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?

47. Rufus

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - End of the -SAGA-)

"Wow..." Ruby said as they look up. "That's... a long way up."

"A Spiraling pathway, just like in the Infernal Castle." Elliot paused

"Or Neo Bowser's Castle." Crow added

"or the Gral." Alisa continued.

"Good. That means we only have one path... Upward." Jusis said

"Yeah, so we better keep going." Sora nodded.

"Right, let's-a-go everyone." Mario nodded as they begin to walk up the spiral stairs.

"Say, Alisa, are you saying okay?" Aether asked as he and Rean chat with her while they walk.

"Yeah! My mother, grandfather and Sharon are all counting on me! I won't disappoint them. But what about you Aether, I know you have a score to settle with Black Alberich." Alisa said.

"Yeah. I'm okay. Honestly, I couldn't help but be so thrilled. Because It's been long overdue since his very existence stained the Gnome's very name. And of course, your father too."

"Yeah. I hope that you can succeed... But... how are you going to do that?"

"Let's just say you'll be surprised." Aether scratch his cheeks. "What about you, Xehanort?"

"I have no scores to settle with Alberich. However, I do plan to make a small payback." Xehanort answered.

"But remember to be on your guard. He can trapped you in that dark dimension." Eraqus said.

"I'm fully aware of his power. But he should be aware of my powers. I won't be holding back."

"Oh really? And yet who was it who save you from the blink of death?"

"That's me!" Sora waved his hand with a cheezy smile.

"Just a small drawback." Xehanort said.

Aether roll his eyes. "Suuuure. Whatever you say, Old man."

"Well, whatever the case, I'll support you and Jusis with everything I've got." Alisa smiled.

"Thanks Alisa." Rean smiled.

"Seriously, you've gotten all kinds of strong." Ash comment as he, Juna, Kurt and Venti chat. "No wonder, pretty boy here falls for a wild fillie."

"Haha, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd be going toe to toe with Ouroboros Enforcers like that. It just makes me fall in love with you again." Kurt smiled

"Kurt, since when did you become so romantic all of a sudden?" Juna wondered as she blushed

"Gaius did mention that you would bt Class VII's bridge. You really do link up with everyone." Venti replied. "Though I imagine Instructor Rean would say this would be his greatest accomplishment as an instructor."

"Ooh he would say that won't he? OoH, I feel like I wanna crawl into a hole and hide if my face gets any redder." Juna scratch her cheek. "Besides, we need to focus! Four Rivalries crossed off the to-do list already, and the next one's just around the corner. We can't let ourselves mess things up right at the finish line!"

"Hehe~ What's what Class VII Is made up." Venti chuckled.

"Hmm..." Sora rub his chin.

"What's up Sora? You seem like there's something on your mind." Mario said.

"Well, What Ouroboros said something is strange. About this "possible world". I'm still trying to wrap my head about it."

Goofy hummed. "It might be related to what Rosalina said. But we can also ask the King, and Master Yen Sid about it too." Goofy suggest.

"True. But we need deal with this situation quick. But it won't be easy." Donald replied.

"Right. Lord Rufus is a master of court fencing, his swordsmanship alone is on another level from Prince Cedric's." Laura agreed.

"And that's not to discount the power he's been granted as a Knight of Blood and Iron. This will be one of the toughest battles we've ever been." Gaius agreed.

"And with him is Minerva. Her magic is frightening to control space to her will. What's more, she's a lot stronger than she was before as well." Erza nodded.

"True. But we can't lose hope. We're all so much stronger than we used to be. Us, Rean, and Valimar alike." Emma said.

"Your right about that. All the training and battling we've been through is right up till now have been preparing for us this moment." Sora nodded.

"May the wind and the Goddess smiles upon us." Gaius replied.

"Rean has my sword. Just as you, Sora." Laura smiled as they reach the top and then go through a corridor where they see one seal door on the right and one on the left is a hallway.

"The switch must be on the left." Luigi remark

"Allow me." Xehanort summon his Keyblade and fire a beam of light and opening the seal door.

"All right. Let's hop down and keep going." Natsu said as they jump off the platform and go back to the large area and go through the door.

They go through the door and see another elevator and they use it to go up. Upon arriving, they see a grand door.

"Wow... look at the size of this door..." Wendy said in awe.

"Hmph. I've seen bigger." Bowser said.

"You always say that." Crow sighed.

"But this door is overwhelming, don't you think?" Gray asked "Not to mention the solemn. Almost like something is in sight behind those doors."

"Yeah..." Aether nodded before turning to Rean, Crow and Lianne. "Rean, Crow, Lianne. You guys feel that?"

"Indeed. They are not making it a secret." Lianne replied.

"One of the last two remaining shards of great power divided into seven is just on the other side." Crow nodded.

"No doubt it's Rufus and his Auric Knight behind that door." Millium said. "Black Alberich, the false chief of the Gnomes, Neve the Keyblade Master, Enforcer No. XVI, Relius Clover and Hazama.

"I see..." Jusis sighed as he and Alisa turn to Rean and Crow. "Rean, Crow. I understand most of the heavy lifting for this Rivalry will fall to you, however..."

"Let us help you in the preliminary battle." Alisa request.

"Of course. I'll be counting on you." Rean nodded

"I also like to join too." Aether nodded. "Alberich and I have a score to settle. And now he's within reach. I can finally deal with him once and for all."

"I also like to join." Sora said. "I also like to face Neve in battle."

"I will also be joining the fight. I shall remind Alberich of our little talk back at the Workshop." Xehanort said

"And count me in as well. Minerva is behind that door. Sting, Rogue entrusted me and Fairy Tail, and to you all to reach out to her." Erza replied.

"Phew. Glad you guys volunteered!" Crow smiled. "We'd have to call the whole thing off without you.'

"We'll all offer you our support during the Rivalry, too." Kurt nodded

"Yeah!" Juna nodded "Let's make this the worst day for that rotten governor general's life!"

"I'll join you in this battle. It's time my lance reaches a hole through that fiend, Relius Clover." Lianne said.

"I'll also be joining the fight. I just want to punch Black Alberich and Rufus's face." Levi chuckled.

"All right. Let's go!" Ruby said as they open the door and then walk up the stairs to a large area where they see Hazama, Relius, Alberich, Rufus, Neve and Minerva standing in front of the Auric Knight.

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

"So you've arrived." Rufus said.

"Hmph...earlier than expected, too." Alberich added. "And once again, you continue to get in our way."

"That's the whole point you idiot." Levi rolled my eyes. "We are opposite sides. This is bound to happen. So spare us the sarcasm you disgusting existence."

"We've come for you, Rufus." Jusis said as Millium appeared alongside him.

"Did you really think those guys from Ouroboros, Dimentio and the Murakumo unit would hold us up for long?" Alisa asked as she fold her arm.

"It doesn't matter. They've fulfilled their role." Alberich replied. "The only thing we require for the Rivalry is the Ashen Awakener. Everyone else is none of our concern. The Azure Awakenar and now the Argent Awakener. To though be honest. I'm surprised that Oz Number 63 has a form now. Don't tell me it's that wretched Goddess doing."

"Yep. Palutena managed to create a body for me when she pull my soul out of the sword. Pretty cool, huh?" Millium asked.

"Well, I suppose it is to be expected from a god to create a vessel that is an exact replica to the one you have." Hazama replied.

"Yes. But if it were created by a human, that's an accomplishment." Relius said.

"Perhaps so. But in any case, I know you're still using the Sword of the End. Which is why I'm pleased that you know it still have a role to play. Campanella, Tartaglia, Noel, Nu-13, Dimentio and Mariabell were to thin out your ranks, but they didn't even use their Aion against you. How disappointing."

"You're just asking to get punch in the face aren't you?" Natsu crack his fist as he look pissed off.

"I think kill is more like it." Aether replied. "After all, Alberich just happens to make enemies of everyone at this point. Just like how Kokonoe destroy his main lab, right?"

Alberich glared at Aether.

"I'm sure Ouroboros don't feel like using their Aions against us is because we are more than capable of destroying it." Rosalina fold her arm. "In addiction. I also can guess that their more interested in completing their Grandmaster's goal. Not yours."

"It is as she said. Ouroboros has their own priorities, just as you have yours." Minerva agreed. "You shouldn't expect outsiders such as myself to be fully invested in your plans."

"Yes, I suppose that's true." Alberich agreed. "Your organization is only interested in observation. Further cooperation may not be necessary."

"Today's just full of interesting info, huh?" Sara asked

"That's a topic for another time, perhaps." Gaius said

"Yeah, there are things we must do." Levi nodded. "Set the stage and ensure that we win."

"That you win, huh? I suppose I shouldn't prepare a counterargument of how far you come to reach this fortress." Neve said. "Well it doesn't matter who wins this fight. Whether be us or you. Makes no difference since all of this is according to what the Rivalry is designed."

"Rufus Alberea... Knight of Blood and Iron. The man before me is no brother of mine." Jusis glared. "Attempting to take the reward from Rean's victory at the last minute, and for your own selfish reasons. Have you no honor?"

Peach folded her arms. "To think that you who came from a noble background would comfit such an atrocities. What you've done will place you as a criminal."

"Not to mention you pissed off the Undine Prince. And we heard that you were so close to being killed by him too if it weren't for that savior there." Ash turn to Neve

"Hah. I can't deny it. But even so, noble blood still runs through my veins." Rufus replied.

"Don't kid yourself. Noble blood or not, you're not above the law, Rufus." Levi told him.

"Perhaps. And I can't deny that I have earned the wrath of my Enforcer cousin as well. Though I can imagine I also earn the fury of the Steel Maiden herself, as well as our Golden Wonderer."

"I can't deny that my lance has your name on it for your wicked deeds, Rufus Albarea. But I'll leave that to my son. I rather not take his prey." Lianne replied.

"As for me. Though I truly despite you for what you did, my anger is toward someone else. Since the scales far outweigh that of anyone." Aether look at Alberich.

"Is that so? Perhaps I'm rather fortunate." Rufus said with a smug look. "But I'm also fortunate to have someone like you Neve. Thank you for your unexpected arrival and rescue."

