already depressed about my father dying and I was not even their when it happened."

"Well, guess I'm just not the kind of guy who falls apart easily Prince." Kakashi uttered." Plus, I admit, I grew up seeing trauma again and again. My father was a respected Ninja with the title of White Fang. But he made a bad call that caused the mission to be botched horribly. He felt so much shame that he took his own life. I also lost both of my original teammates, Rin, and Obito Uchiha. A Ninja has to be able to deal with loss if he's able to survive.

That being said, not about to let someone that killed my friends get away with it. I was not able to save my teammates, so for their sake, I'll do whatever it takes to avenge them no matter how insane this Battle World gets."

Cloud eyed Kakashi carefully before he nodded."I know what it's like to lose a close friend, and to have someone take something dear to you away. I know what it's like to try and live up to that friend's legacy and inherent their pride.

And I also know it can make one emotional so, you will need back up since I also know someone should not go through that alone."

Kakashi saw Aeris and some of the others smile before he nodded."Thanks, I won't do anything to jeopardize the mission but if I see an opening I sure as hell will take it, it's the least I can do. After all, ninja who break the rules are trash, and yet those who don't help their friends are lower than trash."

Cloud, Gladiolus, and some of the others nodded before Ace just sighed."Ugh…with how traumatic regrets can be sometimes I really am glad I don't remember my friends, its stressful enough as it is."

Aries looked at the card using member of Class Zero with sorrow as she walked up."You don't remember? That's horrible! Did you get hit in the head! I can heal really well so let me try and fix it! I would feel horrible if everyone forgot me when I died, it's because they remembered who I was that I came back!"

The various members of Class Zero gave each other uneasy looks before Queen patted Rem on the shoulder and walked up." It's not quite like that, are teacher Dr. Arecia Al-Rashia has the Crystals, our Vermilion Bird Crystal erase the memories we have of someone after they die. We all have, phantoma, the life energy or "souls" of all of us, cleansed after each loss. It, lessons the pain, helps us focus on our jobs as l'Cie."

Lighting eyed Rem and Queen intently before she and Fang nodded to each other."So your feelings are purged so you can be good little pawns? No offense but I don't trust your superiors that much.

Chalk it down to personal experience but, they seem to be rather callous about lives. That Caius guy seemed to have a grudge against Etro. What's his story kid? You immortal like him?"

Noel grimaced as he slouched on his seat. "I'm not like him in many ways thankfully. I was the second to last child to be born in the Farseer tribe. After my parents died, I was raised by my grandmother.

One of my earliest memories was when I turned three, the seeress Paddra Nsu-Yeul was born and Caius Ballad arrived in the village. My grandmother explained Caius is the seeress's Guardian and that Yeul lives away from people, so they would not use her power of foresight for evil, although Caius permitted Yeul to stay in the village and live a normal life.

I had three friends: a boy named Yanny, Yanny's cousin Rigo, and a girl named Natarle. One day, while Yanny and I were playing with Yeul, they were attacked by a Strigoi and saved by Caius, inspiring me to aspire to become strong like him. Despite him not being friendly, I became his student to become the new Guardian for Yeul.

A day before Yeul's birthday, Yanny went hunting alone and never came back. Rigo already died from recklessly trying to stop an Adamantoise on his own. Then my grandmother died, so Yeul and I lived with Natarle's family, but soon after that, all the village adults passed away, Natarle got sick and died as well, leaving me, Yeul and Caius the only ones left.

After single-handedly killing a Behemoth, Caius at last accepted that I was to be strong enough become Yeul's Guardian. But, then I learned I had to kill Caius to succeed him as per ancient Farseer tradition, I refused to go through with it, after all there was only three people left alive right?

I wanted to take Yeul on a journey to find other people, so she would not be lonely anymore, but Caius said it was a futile dream. He defeated me easily and left, saying he was going to change destiny even if it meant shattering time and fate itself.

I went after him, and I saw a light, and that's how I ended up in this Battle-World. Lighting, right? I can understand how you might be wary of higher powers, but my faith was the only thing that kept me alive! Caius, was never what you call chatty, but he often spoke about everyone being part of Etro's wheel. Only the day he left did I realize just how bitter he truly was."

Squall sighed as he looked at the sky. "That Ardyn guy was not very chatty but he did seem to have a hell of a grudge about something. After a while you can tell the type that hold grudges and he sure had a big one. Does seem like all our enemies have some sort of grudge."

Ezan just sighed as he walked forward." Our enemies often seem to do. But being wronged is no excuse for letting murderous tendencies run rampant. In the end, one is justified to feel wronged, but letting that control them just makes them weak. And such weak-willed enemies will be cut down."

Aeris giggled at the sliver haired man's determination before she winked." Got that right dear. I always want to help those who are struggling with the darkness in their hearts. But…if they don't want any help and just want to make others suffer then, I'll do what I have to make sure the suffering does not spread. So then…since their seemed to be a lot of guys wanting to spread a lot of suffering guess we better get a move on then eh?"

Cor nodded on the other end of the line before he looked at the others in his room." I'll have Kurasame and the others get into position soon. Noctis, no matter what happens, stay strong. I know it's a heavy burden, but it's one you must hold all the same, for the fate of everything, for the memory of your father."

As Cor's image faded Noctis looked at the ring of Lucius tightly." I'll do all I can. Tsc…I always wanted to see Gralea growing up but now looks like I'll be too busy to sight-see."

Prompto chuckled as he looked at the photos he had been taking since his trip with his friends started." Let's not go to fast if we can help it man! Want to at least see if the capital's food lives up to its reputation, I always wanted to try at least one Gralea hotdog!"

Gladiolus slapped his smaller comrade on the shoulder before growling out,"This is the battle for our lives Prompto! Waste time on worthless things like that and you will be dead before you can blink!"

As the blond-haired man grimaced another male with uniquely styled spiky blond hair and blue eyes walked up. He wore a black vest with a red decor along the zipper, a black beater, baggy denim shorts, and black and red tennis shoes. The man through a playful smile before he patted Prompto on the back. "Hey man chill out! Hotdogs are great no matter where they are from long as they an't poison or something! Fighting's important but got to eat to live right?"

Squall saw the two blond men laughing before he rolled his eyes." Zell what are you doing up here? I thought I told you to check the engines?"

"Ease up Squall, Prompto's and me are tight so just taught him a few martial arts moves he could learn in a pinch!"

"Ugh…you guys really are too much alike. There won't be any second chances in a battle like this, just eat before we land got it?"

Ezan nodded as he looked at the radar." Our enemies have shown they will do whatever it takes to win. I'm mostly sure I'm stronger then all of them combined but even so, with how unstable this arena of a world is, and how fanatical most of them seemed, just expect the unexpected."

Everyone heard the engines get louder before Cid chuckled." Well unless you want to puke for now expect to buckle up because we are taking off! Hopefully you guys won't have to jump off parachutes like in Midgar, but it all depends on how much of a welcoming party they throw for us! Heh…no matter what they throw they don't have what it takes to knock this bird out of the sky! Even if it's a god shooting at me, I'm going to get the job done!"

Everyone braced themselves as Cid have the Neo-Highwind move at full speed to head to their destination. As Noctis, Rem, Noel, and the others wondered if those that they cared about were ok in the enemy's lair, they did not realize the extent of their enemies plotting.

Caius was not lying to Machina when he said he would show him the truth, and at the moment the grim immortal warrior had dragged the member of Class Zero to an underground chamber with a giant grey sphere machine that had a giant crystal in its center.

There were other crystals in other sections of the room, but the one in the center was the Lucis Crystal, the one that use to be Noctis's birthright before the Empire destroyed everything he cared for to steal it.

Caius saw Machina emerge after contacting the crystal before he crossed his arms."What now boy? Will you still cling to your delusions?"

Machina was motionless before he grasped his fist tightly and his aura blazed out before his uniform turned white. "I'm not going to die as a cog for the crystal. If I must choose what's important to me, I'll fight for my true freedom!"

"Your wiser than your comrades. However, you realize that this choice will put you into conflict with them yes? They won't be so understanding about your choice."

"Rem's the only one I care about, the rest of them just saw me as another cog in their machine! If I die, they will forget I even existed! Me and Rem joined Class Zero because it was the only thing we could think of to be strong enough to survive. But that damn commandant and that quack Arecia both see us as nothing but tools! I'll make a new world for Rem and me, and I won't let anyone get in my way!"

Before Caius could respond the noise of clapping could be heard before Ardyn, with Terumi and Nine behind him walked down into the chamber. The red-haired man saw how eager Machina looked before his grin widened." I know that look, it's the look I got when I got my own bitter taste of the truth. I can see in your eyes your rage is unique. Always nice to have chaps that are not stubborn about things like that. Good to see you were not a fool, it will help smooth things over for the next act."

Terumi, now back with his yellow cape just chuckled as he looked at the recent member of Class Zero carefully." Just don't choke when the moment of truth hits boy. We don't want any bugs messing things up you hear? I'm sure they are preparing to crash the party any moment now, and are going to try and catch us with our pants down so to speak.

Tsc…I'm sure they think if they reach out to the other local maggots and the weak links in are chain that they will get the jump on us. Course, when you don't trust nobody no one can betray you so the jokes on them! Heh…who wants to bet that sap of a Prince still only got eyes on his former fiancé?

I'm glad Stella took to Nine's ritual so well, maybe it's because she's one of those Black Swans or because her hate is legit but she's going to be a better Murakumo Unit then Tsubaki! Heh, if the Prince thinks he can pull off some romantic ending then he's setting itself up for this to be a tragedy! Course…more like a comedy to me with how pathetic this all is!"

Ardyn narrowed his eyes and was about to say something before another voice uttered a cold," Yes…all of these fools will learn the hard way how powerless love really is. There is no hope, no light, only despair!"

Everyone glanced to the right to see Madara enter the chamber, with a changed attire. He now was dressed in attire that includes a pair of black pants and gloves, with a white form-fitting shirt underneath. Over this he wore a purple, high-collared, long sleeve mantle that splits down the lower half and had the Uchiha crest on the back. Around his waist he wore a simple, light-purple obi and a belt.

Strapped to his back is a gunbai war fan that was purple with black trimmings and black tomoe, connected to a black chain that runs up his right sleeve. Everyone saw he now had a new mask on, a white mask with a purple tint that covered the entire upper half of his head.

Madara had both of his Sharingan eyes blaze red as he walked forward." The time for talk is over, the time for ideas is over. All that remains, is to show who's will is superior, and my eyes are burning to show all of Battle-World the superior power of the Uchiha!"

Terumi just snickered as he eyed the masked man carefully." Dropping the fool act and going full killer mode eh buddy? Works for me, I'm looking forward to seeing maximum carnage for the party! Still, if the act's done what's with the mask? Don't you want everyone to see the true elite Uchiha rage in action and all?"

Madara saw the green haired man was eyeing him curiously before he grasped his fist tightly." I long since discarded trivial things, its only practical to protect my head in the battle to come."

"I'm all for tactics and all but can't you just ghost through attacks anyway? Those Shin guys were ranting about how Madara Uchiha is invincible and all that."

"And most of them have been dead because of their foolishness. That sliver haired man and Kakashi both have the means to counteract my Jutsu. I don't have to explain myself to you, if you're in the way of my plan then your."

Before the masked man could finish an intercom cut in before Cid Aulstyne vie the intercom threw out a brisk." The sensors indicate the Prince's new allies are fast approaching the capital on their airship. Gentlemen, it's time to show just how serious you all are to bring about the new age!"

Terumi saw Madara was still looking at him before he shrugged." Guess now's not the time to sweat the small stuff eh dude? Eh its cool man, I'm a cautious fella myself so I'm all about taking precautions. I don't care if you dress up as a banana and scream its peanut butter jelly time as long as you get the job done. Well now guys guess it's the moment of truth eh? Trophy goes to who gets the most creative kill!"

The green haired man saw his comrades go off with either stoic nods or wry grins, and as Madara left the area Terumi went over to Nine." Come with me Nine, I got a few things I want to get to the bottom of. I know none of us are being completely honest with each other here, but Madara's a little to defensive for my tastes.

You know when that Kabuto Yakushi was ranting about him not being strong enough to be the true Madara I thought he was just moaning, but maybe he was on to something. Let's check the man's den eh? Got a few projects that would be fun to kick off, and at this stage of the game not going to let anyone screw me over.

Heh…I admit that I underestimated that hippy, but she and all the others won't make a fool out of me twice. You're not the only one that's got fancy armor girl, I was hoping to save my cards till the final round, but we will just see how things go. Heh…no matter what, not going to let all these saps be the winner.

All you morons that never shut up about justice and all that are going to be terrified when they realize what matters in the end. It's going to be a blast, so let's get going Nine. I have to make this party even more hardcore then the last or I won't live up to my reputation!"

Nine, thanks to the obedience spell that was installed into her at the start of Battle-World, merely nodded in response before the two went off.

As the various villains prepared to unleash their plot the hero's tried to run into their "reception" as best as they could. Rather than just fly in and risk getting bombarded out of the sky Cid dropped his comrades off where Cor's allies were, in a tunnel that led to the capital. Cloud, Ezan, and all the others were on full alert as they entered the meeting point, a generator in a subway station where all the remaining cities were linked up.

