Dateline: March 6, 1207
(Trails into Reverie ost - Crimes, Punishment and Deceit)
"I bear many a sin upon my shoulders." A voice spoke, revealing to be Clare Rieveldt. "One is from realizing the Great Twilight, throwing the Empire—no, all of Zemuria into chaos. One is watching Millium sacrifice herself without so much is lifting a finger. One is using the talent His Excellency, the late found within me to avenge my father by my own hands. One is tearing my family apart... My crimes re numerous and eternal. That is why the EAF took action. They sought my life, and destroyed the RMP as part of my punishment for my sin, even seeking to end my life as a sinner. And yet. Rean and Class VII prevented that. Believed that I can atone for it all. They should have let me die that day... Because there is nothing about my sins that can be forgiven. I refuse to forgive myself for them. A sinner should never expect to be forgiven. We have no such right. All I can do now is resolve to rebuild the world that we had destroyed with my own two hands. That is all I am capable of."
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Relaxing Time)
Claire was looking at a photo of her family from she was young. She put the photo away when she see people coming out of the train. And among them were Sara, Sharon, Cana, Winter and Manuela.
Sara sighed. "They'll let anybody on a train these days. Figures I'd get struck riding with you."
Sharon giggled. "Wasn't it a most joyous coincidence?"
"I'm not so sure if it was a "coincidence" given your capability, Sharon." Winter shrugged. "Especially with your lunch boxes. I assume you been looking into the build and taken this spefici train for that purpose."
"Hehe. Nothing passes your watch eye, Lady Winter."
"Now, now. Who cares about its a coincidence or not. What matters now is that we're all here." Manuela said.
"She's right. We shouldn't ignore the elephant in the room, can we?" Cana asked as they turn to see Claire approaching.
"I'm glad to see your trip was uneventful." Claire said. "Welcome to Heimdallr. I apologize for calling you three all the way here. And I see Manuela and Cana decided to tag along as well."
"What can we say? We were with Sara over a drink when you call." Manuela chuckled. "So when we heard the troubles, of course we decided to come along. It's nice of you to meet with us here, Claire."
"Gotta admit, I never expected you of all people to summon us here." Sara place her hand to her hip. "Winter I can understand because you two are like best pals, yeah?"
"Well, we do have much in common. We often chat for quite a long time." Winter replied. "But let's focus something other then our relationship. "I can assume you called us here was because something urgent happen and that you couldn't do it alone, Claire?"
"Heh. You're as sharp as a hawk as ever, Winter." Claire smiled sheepishly. "But let us head elsewhere for our... 'girl talk', shall we?"
Later...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Radiant Heimdallr)
"It all transpired the other day at dawn while I was away. A record concerning a retrieval operation for weapons used in Crossbell during this past war was stolen. The motive for the data thieft is currently under investigation." Claire explain.
"Huh. Sounds like someone's trying to stir up some trouble." Sara said. "But this was from the government's office, yeah?"
Winter rub her chin. "An 'Invisible man'... Someone must be using a stealth device if they became this sloppy for bumping into someone."
"Not to mention we haven't had any reports about it at the guild."
"Still, a man who can turn invisible sounds frightening." Manuela muttered. "Who would have such a device for stealth capabilities?"
"Could it be this Blueblac character I heard about? He's making quite a name for himself in Fiore." Cana fold her arms.
Sharon shook her head. "No—neither the target nor modus operandi match Bleublanc's style. And there is no reason for the Enforcers or Anguis to incite trouble in the capital at present."
"Which means all signs point to Hercules, the Republic's special force unit." Sara rub her chin. "But there's no way the Reupublic would choose now of all times to come at the Empire."
Claire nodded. "Precisely. Plus, the optical camouflage the perp used was far more advanced than RAMDA. Ultra high-grade stealth camouflage that makes short work of any and all sensors."
"Hmm..." Winter hummed. "Perhaps it may be the work of Salem. Like Doctor Watts. But what could they gain from this? There's also Dr. Eggman as well. Only those two are capable of high level of technology we couldn't replicate."
"My thoughts were the same. I wanted to know if those two may be the culprits, but it also implies that more classified documents are in peril. At least, that's what we at the RMP surmise."
"Then it seems our mysterious man is still hiding somewhere in Heimdallr." Cana said "And that's why you wanted Sara, Sharon and Winter's help before me and Manuela decided to come along."
