Crossbell Archives: Ao no Kiseki Scenario (Chapter 4)

Note: Taken from the Crossbell Archives. In this chapter, something happens to one of my favorite characters (>_<) That shocking scene is still fresh in my mind even to this day (it killed me a little inside)... Interestingly enough, this is also *the* chapter that made Ao climb to my #1 (and it stays there till the end). There are just so many cool scenes, in particular that one that happens at a certain Fortress.

PS: One of the best things about the Crossbell Archive are the notes at the side of these chapter summaries that go in-depth into certain plot points or provide other meaningful information. I'll be going back through all the chapters and adding those in as footnotes after I get the main story summaries done.

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<< CHAPTER 4: THE FATE OF CROSSBELL >>

>> Red Constellation's Raid

During the renewal performance of "Golden Sun, Silver Moon", Sulley magnificently enacts the role of the newly added character, "Star Princess". As Rixia and the rest watch over her from the side of the stage, a sudden weird noise interrupts the performance. What immediately follows is Shirley cutting down the stage chandelier with her Testarossa. Ilya dashes in to push Sulley away from harm but gets heavily crushed under the dropping chandelier. In addition, Red Constellation troops storm into the hall and light the place ablaze, causing the audience to run for their lives. Amid the confusion, Rixia, who lost herself in rage, faces off against a highly-entertained Shirley.

With the strike on Arc-en-ciel as a start, Red Constellation begins trampling on all areas of Crossbell City. Several people like Fran and Raymond hole themselves up inside the Police Department, but right before they are able to seek shelter underground, they become enveloped in explosion sound as the entrance shutters blast open. The Orkis Tower, which is being defended by Arios and Dudley, is also engulfed in a sea of fire at the hands of a large group of Jaegers. Furthermore, Demon Wald creates havoc in the Downtown area, destroying buildings left and right. Upon seeing the Saber Vipers, he sends them flying without hesitation. Then, just before he strikes again, Abbas and Ashley yell for him to stop. Against Demon Wald's intimidation, the two show no fear and display their will to fight. Furiously, Wald comes launching his attack.

At the same time, Sigmund leads his men to attack the Waterfront Area and forces his way into the Heiyue Trade Company. Lau and other Heiyue members fight back but are easily defeated by Sigmund in one swing. Leaving Lau to his men, Sigmund barges into the branch manager's office. Cao shows no fear and greets Sigmund, asking "Just who is Red Constellation's contractor right now?" Sigmund is impressed at Cao's perceptiveness but doesn't answer the question, merely dealing out a slash attack. Cao dodges it as he breaks out the window and disappears just like that.

Around this time, from inside the orbal car that just entered Crossbell City, Lloyd and the others look around intently at the streets floating with fire sparks. Speechless at the horrendous sight before them, the group temporarily blanks out before Sergei contacts them through wireless communication. It appears that the SSS building is unharmed and not only is it now used as a shelter for citizens, but also as a base of operation in place of the Police Department that came under attack. In addition, Sergei explains to them that Red Constellation has blown up Heiyue Trade Company and is now on their way to the IBC building. He instructs Lloyd and the others to hurry over to the IBC building and stop the Jaegers.

Upon arriving at the Waterfront Area, the group first surveys their surroundings to confirm the current situation. After seeing the Heiyue Trade Company in shambles and releasing the Crossbell News Agency from the Jaegers, the group rushes towards the IBC building as instructed. However, after running up the slope, they come face to face with Sigmund, who stands in their way. Seeing him there, they question about Red Constellation's motive behind attacking the city and the identity of their contractor, to which Sigmund maintains his usual "no comment" stance. Sigmund challenges Randy and the others to battle as he overflows with immense fighting spirit.

In the face of Sigmund's overwhelming strength, the group fights back with everything they have. However, Sigmund doesn't break a sweat and looking down at the group kneeling down on their knees, he declares, "Too bad. Looks like time's up." In that next instant, the IBC building is blown up and consumed by raging fire. Sigmund leaps up onto the red aircraft coming from behind. Also aboard the aircraft are Shirley and Wald, and together, they leave Crossbell City behind.

