(Mario and Luigi Bowser Inside Story ost - Toad Town)
After the mission in Atlas...
"So Lloyd, Elie, KeA. What do you guys think of this Mushroom Kingdom?" Estelle asked.
"To be honest, it got this "feels like home" vibe actually. A couple of people I know heard pretty much good things about the Mushroom Kingdom and it's a place of wonder." Lloyd said.
"I've also recalled some topics like that from new friends I've made during the time during the Imperial Occupation. I was honestly planning on visiting if possible." Elie said.
"Yeah. Not to mention having that we have new friends like Pokemon with us too!" KeA cheered, holding Igglybuff in her arms.
"Igglybuff!" KeA's Igglybuff cried.
"Haha. No kidding. They really help us in a few jams too. You know that I think about it. Growlithe is like the SSS second police dog." Lloyd said.
"Ruff!" Lloyd's Growlithe cried.
"Oh yeah. The first dog was Zeit, right?" Estelle asked.
"Yeah, but he's away. I hope we can see him again." Elie said.
"Not to mention bringing the others here as well. I hope Rixia, Chief Sergei, Arios, Noel, Commander Sonya and the others. But the biggest problem is..." Lloyd paused
Elie look sad. "Right... with Grandfather... That Cornelia woman actually took away him... all because-"
"Elie..."
Elie shook her head. "No. I can't be discouraged. We'll find a way to save him from the Empire."
"Yeah. But for now, we should be safe." Joshua said. "There's also a Bracer Guild here in Toadtown. I'm sure we might be able to borrow them just in case. Who knows, we might be able to meet some Bracers from the Mushroom Kingdom."
"That reminds me, did you guys hear the news? There's a Young Bracer in the Mushroom Kingdom who is promoted to S rank because his skills is immense." Estelle said.
"I heard about it from Michel. It's quite a surprise. But considering we're outside territory, I guess it makes sense. There are some strong people here in the Mushroom Kingdom." Lloyd said.
"Right. I've been doing some homework about the Mushroom Kingdom. Aside from technology, This kingdom is often attacked by King Bowser and his army who abducted the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. The heroes of the Mushroom Kingdom are Mario and his little brother name Luigi. Though I've heard through the grapevine that Luigi is often forgotten." Renne said, causing them to sweatdrop.
"That's rather harsh." Estelle said.
"Still, everyone here still respects those two plumbers actually. They're kinda like the SSS if you think about it."
"Are they? What are they like?" Lloyd asked.
"From what I can gather, Mario is kind, cheerful, playful, encouraging, courageous, and headstrong. Luigi on the other hand is timid, frail, clumsy, self-conscious, and a bit of a coward who is most afraid of ghosts, but is kind-hearted and heroic. The people of the Mushroom Kingdom knows more about them in person. Some day they're the princess's knights. And get this, turns out that Luigi is dating a tomboy princess name Daisy of a different kingdom called Sarasaland."
"Really? Wow. I never expected that! Now I'm more curious about them!" Elie said.
"So what should we do for the time bring?" Estelle asked. "Go to the Bracer Guild?"
"I want to contact Rixia and the others. I want to ask Professor Kokonoe if we can bring them here to the Mushroom Kingdom. Their help might come in handy." Lloyd said.
"Why don't you contact, Mr. Tager. He seems... more approachable to request." Joshua said.
"Good idea." Lloyd pull out his ARCUS Alpha and begin contacting Tager.
"Hello?" Tager asked
"Hello Mr. Tager. I was hoping to ask you something. Is it also possible to bring our friends here as well?"
"Which friends are you referring to? The one who was occupied in that "birdcage" with you?"
"Yes. Them."
"I don't see why not. If you wish to journey back to Crossbell, just say the word. It would be best that way. That reminds me. I've also planning to summon your other friends, Tio and Randy if I recall. But I would also like you all to meet with the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom as well."
"You mean this kingdom's princess? Are you certain?" Lloyd asked in surprise.
"It'll be fine. Princess Peach and everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom always welcome people. Once more, she's a fair and just ruler. There are several more people Kokonoe also plans you all meet. The more friends you have, the better the odds."
