Dateline: Marth 19, 1207...
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost -St. Ursula Medical College -Sen Ver.-)
A portal appeared in St. Ursula's Medical Colleague. Poking out of it was Hoopa who looked around.
"Okay, I don't see any of those EDF jerks." He moves ahead and turns to the portal. "The coast is here! Come on, everyone!"
Coming out of the portal was Lloyd, Arcanine, Elie, Lilligant, Wazy, Kommo-o, KeA, Jigglypuff, Tails, Futaba, Tim, Detective Pikachu, Makoto Niijima, Snake, R.O.B, Claude, Hilda, Lysithea, Taokaka, Litchi, Tager, Jaune Arc, Pyrrha, Nora Valkyrie, Ren, Alhaitham, Kirito, Knuckles, Sonic, Amy, Silver, Blaze the Cat, Chip and the two young man.
"Hmm." Tager looks around. "Good. At least we did make it."
"Yeah. Although I am rather worried since we're such a large group." Lloyd said. "Especially how tall you are, Mr. Tager."
"Agreed. But is it a good idea for the Professor to send you along?" Litchi asked.
"I would agree. However, Kokonoe did adjust this body for me to be more flexible. What's more, I believe I'll be fine so long as I use one of the new upgrades install." Tager said.
"I suppose that's true..."
"Tager's appearance aside, the EDF doesn't seem to be interested in surveillance outside of Crossbell City." Alhaitham fold his arm. "For a man of tactics of his caliber, this is a poor move. However, we can't ignore the possibility that St. Ursula will also be another target should anyone aiding the SSS, Guardian, and Police Force receive the same "punishment" he spoke up."
"Agreed." Wazy clenched his fist. "Setting Armorica on fire, and ending the lives of the villagers. All because they shelter Elie. He will purge any threats by any means necessary. And those who aided them are treated as accomplishes. Us included."
"Yeah..." Lloyd gritted and clenched his fist. "Rufus will pay for this. We must not allow other innocent lives to be caught up in his execution."
"Lloyd..." KeA sadden.
"All the souls will be in peace once he's behind bars again. But..." Lloyd turn to KeA. "Are you sure you're all right KeA?"
KeA nodded her head. "Yes. I'm fine now. It's my first time feeling pain like that before... but... I have to get used to it. Even though it was so scary when he captured me. I thought he was going to kill me. I'm glad that didn't come to pass."
"But killing a minor is a very capital offense. Not to mention he set his example of terrorists with Armorica. Once this is over, we need to set up a proper burial for the innocents there." Snake said.
"Boop. Boop. Boop." R.O.B nodded in agreement.
"I didn't expect that man would go so far to set the entire town ablaze. It's like he doesn't have a thread of humanity within him..." Claude muttered.
Claude's Casual Outfit is a classic yellow overcoat. Underneath the overcoat is a gray shirt and a yellow scarf wrap around his neck. Claude wore gray jeans and brown shoes.
Hilda's casual outfit is she wears a light pink front blazer jacket. Underneath is a white shirt. She wears black short jeans with pink buttons. She wears long black boots.
Lysithea's casual outfit is a black and white stripe jacket, and underneath is a white shirt. She wears a purple skirt. Long black socks to reach her things and purple sneakers.
"I thought Jusis punching him in the face was enough, but it seems it wasn't." Lysithea muttered
"I hope Rixia is okay... given after everything that happened." Hilda sadden.
(BGM Paused)
Flashback...
(Fire Emblem Three Houses ost - Broken Routine)
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! RUFUS ALBAREA! XEHANOOOOOOOOOORT! I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOOOOOOOOOOOU!" Lloyd yelling in rage to the sky
"Lloyd..." Elie gritted her teeth as she tears came down from her eyes.
"Toooorn!" A voice boomed as dark clouds gathered and then it begin to rain.
"Huh?" Rixia cover her head. "R-Rain?"
"Lloyd Bannings." A voice boomed, causing everyone to have an ! over their heads as they all turn and see Arceus hoving over Armorica ruin village along with Tornadus.
"Ah!" Lloyd eye widen. "It's you...! Lord Arceus!"
Arceus look down, seeing the corpses of his Pokemon. "Rufus Albarea..." He lowers his head. "HOW DARE YOU SLAUGHTER ALL THESE PEOPLE AND POKEMON!" He roared
"Torn..." Tornadus lower his head.
"Is that the Pokemon God himself?" Lechter asked.
"Yo!" A voice yelled as they see Sonic coming up.
"Sonic! Lloyd said.
Sonic look around. "Damn it...! Damn, those Heartless!"
Shadow and the others arrived at the scene.
Sakura covered her mouth in horror along with Elise, Amy while everyone else witnessed it in horror.
"The entire village..." Tails muttered
"That bastard really destroyed it." Knuckles gritted his teeth in anger.
"Lloyd! Everyone!" A voice yelled as Tim came running to them with Pikachu.
"Tim! Pikachu! Thank goodness you're okay!" Elie sigh of relief.
"I'm glad you guys are okay, but..." Tim look down.
"Everyone." Arceus spoked.
"A-Arceus!? Pikachu gasped.
"I know this is a tragic event. But you mustn't give up your heart. This is just the beginning to defeat that man and his accomplishes." Arceus spoked. "Hoopa!"
A portal appeared and came out was Hoopa. "On it!" He saluted. "Everyone! Quick! Get every survivor to come here! We're taking you to Dr. Toadley's clinic!"
After that...
"The wound is deep, but thank the mushroom gods that you've survived Nurse Cecile. But you're prohibited from doing any nursing activities or anything until the wound is tried up and your condition is stable." A Toad Nurse told her as she performed medical treatment.
"Yes, I understand..." Cecile groaned.
Outside the door was Lloyd placing his hand on the window. He stared in anguish at Cecile nearly died. He gritted his teeth.
"There you go, Madame, this will be your room to rest from now on." A Toad Nurse pushing the bed car as Regine relaxes in a large room with a TV, a window, a bathroom.
"Thank you nurse." Madame Regina said, feeling gloomy.
Lloyd looks down, feeling a sense on responsibility for failing to protect many villagers of Armorica. Many have died because of his and Elie's presence... sheltering them. Lloyd walked down the hallway from the clinic and then entered the waiting lounge as the survivors are getting treatment, while the children of Amorica tried crying nonstop.
"I'm so, so sorry." Lloyd heard the voice of Shanshan as he look as she and Rixia are having a conversation on the bed. "I just don't know what came over me... How could I ever think of betraying you like that?"
"It's okay, Shanshan." Rixia shook her head. "You can't keep blaming yourself. If anything, I should have known something more was wrong. I'm a terrible friend for not realizing that you were struggling so badly or being manipulated And Ilya means the world to me. I should have been able to tell something was amiss... Kgh..." She grip her arm. "That jester...
"Rixia..."
Lloyd lower his head as he gritted his teeth and then headed out.
"Bannings." A voice called out to him as Lechter approached.
"Oh, Lechter. What's up?"
"Well, the Pokemon God requested your presence and the other people in Smash Bros Castle to discuss. Come on."
"Ah, right..." Lloyd nodded as they take off to Smash Bros Castle and then meet up in the conference room. "Sorry that I'm late everyone."
"Don't worry about it. How are you holding up?" Tails asked.
"I'm... somewhat all right... Still, thank you all for coming to our aid. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't show up when you did. Really, thanks."
"Don't mention it. Glad we can make it in time." Wazy smiled "The one you should be thanking is Zeit. We were looking into what the EDF was up to when he told us that you were in danger."
"Yeah. We ran into that guy while we were investigating the occupation and those EDF guys." Sonic nodded. "
"Aww, thanks for rescuing us, Zeit." KeA smiled. "You were a hero back there. And I've been way overdue for one of these!" She got up and then hug him.
Zeit chuckled. "That you have. My apologies for not returning after the operation."
"You're so flaky, Zeit! Do you realize how long it's been? Tio and I have been waiting for you to show up again all this time, you know!"
"My apologies. As a Holy Beast, there are limits to how much I can interfere. I am astounded at just how much you all have grown. The children fo Man truly do grow apace."
"We'll take your word for it. It would be nice to think I've grown a little, yeah. Still, welcome back, Zeit." Lloyd smiled.
"Aruff!" Arcanine barked happily.
"Oh, yeah. We wanted you to meet our Pokemon. This is my Pokemon, Arcanine. He's one of my Pokemon I have with me." He pull out his Pokeball and brought out Pawmot, Excadrill, Poliwrath, and Pidgeot.
"And... here are mine." Elie pull out her Pokeballs and came out were Alchemie and Audino. "Lilligant is also one of my Pokemon."
"Hehe. It's very nice to meet you all. And here I thought Arcanine had replace me." Zeit chuckled.
"Aww, don't be like that Zeit. No one could replace you." Lloyd said.
"I merely jest. Still, it's wonderful for these magical creatures to be part of the SSS."
