Dateline: December 15, 1206...

(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Things Entrusted)

"This is my dad's study..." Rean said solemn as he and Eugent were in Osborne's office, accompanying them was an Audino. "It's, uh... It feels a little surreal to be in here."

"I understand why you would feel that way." Eugent said. "I'd come to sort out his belongings after the war's end... but to my surprise, there was nothing left to sort. He never was the one for displaying sentimental good and the like, but I can only assume he disposed of what little he had beforehand."

"I could see that for him, yes. But if there's nothing here, what is it you said you wanted to give me in the letter?"

"Ahh... It would be something I found in the ashes of his fireplace." Eugent pull out a nearly burn photo and gave it to Rean to look at.

Rean eye widen. "This is..."

"Judging by its state, I should think it came from his dirty. Nothing else remains of the diary itself, unfortunately, but I thought you should still have this. Please, take it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Rean smiled. "This is more than enough for me. Knowing he treasured this photograph till his last days means more than words can say. I'm grateful you thought of me when you found it."

"Then all is well." Eugent smiled. "He's was a lucky man to have you as his son. It was... regrettably difficult for me to mourn him in public with his role in this war. And that the EAF still hold resentment about him. But I heard you were able to care his name into the grave he'd made for your mother at your old home?"

Rean nodded. "Yeah. I took the chance when I was nearby for a branch campus assignment. It's a quiet area of the suburbs, so I'd like it if he and my mother could rest in peace there."

"Giliath was a great friend to me—and a proud hero who lived in service of the Empire. I shall make it my business to visit the grave myself. I imagine that your Emblem counterpart including the Golden Wanderer himself would also like to visit. I'd like to visit the Lance's Maiden's grave in Crossbell as well."

"I'm sure they and Noel would appreciate you being there." Rean smiled. "Not that I knew either of them well enough to speak on their behalf, of course. Maybe I should ask Noel on what Emblem Lianne might say. Come to think of it. I think the Divine Dragon Twins would also want to visit the Lance's Maiden Grave too."

"Ah yes. The Divine Dragons who saved their homeworld from the Evil Fell Dragon Sombeon, yes? I would like to met them. Including Queen Lumera. I heard that Princess Peach has added them to their list of allies. Speaking of her. I owe her much for her announcement. Many people who view Erebonia begin to have some change of heart. And the Erebonians who left Erebonia has begin to return. I can't thank her enough."

"That's Princess Peach for you. She truly is the saint, isn't she?" Rean smiled

"She certainly is. She is Olivert's sister in arms as he puts it. I imagine her late parents are so proud of her."

"Yeah. I'm sure they are..."

"The Great Twilight is over; the nation's suffering has come to an end. There is no better time to gather up the pieces we missed during our time of conflict."

Rean nodded in agreement. "Yes... I suppose you're right."

(BGM ended)


Later at night...

(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Stillness of Night)

"He look so happy in that photo, doesn't he?" Levi ask, looking at the photo with Rean.

"Yeah. The more I look at it, the more surreal it feels." Rean nodded.

"I remember we watch something similar with the Spectral Moon Mirror, but it's hard right now to see him smiling in this photo."

"Hehe. I couldn't agree more. But it does goes to show of how little I really knew about him. Hopefully I can find more little things like this and take good care of them."

"Yeah. It would feel nice that if he kept more for us to keep. But this is the last one we'll get." Levi sighed. "Still... He look really happy to be with you and your Mother like this. I'm sure he's happy watching over you with Kasia in the afterlife."

"Yeah. Maybe I should talk to Phoenix and Maya and talk to both of them in spirit." Rean suggested

"Oh, great idea!"

"but for now, we're in for a busy day tomorrow, so we better get some rest."

"Yeah. Your time. Without times of absent. We better make it up for Towa and the others." Levi agreed as he kiss Rean's cheek. "Then shall we head to bed?"

"Yeah. Let's head to bed." Rean smiled as they gave each other a good night kiss and then they headed to bed together."

(BGM ended)

Unknown to them, the picture suddenly glow.


(Persona 3 ost - Living with Determination)

"I have accepted the Ebon Knight." Giliath's voice spoked. "But it is not by its will that I have chosen to bring destruction to the Empire. This is the only way to rid the land of the curse that has plagued it for so long. To end this world my love ones call home will require renouncing my very humanity... yet it is a price I am willing to pay. For this day forward, I will see myself as a bring of blood with a soul of iron, guiding all to a future of conflict. I write those words in my diary to show that I have chose my path—that my will is still my own."


