Heh, I guess you're right. But first things first. We gotta kick some ass in this next Rivalry! I'll be counting on you, partner.

Heh. Guess you're just fated to be a part of my life, huh?

... To be honest, it feels kind of lonely to think that everything between us is completely settled and done with. So, what do you way? You still owe me?

Screw the Rivalry... I won't do this to you! I won't be responsible for your death!

One of these days, Rean, you'll thirst for my life of adventure.

If you joined us, I could get away with doing half the work I am now. So, c'mon! Stop freaking out about it so much and make a choice.

Hey, don't go spacing out now, Rean. There's a big, bad Divine Knight for us to beat, AND we gotta sort out that mess with Osborne. ... In other words, we have our work cut out for us. Let's get started, yeah?

Regardless of whether I win or I lose, this is the end. And I can't help but get this nagging feeling like things will never be the same between us after this. I think that's what I'm afraid of.

Over in a blink, huh? That carries a lot of weight, coming from you.

OH, HELL NO! Being your student would be bad enough, but if I were Rean's...?!

Hold on there, Rean. You think we're gonna let you do the big speech all by yourself again?

C'mon, man... You know I'd never pass up an invite from you. Guys like us can make just about anything fun.

Looks like this is it, man. Guess I better say it now. Thanks for everything. It's been a blast.

Heh heh... Then I'll be with you to the very last second, Rean.

I'm so... so sorry... I promised I'd bring him back...

Wait! Do you really remember nothing?! Not even a little bit-

Exactly. We're gonna make it through this thing.

*sigh* Someday, I'm going to admire something you did and you won't be able to ruin it by opening your mouth.

Hah. Where's the fun in prying into a guy's past? Save all that talk for your number one in class.

Haha. You're one stubborn kid.

You made it plenty clear that we didn't have a choice in the matter. That said, it's good to see you again.

Well, this is a good point for me to stop. Just try and enjoy yourself.

I promise you: we will bring him back. It just might take some time.

Give it a shot! I think you'll like it. Just don't let it distract you TOO much from becoming a better knight pilot, okay? - Crow

No problem. Let's fire up those combat links!

This isn't a fight for this nation's future, and it's got nothing to do with our classmates... This is a fight for me. And right now, all that matters to me is surpassing you!

Either way, you won't wanna wake up tomorrow with any regrets.

Exactly. We're gonna make it through this thing.

Never figured I'd have so much fun in there with another guy.

I don't want whatever your decision is to be influenced by my past, okay? Like Rufus said, you need to think long and hard about what it is you're fighting for. For you more than anyone else.

Crow... Then... Everything worked out okay?

Crow even put himself in danger to open up a way for me... but he was fatally injured as a result.

I can still see this Rivalry through with my own eyes. Triumph or fail by my own merit. I stand before you, Crow. As a swordsman of the Eight Leaves, and a member of Class VII. Even if it's the last thing I ever do, I'll do so as myself: Rean Schwarzer.

(That masked man... there's no way that could be Crow.)

Its okay! That doesn't matter right now!

Long as Rean's got you guys on his side... I know he'll be all right.

I know it's not the kind you're used to, but it's the best you're gonna get right now. So... what do you say we settle things once and for all?

Yeah... Looks like our little improv routine did the trick.

Rean! You and your students get a hit in for me!

This isn't a fight for this nation's future, and it's got nothing to do with our classmates... This is a fight for me. And right now, all that matters to me is surpassing you!

Look at this guy! He's trying to act all calm and composed, but his face is just screaming, 'Lemme go back out and ride!'

Crow... You're not the only one who feels that way, you know. I mean, I am the Sacrifice, after all. Who knows what'll happen to us tomorrow?

It's all I can do to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. That was the goal. Besides, you've finally managed to take a few steps forward yourself, right?

Since I'm also a Sacrifice, I don't know what will happen to me... but you're only being kept alive as an Awakener by the curse. So what'll happen if you, an Immortal, were to lose?

I'll clear a path. You focus on rescuing him!

... Let me give you one final word of warning, though. If you're still thinking we're some sort of 'partners in crime' or buddies or whatever... you should stop deluding yourself.

I have this strange feeling the tables would be turned if we were betting. It almost seems like you let me win.

Yeah... Looks like our little improv routine did the trick.

It's all I can do to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. That was the goal. Besides, you've finally managed to take a few steps forward yourself, right?

(Well, I can try to make it so I'll never be in danger of repeating a year. Unlike a certain someone...)