"I've read plenty about the Holy Beasts in the scriptures. Funny to think I would be in the presence of one so soon after returning to the church." Scarlet mused
"You should've seen the Congreation for Divine Worship's faces when we first reported to them about Zeit." Wazy chuckled.
"Can you blame them for losing their shit? Who ever heard of a Holy Beast moonlighting as a police dog?" Wald asked. "Though I guess he can do whatever he wants for the most part. It sounds like his contract doesn't apply anymore."
"I don't think Zeit is nearly as weird as hearing you talk about church stuff, Wald." KeA smiled
Lloyd chuckled. "Yeah, I'm still wrapping my head around it."
"Can it." Wald grumbled. "You had better get used to it."
(BGM ended)
"Will you lot get on with it?" Shadow fold his arm. "This is no time for idel chatter."
"Black Hedgehog is right. Let's get down to business, shall we?" Lechter agreed. "Based on the info they found, it sounds like you guys already know where you're headed."
(Trails into Reverie ost - Invisible Hand in the Shadows)
"Yeah. The Reinford Military Factory to the west." Lloyd nodded. "You said the Ebon Defence Force has been frequenting it the last few days, right?"
Wazy nodded. "Sure have. That's most likely where the Zauber Soldots are being manufactured."
"That would make sense." Elie muttered. 'I've been wondering how they were able to bring so many into Crossbell's borders without anyone noticing. I don't think the Imperial government or Reinford group would have ever allowed so many to be smuggled."
"Yeah." Amy nodded her head. "If we consider that they were being manufactured from within Crossbell the entire time. It would be a leading point to their mysterious factory the EDF is connected to."
"That was one of the places where the Sorges and Melgeas were being manufactured before the war." Lechter added. "Everyone was convinced that the Black Workshop's tech was gone for good, though."
"What's more, Professor Kokonoe has the Black Workshop data and how to manufacture them." Tails chin in. "But the question remains how did Rufus, Xehanort, and the EDF manage to obtain that data and make some improvements?"
"Could it be that someone managed to hack into Kokonoe's firewall?" Knuckles asked
Tails shook his head. "I don't think so. Kokonoe is one of the smartest when it comes to technology. What's more, she even improved more firewall to prevent Ouroboros or Eggman from from hacking into her network. What's more, Kokonoe never got a notification of someone hacking into her terminal."
"Then somehow, Rufus, Xehanort and their cohots somehow managed to obtain that data from the workshop and made it stronger." Shadow fold his arms. "If I recall, weren't there two members who were assisting the fake chief of the gnomes? Could they be involve in this."
"Cornelia and Epimenides..." Elie rub her arms as she grit her teeth as they all have a flashback of Cornelia and Epimenides.
"It's most likely a yes. They've been involved with the Black Workshop and even have knowledge to the Zauber Soldots." Lloyd nodded. "There's no doubt they're likely involve in this as well."
"Hmm... That's definitely bad." Hoopa groaned. "Especially with those soldots."
"Yeah. We encounter a couple of those things when we managed to sneak our way in." Silver nodded.
"Let's not forget the mask Ilya was wearing is from that workshop too." Tails added.
"Yes, and now they're using it to alter her personality if not outright control her." Elie muttered. "We should ask Professor Kokonoe about more details about those masks and how they work."
"That's a good idea. But we let's make our top priority searching that factory and find information on the Soldats." Wazy added. "Something tells me we'll be able to fill in a few blacks on what's going on here and why Rufus Albarea is staging this occupation with Xehanort."
"Unfortunately, getting there is going to be easier said than done." Lloyd sighed. "The factory's to the wast of Crossbell City, while we're in the northeast. The only way I know how to get to the west side of the state from here is through the city. Safety at least."
"Right. If you try to fly your way there with your large Pokemon who can carry you and fly, they will shoot you down with their mysterious Pokemon who are air scouting the sky." Lechter added. "I'm guessin' that includes hitch a ride on your Merkabah and Blue Typhoon either, huh?"
"Right. The Blue Typhoon is too large and those EDF punks got this advanced anti-air radar. Even if we go into stealth mode." Knuckles nodded.
"Right. And our Merkabah is safe with the other squires guarding it." Wazy added
"Not to mention the EDF set up parameters all over the key location. And they doesn't want anyone crawling to the factory." Tails agreed. "To make it worse, they even have an invisible barrier surrounding the factory."
"A barrier this time?" Arceus asked.
Tails nodded. "Yeah. We saw a few birds flying toward it, only to be shocked in the progress."
Arceus hummed. "This is very ominous of how well-equipped they are."
"What the heck?" Lechter blinked. "Even the Imperial Army doesn't have toys that good. Guess those two are at work again after all. In that case, I think the smart play is to make our way to St. Ursula."
"How are we going to reach St. Ursula from here?" Lloyd asked
"With me!" Hoopa chin in. "I can create portals leading to St. Ursula."
"Oh, that's right! We saw you creating portals to help us escort to the Mushroom Kingdom!" Elie said "But could you also teleport us to Reinford Miltiary Factory?"
Hoopa frown. "I wish. But the problem is this barrier somehow manages to ward off the way. So we gotta think of another way."
"Then it seems our only option is to head to St. Ursula, then?" Silver asked
"Sounds likely our best bet." Lloyd nodded. "By the way, what brings you all here?"
"We're here to investigate Rufus, Xehanort and the EDF like the rest of you. And this time to knock that smug face of theirs too." Knuckles answered.
"But now the situation is even worse then we thought. Especially the like of Mephiles, Iblis, and Infinite are here." Shadow muttered.
"And the future that I foresaw." Silver agreed.
"The future? What do you mean?" Lechter asked.
"Silver is from the future." Sonic answered, causing almost everyone to have an ?! over their heads.
"Form the future you say... I'm guessing from your world Sonic." Wazy said.
"Yeah. But to mention I even met a pal of mine who's return." Sonic added.
"Who?" Scarlet asked.
"Me!" Chip appeared.
"The hell you suppose to be?" Wald asked
"Nice to meet you fellows! I'm Chip. But my real name is Light Gaia. I may not look like it to some of you, but I'm a primordial entity from the dawn of time and the incarnation of light, day and rebirth."
"Okay, yeah, I DON'T believe you. How can you be a god who exist in the dawn of time."
"He speaks the truth." Zeit spoked.
"Wait, what?" Wald asked in disbelief.
"His appearance may not seem divinity-like, but he does have the presence of a divinity far more divine than any I've encountered."
"So now we have another deity among the mists." Wazy mused. "Aren't we lucky, eh, Scarlet?"
"The Goddess of Light, the Goddess of Nature, the Goddess of Fodlan, the Lord of the Underworld and now the Primordial God of life. Wanders never ceased. But what a divine figure from the dawn of time beings you here?" Scarlet asked
"It's because something happens in my world. Someone absorbed Dark Gaia's power!" Chip answered.
"Dark Gaia..." Arceus rub his chin. "You speak of the primordial deity incarnation of darkness, night, and destruction."
"That's right. Someone somehow managed to reach the core of the planet and absorbed Dark Gaia's power. To make it worse, whoever this person is was able to even crush me so easily like it was nothing."
"There's something else too." Knuckles chin in. "I was attacked while guarding the Master Emerald in Angel Island. And someone stole it."
"The Master Emerald..." Lloyd rubs his chin. "What is that, actually?"
"The Master Emerald mystical relic of great power. It's the master of the Chaos Emerald. Relics of great power. They possess unlimited powers that can create miracles and other feats, such as warping space and time and powering machines." Knuckles explain.
"Such power like that exists in your world?" Zelt asked.
"You can think of them as Divine Relics." Tails said. "We've used them a bunch of times through numerous ordeals that we lost count."
"But most of it was defeating Eggman." Sonic chin in. "But the Chaos Emeralds always play a part in causing phenomenon and even world-treating conflict."
"That sounds like something that should be sealed away." Elie said.
"Yeah, but it's always scattered when it's used. Besides, we need those emeralds in case someone like Dark Gaia or other extremely powerful villains like Eggman would to destroy or conjure the world." Sonic replied. "But the point is someone stole the Master Emerald. And that's not a good sign."
"And we're here to find out who the culprit is. We imagine that it was Eggman who is up to no good." Amy explained. "But we haven't seen Eggman in a while after an incident involving ancient technology and the Starfall Island Incident."
"Yeah. And it was recently too like a couple of months ago. But I doubt Eggman managed to get pass Knuckles."
"Can we get back to the point?" Shadow asked annoyed. "The point is that someone not only stole the Master Emerald, but also managed to absorb Dark Gaia's power. And whoever they are possess a great threat."
"Right. I couldn't tell who it was, but they had this ominous presence that was staring at the end of all life. Death itself!" Chip shivered. "From the looks of it. It looks like a human."
