(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Spiral of Erebos)
The remaining Class VII, and the Kingdom Hearts crew made their way to an elevator which will take them below. They heard the sound of fighting behind them as they turn back.
"Whoa... sounds like a heavy battle..." Riku muttered.
"Maybe we should have help them." Sora said.
"They're beyond human. No one could do this!" Kurt said.
"Don't worry. I believe they'll be fine." Mickey told them. "The Steel Maiden, Mcburn, Azrael and Nu are without question, possess superhuman strength and skills. But our friends hearts are connected, they'll be able to pull off."
"Yeah, I agree. We've face many powerful people before. And each one help us grow." Elliot nodded
"Yeah. They'll make it through." Rean nodded. "Laura, Emma, Gaius, Ragna and Team Natsu are strong. With them unifying their strength... they'll be able to put up a good fight."
"Unless we forget Natsu's destructive behavior." Levi chuckled. "And Ragna's strength for that matter."
"With that said, we should keep going." Roxas told them.
"Yeah. We need to hurry up if we wanna stop the ritual." Lea nodded
"Yeah. But those guys aren't the only obstacles we need to get through. More will be waiting for us down below." Donald said.
"Yeah. We can't relax yet." Goofy nodded as they hopped onto the elevator and went down.
They arrived at the middle level of the gral as the sight is a little ominous as it was earlier. As they walk down the hall, they encounter more powerful monsters and Heartless blocking their path. They soon got rid of them as they keep going further down. They spotted a pathway that led to the middle corridor where they encountered more monsters and Heartless. As they walk down to face them, they begin to put up a good fight until they can freely walk down the stairs.
"I wonder why Maleficent and her group are here." Kairi wondered.
"That's a good question. Normally Maleficent has her own agenda. For her to side with the chancellor is something odd." Riku nodded.
"Hmm... maybe Maleficent is continuing to search for new allies for whatever plan she has. I'm surprised she would consider the Blood and Iron Chancellor." Mickey said.
"I'm surprised she even approached the guy." Crow said. "Or perhaps someone reaches out to her. Though I can imagine the worst scenario is Organization XIII, the Agarthans, and Fawful are was still around."
"Oh it's a scary thought." Elliot sighed. "So many familiar foes under one goal."
"And yet, it's no different to heroes with the same goal." Lea pointed out.
"Too true." Xion nodded as they arrived in the Middle Level.
"This place again..." Fie look around as they all heart a heartbeat sound.
"What was that? Sounded like a Heartbeat." Sara said.
"I don't like the sound of it. We better keep moving." Alisa told them as they walk down the hall to pass more Heartless and powerful monsters.
"Alisa... are you going to be okay?" Kairi asked as they walked to the second corridor.
"I'm... I'm not sure..." Alisa confessed. "I don't understand why Sharon would be here... And..." Alisa then shuddered. "..That man... the Black Workshop... So many questions need to be answered."
"Alisa..." Rean gave her a concerned look as they took another elevator down.
"That man was your father right?" Ventus asked
"Yeah..." Alisa nodded as they took another elevator down. "He... passed away in an explosion back when I was little... Seeing him alive all this time... I... I'm feeling conflicted. I'm happy to see him... but at the same time... I'm sad... I never thought he would be part of the Black Workshop... let alone the chief of the Gnomes."
"It must be very difficult..." Aqua sighed as they reached the Middle Corridor.
"Hmm?" Terra approach the end and look down below. "Everyone, look!" He said as they looked down. "What is that below the ground?
"It's hard to make out from here." Namine said.
'There's something else to the right of it that has a familiar shape.' Rean thought.
"Oh here they come." A familiar voice said as they turn to the direction of the voice and see Shirley, Rutger, Tartaglia and Sharon in the otherside of the great distance. "HEEEEEEY! OVER HEEEEERE!" Shirley shouted.
"Guess they made it here after all, huh?" Rutger mused.
"Can't say I'm surprised at this point." Tartaglia chuckled before turning to Sharon. "So tell me, are you ready for this?"
"..." Sharon only responds with a moan.
"I see Shirley is loud and obnoxious as ever." Levi sighed.
"But Bloody Shirley isn't the only one there... There's the boss and..." Fie muttered
"Tartaglia and Sharon..." Sara said, before turning to Alisa who look completely conflicted. "Man, they really dragged out everyone for this." Sara sighed before she and Fie stepped up and faced the others. "Still, leave them to us. Jaegers are sort of like our nemeses in the Bracer Guild. This will be our fight."
"Yeah, you're right." Fie nodded in agreement. "And on a personal note... I can finally hear what he's got to say."
"Yeah..." Alisa sighed before she clapped her cheeks. "Let's go. We need to get over there and make them talk."
"Yeah, you're right." Rean nodded. "Now's the time to face them."
"Yeah... We'll lend you a hand." Elliot nodded.
"Let's get going then." Venti said as they move on.
They walk the pathway leading to otherside where Shirley, Rutger, Tartaglia and Sharon are as they are preparing themselves for another fight and answers. As they arrived, both sides turn their heads to the view down below.
"The Demon that wields a thousand weapons." Shirley comment. "Testa-Tossa. Never thought I'd get to see the thing my weapon's named after. Pretty good name, you ask me."
