Narrator: As before, it is the dawn of a new moon. This one is the Garland Moon. When the warm winds blow from the from the sea to the south of Essena, residents of Me-Hador know that the rainy season is upon them. Before the heavy rains take their toll, young women hurry to pick the last of the white roses. The ivory buds are woven into garlands and given as gifts to close friends or potential lovers.
Oona: You wanted to see me, Milady?
Irma: Oona, I have a new mission for your students.
Oona: What is it?
Sampson: We have received reports that Lord Lonato has rallied troops against the Holy Church of Seiros.
Oona: What? That's impossible. Why would he do that?
Irma: Lord Lonato is a minor lord of the Kingdom. He has been showing hostility towards the church for some time now.
Sampson: A vanguard unit from the Knights of Seiros is already on its way to his stronghold, Castle Gaspard. Lord Lonato's army is nothing compared to the knights. It's quite possible the rebellion has already been suppressed.
Irma: Even so, I would like for your class to travel with the knights' rear guard to deal with the aftermath.
Sampson: War zones are unpredictable. We do not expect you will have cause to battle, but be prepared for the worst.
Oona: Yes sir.
Paula: Excuse me. You sent for me, Lady Irma?
Irma: This here is Paula. She will be leading the knights whom you will be accompanying.
Paula: Nice to meet you. We've heard a lot about you. If you need anything, just ask.
Irma: She is one of our bravest knights, and that is no small feat. Only an exceptional few have what it takes to join the Knights of Hadoria. This mission should prove useful in demonstrating to the students how foolish it would be to ever turn their blades on the Church...
Oona: Paula, I think we'll work great together.
Paula: As do I.
Kenneth: About this rebellion... Doubtless, there are times when one must take up their blade, even if there's no chance of winning. But this... It's downright senseless. Lord Lonato knows better. If he had enough allies to back his rebellion, it would be a different matter...
Oona: Allies?
Kenneth: Ah, my apologies. I was just thinking aloud. This whole situation is a bit too strange for my liking. Even with the necessary preparations in place, there is always a chance that something unexpected will occur. Please be ready for anything, Professor.
Oona: You too, and I think it's best to inform everyone of this.
Luke: His Highness is strong. But on the front lines, anything can happen. Losing him would be devastating for all Kalos. I hope the church understands that.
Alvin: Paula, hm? Her skill is impressive, I'll admit. So is her sword. But I think she's hiding something. Nobody knows anything about her past. You should spar with her. She's strong. Stronger than you are, I'd bet.
Donovan: Ngh... Please, Professor, there must be some mistake. Lonato would never raise arms against the church. At least, he never said anything to me about it.
Oona: We both wish this wasn't true, Donovan. Besides, I should know a thing or two about stuff like this.
Zane: Hey Oona, have you seen Alvin around? I swear, as soon as you take your eyes off him–poof–he's gone.
Oona: I saw him at the training ground.
Zane: Ah, of course he's there. Sorry for bothering you, Professor. Thanks!
Nora: I've heard whispers about Lord Lonato. They say he is a very kind and gentle lord. Why would such a kind man suddenly raise an army? Oh, Professor. You were working late last night, weren't you? You shouldn't overdo it. A ghost might rise up from the well to get you if you stay you too late! Or so I'm told.
Cassidy: We're going on a mission with the knights, right? I wonder if... Oh... Sorry! It's nothing. I was just wondering if someone I've been searching for might be among them.
Oona: I hope you find whomever you're looking for.
Cassidy: Thank you. I'm definitely going to find him one of these days!
Katie: Why does His Highness take the side of the people of Kiadan? I just don't understand it. Only four years ago, they murdered our king and slaughtered the soldiers and knights who were with him, all of whom were innocent. Even if he can forgive them, I can't–not ever. What they've done is against all codes of honor and ethics.
Oona: Hey, that's a little rude.
Andre: What? I desired fresh air.
Oona: That's not like you.
Andre: True...
Paula: Here to train? You really are as hardworking as they say.
Oona: That's an overstatement. I'm just me.
Paula: Spoken like a true hard worker.
(Oona is setting up inside)
Logan: So, your first mission. How does it feel?
Oona: Good. It's my first time out in Kingdom territory, you know? Too bad you and Kandan will miss out...
Logan: Sure, but you'll have Kenneth for company. Now, turn those bad guys off!
Oona: You know it!
Kenneth: I have to say... It's a real honor to accompany such a brave and distinguished knight. None other than Paula, wielder of Thunderbrand!
Oona: Thunderbrand?
Paula: You mean you don't know? My weapon is called Thunderbrand. It's one of the Hero's Relics. A long, long time ago, the goddess bestowed divine weapons upon 10 heroes, which were passed down to their descendants. Five more are either hidden or found, and there's a select few that I'm told only the best can wield, but none of them compare to good ol Thunderbrand. It's an honor to wield, but I'm afraid there won't be any chance for that today. Our mission is to help clean up the aftermath, not to fight.