"Heehee. I'm glad you catch on quick." Claire smiled. "The three of you have strong familiarity with the good and bad sides of the coin, making your perspectives invaluable. I was hesitant with Cana and Manuela but I know they can handle themselves."
"While it's true for me that I don't have this kind of experience, but I am able to blind this mysterious thief with my magic. And if they possess some powerful magic or arts, I might be able to seal away his magic for a temporary moment."
"I've seen many magic stuff. Plus I can help capture the perpetrator and trap him into a pocket dimension. That way you can freely interrogate him. But the downside is that if the perpetrator possess some strong hostility, it will be hard for me to trapped him." Cana wave her arm. "Still, I've face many magic user before so I can handle them in a fight."
"Then perhaps it's also a blessing to have both Cana and Manuela here." Claire smiled. "I understand all of you are very busy, but might I request your assistance?"
"Hmm..." Sara casually wrap her arms over her neck. "What to do."
Sharon giggled. "Oh, Lady Sara. The fact that you came all the way out to the capital betrays your enthusiasm."
"She's right you know." Cana pointed out
"Urk..." Sara sighed. "I mean... everyone in Class VII is working their butts off all around the country. Not to mention our other friends are helping to sort things out. This is as good a time as any for the Badass Bades Brigade to show what we're capable of."
"Hehehe. That's the spirit, Sara." Manuela wink. "I'll be glad to help out. I'll let my colleagues know that I'll be helping you out for the time being before turning to Fodlan with the school's academic. Fodlan has come a long way to be reborn after the last war."
Cana snapped her finger with a wink. "Same. Things are busy in the Fairy Tail Guild, but it's always busy. Taking this job is no different than any other jobs that are posted in the guild. But think of it as helping out a friend in need so I'm in."
"While I am busy with the general, he can understand that I'm needed elsewhere." Winter smiled. "What's more, You're a good friend to me Claire. I know how hard your working to rebuild the RMP including recruiting new members after... the EAF incidents. I'll gladly help you out if needs are that dire."
"As for me, I will also assist." Sharon said. "Lady Claire, the RMP works day in and day out for this country after the EAF incident. I wish to ease that burden—if only a little."
"Thank you all so much." Claire smiled. "I knew contacting you was the right choice."
"Aww, stop. I'm blushing." Sara chuckled before sighing. "But you know, it's kinda sad. Six maidens sitting around mid-day talking about work."
"Oh agreed. This hardly appreciates for our girl talk." Manuela agreed. "Come on, let's talk about something that will spice things up in our lives. Like with Schera and Prince Olivert's wedding the other day. Oh it was so lovely that I couldn't help but feel so happy for our dear friend." She frowns. "Of course, that's the suck part for me because she found a man while I on the other hand have not!"
Sara sweatdrop. "Then perhaps I shouldn't mention that Fiona and Lieutenant Colonel Neithardt are getting along quiiiite nicely."
"Oh now you're trying to rub salt in my wounds, aren't you, Sara?" Manuela muttered. "Does anyone else has something in their love life besides mine going down the drain?"
"I don't I'm far to busy with my work." Winter said. "I can imagine you're the same, Claire."
"I can't deny that." Claire nodded.
"Well if you can't find a good man, you might as well switch your sexuality and go into women." Cana cross her lets and fold her arm. "Like how Byleth and Yuri made a perfect couple. Along with Sara's two students who became Bi with each other."
"I envy how those two are." Sara muttered. "Always doting on each other at work, and yet they act so professional at the same."
Ahaha..." Clare scratch her cheek with a nervous smile. "Let's focus more on investigating this matter and soon as possible."
"C'mon! Weren't you the one who called this girl talk? You're stuck with us until we're done with our tea!"
Unknown to them, a woman who was drinking coffee was looking at them from a distance, giving a dirty look.
Later...
"So every eyewitness reports points to our guy hiding out underground." Sara said after getting testimony and eyewitnesses.
"Although it's unfortunate that our investigation only expended than narrowed." Winter sighed. "However, the bright side is that all the eyewitness reports were in similar-looking areas."
"Then we should narrow it down to what our guy choosing those areas. If we do that. It will be easy-peasy." Cana said as she was drinking from a bottle of alcolol.
