(Trails into Reverie ost - Those Who Live in the Blue Earth)
Rean and his group open their eyes.
"Huh? Were... we doing something just now?" Lyn asked.
"Strange. I don't recall anything but just making our way." Emblem Lyn said.
"Hmm... It happened again..." Emblem Micaiah muttered.
"What again?" Mario asked.
"Like right now. We were just staring at the mirror and... we just blink for a moment... I can feel something change." Rean explain
"Hm?" Kazuha hummed. "Is it me... or do I suddenly feel stronger than I originally was?"
"Oh, I felt it too." Ventus said
"Same here." Namine said
"Just what is going on?" Gray wondered.
"That is a good question." Juvia wondered.
"Unfortunately, staying here to think about it isn't going to help. We should head to the watchtower." Levi advised
Rean nodded in agreement. "Yeah." He put the mirror away. "Let's go everyone." He flip the rein. Yah!" Then his horse begin to canter and everyone else follow.
As they ride, Charizard spotted something in the stone monument. Charizard roared as it caught Rean's attention.
"Charizard, what's up?" Rean asked as Charizard pointed at the stone monument. "The stone monument. Did something caught your attention?" He asked.
"I wonder what caught Charizard's attention. Maybe we should make a quick stop before heading to the watchtower." Levi suggested.
"Yeah. But what could be there?" Rean wondered as he pull the rein to the right and move toward the stone monument directions until they come across two Armored Division Soldiers with a drunk behind them and a rock slide behind.
"Hmm?" A Division Soldier cover his forehead and then see Rean's group approaching. "Oh, you must be the people from Thors that I was informed about. Are you planning to see the stone monument? I apologise but there are some fallen rocks up head. It's not safe, so until we've finished clearing the area, I'm going to have to ask you to stay away.
"That's ashame." Namine sighed. "Guess we'll wait then. I was really looking forward to it.
"Hmmmm..." Yoshi giving the soldiers a dirty look, causing Mario and Luigi look at him, then at each other in confusion.
"Wait, why not just our Flying Pokemon to ride to see the Stone Monument?" Ventus suggested, causing the soldiers to turn pale.
"Oh, good idea! You wouldn't mind, right?" Namine asked
"Err... I apologize but I wouldn't recommend." The Soldier shook his head.
"Huh? Why?" Musse asked.
"W-Well..."
"B-Because there's a ferocious Pokemon making its nest there and it's very protected." One soldier said.
"Y-Yes! Exactly! It might think you're invading its territory so I would advise you not too."
Levi raising an eyebrow. "I think our Pokemon are strong enough to ask it for permission."
Kazuha hummed, staring at the soldiers with narrow eyes. "Actually, we should hold off the sight seeing. Let's focus on visiting you know where."
"Yeah, we can come back later." Gray nodded in agreement.
"Okay, then let's ride! Go, go, go!" Juvia raise her fist with excitement as Gray sweatdrop, turn their horses around and they take off riding.
Charizard, Swoobat, Flygon, Gliscor, and Unfezant glance at the soldiers with narrow eyes and then turn to the monuments.
"Was it me, or were those soldiers behaving oddly?" Brianna asked. "Normally, they wouldn't mind if we just flew, but... they protested hesitantly."
"Maybe because they really don't want us to get hurt?" Kurt asked
"No, something was off with them." Kazuha remark. "There shouldn't be any reason. Something was suspicious with them."
'Yo, yo! Yoshi!" Yoshi nodded in agreement.
"You too, Yoshi?" Luigi asked.
"Hmm... I did notice the Pokemon were giving a doubtful look..." Azura said.
"Plus, I was also riding on the air, I didn't notice anything suspicious, but they seem surprise with my pegasus." Sigure added.
"Something is up... I don't like it..." Levi said
"Even I find it suspicious." Emblem Vita agreed.
"Hmm..." Emblem Olivert hummed as they keep riding until they spotted a Cryptid in the distance. "Wait, look over there!" He pointed as everyone turn, having an !? over their heads.
"Is that a cryptid?!" Byleth asked in surprised
"A turtle like one with crystals on its body. We should take care of it." Yuri advised
"Right! Come on, everyone!" Rean agreed as they turn course to the cryptid.
(BGM paused)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Flash Your Fighting Spirit)
The Cryptid spotted the group and then let out a roar, causing them to pull their horses and dismount and charge in with weapons in their hands. Emma and Kurt pull out their Pokaball and came out was Claydol and Skarmory.
Crystalline Spirit Tortoise - Adamantis
Rean form a combat link with Levi, Kurt form a combat link with Musse, Gaius form a three-way combat link with Lyn and Roy (Fire Emblem). Sara form a combat link with Emma. Mario form a combat link with Yoshi, Kazuha forms a combat link with Luigi, Riku form a combat link with Namine, Ventus form a combat link with Yu, Dimitri form a combat link with Brianna, Byleth form a combat link with Yuri, Azura form a combat link with Sigure. Gray form a combat link with Juvia.
Rean form a Pokemon link with Charizard, Levi form a Pokemon link with Flygon, Musse form a Pokemon link with Gliscor, Gaius form a Pokemon link with Unferzant, and Emma form a Pokemon link with Claydol. Kurt form a Pokemon link with Skarmory.
Emblem Levi appeared next to Rean, Emblem Sigurd appeared next to Levi, Emblem Micaiah appeared next to Musse, Emblem Lyn appeared next to Gaius, Emblem Olivert appeared next to Kurt, Emblem Vita appeared next to Emma, Emblem Corrin appeared next to Azura.
"The Cryptid named Adamantis is weak against Time Arts, Steel Type, Ground Types, Rock Types and Fighting Types. It is recommended you use those Art and Pokemon Move Types." Gaius AI Master Quart advised.
"Stand Proud! Dominion Roar!" Gaius activated the Brave Order, and everyone was cloaked in a yellow aura. Adamantis opened its mouth to channel energy from it and then fired a devastating beam toward them, causing them to split up quickly.
Lucky, the Horses were protected by a barrier and soundproof to avoid losing them. Riku airstep and then aerial combo fiercely while Namine used Sonic Blade.
"Izanagi!" Yu summon his Izanagi who flew toward and then swing fiercely against the cryptid, then grabbed its neck, and electrified it. Yu ran up, let out a series of slashes and then kick its leg.
"Ice Make: Ice Drill Hammer!" Gray materlized an Ice Hammer Drill and swing toward its legs and then backflip. "Ice Make: Lance!" He throw many Ice lance to impale and deal destruction damage.
"Water Slicer!" Juvia swing her arms to sent many water blades onto Adamantis.
"Emblem Engage!" Gaius tap his ring and then begin the Engage with Emblem Lyn, gaining the Back-Up Engage appearance as he flew into the air and then materialized Mulagir. "Astral Storm!" He pull the bow string which produced its arrows and fired them into the air and then bombarded Adamantis.
Lyn ran up and slash through it, and then let out swift combo slashes while Roy performed a spinning wheel slash attack on the left side. Adamantis shakes its body to rain down crystal off its body then cause an explosion to knock away Lyn and Roy. Shigure circling around on his Pegasus, then form a drilling attack on Adamantis's neck to slash through it, then imbued his Lance with blue energy, he throw his lance to pierce through it. Azura ran up with her lance where she imbued it with water and then spin slash to her left, then slash her right. Emblem Corrin swing his Yato and then rotate his body and swing downward left, then closewise swing right. Adamantis attempts to stomp her but she backflips as Emma firing two rays between her as Emblem Vita throwing magic blades to pierce through.
"Unferzant, Sky Attack!" Gaius switch to his Lance and then flew to slash combo Adamantis.
"Urrrrn!" Urferzant roared as his body was cloaked in white aura and flew toward and slammed into it.
Kurt imbued his sword with blue and green energy as he let out a series of twin combo slashes and then backflip for Twilit Blade 2 as Emblem Olivert aim his orbal pistol and firing multiple shots into rays and causing explosions.
"Skarmory, Steel Wing!" Kurt yelled.
"Skarmorrrry!" Skarmory's wings glow white, flew it and hit Adamantis's face repeatedly as it roared.
Sara firing bullets as Swoobat fired throw Air Slash toward its body. Musse begins firing Homing Shots onto Adamantis's body while Emblem Micaiah throw Thani over it as it stomps the ground to create a massive shockwave to blow the group away. Adamantis unleashed an icy break toward Musse, then to Kazuha, Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi but they dodged as Kazuha unleashed a slash projection to pierce through the breath attack and hit its face. Kazuha ran toward and then slashed its body and then performed a combo slash left, and right, and then jumped high over its back and then sent out a slash projection as he hopped on the other side, then unleashed a wide slash to its body.
Mario and Luigi pulled out Fire Flowers and absorbed it as Yoshi ran up to Adamantis with Ventus, Yu, Dimitri, Brianna, Byleth, Yuri, Rean and Levi Adamantis unleash a howl that formed a barrier around it, causing them to halt.