"There's no need for your empty flattery. Besides, you had it coming for pulling a stunt like that." Neve fold his arms. "Any child or anyone who seeks vengeance for their loved ones would do the same. I'm just glad I was aware that you attempted to kill the Steel Maiden. Otherwise, you would have been dead. Which almost ruins the part of the Rivalry. And we can't have that as well. Though I wasn't expecting a boy at his age to put you in a tough spot."

"Well, I suppose as the son of the Steel Maiden, he has been under her rigorous training to surpass that of a normal child. Banter aside, I had a war to manage on top of my duties as a Knight of Blood and Iron. Surely you can't fault me for picking the most efficient course of action. Oh, and by the way, I'm happy you were able to recover Millium. Give offer my thanks to the Goddess of Light."

"Sup, Rufus! I wanna say long time no see." Millium said

"Yes. And you certainly surprised all of us back at the Gral. But I'm happy, as a fellow Ironblood, that we were able to meet again." Rufus replied. "Although, I imagine my joy pales in comparison to Claire or Lechter's."

"Aww, don't sweat it. We really didn't have that many chances to hang out, anyway."

"Millium... You're definitely one-of-a-kind." Elliot scratch his cheek.

Altina sighed "I think you're being a bit too cheerful, given the situation."

"By the way, I'm actually surprised that you Fairy Tail Mages, along with Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus and Sabertooth are here in Zemuria. Shouldn't you be in back in Fiore right about now?" Rufus asked

"Huh? Why wouldn't we be here?" Natsu fold his arms.

"Oh so you haven't heard?" Alberich mused. "I thought Xehanort would have told you that the Black Wizard Zeref, or should I say Emperor Spriggan would make his attack on Fiore right about now."

"What?!" Natsu eye widen with Team Natsu

Lucy gasped "Zeref?! Why do you know him? Don't tell me..."

"He's part of your circle of villains you recruited?!" Gray growled.

"Villains, hm? Hmhmhm." Alberich smirked "He is one of our allies, indeed. You can thank Xehanort for telling me about him, and his Empire. Oh, and his Ankhseram Black Magic, or his Ankhseram curse. Now that I think about it. I think Salem and he would get along, considering they both have much in common... and the same goal."

Erza glared at Xehanort. "And why didn't YOU tell us first?"

"Because I send Zeref to the Keyblade Graveyard." Xehanort answered.

"Wait, you did what?" Sora asked in surprise.

"When I return to Zemuria. I contacted Zeref to halt his invasion until after the Great Twilight. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convince him because of the alliance he had with Osborne. So I send him to the Keyblade Graveyard to halt his plans. It won't be long before he returns to Zemuria."

"So that explains why I haven't heard from him. Xehanort you clever goat." Alberich grumbled. " Of course, that also means he won't be able to keep that irksome dragon Acnologia at bay."

"Acnologia?" Venti asked.

"Acnologia, the Black Dragon. The most wicked Dragon in all of Fiore's realm. He is more than capable of destroying the nation, no matter how big or small." Erza grumbled.

"What?" Sara eye widen.

"There's a dragon that powerful in Fiore?" Fie asked, feeling scared.

"Yes. We encountered him before back during our S-Class Trial and that time in Tartarus. But that's a story for another time." Erza said

"I can't say I like hearing that cursed dragon's name. Knowing how dangerous he is." Minerva muttered

"Indeed. Even Ouroboros had its handful by that monster." Lianne admitted. "Thankfully, we were able to drive him off, thanks to a certain someone." She turn to Aether.

"He was powerful, I'll give him that." Aether sighed. "But I wasn't expecting that you would call me as a reinforcement at the time."

"Wait, that was you?!" Natsu exclaimed

"Ah, so that's how you managed to drove him away." Alberich mused.

"It's just one thing after another..." Lucy sighed.

(BGM ended)

"If I may say something, here. We also plan to annihilate Acnologia as well. Due to the threat he poses. Right, Alberich?" Hazama asked

Alberich nodded. "Yes, that is true. That dragon also poses a great threat to my master and our plans as well. Luckily, we already prepared arrangements to end him, thanks to you and the Organization at the time Xehanort during our time together. After you were brought from the dead and turned traitor, of course."

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Constraint)

"But in any case, I believe this will have to do with our banter. We should begin the presentations now." Alberich said. "Ideally, this would have taken place during the Great Twilight's climax, but I suppose it may work out. Should you lose to Lord Rufus, he will obtain the Sword of the End, allowing us to be fully prepared for the final Rivalry."

"Sorry, but that's not how it's going to go!" Alisa replied.

"You seem pretty confident that Rufus will win. No. Maybe it's not Rufus you place your faith in, but the Auric Knight." Rean said.

"Oh?" Rufus asked, musing.

"It's true that the Auric Knight had seemingly limitless potential, just like the Argent Knight..." Celine replied.

"Really? That's the first I've heard of it." Levi mused.

"You're quite spot on Rean." Aether complimented.

"You see, the Divine Knights may appear to be equally powerful, but there is a hierarchy among them. They have engaged in many battles over the past centuries, each time being wiped from the annals of history. All as practice for the true Rivalry of the Seven. The only Knight that did not participate was the Ebon Knight. It may interest you all to know that even if a Divine Knight is destroyed, with time, it will regenerate. Their Awakeners, however, often end up as undead abominations...Nosferatu. Do you remember the field of endless blades you witnessed during your trial below Thors? Each sword marked a Divine Knight's defeat. The grave of yet another of its Awakeners."

"Mama Mia." Mario said in shock.

"So that's what they were..." Laura asked.

"I thought the Steel Maiden or at least the Aether would have told you." Alberich smirked. "In all the battles that occurred, two Knights emerged victorious far more often than their brethren. Their strength is second only to the Ebon Knight's. Surely by now, you must know which ones I refer to, correct? They were, of course, the Auric Knight, brilliant as the sun, and the Argent Knight, which glows like the moon. Following them was the crimson demon with a thousand weapons, the Vermillion Knight. Compared to such supremely powerful machines, the Azure, Palatinate, and Ashen Knights are nothing."

"You son of a..." Ragna glared.

"You're just asking to die, aren't you?" Levi glared.

"It's true that the kind of energy it gives off feels completely different from the others." Rean said

"Don't insult the Divine Knights of the lower class Alberich." Aether threaten. "But enough about that. I hope you remember my words when we face off several times. Because the next time we meet, I will kill you myself. And this time, you won't escape from him."

"Oh is that right? How many times have you said that? Countless times and you still haven't yet killed me." Alberich smirked. "Oh but perhaps I should say something to the rest of you. You made a grave error in not properly absorbing the Azure Knight's energy, including the Argent's Knight's power. Lord Rufus was so close to taking the Argent's Knight's power, but unfortunately, that wretched Goddess of Light, Fairy Tail's Guildmaster, and the others continued to intervene. Not to mention Celebi who seems to inform you all."

"Leave Celebi out of this. And even if she did, I'm glad she did that Palutena and others protected the Steel Maiden and the Argent Knight's power. That power rightfully belongs to Rean." Byleth said.

"That's right. For you to dare insult us and them just to show you're no different to Thales and Xehanort." Edelgard glared.

"Compare me to them all you want. I merely speak the truth. In your current state, you won't be able to make full use of the Palatinate, Argent and Vermillion's Knight power." Alberich replied. "Frankly, I didn't have high expectations for Prince Cedric's ability to use the Vermillion Knight. It makes things more convenient for us now that you've absorbed its powers as well."

(BGM ended)

"And it's exactly why I'm going to enjoy killing you when I get my hands on you. You know nothing, Alberich." Levi fold his arms. "And you want to know why? Because you putrid parasite like yourself clearly have no idea what we're capable of."

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Still in the Front)

"That's right. Everyone here has been through several crucial moments together. I fought countless battles from my Father, sister, and my students back in the Old Fodlan and now." Byleth glared.

"That's right. And even after that, we have been through countless struggles with the Mario Bros, Class VII, and other allies during our time together." Edelgard agreed

"Indeed. For example, the Beanbean Kingdom with Cackletta and Fawful." Dimitri nodded.

"Let's not forget our war with the Agarthans." Claude added.

"Yeah! And for us, we have been through several struggles of our own. Even Bowser has been through his fair share." Mario agreed.

"That's right! Like that time with the Shroobs. Or how they defeated me several times, including my galactic conquest two years ago." Bowser nodded

"And for us before and after joining them, it was the civil war." Elliot said.

"And then that time with the Blorb where we defeated not just Fawful, but the Dark Star too." Peach nodded.

"And after that and Fodlan, we took off and defeated the Fell Dragon Grima, who became a Dragon God in the end." Ragna added

"And after that, we defeated your greatest ally. Organization VII. We overcome impossible odds against them." Sora said

"With Sothis's help, you did. But I can't deny that." Xehanort admits. "No matter how many contingencies I had come up, it seemed no matter how hard I fought, they still managed to win and defeat me, even with Kingdom Heart's power."

"Yeah! And then we took on the Gral of Erebos!" Goofy nodded

"And even if we lose some of our friends, we never give up!" Donald said.

"Yeah! For us before our worlds join up, we took out several powerful dark guilds and bad guys along our way!" Natsu palm fist.

"We've challenged and faced several foes that we thought we had no chance of winning, even getting help along the way, whenever we needed." Lucy said

"But no matter how hard it gets, even if just the smallest step, all of us here have kept moving forward all the same." Gray nodded

"Mushroom Kingdom, Fodlan, Halelynn, Ylisse, Fiore, Remnent, and perhaps even other worlds have their own struggle." Erza said.

"But no matter how powerful, immortal our foes are, we will overcome them! Whether it be new generations of heroes or old!" Weiss said.

"Yeah, and the New Class VII is following in Old Class VII and everyone here's footsteps." Juna nodded.

"I think you guys already got on to us and to them." Blake smiled

"Yeah. Every one of us is equal here." Yang nodded

"Yeah. Because you want to know something Black Alberich. There are some things that you can't understand humanity." Ruby glared.

"Optimism, Perseverance, and cooperation are what give humanity true strength." Rosalina agreed. "Something as an abomination of the Ebon Knight will never understand."

