Trails of Cold Steel: Twilight Saga

by mysteryfriend16

The Great Twilight and Rean's been capture by Osborne and the Gnomes. Class VII, old and new, join by everyone throughout the world begin their plan to stop Osborne, and the Great Twilight. With war on the horizon that leads to the end of the world, they seek answers, and plan to rescue Rean in the progress. Will they save the world before the war or darkness consume all?

42. Missing Person Report

(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Between the Forgotten Phantasma -Sen Ver.-)

"Wow. This is one hell of a mystical place." Daisy said as she, Peach, Mario, Luigi, Kamui, and Leo visit Stargazer's Tower. "Who know Crossbell has something like this."

"And this is call Stargazer's Tower?" Leo asked.

"Yep. According to Rean and the others from the SSS, Stargazer's Tower, this ancient tower was constructed by the Crossbellion Alchemist during the Middle Ages. They used this power for the purpose of creating a Sept-Terrion." Palutena explained

"My, those Alchemist know how to keep themselves busy. I bet this place has interest among of knowledge." Leo rub his chin.

"Oh they do on the upper section of the tower. But don't forget why you're here, Leo."

"Right, the monster your men scouted."

"It was something like a lightless shadow, right?" Kamui asked.

"It look exactly like what Rean fought with the others back during the trial of the Awakener and during that time in that hollow trial." Palutena said

"Oh yeah! I remember that. Boy, how much they've grown..." Mario said with a smile.

"It was a touchy moment for them..." Peach said solemnly.

"Yeah..." Luigi scratches his hair as they go up the stairs. "So how long is this tower?"

"It's going to take awhile for you to get up." Palutena said.

---

Reaching the Top of the Tower later...

"Uggggh... Why the hell is it this long?" Daisy complained as they finally made it to the top.

"They sure know how to built a tower..." Peach sweatdrop.

"Right." Leo sighed before seeing Loa Phantasma. "So that's our shadow monster?"

"My goodness... that's what Rean and the others fought?" Kamui shivered.

"Ooh yeah... I remember those things well..." Luigi sweatdrop.

"You better be careful. Those things love to suck you in and absorb your health everyone. Keep your distance from them and I recommend you buff yourself with mirror reflection. But if you do get caught, just deal a significant damage to the boss." Palutena explained.

"Aww, but wouldn't it be better for them to be absolve into lifeless vessels?" Hades asked

"Hades I swear, I just want to grabbed my scythe and slash your head off!" Viridi growled.

"In any event, brace yourself. It's going to be a tough fight." Palutena said

"Right." Mario nodded as the others took their battle stance as Leo whistle and summon his horse and climb up. "Let's-a-go!"

(BGM ended)

(Kirby Triple Deluxe ost - Dirty and Beauty - Vs. Queen Sectonia Part 1)

Mario form a combat link with Peach, Luigi form a combat link with Daisy and Kamui form a combat link with Leo.

Mario pull out a Fire Flower, Peach, Luigi pull out a Fire Flower and change into Fire Mario, Luigi and Peach while Daisy pull out a Crystal Flower and change into Crystal Daisy. Mario and Peach throw fireballs as Luigi and Daisy ran up to Loa Phantasma and let out punches and kicks as Loa Phantasma claw attack them. Leo throw Gravity attack as gravity sphere appeared around it and explosion on it while Kamui long toward it and swing her Yaoi with a few slashes vertically. Loa Phantasma open it's mouth and fire a beam attack on Kamui as she flip to her left and then attemp to stomp on her, but she raised her Yato and launch a trust attack on the foot and cause it to step back. Loa Phantasma form an energy sphere and released projection attack onto the team as each of them dodged.

Loa Phantasma open it mouth to suck on someone... and unfortunately that's someone is Luigi.

"WAAAAAH!" Luigi yelled as he was pulled up and trapped.

"Luigi!" Mario and Peach yelled.

"BASTARD RELEASE MY MAN NOW!" Daisy yelled in rage as she lung toward the chest and launch a powerful punch to knock it on the floor, then she repeatedly punch the gut with crystal gauntlets and then slam her fist, causing Loa Phantasma to roar and spit Luigi out.

"Wavovovowa!" Luigi wagging his arms as Daisy catch him.

"You okay babe?"

"I am now."

"Good. Now focus on the fight!" Leo yelled as Loa Phantasma got back on it's feet and roared.

"Everyone, it's incredibly weak to Space Arts. If you have any on you, best use it." Palutena replied.

"Oh! Leave it to me then!" Peach giggled as she first throw her crown toward Loa Phantasma and strike its head as Mario dash toward it and throw a few punches.

As Peach begin casting Orbal Arts, Loa Phantasma channel a sphere in it's claws and slam the ground to create a large power surge as Leo summon a Graivty shield where Kamui go behind him as Daisy punch the ground to form a crystal wall. As the surge pass through with immense strength, Loa Phantasma raised its arm and rain down several lightless black beams onto the ground as they begin to take Damage.

"Take this!" Peach then cast Seventh Caliber as seven elemental sword rain down from magic circle and exploded on Loa Phantasma, causing it to let out a roar of agony.

Loa Phantasma turn to Peach and Mario with a roar and then raised its claws against them. Peach block with her Parasol and then fire a beam on its hand to push it back as Daisy jump up and then dive attack by kicking its arm, force to retract it as Luigi throw a flurry of punches and then brought out his hammer and imbued it with Thunderhand and swing down on it. Mario did the same with Firebrand as he throw his hammer on Loa Phantasma's face and jump toward it. Kamui perform a drill slash on Loa Phantasma and let out a few swings before changing into her Dragon form and swirl attack and shoot water breath attack on the back. Leo summon a large three to strike underneath it and then grasp his hand and said tree form into molded into a sphere and exploded on Loa Phantasma.

Leo then summon vines to launch toward Loa Phantasma, but it clap it's hands toc create a force field before it expends into a shockwave, pushing everyone away. Leo form a barrier while everyone else hold their ground but they were soon flew as Leo use his magic to direct everyone from being blow out of the tower. Loa Phantasma summon several portals and fired barricade of projections onto the group. Daisy form a crystal lance and swirl it into a shield while Luigi, Mario, Peach deflected it using their Hammers and Tennis Racket back at him while Kamui tan toward the leg and then swing Yato fiercely. Corrin then sprout wings to flew toward Loa Phantasma's face to slash it, but Loa Phantasma grabbed him and then begin to sick her in.

"Kamui!" Leo yelled. "Release my wife you bastard!" Leo then summon several spheres of gravity and throw them at it, causing several explosions onto it's body repeatively and then summon a large tree underneath it, forcing it to spit Kamui out.

Kamui quickly recovered "Nngh...!" Then she shivered, "Thank you, Leo. I'll be sure to get some Tomados after this."

"There's no need- Wait, did you say Tomados? Excellent!" Leo smirked. "But I'm glad you're okay. Be careful all right."

"Right!" Corrin nodded.

Loa Phantasma swing down it's arm to create power cleaver toward Leo and Corrin as Leo gallop out of the way while Corin follow up. Leo circle around it and then summon vines to strike at it as Daisy throw her crystal lance onto the chest. Then she punch the ground to create crystal stairs as Luigi, Mario and Peach use it to reach Loa Phantasma's stomach and they throw their punches as Peach use Peach Bomber. Loa Phantasma back hand them and then fire a laser beam from it's mouth. Peach used her Parasol form to project the Bros from the attack as Kamui lung toward Loa Phantasma and slash through it as Leo uses his magic to levitate him and his horse into the air and then form gravity sphere to strike around it and then pull out his Ice Blade to freeze it and then slash through it as his horse landed on its feet.

Loa Phantasma punches the ground to create shockwaves and then fire another laser beams toward him, but Leo gallop to avoid it and then summon a large three to strike it as Kamui swing her Yato fiercely at it. Peach then jump high enough with her Halbard, spin around a few times and throw her Halbard on it's face as Mario channel fire into his fist and throw a fire fist projection on it as Luigi channel a large fireball and throw it at Loa Phantasma's face. Daisy then unleash a flurry of punches before she uppercut's Loa Phantasma chin, then slamming both her fist onto it's head to the floor. Daisy jump back as Peach's Halbard return to her hand and then cast Seventh Caliber onto Loa Phantasma again, causing devastating damage.

Luigi and Mario look at each other and nodded, pull out a Star Rocket as they hop on it, collecting the stars. As they do that, Loa Phantasma send out claw projections toward the group as Peach imbued her Halbard with magic as it glow pink, then she spin around gracefully and throw it as the Halbard slash through it. But it didn't stop there, it remotely made a U-Turn and pierce through Loa Phantasma's body and circle around it and pierce through it's body. Daisy punches the ground to form a giant Crystal Fist to punch Loa Phantasma's face as it scratch in agony. Kamui spout wings to flew over it and then plunge toward the head as Leo summon portals and shoot vines to impale Loa Phantasma's body as the Bros finish it off with the Star Rocket slam onto the head with the Stars follow up by striking it, causing Loa Phantasma's body to explode into purple light.

(BGM ended)

"Woohoo! Yeah!" Daisy cheered as she high five Peach as Leo dismount and Kamui landed on her feet.

"Amazing work everyone! We took care of it as it was nothing!" Peach giggled.

"Oh yeah!" Mario thusmp up before Luigi spotted something shiny on the ground as he pick it up.

"Oh look!" Luigi show them the Lost Quartz. "It drop one of the Quartz."

"A lost Quartz if I recall." Leo said.

"Right. Now let's return to the Courageous II." Palutena agreed as a ray of light pull them away.

---

Missing Person Report - Rean, Juna, Randy, Lloyd, Elie, Tio, KeA, Rixia, Wazy, Aoi.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - In the Darkness)

Harche hummed. "Even if it's Diana we're talking about here, I'm starting to get a bit worried something's happened."

Meyer nodded." Yeah, if she thought she stay was going to drag on, she'd have normally sent a message saying so. But, well, given where she went."

"Right?"

"Hey guys." Juna greeted them as she's with Kurt, Venti, Altina, Albedo and Randy.

