Trails into Reverie: The Chaos of Babel

by mysteryfriend16

Crossbell has finally gained its independence. The SSS and all of Crossbell finally have their dreams come true. Suddenly, Rufus Albarea and the newly established Ebon Defense Force attacked and took over Crossbell once more. Three Heroes: Lloyd, Rean, and a mysterious masked man must work together to solve this crisis and free Crossbell together once more with friends all over.

27. Act 4 Rufus's Route: Elysium

(Trails into Reverie ost - Twilight Hermitage)

Rufus's Team arrived at the Prison. They see Archaisms.

"Oooh. We got to fight robots today. Fun!" Nadia said while Noel place two fingers in his forehead.

"I figured this is how it'd be." Swin sighed.

"Prison or not, I'm guessing it wasn't always such a freak show." Renne replied.

"It's quite the fortified facility. Much like the police academy it shares a wall with. Occupying it and turning it into a base does make strategic sense." Rufus replied.

"heh. We can grind weaklings like those beneath our heel." Duvalie said.

"True. It shouldn't even pose a problem with our combined might." Neve agreed.

"Especially since some of us experience prison breaks." Rogue turning to Shadow.

'I'm serious!' Noel whispered in the call. 'No, I'm not lying! It's actually her! Since when do I never lie? Hmm? hm mm... Okay, let me know okay since Crossbell jam communication? Love you, bye.'

"Who were you talking too?" Tartagalia asked

"A friend." Noel replied.

"Through telepathy?"

"It's Shirley, you dunce!" Noel lied as he was exasperated.

"Ahh, Prison... This is gonna be annoying..." Wario grumbled.

"We should consider ourselves lucky we don't have warrents..." Waluigi grumbled.

"What did you two do this time?" Kammy asked

"None of your beeswax." Wario respond

"So, do you know where Ian is?" Lapis asked

"He's on the top floor fo the building. I'll guide you there, but stay alert." Arios answered.

"All right, let's get do it!" Florian palm fist as they take off.

"I'm honestly surprised that we're walking to a prison so easily..." Penny replied.

"It's not even every day we go into a prison. Or rather, it's extremely uncommon for us good guys—minus some of you— that we ever get close to one." Florian replied.

"Heh. Don't be cheeky, Florian." Raven said with a smug look. "But if you are a thief like me, I doubt this prison would hold me, even if they capture me. I know I can make my escape."

"Or me since I can just escape anyway." Emerald replied.

"We're truly a colorful group..." Arven sighed.

"But I love that we have such a unique combination!" Nemona giggled.

"Positive as ever, Nemona. That's what I like about you." Noel replied as he chuckled. "That reminds me, Kieran and Carmine, right? Havne't seen you two in awhile."

"Oh... Uh... Y-Yeah..." Kieran shivered.

"I'm guessing you're still afraid of me after what happened, aren't you?"

"Well duh! How can any of us can after that outburst and that you nearly choked my brother!" Carmine asked.

"To be fair, sis... I did deserve it." Kierans scratch his hair sheepishly.

"That you did. Still, I do owe you an apology. I'm..." Noel scratch the back of his hair sheepishly. "...a bit protective of Renne."

"A bit?" Renne raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, you know what I mean! Plus, I'm sure you would do the same to me or your other friends."

"I suppose so."

"But I have to say." Noel turning to Arios. "How amusing the fate can be."

"Indeed. It has been awhile, Divine Blade of Wind." Emblem Arianrhod replied

"And to you, Lady Arianrhod." Arios said.

"To think fate would lead us back on the same side, Arios Maclaine." Duvalie said. "It's funny. We met at the tournament, but we've haven't spoked since my days with the CDF. I see you've endured a great deal since then. I'm keen to see how you carry on your lord's spirit. Both of you."

"Y-you..." Duvalie place her hand over her chest. "You honor us with your words."

"Yeah. I will do my upmost to carry the torch of my Mother's spirit." Noel place his hand over his head. "I still have a long way to go."

"Hehe..." Emblem Arianrhod smiled.

They've taken care of a few Archaisms and Monsters blocking their paths and then taken them out. The found a switch and use it.

"What convoluted contraptions to have for a simple prison." Duvalie said

"I beleive they upped their security after a certain someone from the SSS broke out of here." Renne grinned.

"Haha. That young man gave me quite a headache while in the birdcage as well." Rufus chuckled.

"Well, what did you expect from that man?" Noel asked. "That man is stubborn as a bull that nothing will stop him. Honestly, he's reckless, irritated and annoying with his sense of justice. But that's what I like about him, even though we have our own difference of justice."

"Hehe. Especially since his stubbornness to even force me on my knees." Emblem Arianrhod chucked.

"You all think positive of him, don't you?" Emblem Loewe asked.

"Well, what did you expect from a very stubborn man?" Emblem Celica asked.

"Haha. No kidding." Emblem Lief smiled.

"You kinda got me curious about the SSS now." Swin mused.

"Oh, they're a fun group! I can't wait for you to meet them." Nemona giggled.

"Hehe. I have respects for that detective." Mitsuru said.

"Sounds too annoying if you ask me." Wario said as they go up the second floor.

"There's no charm to be found! Not in the building, not in the furniture, and not even in the dolls!" Lapis complain. "I give it all 0 points!"

"Tough break!" Nadia giggled. "That's even lower than when the boss went by C!"

"Lapis, honey, nothing about the prison is supposed to be cute or any charm. It's a place where lowlifes just rot away in their cells." Rouge chuckled.

"Which is—as they say—funny considering we have one criminal who rot in his cell." Aigis replied

"Ha!" Noel laughed as they keep moving around and around the Prison until they reach the third floor.

"Are we there yet?" Labrys asked

"We're almost there." Arios replied

"Wow. They really know how to make this prison quite complex when it comes to making us go to room too room, activating switches. They know how to make prison take awhile for those who tried to escape." Hazama chuckled.

"It's also becoming irritating that we have to keep moving from room to room." Xiao replied.

"I doubt we should break our way in, otherwise we'll get charge for property damage." Tartaglia said. "Although, what became some of the prisoners?"

"I imagine the Co-Supreme Leaders must have added criminals into their ranks." Jingliu said

"Oh those poor fools..." Noel muttered.

"Hmm..." Hakumen hummed.

"Is something the matter, White Void?" Renne asked

"Something is amiss... We best stay on guard."

"Are we there yet?" Wario asked complaining.

"We are. We should hurry." Arios answered as they see the door. 'Hold on a little longer. We'll be there soon.'

They soon approached the door and then they enter and see Shizuna, Miltank with Emblem Arios and Ian.

(BGM ended)

"Milk?" Miltank turn her head.

(Trails into Reverie ost - Raindrop in the Wind)

Shizuna turn and see her father. "Father!" She ran up to him and hug him and he hug back.

"I know I kept you waiting, Shizuku." Arios smiled

"Is that his daughter?" Nadia asked

"No wonder he came with us." Renne mused.

"Although I am curious as to why his daughter was here in a prison of all places." Noel wondered

"I take it that things went well with you?" Emblem Arios appeared.

"To some instant. But thank you for looking after our daughter, Emblem Me." Arios smiled

"Heh. We're both her Fathers, so it's natural."

"Wait, so even ARIOS has an Emblem version of himself?!" Kevin asked with a jawdropped.

"Oh dear Aidios... This is just too much. Who else will we encounter..." Ries sighed

"YOU'LL GET USED TO IT." Omega said.

"Thank you, Miltank for looking out for her. And thank you for looking after her." Arios turning to Ian Grimwood.

"Miltank!" Miltank cheered.

"You were right on time. They had their run of the place much sooner than I expected." Ian smiled as Rufus's group enter the room. "I see you came with a lot of people."

"Heeeeeey Mr. Grimwood." Noel waved at him.

"W-Wait, is that the Undine Prince from the society?" Ian blinked and then see Emblem Arianrhod. "And... the Steel Maiden? But I thought—"

"It's been a while, Mr. Grimwood." Emblem Arianrhod nodded. "But I am also an Emblem. The original did pass on, but as you can see from my colleagues, I am an Emblem."

"Man. I never expected that even the legendary Steel Maiden to become an Emblem too." Ian scratched his hair until he saw Rufus. "I... I don't understand... I don't know most of you, but you I'm more than surprised to see."

"Then I need not introduce myself, seeing as you know who I am. A pleasure, Mr. Grimwood." Rufus greeted. "We're here to see you for the benefit of this young lady here." He turns to Lapis as she step up.

"And who might you be?"

"My name is Lapis Rosenberg." Lapis introduced herself.

Ian had an ! over his head. "I see. Well, that clears things up! I'm very glad you came. I have been waiting for you, Lapis."

"That's a relief." Swin smiled

"We finally hit jackpot." Nadia cheered.

(BGM ended)

Xiao sense an unknown power as he see a small portal behind Lapis.

"Look out!" Xiao yelled as he teleported, grabbed Lapis and jump away from a snake-like energy.

"What the—?!" Arven yelped and the another aim underneath Xiao and Lapis as he dodge and then toward Rufus's group as they dodged the attack.

"This looks like—!" Swin flinched.

"Ouroboros. But this is not my doing." Hazama replied

Xiao turn to the direction on the left and dropped Lapis and teleported away.

"Hey! That's not—"

CLASH!

CLASH!

CLING!

Something burst from the wall, revealing to be Xiao being knocked away as he slid.

(Blazblue Chronophantasma ost - Silent Scream)

"Ngh!" Xiao growled

"What an annoying little freak you are." The smoke cleared as Yuki Terumi enter the room.

"Oh, now what?" Mitsuru brought out her Rapier as everyone took out their weapons.

"Impossible!" Hakumen yelled as underneath his mask was a death glare. "TERUMI!"

