(Trails into Reverie ost - Slight Suspicion)
"So we've got our lead, then?" Rean asked
"Yes. We've received a report about an ongoing house arrest taking place In Ordis. According to this report, the two in custody consist of a special VIP and a faculty member from Thors." Meta Knight nodded.
Musse sighed. "Ordis... I should've known."
"Musse…" Altina trailed off.
"Your hometown..." Juna look at Musse. "It feels like it was just yesterday we were there for our field study." Though it turned into a pretty tedious slog, no thanks to a certain snotty aristocrat."
Levi let out a "tch". "Ah, yes. Marquis Ballad… That lazy obnoxious incautious impudent self-absorbent pig." He complain, causing some group to sweatdrop. "It's a good thing he isn't the interim supervisor of Ordis due to his actions. However... The one overseeing the city is-"
"Carl Regnitz. My dad." Machias answered. "Given his position and that of those, there's no way he wouldn't know about this house arrest business. No doubt in my mind, he's got something to do with it, one way or another."
"Though it's hard to imagine such a lofty individual acting of his own volition." Jusis replied
"True. Knowing that man, he doesn't seem to be the sort. As for the captives... I can only speculate that the faculty member of Thors is Towa." Levi said
"Towa?" Rean look surprised.
"Really? What makes you think it would be Towa?" Elliot asked
"We've contacted all branch campus students, so we know where they are. Course, there's also Linde, Mint and Becky, but I doubt any of them can be captured when the situation in Heimdallr is settled. Not to mention what happened back at the Gral. So the only one I could think of is Towa since she was with us in the Gral." Levi explained
"Makes sense." Angelica nodded. "And that's all the more reason enough to intervene."
"Our next destination is decided then." Rean declared. "They've got someone important to us over there. We'll make our first move by getting them back. That includes reuniting you with Governor Regnitz again."
"Thanks, Rean." Machias smiled. " And don't worry; I'm ready for this. It's my duty as an inspector to assess my dad's authority and hold him accountable."
"If it's the port city you're heading to, I should be able to be of some help." Crow said. "I've got a few ties to that place, thanks to Ordine and Cayenne."
"I would like to see the situation there myself. I am of its local noblewoman, after all." Musse said.
"I'm taggin' along, too." Ash added. "My own hometown's further depends on it."
"I'm also going. I want to make sure Towa is okay. Plus, I know Ordis as well." Angelica nodded.
"Seems our infiltrating team's shaping up nicely with you guys at the center." Sara said. "All that's left is to make sure we're one-hundred percent prepared.
"Well, you guys sure settle that quickly." Celine sighed
"That's just the Class VII way." Emma smiled
"Honesty. It's quite the team effort." Luka nodded
"Then in that case. Best of luck to all of you." Hamsuke added
"Well, that obviously doesn't apply to me. Nevertheless, I'll deign to go along and provide any help you might need." Duvalie said.
"We'll be sure to take you up on that." Laura smiled
"Then we'll get started planning the infiltration route and H-Hour right away." Meta Knight said "If anyone has anything left to do, now is the time to take care of it."
Rean nodded "Roger that!" He turn to the group. "Does anyone else want to come along in Ordis?"
"I like to go." Kurt said
"I also like to come along too." Kairi said
"Me too. I'll wear a different outfit and discuss" Peach smiled.
"Count me in too! I'm curious to see Ordis." Ruby said.
"I'm also curious so I'll come along." Weiss nodded
"I heard Ordis is quite a place so count me in. Course, here's hoping my luck doesn't cause trouble." Qrow said
"And just as a backup, I'll come along." Yang said
"Maybe I can help out too." Levi said
"Okay, that should be enough. We'll be counting on you guys. Let's take a break and begin planning." Rean said.
"Oh, that reminds me, Rean." Jusis called out to him as he turn. "I also have news. While we were on Bryonia Island, we spotted another Trial Chest. We already completed ours but you may chest it out who was chosen."
"Got it." Rean nodded. "I'll make a note of that."
"Speaking off. We also sent Rex a picture. I'm not sure how that Buffon got his hand on it, but he send us a picture of General Le Quin back when she was a student."
"Oh boy..." Rean sweatdrop. "Well, we should ignore that for now. Anyway... what to do..." Rean thought. 'I could go visit Radiant Garden for training... Or maybe... Oh wait.' "Hey, Crow, Duvalie. You haven't been to Eyrn's Fairy Springs have you?"
"A Fairy what?" Duvalie raised an eyebrow.
"I'll take that as no." Rean chuckled.
(BGM ended)
One trip to the Fairy Springs...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - A Little Rain)
"Ah, yeah... Nice and stream, just how I like it." Crow happily sighed as he was with Rean, Levi, Morgan, Duvalie, Altina, Mona, Shez, Kazuha and Arval and their Pokemon who are taking a nice hot spring bath. "Nothin' better than having it with friends and the woman you love."
"Smooth talking aren't you Crow?" Morgan asked, laying her head on her fiance's shoulder.
"You two are lovely-doubly as usual. But I do agree. This Fairy Spring is truly superb." Mona said.
"I have to agree. I've had my fair share of hot springs visits all over the world with my lord, young lord, Ines and Ennea. Though the young lord as a growing boy so he had to go into his puberty. But there's not much better for relaxing the body after a long day of intense training or battling." Duavlie agreed.
"You travel far and wide for your Stalritter duties, I assume?" Altina asked.
"Even outside of Erebonia, huh? Have you been into a Hot Spring in Isle Delfino, perhaps?" Rean asked
"You've got that right." Duvalie nodded. "I've been there before and it was truly spectacular. The fresh fruits and drinks, the scenery, and how could I forget that large tree in the center of that village. I can't believe the Pianta... I think...? Built an entire village over a gigantic tree and over the crater no less. Wonder never ceases in the Mushroom Kingdom. Of course, there are also a few places within the Mushroom Kingdom that have some glorious Hot Springs within nature and civilization places. Such as in Toad Harbor, and Daisy Circuit for examples. Oh, and I have been to this remarkable city called Singapore. Remarkable city landscapes, and colorful water that's almost like a light show. And the Hot Springs there was radiant as the moonlight. Its mixture of eastern and western is unlike that of Crossbell and Calvard."
"Really? I never heard about this city called Singapore before."
"I have actually. It truly is a beautiful place." Kazuha chuckled. "It's located on the southeast of the Mushroom Kingdom, however, it's quite a long distance of travel. I visited there about a year and a few months ago or so."
"Really? There are some places in Fodlan for its good ol' hot springs during my time as a Mercenary. I kinda forgot the name of the place. But sadly, the old Fodlan is done along with it. But I've heard that they're rebuilding some new Hot Springs all over Fodlan and there are some natural hot springs too." Shez said.
"It's quite interesting compare to the lava paths we relax in." Arval said.
Levi blinked "Wait, did you say, lava baths?"
"Oh yeah! You guys don't know about it." Crow chuckled. "The Lava Bath are like hot springs but with lava. Normally Bowser, his kid, or anyone with high-level tolerance to lava can go in with ease. Kamek gave us a lava ward spell and relaxing in the lava was completely unbelievable. You'll be surprised what it could do for you."
"I'm surprised that's such a thing." Altina said.
"No kidding. But life is full of wonders. But there are some hot springs I wish to visit. Like the one in Liberl or in Calvard before I left my home." Mona said.
"I heard about Calvard has Eastern-style hot springs galore. Yet I haven't even begun to see them for myself." Rean said.
"Ah, you're talking about Longlai. I have been there myself from time to time. It's also known as the Hot Spring Paradise in Calvard. It's located on the easternmost point of Calvard, and serves as a gateway to East Zemuria. It's very popular with tourists and tea herbs. I can recommend you some places I know." Kazuha said.
"Oh that would be delightful." Mona smiled.
"Yeah. Me too. Oh, since you travel from many places before, you know any hot springs places I can look into?" Rean asked.