"When you put it that way, I guess that makes sense. All right, thank you, Mr. Tager."
"No need to thank me. Take your time learning about the Mushroom Kingdom." Tager said before he hung up.
"I always wonder what the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom is like." Elie said.
"According to Kloe, she became fast friends with her so obviously she's a good person at heart." Estelle said.
"You know, I have been meaning to visit Gadd Science, Incorporated, one of the companies that helped build the ARCUS Alpha. Who knows. I might learn more technology that I haven't gotten access too." Renne said. "And maybe some new... educational." Renne said as she giggled.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about that?" Estelle sweatdrop.
"Hmm.. You know, I'm kinda hungry right now." KeA said as she looked around and saw Ume Cafe. "Ooh, let's go enjoy there!"
"Sounds like a plan. Are you guys interested?" Lloyd asked
"Sure do!" Estelle said as they go into Ume Cafe.
(BGM ended)
(Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations ost - Godot ~ The Fragrance of Dark Colored Coffee)
"Welcome." Sojiro greeted the SSS and Liberl group as they entered the cafe. "Please feel free to relax and enjoy."
"Thank you." Elie said as they found a table to sit.
"Wow, this place smells great." Lloyd said.
"No kidding. It certainly has that home vibe going on." Joshua nodded.
"What is this place called again?" Estelle asked.
"Ume Cafe if I recall." Joshua answered as Sojiro pass them a menu.
"I'll be back to know if you're ready." Sojiro said as they headed out.
"All right, let's see." Lloyd said as they look at the menu and see many delicious options.
"Wow, these are quite some good-looking menu." Elie said.
"Ooh! I wanna try the Mushroom Cake!" KeA said.
"Eh. I'm more interested in having a cup of tea." Renne said. "But this cake looks rather nice."
"Man, why does everything look so good?" Estelle wondered.
"The price looks pretty affordable. Good thing we can use Mira here too." Joshua said until they heard the door open.
"Welcome to- Oh, Mitsuru." Sojiro said as Mitsuri walk in. "You're here early."
"Well, I am quite fond of this cafe of yours Sojiro. I can imagine the others like this too." Mitsuru Kirijo comment.
Sojiro chuckled. "No kidding. But it is good business. Hard to imagine two years later, I'm making four times the money."
"Well you do make good coffee. I'm sure you pick up rivals and such. But we're all friends here. I'm sure you're fine. That reminds me, is Sae here?"
"So far she hasn't arrived just yet. I take it things are going okay?"
"For the most part. Yukari and the others continue looking into the situation in Erebonia and Crossbell." Mitsuru said which cause the attention of Lloyd and his friend. "I can imagine that she is dealing some difficulties."
"Knowing her, yes." Sojiro nodded as he finished the tea and pass it to Mitsuri.
"Mmm. I always enjoy your tea. How ironic coming from a cafe such as yours."
"You're telling me. But you know how "special" my cafe is now." Sojiro scratched his hair until the door opened and came in was a woman with dark blue hair. "Ah, welcome."
"Ah, I see you arrived." Mitsuri turn to the woman.
"Nice to see you again Mitsuri." Said the woman. "Should I wait until you finish your tea?"
"No need. We can continue discussing in a tavern."
"Sounds like a plan." The woman said until she notice a certain familiar face. "Hmm?"
"Something wrong?" Mitsuri asked as the woman approached the SSS.
"Um, can we help you?" Elie asked.
"My apologies, but the two of you look familiar. I could have sworn I've seen you before." The woman said.
"Oh, is that so?" Lloyd asked.
"Oh, now I remember. Well, isn't this a surprise? Who would have guessed that I would run into the SSS and the Bright Family here." The woman said, causing them to respond in surprise.
"I see you heard about us."
"Indeed I have. I was told that you were in that birdcage. Looks like you managed to escape after all. I'm surprised that you're here in the Mushroom Kingdom."
"And who are you?" Elie asked.
"Oh, no need to feel alarmed. You can call me Yelan. Let's say I'm a friend to someone you know." Yelan introduce herself.
