(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Little Rain)
Rean headed to the bathroom to take a nice relaxing bath time where he go into the locket.
"Oh, Instuctor." Kurt's voice said.
"Ah, it's you." Ash's voice said
"Fancy seeing you Insturctor." Venti's voice said as Rean turn and see his students.
"Kurt, Venti, Ash. Already down with your preparations?" Rean asked
"Yes. We thought we'd take one last soak, though we don't have too much time." Kurt nodded
"It'll have to be a quick one, though." Ash said.
"It's a darn shame. But alas, the Rivalry is close upon us." Venti agreed.
"Oh, hey, you guys, too, huh?" Randy's voice asked as he and Olivert came in.
"Your Highness... and Randy, too." Rean said.
"What the hell?! How did we end up here?!" Ash wondered.
"I think you're being a little dramatic there." Venti sweardrop. "Anyway, are you here to join us, Prince Olivert?"
"Indeed I am. There's no need to maintain appearance here, all right?" Olivert smiled
"We should be able to fit six people in here, so let's hurry up and get to it."
Rean chuckled. "You got it."
Then they begin to take off their clothes and put on their towers to cover their lower parts and then they go into the baths and sit down in the warm waters to relax.
"Ahh~ What a great idea to have a bath here." Venti let out a sigh of satisfaction.
"Haha. I'm glad that you agree, my fellow bard." Olivert smiled. "I asked Professor Russel, and he specifically included it for me. I heard that the Halberd had something like this too. Which did you all prefer? The Halbard of the Couragious II?"
"I don't think it's about choosing favorites here, Your Highness." Rean said. "So how is Professor Russel?"
"Haha, he's a delightful elder who deserves the utmost respect. His daughter Erika can be... rather intense, however."
"Oh yeah, she holds a grudge against Agate, doesn't she?" Venti asked
"I heard Tita's old man is just about the most mild-mannered guy on the continent, but even he can kick some ass when he needs to." Ash said.
"That's right. Agate must be going through a tough time." Olivert replied. "Hah, his general demeanor is enviable. His misfortunes balance that out, at least."
"Yeah, it's gotta be rough." Randy agreed. "So do you think they're...?"
"You're asking the wrong person, Randy." Rean replied.
"You know, whenever I have moments like this, I couldn't help but enjoy a nice drink in the bath with my beloved Schera. Wouldn't you agree the thought of it is a bliss?"
"It's probably not a good idea to drink in the bath, Your Highness." Rean said.
"Yes, my brother would agree." Kurt agreed.
"Dude's it's gotta be great being able to share a bath with a babe like Schera." Ash said with a little mischief smirk on his face.
"So chic, elegant, and lithe... I really evny you, man." Randy narrowed his eyes.
Olivert chuckled "Is that right? Speaking of which, it seems like you're growing rather close to a gorgeous someone yourself, Randy."
"Nah, we're just formal colleagues, that's all."
"Tch, you lovebirds all REALLY happy these days, ain'cha?" Ash grumbled.
"Yes. Especially since we have to deal with a certain someone, too." Venti narrow his eyes to Rean.
"Huh?" Rean tilt his head.
"Venti, Ash and I remain diligent in bettering ourselves in the meantime." Kurt replied.
"I'm not sure what you guys are saying but..." Rean sweatdrop. "If I recall what Levi said, you and Juna develop a closeness with each other, right?"
"I-I'm not sure what you mean by that Instructor." Kurt said, blushing.
"Oh yeah, speaking of, Venti, you and Altina have gotten a lot closer, despite you being a Titan. And Ash, you and Musse seem to be really close with each other."
"What the hell are you getting at Schwarzer?" Ash asked with a glare as he blushed.
"Hehe~ I can't deny that." Venti chuckled.
"Ah, the joys of youth. A little hypocritical of the three of you to blame our handsome rogue Rean for his problem with women." Olivert smirked.
"Actually, speaking of that. Venti, your main power is Wind, right?" Randy asked
"That's right. Wind is my unlimited power. Which is why I'm so good at it." Venti said.
"Okay so another question. So far, I remember your Kurt's age, but as a Titan, you existed over how long?"
"To be perfectly honest, I don't know. Maybe like a billion years maybe?"
"Oh so Bard is the oldest guy, here huh?" Ash asked
"Aww, don't be like that Ash. Oh, speaking of, Insturctor. Since you know my real age, does that mean I can drink?" Venti grinned
"As a Titan, yes. However, as my student, you are not allowed to drink since you're Underage." Rean answered
"Eh?"
"As Randy said, you're 17 years old. Even if you are a Titan of billions of years or not. So long as you are 17, you won't be doing any kind of drinking until you're legally old enough." Rean said, giving Venti a stern look. "And don't even think about trying to lie your age."
"Aww, come in Insturctor!" Venti groaned as everyone sweatdrops.
'Damn it. Eh, whatever, so long he doesn't know Bard has been keeping a secret stash, it'll be okay.' Ash thought.
(BGM ended)
Later...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Sign of Gloom)
The Courageous II park in the woods in Hamel where Rean, Levi, Crow, Sara, Knuckles, Bowser, Ash, Fie, Kanji, and Terra then leaves the Courageous and hops toward the Entrance area which leads to Hamel. Before they can go any further, a surge of wind blows their way covering their eyes and holding their ground.
"Whoa!" Kanji covered his face.
"Wow...this flow of mana is incredible." Gaius said.
"Wait, where is Mana? I thought it was just wind!"
Then the surge of mana subdues.
"Well, it's without question, Mana. However, that also means the Draco Sanctuary lies ahead." Levi said.
"Yeah, and take a look at where it's coming from." Rean said, turning to the pillar of light from a distance.
"That pillar of light is the gateway to the sanctuary, right?" Terra asked
"Right. And lies there is Hamel, the Forgotten Village." Fie nodded.
"Hamel, huh? Never been there before." Crow said.
"If I recall, the curse of Erebonia brainwashed those military officers in the past to slaughter their own innocent people." Knuckles said before he let out a "tch". "The thought of such a thing makes me sick."
"Agreed. I'm glad we don't have something like that in the Mushroom Kingdom." Bowser said. "Still, the thought of that really boils my rage."
"Let's get this over with." Ash added. "Judging from where the light is, it must be right in the middle of the place."
Fie nodded. "Don't rush in. Keep your guard up."
Then they begin to walk toward the path to Hamel where they see the black Pleroma Grass until arriving at the village.
"So this is Hamel." Knuckles look around as Kanji spotted a wooden sword.
"Damn..." Kanji grumbled as they keep going.
"How many innocent people were slaughtered for such an ill purpose?" Terra grumbled as he looked sad, looking at the once-ruined village.
"Look, over there." Sara looked up as they saw the blueish aura rising to the air and in front of it was a portal structure building.
"So that's the entrance, huh?" Bowser asked before seeing the sword on the grave. "It is near a memorial stone."
"But do you guys also feel that?" Gaius asked
"Yeah. It's unlike that of the Luna Sanctuary. The air is buzzing with electricity." Levi replied. "This is certainly an ideal place for a Rivalry battle."