"If you think about it, they're both from the Workshop, aren't they?" Rutger pointed out. "Well, long as a weapon does its job, I don't really care who made it."
"You two sure seem to be getting along." Fie said to them.
(BGM ended)
"Never thought I'd see the leaders of the two most bitterly-opposed corps shooting the breeze instead of each other." Sara added.
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Beyond a Little Hope)
"Weeeeeeell, to be honest, I'd really rather pick a fight with him." Shirley replied. "But this is what Lady Mariabell wants, so whatever."
"Mariabell? We met her back in Pi'illo Island. She, along with Noel and those Enforcer candidates took the Dream Stone after our victory over Medusa." Juna recalled.
"Oh yeah, I heard about that! It's a shame I couldn't join Lady Bell on that island. Let alone facing a god."
"Heh. I never thought there was a possible chance for mere mortals like us to challenge gods. I thought something like that would be impossible. Life is full of surprises." Rutger chuckled. "Then again, I've fast several powerful monsters with god-like powers. Which is why we can't really afford to underestimate you guys, y'know? That's why we had to drum up some decent fighters for this little show."
"Bring it on." Fie declared
"DECENT!? That's the understatement of the century…" Machias frown.
"Yeah… considering someone with you…" Elliot sadden.
"That's right..." Rean muttered
"Hey come on now. Did you forget I'm here too? Or am I chopped liver to you guys?" Tartaglia sighed.
"No, can't say we're surprised to see you too, Tartaglia. There's always a chance we'll have to face you... despite being friends." Sora said. "Speaking off..."
"Sharon...why?" Alisa asked. "Why are you suddenly here against us? And just who IS that man dressed in black? Did mother knew about this? Did she order you to be here?!"
"No. Chairman Irina never ordered me to stand against you. I'm here by my own will." Sharon replied. "But she did know about the existence of the Black Workshop. I'm sure some or all of you knew about this, but I am indeed a member of Ouroboros as it's Enforcer. However, I was under a contract that I serve the Reinford group due to my mistake... and a debt that I owe to the chairman."
"Mistake?"
"Ten years ago, I once visited your father on a mission. As a member of the Gnomes, he was researching something on Ouroboros's behalf. However, our negotiations broke down and I confronted him in combat. After a heated battle, I ended up causing the explosion that took his life. But Master Franz's body was never found. Despite all that, the chairman saved my life and even gave me a name. She said to me, 'Atone by working for the Reinford family. When he returns, you will be absolved of your duties'."
"So that's why you became a maid for the Reinford group, huh?" Crow asked.
Sharon nodded. "Though I doubt she was aware he was actually still alive. Regardless, my contract is now completed." She pulls out her sword. "I will return the name of 'Sharon', and all the memories associated with it. I now resume my role as the Severing Chains."
"Sharon..." Alisa looked down before she shook her head. "No... You're still Sharon to me. I don't care if you're under some contract or not. I still need some answers from you, from Mother... and from him too. And if we have to defeat you to make you talk... then so be it."
(BGM ended)
"My lady..."
"Hehe. Guess it can't be helped now, huh?" Tartaglia summoned his water bow and took a stance. "Then why don't we get this party started?"
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - The Decisive Collision [SAV])
Alisa, Sara and the others pulled out their weapons and formed combat link. And then Shirley and Rutger form combat links with each other while Sharon and Tartaglia with each other.
"Hehe. I've always wanted to test your skills in combat Kreger. Let's see how well we pair together... since you and I have something in common before joining Ouroboros." Tartaglia grinned
"Very well. Then I'll be counting on you to watch my back, Belligrent Paragon." Sharon replied.
Rutger smirked "Fie, show me how much you've grown."
"I've really been itchin' to fight you two bracers again!" Shirley added
"'Kay." Fie replied. "You took me in and raised me. Now I'll show you how far I've come since then."
"I don't care if you're the strongest alive or a living legend or what. I'll show you your match today!" Sara declared"
"No longer am I bound by my chains. Please bear witness to the return of the Severing Eclipse." Sharon respond
"Haha! I've been meaning to challenge some of you into a fight. Now, you better satisfy me, so don't hold back." Tartaglia grinned.
"Fine. I'll witness this little performance of yours." Alisa replied. "And after I do, you're coming back to us as part of our family!"
"Yeah, get ready everyone!" Rean nodded.
The Second Floor Guardians
Man brought back from the dead - Rutger
Bloodthirsty Ogre - Shirley
Formal Maid of Reinford - Sharon
Warrior of Armament - Tartaglia
Rean form a link with Alisa, Fie form a link with Sara, Levi form a link with Crow, Elliot form a link with Machias, Juna form a link with Kurt, Musse form a link with Venti, Jusis form a link with Sora, Donald form a link with Xion, Roxas form a link with Ventus, Aqua form a link with Mickey, Terra link with Lea, Goofy form a link with Kairi, and Namine for a link with Riku.
Sara and Fie were the first to attack as they both swoop in between Rutger and Shirley as they block their attack and counter. Shirley readied her chainsaw and launch a vicious swing while Rutger swung his Buster Glaive heavily before he whirled it and launched strong slash waves as Fie avoided each of his attack. Tartaglia then shoot his arrow at Sora where he deflects it as Alisa shoots her arrows at Tartaglia, but Sharon uses her wires to dispel the fire arrow.