They saw a heavyset young man with brown hair in a ponytail, a chin beard, and blue eyes. He sported a pair of cornrows on the left side of his head that connected to a braid. As he saw Noctis he got excited." Wow, you really made it eh Prince? I'm Libertus Ostium, one of the few Kingsglave survivors! I was worried but you came just in time!"

Just as the Enji and their comrades wondered if they were set up a coy male voice broke the silence," Right on time eh? Good, this party really can't be held back."

Everyone went for the weapons as a man walked out in between the terminals. He was a rather tall, broad chested, young man. He wore a white, robe-like shirt with long sleeves that is open just above his abdomen; two black belts are fastened on the sleeves. He wore wrist wraps that covered his palm to his elbow, two metal cuffs sit above the wraps on his wrists.

On the lower half of his shirt, two brown belts were fashioned, below this, a large and loose brown belt hangs, it has a huge golden buckle. Over his shirt, he wore a large, black cape that was separated into three individual cloves.

The interior of the cape was a deep crimson red, while the exterior is decorated with a golden insignia on the outer cloves; the cape is held onto his body via a light brown strap. He wore plain black pants and light brown shoes with metal toe-caps. In the man's right hand was a black and red zweihander blade that was even bigger then Cloud's sword. The man casually tapped his shoulder with it before Kakashi chuckled." I see your as casual as ever Kagura. Well, I suppose that does project confidence. In any case glad you're alright."

"Same to you Kakashi." Kagura threw out casually." Glad you made it, was hoping to have a drink with yah when this was over. So, these are the new comers that helped you and the prince eh? Well they seem like they seem like a rad group alright if they made it this far."

Ezan cleared his throat before he cut in." We don't have time for small talk at the moment. Is the operation ready to go "Black Gale"?"

Kagura saw how intense Ezan was before he laughed." Your all revved up to fight eh kid? Well don't worry the fighting's about to kick off and you will get your fill. Just in case any of you were snoozing off we managed to secure a train that will head into the capital. They will catch on, but if all goes well it will give us time to strike first blood. Thankfully, long as Celestia does not get cold feet there should be enough noise to keep them distracted."

"Sounds like the best we got. But running around is pointless unless we can get to the crystal! You have a way we can get to it?"

"Heh…ease up Prince Noctis or you will get a stroke before you can sit on the throne. We got a path figured out, it's not going to be easy but if all goes according to plan it should be doable. Speaking of things going according to plan how's that train coming Ruby?"

An women with black and red hair to her neck ran in from the other hallway. She sport a white high-neck décolletage blouse and a black and red skirt, along with an overbust corset. The women gave a friendly wave to everyone before throwing out a chipper," Hey everyone! Nice to meet yah! I'm Ruby Rose, totally super elite hunter! I, oh awesome you guys have even cooler gear then they said! Where you buy it?"

Kagura just cleared his throat before Ruby winced and chuckled anxiously." Ah sorry got distracted Colonel. But yah the train's coming as planned. Guess we all better get ready eh?"

Kagura just slugged his sword into the sheath on his back as he turned around." Better hope you did not leave anything, its showdown time!"

As the group nodded Ruby just giggled as she walked up to Cloud." Seriously though where you get a sword like that? When this is over I want to know where I can buy something like that! Well, at least a scythe version of that! Hey if I save the world that should come with a bonus, right?"

As Cloud just raised an eyebrow another women's voice cut in with a sharp,"Don't pester the help now Ruby or you will get us all killed!"

The group saw three women run out where Ruby entered. The one that yelled at Ruby was a fair-skinned young girl with lilac eyes and bright golden hair worn loose that fades to pale gold at the tips with a cowlick sticking out at the top. s a tan jacket that bared her lower stomach, with golden brown piping and short, puffy sleeves with black cuffs that feature two gold buttons. Underneath this she wears a low cut yellow crop top with her emblem on the left breast in black.

She also wore a brown belt covered by a pleated brown piece of material reaching from hip to hip around the back of her waist, with her emblem emblazoned on the right-most pleat in gold. Underneath this was a longer, white, asymmetrical piece of material reaching to her knee on the right side, as well as a pair of black mini-shorts.

She wore a brown, knee-high boots and orange over-the-knee socks, with the right sock pushed down just below the knee. A lavender bandana was tied around her left knee. An orange infinity scarf and black fingerless gloves completed her outfit.

To her left was a pale skinned young woman with pale blue eyes and long white hair pulled back into an off-center bun tail and pinned with an icicle shaped tiara. A crooked scar runs vertically down her left eye.

She wore a thigh-length strapless dress with a faint color gradation from white to pale blue at the hem. A small piece of black lace sits in the front of her neckline and the hem of the dress is scalloped and stitched to resemble snowflakes, with layers of white tulle under the skirt. Over this she wore a bell sleeved bolero with the same color gradation as her dress from shoulder to wrist, lined in red and with a ruffled collar.

To the right of the yellow haired woman was a fair skinned young girl with amber eyes and long black hair. A ribbon is tied with a large bow on the top of her head, which acts as a cover for her Faunus heritage and disguised her black cat ears. She wore purple eyeshadow in cat's eye style.

She wore a black buttoned vest with coattails and a single silver button on the front. Underneath this is a white, sleeveless, high necked, crop undershirt and white shorts with a zipper on the front of each leg, emblazoned with the YKK logo of the real life Japanese zipper manufacturer.

She also wore black low-heeled boots and full stockings with a color gradation of black to purple at her ankles. Her emblem was visible on the outside of both thighs just below her shorts in white.

On her left arm is a detached sleeve with a silver cuff around her bicep, and black ribbons are wrapped around both forearms. A small, loose scarf is wrapped around her neck and a gray magnetic backpack is strapped to her back, hidden by her hair.

Ruby just winced at the yellow haired woman's glare before she threw out a defensive," Aw don't make me look bad in front of all the people Yang! Haha, here's my team, my sister Yang Xiao Long and my pals and teammates Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna! We are all kind of the coolest," Ezan repressed a sneer as he threw out a restrained," Since we are about to head into a decisive battle, I just need to know if you can be reliable teammates in the coming fight?"

Yang walked up and revealed her yellow gauntlets before she smirked." Got a hotshot here eh? I'm no medic, just show me what to punch to save my world and I'm on it!"

Kagura glanced at a clock before he cleared his throat," Guys at this point I just have to ask you to roll with it, our window of opportunity is seriously about to close here."

Ezan looked at Yang and her group before glancing at Noctis, Squall, and then Aeris before he just sighed." Fair enough, I worked with worst. Let the operation begin."

"Glad you're not being stubborn, we got some guys and gals risking their necks to pull this off."

Aeris winked before adding a playful," Well, it took him a while to not be rude, but we got him to a play nice after a few hoops."

Rem saw Ezan just look exasperated before his girlfriend giggled, and looked determined." Hang in their Machina, no matter what they do to you hang in there, we will save you in time! That's right, for you and Lady Caetuna both!"

Zidane raised an eyebrow before uttering," Wait which one of you is Lady Caetuna again? Sorry, nothing personal Rem just, a lot of new faces to remember today."

"No problem sir Zidane. She is the oldest living l'Cie in Orience, and the best summoner in our nation. She's risking everything to make sure this attack goes in our favor."

"That so eh? Well can't keep a lady going, let's roll guys!"

The group nodded before getting into the train that Kagura managed to acquire. The train slowed down just as he promised, and everyone braced themselves for another round of intense fighting.

As they did their comrades were already in the thick of the fighting, the division of forces Kurasame was leading as a diversion.

Just as the masked man led his forces to an opening near their destination, a woman walked forward. She had red wavy hair she kept pinned up but for her bangs and few locks of hair that frame her face. She wore a long earth-tone dress with elements of Dominion of Rubrum military gear, with a plate of armor covering her abdomen and lower rib-cage. She wore a red cape, and wields a red lacquered tanto accentuated with a small purse.

The women flicked said cape back as Kurasame saw her approach and bowed." Everything's ready Lady Caetuna, we only have a little bit of time to pull it off. "

Caetuna nodded before she looked at everyone." The time has come upon us. A Query for you. Do you, above all else, swear fealty to the Vermilion Bird Crystal, and obey its will? "

Kurasame saw some of the soldiers looking tense before he bowed." Absolutely. All defenders of the Vermilion Bird standing on the battlefield have sworn the oath. For our nation's survival, no price is too high."

"Very well. Then…let us now proceed with the reverence."

The I'Cie begun to shimmer with energy and as her eyes turned red, Kurasame barked out an assertive," Send your magical energy to Lady Caetuna!"

As dozens of people begun to pour their energy into her Caetuna uttered," Freed of the wedge, the gears start to turn. One…by one."

Red energy poured into her hand, and as those behind her started to fall to their knees Kurasame begun to breath heavily before he looked determined." Keep at it! Focus! Push everything you have!"

As the energy flow increased Caetuna just looked determined." Bearing the chains, forged by my acts, buried beneath the formless howl."

As the energy around her increased it was enough to be detected by the capital's sensors. At the moment Qator was trying to rally the troops when a soldier ran up." General, I'm picking up enormous magical energy from where the dominion forces were detected!"

"I'm aware of it." The general grit out." Everyone, the I'Cie is about to attack! It's their last stand, so if we can weather it, victory is ours!"

An Imperial Tribune nodded before he saluted." Unit Nine, Unit 11, move to the rear! All other units move forward!"

Qator looked at some of the monitors to see some of the citizens moan and turn to demons before his view hardened." We must hold it together, no matter how insane it gets, if we win, we will be victors in the new world! I'Cie, you stay close to me till things calm down."

Machina, in his new white uniform just nodded in agreement. As airships begun to fly out to Caetuna Kurasame saw her looking calmly at the airships before he fell to his knees with exhaustion and pushed himself to squeeze any energy he could." Lady…Caetuna…Crystal…. guide…the dominion!"

Kurasame screamed in desperation, till he and those around him gave up every last drop of energy they had. As he and the others dropped dead Caetuna just closed her eyes." May I emerge…in the heavens…sounding the cry…of eternal torment. "

An explosion of energy blasted out of Caetuna, and just as the imperial forces were about to attack a massive red symbol appeared in the sky. Moments later a massive mechanical castle that also looked like a knight landed on the ground. The joint Niflheim and Militesi airships opened fire at once but their attacks did not even dent the massive new being. This being, the summon spirit of light Alexander had cannons form out of its massive shoulders before unleashing a barrage of holy blasts.

Terumi, Ardyn, and Madara walked to join Qator, and as Terumi saw Alexander unleash a holy blast powerful enough to split the clouds he saw buildings shatter and just snickered." Well now…talk about starting off with a bang eh? Nice try…but sending this toy will just speed things up once we snap it up and add it to the pile eh?"

Ardyn sighed before he lowered his fedora." Not quite. This Alexander is powerful yes, but this Verboten Eidolon is not an Astral and thus not a native that's part of the " ingredients". And so…it's just a hindered to us."

"That so" Terumi grumbled out?" Then it's a tacky eye sour! So, want to draw straws to see who breaks it?"

A soldier then ran up to yell," General, eight dreadnaughts are destroyed, six wrecked, and seven report heavy damage! We already report over five hundred lost Magitek armors and over two hundred thousand ground troops lost!"

Terumi cracked his neck before Madara uttered,"This is just the bait, it would be wise to not give it to much attention."

Qator nodded before he looked at the troops." Ready the Ultima bomb, we will vaporize this Rubrum eyesore! Our allies will lead the first wave to prove their worth! Is Celestia still on line? Tell her to bombard the target enough to distract it!"

"We got her on line, but she insists on talking to you."

"She wastes time with questions at this point? Damn it, just get it over with!"

The group saw an women emerge on the monitor. She had gray hair and brown eyes, and wore turquoise lipstick. She had an elaborate headpiece with two large spirals with "tails" hanging down her back.

She wore a floor-length white kimono with turquoise embroidery detail. The white of the kimono faded into blue shades at the hem and at the ends of her sleeves. It was cinched at the waist with an obi.

The women gave a polite bow as she smirked." It appears you have ill tidings…You have orders general?"

"Of course I do! Time to prove this alliance is not a fraud Akatoki Warden! You and the other Akatoki knights are to engage that massive summon beast! We will hit it when its distracted."

"Very well, just one question. Is this the will of the Queen?"

"What the bloody hell does that matter now? She's dead! And you swore you would serve the current King to avenge her! I did, but then I fought out the King had lies, and that the ones that killed Andoria was your master! You made a mockery of my nation, and now you must pay! As the Azure Dragon l'Cie I will do whatever it takes to fulfill my final Focus!"

Celestial started to glow before a light blinded everyone. When the light faded in the place of the woman was her transformed state, a massive crystalline dragon with grey scale and red hair. Terumi saw Shinryu roar and fired a massive energy blast to destroy the transmission before he heard the explosion and just chuckled." Someone spoiled her eh? Damn, the punchline was going to be sweet on that one. Ah well, guess we got a lot of rats to crush at once eh?"

As the building quivered intensely Quator grasped the terminal to keep his footing." Take this seriously damn it! They were supposed to be our distraction and now, huh? No!"

A new monitor showed Shinryu charging right for Zegnautus Keep. But as the Dragon unleashed a powerful energy blast for the building flying above the city, a barrier emerged that was powerful enough to nullified it.