"Oh, it's you guys!"

"We didn't mean to interrupt your conversation just now but, did something happen to the store's owner?" Juna asked

"You could say that but... Maybe we should ask them for help." Meyer turn to Harche. "What do you think?"

"It can't hurt." Harche replied. "Id it won't inconvenience you, I have something I'd like to discuss."

"Do you have time now?"

"Of course. We got some time in our hands." Kurt nodded. "Does this have something to do with the store's owner being absent?"

"That's exactly it." Harche nodded.

"The owner, Dianna, left two days ago for Crossbell on a work trip." Meyer said

"She was scheduled to return yesterday, but she didn't. Nor did she send a message saying she'd be late. We have a hunch that something else might be going on."

"Like what exactly?" Venti asked

"The 'offical' reason she gave us for going to Crossbell was to stock up on Armorica's special honey." Meyer replied.

"But we think she may have actually gone to Crossbell to visit her family." Harche sighed

"She has family in Crossbell?" Altina asked.

"Yes... We don't know any more than that." Meyer nodded.

"We think she has a daughter and father back in Crossbell. Maybe I should back up a little. To begin with, it seems Dianna herself is originally from Crossbell. Here's the thing, though. We believe her mother's side of the family are Lamre nobles, and that she used these connections to move to Erebonia."

"Oh...!" Juna eye widen as she recall something familiar.

"The reason she moved is because she got divorced ten years ago." Meyer sighed. "She left her ten-year-old daughter behind in the city and came here. I think it's always pained her."

"Eight years ago, she set up this shop and has contributed greatly to Missante's prosperity. She even gave us live-in positions so we'd have a place to stay." Harche sadden. "We kind of think that everything she did came from her need to atone. If we're right, then it would kind of make sense why it's taking her so long to come back from Crossbell."

'This theory gave me a gut feeling...' Juna thought.

'Heh. I think I'm pinkin' up what you're puttin' down.' Randy thought.

Albedo hummed. "It is very worrisome that she hasn't remained in contact. Do you know where she was intending to stock up on the honey?"

"Yes. It's a store called Tally's General Store on West Street in Crossbell City." Herche answered.

"Got it. We'll go check it out and see what we can find." Juna nodded

"You're very kind. We'd appreciate that." Meyer smiled as they took off.

"Randy, we need to head to Crossbell and talk to Elsa there." Juna said

"Yeah. But we should call Rean and give him the news." Randy nodded.

---

Later to their way in Crossbell...

"I see..." Rean said as Juna and Randy told him the situation. "The situation is worrisome. I can't shake the feeling something has happened. Thanks for telling me and inviting me along."

"No problem, Insturctor." Juna nodded as they go into Tally's General Store and approach the counter.

"Excuse me, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions." Rean said.

"Sorry to bug you, Elsa. Is now a good time?" Juna asked

"Oh, hi there, Juna! I see you've brought your instructor with you, too." Elsa smiled. "I'm not busy at the moment. What did you want to know?"

"We appreciate the help." Rean smiled

"Have you met anyone named Diana around here lately?" Juna asked

"We're trying to find her, but we're not really sure where to start." Randy replied.

"You're looking for Diana? She came in just yesterday morning to buy some honey. It must've been the first time I'd seen her in ten years, but she'd barely changed at all." Elsa look sad but happy. "She's still just as radiant as ever. Wish I know what her secret is."

"Oh, I didn't know you and Diana knew each other." Juna mused.

"I sure do. She used to be one of our regulars here. Her daughter really takes after her. Such a pretty young lady. Her Husband had to return to Calvard. I wonder if they're able to stay in touch these days."

"Well, that's one question solved." Randy sighed.

"Yeah. Diana's got to be Elie's mom." Juna nodded

"Of course she is. Didn't you know?" Elsa asked

"I have an inkling from Juna and the others told me, but it's nice to have it confirmed." Rean replied.

"Do you know where Dianna went after coming here?" Juna asked.

"Not outright, but I believe it has something to do with he fortress that appeared above Erebonia and those gigantic machines." Elsa answered. "News about it broke around te same time she came by. And then, she left right afterward, saying she needed to contact some people back in Milsante."

"Really? She said that?" Rean asked

"No one in Milsante ever heard from her." Juna said

"Somethin' smells fishy." Randy nodded

"That's right! We've got a mystery on our hands!" A little boy's voice exclaimed as barge in were three children.

"Oh, it's you guys." Juna blinked.

"You kids eavesdropping on our conversation?"

"Ah, yeah... sorry about that." One little boy scratch his hair sheepishly.

"But as the JSSS, it's our duty to take an interest in incidents like this." The other confident little boy smirked.

"The Junior Special Support Section are on the case, huh?" Juna tilt her head. "Got any leads that could help us?"

"I guess this has turned into a case at this point..." Rean replied.

"You wanna tell them, Momo?" The little boy with the beanie asked

"O-Okay..." Momo nodded. "So, um, I saw that Diana lady leaving the shop, and she dropped her hair scrunchie. I picked it up so I could give it back to her, but then something weird happened. She turned around a corner, and all of a sudden she wasn't there anymore."

"That does sound strange." Rean mused.

"Are you sure you didn't just lose sight of where she went?" Juna asked

"No way. We recreated the whole scene to make a hundred, HUNDRED, percent sure." The little beanie boy shook his head. "There wasn't anywhere she would have gone after rounding that corner. No side alleys, no doors, no nuthin'."

"In other words, this is another mysterious disappearance on the books! And all the evidence points to her getting spirited away!" The other little boy replied

"What, like she got taken by a ghost or something?!" Juna asked.

"Surely not!" Elsa groaned.

"Oh yeah? What do you call ghost Pokemon or those white circle things with their teeth and tongue from that country when it arrived two years ago?" The beanie Boy asked.

"A Boo?" Rean asked.

"Yeah. I remember seeing one disappear like it was nothing but..." Momo trailed off. "Lately, I've noticed the Pokemon in the city have become agitated."

"Even the Pokemon too?" Randy asked.

"Not just that either. We've had other reports about people disappearing suddenly around here lately, actually. What's more, there also this big black scary thing been wandering around and was spotted at the same time those people disappeared." The beanie boy said

"Yeah, last time we checked three people have gone mission, not including Diana." the other little boy added.

"Not to mention this big scary thing appeared when that big thing over the Empire appeared too." Momo added

"That's crazy...?" Juna asked

"I see. You guys did a pretty good job checking all that out." Randy said. "But you've done enough. Leave the rest to the pros."

"Aww, c'mon Randy! That's not fair!" The Beanie boy complained

"Hold on Ryu, think about it." The other little boy sighed.

"Our investigation will go smoother with a little help." Rean said.

"Right!" Juna clenched her fist with a nod. "We have to tell Lloyd and the others about this."

Rean pull out his ARCUS Alpha and begins calling Lloyd.

(BGM paused)

---

Later...

(Fire Emblem Three Houses ost - Spiderwebs)

"Ah... I see how it is now." Lloyd rub his chin.

Elie look down, supporting her left arm. "I can't believe it... Mother... Did she really come all this way to see me?"

"Elie..." KeA sadden.

"Jiggle..." KeA's Jigglepuff grumbled.

"Lilligant..." Elie's Lilligant tapped her shoulder, giving her a sad look since it evolved from Petilil.

"Is this that same scrunchie you said your mom forgot about?" Tio asked

"Yeah... I used to wear it all the time when I was little. Why would she rick coming back to Crossbell just to give me this?"

"You've been staying in touch with your mother, right? Like, through letters and communications and stuff?" Randy asked

Elie nodded. "Yeah, and the same goes with my father as well... They check in from time to time, since they're always so worried about me... I... Haven't told them about what happened to Grandfather either... I don't want to believe what Cornelia said."

"Right." Rixia nodded. "All we know is that she and the other vile group hold Speaker MacDowell hostage to force us not to interfere with their plans or snoopying our noses where it doesn't belong."

"Right. Like with Operation Birdcage, you guys have been through." Wazy sighed.

"Oh, sorry, Rean. You probably have no idea what we're talking about here. Same for you, Aoi." Elie said

"I think we both got the idea by now." Aoi scratches his cheeks. "Still, this is a little difficult situation than we expected don't you think?"

"Seems that way... Have we heard back from our friends yet?" Rean asked

"Yeah. We're getting a lot of info, thanks to Jona, Grace and Kylie. Four people have disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the space of a single day. And this big scary Pokemon has been sighted during the disappearance."

"Sounds bad. But we can't let ourselves get ruddled. We need to take our time with the investigation and find out all we can."

Elie nodded. "I agree. Let's start by interviewing people who knew the first three victims."

"Yeah, you're right." Tio nodded. "First up is Pruma, who went missing in Central Square. Her best friend Lenalee was the last person to see her."

"After that was Meiling on East Street. She's a friend of mine, actually." KeA replied. "Her brother Roy saw her the say she vanished."

"And lastly was Sandra. She went missing from the Entertainment District." Wazy nodded. "She was a regular at a jazz bar called Gartante. The bartender there might know something."

"All right. Hopefully one of these will give us a lead." Rean said.

"We need all the help we can get. What do you say, Rean? Juna? Aoi? Rixia? Wazy?" Lloyd nodded.

Juna nodded. "Of course! We'd be happy to pinch in!"

"That just leaves the kids to hold down the fort till we can get back." Randy said

"Get in touch with us right away if anything happens, all right?" Elie asked with a smile

"Do you think you can handle it?" Tio asked as she folded her arms with a confident smirk. "It's just as important as job as any of ours."

Ryu fist pump. "An important job, huh? Okay! You can count on us."

Momo nodded. "We'll do it!"

"Tka care of yourselves out there, guys." the little boy smiled.

"But don't forget Lloyd, Elie, Tio, Randy, you're still hated by the people of Crossbell due to the Great Twilight." Wazy remark. "You have to put on your disguises before going out."

"Right. This Great Twilight business really upset me to the core." Lloyd sighed. "We'll have to leave the talking to you guys. We need to check out the Central Square, East Street and the Entertainment District."