A vision of Osborne and Lechter when he is young.

"I knew I would need pawns to achieve the future I so desired. Not long after having this realization did I happen upon a boy with the gift of precognition. His name is Lechter Arundel. What a funny twist of fate that he should be that man's son. The boy had accepted the hand fate had dealt him—both his father's crimes and that it would lead him to be silenced. I've given him a new home as one of my pawns, giving him a purpose in the form of revenge. Did I do this out of compassion, an emotion I thought I'd abandoned? Or has seeing him reminded me of the son I've turned my back on? His father's crimes came to be the whispers of the Ebon Knight. There is no reason for the child left behind to carry the weight of such an indelible sin. I know not whether his foresight has allowed him to see the ruin I aim to bring about... but regardless, he has accepted my offer with great interest."


Next vision show him and Rufus.

"My next meeting has come soon after my promotion to chancellor of the Imperial government. While on the state business meeting with the Four Great Houses, I happened upon a fascinating young man. His name is Rufus Albarea, and he appears intelligent as he is hollow on the inside. He thinks of me as his true father, and he believes that besting me will give meaning to his existence. It feels almost cruel to find myself being called someone's father again... but meeting someone who seeks to do more than I ever could has been a fine boon indeed. May he show me humanity's potential. May he prove we are not powerless in the face of the curse, nor are we simple pieces on a game board. I know calling himself an Ironblood—a son of mine— would not be enough to satisfy him. Perhaps once he finds the answers he seeks, he will be fit to lead in the times to come. "


The next scene was him and Claire.

"Teo years have passed since my appointment to chancellor. Rufus and Lechter have served me well, and word of the Ironbloods has begun to spread. What has dampened this just so it the passing of an old friend from Thors. The circumstances surrounding his death are highly suspicious—enough for me to suspect that the Ebon Knight was to blame. It was when I went on to handle the matter personally that I happened to meet his daughter, Claire Rieveldt. In a clear manifestation of the Ebon Knight' dreaded hand toying with Erebonian lives... the tragedy had awakened a peculiar gift in her—a kind of enhanced cognition. I chose to leave the matter of her father's death in her hands... and though it pained her greatly to do so, she has demonstrated the resolve to stand against destiny. Thinking this meeting to also be fate, I have invited her to join the Ironbloods as well. What she will discover on this road to ruin, I do not know, but on behalf of my friend, I intend to bear witness as she finds it.

(BGM ended)


The next scene with Osborne meeting Lianne and Aether...

(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost - Sensitive Talk)

"I visited Jurai and, after negotiating with its mayor, it was agreed that it would be taken as a province of Erebonia. And around that time, who should show as if they had been waiting for this moment all along but my dear friends? I'd heard she was calling herself the Steel Maiden after accepting a position in the society. And that my old friend will continue searching for the Ebon Knight. But when talking to them, they were the same as I'd remembered. They still thought to express concern for my well being. With Jurai now under Imperial rule, the seeds of the curse have begun to blossom. The stage will soon be set for the Rivalries. When I told them this, they left without saying much more. They deserved so much for what they has endured... I wish I could have let them know, but perhaps they, too, would prefer to appear strong."


The next scene was Osborne drinking coffee as he look at Millium, Claire and Lechter.

"A forth member has joined the Ironbloods. Her name is Millium Orion, a new-model homunculus with the nearly last in her line serial number, Oz73. A pure and innocent a being I have ever seen, she was quick to gain a sense of self, developing in the blink of an eye. Millium has been able to give the other Ironbloods, what I cannot. The more time they spend with her, the more I see Claire and Lechter's expression soften. I can only hope that through her, they have regained a small portion of what the Ebon Knight took away. What a sinful manner of forging a sword... and what a fitting manner with the end it is destined to bring. I have long accepted that I will bear any sin for my goal, knowing full well my fate will be to accompany Ihsmelga to Genhenna's depths."


The next scene was an airship

"Prince Olivert's role in ending the crisis in Liberl was reported far and wide. When he soon after returned to the Empire like a hero aboard the kingdom's Arseille, it was almost impossible to escape the story."

The next scene was Olivert pointing his gut with petals shattered in the wind.