As Qator looked shocked Ardyn chuckled."Their rage can't reach us, this Keep is protected by the power of the Crystals. It does not matter if the Lucius Crystal's Divine Wall was meant to protect Insomnia, what Noctis prizes will be his undoing."

Qator looked uneasy at Ardyn before a stern voice cut in with," Don't lose your nerve now general, it's time to go on the offensive."

Cid Aulstyne walked down and as the General saluted him he uttered," The Gabriel has been fully repaired. Prepare to deploy. With my instructions, we will size victory at last despite their desperate antics."

Qator paused before he saw how sharp a look the imperial marshal looked before he saluted and went on his way. Cid saw him off and merely sneered." It's time to flush out the rats…once and for all."

Madara looked at the battle raging on before he narrowed his eyes." This is all a distraction; the main party thinks they can sneak in among all this."

"They we will let them think they fooled us till it's too late." Caius uttered as he drew his sword." First I'll show this woman the price for assuming taking the shape of a false dragon will be enough."

Caius, Madara and the others went off before Terumi looked at Ardyn and shrugged."Here we go again. Let's see how many heart breaks it takes to break them for good eh?"

As the villains resumed their villainy they were thankfully distracted enough for Ezan and his group to at last make it into the fusion of the two capitals, Militesi and Gralea. The train successfully landed in the train repair hanger, and as Ezan got out he quickly saw Zegnautus Keep in the center and saw Shinryu blasting at airships in the distance, as Alexander blasted even more further back." So, based on the data we were provided, that disk like building is the target?"

"Precisely," Ignis uttered as he looked around." The crystals should be there, and most of our enemies will be around as well. It all boils down to getting inside before they seal things up."

"If need be, we will just create an opening. There is not a moment to waste so let's go before, oh? Well, looks like this diversion brought us all even less time then you hoped."

The group braced themselves as dozens of soldiers with glowing red eyes ran up. Ezan saw the soldiers point their guns at him before he went for his sword." I'll give your enemy commander some credit. It takes quite a lot of charisma to get soldiers to run into their doom."

"Don't give the Emperor that much credit." Gladiolus grit out." I don't know about the other guys, but most of the MTs are robots. Verstael Besithia loved his projects."

"So, more battle droids eh?" Ezan uttered flatly as the Magitek troopers surrounded him." Seems about right."

Prompto winced as he saw the various weapons come out of some of the robotic grunts arms." Hey they may be mass produced but they can still be a pain if you're not careful dude! Guess we got to, huh?"

The Magitek troopers sparked after the blond man blinked, and a second later they all exploded. Prompto jumped back in shock as he saw Ezan casually put away his sword. The sliver haired warrior saw some around him look on in shock before he shrugged." What? We don't have time to waste on cannon folder, every instant we waste on them gives the enemy more time to pull off their goals so hurry before they realize how worthless the current wave of enemies is and send more stubborn pawns."

Noctis nodded but as he and the others prepared to move out they all heard monstrous roars. Ezan just sighed as he took out his blade once more, but as everyone got back into fighting stances everyone heard a women scream. The scream was not a battle cry but of terror, as everyone saw a random citizen stagger out.

Dark energy was seeping out of the woman's body, and as she saw the Enji her eyes widened in desperation." Please, please help me! The plague, it spread across the whole city! The emperor said we would be protected, but the crystal did nothing to help us! My husband, he was infected! Please, please help me!"

The Enji looked at each other cautiously before Aeris winced."If it's an illness, I can heal you! Just, don't try anything funny!"

"I don't care about the Emperor anymore! They all lied! Just help me, please!"

Aeris sighed and walked up, but Ezan eyed the women carefully before he tensed up." Wait Aeris! Sorry, but somethings seriously wrong with her."

The Cetra tensed up, but quickly saw her boyfriend's judgment was valid as the women grasped her head as the darkness exploded out of her. Her skin turned purple before she grew enough to shed her clothes and turned into a demonic shape.

Noctis quickly had weapons form around him before he muttered a bitter,"No, the citizens here are turning into daemons to? The emperor would let this happen to his own people?"

Cloud saw other demonic looking creatures crawling out before his expression hardened."Guess we see just what this leader thinks of his people. Damn it, not much we can do about it but make the person who did this to them answer for it!

Lighting looked at the transformed people before she winced."What the hell is this? This almost looks like the Cie'th! Are all of theses people just pawns to? Damn it!"

The group saw some monsters they had seen and killed in the past like the Iron Giants, and even the powerful Tonberry's, Behemoth's and the revolting Malboro monsters. But most of the group had too much experience fighting them to be phased. Aside from having to heal Noctis, Prompto, and a few of the Class Zero members after they got transformed to poisoned blind toads after getting hit with a Bad Breath attack the group slowly progressed.

Kagura and his group showed quickly that they were far from dead-weight, and as the man known as "Black Gale" slashed the Iron Giant in his way hard enough to knock the sword out of his hand he saw Cloud, Squall, and others sliced through their enemies effortlessly before he grinned." Glad you guys lived up to the hype! Heh, we just might have a chance at this after all!"

Another Iron Giant tried to slash at his back, but Ruby showed her skill as she had her Crescent Rose scythe slice off the monster's hand. She giggled as her scythe transformed into a gun as she blasted the monster in the face." Ah come on Commander, we are not dead-weight! This is just like fighting the Grim back at home, even if they are different monsters they can't stop a pro!"

Ruby heard a growl and turned around to see a Behemoth charging for her. Just as she feared she was going to get tackled the beast got grasped by a strand of purple energy. Ruby quickly saw that the energy was linked to her friend Blake's Gambol Shroud sword. While the Behemoth quickly resisted, it was distracted long enough for Ruby to see her half-sister punch the purple monster with her yellow armored gauntlets Ember Celica.

Yang landed a punch powerful enough to slam her target's head into the ground hard enough to crack it. And as the monster roared Yang looked at Ruby and rolled her eyes." Don't get distracted now Ruby or your head's going to get blown up while your sightseeing!"

Ruby was about to protest till the Behemoth roared and tried to get up before Weiss jumped down and stabbed the monster right in its brain with her Multi-Action Dust Rapier Myrtenaster.

Weiss saw her target moan and shoot it in the brain to make sure it died before she glanced at Ruby."Don't even think of arguing Ruby. Everything and everyone is on the line, nothing matters more than making sure theses jerks don't have their way!"

Ruby moaned as she looked at a few more MT's in the distance."Fine I get it already! You girls are such kill joys at times."

"Just be glad we are only killing joy." Blake spat out shrewdly. A Malboro slithered up to try and poison the four girls, but Zidane and his friends tackled the beast to take it out. The tailed Enji saw the four women fighters from Beacon Academy looking at her before he grinned." Just stay focused ladies! Theses monsters are not even half as nasty as Necrocalcous and some of the other monsters we taken out! We are going to raid this Keep's vault no matter how hard they, huh? Whoa!"

Zidane was cut off as he heard something, and saw a missile coming for him. Vivi blasted the projectile out of the way before everyone saw the explosive came from the Shin-Gabriel. The Magitek Armor's pilot screamed out a hell bent," You scum won't set one more foot towards the capital! I'll blast you all to ash!"

Barret saw the machine roaring to him before he rolled his eyes." This fool's one whipped dog if he's running back for another ass-whopping!"

The man with a gun for an arm opened fire on Qator along with Alvin, Vincent, Ace, and some of the others. However, they quickly saw their target was not just expecting the same thing to work as the revised Gabriel showed off its improved thrusters and easily evaded every projectile coming its way.

The hostile war machine unleashed powerful purple energy beams every second as its pilot attacked with the relentlessness of a machine." You Rubrum dogs held back your fate because Rabum Alal threw in all of these new pawns to mix up the game a little. However, that won't delay destiny forever!"

Cloud, Gaius, Lighting, Kakashi, and a few others tried attacking but the Gabriel kept bursting out of each strike. Qator saw Noctis warping above him to try and strike directly only for the general to release beams of ice to freeze him in place. As he charged up his main cannon he grinned." Prince Noctis, you caused quite the commotion the last few days. But you hardly seemed worth the effort. You fooled everyone to fight for you, when they should be on our side instead! The orders were to bring you back but they did not said you had to be back in one piece! You will receive your just reprisal!"

The general prepared to fire at Noctis, but sudden Ezan switched in his place thanks to using one of the powers of his Rinnegan. Just as the high ranking member of the Militesi nobility realized what happened Ben's rival showed off his superior reflexes and sliced through the lower half of the Shin-Gabriel before its pilot even had a chance to press a button.

Ezan saw the Magitek Armor spiral out of control before he eyed it carefully."Not bad, I have to put some effort into it. Still, you're not a grunt but we still have no time to waste on roadblocks."

Qator frantically tried to stabilize his mech as he glared at the man who suddenly shattered his momentum."No, damn you! Can't, fail now. The door was about to, huh?"

The general was shocked as a warning sigh appeared on his screen. As a countdown suddenly formed the pilot turned pale." This single…Ultima!? Even an explosion from the smaller prototype would take out the entire city, if not all that remains of our land! When, when did the bomb get installed? How were we supposed to win like this?"

Suddenly Ardyn appeared on his com link, and the moment the General saw the red haired man Ardyn smirked." The Grand Marshal is otherwise occupied so it comes to me to inform you that the plan is well, not quite what you thought dear Brigadier General. Not to put you down but the truth of the matter is that we never really thought you stood a chance of prevailing in this fight. So, we installed an Ultima Bomb in your machine to improve your odds as a suicide bomber. Don't worry, you can die knowing you crushed the enemy, most likely."

"Damn you! Marshal Aulstyne would never approve of this? This, would eradicate all of us to!"

"Oh the barrier around us will still stand General. Sorry, but their can no longer be any effort put to lying about who matters in this game."

"No…damn you! DAMN YOU!"

As outraged and betrayed as Qator was, everyone was alarmed to see the Shin-Gabriel start to glow before Noctis grimaced." Looks like this guy's not taking losing well."

Ezan eyed the machine carefully before he grit his teeth." Damn it, energy is building around that unit quickly. Is this, some sort of kamikaze attack?"

Zell grasped his fist tightly before yelling out," Let's not wait to find out dude! Quickly, someone serve up this punk so I can knock him out of here!"

Kagura nodded before growling out," I'm on it, if you're not just talking the talk get ready! Dragon Lord's… Striking Fang!

The man with the giant dark and red sword exploded with energy before his blade had the aura of a dragon. He then dashed up and smashed the Shin-Gabriel with so much force it was like a baseball player smashed a ball.

The machine rocketed right for Zell, and Squall's longtime friend just smirked as his fist glowed with golden energy." Nice serve man, but it's time for the smash! Neo…Final…Heaven!"

The former SeeD smashed at the incoming Magitek Armor with all of his might, and showed off the extent of his training as his ultimate limit break attack quickly smashed Qator into the sky. Qator saw the city getting smaller before he saw the countdown and just chuckled bitterly." This is…truly a reprisal."

The General said his prayers as the Ultima Bomb went off, vaporizing him instantly. Zell hit the Magitek Armor hard enough to launch it all the way to the barrier the Beyonder put around the planet, and the explosion was still large enough to force everyone to evade falling rubble.

Cid Aulstyne glanced at the explosion and checked to see which unit went off line before he merely closed his eyes." So that was the extent of his performance? So be it."

As the light from the Ultima Bomb faded Aeris gave a dismayed sigh." I figured some of the enemies might be fanatical enough to try and take us down with them but, why, why would they want to kill their own people to? That's, kind of defeating the point, right?"

"Its simple women, it's because this battle has reached the point where only those who are truly worthy matter!"

Everyone heard a crashing sound as Shinryu suddenly crashed to the ground, with Caius on the dragon's tail. The man in purple casually jumped off the ground as he glanced at Noctis." Those who resigned themselves to be mere pawns will be seen no mercy."

Aeris eyed Caius sorrowfully before she sighed."Not everyone has the chance to gain their freedom, they don't deserve to suffer because of their powerlessness!"

"Tsc…that's just how fate unfolds women."Caius uttered callously as he got into a fighting stance." I've come too far for things like sympathy to stop me! Watch me Yeul, I shall fulfill my promise and at last our suffering will end!"

Caius got into a fighting stance and prepared to go on the assault. As he raised his glowing blade Noel suddenly dived down from above to unleash a diving strike to try and stop him.

Noel's former mentor shifted his blade to parry the strike with ease. Noel saw the man glance at him with indifference before his emotions burst out."Are you even the same man that I respected Caius? If would make more sense if you're an imposter, the Caius I know cared about life! And if you cared about Yeul at all you know that she would not want to live if the price was this high! You really think this will make her happy?"

"Which Yeul are you talking about? I've known and protected hundreds of Yuels! Though her soul is the same, every time she reincarnated she picked up unique traits! A Yeul who dreamed of traveling to another world, a Yeul who loved to sing, a Yeul who loved to collect their flowers. Every one of them had their dreams robbed from them because of the cruel senseless demands of Eltro! They all died, all of them before my eyes!"

Caius's true rage begun to flare up and he struck back so forcefully that Noel was smashed into the wall. The man in purple prepared to end his former apprentice's defiance with an overhead smash, but Noel blocked the strike with all his strength." Despite all that, she chose to live again…all so that she could see you again!" Noel cried out with all of his strength." Despite all she suffered, she believes in the future!"