"Oh. Nice to meet you, I guess." Estelle said.
"SSS, hmm? Ah, I remember." Mitsuru muses. "Pardon me, but are you by any chance acquainted with Professor Kokonoe?"
"Oh? I take it you're also acquainted with her?" Renne asked.
"Ah, I was wondering when I'll meet you."
"Wait. Are you by any chance one of the people Mr. Tager informed me about?" Lloyd asked.
"That's right. My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. I'm the head of my group called the Shadow Operatives. Any friends of Professor Kokonoe and Tager is a friend of ours. I was told you all were brought here by Tager as Kokonoe requested. Tager told me you were looking into activities involving Organization XIII movements."
"That's right. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mitsuru. My name is Lloyd Banning." Lloyd introduce himself.
"Hello. Nice to meet you. I am Elie MacDowell." Elie said.
"Hiya! I'm KeA Bannings!" KeA greeted
"Hi! I'm Estelle Bright!" Esteele greeted.
"I'm Joshua. And this is Renne." Joshua said.
"Greetings." Renne said.
"Nice to know we're all friends here." Yelan smiled. "Mitsuru, why don't we head to the tavern to talk about it."
"Understood. Excuse me, SSS and Bright Family. I have a business to attend to. Maybe we'll see each other another time or sooner. In the meantime, please enjoy the Mushroom Kingdom. I'm sure we have much to discuss." Mitsuru said as she and Yelan headed to a private tavern to talk.
"So you guys are the SSS and Bright Family that cat lady told me about." Sojiro muses as he approaches them. "Had I known about that, I would have treated you differently. I'm Sojiro. I'm the owner of this humble cafe."
"Hehe, no need for formalities. I didn't know you were also one of Kokonoe's acquaintances." Lloyd said.
"Kokonoe has a lot of connections. Including the Princess of this very nation. So what would like to order?" Sojiro asked.
"I'll have-" Lloyd and his group begin to tell Sojiro what they wanted.
"Coming right up. I'm sure you have much to discuss. Is there anything you would like to know since you're new here still?" Sojiro asked as he go to the kitchen to begin making.
"Can you tell us more about the Mushroom Kingdom?" Lloyd asked.
"Well, the Kingdom we're in is ruled by the beloved Princess Peach. The Mushroom Kingdom is a very vast continent. It's a peaceful nation. I'm sure you heard about the incident that happened with the Blorb."
"That's right, We learn that the mastermind that cause the pandemic was someone name Fawful. What can you tell us about him." Elie said.
"From what I've understand, Fawful was a sidekick to some witch from one of Mushroom Kingdom's powerful ally nations called the Beanbean Kingdom. Two years ago there was an incident where that witch and her sidekick stole Princess Peach's voice to awaken the Beanstar. The Beanbean Kingdom's protector. It's capable of granting wishes. However, it can only be awoken by a noble soul. Which is Princess Peach. However, she was defeated by the Mushroom Kingdom heroes and their friends. Class VII and the people of Fodlan."
"Class VII? I've heard about them from Toval. They're Prince Olivert's pride and joy if I recall." Joshua recalled
"Yep. Class VII is another famous group who are viewed as heroes to them. They're also friends with several people here. As well as other nations. After Mario, Luigi, Old Class VII, and their friends in Fodlan defeat the evil bean witch, Fawful seeks to avenge her. But he been hiding in the Mushroom Kingdom for two years now, making his master plan. Somewhere along the way, Organization XIII became one of his allies."
"Organization XIII. We were told about them by Professor Kokonoe. So that Fawful guy is one of their allies?" Estelle asked.
"Yep. But just them, but also a group of evil organizations called Those Who Slither in the Dark. It's rather a pathetic name for a villainess group. But these people are downright pure evil."
"What did this group do?" KeA asked
"Many horrific things from Fodlan. They've been the mastermind behind the event in Fodlan for over a millennium apparently." Sojiro answered
"Whoa, they exist over thousand of years?!" Estelle asked
"Yep. These people has been creating conflict after conflict in the shadows. Their goal is to destroy Fodlan remove all humans whom they them "beasts"... whatever nonsense that means. Anyway, one of the most evil things they did was Blood Experiments."