Donovan: Why would Lonato incite such a reckless rebellion?
Paula: You should know more about that than any of us, Donovan.
Donovan: Well, I don't. Lonato never mentioned anything of the like to me.
Kenneth: He probably didn't want you getting caught up in his own personal vendetta.
Oona: What vendetta?
Paula: How much do you know about the Tragedy of Kiadan, Oona?
Oona: I've heard of it.
Paula: It's when the king of the Holy Kingdom of Kalos was...was murdered by the people of Kiadan. It happened about four years ago...(Paula looks at Kenneth)
Kenneth: It's OK, Paula. Please, go on.
Catherine: Right. Well, Lord Lonato's son, Christophe, was accused of being involved in that whole awful affair. He was executed by the church.
Oona: Why was the king targeted?
Kenneth: Uh...
Paula: King Lambert was attempting a major political reform. Needless to say, he had many enemies. Whatever the truth behind that incident may be, Lord Lonato has harbored resentment to the church ever since. Well... To be more specific, his grudge isn't only against the church. It's also against the one who turned Christophe over to them...
Church Soldier: Report! The enemy is approaching! They can't be avoided. Their numbers are far greatly than we predicted. They used the fog to slip past the knights' perimeter!
Paula: It looks like our mission just changed, Oona. Everyone, prepare for battle!
Oona: Game on!
(She and Paula lead the others through the landscape, though everyone can clearly see what they're fighting in)
Paula: With this fog, it's impossible to tell where the enemy might be...or how many of them there are. The enemy could be trying to surround us, but they shouldn't have enough soldiers to form a tight circle. Take down anyone who breaks through the fog, and let's push through!
Kenneth: Shouting from within the fog... It seems the knights are already battling.
Oona: Then let's give them some aid!
Soldier: Lord Lonato doesn't deserve such sadness and anger... Now it's your turn to suffer!
Donovan: Why, Lonato? Why did you drag so many others into this?
Oona: Worry about yourself, Donnie!(Soon realizes this fog is magical)Hmmm, sounds like a mage is involved.
2nd Soldier: You would think we're just gonna do nothing while you try to kill our lord?!
Oona: Try is something, nothing is nothing. We'll send your commander down to the darkest pits, and then some!(She finds the mage)Gotcha!
Gaspard Commander: I won't let you anywhere near Lord Lonato!
Oona: Not on your life!(As the fog clears, Paula shows Oona what she meant earlier)
Lonato: (offscreen) It's you. Pummel-Girl Paula! It was your wretched zealotry that killed my son!
Paula(Laughs): The only name I answer to is "Paula". Prepare to taste the blade of one who serves the goddess. Now you face a Knight of Hadoria! En Garde!
Oona(looking towards Kenneth and the others while also seeing a blue glow in the distance): You guys finish things here, I've got someplace to see.
Kenneth: Right.
Lonato: The fog has cleared. There's nothing left to hide you or the filthy Central Church from the judgement of the goddess!
Kenneth: That's what you think!(He strikes down the first soldier)
Soldier: Lord Lonato... Please, don't die...
Kenneth: I am sorry... But did you really think you would get away with this?
(Oona soon finds the source of the glow, as well as some prisoners)
Mystik: Not so fast. I feel compelled to introduce myself, if it will mean anything for future reference. My name is Mystik.
Oona: And?
Mystik: And you will need to know that I cannot see to it that the prisoners are liberated by your hands, Oona Janus.
Oona: Huh? How do you know my name?
Mystik: Oh, dear, I've said too much. Well, I suppose you'd have found out sooner or later, you being so clever and all. Let's see if you can pull the trident from it's pillar, if that clears something up.
(Oona complies, and as the glow grows brighter, finds that she is indeed the one chosen to wield this powerful relic)
Mystik: So, the fates have once again been proven correct. Very well, the prisoners will be unbound from their suffering. But know this, your school has something wicked within its halls. If you already know this...(She vanishes)
Oona: I know who it is, witch!
Lonato(as Paula approaches): You! I will be the one to kill you, no other!
Paula: You have lost all sense of justice. You want to fight me? So be it. I'll send you to meet your goddess.
Oona: We'll send you to meet your goddess, pal.(She unleashes the power of her new weapon)
Paula: The Sapphire Trident.(As both Paula and Lonato stare in awe of this new power, Donovan tries to make his own stepfather see reason)
Donovan: Lonato!
Lonato: Stand down, Donovan. I must destroy these evil-doers by any means necessary!
Donovan: Please surrender, Lonato! Whatever your reason for doing this, we can still talk it out!
Lonato: Rhea is an infidel who has deceived the people and desecrated the goddess! We have virtue and the goddess herself on our side!
Donovan: Even if all that's true, dragging the townsfolk into it like this isn't right!
Lonato: Enough. If that is how you feel, prepare yourself! I'm putting an end to this!
Kenneth: Hard to even stomach the facts right now, isn't it Lonato?
