Dateline: March 20, 1207
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Moment of Warmth)
Lloyd's group was relocated in Krox Forest after the mess yesterday. They will son reunite with their friends.
"Second Lietentant Seeker, checking in." Noel Seeker report
"Oh! Welcome back, No—" Fran turn her head and see the party with an ! over her head as she gasped. "LLOYD?!" She yelled as everyone else turn to see the shocking reaction.
"So you're here, too, Fran." Lloyd smiled "As well as Franz, Kate, it's good to see you, too, Inspector Donovan, Raymond."
"Even the vice-commissioner is out here. You're tougher than you look." Wazy replied.
KeA giggled. "I'm glad you're all right."
"Hmph! I could say thew same about you!" Pierre replied.
"And KeA! Elie! Tio! Wazy, too!' Fran covered her mouth. "How could this be... You were killed right in front of us, Lloyd!"
"Ah. Well... let's just say a dear friend who has the power of life and death has resurrected me." Lloyd scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I know what happened devastated everyone."
Fran sniffled. "You don't know the half of it. Everyone was in tears that you were killed in the ceremony. Your corpse was turned to shreds. I thought the worse for every one of you too... Thank goodness you're all okay."
"It's good to see you again. I'm sorry for worrying you." Tio apologize.
"Yes. I'm also so sorry for worrying you." Elie apologized.
"Don't be silly." Fran wipe her tears. "You all being here is more than enough for me. But... um... who are your friends?"
Alisa nervous smile. "Sorry for dropping in unannounced.
"You guys have been camping out here this entire time?" Agate asked. "Man, the Crossbellan Police have got guys."
"Well, we're back." Lloyd saluted. "Detective Bannings, reporting for duty."
(BGM ended)
One explanation later...
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Slight Suspicion)
"Wired connection is giving a clear signal." Tita said."Great. Let's finish setting everyone up, everyone." Alisa said.
"Gladly, my lady." Sharon smiled.
"But of course." Ludwig said
"You got it!" Futaba thumps up.
"I see what you're planning. Because they're stopping us from accessing the orbal network wirelessly. You've come up with a workaround by using a combination of old wired communication and ARCUS Alpha." Erika mused.
"Exactly. We may be able to contact our allies in Smash Bros Castle." Tio nodded. "Especially since we have you, Alisa, Ludwig, Tita, Kirito, Tails, Futaba, Professor E, Gadd, Dr. Crygo, Penny, Dr. Light, Dr. Pietro, Professor Kokonoe, Miss Litchi, Alhaitham and Fran with us. But here's hoping they can repair Penny too. The Android I mean."
"She'll be fine. So long as we got what we need to repair her." Kokonoe replied.
"I'll show you what a skilled operator can do!" Fran smirked, "Tio needs our help, so let's give it our all, KeA!"
"You bet'cha, Fran!"
"Well, they seem to have everything under control." Tager said
"Yeah. I'm sure they'll get the job done." Lloyd turns to the others to escape CGF. "I'm glad you were all able to make it out of the city. That couldn't have been easy. There were more CGF members with you, originally, right?"
"Yes." Officer Kate nodded. "Commander Baelz took initial charge of the police force when we were thrown into chaos by the attack."
"Randy, Aoi, 1st Lieutenant Mireille, Dudley, and Chief Sergei were with us, too. But while we were helping citizens evacuate, we came under attack again and were separated from the others. We've lost many good men and women from that attack. We've been gathering information that might help us rendezvous with them. That's how we caught wind of the trouble at the military factory before those guys show up to kill us."
"And that leads us to an excellent timing for saving our hides." Sonic smirked
"I'll say. I don't know what we would have done had you not shown up. It does concern me that we don't have contact with Randy and the others, but I know they can handle themselves."
"Same here." Noel Seeker nodded in agreement. "They're capable of looking after each other, so I'm willing to bet they're okay."
"Sounds like your group managed to gather a lot of useful info at the factory, Lloyd." Inspector Donovan said
"We did. We uncovered details on the new Zauber Soldots and the name of some project... Could be a red herring, though." Lloyd said
"Red Herring or no. It is an interesting name." Pikachu told him.
"But what about that simulacrum that Professor Novartis, Dr. Watts and Eggman set you guys up with?" Tim asked
"That despicable old man called the two failures." Mewtwo fold his arms. "Failure or no, it was still formidable. But this does prove to Pikachu's dedication."
"Right. Like with Rufus. It's possible that he's just like Mcburn and Azrael. Including Xehanort." Knuckles replied.
"Yeah. Who knows how many more of those machines can impersonate someone." Amy agreed.
"S-Serioiously?" Detective Raymond? That's pretty freaky. Then again, I've seen this Pokemon called a Zoroark can transform into people and mimic their voice and our language, could it be inspired by that?"
"Y-You don't think there are any hiding this camp, do you?" Vice Comissioner Pierre asked, shivered as he look in camp. "I-I swear it isn't me! I'm real! Real I tell you!"