"...!" Lloyd responds to that.
"B-Blood experiments?" Elie gulped.
"You haven't heard the worst of it. These people had been experimenting on children. Each of their diabolical experiments kill each one of those poor kids. Some were driven to madness, and some were killed. All in order to place in a special boon call Crest. In Fodlan, they're power incarnation. Whoever possesses Crest has special abilities such as a boon for magic, strength, and any other. Only two children who survived from that horrible experiment. One was Edelgard, the Emperor of Adrestia, and a girl name Lysithea."
"Ah..."
"These guys sound just like the D.G cult..." Renne muttered.
"How horrible..." Estelle growled.
"Lucky, all of those demons have been killed. Their leader Thales was killed by the hero of Fodlan name Byleth. However, he's in the hospital after a heavy battle against him. Hope that kid can recover."
"Byleth... I feel like I heard his name before. I think Toval must have mentioned him." Joshua said.
"Right. Ah, it's done." Sojiro said as he finish making Lloyd, Elie, KeA, Renne order and walk toward them with a plate and pass it to them. "Your order is almost done. Is there anything else you would like to know?" He asked as he walk back.
"What can you tell us about Princess Peach?" Lloyd asked.
"Princess Peach as I said, is a beloved ruler. She's also one of Smash Bros Fighters."
"Smash Bros?" Elie asked
"Isn't that a video game I saw?" Renne asked.
"Yes. Smash Bros is like that. But the people in that game are real. In fact, Class VII old and new are part of its roaster." Sojiro said
"Really?" Estelle asked.
"Yep. Now where was I? Oh yes. Princess Peach is known to be a just and fair ruler. She is sometimes get kidnapped by King Bowser of his Kingdom."
"Why would King Bowser kidnap her?" Joshua asked
"Because that guy has romantic feelings for her or something like that. Anyway, kidnapping her aside, he also plans to conjure the Mushroom Kingdom. But his plan is always to stop by the Mushroom Kingdom heroes, Mario and Luigi. Princess Peach is a noble soul. And she won many hearts of people. In fact, the Mushroom Kingdom has many powerful allies at its side. The Beanbean Kingdom, Sarasaland, Ylisse, Several Pokemon Regions, Fiore, Archanea, Nohr, Hoshido, Valencia, I could go on how many allies she has at her side."
"Whoa, that's completely amazing. Is she allies with the other nations in Zemuria?" Estelle asked
"That's right. Erebonia, Calvard, Liberl, Remiferia, Ored, Leman, and a nation called Inazuma. A kingdom belongs to the east part of Zemuria." Sojiro answered.
"Whoa, even from the east?!" Elie asked.
"I always wonder about the east part of Zemuria. It's incredible that the Mushroom Kingdom is able to connect that far." Joshua said.
"Yep. Some Inazumians made their business here. One of the Inazumians I'm friends with is named Kazuha Kaedehara. He's a remarkable young man. Honestly, Izazuma is definitely Japan, except it's in the Sengoku period."
"Come again?" Renne asked
"Ah, pay me no heed. Ah, your meals ready." Sojiro said as he walk over to them and place Estelle and Joshua's meal. "Okay, enjoy. Is there anything else?"
"At the moment, no, but thank you for the info and the meal." Lloyd smiled.
"Feel free to come here anything, for meal. If it is information you like, you want to talk to one of my friends name Diluc. Enjoy." Sojiro said as he headed back to the counter.
"Wow. I can see why the Mushroom Kingdom is like Crossbell." Estelle said.
"No kidding. Well, let's eat." Joshua said and they begin dining in.
(BGM ended)
After eating...
"Aww, what was delicious!" KeA cheered.
"It certainly is." Elie nodded. "And we learn more about the Kingdom about it too."
"No kidding. Shall we head to the Bracer guild next?" Estelle asked
"According to the map, it should be-" Joshua paused when Lloyd's ARCUS Alpha rang.
Lloyd answer it. "Hello, this is Lloyd Banning."