"Right. Let us be off." Aoi nodded as Lloyd, Elie, Tio and Randy began to put on their disguises and then left the SSS building.

(BGM ended)

(Resuming in the Darkness)

The SSS, Wazy, Rixia, Rean and Juna headed to see Lenalee who was near the store.

"Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to be Lenalee, correct?" Rean asked

"We wanted to ask you something about your friend, Pruna." Tio said in her disguise.

"Sure, go ahead and ask me anything. I'll tell you whatever I can." Pruna nodded

"It's like this. There has been a report that people has gone missing and she's one of them." Elie explained in her disguise.

"She's missing? Whoa, that's heavy. But I guess that's the only explanation."

"We were wondering if you could tell us more about when you last saw Pruna." Lloyd said in his disguise.

"Okay, let's me think..." Lenalee place her finger to her lips. "I was hanging out with her here all yesterday morning. Then suddenly she said she heard Arios' voice.

"Arios?" Juna asked.

"That's weird. He's not supposed to be in Crossbell right now." Lloyd muttered.

"You're right." KeA nodded.

"Huh, really?" Lenalee tilt her head. 'That's what she said, anyway. She said she heard his voice over by the station. Then she said we should go look for him. I went along with it, but something didn't seem right. Then we got to the stairway that's on the right of Station Street. Pruna was gone before I knew it. I have no idea where she went."

"The stairway ont he right side of Station Street, hm?" Wazy rub his chin. "That's close to the Geofront entrance. But there's a dead end after that."

"I thought maybe she'd fallen onto the tracks, so I asked at the station if anyone had seen her. But it was no good." Lenalee tears came out. "There's no sign of her anywhere."

"D-Don't you worry about a thing! We'll find her!" Randy said in his disguise.

"You really mean that?" She asked as they nodded. "Okay. I'm counting on you."

"Okay, let's head to the East Street." Aoi suggest as they took off to the East Street and walk their way to see Roy.

"Oh, Meiling... Where did you run off to?" Roy sighed.

"Hi! You're Meiling's brother Roy, right?" KeA as they approached him.

"We're trying to find out where-" Roy turn around to face the group.

"Huh... You guys look familiar... Ah! The S-" Then he covered his mouth! "Shoot... nearly gave it away. It's nice to see you guys. Don't worry, I'm not one of the people who think of you guys as traitors."

"That's a relief to hear." Lloyd smiled. "We've got a few things to talk to you about. There's been a report that a few people have been missing... or rather... Spirited away... and Meiling is one of them. And there's also a report that a large Pokemon has been sighted among those disappearances."

"Spirited away? That's just insane..." Roy muttered. "But then again, I guess the whole situation is, when I think back on it. She disappeared a little too suddenly. It was yesterday morning. Meiling was playing outside as usual and I called out to her. She didn't seem to hear me, though. She was mumbling to herself and walking toward Central Square. Then she turned a corner, and just like that-poof! Gone..."

"Huh. Figured." Randy grumbled.

"Mumbling to herself, huh? Just like all the others." Rean rubs his chin.

"And you're sure no one else was there?" Juna asked.

"Now that you mention it, her voice was a little louder than you'd expect for someone talking to themselves. She sounded happy, like she was speaking to someone she knew. It was the same kind of tone she used around me and Grandpa Mors. But I didn't see him or Grandma anywhere."

"So it was like she was talking to a family member." Tio rub her chin.

"Do you remember anything else? Any little details?" Elie asked

"Well, she'd lost the brooch I gave her two weeks back. She got so torn-up over it that she's been searching for it on her own ever since."

"Huh, that might be important." Lloyd mused.

"Oh right. I've also forgot something else I need to mention. At the moment Meiling was gone, I caught of glimpse of some big black creature wandering around before it disappeared into the ground... like some sort of ghost."

"G-Ghost?" Elie turns pale.

"Huh, that might be important." Lloyd rub his chin.

"Sounds like we've got a good grasp of what happened." Randy said.

"Thank you for telling us. It was a big help." Elie nodded

"We'll find Meiling and bring her home. I promise." Juna declared.

"That's right! Everything'll be o-kay!" KeA smiled

"Jigglepuff!" KeA's Jigglypuff cheered.

"You guys..." Roy smiled. "Haha... Thanks. I know I can count on you."

"Okay, let's head to the Entertainment District, next." Rixia said as they took off to the Entertainment District where they go back to the Central Square and then made their way to Garante Jazz Bar.

"Hey there, Eric." Wazy greeted.

"Ah! Wazy, good to see you." Eric smiled.

"I see you're hard at work as usual. I like to talk to you more, but we got some pressing matters we need to discuss."

"Is it about what happened to Sandra? Oh, and don't no need to wear your disguises, SSS. It's just us."

"You're just as perceptive as ever, Eric." Lloyd smiled.

"You're right about that. This is what we know so far." Rixia said. "We received reports that four people has gone missing But in truth, they been spirited away and Sandra is one of the victims. Afterward, there has been some sighting of some large black creature at the same time the disappearance happened."

"'Spirited Away, and a big black creature you say? And other people have disappeared besides, Sandra?" Eric rub his chin.

"Yeah, so anything you tell us might help somewhere down the line?" Randy asked.

"Let me think... Sandra was here until morning yesterday, just like always. But she forgot her bag when she left. I ran after her to return it, but I noticed she was walking in the opposite direction of the route she normally takes. She was heading toward Central Square."

"So that wasn't the way she usually walked home?" Elie asked.

"No. I thought it was unusual, so I hurried after her. But then she turned a corner, and the next thing I knew she was gone. And then this big black creature shows up out of nowhere the moment I left before it vanished."

"I suspected as much." Rean rub his chin.

"Just like what happened with Elie's mom." KeA sighed

"Did you notice anything else out of the ordinary?" Juna asked

"Now that you mention it, she's been complaining a lot about her regulars getting poached by another club. That night, she mentioned one of her old customers had gotten back in touch with her. Perhaps when she left, she wasn't going home, but to meet him? Though I am curious about that black thing appeared afterward."

"I see..." Lloyd rub his chin.

"I've asked around myself, but none of my sources have seen any sign of her. Both the government and Heiyue have their hands full, so I don't think they were involved. But I do wonder if that black creature may be responsible... You are the only ones I can trust to revolve this case. Please, find out what happened to Sandra."

Elie nodded "Of course. Leave it to us!"

"Okay, we've collected enough information to get to the bottom of this. Let's head back to the SSS building." Lloyd said as they headed back.

(BGM paused)

(Fire Emblem Three Houses ost - A Dark Sign)

Upon returning to the SSS building, they begin to sit down.

"All right, now that we're here. It's its time to find out what happened to everyone and uncovering the true behind these disappearances." Elie replied.

"Yeah!" KeA nodded

"To start off, what do we know about the victims?" Tio asked

"Maybe we should focus on when they went missing?" Lloyd suggest.

"There's something they have in common, isn't it? They all disappeared yesterday morning, so they've been missing for a solid day now." Rean said.

"Precisely. The more time passes, the more likely they're to suffer harm. We need to act fast."

"You're right. Then we need to discuss where they were seen last time." Aoi rub his chin. "Their circumstances were the same."

"Yeah, they turned a corner and were gone." Randy nodded

"The people who went after them said it was as if they evaporated." KeA shuddered

"But nobody can actually seen the moment of their disappearance." Juna remark.

"It's difficult to see how someone could have abducted them in an instant like that." Rixia said.

"And each of them were spirited away." Wazy replied. "But at the moment, we can't explain how."

"So then, what about the direction they were heading before they vanished?" Lloyd asked

"And while we're at it, what was the reason they went out?" Elie asked "My mother went to Crossbell to check if I was all right. But Meiling left to look for a brooch from her brother."

"She was seen talking closely with someone, as if they were family."

"Then that means she was following someone's voice?" Tio asked

"Seems so. Maybe the voice was telling her it found the brooch." Lloyd replied.

"And then she went in the direction it was coming from..." KeA replied.

"I think we're on to something here." Rean said.

"Pruna said she heard Arios' voice, remember?" Juna asked "And Sandra heard the voice of an old customer. That got her attention, and she followed it."

"Then maybe... my mother heard my voice?" Elie asked

"That's a definite possibility. We can't say for sure about the old customer." Lloyd replied. "But in all other cases, the people whose voices were heard simply weren't there. I think that gives us a clue as to the perpetrator."

"Yeah..." Rean nodded. "Considering the natural circumstances of the disappearance, it's possible that some supernatural being was involved."

"Yeah, that's the conclusion I reached, too." Randy nodded. "Sure, you could say it was a person voice recording on their ARCUS, and smartphones to lead people somewhere."

"But if our culprit was human, why exactly are they doing this? And how could they managed to pull the spirited away act." Aoi wondered.

"Right. Of course, there are techniques and magic that can be capable of spirited away people." Rixia remark.

"True. The existence of magic could be the solution. But at this case, it doesn't seem likely." Tio said.

"Right. Because if the culprit is a supernatural being, I think it's safe to say this could be the work of a fiend or a devil. It lures humans into its lair, and then consumes them from there." Wazy replied

Juna gulped. "That's a terrifying possibility... But if it's true, then we really need to hurry and find everyone before it's too late!"

"For that we need to have some idea of where to look." Lloyd said. "There of the abductees were going to Central Square, but one was heading in another direction."

"Okay so..." Juna rub her chin as she thinks. "Only Pruna ended up in a dead end. That's why I suspect it was Station Street."

"Yeah. Although the others were seen going to Central Square, they could've gone to Station Street from there."

"Yeah, that's it!" KeA nodded.

"I must say, you two are pretty skilled at deduction." Elie smiled.

"You'd make great detectives." Tio praised.

"Was that the power of reasoning and insight you learned as part of your Eight Leaves style, Rean?" Lloyd asked, looking at him

"You give me too much credit. You led me to the right answers by asking the right questions." Rean smiled

Randy chuckled. "Junie seems to have picked up some detective skills from Rean, too."