"Enough, no more lies!"

Caius roared out. Before he could bring his blade down Noel suddenly kicked his opponent in the chest to cause him to back off. In response the long-haired man swiftly unleashed a blast from his sword to knock the man in front of him back.

He then bombarded the area while seething out," I'm not a naïve fool like you Noel, I won't be swindled by worthless sentiment! She was made to feel that way by Eltro, so she would forever be a good puppet! But I won't tolerate this repression any longer. Pul, GUH!"

Caius prepared to unleash a spell, but suddenly Ezan flash stepped in front of him and stabbed him in the chest before he could pull it off. Ezan saw his opponent gasp before his aura exploded." Age does not always mean your judgment is superior.

You just let your hatred make you blind. I can't allow your rage to burn everything so you will burn instead. I won't stop this time till there is nothing left. Amaratsu!"

The Enji swiftly had black fire consumed Caius. The flames were hot enough to make Caius scream in pain, but as he felt his body burn he yelled out," Nice try, but I won't let you stop me! Giga-Graviton!"

Ezan saw his enemy unleash a gravity spell powerful enough to push away the black flames before he went on to attack Ezan at a much faster amount of speed. Aeris saw the pure hate in her boyfriend's opponent's eyes before she sighed." I want to do whatever I can to protect those I care about but, how can someone truly love someone yet want to cause them so much pain?"

Cloud was about to answer when he saw a small screw fall on the ground. The Enji Captain quickly swerved around and saw Madara phasing through the ground with a chain around his arms before he shouted out," Aeris behind you!"

The former flower girl gasped as she saw Madara's Sharingan glow and quickly cast a holy barrier. The masked man sneered as his attempt to suck in the girl with his power failed.

As Cloud, Kakashi, and a few others charged at him he just appeared at the top of the ruined train and took out his new battle fan." You want to know why he would kill everyone women? It's simple, everyone that's part of the wrong world is worthless."

Kakashi sighed as he had lighting crackle around his hand once more." Enough, no amount of power justifies you having the right to force everyone to your will. I'm shutting you down before you ruin any more lives."

Kakashi you speak your mind too easily. You're a man for whom a life full of regrets is fitting. Tsc…all of you are just to stuck to your pride, if you humbled yourself you would realize that to side with me would be the path of true justice. Yes, the Infinite Tsukuyomi would create the perfect order that belongs to nobody.

One perfect existence without war or ill feelings. Its only with a single collective consciousness where the individual has been cast aside, that the truth can be found! The longer you live the more you realize that reality is only hell, that only pain, suffering and futility exist in this reality. The current world is one where there will always be winners and losers, and thus there will always be those who suffer! My plan is the only way for everyone to be happy!"

"There are other ways, just harder ones." Cloud uttered plainly as he readied to strike." Just because you can't think of a true way to progress and want to pull off some sick joke, that does not make it true."

"No one wants their dream handed to them." Kakashi added." Dreams only count when they are fulfilled by themselves."

Madara grasped his fist tightly as he slowly walked up." Individuality makes you lose sight of the truth. My words as a nobody are words guided by the truth of existence. They won't be denied by any single person's delusion."

The masked man swiftly swung his fan to try and smash Kakashi in the face. Cloud easily countered but had to swiftly block another large Shuriken that suddenly flew out of his target's head. Aeris fired a holy spell only to see the blast phase through her target's body.

Noctis saw this to, and also saw Caius still fighting Ezan, and aggressively taking advantage of his immortality to take blows to hit Ezan with his own before he tensed up." Damn it, if everyone of theses freaks dog pile on us then we will never make it in time!"

"Between an immortal warrior and a warrior that's body is all but intangible we do seem to be stuck with some very stubborn enemies."

Ezan slashed in half another Pulsar blast before he glanced at the Prince. "It's not your objective to beat every enemy, just to retrieve your native crystal? Leave theses clowns to me and some of the others while the rest go with you to secure the target. Can I leave that to you Squall?"

The sliver haired man's former squad captain nodded as he knocked away another incoming shuriken." I'll see it through, just don't get carried away. Alright Prince, let's move it!"

Ezan saw Noctis slowly go for the keep before he sighed." Aeris…can you watch over them? In their haste, they might make a mistake that requires your skills."

"Got it dear." Aeris threw out with a playful wink." Just try and not to get to carried away you hear? We don't know how things will unfold yet."

"Don't worry, such weak opponents are not even worth me getting excited about."

Caius saw Ezan gather energy for a blast before darkness surrounded him." Don't think my dream will be crushed so easily. Judgment Blade!"

Ezan saw his enemy unleash a surge of power before his headband flew off and his eyes turned red. His opponent's sword surged with energy as he slammed it down on him. Ezan saw draconic wings sprout on the man's back as he blocked the blow, and was knocked back a few inches.

While the strike Caius made caused a crater Ezan just sighed as he saw his opponent become more and more monstrous by the second." So, your transforming to unleash your full power? I suppose this won't be a total let down but if you insult me and hold back you won't get a chance to power up to your" true" final form, I'll demolish you entirely!"

Caius just unleashed a monstrous roar as he and Ezan clashed at each other at such a speed that they were like blurs. Madara watched his cohort go all out, and saw the others head for the Keep before he narrowed his eyes." Again, and again they cling to their delusions. Throwing in one of the Tailed, oh?"

A wall with a dog face emerged in front of him before Kakashi jumped up above it and had his Kunai crackled with lighting." You're the deluded one, thinking you will get away! Now guys, stick to the plan we talked about!"

Cloud nodded and swiftly unleashed twin beam blades from his swords. His target easily phased through it and went to charge at Cloud, only for Kakashi to throw his lighting infused kuni at him. His target phased through that as well, only for Cloud to suddenly jump in its path and bat the projectile back at Madara's face with his sword, while at the same time going to slash at him with his other blade.

As Madara swerved out of the way Kakashi used Kamui on his own kuni. Madara prepared to strike with his fan, when he realized his mask suddenly had a crack on its right side and jumped back. As Kakashi saw his enemy glare at him he glared back." So…my idea's more than just random theorizing, it just might be real after all. Good, this can work, this will work."

The ninja of the Hidden Leaf just nodded to Cloud, and Ben's mentor nodded before Kakashi landed on the opposite side of him and yelled out." Tell me, Madara. Where did you get that Sharingan? I know…that are ocular powers are linked!"

"I told you not to flap your mouth so readily!" Madara jabbed back." You have sunk as low as to become nothing but talk. The words of false hero's like you are worthless and meaningless! It's too late for regrets, reality…just keeps cruelly forging ahead.

You've seen reality, so you ought to know…not one wish ever gets granted in this cruel reality. That is why I will guide it toward the dream of Infinite Tsukuyomi. I'm going to create a world where it won't be necessary for a hero to pathetically make excuses in front of a grave."

Cloud remembered the vow he made to Zack before his gaze hardened. "We all lose someone someday, it's how we react to it that matters! For the pride of all that trusted me, I'm not going to let someone like you tarnish that! Meteor Rain!"

The spikey haired swordsmen unleashed another one of his Limit Breaks. But as Madara saw the meteors rain down he snickered and phased through them. However as one meteor phased through him he was shocked to see that Kakashi had hid behind one of them and was charging right at him with his Lighting Blade unleashed.

Madara winced as he saw the Hidden Leaf Ninja's Sharingan eye glow and quickly blocked the strike with his fan. Madara eyed Kakashi and seethed out," Nice try, but you're too slow Kakashi! Just, huh?"

Madara saw Kakashi suddenly turn into a log before he heard a cracking noise and saw Kakashi emerge burst out of the ground below him, with a sphere of blue energy in his hand. "I may be trash for failing my comrades, but at least I'll avenge them! This is for you Naruto, Rasengan!"

Kakashi slammed the energy sphere that his teammate was fond of using right into the masked man's face before he could react. He used Kamui at the same time to make sure his target could not phase through the attack, and to his relief the plan worked as the Rasengan slammed right into Madara's face, shattered his mask, and blasted him hard enough to slam him into the wall.

Cloud and Kakashi were both to experienced to think the fight was over, and as they remained on guard they heard a bitter chuckle." You set up a substitution as a feint without me noticing. Heh…you always were crafty Kakashi."

Kakashi tensed up as Madara's voice suddenly sounded different, and as the man got back up and his mask crumbled that the man behind the mask had black eyes and short, spiky, black hair. Cloud quickly saw that the bitter man had scars resembling wrinkles all over the right side of his face before he quickly uttered," This, is what Madara Uchiha looks like?"

"No…" Kakashi answered painfully." That's not Madara. It's been a while, but that's the face of my former teammate, Obito Uchiha! I was not sure at first, I chalked it up to Battle-World being chaotic but the way he acted did not seem like how Madara was supposed to be. As I realized are powers seemed linked the thought occurred to me, but it still seemed ridiculous. After all, you were supposed to be dead! You died and gave me your Sharingan to protect Rin! So, tell me, is that really you Obito?"

The man pretending to be Madara was motionless for a few seconds, before he spat out a bitter," You can call me that name if you want but it means nothing to me. It does not matter if I'm Obito or Madara taking his shape, the truth of the matter is that your nothing but an obstacle to me now!"

"Damn it, is this some sort of mind control? The Obito I knew cared about life more than anything else! How, how could you turn to someone so twisted?"

"Tsc…if you insist on an answer, then it's because you let Rin die!"

As Kakashi turned pale Obito suddenly laughed before he pointed his fan at his former teammate." Relax Kakashi, I've stopped caring about things like that long ago. After all, what would I gain from criticizing this upsurd reality? I have no interest in the affairs of a realm that soon shall cease to exist. I have nothing to talk to you about. Die while still tied down to reality! Fire style…Bomb Blast Dance!"

Obito kneaded chakra inside his body and converted it into fire. It was then expelled from his mouth in a large stream. The blaze was drawn into a spiral as he expanded their stomach in a massive vortex.

Kakashi was sluggish after being weighed down by shock, but Cloud flash stepped in front of him and slashed at the incoming flame vortex, counter acting the flame vortex with his Finishing Touch Limit Break.

He looked at Kakashi before he sighed."I'm getting the impression you guys have a history. I been their but whatever the issue is, you got to focus on what's important! And that's that however your relationship with this Obito was, he's endangering everything that's dear to you! Still, if you're not really Madara this changes things."

"Don't get to cocky, Madara experimented on me to make sure I could complete his will. And I will, even if it's not precisely how he envisioned it. Knowing the truth won't save you, nor will it change a thing. Your comrades are just running into despair, and soon the world, all worlds will be shaped to how they should be."

"I guess I just have more faith in both my comrades and what I'm fighting for then you. Doubt our beliefs all you want, you're going down regardless of what you think is reality!"

Obito just got even more vicious with his assault, his face showing the rage he was hiding behind the mask. But despite his rage, him and Caius were both held back long enough for Noctis, Lighting, Aeris and the rest of their group to make it to the way into Zegnautus Keep. Noctis tried to look back at the fighting before Gladiolus pushed him forward." Don't look back Noct! All of this, all of it is so you can make it as the True King!"

Noctis grimaced before he nodded. Kagura and Ruby quickly used the stolen ID cards to activate the platform, and in a flash the group entered the fortress. Everyone was on guard but no one attacked them the entire time they were on the platform.

Once they got off Aeris glanced around to see a wide steel rom with massive wires before she braced herself." Well now…this is just screaming evil lair to me. Ew…almost gives me a vibe of if Hojo was allowed to make the entire Shinra HQ his playpen. Better get a barrier ready, with the lights off its just screaming that they have an ambush planned."

Squall looked around and noticed dead bodies in the edges of the emergency lights before he readied his Gunblade." Maybe Aeris, but they might have just lost control. Guess even their base could not protect them. Anything could happen so stay alert."

The group proceeded with caution, but while they encountered a few MT drones and other machines that seemed to have gone berserk but no humans. After moving up a few floors the Enji and their allies arrived in what seemed to be some sort of monitor room, only to see no one.

Zidane saw a few corpses, and looked at the monitors to see no one to monitor before he raised an eyebrow." I knew we left a strong impression but it's kind of weird no one's protecting their treasure. I mean, it would be nice to just snag it but this is just giving me a very bad feeling."

Noctis felt the Ring of the Lucii in his pocket and tensed up. "No way Aldercapt will call it quits now after how much he's done to try and win."

"Who knows Noct?" Prompto threw out tensely." Maybe that imperial windbag at last realized he was not as great as he thought he was and wants to surrender?"

Before anyone could respond a crazed male voice shouted out," No, I will never give up on what is mine! Thieves cannot…will not escape the hand of justice!"

Everyone got ready to fight as Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt staggered into the room. His face now pale, and rotting. Ignis saw Ideloas's bloodshot eyes before he readjusted his glasses." The emperor is giving us a personal audience? Not what I was expecting, but it does seem like he's entering the final stage of one infected with Starscourge."

Iedolas just glared at Noctis before he staggered forward." The Crystal is mine… Never shawl I lose my grip!"

Aeris saw the elder man emit purple gas with each breath before she threw out a sorrowful,"Please, you must realize your ambition is tearing you apart from the inside! I'll heal you if you just give up your insanity before it's too late!"

The emperor just had his eye twitch before he grasped his forehead."No, you won't trick me! The Crystal…the light…the power…mine!"