"It forms a barrier!" Dimitri growled
"Allow me!" Kazuha took his stand for his craft: Autumn Moon. His Katana was imbued with a green energy as he created three afterimages of himself as he dash forward, unleashing a flurry around Adamantis that form into a tornado, then exploded as Kazuha reappeared twirling and sliding the ground, canceling all Buff and shields. "Now!"
Luigi lung with his Hammer that imbued with fire and perform a spinning wheel onto it side and then swing upward for a blazing pillar of fire to knock Adamantis's head. Mario throw a large Fireball to its face as Brianna swung her chain sword into a combo swirl slash as Dimitri lash out lightning imbued thrust and then jump into the air and then dive and impaled the crystal back as Adamantis screeched. Adamantis shook Dimitri off but Ventus airstep and then combo slash him and then throw Wind Magic around it as Byleth and Yuri both readied their sword and impaled its body, dragging the sword until they both reached the back and slide the ground. Byleth's Sword of the Creator glow and used Sublime Heaven to deal immense damage on it. Dimitri hop off before that.
"Yoshi, give me a boost!" Mario requested as Yoshi nodded, stick his tongue to pull Mario, swallowed him to lay an egg, picked up the air and threw hard toward the head with Mario pop out of the air with his fist cloak with fire energy and punch it hard on the head, creating a shockwave.
Adamantis bounce Mario up and then readied to charge a beam.
"Claydol, Hyper Beam!" Emma aim her staff as it charge four magic circles and fired a devastating beam as Claydol aim its arms and fired orange energy beam that travels to Adamantis's head and cause a devastating explosion, canceling its attack.
"Gliscor, Stone Edge!" Musse yelled as she fired orbal shots.
"Gliiiscor!" Gliscor summon white rings that form into gray glowing rocks and throw them hard onto Adamantis, dealing devastating damage as Flygon flew around.
"Flygon, Earth Power!" Levi yelled as he and Rean lung toward to impale and then pierce through with Emblem Levi and Emblem Sigurd while they both imbued their weapons with their elements and throw it at them.
"Raaaar!" Flygon flew down and then stomp the ground to create a surge of power to travel and then erupted underneath Adamantis.
"Charizard, Flamethrowe!" Rean yelled
"Raaar!" Charizard flre around and breath in Flamethrower on Adamantis.
Adamantis swing its tails toward then as it begin to approach the ground with a icy breath attack. They quickly split up as Dimitri throw his lance that pierce through Adamantis to stop and turn to him and then fired a crystal beam at him as he dodged and summon Areadbhar.
"Flygon, to me!" Levi yelled as Flygon flew to him and then raised his glaive
"Aaaaru!" Flygon circle around as he use Sandstorm as his wings flapping and generating sandstorm that coursed toward Levi's Glaive and then materialized a light form Glaive as the other sandstorm courge around the blade.
Levi dashes with superhuman speed and slash through, to the back, then slashes through again in front, then he perform forming a spinning wheel and teleporting around it and then jump spinning overhead gracefully then he stop in mid air with both Glaive ready.
"Sand Cross!" Levi then throw a large X slash projection that slam down, causing a surge of sandstorm to burst underneath and dealing phantom slashes around on as it enter break state, Levi backflip as Flygon flew and lands on his back.
"It's vulurable!" Riku yelled as he aim his Keyblade. "All for one!"
"And one for all!" Everyone yelled as they all long while Musse firing energy shots.
Each one let out their own attacks and then Riku used Shadowbreaker, then throw Dark Firaga.
"Ice Make: Battleaxe!" Gray created battle axe of ice and throw it to slam into Adamantis
"Water Cyclone!" Juvia aim her hands and form a cyclone water and blasted Adamantis.
Namine throw Blizzaga and then Thundaga and then aim her Keyblade and firing multiple pink projections.
Sara and Gaius lung toward Adamantis with their spear and sword imbued with wind and lighting energy and then pierce through. Adamantis roared in agony and then let out an explosion of purple light.
(BGM ended)
"Phew." Sara wipe her forehead. "That outta deal with it."
"Nice work everyone. We managed to defeat it before it cause more trouble to the highland." Yu nodded.
"Yeah. But how come the Armor Division didn't notice it?" Namine asked.
"Maybe they really didn't notice?" Luigi asked as Yoshi shrugged.
"Well. At least we managed to dealt with it. Let's take a five minute break and then get back on our horses." Rean advised as they nodded. "By the way, Levi, that move was amazing! Was that the Poke-Craft?"
"Yep! I work on it with Flygon for awhile." Levi smiled.
"So that's why it was a mess back in the keep." Rean chuckled.
Levi sweatdrop. "Well I did clean it up..."
'Huh... Why does it feel like I can use a couple with Charizard?' Rean wondered in his thoughts.
"Hm? Oh hey." Emma pointed to the direction. "That direction is where we first met Millium."
Rean sighed happily. "Oh, the hell we went through chasing Airgetlam on horseback as it zipped through the skies."
"All for it to end in a silly scruffle." Gaius chuckled. "It sure threw us for a loop then."
"Haha. Sounds like you guys had your own adventures before I became part of Class VII." Levi smiled.
"Yeah. And after our first trip to the Mushroom Kingdom, we went into Roer. After that when you join, we begin to have many adventures through our vacations." Rean smiled
"Ah, yes. I think I heard about those fair share adventures." Kurt said
Musse giggled. "That's what makes them such an excellent prequel to our sequel."
"Right. And this sequel will begin anew just like every tale we forge." Lyn smiled
One break later...
(Trails of Cold Steel III ost - Reinforced Soldierd)
"And here we are." Riku said as they all arrived at the Watchtower.
"So this is where the soldiers keep watching for the Calvardian and buffer zone, huh?" Gray rub his chin.
"Yes. It's been some time since I was last hear." Emma smiled.
"True. I remember infiltrating this place with Levi and Gaius during the civil war." Rean scratch his cheek.
"Heh. So we did." Gaius smiled "Fortunately, I hear that tensions with the Republic have calmed significantly since the war ended. Though there is another reason for anxiety to cloud the air here now."
"And what do you mean by that?" Juvia asked.
"You'll see soon enough. Shall we go inside?" Gaius dismount from his horse and the rest follows while Mario and Luigi hop off Yoshi.
They walk up the rail and from the distance, they a large numbers of railway cannons, tanks and soldots.
"Ooh... I see what you mean now." Levi muttered.
"Dragunov-Class Railway guns, Achtzehn main battle tanks, Soldots. There're even a few Gargantua-class Airships."
"They're all weapons made by the Empire for the war efforts." Riku hummed. "Now I see what's going on."
"All of these were likely brought from Tangram Fortress, since Crossbell was on the front line of the conflict. I've heard that their destruction was part of the armistice with the Republic." Musse informed. "I assume they are here so that both the Empire and the Republic can keep an eye on them."
"Exactly." Gaius nodded his head. "Their disposal is going to begin a couple of weeks from now, though that fact isn't presently public knowledge."
"Gaius, his Pokemon, the real me and I surveyed the area from a higher ground just to be sure, but there wasn't any sign of the Courageous II." Emblem Lyn informed
"I was wondering, since hiding it among other weaponry would make sense... buy I suppose it would still stand out."
"But I can understand that it would create tension." Sigure said.
"Indeed. Which is why I'm glad none of these weapons can be use during the crisis of Crossbell." Azura nodded in agreement.
"Heh. We might have to agree to disagree on that." A soldier approached the group.
"And who are you?" Emblem Corrin asked.
"Pardon me for butting in." The Soldier saluted. "I'm a soldier from the 23rd Division responsible for looking after the watch tower. It's an honor to be able to meet the famed Ashen Chevalier in person."
"Hmm..." Yoshi giving the soldier a dirty look.
"Haha. I'm flattered you think that way, but I'm just an ordinary instructor." Rean scratch his backhair sheepishly. "So what did you mean by agreeing to disagree?"
"Oh, it's just... I've been stationed at this watchtower for a while now. And seeing all these weapons day in and day out starts to wear on a guy. I get... frustrated. The people of this country shouldered so many burdens and made so many sacrifices so these weapons could be made... but now they're being thrown away without ever getting to fulfill their purpose."
"I see..." Levi giving a glare.
The Soldier flinch and cough. "Forgive me. I shouldn't have said that. Please don't take what I said to heart."
"No, I quite understand why you and other Erebonians would feel that way."
"Oh, Rean..." Emma muttered.
"On an unrelated note, I can't see my brother anywhere." Kurt looking around. 'Is Lieutenant Colonel Mueller inside the building?"
"He isn't, actually." The Soldier shook his head. "He left some time ago after assessing the situation here. He seemed to have something on his mind, but I'm afraid he didn't tell us where he was going."
"I see..."
'Do you think he might've learned something new?' Sara asked.
'It's possible. Normally he would have contacted us but something still feels off.' Yuri replied until the Soldier got a call.