"And then we can finally relax!" Sara smiled "SO how 'bout we—"
"Well! This is a surprise." A voice spoke as the Badass Chick Brigade turn their head and see the same woman who was looking at them from the coffee shop.
"Oh? Who's this?" Winter asked
"Is she a friend of yours?" Sharon asked to Sara or the others.
"No. I don't recall meeting this woman.' Manuela said.
"Same. Is she a friend to one of you?" Cana asked.
"Nope. I thought she was talking to one of you." Sara answered
"Umm... Have we met?" Claire asked
"Huh. So you don't recognize me?" The woman asked. "Well, makes sense in its own way. We haven't seen each other since our families parted ways. It's Isara. Isara Irving?"
Claire had two ! over her head, responding in surprise.
"Who?" Cana asked
"Same last name as the major." Sara said.
"Indeed. She must be related to the Tenacious." Sharon said.
"I-I'm so sorry." Claire said sincerely. "I honestly... I had no idea. You've really grown."
"Growth tends to happen over the years. I'm twenty-three now." Isara said. "And I've grown? Just look at you! Nothing I've heard has done your pretty face justice. I bet Emil would be showing you off left and right with pride if he were still here."
Claire responds with a sad look. "I-I must apologize, but I—"
"Whoa. No need to sound so stiff. We used to play together as kids! Next, you're going to call me Ms. Irving. Should I call you the Icy Maiden, then? Heard that one in the papers. You know, I heard that you were almost given the death penalty by those EAF who attacked the capital a couple of months back. You were so close to being reunited with Emil after you trashed the whole country. But it seems things have taken a turn for the better now that you have been spared such a fate, huh?"
"...!"
"Pardon me, but that's rather a sensitive topic miss." Winter spoked. "Please choose something else to discuss."
"You stay out of this one, old lady." Isara glared.
"Excuse me!?" Winter got up, ready draw her sword.
"Lady Winter, try to retrain your composure." Sharon stopped her.
While Claire is remorseful, Sara, Sharon, Manuela, and Cana notice the concerned look on Irasa's face before changing it as she turns to her.
"No comeback. Wow. Getting old's really sucked the life out of you." She said before she got a message in her ARCUS Alpha. "Well, I'll be getting back to work. I'll let you carry on with... whatever it is you were doing. Sure hope it isn't anything that would make Emil feel more ashamed than he probably is of you."
"Hey." Cana spoked. "You got a problem or something?"
"It's all right, Cana." Claire interrupted. "I hope your work goes well. Take care—walking alone can be dangerous."
"Hmph." Irasa fold her arms and takes off.
While Claire lower her head, Manuela, Sara, Sharon, Cana and Winter look at each other.
(BGM ended)
Later at night...
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Moment of Warmth)
"So Iasara's that stubborn Michael's little sister, huh?" Sara asked. "And she's a business consultant? Seems like a capable young lady."
"She is. She's in demand all over the country, so she's always traveling." Claire smiled "She's even doing business with the Rieveldt Company. Sometimes Michael will update me on how she's doing. She's grown so much."
"I've heard bits and pieces about your family situation... It seems rather complicated." Sharon said.
"Still, that doesn't give her the right to be a complete bitch if you ask me." Cana fold her arms.
"Agreed. I couldn't but wanted to complain to that brother of hers for her behavior." Winter muttered.
"I'm the one who sentence her father—my uncle—to his death for his crimes." Claire said. "Perhaps things didn't have to be that way, but it's the choice I made in the moment."
"Claire, what you did was justice." Winter told her. "Your uncle has betrayed your Father and even killed your family. What he did was unacceptable and got what he deserve in my opinion."
"Yeah I have to agree with Winter. Not to mention your cousin doesn't have that right to take her anger out on you because her father stole the lives of your family, yeah? Your other cousin Michael knew this."
"While I do agree with you all, let's not forget that Claire's uncle was under the influence of the Ebon Knight and its curse. It's that monster's fault for corrupting her uncle." Manuela pointed out.
"Even know, it won't change the fact that I ended my uncle life for his crimes. Because of that, my family collapsed like a house of cards afterward. The company nearly crumbled into nothing. It should only fellow that she'd despise me" Claire replied
"But your uncle was the one who committed the crime and took your family's lives away. She doesn't have any right to despise you." Winter stated.
'And yet, it seems like that woman knows that.' Manuela thought.