The Emperor of Niflheim 's face turned black before he started to mutate. In moments the former emperor transformed into a skinless human with scythes that pierced its own hands. Noctis saw the man who ordered the bombardment of his home now had reptilelike limbs before he took out his sword. "So in the end, even you were just a pawn to Ardyn? Damn it, no matter how insane this gets I will get pass this!"

Zidane, Lighting, Weiss, and Gaius all went to slash at the mutated Emperor, only for its body to dissolve into dark mist. As everyone wondered if their enemies body was just unstable they got their answer when tentacles suddenly dropped down from above to entangle Noctis and hurl him to the ceiling before he could react.

His allies looked up to see the Emperor had indeed reformed on the top of the chamber, and wasted no time reeling Noctis right up to him. His friends saw that their enemy was using the prince as a shield as his claws prepared to rip Noctis apart." My empire…shall spin all lands…all worlds! By the crystal's light, my rule will flourish! The Ring, it must be mine! It does not belong to a clown like you, it belongs to a true ruler!"

As Noctis felt pain rack across his body he let instinct and rage steer his actions as he hastily grasped the Ring of the Lucii and shouted out," Like hell you are! You want the ring so badly, you got it!"

Noctis at last put on his birthright and instantly had a surge of raw magical energy burst out. Glowing cracks appeared on his ring hand as he grasped the Emperor on the face. Light discharged into the mad Emperor of Niflheim 's body. Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt roared in pain and tried to slice Noctis's head off, but before it could the energy forced into his body caused him to melt away.

As Noctis landed on the ground Ignis grit out a tense,"Are you alright Noct? Did he do anything to you?"

"I been hit with worst man. To be honest using the Ring hurt me more than anything he did. Even someone like him deserved better, guess we did him a service."

Gladiolus just chuckled before he patted his friend on the back." That was a trip alright, but at least we know without a doubt you're the one true owner of the ring."

Ruby giggled as she looked right at the Ring of the Lucii." That's some sweat bling dude! Why did you wait so long to bust it out?"

Noctis eyed the ring carefully before he sighed." Because I did not want to use it unless I had to. The Ring of the Lucii sends those who are not of royal blood to another dimension where they converse with the Lucian kings of old and face their judgment.

If the ring rejects its wearer, he is burned alive. Luna's brother apparently tried to use the ring and lost his arm because he was not worthy. Another traitor, Luche Lazarus tried to use it later and just burned to death because he could not take a hint."

Ignis nodded before adding a somber,"We heard that during the invasion of Insomnia, one of the Kings Glave, Nyx Ulric used the Ring. Even though he had permission from the deceased Lucian kings to use the power, after he succeeded in defeating the traitor Glauca his life was spent."

"So the gods repay someone willing to risk everything by killing them?" Lighting added frostily." More of the same from corrupt so called divine hypocrites!"

Ignis sighed as he turned to her." Sometimes rules, however harsh must be enforced for them to have meaning. Now…its time are enemies are forced to realize that they must pay for breaking what is sacred. Oh?"

Noctis's glasses wearing friend looked at one of the monitors before he gasped." Wait, I think I see a path to the crystal!"

Noctis saw his friend quickly run up and push some buttons before he gulped." Sure, it's not a trick Ignis?"

"Positive. Seems like they are to disorganize to pull off anything. Just a few stairways and to go till we reach the central elevator that leads to the Crystal chamber. Won't be foolish enough to assume this will end everything but, should give us some momentum eh?"

Squall looked at the data before he glanced at his comrades."Seems legit, just stay sharp."

Everyone braced themselves before moving forward. While they encountered a few more monsters they were able to make it to the central elevator. As they saw the massive steel doors Rem noticed Magitek troopers in what seemed to be test tubes before she winced. Is this their backup soldiers? How horrible."

Prompto looked around and just chuckled." Maybe but can't say I feel too bad for these guys after all the pain they gave us. It is good to see all their crazy plans blowing up in their face!"

Before anyone could respond suddenly an intercom went on before Ardyn cut in darkly."How callous of you Prompto. After all, your existence is thanks to such plans."

Gaius saw those around him tense up before he got into a fighting stance."Coward, reveal yourself so we can settle this!"

"Heh…my apologizes" King" but I'm not the confrontational type. Besides, fighting would mean you all missing out on the fun! Your so cruel Prompto, deceiving those most dear to you in their time of need."

Noctis saw his friend tense up before he glared at the ceiling. "Enough with your games! Nothing you say can change things now!"

"I beg to differ" Noct". I figured with how much is on the line you would want to know that your cherished friend is one of our soldiers."

Gladiolus saw Prompto turn pale before he rolled his eyes." You're getting lazy " chancellor". Like we would notice that our friend is one of your toy soldiers?"

Suddenly monitors in the sides of the room activated to show images of baby's with various formulas around them before images of soldiers appear. As everyone glanced a the images Ardyn uttered a cold," You simply don't have the facts so it will be a pleasure to enlighten you.

The infantry units you callously dub 'MTs' all began as babes in this very facility. Imprinted with serial codes and incubated until they were strong enough to fight.

MTs are created by injecting humans with the plasmodium parasite, daemonifying them. The specimens turn into miasma, the black mist that emits from defeated daemons and those afflicted with Starscourge.

The well, now former empire harnesses the resultant miasma into central processing units known as magitek cores, which power the empire's magiteknology.

What a pity. Innocent souls fated to suffer...at the hands of a foreign king. Well, not so 'MT' after all, are they?"

Squall saw Aeris, Ruby, and some of the others look mortified before he unleashed his magical aura." Nice story, but in the end it's just another reason to shut you down proto!"

"Hahaa, wait till the story is finished Lion. The creator of theses soldiers, are Research Chief, Verstael Besithia cloned himself to create the subjects for the soldiers. He did not just use patriotic native people for his test subjects, but babies from lands the empire invaded. Your dear friend Prompto, is one of those clones."

Prompto felt a chill down his spine before he grit out," The hell are you talking about? Think you can just say stuff?"

"I can if it's the truth. Come now it's not just random, what else do you think that barcode on your arm is for?"

Noctis tensed up as he saw his blond friend suddenly look at the barcode under his glove before muttering," The hell is this? Prompto's, some deep cover spy?"

A new older male voice cut in from above with a snide,"Hardly, he's just another failure."

From above the elevator staggered out a balding man with white hair and beard. He wore a silver headgear that had the symbol of Niflheim along with a uniform of black metal and purple and red clothing and a cape. Ignis saw the man looked crazed before he sighed." I seen him before, that's indeed Verstael, the man we have to thank for all the mechanical roadblocks we had to deal with. And, according to this farce you're the reason for are friend's existence to eh? Bah…even accounting for age I don't see the resemblance."

"Bah…that's because though a clone of me," Verstael barked out." Prompto is unique. Prompto's cells have been diversified, and thus he wouldn't grow up to look just like myself. You were to be yet another experiment but as a baby you were kidnapped from the First Magitek Production Facility by operatives working for the kingdom of Lucis, and brought to the Crown City.

You were then adopted by a common Lucian family when you was but one year old. Bah, to thing you would malfunction this badly. You were cloned from this genius's genes, born from my own flesh and blood. You, are but one of millions created to serve my legacy!"

Prompto had his eye twitch before he pointed the gun at the scientist. "Shut up! I'm not your son, I'm a citizen of Lucis!"

"Bah…you really are a failure. I ought to return you whence you came. Perhaps then you might serve some useful purpose. No matter what you feel your inferior intellect can't deny me! Soon, my ascension to divinity will be complete! Soon, neither the power of the Kings of Lucis nor the "gods" themselves will be able to deny my genius! Yes, pure genius, genius that can't be, GUH!"

The scientists rant was cut off as Vincent decided to show Verstael just how little he thought of him by promptly shooting him in the head with his Ceberus gun. The Scientist hardly had time to gasp as the man with a red cape had his unique firearm glow with magical energy before he fired an enhanced shot to blow the man's head off.

As everyone looked at him Vincent glanced at Prompto and merely shrugged." My apologizes for cutting short your family reunion, but that man reminded me far to much of Hojo. I have very, very little patience for scientists that have no regard for life."

Aeris could not help but giggle as she put her hand on Prompto's shoulder." Same here Vincent, I went through to many mad scientist's rants for one life time. Prompto right? I don't know you to well but don't let that creep get to you. Long as you're not suddenly having an urge to kill everyone or are radioactive in the end your still you despite what he said right? What matters is the? Huh? Hey, no coming back as zombie creep!"

Aeris saw Verstael's body twitch and swiftly fired a massive holy spell to vaporize the remains. As everyone looked at her she giggled innocently." Sorry for getting carried away, I had a nightmare last week that Hojo had me locked up naked in a test tube trying to fuse me into some chimera thingy, Ezan nearly thought I was being attacked. Ah well, any who, lets focus on the real nightmares right?"

Prompto hesitated before Noctis patted him on the back." Prompto, don't worry about this. I never cared about you not being a royal, and I don't care about this either as long as you yourself have not changed. You're my friend, that's all I need to know."

"Noct, thanks."

As the two shook hands Ardyn cut in with a snide," Your mighty casual about this, just look at what you done! You've gone homicidal, no, patricidal! Well, assisted patricidal at least! Heh, preach about friendship all you want "Prince", you can't deny what kind of person you truly are. After all, it's in your blood!"

Noctis had all of his crystalline weapons form around him as he shouted out," I know who I am more then you ever will Ardyn! And I know it's enough to stop you!"

"Spare me the heroic rage, I know far more about you then you think and I know you can't stop me without your precious crystal. I don't mind that much if you do touch it but someone else does a lot! Yes, Infernian, Ifrit, one of the forces that caused all of this might be very opposed to this. He doesn't share Shiva's fondness for mankind. If you want to know why, ask him yourself!"

A pillar of fire erupted in front of Noctis before a humanoid demon appeared, one that was tall enough to hold a human in his hand. He had bronze skin, long dark hair, and red eyes.

He wore a golden wrist and ankle bracers, and a golden crown adorned with red jewels. He has long twisted horns and claw-like nails. He was topless and radiated heat, the air around him aflame. He sits on an elaborate throne that appears to be made out of bones.

He welded a sword whose hilt is encrusted with red and white jewels, and has what appears to be a gold and purple scarf wrapped around it, held in place by a gemstone bracelet and a metal chain. The sword's blade is worn, and the being's body was scarred. His left arm and leg were gray, as if petrified.

The Astral of Fire, Ifrit glanced at Noctis and roared before fire surged across his body, as the flames got hotter Ardyn cut in again with,"Yes, the God of Fire. It was the Infernian who bestowed the gift of fire upon man in antiquity. He reigned over the ancient kingdom of Solheim until his once-loyal subjects turned against him.

The Pyreburner then waged the Astral War that would quench his own life's flame until his own daemonic resurrection by means of the Starscourge. We don't see eye to eye, but we agreed on a few things, like seeing you squirm."

Ifrit grinned and prepared to attack, but just as he gave a battle cry Zell suddenly jumped behind him and roundhouse kicked him hard enough to send him through the wall. As he landed he could not help but burst out laughing." C'mon dude, you're seriously trying to make a big deal out of freaking Ifrit? Please, he's the basic Guarding Force every SeeD had to defeat one on one to start out!"

Irvine and Vincent fired some ice projectiles to cool Ifrit off before Zidane ran up and chuckled." He looks a little bigger, but he's always been a weaker Summon spirit compared to the heavy hitters! C'mon guys stop wasting time! Grand Lethal!"

Zidane quickly entered his Trance State to blow Ifrit away. After his " ace" got so casually bested Ardyn cleared his throat." Well, cultures clearly differentiate at times but…this still changes nothing. You will never get that happy ending you think you deserve.

You can attempt to grasp it but, to remind you of how your life has affect others and to liven things up a bit more I thought I would take you down a stroll down memory lane. Of course, memories decay with time."

The light right in front of the elevator then went on, and everyone saw the corpse of Ravus being shown. Noctis turned pale as he saw Luna's brother lay lifelessly in front of him."What, Ravus is dead to? Is it not enough for you till everyone I ever known is dead?"

As Ardyn laughed over the intercom Ignis looked at Ravus and sighed."A pity at yet another life ruined but I suppose he was a traitor in the end."

"Ah, more like a feeble double agent really." Ardyn casually threw out."He did hate you Noct, but he still was loyal to his beloved sister. Too bad he was not nearly competent enough to make his dreams become reality. It's all your fault you know? And somewhere deep down he knew that. So deep, that its erupting to the surface!"

Everyone saw a dark aura emerge from Ravus before he suddenly moaned. His eyes glowed red before he coughed up black fluid and staggered to his feet. Dark aura exploded of his body before his left side spewed black fluid that covered his entire half as he developed a black horn.

A daemon-like appendage suddenly burst out of his metal arm and his chest pulsated with mutilated flesh. As a new demonic blade formed in his transformed hand Ravus staggered out before he muttered a pained,"Kill me…end it!"

As monsters emerged from holes in the chamber Ardyn once more cut in with,"Yes, all of his suffering is because of you Noctis. It's his sole purpose in life, his focus, to make you pay!"

Lighting glanced at the new demonic enemy before she sighed." The way he transformed, nearly reminds me of what happened to Cid Raines, when he was transformed into a Cie'th state for defying his Focus! Damn theses gods, treating people as pawns!"