"Of course, I should have the list down." Kazuha nodded
"And there he goes again with his fetish for Hot Springs." Levi sighed but chuckled.
"Sheesh, that hot spring mania of yours is in full swing, huh? If you've seen Ymir's, you've seen 'em all, don'tcha think?" Crow asked with a grin look.
Rean shook his head. "Not even close. The water differs from region to region. Each one's got its own unique charm. Speaking of, Kazuha, are there Hot Springs in Inazuma? And for Jurai for you, Crow?"
"You bet! Ever heard of a 'salty hot spring'? That's our claim to fame. And bring in the north, you've got tour pick of awesome saunas."
"Oh the Sauna sounds wonderful." Morgan giggled. "Come to think of it. I remember there was this Hot Spring Paradise in Ylisse... or was it the Outrealm gate."
"For me to answer your questions, there are several I could mention. Some are in civilizations while others are in natural resorts. If you plan on visiting Inzauma, please feel free to contact me." Kazuha smiled
Duvalie let out a sigh until she open her eyes and look shock as she blushed. "W-Wait just one second! Why am I luxuriating in here with you anyway!?" She look around.
"I was wondering if you've notice." Arval sweatdrop. "We've been here for ten minutes, just so you know."
"Haha. I imagine the others are probably doing their own things right about now." Rean chuckled.
"And I'm picking up that Duvalie the Swift is actually Duvalie the Shy and Innocent. Aww." Morgan grinned.
"I bet the Eisenritter of legend didn't bother with separate baths for men and women." Crow added.
"Urgh..." Duvalie growled, embarrassingly.
"Now now, you two. Don't tease poor Duvalie like that." Mona sighed before smirking. "She is quite sensitive to such a topic."
"Mona you-!"
"Yeah, now that you mention it... I'm pretty sure that concept straight-up didn't exist back in the olden days. The baths were just the baths for everyone." Rean said.
"So far someone adhering to time-honored, traditional values, there's nothing inappropriate about mixed bathing." Altina said.
"W-Well... Times have clearly changed! We don't still live in caves!" Duvalie argued.
"Things turn a bit funny, don't you think?" Shez turn to Kazuha.
"Haha." Kazuha chuckled.
(BGM ended)
One bathing and then a journey to Trial Chests later...
"So this is one of the boxes, right?" Rean asked.
"Looks like it. It feels like it's calling for me." Crow said.
"Interesting. Same for me as well." Edelgard said.
"As well as for me." Dimitri said. "Shall we go in?"
"All right. Let's do this everyone." Rean said as he open the chest and the trial chest suck them in.
In the Trial Chest...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Erosion of Madness)
"Bah! What in the world!" Edelgard exclaimed from Ginosha-Zanak.
"So it appears we're to face a giant spider." Dimitri pull out his lance.
"Right. Is everyone ready?" Rean pull his Tachi.
Crow pull out his Double Saber. "Hell yeah."
Ginosha-Zanak hissed at them and then unleash its cobwebs toward them as Edelgard burn it with her magic, causing the giant spider to hiss and charge at her. Edelgard jump and throw Amyr to force the Spider knee down as Dimitri launches a few slashes and jabs as Rean launch his slashes on the other side. Ginosha-Zanak throw off Amyr as it returns to Edelgard's hand as it tried to jab attack Dimitri who dodged a few time until Crow switch to Duel Pistal and begin shooting have several shotlocks on it and begin firing and dealing powerful damage, causing it's attention toward him and charge at him.
Crow smirked as he have his pistols charge an energy blade and unleash a large red energy slash to push it back. Rean then took a stance where he imagine the moon over the Spider and then he strike through it, and in his mind eye and speed naked to the human eye, Rean warp around Ginosha-Zanak, unleashing series of slashes around, and over with a flip cartwheel slash and then unleash a clear crimson slash projection before landed on the left and then strike through the moon. Then the phantom slashes appeared, causing Ginosha-Zanak to screech in agony.
Dimitri used his Combat Art: Atrocity as his Areadbar glow a red energy and then swing upward, unleashing red energy surge onto Ginosha-Zanak then raining down, causing it to screech in agony as Edelgard follow up with her Combat Art: Raging Storm as she swirl her axe into a fiery vortex before she zoom and strike through around it with fiery slashes and then swing upward into a fiery vortez.
"Dimitri, now!" Edelgard yelled as her combat link with him glow.
"Right!" Dimitri respond as his Adreadbar glow a lighting energy and then he dash toward Ginosha-Zanak and pierce through him, leaving heavy azure thunder as Edelgard's Amyr glow with red energy as she jump into the air and then she started cartwheeling until slam Amyr on Ginosha-Zanak's head into a volcanic explosion that even the ground underneath has heavy crack.
Edelgard hop off as Ginosha-Zanak turn into black mist.
"Damn." Crow blinked.
"Haha. As expected of them." Rean chuckled as the battlefield flash in white.
(BGM paused)
Out of the Trial Chest...
Rean's team exited out of the Trail Chest as it disappeared. "Okay, I guess one more to go." Rean said.
"Jusis said it's on Bryonia Island." Levi open a portal there. "Let's go." He said as they go in.
One search for the Trial Box Later...
"And here it is." Levi stare directly at it. "So who is it this time?"
"Huh." Rean blink. "It's me again."
"I also feel it." Kurt said.
"Huh. Now that you mention it. Same here." Claude said.
"Curious. Me too." Byleth mused. "Well, shall we?"
"Right." Rean nodded, opened the Trial Chest and they were pulled in.
Inside the Trial Chest...
(Resuming Erosion of Madness)
"Wha- A Cryptid?!" Kurt exclaimed as they see Lone Rontes. "This looks exactly like the one back in the keep!"
"You're right. This is a Trial after all. Show me how much you improve, Kurt!" Rean exclaimed
"Right!" Kurt pull out his twin swords.
"In that case, I'll just do what I usually do." Claude pull out Failnaught.
"Then cover me, Claude." Byleth pull out the Sword of the Creator.
"Got it Teach!" Claude reader his arrow as he pull one from his quiver.
Lone Rontes fire a beam from it's mouth toward Rean who was knocked back as Kurt's combat linkability: Vengence activated and slashed Lone Rontes as Byleth rush in and then swing the Sword of the Creator as Lone Rontes blocked with his arm and then counterattacked by launching it's claw attack. Byleth block it with his sword and then duck the other claw and then punched the gut, slid a kick to hope he'd fall but it didn't as Lone Rontes readied his next attack, but Claude shot an arrow on it's forehead to knock it back as Byleth jump back.
Rean then rushes to unleash a few slashes at Lone Rontes as launches a fire breath attack toward Rean but he dodges it easily and then forms a Battoujutsu unleashing a powerful slash. Byleth lung toward Lone Rontes and unleash a series of slashes along with Kurt as they both swing at it. Lone Rontes punches the ground to create a shockwave as Claude shoot his arrow all over Lone Rontes's arm. Lone Rontes then raised it's fist to slam into the ground to create a large shockwave before it begin to jump flip and slam to the ground.
Byleth jump into the air and then swing the Sword of the Creator downward to unleash the chain and strike it, allowing Claude who also jump to shoot an arrow onto the head. Claude shoots one arrow at a time as Rean unleashes a series of slashes. Lone Rontes launches its claw attack onto Rean to push him back. Kurt then lung toward Lone Rontes and used Rain Slash 2. Lone Rontes claw attacked Kurt, but he dodged it and counterattack by impaling it, causing immense damage thanks to his Master Quartz. Kurt then unleash a flurry of slashes before unleash a strong X slash on it.
Lone Rontes Shoot a fireball toward Kurt as he dodged it. Claude charge his arrow and shoot at Lone Rontes's forehead as Byleth unleash a series of slashes onto Lone Rontes as it respond by using it's arm to block the attack, but Byleth pull out Amyr Replica and swing upwardcut to knock it off its back. Switch to the Sword of the Creator, jump up and then Impale's its chest, causing it to roar in agony as Byleth deep toward it's head until it died, jumping off and cause it to explode into black mist.