"You know, I was able to squeeze a visit to North Amia recently after freeing up some time. I wanted to go pay my respects to my dad in... the first time in a while, really. You wouldn't believe who I met there."
"Who?" Cana asked
"Eleanor and her family."
"Oh..." Claire said
"Heh. It was really nice to see her again and she kept her word about disbanding the EAF. Of course, many of their members refused since not many still forgive Erebonia. But she was able to help settle things out. But that's beside the point. I'm sure you heard about me being a disaster orphan. My dad found me and raised me. I'm sure he always struggled over his decision to raised me as a jaeger. Ultimately, he gave his life to protect me. In his final moments, he told me to think about how to live my life. We weren't related by blood, but he stills thought of me as his little girl up until he breathed his last. To me, that's more family than anything."
"She's absolutely right." Sharon smiled. "The Reinford Family considers me family as well. Even when I tried to sever those ties, they refused to snap. Some bonds simply cannot be severed."
"Same with me and my old man. Including my guild" Cana said. with a smile. "I was so young before my mom's death. It was the Fairy Tail Guild who taken me in. And raised me too. We were always a bunch of loud and crazy guild. But we were family. Blood ties or no. And when I went to search for my Father, I was able to find him. A lot has happen along the way but... in the end, My father accepted me as his daughter because he was in love with my mom too. Even though there are miscommunication, drama, and some arguments. My Father, and my guild. Our bonds and ties are never severed."
"I wish I can say a positive about my Father but... there's nothing about that man I would hold in high regards." Winter fold her arms. "He was as vile as he was greedy. I have no respect for him. He hurt both my Mother and the Schnee family name. He even hurt my sister too. He brought it upon himself when he died that very day. But I'm so glad that my Mother, Family butler, and my little brother are out okay. My bonds with them were never severed. Even though I was away from my family for such a long time. They still love and hold me in high regard on their shoulders. Even if we lost our family home. We still have each other. And being there for each other through love and kindness is what makes us family."
"Winter..." Claire whispered
"I suppose it's my turn." Manuela said. "Me and my parents often visit the cathedral of Garreg Mach Monastery. I could never forget that day when I heard someone singing. Their voice was beautiful. And I sang along. At tha time, I discovered I have a natural talent and wish to become the songstress. I never met the one who sing but... I believe it was the goddess who gifted me this talent. My dream bore fruit later on in life when I join the Mittelfrank Opera company. I met so many wonderful people there. They taught me so much about singing, and even self-defense. And when we go out to party, I was one of them from the beginning. I became the Divine Songstress at that time. And soon, I met Dorothea. I recruited her and we spend so much time together. Everyone in the Mittelfrank company were family to me. It was painful to leave the company later in life. But even so, they gave me their blessing because we are family. And family never forget each other. No matter how many years it has been. Isn't that not the same to you and Irasa?"
"Would you consider you and Lady Isara the same?"
"I..." Claire trailed off.
"But I imagine that someone very stubborn as you would be too cling to the guilt to understand, don't you?" Winter asked with a smile. "Why don't you see her next time and talk to her. You can't keep moving forward if you believe you don't deserve it."
Claire has a moment in her thought until she smiled. "You're right. In hindsight, I've been averting my eyes from everything since then. From the company, from Michael, from Isara... With the Great Twilight over, the Empire is entering a new era. It... may be time for me to start anew as well. To face reality."
Sharon giggled. "It seems as perfect a time as any."
"And look: I'll give you as many pokes and prods as you need." Sara smiled. "Call it a perk of being in the Badass Babes Brigade."
Claire chuckled. "Thank you. All of you." Suddenly her ARCUS Alpha rang and she pick it up and answer.
"Claire? Where are you?"
"M-Michael? Is something wrong? You sound—"
"I need you to hurt to the Leica District! Irasa's in danger!"
(BGM ended)
Moments earlier...
(Trails into Reverie ost - Raindrops with the Wind)
"Thank you so much, Lady Irasa." The man in the butler suit said as they walked out of the Rieveldt building. "Your business advice is greatly appreciated."
"On the contrary, Mr. President. I'm the one who should be grateful." Irasa smiled. "By all rights this company should have gone bankrupt, but you built it back up practically from ruin." She stared at the company name. "This Company—it's important. To me, to my brother... and to her." she then sighed.