Rean then rush toward Sharon as they both swing at each other until Tartaglia joins in and kicks him. Venti shoots two wind arrows toward Tartaglia and Sharon as they both duck their heads. Tartaglia switches to twin blades and leap toward Venti, but Sora airstep toward him and use Ars Arcanum on him as Kairi swoops him and launches a keyblade combo to push Tartaglia back. Tartaglia recovered as he backflipped and then shot water-form sharks toward them, forcing them to dodge. But Sharon use her Steel Wires to trap them and they took the hit.
Shirley readied her rifle and started shooting several fiery bullets toward the group and then shot a flamethrower but Donald generated a barrier and swirled his wind to shoot homing shots as Shirley backflipped before Ventus used Wind Raid on her. But Rutger backhanded it as Aqua shoot Triple Blizzaga on him as Mickey wack him with his Keyblade.
"Hehe. I don't think I introduce myself to some newcomers." Rutger then ready his gun on his Buster Glaive. "Names Ruger, the Jaeger King!" He then fire several bullets onto Mickey and Aqua who block his attack with magic.
"Names Goofy." Goofy then ran up to Ruger and swing his shield at him which Rutger easily dodged until he kick him, but Goofy block it with his shield.
Roxas lung toward Rutger but Shirley got in his way and they swing at each other before Ventus casts Aeroga on her and blasts her away with Roxas launch a keyblade combo attack on her and then a jump whirlwind technique before Ventus warp around Shirley, striking her and then kicking her back.
"Ahaha! You boys are pretty fun!" Shirley grinned and then she zoom toward Ventus and they both slash at each other until Namine cast Aura on them to separate them and then she dash toward Shirley and then swing at each other before pushing back.
Rutger jump back and then launch strong slash projections toward Riku, Xion and Donald which knock them back. Shirley then leap toward them and then strike them with her chainsaw before blasting them with fire from her Testa-Rossa. The trio recovered as Donald cast Curaga on himself and the others and Xion summon pillars of light to rain down onto Shirley and Rutger which they roll out of the way. Sora shotlock them with Septium Divine as several swords of the elements of fire, water, earth, wind, time, space, mirage were launch toward them as they then deflected them. But Jusis then used his craft: Arc Slicer which Sora's Divine Septium struck them which let Fie and Sara launch their combo attacks by warping and striking with wind and lighting forming a vortez.
Musse fire bullets toward Tartaglia along with Venti and Alisa with their arrows, but Tartaglia deflected them with his water lance and then shift it into twin axes. Tartaglia then lunged toward them but Crow got in front of him along with Levi. Sharon then used her Craft: Umbral Butterflies as she materialized dark butterflies that struck them and debuff them. Tartaglia follow up by launching twin combo slashes and knocking them back. Crow and Levi recovered their feet. Crow cast Heat Up to remove the debuff.
"Light come forth!" Levi then used his Support Craft: Theia's Light as he channel a sphere of light, throw it on the ground and stomp on it as it spread and empowering himself and others nearby him.
"Let's do this, Levi!" Crow swirl his Double Saber and took a stance.
"Right!" Levi responds as they both rush to Sharon and Tartaglia as they clash into them.
Levi and Tartaglia clash at each other by launching jabs and slashes at each other while Sharon and Crow swirl his double saber as Sharon swings her sword and uses Steel white s to deflect him. But Crow kept up before he launched a strong strike on Sharon as she was pushed back and then Levi impaled the ground, hopped on his Glaive, and then swirl kick Tartaglia as he ducked, but Levi pulled his Glaive and then threw it on the ground that force Tartaglia to jump back. Then Levi grabbed his Glaive and launched a powerful slash to knock Tartaglia back. Tartaglia shifts his axes into water guns and shoots water bullets as them as they both deflect them with Sharon summons several wires to force them to split. Then Elliot and Machias shoot their projections toward the Enforcers as they tilt their heads, Tartaglia shifts his guns to a lance and deflects them. Sharon then used her craft: Binding Chains to grab Elliot and Machias, pull them toward her, and then strike them with Tartaglia followed up by shifting his lance to water guns and shooting at them to push them back.
Tartaglia changed back to his lance as Kurt and Juna then ran up to them with Venti and Musse supporting them from the rear. Both of them shoot their shots at the Enforcers as they deflect them, but then soon Juna and Kurt swing their weapons at them. Both sides block swipe and kick at each other as Juna block Sharon's swipe and then counter by using her combat Art: Frozen Fist as she channel ice into her Gunbreakers and dash toward Sharon, Froze her and Kurt used his Craft: Tempest Edge to push Sharon away. Tartaglia used his Craft: Light of Obliteration as he shift his blades into a Double Saber and launched a powerful slash that knock Juna and Kurt away, which Sharon recovered for her to strike at them with Shadow Stitch.