"Calm down, I can tell your real by scanning you. If you were a robot, it would show me a mechanical body." Tager said.
"Still, we must be careful with those mechanical copycats. And we mustn't give up either. We would call for the co-supreme leaders hands if we do." Lysithea advised.
"Right. The two of them are definitely fakes." Hilda nodded. "And now we can prove it if we can just bash them." Hilda said. "Oh great... look at me, sounding like a barbarian instead of lazing down..."
"Lazy or not, you heard what Kirito said about those things. They need tons of data to create a copycat that matches the real thing. If they can do that, it make sense that we can mistake them for the real thing." Claude said. "But there's another question that's buggin' me. What happened to the real Rufus Albarea?"
"You don't think he was killed, do you?" Makoto Niijima asked
"No. I don't think so. I've fought that guy before and he's a true skill swordmaster. I doubt a guy like him can go down."
"Still, something must have happened to him." Mokoto Yuki said.
"Right. But we can worry about that after we focus on the other mission in hand." Takuto stated.
"Right. I can use my rings to get us to Smash Bros Castle if you like to relocate. Not to mention getting the help you need." Hoopa nodded
"Wait, you can do that?!" Vice Commissioner Pierre exclaimed.
"Yes, sir!"
"Everyone! Could you come over here!" Tita called out as they turn to her.
"We established a connection." Tio replied as they approached them and then in the video called was Scarlett, Walds and Rixia.
"Yes. It's good to see you all are okay and well. I take it the investigation into the factory went well?" Rixia asked
"Looks like quite the team you're starting to put together over there." Wald replied
"It's not too shabby. Good to see you all are holding up, too." Wazy smiled.
"So how are things on your end?" Futaba asked.
"Well, Major Arundel is still kicking up whatever he can find as well. Now would be a good chance to exchange what we know. Would you mind getting us up to speed?" Rixas asked
(BGM ended)
One Information change later...
(Trails into Reverie ost - A Moment of Warmth)
"I'm so relief that Cecile and Madame Regina are doing a lot better. That's good news." Lloyd sighed in relief.
"It's thanks to everyone here in the hospital. And all the patients and staff from St. Ursula are also doing well here." Rixia replied. "They still need to take it easy, though. My injury is almost fully healed, too. It shouldn't pose a problem moving forward. Shanshan is also helping out at the hospital now. She's in much better spirits than she was before."
More good news!" KeA smiled.
"Take it easy if you have to, Rixia. You don't have to force yourself." Lloyd said.
"I won't." Rixia smiled. "Thank you for the concern."
"Now we just need to find Randy and Aoi and the SSS will be whole again. Nothing can slow us down with this many people helping us."
"About that..." Rixia trailed off
"Is something wrong?" Silver asked
"I'm guessing it has to do with the information you had to share?" Blaze asked.
"See, we managed to wrangle some info out of a few EDF goons patrollin' the highway yesterday. It gave us a bit more of an idea of what they've been up to the past few days." Walds said
(BGM ended)
"Several of their elites are gathering in the northwest from the sound of it. It's being lead by one of the Co-supreme leaders allies for an operation to 'exterminate the CGF, the easterner, and the Red Reaper.' Scarlet replied
(Trails into Reverie ost - Dark World)
"Wait..." Tio eye widen.
"No..." Lloyd grit his teeth.
"Noey, doesn't this sound familiar?" Fran look at her twin sister.
"It fits with what we learned the other day. The EDF were setting up a barricade in front of the tunnel on the mountain path for some reason." Noel Seeker said.
"I doubt it is a coincidence." Snake said. "So it means your pals are currently being holed up in that region."
"Mainz... Yes." Lloyd muttered. "The Ebon Defense Force has them completely surrounded."
"Even getting supplies into that area will be difficult. The terrain is surrounded by mountains, and there is no escape route." Tio muttered. "Luckily, Randy has experience holding up that area with some of the guardsmen during the last bid for independence. And Aoi is good with stealth and covert operations. We can count on him to gather information to where the EDF might stage an assault. But they're likely in even greater peril than before, given they'll have to account for Zauber Soldots this time around. And its being lead by one of the allies of the co-supreme leaders."
"We need to be prepared for significant casualties at the very best." Doctor Seiland stated.
"Th-This isn't good Chief." Detective Raymond gulped.
"Understatement of the year. We're in deep shit if the CGF falls to them."Inspector NOnovon muttered
"We can't afford to lose them if we have any hope of overthrowing the co-supreme leaders." Officer Fate stated.
"Can't we get in touch with Mainz using the same way we contacted your friends in the Mushroom Kingdom?" Officer Franz asked. "What about using your Pokemon friends portal to get us to Mainz? We could turn the situation around if we coordinate with one another!"
"That much is true for the communications, but using this means of communication in the area we don't know poses too great of a risk." Erika told him. "Our lives will be that much harder if our enemies learn of this method and put a stop to it."