"You seem rather forlorn, my lady."
"Heehee. Don't worry about it. Anyhow, until next time."
"But of course. I await your return." He said as head back inside as Irasa headed out. But as she did. She pull out a picture of her youth with her cousins and brother. "Boy, is her skull thicker than ever. Quit trying to shoulder everything yourself, you big dummy." She sighed and put the photo away. "Ugh... It's gonna eat at me. I've got to talk to her again while we're still both in the capital." She got an idea. "Oh! I know! Michael's got to know her schedule. I think he's still in Leeves. " She pull up her ARCUS Alpha to call him. "Hmm... He must be busy... That reminds me— we still need to wrap up talks on that thing from before. Maybe if he picks up we can—"
(BGM ended)
She heard rain sounds as she looked up. "Great. Now it's raining. Lucky me." She muttered as the rain then reveal the "invisible man" who was walking the streets. "Huh?"
(Persona 4 ost - Who's there?)
"This will hardly do. It must not be waterproof." The Invisible man spoked. "And leaving behind a witness is not ideal." He then approached Irasa as she stood in fear.
"Hello? Sorry for being slow to pick up." Michael said on the line. "You never call me this late. Is something wrong?"
"M-Michael... Help me, Michael..." Irasa pleaded as the invisible man raised his hand as purple energy cloak, causing Irasa to be cloaked in it until she dropped both the photo and her ARCUS Alpha and walk away.
(BGM ended)
"Irara!? What happened?! Isara, answer me! Isara!"
To now...
(Genshin Impact ost - Perilous Path)
"Isara..." Claire gritted her teeth at the drop photo.
"How could this have happened? I only just saw her off!" President Morgan muttered
Sharon turn to the others. "If the invisible man is behind it, then..."
"Yep. We've finally got a handle on his location." Sara nodded as they look up and headed toward the Imperial Museum. "His hiding place is through the museum and into the underground—right where the Dark Dragon was."
"I heard about it from Lucy and the others but..." Cana muttered.
"Our plan will have to change now that the situation has turn for the worst." Winter said.
"Agreed. And it'll take Michael some time to get here from Leeves. I'll let the RMP know so we can get to it!" Claire turn to her team. "Sara! Sharon! Winter! Manuela! Cana!"
"Got it!" Cana got her card out. "Let's go catch our mysterious man and rescue our damsel in distress!"
They headed inside. As they did, they got in touch with the director of the museum to borrow the key to access the underground and made their way there. They look at each other and nodded as they go down. By the time they arrived they see Irasa lying on the ground.
"Irasa!" Claire yelled as she knee down but Sara sense and attack.
"Watch out!" She yelled as the Badass Babe Brigade jump back.
"Where'd that attack come from?" Sharon asked
"Well, well. What masterful evasion." A voice spoked as the Bade Brigade turn to the Invisible Man. "I did wonder who would dare be so bold as to follow me. You have done well to come."
Winter pull her sword and pointed at the invisible man. "As expected. You knew that you were being tailed. And we see that you are indeed using a ultra high-grade optical camouflage."
"We finally caught our man behind that camouflage. However, I can tell he will put up a fight." Manuela said.
"Right." Claire nodded. "For breaking and entering into the RMP Command Center—no— that's hardly all."
(Blazblue: Chrono Phantasma ost - Black Onslaught II)
Claire pull her orbal pistol. "You hurt my family—and for that, you will pay. You're under arrest, you monster!"
"Hmhmhm." The invisible man dark chuckled as he summon the ground with purple energy as the Babe Brigade took their stand. "Am I? How very funny, but I shall play your game with glee. See if you can conquer one invisible by the naked eye!"
"Gravity Magic? No..." Cana grit her teeth. "Something similar to magic.
The Invisible Man - ?
Claire form a combat link with Winter, Sara form a combat link with Sharon and Cana form a combat link with Mnauela.
"Take this!" Manuela throw White Magic at the Emperor who shields himself with his pieces of the earth and throws it at them as they quickly split up.
Winter dashes toward and swings at the Invisible Man, but he blocks with his weapon and they swing at each other until he uses gravity to push her away.
"Dance! Phantasmal Butterfly!" Sharon activated the Brave Order while Winter used her Semblance to create a platform and then launched her toward the Invisible Man to slash him, but the Invisible Man form a barrier to shield himself from the attack.