Lonato: I apologize, Your Highness. It is regrettable that we should cross swords like this.
Kenneth: Lonato, I sympathize with your position. I really do. I have no wish to kill you, but I am afraid you have left me no choice. Please...forgive me.
Lonato: Your Highness... I cannot stop here. For my child, and for the people of Me-Hador. If you will not stand aside, then I have no choice but to cut you down.
Kenneth: Oona, Donovan, let's cut this man down together!
Oona: Right.
Donovan: If I have to...
(The two combine their attacks with the power of the Trident)
Lonato: That vile woman... Christophe... Forgive me...
Donovan: Lonato, I...
Paula: I never thought I'd see Lonato meet this fate. Well done, everyone. Let's gather our troops and go.
Oona: Right.
Aiden: You know, I never thought you'd be the one to save us cousin.
Dean: Yeah. That girl wanted us for something, but we didn't know what.
Alvin: Why don't you two head back to your other cousins, I'll meet Kenneth.
Tyson: I know the sixth Crystal Relic was hidden away because it was considered 'too powerful even for a mortal man', but if I were to wield it someday...
Alvin: Let's just go to Elysium.
Donovan: Why... Why did this happen? Lonato was always such a kind man... Everyone in the village was...was so nice to me. And I...I killed them. I killed them all! I had to, I know I had to... I know that! But still... What does that make me?
Kenneth: Please, don't beat yourself up, Donovan. We did what had to be done.
Donovan: I'm...I'm sorry. I shouldn't be bothering you. I'm...I'm going to check on the town. I hope my brother and sister are OK. (Ashe quickly leaves)
Kenneth: That...that was my first time killing civilians too... Those who I'm sworn to protect.
Oona: That is the reality of war.
Kenneth: Are you insane?! Those weren't knights or soldiers, but fathers and sons! We...we shouldn't have killed them. We should have found another way... I...I'm sorry. It's not fair for me to blame you for the circumstance. I know that if we hadn't...done what we did, even more civilian lives would have been lost. At least, my mind understands that. But...my heart... Professor... Those in power, no matter the era, always claim they fight for a just cause. That they take life to protect it. But... Is it truly OK to take any life you please, all in service of some implacable "just cause"? Lord Lonato didn't take up arms out of a lust for power. He simply believed his cause to be just. Who's to say it wasn't? Maybe we didn't have to cut him down like that. Maybe we could have reached a mutual understanding...found a path of peace. I...I have to believe that. Perhaps the notion sounds laughable to you. Mere lip service to naive ideals. But I can't believe otherwise.
Paula: Sorry to intrude, but this incident may be more serious than anticipated.
Oona: How so?
Paula: I found this on Lord Lonato. It's a note that mentions a plan to assassinate Lady Rhea. We can't tell who sent it, so the source is suspect, but the content is too disturbing to ignore. We must report this to Lady Rhea right away. I hope that it's nothing...
Logan: Man, I knew you could pull it off, but I didn't expect to see our cousins here.
Oona: I know, it's just too much to process right now.
Irma: I am glad to see that you have returned safely. The goddess is gracious with her divine protection. But it was not only her divine protection that shielded you, was it? You are just as skilled as I had hoped.
Oona: Aw. My students deserve the praise.
Irma: I am not so sure. I heard some of the students were...hesitant about fighting militia. However, we must punish any sinner who may inflict harm upon believers, even if those sinners are civilians. I pray the students learned a valuable lesson about the fate that awaits all who are foolish enough to point their blades towards the heavens.
Sampson: Our real concern is what Paula reported. The secret message that was in Lord Lonato's possession. It contained a deplorable plot to target the archbishop on the day of the Ancient Rite of Rebirth. The plan seems unrealistic at best, but a threat is a threat. We must maintain constant vigilance. To that end, I would like for you and your students to help with security on the day of the ritual.
Oona: Don't worry, Sammy. We won't let her down.
Irma: That is most reassuring. You have my gratitude.
Sampson: The Rite of Rebirth is of paramount importance. It is when the Church of Seiros and its believers unite to pray for the return of the goddess. The archbishop and I will be confined to the Tower of Ancients once the ritual begins. Of course, the knights will be on high alert as well, but there aren't enough of them to keep watch on every corner of the monastery. It is far from ideal to be forced to mobilize students, but the gravity of this situation requires that we all bend to avoid breaking.
Irma: While there is no need to fear for my safety, we cannot turn a blind eye to those who would blaspheme so heinously.
Sampson: With any luck, this will all be for naught. Still, be on your guard.
Broadedge: The fates were right again?
Mystik: Yes. But now, we must see if Logan can do the same...
Broadedge: And hope that we can stretch Kandan's faith even further down to a breaking point. Which reminds me, Blood Trooper is working with the Myriad Church on a little something. If Logan and his brother are paired up for this, then we shall see if the fates scored a double whammy.
Mystik: That doesn't sound like a bad idea.