(BGM ended)
"All right, we're done." Byleth smiled as the light flash on the void.
Outside the Trial Box...
"Okay. That should do it. Did anyone else other them me got stronger?" Rean asked
"Funny you should ask that. I feel... as in video game terms, level up." Claude said
"Same. I wonder how these Trials Chest appear in the empire." Byleth wondered.
"I'm not sure how. But back then, it was just only Class VII for the Overdrive function." Rean said "I think that's everything taken care of. Let's head off and begin planning our next move." He said as they nodded and return to the Halbert as Palutena pull them up.
Dateline: August 25 Friday
(Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes ost - Hope for Tomorrow)
"Now entering Lamare province's airspace. Maintain optical camouflage." Meta Knight ordered
"Aye!" Blade and Sword nodded
"Phew. Looks like we'll make it without any problems." Ruby sighed
"I wouldn't count on it. With my luck, something is bound to happen." Qrow said.
"Hey, try not to jinx it." Sonic said.
"Okay. Let's go over the plan. As we discussed yesterday, all entrances are monitored so going through there isn't going to help us. Our only option is to use the ex-field camp Class VII used back then." Tales said.
"Right. Security's been pretty lax between Ordis and Raquel. We can make for Ordis straight from there on foot." Rean nodded.
"Just the same as we did on our field exercises." Altina nodded
"'Cept without Ouroboros and the jaegers there jacking all the railway cannons." Ash comment.
"I hear the harbor renovations have been coming along, though they aren't quite finished just yet." Jusis said.
"They were short a supervisor after Marquis Ballad's dismissal, after all.' Musse nodded. "Though things have progressed quite a bit since Governor Regnitz's arrival, or so the rumors say."
"Sounds about right... He's probably used to this by now." Machias nodded.
"I'm a little uneasy about the naval fortress, personally." Kurt said.
"Oh that's right. Your uncle, General Zechs of the 3rd Armored Division is station there, right?" Ashe asked.
"That's right." Laura nodded.
"They've both been a great help to Class VII in the past." Emma frown.
"But unfortunately, we can't say hi to them, can we?" Dorothea sighed.
"Well, no use brooding over it." Crow said. "We're just gonna have to wing it. Don't worry- your pal Crow can hold your hand if things get to be too much."
"Well, look at you, making such a generous offer, Crow. Could it be possible for you to learn that your learning how to become responsible?" Morgan grinned.
"Sure. Responsible to make sure your little shenanigans won't cause us trouble, like your mother with her pranks."
"Touche~"
"Oh yeah, those two are definitely suited together." Celine rolls her eyes.
"Hehehe, What can I say? I raise her quite right~" Lissa giggled.
"You mean the troubling part?" Robin sweatdrop. "Plus I'm pretty sure- actually never mind."
'Haha. Kinda reminds you of those ol' days huh?' Levi whispered
'Yeah. Just like old times.' Rean smiled. "Crow, Machias. We'll be counting on the both of you out there."
"Right! I'm more than ready!" Machias nodded.
"Oh hey, we're about to arrive." Daisy pointed.
"All right, Infiltration Team, get ready to land!" Ryker smirked as they go toward the Ex Field Camp.
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Towards that Land)
Upon arriving, the Halberd landed in a large area so no one could see them while camouflage, coming down the deck via the ramp was Rean, Levi, Machias, Crow, Musse, Ash, Angelica, Peach in her casual outfit with a white T-Shirt, sunglasses, and blue tights. Kairi, Ruby, Weiss, Kurt, Qrow and Yang.
"I don't sense anyone nearby…" Rean said as he look around. "Looks like we made it here unnoticed."
"Heh, this place really takes me back." Ash replied.
"Well, it is where we had our first field exercise with Class Vll, after all." Musse added.
"Hard to belive that was barely three months ago..." Kurt sighed
"Yeah. And yet we had so many good times here." Levi nodded. "The beach, shopping, and our time here."
"Oh yeah, I remember meeting you all and then meet another sweet angel that came down from the heavens. Poor dear, I hope she's okay." Angelica said.
"Riiight. And George warns her about you." Levi chuckled before his expression turned dark. "But enough about him. I got the Soldots along with Valimar and Ordine on my Dimensional Home. I can bring them out if needed."
"Indeed. I shall stand by and await your call." Ordine said as everyone is equipped with an earpiece. "Even in my absence, as Valimar's Awakener, you should still be able to call upon his power to do the same."
"That's great and all, but we should keep moving. We need to reach Ordis. Plus, we also need to use the plan to slip past the guards without alerting security." Weiss said.
"Yeah. I could use my Semblance to make us warp over there, but I don't think I could carry that many people." Ruby scratched her hair.
"I have an idea that might work. Don't forget to put on the discussions too." Crow said.
"Like I already have, hmmhmm." Peach giggled.
"Indeed Princess. I love your style~" Angelica said, happily.
"Don't forget I'm also here to monitor. If things turn bad, you know who can do a little rewind. So be careful, okay?" Palutena said
"Thanks, Lady Palutena." Machias said. "I'll let you guys take the lead."
"Sure, sure. We got the horses with us. So we should be fine." Ash replied.
"Then I shall be riding with Instructor Rean~" Musse cooed. "In any case, the city is just west of this field exercise camp. We'll have to be careful not to draw any undue attention on our way."
"With the horses, we'll make it there quickly. Oh, And speaking off." Levi summon a portal as he went in, and then he brought out the horses from the Halbard's ship with Venti, Jusis, Elliot, Alisa, Gaius, Byleth, Ferdinand, Lorenz, and Sylvain who guided the horses out.
"Okay, they're ready." Venti said.
"Thanks, everyone." Rean smiled. "When we get close to the city, we'll have the horses return back to the sanctuary."
"Of course. Make sure you hide that where your magic can't be seen up close." Ferdinand nodded as the Riders: Rean, Levi, Crow, Angelica, Kurt, Ash, Peach, Qrow, Yang, and Weiss begin to climb up their chosen horses as Ruby climb behind Weiss and Machias climb behind, Levi, and Musse Climb behind Rean.
Rean takes the brown one. Levi take the light brown one. Ash takes the black one. Weiss takes the white one. And Crow takes the other brown one. Peach takes the white one, Qrow takes the black one, Yang takes the brown one, Angelica takes the light brown one and Kurt takes the Black One.
"Let's ride, everyone." Rean said. "Yah!" He gentle shakes the rein as the horses begin to canter as they ride away toward Lamare Highway.
"If we turn right here, this road will take us to Ordis." Machias informed
"Sounds like you know your way around." Ash replied.
"Yeah. We drove through here back during my orientation at the inspectorate."
"Heehee. Lucky we have the horses here to make it easy." Musse replied.
"I always love a good horseback ride." Levi replied
"Horseback riding is kinda similar to riding my bike." Yang said.
"As someone raised in the Schnee Family, riding horses is one of the things I need to learn." Weiss said.
"Same for being a Huntsman." Qrow replied as they moved and made a right turn toward Ordis until Rean spotted a Trial Chest. "Is that a Trial Chest?"
"It's your call, Rean. If it possible if we're all here." Levi said.
"Let's mark this and be on our way." Rean said as they took off again.
As they pass the gate that leads closer to Ordis, they spotted a fork in the road.
"Another folk in the road. The right path leads to the naval fortress, if I'm not mistaken." Rean said as we arrived at the fork in the road.
"One-Eyed Zechs is there with his 3rd Division, yeah?" Crow asked.
"One-Eye Zechs is one of Erebonia's greatest commanders in the army. His sharpness rivals that of his skills." Levi replied.
"Hmm… I know our destination is Ordis, but…" Musse paused as she is curious about the situation of the fortress.
"Won't hurt to go take a look." Ash replied.
"Hold on, are you certain that's a really good idea." Weiss asked.
"We can dismount, I'll teleport the horses into my Dimensional Home with the Divine Knights and Soldots. They won't be spooked." Levi said as he dismount. "Plus, I can use the camouflage spell on us if needed."