"Why else does all your creation always end up as a failure? While Franz's creations are superior to yours. Heck, even Remnant, Mushroom Kingdom, and Bowser's technology is superior to yours." Levi asked.

"Technology doesn't mean anything on its own. Without human hearts to guide it, it's nothing more than steel and circuits. Once the Great Twilight is over, you say you want to create a world ruled by the Black Workshop. But if there isn't any heart in this cold world you want to make, then what's the point?"

"I'm sure when you made me and Tilly, you never expected us to have feelings." Millium said. "But we went way beyond what you expected. We pretty much became humans."

"Yes. I believe this applies to KeA as well." Altina added. "And it all points to one thing..."

"Right. We meaning in our lives by our interactions with others, and its the bonds between people that shape the world." Rean nodded. "The world you want to create is one completely under the Ebon Knight's control. A world where the inhabitants, like the Gnomes, are enslaved to a higher power without wills of their own. Where people can't find meaning in their lives by struggling and helping each other to move forward. But is there really any meaning to a life like that?"

Hazama clapped his hands. "Wow. Now that's what I call a collaborative speech. And you didn't even write a script about it too."

Alberich sighed. "That same tired rhetoric..."

"It is rather annoying, wouldn't you agree?" Relius asked

"Actually, I believe I agree with them." Rufus said, causing a surprise reaction to Alberich.

"Personally, I also agree with them. Their argument is sound. A world where everyone is a slave to the Ebon Knight has no future." Neve agreed. "A world where humanity becomes mindless slaves with no free will is not a world where life will be born. All life will be an automaton. I see no good reason why a world like that should even exist. I wouldn't be surprised if the world was destroyed, becoming a dead planet."

"I also share that agreement. I will not become some mindless grunt for the Ebon Knight either. The thought of it makes me sick." Minerva agreed as well.

"Still, don't think yourselves unique. I have experienced my own fair share of hardship and struggle. And ultimately, I have no plans to serve anyone, either. Not the Ebon Knight, not Chancellor Osborne." Rufus said

"Then why don't you prove it?" Levi asked. "Prove to us what you've gone through and we'll answer back with our own strength!"

"With pleasure, Sullivan. My path is clear! I will be the one to surpass my 'father'!" Rufus drew out a golden jewel sword.

(BGM ended)

(Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix ost - Rage Awakened)

"The Holy Sword of Ishnard!" Jusis said

"That's one of the twin blades the Albarea family used to slay Nosferatu in ages past!" Laura added as she and everyone else except for Lianne and Aether got on their battle stance

Jusis draw out a silver sword this time.

"Jusis! You, two?!" Elliot gasped.

"Is that the other one?" Machias asked

"Ah, so Arnauld delivered the Holy Sword of Elvars to you. This is simply perfect. We can have ourselves one more sparring match before the Rivalry."

"Do as you wish, but we must begin our preparation." Alberich said as he brought out his combat shell.

"Zoa Balor!" Altina exclaimed

"The original combat shell!" Fie added

"That's right. Even Estelle and the others had a tough time dealing with it." Sara stated

"If you guys are done talking about Alberich's combat shell then it's time we settle this." Minerva said as she unleash her purple aura.

"Her aura...!" Laura grimaced

"Yeah, that's how strong she is." Fie nodded.

"Perhaps I should feel happy I get the chance to face you all again." Minerva's hand swirling with magic. "Because every time I see any of you, I am reminded of the humiliation, the hatred that I have for all of you. Especually, you, Erza Scarlet. I will avenge myself, by crushing you and your guild!"

"That will never happen Minerva." Erza aim her sword at her. "Your obsession with defeating me through torment and wickedness, as well your delusion of being superior, you will fall to the deepest darkness in your heart. I will not let that happen. Sabertooth sents their regards to you. As we will face you, we hope that their feelings will get through to you, to come back to their guild and save you from falling into the darkness!"

"..." Minerva clenched her teeth.

"Oh my. Are we doing some personal drama now? If so, I would have brought some popcorn." Hazama said.

"Why don't you shut up you snake!" Yang glared. "No one wants to hear you talk."

"You're too dangerous to live. You and Relius will fall, here and now." Ragna declared as he swirl his Armara.

"Ohohoh! Someone is all hot under the weather." Hazama summon his Ouroboros weapon. "Well if you're going all heated about it, I might as well cool you off."

"Everyone so riled up, then again, I am facing such an interesting group." Neve summon his Keyblade and took his stand. "Not to mention, I will get the privilege to face you again, Xehanort. As well as you Eraqus. I want to see the delusional Keyblade Master and the formal strongest Keyblade Master hasn't lost their skills in combat!"

"You'll get what you want, Master Neve." Eraqus summon his Keyblade with Xehanort.

"I may not have the same strength as I was back then. But, it will be more than enough to teach you respect." Xehanort agreed.

Neve smirked. "In that case, perhaps I should consider going all out. Shall we continue where we left off?"

"You're on Neve!" Sora declared.

"Alberich." Aether summoned his Golden sword as Lianne summon her lance. "I hope you're ready to die now."

"Ha! And how can you possible kill me when I can just return?" Alberich smirked

"You haven't notice what my sword is, do you?"

"Hm?"

"Oh, that's right, I seen that sword you use to help with the Steel Maiden's Rivalry." Rean recalled.

"This sword is unlike anything within Zemuria. You may call it my personal sword." Aether said. "This sword has special properties that I forge myself. It's capable of cutting straight through things that cannot normally be cut. In other words, this sword is capable of killing those outside of reason. You know what that means Alberich." Aether asked as he glare at him. "It means it's capable of killing you."

"..?!" Alberich glared. "You wretched... I will personally destroy you and that blade!"

"Hmhm, then perhaps it's time we do our part. Ignis." Relius snapped his finger as Ignis appeared behind him.

"Relius's combat dol!" Ruby exclaimed

"That the same doll we had a dark time, too!" Weiss added

Alisa pull out her Orbal bow. "It pains me so much to see what you have done to my father name and body." She summon her Orbal Gear and Aurora to her side. "Father, I know you're in there somewhere. Just you wait, I'll help Aether and Levi free you from the monster who took over you! So you can come back to us!"

"Hahaha, foolish Ms. Reinford. You leave me no-" Alberich paused for a moment, but then glared.

'Hm?' Relius turn to Alberich along with Neve who notice it with Aether and Xehanort.

"You leave me no choice but to snuff out that foolish hope of yours for good! To prove to you that my master is this world's only truth! Not Chancellor Osborne, nor the Lionheart Emperor... No, I will serve Ishmelga to the very end!"

'Wait... is he...?' Aether thought.

"What a laughable imagination." Levi remarked "You won't live to even see your detestable master when I'm done with you. And once I sever the head of its dog. Your master will be next, parasite!"

"This will be it, Jusis." Rufus said as he use the Fortress' power. "Your last opportunity to challenge me before I transcend humanity! Now let us cross blades!"

"?!" Jusis let out a small gasped

"What?" Lianne glared at Rufus along with Aether and Venti.

"Huh?" Neve turn to Rufus, giving him a serious look.

"Wait, does he mean...?" Millium paused.

Rean turn to Millium before realize what he means. "No way..."

Jusis clenched his teeth before giving him very pissed-off look. "YOU DAMN FOOL!"

The Fifth Rivalry - Hazama, Relius, Alberich, Rufus Alberea, Neve and Minerva

Rean form a combat link with Levi. Juna form a combat link with Kurt, Altina form a combat link with Venti, Musse form a combat link with Ash, Alisa form a combat link with Gaius, Elliot form a combat link with Sara, Laura form a combat link with Fie, Jusis form a combat link with Machias, Rosalina form a three way link with Emma and Peach, Mario form a combat link with Luigi, Bowser form a combat link with Kamek, Crow form a combat link with Gray, Lucy form a combat link with Natsu, Erza form a combat link with Wendy, Byleth form a combat link with Edelgard, Dimitri form a combat link with Claude, Aether form a combat link with Lianne, Ragna form a combat link with Sora, Donald form a combat link with Goofy, Xehanort form a combat link with Eraqus, Ruby form combat link with Weiss and Yang form combat link with Blake.

On the opposite end, Relius form a three-way link with Hazama and Alberich.

Jusis and Rean first long towards Rufus, but Minerva block their advancements with her magic as Neve lung toward them and swipe them, pushing them away as Aether zoom toward Alberich and slash him with incredible speed that caught Alberich by surprise as he pushed back. Aether lungs toward him while Lianne lung toward Relius as Ignis block her lance with her claws. Hazama throw Ouroboros at her, but Laura swoop in and deflect it as Fie zoom in around them to slash them. Relius's puppet arms block and counter by punching her as Rosalina throw down meteors from her wand at them. As they dodge the meteorites, Alberich and Aether slash at each other as Zoa Balor throw several sharp tentacles at him but Aether parry each one as Alberich had it fire laser, but Aether flip to the side and unleash a powerful slash projection to push Alberich and Zoa Balor back.

Rufus and Jusis swing their Holy Blades at each other with rapid graceful pace. Both then each other as Machias fire shots at Rufus who then deflected the bullets and lung toward Machis to slash him. Machias block with his gun but was pushed back regardless. Sara lung toward Rufus and they then both swing at each other.

"Symphony Storm!" Elliot throw several musical notes toward Rufus.

Sara move to the side as Rufus deflect one but it exploded the moment they were touch by his blade, which allow Sara to follow up and slashes him with her combat link Deadly Assist. Sora airstep toward Neve and use Ars Arcanum on him, but Neve used Reflecga to protect himself and reflect it back at Sora while Ragna lung toward Neve and swing his Armara at him. Both of them swing at each other as Sora use Sonic Leap on him following with slashes and punch Neve, forcing him to slide. While Erza and Minerva swing at each other at they throw their blades anf magic at each other. Minerva throw one powerful kick on Erza's left cheek as Wendy used Sky Dragon Slayer Claw on her. Minerva block with her magic before grabbing Wendy and blasting her away.