"Pardon. I'll need to take this." The Soldier pull his communicator. "Oh, it is already time? All right. I'll be there ASAP." He put it away. "I'm afraid I need to leave now."
"Oh don't worry about it. We wouldn't want to waste any of your time." Byleth wave it off as the Soldier nodded and take off. "We should head back to the settlement."
"Agreed. We've seen much of the southern highlands. We can begin discussing what we can survey next." Yuri agreed.
"Sounds good. Let's go." Yu said as they headed back to their horses, climb up and then gallop away as Mario and Luigi hop on Yoshi and follow them
(BGM ended)
One fun horseback trip to the Settlement later...
Just as everyone return to the Settlement and then were going to dismount, they suddenly heard an alarm.
"Wait, what was that?" Yu asked.
"It's sounds like a siren... and it's coming from the watchtower." Sara answered
"But we were just there." Mario said as Gaius's ARCUS Alpha rang and he answer it.
"Hello?" Gaius respond.
"Oh, thank goodness you picked up!" Dalton said on the line. "Colonel Dalton of the 23rd Armored Disivison speaking! The rest of Class VII and your friends are with you, yes?"
"Ahh... yes. We just returned to the settlement." Rean answered
"Did something happen to the gate, Colonel?" Emblem Olivert asked. "You seem to be a bit in a panic."
"Not at the gate, Your Highness, but I'm afraid I've received an urgent message from the watchtower. They say that main battle tanks from the Calvardian base are making their way to the border as we speak!"
Everyone has an ?! over their heads.
"What did you just say?!" Emblem Olivert and Gaius asked in shock.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Stake Everything Strategy)
"This make no sense. Why would Calvard choose to invade now?!" Kurt asked with his teeth gritting.
"I don't know—and they're blocking all attempts to communicate with them. Our vanguard is on its way towards them. We cannot afford to take this lying down! Unless you want to get caught in the crossfire, I suggest you retreat with the remaining settlers post haste!"
"Colonel, wait! Can't you tell us—" Rean was cut off.
"He cut off." Yu muttered. "Sounds like the 23rd division is ready for a fight."
"Ugh...' Gaius gritted his teeth.
"You okay, big bro?" Lily asked
"Wh-What's going on?" Sheeda shivered
"Rean." Levi turn to him.
"Yeah. None of this makes sense at all." Rean nodded in agreement. "Something is happening behind the scenes, I'm sure of it."
"Agreed. But the problem is we don't know what." Byleth stated.
"But we can't sit idly by here." Lyn shook his head. "We need to stop those Calvardians tanks and fast. And then get answers from them."
"Wait, is that really a good idea?" Grace asked. "I thought the Imperial Army were on their way."
"None of us want to intervene in a potential war, but suspicion is going on and we can't allow war to come to this land or retrigger it again." Yuri stated
"We have many powerful fighters here including magic, a Persona, Gaius's stigma in case the situation becomes dire." Kazuha stated.
"It may be risky, but we need to fight out the truth about this." Yu nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. I think we can contend with whatever's happening." Rean agreed.
"This will be our best chance to figure out what's going on." Namine nodded
"Right. We can't let this opportunity go to waste!" Juvia agreed.
'I just hope they make it in time...' Musse thought.
"Right." Gaius nodded in agreement and turned to his family. "Thoma! Mom! Please start getting ready to evacuate immediately!"
I understand." Fatma nodded. "Please do take care, everyone. I'll let my husband know what is happening and get ready to evacuate at a moment's notice."
"May the blessing of the winds and the Goddess be with you!" Thoma nodded
"Same to you!" Rean replied
"With me, everyone!" Gaius pull his horse's rein as his steed neigh and move to the other and they all gallop away to the north.
As they ride onto the north part of the highlands, something caught Gliscor attention as he turn his head.
"Gliscor!" He shouted and pointed as everyone turn to see the tanks coming.
"They're already here?!" Emblem Micaiah asked.
"How could military tanks suddenly move so swiftly?" Emblem Sigurd asked.
"Come on! Let's go!" Kazuha stated as they gallop.
"I got a spell that can work." Yuri cloak his hands with white energy. "Fleetfoot!"
A white circle appeared underneath the horses as their feet glow white and gallop faster.
"Whoa, we're moving faster then ever!" Ventus exclaimed.
"It's a spell we have in Fodlan. Thought it will come in handy." Yuri smirked.
"That's my Yuri." Byleth smiled as they quickly made it to confront the Calvaridian tanks.
"Stop! The Republic of Calvard has no right to deploy its military in this region!" Rean yelled. "If you don't turn back, the Imperial Army will be forced to intervene! What is the Republic—"
The Tanks stopped and aim toward the group.
"Are they planning to fire at us without any respond?" Emblem Olivert giving a glare.
"Either they're not interested in discussing... or..." Emblem Levi turning to the others.
'They couldn't be...' Rean thought as they all quickly dismount and got their weapons out. "Everyone! Prepare for battle!"
"Are you sure about this?!" Kurt asked.
Gaius activated his Stigma. "I think we will be fine."
Emma channel her magical powers. "I'll focus on their rive system first. We can't let them go any further!"
"Right! Split up and tackle them!" Byleth command as Emma used her magic to teleport the group to behind them as everyone launch an assault.
"Stopga!" Riku raised his Keyblade to cast Stopga as a time clock appeared over the tanks as Lyn, Rean, Levi, Kazuha dashes toward the takes to deal slashes.
"Ice-Make: Crescent Blade!" Gray fires a barrage of crescent-shaped ice projectiles.
"Water Slicer!" Juvia throw barrage waves of water.
"Izanagi!" Yu summon Izanagi who appeared, aim his hand and throw Maziodyne
"White Out!" Kurt throw his hand and trapped the ranks underneath snow as Emblem Olivert aim, charge and firing multiple homing shots onto the ranks
"Wind Raid!" Ventus throw his Keyblade as it slash around like a boomerang as Namine raised her Keyblade to imbued with magic to extended and then lung toward and slashing through them, leaving behind a trail and then she aimed and fired Firaga onto them, dealing explosion.
Riku airstep and used Ragnorok on the tanks while Yuri throw Excalibur and summon a tornado to deal large rapid damages. Byleth and Brianna readied their whip sword as they both swing fiercely toward the Tanks with devastating strikes as Dimitri imbued Adreadhbar with lighting as he lung toward, slashing through and then swing fierce left and right, raised his lance and swing down heavily with a lightning base explosion.
Kurt throw Twilt Blade 2 while his Skarmory flew in for Steel Wind.
"Claydol, Earth Power!" Emma swirl her staff and she summon two magic circles and firing a laser beam onto the ranks as Claydol's eyes glow orange and then causes the ground underneath the tanks to explode as Emblem Vita throw magical projection attacks.
"Let's go, Bro!" Mario pull out Jet-Boat Bash as they run further away, then place it on the ground for Luigi to board it to lie down on his belly and Mario will hop on top of him, where he starts the engine, boosting speed and then spinning his hammer rapidly and passes through, dealing powerful damage as Yoshi jump onto one of the tanks to do a flurry kick and then ground pound.
Shigure flew around on his pegasus to form into tornado and then forming into a drill-like formation to pass through the tanks, then floew into the air and then throw his Lance at the center for an explosion.
Azura sings for a bit, causing ripples of water to pulse out from her in a radius, hitting the tanks. She then makes a massive water tornado around herself, hitting enemies rapidly. She finishes with a watery explosion. Rean, Kazuha and Lyn lung with superhuman speed and passes through the ranks as each of them warp together to a flurry of slashes as they jump away. Rean, Emblem Levi, Kazuha and Lyn throw slash projections toward, combining them into a tornado of slashes as Levi used his craft: Penetrate Hurl as he swirl his Glave rapidly and throw it, piercing through with Emblem Sigurd galloping on his horse for Overide as he readied his sword glowing with energy and passes through with a lighting base explosion.
Musse and Emblem Micaiah combine their magic together to rain down Fusion of Thani and Iceciples to rain down onto the ranks as Gliscor throw Rock Slide on the ranks, then. Sara passes through the tanks, leaving a trail of purple lightning and then firing lighting bullets onto it while Swoobat uses Air Slash. Gaius throw his craft: Gale Force 2 as Unfezant with Air Slash on them. Charizard throw Flrethrower around it and then Flygon finish it off with Dragon Pulse, causing a devastating explosion.
Stopga time limit is over and all the damages are converted into one, dealing massive explosions on the tanks that destroy their armor and guns.
(BGM ended)
"Phew! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Sara smirked.
"Indeed. Lucky with many of us here, we barely made a sweat." Musse smiled. "Although I think the biggest thanks for Riku with his Time Magic."
"I'm just glad that it was able to stop their attacks. literally." Riku chuckled before turning to the thanks. "However..."
"Yeah... we may have able to win... but something is definitely not right." Namine nodded in agreement.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Mysterious Elements)
"Yeah. I don't sense any traces of life within those tanks." Levi nodded.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Azura asked.