Rean then used True Crimson Slash on them as Alisa follow up by shooting an arrow at Tartaglia. Sharon then ran up toward Alisa and slashed her. Alisa block her attack with her arms, but cause a small cut which then she then spin kick Sharon as she duck and begin to counterattack. But Rean's Combat Link Ability, Protective Wall kick him and block Sharon's attack and then swipe on her. Tartaglia used his craft: Shark Outslaught as he charge up his Bow and shoot water form sharks toward them as they both jump back. Tartaglia shift his bow to duel blades and lunged toward Rean and then they both swing at each other and launched lighting-fast slashes at each other until Tartaglia kick his rip, but Rean block with his hand, but Tartaglia flip and kick Rean's chin to stun him.
"Ngh!" Rean grunted as Sharon follow up with grabbed him with her steel wires and then toss him to Alisa, but he recovered.
Before they can continue, they both spotted Riku and Namine shooting Dark and Light projections at them and both of them deflect their attacks as Terra and Lea launch their Meteror and Chaklam at them. Tartaglia used his Craft: Shark Outslaught to intercept them as both attacks exploded and crumbled. Alisa used her Craft: Rosetta Arrow on them as Rean then follow up with True Hexil and strike them. Sharon and Tartaglia recovered until Sharon summoned black butterflies around herself and Tartaglia and then launch them toward Riku, Lea, Terra and Namine as they dodged the attack, but Tartaglia found their opening and warped toward Riku, slashed him, then warped and Slash Terra, Namine and Lea, marking them.
Sara swung her sword at Shirley who blocked her attack and countered by swinging her chainsaw at her. Sara dodged it and then shot at her which Shirley tilted her head before Shirley clockwise slashed Sara while Fie created clones of herself and launched an attack on Rutger which as blocked each of the clone's attacks and then his Buster Glaive was imbued with lighting and impale the ground to create an electrical field that shock the real Fie and made the clones disappeared. Rutger smirked and then shoot several bullets at her. Aqua got in front of her and form a barrier to reflect the bullets back at Rutger which he easily avoided by swirl his Buster Glave. Aqua used Spellweaver Command as she lung toward Rutger and launch her attack at him. Both Rutger and Aqua swing at each other until they push each other back as Mickey drill attack Rutger and then combo strike him.
Shirley dodged Ventus's combo strikes until Ventus use Ars Arcanum on her and Roxas used a Cartwheel attack to lift Shirley into the air and then aerial assault her before dragging her back down with a cartwheel attack. Roxas then cast Firaga on her which Rutger shoots a bullet as to intercept. As Shirley recovered, she let out a laugh before she used her craft: Murder Strife on Ventus and Roxas which Rutger followed up by slashing at them. Both twins recovered as both then fire wind and light projections at the Jaegers. Rutger easily deflected them while Shirley countered by shooting fiery bullets at them as both of them deflected her bullets. Elliot swirl his staff and then summon four large fireballs and launch them toward Shirley and Rutger. Both of them jump back each them as Machias then used his Craft: Dread Breaker on them and strike them, allowing Elliot to used his music magic: Symphony Storm as musical noted appear around him and launch them toward with lighting speed. Shirley and Rutger took the hit with a musical blast.
Rutger channel his Buster Glaive with electricity as he jump into the air and impales the ground to strike at Machias and Elliot. Donald fire a beam of magic Rutger and knock him away as Shirley launch flame projection toward him but Xion fire Blizzaga on it and both exploded.
Tartaglia was push back with Sharon as Alisa cast Blazing Feathers as feathers made out of fire appeared around them and then exploded. Rean used Arcane Gale on them with Venti used his Craft: Splitting Gale as he summon wind form squares and launch them toward the Enforcers and exploded on them with wind, which Musse then ice magic to encase them. Then shoot several orbal bullets onto the ice which glow and explode onto an aurora.
"Not bad." Tartaglia reappeared behind Musse, causing her to gasped and then knock her away by kicking her back.
"Muss-" Venti was soon trapped in wires and then pull toward Sharon and strike him. "OOF!"
Riku airstep toward Sharon as they swing at each other until Riku knock Sharon back and Namine summon several pillars of light around Tartaglia and then gather at him and exploded on him.
"Hey, Kreuger." Tartaglia warp near to her. "Give me a hand? Toss me into the air."
"Very well." Sharon put her sword away and then she clapped her hands together, Tartaglia jump on her hands and then toss him into the air.
"Wha-?" Alisa look up as Tartaglia shift into a Bow, charging a show as it glow brightly with blow.
"This is gonna hurt." Tartaglia grinned as he released his water arrow which soon multiplied into twenty of them.
"Incoming!" Donald yelled as the water arrows soon rain down onto everyone with a water explosion, which Sharon, Shirley and Rutger use this to their advantage by lunged toward anyone nearby and strike them with easy.
Tartaglia landed, shift his bow to Duel blades, warp toward Levi and Crow and strike them, knocking them back.
"Ahaha~ Nice one Taggy!" Shirley laughed.
"Don't think this is over!" Sara yelled as she used her Craft: True Thunder Vortex which she channel lighting toward her sword and then swing her arm, creating a large vortez around Shirley, Rutger, Tartaglia and Sharon, then close in on them, gathering them and strike them, which Fie then imbued her blades with wind, zoom toward them and launch a flurry of slashes and then fire bullets that exploded on them.
"Haha! You sure have grown up, Fie!" Rutger said.