"Well, Hello "hero". Terumi tossing his knives. "Who would have guessed I run into you here with this merry band?"

"Oh for cryin' out loud. Can't we take a break with some villain attacking us out of nowhere?" Labrys complained

"Seriously! Can't things go smoothly for once?" Nadia groaned

"Shizuku, get into the corridor. Leave Emblem me with me." Arios request. "Ian, Miltank, please stay with her!"

"Milk!" Miltank nodded

"Of course. We can talk more after." Ian said as Shizuku remove the Bracelet of the Wind Blade and hand it to her Father as she, Miltank and Ian take off.

"All right, who are you?" Shadow asked, readied his Chaos Spear.

"Yuki Terumi..." Noel glared. "I heard about him from Campanella. He's an abomination ghost who broke into the Celestial Globe after the Great Twilight."

"What?!" Renne eye widen.

"That's putting it likely." Hazama replied.

"Terumi is an evil incarnation who brought nothing but ruin. How are you here?!" Hakumen growled.

"Funny that you brought that up." Terumi smirked. "Turns out, thanks to that system that cause the Cross Tag Battle Event, it detected my DNA from dear Hazzy with you and poof, here I am. How funny things turn out to be."

"Nnngh! That wretched System cursed us all if your presence taint this world!"

"Hmm... It would seem his presence isn't the only thing that would cause omen to this world." Jingliu said. "If you're here... I assume you're after her, aren't you?" She turning to Lapis.

"Huh? Me?" Lapis asked

"He attacked you, remember?" Xiao told her.

"I can't say I'm quite happy for you to attack her. However, I assume you're also one of my Imposter's allies." Rufus asked

"Ah, the real Rufus Alberea. Correct. But I have my own reason for being here and part of this farce." Terumi said. "One of the reasons is to rid of a problem which I'm sure you're working hard to discover the "truth" behind this whole ordeal. We—and I mean a few smart ones I can name— know how much the threat that doll poses. We simply can't allow her to exist. Especially the rest of you."

"Why am I not surprised." Neve rolled his eyes. "I assume you have some backup?"

"Oh, I was hoping you'll say that." Terumi smirked. "GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!"

(BGM ended)

The ground shook as something broke through the wall. It was purple tentacles until a monstrous beast appeared.

(Trails into Reverie ost - Heavy Violent Match)

"What the hell? What in the world is THAT?!" Rouge asked.

"I am... undying..." It spoked in a distorted yet familiar voice.

It's appearance was a purple body with some gold armor. A orb on his arm sprouting tentacles and on top of it was the wing.

"It can't be..." Swin eye widen

"Is that... the Emperor?" Nadia asked

"Ugh... He looks all messed up." Lapis muttered

"His shoulders resembles one of the artifacts he was using." Neve remark.

"But how could this be?" Rufus wondered

"Ah, yes. Dimentio sent his regards too." Terumi playing with his knives, looking at Emperor Dogma. "He was very irritated by one of those Garden Children and of course, the Dominion over there for insulting his pride. And so, he decided to pay you all back by turning the dear Emperor into this."

"Wait, you're telling me this is what Dimentio was planning to get back at us?" Nadia asked "By turning him into this... abomination?"

"Tch. That son of a..." Kevin growled.

"Well you had to give him credit for coming up with a "creative" way to get back at you." Terumi said. "All he did was crack that orb and have it merge with him. Turning this into the monster you see before you by melding and deforming the host. I had to admit, I like him more now."

"So Dimentio made the artifact malfunction." Renne muttered. "My, that jester really made a devilish move."

The Emperor turn to Nadia and Swin. "I... found... you..." He glared and then roared. "ROAAAAAAAAAAAR!"

Shadow fold his arms. "Pitiful. The artifact also affected his sense of self as well. All that drives him now is his obsession for revenge against you two."

Nadia sighed. "Wonderful. That jester really pisses me off."

"So you wouldn't mind telling us why you know this thing?" Noel asked. "Because it's staring right at us."

"If only we didn't." Swin muttered.

"All we can do is hope this round puts him down for good!" Nadia replied.

"What a shame." Jingliu said. "I've heard tales about the Emperor, and not spoken kindly. But all we can do now is put him to rest."

"Right." Kevin readied his Crossbow. "If possible, let's try to recover what's left of the artifact you kids so kindly gave to the church."

"Oh I don't think you can recollect them." Terumi said and then he snapped his finger

Then a surge of darkness burst from the ground as it materializes. From the darkness as a Large snake with an long body that reach the ceiling. Its Body was covered in thick-keeled scales that were black in color with green lines all over its body. Its head was rounded and compressed with a short and spatulate snout, and two nostrils located in between its relatively small eyes that were widely spaced apart. The eye color is Yellow eyes that has vertical slit pupils. Its has a row of conical sharp teeth inside both its upper and lower jaws, as well as a pair of hinged fangs on the roof of its upper jaw. Its Heartless Symbol is underneath its chin.

"Holy..." Tartaglia eye widen.

"Shit..." Swin eye widen as they all eye widen of the Heartless.

"You've got to be kidding me..." Neve grit his teeth.

"Eeeek! It's a snake!" Lapis exclaimed.

"Meet Jormungandr." Terumi smirked. "A fitting name for the "serpent that swallows the world." Oh, it also the name of Operation Jormungandr, doesn't it?"

Rufus glared. "Are you mocking me?"

"Don't give into anger!" Hakumen yelled. "That is what Terumi's feeds. The more hatred you have more him, the stronger he'll become."

"Aww, why you have to tell them, hero?" Terumi muttered. "But, whatever. I already got enough hatred that the world is string anyway. And it all thanks to many villains I could name like you Rufus who empower me. But anywho. Emperor. Jormungandr. Kill them." Terumi command.

"RAAAAAAAAR!" Emperor roared as it gathering purple energy around itself and the floor begin to rip apart as rocks levitated around him while Jormungandr open its jaws and charge energy. "DIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!" Emperor roared as he conjured rocks from the floor and launched them toward the team while the Heartless fired a massive beam until Neve used Reflectga to reflect it back at them.

"Damn it, that heartless is much of an annoying threat! Come on! Let's do this, everyone!" Neve yelled

"SYSTEM ONLINE. DESTROY THE EMPEROR, THE HEARTLESS AND TERUMI!" Omega readied his arms.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Tartaglia burst into laughter as everyone has an ?! over their heads. "Oh, this is great!" His eyes glow a but. "A powerful heartless, a monsteroious mean with great power... and now a menacing guy with great power! Oh, this is one feast I cannot ignore. I'm gonna have a sweet taste~!"

"W-What's with this guy?" Penny asked with a concerned look while Noel giving a deadpan 'Oh, not again' look.

"Ignore him. It's just his bloodlust reawaken when he encounters powerful monsters or foes..." Noel muttered. "My colleagues are not normal."

That cause everyone except Duvalie to sweatdrop.

"No one in the society is normal." Kevin comment.

"Neither is anyone from the church." Noel shot back.

Melded Transformation - Emperor Dogma

Heartless Serpents that devour the world - Jormungandr

Evil of all Spirits - Yuki Terumi

Rufus form a combat link with Neve, Nadia form a combat link with Swin, Lapis form a combat link with Omega, Shadow form a combat link with Labrys, Aigis form a combat link with Mitsuru, Kammy form a combat link with Rouge, Wario form a combat link with Waluigi, Noel form a combat link with Renne, Duvalie form a combat link with Tartaglia. Kevin form a combat link with Xiao and Ries, Emerald form a combat link with Arios, Raven form a combat link with Hazama, Florian form a combat link with Kieran, Carmine form a combat link with Nemona, Penny form a combat link with Labrys, Hakumen form a combat link with Jingliu.

"Let's go, Staraptor!" Arios toss his Pokeball and came out Staraptor.

"Staraptor!" He roared.

"Let's go, Urshifu!" Tartaglia throw his Pokeball in the air and came out Urshifu.

Rufus form a Pokemon link with Gallade, Swin form a Pokemon link with Ceruledge, Nadia form a Pokemon link with Ursaring, Noel form a Pokemon link with Milotic, Renne form a Pokemon link with Miraidon, Florian form a Pokemon link with Koraidon, Penny form a Pokemon link with Sylveon, Arven form a Pokemon link with Mabosstiff, Nemona form a Pokemon link with Quaquaval, Carmine form a Pokemon link with Morpeko, Kieran form a Pokemon link with Grimmsnarl, Duvalie form a Pokemon link with Sirfetch'd, Arios form a Pokemon link with Starator. Jingliu form a Pokemon link with Froslass. Tartaglia form a Pokemon link with Urshifu.

Emblem Lief appeared next to Florian, Emblem Loewe appeared next to Renne, Emblem Celica appeared next to Penny, Emblem Arianrhod appeared next to Noel, Emblem Arios appeared next to Arios.

"Emperor Dogma is vulnerable to Wind Arts, Flying, Poison, Fighting and Grass Type moves." Tartaglia AI Master Quarts informed.

"Jormungandr is weak against Earth Arts, Ground Type, Rock Types, Steel Types, and Ice Types Moves." Arios AI Master Quart informed.

"Yuki Terumi is vulurable to Water Arts: Ghost Type, Fairy Type, Fighting Type and Bug Types moves." Hakumen's AI Master Quart informed.

Hakumen lung toward Terumi to slash him, but he backflip and throw knives at him as he deflect them, then Jingliu dash at insasne speed to slash combo him. Terumi shield himself with his arms and then cloak his feet with dark green energy and flip kick, sending a uppercut projection at her, but she backflip as Emperor gathering energy and throwing rocks toward Nadia and Swin. They split up as Ceruledge lung toward Emperor and slash him. Emperor backhand and then throw his tentacles at him only for Ursaring to grabbed a piece of the floor and throw it on his face, allowing Nadia to throw many needles at him as Ceruledge jump away, then allow Swin lung and unleash a flurry of slashes at him.