"Right. I doubt it was someone from our world. The thieve of the Master Emerald and Dark Gaia's power being absorbed are connected. I doubt anyone from our universe is capable of that. Especially since Dark Gaia's power is something no humans can withstand. So the culprit has to be some manner of entity here in Zemuria or from another world."
"But would could it be, I wonder?" Arceus wondered.
"That's why we're here to find out." Sonic said. "Plus, it also involve Silver warning too."
"Right. My warning is that Zemuria is destroyed." Silver agreed, causing everyone to have an ?! over their heads.
"What did you say?!" Elie gasped.
"Our world is destroyed?!" KeA gasped.
"Yeah. I tried to figure out who is responsible, while also trying many different solutions to save Zemuria. But no matter what I did, Zemuria was destroyed by something. And someone was also interfering from getting close to the cause. Even with Dialga's help, some force is preventing us from finding out who or what."
"Hmm..." Zeit close his eyes. "It appears there some power involved... Maybe the Master Emerald is interfering by someone's control. Still, we must take heed to Silver's warning and prevent the calamity that will surface in the future."
"Right. We're not sure if it is related to what happens here. But we can't turn a blind eye now that our return foes are back." Shadow nodded in agreement.
"Mephiles, Infinite, Iblis...I don't know how it's possible for them to be back. But I don't get why they're siding with those self-proclaim leaders too." Amy added.
"Yeah. There are a lot of things we don't understand. But there's no doubt with their return, someone must be responsible for bringing them back. Maybe they may be connected to this in the shadows." Tails said. "So now our objective is to find out who and what is responsible for their return."
"And since we're in this together, going into Reinford's Factory should help us get some clues. Right?" Sonic asked
"Yeah. You're right." Lloyd nodded.
(BGM ended)
"Then your course is set." Zeit said. "I will leave this land's crisis in your hands for the time being."
(Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes ost - On Thin Ice)
"Aww. Does that mean you're gonna leave us again?" KeA frown.
"I'm afraid so. There is something else I wish to take care off. But fear not. I, too, am a part of the SSS, so it is only a matter of time before we meet again."
"We'll hold you to that. Take care, Zeit." Lloyd said
"Yeah!" KeA nodded. "I'll miss you, but let's see each other again soon!"
"Yes. That we shall." Zeit nodded
"Sonic, Shadow, Silver. You're familiar with Iblis, Mephiles and Infinite. Can you tell us about them?" Lloyd asked
"Mephiles is the malevolent conscience, mind, and will of the sun god Solaris in Soleanna. A small nation in our world. He was born during the Solaris Project." Shadow answered
"The Solaris Project?" Elie asked.
"It's a project to research energy by using Solais who is a living flame. But in truth. It was actually a way to find a way to control the God of Time himself."
"Humans tried to control a god? That's considered blasphemy in a religious sense." Wazy comment.
"Right. This happened in our world 10 years ago in Soleanna history. The project ended up in failure which cause an explosion, nearly killed the scientist and the Duke of Soleanna. That project split Solaris into two; Mephiles the Dark and Iblis."
"You mean that giant lava monster is part of Solaris?" Scarlet asked
"Right. Both of them are extremely dangerous. Mephiles has the power to control time. While Iblis is Solaris's raw power." Silver added, causing everyone to have an ?! over their heads.
"Mephiles has the power to control time?" Arceus hummed. "While Iblis is raw power. Hmm. I can see why since both of them are threats. Considering both of them are fragments to a god."
"In my timeline, Iblis destroyed my world. Mephiles has a dark plan to emerge himself back as Solaris to erase time itself. He full me and Blaze." Silver muttered. "But in the end, we defeated Solaris."
"Right. As Tails pointed out. The biggest question is how they've been resurrected and why they're aiding Rufus and Xehanort with the occupation." Shadow follow up.
"Yeah. I'm also wondering who else the other people who are with Rufus and Xehanort too." Elie wondered.
"Then I'll be heading out and hitting up with my connections to find out more information. A large group isn't going to be able to sneak into the factory." Lechter said.
"True. Still, I'm curious about that factory. You may need someone who's good with technology." Tails pointed out. "So I'll be going."
"I'll be away and gather intel inside the city." Shadow said.
"Huh? Are you are going to do that?" KeA asked
"I have my ways. Besides, Rouge, Kammy and Omega are already inside the city to gather information. I need to meet up with them."
"In that case, I'd like to stay here for awhile..." A voice said as Rixia came in.
"Are you sure, Rixia?" Lloyd asked
"That makes sense. You evaded her attacks for the most part, but weren't you still injured?" Wazy asked.
"Yes. Please forgive me, everyone. I just need a little time. I'm still not ready to face up to what happened to Ilya and Shanshan just yet. And for what they jester said too." Rixia explained
"Then that's perfectly fine. If that's your decision, then we respect it." Lloyd nodded
"That's right. I'm sure you'll be able to find your way forward." Elie nodded.
"I'll be coming along with you guys." Sonic said. "What about the rest of you?"
"I'm coming along." Knuckles said.
"Same here." Silver nodded. "We should also get some back up, too."
"Yeah. But who though?" Amy wondered.
"Guess we'll find out once we make a few calls."
"Right. Although there is a chance we will end up in a large group but, I'm sure we'll managed somehow." Sonic said.
"Well, good luck with that." Lechter struggled.
"In that case, Jigglypuff and I will be coming along with you guys." KeA smiled
"Where's this coming from, KeA?" Elie asked
"This is going to be a dangerous mission. You understand that, don't you?" Lloyd asked.
"Of course, the factory's really far away, and there's no telling what's going to be there waiting for us. That's why I want to help gather info for us, and I can back you up with my Order and Jigglypuff like I always do. It makes a lot more sense for me to go than it does to stay here, if you ask me!"
"Don't worry." Sonic spoked. "In case something does happen, we'll pull through. Or I can have her escorted to safety." Sonic said.
"And I'll be tagging along, too." Wazy wink. "My Stigma should prove useful in a punch. I don't think it will be too dangerous for her."
"ALl right. I should be glad that there are so many of you guys are willing to go." Lloyd smiled. "I'd be happy to have you all."
"Then mind if we join you too?" A voice asked as Tim and Pikachu join them.
"Oh, Tim and Detective Pikachu!" Elie said
"Are you sure, you want to come?" Lloyd asked
"But of course!" Pikachu nodded. "The situation is getting mysterious by the second. Plus, there might be some information that one detective shouldn't handle alone. So allow me to help decode it. Plus, I didn't mean to the conversation. But I am rather curious about all these characters you mention too. Like the people Rufus sent to Amorica Village."
"You mean Adam and Nu?"
"Yes. Can you tell us more about them?"
"I'll right, here's what I got about Adam and Nu." Lechter said as he begin to explain to them as Pikachu and Tim are listening in carefully.
"Hmm... Two psychopaths, huh?" Tim rub his chin.
"Yep. I learn about Nu from Millium who got it from Ragna. And Adam from Reamnant. I remember fighting alongside the guy but... he's a really twisted son of a bitch. Someone I never want to work with." Lechter said until he realized something. "Wait... Why is Rufus is working with a guy like him? Along with Nu?"
"What do you mean?"
"Rufus sure like to use any people like a pawn but... psychopaths like Adam and Nu... that doesn't sit right with him."
Pikachu put on a thinking face as he fold his arms. "So you're saying Rufus wouldn't want to work with Adam and Nu? How do, Major?"
"From what I know about him. He works with us Ironbloods. And while we do cooperate with Ouroboros, Dr. Eggman, and Maleficent's group in the past. All of that was during the Great Twilight. But fighting alongside Mephiles, Iblis, Infinite, Adam and Nu... I think he's smart enough to know those guys are too dangerous to be working with."
"Then it seems we have another question involving Rufus's character." Pikachu pulls out a magnifying glass. "After all, Rufus would want to honor the late Chancellor Osborne. And you Ironbloods are loyal to him, even with his departure. But it also sounds like Rufus is once again betraying his oath. So it also raise the question if Rufus truly acting on his own free will... Or perhaps something is in play here. What's more... something else has been bothering me. How and when were these villains gathered for this occupation? And why?"
"Ah..." Lloyd gasped as he rub his chin. "You're right. Something about this feels... strange as you put it. Hmm... Guess we'll find out about them along the way."
"All right! So let's go contact some friends and we'll be on our way!" Sonic smirked.
"Hehe. It seems you are blessed with many friends for your odds of success is rising by the minute." Zeit chuckled. "May you all ever keep your chins up and your eyes facing forward."
"Sounds overly optimistic to me." Wald comment.
"Beliving in the future easily beats standing still." Scarlet chuckled
"Sign me up for the sunshine you're pumping." Lechter replied. "Seriously though. You should give some thought to what your old cellmates said after our fight yesterday, too. It might help you sort things out."
"What do you mean?" Lloyd asked
"Call it a hunch. Good luck with your factory tour, Bannings. May the Goddess and other gods be with ya."