Before anyone could argue Ravus pointed his blade at Noctis before howling out,"Vengeance...will be mine!"

The mutated brother of Luna suddenly dove into the air with the intent of ramming it through Noctis. His target jumped out of the way but before anyone could attack Ravus's sword glowed and spikes of raw dark energy erupted all over the ground. As Noctis rolled out of the way of the nearest spike he saw monsters attack his comrades and then saw Ravus coming for him.

He hastily parried the strike with his Shield of the Merciful King before using Sword of the Wise King to try and jab back. As he did he was pushed to his knees Ravus howled out," It's your fault, all your fault! I lost everything, because of you! The entire Caelum bloodline, must suffer!"

"Shut up!" Noctis cried out defensively." I did not ask for you to suffer Ravus! I did not ask to become King! I was born into it, and there was nothing I could do about it! All I can do about it, is do the best with what I got!"

Noctis had weapons dive at his enemy from all directions, but Ravus had black tentacles burst up to grasp every one of them. As Noctis looked shocked another tentacle burst right out of the prince of Tenebrae's chest to try and impale Noctis in the chest. As the black-haired man franticly tried not to be impaled Ravus cackled out a deranged," Weak…you were always too weak to live up to anything, to protect anyone!"

Noctis could not help but let his temper flare up as he shouted out,"Shut up! I'll show you, I'll show everyone that I'm not a joke!"

Noctis saw the ring glow before he heard whispering sounds, and suddenly had an idea. He swiftly acted on the idea as he grasped his hand."Be gone, Alterna!"

The man with the power of the Lucis bloodline had a surge of energy from around him, before an orb of blue light shot out. Ravus tried to swat the orb away only for it to explode, and a crystalline sphere formed around him. The mutated man roared in pain as every part of his body felt like it was being crushed.

Ravus vainly reached out at Noctis, only for the sphere to turn red and the crystal sphere to close around him rapidly till it became a small speck of red light.

A second later that sphere unleashed a red explosion, and as Zidane saw Noctis's spell finish he whistled."Damn, now I see why that everyone was ranting about the Ring, glad it was not a tease." Gladiolus saw Noctis fall to his knees before he looked at where Ravus stood." We don't make up alternate facts in our nation dude. Ravus, or what left of him learned that the hard way. Ravus…even a punk like him had dreams, even someone like him deserved better in the end. All we can do, is make the bastard behind this pain get pay back a thousand-fold!"

Noctis nodded as he staggered back up. And glanced at the doors in front of him." That's right, at last, you're going to pay for all the pain you caused Ardyn!"

"Your wrong Noctis, the one who must answer for his sin, is you! Time for atonement has passed! With the power invested in me, I shall purge your sins!"

A flash of light broke out to blind everyone, and as he was caught off guard Noctis felt a surge of pain burst out of his foot and yelled in pain.

A column of light burst down from the ceiling, before Stella flied down. Noctis gasped as he realized Stella's attire had changed.

Now she was clad in armor, armor that was a sleeveless, purple, skin-tight bodysuit with a short, slender, white outfit, and white, knee-length boots. Noctis saw Stella still had her rapier, and now had holy shields floating around her before he winced." Luna…wake up from this already!"

"When you die…I'll make you see who I truly am "Prince". "The Black Swan spat out." I see you unlocked your true power, but too bad for you so have I! I have awakened my true legacy, and with this power I will bring judgment to you and all of the wicked ones! Your heart is as black as your attire Noctis, it must be cleansed!"

"Damn it, how can you say act like you're on the side of justice when you let your own brother have as bad an end as that!"

Stella looked remorseful as she looked at where Ravus last stood." I regret my brother's death, but he was unable to wake up to the truth like I was. It was better his pain was ended. He will come back when Battle-World is won, I'll gain everything that I lost! That's why I must win no matter what!"

"Damn it, you really think you can trust them?"

"Why should I trust you over them? You been nothing but a fraud and its time you answer for it!"

Stella had her rapier glow before she swung it, and it suddenly took on the shape of a whip sword of energy that lashed out and burst right for Noctis's eyes. The Prince winced and had his former lover's trident form in front of him to intercept the strike.

Stella grasped her hand before blades of light formed all around her and rained down at Noctis. Her target threw his sword to the right to warp out of the way, but the Black Swan merely sneered as she had more swords of crystalized light form around Noctis.

The prince had his crystalline weapons surround him to try and defend himself, but Stella widened her eyes before her swords suddenly paused, and had beams of light link up around them, before suddenly unleashing a powerful beam of light.

Noctis swore before his ring crackled with power and he quickly unleashed a powerful dark energy spell. Stella saw Noctis's face and arms had looked hatefully at her former lover." Face justice at last Noctis Lucis Caelum! Your body is cracking up under the weight of your sin!"

"Damn it, I'm only owing up to what I legit did! I'm not going to be punished for anyone's delusions, even yours Luna!"

Noctis had a surge of power surge into his hand before he unleashed enough power to blast the beam into the wall. Stella saw Noctis glare defiantly at her before her aura exploded." You can deny it all you want but you will face your judgment "Prince!". For sacrifice is justice…and I am the jury! Repent to the cries of my kin! Justice Phorizor!"

Stella focused her holy energy into a massive spear of light before she swung her sword, and the spear of energy blasted right at Noctis. However, Squall suddenly unleashed his Blasting Zone Limit Break to strike the Justice Phorizor projectile in midair. Squall was pushed back a few feet before grunting out,"Sorry girl, we don't recognize your authority!"

As Squall smashed the projectile into the ceiling Noctis grimaced."Stay out of this, I have to settle things with her myself!"

Stella had more swords of light rain down before Gaius suddenly jumped up to slash them all in half. The King looked at the Prince before uttering a stern,"Wrong Noctis, it's your duty to put aside your personal feelings to do what's best for your people!

No matter what your history with this woman is, no matter how strong your feelings are for her your priority always must be to your people! Leave this to us, we will handle her while you retrieve your Crystal."

Noctis saw his three longtime friends run up before Ignis shouted out,"He's right Noct! Leave this to us so you can leave up to your destiny at last and end this struggle!"

"Iggy's right it's our only choice!" Gladiolus added."

The man in black saw Stella yell in fury as she dashed at him, only for Squall to intercept her before he remembered the last time he saw his father, and closed his eyes. Before he could say anything suddenly Ardyn cut in once more with the intercom."You can indeed get to the crystal if you hurry, but then you would discard your friends and prove Stella right, that you're a selfish self-serving sinner."

Noctis glanced behind his shoulder to see Prompto brashly shoot down a Magitek Trooper that was trying to snipe at Noctis before his eyes."You don't know a damn thing about me. I don't want to leave them, but I'm trusting them to do their part, so I can do mine! Guys, be careful."

Stella broke away from Squall to try and attack him but Noctis warped to the upper right before warping to the elevator. The Black Swan attempted to stop him only for Alvin to come at her from above while Zidane charged at her from the left. She blocked the two men's strikes before Zidane grinned." Sorry lady, I'm not keen on breaking girl's hearts but you know, priorities and all."

Alvin nodded before throwing in a wry,"Not my first instinct but I make a good heart breaker when I want to."

"Damn you men! None of you will deny the scales of justice from tipping!"

Despite her fury, the Enji were able to stall her long enough for Noctis to get the elevator to start. Lighting, Aeris, Class Zero, and a few others were able to get the elevator to open.

At last his group went through the elevator and went down the platform. Everyone braced themselves but no more enemies came for them and the elevator reached the crystal chamber in peace. Noctis saw a blue light in the distance and quickly ran forward.

After a few seconds his hopes were proven valid as he at last saw the magical crystal that for most of his life was his nations treasure. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he was not seeing a mirage before he grinned." At last, time to turn things around."

Rem and the other Class Zero members entered the chamber before Rem looked at the upper left and smiled."The Vermilion Bird Crystal is here to! We just have to unlock their power and at last the war is over!"

Rem ran up before a male voice yelled out a desperate,"No, you can't do that Rem! If you do the war will not end the way you think!"

Everyone saw Machina run up. As Lighting saw the former Class Zero member run out of a corner with a squad of Iron Giants in his new white uniform she rolled her eyes." Seriously are they just trying to bog us down till a countdown runs out or something?"

Machina got into a fighting stance and stared down his former teammates." Look down at me all you want, I'm not going to back down no matter what!"

Fang just rolled her eyes as she readied her spear." Oy…got another brainwashed one here eh? Would be faster if we could just trash the wanker pulling the strings."

"I'm not brainwashed!" Machina shouted out defensively." I seen the truth, and I can't let the lies go on any longer!"

Queen saw how dismayed Rem looked before she pointed her blade at her former teammate." How could you hurt Rem like this now of all time Machina!? You want to ruin everything your oldest friend has worked for?"

"Damn it, wake up, all of you! We were told all our lives the crystals were our salvation but it's more like our damnation! We trusted everything to them, all for a lie!"

Noctis took a deep breath before muttering," I wish I had a better understanding myself Machina, but it's the only way for salvation so I'm going to take it!"

"You think it will bring peace? I told you, I seen the truth, and it won't end the war! Caius and the others were not just insane, they are on to the truth! And the truth is that Orience has been stuck in a spiral that revolved 600,104,971 times now, all for the will of the so called divine that see us as nothing more than pawns!"

Ace sighed before he used his magic to have his cards swarm around him." Damn it man, don't think you're going to unnerve us with rants just because the enemy made you think they were real."

Lighting remembered her own experiences with the Fal'Cie before she tensed up." Don't be so sure it's all delusions. This reminds me of what happened with Orphan. Maybe we should think things through."

"There is no time for that!" Noctis yelled out," We will deal with it as it comes!"

"Damn it, I won't let you!" Machina yelled out as he charged at the group." Rem tensed up before she steeled herself." Sorry Machina, I have to do my duty, even if I have to fight you to do it!"

"Don't Rem, I'm doing this all for you! No matter what, I won't let do this!"

Noctis looked at Rem and nodded to her, before she nodded back. Just as Machina prepared to attack him the Prince threw a sword at him. Machina dodged, but his target used his power to warp behind him, and since Rem grasped him when he did it she warped to.

Machina saw both Rem and Noctis both go for their native crystals. He tried to go after him before Yang punched him in the gut and the rest of Class Zero dogpiled him. Thus he could only cringe as he saw the two run up and he shouted out," No, don't do it!"

Noctis pushed aside the other man's warnings, and his own fears as he just took a deep breath." I can't lose faith now, it can't have all been worthless! Please, work!"

He swiftly touched the crystal, and at once his ring shinned with light. Suddenly a beam of light burst out of the crystal before a giant being formed above it. The being was clad in dragonish armor and had a dragon's tail. The wings of his armor were made of swords, fifth teen on each side, with an additional one in its right hand.

The armored being looked down at Noctis before its eyes glowed.' I, Bahamut, the Draconian, acknowledge that you are indeed the chosen one. Noctis Lucis Caelum, the fate of all falls to the King of Kings. His providence consecrated in the divine Light of the Crystal. So, it is ordained…the revelation of Bahamut!"

Aeris paused as she looked at this Bahamut carefully before raising an eyebrow." That's supposed to be Bahamut? I know he had a lot of forms but, I thought he was supposed to be a dragon?"

"It's possible this being worshipped Bahamut enough to take his name, in any case, that's not the issue to focus on at the moment." Vincent uttered.

Bahamut looked at everyone before it pointed its sword at Noctis." At last the King will gain the power to fulfill his calling. By the covenants awakened, the Six astrals have seen the coming of the prophesied hour.

A time when the Crystal shall have shed the entirety of its Light unto into the Ring. Only then, once the sacred ring is replete, can the True King complete his ascension. And only by the True King's hand can the immortal accursed can be banished and the Light restored.

Yes, the Accursed…a man cursed with life eternal, whose immortality stems from the self-same scourge wrought with daemons. One so impure in body and soul was deemed unworthy of the Crystals light, that he was forbidden to ascend. His mind twisted by spite and bent on revenge, the Usurper unleashed darkness upon all for nothing would ever sate his hatred. Only the True King, chosen by the crystal, guarded by his forbearers, can end the Accursed's madness."

Noctis took a deep breath before he walked up." So what is the trick eh? If it's some powerful magic or blade just give it to me so we can end this already!"

"It's not that simple." Bahamut retorted." The Providence is the sole means to ending the immortal Accursed. A power greater that even that of the Six Astrals, purifying all by the light of the crystals, and the glaives of ruler's past. Only at the True King's throne can the Chosen receive it, and only at the cost of the life: his own."

Lighting saw Noctis turn pale before she grasped her fist tightly." Unless I'm missed the memo earlier, Noctis has to kill himself to win? That's bull, you don't have to throw your life away like it's so trivial! We humans are not sacrifices for the divine!"

Bahamut narrowed his eyes before responding with a stern," It is his destiny! The King of Kings shawl be granted the power to banish the darkness, but the blood price must be paid! To cast out the Usurper and usher in dawn's light will cost the life of the chosen. Many sacrificed all for the King, so must the King sacrifice himself for all. This is fate, embrace it for the good of all!"

Aeris steeled herself as she walked forward." Don't make death so trivial! I tried dying and it's not that great."