"Least they didn't screw with the memorial stone." Ash pointed out.
"C'mon. Let's do this." Fie said.
"Yeah. We're going in." Rean nodded.
Then they all go into the portal.
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Perfect Stage)
As they arrived, they saw that the Draco Sanctuary was different compared to that of the Luna Sanctuary. The landscape was filled with an earth structure area with multiple earth pillars. The sky is green, filled with wind circling around the sanctuary as multiple calm tornados maintain the wind. Green lanterns and several barriers were placed through several pathways.
"So this is the Draco Sanctuary, huh?" Ash commented.
"It appears similar to the Luna Sanctuary at first glance." Gaius said. "Its aura, however, differs completely."
"All because of the coming Rivalry, no doubt. Though we'll probably need to 'set the stage' here as well, just the same as before." Rean said
Crow nodded. "Yeah. Seems like it. I kinda doubt ol' Rutger the only one here waitin' for us in here."
"Yeah. He probably brought the rest of the squad too." Fie added. "Either way, it doesn't change what I'm here to do. Xeno, Leo, and the boss all helped to raise me. It's up to me to confront them."
Levi nodded. "Then let's not keep them waiting, time to go."
"All right, team. It's time we started our investigation." Rean said. "Stay on your toes! There's no telling what this third Rivalry might hold in store!"
"Understood!" Everyone nodded as they began to move out.
They walk up the stairs and see three pathways in front of them.
"Huh? What's with the path ahead of us?" Kanji asked.
"I'm guessing what's where Rutger is waiting." Knuckles said. "Even if we want to cross it, I don't think that's an option."
"Right. They must have a mechanism installed to prevent any shortcuts." Sara nodded.
"Well, either way, it won't make much for the Rivalry if we don't help 'set the stage.' There are two paths from here. Which one should we go?" Rean asked
Crow hum. "Judging from this angle... I say the paths look identical. Though one of Zephyr's commanders might be waiting for us."
"Yeah, you're right. So which one should we go?" Fie asked.
"Anyone got a coin to flip or-"
"For crying out loud, let's just go this way." Knuckles walks to the path on the southeast, interrupting Crow.
"Hehe. At least we don't have to decide this time." Bowser smirked as they followed him where Knuckles punched a Salamandragon and two more came to attack but he punched them and destroyed them.
"Hm?" Knuckles look at a barrier. "Hm... Hmph!" He punched the barrier but it was sturdy enough to withstand it. "So we got a tough barrier."
"You're not doing it right. Let me show you." Bowser approached and pushed it, but nothing happened. Bowser repeatedly punched the barrier until he growled. "Stupid barrier! Where Kamek when you need him?!"
"What's this about showing me?"
"Shut it redhead!"
Gaius humming."I sense the forces of wind at work within this barrier."
"Coming from last time, there's got to be some breakable mechanism that can deactivate the barrier." Sara said.
"Right, which means we got to find them and break them." Rean agreed. "We'll take the path that's open to us and see what we can find from there."
"You heard the leader. Let's go." Levi replied
"Who said Schwarzer was the leader?" Bowser asked.
"And who is performing in the Rivalries? Certainly not you."
"Now, now, you two. We should get going." Gaius sighed as they kept going.
"Damn, get a load of the sky!" Ash said as we all look at the sky.
"The winds here are churning out of control. I've never felt such chaos." Gaius replied.
"Zephyr must really be whipping up a storm." Fie nodded.
Knukcled let out a small chuckle. "Heh. How fitting for them to be placed in a sanctuary like this."
"Considering the name Zephyr." Sara nodded.
"What does that name mean anyway?" Kanji asked.
"A soft breeze." Fie answered.
"The hell? The name sounds cool but the meaning sounds the opposite."
"Eh, some people just like the name because it's cool." Levi casually wraps his arms behind his back.
"I can imagine." Terra said before they encountered a Twin Bite. "Hang on, I got this." Terra performs the Zantetsuken and then Meteor Crush on Twin Bite and destroy it.
"Heh. Not bad." Knuckles said as they kept going until they spotted the breakable stone mechanism.
"Here it is." Sara said.
"So this is it, huh?" Bowser asked before he punched it, grumbling as they saw the Wind barrier nearby deactivated. "Heh. I like this mechanism."
"Time to make a U-Turn and see where it leads." Terra said as they walked back and walked to the newly available path where they encountered Heartless and monsters before taking them out.
They walk down the path where they see the barrier they encountered before but see the mechanism nearby before Knuckles smashes it, deactivating and then spot a staircase leading to a checkpoint. They walk up the stairs which arrive at said checkpoint and see Leonidas.
"There you are, at last." Leo greeted. "I've been expecting you, Fie. Schwarzer."
"Leo." Fie replied.
"We knew you'd be here." Rean said.
"Ah, it's that guy back in the Inferno Castle." Bowser grinned.
"Hehe. My, so many interesting people gather here. The Koopa King from Two years ago, and other people I haven't even met yet. But welcome all the same." Leonidas said with a smile. " "Fie, watching you grow throughout your years has been a journey in itself. Seems like only yesterday you were just a babe. And now, you're fighting your way to face the boss himself."
"And I will. For Rean, and everyone else." Fie said. "And for me, more than anyone. I won't be able to move on till I do."
"Fie…" Rean said
"Heh… You tell 'em." Crow chuckled.
"Hah, I take it you're ready, then?" Leo asked "Good. I won't be going easy on you, you know." He said, pulling out his Mechanized Gauntlet with a powerful presence.
"Oh, I like this presence he gives out." Bowser smirked.
"Damn, I can see why he's a tough guy." Kanji crack his knuckles.
"It's been a while since I've seen you let loose the warrior's blood inside you, Leo." Fie said.
"Ah, yes… I've told you this many times before as a bedtime story, as I recall." Leondias said.
"A bedtime story?" Levi asked
"I come from a remote village in the central east-rich in resources, but marred by bandits and arms dealers. My family defended out villages from such raiders for generations. One day, the merchants returned with a battleship. We stood no chance. But who should then happen to come drive them back? It was the Jaeger King of Zephyr, and with his commander, the Killing Bear, right alongside him. That day, I swore my allegiance to the boss, to repay him for saving my village. When he was killed, I was devastated. I'd made an oath to serve him until the day I died. Never did I expect that he would do so first."
"So when Alberich offered a way to bring him back, you agreed to his plan without a second thought." Rean said.
"Another reason why I am going to kill him." Levi muttered.
"I get it, Leo. I might've done just the same, in your shoes. But that doesn't stop your choice from being a selfish one." Fie stated
(BGM paused)
"Yes… I'm well aware." Leonidas replied. "Haha. Who'd have thought the day would come when I would be chastised by you."
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Mighty Urge)
"If you think I've made a mistake or that my loyalty has gone too far, then show me. Prove that you're worthy to challenge the boss!" Leonidas declared as he unleash his black battle aura.
Then everyone took out their weapons and stance.