"I... didn't contribute much..." Juna sighed. "Anyway, you pieced it together even before we came here to discuss the case."

"I had my suspicions. But It was only after talking to you that I became convinced they were right." Lloyd smiled

"But what about this black creature that appeared afterward?" Wazy asked

"Your right. People who caught a glimpse of it said it appeared after the abductees disappeared." Rixia remark.

"Right. And accordingly, before it disappeared, it was seen to be searching its surroundings before it disappeared by sinking underground." Lloyd nodded.

"Could it be a culprit?" Rixia asked.

"Unfortunately, we don't know if it is truly the culprit. What we do know that it appeared after all abductees were spirited away. But the chances of being the culprit or even an accomplished is possible." Lloyd said. "However..."

"However?" Juna asked.

"If it was the culprit... why didn't it turn its back?"

"Now that you mentioned it. It wasn't focused on what was behind it, but was looking in front of it before it disappeared." Aoi replied.

"Do you think perhaps..." Rean rub his chin. "It knew there were people behind it but paid no attention to them?"

"Perhaps, yes. But the question is why. Whatever the case if, we need to be on the look out for this black creature." Lloyd said. "In any case, time is of the essence. Meet me at Station Street when you're ready, and let's go to the Geofront."

"We need to update Grace, Kylie and Jona about the situation as well." Elie nodded

"Right. Because all the disappearance is connected to the Geofront F Sector in Station Street." Lloyd nodded and then begin to contact them.

---

After contacting Kylie, Grace and Jona...

"So this place leads to the Geofront?" Aoi asked as they walk to Station Street.

"Right. Geofront F Sector." Lloyd nodded. "The F-Sector is to serve as Back-Up from the A sector." He explained as they walk down the stairs and then see the door leading to the Geofront. "Huh, it's open." He said, noticing it was opened.

"The victims must be inside." Reans said

"Security's let their guard down. Get ready. We're going-" Elie paused when suddenly a portal behind them appeared, causing their attention as a Dusknoir emerge from it.

(Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon ost - Ghost Theme 4)

"A-Ah!" Elie yelped.

"The Hell?!" Randy exclaimed

"Dusknoir!" The Dusknoir lung toward Rean and pushes him away from the door and then spreads its arm to block the door.

"Nngh!" Rean grunted.

"I-Insturctor, are you okay?!" Juna exclaimed as she check on him

"I'm all right." Rean got back on his feet while the others got their weapons out and the Pokemon took their battle stance.

"Hey, look! Could this be the things the others saw before?" Randy asked.

"The others mention a large black creature was sighted. Looks like we found our suspect." Tio said

"Wait... that's a Dustnoir!" Rean said.

"A Dustnoir?" Rixia asked as Juna pull out her ARCUS Alpha.

"Dusknoir, the Gripper Pokémon. A Ghost-Type. With the mouth on its belly, Dusknoir swallows its target whole. The soul is the only thing eaten— Dusknoir disgorges the body before departing."

"D-D-Did it say it was a G-Ghost?!" Elie turn pale.

"And it eats the souls before it disgorges them before departing?" Rixia also turn pale.

"Crap, we got ourselves a dangerous one! And it's blocking the door." Randy growled.

"Dustnoir! Dustnoir!"

"Hey, get out of the way you! Unless you wouldn't happen to be our culprit after all."

"Wait, hold on." Rean called out. "I don't sense any hostility from it."

"You're right. If it were hostile... it would have attacked us without a second thought." Lloyd nodded. "However, he doesn't want us to go through that door and rescue the victims."

"Then what should we do? Force our way in?" Tio asked.

"No wait. I think Dustnoir is keeping us out for a reason." KeA stated.

"You're right. Dustnoir, you're not the one responsible for the disappearance of four people, right?" Rean asked

"Dustnoir." Dustnoir shook its head.

"Then why are you blocking our path? We're here to rescue the people who were abducted." Lloyd replied.

"Dustnoir, Dustnoir."

"It doesn't seem interested in moving." Wazy said.

"It must have a good reason. Hold on. I'll go call someone to translate." Rean pull out his ARCUS and then contacts someone. "Lucario, sorry to bother you but can you help me out with something?"

"Of course. What is it?" Lucario asked

"Me, Juna and Randy are investigating a case of four people who disappeared yesterday morning in Crossbell. After we investigated, we discovered that all abductees were spirited away by a supernatural being. It were heading toward a hideout, but Dustnoir is blocking our path for a good reason it seemed. Can you translate for him... or her?"

"Certainly. Put me on a video call." Lucario replied as Rean pressed the button and then showed Dustnoir of Lucario. "Now then, Dustnoir, can you let these people through?"

"Dustnoir. Dustnoir."

"Danger? What do you mean?"

"Dustnoir, noir, noir Dustnoir, Noir, Dustnoir Dustnoir..."

"Really..."

"I'm surprised you have a friend who can speak human language..." Rixia said.

"No kidding. I didn't think we even met too." Lloyd replied.

"I'm one of the few Pokemon who can speak human language, then Mewtwo. Greninja in Smash Bros is still learning. Anyway, Dustnoir said the reason he isn't letting you all through is because beyond those doors is the entrance to the spirit world." Lucario said

"The Spirit World?" Elie turn pale.

"Dustnoir. Dustnoir, Noir, Noir, Noir." Dustnoir replied.

"He said that he was aware of the four people being kidnapped by the mysterious entity and was trying to rescue them and bring them back to the living world. But it encountered problems that he couldn't let his guard down. He also wanted to keep people away and assumed they were also its victims or people had to come here."

"So our Dustnoir here was trying to protect us and trying to rescue our victims, but it seems it was more than it can handle." Wazy said.

"Whoops... Sorry about that friend." Randy said as they put their weapons away.

"Yeah. At least we know Dustnoir isn't the culprit but was trying to help." Juna nodded. "But, we have to go rescue the people inside Dustnoir. Don't worry. We're strong and capable people. We can take on whoever is responsible for this and rescue the abductees before it's too late."

"Yes... My mother is one of the victims being abducted... We need to go rescue her... Please... can you let us through?" Elie asked

Dustnoir looks at the group before being lost in thought. "Dustnoir... Dustnoir Dustnoir."

"I understand. I'll let you through, but take heed once you go inside. I will accompany you to ensure your safety." Lucario translates.

"Understood. Thank you for your fate Dustnoir." Lloyd smiled as he move out of the way and then go through the seal door and go in with Dustnoir follow.

(BGM ended)

As they made it inside, they look around and see nothing happened.

"Everything seems to be fine now. Are you sure this is the Spirit World?" Lloyd asked

"Dustnoir, Dustnoir."

"At the moment, no. However, be on your guard." Lucario translate.

KeA spotted something and knee down. "Take a look at this brooch."

"Hey, that's Meiling's, isn't it?" Randy asked

(Fire Emblem Awakening ost - 'Something is very wrong.')

Suddenly a heartbeat was heard and a distortion begin to take place as the whole room was covered in deep red.

"Wait a second..." Lloyd look around.

"It's glowing bright-red!" Juna exclaimed

"This must be the Spirit World Dustnoir warned us about! This otherworldly aura is unmistakable!" Tio exclaimed

"First Hamel, now Crossbell..." Rean muttered

"Some powerful fiend must be the culprit." Elie grumbled.

"Yeah, there's a lot of questions that need answers, but one thing is certain- this is a matter of top priority!" Lloyd turn to the others. "We'll need to work together so solve it as soon as possible. Rean, Juna, Dustnoir. I'm counting on you, too!"

"Right!" Everyone nodded.

"We should bring our Pokemon too." Juna suggest.

"Right." Lloyd pull out his Pokeball. "Arcanine!" He called out his Arcanine who barked.

"Come on, Pignite!" Radny throw his Pokeball.

"Mimikyu, I choose you!" Tio throw her Pokeball and came out their Pokemon

"Pignite!" Randy's Pignite yelled

"Kyuu!" Tio's Mimikyu cry.

"Lilligant, are you ready?" Elie asked.

"Lili!" Elie's Lilligant respond in a nod.

"Charizard, let's go!" Rean throw his Pokeball.

"Come on out, Quaquaval!" Juna throw her Pokeball and both Charizard and Quaquaval came out

"Quaquaval!" Juna's Quaquaval respond

"All right, let's go, everyone!" Lloyd declared as they took off.

They all go walk down the stairs and go through the seals doors and used the elevator to head to the next floor and go through the door and walk through the corridor.

Elie shuddered.

"Ellie, are you all right?" Lloyd asked.

"I-I'm fine... Just going through the S-Spirit World send shivers down my spine." Elie replied.

"Hold my hand. I got you." Lloyd offer his hand.

"Lloyd..." Elie smiled as she takes Lloyd's hand.

"Lloyd and Elie sitting in a tree." Randy grinned.

"K.I.S.S.I.N.G." Tio grinned.

"Randy, Tio, now isn't the time." Lloyd sighed.

"But they're not wrong, you know." Wazy smirked.

"Everyone, please focus." Rixia sighed as they go to the next room.

"I never expected the spirit world would be an ominous red. I thought it would be... different." Aoi admits.

"Yeah. But it's also possible that it's rather someone lair instead." Rean said.

"All the more reason we need to hurry and rescue them." Juna said as they walk down the stairs to pass a through hallways to take care of Shadow Spirits and then found a switch to create a new pathway leading deeper to the area.

As they go deeper and go pass the deal door, they spotted a woman on the floor with a Vargem standing near up and draining her.

"Isn't that the girl who went missing? Sandra?" Tio asked

"And that monster is draining her energy!" Wazy growled

"Get away from her!" Lloyd pull out his Tonfas and he and the others rush in to attack it.

Lloyd punch it as the Vargem fired magic shots at them as Arcnaine used Play Rough on it. Wazy let out a combo punches before knocking it toward Rean who slashed through it, causing its defeat.

"Well, at least we handled the monster." Randy said, as they put their weapons away as Elie examine her with Wazy.

"Elie, Wazy, how is it looking?" Lloyd asked

"Her condition is stable. I did what I could, but she just won't wake up." Elie sighed.