"I think it's best that we check it for ourselves. Come on." Yu said as everyone nodded and they head to the tanks. Rean, Gaius and Sara hop and open the hatches and see no one is inside.
"Yep. There's nobody inside this one." Rean tell everyone.
"Or this one." Gaius chin in.
"Same here. They must have been operating on autopilot." Sara agreed.
"It's the same level of technology that was spreading throughout the world." Emma remark.
"But why would Calvard use autopilot on these tanks?" Kurt wondered. "No... even if they do use it, it doesn't make sense for them to attack without reason."
"Agreed. This doesn't seem like something they would do while Crossbell is occupied and the wider region is in chaos. They don't stand to benefit in any way from invading the Empire now."
"You're right." Byleth nodded in agreement. "Even if the invasion was a success, the international community would be quick to condemn them."
"But now this raises a question. Who WOULD benefit from this crisis?" Yuri wondered.
"Hmm..." Yoshi hummed to himself. "Yo! Yo yo Yoshi."
"Hm? Yoshi, what's up?" Mario asked.
"Yoshi, yo yo."
"You have an idea on who?" Mario asked as Yoshi nodded.
"Grrr. Yoshi, yoshi." Yoshi pull out his ARCUS Alpha and begin texting and show it to them as Mario and Luigi read it.
"I think it's Colonel Danton and the 23rd Armored Division." Luigi read, causing an ?! over his head. "Wait, what?!"
"You think its the Colonel and the 23rd Armored Division?!" Mario asked in surprised as everyone else had a surprise reaction. Yoshi begin typing and show it to Mario as he reads it. "I've sense something was very off with that man. In fact, I've sense something is off withe very 23rd Soldiers."
"Hmm... I thought I was imagining it..." Yuri fold his arm. "But it turns out I was right."
"What do you mean, Yuri?" Azura asked.
"The way he panicked when he met Emblem Olivert. He was shaken. I can understand that he would be surprised... but my guts is telling me that is not the case. That man is hiding something from us." Yuri turn to the direction. "What's more... how come the Armored Division didn't come by right now?"
Everyone had an ! over their heads as they turn to the direction they came and no sign or movements from the 23rd Armored Disivion.
"You're right... they should have come right about now..." Kurt said.
Levi had an !? over his head. "No..." Levi grip his fist. "Rean... Everyone... I just have a really bad feeling about this. If you know what I mean."
Rean eye widen as they heard an eagle screech, revealing to be Zeo.
"Zeo! What are you—" He paused when they all heard gunfire coming from the area of the settlement. "No!"
"It came from the settlement!" Sigure gritted his teeth. "Everyone, we have to hurry! Mother!"
"Right!" Azura nodded and ran up to her son and hop behind him and then he take off in the air as Flygon, Charizard, Gliscor, Skarmory and Unfezant took off into the air and they flew direction to the Settlement as everyone else quickly hop on their horses while Mario and Luigi hop on Yoshi's back and quickly ride toward the settlement.
(BGM ended)
One trip to the settlement later...
Everyone managed to return thanks to Yuri's Fleetfoot spell on the horses.
(Trails through Daybreak 2 ost - Worst Speculation)
"Oh my god!" Namine gasped as the settlement was attacked with smokes coming from the ground. "The settlement!"
"They attack the settlement, too?!" Ventus growled
"Lily! Sheeda! Thoma! Where are you?!" Gaius yelled
"Big Bro!" Sheeda cried out as she and everyone else appeared from the clifftop.
"Oh thank god, you're all okay!" Yu sigh of relief. "Are you all alright?!"
"Yes, we're fine! It's a relief to see that you are, too." Fatma smiled.
"What happened here?" Kazuha asked
"W-We were in the middle of getting ready to evacuate when all of a sudden, we were attacked from the south." Sheeda answered
"But then these people over there came to save us!" Thoma turn his head to the direction as everyone see a soldots and tanks being taken down by three people while one is examining. And one of them was accompanied by Kingambit
"Ah, there you are, Schwarzer, Sullivan—and hello to the rest of you." Aurelia greeted as she appeared along with Noel Vermillion, Ragna and Schmidt.
"Hmph. You arrive just about when they were dealt with." Schmidt said.
"Principle Lu Quin! Ragna! Noel! Professor Schmidt!" Kurt gasped
"What are you doing in Nord?" Rean asked
"I'm glad you made it in time." Musse smiled
"Lady Mildine requested that we come just before leaving for the highlands. All that needed to be done after contacting Lieutenant Colonel Vander was hide in the Balclutha and bide my time. " Aurelia answered
"Y-You've been in contact with my brother?" Kurt asked in surprise.
"I swear, Musse, we take our eyes off you for one moment..." Sara chuckled as Musse respond with a giggle
"You flatter me." She said. "But what about Ragna and Noel? I don't recall summoning you two for help."
"Yeah. We appear independent." Ragna scratch his head.
"Did something happen in the capital?" Levi asked
"No, the capital is all good... but..." Noel Vermillion rob her arm. "You guys know what the Eye of the Blue is, right?"
"The Eye of the Blue?" Gaius asked.
"Oh, yeah." Rean rub his chin. "It's the Power that you gain when you were the Sucessor of the Blue, right? It can allow you to see things that can't be perceived."
"Right." Noel Vermillion nodded. "It's no different to KeA's ability to see causality. Recently when me and Ragna stay in the capital. The Eye of the Blue suddenly activated. It show me about Prince Olivert and Lady Scherazard being held captive."
Everyone had an !? over their heads.
"Does that mean you know where they is?" Yu asked
Noel Vermillion shake her head. "All I know is that they're still being held in the Courageous II against their well... by a Military man with a beard."
Another ! appeared over everyone's heads.
"What...?!" Rean eye widen. "You don't mean Colonel Dalton, do you?"
"I can't say for certain because I haven't met him personally, but I do know that he is a military man with blue hair inside the Courageous II. What's more, something else appeared after that. Something... Urk!" She shivered
"Noel?!"
"Are you okay?" Lyn asked in concerned.
"I...I'm all right..." Noel Vermillion took a deep breath and sigh. "Sorry. But what I saw after that was a nightmare..."
"What did you see?" Emblem Sigurd asked
"She saw something ominous from the looks of it. She can't make it out because it appears so suddenly. Almost like it was blocking her from seeing further." Ragna answered. "But from what we both can tell, it seem something happened at the Highland with you guys are in trouble. So we rush our way here."
"Of course, we couldn't take the train. So we had to contact Professor Kokonoe to teleport us through her inventions and we made our way here. And then this chaos happened so we rush to aid Lady Le Quin." Noel Vermillion finished.
" I see. I can't thank you two along with Lady Le Quin enough for stepping in." Gaius smiled
"Think nothing of it. Wallace wanted me to come, too, since he cannot leave Saint-Arkh at the present." Aurelia smiled
"I simply came with her because there was something playing on my mind." Schmidt admit. "And it appears that I was wise to do so." He turn to the battle tanks.
"These are the Empire's main battle tanks. I assume they were acting unmanned?" Emma asked
"Indeed— but the AI being used is more advanced than anything I've ever seen. Far advance then even E. Gadd, Atlas, the Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon and even Kirito's daughter and friend named Alice. I've seen a couple of AI from E. Gadd and General Ironwood's Atlesian Knight-200s in tandem with one another. For Ironwood's case, his knights were tandem with one another as if they were actual soldiers with lives, just as if these tanks were manned. But this level of coordination surpasses both E. Gadd and Atlas technology altogether."
"I can't sense anything magical about them, but the technology at work surpasses both Professor E. Gadds, Kirito and Atlas entirely... How could this be?" Emma wondered.
"Hmm... Could it be perhaps technology not of this world?" Riku asked
"Sure if we do know a world with far advance technology but where?" Ventus asked.
"Or we can think of another possibility that some in this world has bar better technology then the current level." Yu replied.
"Like the society for example. Or Dr. Eggman." Gaius nodded in agreement. "Should we resume that one of them or both involved in this, then?"
"That I don't know. But there is one other thing I found curious." Schmidt said. "I picked up strange orbal waves emanating from the watchtower while the weaponry was in motion. I can't say for sure if they were being used to control the tanks remotely—but it isn't inconceivable. "
Everyone had an ?! over their heads.
"The watchtower? But we were just there a couple of minutes ago." Luigi said.
"Then it seems some of us were right. The 23rd Division is part of this scheme." Yuri muttered
"My thoughts exactly." A voice spoked as coming on horseback was Mueller with Furret behind him.
"Muller! Where have you been all this time?!" Kurt asked
"I'm sorry for not staying in touch. When me and Furret were investigating the watchtower, a few things aroused my suspicion. So we began traveling around the highlands while keeping in contact with the general to see what the 23rd were up to. There's now also evidence that they made a deal with someone a few days ago."
"The abnormalities continue to piles up." Musse muttered
"But it seems we have more traitors to deal with.' Levi muttered. "How dare they put Nord Highland and everyone else here in danger. There will be hell to pay."