"Then you wouldn't mind if we come with you?" A voice asked as came in were the two gentleman.
"Oh! We nearly forgot about you two." Elie said. "Come to think of it, we haven't got the chance to introduce ourselves to you. My name is Elie from the SSS."
One name Introduction later...
"A lot of people to remember but... Nice to meet you." The young man said. "I'm Makoto Yuki. But you're free to call me Yuki if you like."
"And My name is Takuto Maruki." Takoto introduce himself.
"Nice to meet you both. You guys are Persona users like Yosuke and Chie, right?"
"That we are. I am rather surprised that there are more persona users but... time has change." Makoto said. "I had a conversation with them. They plan to do some investigation with the others. Along with the others to contact their family and explain the situation."
"Oh right. I was wondering what they're up too." Wazy said. "So our friends who aided you will be out for now, yeah?"
"That's right."
"Are you two tourists who wanted to see the city?" Lloyd asked
"I suppose you can say that." Makoto said. "Anyway, you said about some colleague? What's this about?"
(BGM ended)
End of Flashback...
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost -St. Ursula Medical College -Sen Ver.-)
Lloyd was rubbing his chin as he recall Garcia's words
"You're helpless to stop us now that you've lost your way." Garcia spoked.
'Lost our way? What was that supposed to mean?' Lloyd wondered in his thoughts. 'Was he referring to the loss we suffered to Rufus back at the signing ceremony? Or something even before then?'
"Llllloyd." Nora poking his face.
"Oh! Ah... were you saying something Nora?" Lloyd asked, grabbing Nora's finger to stop.
"Nope. Just wanted to see what you were thinking."
"Ahaha... Oh, that reminds me." Lloyd turns to everyone. Claude, Snake, Hilda, Lysithea, Nora, Jaune, Ren, Pyrrha, Tim, Detective Pikachu, Makoto Niijima, Snake, R.O.B, Claude, Hilda, Lysithea, Taokaka, Litchi, Tager, Jaune Arc, Pyrrha, Nora Valkyrie, Ren, Alhaitham, Kirito, Knuckles, Sonic, Amy, Silver, Blaze the Cat, Chip, Makoto and Takuto. I like to thank you for joining us. Although I do fear about this large group, but I'm thankful you guys came to help."
"Ah, it's no sweat. If anything. I'm glad we can help." Kirito smiled.
"Right. Especially how things went in Crossbell." Hilda nodded. "Normally, I wouldn't want to help but... those guys really tick me off for what they did. So I want to help bust some skulls in."
"We were all really looking for Crosbell's independents... but look how that turn out." Claude muttered.
"Yeah. We were hoping to see how Crossbell would be in their independents..." Jaune sighed.
"But right now, we want to help you guys liberate it." Pyrrha nodded.
"So count on us." Ren said.
"Indeed, we may be a large group, but we'll do what we can to help." Blaze said.
"Yeah! I can help do some navigations with my persona. That way, we'll have an easy time getting through a couple of things. And since you need extra help with computers and stuff. I'm your gal." Futaba smiled
"And I'll do what I can to help too." Maokoto Niijima smiled
"Indeed. Speaking off. Lloyd, you ask about Kokonoe about those Mask, yes?" Tager asked.
"Oh right. Was there something you can tell us more about the Sorges and Melgeas. And those masks the Gnomes created?"
"Of course." Tager nodded. "As you know, the masks were designed with hypnosis technology that the Gnomes were working on for some time. Once the wearer put them on, they will enter a dream-like state that allows the mask to interfere with the wielder's brain. But for it to set up the characters, they require to set it in motions through using the technology the Black Workshop develop."
"I see. What about the Sorges and Melgeas?"
"The Sorges is An all-purpose type based on the Drakkhen unit." Litchi said. "But unlike the regular soldiers, the Zauber Soldots can allow them to use magical power to bolster their strength and mobility. That same applies to the Melgeas unit that based on the Spiegel. The only difference between these new versions is they have more sturdy armor from what looks of it, and their mana engines including the flexibility have improved quite significantly. I'm not sure how but... it seemed they been in development for some times..."
"I see... thanks for that info." Lloyd nodded. "With that said, our first goal is finding a route to the factory. We can start by seeing how things are here and hopefully father some information."
"There's a good chance that people from the city also escape here. You might meet up with a few friends here, too." Futaba nodded
"All right, let's get started then." Makoto Niijima said as they all go into the entrance and then Tager modified his body to go in.
Everyone heard a gasped as they turn and one of the nurse approached.
"Lloyd!? I-Is that you?!" She asked
"Oh, hey Lan. Good to see you're okay." Lloyd smiled
"But... I heard you were dead."
"Ah... that..." Lloyd scratch his cheek. "It's a complicated story but, I'm back. Oh, but I did meet up with Cecile. She was in Armorica before we end up resting to Mushroom Kingdom after..."
"The Mushroom Kingdom? That's quite far from here. What happened?"
"It's..." Lloyd muttered.
"I'm guessing the EDF has something to do with it. I can take a guess to what happened. I hope everyone is okay there. Things were chaotic here for a while after the ceremony, but it's calmed down for the most part. Our equipment had some issues, but we didn't have to book any emergency surgeries, fortunately. It's all good now."
"That's a relief."
"Yeah, the last thing we need is more fire to put out." Wazy agreed.
"We're going to keep poking around the hospital if that's all right. Thanks for getting us up to speed." Lloyd smiled
"No problem at all." Lan smiled. "I'm sure you're going to have a lot of work on your hands, but good luck out there." He said as they all take off
"It's good to see that everyone here is not as deponent as we thought." Bkaze said.
"Yeah. It's good for them to be in high spirits." Amy agreed as they go upstairs for a while and then head to the rooftop.
"Thank you for all of your help." A Citizen said as the group turn and they see familiar faces.
"We don't have much to offer in return, but here are some snacks. I hope you'll enjoy them." The other citizen offered candy and snacks.
"You didn't have to do that, but the gesture is still appreciated." Tio replied
"Yeeeah. I've never fixed medical equipment before, so I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up." Jona said
Chief Robert chuckled. "You could've had me fooled with such fine work. You both did splendidly."
"That's right. I don't know what we would have done without you." One of the citizens said
"We wouldn't have escaped if it weren't for you. We'd likely be brainwashed by the co-supreme leaders like all the others."
"Just what happened to all of them? And..." The woman wrapped herself as she shivered. "When... Lloyd Bannings..."
(BGM ended)
Tio flinched as she rub her arms.
"Tch..." Jona clenched his fist.
"Vanilluxe." Tio's Vanilluxe looking at Tio with a sad look.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Crime, Punishment and Deceit)
"Everyone..." Tio shakened. "I owe... you all a big apology. None of this would have happened had we protected everyone at the signing ceremony like we swore to. And... that we wouldn't... lose Lloyd too." Her tears came out. "I'm sorry... If only we were stronger..."
"Hey. C'mon, Tio..." Jona muttered
"Oh, Tio..." Chief Robert sadden.
"No. This isn't your fault." One of the Citizens said.
"That's right. No one is blaming for what happened."
"Lloyd Bannings died in the line of duty. No one will fault you for that." The other citizen sadden. "No one expected this to happen.
As Lloyd and the others approached.
"Look, Lloyd! It's Tio!" KeA smiled
"I thought she might come here. Thank goodness she's all right." Lloyd sigh of relief. "It looks like they're talking to evacuees from the city."
"Hmm?" Wazy then notice something was wrong. "Hold on just a minute."
"Yeah. Things were doomed from the start." One of the citizens muttered
"It's finally drawed on me, too. "I don't know why we ever thought we could be truly independent. It's hopeless."
"Huh?" Tio look concerned
"Uhh... What's gotten into you guys all of a sudden?" Jona asked
"It's obvious, isn't it?" One of the citizens asked as a dark aura surrounded the citizens, causing Tio, Vanilluxe, Jona and Chief Robert to have an !? over their heads. "The co-supreme leader never would have occupied us again if we just obeyed the Empire like we used to. We wouldn't have to be afraid of the EDF had we not dreamed of independence."
"And when you think about ut, everything was better when we were an Imperial province. Even the economy was booming. Why give all of that up?"
"Why did we ever want to be independent?"
"Hey! Get a hold of yourselves! What is wrong with all of you!?" Jona exclaimed
"There really isn'y any need to be so pessimistic..." Chief Robert muttered.
(BGM paused)
"The co-supreme leaders and EDF aren't all we have to worry about, either. There's also those huge machines."
"They even have the old president's backing. Everyone in the city is enthralled by them."
"There isn't a shread of hope things are going to get better anymore—"
"No! That's not true at all!" Tio yelled
(Trails to Azure ost - A Barrier to Get Over)
"The SSS is going to keep fighting. We have allies we can depend on! The CPD, CGF, and even our friends from outside of Crossbell... There are people who will surely help us! We won't allow you to suffer like this. We'll be the ones to put an end to it!"