Rufus used his craft: Arc Blade as he channel a green energy in his blade to slash Sara away as Dimitri, Edelgard, Claude and Byleth rush toward him as Dimitri swing Abreadbar at him, then Edelgard swing her axe and Byleth swing the Sword of the Creator. Rufus skillfully parry each attack but Claude shoot his arm and struck him.

"Ngh!" Rufus grunted as Dimitri fullo up with lightning slashes and a powerful slash to push him away. "So this is the Heroes Relics and Dimitri's strength. I suppose you having superhuman strength must be because of your crest."

"Perhaps so. But hearing you name reminds me so much of my uncle, who also committed treacherous actions." Dimitri swirl his lance as it glow both red energy and Azure lightning.

"So I've heard... seeing your lightning... They don't call you the Tempest King for nothing." Rufus raised his sword and unleashed slash projections onto him as Dimitri slashed it as Byleth whipped and attacked him.

Rufus blocked and deflected it. Byleth cast Aura at him, struck him for Edelgard to swing at him. Edelgard and Rufus swing at each other. Both block and parry with each other as Edelgard switch with Byleth who are on par with each other at rapid slashes until Byleth parry, punch Rufus and then slash him. Rufus recovered as Bowser did his Bowser Bombed him and then claw attacked him as Crow threw his Double Saber to slash him and Bowser followed up with a shoulder bash.

"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu punched Neve but he blocked as he pushed back as Lucy Stardress Sagittarius form.

"Star Shot!" Lucy shot multiple arrows that were locked onto Neve and exploded on him.

However, Neve swirled his Keyblade into a shield to repel Lucy's arrow and then he vanished and reappeared in front of Natsu and kick his chin, added that, he followed up as he unleashed a rapid trust attack and then sweeping at Natsu, pushing him away as Goofy use Goofy Tornado him as he rapid spin around him, but Neve block each of his attack as Goofy goes around him, then Donald cast Firaga at him which he backflip. Upon landing, Musse fired at him as Ash lunged toward to slash him. Neve dodged the orbal shot by tilting his head and body and then swinging his Keyblade at Ash. Then Natsu ran up to punch him, but Neve block and grabbed Natsu's fist and toss him toward Ash as he teleported toward Musse and slashed her.

Lianne let out rapid jabs at Relius but her blocked her attack with his puppet arm and then threw mechanical punches onto her as Ignus launched a drill attack against her, but Alisa fired an arrow at Ignis as Peach threw her Halberd. Ignis was struck while Relius had a mechanical puppet hand backhand the halberd as it returned back to Peach's hand. Peach and Alisa rush in as Hazama summons wormholes to throw Ouroboros at him as they dodge. Mario swung his hammer at the Ouroboros' weapons as Luigi used the Luigi missile to launch himself at Hazama. Hazama easily blocks it with his dark green energy and then kicks Luigi back. Mario catches Luigi as they rush toward him and Relius.

"Break!" Laura used her craft: Lion Rush 2 on Hazama and Relius but they blocked the attack as Hazama countered by slashing her with her knives as Relius followed up as Ignis clawed her.

Fie slash through them and slash them as Lianne strike through them with her lance, then swing her lance at them. Laura then followed up by swinging her greatsword, then Emma throw magic shots at the duo as Gaius lung toward them with his Dominion power. Gaius let out a flurry of slashes at Trust onto Relius and Ignis. While Ignis took her stance, Relius summoned several puppet hands onto Laura, Fie, Emma, and Gaius and strike them from behind and then swung his arm for a big green puppet hand to punch them, launching them away as they recovered. Mario and Luigi throw their punches at them as Hazama mostly dodges and counters by kicking and slashing with his knives. Relius on the other hand had Ignis block with her claws before using her drills arms and swinging at him.

The Bros jump and throw Firebrand and Thunderhand at them and strike them, then Gaius swings his Spear at them as Emma follows up by throwing magic shots at them. Alberich swings Zoa Balor against Aether who skillfully blocks and then slashes his combat shell. Zoa Balor swung his arms rapidly against him, until Peach threw her Crown at the combat shell, and Alisa's Aurora formed into a drill attack and struck the combat shell. Alberich snarls as Zoa Balor fires lasers from both its eyes and arms toward Aether, Alisa her little guardian, and Peach. Peach got in front of Alisa and opened her Parasol which blocked the attack while Aether just dodged as he charged to Alberich. Alisa then fires her arrow toward Alberich who backhands, and then Aether slashes him as Lianne follows up as she zooms to him and slashes him. Aurora swung her sword at Zoa Balor as Peach swirled her halberd gracefully and slashed as Alberich, but Zoa Balor protected him and then launched its claws at Alisa, and Peach and drained their HP and Stamina as Alberich absorbed them.

Altina had Claiomh Solais form into a fist and launch into Zoa Balor's arm to grab the arm, electricity it and force it to let go.

"Huh?!" Alberich growled as Zoa Balor reappeared behind Alberich. As Aether charged to attack him, Zoa Balor formed a barrier around him. "Impossible, how did Claiomh Solais able to obtain that form?!"

"You can thank Professor Kokonoe for that." Altina said as Venti fired his arrow that multiplied onto the barrier.

"Kokonoe..." Alberich's expression was more enraged. "Not only did she dare steal my data but also amplify my combat shell?! How dare she!"

"Claiomn Solais doesn't belong to you, but to Altina!" Venti then summon wind drilled onto the barrier as it slowly cracks and then cracks, allowing Aether to swing swiftly onto Zoa Balor and Alberich.

"Aargh!" Alberich grunt as Alisa begin to punch him, but Alberich block and punch her as Zoa Balor launch its tentacles attack, but Peach fire a beam at it, stunning it as Lianne used her craft: Angelical Hammer onto rain down lightning onto Relius, Hazama, Minerva, Neve Alberich and Rufus.

Aether then imbued his sword with power as he zoomed, slashed and teleported around Alberich, creating a symbol of a star and unleashing a slash as the symbol exploded with light.

"Yi Ragd!" Minerva said as she use her magic and trapped the heroes into her space.

"Wha-?!" Ragna exclaimed in the space.

"Niel Wielg Mion..." Minerva moves her arms in a circular motion while reciting an incantation. "Terse Elcantaeus!" Then she spread her arms wide. "Yagdo Rigora!" Then a stone, god-like effigy with intricate designs on its body appeared right at the heroes which then erupts into a momentous explosion of light, destroying everything within the area of effect.

The heroes recovered from the powerful attack.

"Come forth!" Neve raised his Keyblade and summon his giant ice elemental and hurl its ice spear onto the ground, creating massive ice spikes that were launch toward the group with tremendous force to knock the heroes away.

"Ohohoh! Now that's impressive! I can see why she's called the Spacial Maiden and the Keyblade Master of ice!" Hazama grinned as he threw Ouroboros toward Juna, pull her and kick her.

"Ugh!" Juna grunted

"Juna!" Kurt exclaimed before he glared and caught her as she and Kurt lung toward Hazama.

Relius snapped his finger as several mechanical hands were launched toward them. Juna and Kurt dodged each one as Alberich had Zoa Balor throw it's tentacles at them, along with Hazama throwing Ouorboros through several wormholes.

"Ice-Make-" Gray place his hands on the ground that spread toward the Wormhole and created a wall. "-Wall!" Ouroboros was block off by the wall of ice as Kurt then begin to swing his twin sword onto Hazama as he skillfully dodged it and then throw dark snake energy at Kurt while Juna throw her punches at Hazama.

Xehanort fired Flare shot toward Alberich, his combat Shell backhand it with its claws as Eraqus summon balls of light and launch them at him. Zoa Balor fired a massive beam from the eye to destroy the ball of light and then its claws were launch toward Eraqus and Xehanort to grabbed them. Xehanort form a stone wall to block, but the claws were strong enough to break them, capturing both Eraqus and Xehanort.

"Look what I've got." Alberich said as Zoa Balor pull both of them to him. "The Traitor himself and another old fossil. Both destined to die by my hand. I won't have another interference to slay you myself, Xehanort."

"Heh. Nor will I be slain by you, Alberich." Xehanort smirked as Zoa Balor grasp harder, draining their strength and heal Alberich. "Nngh!"

"You're already too late. As I told you before. You are nothing but a weak old man. You lost everything. It doesn't matter what miriacles you been granted to return. I will return you to the void and put an end to you once and for all!" Alberich channel darkness as it swirls his hands. "Say farewell, Xehanort."

"Heh. That is where you're wrong. You leave yourself an opening." Xehanort smirked as a jet of darkness struck both ALberich and Zoa Balor.

"Nugh!" He winched as Eraqus channeling light and Xehanort channel darkness to break free from Zoa Balor's grab and then both aim their Keyblade and fire a beam of light and darkness to push Zoa Balor to Alberich, knocking him away, causing him to growl.

"Fall!" Xehanort summon boulders and launch them to Albeirch as Alberich shoot dark energy from his hands as Zoa Balor's claw imbued by dark powers to slash the boulders into pieces.

Eraqus lung at Alberich and swing at him, only for him to block and fire a jet of darkness at him. Eraqus dodge by tilting his body as Xeoanort teleported from behind and slash him. Alberich channel a force field and push the two Keyblade wielders back as mecanical claws appeared from portals to pin them down.

"Having trouble, Alberich?" Relius teleported next to him.

"No. Just a small oversight." Alberich said as Zoa Balor reaided to fire another laser.

"Not at much to this!" Aether yell from above and fired golden energy blast that knock the two madman away.

As Alberich and Relius recovered, Lianne throw her lance toward Relius. Ignis grabbed the lance in time while Relius snapped his finger and multiple drills aim toward Lianne.

"Burning Lion!" Alisa swing her arm as multiple Lions made out of fire appeared and launch toward the drills, causing an explosion as Lianne's lance reappeared in her hand.

Hazama jump over Alisa and throw knives at her, but Peach throw her Parasel to bounce the knives away. Hazama landed, then throw Ouroboros at her Alisa swing her arm to shoot a jet of fire on Ouroboros to halt it, then launch fire projections toward Hazama. He deflected them with his knives as Ouorboros circle around him. Hazama then throw Ouorboros into a portal where several rotate around Alisa and Peach. Both jump to avoid the attack as another portal appear behind them, Only for Peach to spin gracefully with a Heart Shape powers to teleport her and Alisa away.