"Take this!" Cana throw multiple cards toward the invisible man and light-based attacks to flash the man.
"Ngh!" He closed his eyes and then Manuela got out her sword and then throw a sphere of White Magic and blasted him. "Ough!"
Claire lock on and fired at the man to take the hit while Sara dashes and combo-slashes him. The invisible man unleash a powerful force to knock her away and then throw projections attack toward them.
"Thunderbolt's Fate!" Cana throws her cards and multiple lightning unleashed and intercepts with the projections.
"Silence!" Manuela threw magic toward the invisible man and hit him.
"What?" The invisible man look surprised as gravity cancels itself.
"I got you now!" Sharon throw her craft: Binding Chains to capture and slash the man.
The Invisible Man form an energy blade and swing at Sharon, but Sara's combat link Ability activated to block and counterattack and fire rapidly at him. The Invisible Man jump back then used his powers and then throw multiple earth projections toward the group as Manuela form a barrier and then summoned magic circles to fired projections toward him as he shield himself with pieces of the earth and then used gravity on the woman.
"Whoooa!" They winched and then slam to the wall. "Oof!"
"Ngh! As I thought. He's not using magic, but manipulating gravity! I can only cancel some of its effects but—" Manuela growled.
"No worried. At least now we know who we're dealing with." Winter said as they got back on their feet and then she took her stand and then dash at high speed and slash the Invisible Man.
They swing at each other fiercely until Claire fired shots at him as Winter jump away as the shot hit him and then Winter rapidly thrust and slashed him and then she summoned her Semblance and fired projection to knock the man away. Sara and Sharon dash toward the man as the Invisible Man alters the gravity of the area and then pushes the two away, but Winter's Semblance forms a wall and then lands on their feet. Manuela throws Aura and smites the man as Sharon and Sara slash through him. The Invisible Man extended the blade and then moved at high speed and then sent out projections.
"Wind Edge!" Cana swing two cards" heaven" and "wind" and unleashes a massive wave of wind and strike the man as Manuela fired multiple projection attacks and then fired two beams of light.
The Invisible Man teleported and then raises his arm and channel a Gravitical Pull until Manuela threw Silence and cancel the effects.
"Ngh. It would seem one of you is truly an eyesore!" The Invisible Man dashes to ward Manuela.
Manuela got out her Levin Sword and they both swung at each other fiercely until Manuela flashed light on the man to blind him and then slash him away as Cana follow up bu throwing multiple cards and throwing an explosion on him. The Invisible Man recovered and then fired projection toward the group as Sharon swung to deflect them and Sara dashed forward with superhuman speed and slashed at the man as they swung at each other fiercely until the man's axe kicked her and then fired a beam to knock her away.
Manuela cast Revoery to heal Sara as Claire throw her craft: Frigid Rain and summoned and Ice Crystal and shot it. The Invisible Man forms a barrier as Winter dashes at high speed and then swing at the man. The man block and push her away with gravity, until Winter summons swarms of Nevermores toward the Invisible Man. He swipe them as Claire shoots him rapidly, taking the hit as Sara imbues her sword with lightning, dashes, and then slams it to the ground, creating lightning effects and striking him, pushing him away.
The Invisible Man alter the gravity of the area and then molded the pieces of the earth into protect the group.
"Explosion Card!" Cana throw multiple cards and each one exploded the rocks. The Invisible Man appeared behind her, causing her to react but he kick her away and then summoned a gravity force and slam it down on her.
Sharon swipe with Steel Wires as the invisible man block with his powers until Winter created her Glyphs to launch herself and slam the Invisible Man to the wall.
"Nugh!" He grunted. "Get off me!" He yelled as he unleash gravity force to knock Winter away.
"Oh no you don't!" Manuela throw SIlance and cancel his attack.
"..!"
"The Player's Fountain!" Cana throw the card underneath the Invisible Man and it sent out several beams of water to knock him into the air.
Winter used her Semblance to launch herself, then created more to trap the invisible man as Winter step on one of the platform and then moved in a zig-zag, slashing all around him until she reappeared above and dive and thrust attack, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Nngu!" He winched as Sharon threw her steel wires and restrained him while Manuela created magic circles and then restrained him in binds.