"I couldn't agree more with you, Levi..." Gaius grisp his fist.
"Then we need to go and investigate the watchtower right away." Rean stated.
"I agree. We cannot allow the peace of the highlands to be threatened any further."
"Then I shall accompany you." Aurelia said. "I thrust you will be coming, too, Professor?"
"Hmph. Ordinarily, I would protest... But I want to find out the truth behind the technology being used here. " Schmidt answered
"Why am I not surprised that's the only part you care about?" Sara sighed.
"This is Schmidt you're talking about." Ragna said. "Anyway, me and Noel will join you guys too."
"We'll be happy to have your help regardless—we don't have anyone else with your level of technical expertise here." Musse smiled
"I'm going to pay a visit to Zender Gate and see what's going on there. I haven't been able to contact the colonel at all—and he now has a lot to answer for."
"Please be careful." Kurt said
"The same to all of you."
"Can you keep looking after everyone here, Thoma?" Gaius asked
Thoma nodded at his brother's request. "Of course. May the blessing of the wind and the Goddess be with you!"
"Please be careful." Sheeda pleaded.
Everyone got on horseback while Mario and Luigi hop on Yoshi. Aurelia borrowed a white horse with Schmidt behind her and Ragna borrowed a black horse with Noel Vermillion behind him and they take off.
(BGM ended)
One ride to the Watchtower later...
(Genshin Impact ost - The Chasm Underground Mines 3 or Paper Mario: Color Splash ost - Broken Down Town or Paper Mario: The Origami King: Ost - Toad Town in Trouble)
Everyone arrived at the watchtower and then they dismount and wall up the rail and see no one is in sight.
"No one is here..." Kazuha said as he sniffed the air. "This place is deserted after all."
"But soldiers from the 23rd Division were here a mere hour ago." Gaius muttered
"I wonder if that call from that soldier was actually a sign showing he and the rest of the division are part of some diabolical scheme." Lyn fold her arms.
"Could it be they're just inside?" Emma asked.
"Possible. But I highly doubt it." Yuri shook his head as Kurt got a call and he answer his ARCUS Alpha.
"This is Mueller speaking. I just arrived at Zender Gate. The place is completely empty. There's no sign of life anywhere." Mueller informed
"There's no one at Zender Gate, either?!" Rean asked
"The situation is the same at the watchtower. Just what is going on here?" Kurt wondered.
"I'm going to start poking around and see what Furret and I turn up. I'll leave checking the watchtower to you." Mueller hang up
"So the same situation is in Zender Gate, huh?" Riku rub his chin.
Sara rub her chin. "Sure seems like the entire 23rd Division has just disappeared into than air."
"That's unsettling, since I can only assume those tanks aren't the end of all this." Emma said.
"Either way, I don't think we can afford to put off investigating the tower now." Emblem Olivert pointed out
Unknown to them, someone is standing on top of the watchtower and watching them. Rean, Aurelia, Ragna, Levi, Kazuha, Riku, Lyn, Emblem Levi, Byleth, Yuri, Dimitri, Brianna, and Roy (Fire Emblem) turn their heads to the tower and no one is there.
"Guys, what's up?" Gray asked.
"I thought I sense someone was watching us from the tower..." Roy (Fire Emblem)
"Yeah. It was very faint, but I definitely felt bloodlust." Lyn agreed.
"Heh. I'm suddenly looking forward to this." Aurelia smirked.
"Hmph. Can we just start moving already?" Schmidt asked, annoyingly.
"Oh shut up you old coot." Ragna grumbled. "Come on. Let's see who it was."
They headed inside the tower as Claydol recalled into his Pokeball and then came back up once inside.
"There's no one here, either." Gaius said until heard mechanical sounds. "Wait..."
"I hear the telltale sound of gears scraping. It seems like the place is crawling with Archaisms—just like it was during the civil war." Rean said
"Or if Eggman is involve, I would assume he has his minions here too." Levi pointed out
"Bah. They always do favor those patrol droids." Schmidt said
"Meaning that the society or Eggman may be involved here." Roy (Fire Emblem)
"Indeed." Emblem Micaiah nodded her head. "We'll need to advance with precaution."
"Hah. As is the society's little contraptions will pose a threat. They will be dust in short order." Aurelia smiled
"All right, let's go." Emblem Olivert said as they take off as they see MKE Maus and deal with them.
As they go up, they see Tri-Attacker V2, SS models here.
"Great. The dumb army goons have taken a shine to archaisms... again." Sara muttered.
"But it's strange that we didn't sense them until now." Namine replied.
"Noticed or not, I can confirm their authenticity. They are of the same series the society uses." Schmidt said
"Either way, we need to stay on high alert, team." Byleth advised. 'We need all eyes and ears on this investigation."
They continue walking up the stairs and platforms as they fought more Archams and battle against the Pale Apache X, Dovon Aces and taken them out as they shortly make it near the rooftop.
"We're almost to the roof." Gaius said
"Now to see what awaits us up top." Aurelia said as Rean just stared
'Rean?' Levi thought as they soon reach the observation deck. "All right, we're at the observation deck."
"As I thought. There really isn't anyone here here. Armored Division or not. Just Archaism." Noel Vermillion remark.
"Yeah. Where could they possibly—" Rean paused when he had an ! over his eyes as he look up.
"Wait... Did you guys feel that?" Ragna asked, readied his weapon.
"Heh. It's coming from above. Stay alert, everyone." Aurelia said.
"Oh?" Schmidt asked amused.
"Let's keep moving." Gaius agreed as they walk up the stairs until Rean stopped
(BGM ended)
"What is it, Rean?" Emma asked.
"Don't just stand there." Schmidt argued.
"Shut up you old fat." Ragna muttered. "Rean, did you feel it?"
"Y-Yeah. My entire body is screaming for me to turn back." Rean said.
"Yeah. I can feel a presence so immense as it speaks in a whisper..." Levi muttered. "Something omnipotent awaits us there."
"The air feels completely different past that point." Gaius agreed.
Yuri pull out a dagger and throw it in the air and suddenly a green slash like projection shattered it with one felt swoop.
"Ah!" Noel Vermillion shivered.
"Grrrr!" Yoshi growled.
"I-I think I left the oven on." Luigi turn his back until Mario grabbed him.
"No, you didn't." Mario said
"Oh come on!"
'I know that technique...' Rean thought
"Heh. There are few capable of such a feat. If we try attaching head-on, we're likely to lose our heads." Aurelia smirked.
"T-Then what do we do?" Ventus asked as he shivered.
"First, stay calm." Emma told him. "Second. I got an idea. Levi, Musse, Yuri, can you both give me a hand?"
"On it." Levi nodded
"Got it." Yuri nodded. "What do you need?"
"We'll catch whoever there off guard by teleporting to you all at its blind spot. If this work, we'll find out who they are."
"Got it. Hope this works." Levi said
Emma got out her staff as she, Levi and Yuri both combine their magic as magic circles appeared underneath. Meanwhile, the monster's presence was waiting until the magic circle appeared from behind, then came in was Musse who fired with her rifle, Noel Vermillion fired with her guns, Emblem Micaiah, Emma, Emblem Vita throw magic attacks, Sara, Yuri and Byleth swinging down their swords for a surprise attack.
(Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ost - Battle! Lorekeeper Zinnia)
The person jump away swiftly as they repel their attacks, next batch was Rean, Kurt, Levi, Kazuha, Gaius appeared from projection attacks while Aurelia jump from above to slash him, but the person deflected their attacks each as Lyn teleported around to slash attack, but the person block the attack as. Riku, Namine, Roxas throw Thundaga as the person dodge the attack. Roy (Fire Emblem) dash and swing his sword fierce as the person blocks and kick him away as Azura and Shigure throw wave and water projections toward him but the person jump upside down and deflects them.
"Dead Spike!" Ragna throw a projection.
"Ice Make: Lance!" Gray throw multiple lance.
"Water Slicer!" Juvia throw water blade slash but the person deflected them too.
Dimitri jump above to impale the ground but the person dodge as Brianna whip attack from above. The person dodge and counter by throwing a wind slash projection at her, but Brianna jump to dodge.
"Izanagi!" Yu summon Izanagi for Maziodyne but the person backflip as Mario and Luigi throw Thunderhand and Firebrand and the person deflected them with a slash as Yoshi throw an egg but the person slash it to destroy it.
"THE HELL!? He block all of us at once!" Ragna yelled.
"It's no question how when it's him." Rean said as the person who block the attacks is none other than Arios LacLaine.
"Schwarzer, Countess Le Guin, the Super Mario Bros, King Byleth, Azure Eye Sniper, Ragna the Bloodedge, and Kaedehara... The tournament must not have been enough action for you."
"Nor you, it would seem. What brings the Divine Blade of Wind to Nord?" Aurelia asked
"This doesn't make sense! Why are YOU here, Ario!?" Noel Vermillion exclaimed.
"I expected better of you, Arios... How could you betray Crossbell again?" Levi growled.