"I visited Liberl to offer my own 'greeting' before his departure... byt by doing so, he reminded me once more that he is a man of endless surprises. It was as if the ion slumbering within the Empire had awakened and taken his form. As I execute my plan to fill the world with conflict, he seeks to find a 'third way'. His efforts are nothing but a hindrance in bringing about the Great Twilight, but I cannot help but feel excited by his declaration. If he's going to challenge me, then he had best put up a worthy fight. The conflict he seeks to stop will be great enough to engulf even Crossbell. I look forward to seeing how he intends to counter it."

(BGM ended)


The next scene was young Rean with his classmates preparing their next field study...

(Hyrule Warrior ost - Guilty Feeling)

"I received word that students from Thors Military Academy would be coming to the capital on a field study... and among their Class VII was a familiar face. I'd been given updates on his growth from Teo and Claire, but it was the first time I had seen him as a young man. I could see right away that he had become just like his mother—a kind soul who valued the well-being of others over himself. He is the picture of health now, and for that I am grateful. I regret to write, however, that the curse has had a clear influence on him, adding to his internal strife. I knew it was bound to happen—he has the heart of the one closely linked to the curse. I dare not think of Kasia's face as she watches us from heaven or the pain she must feel seeing the cruel fate I have thrust upon our child. Does she know that if he cannot control himself now, then he has no chance of surviving the days that are yet to come? It won't be long before the Great Twilight is upon us. All I can do is as his mother does, watch and see how he fares."


The Next scene shows Crow in C armor...

October 30th. The newly independent Crossbell destroyed our Garrelia Fortress. As foretold in the Black Records, this led to Erebonia declaring war on Crossbell. There was one development, however, that it did not foresaw. Crow Armbrust, the grandson of Jurai's mayor. He was but an ordinary boy on the surface, belying the searing vehemence beneath his skin that gave him the strength to even match me. Though everything has been preceding as planned, he has allowed me to see the height of humanity's potential for the first time in a long awhile.

The next scene was Valimar flying toward Rean.

At the same time as this developed, another came to be as I had feared it would. Rean Schwarzer has accepted becoming an Awakener for Valimar. The Ebon Knight's power grows ever greater as the civil war rages on. The Ashen Knight may be quite capable, but without sufficient resolve, it will fall against the Ebon Knight with ease. As the one who thrust this upon you, I doubt you would ever want to hear this from me... but only you can change your course. I dearly pray you find the will to stand against your fate."

(BGM ended)


The next scene was the Subspace Event incident...

(Kingdom Hearts ost - End of the World)

"Before all of this happened, something no one had foresaw. A power that can't be explain has pierce the skies of Zemuria. It then revealed that it is a portal that leads to another world. One I never thought it was possible. Nor imagine the existence of other worlds.

The next scene show the Mushroom Kingdom.

Beyond that crack lies the Mushroom Kingdom. A Kingdom none like ever in the world of Zemuria. a kingdom filled with mystics and powers that is unlike anything I have seen before. Rule of that world was Princess Peach. A Maiden with a heart of gold. The world where she rules the land of abundance and live in peace. Living in that Kingdom filled with wonders are call Toads. Mushroom like people."

The next scene shows Bowser and his Kingdom.

"And the other Kingdom lies in the dark part called the Koopa Kingdom, rule by the Koopa King Bowser. A race of turtles-like dragons. He invades the Mushroom Kingdom countless times and aduct the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom to conquer that beautiful realm. But even that world has powerful heroes to defeat the Koopa King."

The next scene shows Mario and Luigi.

"Those heroes were Mario and Luigi. Ordinary plumbers that live in the Mushroom Kingdom. They were once from another world before living in that magical realm filled with interesting items called Power-Ups. They journey to defeat the Koopa King and rescue Princess Peach.

The next scene show Mario, Luigi and Class VII chatting with Peach.

"Prince Olivert's journey to that world himself as he made this important discovery. He created an extra activity for Class VII to journey forth the other world. And at the end of it, the World of the Mushroom Kingdom begins to merge with Zemuria. And more worlds into it. Fodlan, Haleynn, Ylisse, and Magical are called Pokemon who live in several regions. All was because of the Subspace Emissary Incident cause by Tabuu. A god-like entity who wish to drown the world of Smash Bros and the worlds within reach. But with this... I fear that these world will be caught with the Great Twilight and the Rivalries. But at the same time. There were gods that be within reach. Master Hand, Crazy Hand, Palutena, and many more. If anything... I would ask these guys to free Erebonia from its curse and destroy the Ebon Knight. Then... I can finally regain my humanity... but... I would not."