"Lloyd Bannings. I brought your friends over." Tager said. "That includes Randy Orlando and Tio Plato as well."
"What? Are you certain?"
"Yes. I've gathered them to the castle where the princess as well as others awaits. Litchi will be waiting for you in the castle's entrance. Once things are settled, we can return to the investigation of the Empire's movement."
"Understood. I'll let the others know." Lloyd said as he hung up.
"What is it, Lloyd?" Elie asked
"That was Tager. He managed to bring back our friends along with Tio and Randy to the Mushroom Kingdom."
"Seriously? That was fast." Estelle said.
"Well, the chief and the others were at the same place so it must have made easy." KeA said.
"Well in any case, you don't want to keep your friends waiting." Renne said as they headed to Peach's Castle where Litchi is waiting for them.
"Ah, there you guys are." Litchi smiled. "Glad you can make it."
"Of course. We wouldn't miss it for the world." Lloyd said.
"I had a feeling. Ready to meet your friends again?"
"Yes. Lead the way." Lloyd said as they entered the castle.
As they enter Peach's Castle, they made their way to one of the living rooms where Litchi open the door and then and see Rixia, Noel Seeker, Arios, Sonya, and Sergei in the room.
"Lloyd!" Rixia smiled.
"Hey there you guys are!" Noel Seeker waved at them.
"Rixia, Noel, Arios, Commander Sonya, Chief Sergei! It's good to see you!" Lloyd smiled
"Us too. We were worried about you guys after you went off to that large red guy." Sergei said.
"But it seems you're in good health." Arios said. "I take it you don't have any trouble?"
"Yes. Everyone is safe. In honestly, we've learn a lot. And of course we made some new friends along the way." Lloyd said.
"Ruff!" Lloyd's Growlithe barked.
"Igglypuff!" KeA's Igglybuff cheered
"Oh it's a Growlithe! I've seen them before!" Noel Seeker said. "But the other Pokemon I don't know."
"Are they your Pokemon companions Lloyd?" Rixia asked
"Yep. Miss Litchi gave us Pokeball and we have ourselves companions." Lloyd nodded.
"Well, the ones who have Pokemon now are me, KeA, and Lloyd." Renne said until the heard the door knock.
"This is Tager. I'm coming in." Tager said as he entered the room with Tio and Randy.
"Randy, Tio!" Elie called out.
(Trails of Cold Steel II ost - Reunion)
"Well... I'll be." Randy smiled
"Lloyd, Elie, KeA, everyone!" Tio cheered as she ran over and hugged Lloyd. "You guys are really here..."
"Tio, it's so good to see you again. You as well, Randy." Lloyds hugged back and then high-five Randy.
"Us too. I thought for sure we wouldn't be able to meet up. Never guess our Mushroom Kingdom would be the place for a reunion." Randy said.
"Neither did I. But I'm thankful all the same. I see you're doing well Randy, Tio. Is everything good with you guys?"
"It has yes. But it's my first time visiting the Mushroom Kingdom actually." Tio said.
"I been here a few times actually. My first was doing the blorp incident." Randy said. "I'm sure you heard about it by now."
"Yeah. The mastermind behind that was Fawful, right?" Lloyd asked
"Yeah. He and his friends are a real handful. You'll be surprised that even Ouroboros join in to defeat him."
"Even the society?" Elie asked in surprise.
"I heard this from the Fool's mouth that Fawful managed to hack into Ouroboros network and stole lot of data from them."
"He managed to hack into Ouroboros Astral Code? That's unprecedented!" Tio said.
"Even I'm quite surprised that someone outside of Zemuria is capable of such things." Renne said. "But considering the Mushroom Kingdom has high lever technology, it must be possible to hack into the society's network."
"Yeah, I thought the same. You wouldn't believe the stuff here. Even magic is real."
"I've heard about that as well. As well as these Power-Ups." Rixia said.
"And Erebonia has been taking in Pokemon into their forces. Crossbell gain some Police Dogs while we're at it." Noel Seeker said.
"Yes. Some of the dogs like Growlithe are mostly used. But learning Pokemon moves is something I'm not familiar with just yet." Sonya said.