"Tio..." Jona muttered.
"Tio, you shouldn't..." Chief Robert muttered.
"We used to have hope, too... thanks to you. Or at least we thought we did." One of the citizens muttered.
"Whenever it was the Mafia or that cult, or even when our own mayor became a dictator, we kept on believing. Not even Imperial occupation or the war made us lose hope."
"But in the end, it was all for nothing. The signing ceremony made us realize that."
"What we had was never hope to begin with. It was just delusion, and that made it even more painful once we accepted the truth. "
"Again and again, and again and again..." One of the citizens growled.
"Over and over, and over and over..."
"We were never... hope to them?" Lloyd asked, looking shock.
"Th-That can't be true. We can't just give up and—"
"Stop! Just stop!" The woman yelled.
"Can't you see we're just so tired of all this?"
"Besides, you've got no right to talk to us about ending our suffering. If you hadn't arrested President Crois..." One of the Citizen glared. "Then we would have already had everything we ever wanted."
Tio and Lloyd flinched from that statement.
'Everything we did was...'
"Can you all hear yourselves?" Wazy chin in. "You're completely full of it."
(BGM ended)
"Aren't you?" One of the citizens asked as Tio and the others look to see Wazy.
"Wait... is that...?!" One of the citizen's eye widen at Lloyd.
Tio eye widen. "L-Lloyd?! Elie! KeA! Wazy! And... And...!"
"B-Bannings?! How?!" Jona exclaimed.
(Trails to Zero ost - Gazing at Your Back)
"I was one of the people involved in that arrest, so let me make something perfectly clear. Letting Dieter Crois go free for what he did over two years ago was never an option. He attacked the city, had the speaker detained, and even tried to take over the entire continent. Dieter was arrested in accordance with state law. The same as any Crossbellan would have been. That's all there is to it."
"Y-Yeah, but what about...?"
"What about Crossbell?! They had a responsibility to do what was best for us!"
"A responsibility? And why's that? Because you made them your symbols of justice? Because you decided they were your heroes? The SSS is just a division of the Crossbell Police Department—nothing more, nothing less. You have no one to blame but yourselves for thinking any differently. Their purpose isn't to make all if your problems go away."
"!" One of the Citizens flinched.
"N-No one thought..."
"I know it's been a long two years. Two years where all Crossbellans could do was powerlessly watch the Empire trample over their pride. It's natural to wish that a savior would appear and solve everyone's problems. But personally, I never wanted to see Crossbell come to that. What Crossbell has given me is irreplaceable—friends and family that mean the world to me, like Lloyd and Wald. So it pains me to see this as someone who's come to love Crossbell more than his old home."
"Wazy..." Lloyd trailed off.
"The SSS chose the path they did because they wanted a little girl to be free..." KeA approached. "But that same little girl couldn't help but feel it was her fault when she saw Erebonia invade and take over her home. Because she knew that none of it would've happened if she didn't exist."
"KeA, no..." Tio grits her teeth.
"But she wasn't the only reason they chose the path they did. The SSS had also seen how strong Crossbell became facing adversity over and over again. They knew that if they chose any other path, the efforts and sacrifices of so many would be lost. Their home would never be the same. And they—along with that little girl—believed from the bottom of their hearts that all of Crossbell would overcome it for the better."
(BGM ended)
"Oh, I beg the differ, little one." A voice spoked, causing everyone to have an ! over her head as Dimentio appeared in front of the citizens.
(Super Paper Mario ost - Dimentio, Charming Musician)
"Wha—?!" Tio flinched.
"You!" Wazy growled.
"Hello again, everyone. I see you made your way here. As expected that you would." Dimentio chuckled. "What a deep shame. I couldn't help but overhear to this nonsense this little girl spoke. What right do you— a false child of man have the right to say such things?"
"What did you say?!" Lloyd growled.
"I can't deny that Dieter attacked Crossbell City, but it was quite extreme. Even for him. But what choice did he have?" He placed his hand over his chest. "He understands how all the people of Crossbell have suffered at the hands of both Erebonia and Calvard altogether. He wanted to free you all from that long pain of being stripe of your pride. He may have done questionable things, and even went far to conquer the continent. But he did it out of love and want to protect his people, his nation. And even free and gain the independence you all sought for so long. He did what any kind of leader would be. Even if it means he has to be the bad guy for Crossbell to preserve in strength, and kindness so that no one would have to suffer for those in power to continue to hurt you all over and over again. Isn't that the kind of leader you all wish for? To guide their land through prosperity, strength, and kindness throughout the world through diplomatic? He may have gone slightly mad in power, but he has friends and advisers to keep him under control. No one other than him understands your pain. Why else did the co-supreme leaders step in?"
Dimentio continued. "They understand your pain. They want to protect and save Crossbell from another attempted attack from your neighbors. For too long you have suffered. And they want to put an end to that suffering. And then this "little girl" the child spoke. She and the SSS claimed that they wanted to set this little girl free. But in truth. That little girl was nothing more than a monster in human skin. She spreads lies and deceit even at this very moment. Playing an innocent little girl who is always so positive."
Dimentio was ready to snap his finger. "Do you know who this demon is? Allow me to show you her true form. Something that Dieter saw through and tried to save you all!" He snapped his finger as KeA was cloaked in a brown aura, causing everyone to have an !? over their heads and then a tall humanoid faceless monster was replaced. "It was none other than KeA Bannings!"
"Whaaa?!" One of the citizen's eye widen in horror.
"KYAAAAAH!"
"You bastard!" Lloyd turn to Dimentio in rage. "How dare yooooou!" He charge to Dimentio to punch him, only for him to block with a single hand and flick his finger, knocking him away. "Augh!"
"Lloyd!" Makoto Niijima yelled as Dimentio snapped his finger and a barrier appeared to prevent them from interfering.
"Wha... Whaa... What have you done jester?!" The Faceless entity roared.
"I reveal the truth of who you really are KeA Bannings. A Demon who seeks to destroy this world by feeding on Kindness and innocence." Dimentio grin. "
"Why you!" Tio brought out her Orbal Staff.
"Ah ah ah." Dimentio snapped his finger and cast magic on Tio's staff.
"Huh?!"
"Bastard!" Wazy tried to attack, but Dimentio snapped his finger to knock Wazy away. "Augh!"
"And to make it worse, that demon even charmed the SSS. And even a man from the church." Dimentio shook his head as he snapped his finger to knock Tio away.
"Augh!"
"Do you see, people? This little girl was nothing more than a monster. The same monster who been playing with children to feed on them. And the SSS foolishly realized it. It is because of them that Crossbell suffered. Do you know why the Azure Tree appeared in Crossbell? It was to protect you all from that monster. But the SSS, not only destroy that tree, they allow this demon to roam freely. Do you know why one of the co-supreme leaders killed Lloyd Bannings? It is because he wanted to save Lloyd Bannings, but he was so captivated by the demon that she devoured his soul. Just as the SSS and that priest did. And now she even defiled his very corpse, manipulated his corpse right before your very eyes, just to bring hope. This is an insult to his memory. And now she plans to do the same to you all. So tell me, Citizens. Do you truly want this monster to roam freely? And allow her minions, the SSS to place seeds in your heart for false hope? No."
Dimentio spread his arms. "Join the co-supreme leader who saw through this demon and slay her and the SSS who are no longer humans! If we do not act now, the SSS corpses will never know to be at peace, true independent. All of Crossbell... no... the entire world will be lost to this demon! Who's with me?!"
The Citizens were once again cloaked in a dark aura.
"I knew someone was off with that little girl... no one should be so positive!" One of the citizens gritted his teeth and glared.
"M-Monster! How dare she!"
"How dare she! How dare she exist! She should never exist!"
"How dare she deceive us and control the SSS corpses! It's because of her! We couldn't get our independence!"
"Death to that demon! Death to that demon!"
"Ahahaha! Well said, citizens!"Dimetio clapped his hands as he laugh.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" A voice yelled, causing everyone's attention to have an ! over their heads as Makoto slowly getting back on his feet. "I expected better of you citizens of Crossbell. That you would blindly follow this joke of a clown with his illusion? This ridiculous, immature, half-wit moron. I have never met a sadder, more attention-starved jabbering little prick in my entire life and that says a lot, 'cause I've been stuck in a stone for many years now." He got up and glared "And I'll tell ya all that crap you spew are just excuses, just so you can make the SSS suffer for no reason. And you..." He pointed at the civilians. "You should be ashamed of yourselves! Lloyd Bannings and the others save your lives and this is how you repay him? Well, if that's how it is then there are more hideous demons than KeA. Go home and look in the mirror. You'll find it there."
"Makoto..." Lloyd's eye widen.
"You... call us a demon!?" One of the citizens glared.
"How dare you insult us! For not even seeing what a demon looks like before your very eyes!"