"Good point..."
"As for me. Yeah, I can get us to Mainz. Since it doesn't have a barrier, we can be used as reinforcements and escort the residents out of there too." Hoopa replied
"True. But we should confirm there are no enemy ambushes lying in waiting if they heard about our method for transportation." Lloyd advised.
"Right. They did witness Mewtwo teleporting the group, so it wouldn't surprise me if they plan to have a barrier to prevent them from rescuing." Ren replied
"Augh! This is just great then..." Nora muttered. "So we're gonna go rescue the people in Mains, right?"
"Right. Tio, Franz. Pull up a map of the Mainz Mountains for me!" Lloyd request.
"On it!" Tio nodded and begin typing.
"I'll round up all the information we've gathered thus far!" Frans said
"I'll help, too!" KeA offered
"A-Are you planning to go by yourself? What will that accomplish?" Pierre asked
"If our allies have been holding them off despite being so heavily outnumbered, that means there's still hope. And now all eyes are focused on Mains. That gives us our best chance of slipping past their defenses unnoticed!"
"He's right. It's not impossible." Pyrrha nodded in agreement.
Don't forget the Ebon Defense Force is comprised of Erebonians. They won't be as familiar with Crossbell's geography as we are, even if they were stationed here before."
"I'm sure we can find a way if we all put our minds to it! So give us a hand, everyone! We can't give up on them!" Noel Seeker stated
"Well, you can't found on us!" Jaune fist pumped.
"Well, if you're not giving up, neither will we!" Detective Raymond smirked
"I-I rather use the teleportation but... This better work." Pierre muttered
"We'll keep gathering all the info we can and try to find a way to back you up." Rixia said. "I wish I could drop everything and rush over to help personally, but that won't be possible. There is actually a lead that can help us. But I will let you know how it goes."
"A lead, huh?" Roxas asked
"We'll thrust you to follow up on that, Rixia. We can all reconvene once we've reunited with Randy and Aoi." Lloyd smirked
"I'm sure you'll all succeed. Nothing will stop us from taking back the city, and eventually, Arc in Ciel." Rixia smiled
"We'll also assist you as back off." Alhaitham said. "We cannot afford to leave no stone unturned now that we know the society, Dr. Eggman and Salem's group is at work here."
"Speaking of which—the area near the border with Erebonia hasn't been fully investigated yet, right?" Tita asked
"We could do with paying areas like that a visit." Agate said
"I should head back to the company. They must be worried sick about me." E. Gadd said.
"I should also head back to my lab to repair my daughter. She can help us when we return." Pietro said.
"The rest of us can help with the repairs and help out with the wired connections." Crygo said.
"Agreed. It would be wise to share what we've learned about the wired connections with the foundation." Erika agreed then turned to Agate with a grumpy look. "For the record, my request is still ongoing, Agate Crosner. Better keep Tita safe. But this is the first and last time I will ever trust you with her!"
"I don't need you to tell me to keep her safe." Agate replied. "She's always safe with me—don't worry."
"Good luck, Mom!" Tita cheered
"I'm temped to offer my assistance to the Mushroom Kingdom hospital and let everyone know there I'm all right. But by the found of it, I should stay here. I may be needed in Mainz."
"We'd appreciate that." Lloyd smiled. "There's no telling how many people may need medical attention. Let's work together and pay to our strengths. That's how we're going to rescue the others."
"All right, so who should be going and others do else." Futaba asked.
"And I can also call for help and see who can join to help." Hoopa smiled
(BGM ended)
One group making later...
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Way of the Tree Spirits -Hajime Ver-)
Lloyd, Noel Seeker, and Futaba have arrived in the mountain path to Mainz.
"Well, here we are. We'll have to go the rest of the way on foot." Noel Seeker said as she pull out her ARCUS Alpha, tap a few buttons and her Orbal Bike vanished. "Man, I gotta love this function. It's so amazing."
"Yep. It was part of the Shiekah technology in Hyrule Breath Of the Wind Version." Futaba replied. "Anyway, the tunnel is up ahead to where those EDF pumps set up their barricade, yeah?"
"Right. We'll have to go down the same cliffside from a few years ago to get around them, Noel." Lloyd nodded
"Right. Let's go." Noel Seeker nodded her head and they take off.
"I've got to say, Noel, you looked real sharp on your new bike."
"Darn right, I did. It's a pretty fancy upgrade from the bicycle, huh?" Noel Seeker smirked. "You should take a ride on one sometime. Nothing beats the feel of the wind while you're zooming down the road."
"Maybe I will, but only if you show em how it's done." Lloyd smiled.
"Orbal Bikes are popular in Zemuria, huh? Motorcycles are everywhere these days, huh?" Futaba asked
"That's the name of Orbal Bikes in your from, right, Futaba?" Noel Seeker asked.
"Yep. We call them motorcycles. It's no different to the bikes in Mario Kart and anywhere that looks like it." Futaba said as they go up the slope and to the bridge.