"Well, if that what you kids, want, then all right." Qrow sighed as the rest dismount, Levi used his magic to store the horse and then cast his magic onto the group to turn invisible. "Oh, what do you know."
"All right, there. We can see each other because we're connected by my spell. But everyone else can't. If a soldier were to touch you, or if you're being too loud, the spell will wore off. Keep that in mind."
"Understood. Okay, let's take a quick peek." Rean nodded and then they began to make their way towards Juno.
(BGM paused)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Reinforcing Soldier)
The group walk their way further toward Juno Navi Fortress where Ruby and the others look in awe of the size.
"Whoa... So this is the Navy Fortress Juno?" Ruby said in awe.
"Shh! Remember to keep your voice down." Weiss scolded
"Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" Machias asked.
"It reminds me of that military base in Argus. Except we have to deal with that annoying military hag." Yang muttered
"Sounds like you guys been through a lot." Rean said.
"So what were you planning to do?" Levi asked
"Well, we were planning on making it to Vacuo but something unexpected that forced our attention away." Qrow said. "We can talk about that another time.
"Fine by me." Ash said as they were near the large containers and see the Fortress a little closer.
"That emblem is the 3rd Armored Division right?"
"Yes. And with my uncle here... The full force will be transferring here." Kurt nodded
"There should be around 50,000 troops stationed here." Musse said.
"Tch, never woulda guessed, considering how quiet it is." Ash muttered.
"They're either getting too coky for their own good or-" Crow paused when he, Levi, Rean, Ash, Qrow and Peach felt a presence coming from a distance. 'What?!'
"What's-"
'By the containers!' Rean hurries to the containers as Weiss pushes Ruby there as they hide.
Rean, Levi, Crow, and Qrow look at the top of the Juno Fortress as One-Eye Zechs approaches the balcony and looks down as he notices something, but turns his back and leave.
'Phew... I don't think he notices us.' Levi whispered to everyone.
'Why did you tell us to hide all of a sudden?' Yang asked
'Because One-Eye Zechs was on the roof. He has an incredibly good eye and can sense presence. Even with the camouflage spell, he will notice us.'
'Oh my, really?' Peach gasped.
'Y-Yeah. No wonder he's considered a representative of the Vander style.' Machias said nervously.
'Yep. He can carry his own weight, that's for sure.' Crow nodded
'Hmph, guessed they just knew what they were doing.' Ash said.
'We're lucky we weren't caught.' Kurt sigh with relief. 'No... Did my uncle just let us get away?' he thought that last part to himself.
'As Levi mentioned about General Zech's good eye, It's too dangerous to get any closer. Let's turn around and head to the city." Rean told them as they nodded and hurried back to the road for Levi to bring out the horses again and ride toward Ordis.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Towards that Land)
"It's a good thing we had the horses here. Otherwise, it would be a long walk." Machias sigh of relief.
"True. But it's important to improve stamina. Considering your behind the deskwork." Levi grinned
"Hey!"
"He's got a point you know." Crow agreed.
"Plus, you really need to learn horseback riding. Look at Elliot, he already got some horseback riding skills and improved his stamina and muscle." Levi chuckled.
"All right, we can tease Machias another time. Once we're near Ordis, we need to dismount and walk once we arrive at a good distance." Rean advised everyone.
"Roger that." Ruby nodded.
Soon they can see the entrance of the city and notice there were two guards stationed on both sides.
"Heimdallr Military Police." Rean said quietly.
"Let's dismount and find a good place so I'll teleport the horses back to the stables."Levi also said in whisper.
"Got it." Rean nodded as they turn to a nearby distance where they dismounted, Levi open a portal back to the Halberd where Venti and the others pick up the horses and head back inside where the team continued making their way on Ordis on foot.
"Hey wait a minute. Aren't we still under Levi's spell? We can just go through them." Weiss suggest
"Oh, yeah! Forgot about that." Ruby said.
"Guess all we got to do is walk past them." Levi chuckled as they walked and easily got past the two guards.
(BGM ended)
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sneak Survey)
As they finally arrived in Ordis, Levi look around where no one is around, but as a precaution, they headed to an alleyway and undo Levi's spell.
"Woooow. So this is Ordis?" Ruby look around.
"So this is the Aquatic Captial, huh?" Weiss mused.
"Heehee, back home at last." Musse said. "We owe to you and your magic, Levi."
"It's no problem. I'm just glad the camouflage spell work. Maybe we should use that method again on our next mission." Levi smiled.
"Heh. I gotta hand it to you, Sullivan. You always have such interesting tricks up your sleeves. It's no wonder you're everyone's favorite helper." Ash said with a grin.
"Well I am the class- wait a minute, you're making fun of me aren't you?" Levi gave him a deadpan look.
"Perhaps I should ask you to teach me a few more of your magic tricks, Levi~" Musse giggled.
'I feel like we're using too much of Levi's ability from time to time.' Rean thought. "Well in any case, it seems like things have changed quite a bit since we were here last."
"In that case, we should survey the city and pick up any info related to your friend and this VIP." Qrow said
"You got it." Machias nodded
"So where should we go, first?" Yang asked.
"Good questions. But let's head over to North Street first." Levi suggest as Class VII spotted Rivera Court. "Oh, that store."
"Is that a store?" Peach asked
"Yep. That's Riviera Court." Ash nodded
"Yeah. Ferris is the manager there." Reane explain.
"I bet things get quite hectic for her." Musse said. "Let's go see if they have any info for us." She suggested as they go in, noticing the boxes. "What's with the boxes?"
"Good question. Maybe we can ask inside." Kairi said as they are inside. "Um... What's going on here?"
"It look like everything is being packed for some reason." Peach look around.
"They closin' up shop or something?" Ash shrugged.
"Oh, everyone!" A voice called out to them as they turn and see Vincent and Margarita with Lickitung and a floating Luvdisk.
"Rean! And is that Angelica? I'm so happy we were able to see each other again!" Margarita cheered
"Vincent! And... and..." Rean blinked.
Levi blink. "I know that novice... Is that you Margarita?"
"Wait, what?" Machias blinked. "That's Margarita?!"
"How mean. And here I was hoping for a happy reunion." Margarita frowned, causing Vincent to look mad.
"Ah, sorry, Margarita. You certainly look... You look... different from the last time we saw each other." Rean explained.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Machias sighed
"Machias needs to work on more than just his stamina apparently." Levi said with a smirk. "He really need to learn to control his outburst."
"Lay it off me, will you?"
"Heh, it's perfectly understandable to be caught a little off-guard. I'm not sure used to it myself, and we're... uh, 'dating' I suppose."
"Oh? So you're going out with Margarita, now Vincent? Good for you and her. You were always hiding from her back when we were students. But now that has changed. Oh, and it's nice to see you again Vincent. You as well Margarita. It has been a while since we last saw each other." Angelica said.
"Indeed it has, my dear rival of mine." Vincent nodded. "In addition to Schwarzer, Sullivan and Angelica, it is a mist fortuitous blessing to see you among us Crow."
"Haha, yeah. Even though it has been two years, I am still not really sure how to face any of you, after everything I've done and all..." Crow said sincerely.
"And Lady Mildine... Oh, or would you prefer Musse instead?"
"Musse is indeed preferable, thank you~." Musse smiled.
"Good to see you again, Vincent, and Margarita." Rean smiled.
"My greetings to you all. It's certainly been awhile, no?" Margarita giggled.
"Ahem." Vincent clear his throat. "In any case, I've been speaking with some of the other alumni, and I'm hearing some significant chatter. We've much to discuss... Your reason for coming to Ordis, for example."
"But our hands are full at the moment." Margarita sighed.
"What's seems to be the problem?" Kairi asked.
"Riviera Court has no future whatsoever if that 'certain something' isn't found."
"Sounds serious. What's going on with Ferris is worrying, but it look like you got some pressing issue here." Levi remark.