"The needs of the many outweigh the need of the few! The just path is what's needed over one's trivial selfish desires. True King…embrace your destiny so that light can shine!"

Light begun to pour into Noctis from the crystal, but as it did a red magical pentagram formed above Bahamut and instantly shot down a red beam. Bahamut roared in pain as black rods hit his body before Ardyn suddenly floated out of the magic symbol.

As everyone looked at him the man in the fedora merely grinned."Destiny always sounds so nice but alas that's the art of a great sells pitch eh? Oh how long I waited to give you a tasted of my anger Bahamut! Heh, I take it you're a bit confused at this point eh " Noct"? It's my great pleasure to enlighten you, along with everyone else the truth! No more games, allow me to regale you with a tale.

In an age long past, an incurable scourge ravaged Eos. A tiny menace that twisted men into monsters, like what you have seen. In Lucis lived a savior that could cure the infected. His body would come to host myriad daemons, so that countless lives could be spared. But a jealous, petty King, one not chosen by the crystal, ostracized and demonized this healer of the people.

Making a true monster out of him. I gave you my name earlier, but you should know that it was not the name given to me at birth. Ardyn, Lucis, Caelum is my proper name. You'll never guess whose name Izuina came from. That's why I'll give the answer. Yes, if you have not figured it out, it was the usurper who denied me everything."

Lighting saw the bitterness in Ardyn's eyes before she looked at the others."Wait, so you were the one chosen? Your like, Noctis's great great grandfather or something?"

Noctis saw the bitterness in Ardyn's eyes before he spat out,"This is a sick joke, it has to be! Like I'm going to take your word you lying bastard! Whatever happened to you was likely your own fault! It was only what you, GUH!"

In a flash Ardyn had a spear of red energy form before he swiftly threw it into Noctis's right arm. As the prince screamed in pain everyone saw just how hateful the man in the Fedora's eyes were."Think I would be this bitter if this was something I deserved boy? No, I was a damn good king, I saved everyone, and as a reward I was renounced by everyone! I did just what the masters of the crystal told me to do, and after doing it to the letter they decided they were not happy with their own idea and how it affected me was just an afterthought!

Yes, because of their fickle nature and their pride, I was cursed to live a living hell. The Astral's rejected me because their own project did not fit their expectations, and the masses that once saw me as a savior saw me as the harbinger of chaos, thanks to the propaganda of the so called "Founder King,"my own brother being easier to listen to then having to get out of their damn "Safe" spaces! I was renounced by god and man alike, and so if everything rejected me, then everyone must pay the proper price! But a simple single murder would not do, no, my vengeance had to be absolute!

After all, if it was all I had to look forward to I had to make it count! Noct, killing you as a mortal will bring scant satisfaction. Its nothing to kill another powerless nobody, but to kill you at your zenith proves I was superior all along and that the gods were fools! Obtain the full power of the crystal to arise as your master's champion. Only then, once the crystal and the" True" king are no more can I know redemption, can I truly be content! For you see, I knew form the start that a chosen king would arise.

That's why I bid my time for millennia before establishing myself as chancellor to dear Iedolas, for I knew the true King would come at last. Heh, do you think it's your skills or" unique" instincts that make you the savior over your father or any of the other kings?

Sorry Noctis but the truth is that with each new King the energy of the one before him would merge with him. Thus, each King would get stronger merely as a right of succession! You're just a battery, a tool! Such a pathetic fate, such a farce! Once I erase it, I'll prove to all how wrong it was to wrong me so!"

Ardyn laughed madly as demonic energy surged around him, and Aeris saw the sadness in his eyes she sighed." If it's an act it's a good one, I can feel the bitterness consuming him."

Fang rolled her eyes as she readied her spear."Oy, bleeding hearts like you and Vanille are to forgiving. Sure, it sucks but even if he got screwed that bad it gives him no pass to burn all the world just because you got a raw deal. I mean, I was mighty ticked off when the fal'Cie caused me to be frozen for centuries just to be part of there little Ragnarok stunt but I still cared enough about people to not want to kill everyone. I mean sure I was going to do what I had to to survive, but I did not want to see everyone die out of spite like a sissy! "

Ardyn snickered as his energy exploded." Being frozen in time is one thing but spend thousands of years in torment for the mistakes and paranoia of another and see how you feel women! I don't care about any thing else, I'll see everything else there is burn to get my vengeance! That being said I am not completely without honor. I'll do my part long as I still get what I want, and so its on to the final act. You see, no one but you could draw out Bahamut, Noctis. And so now that he was drawn out, we have the final ingredient needed to enter the final phase. Let the final reckoning begin!"

Ardyn snapped his fingers before a sphere of red energy surrounded Bahamut. The Astral could only roar furiously as it was dragged out of the ceiling. Ruby felt the ground shake before she gulped." Oh great, this the bad guys' doomsday play? Why does it always have to be so dramatic?"

Before she could get an answer Rem screamed in pain, as the crystal she was touching caused a surge of red energy to surge into her body. Her eyes glowed red before she glanced at her former class mates." The time of judgment is at last at hand. when nine and nine meet nine, Tempus Finis shall be willed upon them. For without the Agito, Orience and the other planets—must persist in its spiral. Will you choose reason, or grasp the power of Kings? May the will of Pulse, Lindzei, and Bhunivelze be pleased. And if Agito is not chosen yet again, may the storm of Susanoo brought by Belmod cleanse all the unworthy in a way befitting a God of Destruction!"

As the ground shook more and more Aries eyed Rem carefully,"Now what's going on? And wait, God of Destruction? That's the guy that Ben fought before this mess started right? But, I thought his name was Beerus?"

Machina just looked at the lifeless Rem bitterly." No, Rem was made into a I'Cie, into their puppet! Still think I'm lying? This is all a game for the gods to torment everyone till they grind out people they think is worthy enough to be their champion!"

Ardyn just laughed again as he flew up higher."I admit things seem a bit, cluttered after our worlds merged together to be part of this Battle-world. However, from what I gathered we all were pawns to the gods, so we all pooled together are plans to form a larger one to gain the ultimate goal, the destruction of all who wronged us! So then, let's see what the strongest power truly is eh "Hero's"?

Ardyn flew higher into the sky as the now confined Bahamut rose with him, before the ground flew up as well.

Everyone in the fused capital notice the massive pillar of red light erupting out of Zegnautus Keep.

Ezan like all the others noticed the dark surge, but as he wondered about the new energy he was sensing Caius roared before exploding with dark energy." Its futile, no matter your power or skill you will burn to ashes regardless! Dying Sun!"

The sliver haired man saw his draconic immortal opponent roar before he became a miniature sun of purple and red energy. Ben's rival quickly realized Caius was attempting to use the extreme heat around him to protect himself and blast everyone away at once before his own aura surged with enough force to cause the buildings around him to tremble." Your mistake, despite how resilient you are Caius Ballad, you're the one about to be put down. Planetary Devastation, combined with Amaratsu! Takemikazuchi-no-Kami!"

Ezan had both his Mangekyō Sharingan and Rinnegan shine before black fire erupted underneath Caius with enough heat to counter act his own sun. Ezan used the new powers provided to him by the Rinnegan to rip the ground out beneath Caius to form to shape it as a cage composed of the Amaratsu fire.

As the massive sphere of black fire bound Caius Ezan extended his hand to form a sphere of purple energy. Caius struggled to resist and break free, but as he gathered up energy Noel jumped up above his head and cried out," Caius, just give it up! Meteor Javelin!"

The spear wielder had said spear surge with energy before he threw it at his former mentor. The power in Noel's attack was strong enough to cause Caius to stagger, forcing him to look at the man he trained." Noel…born at the dying days of our world. You understand the true value of life.

You've become strong. But those with strength must choose between those who live and those who die. If you can't bear the burden of the eternal paradox, then you have no right to wield it! Abyssal Flare!"

Caius suddenly fired a massive energy blast of black energy at Noel, till Ezan suddenly appeared in front of him to block the blast with his blade. As the energy surged into Nu-Epyon the Enji issued a damming,"Your hate's blinded you to the truth Caius. The truly strong ensure no one is killed unjustly. Backlash Mirror Force Flare!"

Ezan unleashed a massive purple energy blast of reflected energy before Caius could break out of the sphere of black fire. Caius roared in defiance, and shouted Yeul loudly before the blast consumed him and he was blasted all the way out of the city.

Ezan saw the explosion his blast caused before he sighed and looked back at Zegnautus Keep."Well, we will see the extent of that man's immortality soon enough. But for now, I should have enough time to focus on the matter at hand. No matter how many obstacles there are, I will get to the bottom of this mystery."

Ezan tried to pin down Madara before the surge of energy refocused his attention. Little did he know that the masked man's assault was getting even more bitter after his true identity was revealed.

With his true nature revealed Obito got even more savaged in his attacks, but his opponents worked together to stay one step ahead of his assault. The man who posed as Madara once more had massive Shuriken form out of his eyes to swarm his targets.

Kakashi responded by having a stone wall with dog heads pop up to intercept it, only for Obito to use his power to phase through it and have a sharp black rod burst out of his right hand to stab Kakashi in his right knee. Obito saw his former friend grunt in pain before hissing out,"Why don't you shut up, trash that can only spew trash should remain silent forever!"

"I know I'm trash Obito. I know I did not keep our promise to keep Rin safe. I'm a fraud that keeps letting those who trust him down. But when I last saw you die as a hero to save me and Rin! You don't have to be trash like me!"

"Hahah…don't you get it yet Kakashi? You either die as a hero or live long enough to become a trash villain, it's just the broken nature of this reality. No one can escape from this circle that keeps on spewing out trash after trash, that's why I'll remake existence itself!"

Obito prepared to slice the shuriken through his former teammate's head when he saw a sword shooting for him. He quickly phased through the blade only to see an energy sword wave coming for him. As he evaded that as well Cloud slashed the rod Obito had thrusted into Kakashi's limb apart and prepared to slice into his enemy's face. As Obito swiftly blocked with his large fan Cloud glared at him."It's not perfect but it's far from broken. It just takes more work to fix then a coward like you is willing to put in."

"I'm so sick of naïve fools refusing to see how worthless your hope is! Having faith in such things made me see how hellish this existence really is! I'll kill you all!"

Cloud saw how relentless Obito was and as he kept evading projectiles being thrown out of his eyes he looked right at the man and could not help feeling a resemblance to his own former black-haired mentor." From what I'm hearing, this guy's relationship with Kakashi is nearly like the one I had with Zack. Is, this how Zack felt when I failed to save Aeris ? No, I know he had faith in me, that I could build a better future. It's been hit or miss but I know Ben, Lacus, Aeris, and the others have the ideas to make a truly better future, and I won't let anyone take that away from us!"

Cloud got even more determined as he suddenly flash stepped behind Obito to try and stab him from behind. Obito phased through the strike even though he did not see it coming, and tried to stab Cloud.

As the Enji Captain blocked the attempt Kakashi charged again with his Lighting Blade Jutsu. Obito hastily switched his fan around to intercept the strike, and as the Hidden Leaf Ninja was to slow to get his strike through Obito just snickered." Heh…you're still hesitating? What's that now, got a guilty conscious because you could not keep your promise to me? Or is it because your failure formed a chain that dragged down your students with you?"

"Damn it Obito, you were just like Naruto was at his age! You both wanted to become Hokage, you can still remember how you use to be!"

"What happened to the cold and calculating Kakashi that use to look down on me? It's because Naruto reminded me of myself that I loathed his very existence. He reminded me of how pathetically naïve I was before I realized how the world really was! That's why I knew just how to pull him and Sasuke along, and have their naïve emotions be their bane!

Don't think it was anything personal, but it's just I want to purge anyone that is that naïve from existence! I am sincere when I say this was not all a personal vendetta on you. Its honestly ridiculous to think that you feel guilty about me. If you think I started this all just because of Rin, your wrong. Yes…I know everything. I know that Rin chose to kill herself and throw herself into your Lighting Blade to die honorably before the Tailed Beast inside her was unleashed.

She was so consumed with the lies of patriotism that she committed suicide without a second thought to do her "duty." Tsc…no matter what you say to me you're a fake since you could not protect Rin. Inside my mind Rin was not meant to die, so the one that I saw die was just a fake! Rin is only Rin, if she lives. Those that created the way that world worked, including god, they were the ones that made me loose hope!"

"Damn it Obito, wake up! Naruto once said that not having friends in your heart is the most painful thing there is. I told him precisely as your words were…you were like Naruto, and felt and thought as he does. And I still think you do."

"You're that desperate to hide from the truth? Look at me how I am Kakashi!"

Obito suddenly lunched his chest into Kakashi's Lighting Blade and eagerly let a hole form in his chest. He jumped back to eagerly point at his hole form his two opponents as he pointed at the sky." Look, there is nothing in my heart! I don't even feel pain anymore! But don't feel guilty, it was the nature of this world that made me this way!

After Madara found me and modified my body to suit his experiments I was purged of the lies! I had nothing but pain where this hole was so what was the point? That's why I eagerly discarded everything. Haven't you been suffering all this time as well, suffering in silence for your" duty?" Do you really want to break like your father and die alone for nothing? Kakashi its ok, you don't have to suffer."

Obito's eye glowed before his younger self and a brown-haired girl, his former teammate Rin appeared in between him and Kakashi and Cloud. As the two smiled Obito grasped his fist tightly. "Take a look at what you wish. In this illusion world, in the perfect world the Infinite Tsukuyomi will create, you can have anything, everything! Your heart can be filled at last!"