Lloyd pull out his binoculars and look at the sight in hand.
"There they are. They're armed to the teeth with that new Soldat model, too. Those Pokemon are also gonna be a handsome with how strong and ferocious they are."
"This must be where they're gathering all of their forces like we thought." Noel Seeker muttered. "We should keep moving. Now I'm even more worried about the others."
"Same here." Lloyd said as they cross the bridge and then head to a spot on the cliff and brought out climbing equipment to impale the ground with a pin, then attack it with rope, then let it go down. "We'll be able to reach the old mine shaft if we climb down here."
"Ooh. Another action movie thing. Nice." Futaba smirked.
"If only we could use it to exit next to Mainz like we did a few years ago."
"If only, but that route was blocked off by a cave-in last year. Still, we can access a maintenance passageway that leads into the tunnel from here. But it's best for our Pokemon to stay in their Pokeballs for now."
"Right. What makes them come out is a bit too loud to draw attention. All right. Let's go, Noel, Futaba."
"Got it." Futaba said. "Although you might wanna help me... I'm not much athletic like you two." Futaba sighed as they climbed down.
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Chaotic Sludge)
As they climb down to reach the ground. They follow the path that leads them to the tunnel. They make their way until they reach the passageway. They check if they see if they haven't noticed the EDF or the Paradox's attention. They didn't for now, but the Paradox Pokemon are hissing, so Lloyd, Noel Seeker and Futaba make their way before their location is discovered. They reach a safe distance.
"Phew... those Pokemon almost gave me a heart attack. I thought our position were compromised for a minute there." Futaba muttered.
"Me too, but things worked out perfectly. We managed to slip in right behind them." Lloyd replied.
"Now we just have to make it Mainz." Noel Seeker said
"Right, but let's stay on alert as we make our way through the Tunnel." Lloyd said as they make way to Mainz until they were ambushed by Arcaisms that came from the pathway. "Damn it, Archaisms!"
"Patrol units. We need to take them out before they give our position away to the EDF!" Noel got out her guns.
"Right." Lloyd pull out his Tonfus. Futaba, stay back!"
"Right!" Futaba transforms into Oracle and hop on her persona. 'I'll support you guys. Now shush these contraptions up!"
The Archaism shoot tiny missiles and wavelengths at them but they dodge as Lloyd ran up to bash one while Noel Seeker firing at them. The Archaisms move around to counterattack, but Futaba cast Nemesis arrow to stun them and then Lloyd warp around them and then punch through them and Noel Seeker finish them off with bullets attack, destroying them quietly.
"Target suppressed. That should keep our location secure." Noel Seeker informed.
"It was a little too close for comfort through." Futaba change back and sighed.
'They came from the Moon Temple's direction. Why guard that path of all places?' Lloyd wondered
"I was just thinking that it looks like you're back to fighting at full strength. It was a huge load off my mind seeing you back to your old self at the camp, too. I had been a little worried about you, honestly." Noel Seeker scratching her cheeks.
"Oh." Lloyd sighed. "I guess you noticed just like the others. I'm sorry you had to see me like that. I didn't mean to worry you."
"It's all right. No one can blame you after everything you've been through the last two years."
"No offense to you Crossbellans, but it really was stupid of them to expect more of the SSS as thinking they are invisible or something when the Empire invaded." Futaba asked.
"It's all right. Looking back." Noel Seeker muttered. "We all relied on you a little too much—myself included."
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost -Raindrop in the Wind)
"Water under the bridge." Lloyd smiled sadly. "I couldn't tell you when or why we became convinced that it was up to us to fix isn't as though we never had allies we could turn to. If anything, we've always been fortunate in that regard. But somehow, we and everyone else were convinced that it was up to the SSS to save Crossbell. And when we failed, everyone accepted the co-supreme leaders' narrative instead."
"I can't pretend not to empathize with how they felt, though. I did my fair share of refusing to accept the truth during the first bid of independence." Noel Seeker sighed.
"I'm guessing this has something to do with your past?" Futaba asked.
"I think it's natural for people to want something to cling to when times are at their most trying. We've lived through the an era where our home has been stripped of its pride and taken advantage of over and over again. And for the longest time, we dreamed someone or something was going to come along to make things right again. For a fleeting moment a few years ago, I wanted to believe the Crossbell Defense Force was that very thing. Yet in doing so, I turned a blind eye to the sacrifice that were coming at the cost of our freedom. The people accepting the co-supreme leaders as Crossbell's new rulers are no different. But as someone who lived through it all before, I don't beleive that acceptance is what defines us as Crossbellans. What does is our resilience. The way we stand back up and dust ourselves off no matter how often life kicks us down. It's how we kept dreaming of independence even while under Imperial rule. Our hardship have made it so we can hold on to that eay of hope even in the darkest of hours."