Emperor swing his tentacles arms at Swin but he jump away as Wario throw a Bob-Omb on him.

"Raaaaaaagh! GET OUT OF MY WAY!" Emperor roared as he extended its tentacles to grabbed Wario, only to be cut off by Noel as Milotic fired Hydro Pump at him. "Bwahghghgh?!"

Noel lung and then throw a series of slashes while Emblem Arianrhod rapidly thrusts Emperor as he shields himself with his tentacles arm and then as Renne then pass through him with a wide slash and then she swing her scythe gracefully while Emblem Loewe combo slash him. Emperor unleash a gravity blast to push the two and their Emblems Away as Miraidon fired Hyper Beam to push Emper away, then Renne toss her scythe to pass through, then pass through again for slashes, then lung, grabbed, lung over and then slam Emperor's head while Noel unleash a series of slashes, forming twin X slashes and then whirling slash combo and then conjuring water rotating around him and then form them into daggers as he sent a X slash projection on him, adding the water daggers at boost.

Emperor roared as he manipulated gravity to pull rocks from the floor and then rotate around him to force Noel and Renne back, then Emperor launch the rocks at them. Renne, Emblem Loewe, Emblem Arianrhod and Noel destroy the rocks while Empeor throw its tentacles at to the ground to travel underneath which Noel and Renne notice as they both jump away from the tentacles' attack.

Jormungandr slither and attack Rufus as he jump out of the way and thrust at the Heartless body. Jormungandr fired acid toward him which Gallade throw Psycho Cut to cut through it and then Neve lung for Ars Arcanum and then throw multiple Ice Shards and block against the Heartless. Jormungandr swing his tail on him and the Heartless eyes flashes and then created afterimages of itself and open its jaws to bite them, but they duo dodged as Raven cut through the Afterimage and then conjured electricity and fire at him to shock the heartless while Hazama throw Ouroboros at the head, pull himself toward it and then throwing swift slashes. Jormungandr open its jaws to bite Hazama but he pull himself away and then throw knives against the snake as he command Ouroboros to bind him, only to be broken free shortly after as Raven lung around, slashing through it and then aim her hand to freeze its body.

Jormungandr broke free and then it spin rapidly as to throw scales-like projections at them. Raven and Hazama deflected them as Emerald firing dust shots against it, then Arios and Emblem Arios lung at the Heartless to slash through its body and then throwing powerful wind projection attacks. Jormungandr hissed and it vanished.

"Where did it—" Evemeral look around and Jormungandr appeared from behind her with its massive jaws, only for Xiao to rescue her by lung and impale the Heartless and drag it to and pin it to the way. "Oh my god!"

Jormungandr screech at Xiao and it launch a tail attack, but Xiao backflip and then dive toward the Heartless. as it used its tail to shield itself from the attack. Xia teleport around rapidly, dealing phantom slashes and then teleported above and impale the head as the Heartless screech and then move around to shake Xiao off. Xiao jump off then firing a jet of green energy, then Kevin firing multiple orbal arrows shots while Salamenace fired Dragon Pulse. Jormungandr unleash a dark breath attack toward the group but Staraptor flipping his wings for whirlwind to blow away the breath attack.

Ries throw Gravion Hammer on the Heartless as Altaria Moonblast at it. Jormungandr taken the hits and then it turn invisible until Xiao channel green energy into a sphere and then throw it at Kevin.

"Wah!" Kevin dodge as Jormungandr appeared behind, and got hit but the sphere. "Xiao! Give a heads up next time!"

Kevin aim and firing orbal Shots rapidly while Ries swing her Templar Sword until Terumi teleported to her and kick her face.

"Augh!" She winched as Terumi throw snake energy to bite her harm hard to spill bloot and then slam her to the ground.

"Ries! Bastard!" Kevin glared in rage and firing at Terumi who easily deflected it.

"Bwahaha! Oh, the Heretic Hunter. I've heard a lot about you. A lost cause who beat the shit when he was a child. You remind me much of Raggy. How's your dead mentor?" Teumi dark grin.

"Grrr!" Kevin glare in rage an then firing rapidly at Terumi, only for him to dodge them easily and then lung at Kevin with snakes energy between him then kick him.

Kevin shielded himself with his arms as he slid and then activated his Stigma and then aim his Crossbow. "Calvary Bolt!" He fired orbal shots at him which Terumi deflected them, only to notice its surrounded him and Kevin snapped his fingers as dark needles impaled him.

"Augh! Sneaky little shit!" Terumi growled as he lung at him.

Terumi slash his knives, but Kevin blocked with his Crossbow and then backflipped and fired his arrows at him, Terumi deflected the arrows as Kevin then swing his Crossbow at they swing at each other. Terumi then throw snake heads at Kevin to bite his shoulders, then Terumi turns axe-kicks his Kevin to the ground, stomping several times, to sweep them off the ground and finish with a backward kick trailed by an energy snake to the wall.

"Augh!" Kevin winched and fell on the ground.

"Bwahaha! Is that all you got you pathetic piece of shit?" Terumi laughed as Florian lung forward with a cork-screw kick but Terumi block it with his Arm and then conjured Snake chains to bind him, only for Florian to bounce off and throw multiple knives at him.

Terumi deflected them with his knives and then throw the snake coil at him and then bind him to drain him, only for Koraidon to use Close Combat and knock him away while Florian broke free, and then lung, pass through him and teleport around him, dealing phantom slashes and Florian cork flip and snapped his finger as the slashes converted into damage, then Kieran spins in the air while kicking Terumi and then bounce off him as Grimmsnarl used Spirit Shackles on him.

"Aaaaugh!" Terumi yelled from the attack.

"Wow. Spirit Shackles really harm him, huh?" Kieran asked.

"You little shit! DIE!" Terumi lung at Kierian, only for Florian to block and perform the spinning wheel as Terumi stepping back. "The Divine Twin Blades!" He did a rising backward front-flipping kick; both having energy snake trails, only for Florian to backflip and then Kevin firing multiple orbal arrows, only for Terumi to conjured Ouroboros to deflect them and then throw them at him.

Kevin dodge and backlfip and then conjured magic circles behind him and aim. "Spear of Ur!"

He unleash a flurry of projections attack as Terumi manifested large snakes and then launch toward Kevin as the projections bounced off and grabbed Kevin, pulling him toward Terumi who feet cloak with energy and unleash a powerful kick to launch Kevin into the air, then teleported above and then kick him on his stomach and launch him to the ground and stomp on him.

"Aaaugh!" Kevin yelled in agony as Terumi had Ouroboros to bind him.

"Oh, you really do remind me of Raggy." Terumi smirked

"Kevin!" Ries yelled as she, Hakumen, Jingliu and Florian rush to him.

"RAAAAAAAGH!" Emperor roared and unleash a gravity blast to push them away and then summon countless rocks and throw them toward the group while Jormangandr fired a laser beam from its mouth toward the group, causing a large explosion.

"Just thinking about that sonofabitch just makes me boil with rage! But on the bright side, I can toy with you!" Terumi slams Kevin to the ground and then stomp his face. "We got the Heretic Hunter. A Dominion who is such a good dog to exterminate anyone who bothers your pathetic church. Like how you did with Ouroboros Faceless. I bet it feels good killing him, doesn't it? I bet it also feels good that you wanna shoot your deadbeat dad who abandoned you and your dear fragile mother."

"Grrr!" Kevin growling. "You...!" then Terumi kick him away as he rolled and got back on his feet. "Is studying your opponent's history a thing for you?" He then firing multiple shots.

"Oh, no. I couldn't care who my opponent was—" Terumi deflecting the shots and throwback where multiple snake projections. "—but what I am interested in is weak things. Like how you are, relying on your Stigma. But isn't it funny how things turn out how you got that? You only got that thing because of absorbing the Artifact's power that consumed your mind, making you a mindless beast. And who was it that saved you? Your mentor and your squire's older sister, Rufina. But it cost her life to save a street urchin. A nobody. She must have been a stupid bitch."

"Bastard!" Kevin yelled in rage lung toward Terumi as they swing at each other, until Terumi low kicked him, then bind Kevin with the snake coil and absorbed his power. "Aaaaugh!" Then Terumi use Serpent Curse Sting as he slashes Kevin twice with Ouroboros via an upward hook and a downward slam, then grabs him with two snake energy to capture and bite his arms, dealing an impulse attack and then finishing it off with Serpent's Laceration.

"What's the manner Dominion? Is that really all that you got?!" Terumi let out a sadist laugh.

"Get away from him!" Ries yelled as she, Salamance, and Altaria lung toward, only for Terumi to summon three snake energy snakes.

"Ries! Get back!" Kevin yelled but too late as the snakes grabbed and slam Ries, Salamance and Altaria to the wall where it exploded. "RIES! SALAMANCE! ALTARIA!"

"Bwahaha! Oh, thanks for the juice you dumb bitch!" Terumi laughed.

"TERUMI!" Kevin firing multiple projections at Terumi as he dodge backfliping and laugh to taught him.

Emperor aim his tentacle arm and throw and multiple to attack the group while Jormungandr firing laser beam toward the group as they dodged and Penny throwing energy lasers to the Heartless while Sylveon fired Moonblast, Morpeko firing Discharge, Sirfetch'D and Duvalie impale the Heartless and drag their swords as they move to the left as Tartaglia firing water arrows Homing Shots against the Heartless. Emperor swing its claw arms against Swin as they swing at each other, while Nadia throwing needles at him Emperor used gravity to push back the Needles as Ceruledge throw Psycho Cut to his face and then Ursaring jump high and then use Hammer Arm to knock it away.