At the same time, Arianrhod and Campanella overlook the streets illuminated by flames from the rooftop of the Times Department Store. In contrast to Campanella's excitement, Arianrhod is expressionless. Although one-sided acts of violence is against her style, she comments that "war is merciless by nature" and silently watches over the burning Crossbell city. At that moment, Campanella receives a call and it looks like Novartis is looking for him. Campanella entrusts the duty of overseeing the "Project" to Arianrhod and goes to see Novartis.

Inside the SSS building which has turned into a temporary shelter, Sergei explains to the citizens gathered there that the armed mercenaries have all retreated. KeA expresses her worry, but Sergei tells her, "Lloyd and the others all have gotten stronger", and prays together with her for their safety. Leaving Sergei who is busy trying to get in contact with all sides, KeA heads up to the second floor in a small run. As her body is enveloped in a mysterious blue light, KeA looks out the window and mutters, "No matter what...looks like this is the best choice..." Her ENIGMA sounds when the blue light disappears, and KeA tells the person on the other side of the phone, "I've made my decision."

>> Scars Left Behind in Crossbell

One week after Red Constellation's raid on Crossbell City. Since the IBC building acts as the actual economic center of the Zemuria continent, its destruction has begun to cause disturbances in the neighboring countries. However, thanks to IBC acting-president Mariabell's thorough countermeasures, the situation is gradually coming under control. In addition, due to the raid, the local referendum to gather citizen opinions on independence has been delayed and will be held three days later.

Inside the SSS building, Noel sees that the restoration work of Crossbell City is on the right track and so makes her decision known to Sergei. She tells him that after the work for the day is done, she is thinking about returning to the Crossbell Guardian Force. Lloyd and the rest feel a tinge of loneliness but can only accept Noel's decision considering how much damage the Guardian Force suffered. Afterwards, Noel tells a sadden KeA, "I'll come visit with Fran," and falls silent for a while. Fran has suffered serious injury during the attack on the Crossbell Police Department, and even though her operation at St. Ursula Medical College is a success and she has regained consciousness, it'll take some time before she can be discharged from the hospital.

As if to disperse the heavy atmosphere, Noel cheerfully tells the others, "I'll work my hardest today!" Knowing that this will be Noel's last job, the group checks the terminal for support requests. Lloyd also suggests paying a visit to St. Ursula Medical College when they get a break from work. Since Noel also worries about her sister Fran's condition, there are no objections.

Lloyd and the others quickly head out into the city to take care of various support requests, including Downtown area restoration work and emergency food distribution, as well as assistance in the charity event held in the Government District. On the way, they hear that the "Crossbell Bell" in the Central Square, which is the symbol of Crossbell City, has been taken away by the Red Constellation. However, their motive for doing that is unknown. After taking care of all support requests, the group takes the orbal car to St. Ursula Medical College.

Upon arriving at St. Ursula Medical College, Lloyd and the others make their way towards the reception lobby of the hospital ward at once. Seeing the increased amount of people coming to visit patients in the hospital and the busy nurses, the group once again realizes the severity of the damage done on Crossbell City from the raid. Afterwards, they tell the receptionist that they're there to see Fran, and then quickly head towards her room. Cecil is also there, and upon seeing Fran in good spirits, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. It appears that Fran will be transferred to a general ward in 2 to 3 days. As her stamina has dropped considerably, Fran ends up falling asleep from the effects of the IV drip while she chats with the group.

The group goes out into the hallway, leaving Noel behind inside Fran's room. After gaining permission from Cecil, they decide to go see Ilya and Donovan next. According to Cecil, no visitors are originally allowed for those two and that Donovan is in a stable condition despite not yet regaining his consciousness. However, in Ilya's case, despite her operation being a success, she remains in a state of coma and requires life support.