Aether slash at Alberich who slash back with Zoa Balor who blocks and then counterattacked by throwing one tentacles and Relius had Ignis teleport above him and form a drill attack above him, forcing Aether to jump to the left as Lianne unleash rapid trust onto her. Ignis block and then unless a flurry of claws attack onto her as Lianne respond in kind with her lance. Aether raised his sword extended the range and then he swing down onto Ignis who teleported back to Relius's side. Kamek teleported himself to above, clone himself to five and then each fire magic projections onto Hazama, Relius and Alberich. Each taken the damage as Gray long toward Relius

"Ice Devil's Zeroth Long Sword!" Gray used his Ice Demon Slaying Magic this time as he long toward Hazama and Relius and slash through them and encase them with ice as Kamek follow up by blasting with several magic projection attacks that exploded in an aurora light.

As Hazama and Relius were push back toward Alberich. Levi used his craft: Primordial Burst as he throw a blast of light onto them and the light was power enough to sting Albeirch.

"AAAUGH!" Alberich hissed as his body was covered in steam. "What is this?!"

"I told you Alberich. Aside from Aether." Levi pointed his Glaive at him. "My power is capable of purging evil. And someone who's born from evil. I'm also capable of killing you." Then he zoom toward Alberich and then slashed his back, knocking him toward Rean who then use Arcane Gale onto him, Hazama and Relius and strike them with Crimson fire.

Rean and Levi then long toward them as Relius motions his hands with energy and places them down on the ground after a quick crouch, which creates a field with various cogwheels and gears, trapping and trucking Rean and Levi, hitting them countless times as the Bros broke them out by breaking the gears with their hammer. Alisa hop onto her Orbal Gear and then rush toward Relius and throws a punch on his face, but he block with his Puppet hand while Auroura fire a laser at him which Ignis appears and block it with her claws. Peach pull out a turnip from the ground, use her Tennis Racket, throw it and swing, aiming toward Ignus's face. The bros Pull out a Green and Red Shell and kick it toward Hazama, and Alberich as they backhand the shells. The Shells bounced back and hit their knees which Peach swirl her Halberd and a pink magic circle appeared and then throw her lance in and the large pink magic circle appeared over him and struck on him and Ignis. Then Alisa finally had the chance as she throw a punch at him, then fire missiles and laserz to knock him away. Aurora then charge a laser onto Ignis which form into a sphere, trapping her and explode all around her.

Minerva throw several projections onto Erza, Natsu, Lucy, Bowser, Crow, Dimitri, Claude Edelgard, Byleth, Emma, Gaius, Elliot, Sara and Wendy as several explosions stuck onto them. Erza lung toward them with Wendy, Bowser and Crow. Erza slashed at rapid speed.

"Sky Dragon Wing Attack!" Wendy throw a stream of wind to her arm as Minerva block with her magic.

Crow swirl his Double Saber to slash around Minerva and then pull out his Pistol, charge and fire a purple sphere which multiple, lock onto Minerva. Minerva's hand glow with her magic and form space wall to block it. Bowser then shoulders Bash her, pushing her away. Minerva teleported then she grabbed Bowser's face and throw him toward Crow with her strength. Crow and Bowser were knock away. Before Minerva can do her attack. Ruby lunged toward Minerva as she swing Crescent Rose a few times but Minerva block each of her attack until Weiss swoop in and launch rapidly slashes and Ruby follow up by slashing her and knocking her away with a kick. Minerva growled and she summon space hands behind Ruby and Weiss, grabbed them and slam them, slamming them to the wall as it drag them. Yang throw projections onto Minerva as she count with her other hand.

Blake long toward Minerva and swing her Gambol Shroud and then fire bullets at her. Minerva block as Blake then toss her Gambol Should Ribbot to wrap around Minerva as Yang lung and punch her. Minerva hold her ground and she punch Yang's face and blasted Blake away. Yang and Blake hold their ground as Byleth swing his Sword of the Creator whip onto her and struck her as Edelgard follow up by launching rapid and powerful slashes with Amyr. Then she slam the ground to cause a fiery explosion to knock Minerva into the air. Blake throw her Gambol Shroud to attach to Minerva's leg and then throw her toward Erza. Erza change into her Heaven's Wheel Armor and then used her Sword Spell: Blumenblatt and struck her.

"Augh!' Minerva grunted as she recovered.

"Star Shot!" Lucy fire rapid arrows onto Minerva who quickly form a barrier around her.

"Fire Dragon Sword Hone!" Natsu lung toward Minerva and pushed her away until he readied his punch. "Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Then he punch Minerva's barrier and knock her away several feet.

"Sonata's Rhythm Dance!" Elliot surrounded Minerva with musical notes and then exploded on her as Sara then used her craft: True Searing Flash.

Rufus's empower his sword with green energy and send out mutiple slashes toward Jusis, Sara, Laura, Mario, Luigi, Crow, Bowser and Blake. Each of them dodge through sliding. Xehanort teleported from above and throw ice shards at him. Rufus slide to his left as Eraqus summon ray of light to strike from above.

"Tch!" Rufus growled as Xehanort teleported to swing at him and then they swing blades at each other. "It truly was regrettable, Xehanort. You and your organization assistance back then was most excellent for His Excellency's plans. What's more, I also want to thank you personally for showing me the example of transending humanity."

"And you plan one for yourself? And what hope will that accomplish?" Xehanort push Rufus back with a swing.

Rufus's hands swirl with green energy. "To accomplish something that you tried but fail ultimately. I will be the one who will take that!" Then a gigantic sphere trapped him and Eraqus.

"Hm?!" Eraqus look around as Rufus lung and slash through.

"Eternal Ruination!" Rufus swing his sword causing the sphere to shatters into triangle pieces all before it brightly flashes out of existence. Xehanort and Eraqus took heavy hit as both empower themselves with their own darkness while Eraqus's light.

Both lung at Rufus as Xehanort slash through him while Eraqus block his next attack. Rufus let out a graceful slash and then used his craft: Arc Blade on Eraqus. Xehanort throe Flare Shot to push him back. Eraqus rain down light to strike from above, striking him as Xehanort appeared from behind.

"Tch!" Rufus glared, readied to block, until Xehanort was launch away by Ice Shots.

"Augh!" Xehanort winched before he recovered and slide.

Neve teleported next to Rufus. "Need me to watch your back?"

Rufus let out a small chuckle. "Is this a reminder to my own words back in the Stella Sancurary?"

"Take it however you like."

"Heh. Very well." Rufus then take his stand along with Neve.

Neve swing his arm and throw a barricade of ice shards toward Xehanort and Eraqus as they both split up and lung toward Rufus and Neve. Neve and Rufus readied their weapons and cross blades with them. Eraqus swing fierce against Neve as Xehanort to Rufus. Neve let out a swift strike against Eraqus through graceful movement and then he kick Eraqus away. Eraqus hold his ground as Neve lunged and swing at him. Eraqus block and then coutnerattack, while Rufus swing gracefully against Xehanort. Xehanort block then counter with swift slash and jabs and then cast Thundaga. Rufus dodged gracefully and then send slahs projecitons. Xehanort repel each swings and launch Flare Shots. Xehanort raised his Keyblade to fire dark projections. Rufus deflected each of them and then slide trust Xehanort. Xehanort tilt his body to the left anf swing skyward and kick him.

Eraqus form a barrier around him and then lung at Neve who form an Ice Barrier, pushing each other away. Eraqus cork flip downward, slam surge of light at Neve and knock him into the air. Neve recovered, summoning several orbs and launch them toward Eraqus as he form a barrier to protect himself. The barrier then reflected back at Neve but he dodge gracefully as he landed. Neve stomp his feet where ice froze and spread, creating Ice spikes toward Eraqus, forcing him to jump out of the way. Neve lung with high speed and slash Eraqus away. Eraqus recovered as Neve zoom again and they slash.

"What is it you are trying to accomplish? Why seek to defeat Keyblade Wielders and oppoents with level of skills?" Eraqus asked during the power struggle between the two.

"Why you ask? You might say it's a personal reason." Neve said and then push Eraqus back with a strong swing.

"Are you also after Kingdom Hearts?"

"I have no interest in Kingdom Hearts, nor do I believe of your delusions of Light must destroy Darkness either. I am nothing more then a scholar who wish to explore his horizon, and a Keyblade Master who seek to grow stronger. Nothing more." Neve then aim his Keyblade and fired multiple projections toward Eraqus.

Eraqus deflected each one until he lung at Neve and they two swing at each other. Rufus Kick Xehanort back and then unleash a slash projection toward Eraqus and knock him away. Xehanort shoot dark projections toward Neve and Rufus, but Neve used Reflega to reflect it back at him and then throw his Keyblade at him.

Xehanort duck his head but Neve lung and kick Xehanort's guts, knocking him away as Neve's Keyblade return to hand. Neve aim his hand and entrapped Xehanort with Ice. Neve created clones of himself and each one slash through the ice as the real Neve teleported to above and slash through the ice, crumbling into tiny pieces and struck a heavy blow on Xehanort. Xehanort launch Flare Tornado at Neve, but he froze the fire and launch it at Xehanort. Xehanort swing to deflect the ice as Neve lung and they both swing at each other fiercely. Xehanort channel darkness to push Neve back, however, Neve gracefully dodge, combo slash Xehanort and then blasted him with Ice magic.

Xehanort recovered then he teleported around Neve and each portals shoot Dark Firaga. Neve deflected them until he snapped his finger and rain down pillars of ice to dispel the portals as Xehanort fire a beam of darkness to knock Neve away.

"Despite all that is happen to you, Xehanort, you haven't lost your step. Defeating you will make this satisfying.

"Are you that interested in defeating me as you were back then, Master Neve?" Xehanort asked as Eraqus landed near him.

"But of course. Fighting worthy opponents and defeating strongest monsters, Heartless, Keyblade Masters and wielders alike, is something I desire to grow stronger. Your skills were unparalleled, so facing you is why I seek to defeat you. But I also value humanity, something that you wish to destroy." Neve aim his Keyblade. "I will not allow that ambition of yours back then to affect the other worlds... No... the Universe, just because of the instability of light and darkness. It will recovery through it own way. That is why I chose to oppose you, and any other who would threaten life."