"Understood!" Rean respond
"Get ready, Leo! Here we come!" Fie declared
Friend to the End - Leonidas
Rean form a combat link with Fie, Levi form a combat link with Ash, Crow form a link with Bowser, Sara form a link with Gaius, Terra form a link with Kanji and Knuckles.
Bowser run in with a Shoulder Bash as Leonidas block but was push back, then he threw a punch projection toward him as Bowser blocked, using his arm as Crow fired bullets toward Leonidas. Leonidas block with his gauntlet as Fie swoop in and then launch a strike at Leo. Leonidas launches a spin attack where Fie backflip and fire bullets and Rean rush in and swing his Tachi. Leonidas took some of the hits from side where he then punched Rean with his Gauntlet as Ash ran up and swung his axe, and then swirled his as he slam his axe on the Gaunlet where Leonidas blocked and counterattacked by throwing a powerful punch, but Ash leap into the air and cartwheel swing at him as Levi strike at the hoping. Ash hops off while Leonidas throws a punch at Levi who blocks and then counterattacks by trusting and slashing him.
Leonidas then launched a powerful punch to push Levi back as Terra ran in and swung his Keyblade as Leonidas blocked and then punched him, but Terra blocked and then fired Dark Firaga. Knuckles unleash a flurry of punches as Leonidas block and then throw his punches at Knuckle as Kanji swing his Shield at Leonidas's face.
"Ziodyne!" Kanji yelled as his Persona threw Ziodyne at Leonidas.
Gaius used Gale Stringer 2 as Sara then followed up with Deadly Assist Combat link ability. Sara then swung her sword with swift reflexes as Leonidas blocked and then threw a punch from his other arm before his Gauntlet threw a powerful needle punch to knock Sara back. Leonidas rushes toward Bowser as Bowser responds in kind and they both lock their first at each other. Bowser throw a fireball as Leonidas block and then throw a powerful punch from his gauntlet until Bowser throw a Bowser Bomb on Leo and then throw a punch. Leonidas was pushed back as Crow switched to a Double Saber and dashed toward and swirled swing his Double Saber as Leonidas took some of the hit until he punched Crow, jumped, and slashed the ground to create a large shockwave.
Fie jumps over the shockwave and then rushes toward Leonidas and slashes him. Leonidas unleashes a power surge as he swings his arm and then he rushes toward Ash and throw a series of punches at him. Ash block most of his attack as Levi rush in and interfere by throwing his Glaive at Leonidas where he jump back as the Glaive made a U-Turn back to Levi's hand and Ash used Rumbing Smash 2 and follow up by swinging his axe viciously while Levi swirl his Glaive, took a stance and then dash and launch a powerful trust to push Leonidas back. Leonidas recovered as Rean rush over and swing his tachi at him. Leonidas throw a punch at him and then punch the ground to create a shockwave to push Rean back and then he rush to Rean and throw a punch at him. Fie shoot her bullets as Leonidas block it with his gauntlet. Sara swing her sword and then backflip to fire bullets as Leonidas block and charge at Sara and punch her. But Sara dodged as she leap over him and then launch lightning base slashes while Gaius unleahs a flurry of slashes and trust attack.
"Matarukaja!" Kanji summon his Persona to buff everyone and then he rush and swing his shield at Leonoiad as they throw punch at each other and then headbutt, pushing each other away.
Terra airstepping toward Leonidas and unleashed a flurry of Keyblade swings until increased his power and throw a power surge toward Terra to knock him back and then he threw a punch throw projection at Bowser. Bowser blocks it and then swirls into his Shell, spins around and Crow kick him toward him. Leonidas attempts to grab Bowser but he circles around him and then Punch him. Knuckles rush and unleash a flurry of punches and knock Leonidas to the ground. Leonodias recovered and then took his stance and throw a punch at Knuckles and knock him back. Leonidas then took another stance and use hid craft: Destructive Buster to shake the ground and then he charge up and then throw several power surge toward everyone and then hit them.
"Arcane Gale!" Rean use True Arcane Gale onto Leonidas as Fie follow up by slashing all over him with phantom slashes.
Leonidas then rush toward Rean, but Levi use Penetrate Hurl to step his track and Ash launch a swing where he and Leo block and throw at each other until Ash slam the ground with red energy. Leonidas block the attack, but Levi took his stance and then slash through with, leaving one large phantom slash and struck Leonidas. Leonidas recovered, only for Knuckles to grabbed him and then throw him toward Terra who use Geo Impact and then Kanji rush in, throw a few punches and then a shield bash. Leonidas recovered as Gaius let out a few jabs and swirl swung his Spear as Leonidas block and counter by throwing a strong punch. Gaius block while pushed, then use Thunder Fang 2 as Leonidas jump back as Sara imbued her Sword with lightning and then swoop around Leonidas and strike him with said lightning.
"Haha. Impressive. My blood is boiling!" Leonidas smirked as he unleashed a few power surges toward the group until he began to use his S-Craft: Calamitous Arm toward them.
"Ziodyne!" Kanji summon his Persona to use Ziodyne and struck Leo and then Fie run around Leo, creating clones of herself and each of her strike Leonidas and then unleash a powerful S slash on him, pushing him back.
"Roar!" Rean use True Helix on Leonidas and Crow used Criminal Edge 2 and Bowser charge his punch to knock Leonidas into the air where Knuckles jump up, charge his punch and knock him to the ground and slam him there.
Leonidas slowly getting back on his feet but fell to his knees.
(BGM paused)
(Resuming Perfect Stage)
Rean panted. "I wouldn't expect any less from the Behemoth."
"Ha! Please, I could have beaten him if I was by myself." Bowser said
"Well, whatever you say, boss." Crow shrugged.
"Well, well. You actually defeated me." Leonidas said, catching his breath. "I still thought of you as a child, Fie. But you've shown me I was mistaken. So go, Fie, the boss awaits. Schwarzer, Armbrust, Sullivan. I leave the rest to you. "
He then fel unconscious.
"Got it. You can rest easily Leo." Fie muttered.
"Heh… you're really heaping the pressure on." Crow said
"Yeah. But we can't let it hold us back." Rean nodded.
"Hey, look." Knuckles pointed where the platforms begin to form a path... well half of it.
"The mechanism seems to have moved." Gaius remark.
"So that means we got to defeat the other guy and then we can reach that second Rivalry, right?" Kanji asked.
"Sounds about right. So we need to face the Trap Master Next." Sara said.
"Then let's go to the other side and defeat Xeno to reach Rutger." Rean said.
"Okay. Let's go!" Fie nodded as they move back.
The groups walk their way to the other side where they have to repeat the same thing they did in the previous pathway where they spotted a Trial Chest.
"Oh, it's a Trial Chest." Gaius said. "It seems to be responding to me. But it looks like we're missing someone. Better make a note of this."
"Right so we'll be sure to come back here." Rean nodded as they then spotted another stone mechanism that needed to break as it's guarded by a Astral Domina.