"I'm surprised how good Sylphid's gotten, but you're not bad yourself, Purple Lightning. Same goes for the rest of you!" Shirley added. "You two gunnin' for my throne as the top youngster of the jaeger world? I dare ya to try and take it!"
"You better not keep treating me like I'm still just a jaeger!" Sara growled
"I gained the skills of both a jaeger and a bracer." Fie added. "And I'll keep getting stronger. For all my friends!" She then zoom along with Sara toward them and unleash superhuman speed strikes onto them.
"Ngh!" Rutger grinned as he taken the damage along with Shirley. "Not bad!"
"Hahah! This is the best!" Shirley laughed
Tartaglia and Sharon readied to begin their next attack.
"Don't interfere!" Alisa raised her hands and a white Orbal Gear and a small guardian that appeared similar to Tita's red one and Zelda's Terrako appeared next to her, surprising not just her allies, but Sharon and Tartaglia too.
"What the- Archiasms?!" Tartaglia asked
"The hell? That one almost look exactly like Tita! And is that Zelda's little companion, Terrako? Since when did you have them too, Alisa?" Levi asked
Alisa got into it and had it set up. "Tio, Tita, Kirito, Tails, Futaba, and I worked hard to get this up and running." She replied. "Its test runs are complete and now it's ready for deployment. As for the little guardian here, this is Ariel. An AI companion that, Zelda, Kirito, Purah, Robbie, Yui, Fi, and I have also worked hard to build her. She's just like Terrako but more built in our technology."
"W-Wow..." Elliot said in awe.
"You even build a little guardian as well?" Machias asked
"Sheesh, Tita. When did you even have time for that?" Juna sweatdrop.
"I...I was not aware such things were in development." Sharon admitted
"I did it in secret, so I could surprise you with it." Alisa explained "Never thought I'd unveil them quite like this though. But do you see now? I'm not a child anymore! I'll make you see me as an equal, as a fellow family member!"
"My lady, you truly have grown up." Sharon said.
"Heh. How I envy you Kruger." Tartaglia admitted.
"Go! Leave this to us." Sara said.
"We'll catch up, soon." Fie added.
"Please... If you find that man down there, please get some answers!" Alisa requested.
Rean nodded. "Got it. Leave it to me."
"We'll leave them to you." Levi replied as the remaining Class VII and Kingdom Hearts gang charge toward the hallway as Alisa and the newly built Guardian got it's guardian weapons out and form a combat link with Alisa and her Orbal Gear, shooting bullets toward Sharon and Tartaglia as Ariel charge up a beam before firing, while Sara and Fie lunged toward Shirley and Rutger.
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Spiral of Erebos)
The group heard battling behind them along with explosions from Alisa, Sara and Fie's fight.
"You think they'll be okay?" Riku asked.
"Even with Alisa's new weapon and companion... it's going to be a difficult fight." Musse said.
"Let's keep going. Alisa, Fie and Instructor Sara made this path for us. We can't let them down." Rean said.
Levi nodded. "Yeah. We managed to get pass Sharon, the jaegers and an Enforcer. We will encounter our next obstacle. We'll meet them soon enough. Come on." He said as they take the elevator below further down.
As they arrive to the bottom level, they made their way down the hallway and enter a corridor where they go downstairs and encounter new powerful monsters and Heartless. They begin to fight them and defeat them shortly after. They continue going down the stairs until they arrived at the Lower Floor again area where they proceed running down the hallway where they took the elevator that let them down below.
"I can sense a great darkness coming in close..." Riku said.
"Makes no different to any darkness place." Aqua said before seeing down.
"You can sort of see the bottom now. We're getting closer." Elliot said.
Machias turn to Jusis. "Jusis, are you ready for this?"
Jusis let out a soft scoff. "No need to hold my hand now, Machias." he replied, causing Machias a tick on his forehead.
"Don't make me regret being concern for you." Machias muttered as they enter the next corridor where they walk down a couple of more stairs where they see the next hallway.
As they made it out, they heard a lowly growl.
"What was that?" Kairi asked
"Something big. And it's coming from below." Roxas answered.
Xion turn her head. "But we need to pass them first." She pointed as they see the Ironbloods: Millium, Claire, Rufus and Lechter on the other side from where they were standing.
"The Ironbloods... as I expected." Musse said.
"Governor Genral Rufus, Major Lechter, Major Claire..." Rean paused
"And Millium..." Levi sighed. "I always knew it would come to this."
"Yeah. Had a feelin' too." Crow nodded
Jusis sighed. "My brother aside, each of them strike me as completely out of place down here."
"It's not easy fighting friends on the opposite side. And this comes from experience." Sora sighed as Riku look down. "But even so, we need to get past them.
Elliot and Machias look at each other and nodded.
"Let's get going." Machias said.
"This'll be tough, but somehow we'll open a way through." Elliot agreed.
"You guys..." Crow said with a soft smile. "You're right. Our top priority is to stop that ritual. We got Valimar and Ordine. We need to use them in the end. Not to mention you need to rescue the little rabbit right?"
"Yes... but we're going to face Major Claire and Millium." Musse said.
"Not to mention Jusis's brother." Kurt turn to Jusis along with the rest.