"Boy, things are quite eventful." Sergei said.
"No kidding. I remember Shikuzu also wanted a Pokemon companion, but wasn't sure which one though." Arios said.
(BGM ended)
The door knock.
"Excuse me, may I come in?" A voice asked on the other side.
"Oh, of course." Lloyd said as the door opened.
(Mario and Luigi Paper Jam ost - Peach's Castle)
Entering the room was Princess Peach along with the Mario Bros, Daisy and Toadsworth.
"Welcome everyone. It's wonderful to meet you. I believe some of you are from the SSS?" Peach asked with a warm smile.
"That's right. Are you by any chance Princess Peach?" Lloyd asked
"That's right. Please to meet you." She bow gracefully. "Let me introduce myself. I am Princess Peach Toadstool. I am the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom."
"Greetings to you all and I welcome you to our humble Kingdom. My name is Toadsworth. I am Princess Peach steward." Toadsworth said
"Hello! My name is Mario. And this is my little brother Luigi." Mario greeted
"Nice to meetcha!" Luigi smiled
"And I'm Daisy! Princess of Sarasaland and Peach's sister in arm!" Daisy said with a wave.
"You're princess Daisy? I never expected we would meet another princess." Renne said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Lloyd Bannding of the Special Support Section of Crossbell Police Department." Lloyd greeted.
"My name is Elie MacDowell. I'm a security to the SSS." Elie greeted.
"Hiya! Oh- um. A pleasure to meet you, Your Highnesses." Estelle sweatdrop.
Peach giggled. "No need for formalities. Be yourself."
"Oh okay! Name Estelle Bright!" Estelle greeted her normal self. "I'm with the Bracer Guild in Liberl."
"I'm Joshua Bright. I'm also with the Bracer Guild." Joshua said.
"You can call me Renne Bright. A pleasure, Your Highness." Renne bow gracefully.
"A-A pleasure your Highness. My name is Noel Seeker from Crossbell Guardian Force." Noel Seeker bow.
"I'm Commander Sonya Baelz of Crossbell Guardian Force. Thank you for having me here." Sonya said.
"I'm Arios Maclaine. I'm also a Bracer but I'm from Crossbell Branch. An A rank." Arios said.
"And I'm Rixia Mao. A pleasure to meet you Princess." Rixia bow.
"And I'm KeA Bannings! It's nice to meet you Princess!" KeA cheered
"It's nice to meet you all. I'm glad to see that each and every one of you is safe. I welcome you all to the Mushroom Kingdom. I'm sure some of you are wondering why you're all here and wonder why Professor Kokonoe ask you to meet many people." Peach said as she and the rest sit down.
"Ah. That's right. I'm sure there's a good reason for that." Rixia said.
"Yes. It's involved with Erebonia right now. What's more, what goes on behind the scenes."
"Ah. I suspect that would be the case." Lloyd said.
"Yeah, Erebonia is planning something big with their war with Calvard." Estelle said.
"And yet, there are also something going on in the shadows." Renne added.
"Right. What's more, I also heard about some of you as well. About how a certain someone locks you all up in that "birdcage". I can't imagine what were they thinking. But I can imagine that they don't want you to interfere with their plans. What's more, I feel like it might be unsafe you all to be there. Professor Kokonoe feels the same. Although she wouldn't admit it." Peach said with a warm smile. "Still, she did think she could use you to investigate what's going on with Erebonia... and what will happen next."
"I suspect that what goes on in Erebonia might be affecting other nations as well?" Tio asked.
"Yes. But it isn't just Zemuria that I'm also worried about. It also might involve the Mushroom Kingdom and the other nations of this world. We've all noticed that Erebonia is pushing toward war."
"Yeah. But Erebonia isn't the only problem for it as well. There's also some concern about a certain organization you guys might hear about. Organization XIII."
(BGM paused)
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Briefing Time)
"Organization XIII..." Rixia closes her eyes as she thinks.
"The otherworldly organization that been sighted throughout the world, correct? One of the helpers who aided Fawful and the Agarthans, right?" Lloyd asked
"Yeah, we also suspect that they're also allies with Mr. Blood and Iron Chancellor." Daisy folds her arms.