"It is you who don't see the truth before your very eyes." Makoto giving a powerful presence and a death glare as Messiah appeared behind him.
"E-Eeep!"
"Wh-What is that?!"
'Oh, so he's a Persona User.' Dimentio thought.
"I never expected that this is how you would treat your officers who fought with honor and been fulfilling their duty! Have you no shame?" Blaze growled as she got up with a death glare.
"Yeah! They been working so hard for you guys and keeping Crossbell safe and peace!" Chip yelled as he flew up.
"Did liberation Crossbell taught you nothing?" Knuckles got back on his feet, showing a glare. "Did you forget the example they fought so hard."
"As Wazy said, they're not your problem solvers. Just policeman. You of all people should have understood all this!" Lysithea growled. "How dare you treat them like this, especially hurting KeA like this when she was truly an innocent girl!"
"You're all easily manipulated by someone own's delusions like that." Maruki got back on his feet and then snapped his finger, shattering the magic circle as his persona Adam Kadmon appeared behind him.
"Oh?" Dimentio mused.
"It's time I wake you up from that false delusion and help you see the truth for yourself!" Maruki wave his hand to sent wavelengths toward them, only to be blocked by Dimentio's magic. "..?!"
Dimentio sighed. "My goodness, taking your anger onto the civilians? You just made things worse for yourselves. Now then, citizens. Allow me to escort you to the city, And tell the EDF soldiers that I sent you to tell them about the KeA Bannings including two figures to add to the list for insulting you."
"... The citizens nodded as Dimentio snapped his finger, teleporting the citizens away.
"No!" Tio yelled. "How could you!"
"You brought it upon yourself, Tio Bannings. And the rest of you as well." Dimentio snapped his finger and undo KeA's transformation.
"Ah?" KeA look at her hands.
"There you go. That little illusion has fulfilled its role." Dimentio smirked. "Although I do admit that it is rather too evil to do such a thing, even for my standards. But alas, orders are orders. Do forgive me, Zero Child. It wasn't personal. As for you, Persona users. It may have strung a bit, but I've heard far worse than that."
"Like we'll believe anything you'll say!"
Oh. And by the way, Lloyd Bannings, and the rest of you. If you don't to be killed by EDF, I suggest you start running."
"..!" Tio gasped in horror.
"You knew that we would be here?!" Lloyd growled.
"But of course. The EDF will be here shortly to destroy this hospital. All because they shelter Tio Plato. All of St. Ursula will be lost." Dimentio smirked, looking at Tio who look in horror. "All because of you, Tio Plato."
"..!"
"Y-You monster! You're going to have everyone here massacred!?" Elie exclaimed. "Like you did in Armorica?!"
"Oh goodness no!" Dimentio waved it off. "The co-supreme leaders and I never wanted that massacre to happen in Armorica to begin with."
"What?! Don't screw with us!" Nora yelled.
"I'm telling you the truth. We never intended to kill the lives of innocent people. All we plan to do is arrest everyone and take them into the city and set Armorica in flames for taking you in Elie MacDowell. But alas, Adam just had to go ahead and massacred the villagers. As such, he is under probation. You only have a few minutes to escort everyone here to leave St. Ursula's hospital before every staff are arrested and St. Ursula is destroyed. Think of this as our apology for Adam's massacre of the poor village. But this also would never happen if you leave this hospital Tio Plato. Now you, and the other SSS out there hiding will make everyone suffer by your presence alone. It won't be long until you're at death's door."
"Hold it, jester!" Makoto Yuki called out to him, causing him to turn his attention. "You're not getting away that easily. You will pay for what you did. If you ever do this shit again, we will not allow you to move or be seen again, ever again." He said, threatening. "Go back and tell the Co-Supreme Leaders this: Enjoy your time pretending and spread more of your deceit. Because we will return. And once we do, you will regret stepping foot out of that ceil and the grave."
"Oh my, such a bold declaration. But very well. Your attacks won't scratch me anyway, but be careful what you wish for. Well if you excuse me. I have places to be. Chao~" Dimentio then teleported away.
(BGM ended)
(Fire Emblem Three Houses ost - Dark Clouds)
"Damn that jester!" Wazy growled.
"We'll deal with him later! Right now, we need to get everyone out and head to our place of destination!" Kirito stated
"Right! Hoopa! Are you there?" Sonic called out as Hoopa appeared.
"I'm here! What's up?" Hoopa asked.
"The EDF is going to do the same thing here in St. Ursula! We need you to help escort everyone out!" Amy answered
"Whaaat?! Okay, got it!" Hoopa nodded as the team head inside to help the people away.
"Lloyd!" Tio hug Lloyd.
"Tio..." Lloyd hug back.
"How is this possible... I saw you died... and your... your..." Tio tears begin to come up.
"I know. I'll explain everything. But first, Can you tell us about how we can get into Reinford Military Factory?"
"Reinford... Ah..." Tio let go of the hug. "Yeah I had a feeling that might be it."
"You did?"
"So that must be what you three have been doing here, then?" Wazy asked.
"Precisely. The chief, Jona, and I have been looking into suspicious information surrounding the factory. Not to mention I spotted a certain sketchy professor, and two scientists amidst the chaos of everyone fleeing the city."
"Who?"
"Professor Novartis, Dr. Eggman and Dr. Watts."
"You mean that slimeball that supposed the illegitimate regime from three years ago?!" Lloyd asked.
"Ouroboros' Six Anguis. Professor F. Novartis, the head of the Thirteen Factories. I had a feeling the society was involved. But now even Dr. Robotic and Salem's head scientist is involved too..." Wazy muttered.
"All three of them specialty is applied sciences, right?" KeA asked. "The professor is in charge of all Ouroboros crazy-power tech. And Dr. Eggman and Dr. Watts also have their own powerful tech that either surpasses or rivals the society."
Tio nodded. "Yes, Novartis in addition to being the engineer who completed the first-generation Aions. While Eggman and Watts have a great level of engineering. Their involvement could explain that new Zauber Soldot model and that strange mask. That's why we've had our attention placed on the military factory."
"Good thinking. It's looking more and more likely that we'll uncover something to help our investigation there." Lloyd said. "Have you three found an infiltration route?"
"It just so happens we have. Jona and I looked into it. There was a cargo line while the factory was still under construction before the war. It feeds directly into the underground railway that connects to St. Ursula."
"Well, that's convenient."
"Almost too good to be true. But I trust it if Tio's the source. Still, we should be careful If that jester figure out why we're here..."
"Then we haven't got much time to lose." Lloyd nodded. "The sooner we uncover what's really happening, the better."
"Yes, and the church isn't going to look the other way if it turns out the society is the one orchestrating this incident. There's no telling the extend of that Allbarea and Xehanort's plans, but it's high time we shed some light on what's really going on."
"I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it if we all work together!" KeA declared.
"Yeah. Come on, we don't got some to lose." Wazy said as they take off downstairs and Hoopa's ring portal escorting everyone.
"Okay, that's everyone!" Hoopa said.
"Okay, everyone! Let's head to the Underground Platform! We'll explain on the way there!" Tio said as everyone nodded and they follow Tio to the Underground Platform while they explain things.
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Chaotic Sludge)
They all quickly hurry and go down the stairs until they reach the underground platform.
"So Eggman is involve in this. Should have known..." Sonic sighed. "But this subway line will take us to the factory, yeah?"
"Right. If we follow this path." Tio nodded.
"I gotta say, this is my first time seeing the new subway line they built." Wazy said.
"No kidding. But this is too eerie if you ask me." Tails said.
"Agreed. It's too quiet..." Lysithea muttered
"Well, all the trains were stopped after Crossbell City is occupied, right? So we don't have to worry about train activities." Claude pointed out.
"And we can use that to our advantage." Tager said.
"We should eventually reach where the fright and passenger line split if we follow the lines to the north. Let's make that our first destination." Tio said.
"Right, let's go!" Ren said as they all headed to the lines and headed into the tunnel.
"Walking on train lines like this always makes my heart race!" KeA giggled
"Oh I know right?" Nora grinned. "Oh, I can't wait for the excitement to happen!"
"Haha." Pyrrha chuckled and then they see the junction. "Look, I see the junction up ahead."
"If we keep going forward, we'll eventually reach the city." Lloyd said as they stopped in the middle.
"Yeah, but I seriously doubt the EDF doesn't have that direction heavily guarded. I wouldn't risk it." Wazy said.
"Agreed. It's only a matter of time before gathering more forces and punishing our so fall "co-supreme leaders a thing or two". Snake agreed.
"Agreed. No one stands between us and our home and gets away with it." Tio nodded in agreement.
"That's the spirit." Lloyd smiled and then turn to the group. "So, KeA. Wazy. Makoto, Maruki, and the rest of you too. A little late, but I've been meaning to thank you for earlier."
KeA tilt her head. "For what?"