The next scene shows the world...

"And now a new incident appeared that drag Class VII into a singularity called the Phantom Field. Caused by the artifactual being called System XX. A machine observer from other worlds to collect data of its people and the world. It goal was to invade other worlds once it collected enough data to invade. But its plans were thwarted by the heroes of each world. And now more worlds has now added to Zemuria. Fiore, a Kingdom where magic exists. Remnant. A world filled with advanced technology as well as new horrible monsters called Grimm. As time goes on by Prince Olivert's effort to create a bridge between these new nations. Trades and knowledge has been shared throughout the world. It has its good and bad side. But in the end... this too may be both a blessing... as well as its curse."

(BGM ended)


The next scene show Osborne and Alberich were confronted by Xehanort who is stepping out of a Corridor of darkness...

(Kingdom Hearts II ost - Organization XIII)

"At the hands of Crow Armbrust who shot my vessel without a heart. I returned as Alberich came to fetch me. But when we will continue our plan. We encounter an unexpected visitor. His name was Master Xehanort. I can sense with him a powerful force to realize. He is the leader of an Organization called Thirteen. Xehanorts methods was similar to my very own for the Great Twilight and the Rivalry. However, unlike the Great Twilight, he seeks to take the greatest of secrets known to man. Kingdom Hearts."

The next scene show Kingdom Hearts.

"Kingdom Hearts was an ultimate power, far greater then anything that existed or unheard of. As Xehanort told me, it is the heart of all worlds and the source of great power and wisdom. The heart of everything. Xehanort seek Kingdom Hearts to rewrite the universe in his own image. Xehanort wields a weapon called the Keyblade. One I find to be the ultimate weapon. This weapon surpasses the Ebon Knight's expectation and even more within its capabilities."

The Next scene show Osborne and Xehanort shaking hands...

"Xehanort decided to forged an alliance with me to aid me in my goals while we aid him with his goals. Xehanort's Organization will study this world with all the knowledge we provided him, while his organization will aid the Great Twilight preparation on a far greater scale. Including recruiting allies to my side. But behind it all, Xehanort plans to rewrite the entire universe to reforge it in his own image because of what he witnessed in people's hearts in his youth. Darkness grows in every heart, with darkness, there will be chaos. Xehanort had once had many friends before they lost their very lives. And even his dearest friend who was disillusioned by the light. I can relate to him. He and I were kindred spirits. That's why in my hope, he can claim Kingdom Hearts and undo the Ebon Knight's actions. That was his promise to me. And in the end... he too has been defeated and passed on. But I will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain."


The next scene shows the Courageous being blown up...

July 30th. The Gral of Erebos has made manifest. Prince Olviert had broken through all attempts to obstruct him, reaching the scene... all for naught. He has met a tragic end. Human life is but dust to be scattered by the winds of fate, by you commoner or nobility; hero or villain. Even he was no exception to the rule and fell like any other. His loss is a deeply tragic one, for I had thought him uniquely capable of rebuilding the Empire after the Great Twilight's end."


The next scene shows Ishmelga grabbing tainted Valimar...

The wings of the hero have broken, and in the deapir that followed, the Sword of the End was swing at last. With Millium's grievous demise, the final restraint chaining Rean has been unbound. He has been consumed by the curse, becoming the Sacrifice decreed by fate so long ago. I nearly thought he would succeed in suppressing its hold on him with how long he fended it off. And with the help of Levi Sullivan who can surprise, and even can dispel its influence... It may be for the best that hr will live through this miserable period as a mindless ogre. By the time he returns to his senses, the Ebon Knight and I will no longer be of this world. I would ask that he be able to rest until the Rivalries have reached their climax. Just as Xehanort did with his Keyblade War."


The next scene show Osborne in his office writing in his diary...

"September 5th... Operation Jormungandr and the final Rivalry is now upon us. Though he fall to the fiery depths of despair, Rean rose from the ashes and has since fought valiantly for my defeat. The curse's power is at its peak, and still he prevailed. I can hardly believe how much he has grown." He stop writing and look at the ceiling. "His friends and his adventures all agree the world and beyond may have played a part in this, but that alone does not explain it. What has elevated him to weights beyond prophetic imagining? I wish I knew—as much as I wish I could have learned it by watching over him as a father."