Vincent nodded. "Yes, explaining the specifics could take hours..."
"But to make this quick. Riviera Court is being commandeered by the army." Margarita explained.
"We received a notice from the Imperial Army arrival about a week ago. It ordered us to vacate premises so they can turn it into a conscription office. We had to scramble to find a new location. Somehow, we managed to borrow an office from the Harbor Union. We've gone into overdrive, preparing for the move... but the permit for opening the new location could not be found today... the very day we were about to move!"
"If we don't have that in hand, then we cannot operate, even if we make the physical move. Every last employee is running around trying to find it."
"Damn, talk about stressful. No wonder you all look so down in the dumps." Ash said.
"And you guys been searching through every corner of the store and you still can't find it, right?" Levi asked.
"Correct. it's not a thought that I enjoy entertaining... but it is possible that the permit was stolen." Vincent said.
"Is that is true, then you guys are in serious danger for sure." Kairi sadden.
"By the way, wasn't the store manager of the store...?" Musse paused
Vincent nodded. "Yes, my sister, Ferris, was once the manager. After the incident in Heimdallr, she disappeared without a trace. There hasn't even been word as to whether she's alive or not. Including her Pokemon. I've taken over management in her absence."
"Well, this is Ferris we're talking about. I'm sure she's fine." Rean said.
"My thanks, Schwarzer. I choose to believe that as well. But for now, we need that permit. If we don't find it, Riviera Court will be finished. Our clientele, Ferris... How could I face them if that happened? I couldn't live with myself."
"Yes, we simply must find it!" Margarita agreed.
'Should we help them? I mean it's the least we can do?' Levi whisper to Rean.
'Yeah. We can't let them lose the spot they work so hard to get.' Rean answered. "Vincent, we could help you out if you'd like. What do you think?"
"That's right. As fellow alumni of Thors, we can't just ingore this." Machias agreed.
"Hmph, so it ended up like this after all..." Ash sighed. "You busybodies sure like sticking your noses in other people's business, huh?"
"I don't know what to say." Vincent smiled
"How about a thank you?" Levi chuckled.
"It's no problem at all. We'll go help look around." Peach giggled.
"And if we find it, maybe we'll pick up some intel on what's going on while we're at it." Crow added
"Thank you all so mich. This really means a lot to us." Matgarita cheered. "It would be great if you'd take a quick look around the premises. We're counting on you all!"
"Of course. By the way, I love your dress." Peach smiled
"Ohoh! Why thank you! I can tell you got good taste as well my friend. Who are you by the way?"
"You can call me, Peach."
"Well, a pleasure to meet you, Peach."
'Peach, hm?' Vincent thought as Rean's Team look around as they look at the window.
"Hmm..." Yang examine the window. "I'm no expert on thieving, but if a thief were to come in here, it's usually the entryway or the window, right?"
"Right. If they were here, they shouldn't leave any traces of their movement behind. What's more, there isn't any sign of forced entry at the door either." Qrow added.
"If someone brome in, it must've been a master thief. Or..." Ash rub his chin.
"There never was a burglary to begin with. Right?" Musse asked.
"Maybe the permit was misplaced. Let's go look around." Weiss said as they look around where they see a man looking around.
"Find anything?" Angelica asked.
"No. I put the permit inside the cabinet, along with some other important, documents. It was still there, last night. I'm sure of it." The staff groaned. "But when I checked this morning, both the permit AND the relocation flyer were gone!"
"Oh no! That isn't good!" Peach said.
"Do you know anyone who might be suspicious?" Kairi asked
"Well if they went for the letter... well, the only party I can imagine doing this is Kleist & Co." He answered. "And here I was, thinking of out rivalry as a fun, healthy one. Why would they do something that would clearly cause them to be hated?"
"I think it's a little premature to jump to conclusions like that, since we don't have enough evidence." Musse said.
"There's a lot here that bothers me... Let's keep searching." Rean said as they look around a bit more until they see the cashier.
"Hey, look at this." Levi said as they look at the cashier.
"The Cashier, right?" Ruby tilt her head. "Won't thieves be interested in taking in the Lie- I mean the Mira?"
"Let me take a look." Crow said as he examine the register lock. "Doesn't look like anyone force it open or anything."
"And how exactly would you know that, Crow?" Levi raised an eyebrow. "I get the feeling you done something similar, before?"
"Haha, it's no big deal, all right? This is the first time I've done something like this since I was at Thors. It feels a little unreal, that's all."
"If you say so." Levi rolled his eyes as they continue on until they headed to the counter where papers are gathered. "Hm, what's this?"
"That's my desk, where I take care of my paperwork." The staff answered "I'm terribly sorry for the mess. I was in a hurry this morning, and everything still splayed out on the desk."
"Hm?" Crow notice something as he look closely on the desk. "Hey, isn't that the relocation flyer buried under this mess?"
"I thought that the relocation flyer and the permit was supposed to have been lost together, but..." Machias paused.
"Yeah, what the hell, man?" Ash look at the staff. "You just left one out here like this?"
"W-What?" The Staff approached the desk. "I-I thought I sent them all out already! What happened?"
"Is something amiss?" Vincent asked as he, Luvdisk, Margetira and Lickitung approached the group.
"Well, one of the relocation flyer is here. I thought for sure I- I..." The Staff then gasped as he realized something. "Oh Aidios... I remember now..."
"What is it, Hereford?"
"This morning that I forgot to mail some of the paperwork for the move. I remove the relocation flyer from the cabinet and sent it all together. I was very rushed. If it's still here, then perhaps..."
"Then maybe you screwed up which papers you supposed to send out, yeah?" Ash asked.
"Yes, that does seem to be the case, doesn't it? I have no excuse for my oversight. I'm so, so sorry."
"You're always so diligent, Hereford. A simple mistake like this isn't like you at all." Vincent said. "So the document that you mistakenly sent out was the permit, then?"
"It's highly possible." Rean nodded
"When we looked around the store, we couldn't find any traces of a thief." Machias continued.
"The only explanation is that one of your employees made a mistake. Like what should or shouldn't have been sent out, for example." Crow finished
"You were very thorough, weren't you?" Margarita sighed.
Hearing this, your theory does seem on the mark." Vincent nodded. "So we can expert the permit to have been sent to the part the relocation flyer was addressed to."
"Yes, the address was Lord Galtion's estate in the Noble District. Let's head there immediately." Musse nodded
Rean nodded. "Good idea. Please wait a little longer."
"I'm counting on you, Schwarzer and everyone else." Vincent said as they rushed out of Riviera Court.
"The group then headed to the Noble District where they took a left turn near the fountain and spotted a mansion.
"That's Lord Galtion's mansion right there." Musse pointed as Levi knock on the door.
"Coming." A voice said and open was an Elderly butler. "Yes? Can I help you?"
"Excuse us. But you wouldn't happen to receive a letter from Riviera Court, would you?"
"Ah, you must be talking about the letter we recently received. Honestly, I cannot say I was thrilled over the content of that letter."
"What did it say?" Crow asked as the butler pulled the letter and hand it over to Rean.
"The hell is this?" Ash asked. "This isn't a relocation flyer. It's just business stuff. All that's in it is 'operating profits' and orders they made for after the move."
"That is correct. It seems that it was addressed to a store called Glycine's Flower Shop." The Butler nodded. "I do suppose anyone can be liable to make a mistake. But it feels relatively rude to my master. He has been a patron for many years."
"We're really sorry. This is the right one." Rean handed over the relocation flyer addressed to him.
"Well, well. Thank you very much."
'I didn't think there would be another mistake.' Rean whisper to the group.
'No kidding. Guess the florist has the permit, then." Levi said
'It's possible. Glycine's Flower Shop is on North Street.' Musse nodded
'Let's go take a look.' Crow nodded as they turn back but they look at Cayenne's Mansion in the distance but they heard an Orbal Limo engine as they quickly hide.
The Orbal Limo park in front of the entrance, guarded by two IDF soldiers with Electabuzz and Hitmonchan. Came out of the Limp was Governor Regnitz. And approaching from the mansion was Claire.