"I see. And yet, you're fighting to end this world's life."

"Don't misunderstand my intention for joining this side. But enough talk." Neve raised his Keyblade as it flash a blue light, summoning a powerful snowstorm. "Show me you haven't lose your edge, Xehanort!"

Neve launch the snowstorm toward him and Eraqus, however, Edelgard throw a massive fireball to intercept as Jusis, Rean, Levi, Machias, Mairo, Crow, Sara, Ruby Weiss, Donald, and Goofy join the fight. Neve shotlock onto the heroes and then he rained down several snowstorms and icicles onto them, froze them, and Rufus lung toward Jusis, Rean, Levi, Machias, Mario, Crow, Sara, Ruby, Weiss, Donald and Goofy, leaving behind a trace of green slashes and then swing his arm as the slashes converted into damage. Sora return the favor and shotlock onto the villains team and then fire several Divine Septium shots onto the villains and struck a power on them as Donald cast meteor onto them and Goofy used Goofy Toss and his shield hit and bounce onto Neve and Rufus.

"Dead Spike!" Ragna throw a dark head projection toward Rufus and slashes it, then he lung toward Rufus to slash him with Hell's Fang.

Ragna and Rufus swing at each other with their blades as Ragna throw a few kicks and punch as Rufus dodged gracefully and then launch rapid slashes onto him, but Ragna block and dodge each attack.

"Holy Blade." Rufus use his craft: Holy Sword of Ishrard as he unleashes powerful light slashes against Ragna and swing down into a wide slash projection to push him back.

Sora airstep towards Rufus and used Ars Arcanum onto him and then Sonic Leap. Then Sora launch Keyblade combo onto him to push him back.

"Now, Unleash!" Rufus gather green energy and then swing his arm, used his Support craft: Chevalier Call to buff not just himself, but for Alberich, Relius, Hazama, Neve and Minerva.

They then begin their attack on the group as Alberich used his craft: Trionac to unleash large lasers from Zoa Balor, Minerva used her magic to trapped everyone in her space as the lasers struck them. Neve swing his arm and rain down multiple ice shards onto them and freeze them, Hazama lung toward reach one, slashing them with his knives and then Ouroboros wrapped around him, then snapped his finger and cause a dark green explosion onto them and Relius command Ignis to readied her claws, lung toward the group and claw every one of them as Relius raised his hand, snapped his finger and mechanical puppets fist bombard them and crushing them with powerful strength.

Rufus begin to cast an Orbal Art which Jusis lung toward him to stopped him as his sword glow green. But Neve got in the way by blocking his attack and knocking him away. Rufus cast Lost Genesis as a blackhole appeared, pulling everyone except his team in and then exploded on them, knocking them away.

"Heal!" Peach, Sora and Donald cast Curaga to everyone.

Neve formchange into his Ice Emperor Form as his appearance change. Surround him was blades of ice, form into wings, his fingerless black gloves change into white with a black long-sleeved shirt to blue as dark long pants and brown shoes change into White.

Neve raise his hand and summon a blizzard to surround the heroes as they are trapped within the storm. As they all gather in one blades, Neve lung toward them at Insane speed as he leave behind ice spikes trails, commanding his ice blades to launch toward Donald, Goofy, Rean, Jusis, Ragna, Alisa, Bowser, Crow and Machias as each one doddged the ice blades as Neve leap into the air, rain down powerful Hail while Minerva then use her magic from behind the blizzard to cause several explosion onto the group. Rufus raised his blade to gather power as it extend. Byleth raised the sword of the Creator to glow red energy and then he swing down a large whip attack that cut through the blizzard to dissipate, causing Neve to growl as he airstep toward him, unleashing rapidly slashes onto him as Bowser punch Neve to push him back.

Neve recovered and then he raised his Blade, summoning a snowstorm on the top of his Keyblade while his other hands fired several ice beams toward them. The group dodge as they are going to split up, but Rufus and Neve swing down their weapons as a large green energy slash were launch at them along with a snowstorm with trust attacks.

"Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade!" Natsu swirl his arms with fire and lighting and mix together and launch an extremely powerful attack that over power not only Rufus but Neve's attack, causing them to react as Neve use Reflega while Rufus was struck with a devastating blow.

Leve then use Penetrate Hurl onto Relius, Hazama and Alberach and struck them.

"All for one, Rean!" Levi's combat link with Rean glow underneath as they begin their burst attack.

"And one for all, Levi!" Then both of them long toward Hazama, Relius and Alberich and both launch slashes onto them with insane speed, then launch slahs projections and wide slashes be before they both leave an X symbol underneath them and struck them.

Erza run toward them with her heavenly wing armor on. "Pentagram Sword!" and then slashes her swords in the shape of a pentagram at onto Hazama, Relius and Alberich.

Rufus lung toward the group as Jusis respond in kind as they swing at each other one more time. Both enhance their sword to glow green energy and they launch Arc Slasher and Soul Slicer at each other before they slash through each other, damaging each other's damage. Machias Homing shot onto Minerva, Rufus, Neve, Alberich, Hazama, and Relius and exploded on them. Minerva swing his arm to create space bombs and cause a massive explosion as Neve change back to his regular close and then airstep toward Sora and then unleash a flurry of slashes onto him, which he used block and counterattack and push him back.

"I'll Shed you to pieces!" Sara used her craft: True Thunder Vortez as she spins around them as a vortex and then pull Rufus and Neve together in the slash as Elliot followed up with magical blast.

"Ice-Make Unlimited: One Sided Chaotic Dance!" Gray then creates a large number of big Ice Swords, which he can command to attack onto Rufus and Neve as Kamek gathering magic in his wand and then aim it at Rufus and Neve as he bombards them with magical projections.

Lucy then uses Star Shot on Minerva as she blocked her attack, only for Ruby to slashes her, and allow Lucy's attack to strike him. Weiss created glyphs around Minerva as Ruby, Blake, and Yang bounced off them and bombarded Minerva with attacks before slamming her to the ground. Minerva growled as she teleported and she teleported behind Weiss, grabbed her by the neck, wrapped around her and exploded on her as she screamed in agony.

"Weiss!" Ruby yelled

"Oh you BITCH!" Yang activated her semblance and lung toward Minerva as she throw Weiss at him, knocking her with her. "OOF!"

Blake lung toward Minerva and slashed her, Minerva blocked and then blasted her with magic, but her Clone appeared as Blake wrapped around her and slashed her. Musse snapped his finger and Minerva was surrounded by guns and fire energy beams to strike her as Ash used his Chains to grab Minerva and pull him toward him and then he slashed her viciously and tossed her toward Juna who then uppercutted her. Kurt leap into the air and then cross-slash her. Venti bombards Alberich, Relius, and Hazama with his arrow wind blades onto them as Altina swings her arm as Claiomh Solais form into a Diamond Sword to slash them. Zoa Balor respond by created a force field around Alberich as Relius surround himself with his Mechanical puppet hands, while Hazama been dealing with the damage.

Hazama zoom toward Altina and then slashes her, knocking her away and then Ouroboros was thrown at her and grabbed her, only for Venti to throw a powerful fist to knock him away. Venti then fire multiple orbal wind arrows at Hazama and exploded on him. Hazama came out of the smoke as Fie swoop him and they both swing at each other and Laura then swing her sword onto him. Meanwhile Rosalina lunged toward Relius by pushing Ignis away, throw punches onto his guts, chin, face and then uppercut him. She leap to follow up and then she, grabbed him and then throw him toward Gaius who used his Dominion Powers to launch a powerful trust to knock him to the wall.

Relius recovered along with Ignis as Galius long toward him and then launch trust attack.

"So that is your Dominion power? How fascinating." Relius replied as he throw a mechanical fist at him but he block.

"That is a power you will never study, you demonic heretic." Gaius glared and then swirl his Spear to slash him and Ignis.

Ignis clawed and attacked onto Gaius, but Rosalina fire a celestial beam onto Ignis to knock her away as Luigi jump to stomp on Relius's face as Mario then hammer his face next. With Relius stun, Mario swung his hammer downward and then upward to his chin, Luigi spiral attack with his hammer repeatedly before Super Luigi Jump him, Mario then jumped and then knocked him toward Alberich. Ignis catch Relius as they were near Alberich. Alisa then used her craft: Rosetta Arrow onto them as Zoa Balor counter it with its laser beam attack. Peach ran up to them and launch slashes onto them, but Ignis block and counter with her claws and Relius throw a mechanical fist at her. Peach dodged gracefully and then she throw her Halberd into a Cartwheel at them. As they dodged, Aurora fire a beam on Zoa Balor and struck him while Alisa rush toward Alberich and throw her fist at him.

Alberich block and counter by responding back into Zoa Balor appeared behind him to slash her, but Peach throw her Halberd ont he face as Crow fire Homing Shots onto Alberich and Zoa Balor. Bowser curl into his shell to to make his way toward them and then he Megaton Kick Alberich and Zoa Balor. Lianne then slash through them with her lance and then unleash rapid trust onto them and then use Ultimate Saber to knock them away. Aether then rush toward Alberich and Zora Balor and then he slash through them, leaving behind phantom slashes behind his wake, knocking them away. As Alberich and Zoa Balor were rolling. Alberich got back on the ground as he see Aether running to him.

"Fire!" Alberich yelled as Zoa Balor a purple laser toward him but Aether skillfully dodged until he got close. Zoa Balor then swing its claws and ready to grab Aether but slash the claws back. Aether then slash through Zoa Balor, wrap around it and then reappear behind him and appear in Alberich with his eyes, closed. At the moment he opened them Phantom slashes struck on the combat shell, causing it to malfunction and exploded. Even it's core was turn to pieces. "ZOA BALOR!" Alberich yelled in shocked until he saw Aether charge in for a punch and punch Alberich. "NUUUGH!" then knock him rolling onto the floor and in defeat.

(BGM ended)

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Rivalry of the Seven - Excellion Kreig-)

Before Aether can continue, a surge of aura surrounding the battlefield surfaces.