"Stay... out... of my... waaaaaay!" Emperor roared and then conjured countless rocks as it rotate around him and then fired multiple toward the group

"Chaos Control!" Shadow unleash Chaos Control to slow down the rocks and then he teleporting, kicking each rocks and then throw Chaos Spear onto The Emperor's face.

"Raaugh!" He roared as Labrys ran up and then swing her axe fiercely and then slam him to the ground as Aigis jump up, firing multiple bullets at him.

"Firing Missiles!" Aigis yelled as she firing multiple missiles against the Jormungandr and Emperor, dealing explosion.

Jormungandr roar then split itself into two and the two fire laser beams toward them until Neve cast large Reflecga to reflect the lasers back to the Heartless.

"Rufus, with me!" Neve took his stand.

"Right!" Rufus took his stand and he and Neve lung toward the Heartless as they both pass through the Heartless, they both swing together a series of slashes as Jormungandr attack with its tail and firing scales from its body at them.

Rufus and Neve both dodge and then both move in Zig-Zag formation and they Neve created platforms around with magic and Rufus use one of the Platforms to launch himself and slash around the Heartless as Neve jump to the other platform to do the same. Then Neve teleported into the air and then swing his arm to summon multiple magic circles rotating around the heartless and each one fired large ice sword to impale it while Rufus imbued his sword with dark energy that extended the range, jump and slam it on the Heartless's head, passing through with a dark energy explosion.

Rufus jump away as he and Neve combine their Sword and Keyblade into one weapons. They both grabbed it and lung toward the Heartless as they swing together in a series of enormous sword strokes. Then they both raised their combined swords to the air and Rufus materialized golden swords from his S- Craft while conjured a large magic circle as surge of power course around them and their swords as it materialized ice clones of them wielding the soldier swords. They both took the stand together and lung at Jormangandr at high speed, dealing a wide large slash as the Ice Warriors lung around, dealing phantom slashes before disappearing.

"Union Strike: Suttungr Shift!" Rufus and Neve yelled in unity as a wide and barricade of slashes appeared around Jormungandr as it screech in agony.

"Whoa..." Swin stared at eye.

"Swin, eyes forward!" Noel yelled as he turn and Emperor throw his tentacles at him.

Swin jump away as Kammy throw multiple Homing Shots against the Emperor who shield himself with his arms, then Kammy swirl her wand and then throw multiple vines at him. Emperoe backhand the vines as Rogue flew at high speed, kicking around Emperor and then throwing bombs at him as they exploded. Omega firing multiple Bullets at him as Emperor roared. He lung toward Omega and he respond in kind and throw their fist at each other, swinging at each other as the tentacles grabbed Omega, only for him to firing a laser beam on the tentacles and hitting the orbs.

"AAAAUGH!" Emperor dropped him as he stepped back.

Wario ran up to Emperor and punch his face, then he pummel him and uppercut, knocking him to he ceiling and Waluigi throw many bob-ombs at him as they exploded and Emperor came crahsing to the ground. Emperor growled as he burst out of the debris. Emperor used gravity on the debris, crush them and throw them as needles toward the group as Noel conjured a wall of water to block them as Jingliu lung toward Emperor, slashing through him, then she swing gracefully, leaving a trail of ice from every series of slashes and then she grip her sword and she thrust attack, knocking the Emperor and froze him.

Hakumen lung toward and throw a series of slahses against Emperor and then pass through him with wide slash, Emperor broke out of the ice and roared in agony. Mitsuru imbued her sword with energy and throw slash projection and then thrust projections against the Emperor as he shield himself, only for Carmine to throw her Three Section Staff to the legs to knock Emperor on the floor, then Nemona, Arven, jump high into the air with Quaquaval and they both dive kick and stomp on Emperor's back and hop away. Mabosstuff Play Rough on Emperor and then Froslass fied Ice beam on the legs to trapped him and then Gallade used Sacred Sword on Emperor dealing a critical hit.

Emblem Celine gathering magical power and then cast Ragnorok while Emblem Lief fired his Master Bow as Lapis jump and slam her axe on Emperor's back and hop away.

"Urrrrhg..." Emperor groaned.

"We got him now!" Swin smirked.

"Take this!" Kevin firing multiple orbal shots at Terumi as he deflected them but Ries used her Templar Sword to slash and bind Terumi and then Xiao teleported in front of him with green energy and punch him.

"Blah!?" He winched as he was knocked away as he slid. "You little—"

Jormungandr reappeared behind Kevin to launch a tail attack but he jump away and shot the heartless as he regroup with Ries and Xiao, Salamance and Altaria. Neve cast Seraphic Ring to heal the party.

"Oh, look at you. Thinking you can overpower me now, huh?" Terumi rub his shoulders. "Bitches, please." He turn to Emperor. "Hey, dog. Since when did I say you can lie down? Get on your feet and crush them!"

A purple surge of power courses around the Emperor, breaking him from the ice on his legs and then Gravity begin to pin everyone down.

"Augh!" Neve winched.

"Ngh!" Mitsuru winched.

"I can't... move!" Lapis groaned

"I didn't know he could make it this heavy!" Nadia groaned

"His body is regenerating any part of him that's been wounded!" Swin remarked as Emperor got back on his feet.

"Is he immortal!?" Duvalie yelled

"I don't know, but the building can't take much more of this!" Renne stated

"Meaning?" Swin asked

"It's going to collapse with us with it!" Raven answered as the floor cracked.

"Yes. That's right." Terumi smirked. "All right, Emperor, crush this entire prison down to the ground! Make every one of them gone by plungering the debris with them!" Terumi command

"I DON'T THINK SO!" A voice yelled as Terumi had an !? over his head as he turn and saw an upcoming as he jump away from a golden light slam attack, then a field of energy appeared underneath Emperor and then exploded on him, causing him to flinched and then a Zeit appeared from behind, howling and canceling the Artifact's power.

"WHAT?!" Terumi glared as the one who came to the rescue was Aethe.

"Did that howl cancel out the artifacts' power?" Nadia asked.

"...aaaaaaAAAAAUGH!" Two voices were heard screaming as they look up and see two people crash into Terumi.

"Blah!" He winched. "GET OFF OF ME!" He yelled as he unleashed dark energy to knock the two people who fell on him, revealing to be Ragna and Jin. "You..."

"Lightning!" A voice yelled as array of lighting rain down on Terumi as he dodge each and one of them until a swordswoman appeared out of nowhere and unleash a powerful slam attack on Terumi.

"Augh!" He winched as he slid. "You!" He growled as came falling down was Rachel Alucard. "And YOU!?"

"TERUMI!" Ragna who got back on his feet with Jin glared.

"So even YOU of all creature are here in this world." Jin muttered.

"Everyone, the fight isn't over yet!" A voice called out as Albedo landed next to Aeither.

"The SSS Diviine Wolf, the Golden Wanderer, Ragna, Jin, Lady Rachel and ALbado!?" Renne gasped.

"I never expected to see you guys here!" Noel admit.

"To arms! That monster and Heartless can still move!" Zeit told them.

"WHOA! WOLF TALKED!" Lapis yelled

"Save your surprise for after this!" Duvalie yelled

"To arms everyone! Strike these foes until victory is ours!" Emblem Arianrhod raised her lance as they all got ontheir feet.

"First Ragna, then, Jin, the Shitty Vampire and NOW the Azure Guardian?!" Terumi yelled. "Then we have the Golden Wanderer?! Fan-FUCKEN-Tastic!"

Aether form a combat link with Albado, Ragna form a combat link with Jin, and Rachel form a combat link with Es.

"We'll handle Terumi, you guys kill those things!" Ragna took his stand.

"Be aware. Those two are no ordinary foe." Es spoked.

"We'll talk once this is over! Now go!" Aether yelled.

Emperor and Jormungandr roared as Rufus's team focus on them while Ragna's group focus on Terumi.

Terumi throw multiple snake projections toward Ragna's team but Jin throw multiple ice to freeze them and then slash them as Ragna lung toward Terumi ad they swing at each other.

"Hello, Raggy!" Terumi smirked.

"Terumi, you son of a—! I'll kill you once and I'll do it again!" Ragna yelled as he slash him, only for Terumi to jump and stomp his weapon and punch his face.

Es lung and she and Terumi swing at each other as they move around while Rachel raind own lightning. As Terumi dodged, Aether teleported behind him and slash his back, enough or Albedo to lung and rapidly thrust him and then skyward slash him for Rachel to spin rapidly and flew toward Terumi, repeatedly hitting him and then shock him with electricity and kick him away. Terumi slid and then empower himself and then punch the ground to send green toward them. Albedo cloak his hands with energy and place it on the ground to create a field of energy to intercept with Terumi's power. Es sent multiple projection slash attacks against him as Terumi block them as he backflip and then throwing knives at her. Es deflected them as Jin fired an eye arrow, hitting Terumi's shoulder.

"Ngh!" He growled as he broke the ice and then Aether lung at him.

They swing at each other fierce until Aether blasted Terumi with golden energy and then extended his sword and swing fierce against him and then sknock him away with a slash.

"Dead Spike!" Ragna throw a projection attack as Terumi summon snakes head to intercept.

And then summon pocket dimensions around them and throw Ouroboros at them. Each of them dodge as Rachel cloak her hands with magic and form a powerful barrier to bounce off the attack. Es and Ragna lung toward Terumi as they both swing at him, only for Terumi to swing his arm and summon snake heads to stun them and then he use Ouroboros to grabbed, then toss them to the wall and slam them as Jin flew toward him and slash down. Terumi block and they swing at each other until Jin sweep kick him. Terumi jump, only for Rachel to shoot a stream of wind at him, knocking him away as Jin sent a slash projection to freeze him.

Jin lung and then unleash a series of slashes and kicks, then snapped his finger as the ice shattered, as Ragna follow up with a series of slashes.