"Why... won't you come..." Sandra groaned before feel bad to sleep.

"She's talking in her sleep... which means she's trapped within her dream. No... Most likely her soul is trapped by our mastermind." Wazy sighed

"I think, your right, Wazy." KeA nodded.

"I was just thinking the same thing." Rean nodded

"Well, if you three think so, there must be something to it." Tio said. "Elie, should we extend a protective barrier over her?"

"That's a good idea." Elie nodded.

"It will keep her protected at least." Wazy nodded

"Dusknoir." The Dusknoir nodded.

Tio pull out her Orbal staff and begin to activate and project a barrier on Sandra. "This should keep her safe for now."

"Let's have the others watch over her while we investigate the cause." Rean suggest.

"Thanks guys!" Lloyd smiled

"All right, let's move out!" Randy Fist pump and they move onward.

As they begin to walk to the sealed door to the end of the hall, they see another Vargem draining another victim.

Juna gasped "Hey isn't that Lenalee's friend, Pruna?"

"We'll make short work of-"

"Dusknoir!" Dusknoir lung toward Vargem and Shadow Punch to knock away. "Duuusknoir!" Then it launch Shadow Ball and destroy it.

Lloyd sweatdrop. "Or we can let Dustnoir handle it."

"All right, hang on." Tio approach Pruna and then created a barrier around her. "There. That should do it."

"Arios... I..." Pruna groaned before feeling asleep.

"Oh, that's right. She had a thing for Arios." Randy sighed

"Ugh, monsters who toy with other people's feeling irritate me so much!" Elie growled

"BOO!"

"AAAAAAH!" Elie yelled a she duck and cover herself.

"Who's there?!" Lloyd brought out his Tonfas as everyone brought out their weapons.

"An enemy?!" Tio look around.

"Mwahahaha! Oh that's hilarious to see a mortal shiver into fear." Hades laughed.

Rean sighed. "Damn it, it's Hades."

"Oh god damn it. That jackass?" Randy asked.

"Though not just him either." Palutena said.

"Ah!" Elie yelped.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"Oh hey, It's the Goddess of Light Palutena." Randy said.

"Hey Palutena. Don't worry, she's a friend." Juna said.

"Oh hey Palutena!" KeA waved.

"Ah, that's right. Palutena is the Goddess of Light I heard from Gaius and Father Thomas. What brings the lady of light here?" Wazy asked

"Well I was wondering where Rean ran off, but Levi told me that another similar event is happening in Crossbell. Seems like we have another Devil in the mint. Other then Hades." Palutena said.

"Well excuse me for not involving myself more in this story. I'm making up for lost time." Hades pouted. "But I do admire the work of these devils to trapped their victim souls into a dream-like state and then devour them. I remember doing something like that in the past."

"Of course an evil god like yourself would pull that crap." Randy grumbled. "Anyway, let's keep going."

"Right. We need to teach those devils or fiend a lesson!" KeA nodded

"Jigglepuff!" KeA's Jigglepuff nodded.

"Let's go, everyone!" Rean agreed as they took off.

They walk to the next area where they see the road they need to take is missing a floor.

"Tch. We need to find the switch to get the floor up." Randy muttered.

"Look, there it is." Rixia pointed in the distance.

"Charizard, can you give me a ride?" Rean asked as his Charizard nodded with a roar as he lay down as Rean jump on his back and then took off to the switch, hop off and then activate the switch to get the missing floor back it spot.

"Nice! Good work Rean! You too, Charizard!" Lloyd clapped.

"Having a Pokemon with wings made things easy. I should find myself one in case something like this." Wazy mused as they cross the bridge and then see another Vergem draining a little girl.

KeA gasped. "Oh, that's Meiling!"

"Let's help her out! Arcanine use Extreme Speed!" Lloyd command as he and the others brought out their weapons as Lloyds Arcanine howled and was surrounded by a white and clear aura as it charged into Vergrem at blinding speed.

As the Vergem was push back.

"Jigglepuff, use Rollout!" KeA command

"Jiggleeepuff!" KeA's Curl into a Ball and strike Vargem as it toar and then fire magic at the grup where Rixia long toward it and deal a powerful slash from her sword as Randy rush in and swing his Beserker while Elie fire bullets shots.

Lloyd ran toward it and throw a few punches as Vargem fire eye laser as Pignite used Flame Charge on it and Lilligint use Energy Ball to destroy it.

Tio then begin creating a barrier upon its defeat.

"Big Brother... I'm so sorry..." Meiling groaned before feel asleep.

"Meiling, your brooch is right here, see?" KeA place the brought in Meiling's hand.

"She's just a kid..." Juna clench her fist.

"How vile to drag even an innocent child." Palutena muttered.

"All the victims are female. Anyone else see a pattern?" Randy asked

"Your right. It's not a coincidence." Aoi nodded.

"I think we're getting close now." Tio said as Elie look sad.

"Elie, you all right?" Lloyd asked

"Yes... I'm fine." Elie nodded. "Let's hurry." She said as they took off.

They walk their way though a few paths until reach the next sealed door which has an elevator and take down to the next floor.

"I feel a sinister presence beyond that door..." Aoi said, reading his ninjatō.

"Your right. Our devil is within reach." Wazy nodded as the sealed door opened as they go through and go through one final door which they saw a Laomedeia Scylla.

"So this is the culprit." Juna glared.

"A hostile spirit from the higher planes, just like the ones we encounter in the Moon Temple, or the Azure Tree." Tio nodded.

"It's one of the seventy-seven devils describe in the church's scriptures." Lloyd replied.

"Yes. I encounter these creatures before." Rixia nodded

"The Great Twilight must've brought them out." KeA said

"Wait... Look who's behind it!" Aoi pointed as they see a silver hair woman unconscious behind the devil.

(BGM ended)

(Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild ost - Calamity Ganon Second Form)

"Mother!" Elie yelled as Laomedeia Scylla let out a demonic screech.

"Looks like it's not gonna give her up without a fight!" Randy remark.

"That thing is feeding off of her regrets, just like it did with all the others!" KeA exclaimed

"How awful!" Juna growled

"Don't you mean lovely?" Hades smirked.

"Shut up Hades!" Viridi yelled as everyone pull out their weapons.

"Mother! Hold out just a bit longer! I'm coming to save you!" Elie yelled.

"SSS, move out! We need to rescue Elie's mother!" Lloyd command

"Roger Wilco! We gotta free the souls of all the other girls it claimed, too!" Randy added

"What a disgusting pile of tentacles. Let's blast it to bits!" Tio declared.

"Right! We'll teach this monster to never come back to this world under any means!" Rixia yelled

"As a member of the Septain Church, it is my duty to purge this demon back to the abyss." Wazy said.

"I'll use whatever tricks I have up my sleeves and punish this wicked creature!" Aoi declared.

"You said it! Juna! Rean! And all of the Pokemon. You guys ready?" KeA asked.

Juna nodded "Always! Let's go, Instructor!"

"Right! We'll back you up however we can!" Rean nodded as the Pokemon respond.

Devouring Grief Demon - Laomedeia Scylla.

Lloyd form a combat link with Elie, Randy form a combat link with Tio, Rixia form a three way link with Wazy and Aoi and Rean form a link with Juna.

Lloyd form a Pokemon link with Arcanine, Elie form a Pokemon link with Lilligant, Randy form a Pokemon link with Pignite, Tio form a Pokemon link with Mimikyu, Rean form a Pokemon link with Charizard and Juna form a Pokemon link with Quaquaval.

"Break them! Raging Hammer!" Lloyd activated his Brave Order as the Laomedeia Scylla summoned two Oozetilus as its minions and then swung it tentacles at the group as they dodged.

Aoi lung toward Laomedeia Scylla with his ninjatō with blinding speed and deal slashes all around it as Rixia swing her large sword while Wazy unleash a flurry of punches and kicks. The two Oozetilus lung toward the group.

"Jigglepuff! Hyper Voice!" KeA command

"Jiigleee!" KeA's Jigglepuff's eyes glow light blue and it fires multiple transparent rings that are outlined in light blue from its mouth at Laomedeia Scylla and the two Oozetilus.

Laomedeia Scylla wrap itself while the two Oozetilus were knocked back as Elie fire orbal shots rapidly toward the devil while Tio cast Diamond Nova and rain down comets. Randy let out heavy swings as Lloyd lung and throw punches. Laomedeia Scylla pushed them all back with a mighty swing and then unleashed a similar attack of rings toward Tio, KeA and her Jigglepuff.

"KeA!" Lloyd yelled as Dusknoir grabbed KeA and flew in the air while Jigglepuff dodged and avoided the attack

"Thanks Dusknoir!" KeA cheered.

"How dare you attack our daughter!" Lloyd growled as he charge toward the face and punch it, but Laomedeia Scylla block it as the two Oozetilus headbutted Lloyd to push him back.

Elie fire bullets at the two snail monsters until one of them move toward Elie to attack her, but she dodge and counterattack with a kick as Rixia her craft: Dragon Claw to grabbed the two minions and slashed them as Aoi follow up by slashing two of them with one large slash until they're destroyed. Laomedeia Scylla swiftly strike Juna and Rean with it's tentacles as Tio fire orbal shots and Randy swing fiercely on it. Rean's Charizard use a Flamethrower on it as it block its face with its tentacles.

"Pignite, use Arm Trust!" Randy command.

"Piignite nite nite!" Randy's Pignite jump toward Laomedeia Scylla's tentacles and repeatedly punches it as Laomedeia Scylla push him back to reveal it's face.

Laomedeia Scylla swing onto the group as some of them jump to avoid it.

"Liligant, use Petal Dance!" Elie command.

"Liligant!" Elie's Liligant spins around and multiple pink petals surround her body and fire at Laomedeia Scylla in the form of a spiral.

"Arcanine, Extreme Speed!" Lloyd commanded as Arcanine was surrounded by a white and clear aura as it charged into Laomedeia Scylla at blinding speed.