"So even the Imperial Chancellor?" Sonya asked
"However we certainly don't know if that's true or not. However, our friends think so otherwise." Mario said.
"Yeah. But who know what the organization is planning next. They done harm to us and to Fodlan. It's possible they're going to do their next experiment in other nations like Liberl for example. But we don't know what they're planning next." Luigi said.
"Yeah. They're sneaky and crafty as Sora said. Oh, Sora is our friend, just in case." Daisy said.
"Right. So is there any questions you would like to ask?" Peach asked.
"Hmm... So why did you bring us all here?" Lloyd asked.
"As I said earlier, I heard about you guys. If you're wondering who, it's from Juna."
"Oh that reminds me. How is she doing, Randy?" Elie asked.
"Junie is doing great. Actually, you can say she learned quite a lot. She's getting comfortable with making new friends. What's more, she got some new moves and gotten stronger than she was ever before." Randy answered.
"You know, Juna and I became fast friends too! We both love to do some sports and some combat using our fist." Daisy chuckled. "Oh, but we should get back on topic. While we did hear from Juna about you guys, we thought that you might be investigating what's going on in Erebonia. So we need all the help we can get before things get chaotic"
"Ah so that's your reason." Sergei said.
"Yes. But that alone isn't the only reason." Peach said as she closed her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Joshua asked.
"Well... I can't say for now. But we thought we should prepare just in case." Peach answered. "Is there anything else you would like to ask."
"Actually do you know Professor E. Gadd in person princess?" Renne asked
"I do actually. Are you perhaps interested in meeting him as well?"
"That was the plan, yes."
"In that case, I can arrange that."
"Then you have my thanks."
"Anything else you would like to know?" Peach asked.
"I been wondering. Professor Kokonoe also ask that we meet other people. Do you know who they are? We met Mitsuru back in Ume Cafe." Lloyd said.
"Oh, already? Well, aside from us, there's also Master Hand and Crazy Hand, Professor E. Gadd, Team RWBY. They will be enough. Oh, and I'm sure the fighters of Smash Bros will be happy to meet you. In fact, some of them your mind fight interesting." Peach giggled. "Is there anything else?"
"Hmm... Not that I can think of at the moment..." Lloyd said. 'Actually, I want to learn more about Class VII and the Ashen Chevalier. Elie told me she met one of the Class VII members. And the guy I fought two years ago is also a member of Class VII. Randy also knows him... But I don't want to offend his friendship with the people we know.' Should I ask?'
"Well, I got a question. You guys are friends with the Ashen Chevalier, guy, right?" Estelle asked.
"You mean, Rean? Yes. He's one of my closest friends." Mario nodded
"Yeah, we known each other for two years. He's a good person. Why do you ask?" Daisy asked.
"Hmm..." Peach close her eyes. "Do you have a grudge against him?"
"No, nothing like that. I want to know what's he like." Estelle said.
"He's the guy who pilots that extra pointy gray robot, right?" KeA asked
"I've been doing some digging about him, and it seems that he was a student at Thors Military Academy, currently employed as an Instructor at its branch campus. Also, we learn that he helped with situations like the Beanbean Kingdom two years ago. He practices the Eight Leaves One Blade style of swordsmanship and a machine he pilots is called a Divine Knight." Joshua said.
"I've heard about Rean Schwarzer myself. He's also my master's final disciple." Arios said
"I heard a few things about him from some friends of mine in Erebonia. But I'm not really sure what to make of the guy. Not everything paints him in a real good light, y'know?" Estelle said.
"What do you mean?" Mario asked.
"Well, the fact that he uses some sort of demonic power in battle for starters. And on top of that, there's the rumor that he's the son of the Blood and Iron Chancellor." Renne answered.
"Ah..." Randy said.
"Are you serious?!" Lloyd asked
"That's the first I've heard of it..." Elie muttered
"Same. And I know the guy since we're coworkers at the branch campus. Of course, we kinda got off to a wrong start at the beginning because the tension between him and Lloyd fought two years ago." Randy said.