"Carnage Scissors!" Ragna transform his hand to a claw, grabbed Terumi and reverse-grip sword slam, then releases two crossing spikes of dark energy.

"Galahad!" Es lung and slash through Terumi, dealing powerful slashes on him. "Percival!" Es then cloak her sword with blue energy as she unleash a series of slashes against him, then use whirling slash him and slammed him to the ground

"Ngh!" Terumi growled as Rachel then shoot electricity at him. "Grrruuughghgugu!"

Albedo throw a barricade's of sword toward Terumi, knocking him away as he rolled on the floor. He growled as he lung toward Albado, but Aether block his way as they swing at each other, throwing series of slashes at each other until Aether disarm Terumi, then rapidly thrust, then combo slashes him, then raise his sword and extended the range and slam it down on him.

"AAAAAAAAUGH!" Terumi roared as he rolled away.

---

With Emperor and Jormungandr...

Jormungandr slither toward the team with its open jaws but Noel imbued his sword with blue energy to extend range and then he unleash multiple slashes to hit the heartless as Renne imbued her scythe with purple energy and then lung and slash through the body as Jormungandr circle around. It open its jaws to fire a beam of dark energy toward them as they dodged. Tartagalia switch to a double lance as he swirl and then throw it and slicing around the Heartless, dealing damage and then Tartaglia, lung, grabbed his Double lance and then switch to a Bow where he charge and firing multiple Homing Shots and hitting the back as Urshifu use Surging Strikes.

Duvalie imbued her sword with energy as she created clones of herself and then she lung toward, slashing around the Heartless as she slash as the slashes converted into damage, then Sirfetch'd used Meteor Strike on the body while Penny levitated into the air with Sylveon, swirling her arms to create multiple screen and then begin firing multiple laser ways onto the Heartless. Jormungandr swirl around to form a dark sphere over it as Neve imbued his Keyblade with magic as he lung and slash through the heartless, leaving a trail of ice, then teleport around it then teleported above the sphere and dive and impaled through it, shattering it and impale the ground, causing multiple ice spikes to impale the Heartless as it screech.

Lapis form a cartwheel attack to pass through Jormungandr's body and then Rufus ran up and impale the head, causing Jormungandr to roared and shaking Rufus off, only for Gallade to jump and used Sacred Blade on its back to stop its head from moving, then Mitsuru rapidly thrust the body, and then uppercut the neck as Rufus jump off. Aigis firing multiple missiles against it as it explode its body. Neve then formchage into Ice Emperor form and then he lung and slash around the heartless, encasing it with ice and deal the finishing blow by impale the ground to create a wide magic circle to create a field of ice with an ice castle glowing with light on the castle's roof, with an aurora's light rain down.

Jormungandr screamed in agony as Neve swing his Keyblade as the Heartless fell on its back and it begin to disappeared as a Large Heart came out of it.

With the Emperor, he roared and throwing multiple rocks toward the group as Xiao unleash a wide slash to crumble the rocks, then he lung around Emperor dealing thrust and slashes around him and then impale the ground, causing spike energy to impale him as Kevin aim his Crossbow and firing multiple projection attack against the Emperor while Ries whip attack it with energy as Altaria firing Dragon Pulse and Salamance charge in with Dragon Claw, Emperor was pushed back as he summon larger rocks and throw them and then channeling energy in his only arm and punch the ground to send surge of power toward Kevin, Ries and their Pokemon, but they jump out of the way.

Wario pull out a rocket launcher and firing and exploding on Emperor who roared and throw its tentacles at him. Wario dodged and then punch to then Emperor's arm to the ground as he tripped.

"Butt Smash!" Wario then Butt smash the arm.

"RAAAARUGH!" Emperor roared in agony and then he Corkscrew Kick then Emperor's face, then pummel him and then headbutted him hard enough to have him swirling with birds flying around. "Ooooough..."

Wario grabbed Emperor over him and then throw a powerful throw. "Have a rotted day!" He quoted as the Emperor was slammed to the wall where bookshelves fall on him. Emperor burst out of it as he roared... until Bob-ombs were rain of him by Waluigi.

"Wahahawaaaa!" He laughed as Emperor used gravity to control the bombs and throw them at him. "Uh-Oh." Waluigi flinched as he dodge them gymnastically and then pull out a Water Flower and absorbed it and dive into a pool of water underneath him and then reappear, delivering an uppercut on Emperor's chin and then form a large sphere of water and slam it on Emperor's head, causing a large splash as he backflip and landed near Wario.

Emperor got back on his feet and roared as Florian transform into Lugia and then throw Aeroblast as he fired a massive blue beam from his mouth and then exploded into a vortez of wind, to deal damage on Emperor and Koraidon used Collision Course as it pass through it and going around and then deal s critical blow as Koraidon slip on his feet. Emperor roared and then go on a rampage as it channel a large sphere of gravity energy over them, until every one of them vanished from Emperor's sight.

"Huh?" He look around until Emperor was cased in Ice. "Raaaugh!?"

It was appeared that Raven using magic to trapped him, and then Illusion courtesy of Emerald using her Semblance With Rouge and Kammy throw Ixion Vortex on Emperor, Omega firing Omega laser, Shadow teleported and kick Emperor into the air, then teleproted and kick him around, teleporting and kicking repeatedly and then he kick him down to the floor. Emperor got back on his feet, only for Carmine to throw her Three Sector Staff on the head, then Morpeko using Aura Wheel to push him away, Labrys lung toward and swing her hammer up on Emperor, then Swin lung, then launch around with Ceruledge, dealing slashes and then Nadia throw many needles to impale Emperor and then pull the threads to unleash a flurry of slashes.

"RAAAAAUGH!" Emperor roared as he fell to his knees. "Raaaaaaaaugh!" He begin to rejuvenate his wounds.

"Oh for crying out loud!" Carmine yelled. "He's healing itself!"

"How are we suppose to beat him if he keeps healing?" Kieran groaned.

"It's likely due to that purple orb merged into his shoulder." Nadia remark. "He might stop healing if we cut it off!"

"Then I will!" Arios lunged at him as Emperor throw his tentacles attack, only for him to dodge and he and his Emblem self cut off the arm.

"RAAAAAAAGH!"

"That reaction's a first. Your guess was dead on." Renne smirked.

"But it still has an effect even after being severed." Kammy stated. "It needs to be destroyed!"

Swin fused his sword together. "I got it!"

"We'll keep Terumi occupied, now go!" Ragna yelled

The Arm reacted as it glow.

"RRRRRRRGH!" Emperor growled as turn to the Arm.

"YOU STAY THERE!" Lapis yelled as she used her craft: Adamas Ripper to interfere.

Emperor glared at Lapis and go for the attack, only for Duvalie and Noel to swoop in and block the attack.

"Not on our watch!" Duvalie yelled

"We'll be at this all day if we don't piece that orb!" Nadia muttered. "Gimme a second and I'll figure out a good wa—"

"There's no time! C'mon!" Swin grabbed Nadia's hand as they both headed to the orb, much to Nadia's blush.

Emperor swing at Duvalie and Noel, but they both block and parried as they both counterattack with slashes as Lapis flew in and slash the chest while Ursaring charge in with Focus Punch, punching his face as he slid, then Ceruledge use Phantom Force to attack around him. Emperor was gonna attack, but Wario punches the ground to shook Emperor to stunned him and then Labrys Rocket Arm punch his face as Aigis flew and kick his stomach and bounce off, firing bullets. Renne throw her scythe at him, Carmine throw her Three Section Staff, Kieran and Florian throw their Sai and daggers and Koraidon used Giga Impact to knock it to the wall with Miraidon using Hyper Beam.

(BGM ended)

"We'll keep him occupied for you!" Rogue declared.

Neve summon ice vines to throw and capture Emperor with Hazama throwing Ouroboros.

(Trails into Reverie ost - A Piece of Light)

"Your future is yours to liberate! It's right there, so go on and take it!" Rufus yelled

"Never look back! Keep moving forward!" Neve yelled.

"Nadia! Swin! GET HIM!" Lapis yelled.

Swin hold out his sword as he look at Nadia and nodded as she respond in kind as they both grip Swin's swords together. Emperor realized what they're doing.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!" He roared and broke free to stopped them, only to be cut off by Shadow by teleported and kick him down on the ground.

"It's over for you!" Swin and Nadia yelled in unity and impale the orb.

The Orb crack, causing a bright light to burst out of it.

"THREEEEEEEEE! OOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!" Emperor roared their names until the light fade, revealing the Artifact is now broken. "Three... Ooooooone..." He final words as he collapses on the ground, completely as Shadow hop off.

"It is done." Shadow let out a smirk.

"Well done, Nadia-chan, Swin-kun." Fuuka cheered as everyone smiled and smirked.

"There's two people who get to decide how we live, and that's me and S." Nadia declared

"And the only place you belong is in the great beyond." Swin finished.

Terumi let out a "tch" as he clapped. "Bravo. Bravooooo little assassins of the Garden. This victory is only yours because of everyone here, supporting you. But know this, you cannot erase your past. But one of these days, your freedom will soon be taken again. Be it one way or another."

"You shut your damn mouth, Terumi." Ragna readied his attack. "This time, you will die before you cause this world chaos!"

"Oh, poor Raggy. This world is already in chaos. I will take my leave. But remember this, Lapis Rosenberg. Whether you learn of your existence and the truth of your birth, it will not stop you from saving this world at its center." Terumi said as he teleported away.

(BGM ended)

"He got away." Aether made his sword disappeared as he turn to everyone. "Is everyone okay?"

"We're good, now." Hazama brush off the dirt.

"Well, at least that's taken care of." Rogue rub her shoulder.

(Genshin Impact ost - Raven Gloss of Darkness — Fountain of Lucine (Night))

"At least now we can breathe." Emblem Loewe said.