"Shadow Dance!" Aoi used his craft: Shadow Dance to create copies of himself and long toward Laomedeia Scylla, unleashing a flurry of flashes all three clones charged through it as the real Aoi appeared behind him as Wazy jumped in the air and his fist glowed with energy and punch the demon's head.

"Howl! Divine Dragon Formation!" Rean activated his Brave Order as he unleashed a flurry of slashes onto Laomedeia Scylla while Juna dashed through Laomedeia Scylla and then fire Homing Shots around it's body with critical blows.

Laomedeia Scylla slammed its tentacles to the flow and launched a spin attack onto the group with rapid speed and struck them before it began to launch its tentacles toward Tio and Juna to grab them until Quaquaval launched powerful kicks to stop it's attack on Juna and Mimikyu used Shadow Claw to scratch it.

"Quaquaval, use Aqua Step!" Juna command.

"Quaquaval!" Juna's Quaquaval then performs a dance and then launches rapid graceful kicks on Laomedeia Scylla and boosts his speed.

"Mimikyu, use Shadow Claw!" Tio command

"Kyuuu!" Mimikyu move swiftly and used Shadow Claw from under its rug and claw Laomedeia Scylla's face.

Laomedeia Scylla screeched and then slammed its tentacles rapidly onto the group as Elie pulled out twin orbal pistols and charged them and released two energy spheres to strike at it as Lloyd powered himself and then flip jump and punched the head of the demon. Rean let out a series of slashes of his Tachi while Juna threw her own punches. Laomedeia Scylla bounces them off and then fires laser beams from its mouth.

"Jigglepuff, use Dazzling Gleam!" KeA command

"Jigglepuff!" KeA's Jigglepuff's body become surrounded in a field of rainbow-color energy which expends onward and hits Laomedeia Scylla.

Aoi uses his craft: Sakura's Threat as he threw throwing knives all around Laomedeia Scylla with Talismans attacked to it, and then Steel Wires appeared to trap it and then tear its skin as Rixia warped around it with blinding speed and slashed through it. Wazy's Stigma activated as he longed for his craft: Phantom Rush. Rean swung his tachi vertically as his Charizard used Sky Attack while Juna's Quaquaval used Aqua Cutter. Randy's Pignite used Take Down, Dusknoir used Shadow Ball, Tio changed her staff into a cannon and fired a laser from it, Elie fired Mirage Swin, Randy used Crimson Sale, Tio's Mimikyu used Play Rough, Elie's Liligant used Energy Ball and Lloyd's Arcanine used Flamethrower to burn Laomedeia Scylla.

Laomedeia Scylla let out a screech of agony before its body exploded in purple light and the distortion began to surface, causing the red room to change back to normal.

(BGM ended)

As everyone put their weapons away, Elie ran toward her mother and held her in her arms while Liligant follow.

(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things to Tell You)

"Mother! Please, stay with me... Mother!" Elie pleaded as she shake her mother as she slowly regained consciousness.

"E...Elie...?" Diana groaned as she let out a smile.

"You're awake! Oh, thank the Goddess!"

"Elie... Is that... really you?" Diana wondered. "Oh, Diana... Of course, it isn't... You must... still be dreaming..."

"No, Mother... It's not a dream!" Elie then took her mother's hand. "See?"

"Oh..." Diana let out a warm smile of relief. "Your hands... They're so warm... Then... it really is you... You've grown so much... What a fine young woman you've become..."

"I'm happy for you, Elie..." Lloyd let out a smile.

"Aww... I'm gettin' the warm and fuzzlies from this!" KeA smiled

"Me too. I couldn't help but feel so relief." Rixia smiled, placing her hand over her chest.

"You're right..." Aoi said, looking happy, but sad behind it all.

"Ten years must have felt like an eternity to them." Tio said.

"I can imagine." Wazy replied.

Juna sniffing as she rub her eyes. "I'm gonna need some tissues myself in a second."

"Here come the waterworks..." Randy sighed. "Shoulda brought a pack in advance."

Rean chuckled. "All's well that ends well."

"Pignite!" Randy's Pignite cheered. "Pigniiite!" Then he suddenly begin to evolved.

"Ah!" Randy gasped as Pignite evolved into Emboar.

"Emboar!"

"Well, well! You evolved!" Randy smirked as he pull out his ARCUS alpha.

"Emboar. The Mega Fire Pig Pokemon and the final evolve form of Tepig. A Fire and Fighting Type. It has mastered fast and powerful fighting moves. It grows a beard of fire. It can throw a fire punch by setting its fists on fire with its fiery chin. It cares deeply about its friends.

"Haha! Look at you, Emboar!" Randy laughed as he and Emboar high give.

"Emboar!"

"Congrats, Randy!" Lloyd smiled.

"Haha. Now that this case is solved, we should head back and check the others lovely ladies as well." Wazy smiled

"Right. They are sure to regain conscious." Aoi nodded.

---

Later...

"Thank again for joining us on this, you two." Elie smiled

"I'm humbled that you would go to all this trouble just for me." Diana smiled. "Thanks to you, I was able to see my daughter again. Words can'd do justice to the gratitude I feel."

"Really, it was nothing. I'm just glad you're back on your feet." Rean smiled.

"Besides, it was the SSS who did most of the work." Juna replied

"Don't be so modest, Juna." Lloyd smiled. "We couldn't have done it without you and Rean."

Tio giggled. "That also includes your and our Pokemon companions. How about we compromise and agree that we all did our part?"

KeA giggled. "Yeah! That sounds good. Everyone worked really hard to make this happen, after all."

"No doubt about that." Randy nodded. "This was a team effort, From us, the gangs from Thors, and even the Junior SSS."

"That's right. Great work, you three." Lloyd turn to the three children.

"Yeah. It's thanks to your investigation we were able to put this problem to rest so fast."

Ryu grinned. "Heh! Told you we had it covered!"

The other little boy chuckled. "It is kinda nice to hear you say it, though."

"W-We really helped? Cool!" Momo cheered

"Hold on, where's Dustnoir?" Wazy asked as they then see Dustnoir was going to leave. "Hold it there friend."

"Dusk?" Dusknoir turn around.

"Don't leave without hearing us to give you thanks."

"That's right. We owe you a big thanks for the help you done to help rescue them and trying to keep them safe too." Lloyd smiled.

"Yes. Thank you for working hard to keep my mother safe." Elie smiled

"Dusknoir." Dusknoir let out a smile as it turn its back and then took off.

"Now we can give our full attention to assisting you guys." Lloyd smiled. "We're going to get through this together. So you'd better pull your weight!"

"You bet. And thank you." Rean nodded.

"Totally! No way we're slacking off with you guys around!" Juna cheered

"I'll meet back up with you as soon as I can." Randy nodded.

"Is everyone, ready?" Palutena asked.

"Yep. We're all good." Rean nodded.

"All right. Pulling you back." Palutena said as a ray of light then pull them to the Courageous II.

---

In the Courageous II...

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Crimson Flash Shadow - Radiant Wings-)

"I'm glad that you made it back, Rean. I'm sure it was a heavy battle." Palutena smiled.

"It certainly was. But it was a team effort that we pull through." Rean smiled.

"Indeed. But now that all that's settled, it's about time I discuss with you about something."

"Oh? What is it?"

"First, let me contact someone." Palutena said as suddenly, Rean's ARCUS ring. "Oh! Speak of the devil."

Rean answer his ARCUS Alpha. "This is Schwarzer."

"Hey there, Rean!" Toval greeted

"Hey, Toval. Were you the one Palutena was going to call?"

"That's right. You know that I've got connections with the Gralsritter, right? Well, its leader requested I look into something for them, independently from Thomas and Gaius. Devils whose appearance in Erebonia coincided with the onset of the Great Twilight."

"Right. The Seventy-Seven Devils from the Septian Church's scriptures. They're not creatures native to this world." Palutena nodded. "They're demon figures from the underworld. Or Gehenna, I should say. Toval, others and I have been investigating their appearance. It shouldn't be possible for them to pop into the Empire. Especially with the Great Twilight."

"Right. Our Investigation indicates that they may be drawn to something specific. To those who possess a type of power they want to feed on. A spiritual power originating from Aidios... no... rather Gods."

"You mean...?" Rean paused.

"Sorry, I don't know much more beyond that. However, this definitely changes things." Toval replied. "There are all sorts of factions involved in this. You, Matteus, the Divine Blade of Wind, Yin. Bracers and many others. Your efforts have helped to take out plenty of regular devils already. But that hasn't been without certain side effects. You've been creating ripples in the fabric of fate. It's not something I discovered myself. I just heard about it from KeA, Beryl, Palutena, Nahida, Ei, Aether, Zhongli and Venti."

"Even them?" Rean closed his eyes. "I think I'm beginning to understand it now..."

"Heh heh heh. Took you a while, Rean." Beryl said as she, KeA, Venti, Aether, Zhongli, Ei, Miko, and Nahida.

"Oh! Speak of the devils!"

"Hiya, Rean! Thanks for your help earlier!" KeA smiled. "So, Toval, Beryl, Venti, Zhongli, Ei, Miko, Palutena, Aether and I teamed up for this one. Toval did the research, Beryl used her clairvoyance, Palutena with her All-Seeing Eye, Zhongli, Venti, Ei, Miko, and Aether scanned the world, and I worked my stuff, so now we have an idea of where to look."

"I see." Rean smiled. 'That's right. KeA can sense the ebb and flow of fate.' "Er... Questions... Palutena I understand but are the five of you really okay with this?"

"Oh no worries Little One. So long as they mind their own business who we are, we don't mind giving a helping hand." Miko replied.

"Right. This world is very precious to everyone, especially Levi. We want to figure out the cause of those annoying creatures to appear in this world." Ei replied

"Normally those things would be more interested in devouring the power from certain entities from divinity or a higher order such as Palutena and Roselia. However, they can easily sense their presence within the world and will obliterate them." Zhongli said.

"In my case, I would have Pit deal with them." Palutena giggled. "But I'm also pretty sure Bayonetta would also be interested in hunting these demons."

"Right. But even so, Palutena and the other Gods who are in this world's presence shouldn't be responsible." Nahida said.