"I couldn't agree more. That optimism is at the core of who we are." Lloyd nodded. "That's more valuable than independence could ever be, and it's something we can take pride in. People may have lost sight of what makes Crossbell what it is for now, but if we can remind them again..."
"Exactly. If we can show them what it is that makes us Crossbellan, then I know we can take back our home! I believe that with all of my heart... because of you." Noel Seeker smiled and blushed at Lloyd. Because you opened my eyes the same exact way, Lloyd."
Lloyd blinked until he realized which one he referr to.
"Oh... That." Lloyd scratch the back of his head sheepishly as he blushed.
"Oh?" Futaba grinned
"That last part side, you were there to tell me exactly what I needed to hear. I'll never forget that. Now it's my turn to support and help you just the same, Lloyd. So let's keep onf fighting. To protect the home that's always been so fear to us." Noel Seeker offer her hand
"How could I say no to that?" Lloyd chuckled as he takes her hand. "Of course. I'm with you all the way, Noel. And I promise I won't lose my way again."
"Neither of us will!"
"I feel like you both forgot that I'm here." Futaba casually wrap her arms around her.
"Oh, sorry about that Futaba. It must be pretty embarrassing to hear that." Noel Seeker scratch her cheeks as she blush.
"Nah. Don't worry about it. 'sides. I'm reminded about myself and the others before we became the phantom thieves."
"Oh?" Lloyd asked
"You see. Back then, I had a mom. She was a scientist who studied cognition. I wasn't like regular children because I got pretty much a much better brain compare to the average children. Society back then was very awful now things are in Crossbell where corrupted adults abuse their position of power to get what they want behind their smile. I had a great relationship with my Mother. Until she suddenly had a meltdown."
"What?" Lloyd look surprised with Noel Seeker.
"Yeah. She threw herself into traffic and died. My relatives blame me for it. As well as a "forge" suicide note. My life was a living hell. I ended up becoming a shut-in for the rest of my life. Little did I know it was all part of a conspiracy for me to take the blame. All of that is where I shudder from so many guilt, psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, extreme social anxiety and hallucinations. As I grew up, suffering over and over again. I heard about the Phantom Thieves who "steals" the corrupted adults' treasure. I beg for them to steal my heart because I suffer too much. At the end of the clues, I've learned a lot of truths. And a lot of the evil conspiracy was caused by someone named Shido Masayoshi. An evil mastermind plans to become prime minister and the sole reason why Japan became so corrupted."
Futaba rubs her arms. "People rely on him so much, little did they know he was a dictator. When we stole "treasures" he finally confessed to his crimes, and the people refused to believe in him. But they still believe in him. All because of the fowl god who been manipulating everything."
"A god?" Lloyd asked
"Yeah. He's called Yaldabaoth. He's the administrator of the collective unconsciousness of mankind. He plans to enslave mankind. In the end, we defeated and punish that evil god and here we are."
"I... I don't know what to say..." Noel Seeker trailed off.
"We can talk about that another time. C'mon. We got some people to rescue."
"Yeah. Mains is just up ahead. Let's hurry!" Lloyd nodded as they take off. 'I never knew Futaba suffered so much. Every worlds has their problems with powers from spiritual figures and corrupt society...'
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Way of the Tree Spirits -Hajime Ver-)
They soon reach the mountain path.
"Whew!" Noel Seeker wipe her forehead "That tunnel took forever."
"No plopping down yet. We're almost to Mainz." Lloyd nodded as he pull out his Pokeball came out was Excadrill and Noel Seeker toss hers and came out was Boltund.
"Ruff!" Boltund barked.
"Exca." Excadrill readied his claws.
"All right guys, let's do this." Lloyd said as they take off as they soon reach the entrance of Mainz.
"Are we there yet?" Futaba asked.
"Yeah. I can finally see Mainz in the distance."
"Let's hope Randy, Aoi and the others are still safe and sound." Noel Seeker hoped.
"Agreed. We should hurry." Lloyd agreed until they head footsteps.
(BGM ended)
"Uh-oh...!" Futaba grumbled as EDF Soldier approached with Four Roaring Moon and Raging Bolt each.
(Trails of Cold Steel IV ost -Constraint)
"What the!? What is Bannigns doing here?!" One EDF asked
"How did they slip past our defenses?!"
"It would seem you fools still fail to survey the area." A voice spoked as approaching them was a man with green eyes and wings, along with shoulder length blonde hair. He wears a crown, a long dark green robe and a green cloak, both with an emerald-like jewel. "I thought I made it clear to survey EVERY area of the mountains. And yet you failed to do that."
"O-Our apology sirs!" An EDF bow in apology.
"All is forgiven. They've taken advantage of our focus."
"I remember him! He's one of the Co-supreme leaders allies!" Noel Seeker yelled.
"An... elf?" Futaba asked.