The others begin to charge to combat it while Knuckles goes over to it and smashes it, then joins the fight while the barrier deactivates it. After its defeat. They begin to circle around until they see another wind barrier and stairs near it. They break the mechanism and then go up the stairs where Xeno is waiting for them.
"Hello there, Fie. And Rean Schwarzer himself." Xeno greeted. "Man, took you guys long enough. I was getting tired of waiting. If you're here, you musta been able to get past Leo, huh?."
"Yeah, somehow…" Fie nodded.
"Trap Master, Zeno." Rean said.
"Hmph. I remember seeing this guy back at that little invasion from the bastard princely boy. So, 'Trap Master.' You didn't place any trapped here, did you?" Knuckles asked.
"Aw, c'mon. Relax. I ain't turnin' this place into a minefield anytime soon." Xeno replied. "Wouldn't wanna spoil the stage by blowin' it into pieces, right?"
"Yeah, can't say we should trust you." Kanji said
"Speaking of that, just like with Leo, you're here to set the Rivalries, right?" Terra asked
"Yep. Gotta make sure the boss gets his time in the limelight." Xeno replied. "'Sides, it's our fault for wakin' him up from the big sleep in the first place."
"I knew it." Fie sighed. "Bet he was more shocked than angry about it, huh?"
"Hah, you nailed it. He was all 'I can't even stay dead without my grown-ass kids muckin' things up for me, can I?' But, y'know, it's not like we coulda just turned down that chief guy's offer. Ten years ago, a hitman was sent to snuff the boss out. He disarmed him in one go, inviting him out for drinks in the breath. Crazy, eh?"
"Wait, seriously?" Kanji blinked.
"After that, he tracked down the guy who hired the assassin, and razed their whole organization to the ground. As for the assassin, the boss took him under his wing. Treated him just like family. That's the kinda guy he is to me. Not just a leader, but the father I never had."
"I see." Rean said.
(BGM paused)
"He was like that for you and Leo. Everyone else in Zephyr, too." Fie added. "And you know more than anyone how much he means to me."
(Resuming Mighty Urge)
Fie got her weapons out and pointed at Xeno. "He was like that for you and Leo. Everyone else in Zephyr, too." Fie added. "And you know more than anyone how much he means to me. You're not gonna stop us here, Xeno. You guys might be my family, but nothing's gonna stop us from getting to the boss."
"Haha. Man, you're not a little kid anymore, huh?" Xeno replied as he pull his weapon and got his battle aura on. "Well, if you're lookin' for a fight, I'm happy to oblige. Fie, Schwarzer, you too, Levi. You guys better give it your all, or you might end up dead!"
"Very well, bring it on!" Levi responded.
"No need to tell us that!" Kanji yelled
To Assassin to Jaeger - Xeno
Rean form a combat link with Fie, Levi form a combat link with Ash, Crow form a link with Bowser, Sara form a link with Gaius, Terra form a link with Kanji and Knuckles.
Xeno threw Javalin's bomb into the air and they were scattered and planted on the ground and then Xeno fire bullets at them. Levi formed a shield with his Glaive to repel the bullets as Fie zoomed toward Xeno and clashed with him. Xeno swung to push Fie back, but Fie dodged and counterattacked by slashing and shooting at him, then Rean step in and slashed at Xeno. Bowser launches fireballs onto the Javalin Bombs to destroy them Xeno slahs through Rean and then use his craft: Storm Raid on him. Levi rushes over and swirls his Glaive to slash Xeno, but Xeno picks up and unpin grenades and throws them at Levi to blast him. But that failed but it gave Xeno the chance to room around the battlefield.
Sara fired lightning bullets at Xeno and then she charged toward him as they swung at each other where Gaius then used his craft: Gale Storm 2 which Sara jump back and followed up with Deadly Assist. Crow threw his Double Saber at Xeno as it slashed through him and then made a U-Turn to strike him again. Kanji then swung his shield and threw a few punches toward Xeno but he blocked and counterattacked by throwing a few bullets where he blocked and then throw more Javelins into the air and planted them on the ground. Knuckles attempt to remove him by grabbing them. But the moment he plucked one up, it exploded on him.
"Nngh!" Knuckles grunted.
"Heal!' Terra used Cura on Knuckles to heal him as Ash rush toward Xeno and then swing at him.
Ash and Xeno swing at each other until Ash swirls his axe and unleashes a powerful slash to push Xeno back. Before Xeno can fire at him, Levi throws his Glaive at him, forcing him to step back, but Levi leap, grabs it, and then unleashes a flurry of jabs at him. Xeno then blocks some of them, then jumps in the air to fire bullets at the group. Some of them begin to deflect them while others like Bowser and Kanji protect themselves in their own way. Xeno then landed on his feet and then he readied his weapon to zoom toward Fie. Rean's Protective Wall activated and protected her, then Kick Xeno back as Fie rushed toward him and they swung at each other. Fie mostly dodges his attacks and then counterattacks with hacking and slashing before charging an energy bullet and pushing him back.
Rean rush over to slash him as Levi use Penetrate Hurl on him to allow Ash to follow up by swinging his axe and Rean use Waning Crescent Slash.
"Guh!" Xeno grunted as Knuckles grabbed a piece of the floor and threw it at him.
Xeno dodged them as Kanji threw his shield at him, which he blocked as it bounced. Kanji grabbed it and then slammed it on the ground to create a shockwave to push Xeno back. Xeno jump high enough to avoid it and then fire at the group again. Xeno then pull out several bombs and throws them into the battle. Crow switches to Double Pistols and Homing Shot toward Xeno where he runs around to avoid getting blasted by the lock on magic bullets, but Bowser throws his fire breath at him to stop, and allows him to get shot by Show's homing shot and burned by Bowser's fire at the same time.
Xeno charges toward Bowser to swing at him. Bowser dodged, grabbed and slam Xeno on the ground before tossing him toward Knuckles where he charge his fist and upper-punched him.
"Take-Mikazuchi!" Kanji summoned his Persona to clapped Xeno and then dropped him as Xeno fell on the ground.
"First a giant, and now this?" Xeno groaned before he back on his feet and then target the others and fire bullets lock on them.
"Take this!' Sara imbued her sword with lightning and zoom toward and slashed Xeno.
Xeno block it as Terra airstep toward Xeno and they both swing at each other until Terra used Chaos Blade and then shotlock and use Ultima Cannon to blast Xeno back. Xeno then fire bullets toward the group and then, throw several bombs at them to cover the area with smoke. Levi use his wind magic to blow away the smoke. Xeno then fire bullets toward the group where they each taken the shot and then Xeno zoom toward each of them and then fire at them. Terra used Quake to shake Xeno unbalance for Knuckles to punch him toward Kanji who swing his shield at him to knock him toward Gaius who took his stance and launch a powerful trust attack.
Xeno recovered for Ash to used Rumbling Smash 2 on him, but Xeno avoided by jumping back as Levi was going to attack, but Xeno throw a bomb at him and exploded on his face to push him back. Sara fire lightning bullets which Xeno deflected them. Fie then Concealment Wind and strike on Xeno. Rean used True Crimson Slash and Fie begin to deal the finishing blow by using her S craft: Lethal Crusade 2 by unleashing a storm of bullets onto Xeno.