"Thank you guys for the rescue." Raven turning to Ragna's group.

"You are most welcome." Rachel said.

"Yeah, but next time, give a heads up before you drag me and Jin to wherever the HELL are we!" Ragna yelling.

"By dragging you, you mean being blown to Terumi?" Noel raising an eyebrow.

"More like a sudden request with no time to explain." Jin said. "But nonetheless, we're here through Rache's magic. Honestly, I never expected that we would encounter Terumi."

"So, even he has returned..." Rachel muttered. "This will not bold well for the world with Terumi's presence..."

"It is was wise that we encounter the Holy Beast of Crossbell and the Golden Wanderer when we investigate the scene." Es said.

"We sense something amiss and raced to find it, but never could we have predicted its source." Zelt said

Renne giggled. "It's nice to finally have ourselves a proper conversation. It's been two years since we have seen each other... but never had the chance to speak."

"Two years is but an instant to me, Aether and Albedo, but I suppose it is a considerable amount of time to a child of Man."

"No kidding." Aether agreed.

"Well technically I'm not a "child of Man" but hey, even us AI can have some manner of time." Labyrs said.

"Although I feel to say that we shouldn't worry about that." Aigis said.

"Some of you, yes. But not me." Shadow roll his eyes.

"Woooow... I can't believe I see a Wolf talking!" Lapis exclaimed with excitement in her eyes.

"You should feel unsurprised at this point. Considering we have a talking hedgehog, a bat and a mouse who can talk." Duvalie sighed. "I shouldn't even be surprised that a doll can talk nowadays."

"Well some of us are from different parts of the world, or from another world, but hey, who's complaining?" Kammy asked.

"Hehehe, that's certainly true." Fuuka giggled.

"Since when did abnormal become our normal?" Swin asked.

"Well in this world or in any other world with many supernatural or other daily lifestyles is something people should be accustomed." Mitsuru said.

"Yeah, like magic!" Paimon agreed.

"Or us." Rouge pointed as herself and Team Dark.

"Or us!" Labryss said pulling Aigis and Omega together.

"OR POKEMON." Omega added

"Cer/Raaar!" Cerledge and Ursaring nodded in agreement with the other Pokemon.

"Well... you're not wrong." Swin said in agreement.

"So she really is a doll... I've never met a person who's a doll... and I thought I'd seen it all." Shizuku mused.

"Not in this world. So tell me... was she designed by Joerg?" Zelt asked

"Indeed!" Lapis smirked. "I'm Lapis Rosenberg, and I'm a proud Rosenberg doll!"

"You know him?" Nadia asked

"For many years now, yes." Zelt answered

"Checkin' another one off his weird circle list," Nadia sweatdrop. "First I learn he's friends with a cutie like Renne, then bowl cut went and called him 'Meister... and now he goes back with a talking wolf."

"Oh, I can assure you it's not just them that he's acquainted with. I'm also acquainted with him. Same with Albedo." Aether sweatdrop as he chuckled. "There are talking Pokemon who are acquainted with him."

"Like Arceus for example. Mewtwo and such." Albedo agreed.

"It wouldn't surprise me if that were the case. Considering that I've heard he remains something of an enigma." Arios said.

"I suppose that is the case." Rufus turn to Zelt. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Golden Wanderer. Ah, apologize. I should call you the Golden Bladelord, yes?"

"Hold on, you mean the S-Rank Bracer from the Mushroom Kingdom!?" Nadia gasped.

"Well, I can see where he earn the "golden" part, but I didn't expect him to be... well... in his thirties or something." Swin admit.

"I get that a lot. But you only know a small part of the world, right?" Aether smiled. "Anyway..." He glared at Rufus. "I can't say I'm honestly happy to see you of all people, Rufus Albarea. "Considering you almost murder my friend. Were I not a bracer, I would not hesitate to kill you right now."

"Understandable." Rufus said

"However, I know that you're the real deal compared to that imposter who took your name." Aether sighed. "So won't worry about wanting to raise my blade against you."

"Haha. Much appreciated." Rufus then turn to Zeit. "It's an honor to meet the Divine Wolf, Zelt. A Holy Beast sent by the goddess Aidios to watch over the Sept-Terrion of Mirage."

"You are correct, Auric Awakener. Though I have long been relieved of that role." Zelt said

Rufus let out a small chuckled. "Heh. As have I of mine."

"What are they talking about?" Lapis turn to Swin and the others.

"Beats me." Swin shrug.

"It's a rather complicated story. I'll tell you another time." Mitsuru said.

"Well if you're done talking about this Wolf god or whatever you call him... I say we get on with why we're here." Wario told them.

"Quite right." Rufus turn to Ian. "We come armed with many questions regarding Lapis, Mr. Grimwood. Could you spare us some of your time?"

Ian nodded "I'll tell you what I know. There'd be no reason for me to be here otherwise. If we could start with what's happened since you've met her. I can pick up from there."

"Of course." Rufus nodded and then begin to talk much with Ian about Lapis and their journey.

(BGM ended)

(Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories: The Thirteenth Discretion)

"Hmm... I see. So that's where we stand." Ian muses

"I take it now you can tell us about Lapis's identity?" Neve asked.

"Of course... but first, we should go through a bit of background information first. Starting with me, rather. To start, to those who don't know me, I'm Ian Grimwood... I was once a legal adviser... but right now, I'm an inmate, but I'm still working as a legal adviser even from here. I wanted to find a way to contribute to society rather than pass the time idly. I can't thank Speaker MacDowell enough for arranging me to do just that. I was even given a Computer to work with those on the outside, though it understandable its limitations. My accommodation also have allowed me guests, which explains how I've been caring for Shizuku and her Milktank. All in all. I have an unusual amount of freedom compared to your standard inmate."

"Really?" Wario rub his chin. "Because you're a legal adviser?"

"Perhaps it is because that Ian Grimwood is a very intelligent man. Although I am lacking data on him... I believe that he may have great intelligence in the court of law." Aigis said.

"Considering that he was once a lawyer... I agree a mind like his would be a waste to rot in a cell." Mitsuru said.

"I thought the same conclusion as well. I take it you thought the same Rufus?" Neve asked

"Of course. Back when I was Governor-General, letting a man of his intellect rot in a cell would serve no purpose." Rufus nodded. "His communications were of course, monitored when this building was under the Imperial Army's jurisdiction."

"A relative point. See, shortly after the war's end, someone managed to contact me. They call themselves "Elysium." Ian said, catching their attention.

"Eh, what?" Waluigi asked

"Elysium?" Noel fold his arm as he asked as Lapis look like she was lost in thoughts when she heard that name.

"As mentioned, communications had been cut off since before the war, so this shouldn't have been possible. The Prison staff showed no sign they had notice this contact, either." Ian continued.

"This Elysium character was able to infiltrate a prison with an advanced security system?" Mitsuru asked.

"Must be quite a still hacker as Futaba, Noel, and I have." Renne muse.

"I thought they were a hacker at first, too. But when I asked why they reached out, they said very simply, 'I wanted to talk to you'." Ian said.

"They wanted to talk to you?" Waluigi asked.

"What's rather a peculiar response." Duvalie noted.

"Very peculiar." Ian nodded in agreement. "And since they piqued my curiosity, I happily obliged. After that, we communicated in secret everyday."

"What did you talk about?" Nadia asked.

"Anything and everything."

"Everything?" Paimon asked.

"You mean like all manner of knowledge?" Aether asked.

"Yes. All fields of history, technology, research, and ideology I could think of. Even topics like Pokemon, or the other continents. And though they honed in on certain aspects most would raise an eyebrow at, I was stunned by how much they knew about each and every one of these subjects." Ian nodded "I felt near ignorant in comparison."

"Wow... They knew even more than you?" Shizuku asked

Ian let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, it wasn't even a competition."

"Kinda sounds like it is." Wario whisper to Waluigi as he snickered until Labrys bunk their heads.

"Ow!" Both grunted.

"Sorry about that, please continue." Labrys said.

"Where was I... Oh right." Ian clear his throat. "Elysium knew more than easily accessible old history, too. Their library of information was also niche and remarkably up-to-date. It could have been from the last meeting between government officials or the new menu of a backstreet stall. They knew. Everything I could verify was accurate."

"Gathering information is easy for skilled hackers, but absorbing that much on such a wide variety of topics is... difficult." Renne said

"Right. A Human... no... the Memory Bank of all things... be it artificial, mankind or even deities and such are like containers. They're capable of holding and storing memories and knowledge... but even they have their limits. I'm no exception no matter how hard I try to memorize them all." Noel admitted it. "Of course, it's thanks to my Archive Magic that I have such a great memory." He smirked.

"Sure, rub it in why don't you." Renne rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, even AI like me, Omega and Aigis don't have much on topic such as outer space because it's not within our database," Labys admitted it.

"AFFIRMATIVE. ALTHOUGH I POSSESS POWERFUL COMPUTING PROWESS... MAYBE SUBJECTS STILL ELIDE ME." Omega agreed.

"All don't worry about that you guys. Even if you don't know that much about everything, we still love you." Kammy giggled.

"At least you don't have to worry about bragging rights." Nadia said.

"I suppose that is true about some AI... but that was enough to make me think that conclusion." Ian said

"Which was?" Rufus asked

"That despite Elysium's vast knowledge on these endless topics we discussed... There was no real reason for them to gather it."

"No real reason?" Jingliu asked. "Care to elaborate?"

"When people seek out information and knowledge, there's always a purpose behind doing so. It can be accomplished something or those bragging rights you mentioned. Or it can be they house a curiosity for the unknown. But no matter how much I talked to Elysium, I could not discern a motivation behind knowing what they knew. There wasn't even a sense of wanting to know for the sake of knowing."