After their visit of Ilya and Donovan, Cecil thanks the group, "Hearing your words of encouragement, I feel like I've been encouraged too." At those words, Lloyd and the others are reminded of the promise they made with Sulley who is taking care of Ilya. It is in regard to Rixia who has gone missing since the day of the attack. Sulley asks of them, "I don't know her situation, but if possible, can you guys please help find Rixia?" Being Yin, if Rixia is consciously trying to hide her tracks, it's likely very difficult to find her. However, Lloyd promises Sulley that they'll find her, putting the SSS's honor on the line. Later, they part with Cecil, assist Professor Sayland in the search for medical supplies, and leave the hospital behind them.

Just as the group heads for the hospital exit to return to Crossbell City, they receive a call from Jona. It seems like Jona is requesting their help in a certain matter as payback for his past assistance in the search for bracers Rin and Eolia. Since Jona cuts off the call before going into any detail, the group has no choice but to head to the designated meeting spot in the Waterfront Area. Arriving at the lighthouse, they ask Jona about what he wants them to do. He replies, "Because the Orkis Tower terminals have too many limitations, I want you guys to escort me to the unrestricted terminals inside the 4th control terminal room of Geofront C Block." Although the group feels that they shouldn't lend a hand in such illegal matters, they believe that Jona may be able to discover some useful information on the orbal network considering that Ouroboros has shown suspicious activity lately. Under the condition that he doesn't do anything clearly illegal and having him promise not to stay holed up inside the terminal room, the group accompanies Jona into Geofront C Block. 

Heat treatment plants inside Geofront C Block cause the interior to be steaming hot. In addition, since machines that went berserk also loiter around the area, Lloyd and the others have to fight their way through to the deeper parts of C Block. At last, they reach the terminal room but a huge machine that's able to utilize the orbal network appears before them. After confirming all of their identities, the machine launches its attack.

Defeating the huge machine, they quickly head inside the control terminal room. From the information that Jona digs out, the huge machine that attacked them outside the terminal room is something that Novartis brought in. Lloyd and the others once again realize the danger of Ouroboros, while beside them, Jona is already playing happily with his terminal. Speechless, the group leaves behind the words, "At least remember to contact Chief Roberts once in a while," and uses the elevator lift to get back above ground under Tio's guidance.

It is already dusk when they arrive back outside. Elie mutters, "I guess this is the end of today's work," to which Noel faces the group and says, "Thanks for taking care of me, everyone," as she bows her head in gratitude. They each give some parting words and then embark on their way home. That night, the group holds a farewell party inside a restaurant in Central Square and spends some quality time together. The morning of the next day, Noel packs her bags and leaves the SSS building.

>> Crossbell Declaration of Independence

Two days after Noel's departure from the SSS, Crossbell City holds its local referendum to gather citizen opinions on independence. Voter turnout is over 90 percent, and according to the results that day, over 70 percent are in favor of becoming an "independent nation". Finally, one week later, Crossbell welcomes its fateful day.

Gathered inside the SSS building, Lloyd and the others are at a loss about the sudden situation development of Crossbell after reading the Crossbell Times Extra. Under Dieter's leadership, Crossbell received acknowledgement of independence from the other countries using rather forceful methods. Sergei has yet to return since going to the Police Department in the early morning, so details regarding the "Crossbell National Defense Force" as mentioned in the Declaration is still unknown. Furthermore, IBC's freezing of all countries' assets has caused both the Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic to declare that they'll "resort to military power" if necessary. The atmosphere near the borders are increasingly tense.

As the group discusses about the newspaper's content, KeA notices that Wazy hasn't shown up since this morning. Tio tells her, "He left saying he has some personal business to take care of." At that moment, Cecil comes running into the SSS building with a flustered face. According to her, Arios came late last night to the hospital and suddenly took Shizuku away after taking care of discharge procedures. While the group is perplexed at Arios' motive, they receive a call from reporter Grace. She tells them, "Dieter has been inaugurated as the first Crossbell president."

As the mass media watches over attentively, President Dieter appears on the Orkis Tower balcony and begins his inauguration speech. In the speech, Dieter brings out the raid from the other day as a danger that Crossbell is facing, and criticizes both the Erebonian and Calvard government. His words are very extreme, saying "Looking back at the history of misgovernment and secret feud between the two big countries, the many cases of accidents with unknown cause within Crossbell in recent years is but a part of it." He adds, "Despite realizing that, we carry the sins of deception and cowardness for averting our eyes away till now," and then strongly appeals to the crowd, "Let us rise now with courage and dignity!" In the end, he also introduces Arios as the newly appointed supreme commander of the Crossbell National Defense Force.