"Nngh...!" Xeno grunted as he fell to his knees.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Perfect Stage)
"Nice. You've got some real skills, girl." Xeno praised. "Fie, I'll leave everything from here to you. The rest of you as well. Give the boss my regards."
"Sure thing." Fie replied.
"We will. Alongside Fie." Rean nodded.
"Heh. Glad to hear it." Xeno said then fainted on the floor.
"Damn… I'd expect no less from a Zephyr commander." Crow replied.
"For such a scrawny-looking guy, he was seriously tough." Ash added.
"No kidding. His traps are quite something." Terra nodded.
"Looks like our paths are finally connecting." Knuckles said as they all turn to see the floor pads form into a straight line. "The path to the alter is now open to us. And with it, the Jaeger King."
"We've made it." Fie nodded.
"Yeah. Let's take a deep breath and move along." Rean advised.
They walk their back to the center where they were before and go across the pathway now available to them. They walk up the stairs and go through the pathway where they slip confront some monsters blocking their way and then head to the two fork in the road where one leads to the barrier, while the other leads them to the other area where the mechanism is. They reach the mechanism and smash it, deactivating that lead them toward the teleporter. They return and go to the available path, walk up the stairs and go enter the teleporter and arrive at the Alter area.
They walk up two staircases where they reach the large area where Rutger and Zechtor waits for them.
(BGM ende)
"Welcome! So you finally made it here." Ruger said.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness of Ignorance)
"Boss." Fie replied.
"Not only did you get past that huge battleship, you also defeated Xeno and Leo. Heh, you're all grown up now, Fie. Schwarzer, looks like you have brushed up on your skills too, huh? Same goes for you, Ash Carbide. Damn shame we couldn't get you on our side."
"Hah. Like I'd ever sign up with you losers." Ash responded.
"Getting here was far from easy. But we made it. Together." Rean said.
"Xeno and Leo tried to stop us, but we got past them." Fie added. "In the end, they asked us to take care of you. And it's my duty to fulfill their request. Because that's what bracers do."
"That so?" Rutger responded. "Well, that settles it. Having Sara look after you was definitely the right choice."
"Nah, I don't deserve any of the credit. She chose her own path." Sara replied.
"You know, for the "King" of all the Jaegers out there, you're a bit of a pushover since you're allowing the Gnomes to treat you like a pawn for the Rivalry. I thought a shrew man like yourself would know better than this." Levi said.
"Yeowch. Harsh words there, kid. But you're right. This isn't like me. It's not that I'm all for what the chancellor or Alberich are doing. Ending the world means there ain't gonna be any more wars. No wars means no work for jaegers. Ain't really the best idea for us."
"Then why would you agree to this?" Rean asked.
"It's because...he's a jaeger." Fie answered.
"Heh, you know me well, Fie." Rutger said. "We're mercenaries. We follow the money, not ideologies. We're hired to do a job, no questions asked. Pay us and we'll fight your war for you. We'll risk our lives for nothing more than a few coins. We walk the thin line between life and death, from battlefield to battlefield. That's the jaeger way of life, and we don't know any better."
"So this is what jaegers truly are." Gaius said.
"There's no difference to mercenaries. I can imagine Byleth, Ike, even Shez would say the same thing, considering they're mercenaries too." Knuckles said
"Hm, you're right about that." Bowser nodded.
"Damn. I got to admit, that's kinda cool how he said it." Kanji said.
"Oh yeah. Guess I was wrong about you." Ash added. "You really are the Jaeger King. The embodiment of a true jaeger."
"Guess we can't avoid a fight." Fie nodded
Rutger laughed. "If you think this'll go just like your fight with Armbrust, or you're sadly mistaken. These Rivalries are the ultimate battles. Of course, a guy like me would be caught up in 'em."
"That's very convincing, but I have a slight counter to that." Levi intervened.
"Hm?"
"There's no doubt that you are a Jaeger King, but that's all you're known as, to the entire world. Heck, maybe the other mercenaries in this world may have heard about you. However, there's another side of you, one that you don't show, except for the ones who know you inside and out. I'm talking about your parent side. The one who took in Fie when she was just a baby. She was found by you, and you took her in, declaring that you were willing to adopt her as your daughter. You watched her grow throughout the years, keeping her safe with Xeno and Leo looking after her in case you had to go on a dangerous mission. When she was old enough, she did her very best to fit in, learning all the skills she had picked up from you. Like any parent who watch their children grow, you were proud to see how much Fie has grown. So my point is this. If you truly honor the Jaeger way, there's nothing wrong with admitting that whatever happens, you were proud to be her adoptive father. And that should anything happen to you, Fie will be surrounded by so many people who love her. Like Sara, and even us as her new family."
"Levi." Fie smiled
"Well said Levi." Sara smiled.
"Yeah. I Agree." Rean smiled
"Hahaha! Look at you with your words of wisdom." Rutger replied. "Maybe I'll give it some thought after the Rivalries is done. Anyways, there ain't no time to waste, we'd best get started." Rutger pull out his Buster Glaive. "Ain't that right, Fie? Schwarzer? There's a reward waiting for whoever's strong enough to reach out and take it. No different from the rest of the world."
Fie nodded. "Got it, boss. I know what I have to do. I'll fight you with all I've got, as a jaeger and a bracer. I swear on the name you gave me, that I will defeat you!"
Then everyone took their battle stance.
(BGM ended)
"Heh, that's my girl. Now let's not draw this out any longer." Rutger smirked
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Belief - SAV-)
He then roared, unleashing his power.
"The hell?! Was that?" Kamji paused
"Yes, that was the Jaeger King's war cry." Sara explained.
Ash smirked. "That's fine by me!"
"Ha! Couldn't be a worthy opponent!" Bowser grinned.
"We'll be right behind you, Fie." Rean said. "United as a family!"
"Today, we'll show you we can surpass a king." Gaius added.
"Let's do this, Jaeger King!" Crow replied.
The True King of Jaegers - Rutger
Rean form a combat link with Fie, Levi form a combat link with Ash, Crow form a link with Bowser, Sara form a link with Gaius, Terra form a link with Kanji and Knuckles.
Rutger imbued his Buster Glave with lightning and slam it onto the ground to cover the battlefield with a smokescreen as almost everyone jumped back and covered their eyes. Rutger then unleashes a mighty swing toward Fie and Rean. Rean and Fie both deflected with much of their strength as Bowser rush toward Rutger and threw a punch at him while Rutger block and counter with his swing, but Bowser dodged and then claw attack him as Crow threw his Double Saber and struck Ruger for Bowser upper punch him, knocking him into the air as Terra airstep and Keyblade swing him and kick him back on the ground. Rutger recovered as Sara swooped in to slash him, but Rutger blocked and kicked Sara back as he swirled his Buster Glaive and then fire energy bullets toward her, but Gaius's Protective Wall kicked him and took most of the damage as Sara jumped into the air and fire lightning bullets at him. Rutger dash out of the way as Knuckles rush toward him. Knuckles unleash a flurry of punches but Rutger blocks them before swinging at him. Knuckles blocks with his arm, picks a piece of the ground, and throws it at him where Rutger swings his Buster Glaive to break it.