Giliath got up from his chair and walk to the window off his office. "This isn't like me at all. I shouldn't be losing myself at such a critical point. Should he somehow defeat me, my son will be forced to bear the full weight of the curse's power. Yet if he has the strength to oppose me, then I will take it as my first and final paternal duty to see him wrest it from my grasp. But if he does... Something tells me that... he will be all right in the end. He has Levi with him. Including the Gods... and the Triforce I heard so much about. I know that Rean will be all right. My beloved son is more fortunate than me to have many powerful allies and among the gods to help save him. And perform the miracle in this world. That is why I would pray to Aidios, Palutena, Sothis, and all the gods who are on my son's side. I pray to you all, please, shine your light on Rean's future forever more."

(BGM ended)


Dateline: December 16, 1206 morning.

Rean rose up from his bed as he look out the window as tears were shedding from his eyes. Rean wipe the tears in his eyes.

(Trails into Reverie ost - Life Goes On)

"Huh...?" Rean look at his hand. "That felt... too real to be a dream."

"Mmm..." Levi softly moaned as Rean look at him as he woke up. "Ahh..." He rub his eyes and look at him sleepy. "Morning, Rean." Then he notice the tears in his eyes. "Rean? What's wrong?" He rose up and then touch his cheek. "You're crying."

"Hah..." Rean wipe his tears. "I'm sorry. It's hard to explain but... I... saw... memories of my father..."

"You did? How?" Levi asked

"From the memories that he imbued in the photo you recovered." A voice spoked as sparkles of light appeared and came was Fairy Godmother.

"Fairy Godmother!" Rean gasped.

"Good morning Rean." Fairy Godmother said with a warm smile. "You as well, Levi."

"Fairy Godmother, what do you mean Rean saw memories of his father?" Levi asked

The Fairy Godmother turn to the picture in the desk as she approached, grabbed and hand it to Rean.

"Your Father left a portion of his dreams and memories within this very picture. Just like you, Rean. He always prioritized the happiness of others while shouldering burdens one should never have to bear alone." She said as she smiled at the picture. "He left those dreams and prayers, hoping that you will survive with your friends by your side. His dream came true. Deep down. I'm sure you know this."

Rean wipe his tears. "Yeah. Thank you, Fairy Godmother. I wish I could have done more for him."

"I know you do dearie. And you can." Fairy Godmother pointed to his chest. "His proof is right here."

Reach touch his chest. "Right. I still can. My Father gave me life, and my friends and my boyfriend gave me a reason to live that life. Simply living well is the best way I can repay him and my mother."

"Rean..." Levi smiled.

"That doesn't absolve the bad, but..."

"Even so." Levi then hugs Rean. "What your father and mother want now... is for you to live the life free from the burdens he had to carry. And that you can live in the world of peace. After all." Levi places his forehead on Rean's forehead. "That's his final gift to you. Make well with that gift, Rean."

"..." Rean was speechless but smiled close his eyes. "Yeah. Your right. Thanks, Levi."

Fairy Godmother giggled. "Then my job here is done. I hope that you can live a blissful life for now on, Rean. If you have any other dream matters that can't be explained, feel free to call me." She said before disappearing as Rean and Levi watched her depart.

"Hehe. I will. Thank you, Fairy Godmother." Rean smiled.

"Morning, Kurt! The weather's beautiful today, huh?" Juna's voice asked

Altina's voice yawned. "I'm so bad at waking up early..."

Venti's voice yawned. "You and me both Altina..."

"Morning Juna, Altina. Venti. And what a coincidence—Musse and Ash are coming out at the same time." Kurt said

"A new day, a new diet to keep myself cute for Ash. I binged on way too much sugar last night." Musse giggled

Ash sighed. "Ugh. Thought I could sneak out before you guys..."

"No skipping out for you, grumpy Gus. Now let's get to running!"

Levi and Rean let out a chuckle.

"Looks like our students are waiting for us." Levi smiled

"Time to start the day." Rean smiled as they off and hold hands on the way.


Oh, Osborne. Know that your son is living a blissful life now. May you find peace.