"There's no need for concern." Jusis fold his arm. "Millium told us that regardless of all else, she will put those of us in Class VII first. We need only to believe in her." He then look at Rufus. "And regarding my brother... I've long awaited an opportunity like this. The chance to confront him face-to-face at long last."
"Yeah, we should make good use of this chance to get some answers out of Major Lechter, too." Machias agreed.
"In that case, let's move on." Aqua nodded as they walk the corridor leading to the Ironblood where they all turn their heads to what was down below.
They see the Black Holy Beast sleeping in the center, Osborne, Alberich, Scaramouche, the Mysterious Youth, Maleficent, Pete, Signora, Magica, Hazama, Relius, Epimenides and Cornelia staring at Cedric who is looking at the Vermillion Knight.
(BGM ended)
"Allie..." Juna grimaced before they turn their heads to the Ironbloods.
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things Entrusted)
"Rean, Levi, Crow, Jusis...everyone." Millium said. "So you guys ended up coming here after all, huh?"
"Of course we did, you fool." Jusis replied.
"We didn't exactly have any other options." Machias added. "You should know that."
"It's a shame Ash, couldn't be with us, but..." Elliot paused. "Everyone else from both the old and new Class VII is here. As well as our other friends from Smash Bros and others. They help us made it this far."
"I see. I should have expected that." Milliium said before noticing Levi stepped up.
Levi let out a big sigh. "I can't say I wasn't surprised at this point. Lechter and Rufus was to be expected. But..." Levi turn to Claire and Millium. "But I'm more disappointed in you Claire, Millium."
"Ah..." Claire looked down.
"Levi..." Millium closed her eyes looking to sigh.
"Honestly, I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. But... as Ironbloods, I should have expected this. How naive of me to even think of that possibility. Still..." Levi turn to Claire. "For you Claire... I've noticed that look in your eye. You're in conflict with yourself. You know that this is completely wrong, but you could not abandon your loyalty to the chancellor. Making you indecisive as clear as day."
"Levi..." Claire trailed off.
"As for you Millium..." Levi turn to her. "I also wish and hope this wouldn't come to this. But deep down somewhere in my heart… I should've expected this… I did warn you that I will not hold back if you sided with Osborne and his madness."
Crow nodded. "Yeah. And I also told you that I will be doing the same thing... should you align yourself with that son of a bitch back at the reunion."
"I know...I'm happy, but sad... I'm happy but also sad...but I've got my own reasons for being here. So..." Millium replied. "Sorry, but I can't let you guys through."
Jusis nodded. "I see..."
"That's fine, we'll force our way through if we have to." Rean said.
"So what about the rest of you? Have anything to say for yourself?" Crow asked.
Lechter sighed. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm fresh out of witty remarks."
"I hope you don't think too ill of us. We Ironbloods simply cannot oppose His Excellency." Rufus said. "Though this whole situation is unfair, now that we know a piece of the truth, we cannot go against it."
"Are you serious? You do realize that it will cost the world!" Sora yelled
"I'm quite aware of that, Keyblade wielder, Sora." Rufus said. "Although this is our first time meeting you, and our otherworlder guests to this world, please allow me to welcome you to Zemuria. Though I wish it would be better circumstances."
"Then why are you defending these "circumstances"?" Juna asked.
"One of our classmates was taken from us, and another was either manipulated or abducted and framed into committing a serious tragedy." Kurt continued
"In what world do you think we'd possibly let you go after all that?" Musse asked.
"Yeah. After all, we're here to not only stop this crazy ritual, but also rescue our dear friends." Venti added
Rufus let out a chuckle. "You have matured, indeed, members of the new Class VII. It really is too bad the other two couldn't join you!"
Levi gave him a death glare. "Choose your words next carefully Rufus!"
"That's enough, Rufus." Jusis stood forward. "I can't understand why you're standing in our way. Your title of governor general, the connections you've made with nobles and hears of state in other countries. Your success wasn't handed to you by the Chancellor. Most of your accomplishments were won by your hand alone. In that sense, you wield immense power, to the point where it may even rival the Chancellor's. So tell me, why don't you oppose this insane plan?! Why do you continue to be an Ironblood?! I don't care about the Albarea family name! You and I both know how foolish Father has been! But unlike me, you still have a mother, so why do you continue to admire that man as your father!? I can understand why Millium or the other two might, but-"
(BGM ended)
Rufus smirked at them. "It's simple really, it's because I'm not my father's son. Put plainly, Helmut Alberea is not my father."
Jusis eye widen. "Wha..."
(Fire Emblem Fates ost - Premonition)
"It isn't as though I don't have the Duke's blood in my veins mind you. I am the bastard son of my mother and your long banished uncle." Rufus announced. "Needless to say, Father is well aware of this. In order to keep the family name from being tarnished, he treated me as his legitimate heir. All the while, keeping his true son at arm's length, simply because of his commoner blood."
"You got to be kidding..." Crow muttered.