"Right. Because if they were going after them. It would have done so by now." Venti nodded

"And I can attest to that. It's only possible for them to appear if said divinity is severely weakened. Which means there's someone out there who's either weak or injured badly that they have been searching for them." Aether nodded. "Oh and don't worry about me either. The higher ups in the church know about my existence but promise to keep me hidden."

"I see..." Rean rub his chin. "But how did Berly end up working with you on this?"

"Heh heh. No need to go wrapped up in the details." Beryl said. "Hear my final prophecy: 'Your duty calls to search the lies within the sacred shrine.'"

"Which, according to our findings, is somewhere in southwestern Lamare." Toval said

"And I saw some kind of seaside grotto in a vision." KeA replied.

"Got it. Thank you all." Rean smiled. "We've got to start our operations soon, but I'll try to look for the place, if I get an idea where exactly it might be."

"We identify it. It's located is in the Auros Coastal Road." Aether answered. "Rean. Can you take me with you to this shrine?"

"I also like to visit this shrine and find out who our mysterious individual myself." Zhongli replied.

"Got it. I'll form up a team and we can go look together." Rean nodded.

"Good luck, Rean!" KeA smiled

"Well, well. May you be blessed in the afterlife." Beryl grinned

"In the afterlife?" Venti sweatdrop before hanging up.

"So Rean, who will accompany you?" Palutena asked.

Rean was lost in thought. 'Whoever the one behind this scenes is the source of the devil's appearance. Zhongli and Aether are planning to visit. I should bring Emma, Levi, Crow and Princess Peach into this.' He begin to call said names into a group and called them. "Hey, Levi, I'm waiting for the others to join. Listen, there's someone we need to be."

(BGM ended)

---

? - Rean, Levi, Aether, Zhongli, Peach, Crow, Emma

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Path to the Demise)

"So this is where we'll find our shrine?" Levi asked as he and the others ride on horseback as Peach rides with Crow and Emma and Celine rides with Rean.

"Yeah. The appearance of Devils shouldn't be possible. And the presence Palutena and the other Gods would have felt their presence. That is what you said, right Zhongli?" Rean asked.

"Correct. Regardless of the Great Twilight's power to cloud our sights to this world, we can still feel their presence and elimate them with ease. However, they're target is someone or something else."

"It's a bit surprising that Toval was task to investigate it behind Thomas and Gaius's back." Emma said.

"But considering Tova's specialty, it wouldn't surprise me." Celine said.

"Okay, we're here." Crow said as they arrived at the entrance to the beach as they dismount while Peach and Emma hop off with Celine.

Levi teleported the horses to his Dimensional Home Spell and then they begin to walk on the Peach.

"That reminds me, I came here with Jusis, Fie and Alisa to deal with the Trial Chest here." Levi recalled.

"Right. Everyone has been taking on these Trial Chests off-screen so now everyone's all power up, including taking pictures for your friend Rex." Palutena replied as the group walk pass a few monsters before arriving at the Shine.

"This is..." Crow paused.

"This shrine wasn't here before when I arrived here with the others." Levi remark.

"A new Spirit Shrine we haven't seen before… Could this be one of the Holy Shrine?" Rean asked

Zhongli hummed. "I do sense some divinity within this shrine. And it patches that description. However..."

"Something doesn't feel right about it..." Aether replied.

"Oh, hey. So you guys came to check this out, too?" Toval asked as he came in.

"Toval, hey. Great minds think alike, I guess." Rean said.

Toval chuckled. "The way I see it, this is the most likely candidate we've got. Since we're both here and all, how about we head inside together?"

"I think that's a good idea. I'm curious about this Shrine… And whatever this presence is." Levi replied.

"There isn't any evil intention within the shrine, but at the same time, there's also this overwhelming pressure." Aether nodded

"Yeah. It's something I don't trust. And... this weird emptiness in the air feels... familiar, somehow." Rean added.

"Really?" Peach asked

"Its influence is pretty weak right now, and we might learn something as well." Rean added

"That's the spirit. All right, let's get this show on the road." Toval nodded as they go into the Shrine.

(BGM paused)

(Fire Emblem Three Houses ost - Dwellings of the Ancient Gods)

"So what's the name of this Shrine?" Aether wondered.

"The Sanctus Shrine." Zhongli read the sign on the wall.

"Looks just like the other shrines." Rean said.

"And yet I sense that tremendous power awaiting at the heart of it." Levi added

"It's not as vast as the other shrines though, is it?" Toval asked

"Judging from the echo, we're close to the end." Rean answered. "Let's take a moment to make sure we're ready before going further."

"I've got your back if you've got mine."

"Of course, same goes for me."

"All right, let's go in." Aether said as they walk down into the deepest part of the Shrine.

"Oh, hey. Now that I'm walking next to you, I can really tell how much taller you two gotten." Toval said

Rean chuckled "I might have grown a bit, but I'm still not quite as tall as you."

They begin to reach the end of the Shrines where they encounter a misty figure.

(BGM ended)

"Welcome, little humans." A voice greeted

"What..." Rean gasped as they see a large creature surrounded by haze.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Ancient Oath)

"Welcome, little humans… My name is #$%^&. hm… it would appear that name has been lost, after all."

"Argres..." Aether gasped before he look sad.

"Hm... Aether. It has been so... so long to see you, my friend." He said, causing Aether to look so sad.

"We had a feeling we'd meet you here." Rean replied sadden

"The Holy Beast of Earth…" Emma trailed off. "900 years ago, it absorbed half of the curse and sealed itself in the Primal Ground."

"Our friend here falls into the same category as Rose, the Holy Beast of Fire." Celine added

"And… this is the same beast that I destroyed, when I lost control of my power and went berserk." Rean replied

"I never thought that I would see you again, my dear friend... it hurts me to see what has become you after you were slain." Aether said as his tears came out.

"Aether..." Paimon sadden.

"Don't cry for me, my friend. That is in the past now. There is no need for apologies. Such is fate." Argres replied. "I am but an echo of the Holy Beast I once was."

"I see. And yet the final fragment of your power is what keeping your current condition here for now." Zhongli mused.

"Leave me be... I intend to stay here until my last breath, as I bear witness to the Great Twilight smothering the world."

"But..." Aether trailed off.

"You're the guardian of this place? Cause if so. How about some encouragement for our energetic youths who's trying to eradicate the root of all evil?" Toval asked

"Hmph. You're attempting what many might call impossible. But that too was fate. Very well. I'll consent to playing this game of yours." Argres said as it rose up. "Prepare for battle, Aether, and the little humans accompany him. If you can defeat me, I'll show you the way to unravel fate—to remold destiny realized. But even a small glimmer of hope is worth clinging to. Though I don't see why you need me here... but I shall play along."

"Agres..." Aether sighed.

(BGM ended)

"Thank you for your generous offer. As a human, I can't imagine what the world and fate are as seen through the prism of your centuries of experience." Rean step up and draw his Tachi. "But if you're going to help if we can prove ourselves, then we will do just that."

"Yeah. For too long you suffer." Aether summon his sword. "It's time I sent you free from your suffering."

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Neck or Nothing)

"Excellent. Now demonstrate to me the depths of your strength, your resolve, and your spirit. May my name, lost to darkness, be illuminated once more by the light shining in your hearts!"

Echoes of the Past - Argres

Rean form a combat link with Emma, Levi form a combat link with Zhongli, Aether form a link with Toval, and Peach form a link with Crow

"Shine on! Golden Blade!" Aether yelled out his Brave Order to increase critical hits as Levi and Zhongli long toward Argres as he launch a breathe attack toward them as Zhongli swirl his Spear to form into a shield and blow away the breath attack as Levi leap into the air and perform aerobatic skills and aerial slashes onto Argres who backhand him.

Toval begin casting Orbal Arts as Aether long toward Argres along with Rean, Crow and Peach as Argres aim its arm into the air to rain down several pillars of power to split them up as Emma used Mirror Magic to absorb them and then reflect it back at him. Toval cast Cross Crusader as a large Golden Cross appeared underneath Argres and burst power underneath him as Rean swing his Tachi and Aether swing his sword. Peach jumps toward Argres's arm with Crow as he begin to shake them off. Crow pull his Pisol and fire orbal shots onto Argres face as Peach ran up to the shoulder where she jump toward the face and cartwheel slash. Argres covered his face while Rean and Aether slashes the lower parts of it's body. Crow throw his Double Saber and slash around the Holy Beast of Earth as Emma swirl her orbal staff and raise it high as a flash of light glow flow on the jewel and magic circles on Argres side and magic blades emerges from it and went through him.

Argres clapped it's hands to form a shockwave to push everyone off and close to him and then raised his hand in the air and summon a giant sword where he took it and swing it down onto the group, creating a cleaver projection as everyone dodged while Peach cover herself with her Parasol and remain unharmed.

"Seriously! What is with that Parasol?!" Celine yelled as Peach undo her cover as she giggled.

Zhongli impale the ground with his Spear and fold his arms before spreading out, forming a shield around himself then he grabbed his spear, swirled and threw it at Argres where he blocked it with his hand, but the spear went through it at Zhongli's warp to grabbed it and then and launch rapid trust attack onto the back. Argres turn and grabbed Zhonglis and begin to throw him to the ground. But Zhongli remain unharm thanks to his shield as Levi lung toward Argres. Argres fired projections attack toward him as Levi siwlr his Glaive to repel each one to toss them aside and then lung toward the guts and slash through it, unleash a flurry of trust attacks and then spin attack as Crow imbued his Double Saber with red energy and unleash a X slash projection toward the Holy Beast and exploded on him. Rean imbued his Tachi with crimson fire and then let out a few swings as Argres throw his fist at him.