"Haha. What ever is it for this time?" Wazy asked
(BGM ended)
"Don't play dumb. I'm talking about how you chimed in at the hospital before that jester ruined everything." Lloyd replied. "And for stepping up to defend me and the others too. You helped me realize something important. The citizens of Crossbell weren't the only ones who had lost sight of the truth—we had, too."
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Piece of Light)
"The SSS had a clear dream two years ago when Crossbell was annexed by Erebonia. We wanted our home to be free again. But it wasn't just that. We weren't blind patriots, fighting to protect personal pride or acting on some grand ideal. Had we been, our actions couldn't have led to Crossbell losing its freedom. Wouldn't have let it straight into the arms of the Empire. And the little girl we protected over giving Crossbell its freedom and future wouldn't be here supporting us. What we truly wanted—for her and for every citizens who would have to bear the burden of our choices... was for them to smile. And if we could give them their home as well, then they could be free and smile as much as they dreamed. It really was that simple."
"Yeah... You're right..." Elie rub her arm. "I'm sure that Randy and Aoi would feel the same."
"But, sadly, I agree." Tio muttered. "Somewhere along the line, we lost sight of that goal. The more expectations people placed on us, the more we became convinced we were obligated to win back the state's freedom."
"That soon turned into wanting to be seen as the very symbols of independence. To be seen as heroes to our home. All the while, we were turning our eyes away from the feelings of despair and distrust that the people had been harboring. Those feelings are probably what allowed Rufus' and Xehanort's words to worm their way into the citizen's hearts. Ah..." Lloyd closes his eyes.
"Before you go. Allow me to give you some piece of advice. Don't lose heart, don't be reckless, and teach the people of Crossbell to believe in themselves."
"Haha. That is also what Chirithy also told me..."
"Who?" Jaune asked.
"A friend who comforted me when I died. He told me that to never lose heart, don't be reckless, and teach the people of Crossbell to believe in themselves." Lloyd answered
"I see. That's good advice." Claude nodded. "You think you can pull it off, Lloyd? About not losing your way and keeping your goal as you intended to?"
"Yeah. We won't lose our way again. We'll keep sight of our goal this time and do things our way. We're not miracles; we just do our best to make people's lives better, while others help us as much as we helped them. That's what's allowed us to come this far."
Wazy smiled. "Good. That sounds more like the SSS I fell in love with."
"Yeah. That something we can get behind too." Jaune nodded as he approached. "I'm glad you guys managed to learn that mistake. But that mistake also help you learn. Make sure you teach that to the people of Crossbell." He offers his hand. "Because coming from experience, this is what it takes if you want to get through this ordeals. Every crisis people overcome to date has been with the help of countless others, and this will be no different.
"Yeah!" Nora jumps and hug Jaune with a surprise attack.
"Oof!"
"Because you wanna know why?" Nora grinned. "Because all of us are one big happy family."
"Yeah!" KeA fist pump. "That's why I decided to become KeA Bannings."
Tio giggled. "This is a chance for us to start over from zero, then."
"That's right. We're going to reclaim everything that was taken from us. As always, we're going to fight, struggle, and shine the light on the truth—together!"
"That's right. And... I also like to apologise." Makoto Yuki scratch his head sheepishly.
"What for?" Lloyd asked.
"For what I said to the civilians back there. It was too harsh but... it needed to be said."
"Makoto. It wasn't your fault." Elie stated. "Granted it was a bit extreme but..."
"But so did the citizens for calling into Dimentio's words." Ren pointed out. "I just hope they can see the errors of their way."
"And they will." Maruki replied. "The citizens will open their eyes once more. Once we liberate Crossbell and return it to its rightful people. But please, don't take everything to heart. Especually you, KeA."
KeA nodded. "Yeah, I know. It was quite a shock for what Dimentio did but..."
"Listen, Lloyd, and everyone else." Hilda spoked. "Bad guys like them are bound to do something evil. But we mustn't be discouraged, yeah? If anything, it just sent a reminder that they mess with the wrong people."
"Agreed. We'll make them regret insulting us and turning the people against us too." Lysithea nodded
"Yeah! Like Maruki-san said. We will wake the People of Crossbell up! And once they do, they will come back to their senses." Futaba agreed.
"Right. Remember SSS. Like you said earlier. We got your back. So long as you don't lose your way again." Makoto Niijima smiled
"Thank you, everyone." Lloyd smiled
(BGM ended)
"Boop! Boop!" R.O.B spoked as they heard gunfire.
"Hm? That sounds like gunfire." Snake said.
"Wait, something's coming!" Tager said.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Be Caught up!)
They see Agate, Conkeldurr, Tita and her Orbal Gear with Magnezone fleeing from a pursuing Zauber Soldot and EDF soldiers with Iron Treads, Flutter Mane, and Roaring Moon.
"Stop where you are, rebels!" An EDF yelled as he begin firing and Agate block them.
"Surrender now, or there will be no mercy!"
"Tch." Agate growled. "You holdin' up all right, Tita?"
"I'm fine, but at this rate—" Tita muttered.
"Get down, you two!" Tio yelled.
"Megidolaon!" Makoto Yuki and Maruki summon Messiah and Adam Kadmon to throw Megidolaon onto the EDF Soliders with the Paradox Pokemon and the Zauber Soldots.
"Augh!" One of them was knock flying.
"There's more of them!?"
"Take this!" Snake pull out Remote Missile and then firing missiles onto the Zauber Soldot, damaging it.
"Ngh!"
Agate, Tita and the others see Lloyd and the others showing up.
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Aim a Gun at the Bullet)
"Where did you guys come from?" Agate asked
"The SSS?! Wait, is that some of the Fighters in Smash Bros, Claude, Hilda, Lyshtiea? And Team JRPR, and... Taokaka, right?" Tita asked
"Hiiii engine Lady!" Taokaka waved.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"We can explain later! Let's take care of these guys first!" Lloyd said
"The SSS, huh? It must be our lucky day." The EDF soldier smirked
"We don't care how much a number you are, not only we kill you SSS scums but our Helmond will push all who dare to oppose the co-Supreme Leaders!"
"That must be the name of this new model." Tio muttered
"No model or no. This is hardly a place for one to fight. But now we must fight. Come, everyone! Let's destroy this model and take down these soldiers!"
"Meow, let's get kickin'!" Taokaka took her stands.
"Take this!" Lysithea cloak her hands in white and dark aura and throwing many rays toward the EDF and their Paradox Pokemon as they dodge while their Melmond shield itself as Claude charge and then fired his Arrow and unleash Falling Star to rain down arrows onto the EDF and their Paradox Pokemon.
Two Swordman EDF Charge to attack Lloyd and Elie but Makoto Yuki and Taokaka block their attack as Tao knee attack the EDF then unleash a flurry of slashes around him before she deliver an uppercut to knock him to the ceiling.
Makoto Yuki and the EDF swing at each other until he parried and then rotate slash to push the EDF back and then Makoto Niijima ran up and throwing punches at his face. He growled and swing at Niijima who block grabbed his arm and then punch his face, then pummel his stomach and then kick him, knocking him on his back and punch his stomach, enough to knock him down.
The Rifle EDF firing at them but Jaune shielding and then toss his shield to his the EDF but he backhand until Pyrrha used her Semblance to knock it back on his head and then Nora rush in and then swing her Magnhild to knock the EDF away as Helmond ran up to the ground to swing its sword, but Tager grabbed it with his strength to counter, then he dash forward for a powerful swing to deal powerful damage as Elie firing Orbal Shots on the Zauber Soldot. Lloyd Jump and then dive toward and punch through. Ren throw Soul Blur with Tio to deal damage onto it and then Litchi ran up and dive for a powerful knock to make the Soldot step back as she bounce off.
Iron Treads rolled toward the group until Kirito draw his sword and then throw X slash projections to intercelt and Alhaitham throw Blue Ascension on it, then Kirito ran up, throwing series of slashe and then slash him away.
Flutter Mane swoop around and Firing Moon Blast but Tita shield herself with a barrier and then Magnezone fired Flash Cannon. Flutter Mare dodge it until R.O.B fired a laser beam to knock it sway and then Lilligant used Giga Drain on him and Valliuxe throw Ice Beam.
Roaring Moon throw Dragon Pulse toward the group until they split up and Sonic Homing Shot and then Amy ran up and let out a powerful slam to knock it onto the ground where Vanilluxe throw Ice Beam on him to freeze him soldot.
Helmond imbued its sword with dark energy and then swing to send wide slash projections onto the group.
"Ngh!" Tio winched.
"Take this!" Knuckles ran up and then punch the cockpit area to knock it to the ground.
"Time down!" Target jump up and then dive for a Body Slam attack.
"AAAAAUGH!" The pilot yelled inside as Tager got up and smash the legs.
"So long!" Hilda ran up to the Soldier rose up, only for Hilda to unleash a powerful slam, knocking it back on the ground as it cause static and exploded part of the engine and out of commotion.