"You have no need to know, for you won't be leaving here alive." Arios took a stand. "Vanish with the wind!"
"Huh?" Yuri giving a glare as he notices Arios' eyes.
"Is he under some mind control?" Emma asked
"I don't know. But when you consider his involvement with the Azure Tree, he hasn't always been on the right side of history." Musse said
"Heh. If words are no use, then our swords will have to do the talking!" Aurelis smirked.
"Right! Let's go!" Rean declared
Divine Blade of Wind - Arios Laclaine
Rean form a combat link with Levi, Kurt form a combat link with Musse, Gaius form a combat link with Lyn. Sara form a combat link with Emma. Mario form a combat link with Yoshi, Kazuha forms a combat link with Luigi, Riku form a combat link with Namine, Ventus form a combat link with Yu, Dimitri form a combat link with Brianna, Byleth form a combat link with Yuri, Azura form a combat link with Sigure. Gray form a combat link with Juvia. Aurelia form a combat link with Roy (Fire Emblem). Ragna form a combat link with Noel Vermillion.
Rean form a Pokemon link with Charizard, Levi form a Pokemon link with Flygon, Musse form a Pokemon link with Gliscor, Gaius form a Pokemon link with Unferzant, and Emma form a Pokemon link with Claydol. Kurt form a Pokemon link with Skarmory.
Emblem Levi appeared next to Rean, Emblem Sigurd appeared next to Levi, Emblem Micaiah appeared next to Musse, Emblem Lyn appeared next to Gaius, Emblem Olivert appeared next to Kurt, Emblem Vita appeared next to Emma, Emblem Corrin appeared next to Azura.
"Arios LacLaine is vulurable to Fire Arts, Fire Type, Bug Type, and Normal Type Attacks." Yuri's AI Master Quarts informed.
Arios throw green slash projections toward the group at rapid speed as Kazuha counter it with his slash projection as Riku airstep and use Shadowbreaker, only for Arios to block then counter with rotate horizontal slash as Riku block it, then Namine flying kick his face and fire Firaga at him as Ventus used Wind Raid by throwing his Keyblade and Yu lung toward. Arios backlfip and then swing against Yu until combo slash him away.
Yu impale the ground a she slide as Levi fire rays of light as Arios dodge and lung toward him to slash him, but Rean got in front and shielded him with his combat link: Protective Wall and push Ario's back.
"Ice: Make- Ice Impact!" Gray right fist down on his left palm, creating a massive, intricately-designed hammer made of ice, with ice spikes at Arios, slamming him.
"Water Nebula!" Juvia creates two columns of water, which rotate around each other and forms a helix knocking Arios into the air as he recovers.
Musse and Noel aim their guns and firing homing shots at him with Emblem Micaiah throwing Thani. Arios swiftly deflected them as he landed on his feet, then lung at them, only for Ragna and Kurt to block his attack and they both swing at him fierce until Gaius throw Gale Force 2 at him. Arios backflip as Lyn slash at Superhuman speed to slash him.
"Nhg!" He winched as he and Lyn swing at each other fierce until both power struggle.
"I don't get it, Arios. Shouldn't you be fighting for your homeland? How could you do this a second time?!" Lyn asked with a glare.
"I owe you no answer, Lyn. Now begone!" Arios replied by kicking Lyn and then swing at her. Lyn block then parried him and then performs 2 clockwise spinning attacks before finishing with a final downwards slam.
'Huh? Wait a second...!' Lyn thought to herself as she push Arios away.
"Masamakaja!" Yu summon a Persona Fernir to buffed the group with defense and Resist as Emma, Musse and Sara throw the Orbal Arts: La Forte and Le Crest to buff their stats.
Byleth swing his Sword of the Creator whip form as Arios block them until the Sword of the Creator wrap around his Tachi, pull him and then Yuri throw Exacalibur to trapped him into the tornado until he broke free. Yuri and Byleth lung at him and they swing at each other fiercely until Yuri backflip and then Byleth parried, then Reverse Grip to push him away as Yuri lunged at Superhuman speed and unleash a flurry of slashes against him. Ario and Yuri swing at each other until Yuri parried him, thrist him and then blasted him with Wind Magic.
"Ngh!" Arios whook his head as Byleth lung and then swing his Amyr Replica to his guts, dealing devastating force enough to cause Arios to gasped and throw into the air.
Arios was swirling in the air until he recovered, then see Charizard throwing Flamethrower at him. Atios sheath his tachi and throw Arcane Gale, Charizard stop his attack and duck as the wind was so close on his head as Ario dash toward him and stomp on his belly, dragging him to slam on the observation platform with a strong explosion for everyone to cover their eyes.
"Charizard!" Rean yelled as Arios hop off and then unleash a barricade of Twin Arcane Gale at them. As everyone dodge, Mario used his Cape to reflect the cape back at Arios as he backflip to dodge his own attack.
Yoshi Shoulder bash him, and then flurry kuck, used his tongue to grabbed and then toss him and slam him to the ground. Arios got back on his feet. Only for him to see Mario throw his hammer at him as he bound off the attack with a slash. Mario grabbed his hammer nad he and Arios swing at each other fierce until Mario duck then punch hard to his stomach, swing upward to knock Arios into a flip, then Kazuha imbued his sword with green energy, dash with superhuman speed and slash through to Arios, dealing multiple phantom slashes at him as he landed, and Luigi follow up by shocking him with Thunderhand.
Arios kick Luigi and then unleash a wide slash to knock Mario and Yoshi away.
"Doough/Waah!" They winced as Kazuha block the attack as Arios lung at him to slash him, but he block and parried.
Arios and Kazuha then swing their blades at each other, causing strong force of gale around them both luck on a power struggle.
'Huh...?' Kazuha notice Arios eyes and then Arios used that to his advantage and then slash him. "Augh!
Emma throw projection attacks as Sara firing shots at him. Arios deflected them, then Aurelia lunged at him and they both swing at each other fiercely as they power struggle, only for them to push each other away. Roy ran up and swing at Arios as they swing at each other. Roy swing fiercely but Arios calmly block it and then sweep kick him, but Roy was lucky enough to jump and swing down his sword until Arios block it. Arios kick him off as Azura shook a splash fo water at him, pushing him away and Shigure swirl his Lance and then swing gracefully against him. Arios calmly block his attack and they swing at each other until Shigure rotate his body for a graceful slash.
Arios block it until Emblem Corrin swing at him. He block the attack and Azura swirl her arm and a pool of water capture Arios to him and then she, Emblem Corrin and Shigure slash him by passing through him. Brianna ran up to Arios and slash him.
"Tch!" Arios winched as he swing at Amia back. Amia calmly block it and they swing at each other until Arios saw Dimitri above him to throw Adradhbar at him.
Arios jump back as Dimitri landed on his feet, grabbed his lance and then throw a couple of thrust as Arios dodge them calmly and then counter by slashing through him.
"Ngh!" He winched as Dimitri turn his back and slash him.
Arios block with his tachi over his back to slash him, until Brianna throw Thoron at him and shock him. Swoobat used Psychic to pin Arios to the ground and Gliscor throw Rock Tomb at him. Arios shattered the rocks as Unfezant throw Air Slash while Flygon throw Dragon's breath. Arios throw Twin Arcane Gale to knock them both away.
Emblem Olivert fitting at Arios but he deflected them until Emblem Olivert fired one shot and hit his arm, enough for Kurt to lunged and then throw a series of slashes, then wrap around him and then form an X slash on him, enough force to stunned him as Emblem Lyn aim her arrow and fired, shooting Arrows and Gaius combo slash him, enough to push him away.
Noel Vermillion firing shots at Arios but he deflected them and then lung at her to slash her. But she jump overhead and then firing rapidly against him, then firing multiple shots and blasted him with energy shots to knock him away.
"Carnage Scissors!" Ragna lunged, grabbed and then reverse group sword slam, knocking Arios away and then uppercut him. He jump up and aerial slash him. "Nightmare Edge!" Then he drags out his sword from above his leading shoulder, falling straight down with both hands on the sword for a slamming slash of darkness, then swing-claws forward his following arm and strikes Arios dark energy as Noel Vermillion and Musse aim and firing multiple shots onto him as it pass through him.
Rean ran up to Arios and slash him. Arios quickly block and they swing at each other with swing play as Arios rotate his body and slash down, but Rean block then kick Arios for rotate his body upward to slash him and then forming wheel slash. Arios taken damage and then slash through Rean as he taken strong hims.
"Tch!" He grit his teeth as he winches as Levi throws Golden Crusader and striking Arios. "Roar!" Rean slash horizontal left then right. "Helix strike!" then used his craft: True Helix on him.
"Ngh!" He winced as Levi launch himself and thrust attack Arios.