As Lloyd and the others finish listening to the inauguration speech broadcast, a call comes in from Sergei. They learn that the Crossbell Guardian Force has been reorganized into the National Defense Force and that police officers will also be included in the future. Sergei instructs them to "not get too close to the Orkis Tower which is guarded by the National Defense Force," and also to "not do anything reckless." To those words, Lloyd ponders for a bit and then suggests to everyone about paying a visit to the Bracers Guild. They entrust watching over the house to Cecil, and just as they are about to exit the SSS building, KeA comes running over and hugs Lloyd. Seeing her like that, Lloyd pats her head and tells her, "Don't worry." After firmly promising her, "We'll be sure to return back to KeA's side," KeA smiles through her tears and sees them off.

When they arrive at the Bracers Guild, Michel and the familiar bracers are already gathered. According to Michel, Arios has suddenly handed in his letter of resignation without a stated reason. Scott says, "When I think about how the explosion incident 5 years ago which involved his family is most likely a product of the two big countries' feud, I can understand Arios' feelings." However, Lloyd feels that something's out of place and indicates the possibility that Arios and Dieter may have been in contact quite early on. Lloyd goes on to ask, "Is there anything odd about Arios' reports from over half a year ago?". Michel then remembers about the mistake in Arios' report for the last day of the Founding Anniversary Festival. This reminds Lloyd and the rest of the Black Auction when a call from Lechter comes in, saying "I would like to have a talk." While staying alert, they head for the designated location to meet Lechter.

>> Cogwheel of Fate Begins to Turn

Before heading to see Lechter, they reunite with reporter Nielsen and accept his interview in which they discuss about the murder case of Lloyd's brother, Guy Bannings. Inside the bar that Guy promised to meet up with Nielsen, the group re-examines the case and arrives at a good stopping point. After the interview is done, Lloyd and the others head towards the old Revache & Co. building and go down the stairs to the chairman's office where Lechter waits.

Lechter greets them in a joking manner as usual, but Randy once again demands his reason for coming to Crossbell and the Red Constellation's whereabouts. First he responds by saying, "I'm here on orders from Osborne. The Erebonian Imperial army will begin their attack on Crossbell either today or tomorrow." Although this development of events is to be expected, Lloyd and others can't help but feel shocked at those words. Lechter continues, "Armour Divisions are already gathered at Garelia Fortress and the Crossbell government has already been notified." However, even knowing that the situation is this tense, Dieter still refused to release the assets frozen by IBC, became the president, and even criticized the Erebonia Empire in his speech. As Dieter's actions are beyond their comprehension, he has come again to Crossbell in order to find out Dieter's true motive.

After hearing the whole story, the idea that maybe Dieter has already achieved reconciliation with the Calvard Republic crosses their mind. However, Elie points out that, "If that is the case, he wouldn't have also criticized the Republic in his inauguration speech." At that moment, Kirika appears and confirms Elie's reasoning. In front of the group perplexed at the sudden visitor, Kirika exchanges friendly greetings with Lechter. Then, she faces the group and says, "This is a development that's mostly expected," informing everyone that Calvard Republic's Aircraft Armour Division is already spread out and on standby outside Altair City. Lloyd and the others receive great shock upon learning that the situation is developing towards the worst imaginable course.