"Ah!" Ruby look around.

"The Fifth Rivalry is starting!" Weiss announced to everyone.

Alberich got back on his feet and panted as he glared at Aether and Alisa.

"Damn you...AETHEEEEEER!" Alberich yelled in rage.

Relius then notice something from Alberich.

"Oh? It seems you're losing your grasp." Relius replied to Alberich who turn to him.

"What are you-Gh..." Alberich however seemed to be in pain.

"Huh?" Aether look surprised.

"What's happening?" Paimon asked.

"I... I am...No...I'm..." Alberich suddenly changed appearance, his hair went from white to pale blue and his outfit went from black to white.

"Father?!" Alisa exclaimed.

"Ali...sa? What's...happening?" He then changed back. "No!"

"NOW!" Aether then lung toward Alberich and then impale him with his sword.

"GWAAAAAAAAAAUGH!" Alberich screamed in agony as Aether's hand glow with a golden power and trust his hands onto Alberich's chest, causing a surge of power pouring out of him. "GAAAAAAGH!"

"What the heck?!" Levi exclaimed.

"W-What are you doing!?" Alberich yelled as he is unable to move.

"I told you. When I get my hands on you. I. Will. Kill you." Aether respond with a glare at his arm go deeper into the vortex in the chest, causing Alberich to respond in agony.

"No! Stop! Stop!" Alberich respond in fear. "STOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Alberich's eyes and mouth soon glowing with light.

Aether then pull out his arm, along with something in his hand as Alberich change back to Franz Reinford appearance fall on his back.

"Father!" Alisa yelled.

"Whoooa!" Millium exclaimed.

"That thing is Alberich?!" Celine asked as they see a black misty entity with swinging tentacles and multiple eyes.

"I-Impossible!" Alberich exclaimed

"This is it Alberich." Aether glared. "For all the vile demonic things you done. Your life is in my hands. For Geras, for the Gnomes, the world... and all the people you destroyed for your master... THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE FOREVER!" Aether then tossed the entity in the air as he jumped up. "HAAAAAAH!" Then he swings down his sword, cleaving the black entity as it golden marks respond.

"NO! NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAUGH!" The entity screeches before it fades into darkness and Aether swings his sword.

"He destroy Alberich..." Rean said in awe.

"That's... so...COOOL!" Levi eye sparking.

"So the puppet has been cut from the puppeteer's strings." Hazama brush the dust off his clothes.

"So the sword resembles that of Dream Blades: Musashi. How fascinating." Relius mused.

"So that's the Golden Wanderer's strength and ability." Minerva brush off the dust from her clothes. "Either way, it's unnecessary to go on."

"Right. You know what to do, Rufus." Neve put away his Keyblade.

"Haha, I know." Rufus smirked as he put away his sword. "Come forth! El-Prado, the Auric Knight!"

"As you command!" El-Prado respond.

Rufus then enter his Divine Knight's Cockpit as Minerva, Neve, Hazama and Relius step away as Aether pick up the unconscious Franz Reinford and steps away, and Alisa run toward him to check on him.

"I-Is he okay?!" Alisa asked

"He's all right. But he's unconscious right now." Aether answered

"Heed my call... Valimar, the Ashen Knight!" Rean raised his arm.

"Come, Ordine, the Azure Knight!" Crow raised his arm.

"To me, Argreion!" Lianne raised her arm

"Adknowledge." The Divine Knights respond as they appear next, where Rean, Crow and Lianne then enter their Divine Knight's cockpits and operate them.

Then the Zauber Soldots versions of Musse, Venti and Ash soldots appeared to lend Rufus his aid.

"This will be the last Rivalry before the battle that will decide this world's fate. Once I've proven victorious here, I will hold the power of all the Divine Knights you've defeated as well as the Sword of the End. Then, I will discard my life and become an Immortal!" Rufus declared

"I knew it!" Millium clench her teeth.

"Damn it!" Crow growled.

"Finally, I will challenge my 'father' and surpass him at long last! Only then will I be able to prove my life was worth more than that of an unwanted bastard child. I will be the one who decides the meaning of my existence!" Rufus yelled.

"Tch..." Neve grumbled as Minerva to look at him with an eyebrow.

"Rean, please stop him!" Jusis pleaded.

"I will. Just leave him to me!" Rean respond

"This is a small payback for your attempt back at the shrine." Lianne said as the Divine Knights took their stance.

The Divine Knight who shines as the sun - El Prado.

The Hannibal launch its attack first toward Valimar, but he block and use Waning Crescent slash to strike it back along with El-Prado and the Mordred. Argreion dash toward the Mordered to throw a trust attack, but he block and jump back and fire dark shots onto her. Agreion block it as El-Prado lung toward Aregreion but Ordine shoulder bash and then slash at him. El-Prado recovered and then swing at Ordine to push him back. El-Prado swing its golden sword onto Valimar as he block it with the Sword of the End until Valimar push him back. Valimar then rush toward El-Prado and then they both swing at each other until he move out of the way as Ordine launches a combo slash on El-Prado and Agreion launch rapid trust with her lance.

El-Prado then conjured a force field to bounce them off. He then raised his sword high and swung down to unleash powerful slash projections. Hannibal's Halbard imbued with dark power, throw a dark wave toward them while the Mordred shot lcok to the Divine Knights and fire at them. Each of them took the damage as El-Prado gathering magic to rain down an emerald lightning and struck on the group. Machias's Second contractors buff Valimar and his movement as he strike first onto the Hannibel and unleash powerful slashes onto it as Agreion uses Anglican Hammer to rain down lightning. Ordine used Criminal Edge to strike El-Prado and the Zauber Soldots. The Mordered fire Dark energy at Ordine while El-Prado launched toward Valimar.

Agreion got in front of Valimar and block his attack while Ordine swirl his Double Saber and then swirl, then imbued it with red energy and unleash a large red X toward El-Proado and the Mordred as Valimar used True Hexil onto them. The Hannibal swing its Halbard toward them but Agreion block and then trust attack onto its cockpit, then arms, legs and then one final trust onto the cockpit to destroy it. El-Prado recovered and then he gather energy into his sword to launch trust projections onto the Divine Knights while the Mordered fire several dark shots onto them, causing a dark explosion. Agreion, and Ordine both gathering power and bombard the Mordered with Time and Water energy from Venti and Elliot's Second contractors and then cause it to explode. Ordine and Valimar lung toward El-Prado to attack, but both attacks were blocked by El-Prado's barrier until Agreion charge her trust and unleash a powerful attack, causing it to break the barrier, allowing Ordine and Valimar to strike at him.

Rufus growled as El-Prado impaled the ground to unleash surge of power onto the Divine Knights, then he dash toward Ordine and slash through him. El-Prado then slash Valimar and Agreion and launch a powerful trust, which cause a massive trust attack projection onto them. Valimar recovered and then he raised the Sword of the End and rain down slash projection onto El-Prado. El-Prado block it with a force field but it won't hold out much longer as Ordine charge his Double Blade and then swing his arm to unleash a hurricane of slashes at the barrier, breaking it and strike El-Prado. Agreion then used Sturm Lanzer. El-Prado perform a graceful spin slash onto the Divine Knights. El-Prado move to the left and then empower himself.

Valimar perform the Morning Moon Stance as Agreion and Ordine both lung toward El-Prado to slash and rust him, but El-Prado jump up and then impale the ground, causing it to shake and then unleash another slash projections onto the Divine Knight. El-Prado then launch a struck attack onto Valimar as he's the closest, but he dodged and counterattack by striking all around it with slashes. Valimar then push back El-Prado as Ordine swirl slash El-Prado and Agreion strike through with Sturm Lanzer. El-Prado then raised his sword high as Rufus let out a war cry, extending the range to the ceiling and then swing, downing the ground to shake and striking the Divine Knights with it. Valimar, Ordine and Agreion recovered as they both lung toward El-Prado who conjured a barrier, but was broke. Valimar unleash a wide slash projection powerful enough to the side, Ordine swing his Double Saber vertical and horizontally three times until Agreion unleash Ultimate Saber and then one powerful trust as Valimar raise the Sword of the End high enough anf then swind down onto El-Prado, causing several slash to rain down on him.

"Starfall Slash!" Rean yelled as the slashes unleashed a devastating attack.

"NNNUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!" Rufus yell in agony as El-Prado was covered in statics and fell to his knees.

Rufus was forced out of his Divine Knight's cockpit and fell on his knees, looking horrified at the result.

(BGM ended)

"I...lost?" Rufus said in disbelief.

Rean, Crow, Lianne, and Jusis walked up to him.

"Yes." Jusis answered. "You've been defeated, Rufus." He said as El-Prado begin to transparent.

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sorrow Flower)

"Hah...I had the Auric Knight and the fortress' power. It should have been more difficult for you to win." Rufus replied "It should have been impossible for your friends to win..." He glared at Lianne. "Curse you, Steel Maiden. And curse that wretched Goddess of Light!"

"Hmph. My strength was only half of what it was during that fight. Most of it belongs to the Ashen Awakener. Therefore, he defeated you." Lianne replied.

"And cursing Palutena isn't going to help you either." Crow added. "While she and others did prevent the power of the Argent Knight from being absorbed, they didn't help aid them in the Rivalry."

"Gh...then... Please... tell me why..." Rufus asked

Jusis, Rean, Lianne, Crow and Millium look at each other and nodded

"It's because you refused to rely on anyone but yourself." Jusis answered, causing Rufus to look shocked.

"Yep, that pretty much sums it up." Millium said. "You had people you coulda relied on, but you chose not to."

"Despite your issues with House Albarea, your bond with Jusis was real, at least." Rean added. "But still, you shut him out. You chose to walk this path all by yourself."

Machias nodded. "And you didn't even rely on the other Ironbloods. That's the legacy you've made for yourself, being just too good to need anyone else."

"And a mindset like that...it's just not healthy at all." Juna said. "You even pulled string after string to keep Crossbell under your thumb. But that was only a temporary measure. What kind of future would that lead to?"

"Yes. In governing Crossbell, you relied mainly on deception and force." Musse agreed. "Though they served you well the past few years, they are brittle tools that break easily. You can't rely on them forever."