"Go Beserk! Inferno Hunt!" Ash activated his Brave order to increase critical chances as Levi zoomed toward Rutger and both swung their Glaive at each other. Rutger's Buster Glaive was much larger and had some tricks up its sleeves than Levi, but Levi's more agile and graceful compared to Rutger as Levi leaped into the air and then cartwheel slash Rutger, for him to block, but allowed Ash to swoop in to unleash slashed him, pushing him back while Levi use his skills aerobatic skills to land on his feet.
"Ziodyne!" Kanji summon Take-Mikazuchi to shoot out Ziodyne on Rutger for Terra to follow up with Airstep Keyblade combo until Rutger block and knock Terra back with a swing.
Rutger fire bullets toward the group as each one exploded on the ground. Rean rush toward Rutger and swing at him, Rutger block it and push Rean back.
"Here I go!" Rutger then empower his Buster Glaive, zoomed and slash through Rean. "Mjolnir!" Then fire a laser beam at him and knock him back.
"Take this!" Fie zoom and strike all around Rutger where her block Fie's attack it a hurricane of wind-based attacks until Gaius zooms toward Rutger with his Stigma power and unleash a flurry of trust and slashes.
Rutger jump into the air and used his craft: Blast Storm to fire bullets to explode the ground and then used his next craft: Ragne Driver and slam the ground with lightning force power surges toward them, striking Fie, Gaius and Knuckles. Kanji's combat link ability anger activated as Bowser charge his punch and lung toward Rutger and punch him. Rutger block it but was push back by Bowser's strength as Crow jump into the air with some aerobatic skills and then fire Homing Shots at him which Rutger used his Buster Glaive to block and exploded on the ground near him. Bowser then launch a Firebeath attack through the smoke, but Rutger jump in time, knock only by Kanji's Take-Mikazuchi as Terra used Zantetsuken and then Dark Firaga to blast him.
Ash used Deadman Darts as Levi follow up throwing his Glaive At Rutger as it slammed in front of him, zoomed, grabbed, leaped, circular spin kick him, and then grab his Glaive and slammed it to the ground to cause a small shockwave to push Rutger back. Levi then retrieved his Glaive and rushed toward Rutger and they both swung at each other until Levi push Rutger back with a swing and then used his craft: Spiral Pillar to pull Rutger, leap into the air and plunge the ground with energy form Glave blade and strike him, allowing Ash to follow up by swinging his axe. Ash swing his axe wildly as Rutger mostly block until Ash used his craft: Void Breaker 2 to strike him, allowing Levi to follow up and slash him twice. Rutger used Blast Storm on both Ash and Levi but they jump away as Sara fire lightning bullets at him.
Sara then rush toward Rutger, swinging her sword at him and then fire lightning orbal shots. Rutger used Ragna Driver toward Sara but Gaius protected her with his combat link: Protective Wall. Then Sara used True Searing Flash as Gaius follow up with a trust attack. Rutger unleashed a powerful swing on them, but they both dodged as Sara fire back some shots before slashing through him with lightning and Giaus used True Lightning Fang. Terra then uses Chaos Blade and then swings his Keyblade at him while Knuckles unleahs a flurry of punches and then knock him toward Kanji where he readied his ground and punches Rutger. Rutger smirked as he recovered. then zoom toward Kanji and unleash a series of swings and slashes at him which Kanji block with his Shield and then counters by swinging his shield as Take-Mikazuchi appears, grabs Rutger and shock him with electricity, then slam him down, then throw him toward Rean.
Rean took his stance, vision the moon as he closed his eyes, then slashed through the moon with superhuman speed and unleashed a barricade of phantom slashes onto Rutger and Fie used her craft: Cipher Edge 2, then Rean used Waning Crescent Slash. Rutger recovered then imbued his Buster Glaive with power and unleashed slash projections Toward Rean and Fie before swing it down to unleash a power surge toward Sara and Gaius. Rutger then fire a laser beam toward Crow then form red energy Blades from his Gun pistols and launch a large red X slash to intercept with the laser and both cause an explosion. Bowser throw fireballs toward Rutger who backhand them and then Crow switch to Double Saber, throw his Double Saber into a boomerang. Rutger dodged until Crow zoom to grabbed it, then rush toward Rutger, swirl his Double Saber and combo slashes.
Bowser rush over as Rutger launch a swing to push Crow back and then Bowser throw his punches as Rutger block and counter with his punch and kicks, but Bowser block each attack, then claw attack. Rutger block, backflip and then slam the ground to create a shockwave to push Bowser back. Bowser snarl, Curl into his shell, spin rapidly and dash toward Rutger who readied his Buster Glave at Bowser, knocking him away toward Crow, who quickly reacted by shield himself while being pushed away to the edge. Bowser stop circling, letting Crow take some relief to himself as Kanji throw his shield at Rutger where he back hand. Then run toward him to grow a few punch where Take-Mikazuchi appeared and slashed him with it lightning blade. Kanji kick Rutger's guts.
Rutger regain his stance as Knuckles punch the ground to create power surge. Rutger dodge and fire bullets at him before zoom toward him and slashing him as Terra shotlock with Ultima Cannon. Rutger respond by firing a laser from his Buster Glaive as both attack cause a powerful explosion and shockwave to push all back. Terra recovered and then airstep, let out a few Keyblade Swings until Rutger punch Terra, grabbed him and slam him to the ground. Terra kick Rutger off as Levi lung toward him and unleash a series of aerial slashes before dragging Rutger with cartwheel and slam, knocking him back as Ash then used his S Craft: throw his axe head piece to chain around Rutger.
The Chain then turn into a sphere of flurry attack as Ash pull his weapon, jump toward Rutger, unleash a series of aeribal slashes with some blood effect and then swing at Rutger's head to knock him to the ground. Ash pull out several Darts and throw it.
"Sinner's Revelry!" Ash yelled as the Darts exploded around Rutger.
Rutger got back on his feet.
"Haha! How long has it been since my blood boiled?!" Rutger then he begin his S- Craft. Rutger swirls his Buster Glaive and begin firing toward the team. Then he jump into the air and then fire different bullets to cause an explosion to the ground and then he dive toward the ground. "Gilgamesh Breaker!" and created a volcanic explosion.
Everyone was knock into the air before fall to the ground with heavy injured.
"Not ever yet!" Levi yelled as he cast Recuria onto his team to heal their dizzy stare as they took their heads.
Bowser curl himself into a spike ball and charge toward Rutger as swing his weapon, but he jump and crushed Rutger, jump into the air and launched fireballs that explode around Rutger. Bowser then Bowser Bomb and crush Rutger with his weight. He got off him, grab him and throw him into the air as he let out a roar and meteor suddenly appeared and exploded on him. Rutger fell to the ground and recovered as Levi imbued his Glaive with power, zoom toward Rutger with a flurry of slashes through him, then spin slash him, twin horizontal slashes and then swing down to create a pillar of light explosion as Fie zoom with superhuman speed, unleashing phantom slashes and then fire several bullets to explode on Rutger.