(BGM ended)
(Super Mario Galacy ost - Deep Dark Galaxy)
The invisible man sighed. "To think there is someone out there capable of neutralizing my power."
"There. That should be able to restrain his gravity manipulation." Manuela said.
"Impressive as always Lady—Ah, I almost said your name there." Sharon giggled. "Now that we restrained him, he will not be able to move."
"Heh. You two make a formidable duo if restraining this guy." Sara said
"Agreed. But now it's time for you to surrender." Claire glared at the mysterious man.
"Heh. My folly was in thinking you were weak. Let alone fail to realize you have such tricks up your sleeves." The Invisible Man spoked. "But to these Steel Wires of yours... Ae you perchance a survivor of the Order of the Moonlight Horse?"
Sharon gasped. "How did you know that name?!"
"I have... we shall say... something of a connection to them. Oh dear. Now whatever should I do if I can used my powers in this state?"
"All right, let's remove this stealth mechanism and get this job over with." Cana said.
"Right." Claire pull out the handcuff until suddenly someone's finger snapped and teleported the Invisible Man away.
"Wha—?!" Manuela gasped.
"He's gone!" Claire look around. "Is there someone else here?"
As they look around, Dimentio was hiding and then he teleported away.
(BGM ended)
"Ngh. Looks like they're gone." Cana muttered.
"Damn it. We were so close too!" Sara grumbled as they put their weapons away as Claire check on Irasa. "How're things looking over there, Major?"
"Okay, fortunately." Claire sighed.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Raindrop in the Wind)
"Uuurgh..." Isara groaned as she open her eyes, seeing she's in Clare's arm. "Clare..."
"Isara! Thank goodness. How do you feel?" She asked with tears streaming in her eyes. "I don't know what I would have done if something happened... *sniffle*
Isara blink. "You always were a softie when it come to family. She then smiled. 'Not that I'm one to talk.'
"My sins will never disappear. I committed them, and now I must shoulder them forever— even after the Empire begins anew. But I also need not shoulder them alone. I have friends and family who will share my burdens with me. That, at least, is something I can be proud of... right, Emil?"
(BGM ended)
Dateline: March 7, 1207 Morning...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Radiant Heimdallr)
"You have my thanks, Ms. Valestein. Ms. Kreuger. Ms. Schnee. Ms. Casagranda. Ms. Alberona. Both for helping the RMP's investigation and saving my sister. I am greatly in your debt."
"Hey, now. Think nothing of it! We were all about helping out."
"Indeed. That Lady Isara is all right is enough of a reward in itself." Sharon agreed.
"Yeah. It was no sweat." Cana waved it off.
"I'm really sorry for kicking up so much of a fuss." Irasa sighed. "As for you, Claire... I guess I owe you thanks. Even if you let the guy get away."
"Isara! There's no need—"
"It's okay. What she's saying is true." Claire said
"Still, what the culprit said gave us much concern." Winter fold her arms.
"Right. What could they be after?" Manuela wondered.
"Who knows. But us older gen of the group here, we're going to need to step up our game." Sara said. "If anything else happens, don't hesitate to call me. I'll be there in a flash."
"Thank you." Claire smiled. "I will be sure to take you up on that."
"Well, at least you're not as much of a lost cause as you used to be." Isara shrugged. "You're no longer the dolt who bottles everything up and leaves the rest of us to figure you out. But I am a little bugged that I wasn't part of you finally letting down those walls."
"I'd like to believe that I've changed, yes. A little. I've met a lot of people in just a few short years, like the ones at Thors, and other nairons like the Mushroom Kingdom, Remnant, Fiore, who've been an incredible influence on me." Claire place her hand over her chest. "But I still have so much further to go and so much more I can prove to you. So I'll do all that I can to be a person you're both proud to call family— for you, and for Emil."
Isara blinked and then look away. "Sure. Whatever. You get to that. All the best Claire."
"Yeah. All the best!" She smiled as the Irving siblings take off.
"So... umm..." Isara spoke to Michael. "I was thinking about it, and I'm going to take you up on your offer after all."
"That was sudden. Are you sure?" Michael asked "I realized that we are the ones asking you to come, but it's not going to be an easy job."
"Oh, I know. Suffice to say that Thors has piqued my interest now that I've seen how much it's changed Claire."
"So it has."
And that's how it goes for the Story of Claire to finally move on from her sins.