"Governor Regnitz." Claire saluted.
"Thank you for coming out to meet me, Major Rieveldt. I appreciate you keeping an eye on things while I was away." Governor Regnitz said
"No, this is part off my duties, after all. Good work with the coastal Inspection, sir. Sorry to hurry you, but I'd like to get right to it. Let's talk about more the security detail."
"Understood. Why don't you fill me in as we walk?" He said as he and Claire walk into Cayenne's Mansion.
As the coast is clear, they came out from hiding.
"Dad..." Machias sighed.
"Even Major Claire's in Ordis?" Rean asked.
"I wasn't expecting to see her too." Weiss frown.
"It isn't only the Imperial Defense Foece, but the Railway Military Police as well..." Musse sighed. "If they're cooperating with the governor, we'll need to stay sharp." Musse said
"Right. And we have a duty to observe my dad's actions, too. Let's stay on guard while we gather information." Machias nodded.
"We should also get going. Saying here isn't the best idea as well." Angelica agreed. "Be careful not to get to close either."
"Yeah, maybe we should leave for now." Rean agreed as Crow and Levi were looking around the rooftops but no one is up on the roof as they leave.
They headed to the North Districted where Musse guided the group to the flower shop where they see the florist working.
"Hello there Flycine." Musse greeted. "Lady Musse, is that you?!" She gasped. "We've been worried sick. You'd up and vanished without a trace!"
Musse giggled. "It's been too long, Glycine. I'm so sorry for worrying you all."
"Ahem. Well, as long as you're safe and in good health, that's all we could ask for. It looks like it's been pretty stressful for everyone back at the house as well." Flycie sighed. "All of North Street's been watching over you since you were a little girl. We'll always be here for you."
"And I'm ever so grateful." Musse smiled. "I'm actually have something that I'd like to ask. Did you received a letter from Riviera Court?"
"Ah, you must be referring to that flyer I got. To be honest with you, that's something that I'm a little stuck on." She said as she handed the few papers to Musse.
"This... is addressed to Kleist Mall." Machias remark. "And there's a note that just says, 'details are as per our earlier discussion'."
"If this is some matter of business, I'll do what I can, but I really don't know what I'm supposed to do with this. I'm not even sure what to say to the folks at Riviera Court."
"Oh, this has all been one big misunderstanding. This is the letter meant for you." Musse handed over the letter addressed to Glycine.
"Thanks, my lady." Glycine collect the paper. "Sorry for the hassle."
"Heehee. Don't even mention it."
'Another screw up.' Levi whispered to the group.
'This kind of screwup could put a real dent in Riviera Court's reputation for a while.' Crow replied
'Yeah, that's for sure.' Rean nodded
'At any rate, we should head over to the Business District and drop by Kleist Mall, right?' Machias asked
'Yeah. And they must have the permit.' Levi nodded.
'Before we go. I like to check on something. As well as going into Strauss Orbal Factory.' Musse said as they take a quick detour to Count Egret's residence.
"This is where you live around, Musse?" Peach asked
"Yes, the residence of Count and Lady Egret, to be precise." Musse nodded as she stopped the group. "However..."
"Look who's guarding." Levi pointed and two IDF soldiers are guarding. "I should have guessed the IDF forces are also here."
"Looks like the home of the Weissland Army's supreme leader hasn't escaped their surveillance. I hope your family's doing all right." Rean said.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that." Musse said. "Right before the Great Twilight began, I sent them away to a villa nestled into a fairly remote area."
"Damn, you really did see everything coming..." Ash chuckled.
Musse look back at her home with a serious expression. "My grandparents have been keeping an eye on me all this time, and I'm sure I've set their hearts full of worry. So, no matter how difficult the going gets, I have to make all of that worrying pay off."
'She sounds pretty serious.' Rean smiled in his thought. "Yeah, I'm sure you will."
"Anyway, let's stay the hell away for now." Crow said.
"Right. Off to you know where next." Levi nodded as they took odd to Strauss Orbal Factory and go in.
They look around and see Strauss was working as they approach him as he turn to them.
"Lady Egret... You all... It's been some time, Strauss." Musse smiled.
"Oh that's right. You're the glass artisan who's acquaintance with Musse." Levi recalled. "Thanks for your help during our field studies."
"Hmm." Strauss fold his arm. "It seems that you're not here without reason. Start by telling me about your situation. When I've got that information, I'll decide whether I should assist you or not."
"Looks like you've got a good head on your shoulder." Crow remark
"I've been doing exactly that, ever since I was a child." Musse said. "Of course, we'll tell you about the situation. It's like this. We're here because we received intel that there's an ongoing house arrest here in Ordis. And according to the report, there are two people in their custody. One who is an unknown VIP while the other is a facility members of Thors. And we're here on a rescue mission to rescue this VIP and a member of Thors. And knowing by now, they're being held on Cayenne's manor. Does that seem all right with you?"
"Hmm. Yes. I see. You're right about the mansion part. Putting the talk of someone related to the branch campus aside, I do have some knowledge about this VIP." Strauss said.
"You do?!" Machias asked
"Who is it?" Rean asked
"The other day, we got called out to the mansion on an urgant request from some government official from Heimdallr. We were working on the glass in one of the rooms, and I happened to catch sight of their guest while she was being shown around. It was only for a second, but there was no mistaking her. It had to be Empress Priscilla." Strauss answered
"Empress Priscilla is here?" Peach asked in surprise.
"What would the empress be doing here?" Kurt wondered
"I see." Machias tuck in his glasses. "They wanted to offer a proper greeting for the empress, so they commissioned a professional glass cleaning service. Father's always been detail-oriented that way."
"Hmph, continuing on from Crossbell, huh?" Ash asked
"He was like that too during his trip to the Mushroom Kingdom. I hope Empress Priscilla is all right." Peach said
"Same with me. I guess this is just part of me settling things... Not something I can pretend isn't happening."
"Ash..." Musse said solemnly.
"Right, let's take this as a guiding sign from Adios." Rean said
"Not knowing the full details of the situation until now, I've been keeping this to myself." Strauss said. "But now it looks like the teists and turns of detiny have brought all of you here to Ordis. Now that you're here, go ahead and do what you have to do. I can help out with your orbments."
"Thank you." Musse smiled. "That would be incredibly helpful."
"We'll hit you up if we need a hand." Crow nodded as they took off to Kleist & Co.
"Okay, so who should we talk to about the situation?" Levi look around and see a man in a suit. "Oh..."
"What is it?" Rean asked and see the man. "Oh."
"Ah, I remember him. But we're all good here. Let's go ask him." Musse said as they approached him. "Hello."
"Y-You...! If I'm not mistaken, you're that group from Thors! Is it okay for you to be here?" Herman asked
"Yes, more or less." Rean answered. 'He tried to defame Riviera Court a while back... It looks like he's working as Hugo's subordinate for the moment.'
"Anyway, don't you doing anything to stand out, you hear me. I already made it clear to her, but if I received orders from the higher up, I gotta take the government's side, all right?"
'Her?' Levi thought.
'Her'? Could he mean...' Musse thought.
"Got it. Thanks for the warning. Changing of subject, but I also have something I'd like to ask you, Herman. By any chance, did you received a letter from Rivera Court recently?" Rean asked
"Oh, yeah, we did get something like that. I heard the move was a done deal, so I just assumed it was an invite to the grand reopening. I haven't even opened the envelope yet. Hold on a sec, I'll bring it over." Hermans aid as he left to the official area passing the door and then he came back with the evalope as he open it. 'Wait, this ain't no intite... It's a permit for opening a new store."
"There it is." Levi sweatdrop.
"The sudden move must have left them absolutely wrecked." Herman sighed. "Sheesh, what the hell are they doing messing up with something this small when out fity tricks couldn't even trip them up?" He sighed as he hand it over to Rean.
"Thanks, Herman."