Terra use raised his Keyblade to summon boulders and throw them at Rutger. Rutger fire laser from his Buster Glaive to break them, but Kanji used Ziodyne as Knuckles dash in, punch his guts, upper punch him and then jump up and punch him back to the ground. Rutger recovered as he see Sara used her craft: True Lightning Roar as Gaius dash in, letting out a flurry of jabs, then launch a powerful trust on Rutger to push him back. Rutger block as he was pushed and then rush to Gaius as they swing at each other. Gaius swirl his Spear into a shield to push Rutger and then took his stance, zoom through Rutger, then unleashed a flurry of slashes on him as Sara rush to him and swing her sword at him. Rutger took the slashes, then he recovered to kick Sara. But Sara was fast enough to jump and kick Rutger's face, then Cartwheel and swing down her sword to shoot lightning power surge to knock Rutger back.
Levi cast Albion Wolf to shoot the energy sphere as Ash's combat link ability: Art Supporter 2 boost his magical attacks and cause devastating damage on him. Rean then used Arcane Gale as Fie then use Tri-Cyclone 2. Crow then swirl his Double Saber, then throw it, striking Rutger as Bowser rush in and then unleash a flurry of punches before knocking him toward Terra who use Geo Impact. Rutger then recovered and swing his Buster Glaive to the ground to push Terra back but look tired.
"Hahaha! Some damn fine work, Fie!" Rutger praised as he panted. "Same goes for you, Schwarzer, Armbrust, Sullivan, and Carbide. Even you, Dominion, Valestein, Koopa King, and the rest of your pals too. I haven't had a battle this good since Baldur."
"Heh heh...gotta admit, I'm kind of enjoying myself, too." Fie replied. "Reminds me of our battle royale games when I was little."
"The hell?! What kinda messed up kid's game is that?!" Ash asked in surprise.
(BGM ended)
"Well, I don't think we need to." Crow said as a surge of mana surrounded the battlefield.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Rivalry of the Seven ~Excellion Krieg~)
"Just like back at the Sol Shrine." Bowser look around. "That means the Rivalry preparations is complete."
"Heh. Guess the warm up's over." Rutger said. "Now it's time for the third battle in the Rivalry of the Seven. Zector, let's go!"
"Very well, Jaerger King." Zector respond as Rutger begin to enter his cockpit and operate Zector.
"Rean, it's time." Levi added as he summon Valimar and Ordine into the battlefield.
"Yeah..." Rean said solemnly as Crow and Rean then enter their Divine Knights cockpit to activate while the others step back.
"So this'll be our final showdown. No complaints from me, though." Rutger said. "You're both some damn fine opponents, so if this is where I'm goin' down, then let's light the place up!"
"..." Rean said nothing.
"Hm? What's up with you?"
"Rutger. Before we begin. There is someone I want to clarified. What will happened if an Immportal like you, lose the Rivalry?"
"Ah..." Levi let a quiet gasped, recalling Millium's words.
"But there's also another issue involving the Immortals like the Jaeger King and the Steel Maiden. I'm sure you won't like this, Fie... but if we were to defeat him in the Rivalries... He might leave this world."
"Hmph. Why care for your opponent? In case you forgotten, this is a battlefield. There is no room for hesitation. Not unless you want me to kill you here and now." Rutger respond.
"..!" Rean clenched his teeth.
"For cryin' out loud, Snap out of it Rean!" Crow yelled. "If you want to find out, then we must defeat the Jaeger King here and now! No room for hestidation, you got that?!"
"Crow's right." Fie respond. "We've done our part, you and Crow take it from here. No matter what happens, I won't have any regrets. Please, take care of him."
"Fie...all right!" Rean replied.
"Don't worry, this'll be a fight to remember!" Crow replied.
"This is for Fie, too. We won't hold back!"
The Purple Knight of Legend - Zector
Valimar first attacked by slashing Zector who blocked and countered with a swing. Ordine threw his Double Saber into a Boomerang and slashed him. Valimar then followed up by using Waning Crescent Slash as Zector used Blast Storm on them and then followed up by swinging at Valimar. Zechter then jumped in the air and used Ragna Driver to slam onto Ordine. Ordine block with his weapon but Zector kick him as he backflips and then swings at Valimar. Valimar blocks it with his Morning Moon stance and counterattack. Ordine rushes in to slash Zector, but he block it as they both swing at each other until Valimar takes his stance to zoom through Zector and unleash twin slashes on him. Zechter took damage as Ordine imbued his Double Saber with power and unleashed slash projection toward him.
Zechtor dodged as Buster Glaive was imbued with lightning power and slammed to the ground to create a power surge toward Ordine. Zector then swings at Valimar as he blocks and then swings at each other but Zector punches Valimar and then launches a trust attack to push him back. Valimar recovered and then rushed to swing at each other again as Ordine using the secondary contractors with Levi's power to used Theia's Light to buff himself and Ordine with stamina and Buff. Ordine then threw a large a large X red slash projection toward Zector and struck him, giving Valimar a chance to unleash combo slashes of Horizontal and vertical. Zecter recovered and then fired a laser from its burst Glaive to push Valimar and Ordine back. Rutger then jump in the air and fire a barricade of bullets to explode the ground as Ordine and Valimar shield themselves.
Zechter landed and then he dash toward Ordine and slashed him, knocking him back and then fire bullets at Valimer. As both Divine Knights take the damage, Valimar zoom in and unleash True Helix onto Zector and Ordine unleashes a flurry of jabs. Zechtor jump back and then used Ragna Driver onto Ordine, after that, used Blast Storm onto Valimar and Ordine. Before Valimar and Ordine can attack next. Zechtor swirls his Buster Glaive and slams the ground, creating a power surge toward Valimar. Valimar swiftly dodged it and then see Zechtor launching toward him. But Ordine use Throw Blade to struck Zechtor as Valimar Waning Crescent Slash. Valimar uses secondary contractors of Fie: Sonic Burst to Buff himself with speed. Then Valimar rush toward Zechtor and they swing at each other until Valimar let out twin slashes and push him back.
"Haha! Not bad! Show me more!" Rutger yelled as Ordine empowered himself.
"Ready, Crow?!" Rean yelled
"Ha! Always been ready!" Crow replied as Zechtor then used the craft: Mjolnir to slash through Valimar and Ordine then fire a mega laser at them.
As both Divine Knights split up. Zector just directly move his laser toward Valimar and then Ordine. Valimar recovered and imbued the Sword of the End with power and then unleashed a large slash projection. Zechtor block it but Ordine imbued his Double Saber with power and throw it and strike Zector twice, then allow Valimar to charge in and unleashed a powerful swing. Zector punch Valimar and then swing his Buster Glaive at Valimar before turning to Ordine who charge toward him and slashed him. Zector let out a few jabs and swing at Ordone as he mostly block by swirling his Double Saber. Zector then charge his punch and push Ordine back. Valimar zoom toward Zector and let out a few slashes as Zechtor counterattack by punching Valimar, then swing at him.