"Ah. Lloyd Bannings." The man spoked. "I recalled that you were supposed to be dead. And yet here you are. You can imagine the distraught of the co-supreme leaders when they found you were brought back to life. Along with my colleagues." He turn to Noel Seeker and Futaba. "And I see you're with two companions. One from the Crossbell Guardian Force and... another. Well, either way. It seems our operation won't begin soon if we don't rotted out the root. Soldiers. Bring me their heads."
"Yes, sir!" The EDF readied their stand.
"Oh, this isn't good! We're outnumbered!" Futaba exclaimed.
"Once again you continue to be a bane, Lloyd Bannings. But it won't be long before you and the rest of the CGF will die by our hands as the trash and filth you are!" One EDF smirked.
"Your head will serve as a trophy as we crush you and crush this that town."
"They're planning to attack Mainz?" Noel Seeker gasped.
"Typical..." Futaba muttered. "We need to take these clowns down!"
"Right. We won't let them set foot in Mainz!" Lloyd brought out his Tonfus with Noel Seeker her arms cannon as Excadrill and Boltund.
"Fools." One EDF scoffed
"What do you hope to accomplish with just four of you? Kill them!" An EDF yelled as Futaba activate her Persona and hop in.
"A persona, hm?" The man rub his chin.
"Raging Bolt! Thunderbolts!" An EDF yelled as the Raging Bolts fired electricity toward them as they quickly split up and Fubata was projected by a shield and then she buff the group with Masukukaja.
Noel Seeker firing bullets toward them as the EDF sword users swing to deflect them while Roaring Moon flew in with Dragon Claw, but Boltund fired Discharge on them to shock them, then Lloyd cloak in orange aura and jump and kick each one away while Exadrill used Earthquake. Boltund jump to dodge along with the EDF as the Rifle users begin shooting at them while Raging Bolt charge in with Raging Voltage. Lloyd taken some hits as two of the Raging Bolt open their jaws to bite him, only for Excadrill to used Drill Run to knock them away as Boltund use Play Rough of them and knock them away.
Two sword wielding EDF lung at Noel Seeker to slash her, but she block and then throw kicks. but one block while the other thrust and slash her. The other begin shooting at her, but she backflip, switch and firing missiles at them. They jump away as Lloyd lung and punch a couple and kick one away as Raging Bolt throw Dragon Pulse. Lloyd backflip as one EDF fired at him. Futaba throw Seventh Caliber on them, dealing critical hits as Noel Seeker firing bullets at them and then Excadrill used Drill Run to pass though them, dealing powerful slashed and then slid as Lloyd lung and throw a punch projection to knock them away.
Roairng Moon circle around and throw Dragon Pulse onto Excadrill, Lloyd, Noel Seeker and Boldund, knocking them away. Two EDF begin firing at them as Lloyd used his Tofus to shield her. Boltund used Discharge on them as Roaring Moon dodge. Roaring Moons fired Dragon Pulse at them as they split up, only for one EDF swordman to lung and slash Lloyd while the other shooting at Noel Seeker, dealing both damage. Futaba throw Seventh Caliber on them, dealing powerful hits and then Exacadrill used Drill Run to smash around Roaring Moons and then used Iron Head to knock one EDF away to the wall.
Noel Seeker firing bullets on Roaring Moon and then Lloyd finishes them off by jumping, punching through them and then rotate his body for a punch projection to knock them to the ground.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Constraint)
The man sighed. "I see that Lloyd Bannings is a very stubborn man indeed. Very well. I have been ordered if I've encounter him, I would bring his head. Soldiers. Join me."
"Yes, sir!" The EDF move in with their Raging Bolt and Roaring Moon.
"So the enemy commander is stepping in." Noel Seeker muttered.
"It's too late to back down now. We can't let them get to—" The Man interrupted Lloyd as he snapped his finger and a magic circle force Lloyd, Noel Seeker, Excadrill and Boltond. "Ah!"
"Ngh!" Noel Seeker winched
"Augh!" Oracle was also pin down through magic.
"T-The hell?" Lloyd winched.
"is this the first you've seen gravity magic?" The man asked. "Well, no need to continue this charade. Soldiers, kill them."
"Yes, sir!"
"Nngh... I...won't let you!" Lloyd growled as he slowly getting back on his feet.
"Oh? You can stand even after this gravity is strong?" The Man amused. "I suppose stubborn does have it uses. Very well. Leave this one to me, you deal with girls."
"Yes, sir!" The EDF responded as they reaided to target Noel Seeker and Futaba until—"
"RAAAAAAAAA!" A voice roared someone shot the EDF and the man.
(Trails into Reverie ost - The Road to All-Out War)
"What?!" The man glared as they turn and see Randy charging at them.
"It's the Red Reaper! Return fire!" The EDF yelled as he and his colleague return fire.
"Randy!" Lloyd exclaimed
"It really is!" Noel Seeker gasped as Randy change to his Rifle Blade and then pass through the EDF soldiers, but not what one was expecting as blood came out of their chest.