Ash smiled at her. "Yeah, couldn't have put it better myself."

"No matter your methods, there is only so much you can accomplish alone." Altina said.

"Yep. Your approach is pretty much the opposite of Prince Olivert's." Sara added.

Kurt nodded. "It's true."

"Heh, I can't argue with that." Rufus replied. "At least contributing to the formation of Class VII was one of the few things I can be proud of." He look at the others. "I imagine that once I fall unconscious, you'll discover that the fortress' garden has changed. There, you'll find a path to the very core of this fortress. Lord Epimenides and Cornelia waits for you. Alongside them... will be Maleficent and her cohorts. Prove to me you have the strength to see this through to the end. And what lies beyond... is the final Rivalry. Haha. To think it's nearly over after all this time. In the end, I was nothing but a fraud. Inferior in every way to their real sons."

"Stop being negative. And don't make me pity you." Levi said, much to Rufus' surprise. "You really need to let go of that nonsense in your head. A 'bastard son'? Truly, Helmut really is a scum of a man. You are far from a 'bastard son'. We all have issues. Sometimes you just need to let it go. Let go of that cling, otherwise, you won't be able to move on."

"Agreed." Jusis said before he went over to Rufus. "We'll take care of it from here. Please rest, brother. However, before you do so... I need to knock some sense back into you."

Rufus let a small gasped then smiled. "Go on then."

He then punched him out cold which surprised me, and the Auric Knight's power was absorbed by Valimar. Valimar's form changed. Then that symbol from the fortress floor appeared and vanished.

"So, that was the result of the Rivalry. What an educated progress." Relius mused as he rub his chin as he and Hazama activated their teleportation technique.

"Hey, where do you bastards think you're doing?!" Ash asked.

"Away from here for starters. There is no reason for us to be here." Hazama answered. "All we do is lend the governor-general our support. While Relius gets his data."

"No. I'm afraid you guys are far too dangerous to be roaming around." Byleth said.

"That's right. You guys need to die." Ragna readied his armasa.

"Another time perhaps." Relius replied. "Let us see if we will meet again." He said as he and Hazama teleported away.

"Well, I should be on my way as well." Minerva turn her back.

"Minerva, wait!" Erza called her out, turning to her. "Sabertooth has long waiting for you to return. String, Rogue, and their other members misses you."

"Miss me? Why would they care about me? I'm just like my father before he was slain by the Undine Prince."

'Noel kill him too?' Lucy whispered.

'Well... Her father was a bastard but...' Natsu replied.

'Then he must have deemed him a corrupted mind with power.' Edelgard said.

"Even so, you know what Sting and Rogue said to you right? You don't have to follow your father's path to become strong. Truly you can't ignore the good times you had in Sabertooth, That doesn't involve winning or power." Erza said, causing Minerva to look guilty. "Will you return, Minerva? Let go of those old scars?"

Minerva said nothing. "It will take more then words then to take me back." Until now. "Tell them this... Should they want me back... free the darkness in my heart when we meet again." Then she teleported away.

"She's gone." Wendy sighed.

"She's just like with Sharon, huh?" Happy asked.

"Yeah... Ah!" Alisa said as she turn to Aether who place Franz to the wall as he examine him. "Aether, how is he still?"

"He's all right. Just a few scraps and bruises during the fight but... he needs some rest before he can fully recover. Though I can't see how long he'll be when he needs to be awake." Aether pull out an amulet and place it on Franz as it flash. "There. He should be protected in case any of Ishmelga's possession should happen again."

"Oh... Thank the Goddess..." Alisa said in relief, wiping her tears. "Aether... Thank you... Thank you..."

"Alisa..." Rean smiled at her along with everyone else.

(BGM ended)

"It's finally over, huh?" Ruby asked.

"Yes. I've been bottling this up for so long, but now I've told him everything that needed to be said." Jusis replied

"That's a relief." Rean nodded

"Yeah! I bet that took a real load off you, huh, Jusis?" Millum smiled.

(Blazblue ost - Pinky Promise)

Jusis turn to everyone. "To all of you… you have my sincerest thanks for your help. I wouldn't have been able to come here and confront Rufus without you."

"Of course." Alisa smiling.

"Aw, look who's gone all humble on us now." Crow chuckled.

"It's all the more precious for how rarely we see that side of him." Laura smiled.

"That's Jusis for you!" Elliot nodded

"We really should have recorded that- for posterity." Machias sighed.

"Don't you think that's kinda harsh? I don't think he's THAT standoffish." Juna sweatdrop.

"You don't know him as well as we do, and before Levi join Class VII." Fie replied.

"Really? What was he like?" Levi asked

"All right, you guys are just teasing him now." Emma nervous smile. "But that aside, I'm really happy for you Alisa. You got your father back."

"Yeah. It was all thanks to Aether that we did," Alisa smiled.

"Think nothing of it. I feel a weight has been lifted from me after all the things Alberich did. Especially to avenge Geras." Aether said, placing his heart to his chest. "I know that he can finally be at peace. However, it won't be over yet once we destroy Ishmelga... then... I can finally be in true peace."

"You make it as if you were dying." Lianne replied.

"Wait, you're not dying are you?!" Paimon gulped.

"Of course not." Aether shook his head. "I want to thank you all for helping me finally get my hands on him. I really owe you all another great debt. But right now, we need to focus on our final Rivalry. But we need to get past some obstacles on our way."

"Yeah..." Rean nodded.

"We're up against Maleficent and her group. Not to mention Epimenides and Cornelia." Sora said.

"Those dartards, just like Relius and Hazama, are far too dangerous for this world to be roaming around. They must be slain for the greater good." Dimitri grumbled.

"I think we're all pretty exhausted right now. Let's take a break in the garden first." Gaius suggest.

"We've been promised a new pathway from there as well. Why don't we see what that's all about." Musse added

"Valimar, Ordine and Argreion deserve a rest, too. After everything." Rean nodded

"I appreciate the sentiment." Valimar said.

"We'll go ahead and teleport to the camp." Ordine replied.

"Do be careful on your way." Agreion added before teleporting away.

"But what should we do with them?" Byleth turn to the unconscious Franz and Rufus. "You think we should leave them here?"

"I'm not sure... I don't want to leave my father here but..." Alisa trailed off.

"You can leave them to me." Neve said as he approached them. "Yes, I'm still here if you've already forgotten."

"Oh crap, we did forget about you." Natsu said.

"You're okay with watching them over for us?" Goofy asked.

"That's right. I don't mind." Neve replied

"Say, Neve... I've noticed something during the fight. You were also holding back. But at the same time, you were very concerned for Rufus's wellbeing, weren't you?" Rean asked

"Ah..." Jusis said in surprise.

"Now that you mentioned it..." Levi paused

Neve sighed as he look at Rufus. "Surprising isn't it? You all probably expect me to have a heart of ice."

"Well you are a jackass for starters, not to mention you did disrespect this guy over here" Ash remark and refer to Eraqus.

"Hmph. I was stating the fact of how flawed he is with his theories. But I can't blame you for thinking me that way."

"Flaw you say?" Eraqus fold his arm before he sigh. "I can't deny that I don't like darkness, but have you even consider why I dislike Darkness?"

"I can only speculate that something happen to you that experience it. Regardless what it was, it doesn't change the fact that you also want to destroy the order between light and darkness. ESPECUALLY that both light and darkness needs each other to be balance. Without darkness, light will blind everything. Even if it good or not. Just as darkness will blind everything."

Eraqus sighed. "You're right. And because of my own belief. I have corrupted Aqua, turn on Ventus, and even disappointed Terra... and myself. I honestly don't have the right to be their Master."

"Eraqus..." Lianne muttered.

Neve sighed out of pity. "You're fine for who you are, Master Eraqus. You just went down the wrong path and use the wrong method. It can happen to anyone. So I don't blame you."

"Master Neve..." Eraqus said.

"Anyway, you don't have to worry about Franz and Rufus. I'll take care of them while you get past Maleficent's group, Epimenides and Cornelia. But you better be on guard when it comes to them."

"We will." Sora nodded. "But why were you concerned with Rufus?"

Neve was lost in thought for a moment. "He reminds me of someone who was just like him. A fellow Keyblade wielder who lost her life."

"Ah..."

"She was a daughter of a bastard to her family who lived in a certain world. She has been training and studying hard to become a Keyblade Master, hoping for her parents to finally acknowledge her. But... she lost her life, calling herself inferior, wanted to prove herself that she's not some bastard's child. Seeing Rufus like this reminds me so much of her. Someone I once known as a friend. After her demise, her family said nothing until they were slaughtered for their sins. Anyway, let's not talk about me and my past. I suggest you keep going if you want to save this world. I'll make sure to keep them save from any Heartless if they have any funny ideas."

"Thanks..." Alisa said with a smile.

"Hehe. You know Neve. You're all right." Sora smiled as he casually wrapped his arms over his spiky hair. "Okay, let's go." He said as he and the others walked out of the large room and back to the garden.

Once they left, Neve sigh to himself.

"All right, huh?" Neve let out a hmph with a smile, but look sad. "If only that were true."

---

And finally, this capture is done! You learn a little more then expected huh? Including some of Neve's past! Now onward to the Final Rivalry! But first, they need to get past Maleficent, and Epimenides group first. And here's hoping for Minerva to return to Sabertooth where she truly belongs in the love of friends. Here is the enemy data.

Hazama: A sinister individual with who associates with Osborne and the Gnomes. A crafty fighter who possess dark powers and enjoy messing with foes and strike at their weakness.

HP: 575328

Relius: Known as the Mad Puppeteer with an evil heart. Fights with his combat doll, Ignis. Capable of summoning several mechanical dolls body parts to aid and protect him as his combat doll pierce through skin.

HP: 757401

Neve: A mysterious Keyblade Master with great mastery over ice magic. Incredible skill with the Keyblade and various of magic that can summon a giant ice elemental at his beck and call.

HP:575328

Minerva: Ouroboros Enforcer No. XVI. Wields incredible magic and dominates over Space. Trapping foes and freely move around in the battlefield and summon a powerful entity to destroy her surrounding.

HP: 575328