Toval cast Ixion Vortex onto Argres as Aether extended his sword's range and then lung toward Argres and unleash a flurry of slashes onto him and then swing his sword down on him. Argres launch a tail attack and then launched a breath attack as Peach jump into the air and then throw her crown on Argres face and hit as a boomerang. Argres raised it's arms and then slammed then to the ground to create shockwaves. Argres then begin to summon magic circles to rain down the sphere to explode the ground. As everyone takes damage, Peach used Cura onto everyone as Rean long toward Argres and slash him, then use his craft: True Helix as Emma throw magic projections toward Argres to explode on him. Peach ran up and unleashed a flurry of slashes in a graceful manner and then use Peach Bomber as Crow wildly slashed him.

Levi swirl his Glaive to deal with graceful slashes while Zhongli let out graceful rapid slashes. Argres claw attacked Zhongli to push him away along with Levi as he let out a roar to rain down lightning to explode on the ground. Argres then swiped the attack with its tail, But Zhongli formed a shield to block the attack as Levi leap into he air and performed a graceful cartwheel to unleash a large slash down projection onto Argres as Toval swing his Rod into rapid strikes and then jump back, channel energy sphere and fire at it as Aether zoom and slash around Argres into a form of a star symbol, then spin slash as the symbol exploded on him. Argres slam down it's claws to the ground to create shockwaves and then the left arm channel power and throw it toward Aether as he was push back as knock Toval back.

"Nnhg!" Toval grunted as Aethe quickly recovered.

"You okay, Toval?" Aether asked

"Yep, I'm good!" Toval said as Argres channel a sphere of power to gather energy around and then burst it onto everyone, draining their stamina, but heal their HP.

Argres then unleash a large break attack onto everyone as they scattered. Rean zoom around Argres to seal rapid slashes around him and then raised his Tachi and slash through him, dealing one large slash as Emma follow up by throwing magic projections onto Argres' body. Crow swirl his Double Saber to unleash a flurry of slashes and then combo slashes by swirling. Peach cast Diamond Nova to rain down Comets onto Argres as he punch the ground to create a cleave toward peach. Argres' eyes flashed brightly as invisible explosion line up and exploded onto Crow.

"Tch...!" Crow grunted as he was push back as Peach heal him with Cura.

Peach aim her Halbard to fire a large beam toward Argres as he use his arm to block the attack. Levi imbued his Glaive with his power and then swing it gracefully and slam down to deal a powerful strike for Zhongli to unleash a grateful and rapid thrust attack before throwing it, pierce through Argres and then the spear form into a cartwheel and return to Zhongli's hand to strike the ground to create pillars of rocks to punch Argres. Argres move around to launch a tail attack and then fire a laser beam from his hand.

"Reek Ravoc! Chaos Storm!" Crow activated his Brave Order to increase damage as Crow switch to Twin Orbal Pistol and fire multiple bullets onto Argres as he used his arms to block them.

Peach Pull out an Ice Flower to change into Ice Peach and then summon several ice shards and throw them at Argres. Argres channel light power and dark power from one hands which Aether gasped.

"Look out!" Aether yelled as Argres fused both power together to create a golden explosion and deal devastating damage onto everyone

Argres look down as most of everyone has been given devastating injuries except for Peach who was protected by her parasol.

"Curious." Argres mused but also surprised.

"Heal!" Peach raised her Halbeard to cast Cura onto everyone.

"Thanks Princess." Rean took his stand and then zoom toward the Holy Beast and then unleash a flurry of slashes onto him.

Argres slam his claws onto Rean, but Levi throw his Glaive onto the arm to stop him as Zhongli summons large meteor toward Argres and explodes on him with devastating powers. Argres recovered.

"That power... are you...?" Argres wondered in surprise as Zhongli summon several gigantic boulders and launch toward him as he backhand all of them.

Toval cast Ixion Vortex onto him as Emma cast Albion Wolf to strike him. Argres spread his arm to summon a halo behind him and then a large sphere appear in front of him to fire a large Devastating beam toward the group. Emma then used her Mirror Magic to conjure a large Mirror to absorb it and then reflect it back at him. Argres roared ti rain down rocks onto the group as each of them dodge as Rean, Levi, Aether, Crow, Peach and Zhongli rush toward Argres. Argres took his stance and then threw earth spikes onto them as Zhongli slash one as the next one was slashed by Levi, then by Crow, then Peach, and finally Aether as Rean leaped into the air and then swung his tachi with crimson power and strike down on Argres.

Rean hop off as Argres summon a gigantic sword to wield it and then swing toward everyone. Everyone split up as Peach summoned magic circles to fire pink laser beams onto him as Crow throw his Double Saber and slashed through him and returned to his hand. Zhongli zoom toward Argres and slashes around him as Levi used Blade of Arcanum to strike him. Aether begin his S-Craft: Golden Conqueror.

"Are you ready?" Aether imbued his sword with power as it extended, then zoom around Argres to deal devastating damage before he aim his hand as it flash with magic and suddenly Argres was trapped within a sphere. Aether jump into the air and sport golden wings as his sword change to a Bow of light, pull and releave large arrows of light that swirl together and go through the sphere to explode within. "The Arrow of light cleanse you. Now for the Sword." Aether change his bow into his sword as he raised it high enough to extend into the ceiling. "Golden Conqueror!" Aether then swing down on the sphere which cracks and explode into a pillar of light, dealing devastating damage onto him.

Crow swirl his Double Saber at Argres all over him until he jump into the air, grabbed it and then slam into the ground with a gigantic X underneath Argres. "Vorper Slayer!" He yelled his S- Craft.

"Eternity flow. Form is emptiness... emptiness is form." Rean took his stance and then lunged toward Argres. "First!" He launch a slash which create a hexil strike with crimson flames. "Second!" He strikes through Argres. "Third!" he raised his Tachi high with crimson fire and slam it down onto Argres "Forth!" Then strike through Argres again but with Waning Crescent Clash. "Fifth!" Then he slashed Argres upward, unleashing a larger slash. "Sixth!" Then he swing down his Tachi, releasing crimson fire onto Argres. "Seventh!" Then he pull his Tachi and unleash a powerful slash that started a maelstrom of slashes. Rean sheaths his Tachi. "Eight Leaves: Breaking Dawn!" A flurry of slashes and a symbol of a flower surface underneath him and it strike Argres.

'All right. Time to begin this next S-Craft I've been working on.' Levi through "Primordial Light. Come to me." He summoned orbs of light that appeared and entered him as he was covered in a golden aura. Then he lung toward Argres and slash all around him as he reappeared where he was, raised his Glaive in the air as it flashed, summoning several golden magic circles around Argres, teleporting him into a golden realm with golden sky and golden water as the floor as Levi reappeared. "Salvation awaits you. Rest in peace in the realm of light." Levi approached as his Glaive transformed into a spear of light. Then he vanished and reappeared behind Argres as he slashed through him as a pillar of light burst underneath Argres's body and faded into the light. "Celestial Salvation!" Then the golden light glowed brightly before Argres reappeared by being dealt a devastating damage, causing him to roar in agony as he fell onto the floor.

(BGM ended)

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Ancient Oath)

The haze on the Holy Beast of Earth begin to disappear, revealing Argres form at long last as he gets back on his feet.

"Well done. You have successfully severed the chains of fate. My name is Argres. I am the Holy Beast of Earth, created by Aidios."

"Whoa! We can understand his name now." Toval said in surprise.

"You're right... we did it!" Aether said with a smile.

"Destiny has been… rewritten? That must mean that things which were hidden to us are now revealed." Emma added

"It's as Chrom, Robin, and Lucina said. Destiny can be rewritten when we challenge our fates." Celine nodded.

"Indeed. The Ebon Knight is no different in terms of destiny and fate." Zhongli nodded.

"The Ebon Knight once tainted me with it's curse, and so, I sealed myself away in the Gral. Never did I think you would be able to triumph over me in that state. Perhaps this, too, was the Ebon's Knight—no, the strength of mankind's will may have exceeded even its expectations." Argres replied as he begin to fade away.

"Argres... are you...?" Aether look sad

"I expended the very last remnants of my power in our battle. Yet, that was a price well worth paying. I thank you for recovering my once-lost name. As promised. I will show you the path you seek." hen Areges then bestow a magical glow onto Rean.

"What's this?" Rean asked

"It is my last sherd of strength… the Earthen Prison. On its own. It cannot rival the Great Twilight… However, it should prove of some use to you. Fare you well, wings of radiant light… illuminating the twilit land below." Arege respond and then its body disappeared

(BGM ended)

"Argres..." Aether place his hand over his chest as his tear drop to the ground. "Goodbye... my friend."

The Earthen Prison enters Rean.

"Guess it's over, huh?" Levi asked

"Yeah." Rean nodded. "Let's go, everyone. Our job here is done." He said as everyone left the shrine.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Path of Demise)

"Toval, I owe you big time." Rean smiled "The Holy Beast may be gone, but it looks like we completed the trials nonetheless."

"Oh, come on, I only helped a little bit." Toval smiled. "So, Earthen Prison. Any idea how to use… whatever it is?"

"Not a clue. It doesn't seem like something we can use with Orders." Rean answered. "Zhongli, Aether, do you know what's it used for?" He turn to them.

"Not that I know up. However, I know it can be of great use." Aether answered.

"I agree. Though I am not one hundred percent certain, it's a prison that can be used to trap beings be those within or outside of reason." Zhongli said.

"In other words... maybe it may be used against Ishmelga?"

"Yes. Considering Ishmelga is one of the beings who is outside of reason. The Earthern Prison can be used against him if used properly. As for how, we'll just have to find out."

"Got it. If the Earthern Prison can be used against him... we may be able to defeat him once and for all. But the question is... how though..." Rean wondered.

"Maybe we should discuss this with the others when we get back." Levi suggest.

"Sounds like a plan."

"That about takes care of everything I needed to do on land. Think I can catch a ride on your ship to my next destination?"

"Sure, it's the last we can do." Rean smiled

"Okay. Then I'll pull you guys up." Palutena replied as a ray of light pull them to the Courageous II.

---

Phew! Man, all of the Quests has been completed! Normally, I would add in Skarts requests too but considering Crow is alive, I don't see how that can happen. As for the Earthern Prison, Zhongli and the other gods are the best candidates to understand it that can used against Ishmelga. Now for the big finale!