Arios flip and then slid on his feet as Levi throw his Glaive in a spinning wheel. Arios slash to deflect it as Levi jump up, grabbed, spin and then throw his Glave as Arios backflip and Rean swing at him. Arios block and they swing at each other fierce. Levi grabbed his Glaive and then switl his Glaive, waiting and then Rean kick Arios and then slash him. Levi throw his Glaive, hitting Arios and knocking him on the floor as he curl into the ball and then place his hand on the ground to stop the slid. Riku Shotlock him for Dark Divine and then Ventus lung and combo slash him and Namine used Sonic Blade on him and then swing at his back to stun him.
Lyn took her stand and then she pass through Arios, dealing a wide cut.
"Augh!" Arios yelled as bolts of spark appeared on him, causing everyone to have an ?! over his head.
"What? Sparks?!" Lyn gasped.
'I knew it!' Rean thought. "Levi!"
"Right!" Levi nodded as Rean lung and he and Arios? swing at each other until he jump back and Levi dash and strike, knocking Arios off the observation Platform.
(BGM ended)
Everyone put their weapons away as Musse and Kurt look down at Arios? who suddenly vanished
(Trails into Reverie ost - Mysterious Element)
"Hey, did you all just saw that right?" Gray asked.
"Yeah. That wasn't Arios." Rean nodded. "Last time we fought, I could feel weight and soul in his blade—but not today. I'm sure it isn't just me who sensed something was amiss."
"If only I was precise as you, Instructor." Kurt admit.
"Power is but an extension of oneself,' as Master Arseid so often expresses." Aurelia folds her arms. "Anyone who's crossed blades with the true Divine Blade of Wind should have immediately noticed."
"So it's a feeling?" Emma asked.
"I imagine it's something only those who train in swordsmanship can understand." Gaius said
"No. I was able to notice something was off when I swing my Glaive at him." Levi shook his head. "It was like something was missing in his form."
"Yes. I've notice that too." Kazuha nodded.
"I'm not sure about that. but if any of you have sharp observation skills like mine, you should have notice his eyes." Yuri said.
"His eyes?" Riku asked.
"You know the saying 'Eyes are windows to the soul'? I've noticed his eyes were dull. Nothing like Juvia here."
"Wait, me?!" Juvia pointed at herself. "But my eyes are normal!"
"True. But I can tell you have a soul just by looking at you. It takes a keep eye to notice the differents." Yuri place his hand to his hip.
"Well, regardless, I did notice something was off. Warriors like us possess some form of aura. I don't sense any of that from him." Byleth said.
"Okay, yeah. But let's hold off on the whole observation thing for now." Ragna said. "If that wasn't Arios, then what happen to the real one?"
"I remember hearing from the guild that he was present in Crossbell during the ceremony." Noel Vermillion replied.
"I know in my head that that thing couldn't possibly be him, but it was still so lifelike." Sara muttered.
"Considering those sparks... it must be something like Aigis and Labys. Androids." Riku said.
"Yes. If we taken that into account, it can be the same applies to the Rufus who occupied in Xehanort." Musse nodded. "Thinking of it. It's even possible that this Xehanort is also another imposter. This technology used on him is like what we just saw, then it's no wonder everyone's been fooled."
"Ahahahaha!" A voice crackled, causing everyone to have an ?! over their heads. "Looks like you might have figure it out."
A corridor of darkness appeared in front of the Orbal Device and a cloaked person came out from it, causing an !? over everyone's heads.
"A black Coat! Thats the same one Organization XIII uses...!" Roy (Fire Emblem) exclaimed.
"Don't tell me..." Riku gritted his teeth.
"Hehe. It's been awhile, everyone." A voice said as the figure lower her hood, revealing to be Larxene.
(BGM ended)
(Trails into Reverie ost - Dark World)
"No way..." Levi growled.
"Larxene." Sara growled.
"Has it already been half a year since I've lost to you losers?" Larxene tap her flip as she turn her head to the sky. "Oh, right. It was. And I've seen a lot has happened during the Great Twilight. I see that dear Rean Schwarzer is no longer the sacrifice. Congratulations hero." She said sarcastically.
"Well, well. It's nice to see one of the late Organization XIII members. But are you the same as Arios, I wonder?" Aurelia asked
"Oh, don't compare me to that imperfect robot." Larxene struggled and shook her head. "My eyes are so dull as he is, aren't I?"
"True, but if that's the case. Then are you Larxene in human form?" Musse asked
"Oh, that's right. Back then, you were the Nobody along with Marluxia, Luxord, Xigbar, and Saix." Levi recalled.
"And here I thought you've forgotten that knowledge." Larxene smirked. "Anyway, feel free to call me Larxene. You done well to notice the little clues that were spotted in the highlands. Especially to that man called Mueller."
"Well. These are the same people that we lost to." Another voice said as a corridor of darkness appeared and came out was another hooded figure who lower his hood, revealing to be Marluxia.
"Marluxia...!" Namine muttered.
"My greetings to you all. Class VII, Super Mario Bros, Yoshi. And the rest of you as well. Oh. And of course, Riku, Namine and Ventus." He smirked.
"So you've returned too Marluxia? You're human like Larxene?" Gaius asked
"If I'm not, then how would I not remember you?"
"Riiight. I feel like you're avoiding the question on purpose, but what the heck are you two doing here... wait... don't tell me the two of you are also allies to that fake Rufus and Xehanort!" Ventus asked
"Unfortunately, yes." Larxene rolled her eyes as she fold her arms. "I'm not exactly happy with working with some people like Xehanort. But sadly, here I am like nothing changed."
"But it seems destiny cannot be helped. But we cannot allow you all to use this device that the fake you fought was guarding." Marluxia turn to the Orbal Device.
"So that is what he was guarding." Kazuha said.
"Then you two know what this device is. Mind giving us details?" Emblem Levi asked.
"Oh, sure. I'll gladly tell you." Larxene shrugged until she did the eyelid Pull Taught. "Not! Sorry, but we're not obligated to tell you. Nor we can allow you to examine it."
"But I suppose you can say this device is something important." Marluxia said.
Marluxia snapped his finger and Nobodies Reapers and Ninjas appeared, causing everyone's attention with an !? over their heads.
"Nobodies!" Azura draw her weapon.
"So you're the reason why the Nobodies are here!" Rean draw his Tachi as everyone draw their weapons.
"Then the Unversed who appeared back in Ymir...!" Levi grit his teeth.
"Ah. Well done to notice." Laraxene then snapped her finger as the Ninja Nobodies revealed to taken Schmidt hostage.
"Professor Schmidt!" Noem Vermillion yelled.
"Taken a hostage, huh?!" Ragna growled.
(BGM ended)
"Not the first time I'm sure. But it won't be the last either." Larxene comment.
(Kingdom Hearts III ReMind ost - Lord of the Castle)
Marluxia snapped his finger and the space around them begin to feel distorted.
"What the, the space!" Riku look around as the observation platform begin to expand.
"Now. Much better." Larxene said.
"Tch. So we got two return members of Organization XIII this time." Levi grumbled.
"We need to defeat them as we did with that fake." Mario stated.
"Right! We also have to rescue Professor Schmidt too." Byleth stated. "Split up into two groups to deal with them while the rest of us deal with the nobodies and rescue the Professor!"
"Rean! Something tells me they'll put up an even more difficult fight." Rean growl.
"Guess we'll find out once we kick their asses like we did before!" Levi exclaimed
"Ha!" Larxene pull out her knives as Marluxia summon his scythe. "Oh, let's see who's asses is really gonna get kick!"
The Lightning Flower Duo - Marluxia and Larxene
Rean form a combat link with Levi, Mario form a combat link with Yoshi, Kazuha form a combat link with Sara, and Riku form a combat link with Namine. Rean form a Poke-link with Charizard, Levi form a Pokemon link with Flygon, Sara form a Pokemon link with Swoobat. Emblem Levi appeared next to Rean, Emblem Sigurd appeared next to Levi.
Marluxia form a combat link with Larxene.
"The one called Marluxia is vulnerable to Fire Arts, Fire Type, Bug Types, Poison Types and Ice Type Moves. The one called Larxene is vulnerable to Space Arts, Ground Types, Bug Types, Fighting Type and Dark Type Moves." Sara's AI Master Quart informed.
Marluxia throw his scythe as a spinning wheel at the group as Levi deflect it.
"Lightning!" Larxene throw lightning onto the group as they all dodge.
Marluxia swirl his scythe overhead to unleash a wide flower petal slash on Kazuha and Sara as they block and then Larxene teleported behind Sara and slashes her.
"Ngh!" Sara winched as Larxene kicked her to the ground. "Oof!"
Riku airstep toward Larxene and then combo attacked her but Marluxia form a spinning wheel to bounce off Riku's attack as Levi lung and then flying kick Marluxia away as he slid as Rean dashed to him. Larxene summoned lightning rains to rain down onto the group, forcing them to jump and Rean stopped his tricks as Marluxia teleported to him and slashed him, only for Rean to block and then parry him. They swing at each other until Larxene throw knives at him. Rean unleashes a wide slash to deflect the lightning and Marluxia's scythe attack as Yoshi throw an Egg at Larxene.