"How many more have that despicable man must cause..." Levi muttered
"If this is truly the way of the nobility, then I find nothing noble about it." Rufus told them. "Over time, I began to question the value of nobles to our country. In a different manner from how Machias, Levi, or Prince Olivert did. And even your friends, Ferdinand and Lorenz from Fodlan if I recall from your letters Jusis. It would be better for Erebonia to be like the Fodlan being reborn, and even the Mushroom Kingdom you all admire very much. It was then I met him. The man who ended the Hundred Days War, who restrained the Four Great houses, who rose from the ranks of commoners to Imperial Chancellor. He drove away the Jaeger crops I hired to attack him and instantly determined it was I who sent them."
"Are you so bored you feel the need to play with fire?" Osborne's words are recalled in Rufus's mind. "Do you tire of your empty days spent tied down by your family and title? Haha, 'Ironbloods' is it? They say children should surpass their fathers. I eagerly look forward to that day."
"We may only be a replacement for the son he let go. But to me, Lechter, Claire, and Millium, he is special. His unending charisma convinces you everything he does is the proper course of action. One could say we see him the way members of Ouroboros view their Grandmaster." He then drew out his sword. "But enough talk, let's begin. We won't be making this easy for you."
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - The Decisive Collision [SAV])
The Ironbloods perform a four-way link with each other as Rufus is the main linker. However, by the time they open their eyes, they have a mysterious symbol appeared.
"What the heck?!" Juna exclaimed as they draw their weapons.
"A Four-way link?" Kurt look surprised.
"I thought the ARCUS units are capable of a three-way link." Venti said
"No... I remember Bowser perform a five-way link to us, and the Steel Maiden perform the same four-way link with the Stalritter back during that time with Dark Bowser." Crow told them.
"Then that means we're in for a difficult fight." Musse sighed
"Don't hesitate Jusis!" Machias stated to help Jusis regain focus.
"Rean, Let's do it too!" Elliot stated
"Yeah... Combat Links, activate!" Rean declared as he form a four-way link with Elliot, Jusis, and Machias, while Levi formed a link with Crow, Juna performed a four-way link with Kurt, Musse and Venti, Sora performed a Three-link with Kairi and Riku, Mickey performed a three-way link with Donald and Goofy, Aqua perform a three-way link with Ventus and Terra, and Roxas perform a four-way link with Namine, Xion and Lea.
"Rean, Levi, Juna... I'm sorry things turned out this way. I know you have your reasons, so please don't hold back." Claire told them.
Levi nodded. "Alright...Millium, I hope you remember what me and Crow told you... Don't you dare hold back, because we certainly won't!"
"Good, because I'm not gonna go easy on you guys!" Millium nodded
"What happened to Ash is bad enough, but I'm still illuminating on how he managed to make his way to the Emperor. The Crown Prince has the answer and the little one's in an even worse spot." Lechter muttered "If you managed to get past us, do me a favor and rescue her, would ya?"
"Trust me, we will!" Levi respond.
"Yeah. We'll show you just what we can do. Are you ready, Millium?!" Rean asked
"You bet'cha!" Millium said as Airgetlam appeared.
The Ironbloods
Govenor Genral of Crossbell - Rufus Albarea.
Major of the Intelligence Division - Lechter
Major of the RMP - Claire
The White Rabbit - Millium
Rean form a four-way link with Elliot, Jusis, and Machias, while Levi formed a link with Crow, Juna performed a four-way link with Kurt, Musse and Venti, Sora performed a Three-link with Kairi and Riku, Mickey performed a three-way-link with Donald and Goofy, Aqua perform a three-way link with Ventus and Terra, and Roxas perform a four-way link with Namine, Xion and Lea.
"Now, unleashed!" Rufus used his craft: Chevalier Call to buff himself and others as they lunged toward the group and started attacking.
Claire began firing bullets towards Rean as he deflected them with his tachi, Millium had Airgetlam change into a hammer and launch a powerful swing to force them back as Lechter imbued his Rapier with a red energy and launched trust projection toward the group. Levi swirls his Glaive in a defensive form against Lechtor as Crow switches to his Orbal Bullets and then fires several bullets toward Millium, Claire, and Rufus as Rufus deflects the bullets. Jusis runs toward Rufus and both of them swing their sword at each other in a graceful manner of Court Fencing as Machias support Jusis by shooting from the rear and Elliot casts a spell where he fires homing shots at Millium and Claire.
Millium forms a barrier as Claire summons mirror Devices and throws them, commanding them into position where she shoots, at the mirror, reflecting the angel and shot toward Elliot. Sora runs up toward Lechtor and they both swing at each other as Kairi and Riku support him by firing projections onto Lechtor who swiped them, for Sora to combo strike him. Jusis block Rufus's attack as he step back as Mickey charges in and they both swing their blades at each other.
"I believe you're King Mickey? It's an honor to face a Keyblade Master who is a king." Rufus said as he swing at Mickey.
"Boy, you sure know how to flatter a guy, but disturbing how well-informed you are." Mickey said as he blocked Rufus's attack and then push Rufus's back as Donald cast Thunaga onto Rufus and Goofy charged and used Goofy tornado on him.