Kakashi saw Obito looked hopeful before he coldly shattered the illusions with his Lighting Blade." Rin is dead, and your still alive! Do you really, truly think that the heart can be filled with illusions like that? Don't erase the memories of the real Rin! She died with pride doing her duty! Even if you keep putting out delusions, they won't fill the hole in your heart!"

"And your duty will Kakashi? Enough, your delusional to the end, so let all lies be erased! Looks like I can't find anyway that will change you."

"Neither of us will back down, so right now, all I can give you, is death."

"Tsc…then I shawl do the same. Come!"

The two had memories of their duels as kids flash across their minds before they dashed at each other. The two unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks. Obito saw Cloud coming for him and tried to roundhouse kick his former friend into the Enji. "Not bad…but your skills won't cut it!"

Obito had his eye widen before bombs appeared all around him. As they started to fall Kakashi took out several Kunai and had them all be infused lighting."They have to be, for my comrade's sake, including you!"

Kakashi threw all the projectiles at the new bombs, but as Obito smirked Kakashi suddenly used Kamui to have them all vanish, and then unleashed his Lightning Beast Tracking Fang attack to just burst through the bombs before they could explode. As Kakashi suddenly appeared above his former teammate. Just as Obito saw him Kakashi unleashed his Kamui again, to have the projectiles appear behind Obito.

Seeing his former friend get stabbed all over caused Kakashi to narrow his Sharingan eye."To honor the you that I admired, I'll destroy the current you! Obito, Twin Lighting Shiver!"

Kakashi suddenly had two blades of lighting form in his hands and burst forward. He attacked Obito with such force that he was blasted into the air, leaving a trail of electricity in his wake. Obito blocked the strike with his fan, but was knocked into the air. His attacker burst forward to get above him in a burst of speed, and dived down with his other hand.

Obito dodged but still got cut across the face with a strike powerful enough to slice in half the lighting trailing in the air. As Obito winced in pain he glared back at his former friend and blocked the other blade of electricity with his fan."You can't…you can't destroy reality itself Kakashi!"

Obito was able to knock Kakashi back despite his wounds, but as he did he suddenly saw a surge in power and realized Cloud was preparing his own attack."We can break our limits and change what reality is, as long as we don't lose to people like you! Omnislash Version Six, Lighting variation!"

Cloud had all of the blades in his" First Sword" pop up around Obito before he performed the variation on his most powerful Limit Break attack, only this time infused with the lighting Kakashi left lingering around the area. Kakashi used his own Sharingan to prevent Obito from phasing out, and blood poured everywhere as Cloud finished his combo with a blow that slashed Obito across the chest and smashed him to the ground hard enough to cause a crater. As Cloud landed on the ground, and saw Obito cough up blood he just sighed." Damn…really have been rusty if that did not finish him."

Kakashi saw the wounds on Obito slowly close up before he sighed." Don't feel to bad Cloud, whatever experiments Madara performed on Obito gave him enhanced healing. That just means, we have to keep the pressure up."

Before the two could keep up their assault they felt a tremor, and at this point the two saw the massive beam of red energy burst out of Zegnautus Keep. Seeing this coughed Obito to laugh, cough up blood, and then laugh some more as he staggered back on his feet." I'll hand you that you were always the better fighter Kakashi. But don't feel good about winning this battle when you're about to lose the war!"

Before Kakashi could retort he and Cloud and the rest of their comrades saw massive red spheres fly out of the Keep. Cloud heard a roar before he saw Bahamut try and break out of one of the spheres before it was smashed back into the sphere. As they all glowed and started to merge together Ben's former squad leader winced." Damn it, looks like the others ran into even more complications then we hoped."

Before anyone could respond a cruel burst of laugher came in from above, before Terumi casually strolled in from above to look down on the two."Oh your boys gave it the solid heroic try dude. But too bad we are way too many steps ahead of you for you to ever catch up! Sorry for being a no show for all the fun…but we were pushing through the final stages and dealing with some, complications. But now, it's at last time for end game folks! That's right, got all the materials ready to go!

As Ardyn put it, the ingredients are, Titan, the Archaean, steadfast as stone.

Ramuh, the Fulgurian, sharp as lightning.

Shiva, the Glacian, gentle as snow.

Leviathan, the Hydraean, relentless as tides.

Bahamut, the Draconian, unbending as iron.

And Ifrit, the Infernian, fickle as fire.

Madara told me the Infinite Tsukuyomi needed his world's Tailed Beasts to be pulled off, but between the tricks me and Nine have up our sleeves we are pulling together a mighty fine substitute, eh "Madara"?"

Obito winced as the green haired man eyed his unmasked ally with murderous eyes, but before Obito could respond Terumi snickered." Heh…more on that later. For now, welcome to the end of the line folks! Do it Nine!"

From above everyone saw Nine cast a spell, before the bound astrials all were fused together with a spell. After loud roars of pain a massive black sphere emerged in the center. Terumi just crossed his arms as he threw out an eager," Nice…that's one sweat Embryo all right. Despite patching together two to three master plans into one its working out swell so plant that Cocoon of the Blue so that we can cause a doomsday to sprout! Or how are comrades all it, Tempus Finis!"

Nine waved her hand, and the Embryo that was the by produce of the Astrials forcefully being fused together was launched faster than expected for such a large object. Everyone braced themselves, but instead of an explosion a massive black and blood red tree as tall as a mountain emerged in the distance.

Ezan was able to see with his enhanced vision that a fruit was slowly blossoming at the top of the tree, with a massive blood red sphere of energy floating above the fruit. He noticed roots sinking deep into the ground, and noticed a temple in-between the top of the tree and the fruit before he narrowed his eyes." This is our enemies ultimate weapon?"

Terumi chuckled as he leaned down." I admit its not the most badass thing I had in mind but it gets the job done! Once this Tree of Might in the former land of Insomnia that's now the Land of Judgment finishes blooming, all the people in all the other worlds are going to take a nice long, never ending nap!"

A new voice then added," Yes, at last may the Agito be chosen as all others wither."

Ezan and the others were shocked to see Yeul walk up to Terumi, only now her eyes were glowing red and an aura of darkness was surrounding her Noel saw one of the few people he knew form his world have a cold glance before uttering," Yeul…what happened to you? Did the enemy brainwash you?"

"I'm no longer allowing the vessel to control things. I am Fell Lindzei…the one overseeing the cycle. May the new world emerge at last."

Ezan powered up as he slowly walked forward." You can throw as many last second tricks as you like, I'll still cut through every last one of them."

The sliver haired man glanced at Obito before he narrowed his eyes." After all, for all your bluster, you have not impressed me at all and are proving to be nothing more than annoyances."

"Oh look at this guy, so scary!" Terumi responded sarcastically as he clapped his hands." Not impressed eh dude? Well, to be perfectly honest I'll give you that you seem like a legit pro. After all, you have those special Sharingan eyes, and hell they even look super charged or something! I mean, can't blame you for being unimpressed when some of us are all talk, right Madara? Or, if we are being honest, should I say right Obito Uchiha?"

Obito saw his accomplice's venomous look before chuckling bitterly," I was not under the impression that we were a naive group that trusted each other. Only the goal mattered."

"True enough dude. Heh, we all are wearing masks and hiding our true selves eh? Me passing off as Hazama, Ardyn being the ancestor of that sap of a Prince and then you. However, the thing is we can deliver what we promise, once people can get through your phasing trick there is not much going for yah in a battle ground of the elites eh? Ah, don't worry about it, once I realized something was fishy was going on me and Nine kind of raided your private quarters.

Nothing personal, just not fond of traps. And it was way worth it because now we have the real deal to sweeten the deal! It took a little time off the plan but, I think it's going to prove to be quite the investment! Don't take my word for it, just ask him! He's not the most conversational guy but he is grateful enough that I brought him back from death as a Chrono Phantasma, one who exists outside of time!"

Before anyone could react a massive explosion of blue aura blasted out behind Terumi before Cloud grimaced." Great, another last-minute enemy to get in the way?"

Terumi glanced behind him as his grin widened."Oh, don't worry I know it's been a lot but if all goes as planned this will be the last person any of you ever see!"

The blue energy stabilized before they saw it was coming from a man that was slowly walking up to the edge. The figure was fair-skinned man with spiky, black hair that had a slight blue tint to it. His hair went to his waist with shoulder-length bangs framing the sides of his face, covering most of his right eye.

He had several scars throughout his body. Although still relatively young, more prominent creases had developed under each of his eyes. He wore crimson armor with numerous metal plates, forming protective guards along his chest, waist, shoulders and thighs.

The man casually had his arms crossed, and as those around him wondered what the deal was Kakashi saw Obito turn pale before his former comrade blurted out," No…impossible, your dead! I saw you die, Madara!"

Ezan looked closer and realized underneath the new man's eyes were indeed Sharingan before he tensed up,"I thought he looked familiar, it's just like the recordings, this is the real Madara Uchiha. And…he's repressing it but I'm feeling a power that can shatter this entire planet."

Madara, the true Madara, slowly glanced at everyone before he casually glanced at the pillar of energy." As you said…this Battle-World is full of odd things. Still, despite the differences I do see that the Infinite Tsukuyomi is in process. Good, things are going to plan despite the setbacks. Now, just to take care of the obstacles. Obito…I had the feeling you had your reservations, but I admit I did not think you would kill me. Tsc…it was a mistake to give you more freedom then the Shin's."

Obito saw Madara's glare before he stood his ground."You think I was a fool? I was in your debt for saving my life, but I knew you were just going to use me up and throw me away, so I took action to turn things in my favor! What was I to you anyway?"

"Tsc…ungrateful brat. Stop joking, I gave you the chance to be something far greater then you could ever be by yourself. I gave you the chance to be Madara! Madara is the one who denied the broken existence. All the ones who follow his ideals…and collaborated in the Infinite Tsukuyomi are Madara! But it seems that this was something you were content with. That's fine, but if that's the case then I will take everything I gave back from you."

Madara made a casual hand gesture before suddenly black rods erupted out of Obito's right arm. As the man screamed in pain in an instant Madara was suddenly right in front of him, and casually sliced his arm off with his bare hand. Cloud realized how fast Madara was, and saw him casually take back the gunbai fan that the man that was posing as him was holding.

He tried to attack Madara with his back turned, but he felt a surge of wind. As he blinked he was shocked to see Ezan's sword in front of him, and that the blade was the only thing that was blocking Madara from impaling him. Madara quickly looked at the one who intercepted him to see Ezan's cold face before he raised an eyebrow." Those features, between that and the way your Chakra flows, you remind me of Ansem."

"Tsc…guess your sharp as they say, because the reason you have that feeling is because I'm his son."

"His son eh? I've been away longer then I realized. No matter, this is a plus to the situation if another Uchiha can join my cause. Yes…at a glance your clearly far worthier then Obito."

"Don't waste my time, I'm bound to my duty, not to blood. No matter who you are, if you're a threat to the mission I'll see you eliminated."

"Is that so boy? I can see your no novice, but your will means nothing to me. After all, power is not will. It is the phenomenon of physically making things happen! You will be a fine test of my new power to make sure the others were not bluffing about the enhancements they gave my revived body. Yes…drown in despair for your facing Madara Uchiha, divine power!"

Ezan saw Madara's stoic face suddenly twisted into a psychotic grin full of blood lust as his new opponent unleashed a surge of power that nearly blew Cloud and the others around him away Ezan realized he had to struggle to not be pushed back before he realized that he would pay quickly if he did not take the true Madara seriously. Terumi saw how excited Madara looked before he glanced up and saw Tempus Finis glowing in the distance before he had a sadistic look in his eyes." Oh this is a party alright! I know I been saying that a lot lately but seriously, time for the carnage and despair to kick into overdrive!"

Authors Notes: Another round of explanations so lets get started. Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Ying are from the Indie series RWBY, the western anime. Its a fun series even if the quality of the fights and story seem to be suffering. The fact that they did well enough to be in the new Blazblue cross over game, over other anime's like Bleach, or even bloody Guilty Gear, shows how far they come so I feel they were worth a cameo. Kagara is also from Blazblue.

Yuel being the host for Lindzei was not quite how it was in Final Fantasy 13 2 and 3 but, well, Lindzei, like most of the plot with that trilogy was a broken mess were what was set up in 13 2 did not even seem to follow through in Lighting Returns, so I'm just trying to rewire a few things to make more sense out of it, we will see, hopefully it will make more sense then the end of Lighting Returns.

Sorry if it comes off that I threw into many guys at once, was trying to show the chaotic nature of a battle zone. With Irift I wanted to show how amusing it was that 15 made such a big deal out of Irfit since he's been the low level summon for most of the series. With Verstael I thought it was funny that his voice actor is the same as Vincent's in the dub, Steve Blum. Hell Cid from Type Zero is also voiced from him, fitting for a epic voice actor I suppose. Part of the reason I been stalled is that they keep throwing new DLC for 15, causing me to change things to react to it lol.

Think that's all for now, hope you like how things unfolded, with any luck I'll be able to get one more chapter up for 2017, hopefully this site will still be here at this point with Net Neutrality repelled, sigh, damn you shills. Well till next time.