"Ngh!" She growled as she turn to Yoshi as Mario ran up to her with his hammer.
Mario swing at her but Larxene dodge, then grabbed his hammer and then shocked him.
"Ayayayaya!" He yelled Electrified and Larxene throw him at Yoshi.
"Bwah/Oof!" They winched as Sara lung toward Larxene and they swing at each other.
"Hello, Purple Lighting." Larxene snarl.
"And hello to you two ya brat." Sara shot back and then she backflipped and shooting at her as Larxene backflip and then teleported next to Maluxia and throw knives at Rean and Levi.
"One with the Wind! Autumn Cloud!" Kazuha activated his brave Order as the group cloaks in a green aura.
"I don't think so!" Larxene raised her arm. "Shatter to dust: Lighting Round!" A disorder was activated as the Brave Order was canceled.
"What?!" Kazuha eye widen.
"Oh hell no! Not that Dis Order shit!" Sara growled.
"Complaining already?" Marluxia appeared from behind.
"...!" Sara quickly blocked Marluxia's attack and then he rotate his body to unleash a wide slash to push Sara away.
Larxene throw her knives at Levi and Rean as they both swing at them. Both of them deflected it as Kazuha dash at superhuman speed to slash her, but Larxene block with her lightning powers and spin around and kick Kazuha as he was knocked away and then recovered his ground as he slid. Rean lung at Larxene and he and Levi swing at her as she block and doge their attacks while Sara swing against Marluxia. Both of them teleported as Larxene summon lightning to rain down on them while Marluxia snapped his finger and summoned twilight vines toward the group. Kazuha cut the vines with a single slash as Sara used her craft: True Searing Flash on both of them.
Kazuha follow up by lunging, slashing through Larxene and Marluxia as Riku airstep and then used Shadowbreaker and then combo slash Larxene as Namine throw Tripple Blizzaga. Marluxia throw his scythe as it rotate around him to bounce off Triple Bliazaga and knocking away Riku and then grabbed and slam his scythe to the ground to spread darkness to surge dark energy to erupt on Namine as she shield herself with magic.
"Ahaha!" Larxene laughed as her knives extended range and then she move in zig-zag and slashing around Sara, Rean, Levi, Mario, Yoshi, Kazuha, Charizard, Flygon but he was unaffected by the Lightning and then used Dragon Claw to stop her rampage. "Oh, right. Ground Types Pokemon are immune to electricity." Flygon then throw Dragon Pulse on her face. "Augh!"
Larxene was knocked away as Charizard throw Fire Blast at let but Larxene teleported and kick Charizard to the ground. Mario throw many fireballs toward Marluxia who swirl his axe as a spinning shield and then teleported behind him to swing at him. Mario backflip and then kick Marluxia's face, but he anticipates that so he block it with his arm until Yoshi flurry kick the back of his neck than headbutted him Mario jump off and then flip and swing his hammer down on Marluxia's head, knocking him to the ground. Yoshi Ground Pound him, but Marluxia teleported away.
"Lightning!" Larxene rained down lightning and then toward Rean, Kazuha and Levi as they dodge as Sara aim her pistol and fired bullets.
Larxene deflected with her knive, then throw a barricade of them around as they vanished, then reappeared in incredible speed to pass through the group and shock them with powerful electrocution as they screamed.
"Ahahaha! Now electrified!" Larxene laugh sadistic as she summon more lightning knives and throw them to the heroes, jump into the air and then rain down powerful lightning on them.
"Auahg!" Sara yelled as she fell to her knees. "Nngh... How... the hell can she be this strong?!"
Marluxia teleported next to Larxene. "Having fun?"
"Oh this is just the beginning." Larxene summon more knives.
"Heal!" Riku and Namine throw Curaga on the group to heal them and then they took their stand.
Levi summon many rays of light as Marluxia and Larxene form barriers around themselves as Rean took his stand and then unleash a wide slash, cracking the barrier as Kazuha pass through the barrier, shattering it, leaving a trail of slash on them.
"Hmph/'Nhg!?" They winched as Mario throw fireballs at the two.
Larxene and Marluxia teleported as Marluxia summon rose petals and throw them onto the group. Levi swirl his glaive as a spinning shield to repel the attack as Sara jump toward Marluxia to slash him, but Larxene teleported in front of her to block to kick her down, but Swoobat used Psychic to restrain her and then slash her instead and kick her down as Marluxia readied to swing his scythe at her, but Riku airstep and combo slash him as Namine join in with Airstep. Then Riku and Namine teleported around Maruxia and the both kick him down to the ground.
Marluxia got back on his feet as Kazuha lung at him and swing at him. Marluxia swing his Scythe as he clashes with Kazuha and then pass through him for a slash, but Kazuha skillfully dodge that and then counter with a Helix slash, then skyward slash, then spinning wheel slash him, knocking him away as Sara use Deadly Assiat on him. Levi pass through Larxene, then swirl his Glaive and rotating his body for horizontal slashes and backslashes, then jump, performing a cartwheel slam. Larxene teleported to throw Lightning, but Emblem Sigurd block and disarmed her, causing her to growl as Rean pass through to her, dealing slashes on her as she block his attack until Emblem Levi charge attack her.
Larxene roll on her back and growled. She channel electricity around herself and then throw multiple lightning from above as Levi form a barrier to him and Rean while the others who weren't close got shock. Rean took a stand as he sheath his Tachi and then pull for Waning Crescent Slash, dealing damage onto her and Levi assist with Deadly assult.
Marluxia summon multiple flowers that spout form the ground and then throw the roots at them. Kazuha took his stand, then pass through Marluxia and the vines, leaving a trail of slashes as Sara raise her sword imbued with lightning and slam it down hard on him. Mario imbued his hammer with Fire from his Fire Flower and then swing and knock him away to Larxene.
"Oof!" Larxene winched as he and Marluxia roll on the floor and then got back on their feet. "Grrr! You guys are really missing me off."
"I suppose it's no question that they're stronger than before. Considering they taken down the fake Arios." Marluxia said as he notice that his Nobodies were vanished. "Oh? It seems we lost this one."
Marluxia and Larxene turn to the orbal device where they see Schmidt is working on it while the rest were shielding him.
"Hmm... This isn't responsible for operating those tanks. It's protected by complex security, to boot." Schmidt mused.
"Then are you able to analyze it, Professor?" Ventus asked
"Who do you think you're talking to? I could handle this in my sleep."
"All right, then what is this device for?" Ragna asked.
"Hmm... It's an optical device—a kind of projector. But its range couldn't be suggesting what I think it is... Let me try turning it off." He said and then he turn off the machine.
Juvia turn her head and had an !? over her head. "Everyone! Look!" She pointed.
(BGM ended)
The field where many soldots, tanks and warships in the area suddenly flashes, disappearing.
"What the hell...?!" Ragna eye widen.
"All of those weapon have vanished! It's like they disappeared..." Noel Vermillion remark
Larxene sighed. "Congratulations. You found what you're searching for."
"The projector is actually an illusion projection. Capable of masking anything so long as if they have the right image." Marluxia said as the digital screen revealed the Courageous II.
"The Courageous II!" Rean gasped.
"So it was hiding behind a projection this whole time?!" Levi asked. "How could they managed to create a projection to disguise an airship as an entire army's worth of weapons?"
"There is only one person who I can think of who is capable of making such a projection." Schmidt said.
"We've all been had—the Empire and the Republic alike." Aurelia said. "Since the ones responsible for this would be..."
"You've really done it now, Class VII!" A voice growled as appeared on the screen of the device was Colonel Dalton.
(Trails into Reverie ost - Dark World)
"That's him! That's the man I saw!" Noel Vermillion yelled
"Colonel Daltion you traitorous— How DARE you deceived us!" Levi growled
"I knew something was very off with you from the beginning." Yuri glared.
"First the Golden Rakshasa come to your aid along with Ragna the Bloodedge, then you manage to defeat the Divine Blade of Wind and Lord Marluxia and Lady Larxene. I never saw either coming."
"Colonel Dalton. To think you would orchestrate such a thing behind our backs." Emblem Olviert giving a look of disappointment. "What possesses you to do such a thing?"
"Do you have any idea what you have done?" Gaius grit his teeth.
"Hmph. I have done nothing but prepare to make sacrifices. And speaking of sacririfces. His Highness and the Courageous II are under our control. If you value his life, you will surrender!" Dalton threaten.
"You bastard. If you dare harm Olivert and anyone in that ship." Ragan giving him a death threat.
And that's the end of this part! And Maruxia and Larxene have returned! One of my favorite Organization XIII members and duo. Here are their battle data
Marluxia: Member of Organization XIII. Wields a scythe with plant manipulations to bring death to chosen target by placing a time limit. Calm and being collective is his greatest asset in battle.
HP: 753097
Larxene: Member of Organization XIII. Lightning and reflexes are her greatest strength and wielding knive simbued with lightning. Ruthless to tear enemies appaert and burn them with lightning.
HP: 753097