Claire pulls out another pistol and then begins to shoot toward Aqua and Terra as they both deflect their attacks as Ventus goes for his Wind Blade command lunges toward Claire and swings his Keyblade at her. Claire took the hit as she shot at Ventus who dodged easily and went for another swing. Claire dodged and countered by kicking Ventus toward Millium as she swung Airgetlam toward the two. Terra catches Ventus as Aqua use Spellweaver command and cartwheel Millium. Millium block and dodge before Airgalam change back and punch Aqua who roll to her left and cast Blizzaga on her to push her. Ventus use Ars Arcanum on Claire as she used her arms to block the attack and then backflip and shoot at Ventus who roll to his left as Terra use Geo Impact to knock Claire into the air as Aqua Airstep toward her and combo strike her.
Lechtor cast Flare butterfly as he summon butterflies made out of fire magic and then exploded on Aqua, Terra and Ventus. Lechtor spotted an arrow shot which he duck before Kurt ran up to him and slash him. Kurt and Lechter swing their blades at each other until Juna join in and bash Lechtor's face as he block but kick him in the guts to push him back as Musse fire orbal shots onto Lechter. Millium then used her Earth Magic to summon stone pillars to protect Lechter before have it slam town to the ground. Millium then used her magic materlized the rocks and launch them toward the group. The group dodged them as Claire and Rufus cast their Arts of Dimond Nova and Lost Genesis to struck them and Lechter swoop him to encase them with ice before impaling the ground to cause the ice to shattered.
Ngh... Heal!" Kairi cast Curaga along with the others as Millium punched the ground to summon spike pillars toward the group.
Elliot swirls his staff and then impales the ground to used his magic to form a sphere around himself and others to take the hit. Claire throw several mirror devices in place and then shoot them into a line to strike their opening. Machias used his craft: Burst Drive 2 to let his allies in his surrounding area increase their speed and then lunged toward the Ironbloods with strong force.
Levi lung toward Lechtor and Rufus and unleash a flurry of slashes as they block but took a strong blow, then unleash a powerful large slash to knock them back as Crow struck them with his Doublesaber. Levi then used his craft: Blades of Aecanum to summon a large portal from above and rain down multiple blades then snapped his finger and exploded on them, which Crow follow up by going to the center and using his Craft: Criminal Edge 2 to push them back. Rufus imbued his Sword with green energy and lung toward Sora with a series of combo slashes and jabs before striking through him. Then Lechtor follow up by striking through him. Sora recovered and then use Ragnarak on Rufus and Lechtor as Riku lung toward Rufus and combo-slash him.
A Magic circle appeared underneath Donald as he summon a beam of magic toward Millium who then form a barrier with Airgetlam, but was knock back as Goofy and Mickey launch a combo strike and knocking her toward Claire. Claire catch Millum, but was strike by Lea, then Roxas, Namine and Xion as they then shot projections attack onto them. Lea summon his Chaklams and throw them toward Millium and Claire as they recovered, forcing them to dodged as Xion and Namine summon several pillars of light to strike them as Roxas zoom toward them, strike them and leaving behind phantom slashes before he launch a powerful slash from behind.
Rean then used his craft: Arcane Gale on the Ironbloods as Elliot channel his magic and then release it and form a large sphere around the Ironbloods, firing projections attack onto them, and Jusis froze the ground with his magic, combining with his wind magic and for into an icy tornado which Machias then fire several magic bullets to exploded within the tornado. The tornado was cleared when revealed Millium used her magic to shield them before she then manupliated the floor to turn into liquid, trapping the others and then exploded on them, allowing Claire to change gun, which then fire a large laser beam on them and knock them out onto the air.
The group then recovered as Millium summon cast a spell, Rock Avalanche to rain down rocks from above. Venti use his magic to summon a hurricane to capture the rocks and shoot them back at the Ironbloods as Musse summon multiple guns and fire at them. Millium form an Iron Rock Wall to block the attack, However, Levi summon a large pillar of light underneath the Ironbloods with his magic and Crow, Rean, Sora and Kairi leap into the air and launch a powerful strike that knocks them back on the ground.
The Ironblood combat links were several as they taken in some powerful injuries.
"Go Rean, Levi, Sora, take the new Class VII and the others with you!" Jusis said.
"Got it, let's move!" Rean replied.
Class VII and the Kingdom Hearts crew rush their way to the pathway, passing the Ironbloods.
"Ah..." Claire reach out her hand toward them with a sad look in her eye, but Class VII and Kingdom Hearts crew slip passed them. Claire let out a smile. "No..." She turn to the others. "We need to handle things here."
I notice Claire was like she was reaching out to us. I can sense her regret. We carried on to the next area with the third elevator.
Lechtor nodded. 'Yeah, all the old folks down there can take care of the rest."
Millium stretch out her arms and casually wrapped her arms behind her head. "Man, I'm pooped. You can go take a rest, too, Lammy." She said as Airgetlam then disappeared
"This may be a selfish decision on my part, but..." Rufus turn to Jusis with a grin. "I'd like to see what my younger brother is capable of."
"I'll show you exactly that, Rufus!" Jusis yelled
"We'll help out, too!" Machias nodded
"ARCUS, activate! We'll do all we can to support you!" Elliot grinned as he and Machias form combat links as readied to attack as Jusis and Rufus lung toward each other and swing their swords at each other.
Phew... Two powerful boss battles and one to go. Now it's up to Rean and the others to stop the ritual.