Completely unable to see Dieter's true motive, the group feels greatly perplexed. Lechter continues on to answer their second question concerning the Red Constellation's whereabouts. He says straight out that, "Even the Erebonia government doesn't know." From that, Lloyd understands the purpose behind Lechter's words and points out, "The contract between the Erebonia government and Red Constellation is the disposal of the terrorists threatening Osborne's safety. Once the West Zemuria Trade Conference comes to an end, so does the contract." Lechter is impressed at Lloyd's deduction skills, and confirms, "The Erebonia government has no part in the raid on Crossbell City." Lloyd and the rest begin to suspect that Ouroboros hired the Jaegers to raid Crossbell City, but Kirika explains that "Ouroboros has its own combat unit, and it'll be unnatural for them to hire outside forces like the Jaegers." Lloyd deduces that the force behind this all must have wanted to paint Erebonia as the culprit by using Red Constellation to raid Crossbell, and in so doing, are able to gain something through it all. In addition, it is a force that has the financial resources to maintain a long-term contract with the Red Constellation. Only one such person who fits all those criteria come to mind, leaving Lloyd and the others feeling greatly puzzled. Toward the other SSS members who are in a hurry to reach a conclusion, Lloyd reminds them not to be too hasty. Just then, a call comes in from Cecil. She says, "Arios dropped by the SSS building and has taken KeA with him." The group quickly thanks Lechter and Kirika and hurries back to Cecil to get the details.

Lloyd and the others rush into the SSS building and ask what happened to KeA. According to Cecil, when Arios told KeA, "I've come for you," KeA followed after him willingly, and they both headed for health resort Michelam. KeA also told Cecil, "It's fine, so don't worry." Zeit, who was on alert the entire time, also calmed down at her words and then ran out after them. The group quickly realizes that the situation is quite unusual and rushes in the direction of Michelam to find out more.

>> The Promised Day at the Castle of Mirrors

Aboard the boat heading for health resort Michelam, Lloyd and the others ponder over who the mastermind behind the Crossbell City raid is. They bring out Dieter's name, who they have thought of before. Everyone agrees that there is a high possibility that Dieter hired Red Constellation and acquired the assistance of Ouroboros, and points out that even the D∴G Cult may have been unknowingly used.

While they brainstorm together, Jona calls to tell them that he has discovered a mysterious data structure on the orbal network. Even though it's still in the process of analysis, he says that the data "is a product of an evolved form of the Astral Code and a huge system that covers the entire orbal network." Furthermore, the data "is linked to the real world, constructing a mechanism that connects the Orkis Tower with all areas of the Geofront, and even to areas as far out as Michelam." Since the name of Michelam appears in Jona's explanation, the possibility that Dieter is the mastermind is now even higher. Under this situation, the group finally arrives at Michelam.

Upon arrival, Tio senses a reaction akin to pressure created by spiritual energy, and the group follows that reaction to the Michelam Wonderlands. There, they fight back several Phantom Beasts which appeared through space distortions and then arrive at the place most concentrated in spiritual energy, the Castle of Mirrors. As they look up upon the castle glowing in a mysterious light, Lloyd and the others gather their resolve and step through the castle gates.

Countless particles float around inside the Castle of Mirrors, and the inner structure is completely changed compared to the last time they visited the place. When they think about how this castle is constructed upon Mariabell's suggestion, their suspicion of Dieter grows deeper. When they reach the highest level, Tio discovers the hidden dimension inside the huge mirror, and they step inside.

Entering inside, they see KeA sitting upon a high throne, Arios who stands beside as if guarding her, and Mariabell in a jet-black dress. Reuniting with her friend in the most undesirable way, Elie asks Mariabell, "Why are you in this place?". Claiming herself to be "the descendant of the Crois family which inherited the Treasure", Mariabell responds, "I am merely fulfilling my rightful duty."

According to Mariabell, the Crois is a family which inherited one of the Seven Treasures, the "Treasure of Illusion", but they lost that treasure some 1200 years ago. After that, over the long years, they have continued research into how to retrieve back the lost Treasure and built a "large ritual/formula" in these lands of Crossbell. Hearing that, Tio asks if it is the "mysterious and huge system which utilizes the orbal network" that Jona has mentioned. Mariabell nods and reveals that "the system is made possible through 'magitechnology', a combination of modern orbal technology and the Crois family's alchemy."