"All right then!' Rutger yelled and then unleash a barricade of bullets onto Valimar and Ordine, jump into the air spinning, charging his weapon mode, performing the same S-Craft Rutger did by placing Zector's feet on his Buster Glaive to rain down the barricade of different bullets to struck Valimar and Ordine and then dive down and cause a massive explosion. "Gilgamesh Breaker!" then pieces of the sky burst out of the ground.
While the heroes move back further and covering their eyes or some hide behind Levi since he place a shield light around himself and others. Valimar and Ordine toon their stance from the heavy damage. Rean panted before recatch his breath and then Valimar took his stance and dash toward Zector as they swing at each other. Valimar then move to his left and slash Zector and Ordine swirl his Double Saber and then dash through Zectroe with power surge behind. Zechtor used his craft: Ragna Driver onto Valimar, but eh dodged and then counter attack by slashing, pushing him back.
"Crow!" Rean yelled
"I hear ya!" Crow respond as Valimar and Ordine empower themselves dash toward Zector and slashed through him, leaving power surge in their wake.
Ordine launch a powerful trust attack as Valimar swing down the Sword of the End. Both Divine Knights jump back as Crow and Rean let out a warcry as Valimar zoom while Ordine unleash large slash projections onto Zector, unleashing a hurricane of phantom slashes.
"Union Slash, Deadly Domination!" Rean and Crow yelled.
"GUUUH!" Rutger yelled in agony. "Nngh... Not ever... yet!"
Zector unleash slash projections toward Valimar and Ordine as they both deflect it and Zector then used Blast Storm on them. Ordine form a shield with his Double Saber and Valimar imbued power into the Sword of the End to rain down slash projections onto Zector. Zector use his Buster Glaive to block, but it went through it and deal devastating damage. Zechtor rush toward Valimar, but he took a Morning Moon stance and unleash a powerful upward slash to not only knock Zector back, but also disarm him as his Buster Glaive was toss and impale the ground as Zechtor fell on his knees.
"Whoa!" Gaius gasped.
"They did it!" Ash exclaimed.
"It's over..." Rean panted.
"Damn...even two against one, we barely scraped out a win." Crow added.
"Hell of a fight, Schwarzer. Armbrust." Rutger praised. "Zector, you've done well, pal."
(BGM ended)
"Yes, I have no regrets." Zector replied.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)
Rutger then came out of the Divine Knight and both he and Zector were beginning to look transparent.
"Boss!" Fie rushed over to him along with everyone.
"His body is disappearing!" Knuckles remark.
"Yep. There's your answer. When an Immortal loses the Rivalry, they die as it was intended." Rutger sighed.
"Just like what Millium feared..." Levi clenched his teeth as Crow and Rean came out of their Divine Knights to join the others.
"Rean, can you do it again?!" Crow asked.
Rean nodded. "Yeah, I'll try channeling power back to him!"
"No." Rutger raised his hand.
"Wha...?" Fie gasped
"What are you doing?!" Levi asked
"Hey, cut the crap! We're tryin' to save you here!" Ash growled
"There's no need for that. And there's no need for you to bring up those 1-Up Mushrooms too. I knew this was coming from the start. I died awhile ago. Aidios must be sick of waiting for me. Either that or I'm headed for the pits of Gehenna. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's to bow out." Rutger responded.
"N-No, please… don't…" Fie rushed over to hug him and sniffed.
"Hey, dry those tears, girl. I wanna see your smile one more time." Rutger looked at me as he slowly hugged Fie back. "You were right, kid. I did feel proud as I watched her grow up. I've always been proud of her, from when she made friends at the academy, to have gotten so strong as a bracer. I'm proud to have been her father."
"I thought so." Levi sighed
"Far as I'm concerned, I've had a hell of a life, and this is a damn fine way for it to end. I spent my youth goin' from battlefield to battlefield. Started up Zephyr with some pals of mine I met along the way. I was able to settle my score with Baldur. I even lived long enough to see my daughter grow up."
Fie sniffed.
"Guess I owe Alberich for that last one, at least. Who'd've thought that scrawny little kid I took in would've grown into such a fine young woman... Finding you that day changed my life. Me, a guy who only knew blood, smoke and death. But now I know what it's like to be a father. And it's all thanks to you. You put a heart in this bloodthirsty mongrel's chest. Thank you, Fie."
"Boss… No, I'm the one who needs to thank you." Fie replied. "You took me in and raised me. You made me the person I am today. Thank you...so much...Dad."
"Heh. Hearin' you say that is the best gift I coulda gotten before I go." He paused when Xeno and Leo showed up to see it all happening. "Xeno, Leo, I'm glad to have known you. Zephyr's in your hands now. I'll be watching you from Gehenna."
"No…! Boss!" Zeno sadden.
Leo nodded in sadness. "Got it. We'll make you proud."
"Thank you Purple Lighting… For taking care of Fie, for helping her make friends... perhaps for everything. Look out for daughter, will ya?"
"Of course. It was a great pleasure, Jaeger King." Sara wipe her tears.
Rutger nodded and then closed his eyes before his whole body vanished, along with his Divine Knight. As the purple orbs went into Valimar, changing his form.
"What the…" Ash responds in surprise.
"Valimar changed forms?" Gaius asked.
"It must be because of the Rivalry." Crow said.
"Yeah." Rean trailed off.
Everyone turn to Fie who was wiping her eyes as Sara sighed in sadness at Rutger's farewell.
Fie look up at the sky. "Goodbye...Dad."
"Fie..." Rean look down as suddenly, the Sancurcary begins to flash in white.
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things to Tell You)
Everyone was then relocated to Hamel, as the entrance to the sanctuary had vanished.
"Huh? What happened?" Kanji asked.
"Looks like we're back in Hamel." Knuckles look around. "The entrance to the Draco Sanctuary vanished too."
"It must have return back to the Draco Shrine... maybe." Levi sighed as he look up and see the night sky. "It's night..." He look at Xeno and Leo. "So what are you two planning to do?"
"Well, since you've taken on the power of the boss' Knight, it only makes sense for us to help ya out." Zeno answered. "Final battle's gettin' real close. We got a lot of gettin' ready to do before then."
"We'll meet again, Fie, Schwarzer, Sullivan, and the rest of you. Just make sure you survive till then." Leo added
"We will. Thanks for the help." Rean nodded
They both nodded and then turn to Fie who sad smile.
"Stay strong, Fie." Zeno said and then he and Leo left.
"Let's head back and tell the others about what happened." Bowser said.
"No need. We all saw what happened." Palutena said. "Fie, I'm sorry for your loss."
Fie shook her head. "It's okay..."
"Come. I'll pull you guys back." Palutena said as pillar of light pull them to the Courageous II.
And that's the end of the second Rivalry. It's heartbreaking to lose family, even friends like this.