"At least we finally gotten the permit in hand." Levi said.
"And just a stone's throw from Riviera Court, no less. I guess it can be hard to see what's right under your nose sometimes, huh?" Crow asked.
"Yeah, you said it. Should we head back to Riviera Court now?" Rean asked.
"Yeah. We should." Levi nodded. "Thanks Kermit."
"It's Herman." Herman corrected Levi who chuckled.
(BGM pauses)
(Fire Emblem Warriors Three Hopes ost - Just Another Day)
And so the group made their way back to Riveria Court where they see Vincent, Margarita, their Pokemon and the staffs are looking around still.
"Vincent, we're back, and we found your permit." Levi announced.
"You did?!" Vincent asked as he and everyone else gather around. "Where was it?"
"It was in Kleist Mall. They hadn't open their envelope until recently, but they were kind enough to give it back to us. Well to you I should say." Rean answered
"So the permit was actually sent to Kleist Mall." Vincent mused
"It must have been quite troublesome for those who mistakenly received the permit." Magarita sighed
"I cannot apologize enough!" The gentleman staff bow. "The full responsibility of this error lies with me! I will bear it entirely, even if it costs me my position!"
"W-Wait a second! Sending the relocation flyers was originally my task to handle! It was because I was tired, so I asked you to take care of it for me, Hereford! This is actually all my fault!" The Maid staff protest.
The other staff shook his head. "No, if that's how it is, then I'm to blame for not noticing what was being sent out!"
Vincent shook his head. "No, none of you are to blame. Our eviction order came so quickly, and you've all been working nonstop, preparing for the move. The blame lies with me for not being properly considerate of you all, despite how exhausted you must be."
"All's well that ends well!" Margartita smiled. "My thanks to all of you. You've really saved us here."
"It's true. I can't thank you enough. With how things were looking, I thought I'd never be able to face Ferris again."
"I'm just glad that the permit was recovered in the end." Rean smiled.
'It was a pretty serious mistake.' Crow whispered.
'To be honest, I'm not sure how I can imagine anyone making this kind of mistake, no matter how busy they are.' Machias replied.
'Do you think it was the curse?' Musse whispered
'Probably. But we'll have to talk about that another time...' Levi replied.
"Well, we need to keep working on our preparations for the move. Please forgive me, I cannot thank you properly at the moment." Vincent smiled.
"Don't let it bother you." Rean smiled back. "We can't let things ends like this, can we? We'll help out, right up until the move."
"Oh, for cryin' out loud... Did ya forget what our real objective is?" Ash sighed.
"Well, this is just another one of Instructor Rean's fantastic qualities, after all." Musse giggled.
"No kidding." Peach, Angelica, Qrow, Ruby, Weiss and Yang replied.
"My, my... I am completely at a loss for words!" Margatita smiled. "We'll definitely take you up on your offer!"
And so Class VII and friends begin to help out with the stuff and boxes with Vincent, Margarita, their Pokemon and Riviera Count Staff. Once everything is settled, they begin to carry the stuff toward their store location in the corner of the harbor, albeit in less-than-perfect condition. After finishing setting things up, Margarita and the staff of Riviera Court raised their glasses in a toast.
"Finally, can we get going now?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. So take care everyone." Rean smiled.
"And good luck with your store!" Levi said when they saw the amazing transformation of Margarita with her... original appearance.
"Thanks to all of you, we've managed to successfully reopen! I've said this already, but I truly wish to express my thanks. Thank you all so very, very much!"
"Aw, it's no pleasure at all." Angelica chuckled.
"Heehee, of course, I'm grateful to you as well Vincent. I'll give you a relaxing shoulder rub later as well~
Vincent shivered. "Oh, no, I, er... I couldn't possibly impose, especially since my shoulders are not stiff at all."
"Heh, your attitude's made a complete 180 from earlier." Crow smirked
Vincent groaned. "Please don't make this any harder than it already is." 'I already knew about this, but... the heart cannot be so easily swayed.'
Musse giggled, you shouldn't allow physical appearance to distract you~"
"Yeah, so don't mind us when she's giving you all the love she has to rub your shoulders on." Anglica smirked.
"A-Ahem." Vincent clear his throat. "Allow me to express my thanks as well. You truly saved us in our hour in need. In Riviera Court's long and venerable history, we've never face such a trial as this. We must prepare to face even more challenges going forward. We shan't falther. I swear it on the honor of Thors and the Florald family."
"Same goes for me! Vincent and I are going to make Riviera Court a bugger success than ever!"
"Now that's the spirit!" Levi smiled. "We'll be looking around forward to seeing what you do from here on."
"From the sounds of things, you'll have your fair share of challenges coming as well. Take care of yourselves. I know you have it in you to succeed!"
"We will." Rean nodded as they took off.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Sneak Survey)
As they leave the store, they notice the changes in the harbor.
"Even though we help move the store to the harbor, something still doesn't sit right with me." Ruby said
"Yeah. Espcually with those container ships." Yang nodded
"I've never seen this place so busy." Ash said.
"The Imperial Navy have been using Sheelin Bay as their base of operations for a while now. This must all be to send supplies to them before the war truly begins." Musse said.
"Sounds about right. I guess they're requisitioning stuff from the city already." Angelica nodded
"According to what I've heard, most of the residents' ships are being held back. We're really starting to see the effect the National Mobilization Law is having on normal people's lives."
"Yeah. Nationalism's on the rise, and the war feels closer than ever. It could be having other repercussions. Let's take a look around town." Rean advised.
They begin to wonder around the port where they stumbled upon Miranda's Tavern.
"Oh, a Tavern." Qrow mused. "Maybe we'll find some info there."
"It isn't going to be about any booze, is it?" Weiss giving him a deadpan look.
"'Course not." Qrow replied as Ruby and Yang gave him a Deadpan look. "But hey, if they're offering, I can't turn it down." Qrow said as they go in. "Ah the tavern. Nothing is best is the tavern."
"When you wanna dig up dirt, there's no better to go than the local watering hole." Crow agreed.
"Amen, brother." Qrow high give him.
"Glad to see some people knows what's up." Ash grinned.
"Wait, how and why are you agreeing with them about that?" Machias sweatdrop
Rean sighed. "We're going to have a long talk about underage drinking later, Ash. Sure is lively... Somebody here's got to know something useful."
Levi look around and spotted familiar faces with their Pokemon. "Or how about them?" He said as they approached them "Maya, Leonora."
Maya gasped "Ah, Insturctor Rean! Levi, Class VII!"
"Pretty crazy place for a reunion, huh?" Leonora chuckled. "Lookin' sharp, Instructor Rean. Class VII. Glad you're all okay."
"You as well. It's a surprise to see you here as well, Maya, but glad to see both of you are doing well." Levi smiled.
"So what brings you to Ordis, anyway? If you guys are planning on starting something, I want in."
"Funny you should mention that. Oh, but allow me to meet you to our other friends. Team, meet one of the Branch Campus Students, Maya and Leonora. Maya, Leonora, this is Ruby."
"Hi!" Ruby waved
"Weiss."
"A pleasure." Weiss greeted.
"Yang."
"Sup." Yang greeted.
"Their uncle Qrow. Ruby and Yang I mean." Levi greeted as Qrow just greeted with his hand. "Peach when I'm sure you know who." He said, causing Peach to giggled. "And lastly, Crow."
"What up?" Crow asked.
"Crow... and Qrow, huh?" Maya asked.
"Yeah, except he is a Q, not mine with a C."
"Anyway, let's find a good seat for all of us." Ash said as they begin to set down.
(BGM pauses)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Brief Meeting)
"I heard you were in town, but damn... Didn't expect to run into you at a place like this." Ash said. "But Sullivan mentioned you were here in Ordis if I recall."
"Yeah. I've had eyes on me ever since I arrived, though, so I haven't been able to do a lot." Leonora sighed. "I really wanted in on that fight over in Alster, too."
"Ah, I do recall hearing something about you wanting to go, but being unable to." Kurt said.