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Chaotic Sludge)
"All right, that should do it." Litchi clapped her hands as the EDF and the Paradox Pokemon are out cold and the Helmond is broken.
"We make short work of them." Lloyd said.
"That's because you got a large ass group, Bannings." Agate said. "Heck, you even got the Red Devil."
"Hehe. Either way, this is a team effort." Tager said. "But why are the two of you here?"
"Come to think of it, didn't you came directly to the city?" Alhaitham asked
"Well, the thing is..." Tita look down.
"Maybe it's fate we ran into you guys now of all times." Agate sighed. "You haven't seen Erika around, have you?"
"You mean Professor Russell?" Emblem Lloyd asked.
"No. Has something happened to her?" Tio asked
(BGM paused)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Invisible Hands in the Shadow)
"We were in the IBC Building when the city was occupied. A bunch of the black-uniformed soldiers stormed the building and demanded that my mom go with them." Tita sadden
"The next thing we know, she was shoving us in an elevator leading underground." Agate muttered
"I see..." Litchi tuck her glasses. "I can't say I'm surprised as I heard from the Professor that she's too doting on you, Tita. So it make sense that she prioritize your safety first."
"Still, it's not a good sign that those EDF have need of her." Kirito said.
"It's my fault that she did that." Agate muttered. "I never should've allowed us to end in this situation to begin with. That's on me."
"You don't have to blame yourself, Agate." Tita replied
"I guess that means Estelle and Joshua haven't been with you guys, huh?" KeA asked
"I'm afraid not. We haven't been able to get in touch with them since the city was occupied. Something must be jamming communications."
"Meow, especially twin tail and Amber eyes are seasoned bracers, meow." Taokaka tilt her head. "Meow hopes they're okay, meow."
"But what concerns me is why they have need of Professor Russell, now that they have her in their curiosity." Alhaitham fold his arms. "She may be tough, but those soldiers are well trained.
"The soldiers said something about someone needing helpers, but that's all we know." Tita said. "We managed to access one of the underground computers after that. That's how we learned she was taken to the Reinford military factory."
"The military factory? Why there?" Amy asked.
"Hmm." Wazy hummed. "I have my suspicions on who this 'someone' could be...Which means I also have a really bad feeling about this."
"So do I." Tio nodded. "Only three names come to mind based on the information we have thus far."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Agate told them. "This is a guild request at the end of the day. The job's not done until it's reported in and the client gives the reward. I'm dragging Erika out of there so I can get paid, whether she likes it or not."
"We'll save her for sure." Tita declared
"Magnezone!" Magnezone agreed.
"Conkeldurr." Conkeldurr nodded.
"What a coincidence. We're also heading to that place." Snake said.
"Then you can count on us for helping you guys." Hilda smiled
"Right. The more, the merrier." Lysithea nodded.
"Thanks, everyone! We'd really appreciate it!" Tita cheered. "I doubt I'll be much help with many familiar faces, but I'll do what I can to help."
"Don't undersell yourself short. I'm sure you'll be a great help." Tio smiled
"Not gonna lie. Running into you guys was good timing. We could really used the help." Agate smirked
"And teamwork makes the dream work, am I right?" Hilda winked.
"Anyway." Snake turn to the direction to the factory. "That way should lead us to the factory. So let's keep moving."
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Chaotic Sludge)
They continue onward, taking care of monsters on the way. As they gotten close, they see a blockade of EDF Soldiers with Helmond.
"Boop boop. ROB alerted the ground.
"Hmm, seem we got a blockade." Snake rub his chin.
"Wanna knock their asses?" Agate asked.
"Meow! Tao is ready to—"
"Whooa there firecat." Claude grabbed Tao's hoodie and stopped her.
"Meow?"
"Look I get that we're a strong group but maybe we should focus on getting past them without wasting our energy."
"Yeah, Claude's right. But how are we supposed to get past them?" Hilda asked.
Makoto Niimija look around and notice the door. "Look. Maybe we can use this door to reach the other side."
Yes. It would be a good idea. But there's no telling what's on the other side. Come on." Tager said as he modified his body to fit into the door as they all go in to the Underground Freight Line - Passage and then make it to the other side.
"Very nice." Wazy "We make it to the other side."
"If we keep going north, we'll reach the station for the military factory." Tails said.
"But we're not out of the woods yet, so be sure not to let anyone spot you." Litchi advised as they keep going.
But before they can get close, Lloyd heard the sound, causing him to stop.
"That felt like..." Lloyd pull out the black Mirror. 'The mirror's reacting again... but to what?'
(BGM ended)
Meanwhile...
(Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories ost - The Thirteenth Discretion)
"Hmm..." Chaos Rean hummed to himself until he heard Dimentio coming in. "Dimentio, what is it?"
"Hello, dear child. I have something interesting for you to report." Dimentio spoked. "It involve Lloyd Bannings."
"Speak."
"They're at St. Ursula's Medical Colleague. I already notified the Co-Supreme Leader to sent the EDF to punish those within that hospital. And I learn something interesting when I confronted them."
"What?" Chaos Rean turn to him.
"Indeed. I met two interesting Persona Users and—"
"Why didn't you just kill them?"
"Pardon?" Dimentio asked as Chaos Rean grabbed Dimentio's neck. "Augh!"
"Why the HELL didn't you kill Lloyd Banning and those rest of those irritating heroes?!" Chaos Rean eyes glow as he stares in rage. "You're already powerful enough to deal with that pesty group, no matter how large they are! And yet you allow them to live?! For what?! More allies? They'll die alongside him!"
"That's not the main issue! But it's their power that should be concerned about!"
"I couldn't care less what their powers are! It pales and comparison to MY power! I expected you of all people should be aware of that. I had every preparation and contingency against them. But I rather have all of those heroes dead sooner than expected. So the next time you encounter Lloyd Bannings, Rean Schwarzer or any of the SSS, Class VII and any other of those irksome allies and heroes, kill them. So I make myself, clear?"
"Yes, yes. I know how much you despite them. So, can you let go of my neck now?" Dimentio coughed as Chaos Rean let go, and dropped Dimentio as he coughed. 'My goodness... has the other me raised him this way? Surely I could have done a better job.'
Chaos Rean turn his back. "I'll be heading out. There is something I need to do."
"Where are you going?"
"Finding another pawn or a tool to use."
"Wait! Before you go, you should at least let me tell you about Lloyd's new allies!" Dimentio stated
Chaos Rean sighed. "Make it quick."
"Among Lloyd's allies have two Persona users."
"What about them?"
"I sense one of them is just like Yu Narukami and Akira of the Phantom Thieves. The other appears to have power that can manipulate cognition."
Chaos Rean turn his head, giving an !? over his head as he glared. "One is another wild card as those two and now we have someone who can manipulate cognition?! All the more REASON you should have killed them when you had the chance! Find out more about them. Report to me when I return." Chaos Rean said as he teleported away.
Dimentio sighed. "Always making me busy I see. Oh well, he is right that I should research them. And prepare a countermeasure against them. Right Elysium?"
(BGM ended)
In the Mysterious Tower...
(Mario and Luigi Paper Jam ost - What Happens Next)
Yen Sid was humming at he stare at the window. "Something is stirring in Zemuria. I know not what, but whatever the source it may be, it is blocking my magic... Hmm... I should consult Crimson Roselia or Rachel Alucard."
In the basement of Yen Sid's tower, Chaos Rean teleported himself in. "So this is Yen Sid's tower. I may have completely sealed my presence him from but... it's only a matter of time. I should find what kind here that may be of use to me." He begin to wander around the workshop for a bit. "Just a bunch of magic stuff. No... No..." Chaos Rean continue to look around until he spotted a magic paintbrush. "Oh?" He approached it. "Is this a magic brush? I sense... some traces of something. Let's see what you hold." he grabbed the paint brush from the paint supplies and then cloak in a red aura. Blue paint was coming out, but then black paint was next as it was given form. "Oh?" He raised an eyebrow as the monster groaned.
"Hm?" Yen Sid in his office turn to his basement. "Who's there?"
'Stupid... whatever it is, but guess I'll take it with me and see what it can do.' Chaos Rean thought and then teleported away.
Yen Sid came to his basement. "That roar..." He begin to look at one of his creation of World of Forgotten Toons and nothing happened. "Nothing happened? Wait..." He turn to the paint sets and approached and look it, having an ! over his head. "My magic brush...! Someone took my magic brush from my workshop!? How is this possible?!"
Back with Chaos Rean...
"Well that was too close." Chaos Rean said as he return. "All right, let's see what you sure." Chaos Rean cloak his hands with a black aura and then cause the black monster to urge out of the brush. "Oh?"
And here's the first part of Lloyd's Route and his party! Normally I would make it a longer battle but with so many characters in his party, it's bound to be short until a proper battle is here. Also, how dare Dimentio manipulated the people and even make them hate sweet innocent KeA! He'll get what's coming to hiiiiim!