"AAAAUGH!" The EDF screamed in agony as !? appeared over Lloyd and Noel Seekers head.
Randy swing fierce against the EDF soldiers as they block with their swords, only to be impale and cut down by with a swing. Then Randy turn his attention to the man to slash him, but he block with magic as Randy jump away.
"Ah. Look who decided to join us." The man grin.
"Another deadman." Randy giving a death glare as he ready to attack. "You'll join these bastards in hell!"
"Fool." The man channel energy in his hand and then throw at Randy.
Randy cut the energy sphere in half and then lung to slash him. But the Man dodge and counter with a swift kick to his face. Randy duck and firing. But the Man backflip and then fired rays at him. Randy shield himself as something flew in fast and slash through the man.
"Augh!" He winched as he glared.
"Lodestar Rush!" The young man lung and deal sword thrust attack to seven and then sent out a slash projection, knocking the man to the wall.
"AAAUGH!" he yelled in agony as he fell and then collapse on the ground as flew down was Alear in Engage form. "You...!"
"You're outnumbered." Alear said.
"Ngh!" The man glared as he got back on his feet. "I can see why the soldiers were having a difficult time and some haven't responded. You slaughter them, hm? Heh. Makes no different. Loathe I am to admit it. This victory is yours. For now." He activated a magic circle.
"Get back here!" Randy lung.
"Randy, stop!" Alear yelled as the man teleported away the moment Randy slash attack, but too late as he escape.
"Hah... Damn it." Randy growled as he put his weapon away.
(BGM ended)
Alear change back to normal as Emblem Marth appeared next to him as they turn and see Lloyd, Futaba and Noel Seeker.
"Lloyd...! Noel and Futaba!" Alear said.
"How could this be... you were killed Lloyd..." Emblem Marth replied.
"It's... a long story." Lloyd said as Noel Seeker turn to Randy.
"Thanks, umm... for the assist, Randy." Noel Seeker trailed off.
"Yeah... But Randy—"
"How are you here?" Randy spoked.
"Sorry?"
"How are you here... Lloyd? Are you a ghost?"
"..." Lloyd trailed off. "No. I'm the real deal. I was brought back by Veyle. Don't worry. I'm not a Corrupted anymore. I'm back in the flesh."
"So... resurrection, huh..." Randy clench his fist, then approached and then hug him.
"R-Randy?!"
(Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ost - Emotions)
"I'm... so happy that you're back, Lloyd." Randy said, with his voice shaken. "I thought that stubbornness of yours would even defy death. But... the moment your head was cut off... and your corpse was torn to shreds... I knew that would be impossible. No one can come back from the death. It's different from those 1-UP Mushrooms but still, it only works with the body. And your body was devoured until nothing remains... My heart sank. I've lost one of my pals back in the corp... and now I lost one of my partner in the SSS... Something within me awoken... Something terrifying..."
"Randy..." Lloyd sadden
"Hah... Welcome back, Lloyd. I'm so glad... so glad... you're back..." Randy sniffled. "But honestly, what were you, Noey and Fuuka thinking, coming here with just the three of you? You saw how many there were. And that man leading them. How reckless can you be?"
Lloyd sighed. "That's... my bad. I didn't mean to make you worry about us. This wasn't exactly a spur-of-the-moment thing. We're on a mission that was carefully planned with the others. Besides, did you really think we wouldn't come when we learned you and Aoi were here?"
"Listen you—Okay, you got me there." Randy let go of the hug. "Guess that makes me a big, fat hypocrite, huh? I've probably been worrying about you guys sick. It's damn good to see your faces."
"Same to you partner."
"Randy! Are you all right?!" A voice called out as they see CGF members, Towa, Machias, Seadall, and Aoi coming in with Serperior, Golurk, A Growlithe, Tangela, Koffing and a Lopunny.
"Wait. Aren't those three...?" Machias gasped.
"L-Lloyd?!" Aoi yelled in surprised.
"Huh. I didn't expect we'd run into people from Thors here, too. And to Alear and Seadall too." Lloyd said
"..."
"That's right. We've been taken shelter with the CGF." Alear nodded.
"speaking of which... Where're the first lieutenant and commander?"
"About that..." Seadall muttered. "No. Le tus return to town. We can explain the situation there."
(BGM ended)
One explanation later...
(Fire Emblem Awakening ost - And what if I can't? What if I'm not worthy of her ideals?)
Doctor Seiland, Audino and Litchi were examining Mireille who was on bed, covered in band-aids all over her body and is resting on the bed while her Trumbeak who was very concerned.
"She sustains several gunshot wounds to the chest, bits marks her arms and legs, a claw large on her stomach to her chest, and not all of them passed through. Some of the claw marks are too deep. She's in critical condition, I'm afraid." Dr. Seiland finish examing.
"I know, but you're a super-famous doctor! And Litchi— You were an amazing doctor too, right? Can't you do something?"