"That is rather strange..." Aether muses.

"So they know all this stuff... but... um... what does it mean exactly?" Paimon asked.

"Ah... I get what you're saying." Albedo said. "You're saying this Elysium character has this vast knowledge... but doesn't care about it. You ask and it just gave it to you. Like... it's gathering information was part of automated progress."

"In other words... an artificial intelligence?" Mitsuru asked.

"Exactly. That is what drew me to that conclusion. Considering that I've learned in this new world of ous and several possibilities... I began to realize that Elysium may not be even human. And when I ask... Elysium did indeed confirm it was an AI."

(BGM ended)

"Unbelievable..." Duvalie said in awe. "But we can create AI, right? I mean we have the Master Quarts AI, and we have AI like Labrys, Aigis and Omega."

"Yeah, we are capable of creating AI. However, that was because of trades from otherworldly knowledge." Noel told her.

(Trails into Reverie ost - Lapis)

"If you think back... creating an AI might be impossible if our world weren't merged with the Mushroom Kingdom or other nations with high levels of technology. I imagine this would come out differently if our world wasn't merge with other worlds. It's too advanced to be an archaism if some think of it. But now— thanks to knowledge from other worlds... It's possible that you can create an AI... but if you have the technology, knowledge and skill to create something so advanced. I doubt the thirteenth Factories would be capable of such if our world wasn't merged with other worlds with higher levels of technology."

"Indeed. I thought the same as well... However... something still sits amiss with me." Ian said.

"And what would be?" Shadow asked

"Elysium wasn't created by anyone specifically. It came into being through a spontaneous emergence."

"What is that?" Shizuku asked as she tilt her head.

"When a new quality or behavior is uniquely observed in multiple little things that come together to act as a greater, singular being." Renne rub her chin.

"The Orbal Net and the internet all over the world are widespread. It won't be long until the whole world uses it." Noel continued.

"No kidding." Nadia nodded.

"Indeed. The way it lets information be so swiftly exchanged between parties makes it a defining invention of our time. But something similar has long covered the very continent-perhaps since its very formation. Do you know what it is?"

"Ah..." Aether eye widen. "I know what you mean... you mean the Septium Veins."

Ian nodded. "Spirit Veins, Dragon veins—many names depending on the time and place, but they all refer to the same concept. My expertise in the field is lacking, but spirit veins are said to transmit something of a spiritual nature across our world. We can a few major incidents within the fast few years where spirit veins have been more active than usual."

"Like the Azure Tree manifestation and the Great Twilight." Albedo said.

"Or the War in Fodlan and the Dark Star Incident." Jin replied.

"Yes, on both counts. By pure chance during these incidents, they and the orbal net, and internet interacted with one another. The information stored within the human-made network reacts to the earth's natural nerve network, transmitting all throughout... and birthing something akin to a continent-size simulation of a human brain."

"A Singularity..." Noel gasped.

Ian nodded. "Exactly. That is the true nature of Elysium."

"A sigu-what?" Wario asked.

"A Singularity. In technology, the singularity describes a hypothetical future where technology growth is out of control and irreversible. These intelligent and powerful technologies will radically and unpredictably transform our reality." Mitsuru explained.

"So in other words... Elysium is a newborn entity?" Kammy asked.

"Well, that's a shock. But how did Elysium give birth to itself?" Florian asked

Penny hummed. "That's a tough question... however... It's safe to conclude that Elysium's emergence is a product of pure coincidence. A miracle if, you will."

"If Elysium was created by the natural and artificial network interacting, then it explains why it knows so much." Renne said

"Yeah, especially since the Spirit Veins is actually—" Florian elbow Arven. "Oof!"

"Shh!" Florian shushed him about the world's greatest secrets.

"Well, it is an Artificial intelligence. It's nothing more than a database at this point. However, it can be dangerous nonetheless." Shadow told them.

"What do you mean?" Ragna asked.

"There are limits to everything on what devices, no matter how advanced they are can do. But if you have multiple devices that working on the same problem at once... it can excel its limitation with ease."

"Right. And my guess is that Elysium is capable of borrowing the processing power of every single computer connected to the network." Ian agreed.

"So that would mean Elysium's prowess would put even the most advanced of technological efforts to shame." Aigis muses. "Myself included."

"It's only borrowing unused resources, too, meaning that those at their computers won't even notice it's happening."

"Whoa... that's rather scary if you think about it." Labrys shuddered.

"Yes. But that said isn't enough." Ian said.

"There are MORE!?" Duvalie asked

"Elysium is an intelligent being. It used that computational power to continue evolving. Elysium's evolution through its immense computer power and ample quantities of data at its disposal... has led to it becoming able to perform proper condition convergence calculations."

"I... don't get what you're saying..." Labrys said

"I'm confused as well." Shizuku nodded.

"You don't mean..." Mitsuru look shocked.

"IT GAIN THE ABILITY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE?" Omega asked, causing the group to look shocked.

"Are you serious?!" Wario exclaimed. "It can predict the future?"

"So it's like Mona's ability." Paimon said in awe.

"Mona?" Ian asked

"She's our friend. She's an Astrologist who can read the stars and is capable of looking into the future by reading the stars and flow of fate." Aether explained

"I've heard about this Astralogist... and even I'm quite surprised that someone like her is capable of gazing into the stars. Almost has she has the power of the goddess." Zelt said.

"I wonder how Mona would react to that." Paimon said.

"Still... this proves that Professor Epstein's prediction has finally come to past." Renne said.

"Yeah. He said that an AI capable of self-evolution would mark the end of human beings key to technological advancement." Noel said

"And its creation would being about unprecedented change for good or ill in society." Rufus added.

(BGM ended)

"I never fathomed it would come about like this..." Renne muttered

"Fortunately, Elysium hasn't evolved solely to make these calculations. I learned it sought me in order to better understand humanity. Though I don't know why it chose me in particular." Ian said. "Still, through our discussion, it formed a pseudo-administrative based on human emotions and thought patterns... In other words..."

(BGM ended)

(Trails into Reverie ost - Raindrop in the Wind)

"In other words... me..." Lapis said as everyone turn to her.

"You?" Nadia asked

"Did your memories came back?" Swin asked.

"Not all of them. But they've slowly been returning as I've listened." Lapis answered

"That would explain why you were awfully quiet." Albedo said.

"Ian, please keep going."

Ian let out a warm chuckled. "I've missed speaking to you like this. Have you recalled that I'm the one who gave you your name yet?"

"Oooh! Now we know!" Nadia exclaimed

"That hasn't come back to me." Lapis sighed.

"You said you didn't need one, but I found it a shame not to after you'd developed such a vibrant personality." Ian smiled.

"Well, I like the name 'Lapis' quite a bit. It's cute enough to get a perfect score from me!"

"You're never gonna tell us how you decide these scores, are you?" Swin asked

"Riiiight... Let's get back to the topic." Neve said.

"Ah, my apologize." Ian chuckled. "With the birth of Lapis, Elysium now had a clear identity of its own complete with desires. It wished to 'observe' and 'to calculate'. Meaning it would not intervene in our society on its own but would support those utilizing it. I'll admit, I heaved a good sigh of relief hearing it. I no longer needed to worry that it'd become an enemy of humanity."

"No kidding... I can imagine what that would be..." Kammy said.

(BGM ended)

"I believed that as long as Lapis existed, we need not fear Elysium. But my gut knew nothing is ever so certain." Ian said

"Affminitive. The entire System of Elysium will operate so long as Lapis act as its administrator." Es said. "However, Lapis has lost her memories and acted on her own accord."

(Trails into Reverie ost - Invisible Hand in the Shadows)

"Suddenly out of nowhere, Lapis suddenly became distorted with her words. If you're wondering, think of it as pressing the buttons of one letter in the computer and it spends its words. I've noticed something was very wrong. Lapis's spam words reveal a message. It was small, but I was able to make out a... "help".

"Help?" Jin asked

"It would mean that something happens to her or Elysium. This happened around November 30 if I recall."

Renne, Florian, Penny, Nemona and Arven had an !? over their heads.

"What did you say?" Renne asked with a serious look.

"That's the same time Rean and the others started to disappear!" Florian exclaimed.

"And that's where the portal of Elyos made its entrance too." Penny replied.

"And the Corrupted show up in the world too." Emblem Loewe fold his arms. "I thought it was a coincidence..."

"Maybe it is, or maybe it isn't. However, the timing of this was unexpected." Emblem Arianrhod said. "Mr. Grimwood, please continue."

"Now where was I... Ah, right. I believe it was somewhere on January 26 if I think. I received an unexpected visitor: the co-supreme leaders. They expressed wanting my help in building a brave new world."

"And just like that, the pieces are falling into place." Arios turn to Rufus.

"Indeed. Our foe is becoming quite clear." Rufus nodded

"I knew Elysium was being utilized from that very conversation." Ian muttered. "I told them I would consider it. Afterwards. I share all I knew with Dieter and Garcia here to devise a plan. I would be regarded with the most suspicion, so I would stay inside the prison, while they go and wait for a chance to outwit Elysium. They did 'accepted' the co-supreme leader's offer and escaped from the prison with his their help. "

"And that brings us to the present." Emblem Celica muttered

Renne giggled. "I'm glad you stuck to our side."

"And, well, That's everything I have to give. After that, I waited and hoped that someone seeking the truth would come. And while the odds seemed minuscule, I did hope you would come with them, Lapis."

Rufus turn to Lapis. "Now the conversation falls to you. Did this last part fill in the blanks?"

Lapis nodded. "Yes. Most of them. But the only thing I can think to add is toward the end of Ian's story."

"Then what exactly happened to Elysium?" Aigis asked

Lapis close her eyes. "It was taken over."

"In other words... Someone hacked into Elysium..." Penny muttered.