"Yes, it's the thought that counts." Musse nodded.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Instructor Rean. When we heard the news, we were overwhelmed with joy." Maya smiled. "Did you come here to ask about those rumors?"
"That's right." Rean nodded. "It's why you met up with Leonora, isn't it? Have you found out anything about the people being held here in Ordis?"
"Sure have. At this point, it's only rumors, though. But if they're right... Instructor Towa is one of them." Leonora answered
"Towa?! Are you certain?" Rean asked
"Someone matching her description was seen at Raquel Station. The info said the IDF took a short girl with a white uniform to the mansion. It's almost certain it's her." Maya answered
"As I suspected it was her that might be here." Levi sighed.
"Thanks for your help, Leonora. You, too, Maya." Rean smiled. "You can leave the rest too-"
"Wait!" Maya raised her hand. "We can do more than this."
Leonora nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure we can find a hole in the surveillance. We'll do what we can. Why does Class VII get to do everything? Let Combat Tactics show you what we've got."
"I happen to agree." Levi chuckled. "The more helping hand, the better. After all, times like this is where we come together in the name of Thors."
"Hell yeah!"
"Agreed!" Leonora and Maya respond
"Blizel/Maku/Medititle! Arro!" Both Leonora and Maya's Pokemon respond.
"All right, in that case, we'll call you into what to do." Rean nodded as they got up and leave.
"Wait... Where's Uncle Qrow?" Ruby look around and see him ordering a booze.
"Okay, that will be 500 mira." Miranada said.
"Sure thing." Qrow pull out his wallet
"Nope." Ruby, Weiss and Yang then pull his clothes and drag him.
"Wait! Wait! The beer is calling meeeeeee!" Qrow yelled while being dragged while the rest of the group sweatdrop and follow them.
"Hey! Who's gonna pay for this?" Miranaga look at the glass of booze.
"You couldn't have at least waited for me to drink it?" Qrow asked.
"Yeah, we can't take chances, you know." Yang said.
"All right, we done investigating or what?" Ash asked.
"Yeah." Rean nodded. "With all the info we've got now, we should take some time to go over it together and draw up a plan."
"But we should head somewhere where no open ears can eavesdrop." Qrow sighed. "Any ideas little miss?" He referred to Musse.
"The Sea Breeze Tavern comes to mind. It's on North Street." Musse answered. "I know the place well, and I'm sure I can get us a table in a cozy corner."
"Great! Let's hit the road, shall we?" Qrow said as they took off toward Sea Breeze Tavern as they went back to the Business District and then made way for North Street and then found Sea Breeze Tavern.
(BGM ended)
"All right, we can order something here so we can blend in so-"
"I call the booze!" Qrow said as they began to talk to the Innkeeper to set them up in the back of the establishment where they wouldn't stand out, order beverages and light meals, and then begin their next plan.
(Blazblue ost - Premotion)
"So, for the time being we have a general grasp on the situation in Ordis." Musse said
Rean nodded. "Yeah, Governor Regnitz seems to be keeping the disorder from getting too out of hand. But still, Levi's hunch about Towa being here, but I would never guess they were holding Empress Priscilla being held prisoner of all people."
"So Towa's hanging out with the Empress, huh? Sounds like she's really moving up the ranks." Crow said.
"Well I can't blame them. Towa is renowned for her abilities and she is an Instructor of Thors." Angelica said. "Still, they're being held in Cayenne's family mansion, which serves as the office of Ordis's temporary supervisor."
"I'm sure they're being well taken fare of, but what is Dad even thinking?" Machias grumbled.
"What indeed. Despite bring called a sworn friend of the chancellor, he has outright opposed the war effort at every turn." Musse remark. "There must be some kind of pressure behind this..."
"Without questions yes. But what concerns me now is Major Claire. I don't know why she's here. But I can imagine she must be acting as the Empress's guard or something else under Osborne's orders." Levi said.
"Most likely the case, yes." Rean nodded.
"But how are we going to sneak into the mansion? Maybe with Levi's magic?" Ruby asked.
"No. I don't think that's an option. They got Pokemon. What's more, I've also noticed some Faunus IDF soldiers among their ranks. Some of them have sharper senses than the humans IDF." Levi answered
"Not to mention they got Pokemon surveilling the area. For example, not just Pelipper, but Golbat, Watchog, Fearow, Staravia, Magnetons, and Emolga. I've also noticed a Hoothoot is flying around, surveying the area in secret. Those guys can use Foresight which can undo Levi's magic. I could go on, but you get the point." Crow said. "The only bright side is that we managed to blend in so they haven't gotten the idea of who we are."
"Indeed. Foresight is a move that can dispel illusions and reveal invisible objects and Pokémon. This also enables a Ghost-type target to be hit by Normal- and Fighting-type attacks." Musse agreed.
"Yeah, My Noctowl Foresight helped me out tons of time during my investigation." Machias added.
"Damn, Ordis may be not secure as you guys say, but with Pokemon who can use those moves will put us at risk." Qrow sighed
"Even so, I do want to check in on what my dad's real intentions are here if I can. Given that you used to live there would you mind sharing some ideas regarding infiltration routes?" Machias asked Musse before he blinked. "Ah. Sorry. That probably sounded pretty insensitive."
"Another of what Machias needs to work on, right?" Levi whispers to Crow with a smug look, causing Crow to wheeze and laugh quietly.
"I heard that!"
"Heehee. I may be the rightful lady of the house, but personally, I don't have any objections to our breaking in." Musse said. "Not when it concerns a formal instructor and the mother of our most beloved princess. No matter what memories I may have of my parents there, what matters now is that we rescue those too."
"Agreed." Rean nodded with everyone else.
"With that kind of conviction, I'm prepared for whatever comes next." Machias said
"So, about the infiltration route." Musse turn to Crow. "I think that Crow might be more in the know than I am with that."
"Huh? Weiss turn to Crow with the others.
Crow sighed as he scratched his hair. "Come on... Just how loose-lipped is Vita, anyway?" He got up. "Okay, fine. Follow me. I'll show you a really nice spot." He said as they got up and headed elsewhere in the Habor.
As they arrive, they follow him toward a secret area in the docks where Crow shows them a door.
"A door?" Yang asked.
"That's interesting. We never saw this back in the field exercises." Levi mused.
"This leads to the underground waterways. We can use this route to get into the estate." Crow explained.
"Heehee, good thing the first Duke Cayenne of the Middle Ages decided to build an emergency exit." Musse giggled
"There was something just like this back in Bareahard." Machias recalled. "I'd never have got out of the provincial army's clutches if not for that."
"Wait, you were being kept prisoner? What for?" Ruby asked
"Jusis's late father was the most irritating man. He wanted to take me hostage because of my father as Governor."
"I see..." Weiss said solemn.
"That couldn't have been quite so simple." Kurt trailed off
"I'm glad that Jusis's despicable father is dead. Considering he made too many enemies like Cayenne, I'm sure he had it coming." Levi fold his arm. "It may not right for me to say bad things about the dead, but they earn their positions in Gehenna. But enough about me rambling. I can imagine that it a lot for you guys, huh?" Levi turn to Crow. "So Crow, I'm only guessing the reason you knew about this was because either Vita or Cayenne told you?"
"You're on the right track at least." Crow chuckled. "I came here with Vita maybe... five years ago? This is where I undertook my trials to become an Awakener."
"I see. That makes sense." Rean mused.
"That must be when Uncle Croire gave Vita the key to this place. I'm guessing you still have it, Crow?" Musse asked
"Yeah. I brought it with along just in case we needed to sneak in again. Good thing I ask my lovely lady to teleport me back to the castle for that purpose." He approaches the door, pulls out the key, and then unlocks it.
"All right. Guess we'll go in and sneak our way." Qrow smirked.
"All right, everyone. Get ready." Rean advised as they go in.
The rescue mission for Towa and the Empress can now begin! Awesome. I uploaded another chapter as I was working on it. Another New Year gift from me to you.