"We have enough of your delusional talks," Lloyd says as he calls out to KeA to return to their side. However, an expression like she's going to cry appears on KeA's face. In that moment, as if to cut off their conversation, video feeds suddenly appear and the faces of Campanella, Novartis, and Arianrhod can be seen. The three tell everyone that the Erebonia Empire and Calvard Republic have already started their attacks on Crossbell. The Imperial army and Republican army are then displayed in the video feed, and Dieter also shows himself and declares that, "The key to overturning this situation lies in KeA." To Dieter's question, "Do you have the resolve to settle this situation?", KeA nods in silence. Mariabell starts her chant after confirming KeA's answer, and along with the sounds of the mechanisms starting up, the three bells in various places of Crossbell all resonate in synchronization. Realizing that this is some kind of ritual, Lloyd and others try to run to KeA's side but is blocked by Arios who has his weapon drawn.

Lloyd and the others fight bravely against Arios, who is a master of the Hachiyou Ittou style. However, they are unable to match him in power and are blown away. They remain kneeling on the floor, unable to move. KeA feels shaken at the sight of Lloyd and the others, but when Mariabell orders her not to lose concentration, KeA says, "I will... no longer waver...!" and stands up from the throne with her hands in the air.

In the next instant, the magic formula on the orbal network expands across all regions of Crossbell and KeA can no longer be seen amid the light enveloping her. After the blinding light disappears, KeA has transformed into the appearance of the "Treasure of Zero". Lloyd and the others can't believe that the silver-haired girl in front of them is KeA, but KeA tells them, "I'm sorry, everyone....and thank you for everything. I love you all." Afterwards, both KeA and Mariabell disappear in front of their eyes using teleportation.

Atop the Orkis Tower, KeA and Mariabell appear through teleportation as Dieter and the others await. Soon after, the Ouroboros members also make their appearances, and after expressing their congratulations, Novartis hands over the Aion units (machines) to Dieter as "tributes". Seeing the three Aion units, Mariabell urges, "Well then, can you do us the honors?" At those words, KeA transfers her powers into two of the units and sends them flying in the direction of Bellguard Gate and Tangram Gate, respectively.

At the destinations of the two Aion units, the Imperial army and the Republican army have already begun moving towards Crossbell. After discovering the existence of the Aion units, the invasion troops of the two big countries begin to fight back. However, the overwhelming difference in power results in the armies' gradual one-sided destruction. Looking to revenge their annihilated troops, the commanding officer at Garelia Fortress decides to use the "Railway Cannons" on Crossbell city as retaliation attack. The Railway Cannons, feared as weapons of mass destruction, launch their cannonballs in the direction of Crossbell city. However, the Aion unit easily intercepts the cannonballs in mid-air, and then teleports in front of the Garelia Fortress. Utilizing the power it received from the "Treasure of Zero", the Aion unit annihilates both the Fortress and the Railway Cannons.

Witnessing this amazing spectacle and overwhelming power, Shirley and Campanella cheer in delight. The other Crois family cooperators there are also in awe and each express their feelings. Afterwards, as he gazes up at the sky, Dieter proclaims that from that moment on, Crossbell has become the sacred land. He laughs loudly while saying that Crossbell will become the operation base to bring about a new order in the whole Zemuria continent. He adds, "It'll become the center point from which Crois family ideals and justice will spread out into the world."

At the same time, Lloyd and the others watch the Aion units tear through the two countries' armies through the live video feed. While the group remains shocked at the surreal spectacle they just witnessed, National Defense Force troops come rushing in. Regaining themselves, Lloyd and the others once again ready their weapons and show the troops surrounding them their resolve to resist. In that moment, a familiar voice rings out, "Resistance is futile," as Sergeant Noel shows herself in front of the group, clad in the white uniform of the National Defense Force. She tells them that the Michelam region is already under their control, and asks the group to put down their weapons and surrender. Lloyd and the rest ask Noel why she has joined the National Defense Force, but Noel does not answer and only shows an agonized expression.

Arios thanks Noel for her hard work, and prepares to leave after instructing her to arrest the group. Despite being held back by the soldiers, Lloyd calls out to Arios' back. Arios answers his request and stops, and is then asked by Lloyd, "Are you also the one who killed my brother?" Amid everyone's sounds of surprise at those words, Arios closes his eyes and replies, "Yes-- that's right," and leaves without turning back.

<FIN>