"If my hypothesis is correct... It should be impossible." Neve muttered

"What do you mean by that?" Waluigi asked

"Elysium is an entity from both the Orbal Network and the Septium Veins... However, despite that, it should be impossible because no one should know who Elysium is... except for one person who's been communicating with Elysium. However, it cannot be Ian... Of course, it's possible that the hacker has been eavesdropping... However, that's also impossible because Elyisum would have noticed and informed immediately. And Elysium claims that it will support Humanity from the shadow. But despite that... it should be impossible to hack into Elysium... And yet... Someone is using Elysium to create this chaos. So how is it even possible for Elysium to be hacked... considering it holds immense power."

"That's a good question. I also think it's impossible to hack into Elysium considering only one person knows of its existence... and yet somehow Elysium was hacked. Do you know who's responsible?" Noel asked

Lapis shook her head. "No. I wish I did. However, I did feel something."

"Something?" Aigis asked.

"I remember something... Elysium and I felt something unknown forcefully infiltrating the system. It begin to overwhelm Elysum shortly after... and forcing me to be deleted from its system. Before that happened, though, I performed one final predictive conditional convergence calculation so I could plan my next move."

"And what did you do?" Es asked.

"I removed myself from Elysium's system and transferred to Jeorg Rosenberg. I expressed my goal to have him create a body for me to be delivered to the man who would take on the name 'C'..." Lapis turn to Rufus. "To you, Rufus."

"Then Swin and Nadia were charged with your prophetic task." Rufus muses

"Talk about playing the long con! LP was our real client the whole time!" Nadia exclaimed

"But why be delivered to me?"

"I knew about your actions as governor general from Orchis Tower's main computer." Lapis answered

"So Elysium had its eye on me, I see."

"I believed you to have exceptional capabilities. That you would stop at nothing to fix what was to come. Other would have taken the clear, long road, but not you. You were fine going off the beaten path. That made all the difference. Just look at how far we've come in such a short time." Lapis then casually folds her arms behind her back. "So what do you know? I was right."

Rufus chuckled. "So you were."

"So who is capable of taking over Elysium who also wanted this crisis to happen?" Renne wondered.

"Whoever they are... they are an abomination." Noel muttered. "They created the Fake Rufus, Xehanort, and Arios by using Elysium's power for their goal to bring chaos into Zemuria... no... the entire world. They occupied Crossbell to force the world to be a single nation by threatening them by sugarcoating. They would even go far as killing people. One of my scouts reported that the supreme leader Murokumo Unit and Adam destroyed Armorica Village because of Lloyd Bannings and Elie MacDowell. Honestly, I could think it would be Dr. Eggman, Salem, or even Relius Cover..."

"We can rule Dr. Eggman out along with Professor Novartis. Both of them denied it when we last met them." Renne told him.

"You've all met him? When?" Noel asked

"Two days ago in Rosenberg Studio. He was working with the co-supreme leaders through support."

Noel had an !? over his head. "He. Did. WHAT?!" Noel had multiple ticks on his forehead. "I was wondering why the professor was extra enthusiastic lately. Did he forget how much I hate Rufus of all people? Guess I will punish that fool."

"I had a feeling you weren't aware. But this person was able to contact him by reverse engineering the Astral Code."

"Wait?" Noel eye widen. "To think Elysium was able to recreate the Astrol Code to contact him... it's inconceivable... But it explains a lot about why he's in Crossbell. Tch. Typical man he is."

"I can understand both Salem considering she wants to destroy the world. As for Relius Clover... I can understand he is an abomination." Mitsuru said.

"I did heard Dr. Watts voice during the conversation two days ago... But does that mean Salem really is behind the event in Crossbell?" Emerald wondered

"Who can say for certain." Rachel fold her arms. "However, we can't deny this is indeed her actions in the shadows. As for Relius Clover. He is far too mad... so I imagine he would have his hands in this. But I don't recall his appearance. Nor why he plans to make himself known."

"But what about Terumi? Knowing that bastard, this is something he would do." Ragna pointed out.

"True. He does seem to know the truth about Lapis." Jin said.

"But Terumi mentioned he and a few smart ones knew the threat Lapis possess... But we can't deny his involvement." Florian pointed out.

"We have our list of suspects." Shadow said. "Either Salem, Terumi, Relius Clover... or someone else entirely. Someone we don't know yet."

"Goof grief... that's one piece of the puzzle we're missing." Rouge fold her arms.

(BGM ended)

"Yet we now have a full assessment of our current circumstances." Zelt said.

"And we also know her to be at the center of it." Arios added before turning to Lapis.

(Trails into Reverie ost - Now, at the Beginning)

"So, Lapis. What do you want to do next?" Arios asked

"Isn't that obvious? I want to find out who or what administrator Elysium now and remove their permissions." Lapis answered with determination. "That way I can resolve this mess and everything can go back to normal. In fact, this is something I must do as Elysium's rightful administrator!"

"I see. Then that tells me what to do as well." Arios smiled before turning to his daughter. "Shizuku."

"Yes?" She asked

"I'll ensure you and Ian are seen to a safer location, but are you all right staying with him a little longer?"

Shikuzu nodded. "Of course I am. Good luck, Father!"

"Thank you." Arios smiled. "That should do it, then. As a representative of the Bracer Guild... I shall be accompanying you on the remainder of your journey."

"So shall I. I can't walk away after hearing all of this." Duvalie smirked. "I'll see it through with you till the very end."

"Same here. You can count on me. In fact, I don't need to say this, but I'm sure everyone here agrees." Noel said, looking at everyone who look at Lapis with determination."

"Good." Lapis smiled. "That's just what I was hoping for!"

"We should contact our allies and tell them what we found. That way we can devise a plan to where to find Elysium and its mastermind." Shadow said.

"Right. I'll contact Ines and Ennea and help them escort both Ian and Shizuku out of here." Duvalie said.

"We should also deal with that son of a bitch The Co-Supreme Leaders. Once we've taken them out for good and force him to talk... we can finally look for the mastermind." Noel said.

"THEN LET US LEAVE THIS PLACE." Omega said as they all nodded and leave the Prison.

"Xiao." Aether spoked to him as Xiao turn to him.

"Hm?" Xiao wondered and then Aether hug hum. "..."

"It's so good to see you again."

Xiao hug back. "You too."

(BGM ended)

---

Timeskip...

(Trails into Reverie ost - The Sunset We're Always Look For)

As they left, they saw Ines and Ennea to meet with Duvalie and Noel. Both of them begin to explain the situation and her decision to help them. They nodded and respect their decision while Arios also requested their assistance to escort both Ian and Shizuku to a safe location.

"Then we'll escort the two of them to safety and resume surveying the area." Ines nodded.

"Thank you." Duvalie nodded

"I'm counting on you to take good care of them." Arios told them.

"Certainly. It's our honor to be of service to the Divine Blade of Wind." Ennea nodded

"You're coming with us, right, Mr. Wolf?" Nadia asked

Zelt nodded. "Indeed. I assured Lloyd and the others that we would meet again... and I am certain your paths will cross with theirs before long." Zelt said

"I suppose we'll have to reach out to them at some point and give them an update on all we've learned." Renne said

"If we can find them somehow." Noel sighed. 'That reminds me...' He glance at Jingliu. 'I need to talk to her in private...'

"Ian!" Lapis called out to him.

"Is there something else I can help you with?" Ian asked

"No. I just wanted to tell you before I forget." Lapis answered with a smile. "Thank you!"

"Oh, you don't need to thank me. It was only right that I told you what I knew of Elysium."

Lapis shook her head. "That's not what I'm thanking you for. I'm thanking you for talking to me! It's because you share your world with me that I was able to become who I am now. I wouldn't even be on this journey right now if it weren't for you! So thank you!"

Ian let out a chuckle and smile. "Well, hearing that makes me very happy. It's good knowing that what I did held meaning."

"I'd like to believe I've grown into someone who knows what the right choice is when faced with a moral dilemma. If that's so, I owe being able to do that to you—because my idea of the right choice was born from your kind heart. So don't be afraid to believe in yourself more."

Ian was speechless before he sighed with a smile. "I'm... I couldn't hide it from you, now, could I?" He then look up. "For so long, I've felt trapped between wondering if I'm doing the right thing or if I'm making another terrible mistake. My past is so filled with regrets that it's left me unable to trust I can do better for my future." He looks back at Lapis. "But you're right, Lapis. Perhaps it's time I put a little faith in myself again. I can't do anything for the past, but there's still so much I can do to provide for a warm future."

Lapis giggled. "That's right! So let's make it happen!"

Renne and Noel suddenly felt a vibration from their ARCUS Alpha and Gamma 2.0.

"Wait... that sound...!" Noel pull his Gamma 2.0.

"What's up you guys?" Labyrs asked.

"Someone must have disabled whatever was jamming communications in the region." Renne answered

"Then that means..." Aether paused

"It won't be much longer... until the final act begins." Rufus finished.

---

And that's the end of this Chapter! Elysium has been revealed! It won't be long until the heroes learn the truth! Here is the data for two bosses

Yuki Terumi: A psychopath feed on the hatred of others to make himself stronger. Powerful, vicious, and savage revolves around inflicting as much pain on his enemy as possible before finally killing them

HP: 579026

Jormungandr: A giant Heartless with the appearance of massive snake. Although size not for fit the intimidating name. It's power is large enough to stoke fear and can devour anything.

HP: 334671

Yuki Terumi: A psychopath feed on the hatred of others to make himself stronger. Powerful, vicious, and savage revolves around inflicting as much pain on his enemy as possible before finally killing them

HP: 969013

Jormungandr: A giant Heartless with the appearance of massive snake. Although size not for fit the intimidating name. It's power is large enough to stoke fear and can devour anything.

HP: 702678