"Ah, so that is what it's about." Peach sighed. "To be honest. I don't like the idea of someone badmouthing him like that."
"Nor do I. But I kinda had a feeling that some of you might have some bad feelings about him." Daisy fold her arms.
"But surely you can't believe him to be suspicious, right?" Toadsworth asked.
"Maybe I shouldn't have asked. Kinda sounds like he's the bad guy, huh? Estelle asked.
"No, it's okay. I understand because of the occupation of Crossbell. What's more about his power? I'm quite aware of it. Mario, Daisy, and our other friends too are also aware of his "demonic" power. But just do you know, he is opposed to the Imperial Chancellor." Peach said.
"Yeah. As for his powers... well it is not my place to say." Mario nodded. "I take it you were tasked to collect information about him?"
"That's right. We apologize if we offended you." Joshua said.
"No need. It's not surprising actually. All we can say is he has this power since he was little."
"Not even he knows about it. He also wants to know more about his powers. But Rean isn't a bad person regardless of what people from other countries or what rumors say about him. He is someone you can trust." Luigi said.
"Yeah. Like I told you in my letters he doesn't seem to be the bad sort. I like the guy. He seems pretty fun to hang around."
"Right. I met one of his classmates and she holds him in high regard. And Juna also seems to like him." Elie said.
"I caught a glimpse of him too. A couple of times though." KeA said.
"From what I know about Tita's letters, he's just a big softie who can't stop himself from helping people." Renne said.
"Oh, you know Tita?" Luigi asked.
"Yep. She and I are best friends."
"Hehe, I see." Peach giggled.
"Though I agree that his strange powers and relation to the chancellor are concerning."
"I've only run into him twice during Crossbell's occupation. Beyond that, I've heard about him in passing from Randy and Tio. While I agree there are some details about him are suspicious, I think we can trust him and his classmates." Lloyd said.
"Lloyd..." Tio smiled.
"I'm honestly glad to hear that." Peach said with a warm smile. "Rean has done so much back two years ago and even now. Honestly, I've been worried about him ever since his mission from the Imperial Government."
"Me too. He doesn't like the mission the Imperial Chancellor made him do. I can see the hurt in his eyes." Mario agreed.
"Honestly, what is that man thinking?" Daisy folds her arms, complaining.
"Perhaps we should talk something else." Sonya said. "It's clear that you all hold Rean Schwarzer in high regard and he's the trustworthy sort."
"Yeah, that's a good idea. And from what I can tell, Class VII is doing its best to clear away the dark clouds hanging over the continent. Just like we are." Lloyd smiled.
"If you ask me, you're a tad too quick to rust someone you barely know." Renne comment.
"Eh, it's fine. If Lloyd's judgment and the rest of you all see Mister Schwarzer as a good guy, then he's a good guy and on our side too." Estelle chuckled. "I'm sure his other friends will feel the same. Plus it matches up with what Toval told us too. Besides, Class VII was founded by Oliver, and he's a good judge of character. Also, he trained under the same master as my dad, so I'm not too worried."
"I'm kind of curious to meet him now." Joshua said.
"If you like, you can meet him if I can give him a call." Peach suggest.
"Thanks, but maybe not yet. Why won't we focus on what we need to do next? We still need to find out anything that has been done."
"Sounds like a plan, but where do we begin?" Rixia asked.
"So far, we gotta wait for Miss Kokonoe. We got plenty of time to explore the Mushroom Kingdom. Plus I'm sure Renne would want to meet the famous Professor E. Gadd."
"Hehe, right. I'll let him know. He should be in his company. Why don't you go there for the time being? While Mario and Luigi can take you to Smash Bros Castle to meet the others."
"All right. Sounds like a plan. You guys ready to head out?" Lloyd asked.
"Ready." Elie said.
"Oh, that reminds me. We should exchange contacts. I been meaning to do that." Randy said.
"Oh yeah. Almost forgot." Lloyd chuckled.
This has been long overdue. I'm glad I finally got to work on it. Normally I plan to have Estelle ask this question during this time but I figured now would be best to start.