Litchi shook her head. "I understand how you feel, Randy. But all we have is a first-aid kit. It's not enough to treat these wounds. She needs an operation."
"Audino can use Heal Pulse to treat her wounds, yes. But all we can do right now is her stopgap treatment to keep her with us. The rest is in the Goddess' hands."
Randy clench his fist and grit his teeth.
"I can't believe this is happening..." Lloyd muttered.
"Please don't lose hope. I can arrange at the Mushroom Kingdom Hospital to prepare the operation." Dr. Seiland said. "With Mewtwo or Hoopa's help, we can teleport to the Mushroom Kingdom. And use Psychic to transport her safely. That much we can do."
"Then please... I beg of you." Randy pleaded.
Litchi turn to Mewtwo. "Mewtwo—"
"There's no need. I'll transport you to the hospital entrance. Just make the call and we can get this over with." Mewtwo replied
"Of course. Thank you." Dr. Seiland nodded as she pull out a smartphone and begin calling while Audino use heal pulse.
Randy hold Mireile's hand. "Hang in there, Mireille. I won't fail you."
(BGM ended)
After that, Lloyd and the others begin to leave the room.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Invisible Hand in the Shadows)
"I had no idea she was in a bad shape." Noel Seeker muttered.
"Yes. She was covering for civilians during the escaped from the city when she was attacked and pounced by those Pokemon." Seadall muttered.
"That idiot..." Randy clenches his fist. "She's always been one for putting others before herself."
"As for the commander—Sonya, I think—her unit was separated from ours, too. They're currently holed up in the Moon Temple, but we can't contact them while our communications are being jammed." Towa explained
"That's a name that brings back a lot of memories." Lloyd sighed. "So thats's what those patrol archaisms we fought in the tunnels were keeping an eye on."
"Yeah. They've sent troops to attack it a few times, now, much like they have now." Alear mutered
"That location is even harder to get supplies to than here, too." Noel Seeker muttered. "There's no going to be any communication cables under the temple, for that matter. I don't know how much longer they'll be able to hold on."
"Without question. But time is not on our side." Emblem Marth nodded. "We'e had our hands full just keeping the down safe as it is, so we haven't been able to do anything for them."
"Yeah..." Aoi muttered but smiled. "But now that you guys and the other division are here, we might be able to turn this chance around."
"I hate to ask so much of you when you only just got here and back from the dead, but..." Randy trailed off
"Aw, don't sweat it. We did came here to give a helping hand." Futaba said.
"Yeah, and it doesn't seem like we have a moment to waste." Lloyd fist pump. "So let's go save them."
"We'll do all we can to help plan the operation!" Towa declared
"I'll go double-check our annunition and supply stores."
"Thanks, guys. With you in our corner, we've got this on lock." Randy smiled then turn to the troops. "Go gather everyone together! We need to get to work on a plan to save the main unit!"
"Yes, sir!" An CGF saluted
"Right away, sir!" The other saluted and take off as they take off.
"Lloyd..." Noel Seeker look at him.
"Yeah, I know." Lloyd sighed. 'Randy...'
Timeskip later...
(Trails into Reverie ost - Mining Village of Mainz –Hajimari Ver.–)
"All right! Is everything good?" Hoopa asked
"We're good." Lloyd smiled and turn to Joker, Sting, Rogue, Lecter, Frosch, Tsubaki, Xander, Morgana, Akechi, Daruk, Haru, Ryuji, Yusuke, Ann and Captain Falcon. "We thank you guys for coming. Your arrival is a huge help."
"No need to thank us. We are glad we can be of assist after what happen to Crossbell." Xander said. "What's more. I'm worried about my siblings. But I've heard you've help both Camilla and Elise. For that, you have my gratitude."
"Yeah. We want to make the co-supreme leaders pay too." Haru nodded.
"Yeah. So found on us to make set things right." Sting palm fist.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm so glad to have so many allies here..." Lloyd smiled before turning to Randy. "How are your injuries, by the way?"
"Hmm?" Randy tilt his head until he got the idea. "Oh... yeah. Hah. Can't complain. Not with what she's going through. You fon't know what it means to me to hear you guys are all right. I owe Veyle my biggest thanks for bringing you back. The last thing I've want was..."
"Mireille's gonna be fine. We've just got to believe." Lloyd replied. "So let's get ourselves ready so we can great her again with a smile. It might be worth it to flesh out a few details with Towa and Machias beforehand, too."
"Sure thing." Randy nodded.
Lloyd heard a noise and he pull up the mirror as it glow. The Reverie Corridor, another barrier has been deactivated.
'Hmm? I think something just changed.'
"Is something wrong, Lloyd?" Aoi asked
"Yeah, I'm fine." Lloyd replied. 'Can't say the same about that sense of foreboding I just got, through. Still, it's worth the shot.'
And that's a wrap for this chapter. Normally I would include the boss battle but that man but it would be short. Anyway, I'm so sorry for the late update. I got sick and I had to rest.